bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potent Biological investigation of new class of sulfone derivatives endowed with quinolinyl-cyclopropane analogue
Authors: Patel Janki J , Morja Mayur I. , Chauhan Prakashsingh M. , Chikhalia Kishor H.
Published: February 2021

Novel series of quinoline derivatives incorporating cyclopropyl ring and sulfone linkage as substituents were synthesized, Oxidation of ethyl-2-cyclopropyl-4-(substituted phenylthio) quinoline-3-carboxylate 10a-n was carried out to set ethyl-2-cyclopropyl-4(substituted phenyl sulfonyl) quinoline-3-carboxylate 11a-n. Sulfone derivatives were afforded by reaction of glacial acetic acid and 30% hydrogen peroxide at room temperature. An eco-friendly synthesis of sulfone derivatives were afforded by using weak acid at room temperature. The synthesized quinoline incorporating sulfone linkage derivatives were evaluated for their expected antimicrobial activity; where the majority of these compounds showed potent antibacterial and antifungal activities against the tested strains of bacteria and fungi. All the final synthesized derivatives were characterized by their melting point, mass spectra, IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectras. SAR and HOMO-LUMO studies were also carried out for proving the structural biological activity. Among them compounds 11a, 11b, 11h, 11k and 11m gave best results as their energy gap is very low which makes their activity higher.
Effects of cigarette smoking on the growth of Streptococcus mutans biofilms: an in vitro study
Authors: Han Ye
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to investigate the differences in growth and virulence (EPSs and acidogenicity) of Streptococcus mutans biofilms (S. mutans) according to the different times of cigarette smoking (CS) treatment. S. mutans biofilms (74-hour-old) were formed on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite disks. The biofilms were treated with CS at different times per day (one time, three times, and six times/day). The control group did not receive CS treatment. Acidogenicity, dry weight, colony-forming units, water-soluble/insoluble extracellular polysaccharides, and intracellular polysaccharides were analyzed and confocal laser scanning microscopy images were obtained of the 74-h-old biofilms. The 74-h-old biofilms on sHA discs in the 6 times/day CS treatment group showed the lowest biofilm accumulation and extracellular polysaccharide amount compared with the control group and other CS treatment groups. In the CLSM study, the biofilms in the six times/day CS treatment group also showed the lowest bacterial count (live and dead cells) and EPS biovolume. CS has an obvious inhibition on the growth of S. mutans biofilms, the degree of inhibition is proportional to the number of CS treatments.
Structural Stability and Behavioral Characteristics of the Fortress Wall from the 6th Century Baekje Kingdom in Ancient Korea
Authors: Park Jun Hyoung , Park Seok Tae , Lee Chan Hee
Published: February 2021

The Gongsanseong Fortress in Gongju, Republic of Korea, is one of the most essential remains for historical research of Baekje Kingdom, and reinforces on the fortress wall has continuously been implemented since the 6th century to present. Through visual inspections of the fortress ramparts, sections in which structural deformations have occurred, and then they were classified by morphological characteristics based on lithofacies that compose the ramparts, shape of each rock, and construction method. Also, automatic sensors that can measure behavior changes of the ramparts, and the surrounding environment were installed to monitor microscale movements of the ramparts and changes in the surrounding microclimate. As a result, damages were shown intensively on the ramparts that retain specific morphological characteristics, and it has been discovered that, even for the ramparts located in an identical environment, morphological characteristics affect damages and structural deformations of the ramparts because of behavior changes for minutes. Such changes in behavior can be classified based on reversibility and predictability, and different management schemes must be applied based on behavior change patterns. If we continuously operate and develop this monitoring system, it is expected to be meaningfully utilized in efficient maintenance of the cultural heritage of the ramparts.
Human CCR6+ Memory T-helpers Cells form a Heterogenous Population Including Th17/Th22 and Th17.1 Cells, which Differ in Transcription Factor and Cytokine Expression but all Activate Synovial Fibroblast in an IFNγ-independent Manner
Authors: Dankers Wendy , Braanker Hannah den , Paulissen Sandra M.J. , Hamburg Jan Piet van , Davelaar Nadine , Colin Edgar M , Lubberts Erik
Published: February 2021

BackgroundChronic synovial inflammation is an important hallmark of inflammatory arthritis, but the cells and mechanisms involved are incompletely understood. Previously, we have shown that CCR6+ memory T-helper (memTh) cells and synovial fibroblasts (SF) activate each other in a pro-inflammatory feedforward loop, which potentially drives persistent synovial inflammation in inflammatory arthritis. However, the CCR6+ memTh cells are a heterogeneous population, containing Th17/Th22 and Th17.1 cells. Currently it is unclear which of these subpopulations drive SF activation and how they should be targeted. In this study, we examined the individual contribution of these CCR6+ memTh subpopulations to SF activation and examined ways to regulate their function.MethodsTh17/Th22 (CXCR3-CCR4+), Th17.1 (CXCR3+CCR4-), DP (CXCR3+CCR4+) and DN (CXCR3-CCR4-) CCR6+ memTh, cells sorted from PBMC of healthy donors or treatment-naïve early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, were cocultured with SF from RA patients with or without anti-IL17A, anti-IFNγ or 1,25(OH)2D3. Cultures were analyzed by RT-PCR, ELISA or flow cytometry.ResultsTh17/Th22, Th17.1, DP and DN cells equally express RORC, but differ in production of T-bet and cytokines like IL-17A and IFNγ. Despite these differences, all the individual CCR6+ memTh subpopulations, both from healthy individuals and RA patients, were more potent in activating SF than the classical Th1 cells. SF activation was partially inhibited by blocking IL-17A, but not by inhibiting IFNγ or T-bet. However, active vitamin D inhibited the pathogenicity of all subpopulations leading to suppression of SF activation.ConclusionsHuman CCR6+ memTh cells contain several subpopulations that equally express RORC but differ in T-bet, IFNγ and IL-17A expression. All individual Th17 subpopulations are more potent in activating SF than classical Th1 cells in an IFNγ-independent manner. Furthermore, our data suggest that IL-17A is not dominant in this T cell-SF activation loop but that a multiple T cell cytokine inhibitor, such as 1,25(OH)2D3, is able to suppress CCR6+ memTh subpopulation-driven SF activation.
Graphene Oxide (GO)-based Nanosheets With Combined Chemo/photothermal/Photodynamic Therapy to Overcome Gastric Cancer (GC) Paclitaxel Resistance by Reducing Mitochondria-Derived Adenosine-Triphosphate (ATP)
Authors: Guo Weihong , Chen Zhian , Feng Xiaoli , Shen Guodong , Huang Huilin , Liang Yanrui , Zhao Bingxia , Li Guoxin , Hu Yanfeng
Published: February 2021

BackgroundPaclitaxel (PTX) has been suggested to be a promising front-line drug for gastric cancer (GC), while P-glycoprotein (P-gp) could lead to drug resistance by pumping PTX out of GC cells. Consequently, it might be a hopeful way to combat drug resistance by inhibiting the out-pumping function of P-gp. ResultsIn this study, we developed a drug delivery system incorporating PTX onto polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified and oxidized sodium alginate (OSA) -functionalized graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets (NSs), called PTX@GO-PEG-OSA. Owing to pH/thermal-sensitive drug release properties, PTX@GO-PEG-OSA could induced more obvious antitumor effects on GC, compared to free PTX. With near infrared (NIR)-irradiation, PTX@GO-PEG-OSA could generate excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), attack mitochondrial respiratory chain complex enzyme, reduce adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) supplement for P-gp, and effectively inhibit P-gp’s efflux pump function. Since that, PTX@GO-PEG-OSA achieved better therapeutic effect on PTX-resistant GC without evident toxicity (Scheme 1). Conclusions﻿In conclusion, PTX@GO-PEG-OSA could serve as a desirable strategy to reverse PTX’s resistance, combined with chemo/photothermal/photodynamic therapy.
Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacter cloacae Complex in a Tertiary Hospital in Northeast China, 2010-2019
Authors: Chen Jingjing , Tian Sufei , Nian Hua , Wang Ruixuan , Li Fushun , Jiang Ning , Guan Yifu , Chu Yunzhuo , Shang Hong
Published: February 2021

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacter cloacae complex (CREC) is a new emerging threat to global public health. The objective of the study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and molecular epidemiology of CREC infections in the medical center of northeast China.Methods: Twenty-nine patients were infected/colonized with CREC during a ten-year period (2010-2019) by WHONET analysis. Antibiotic susceptibilities were tested with VITEK 2 and micro broth dilution method (for polymyxin B and tigecycline). Carbapenemase encoding genes, β-lactamase genes, and seven housekeeping genes for MLST genes were amplified and sequenced for 18 cryopreserved CREC isolates. Maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was built with the concentrated sequences to show the relatedness between the 18 isolates.Results: There was a rapid increase in CREC detection rate during the ten-year period, reaching 8.11% in 2018 and 6.48% in 2019. The resistance rate of CREC isolates to imipenem and meropenem were 100.0% and 72.2%, however, they showed high sensitivity to tigecycline, polymyxin B and amikacin. The 30-day crude mortality of CREC infection/colonization was 13.8%, indicating that it may be a low-virulence bacterium. Furthermore, molecular epidemiology revealed that ST93 was the predominant sequence type followed by ST171 and ST145, with NDM-1 and NDM-5 as the main carbapenemase-encoding genes. E. hormaechei subsp. steigerwaltii and E. hormaechei subsp. oharae were the main species, which showed different resistance patterns.Conclusions: Rising detection rate of CREC was observed in a tertiary hospital, which showed heterogeneity in drug resistance patterns, resistance genes, and MLST types. Effective infection prevention and control measures should be taken to reduce the spread of CREC.
Use patterns of cigarettes and alternative tobacco products and socioeconomic correlates in Hong Kong adolescents
Authors: Wang Lijun , Chen Jianjiu , Leung Lok Tung , Ho Sai Yin , Lam Tai Hing , Wang Man Ping
Published: February 2021

Smoking is a major cause of health inequities. However, sociodemographic differences in adolescent tobacco use are unclear, especially for new tobacco products. We investigated tobacco use patterns and sociodemographic correlates in Hong Kong adolescents. In a territory-wide school-based survey, 33 991 students (US grade 7–12) completed an anonymous questionnaire. Tobacco use prevalences and current-ever use ratios by sociodemographic factors were calculated. Generalised linear mixed models were used in association analyses. Current use was highest for cigarettes (3.19%), closely followed by alternative tobacco products (2.96%). Current-ever use ratios were highest for heated tobacco products (HTPs, 0.60), followed by nicotine-containing e-cigarettes (0.52), waterpipe (0.51) and cigarettes (0.35). Student use prevalences and current-ever use ratios of all products showed J-shaped relations with family affluence, being highest in the richest families. Tobacco use was also associated with higher grades, the lowest parental education and boys, but current-ever use ratios of HTP and waterpipe were higher in girls. The results suggested that adolescent ever users of nicotine-containing alternative products were more likely to keep using them than cigarettes, and the richest adolescents were at the highest risks of tobacco use. Diverse tobacco control measures are needed to improve health equity, especially on alternative products.
Lysinibacillus Agricola sp. nov.Isolated from Soil
Authors: Lu Jia-Rui , Liu Guohong
Published: February 2021

A Gram-staining-positive, rod-shaped cells, designed strain FJAT-51161T, was isolated from farmland soil collected from Fujian Province, China. Growth was observed at 25 - 40 °C (optimum 30 °C), pH 7.0-9.0 (optimum 7.0), and NaCl tolerance in the range of 0-7 % (w/v), respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the strain FJAT-51161T belonged to the genus Lysinibacillus, and had the closest relationship with Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus XDB9T (with 99.0 % 16S rRNA sequence similarity). The digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) and average nucleotide identity (ANI) values based on the genome sequence analysis between strain FJAT-51161T and the closest reference strain were 38.0 % for dDDH and 88.7 % for ANI, respectively, lower than the prokaryotic species defined values. Further analysis showed that strain FJAT-51161T shared the fatty acid profiles such as iso-C15:0 (46.7%), iso-C16:0 (15.8%), C16:1 ω7c alcohol (14.0%), anteiso-C15:0 (6.9%) with other members of the genus Lysinibacillus. The peptidoglycan was L-Lys–D-Asp (type A4α). The main quinone was MK-7 and MK-6. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). The DNA G+C content is 36.6 mol%. Based on the phenotypic characters and taxono-genomics study, strain FJAT-51161T is considered to represent a novel Lysinibacillus species, for which the name Lysinibacillus agricola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is FJAT-51161T (= GDMCC1.2350T = KCTC XXXXXXT).
Application of Ultrasound in Diagnosis of Prosthesis Loosening and Infection After Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Wei Weili , Huang Xiaohua , Huang Liyan , Xie Lijun , Li Wenbo , Gong Yiran , Chen Shuqiang
Published: February 2021

Objective: To explore the diagnostic efficiency of ultrasound for the identification of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and aspetic loosening.Methods: 50 patients with joint pain after total hip arthroplasty, who were all clinically diagnosed as aseptic prosthesis loosening or PJI, were examined by ultrasonography combined with C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, bacterial culture and pathology.Results: Thirty-eight of the 50 cases were PJI (group A) , and twelve cases were aseptic loosening (group B) . Fourteen patients with extra-capsular effusion were diagnosed as PJI, while none appeared extra-capsular effusion effusion in group B. 34 cases PJI obtained joint fluid, which was more than group B (7/11) (P < 0.05). The average depth of joint effusion of group B (19.83 ± 8.9mm), was significantly less than group A (25.97±15.25mm) (P < 0.05). In group A , 21 cases (55.26%) had grade 2-3 synovial blood flow signal,which was higher than group B (8.3%) (P < 0.05). Under the circumstance that PJI was diagnosed: (1) There was a sinus tract or extra-capsular effusion; or (2) Joint fluid depth was ≥ 17.0 mm; or (3) Grade 2-3 synovial blood flow signal was detected,the positive predictive value of ultrasound diagnosis of PJI was 92.1% (35/38)，and the accuracy of aseptic loosening was 83.3% (10/12) (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Ultrasound has significant value in the differential diagnosis of PJI and aspetic loosening.
Spatial variation of life-history traits in the freshwater snail Bulinus truncatus, the intermediate host of human and cattle schistosomiasis, in relation to field application of niclosamide in northern and central Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Konan Cyrille K. , Tian-Bi Yves-Nathan T. , Diakité Nana R. , Ouattara Mamadou , Coulibaly Jean T. , Salia Diabaté , Koné Amani , Kakou Adolphe Kpla , Assaré Ruffin K. , Ehouman Mocket A. , Glitho Sonya C. , N'Goran Eliézer K.
Published: February 2021

Background: Control of intermediate host snails using molluscicides for the control and/or elimination of schistosomiasis is strategy in the line with WHO recommendations. Niclosamide is the main chemical molluscicide recognized by WHO. However, the extent of the application of molluscicide outside the immediate killing of the snail such as the impact on the evolution of life-history traits; in relation to recolonization of treated sites is less or not known. This study aimed to characterize the spatial variation of life-history traits in Bulinus truncatus populations in north and central Côte d’Ivoire, in relation to niclosamide spraying in the field.From 2016 to 2018, we conducted a trial to control the intermediate host snails for interrupting seasonal transmission urinary schistosomiasis in northern and central Côte d’Ivoire, using niclosamide. The molluscicide was sprayed three times per year in habitats harboring the freshwater snail B. truncatus. Snails were collected before niclosamide application and 2-3 months after the sites were treated, and also from some untreated sites. Families from six natural populations of snails were monitored for several life-history traits, including growth, fecundity and survival, under laboratory conditions, over one generation (G1).Results: Survival rate varied among populations with the highest rates observed in northern populations. No significant difference was detected between populations before and after treatment, for this trait. Numbers of eggs and eggs per capsule at first reproduction, fecundity and growth were significantly lower in treated than untreated groups. Similar finding was observed for populations of before and after treatment. Egg production also varied across populations with the highest values found in northern populations. Within treated group, a significant difference for survival rate was detected between northern and central populations. Almost all parameters of reproduction and growth varied significantly, except for the number of egg capsules.Conclusions: Our study shows a spatial variation of life-history traits in B. truncatus snails. Lower values of these traits were observed in populations from recolonized sites after treatment with niclosamide. This trend was much more perceptible in populations from central Côte d’Ivoire. Investigations should be carried out over several generations of snails in order to clarify the impact of niclosamide on their life-history traits.
Investigating the Influence of Non-linear Effects in the Bidirectional Fiber System
Authors: Chella Kavitha , Manimegalai C T , Krishnan Kalimuthu , Gauni Sabitha
Published: February 2021

To investigate the influence of non-linearity in the bidirectional optical link which enables simultaneous uplink and downlink transmission of 16-QAM data signal. We analyze non-linear effects like self-phase modulation (SPM) and stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS). The performance limitation due to the non-linear effects in the system is analyzed. The analysis shows that the SBS threshold for launch power is 16 dBm for unmodulated carrier signal and 6 dBm for modulated signal. At 6 dBm launch power, the system has an average Q of 44.
Investigating and modelling risk factors for primary postpartum haemorrhage among childbearing Women in the Northern Province of Rwanda: A Case Control Study
Authors: Bazirete Oliva , Nzayirambaho Manassé , Umubyeyi Aline , Karangwa Innocent , Evans Marilyn
Published: February 2021

Background: The vast majority of maternal deaths occur in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) remains a major global burden contributing to high maternal mortality and morbidity rates. Assessment of PPH risk factors should be undertaken during antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum periods for timely prevention of maternal morbidity and mortality associated with PPH. The aim of this study is to investigate and model risk factors for primary PPH in Rwanda. Methods: We conducted an observational case-control study of 430 (108 cases: 322 controls) pregnant women with gestational age of 32 weeks and above who gave birth in five selected health facilities of Rwanda between January and June 2020. Poisson regression, a generalized linear model with a log link and a Poisson distribution was used to estimate the risk ratio of factors associated with PPH. The research protocol was approved by the University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences Institutional Ethics Review Board. Results: The overall prevalence of primary PPH was 25.2%. The following risk factors were identified: antepartum haemorrhage (RR=3.36; 95% CI 1.80- 6.26, P<0.001); intrauterine fetal death (RR=1.93; 95% CI 0.93- 4.03, P<0.077); multiple pregnancy (RR=1.83; 95% CI 1.11- 3.01, P=0.016); haemoglobin level <11 gr/dL (RR=1.51; 95% CI 1.00- 2.30, P=0.050), and premature rupture of membranes (RR=0.58; 95% CI 0.32- 1.05, P<0.077). During the intrapartum and immediate postpartum period, the main causes of primary PPH were: uterine atony (RR=6.70; 95% CI 4.78- 9.38, P<0.001), retained tissues (RR= 4.32; 95% CI 2.87- 6.51, P<0.001); and lacerations of genital organs after birth (RR= 2.14; 95% CI 1.49- 3.09, P<0.001). Coagulopathy was not prevalent in primary PPH. Conclusion: Based on our findings, uterine atony remain the foremost cause of primary PPH. As well as other established risk factors for PPH, antepartum haemorrhage and intra uterine fetal death should be included as risk factors in the development and validation of prediction models for PPH. Large scale studies are needed to investigate further potential PPH risk factors.
Analysis of bimetal pipe bends with a bend of 0.7D with a cladding layer of Inconel 625
Authors: Slany Martin , Sedlak Josef , Zouhar Jan , Zemcik Oskar , Kouřil Karel , Polzer Aleš , Pokorny Zdenek , Joska Zdenek , Dobrocky David , Studeny Zbynek
Published: February 2021

Bimetal pipes are highly stressed composite components that must resist corrosion in a chemically aggressive environment. The production of pipe bends with a supercritical bend of 0.7D, which form the part of serpentine systems, is very complex and technologically demanding, because very often undesired cracks occur. To increase the service life of these serpentine systems, the use of a 16Mo3 base steel pipe with a cladding layer of Inconel 625 material was proposed for their production in order to significantly increase their corrosion resistance. For this reason, an extensive analysis of the production of pipe bends with a supercritical bend of 0.7D from bimetal pipes with Inconel 625 cladding was performed, which addressed not only the bend but also the mechanical properties of the pipe with Inconel 625 cladding. It was found out that the production of the pipe bend with a bend of 0.7D of a bimetal pipe is feasible completely without defects with perfectly satisfactory mechanical properties.
Accurate Determination of Junction Temperature in a GaN-Based Blue Light-Emitting Diode using Nonlinear Voltage-Temperature Relation
Authors: Onwukaeme Chibuzo , Choi Won-Jin , Ryu Han-Youl
Published: February 2021

We investigate the junction temperature measurements for GaN-based blue light emitting diodes (LEDs) using nonlinear dependence of the forward voltage ( V f ) on temperature. Unlike the conventional linear model of the dependence of V f on temperature, the modeling of the temperature dependent V f with a quadratic function showed good agreements with measured data in the temperature range between 20 and 100 o C. Using the proposed quadratic model, the junction temperature and thermal resistance of the measured LED could be accurately determined as the ambient temperature varied. It was observed that the junction temperature increment remained almost unchanged as the ambient temperature increased from 20 to 80 o C, which could be attributed to the interplay between the decrease in series resistance and the increase in non-radiative recombination with increasing temperature. The presented method for accurate determination of the junction temperature is expected to be advantageously employed for the thermal management of high-power LEDs.
LncRNA HOXA-AS2 promotes tumor progression via suppressing miR- 567 expression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Rui , Wang Xi , Zhou Shixian , Zeng Zongyue
Published: February 2021

Growing evidence shows that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), such as lncRNA HOXA-AS2, have emerged as critical regulators in human cancer. However, the biological function and detail regulating mechanisms that how lncRNA HOXA-AS2 played in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unexplored. In this study, high expression of lncRNA HOXA-AS2 was determined in OSCC cell lines and clinical tissues, which positively correlated with advanced TNM stage and poor survival of OSCC patients. In mechanism, we found that lncRNA HOXA-AS2 negatively regulated miR-567 expression by direct interaction. Additionally, we also found that the expression of miR-567 inversely decreased in OSCC tissues along with the up-regulation of lncRNA HOXA-AS2. Functionally, overexpression of lncRNA HOXA-AS2 significantly promoted OSCC cell proliferation, while knockdown of lncRNA HOXA-AS2 significantly inhibited it. Additionally, we determined that miR-567 targeted to CDK8 directly at the 3’ UTR. In conclusion, lncRNA HOXA-AS2 was up-rugulated in OSCC, correlated with poor clinical outcomes, and promoted OSCC cell proliferation via sponging miR-567 to promote CDK8 expression. Therefore, the potential prognostic value of lncRNA HOXA-AS2 could be explored further.
Title: Modeling Study: Characterizing the Spatial Heterogeneity of the COVID-19 Pandemic through Shape Analysis of Epidemic Curves
Authors: Srivast Anuj , Chowell Gerardo
Published: February 2021

Background: The COVID-19 incidence rates across different geographical regions (e.g., counties in a state, states in a nation, countries in a continent) follow different shapes and patterns. The overall summaries at coarser spatial scales, that are obtained by simply averaging individual curves (across regions), hide nuanced variability and blur the spatial heterogeneity at finer spatial scales. For instance, a decreasing incidence rate curve in one region is obscured by an increasing rate curve for another region, when the analysis relies on coarse averages of locally heterogeneous transmission dynamics. Objective: To highlight regional differences in COVID-19 incidence rates and to discover prominent patterns in shapes of incidence rate curves in multiple regions (USA and Europe). Methods: We employ statistical methods to analyze shapes of local COVID-19 incidence rate curves and statistically group them into distinct clusters, according to their shapes. Using this information, we derive the so-called shape averages of curves within these clusters, which represent the dominant incidence patterns of these clusters. We apply this methodology to the analysis of the daily incidence trajectory of the COVID-pandemic for two geographic areas: A state-level analysis within the USA and a country-level analysis within Europe during late-February to October 1 st , 2020. Results: Our analyses reveal that pandemic curves often differ substantially across regions. However, there are only a handful of shapes that dominate transmission dynamics for all states in the USA and countries in Europe. This approach yields a broad classification of spatial areas into different characteristic epidemic trajectories. In particular, spatial areas within the same cluster have followed similar transmission and control dynamics.Conclusion: The shape-based analysis of pandemic curves presented here helps divide country or continental data into multiple regional clusters, each cluster containing areas with similar trend patterns. This clustering helps highlight differences in pandemic curves across regions and provides summaries that better reflect dynamical patterns within the clusters. This approach adds to the methodological toolkit for public health practitioners to facilitate decision making at different spatial scales.
Rheological and Antimicrobial Properties of Silica and silver Nanoparticles-reinforced K-carrageenan/hydroxyethyl Cellulose Composites for Food Packaging Applications
Authors: Rukmanikrishnan Balasubramanian , Ramalingam Srinivasan , Kim Sam Soo , Lee Jaewoong
Published: February 2021

Sustainable food packaging films were developed using a combination of k-Carrageenan (C), hydroxyl ethyl cellulose (H), silicon dioxide (SiO2), and silver (Ag) nanoparticles. The CH-SiO2/Ag nanocomposites showed promising results, mainly due to their transparency, flexibility, low cost, and environmental friendliness. The structure and uniform morphology of the CH-SiO2/Ag nanocomposites were determined by FT-IR, XRD, and SEM analysis. Barrier properties (water vapor permeability-WVP), thermal properties (T5% loss, char yield), and mechanical properties determined for the CH and CH-SiO2/Ag nanocomposites, which improved by 3.3–1.9 ×10− 9gm/m2 Pas (WVP), 59.1-115.7 oC (T5%), 13.4–29.3 % (char yield), 23.8–41.5 MPa(tensile strength), and 22.3–28.9 (EB), respectively. The contact angles of the CH-SiO2/Ag nanocomposites were in the range of 60.1–76.4. The UV transmittance of the CH composites decreased with the addition of SiO2 and Ag nanoparticles. However, the transparency of the composites was not affected, and it inhibited UVA and UVB rays by the addition of Ag nanoparticles. The viscosity of the CH composites increased with the SiO2 content and decreased with the shear rate. All the composites exhibited shear-thinning behavior. The storage modulus of the prepared composites is higher than the loss modulus in the entire frequency region. Overall, SiO2 and Ag nanoparticles improved the hydrophilic nature of the CH-SiO2/Ag films and showed significant activity against six common food pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi, and Cronobacter sakazakii. The synergistic combination of CH-SiO2/Ag nanocomposite has potential for packaging and other biomedical applications.
Complete Spatial Characterisation of N-glycosylation upon Striatal Neuroinflammation in the Rodent Brain
Authors: Rebelo Ana Lúcia , Gubinelli Francesco , Roost Pauline , Jan Caroline , Brouillet Emmanuel , Camp Nadja Van , Drake Richard R. , Saldova Radka , Pandit Abhay
Published: February 2021

Background: Neuroinflammation is an underlying pathology of all neurological conditions, the understanding of which is still being comprehended. A specific molecular pathway that has been overlooked in neuroinflammation is glycosylation (i.e. post-translational addition of glycans to the protein structure). N- glycosylation is a specific type of glycosylation with a cardinal role in the central nervous system (CNS), which is highlighted by congenital glycosylation diseases that result in neuropathological symptoms such as epilepsy and mental retardation. Changes in N- glycosylation can ultimately affect glycoproteins' functions, which will have an impact on cell machinery. Therefore characterisation of N- glycosylation alterations in a neuroinflammatory scenario can provide a potential target for future therapies.
Methods: With that aim, the unilateral intrastriatal injection of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the adult rat brain was used as a model of neuroinflammation. In vivo and post-mortem, quantitative and spatial characterisation of both neuroinflammation and N- glycome was performed at one-week post-injection of LPS. These aspects were investigated through a multifaceted approach based on positron emission tomography (PET), quantitative histology, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), liquid chromatography and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI).
Results: In the brain region showing LPS-induced neuroinflammation, a significant decrease in the abundance of sialylated and core fucosylated structures was seen (approximately 7.5% and 8.5%, respectively), whereas oligomannose N- glycans were significantly increased (13.5%). This was confirmed by MALDI-MSI, which provided a high-resolution spatial distribution of N- glycans allowing precise comparison between normal and diseased brain hemispheres.
Conclusions: Together, our data show for the first time the complete profiling of N- glycomic changes in a well-characterised animal model of neuroinflammation. These data represent a pioneering step to identify critical targets that may modulate neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases.
Evaluation of patients admitted with musculoskeletal tuberculosis: sixteen years’ experience from single center in Turkey
Authors: Ozdemir Mikail , Ozdemir Hanife Gulnihal
Published: February 2021

Background

The aim of our study was to elaborate musculoskeletal system TB (tuberculosis) as a single-center experience.
Methods

This is a retrospective observational study conducted at a TB Dispensary in the east Mediterranean part of Turkey between 2004 and 2020. The clinical and demographic characteristics including age, gender, involvement location and duration of illness, presenting complaint, local examination findings, treatment outcome were retrieved and analyzed from the case files. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Statistics version 17.0 (IBM). The normality of data analysed by using Kolmogorov-Smirnov. The descriptive statistics were reported as mean ± standard deviation, medians, and ranges (min-max).
Results

Overall, 31 patients (3.2%) (14 males, 17 females) with a mean age of 44.2 ± 16.7 years had musculoskeletal tuberculosis. The mean duration of disease was 12.9 ± 5.5 months. Of the 31 patients, six (19.4%) had concomitant pulmonary TB. One of the patients (3.2%) was in paediatrics age group, and two of them (6.4%) were in geriatric group. The most affected area was the vertebra. The most common complaint of the patients was back pain and seen in 22 patients (70.9%).
Conclusions

The physicians should be suspicious about the diagnosis of musculoskeletal TB infection. If the diagnosis and treatment is delayed, spinal damage and other consequences might be incurable.
COVID-19 Outcomes in Patients Undergoing B Cell Depletion Therapy and Those With Humoral Immunodeficiency States: A Scoping Review
Authors: Jones Jessica M , Faruqi Aiman J , Sullivan James K , Calabrese Cassandra , Calabrese Leonard H
Published: February 2021

The role of humoral immunity has been well established in reducing infection risk and facilitating viral clearance in patients with COVID-19. However, the relationship between specific antibody responses and severity of COVID-19 is less well understood. To address this question and identify gaps in knowledge, we utilized the methodology of a scoping review to interrogate risk of infection and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with iatrogenic and inborn humoral immunodeficiency states based on existing literature. Among patients with iatrogenic B cell depletion, particularly with agents targeting CD20, our analysis found increased risk of severe COVID-19 and death across a range of underlying disease states. Among patients with humoral inborn errors of immunity with COVID-19, our synthesis found that patients with dysregulated humoral immunity, predominantly common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), may be more susceptible to severe COVID-19 than patients with humoral immunodeficiency states due to X-linked agammaglobulinemia and other miscellaneous form of humoral immunodeficiency. There were insufficient data to appraise the risk of COVID-19 infection in both populations of patients. Our work identifies potentially significant predictors of COVID-19 severity in patients with humoral immunodeficiency states and highlights the need for larger studies to identify clinical and biologic confounders of disease severity.
Combined Use of Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopes for Assessment of Soil Organic Matter Sources and Decomposition in a Typical Karst Area of Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau, Southwestern China
Authors: Beckford Howard Omar , SONG Changshun , CHANG Cheng , JI Hongbing
Published: February 2021

Soil organic matter (SOM) has substantial influence on geochemical cycle, soil stability and global climate change, however total organic carbon sequestration mechanisms in karst soil remain poorly understood. For this study we assess, total organic content (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), C/N ratio and isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in four soil profiles over critical karst area to investigate organic matter source, mechanisms that influence fractionation and factors affecting SOM in Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau, Southwestern China. The results revealed that SOM comprised of mixed sources derived from both exogenous and endogenous materials. The soil profiles indicate intense vertical variation in δ13C and δ15N with an increase in both isotopes in the upper layers, deceased in δ13C below 20 cm and irregular fluctuation in δ15N with depth. Mechanisms such as mineralization and selective preservation influence isotopic fractionation in the upper soil surface, while translocation, nitrification and denitrification dominated the subsoil layers. Variation in TOC, TN and stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes were influence by vegetation cover, topography, soil water and external contribution. Moreover, the decrease in TOC and TN with depth were due to downward translocation of dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen caused by monsoon climate. Our results revealed that combination of TOC, TN, C/N, δ13C and δ15N can be used as proxy to decipher SOM source, external influence and stability of karst soils. Furthermore, the intense change in δ13C and δ15N throughout the soil profiles suggest that this karst soil is unstable which have implications for land management and carbon sequestration.
A Cyclic Nano-reactor Achieving Enhanced Photodynamic Tumor Therapy by Reversing Multiple Resistances
Authors: Liu Peng , Zhou Yanbin , Shi Xinyi , Yuan Yu , Peng Ying , Luo Qiange , Ding Jinsong , Li Yong , Zhou Wenhu
Published: February 2021

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinically implemented modality to combat malignant tumor, while its efficacy is largely limited by several resistance factors from tumor microenvironment (TME), such as hypoxia, anti-oxidant systems, and ATP-dependent tumor adaptive resistances. Considering the complexity of tumor, simultaneously remodeling multiple TME is preferred to revitalize the PDT for enhanced cancer treatment. Results: Here, a targeting nano-reactor was facilely constructed to reverse the multiple resistances of PDT by incorporating glucose oxidase (GOx) and chlorin e6 (Ce6) into poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/ metal-organic framework (MOF) core-shell nanoassembly, with surface deposition of hyaluronic acid (HA) stabilized MnO2. The nano-reactor could selectively target tumor cells by virtue of surface HA modification, and once internalization, a few reactions were initiated to modulate TME. Glucose was consumed by GOx to inhibit ATP generation, and the produced H2O2 was catalyzed by MnO2 to generate O2 for tumor hypoxia alleviation and photodynamic sensitization, and glutathione (GSH) was also effectively depleted by MnO2 to suppress the tumor antioxidant defense. Consequently, the nano-reactor achieved robust PDT with amplified tumor therapy via intravenous injection.Conclusions: This nano-reactor offers a multifunctional nanoplatform to sensitize TME-limited tumor treatment means via reversing multiple resistances.
The Association Between Health-related Quality of Life and Physical Activity in Postmenopausal Korean Women: Findings From the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Park Juran , Kim Ho Jun , Min Kyungha , EUM YOON HEE , Lee Sung-Ha , Hwang Hee-Jin , Kim Jong Seung , Oh Bumjo
Published: February 2021

Background: Physical activity (PA) in postmenopausal women provides some relief of menopausal symptoms and improves health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study used a cross-sectional database to investigate the association between PA level and HRQoL in postmenopausal Korean women.Methods: This study investigated 8,122 postmenopausal women who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VI to VII (2014–2018). Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and Euro quality of life-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire were used to collect data about the participants’ PA level and HRQoL. The adjusted Odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for each dimensional problem of EQ-5D were derived using multi-variable logistic regression. Mean EQ-5D index scores were compared according to PA level groups.Results: The aORs of each dimension of HRQoL of low PA group versus moderate PA group were 0.67 (95% CI 0.57–0.78) for mobility, 0.71 (95% CI 0.55–0.92) for self-care, 0.64 (95% CI 0.53–0.78) for daily activities, and 0.75 (95% CI 0.66–0.86) for pain/discomfort. Mean EQ–5D scores of the moderate PA (0.927 ± 0.120 vs. 0.884 ± 0.163, P < 0.001) and high PA (0.913 ± 0.144 vs. 0.884 ± 0.163, P = 0.023) groups were significantly higher than that of the low PA group.Conclusions: PA level was found to be associated with better HRQoL among postmenopausal Korean women. This was especially significant in participants who were participating with a moderate level of PA. Additional studies are needed to analyze the persistence and long-term effects of PA on HRQoL.
Radiotherapy for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Concomitant With Hypoproteinemia: a Case Report
Authors: Jia Zhongfei , Wang Wenxi , Yang Jie , Song Meng , Wang Yuxiang
Published: February 2021

Background: Malignant tumors frequently combined with hyperfibrinogenemia, rarely with hypofibrinogenemia.Case presentation: This study reports a 60-year-old male patient of mid-thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) with hypofibrinogenemia who presented at our hospital because of a swallowing disorder and dull pain in the upper abdomen. An initial test indicated his plasma fibrinogen (FIB) level was 0.88 g/L (reference range: 2.38–4.98 g/L). After multiple infusions of fresh plasma and supplements of FIB and cryoprecipitate, he maintained a FIB level above 1.0 g/L. We administered radical radiotherapy (RT) for the ESCC, and his FIB level gradually normalized during the RT period. The symptoms from ESCC gradually resolved, and we classified the patient as having stable disease at the end of the RT period. After 10 months follow-up, the patient have achieved partial response (PR). At that time, the patient had no increased tendency for bleeding and his FIB level was 0.97 g/L. At the last follow-up, the patient has survival about 18 months. Conclusions: it was considered the hypofibrinogenemia in this ESCC patient to be a consequence of paraneoplastic syndrome.
Combining WV-2 Images and Tree Physiological Factors to Detect Damage Stages of Populus gansuensis by Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) at the Tree Level
Authors: zhou quan , Zhang Xudong , Yu Linfeng , Ren Lili , Luo Youqing
Published: February 2021

Background

Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky), commonly known as Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), is a wood-boring insect that can cause lethal infestation to multiple borer leaf trees. In Gansu Province, northwest China, ALB has caused a large number of deaths of a local tree species Populus gansuensis. The damaged area belongs to Gobi desert where every single tree is artificially planted and is extremely difficult to cultivate. Therefore, the monitoring of the ALB infestation at the individual tree level in the landscape is necessary. Moreover, the determination of an abnormal phenotype that can be obtained directly from remote-sensing images to predict the damage degree can greatly reduce the cost of field investigation and management.
Methods

Multispectral WorldView-2 (WV-2) images and 5 tree physiological factors were collected as experimental materials. One-way ANOVA of the tree’s physiological factors helped in determining the phenotype to predict damage degrees. The original bands of WV-2 and derived vegetation indices were used as reference data to construct the dataset of a prediction model. Variance inflation factor and stepwise regression analyses were used to eliminate collinearity and redundancy. Finally, three machine learning algorithms—Random Forest(RF), Support Vector Machine༈SVM༉, Classification And Regression Tree༈CART༉—were applied and compared to find the best classifier for predicting the damage stage of individual P. gansuensis.
Results

The confusion matrix of RF achieved the highest overall classification accuracy (86.2%) and the highest Kappa index value (0.804), indicating the potential of using WV-2 imaging to accurately detect damage stages of individual trees. In addition, the canopy color was found to be positively correlated with P. gansuensis’ damage stages.
Conclusions

A novel method was developed by combining WV-2 and tree physiological index for semi-automatic classification of three damage stages of P. gansuensis infested with ALB. The canopy color was determined as an abnormal phenotype that could be directly assessed using remote-sensing images at the tree level to predict the damage degree. These tools are highly applicable for driving quick and effective measures to reduce damage to pure poplar forests in Gansu Province, China.
Study of 3-(4’-Nitrobenzamido)coumarin using an Alzheimer’s Disease Model
Authors: Rodríguez-Enríquez Fernanda , Viña Dolores , Uriarte Eugenio , Fontenla José Ángel , Matos Maria João
Published: February 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Mechanical and rheological properties of partial replacement of carbon black by treated ultrafine calcium carbonate in natural rubber compounds
Authors: Maria Vitor Peixoto Klienchen de , Paiva Fábio , Cabrera Flávio Camargo , Hiranobe Carlos Toshiyuki , Ribeiro Gabriel Deltrejo , Paim Leonardo Lataro , Job Aldo Eloizo , Santos Renivaldo José dos
Published: February 2021

The present research aimed to develop natural rubber (NR) hybrid composites reinforced with treated ultrafine calcium carbonate/carbon black (CC/CB). The influence of CC/CB with various filler ratios (50/0, 40/10, 30/20, 20/30, 10/40 and 0/50) on mechanical properties and cure characteristics of the vulcanizates was investigated and their reinforcing efficiency was compared aiming to achieve the best ratio for CB partial substitution as compared to composites with CC and CB incorporated separately. The CC30/CB20 composites reached around to 17 MPa similar strength at break response compared to CC0/CB50 (16.83 MPa). Elongation at break increased 48% in relation to CC0/CB50. Hardness maintain similar values compare to high concentration of CB composites. Crosslink density results revealed similar chain number in rubber matrix representing better interaction between CC/CB. Scanning electron microscopy studies also reveal a good filler dispersion between filler particles and matrix. The results shown that the new material can be an alternative filler for partial substitution of CB conserving mechanical properties.