bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient multi-gene expression in cell-free droplet microreactors
Authors: Sierra Ana Maria Restrepo , Arold Stefan T. , Grünberg Raik
Published: March 2022

Cell-free transcription and translation systems promise to accelerate and simplify the engineering of proteins, biological circuits and metabolic pathways. Their encapsulation on microfluidic platforms can generate millions of cell-free reactions in picoliter volume droplets. However, current methods struggle to create DNA diversity between droplets while also reaching sufficient protein expression levels. In particular, efficient multi-gene expression has remained elusive. We here demonstrate that co-encapsulation of DNA-coated beads with a defined cell-free system allows high protein expression while also supporting genetic diversity between individual droplets. We optimize DNA loading on commercially available microbeads through direct binding as well as through the sequential coupling of up to three genes via a solid-phase Golden Gate assembly or BxB1 integrase-based recombineering. Encapsulation with an off-the-shelf microfluidics device allows for single or multiple protein expression from a single DNA-coated bead per 14 pL droplet. We envision that this approach will help to scale up and parallelize the rapid prototyping of more complex biological systems.
Professional practice for COVID-19 risk reduction among health care workers: A cross-sectional study with matched case-control comparison
Authors: Wilson Sarah , Mouet Audrey , Jeanne-Leroyer Camille , Borgey France , Odinet-Raulin Emmanuelle , Humbert Xavier , Le Hello Simon , Thibon Pascal
Published: March 2022

Background

Health care workers (HCWs) are particularly exposed to COVID-19 and therefore it is important to study preventive measures in this population.

Aim

To investigate socio-demographic factors and professional practice associated with the risk of COVID-19 among HCWs in health establishments in Normandy, France.

Methods

A cross-sectional and 3 case-control studies using bootstrap methods were conducted in order to explore the possible risk factors that lead to SARS-CoV2 transmission within HCWs. Case-control studies focused on risk factors associated with (a) care of COVID-19 patients, (b) care of non COVID-19 patients and (c) contacts between colleagues.

Participants

2,058 respondents, respectively 1,363 (66.2%) and 695 (33.8%) in medical and medico-social establishments, including HCW with and without contact with patients.

Results

301 participants (14.6%) reported having been infected by SARS-CoV2. When caring for COVID-19 patients, HCWs who declared wearing respirators, either for all patient care (ORa 0.39; 95% CI: 0.29–0.51) or only when exposed to aerosol-generating procedures (ORa 0.56; 95% CI: 0.43–0.70), had a lower risk of infection compared with HCWs who declared wearing mainly surgical masks. During care of non COVID-19 patients, wearing mainly a respirator was associated with a higher risk of infection (ORa 1.84; 95% CI: 1.06–3.37). An increased risk was also found for HCWs who changed uniform in workplace changing rooms (ORa 1.93; 95% CI: 1.63–2.29).

Conclusion

Correct use of PPE adapted to the situation and risk level is essential in protecting HCWs against infection.
Prognostic impact of prognostic nutritional index on renal cell carcinoma: A meta-analysis of 7,629 patients
Authors: Peng Qingping , Liu Ling , Li Ting , Lei Changjiang , Wan Huan
Published: March 2022

Background

Prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is a parameter which reflects nutritional and inflammatory status. The prognostic value of PNI in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains in debate. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value and clinicopathological features of PNI in RCC.

Methods

A literature search was performed in the databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Hazard ratios (HRs), odds ratios (ORs), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted for meta-analysis. The association between PNI and overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), disease-free survival (DFS), progression-free survival (PFS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and clinicopathological factors were evaluated.

Results

Eleven studies involving 7,629 patients were included for meta-analysis. A decreased PNI was shown to be a significant predictor of worse OS (HR = 2.00, 95%CI = 1.64–2.42, p<0.001), CSS (HR = 2.54, 95%CI = 1.61–4.00, p<0.001), and DFS/PFS/RFS (HR = 2.12, 95%CI = 1.82–2.46, p<0.001) in RCC. Furthermore, a low PNI was correlated with Fuhrman grade III-IV (OR = 1.96, 95%CI = 1.27–3.02, p = 0.002), T stage T3-T4 (OR = 2.21, 95%CI = 1.27–3.87, p = 0.005), presence of sarcomatoid differentiation (OR = 5.00, 95%CI = 2.52–9.92, p<0.001), and presence of tumor necrosis (OR = 3.63, 95%CI = 2.54–5.19, p<0.001).

Conclusion

PNI is an independent prognostic indicator of survival and associated with Fuhrman grade, T stage, sarcomatoid differentiation, and tumor necrosis in patients with RCC.
Monitoring respiratory mechanics by oscillometry in COVID-19 patients receiving non-invasive respiratory support
Authors: Torregiani Chiara , Veneroni Chiara , Confalonieri Paola , Citton Gloria Maria , Salton Francesco , Jaber Mohamad , Confalonieri Marco , Dellaca’ Raffaele Lorenzo
Published: March 2022

Background

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has been increasingly used in COVID-19 patients. The limited physiological monitoring and the unavailability of respiratory mechanic measures, usually obtainable during invasive ventilation, is a limitation of NIV for ARDS and COVID-19 patients management.

Objectives

This pilot study was aimed to evaluate the feasibility of non-invasively monitoring respiratory mechanics by oscillometry in COVID-19 patients with moderate-severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) receiving NIV.

Method

15 COVID-19 patients affected by moderate-severe ARDS at the RICU (Respiratory Intensive Care Unit) of the University hospital of Cattinara, Trieste, Italy were recruited. Patients underwent oscillometry tests during short periods of spontaneous breathing between NIV sessions.

Results

Oscillometry proved to be feasible, reproducible and well-tolerated by patients. At admission, 8 of the 15 patients showed oscillometry parameters within the normal range which further slightly improved before discharge. At discharge, four patients had still abnormal respiratory mechanics, not exclusively linked to pre-existing respiratory comorbidities. Lung mechanics parameters were not correlated with oxygenation.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that lung mechanics provide complementary information for improving patients phenotyping and personalisation of treatments during NIV in COVID 19 patients, especially in the presence of respiratory comorbidities where deterioration of lung mechanics may be less coupled with changes in oxygenation and more difficult to identify. Oscillometry may provide a valuable tool for monitoring lung mechanics in COVID 19 patients receiving NIV.
A GCDGC-specific DNA (cytosine-5) methyltransferase that methylates the GCWGC sequence on both strands and the GCSGC sequence on one strand
Authors: Furuta Yoshikazu , Miura Fumihito , Ichise Takahiro , Nakayama Shouta M. M. , Ikenaka Yoshinori , Zorigt Tuvshinzaya , Tsujinouchi Mai , Ishizuka Mayumi , Ito Takashi , Higashi Hideaki
Published: March 2022

5-Methylcytosine is one of the major epigenetic marks of DNA in living organisms. Some bacterial species possess DNA methyltransferases that modify cytosines on both strands to produce fully-methylated sites or on either strand to produce hemi-methylated sites. In this study, we characterized a DNA methyltransferase that produces two sequences with different methylation patterns: one methylated on both strands and another on one strand. M.BatI is the orphan DNA methyltransferase of Bacillus anthracis coded in one of the prophages on the chromosome. Analysis of M.BatI modified DNA by bisulfite sequencing revealed that the enzyme methylates the first cytosine in sequences of 5ʹ-GCAGC-3ʹ, 5ʹ-GCTGC-3ʹ, and 5ʹ-GCGGC-3ʹ, but not of 5ʹ-GCCGC-3ʹ. This resulted in the production of fully-methylated 5ʹ-GCWGC-3ʹ and hemi-methylated 5ʹ-GCSGC-3ʹ. M.BatI also showed toxicity when expressed in E. coli, which was caused by a mechanism other than DNA modification activity. Homologs of M.BatI were found in other Bacillus species on different prophage like regions, suggesting the spread of the gene by several different phages. The discovery of the DNA methyltransferase with unique modification target specificity suggested unrevealed diversity of target sequences of bacterial cytosine DNA methyltransferase.
Cytochrome P450 168A1 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa is involved in the hydroxylation of biologically relevant fatty acids
Authors: Price Claire L. , Warrilow Andrew G. S. , Rolley Nicola J. , Parker Josie E. , Thoss Vera , Kelly Diane E. , Corcionivoschi Nicolae , Kelly Steven L.
Published: March 2022

The cytochrome P450 CYP168A1 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli followed by purification and characterization of function. CYP168A1 is a fatty acid hydroxylase that hydroxylates saturated fatty acids, including myristic (0.30 min-1), palmitic (1.61 min-1) and stearic acids (1.24 min-1), at both the ω-1- and ω-2-positions. However, CYP168A1 only hydroxylates unsaturated fatty acids, including palmitoleic (0.38 min-1), oleic (1.28 min-1) and linoleic acids (0.35 min-1), at the ω-1-position. CYP168A1 exhibited a catalytic preference for palmitic, oleic and stearic acids as substrates in keeping with the phosphatidylcholine-rich environment deep in the lung that is colonized by P. aeruginosa.
Comparison of six methods for Loa loa genomic DNA extraction
Authors: Dieki Roland , Eyang-Assengone Elsa-Rush , Makouloutou-Nzassi Patrice , Bangueboussa Félicien , Nsi Emvo Edouard , Akue Jean Paul
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Good-quality and sufficient DNA is essential for diagnostics and vaccine development. We aimed to compare six DNA extraction techniques applied to Loa loa microfilariae in order to evaluate the purity and integrity of extracts in terms of quality and quantity.

Methods

The microfilariae were purified via a Percoll gradient procedure with blood from hyper-microfilaremic individuals (> 30,000 microfilaria [mf]/ml). DNA extraction was carried out in duplicate at a rate of 350,000 mf/tube for each technique: phenol/chloroform, commercial Qiagen kit, salting out, Tris-EDTA, methanol, and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The integrity, purity, concentration, and quality of the DNA extracts were successively verified by agarose gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometry (A260/A280 and A260/A230 wavelength ratio), Qubit fluorometry, and endonuclease and polymerase activity. The six techniques were compared on the basis of the following parameters: concentration, purity, efficiency, effectiveness, integrity, safety of the technique, as well as cost and duration of the protocol.

Results

The ratios of the optical densities of the extracts A260/A280 and A260/A230 were, respectively: phenol/chloroform (1.82; 1.11), Qiagen (1.93; 1.36), salting-out (1.9; 2.04), Tris-EDTA (1.99; 1.183), methanol (2.126; 1.343), and CTAB (2.01; 2.426). The DNA yield was: phenol/chloroform (3.920 μg), Qiagen (10.280 μg), salting-out (10.390 μg), Tris-EDTA (0.5528 μg), methanol (0.1036 μg), and CTAB (1.115 μg). Endonuclease and polymerase activity was demonstrated by digestion of DNA and through amplicons obtained via polymerase chain reaction assays with phenol/chloroform, Qiagen, and salting-out extracts.

Conclusion

The phenol/chloroform, Qiagen, and salting-out DNA extracts were all of good quality. Salting out had the best yield followed by Qiagen and then phenol/chloroform. Endonuclease and polymerase activity was effective in all three extracts despite the presence of some contaminants. These methods are therefore suitable for the extraction of DNA from Loa loa microfilariae. Tris-EDTA and methanol did not show adequate sensitivity, while CTAB was found to be unsuitable.
Detection of lymph node metastasis in non-small cell lung cancer using the new system of one-step nucleic acid amplification assay
Authors: Ose Naoko , Takeuchi Yukiyasu , Sakamaki Yasushi , Kadota Yoshihisa , Urasaki Koji , Tsuji Hiromi , Kawahara Kunimitsu , Noguchi Mayuko , Shintani Yasushi
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer greatly depends on the presence of lymph node metastasis, which limits the need for surgery and adjuvant therapy for advanced cancer. One-step nucleic acid amplification of cytokeratin19 (CK19) mRNA was used to detect lymph node metastasis. Automated Gene Amplification Detector RD-200 and the LYNOAMP CK19 gene amplification reagent as components of the new one-step nucleic acid amplification system, which has increased gene amplification efficiency by improving the reagent composition, have shorter preprocessing and measurement times than conventional systems. We aimed to compare the clinical performance of the new system with that of histopathology and the conventional system.

Materials and methods

199 lymph nodes from 58 non-small cell lung cancer patients who underwent lymph node dissection were examined intraoperatively using the new system, conventional system, and histopathology.

Results

Lymph node metastasis was diagnosed in 32, 42, and 44 patients using histopathological analysis, the new system, and the conventional system, respectively. Compared with histopathological analysis, the concordance rate, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the new system were 92.0%, 90.6%, 92.2%, 69.0%, and 98.1%, respectively, and compared with the conventional system, the values were 95.0%, 86.4%, 97.4%, 90.5%, and 96.2%, respectively.

Conclusion

The clinical performance of the new one-step nucleic acid amplification system in detecting lymph node metastasis of lung cancer is comparable to that of histopathology and the conventional system; its performance was sufficient for determining the appropriate clinical treatment. The new rapid system can be effectively utilized during lung cancer treatment intraoperatively and postoperatively.
Droughts and child health in Bangladesh
Authors: Le Kien , Nguyen My
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates the extent to which in-utero exposure to droughts influences the health outcomes of Bangladeshi children in early childhood. Exploiting the plausibly exogenous deviations of rainfall from the location-specific norms, we find that deficient rainfall during the prenatal period is harmful to child health. Specifically, in-utero exposure to droughts decreases the height-for-age, weight-for-height, and weight-for-age z-scores by 0.10, 0.11, and 0.11 standard deviations among children under five years old, respectively. Our heterogeneity analyses reveal that the adverse health setbacks fall disproportionately on children of disadvantaged backgrounds. Exploring the differential effects by trimesters of exposure, we further show that experiencing droughts during the second and the third trimesters leaves injurious effects on early childhood health.
Climate solution or corporate co-optation? US and Canadian publics’ views on agricultural gene editing
Authors: Nawaz Sara , Satterfield Terre
Published: March 2022

The dexterity and affordability of gene-editing technologies promise wide-ranging applications in agriculture. Aiming to take advantage of this, proponents emphasize benefits such as the climate-mitigating promises of gene editing. Critics, on the other hand, argue that gene editing will perpetuate industrialized forms of agriculture and its concomitant environmental and social problems. Across a representative sample of US and Canadian residents (n = 1478), we investigate public views and perceptions of agricultural gene editing. We advance existing survey-based studies, which tend to focus on whether knowledge, familiarity, trust, or perceptions of naturalness predict views on gene editing. Instead, we examine whether broader societal concerns about industrialized food systems—a key claim about genetic engineering launched by critics—predicts comfort with gene editing. We also explore the predictive power of views of climate change as an urgent problem, following proponent arguments. Survey results explore gene editing views in reference to specific cases (e.g., drought-tolerant wheat) and specific alternatives (e.g., versus pesticide use). We find that people critical of industrialized food systems were most likely to express overall absolute opposition to the technology, whereas those concerned with the imminence of climate change were more likely to support climate-relevant gene editing. Our findings suggest the need for further research into the conditions upon which public groups find gene editing compelling or not—namely, if applications enhance or counter industrial food systems, or offer particular climate adaptive benefits. Furthermore, we argue that attention to broader societal priorities in surveys of perceptions may help address calls for responsible research and innovation as concerns gene editing.
Spatial evolution and influencing factors of religious places from a socio-spatial perspective: An empirical analysis of Christianity in China
Authors: Chen Yujuan , Lin Ning , Ding Liang , Qu Jianping , Zhou Qijun
Published: March 2022

The mismatch between the supply and demand of religious places has resulted from a lack of management, population mobility, and urban socio-spatial differentiation. Furthermore, the identity of religious groups and the localized characteristics of their behavioral practices continue to dominate the evolution of religious places. Therefore, this study analyzed the spatio-temporal patterns of Christian activity places, and further studied the characteristics and mechanisms of various influencing factors on the spatial distribution of places using a geographically weighted regression model from a socio-spatial perspective. The following results were obtained: (1) Christian activity places form a distribution pattern of circling aggregation within the core area and polycentric dispersion outside the core area. There is a certain coupling relationship between spatio-temporal patterns of places and marketization in Yiwu City. (2) The spatial differentiation pattern of influencing factors has an obvious circle-layer characteristic. The regression coefficients of population mobility, age structure, public services, and jobs-housing space are larger, and social structure and spatial resource allocation are becoming the main driving forces of spatial differentiation. (3) Due to the differences in spatial resource allocation and believers’ behavioral choices, the above factors have distinct differences in urban core areas, urban-rural transition areas and rural areas.
Exploring the evolution of biochemical models at the network level
Authors: Gebhardt Tom , Touré Vasundra , Waltemath Dagmar , Wolkenhauer Olaf , Scharm Martin
Published: March 2022

The evolution of biochemical models is difficult to track. At present, it is not possible to inspect the differences between model versions at the network level. Biochemical models are often constructed in a distributed, non-linear process: collaborators create model versions on different branches from novel information, model extensions, during curation and adaption. To discuss and align the versions, it is helpful to abstract the changes to the network level. The differences between two model versions can be detected by the software tool BiVeS. However, it cannot show the structural changes resulting from the differences. Here, we present a method to visualise the differences between model versions effectively. We developed a JSON schema to communicate the differences at the network level and extended BiVeS accordingly. Additionally, we developed DiVil, a web-based tool to represent the model and the differences as a standardised network using D3. It combines an automatic layout with an interactive user interface to improve the visualisation and to inspect the model. The network can be exported in standardised formats as images or markup language. Our method communicates the structural differences between model versions. It facilitates the discussion of changes and thus supports the collaborative and non-linear nature of model development.

Availability and implementation:DiVil prototype:https://divil.bio.informatik.uni-rostock.de, Code on GitHub:https://github.com/Gebbi8/DiVil, licensed under Apache License 2.0.

Contact:url="tom.gebhardt@uni-rostock.de.
Evaluation of ocular biometry in primary angle-closure disease with two swept source optical coherence tomography devices
Authors: Wanichwecharungruang Boonsong , Amornpetchsathaporn Anyarak , Wongwijitsook Wisakorn , Kongsomboon Kittipong , Chantra Somporn
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To investigate agreement between 2 swept source OCT biometers, IOL Master700 and Anterion, in various ocular biometry and intraocular lens (IOL) calculations of primary angle-closure disease (PACD).

Setting

Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.

Design

Prospective comparative study.

Methods

This study conducted in a tertiary eye care center involving biometric measurements obtained with 2 devices in phakic eye with diagnosis of PACD. Mean difference and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with confidence limits were assessed, and calculations of estimated residual refraction of the IOL were analysed using Barrett’s formula.

Results

Sixty-nine eyes from 45 PACD patients were enrolled for the study. Excellent agreement of various parameters was revealed, with ICC (confidence limits) of K1 = 0.953 (0.861–0.979), K2 = 0.950 (0.778–0.98), ACD = 0.932 (0.529–0.978), WTW = 0.775 (0.477–0.888), and LT = 0.947 (0.905–0.97). Mean difference of axial length (AL) was -0.01 ± 0.02 mm with ICC of 1.000. IOL calculation was assessed with Barrett’s formula, and Bland-Altman plot showed excellent agreement in the results of the 2 devices for the IOL power and estimated post-operative residual refraction (EPR).

Conclusions

Mean differences of biometric parameters, obtained with IOL Master700 and Anterion, were small, and ICC showed excellent concordance. No clinical relevance in calculation of IOL power was found, and the two devices appeared to be comparably effective in clinical practice.
A method to inform team sport training activity duration with change point analysis
Authors: Teune Ben , Woods Carl , Sweeting Alice , Inness Mathew , Robertson Sam
Published: March 2022

Duration is a key component in the design of training activities in sport which aim to enhance athlete skills and physical qualities. Training duration is often a balance between reaching skill development and physiological targets set by practitioners. This study aimed to exemplify change point time-series analyses to inform training activity duration in Australian Football. Five features of player behaviour were included in the analyses: disposal frequency, efficiency, pressure, possession time and player movement velocity. Results of the analyses identified moments of change which may be used to inform minimum or maximum activity durations, depending on a practitioner’s objectives. In the first approach, a univariate analysis determined change points specific to each feature, allowing practitioners to evaluate activities according to a single metric. In contrast, a multivariate analysis considered interactions between features and identified a single change point, reflecting the moment of overall change during activities. Six iterations of a training activity were also evaluated resulting in common change point locations, between 196 and 252 seconds, which indicated alterations to player behaviour between this time period in the training activities conduction. Comparisons of feature segments before and after change points revealed the extent to which player behaviour changed and can guide such duration decisions. These methods can be used to evaluate athlete behaviour and inform training activity durations.
A new typology of community music groups
Authors: Hardcastle Adam , Southcott Jane
Published: March 2022

In this article, we offer, through a new typology, a way to portray and understand the diversity of community music’s organizational foundations and purposes. Typologies are a common descriptive and interpretive device for understanding patterns of activity. Some researchers of community music have, explicitly or implicitly, developed a number of typologies of community music organizations. Our new typology is systematically aligned to capture the social and musical variability among community music organizations. It then puts the typology to work by providing brief examples, drawn from Australian research, of each of its proposed types. This new typology is intended to allow researchers and practitioners to understand how different community music ensembles are similar or dissimilar, and make comparative discussions clearer and more systematic, offering give a clear frame for understanding present and possible future community music-making groups and organizations.
Group music making in nursing homes: Investigating experiences of higher education music students
Authors: Paolantonio Paolo , Cavalli Stefano , Biasutti Michele , Williamon Aaron
Published: March 2022

A significant number of studies suggest that engagement with music, in its different forms, can play an important role in terms of health and well-being for a diverse range of people, including older adults. Research focusing on the impact of these activities on the practitioners, namely the musicians carrying out the interventions, is at a more preliminary stage. This study investigated how tertiary-level music students experienced group music making with residents in nursing homes. A music team delivered ten weekly music sessions in four nursing homes, focusing on singing, rhythm-based activities with percussion instruments and listening to short, live performances. The team was composed of an experienced workshop leader, a researcher and nine student musicians enrolled in an elective seminar. Qualitative data were collected from the students through semi-structured interviews and oral diaries and analysed using thematic analysis. The results show that the overall experience had a positive impact on students in both professional and personal dimensions. The findings are discussed using the lenses of mutual recovery and the PERMA model of well-being.
Situación de los circuitos cortos de comercialización y agroecología durante la COVID-19 en Gipuzkoa (País Vasco, España)
Authors: Alberdi Collantes Juan Cruz
Published: March 2022

La irrupción de la COVID-19 provocó toda una serie de cambios en el conjunto de la sociedad. Las tendencias alimenticias también se vieron alteradas, incrementándose la demanda de producto fresco y de proximidad. Iniciativas campesinas locales, apoyadas en circuitos cortos de comercialización, se vieron beneficiadas por las nuevas tendencias, aumentando en número y demanda. Pero, un año después del inicio de la pandemia, surgen dudas sobre el futuro de algunas de las que se desarrollan los primeros meses. Crisis alimenticias anteriores demuestran que la sociedad tiende a volver a corto plazo a la situación previa al momento detonante. La investigación, centrada en el territorio de Gipuzkoa (País Vasco), demuestra que los canales cortos de comercialización se han visto beneficiados por la irrupción de la COVID-19 y la venta de producto local ha crecido de manera significativa. Pero no todos han reaccionado de manera similar. Es el consumo de frutas y hortalizas el principal beneficiado y el consumidor más concienciado, el que engrosa los grupos y cooperativas de consumo de productos ecológicos, el que más ha crecido. Es un consumidor joven, con poder adquisitivo y con mayor nivel de concienciación y que, al menos durante la pandemia, mantiene su apuesta por el producto ecológico y local.
Clinical, Endoscopic, and Histopathology Features of Esophageal Graft-vs-Host Disease
Authors: Kamboj Amrit K. , Agarwal Siddharth , Yarlagadda Manoj K. , Archila Luisa Ricaurte , Hagen Catherine E. , Katzka David A.
Published: March 2022

INTRODUCTION:

To describe the clinical, endoscopic, and histopathology features of esophageal graft-vs-host disease (GVHD).

Methods:

Patients with biopsy-proven esophageal GVHD diagnosed at Mayo Clinic between 2000 and 2021 were included.

Results:

In 43 esophageal patients, other organ GVHD was present in 58% before and 86% at esophageal GVHD diagnosis. Esophageal specific symptoms were uncommon (dysphagia 26% and odynophagia/heartburn 5%). Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was abnormal in 72% patients demonstrating erosive esophagitis, ulceration, desquamation, or rings/furrows in a diffuse or focal pattern.

DISCUSSION:

There should be a low threshold for esophageal biopsies for GVHD because esophageal symptoms and endoscopic findings may be nonspecific or absent.
On some algebraic formulations within universal enveloping algebras related to superintegrability
Authors: Campoamor-Stursberg Rutwig
Published: March 2022

We report on some recent purely algebraic approaches to superintegrable systems from the perspective of subspaces of commuting polynomials in the enveloping algebras of Lie algebras that generate quadratic (and eventually higher-order) algebras. In this context, two algebraic formulations are possible; a first one strongly dependent on representation theory, as well as a second formal approach that focuses on the explicit construction within commutants of algebraic integrals for appropriate algebraic Hamiltonians defined in terms of suitable subalgebras. The potential use in this context of the notion of virtual copies of Lie algebras is briefly commented.
Generalized three-body harmonic oscillator system: ground state
Authors: Escobar-Ruiz Adrian M. , Montoya Fidel
Published: March 2022

In this work we report on a 3-body system in a d−dimensional space ℝd with a quadratic harmonic potential in the relative distances rij = |ri −rj| between particles. Our study considers unequal masses, different spring constants and it is defined in the three-dimensional (sub)space of solutions characterized (globally) by zero total angular momentum. This system is exactly-solvable with hidden algebra sℓ4(ℝ). It is shown that in some particular cases the system becomes maximally (minimally) superintegrable. We pay special attention to a physically relevant generalization of the model where eventually the integrability is lost. In particular, the ground state and the first excited state are determined within a perturbative framework.
Time-dependent step-like potential with a freezable bound state in the continuum
Authors: Gutiérrez Altamirano Izamar , Contreras-Astorga Alonso , Raya Montaño Alfredo
Published: March 2022

In this work, we construct a time-dependent step-like potential supporting a normalizable state with energy embedded in the continuum. The potential is allowed to evolve until a stopping time ti, where it becomes static. The normalizable state also evolves but remains localized at every fixed time up to ti. After this time, the probability density of this state freezes becoming a Bound state In the Continuum. Closed expressions for the potential, the freezable bound state in the continuum, and scattering states are given.
O diário de viagem de Alexandre Rodrigues Ferreira:
Authors: Maroneze Bruno Oliveira
Published: March 2022

Propomo-nos, neste trabalho, a fazer um estudo exploratório a respeito da terminologia empregada no relato de viagem de Alexandre Rodrigues Ferreira (1756-1815) pela região amazônica. A expedição liderada por Ferreira entre os anos de 1783 e 1792 foi a mais importante expedição científica empreendida na região durante o período colonial. No seu relato, Ferreira descreve a fauna e a flora, bem como as povoações presentes na região, empregando, para tal, uma rica terminologia em formação naquela época. Por meio da leitura das duas primeiras “participações” do relato de viagem, elencamos os termos presentes e verificamos suas datações indicadas no dicionário Houaiss. Assim, identificamos 21 termos cujas datações ou são inexistentes ou são posteriores à data do relato de Ferreira, termos esses que são brevemente descritos e analisados. Concluímos esse breve estudo sinalizando que a obra de Ferreira é uma fonte riquíssima para o estudo da formação e da história da terminologia em língua portuguesa.
Bioactive Compounds from Microalgae Spirulina platensis as Antibacterial Candidates Against Pathogen Bacteria
Authors: Hidhayati Noor , Agustini Ni Wayan Sri , Apriastini Marsiti , Diaudin Dhea Peby Ananda
Published: March 2022

Microbial infection by bacteria has caused severe health problems worldwide. Treatment with antibiotics as the current solution has several drawbacks and triggers the phenomenon of bacterial resistance. Therefore, there is an urgency to look for a natural antimicrobial that is safer and has fewer side effects. One of the most promising antibacterial agents is Spirulina platensis. This research was conducted to evaluate the antibacterial activity of microalgae S. platensis against Propionibacterium acne, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Enterobacter aerogenes and identify compounds from the active fraction of microalgae. Biomass was extracted with ethanol 96% using the reflux method then partitioned with immiscible solvents such as hexane, ethyl acetate, and water. Partial purification was carried out by chromatography techniques such as thin-layer chromatography and column chromatography. The compounds of active fractions were identified by GC-MS analysis. The result showed that ethyl acetate extract had vigorous antibacterial activity against all tested bacteria. The highest activity (14.4 ± 0.63 mm and 16.9 ± 1.48 mm) was achieved against P. acne; followed by S. epidermidis (13.05± 0.14 mm and 13.15 ± 0.0 mm), and E. aerogenes (11.7 ± 2.05 mm and 12.6 ± 1.90 mm), at concentrations 20,000 ppm and 30,000 ppm, respectively. The results indicated that the extract is more sensitive to Gram-positive bacteria (P. acne and S. epidermidis) than Gram-negative bacteria (E. aerogenes). Purification of the extract resulted in fraction 2 and fraction 6 as the most potential fractions for further analysis and identification. Based on the antibacterial activity, inhibition zones of fractions are wider than extracts. It could be assumed that the purification process enhances the activity of a sample. GC-MS analysis revealed that the dominant compounds of fractions 2 and 6 were bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (67.76%) and 1,2-Benzendicarboxilic acid, bis (2-ethylhexyl) ester (50,88%), respectively. This result indicated that the ethyl acetate fraction of the microalgae S. platensis has the potential as a natural antibacterial.
Awareness of Tribal Parents for Enrolling Their Children in Primary Education: Chittagong Hill Tracks
Authors: Popy Fatema Begum
Published: March 2022

Primary education is the constitutional right in Bangladesh and one of the most basic needs on which the nation is built. Nailing this point the paper is aimed to investigate the awareness level of tribal parents to let their children admission in primary schools. The study sets three research questions focusing the awareness of parents and intends to explore the obstacles in path of education. There are 250 tribal parents selected purposively from Khagrachari district of Bangladesh. The sample size consists two areas of tribal parents urban and rural, both areas are entailed literate and illiterate parents of primary school student. The primary data has been collected based on questionnaire survey. The study selects the variables regarding awareness enrollment initiatives while statistical tool (t-test) is used to know awareness level of tribal parents about enrollment of primary education. Finally, the important thing in all scenarios that the researchers have found significant differences in awareness between rural compare to urban as well as literate and illiterate tribal parents about enrollment on primary education of their children. The identified major challenges are the poverty, insufficient infrastructure, unskilled teacher, lack of awareness and proper monitoring for bridging the gap between home and school through mother tongue-based bi or multilingual education in primary school.
A Literature Review of Networking Research in Insurance
Authors: Liu Ming
Published: March 2022

The role of insurance institutions in the economic network is no longer only that of a loss compensator, but also of a risk transfer intermediary and supervisor of payer. In this process, insurance institutions gradually established their status as credit centre. Numerous theoretical studies and practices show that with the development of society, insurance has increasingly become an important factor and even one of the driving forces for economic development. Insurance reflects its value and status in many ways, whether it is the basic social security function or the indispensable importance of ensuring the smooth operation of business. It is worth noting that in recent years, the reform of the medical system has aroused the attention to the phenomenon of "narrow network", which is just for further study of insurance institutions (companies, institutions) and economic individuals (natural persons, The interaction between institutions) provides an opportunity. This paper strives to summarize and reflect the frontiers and dynamics of insurance network research in recent years, and expects to lead to the focus and direction of future insurance research at one time, and expects to provide new ideas and new paths.
„Sztuka głodowania” według Franza Kafki
Authors: Znojek Przemysław
Published: March 2022

Tekst niniejszy stanowi próbę literaturoznawczej i kulturoznawczej analizy zjawiska głodowania, przedstawionej z perspektywy konwencji kulturowej, jako obserwowanego przez społeczeństwo przerażającego widowiska, w którym podstawową rolę odgrywają ludzka ciekawość, zdeformowane ciało, potworność, a także śmierć. Sztukę głodowania z towarzyszącym jej cierpieniem oraz nieodwracalnymi zmianami cielesnymi opisuje Franz Kafka w opowiadaniu Głodomór. Tytułowy bohater utworu wzbudza skrajne emocje, przede wszystkim jako figura ulicznego artysty – ekscentryk, odmieniec czy wybryk natury. Ta krótka forma prozatorska jest pretekstem dla rozważań na temat zaburzonej cielesności.
Světelné a barevné ladění Nervalovy Sylvie
Authors: Změlík Richard
Published: March 2022

In my paper I focus on motifs of colours and lights in a short romantic prose Sylvie by Gerard de Nerval. Using the tool of dispersion analysis I explain the ways in which these motifs influence the compositional principles of the prose. In this respect, I pay special attention to two of these principles which could be considered crucial elements for the composition of the prose: contrast and parallelism. From a functional perspective, as I demonstrate further, both principles complement each other in various segments of the text in many sophisticated ways. As a result, it should be stipulated that these compositional principles are interconnected with the set of various motifs and together with them contribute to the global dream-like atmosphere of the novel.
»Zapadlí vlastenci« Karla Václava Raise
Authors: Všetička František
Published: March 2022

Raisovi Zapadlí vlastenci (1894) začínají temporálním incipitem, který zároveň vymezuje celou dobu románového děje. Hrdinové prózy mají ptačí nomina propria. Celým dílem prochází apoditní motiv nemanželského dítěte. Na výstavbě románu se dále podílí deníková a epistolární složka, stejně tak postava anticipanta a signifikantní kapitola (13.). Rais vtiskl próze charakter architektonické triády. Morfologicky má autor blízko k Aloisi Jiráskovi a Juliu Zeyerovi.
In vitro evolution of myc-tag antibodies: in-depth specificity and affinity analysis of Myc1-9E10 and Hyper-Myc
Authors: Russo Giulio , Unkauf Tobias , Meier Doris , Wenzel Esther Veronika , Langreder Nora , Schneider Kai-Thomas , Wiesner Rebecca , Bischoff Ralf , Stadler Volker , Dübel Stefan
Published: March 2022

One of the most widely used epitope tags is the myc-tag, recognized by the anti-c-Myc hybridoma antibody Myc1-9E10. Combining error-prone PCR, DNA shuffling and phage display, we generated an anti-c-Myc antibody variant (Hyper-Myc) with monovalent affinity improved to 18 nM and thermal stability increased by 37%. Quantification of capillary immunoblots and by flow cytometry demonstrated improved antigen detection by Hyper-Myc. Further, three different species variants of this antibody were generated to allow the use of either anti-human, anti-mouse or anti-rabbit Fc secondary antibodies for detection. We characterized the specificity of both antibodies in depth: individual amino acid exchange mapping demonstrated that the recognized epitope was not changed by the in vitro evolution process. A laser printed array of 29,127 different epitopes representing all human linear B-cell epitopes of the Immune Epitope Database allowing to chart unwanted reactivities with mimotopes showed these to be very low for both antibodies and not increased for Hyper-Myc despite its improved affinity. The very low background reactivity of Hyper-Myc was confirmed by staining of myc-tag transgenic zebrafish whole mounts. Hyper-Myc retains the very high specificity of Myc1-9E10 while allowing myc-tag detection at lower concentrations and with either anti-mouse, anti-rabbit or anti human secondary antibodies.
An enhanced implementation of SRF and DDSRF-PLL for three-phase converters in weak grid
Authors: Hussein Arkan A. , Ahmed Abdulbasit H. , Mohammed Natheer M.
Published: March 2022

Renewable energy generation systems connected to utility grid require perfect synchronization to grid which is one of the most important issues that needs to be taken into consideration. This paper proposed a hardware-accelerated implementation for the decoupled double synchronous reference frame phase-locked loop (DDSFR-PLL) for grid synchronization in grid-connected converters in weak grid that suffers from phase voltage-unbalance, variable phase and frequency conditions. Since the transformations and filtering of this method is computationally intensive and needs to be executed as fast as possible by the microcontroller unit (MCU) and Due to the presence of other current and voltage regulation loops in the same interrupt service routine (ISR) with high frequency rate, a hardware-based acceleration using the STM32G4x4 MCU built-in filter, filter math accelerator (FMAC) and coordinate rotation digital computer (CORDIC) is used to speed the execution time. This study addresses the description, derivation and implementation of the both DQ-PLL and DDSRF-PLL algorithms. The performance of both pure-software and accelerated implementation is demonstrated, compared and run on a three-level active neutral point clamped (ANPC) converter board. In proposed method, CPU load dropped from 80.5% by using the conventional software implementation to 23.6% (70% load reduction).This reduction in CPU load enables the addition of more features and more advanced current and voltage control algorithms.
circ_0085296 inhibits the biological functions of trophoblast cells to promote the progression of preeclampsia via the miR-942-5p/THBS2 network
Authors: Liu Jiyi , Yang Yan , Liu Wenlan , Lan Ruilun
Published: March 2022

Insufficient invasion of trophoblast cells is one of the important causes of preeclampsia (PE). Circular RNA (circRNA) has been proven to regulate the biological functions of trophoblast cells and mediate the progression of PE. The expression of circ_0085296, microRNA (miR)-942-5p, and thrombospondin 2 (THBS2) was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. In addition, the interaction between miR-942-5p and circ_0085296 or THBS2 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay. Our data showed that circ_0085296 was upregulated in the placental tissues of PE patients. Silenced circ_0085296 could enhance the proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of HTR-8/SVneo cells. Besides, circ_0085296 was found to act as miR-942-5p sponge. Function analysis results suggested that miR-942-5p inhibitor reversed the positive regulation of circ_0085296 knockdown on the biological functions of HTR-8/SVneo cells. Moreover, THBS2 was a target of miR-942-5p, and its overexpression also reversed the promotion effect of miR-942-5p on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of HTR-8/SVneo cells. Also, circ_0085296 was discovered to positively regulate THBS2 by sponging miR-942-5p. To sum up, our results revealed that circ_0085296 could inhibit trophoblast cells proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis by regulating miR-942-5p/THBS2, confirming that circ_0085296 might be a potential therapeutic target for PE.
Interleukin-35 in autoimmune dermatoses: Current concepts
Authors: Xie Yuming , Zhang Huilin , Huang Junke , Zhang Qing
Published: March 2022

Interleukin-35 (IL-35) is a lately observed cytokine and is part of the IL-12 cytokine family. IL-35 includes two subunits, p35 and Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3, and activates subsequent signaling pathways by binding to receptors to mediate signal transduction, thereby modulating the immunoregulatory functions of T cells, B cells, macrophages, and other immune cell types. Although there is currently limited research on the roles of IL-35 in human autoimmunity, many studies have demonstrated that IL-35 may mediate immunosuppression. Therefore, it plays an essential role in some autoimmune dermatoses, including systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, systemic sclerosis, and dermatomyositis. We will introduce the structure and biological characteristics of IL-35 and summarize its effects on the occurrence and development of autoimmune dermatoses in this article. It is suggested that IL-35 is a possible target for therapy in the aforementioned diseases.
“Adverbs and functional heads” twenty years later: cartographic methodology, verb raising and macro/micro-variation
Authors: Tescari Neto Aquiles
Published: March 2022

Adverbs and Functional Heads: a Cross-Linguistic perspective(Cinque, Guglielmo. 1999.Adverbs and functional heads: A cross-linguistic perspective. New York & Oxford: Oxford University Press)—one of the founding works of “Syntactic Cartography”—combines some of the developments in Syntactic Theory from the 1980s and 1990s with insightful contributions from Linguistic Typology. This paper has two interrelated goals. First, it aims to review the fundamental theses of Cinque’s monography of 1999—which are far from controversial among scholars working in Cartography—; at the same time it provides conceptual support to them. Secondly, it aims to explore some methodological tools of Syntactic Cartography presented and discussed by Cinque, Guglielmo. 1999.Adverbs and functional heads: A cross-linguistic perspective. New York & Oxford: Oxford University Press, namely the so-calledprecedence-and-transitivity tests—after a brief discussion on methodology used to recognise the functional categories, namely the criterion by Jackendoff, Ray. 1972.Semantic interpretation in generative grammar. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press—and the use of the hierarchies as tools to detect intra and interlinguistic variation. With regard to this latter issue, the paper gathers data from Brazilian Portuguese, Canadian English and Colombian Spanish on verb raising. The discussion of the data not only favours Cinque, Guglielmo. 2017. On the status of functional categories (heads and phrases).Language and Linguistics18(4). 521–576 recent updates of his theoretical approach to the cartography of the clause but also shows how Cartography offers a natural scenario for a methodological approach to both micro and macro-variation.