bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local Sociostructural Predictors of COVID-19 Incidence in Germany
Authors: Qamar Alisha I. , Gronwald Leonie , Timmesfeld Nina , Diebner Hans H.
Published: May 2022

Socioeconomic conditions and social attitudes are known to represent epidemiological determinants. Credible knowledge on socioeconomic driving factors of the COVID-19 epidemic is still incomplete. Based on a linear random effects regression, a predictive model is derived to estimate COVID-19 incidence in German rural districts from local socioeconomic factors and popularity of political parties in terms of their share of vote. Thereby, time series provided by Germany's public health institute (Robert Koch Institute) of weekly notified 7-day incidences per 100,000 inhabitants per district from the outset of the epidemic in 2020 up to December 1, 2021, have been used to construct the dependent variable. Local socioeconomic conditions including share of votes, retrieved from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, have been used as potential risk factors. Popularity of the right-wing party Alternative for Germany (AfD) bears a considerable risk of increasing COVID-19 incidence both in terms of predicting the maximum incidences during three epidemic periods (alternatively, cumulative incidences over the periods are used to quantify the dependent variable) and in a time-continuous sense. Thus, districts with high AfD popularity rank on top in the time-average regarding COVID-19 incidence. The impact of the popularity of the Free Democrats (FDP) is markedly intermittent in the course of time showing two pronounced peaks in incidence but also occasional drops. A moderate risk emanates from popularities of the Green Party (GRÜNE) and the Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) compared to the other parties with lowest risk level. Socioeconomic parameters like \emph{per capita} income, proportions of protection seekers and social benefit claimants, and educational level have negligible impact. To the contrary, incidence significantly increases with population density. In order to effectively combat the COVID-19 epidemic, public health policymakers are well advised to account for social attitudes and behavioural patterns reflected in local popularities of political parties, which are conceived as proper surrogates for these attitudes. Whilst causal relations between social attitudes and the presence of parties remain obscure, the political landscape in terms of share of votes constitutes at least viable predictive "markers" relevant for public health policy making.
The Determinants of Risk Weighted Assets in Europe
Authors: Leogrande Angelo , Costantiello Alberto , Laureti Lucio , Matarrese Marco Maria
Published: May 2022

We have estimated the level of Risk Weighted Assets among 30 countries in Europe, in 30 trimesters, using data of the European Banking Authority-EBA of 139 variables. We perform an econometric model using Pooled OLS, Panel Data with Fixed Effects, Panel Data with Random Effects, Weighted Least Squares. We found that Risk Weighted Assets is negatively associated, among others, to the level of NFC loans in mining and quarrying, in public administration and defence, and in financial and insurance activities and positively associated, among others to distribution of NFC loans in human health services and social work activities, in education and the level of net fee and commission income. Furthermore, we apply a cluster analysis with the k-Means algorithm, and we find the presence of two clusters. A comparison was then made between eight different machine learning algorithms for predicting the value of the RWAs and we found that the best predictor is the linear regression. The RWA value is predicted to increase by 1.5%.
Classical Analogy of General Relativity Equation & Quantum Interpretation to Dark Matter as New Fundamental Force Particle
Authors: Kodukula Siva Prasad
Published: May 2022

Difference in two quantum states defined for a point in space time is represented by space time curvature and the superposition of these quantum states will affect the momentum of mass existed at that point. Analogy of the same with Einstein’s General relativity field equation and Einstein’s gravitational constant , indicated an equation containing ‘Hubble’s constant H , Einstein’s gravitational constant ‘H’ and Siva’s constant ‘K’. Its output is a quadratic equation. Solution to this quadratic equation predicted a fundamental force particle. This solution gives the diameter of that particle. From the fundamental principles, the diameter of this force particle gives the coupling constant of that fundamental force. Prediction and review of this particle may provide us new insights in to quantum physics and standard model of particle physics. From the first principles, it is discussed that this particle can be claimed as a force carrying particle of a fundamental force related to dark matter. This work has provided simple explanation to reconcile quantum nature of space time with smooth space time of General Relativity. This has demanded the necessity to introduce a new postulate in quantum mechanics which is beyond Hilbert space and Dirac notation. A new perspective of uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics has been elaborated.
Patent Prior Art Searches: Basic Principles and Strategies
Authors: Barbieri Massimo
Published: May 2022

From a strategic and an economic point of view, patent prior art searches are very useful for several reasons such as avoiding the infringement of third parties’ rights, reinventing something already new in the state of the art, speeding up the prosecution of a patent application, and getting a patent granted with a lower associated cost. A prior art search is carried out in patent databases (free of charge or fee-based) through keywords or classification symbols, indexing codes (IPC – International Patent Classification or CPC – Cooperative Patent Classification), or a combination of these, using Boolean or proximity operators. The classification codes are independent of the language used and can increase the number of relevant documents retrieved. Patent databases are all incomplete and therefore a search in multiple sources is suggested.
Soil and vegetation responses to amendment with pulverized classified paper waste
Authors: Busby Ryan , Torbert H. , Prior Stephen
Published: May 2022

The United States Army produces a significant amount of classified paper waste that is pulverized to a fine consistency unsuitable for recycling. However, cheap, high quality organic materials such as classified paper waste are useful as soil amendments. The objective of this research was to evaluate the utilization of pulverized classified paper waste as a soil amendment to improve soil health and increase establishment of desirable native grasses on degraded Army training lands. Paper was applied at rates of 9 to 72 Mg ha⁻¹ to two soil types at Fort Polk, LA: an alfisol (very fine sandy loam - Fine, smectitic, thermic Chromic Vertic Hapludalfs) and an ultisol (loamy fine sandy - Loamy, siliceous, semiactive, thermic Arenic Paleudults). These are common soil orders found on military training lands nationwide and represent fertile (alfisol) and unfertile (ulitsol) soils. Vegetation and soils were monitored over 2 growing seasons. No increase in heavy metals were observed in soils. Extensive analysis showed very low levels of regulated contaminants in the paper, but most were below detection limits. The ultisol site showed improved soil physical and chemical properties, while desirable vegetation benefitted from nutrient immobilization at the alfisol site. Based on the results of this study, applying pulverized paper waste to soil at a rate of 35.9 Mg ha⁻¹ is recommended. Application of paper waste to soils had no adverse environmental effects, improved soil physiochemical properties, and facilitated establishment of desirable native vegetation.
Early circulating strain of SARS-CoV-2 causes severe pneumonia distinct from that caused by variants of concern in mice transduced with an adenoviral vector expressing human ACE2
Authors: Matsumoto Yusuke , Yasui Fumihiko , Endo Akinori , Sanada Takahiro , Munakata Tsubasa , Takagi Asako , Yamaji Kenzaburo , Yamamoto Naoki , Saeki Yasushi , Kohara Michinori
Published: May 2022

To analyze the molecular pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2, a small animal model such as mice is needed: human ACE2, the receptor of SARS-CoV-2, needs to be expressed in the respiratory tract of mice. We conferred SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility in mice by using an adenoviral vector expressing hACE2 driven by an EF1α promoter with a leftward orientation. In this model, severe pneumonia like human COVID-19 was observed in SARS-CoV-2-infected mice, which was confirmed by dramatic infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung with efficient viral replication. An early circulating strain of SARS-CoV-2 caused the most severe weight loss when compared to SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, although histopathological findings, viral replication, and cytokine expression characteristics were comparable. We found that a distinct proteome of an early circulating strain infected lung characterized by elevated complement activation and blood coagulation, which were mild in other variants, can contribute to disease severity. Unraveling the specificity of early circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains is important in elucidating the origin of the pandemic.
Prevalence of subclinical activity by ultrasound examination in Mexican children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in remission
Authors: Nuñez Myriam Mendez , Nuñez Myriam Mendez , Medina-Avalos María Fernanda , Tlacuilo-Parra Jose Alberto
Published: May 2022

Background
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a chronic disease that affects 0.6–1.9 /1,000 children. Persistent joint inflammation conditions cartilage damage and erosions. Recent studies have shown that clinical examination significantly underestimates joint inflammation, with ultrasound having a higher sensitivity. We determined the prevalence of subclinical synovitis by musculoskeletal ultrasound in Mexican children with JIA in remission.
Methods
Cross-sectional study, patients with JIA in clinical remission based on the Wallace criteria were included, with and without pharmacological treatment, we also included a control group of healthy children. The evaluation was performed by a certified Rheumatologist in Pediatric Musculoskeletal Ultrasound by EULAR. Joints clinically examined were also evaluated following the standard guidelines.
Results
We included 37 JIA patients with clinical remission and 33 healthy children (1260 joints scanned), subclinical activity was detected in 15/37 (40.5%) patients and none of healthy peers; 14 patients were still on treatment (93.3%). The subclinical activity was detected using B-mode in 22/1260 (1.7%) or by power Doppler (PD) in 15/1260 (1.1%) joints, the knee was involved in 13/22 (59%) joints. The subtype mainly affected was the rheumatoid factor-positive (FR) polyarticular (33.3%), erosions were detected in three patients (8%). In the knee, we observed slight distention of the supra patellar recess, evidenced in 19/33 healthy children (57.5%), predominantly among children aged 4 to 8 years. When comparing the groups with or without subclinical synovitis, no statistically significant differences were found with regard to age, evolution time or acute phase reactants.
Conclusions
Subclinical synovitis was detected in 40.5% of the patients in clinical remission using B-mode or by power Doppler, mainly on those who were still on treatment. The most affected subtype was the rheumatoid factor-positive polyarticular, the knees were the most frequent involved. In the healthy peers, a slight distention of the supra patellar recess was observed in almost half of cases.
TMBIM1 promotes EMT by stimulating autophagic degradation of E-cadherin via AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 axis in human gliomas
Authors: Gao Lun , Liu Junhui , Zhang Shenqi , Li Yong , Tan Yinqiu , Yang Ji’an , Cai Jiayang , Wang Long , Yuan Fan’en , Ye Zhang , Tong Shi’ao , Liu Baohui , Tian Daofeng , Deng Gang , chen qianxue
Published: May 2022

Background

Gliomas are the most common malignant tumors of the central nervous system in adults, glioblastoma is notorious for its highly metastatic and recurrent, accounting for approximately 50% of all gliomas. Exploring its molecular mechanism is urgently needed for the treatment and prognosis evaluation of gliomas. Transmembrane BAX inhibitor motif-containing 1 (TMBIM1) has been reported to be associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, tumor and other diseases. However, the role of TMBIM1 in GBM and the underlying mechanisms remains unclear.

Methods

The expression level and prognostic value of TMBIM1 in gliomas were investigated by public datasets, and further confirmed by western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in our tissues. Intracranial xenograft model, IHC and western blot were used to evaluate the functional role of TMBIM1.

Results

TMBIM1 was over-expressed in GBM, and its high expression reduced the survival time of glioma patients. TMBIM1 induced EMT and autophagy, and inhibition of autophagy reverses TMBIM1-regulated EMT in vitro and in vivo. Intracranial xenograft model showed the survival time of mice in TMBIM1 knockdown group treated with chloroquine (CQ)was significantly prolonged. The loss of E-cadherin expression is considered the foundation of EMT, and we subsequently demonstrated that TMBIM1 stimulating autophagic degradation of E-cadherin via AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 axis.

Conclusion

Our study provides a novel mechanism for the regulation of EMT in the process of gliomas metastasis, indicating that inhibition of TMBIM1 activity to attenuate autophagy may be a potential strategy for the treatment of gliomas.
Phenotyping of fecal microbiota of Winnie, a rodent model of spontaneous chronic colitis, reveals specific metabolic, genotoxic, and pro-inflammatory properties
Authors: Talà Adelfia , Guerra Flora , Resta Silvia Caterina , Calcagnile Matteo , Barca Amilcare , Tredici Salvatore Maurizio , De Donno Maria Dolores , Vacca Mirco , Liso Marina , Chieppa Marcello , De Angelis Maria , Verri Tiziano , Bozzetti Maria Giuseppina , Bucci Cecilia , Alifano Pietro
Published: May 2022

Winnie, a mouse carrying a missense mutation in the MUC2 mucin gene, is a valuable model for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with signs and symptoms that have multiple similarities with those observed in patients with ulcerative colitis. MUC2 mucin is present in Winnie, but is not firmly compacted in a tight inner layer. Indeed, these mice develop chronic intestinal inflammation due to the primary epithelial defect with signs of mucosal damage, including thickening of muscle and mucosal layers, goblet cell loss, increased intestinal permeability, enhanced susceptibility to luminal inflammation-inducing toxins, and alteration of innervation in the distal colon. In this study, we show that the intestinal environment of the Winnie mouse, genetically determined by MUC2 mutation, selects an intestinal microbial community characterized by specific pro-inflammatory, genotoxic and metabolic features that could imply a direct involvement in the pathogenesis of chronic intestinal inflammation. We report results obtained by using a variety of in vitro approaches for fecal microbiota functional characterization. These approaches include Caco-2 cell cultures and Caco-2/THP-1 cell co-culture models for evaluation of geno-cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory properties using a panel of 43 marker RNAs assayed by RT-qPCR, and cell-based phenotypic testing for metabolic profiling of the intestinal microbial communities by Biolog EcoPlates. While adding a further step towards understanding the etiopathogenetic mechanisms underlying IBD, the results of this study provide a reliable method for phenotyping gut microbial communities, which can complement their structural characterization by providing novel functional information.
Control effect of coal mining solid-waste backfill for ground surface movement in slice mining: A case study of the Nantun Coal Mine
Authors: Zhu Cunli , Zhang Jixiong , Abbas Taheri , Zhou Nan , Li Zejun , Li Meng
Published: May 2022

Management of solid waste and protecting the ecological balance of the region are key challenges that the coal mining industry has to face. This study evaluated the effect of solid waste backfilling mining on the overlying strata movement and surface deformation variation pattern in slice mining. The mechanical characteristics of different cemented paste backfills (CPB) were compared. The CPB specimens were made of coal gangue and cement with or without the addition of fly ash. The experiments showed that the mechanical strength of the CPBs made of coal gangue and cement increased dramatically. A numerical simulation was then performed to analyze the variation patterns of the overlying strata displacement and surrounding rock stress distribution before and after filling the 3lower and 3upper coal seams with CPB. The CPBs reduced the movement of the surface by 95.1% and 95% during the mining of the 3lower and 3upper coal seams, respectively. Finally, we used a mining-induced subsidence prediction and analysis system to predict the influence of the 3lower and 3upper coal seams on the ground surface subsidence. It was found that the ground surface subsidence induced by CPB mining was 1/20 that of the cumulative ground surface subsidence caused by caving mining. CPB mining could effectively control the ground surface subsidence caused by multi-slice mining of the thick coal seam, offering protection for buildings above the ground. Our research provides theoretical and technical support for coal mining under buildings subjected to similar conditions.
Research on motion match characteristics of a two degree of freedom spring system with impact and momentum offset
Authors: Wang Yang , Xu Cheng , He Long
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the motion parameters of a physical prototype which based on a new floating technology with the bidirectional buffer spring is measured. A two degree of freedom floating machine gun model with impact and momentum offset is establishedcal, culated and analyzed. By comparing with the measured results, the correctness of the model is verified. The influence of bidirectional buffer spring and recoil spring stiffness on the motion characteristics, especially the recoil ending state of the floating body, floating efficiency and consistency of firing state are analyzed. The research shows that the stiffness increasing of bidirectional buffer spring accelerates the frequency of the forced recoil-return amplitude attenuated simple harmonic motion of the floating body, and lags the phase of the bolt carrier group relative to the floating body at the firing time; increasing the stiffness of the recoil spring increases the motion frequency of the bolt carrier group, and advances the phase of the bolt carrier group relative to the floating body at the firing time, which both have an influence on recoil ending state of the floating body, the floating efficiency and the consistency of the firing state. Keywords: Momentum offset; Two degree of freedom system; Floating technology; Machine gun system
Fabrication, physical, structure characteristics, neutron and radiation shielding capacity high density neodymio-cadmium lead borate glasses: Nd2O3/CdO/PbO/B2O3/Na2O
Authors: Rammah Yasser , Alsaif Norah , Issa Shams , Henaish Ahmed , Ahmed Emad , Zakaly Hesham
Published: May 2022

High density glasses of neodymio-cadmium lead borate of chemical composition xNd2O3/20CdO/20PbO/(57-x)B2O3/3Na2O, where (0 (0Nd) ≤ x ≤ 5 (5Nd) wt%) have been fabricated by a melt quenching process. Physical, structure properties as well as gamma-radiation and neutron shielding effectiveness in wide photon energy range 0.015-15 MeV have been examined. The amorphous nature of xNd-glasses was confirmed, where there was a lack of their crystallinity. Density was gradually increased from 5.006 g/cm3 for 0Nd-glass sample to 5.245 g/cm3 for 5Nd-glass sample. In terms of the MAC, introducing Nd3+ ions in the glass matrix has a direct constructive influence on the obtained values of MAC. Generally, the MAC trend follows the order (MAC)5Nd > (MAC)4Nd > (MAC)3Nd > (MAC)2Nd > (MAC)1Nd > (MAC)0Nd. The LAC has a similar trend as MAC for all xNd-glasses. In terms of the T1/2, the 5Nd-glasses possessed the minimum T1/2 values (0.004 cm at 15 keV to 4.301 cm at 15 MeV). Therefore, the T1/2 of the fabricated xNd-glasses has an inverse behavior of the MAC and LAC. Thus, (T1/2)0Nd > (T1/2)1Nd > (T1/2)2Nd > (T1/2)3Nd > (T1/2)4Nd > (T1/2)5Nd. the Zeff parameter follows the order (Zeff)5Nd > (Zeff)4Nd > (Zeff)3Nd > (Zeff)2Nd > (Zeff)1Nd > (Zeff)0Nd. In the energies preferred for radiation applications, 5Nd-glasses possess very low EBF and EABF values. The FNRC of the fabricated glasses is improved as the Nd3+ content increases in the glass matrix.
A novel CREBBP mutation and its phenotype in a case of Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome
Authors: Wang Qian , Wang Cong , Wei Wen Bin , Rong Wei Ning , Shi Xiang Yu
Published: May 2022

This study was to report a novel CREBBP mutation and phenotype in a child with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome. We described the patient’s clinical manifestations in detail, and found that in addition to the typical systemic manifestations of the syndrome, the outstanding manifestation of the child was severe intellectual deficiency and prominent ocular abnormalities. Whole-exome sequencing and sanger sequencing were performed on the patient and his parents, a large intragenic deletion, covering the exon 1 region and part of the intron 1 region of the TRAP1 gene, and the entire region from intron 27 to exon 30 of the CREBBP gene (chr16:3745393-3783894) was identified on the patient. This mutation affected the CREBBP histone acetyltransferase (HAT) domain. This findings in our patient add to the spectrum of genetic variants described in Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome and present a RSTS patient with various ocular anomalies including early onset glaucoma.
The potential of genome-wide prediction to support parental selection, evaluated with data from a commercial barley breeding program
Authors: Rembe Maximilian , Zhao Yusheng , Wendler Neele , Oldach Klaus , Korzun Viktor , Reif Jochen
Published: May 2022

Parental selection marks the beginning and contributes significantly to the success of every breeding endeavor. The value of a cross is reflected in the potential of its progeny population. Breeders invest money, time, and space into the evaluation of progeny to select the best performing genotypes as candidates for variety development. Several proposals to support parental selection by genomics have been made, mostly based on theoretical assumptions or simulation studies. While most of them claim to provide the solution to the problem of parental selection, only few consider practical hurdles connected to their implementation or are solely based on simulations. In this study, we tested the potential of genomic prediction for predicting progeny mean, variance and usefulness criterion in an applied breeding population for winter barley. For three traits with genetic architectures at varying levels of complexity, ear emergence, plant height, and grain yield, progeny mean, variance, and usefulness criterion were predicted and validated in scenarios resembling situations in which the described tools shall be used in plant breeding. We showed that the identification of superior crosses remains a challenging task and suppose that the success for the prediction of the usefulness criterion depends highly on the complexity of the underlying trait.
Evaluating the prognostic value of CD56 in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Liang Tianqi , Peng Zhiyong , Li Chunfu , Huang Junbin , Wang Huabin , Bu Chaoke , Li Jian , Zheng Yongzhi , Feng Xiaoqin , Li Huiping , Chen Chun
Published: May 2022

Background：Many cytogenetic changes and gene mutations are associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) survival outcomes. CD56 is related to poor prognosis when expressed in adult AML patients. However, the prognostic value of CD56 in children with AML has rarely been reported. In this research, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of CD56 in childhood AML.Methods：The present retrospective study included 145 newly diagnosed pediatric patients with de novo AML (excluding AML-M3) in two hospitals between January 2015 and April 2021.Results：The total median (range) age was 75 (8-176) months, and the median follow-up time was 35 months. No significant difference in the 3-year overall survival rate was noted between the CD56-positive and CD56-negative groups (67.0% vs. 79.3%, P=0.157) who received chemotherapy. However, among high-risk patients, the CD56-positive group had a worse overall survival rate and event-free survival rate (P<0.05). Furthermore, among high-risk patients, the CD56-positive group had higher relapse and mortality rates than the CD56-negative group (P<0.05). Conclusions：CD56 represents a potential factor of poor prognosis in specific groups of children with AML and should be considered in the risk stratification of the disease. Given the independent prognostic value of CD56 expression, we should consider integrating this marker with some immunophenotypic or cytogenetic abnormalities for comprehensive analysis.
Photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange behavior comparison of titanium species: alkaline biochar and acidic biochar composites
Authors: Huang Hsin-Liang , Huang Zi-Hao , Zhou Wan-Jia
Published: May 2022

The biochar was produced from wood waste via pyrolysis. The biochar with pH 9.7 was comprised of titanium species named Ti-WB9. After acidification, the acidic biochar with pH 3.66 was also comprised of titanium species named Ti-WB3. Using XRD, the particle sizes of anatase TiO2 were 7 and 8 nm in Ti-WB9 and Ti-WB3, respectively; these were then synthesized via the solvothermal method at low temperature. The degradation efficiencies of methyl orange were 93.5 and 95.1% in 120 min with Ti-WB9 and Ti-WB3, respectively. During degradation, the by-products were barely observed in the solution when Ti-WB3 was used as a photocatalyst under UV light. However, the by-products exited in another solution that used Ti-WB9 as a photocatalyst for degradation according to the results of UV-Vis and FTIR. Via XPS, the formation of C-Ti in Ti-WB3 played an important role in the enhanced and complete degradation of methyl orange without by-products.
Design, synthesis, and anti-bacterial activities of piperazine based phthalimide derivatives against superbug-MRSA
Authors: S Nagendra Prasad H , Ananda A. P. , Amogh P.M. , Gaonkar Navyatha Prashanth , Jayanth H. S. , Sumathi S. , Krishnamurthy N. B. , Mallesha L. , Mallu P.
Published: May 2022

A series of piperazine-based phthalimide derivatives 5 (a-l) were synthesized and extensively characterized using a variety of spectrum methods, including LC-MS, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and FT-IR. All the derivatives were examined for their physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, bio-activity score, and PASS analysis. The 5e piperazine-based phthalimide derivative demonstrated outstanding antibacterial activity against MRSA in the in vitro antibacterial studies. In comparison to streptomycin and bacitracin (10 µg/mL), the minimum inhibitory concentration of 5e against MRSA was discovered to be 45 ± 0.15 g/mLThe anti-MRSA activity was validated with membrane damage studies by using SEM, and in silico docking studies were against 3VMT and 6FTB proteins of MRSA. In the toxicity study, 5e derivatives were evaluated against L6 cell lines. The results of the studies show the synthesized 5e derivative can be used for the development of anti-MRSA drugs.
Effects of Coix seed extract, Lactobacillus paracasei K56, and their combination on the glycolipid metabolism of obese mice
Authors: Zhang Wei , Jia Xiuzhen , Xu Yuhan , Xie Qiaoling , Zhu Meizhen , Zhao Zifu , Hao Jingyu , Li Haoqiu , Du Jinrui , Liu Yan , Liu Wei-Hsien , Ma Xia , Hong Weilian , Tian Fenghao , Li Hongwei
Published: May 2022

Coix seed extract (CSE) and probiotics have been reported to regulate glycolipid metabolism through different modes of action. We tested the effects of CSE, Lactobacillus paracasei K56, and their combination to determine whether they have synergistic effects on glycolipid metabolism of obese mice. We fed male C57BL/6J mice with high-fat diet for 8 weeks to establish an obesity model. The obesity mice were selected and divided into five groups: the model control group and 4 intervention groups. After 10 weeks of continuous gavage intervention, the mice in the intervention groups exhibited lower body weight, and epididymal and perirenal fat content; decreased fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and VLDL; and increased HLDL, respiratory exchange ratio, energy expenditure, and amount of exercise performed. K56 + CSE combined intervention groups were more effective in lowering blood glucose, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels than the CSE and K56 alone interventions. The content of FAS and SREBP-1c protein in liver tissue was lower. The combination has synergistic effects on weight control, fat reduction and blood glucose regulation by improving the chronic inflammatory state and reducing the content of lipid synthesis-related enzymes of obese mice, which can hinder chronic disease progression.
Gamma ray irradiation behavior and damage mechanism of the “Pandan” type Polarization-Maintaining Optical Fibers
Authors: Zhang Hongchen , Xue Hhuijie
Published: May 2022

Gamma ray irradiation experiments were carried out on “Panda” type polarization-maintaining optical fiber made in China, and the relationship between irradiation induced loss and dose and dose rate at 1310 nm of the polarization-maintaining optical fiber was studied. By means of XPS, EPR, FTIR and loss spectrum analysis, the damage mechanism of gamma ray irradiated “Panda” type polarization-maintaining optical fiber is discussed. The results show that for the reason of gamma ray irradiation, the active particles .H are produced in the coating material, and the impurity defects of Si-OH are formed with the products of SiO2 irradiated by gamma ray. The concentration of impurity and defect in Si-OH is the key factor that affects the attenuation coefficient of polarization-maintaining optical fiber with “Panda” type at 1310nm.
Canola oil-based aqueous polyurethane dispersion finishes for cellulosic modification of the textile fabric
Authors: . Sidra , Tabasum Shazia , Zia Khalid Mahmood , Parveen Bushra , Rehman Saima
Published: May 2022

Since government regulations have forced manufacturers to minimise volatile organic compounds and consumer trends drive the demand for environmentally friendly products, polyurethane formulations have shifted away from solvent-based polyurethane formulations toward aqueous polyurethane dispersions. Because of the current need in this work, a renewable canola oil-based polyol derived from canola oil was synthesised by the epoxidation and oxirane ring-opening procedure and polymerized with different diisocyanates, dimethylol propionic acid, and 1,4-butanediol, used to produce waterborne PU dispersion. The structural characterization of the prepared polyol and dispersions was carried out by FTIR spectroscopy. The synthesised dispersions were applied to the poly/cotton fabrics by the pad-dry-cure process and their textile performances, such as pilling resistance and color fastness properties, were investigated. The antibacterial activity of the finished applied fabrics was also evaluated against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. All the samples have shown remarkable enhancement in both anti-pilling (1/2 to 3/4 in dyed) and color fastness properties (such as rubbing in dyed, dry 3/4 to 4/5, and wet 3 to 4) as the solution concentration of the dispersions increases. The results reveal that canola oil-based PU dispersions applied as a finish to the poly/cotton fabrics enhanced their textile as well as antibacterial performance.
U2AF2 promote the proliferation and migration of esophageal adenocarcinoma cells by sustaining the stability of SNORA21
Authors: Gao Lijuan , Chen Yongshun , Li Bin
Published: May 2022

Purpose
This study is aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of U2AF2 in esophageal adenocarcinoma cell line.
Methods
The expression level of U2AF2 and SNORA21 was analysed by TCGA database. The expression level of U2AF2 and SNORA21, Bax, Bcl-2 and E-cadherin were determined by Western Blot and RT-qPCR assay. The cell viability and proliferation were detected by CCK8 assay and BrdU incorporation assay. The apoptosis was examined by caspase3 immunocytofluorescense and flow cytometry assay. The interaction between U2AF2 and SNORA21 was predicted by Starbase 3.0 and confirmed by RIP assay. The expression pre-mRNA of U2AF2 and SNORA21 was detected by Nuclear Run On assay.
Results
The expression of U2AF2 and SNORA21 was found to be upregulated and served as an unfavourable factor which negatively related with overall survival of esophageal adenocarcinoma patients. Silencing the expression of U2AF2 or SNORA21 could suppress the proliferation and migration of OE19 and OE33 cells and stimulate its apoptosis. Moreover, we identified that the U2AF2 could bind and interact with SNORA21 to sustain its stability to regulate the viability of esophageal adenocarcinoma cells. Moreover, U2AF2-OE could accelerate the proliferation and migration ability of normal esophageal cell lines HET-1A by SNORA21.
Conclusion
Our study provides several lines of evidence supporting the intriguing concept that U2AF2 could promote the proliferation of OE19 and OE33 cells by directly targeting SNORA21, which might serve as a novel candidate biomarker and a new target for the treatment of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Hypverventilation Strain CMR Imaging in Patients With Acute Chest Pain
Authors: Siry Deborah , Riffel Johannes H. , Salatzki Janek , Andre Florian , Ochs Marco , Weberling Lukas D. , Giannitsis Evangelos , Katus Hugo A. , Friedrich Matthias G.
Published: May 2022

Background
In patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) high-sensitivity cardiac tropnonin T (hscTnT) is used for rapid patient triage. Fast-strain encoded (fSENC) CMR imaging with breathing maneuvers may accelerate diagnostic work-up and identify patients suffering from ACS.
Methods
Patients presenting with ACS (hscTnT level 5-52ng/L) were prospectively enrolled. fSENC imaging was performed within the 1-hour timeframe (0h/1h algorithm) prior to 2nd hscTnT lab results. Images were acquired at rest as well as after 1-minute of hyperventilation followed by a short breath-hold.
Results
In 108 patients (58 male; mean age: 57±17y) the mean study time was 17 ± 3 minutes. An abnormal strain response after the breathing maneuver correctly identified all 17 patients with a hscTnT dynamic (0h/1h algorithm) and explanatory significant coronary lesions, while in 86 patients without serologic or angiographic evidence for severe coronary artery disease the strain response was normal (sensitivity 100%, specificity 94.5%; 5 false positive results). The number of dysfunctional segments (strain>-10) proved to be a quantifiable marker for identifying patients with ACS.
Conclusions
In patients with suspected ACS and inconclusive initial hscTnT, fSENC imaging with a breathing maneuver may safely and rapidly identify patients with ACS, without the use of stress or contrast agents/ medication.
Development and Validation of a Kidney-Transplant Specific Measure of Treatment Burden
Authors: Lorenz Elizabeth C. , Petterson Tanya M. , Zaniletti Isabella , Lackore Kandace A. , Johnson Bradley K. , Mai Martin L. , Nair Sumi S. , Bentall Andrew , Yost Kathleen J. , Eton David T.
Published: May 2022

Background
Treatment burden refers to the work involved in managing one’s health and its impact on well-being and has been associated with nonadherence in patients with chronic illnesses. No kidney transplant (KT)-specific measure of treatment burden exists. The aim of this study was to develop a KT-specific supplement to the Patient Experience with Treatment and Self-Management (PETS), a general measure of treatment burden.
Methods
After drafting and pretesting KT-specific survey items, we conducted a cross-sectional survey study involving KT recipients from Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to identify domains for scaling the KT-specific supplement. Construct and known-groups validity were determined.
Results
Survey respondents (n = 167) had a mean age of 61 years (range 22–86) and received a KT on average 4.0 years ago. Three KT-specific scales were identified (transplant function, self-management, adverse effects). Higher scores on the KT-specific scales were correlated with higher PETS treatment burden, worse physical and mental health, and lower self-efficacy (p < 0.0001). Patients taking more medications reported higher transplant self-management burden.
Conclusions
We developed a KT-specific supplement to the PETS general measure of treatment burden. Scores may help providers identify recipients at risk for nonadherence.
Time will tell: Larger and less abundant fruit-feeding butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) are synchronized with food availability in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Freire Geraldo Brito , Salscido Danielle , Oliveira Hernani F. M. , Ribeiro Danilo B. , Provete Diogo B. , Silva Thayane , Dias Joao Paulo , Rodrigues Hanna P. , Santos Jessie P. , Diniz Ivone R.
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Diet and temporal specialists, especially those in tropical seasonal environments, require synchronous phenology with hosts. Species with life-history-traits that covary with temporal specialization may be particularly vulnerable to climate-driven changes in phenology. In the Cerrado, larger fruit-feeding butterflies species tend to be less abundant and more seasonal than their smaller-bodied relatives. It is important to consider how ecological process and phylogenetic history are associated with these attributes. Aim/Methods: Here we evaluated the effects of climate and body size on the seasonality of abundance of fruit-feeding butterflies as well as their association with natural history traits including diet breadth and synchrony with fruits.Results: The distribution of abundances of these butterflies species was not uniform throughout the year, was associated with body size and shaped by habitat type and climate. Overall, hot and wet months were associated with higher abundance and species richness of these nymphalids in the Cerrado. Lineages of large-bodied species were less abundant, more seasonal and more generalized in larval diet breadth. In addition, these large-bodied clades were more tightly synchronized with fruit phenology.Discussion: Our findings support the hypothesis that large and less abundant species to occur in a narrow temporal window and synchronized with fruit phenology. Implications for insect conservation: Particular attention should be given for the conservation of larger-bodied temporal specialist species as they are vulnerable to phenology mismatching as a result of rapid global warming, but they will also face additional pressures with the advancing deforestation in the Cerrado.
A new polysaccharide platform constructs self-adjuvant nanovaccines to enhance immune responses
Authors: Chen Sisi , Yang Liu , Ou Xia , Li Jin-Yu , Zi Cheng-Ting , Wang Hao , Hu Jiang-Miao , Liu Ye
Published: May 2022

BackgroundNanovaccines have shown the promising potential in controlling and eradicating the threat of infectious diseases worldwide. There has been a great need in developing a versatile strategy to conveniently construct diverse types of nanovaccines and induce potent immune responses. To that end, it is critical for obtaining a potent self-adjuvant platform to assemble with different types of antigens into nanovaccines. ResultsIn this study, we identified a new natural polysaccharide from the rhizomes of Bletilla striata (PRBS), and used this polysaccharide as a platform to construct diverse types of nanovaccines with potent self-adjuvant property. In the construction process of SARS-CoV-2 nanovaccine, PRBS molecules and RBD protein antigens were assembled into ~300 nm nanoparticles by hydrogen bond. For HIV nanovaccine, hydrophobic effect dominantly drove the co-assembly between PRBS molecules and Env expression plasmid into ~350 nm nanospheres. Importantly, PRBS can potently activate the behaviors and functions of multiple immune cells such as macrophages, B cells and dendritic cells. Depending on PRBS-mediated immune activation, these self-adjuvant nanovaccines can elicit significantly stronger antigen-specific antibody and cellular responses in vivo, in comparison with their corresponding traditional vaccine forms. Moreover, we also revealed the construction models of PRBS-based nanovaccines by analyzing multiple assembly parameters such as bond energy, bond length and interaction sites. ConclusionsPRBS, a newly-identified natural polysaccharide which can co-assemble with different types of antigens and activate multiple critical immune cells, has presented a great potential as a versatile platform to develop potent self-adjuvant nanovaccines.
A personalized multi-interventional approach focusing on customized nutrition, progressive fitness, and lifestyle modification resulted in the reduction of HbA1c, fasting blood sugar and weight in type 2 diabetes: A retrospective study
Authors: Mehra Chhavi , Raymond Annie Mattilda , Prabhu Rekha
Published: May 2022

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic, progressive lifestyle disease and the most rapidly growing health challenge of the 21st century. The American Diabetes Association recommends that T2D reversal can be achieved through an organized, and systematic approach focusing on nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle management. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive and multi-interventional diabetes care program called Sugar.Fit Diabetes Reversal Programme (SDRP) on glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), and body weight for T2D reversal.Methodology: SDRP is a personalized intervention study that uses technology-enabled medical management, dedicated coach-led diabetes, and nutrition experts. The study involved 150 patients living with type 2 diabetes in the age group of 20 to 80 years and having HbA1c of >6.5%. In SDRP, the participants were assigned personal medical doctors specializing in diabetes, along with health coaches for providing customized nutrition, personalized fitness routines, relevant lifestyle modifications to holistically reverse type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetes. The HbA1c level, fasting blood glucose, and weight of the participants were measured at baseline and the end of the study (90th day). The effectiveness of SDRP was analyzed by comparing it with a control group that involved 110 individuals with type 2 diabetes managed by conventional pharmacotherapy and regular dietary advice but not participating in the SDRP.Results: All 150 participants adhered to the program for 90 days. The analysis was performed on participants and represented as mean ± standard deviation (mean ± SD). At the end of SDRP, a significant reduction in HbA1c level, FBS, and weight was observed as compared to the control group. The results showed that Hba1c levels dropped from 9.0±1.5% to 7.1±1.3% with a mean change of 1.9±1.5%; FBS levels decreased from 178.3±57.1 mg/dL to 116.1±24.2 mg/dL with a mean loss of 62.2±51.8 mg/dL, and the weight decreased from 76.7±12.7 kg to 73.8±11.8 kg with a mean weight loss of 2.8±1.6 kg. The results also showed that participants between 20 to 35 years showed the highest drop in HbA1c, FBS, and weight.Conclusion: The findings indicate that a comprehensive and multi-interventional diabetes care program involving personalized nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle modification such as SDRP, help in significant and sustained improvements in HbA1c level, glycaemic control, and weight loss in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Silicon as limiting factor for phosphorus availability in paddy soils
Authors: Schaller Jörg , Wu Bei , Amelung Wulf , Hu Zhengyi , Lehndorff Eva , Obst Martin
Published: May 2022

Rice cultivation requires high amounts of phosphorus (P). However, significant amounts of P fertilizer additions may be retained by Fe oxides and are thus unavailable for plants. At the same time, rice cultivation has a high demand for Si, reducing Si availability after short duration of rice cultivation. By studying a paddy chronosequence with rice cultivation up to 2000 years, we show that silicic acid (Si) limitation, observed as early as a few decades of rice cultivation, is limiting P availability along the paddy soils chronosequence. Using Near edge X-ray absorption Fine Structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS) in a scanning transmission (soft) X-ray microscope (STXM) we show respective release of available P was linked to a Si-induced change in speciation of Fe-phases in soil particles and competition of Si with P for binding sites. Hence, low Si availability is limiting P availability in paddy soils. We propose that proper management of Si availability is a promising tool to reduce the requirements of paddy soils for P fertilization, making rice production more sustainable in future.
The influence of anthropogenic pressure on the structure of communities of parasitoids of the Pimplinae subfamily (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) inhabiting urban green areas
Authors: Piekarska-Boniecka Hanna , Rzańska-Wieczorek Marta , Siatkowski Idzi
Published: May 2022

Urban green areas have favourable conditions for the development of phytophagous species, which feed on plants and thus reduce their aesthetic value. The population of plant pests can be limited by parasitoids of the Pimplinae subfamily. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of low, medium, and high anthropogenic pressure on the qualitative and quantitative structure of Pimplinae communities inhabiting urban green areas and to determine the influence of this pressure on the catchability of insects. The research was conducted between 2014 and 2016 in allotment gardens in the city of Poznań. The research showed that there were individual species with the highest frequency of occurrence in the communities of parasitoids which were affected by low anthropogenic pressure. On the other hand, in the communities exposed to high anthropogenic pressure the frequencies of occurrence of individual species were similar to each other. There were significant differences in the catchability of parasitoids into individual Moericke traps. The research showed that the richness of plant species had the greatest influence on the qualitative and quantitative structure of Pimplinae communities, whereas the size of the area, distance from the city centre, and the intensity of air pollution exerted lesser influence.