bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Genomics and Pathogenicity Analysis of Two Bacterial Symbionts of Entomopathogenic Nematodes: The Role of The GroEL Protein in Virulence
Authors: Rivera-Ramírez Abraham , Salgado-Morales Rosalba , Jiménez-Pérez Alfredo , Pérez-Martínez Rebeca , García-Gómez Blanca Inés , Dantán-González Edgar
Published: November 2021

Bacteria of the genera Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus are symbionts of entomopathogenic nematodes. Despite their close phylogenetic relationship, they show differences in their pathogenicity and virulence mechanisms in target insects. These differences can be explored by the analysis of the pangenome, as it provides a framework for characterizing and defining the gene repertoire. Here, we report the genome of strain SC 0516. In addition, we performed the first pangenome analysis of 91 strains of Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus, obtaining a total of 23,603 gene clusters and a core genome of 348 genes. Phylogenetic analysis performed with the core genome showed that our strain belonged to the X. nematophila group. Biological tests showed that whole cells of X. nematophila SC 0516 were more virulent than those of P. luminescens HIM3 when both were injected into Galleria mellonella larvae. In addition, we cloned and expressed the GroEL proteins of both bacteria, as this protein has been previously indicated to show insecticidal activity in the genus Xenorhabdus. Cpn60-Xn was found to be the most toxic at all concentrations tested, with an LC50 value of 102.34 ng/larva. Sequence analysis suggested that the Cpn60-Xn toxin was homologous to Cpn60-Pl; however, Cpn60-Xn contained thirty-five differentially substituted amino acid residues that could be responsible for its insecticidal activity.
Reducing Interference via Link Adaptation in Delay-Critical Wireless Networks
Authors: Mandelli Silvio , Lieto Alessandro , Razenberg Mark , Weber Andreas , Wild Thorsten
Published: November 2021

One of the current 6G wireless networks research's trends is to investigate short distance and dense scenarios, where users are locally connected in sub-networks. Such use case is critical to support the advances of industrial internet of things or Industry 4.0, e.g. connecting an entire group of sensors and actuators of a robot. Therefore, schemes that can properly manage the interference must be deployed in practical systems to allow the promised performance advances of 6G . Targeting these high density scenarios, we describe the Power Optimization for Low Interference and Throughput Enhancement (POLITE) paradigm for link adaptation and power allocation, which leverages available radio resources to stabilize and reduce the interference. The baseline link adaptation schemes are compared with POLITE in their performance in a 3GPP -calibrated system level simulator for industrial scenarios. As services in industrial environments require high reliability under constrained delays, we propose different delay-aware formulations in the POLITE design. In this work we provide solutions both for relaxed delay requirements and for latency critical traffic, whose delay must be minimized. In particular, in the latter case, we propose also modifications of user selection and resource allocation procedures to further improve the reliability and latency. Simulation results prove the benefits of POLITE in terms of increased throughput, fulfillment of relaxed and delay-critical requirements, with an overall reduced transmit power compared to the current baseline link adaptation schemes.
Case report: Gitelman Syndrome With Type 2 Diabetes Caused by a New Homozygous Mutation of SLC12A3 (c.1567G>A) and Family Follow-up
Authors: Zhou Dongqi , Liu Xiaoke , Leng Yulin , Yu Weiwei , Chen Qiu
Published: November 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Dynamic forecasting of severe acute graft-versus-host disease after transplantation
Authors: LIU XUEOU , CAO YIGENG , GUO YE , GONG XIAOWEN , FENG YAHUI , WANG YAO , WANG MINGYANG , CUI MENGXUAN , GUO WENWEN , ZHANG LUYANG , ZHAO NINGNING , SONG XIAOQIANG , ZHENG XUETONG , CHEN XIA , SHEN QIUJIN , ZHANG SONG , SONG ZHEN , LI LINFENG , FENG SIZHOU , HAN MINGZHE , ZHU XIAOFAN , JIANG ERLIE , CHEN JUNREN
Published: November 2021

To anticipate critical events, clinicians intuitively rely on multidimensional time-series data. It is, however, difficult to model such decision process using machine learning (ML), since real-world medical records often have irregular missing and data sparsity in both feature and longitudinal dimensions. Here we propose a nonparametric approach that updates risk score in real time and can accommodate sampling heterogeneity, using forecasting of severe acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) as the study case. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) rose steadily after transplantation and peaked at >0.7 in both adult and pediatric cohorts. Various numerical experiments provided guidelines for future applications.
Expression of Penaeidins 3a in Transgenic Duckweed Confers Antibacterial Ability
Authors: Yang Lin , Sun Jinge , Ren Qiuting , Ma Xu , Wang Yaya , Wang Wenqiao , He Yuman , Sun Jinsheng
Published: November 2021

Background

With the development of aquaculture, fish and shrimp diseases have been paid more and more attention in the world. How to improve the immunity of aquatic animals was an urgent problem to be solved. Duckweed (Lemnacecae), as a eukaryote, could be an ideal feedstock for the production of antimicrobial peptides.
Result

Penaeidins 3a (Pen 3a) from Litopenaeus vannamei was expressed under the control of CaMV-35S promoter in duckweed, Lemna turionifera 5511. Bacteriostatic test by Pen3a duckweed extract showed the antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Transcriptome analysis of WT and Pen3a duckweed showed different results, and the protein metabolic process was the most up-regulated DEGs. In Pen 3a transgenic duckweed, the expression of sphingolipid metabolism and phagocytosis process-related genes have been significantly up-regulated. Quantitative proteomics suggested a remarkable difference in protein enrichment in metabolic pathways.
Conclusion

Our study provide a novel solution on aquaculture and water purification. The Pen 3a transgenic duckweed extraction inhibit the growth of gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, which could be applied to control the bacteria in lake. The results could lay the foundation for the subsequent production of antibiotics.
Production and Escalation of L-Lysine via Bacterial Fermentation Utilizing Streptococcus Sp
Authors: Saleem Shanzay , Sarfraz Mehreen , Ahmad Zohaib , Munawar Nuzhat , Rehman Zeeshan , Ahmad Saira
Published: November 2021

Background and AimsThe importance of L-lysine as an essential amino acid in the nutrition of human beings has made it desirable supplement of the diet in recent years. It can be produced in different ways among them fermentation is the most economical and practical means of producing lysine. In this method low temperature, low pressure and low-cost carbon sources are used and a biological form of lysine (L-lysine) is produced. MethodsIn the present study, the production of L-lysine was achieved through fermentation developed from locally isolated bacterial strains. In total, twenty-nine (29) bacterial strains were isolated and tested using paper chromatographic technique. Six different parameters for optimization were scrutinized for improved bacterial growth and significant yield of lysine was obtained using selected strains.Key ResultsFor Streptococcus sp. molasses media with vitamins (w) formed 24.4 g/L, 40º C generated 24.4 g/L, addition of 1mM solution of metal ion (Mg) yielded 20.4 g/L, pH 6.5 delivered 6 g/L, fermentation period of 96 hours engendered 24.4 g/L, and 0.3 mL of inoculum results in 9.2 g/L of lysine. ConclusionsLaboratory scale production of L-lysine was carried out using 1 L Erlenmeyer flask. For Streptococcus sp. 23.4 g/L of lysine was produced after optimized conditions.
Quantitative Interocular Comparison of Total Corneal Surface Area and Corneal Diameter in Patients With Highly Asymmetric Keratoconus.
Authors: CRAHAY François-Xavier , DEBELLEMANIÈRE Guillaume , TOBALEM Stephan , GHAZAL Wassim , MORAN Sarah , GATINEL Damien
Published: November 2021

Keratoconus is a progressive corneal disorder which is frequently asymmetric. The aetiology of keratoconus remains unclear, and the concept of keratoconus as an ectatic disorder has been challenged recently. We carried out a retrospective study in 160 eyes of 80 patients, to evaluate and compare interocular differences in corneal diameter and surface area in patients with unilateral/highly asymmetric keratoconus (UHAKC). Calculations were performed using raw topographic elevation data derived from topographic measurements using Orbscan II, and we extrapolated surface areas up to measured corneal diameter. We also evaluated inter-eye correlation, and correlation between corneal surface area, corneal diameter and keratoconus severity. Our results showed a statistically significant but not clinically important greater corneal diameter (12.14mm and 12.17 mm; p=0.04), and corneal surface area (paired t-test, p<0.0001; p=0.0009 respectively) in more affected eyes. Inter-eye comparison revealed corneal diameter, anterior chamber depth, and corneal surface area were strongly correlated between eyes. Corneal surface area remained strongly correlated, and Bland-Altman analysis also showed strong inter-ocular agreement. Our results show that in patients with UHAKC the interocular difference in corneal diameter and corneal surface area is clinically insignificant, and are consistent with a redistribution, rather than increase, of corneal surface area with keratoconus progression.
Influence of Socio-Economic Factors on Choice of Childbirth Place Among Women In Oyigbo L.G.A., Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Obika-Ndiri Ngozi Afulenu , Ndikom Chizoma Millicent , Obika Ogochukwu Immaculate
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND: Choices of childbirth places among women may influence the rate of maternal risks and some social and economic factors which encourage maternal mortality are still a major challenge especially in developing countries like Nigeria, one of the commonest of these childbirth place choices is home birth. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalent socio-economic factors that influence the choice of childbirth places among the women of child bearing age in Oyigbo Local Government area of Rivers State in Nigeria.METHODOLOGY: A self-structured questionnaire was used as instrument to collect data for the study through simple random sampling, and these data was analyzed using Frequency and percentage for descriptive statistics while chi-square was used for inferential statistics at 0.05 level of significance. RESULT: The result showed that mean age of the women is 35.27 and most of them had secondary education, also there was a high level of hospital/health facility adherence among the women in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State and there were no significant association between social factors and choices of childbirth places among the women, and also there was significant associations between income and choices of childbirth places among the women but there were no significant association between the educational qualifications and choices of childbirth places among the women.CONCLUSION: There is a slight influence of social factors on the choices women make on childbirth places, since maternal health and antenatal knowledge is now easily accessible to everyone even without formal education, however, the cost implication of delivery in health facility and economic empowerment of women should be considered, therefore this study has shown that the choice of childbirth place is majorly influenced by their level of income.
Screw Cutting Vertebrae After Short-Segment Fixation of Pedicle Screw Combined with Kyphoplasty for Kummell Disease ： A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Han Xianfu , Xie Xingwen , Bai Dengyan , Chai Lijun , Ding Juxian
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Kummell disease is also known as vertebral fracture nonunion, delayed vertebral collapse and vertebral ischemic necrosis. It often occurs in a delayed manner after spinal injury, and is a complex and rare spinal disease. This study, aimed to report a case of stage 3 Kummell disease, diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine.Methods: The subject underwent a short-segment fixation of the pedicle screw combined with kyphoplasty.Results: The patient was satisfied with the relief of back pain after the surgery, but the surgery was found to cause screw cutting vertebrae in the second lumbar vertebra (L2).Conclusion: Short-segment fixation of the pedicle screw combined with kyphoplasty can reconstruct spinal stability, maintain stability of bone cement mass in vertebrae, correct kyphosis deformity, and relieve pain. However, Kummell disease in elderly patients is always accompanied by severe osteoporosis. The common fixation of the pedicle screw is prone to cause screw cutting, loosening, and pulling out. Therefore, we advocate using cement-augmented pedicle screws.
Global Analysis of miRNA-mRNA Regulation Pair in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Fan Xingchen , Zou Xuan , Liu Cheng , Peng Shuang , Zhang Shiyu , Zhou Xin , Wang Tongshan , Zhu Wei
Published: November 2021

Purpose: MicroRNA (miRNA) is a class of short non-coding RNA molecules that functions in RNA silencing and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. This study aims to identify critical miRNA-mRNA regulation pairs contributing to bladder cancer (BLCA) pathogenesis. Patients and methods: MiRNA and mRNA microarray and RNA-sequencing datasets were downloaded from gene expression omnibus (GEO) and the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) databases. The tool of GEO2R and R packages were used to screen differential miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) and mRNAs (DE-mRNAs) and DAVID, DIANA, and Hiplot tools were used to perform gene enrichment analysis. The miRNA-mRNA regulation pair were screened from the experimentally validated miRNA-target interactions databases (miRTarBase and TarBase). Twenty-eight pairs of BLCA tissues were used to further verify the screened DE-miRNAs and DE-mRNAs by quantitative reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The diagnostic value of the miRNA-mRNA regulation pairs was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and decision curve analysis (DCA). The correlation analysis between the selected miRNA-mRNAs regulation pair and clinical, survival and tumor-related phenotypes was performed in this study.Results: After the analysis of 2 miRNA datasets, 6 mRNA datasets and TCGA-BLCA dataset, a total of 13 miRNAs (5 down-regulated and 8 up-regulated in BLCA tissues) and 181 mRNAs (72 up-regulated and 109 down-regulated in BLCA tissues) were screened out. The pairs of miR-17-5p (up-regulated in BLCA tissues) and TGFBR2 (down-regulated in BLCA tissues) were verified in the external validation cohort (28 BLCA vs. 28 NC) using qRT-PCR. Areas under the ROC curve of the miRNA-mRNA regulation pair panel were 0.929 (95% CI: 0.885-0.972, p<0.0001) in TCGA-BLCA and 0.767 (95% CI: 0.643-0.891, p=0.001) in the external validation. The DCA also showed that the miRNA-mRNA regulation pairs had an excellent diagnostic performance distinguishing BLCA from normal controls. Correlation analysis showed that miR-17-5p and TGFBR2 correlated with tumor immunity.Conclusions: The research identified potential miRNA-mRNA regulation pairs, providing a new idea for exploring the genesis and development of BLCA.
Associations of Walking Impairment With Visual Impairment, Depression, And Cognitive Function In US Older Adults: NHANES 2013-2014
Authors: Gao Wei , Dai Pengfei , Wang Yuqian , Zhang Yurong
Published: November 2021

Background: Walking impairment, a common health problem among older adults, has been linked to poor vision and mental health. This study aimed to investigate the associations of walking impairment with visual impairment, depression, and cognitive function in older adults. Methods: A total of 1,489 adults aged 60 years and older who had participated in the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2014 in the United States were included. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the associations of walking impairment with visual impairment, depression, and four subdomains of cognitive function. Sample weights were used to ensure the generalizability of the results.Results: Among all the participants (median age=68 years; 53.7% women), 17.5% reported walking impairment. Walking impairment was significantly associated with visual impairment (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] =2.76; 95% CI: 1.47-5.20) and depression (aOR=4.66; 95% CI: 3.11-6.99). Walking impairment was only associated with the Digit Symbol Substitution (DSST) subdomain of cognitive function in total participants (aOR=0.97; 95% CI: 0.95-0.99), and in non-Hispanic white adults (aOR=0.96; 95% CI: 0.94-0.98). Participants with more than 1 impairment indicators had higher OR of walking impairment (aOR = 3.64, 95% CI =2.46-5.38) than those with 0-1 (reference group) impairment indicator.Conclusions: Walking impairment was associated with visual impairment, depression, and cognitive impairment in the American older adults and also positively associated with the number of impairment indicators. The association between walking impairment and cognitive impairment varied according to race. Evaluations of vision, cognition, and depression should be conducted among the elderly with walking impairment, and that needs of the older adults with biological aspect of their particular race should be provided in the evaluations.
Is an Endorectal Balloon Beneficial for Rectal Sparing After Spacer Implantation in Prostate Cancer Patients Treated With Hypofractionated Intensity-modulated Proton Beam Therapy? A Dosimetric and Radiobiological Comparison Study
Authors: Khalil Dalia Ahmad , Wulff Jörg , Jazmati Danny , Geismar Dirk , Bäumer Christian , Kramer Paul Heinz , Steinmeier Theresa , Schleithoff Stefanie Schulze , Tschirdewahn Stephan , Hadaschik Boris , Timmermann Beate
Published: November 2021

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to examine the dosimetric influence of endorectal balloons (ERB) in rectal sparing in prostate cancer patients with implanted hydrogel rectum spacers treated with dose escalated/hypofractionated intensity modulated proton beam therapy (IMPT). MethodsTen patients with localised prostate cancer included in the ProRegPros study and treated at our centre were invastigated in this study. All patients underwent a placement of hydrogel rectum spacers before planning. Two planning CTs (with and without 120 cm3 fluid-filled ERB) were acquired for each patient. Dose prescription was set according to the used simultaneous integrated boost strategy with 72 Gray (Gy)/2.4 Gy/5 x weekly to prostate+1 cm of the seminal vesicle, and 60 Gy/2 Gy/5 x weekly to prostate+2 cm of the seminal vesicle. Planning with two lateral-opposed IMPT beams was performed in both CTs. Rectal dosimetry values including dose-volume statistics and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) in both plans were compared (non-ERB plans vs. ERB plans).ResultsFor ERB plans compared to non-ERB, the reductions were 8.51 ± 5.25 Gy (RBE) (p= 0.000) and 15.76 ± 11.11Gy (P= 0.001) for the mean and the median rectal dose, respectively. No significant reductions in rectal volumes receiving high dose levels were found. The use of ERB resulted in significant reduction in rectal volume receiving 50 Gy (RBE), 40 Gy (RBE), 30 Gy (RBE), 20 Gy (RBE), and 10 Gy (RBE) with P values of 0.034, 0.008, 0.003, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively. For the anterior rectum, no differences between ERB and non-ERB plans were observed. For the posterior rectum, ERB reduced rectal volumes received 30 Gy (RBE), 20 Gy (RBE), and 10 Gy (RBE) with P values of 0.019, 0.003, and 0.001, respectively. No significant reductions in mean or median rectal toxicity (Late rectal bleeding ≥2, necrosis/stenosis, and Late rectal toxicity ≥ 3) were observed when using the ERB according to NTCP models.ConclusionThe ERB reduced rectal volumes exposed to intermediate/low dose levels. However, no significant reduction in rectal volumes receiving high/intermediate doses could be observed. No benefit but also no disadvantage of the ERB for late rectal toxicity was found according to available NTCP models.
Eye Disorders Spectrum: A Tertiary Hospital Pediatric Ophthalmology Clinic Based in Ethiopia
Authors: Kidane Yohannes Tewolde , Teshome Addisu Worku
Published: November 2021

Background: Epidemiological studies to determine the pattern of eye disorders among children are important for proper health care planning and management. This study aimed to document the spectrum and frequency of eye diseases of children who attended the pediatric ophthalmology clinic of a tertiary teaching hospital Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross sectional and convenient sample of 1237, male and female children (16 years and below) with ocular disorders presenting for the first time and those children with settled diagnosis coming for follow up visit between June 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019 were included in the study. Data on age at presentation, sex and diagnosis were collected and analyzed. Eye disorders were classified into various categories. Children were grouped into four age groups. Ratios, percentages and chi square associations were calculated. P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Of the children 60% were male. The mean age (standard deviation) of the children was 4.26 (+4.1) years. Patients aged 0–5 years old were the largest group constituting 70.5%. Ocular motility imbalances were the most common ocular disorders seen (32.8 %), followed by childhood cataract (18.4%) and infection and inflammation of eye and adnexa (8.3%). Ocular motility imbalances were recorded more frequently and statistically significant (p < 0.001) among 1­ 5 years age group. Within the childhood cataract category, congenital cataract was more prominent (7.1%). Within the infection and inflammation category, cornea/ sclera infections were more common (3.7%). Conclusions: The study highlights common eye disorders seen in children in a specialized hospital ophthalmic clinic. Ocular motility imbalance, childhood cataract, and infection and inflammation of the eye and adnexa, were the most common occurring disorders. Early presentation was common, and males were more affected than females.
Mitochondrial matrix protein Letmd1 maintains thermogenic capacity of brown adipose tissue
Authors: Park Anna , Kim Kwang-eun , Park Isaac , Kim Dae-Soo , Kim Jaehoon , Lim Dae-Sik , Woo Euijeon , Lee Eun-Woo , Han Baek-Soo , Oh Kyoung-Jin , Lee Sang Chul , Mun Ji Young , Rhee Hyun-Woo , Kim Won Kon , Bae Kwang-Hee , Suh Jae Myoung
Published: November 2021

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) has abundant mitochondria with the unique capability of generating heat via uncoupled respiration. Mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1) is activated in BAT during cold stress and dissipates mitochondrial proton motive force generated by the electron transport chain to generate heat. However, other mitochondrial factors required for brown adipocyte respiration and thermogenesis under cold stress are largely unknown. Here we identify LETM1 domain-containing protein 1 (Letmd1) is a BAT-enriched, cold-induced protein that is required for cold-stimulated respiration and thermogenesis of BAT. Proximity labeling studies reveal that Letmd1 is a mitochondrial matrix protein. Letmd1 knockout mice display aberrant BAT mitochondria and fail to carry out adaptive thermogenesis under cold stress. Letmd1 knockout BAT is deficient in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) complex proteins and has impaired mitochondrial respiration. Taken together, we identify that the BAT-enriched mitochondrial matrix protein Letmd1 is required for cold-stimulated respiration and thermogenic function of BAT.
Construction and Evaluation of Self-Directing Expression System Using Regulatory Elements of Cry Gene of Bacillus Thuringiensis
Authors: Singh Drishtant , . Samiksha , Thayil Seema Madhumal , Sohal Satwinder Kaur , Kesavan Anup Kumar
Published: November 2021

An expression system based on the cry gene regulatory elements was constructed. The Terminator region of cry gene from B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki HD-1 was cloned in pSG1151 plasmid downstream to gfpmut1. The promoter region of the cry gene was amplified to give three different reading frames. The Promoter region of cry gene was cloned in pSG1151T plasmid upstream to gfpmut1. The expression of GFP under the promoter/terminator expression system was evaluated by checking the expression of gfpmut1 under the same promoter. The GFP content of pSG1151 and three constructs; pDSA1, pDSA2 and pDSA3 were compared by fluorescence spectroscopy. The fluorescent intensity of pSG1151 and pDSA1 were compared at time interval of 6 hours upto 72 hours. Both the samples showed detectable fluorescence that increased with time up to 12 hours, but the increase in the fluorescence of pDSA1 was 3 times higher as compared to pSG1151. A cold peptidase gene was cloned under the control of the cry promoter. The transformed E.coli DH5α colonies were patched on skim milk agar plates and the clones of pSG1151CP and pDSA1CP were compared on the basis of zone of clearance. The zone of clearance of pDSA1CP was much higher as compared to that of pSG1151CP. The cell-free supernatant of Bacillus sp. S1DI 10 and recombinant pDSA1CP collected at different time points was assayed for the specific activity of the extracellular protease. At 72 hours the protease activity in pDSA1CP was 2.7 fold higher compared to that of wild Bacillus sp. S1DI 10.
Automated Computed Tomography Based Parasitoid Detection in Mason Bee Rearings
Authors: Thomson Bart R. , Hagenbucher Steffen , Zboray Robert , Oesch Michelle Aimée , Richter Henning
Published: November 2021

In recent years, insect husbandry has seen an increased in- terest in order to supply in the production of raw materials, food or as biological/environmental control. Unfortunately, large insect rearings are susceptible to pathogens, pests and parasitoids which can spread rapidly due to the confined nature of a rearing system. Thus, it is of interest to quickly and efficiently monitor the spread of such manifesta- tions and the overall population size. Medical imaging techniques could be used for this purpose, as large volumes can be scanned non-invasively. Due to its 3D acquisition nature, computed tomography seems to be the most suitable for this task. This study presents an automated, computed tomography-based, counting method for bee rearings that performs com- parable/similar to identifying all Osmia cornuta cocoons manually. The proposed methodology achieves this in an average of 7 minutes per sam- ple, compared to 90 minutes per sample for the manual count over a total of 12 samples collected around lake Zurich in 2020. Such an automated bee population evaluation tool is a valuable in combating environmental influences on bee, and potentially other insect, rearings.
Analyses of Key Gene Networks Controlling Carotenoid Metabolism in Xiangfen 1 Banana
Authors: Dong Chen , Wang Jiuxiang , Hu Yulin , Xiao Weijun , Hu Huigang , Xie Jianghui
Published: November 2021

Background: Banana fruits are rich in various high-value metabolites and play a key role in the human diet. Of these components, carotenoids have attracted considerable attention due to their physiological role and human health care functions. However, the accumulation patterns of carotenoids and genome-wide analysis of gene expression during banana fruit development have not been comprehensively evaluated. Results: In the present study, an integrative analysis of metabolome and transcriptome profiles in banana fruit with three different development stages was performed. A total of 11 carotenoid compounds were identified, and most of these compounds showed markedly higher abundances in mature green and/or mature fruit than in young fruit. Results were linked to the high expression of carotenoid synthesis and regulatory genes in the middle and late stages of fruit development. Co-expression network analysis revealed that 79 differentially expressed transcription factor genes may be responsible for the regulation of LCYB, a key enzyme catalyzing the biosynthesis of α- and β-carotene. Conclusions: Collectively, the study provided new insights into the understanding of dynamic changes in carotenoid content and gene expression level during banana fruit development.
Melatonin and its-Remodeled Fecal Microbiota Improve Gut Health Through Inhibiting Oxidative Stress, Autophagy and Inflammation
Authors: Wang Yingqian , Shaoyong Weike , Cai Rui , Yi Xudong , Yong Wenlong , Wang Chenyang , Kou Zhongyun , Gao Lei , Chu Guiyan , Wu Jiangwei , Pang Weijun
Published: November 2021

Background

Gut health is involved in the nutrition absorption, reproduction and lactation in antenatal, perinatal and early weaned mammals. Recent literatures have demonstrated that melatonin functions in aging, cancer and obesity, but to date, few investigations toward exploring whether melatonin-reprogrammed fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and foster care (FC) affect gut health have been performed.
Results

Here, compared with the control group, melatonin and FMT increased intestinal villus height/crypt depth (V/C), inhibited gut oxidative stress, autophagy and inflammation in antenatal and perinatal rats. Likewise, not only melatonin and FMT, but also FC enhanced intestinal V/C through above parallel ways with decreasing intestinal permeability in early weaned rats. Mechanically, melatonin directly strengthened antioxidation, attenuated autophagy and apoptosis in H2O2-induced IEC6 intestinal epithelial cells. Furthermore, melatonin, FMT and FC reprogrammed intestinal microbiota in which more beneficial microbiota, including Allobaculum, Bifidobacterium and Faecalibaculum produced more metabolic short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) including acetic acid and butyric acid to protect gut health. Most interestingly, compared with the control group, early weaned rats may get above probiotics via eating or licking the dung of the co-cage rats treated with melatonin in the FC group.
Conclusions

Overall, melatonin, FMT and FC improved gut health and the potential regulatory mechanism was associated with strengthening antioxidation, suppressing autophagy, inflammatory and apoptosis, as well as producing more SCFAs from reprogrammed gut microbiota. These findings suggest that melatonin, FMT and FC may be novel and effective methods to ameliorate gut health in antenatal, perinatal and weaned mammals.
PerFSeeB: Designing Long High-weight Single Spaced Seeds for Full Sensitivity Alignment with a Given Number of Mismatches
Authors: Titarenko Valeriy , Titarenko Sofya
Published: November 2021

Background: Technical progress in computational hardware allows researchers to use new approaches for sequence alignment problems. A standard procedure is usually based on pre-aligning of short subsequences followed by proper comparison of neighbouring parts. For this purpose index files are created that store all subsequences (or numbers associated with them) and their positions within a reference sequence. Index files designed on subsequences of 32–64 symbols for a human reference genome can now be easily stored without any compression even on a budget computer. The main goal now is to choose a combination of symbols (a spaced seed) that will tolerate various mismatches between reference and given sequences. An ideal spaced seed should allow us to find all such positions (full sensitivity). By increasing the seed’s weight by one we usually reduce the number of candidate positions fourfold. At the same time longer seeds also reduce the number of signatures to be checked. Results: Several algorithms to assist seed generation are presented. The first one allows us to find all permitted spaced seeds iteratively. The results obtained with the algorithm show specific patterns of the seeds of the highest weight. Among the best seeds, there are periodic seeds with a simple relation between the period of a seed, its length and the length of a read. The second algorithm generates blocks for periodic seeds. A list of blocks is found for blocks of up to 50 symbols and up to 9 mismatches. The third algorithm uses those lists to find spaced seeds for reads of an arbitrary length. Conclusions: Lists of long high-weight spaced seeds are found and available in Supplementary Materials. The seeds are best in terms of weights compared to seeds from other papers and can usually be applied to shorter reads. Codes for all algorithms are available at https://github.com/vtman/PerFSeeB.
Breast Conservative Surgery for Breast Cancer: Indian Surgeon’s Preferences and Factors Influencing Them
Authors: Dutta Rohini , Virk Sargun , Patil Priti , Bhandoria Geetu , Sarang Bhakti , Mahajan Anshul , Khajanchi Monty , Jain Samarvir , Bains Lovenish , Bhandarkar Prashant , Chatterjee Shamita , Roy Nobhojit , Gadgil Anita
Published: November 2021

Background: It is well established that disease-free survival and overall survival after breast conservation surgery (BCS) followed by radiotherapy are equivalent to that after mastectomy. However, in Asian countries, the rate of BCS continues to remain low. The cause may be multifactorial including the patient’s choice, availability and accessibility of infrastructure and surgeon’s choice. We aimed to elucidate the Indian surgeons’ perspective while choosing between BCS and mastectomy, in women oncologically eligible for BCS. Methods: We conducted a survey-based cross-sectional study over 3 weeks between January-February 2021. Indian surgeons with general surgical or specialised onco-surgical training, who consented to participate were included in the study. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to assess the effect of study variables on offering mastectomy or BCS to an eligible patient.Results: A total of 347 responses were included. The mean age of the participants was 43(11) years. 63% of the surgeons were in the 25-44 years age group with the majority (80%) being males. 66.4% of surgeons ‘almost always’ offered BCS to oncologically eligible patients. Surgeons who had undergone specialised training in oncosurgery or breast conservation surgery were 35 times more likely to offer BCS (p<0.01). Surgeons working in hospitals with in-house radiation oncology facilities were 9 times more likely to offer BCS (p<0.05). Surgeons’ years of practice, age, sex and hospital setting did not influence the surgery offered.Conclusion: Our study found that two-thirds of Indian surgeons preferred BCS over mastectomy. Lack of radiotherapy facilities and specialised surgical training were deterrents to offering BCS to eligible women.
Psychometric properties of a novel burnout assessment instrument: Individualized Burnout and Contributors Scale (IBOCS)
Authors: Hudziak Jim , Morrell Zoe , Schork Nicholas J. , Graf Arnulf , Lincoln Lucy , Smalley Sue , Freckleton Dustin , Copeland William E , Rettew David
Published: November 2021

Background: Self-report of burnout is important in understanding how individuals are coping with the stress in their lives. Traditionally, burnout has been measured as a factor of work-related stress. However, with increasing reports of burnout related to areas of life outside of work among teens and young adults, the need has developed for a more comprehensive burnout measure targeted to a younger population. This study introduces the Individualized Burnout and Contributors Scale (IBOCS), an instrument designed to be administered on digital devices, and comprised of two separate measures that evaluate overall burnout level and burnout contributors. The IBOCS is unique in that it aims to assess comprehensive burnout, focusing not only on occupational factors, but on other potential life stressors as well. Additionally, the IBOCS can be administered easily on digital platforms, which is especially important in engaging younger populations. Unlike many other existing burnout scales that are costly to administer and are scored manually, the IBOCS is intended to be used as a free, easily accessible tool that is aimed at empowering individuals to measure and monitor their burnout frequently. Methods: A sample of 1,244 individuals completed an online survey battery that assessed contributors to burnout along with measures of wellbeing, perceived self-stress, and stress personality.Results: Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses, Recursive Feature Elimination and regression analysis of the IBOCS burnout level items yielded a two-factor model with dimensions labeled: 1) Exhaustion; and 2) Fulfillment. Similar analyses of the IBOCS burnout contributor scale yielded a two-factor model with dimensions labeled: 1) Negative; and 2) Positive. Our analyses reveal evidence of multiple contributors to burnout including struggles with personal relationships, health concerns, time spent in the digital space, financial worries, and work or school-related stresses. Subsequent correlation analyses suggested strong convergent validity between the IBOCS and established rating scales of perceived self-stress, stress personality, happiness, and overall wellbeing.Conclusion: We conclude that the IBOCS has solid psychometric foundations and reflects important characteristics of burnout and burnout contributors. The implications of this work are discussed in the context of positive psychology to help individuals interrupt the progression of burnout in their lives.
Treatment of MDA5-positive dermatomyositis complicated by gangrenous cholecystitis with tofacitinib
Authors: Luo Man , Chen Long , He Huan , He Fang
Published: November 2021

BackgroudDermatomyositis is a diffuse skeletal myositis disease with a variety of causes.The onset is mainly related to humoral immune abnormalities.Some therapeutic drugs,such as hormones and immunosu -ppressants,have poor therapeutic effects.In recent years, tofacitinib has been reported to be effective in the treatment of dermatomyositis.But there are many reports about the treatment of autoimmune diseases and infectious diseases with tofacitinib.Case presentationWe report a case of MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis that was relieved after treatment with tofacitinib,during which gallbladder gangrene and suppurative cholecystitis occurred.After cholecystectomy,we continued to use tofacitinib and achieved good therapeutic effect. ConclusionsTofacitinib is effective in the treatment of MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis,but the risk of infection is increased.It can still be used after infection control.A close follow-up should be performed during the use of tofacitinib.
Altered Cytokine and BDNF Levels in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Han Yvonne M.Y. , Yau Suk Yu , Chan Melody M.Y. , Wong Chun Kwok , Chan Agnes S.
Published: November 2021

Previous studies have shown that immunological factors are involved in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The present study examined whether immunological abnormalities are associated with cognitive deficits and problem behaviors in children with ASD and whether children with ASD show different immunological biomarkers and brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF levels than typically developing (TD) children. Sixteen TD and 18 children with ASD, aged 6–18 years, voluntarily participated in the study. Participants’ executive functions were measured using neuropsychological tests, and behavioral measures were measured using parent ratings. Immunological measures were assessed by measuring the levels of chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) in participants’ blood serum. Children with ASD showed greater deficits in cognitive functions as well as altered levels of immunological measures when compared to TD children, and their cognitive functions and behavior deficits were significantly associated with increased CCL5 levels and decreased BDNF levels. These results provide evidence to support the notion that altered immune functions are associated with neuronal deficits, are indexed by decreased levels of BDNF and manifest as selective cognitive and behavioral symptoms in individuals with ASD.
Antimonene-gold Based Twin-Core SPR Sensor with Side Polished Semi-Arc Groove Dual Sensing Channel: An Investigation with 2D Material
Authors: Singh Shivam , Prajapati Yogendra Kumar
Published: November 2021

We propose surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based single-side polished photonic crystal fiber (SSP-PCF) sensor for low as well as high refractive index (RI) sensing. To achieve this, an active metal gold (Au) is deposited on the PCF's flat narrow channels to form a dual-sensing channel. Following that, a thin nanolayer antimonene is deposited on Au, as its buckled honeycomb lattice structure aids in the trapping of numerous biomolecules. For the sensing range of 1.27 to 1.39, numerical results show that the wavelength sensitivity (WS) and amplitude sensitivity (AS) mounted on 77000 nmRIU-1 and 1320.41 RIU-1, respectively, with wavelength resolution (RW), and amplitude resolution (RA), as high as 1.298\(\times\)10-6 RIU, and 8.6\(\times\)10-7 RIU. The promising results obtained from the proposed SSP-PCF sensor offers improved refractive index sensing with a fine figure of merit (FOM), i.e., 311.74 RIU-1 for the sensing range of 1.27 to 1.39, which covers most known analytes such as proteins, cancer cells, glucose, viruses, DNA/RNA, medicinal drugs, halogenated organic acids. Further, the proposed sensor's design requires a simple fabrication procedure.
Clinical Characteristics, Treatment Outcomes, And Genetic Alterations of Radiation-Induced Gliomas
Authors: Ohno Makoto , Miyakita Yasuji , Takahashi Masamichi , Yanagisawa Shunsuke , Tamura Yukie , Kawauchi Daisuke , Kikuchi Miyu , Igaki Hiroshi , Yoshida Akihiko , Satomi Kaishi , Matsushita Yuko , Ichimura Koichi , Narita Yoshitaka
Published: November 2021

Purpose: We aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and genetic alterations in patients with radiation-induced glioma (RIG).Methods: Patients with high-grade glioma who satisfied the Cahan’s criteria for RIG in our database during 2001–2021 were included. Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 and 2, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter, B-Raf (BRAF), and histone H3.3 (H3F3A) and methylation status of the O-6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter were analyzed. Methods: We identified 11 patients with RIG, including 7 glioblastoma (GBM), IDH1/2-wildtype; 2 GBM, not otherwise specified (NOS); 1 anaplastic astrocytoma (AA), IDH1/2-wildtype; and 1 AA, NOS. The median latency period was 17 years (range: 9–30 years). The median progression-free survival (PFS) and median survival time (MST) were 11.3 months and 28.3 months, respectively. The median PFS in patients treated with initial reirradiation (N = 5) tended to be longer than that in patients without initial reirradiation (N = 6) (17.0 vs 8.1 months; p = 0.51), but not MST (29.6 vs 27.4 months; p = 0.28). There were no alterations in IDH1/2, TERT promoter, BRAF and H3F3A mutations. Two tumors had a hypermethylated MGMT promoter. In one case, different IDH2 mutation status between primary and secondary tumor was useful to diagnose the secondary tumor as RIG. Conclusions: RIG may occur more than 20 years after the treatment for primary disease; therefore, long-term follow-up is needed. Reirradiation could be a therapeutic option for RIG. Identifying IDH1/2 mutation status has a diagnostic impact on establishing RIG in cases of recurrent glioma.
Influence of Strong Light on the Performance of Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor
Authors: Huang Mimi , Zhao Libo , Wu Zutang , Han Xiangguang , Yu Mingzhi , Chen Yao , Yang Ping , Wang Xiaozhang , Wang Yonglu , Wang Jiuhong , Jiang Zhuangde
Published: November 2021

It is found that the strong light in the explosion field has great interference to the piezoresistive pressure sensor, then the shock wave data obtained by the sensor is distorted badly. To study the influence mechanism of the strong light on the piezoresistive pressure sensor, a strong light experimental platform is built. The positions of the sensor and the light source are adjusted, and the outputs of the piezoresistive pressure sensor are observed. Through microscopic simulation, the influence of different light intensities on the piezoresistive pressure sensor is analyzed. In order to reduce the influence of strong light on the performance of piezoresistive pressure sensor, we propose to add a reflective layer on the pressure surface of the sensor. The light reflection effects of different film thicknesses are analyzed through film simulation software. At the same time, the reflection effect is verified through experiments. To explain the effect of the reflective layer on the suppression of strong light, a simulation model is established, and the suppression effect of the reflective layer is verified.
Chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis in children: a multicentre Belgian cohort of 30 children
Authors: Kaut Sara , Wyngaert Ine Van den , Christiaens Davy , Wouters Carine , Noppe Nathalie , Herregods Nele , Dehoorne Joke , De Somer Lien
Published: November 2021

BackgroundTo evaluate clinical characteristics, imaging findings, therapeutic approach and outcome of paediatric patients with Chronic Non-Bacterial Osteomyelitis (CNO). MethodsRetrospective review of 30 children diagnosed with CNO at two tertiary care centres in Belgium. Imaging data were evaluated by blinded paediatric radiologists. ResultsMean age at onset was 10.3 years and mean age at diagnosis was 11.7 years. Bone pain was the leading symptom (29/30 patients). Out of 180 symptomatic lesions, 131 were confirmed on MRI as hyperintense geographic lesions on STIR images at the metaphysis and epiphysis adjacent to growth plates of tubular bones. The most common sites of involvement were the lower limbs, spine, sternoclavicular joint and humerus. For nearly half of the patients (14/30) monotherapy with NSAIDs was sufficient to obtain remission. The remaining 16 patients received second-line therapy: bisphosphonates (n=15/30), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (n=7/30), etanercept (n=4/30) and tocilizumab (n=1/30). 26/30 Patients reached remission after a mean time of 37.6 months. The prognosis was worse for patients with spinal involvement, resulting in more long-term sequelae. ConclusionsWe present a multicentre paediatric cohort of 30 CNO patients. A typical pattern of bone involvement could be found on MRI. NSAIDs were administered as first-line treatment. Second-line strategies included bisphosphonates, corticosteroids, methotrexate, etanercept and tocilizumab. Trial registrationRetrospectively registered.
Effect of Fibrin Sealant on Knee Function Restoration Following Total Knee Replacement: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Kongye , Lu Mengqi , Pei Yunlong , Shi Pengzhi , Zhang Jin , Hou Tuanjie , Chen Xiao
Published: November 2021

Objective: The aim of present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fibrin sealant on knee function restoration following total knee replacement. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Cohrane library, and Embase were searched up to August 2021. All prospective randomized controlled trial involving fibrin sealant treatment for total knee replacement were included in this meta-analysis. Range of motion, total blood loss, blood transfusion rate, hemoglobulin reduction, hospital stay, and complication were calculated using RevMan 5.4 software.Results: Totally 23 randomized clinical trials involving 2267 patients (1136 patients for fibrin sealant group and 1131 patients for control group) were finally included. The results indicated that that the usage of fibrin sealant in total knee replacement can reduce the total blood loss [95% (-935.81, -351.70), P<0.0001], transfusion rate [95%CI (0.47, 0.90), P=0.01], hemoglobulin reduction [95%CI (-2.94, -0.74), P=0.001] and hospital stay [95%CI (-1.76, -0.42), P=0.001] without increasing the rate of complication [95%CI (-0.04, 0.02), P=0.42], but cannot increase the knee range of motion [95%CI (-1.17,9.29), P=0.13].Conclusion: The usage of fibrin sealant can effectively reduce the total blood loss, transfusion rate, hemoglobulin reduction and hospital stay without increasing the rate of complication, but cannot increase the knee range of motion