bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Somatic Embryogenesis and Plantlet Regeneration in Red Sandalwood (Pterocarpus Santalinus)
Authors: Chakraborty Tanushree , Chaitanya K. Viswanatha , Akhtar Nasim
Published: September 2022

Cotyledonary segments from the germinated immature zygotic embryo were used for somatic embryogenesis of red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus). It was established on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 5% sucrose and amalgamation of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and α-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). All treatments were responsive for callus induction with the frequency range between 36–97%. The attempts to obtain embryogenesis with 3% sucrose were ineffective since only non-embryonic callus was observed. The maximum frequency of embryogenic induction (69.44%) was obtained in 0.1 mg/l BAP and 2 mg/l 2,4-D; the data was not significantly (p < 0.05) different from the result obtained when 0.1 mg/l BAP and 4 mg/l 2,4-D were used. When explants were treated individually with growth regulators, the maximum (58.33%) frequency was produced by 4 mg/l 2,4-D. The BAP was completely ineffective when used individually. The maximum number of an advanced-stage embryo (2.85) was obtained with treatment 0.1 mg/l BAP and 2 mg/l 2,4-D. The maximum plantlets were developed (1.30) when the cotyledonary-staged embryo from 0.1 mg/l BAP and 2 mg/l 2,4-D were transferred to MS basal medium. The maturation and germination of somatic embryos were challenging, suggesting the need for molecular approaches through proteomic expression for mass production and understanding the evolution, structure, and genetic organization of the plant species. The plantlets obtained were acclimatized and survived in green house condition. Histological observation showed that the cells of the globular embryos had a dense cytoplasm and a long suspensor and used to distinguish between embryonic and non-embryonic cells.
Dynamic Crystal rocking of Nickel-Based Single Crystal Superalloy during the Epitaxial Growth of the Additive Manufacturing Process
Authors: Zhang Dongsheng , Liu Wei , Li Yuxiao , Sun Darui , Wu Yu , Chen S. , Tao Ye , Zhang Bingbing
Published: September 2022

The understanding of dynamic process of epitaxial microstructure forming in laser additive manufacturing is of vital importance for achieving products with single crystalline texture. Here, we perform in situ, real-time synchrotron Laue diffraction experiments to capture the microsturctural evolution of nickel-based single-crystal superalloys during rapid laser remelting process. In situ synchrotron radiation Laue diffraction characterises the crystal rotation behavior and stray grains formation process. With complementary thermo-mechanical coupled finite element simulation and molecular dynamics simulation, we identify that the crystal rotation is governed by the localized heating heterogeneity induced deformation gradient, and that the subgrains rotation caused by rapid dislocation movement and complex stress field could be the major mechanism in the generation of granular stray grains at the bottom of the melt pool.
Virtual Monoenergetic Imaging Predicting Ki-67 Expression in Lung Cancer: Assessment of Optimum Slope and Energy Levels using Energy Spectrum Curve
Authors: Dou Peipei , Zhao Hengliang , Zhong Dan , Hu Yingliang , Liu Bin , Zhang Haiyan , Cao Aihong
Published: September 2022

Objective: This study aimed to optimize slope and energy levels for evaluating Ki-67 expression in lung cancer using virtual monoenergetic imaging and compare the predictive efficiency of different energy spectrum slopes for Ki-67.
Material and Methods: Forty-three patients with primary lung cancer confirmed via pathological examination were enrolled in this study. They underwent baseline arterial-phase (AP) and venous-phase (VP) energy spectrum computed tomography (CT) scanning before surgery. The CT values were 40–190 keV, with 40–140 keV indicating pulmonary lesions at AP and VP, and P ＜ 0.05 indicating a statistically significant difference. An immunohistochemical examination was conducted and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to analyze the prediction performance of λHU for Ki-67 expression. SPSS Statistics 22.0 (IBM Corp., NY, USA) was used for statistical analysis, and x2, t and signed-rank test were used for quantitative and qualitative analyses of data.
Results:Significant differences were reported in the corresponding CT values at 40 (40 keV is considered the best single-energy image for evaluating Ki-67 expression) and 50 keV in AP and at 40, 60, and 70 keV in VP between high- and low-Ki-67 expression groups (P < 0.05), and in λHU of the three-segment energy spectrum curve, in both AP and VP (P < 0.05). However, the VP data had greater predictive values for Ki-67; The areas under the curve were 0.859, 0.856, and 0.859, respectively.
Conclusions: The 40-keV single-energy sequence was the best single-energy sequence to evaluate the expression of Ki-67 in lung cancer and to measure λHU of the energy spectrum curve in the venous phase. The CT values had better diagnostic efficiency.
The Effect of Different Obturation Techniques with Using Different Root Canal Sealers on the Residual Filling Material After Retreatment Procedures
Authors: Sarı Merve , Yılmaz Koray
Published: September 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Future Climate Change in the Northern Indian Ocean as Simulated with a High-Resolution Regional Earth System Model
Authors: Sein Dmitry V. , Martyanov Stanislav D. , Dvornikov Anton Y. , Cabos William , Ryabchenko Vladimir A. , Mishra Alok K. , Limareva Natalia , Alekseeva Evgenia , Jacob Daniela , Kumar Pankaj
Published: September 2022

This study examines the future climate change in the South Asia region during 2070–2099 with respect to the historical period (1975–2004) under RCP8.5 scenario using a high-resolution regional earth system model. We found substantial changes in the key climatic parameters over the South Asia region including ocean biological productivity, however, the magnitude of response varies spatially. A substantial increase (> 2.5C ) in the projected annual-mean sea surface temperature (SST) is found over the Indian Ocean with the highest increase (~ 3.4C) locally in the northern part of the Arabian Sea (AS) and in the Persian Gulf. The changes in the sea surface salinity show strong spatial variability with the highest freshening over northern BoB and highest saltines over the Persian Gulf followed by northern AS. Both water temperature and salinity changes in the future climate will lead to enhanced water stratification and vertical stability of the upper ocean layers, thus hindering the vertical turbulent mixing and nutrient supply to the surface, which results in decreasing of the ocean phytoplankton primary production in the northern part of the Indian Ocean.The amount of annual-mean atmospheric precipitation will substantially increase over the eastern coast of the Bay of Bengal (up to 1.5–2.0 mm/day) and along the equator in the band 10o S − 10o N (0.5–1.5 mm/day), while it will decrease over the western part of the Bay of Bengal and in the northern states of India (-0.5–1.0 mm/day). The most pronounced increase of precipitation rate in the future climate occurs over India (3–5 mm/day) and the eastern coasts of the Bay of Bengal (> 5 mm/day) during the monsoon period, and over the equatorial band (2–3 mm/day) during the post-monsoon period.
Coherent consolidation of trillions of nucleations for mono-atom step-level flat surfaces
Authors: Ha Taewoo , Seo Yu-Seong , Kim Teun-Teun , Lamichhane Bipin , Kim Young-Hoon , Kim Su Jae , Lee Yousil , Kim Jong , Park Sang Eon , Sim Kyung Ik , Kim Jae , Kim Yong In , Kim Seon , Jeong Hu Young , Lee Young Hee , Kim Seong-Gon , Kim Young-Min , Hwang Jungseek , Jeong Se-Young
Published: September 2022

Constructing a mono-atom step-level ultra-flat material surface is challenging, especially for thin films, because it is prohibitively difficult for trillions of clusters to coherently merge. Even though a rough metal surface, as well as the scattering of carriers at grain boundaries, limits electron transport and obscures their intrinsic properties, the importance of the flat surface has not been emphasised sufficiently. In this study, we describe in detail the initial growth of copper thin films required for mono-atom step-level flat surfaces (MSFSs). Deposition using atomic sputtering epitaxy leads to the coherent merging of trillions of islands into a coplanar layer, eventually forming an MSFS, for which the key factor is suggested to be the individual deposition of single atoms. Theoretical calculations support that single sputtered atoms ensure the formation of highly aligned nanodroplets and help them to merge into a coplanar layer. The realisation of the ultra-flat surfaces is expected to greatly assist efforts to improve quantum behaviour by increasing the coherency of electrons.
Construction of first high-density SNP genetic map and identification of QTL for the natural rubber content in Taraxacum kok-saghyz Rodin
Authors: Yang Yushuang , Qin Bi , Chen Qiuhui , Nie Qiuhai , Zhang Jichuan , Zhang Liqun , Liu Shizhong
Published: September 2022

Background
Taraxacum kok-saghyz Rodin (TKS) is a promising commercial alternative NR yielding plant. Cultivating TKS with a high NR content is an important breeding target, and developing molecular markers related to the NR content can effectively accelerate the breeding process of TKS.
Results
To construct a high-density SNP genetic map and uncover genomic regions related to the NR content in TKS, a F1 mapping population of TKS was constructed by crossing two parents (X51×l66) with significant differences in NR contents. The NR content of the F1 plants ranged from 0.30–15.14% and was distributed normally with a coefficient of variation of 47.61%, indicating quantitative trait inheritance. Then, employing the whole-genome resequencing (WGR), a TKS genetic linkage map of 12680 bin markers comprising 322,439 SNPs was generated. Based on the genetic map and NR content of the F1 population, six quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for NR content with LOD > 4.0 were identified on LG01/Chr01 and LG06/Chr06. Of them, the 2.17 Mb genomic region between qHRC-C6-1 and qHRC-C6-2 on ChrA06, with 65.62% PVE in total, was the major QTL region. In addition, the six QTLs have significant additive genetic effects on NR content and could be used to develop markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in TKS with a high NR content.
Conclusions
This work constructed the first high-density TKS genetic map, identified the QTLs and genomic regions controlling the NR content, which provides useful information for fine mapping, map-based cloning, and MAS in TKS.
Ethical, Legal and Social Implications of Polygenic Scores for Multifactorial Disease: A Narrative Review Identifying Concerns About Interpretation and Use
Authors: Chapman Carolyn Riley
Published: September 2022

Advances in genomics have enabled the development of polygenic scores (PGS), sometimes called polygenic risk scores, in the context of multifactorial traits and diseases such as height, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and mental illness. PGS are measures of an individual’s genetic predisposition, as compared to other members of a population, for conditions which are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. In the context of multifactorial disease, there is significant interest in using such risk stratification afforded through genomics to improve screening, contribute to diagnosis or prognosis, guide treatment, and inform research. Yet, many acknowledge the need to thoughtfully consider and address the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of PGS. To contribute to this effort, this paper reports on a narrative review of the literature, with the aim of identifying and categorizing ELSI relating to genetic risk prediction in the context of multifactorial disease which have been raised by scholars in the field. Ninety-two articles, spanning from 1977 to 2021, met inclusion criteria for this study. Identified ELSI were categorized into nine themes: potential benefits; potential mis- or overinterpretation; the need for clear and accurate communication; potential for stigma and discrimination; potential conflicts of interest and premature commercialization; need for standards and possible regulation; concerns about equitable access; need for diversity in research; and responsible data sharing. This research will support geneticists, clinicians, genetic counselors, patients, patient advocates, and policymakers in framing out and addressing ethical concerns associated with PGS; it will also guide future empirical and normative research.
ERK Hyperactivation Represents a Unified Mechanism of Escape in Intrinsic and Acquired CDK4/6 Inhibitor Resistance in Acral Lentiginous Melanoma
Authors: Jagirdar Kasturee , Portuallo Marie , Wilhide Matthew , Ahmed Waqar , Wei Meihan , Robertson Bailey , Bravo Jeremy , Alicea Gretchen , Aguh Crystal , Xiao Min , Godok Tetiana , Fingerman Dylan , Brown Gregory , Herlyn Meenhard , Guo Brian , Toska Eneda , Zabransky Daniel , Wubbenhorst Bradley , Nathanson Katherine , Ji Hongkai , Liu Qin , Rebecca Vito
Published: September 2022

Patients with metastatic acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) suffer worse outcomes relative to patients with other forms of cutaneous melanoma (CM), and do not benefit as well to approved melanoma therapies. Identification of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) pathway gene alterations in >60% of ALMs has led to clinical trials of the CDK4/6 inhibitor (CDK4i/6i) palbociclib for ALM; however, median progression free survival with CDK4i/6i treatment was only 2.2 months, suggesting existence of resistance mechanisms. Therapy resistance in ALM remains poorly understood; here we report hyperactivation of MAPK signaling and elevated cyclin D1 expression are a unified mechanism of both intrinsic and acquired CDK4i/6i resistance. MEK or ERK inhibition increases CDK4i/6i efficacy in a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of ALM and promotes a defective DNA repair, cell cycle arrested and apoptotic program. Concurrent targeting of the MAPK pathway and CDK4/6 represents a new approach to improve outcomes for patients with advanced ALM.
Exploring the Effect of Morphologies of Metal Organic Framework MIL-53(Fe) on the Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Pazhand Hooman , Alvani Ali Asghar Sabbagh , Sameie Hassan , Salimi Reza , Poelman Dirk
Published: September 2022

Controllable synthesis of Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with well-defined morphology, composition and size is of great importance towards understanding their structure-property relationship in various applications. Herein, the effect of morphology of photocatalysts on their optical behavior and photocatalytic efficiency was identified utilizing physical synthetic parameters for methylene blue removal. For this purpose, MIL-53(Fe) was fabricated as an efficient photocatalyst via solvothermal approach using chloride and nitrate salts as different secondary block unit (SBU) sources. Each of the powders obtained by two metal sources was synthesized at three different temperatures (120, 150, and 180 ºC). The fabricated MOFs were methodically investigated and characterized in terms of structural, textural, morphological and optical. The obtained empirical data confirmed that the particles synthesized at 120 ºC using iron chloride exhibit the highest efficiency for methylene blue removal. This could be associated to their high surface area and UV light absorption in comparison with other samples. These results can be considered in future research to maximize degradation of organic dyes as a serious pollutant in wastewater.
A Multi Parametric Route Selection Algorithm for Delay Minimization in Vanet
Authors: Cloudin Swamynathan , S John Deva Prasanna D. , k Anusha
Published: September 2022

VANET’s are yet to take their critical role in road safety, traffic management, accident detection and pollution control. Being the network of high mobility and fragile topology, VANET has its own advantages and limitations. The routes in VANET are highly scalable, and also loosely connected. In the context of critical message delivery, VANET needs to be fast and reliable. There are varieties of strategies proposed to mitigate the performance of VANET. Most of the VANETs make use of fixed schedule vehicles for reliable data delivery, being them public vehicles with multiple stoppages, this adds significant delay. To obtaine less data delivery delay and higher route’s reliability, this work has introduced heterogeneous vehicle nodes. The vehicles either has fixed route or has dynamic routes. The method also introduces a storage buffers in the major traffic junctions to keep the data for shorter time duration. The stored data can be efficiently communicated to the best available carrier to reach the destination quicker and safe. To further reduce the data delivery delay, the optimal routes are discovered. The route parameters include traffic density, connectivity, distance and path qualities. The proposed work reduces the data delivery delay to 88% and improves the network’s throughput to 92%.
Study on Wear Simulation of Diamond Abrasive Tool for Rotary Ultrasonic Grinding
Authors: Wei Shiliang , Zhang Tao , Pi Jiu , Wei Hengju , Li Wenzhi , Wang Wei
Published: September 2022

To explore the wear mechanism of diamond grinding tools in rotary ultrasonic grinding process and complete the simulation study of micro wear state of diamond grinding tools in different processing stages. Primarily, the morphology of single diamond abrasive grains is analyzed and studied, and a three-dimensional irregular abrasive grain simulation is carried out according to the morphology characteristics of diamond abrasive grains. Then, the center distance and spatial distribution law between diamond grits are obtained by calculation, and the discrete three-dimensional morphology simulation of diamond abrasive end face is completed based on the virtual lattice theory. Through the rotary ultrasonic grinding experiment, the wear form of diamond grits and the mathematical model of the wear amount of diamond grits changing with the removal amount of workpiece material are determined. The wear simulation of diamond abrasive tool with different workpiece removal is completed by using the mathematical model obtained from experiments. Last section, the number of abrasive particles in the simulation model and the wear amount of the abrasive tool are compared and analyzed with the corresponding experimental results. The above research provides a new research method for exploring the wear mechanism of diamond abrasive tools.
Unravelling neurotransmitters impairment in Primary Progressive Aphasias
Authors: Premi Enrico , Dukart Juergen , Mattioli Irene , Libri Ilenia , Pengo Marta , Gadola Yasmine , Cotelli Maria , Manenti Rosa , Binetti Giuliano , Gazzina Stefano , Alberici Antonella , Magoni Mauro , Koch Giacomo , Gasparotti Roberto , Padovani Alessandro , Borroni Barbara
Published: September 2022

Primary progressive aphasias (PPAs) are a group of neurodegenerative diseases mainly characterized by language impairment, and with variably presence of dysexecutive syndrome, behavioural disturbances and parkinsonism. Detailed knowledge of neurotransmitters impairment and its association with clinical features hold the potential to develop new tailored therapeutic approaches. In the present study, we applied JuSpace toolbox, which allowed for cross-modal correlation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-based measures with nuclear imaging derived estimates covering various neurotransmitter systems including dopaminergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic, GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission. We included 103 PPA patients and 80 age-matched healthy controls (HC). We tested if the spatial patterns of grey matter volume (GMV) alterations in PPA patients (relative to HC) are correlated with specific neurotransmitter systems. As compared to HC, voxel-based brain changes in PPA were significantly associated with spatial distribution of serotonin, dopamine, and glutamatergic pathways (p < 0.05, False Discovery Rate corrected-corrected). Disease severity was negatively correlated with the strength of GMV colocalization of D1 receptors (p = 0.035) and serotonin transporter (p = 0.020). Moreover, we observed a significant negative correlation between positive behavioural symptoms, as measured with Frontal Behavioural Inventory, and GMV colocalization of D1 receptors (p = 0.007) and serotonin transporter (p < 0.001). This pilot study suggests that JuSpace is a helpful tool to indirectly assess neurotransmitter deficits in neurodegenerative dementias and may provide novel insight into disease mechanisms and associated clinical features.
Body Mass Index and Gender Differences for Mortality in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Path Analysis using a Brazilian National Database BMI and Gender Differences in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Reis Erika Cardoso , Monteiro Elma Lúcia de Freitas , Meneguci Joilson , Rodrigues Phillipe Augusto Ferreira , Palma Alexandre , Junior Jair Sindra Virtuoso , Passos Sonia Regina Lambert , Santos Maria Angelica Borges dos
Published: September 2022

Different studies have shown that both obesity and gender can act as direct risk factors or through mediation, favoring worse outcomes in COVID-19. However, it is not clear how these factors relate and act differently between men and women. The aim of this study is to assess mortality from COVID-19 and to verify the direct and indirect effects of clinical variables among people with obesity, according to gender and BMI categories, in Brazil. An observational, cross-sectional study was carried out using national database. Path analysis showed that while men showed a direct association between higher values ​​of BMI and death, women showed an indirect association, mediated by the need for admission to the ICU. This may be due to greater severity infection among men without adequate time for care in the ICU.
Does the ‘Educational Alliance’ Conceptualize the Student - Supervisor Relationship When Conducting a Master Thesis in Medicine? - A qualitative study
Authors: Brenner Michael , Weiss-Breckwoldt Anja Nikola , Condrau Flurin , Breckwoldt Jan
Published: September 2022

Background: Completing a master thesis (MT) is mandatory in many undergraduate curricula in medicine but a specific educational model to guide the supervisor-student relationship during the MT has not been published. An attractive model for this purpose is the ‘Educational Alliance’ (EA), which focusses on the ‘clarity and agreement on goals, tasks, relationship and roles’. This study investigated factors and supervisory approaches that can either facilitate or hinder the process of MTs, and related these to the components of the EA.
Methods: We conducted separate, semi-structured interviews with students and their corresponding supervisors, after the MT had been accepted. The interviews included open and Likert-type scale questions on factors facilitating or hindering the success of the MT. The authors analyzed the anonymized transcripts using inductive thematic analysis.
Results: From 40 interviews related to 20 MTs, we extracted 469 comments and categorized these into four main categories a) ‘Preparation’ b) ‘Process’ c) ‘Atmosphere’ d) ‘Value of the MT’. Overall, interviewees highlighted the importance of clear expectations, a clear research plan, thorough and timely feedback, mutual agreement on timelines, and a positive working atmosphere. These factors appeared well in line with the EA concept. In addition, however, the interviews also showed that careful preparation of the project was regarded as essential. Based on the findings, we provide recommendations for students, supervisors, and the university.
Conclusion: In summary, we propose this extended EA model as useful in guiding students, supervisors, and the university towards conducting successful MTs in medicine.
Sodium pyruvate improves the plasma amino acid profile in rats with L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis
Authors: Zub Anastasiia , Ostapiv Roman , Manko Bohdan , Manko Volodymyr
Published: September 2022

Plasma amino acid levels are altered upon many pathological conditions including acute pancreatitis. It is unclear whether amino acids can be used as specific biomarker of acute pancreatitis severity or recovery. Development of acute pancreatitis is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and decreased cytosolic ATP level. Sodium pyruvate is considered as a potential treatment of pancreatitis due to its ability to sustain mitochondrial oxidative and ATP-productive capacity in vitro. In this study investigated the effect of sodium pyruvate on pancreatic morphology and plasma amino acid levels in rats with acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis in rats was induced by administration of L-arginine (5 g / kg) and confirmed with histological examination of pancreas. Experimental treatment group received sodium pyruvate (1 g / kg) for 4 days. Blood was collected on day 8 of the experiment and plasma amino acids concentration was determined with high-performance liquid chromatography. Sodium pyruvate administration did not improve the pancreatic morphology and ultrastructure, but improves the plasma amino acid levels. Rats with acute pancreatitis had significantly lower levels of most essential and non-essential amino acids and increased glutamate and aspartate in plasma. Administration of sodium pyruvate completely or partially restored levels of methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, leucine, isoleucine, aspartate, asparagine and ornithine levels, while increasing glutamine and serine to levels significantly higher than control. Plasma lysine, alanine, arginine and taurine remained unaffected remained unaffected in all experimental groups. Sodium pyruvate may be considered for use as a maintenance therapy in acute pancreatitis.
Deep-learning Driven Precision Control of Dilution Rate in Multi-pass Laser Cladding: Experiment and Simulation
Authors: Zhu Shichao , Xia Wenzhen , Kamali Hamidreza , Ouyang Linhan , Xie Lingling , Huang Zhenyi , Jiang Zhengyi
Published: September 2022

The continuous energy input can lead to heat accumulation in the multi-pass lap laser cladding, which results in a progressive increase in the dilution rate and deteriorates the quality of laser cladding. Precisely controlling the stability of the dilution in the multi-pass laser cladding is still challenging. In this study, we proposed a deep-learning driven method for precisely controlling the dilution rate in the multi-pass laser cladding. Initially, the relationship between the dilution rate and power energy is retracted via the experiment-based finite element simulation. Subsequently, the convolution neural network deep learning is applied to optimise and improve the accuracy of the dilution rates in the cladding layer. The experiment verifies that the high stability of dilution rate in each pass, i.e. average errors of less than 10.88%, is achieved via in-situ adjusting of the power energy using the prediction obtained from the proposed method. We also attempted to provide insights into the dilution mechanism in Invar alloy multi-pass laser cladding as well as the potential applications of this method for other materials in the cladding and other 3D metal additive manufacturing.
Optically Patternable Intensely Luminescent All-Inorganic Nanocrystals
Authors: Xiao Pengwei , Zhang Zhoufan , Ge Junjun , Deng Yalei , Chen Xunfeng , Zhang Jian-Rong , Kambe Yu , Talapin Dmitri , Wang Yuanyuan
Published: September 2022

All-inorganic nanocrystals (NCs) are of great importance in a range of electronic devices. However, current all-inorganic NCs suffer from limitations in their optical properties, such as low fluorescence efficiencies. Here, we developed a general surface treatment strategy to obtain intensely luminescent all-inorganic NCs (ILANs). The absolute photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) of red-, green- and blue-emitting ILANs in polar solvents are 97%, 80% and 72%, respectively, which are the highest among inorganically functionalized NCs. Further study revealed that the passivated Lewis basic sites of ILANs by metal cations boosts the efficiency of radiative recombination of electron-hole pairs. While the passivation of Lewis basic sites leads to a high PLQY of ILANs, the exposed Lewis acidic sites provide the opportunities for directly optically patterning of functional NCs with high-resolution. Our studies provide a new surface engineering approach to design functional NCs and create a versatile platform for patterning NCs.
Co-occurrence of CAPN3 homozygous mutation and CCTG expansion in the CNBP gene in a patient with muscular dystrophy
Authors: Radziwonik Wiktoria , Elert-Dobkowska Ewelina , Kubalska Jolanta , Stepniak Iwona , Lipowska Marta , Potulska-Chromik Anna , Sulek Anna
Published: September 2022

Muscular dystrophy is a group of heterogeneous diseases that cause progressive muscle weakness and atrophy. Many types of muscular dystrophy is distinguished involving Duchenne/Becker, myotonic, limb-girdle, congenital, or facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophies. Different molecular techniques, including next-generation sequencing (NGS) were performed to identify the genetic cause of Polish patient with limb–girdle muscle weakness and atrophy. Homozygous pathogenic mutation c.550delA, (p.Thr184ArgfsTer36) in the CAPN3 gene as well as a heterozygous expansion of a CCTG repeat of the CNBP gene in this patient had been identified. Segregation analysis showed both maternal and paternal heterozygous carriers for CAPN3 mutation, and a maternally inherited CNBP expansion. Here, we report on the first patient who carried both a homozygous mutation in the CAPN3 and CCTG expansion in the CNBP gene, suggesting the co-occurrence of recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy 1 and myotonic dystrophy 2 (DM2) in a single patient. In general, this phenomenon is considered as uncommon, although is possible and, therefore, should be taken into consideration in those populations with a relatively high prevalence of DM2.
Seasonal trends in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States and Europe
Authors: Wiemken Timothy L , Khan Farid , Puzniak Laura , Yang Wan , Simmering Jacob , Polgreen Philip , Nguyen Jennifer L , Jodar Luis , McLaughlin John M
Published: September 2022

Determining whether SARS-CoV-2 exhibits seasonality like other respiratory viruses is critical for public health planning. We evaluated whether COVID-19 rates follow a seasonal pattern using time series models. We used time series decomposition to extract the annual seasonal component of COVID-19 case, hospitalization, and death rates from March 2020 through July 2022 for the United States and Europe. Models were adjusted for a country-specific stringency index to account for confounding by nonpharmaceutical interventions. Despite year-round disease activity, we identified seasonal spikes in COVID-19 from approximately November-April for all outcomes and in all countries. Our results support employing annual preventative measures against SARS-CoV-2, such as administering seasonal booster vaccines in a similar timeframe as those in place for influenza. Whether certain high-risk individuals may need more than one COVID-19 vaccine booster dose each year will depend on factors like vaccine durability against severe illness and levels of year-round disease activity.
Clinical characteristics and survival analysis of Chinese ovarian cancer patients with RAD51D germline mutations
Authors: Yuan Hua , Li Ning
Published: September 2022

ObjectivesWe aimed to describe the behavior among Chinese ovarian cancer patients with RAD51D germline mutations at our institution.MethodsNext-generation sequencing (NGS) was conducted for the entire coding regions and exon/intron boundaries of the RAD51D genes in 781 Chinese ovarian cancer patients treated at our institution from January 1, 2015 to August 1, 2021. Clinicopathological characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes were assessed for ovarian cancerpatients with RAD51D germline mutations.ResultsRAD51D germline pathogenic mutations were detected in 1.7% (13/781) of patients in this cohort. RAD51D c. 270_271dup (p. Lys91fs) mutation was the most common mutation which was found in 7 patients (7/13, 53.1%). Patients median age at diagnosis was 58 years (range: 45-69 years). 46.2% (6/13) of them were diagnosed after 60 years. Only 1 patient (1/13, 7.7%) had a family history of ovarian or breast cancer. And 1 patient (1/13, 7.7%) had a personal history of breast cancer. The FIGO 2014 distribution by stage was: stage II in 1 patient (7.7%), stage III in 9 patients (69.2%) and stage IV in 3 patient (23.1%). 92.3% (12/13) patients had high-grade serous carcinoma. 2 patients (2/13, 15.4%) had a primary peritoneal cancer. The majority of patients in the entire cohort were reported to be platinum sensitive (92.3%, 12/13) with a platinum-free interval (PFI) of > 6 months. For patients who received PARPis for 2ndline maintenance treatment (n=5), 2 patients discontinued PARPis treatment after 33.5 and 8.1 months of duration. Other 3 patients are still on therapy with a duration of 2.4, 13.8 and 30.1 months at the date of data cutoff. 1 patient received PARPi as salvage treatment with a duration of only 1.2 months. 9 patients (9/13, 69.2%) relapsed during follow up and all of them relapsed within 2 years after diagnosis, among which 88.9% (8/9) were classified as platinum-sensitive recurrence (PSR), and only 1 patient was classified as platinum-resistant recurrence (PRR). Median PFS for the entire cohort was 17.3 months. Median PFS for the PSR subgroup was 15.9 months. 2 patients died during follow-up. The OS of these 2 patients was 17.2 and 39.6 months. The 5-year OS rate was 67.5%.ConclusionsRAD51D germline mutations are more frequent in Chinese ovarian cancer patients than other population. Few patients have a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, and personal history of breast cancer. Most patients are diagnosed after 50 years and tend to be associated with particularly aggressive phenotype. The sensitivity to PARP inhibitors of patients with RAD51D germline mutations need a further analysis.
Real-time observation of the large polaron buildup in α-FAPbI3
Authors: Yue Xingyu , Wang Chunwei , Zhang Bo , Zhang Zeyu , Xiong Zhuang , Zu Xinzhi , Liu Zhengzheng , Hu Zhiping , Odunmbaku George , Sun Kuan , Du Juan
Published: September 2022

The formation of large polaron, i.e., the coupling process between the carrier and lattice, is considered to play a crucial role in benefiting the superior photoelectric performance of hybrid organic-inorganic halide perovskites (HIOPs). However, direct observation of the dynamical formation of large polarons occurring at time scales within hundreds of femtoseconds remains a technical challenge. Generally, to characterize the polarons in HIOPs, the detection of infrared active phonon modes resonating in the terahertz range is utilized to indicate the quasi equilibrium polarons. Here, we demonstrate the real-time observation of large polaron formation process in HIOPs by terahertz emission spectroscopy. Besides, the polaron peaked at 1THz (P1) corresponding to the carriers coupling with the inorganic sublattice vibration, the FA+ cation rotation mode related 0.45 THz polaron (P2) peak also conform to the anharmonic oscillator emission of the large polaron formation. Interestingly, with a photon excitation energy higher than 2.4eV, the relative intensity of P2 was observed to be larger than that of P1 due to the higher sub-conduction band being excited. This observation could evidence that hot carriers in HIOPs could provide a new route for polaron formation. Our results could provide new physical insight into the polaron formation dynamics and hence the long-range carrier transport in HIOPs.
Assessment of S-net seafloor pressure data quality in view of seafloor geodesy
Authors: Hino Ryota , Kubota Tatsuya , Chikasada Naotaka Y , Ohta Yusaku , Otsuka Hideto
Published: September 2022

Long-term continuous observation of seafloor pressure is effective for detecting seafloor vertical deformations that are associated with transient tectonic phenomena such as slow slip events. Since the aseismic slip event prior to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, several discoveries have been made with respect to spontaneous slow slip events and various other types of slow earthquake along the Japan and Kuril Trenches. The Seafloor observation network for earthquakes and tsunamis along the Japan Trench (S-net) is expected to provide invaluable information on slow slip activities via geodetic signals that are detected by pressure observation. This study inspects the quality of the S-net pressure data in view of seafloor geodesy by comparison with records obtained by more than 100 autonomous ocean bottom pressure recorders (OBPRs) deployed along the Japan Trench. OBPRs have long been standard tools in seafloor geodesy and the data collected is considered benchmark in terms of quality. Most of the S-net stations show noise levels that are considerably higher than those of the OBPRs over periods of more than 2 d. A strong correlation between pressure and temperature is thought to account for the long-term noise. In this study, the temperature-dependent fluctuation component was estimated by prediction filtering, and removed from the original data, leading to a significant reduction in the noise level at many stations, which reached levels almost equivalent to those of OBPRs at 51 stations. Although no significant pressure changes have been identified as associated with the 2018 Boso SSE or repeated tremor bursts in the northern Japan Trench thus far, these stations can be considered sufficiently sensitive to detect slow slip events occurring nearby.
Birth weight concerning obesity and diabetes gene expression in healthy infants; a case- control study
Authors: Cheshmeh Sahar , Nachvak Seyyed Mostafa , Mohammadi Arman , Erfanifar Azadeh , Bajelani Arezoo
Published: September 2022

Background: Since obesity and diabetes are prevalent worldwide; identifying the factors affecting these two conditions can effectively alter them. We decided to investigate the expression of obesity and diabetes genes in infants with birth weight lower than 2500 g.
Methods: The current case-control study was performed on 215 healthy infants aged 5-6 months, referring to Kermanshah's health and treatment centers. After measuring the weight and height of the infant, the values were compared with the diagram of WHO to assure being healthy and well-grown and infants who were healthy, were selected to the study. 78 infants was in case group and 137 infants was in control group. 5 cc of intravenous blood was collected from all infants. Blood samples were collected in Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) coated vials to evaluate the expression of MC4R, MTNR1B, PTEN, ACACB, PPAR-γ, PPAR-α, (NRXN3 (NTRK2), (PCSK1), (A2BP1), (TMEM18), (LXR), (BDNF), (TCF7L2),(FTO) and (CPT1A) genes. The data was analyzed by Chi square, Mann-Whitney U and Spearman tests.
Results: a significant inverse correlation between birth weight and obesity and diabetes genes, including MTNR1B, NTRK2, PCSK1, and PTEN genes (r= -0.221, -0.235, -0.246, and -0.418, respectively). In addition, the LBW infant's expression level was significantly up-regulated than the normal weight infants (P= 0.001, 0.007, 0.001, and <0.001, respectively). The expression level of the PPAR-a gene had a significantly positive correlation with birth weight (r= 0.19, P= 0.005). The expression level of the PPAR-a gene in the normal weight infants was significantly up-regulated than the LBW infants (P= 0.049).
Conclusion: expression levels of MTNR1B, NTRK2, PCSK1, and PTEN genes were up-regulated in the LBW infants; however, the expression level of PPAR-a gene was significantly down-regulated in the LBW infants compared to the infants with normal birth weight.
Accuracy of a Time-of-Flight (ToF) Imaging System for Monitoring Deep-Inspiration Breath-Hold Radiotherapy (DIBH-RT) for Left Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Abubakar Auwal , Shaukat Shazril Imran , Karim Noor Khairiah A , Kassim Mohd Zakir , Appalanaido Gokula Kumar , Zin Hafiz
Published: September 2022

Deep inspiration breath-hold radiotherapy (DIBH-RT) reduces cardiac dose by over 50%. However poor breath-hold reproducibility could result in target miss which compromises the treatment success. This study aimed to benchmark the accuracy of a Time-of-Flight (ToF) imaging system for monitoring breath-hold during DIBH-RT. The accuracy of an Argos P330 3D ToF camera (Bluetechnix, Austria) was evaluated for patient setup verification and intra-fraction monitoring among 13 DIBH-RT left breast cancer patients. The ToF imaging was performed simultaneously with in-room cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and electronic portal imaging device (EPID) imaging systems during patient setup and treatment delivery, respectively. Patient surface depths (PSD) during setup were extracted from the ToF and the CBCT images during free breathing (FB) and DIBH using MATLAB (MathWorks, Natick, MA) and the chest surface displacement (CSD) were compared. The mean difference ± standard deviation, correlation coefficient, and limit of agreement (LOA) between the CBCT and ToF were 2.88 ± 5.89 mm, 0.92, and -7.36, 1.60 mm, respectively. The breath-hold stability and reproducibility were estimated using the central lung depth (CLD) extracted from the EPID images during treatment and compared with the PSD from the ToF. The average correlation between ToF and EPID was -0.84. The average intra-field reproducibility for all the fields was within 2.70 mm. The average intra-fraction reproducibility and stability were 3.74 mm, and 0.80 mm, respectively. The study demonstrated the feasibility of using ToF camera for monitoring breath-hold during DIBH-RT and shows good breath-hold reproducibility and stability during the treatment delivery.
Inventory Management Practices: Implications on the Pharmaceuticals Expenditure of Rabies Vaccine in Public Health Facilities, Namibia
Authors: Shibabaw Alemnew Dessie , Nakambale Hilma N. , Bangalee Varsha
Published: September 2022

Background
To achieve well-regulated distribution, storage, and utilization of rabies vaccine, health facilities should adhere to standard operating procedures. In Namibia, information on inventory management, utilization, monitoring and reporting of rabies vaccine adherence to standard operating procedures in public healthcare facilities is insufficient. The aim of this study was to assess adherence to rabies vaccine standard operating procedures and inventory management and, to compare rabies vaccine expenditure to the number of patients who received rabies vaccination at the Ministry of Health and Social Services public healthcare facilities from 2018–2020.
Methods
A cross-sectional, web-based questionnaire which consisted of closed-ended questions was sent to 147 pharmacy staff and warehouse managers working in the 14 regions of Namibia during the period of May 1, 2021 to June 2, 2021. The overall expenditure and the total number of patients vaccinated from 2018 to 2020 were obtained from national-level logistic and vaccination program coordinators. Data was coded and transcribed into Microsoft® Excel® 2013 and analysed using SPSS® version 27.
Results
One-hundred and thirty-three completed questionnaires were received from sixty-nine public health centres and hospitals. The group of respondents consisted of pharmacist assistants (50%), pharmacy technicians (12%), pharmacists (36.8%), senior pharmacists (0.8%) and chief pharmacists (1.5%). Overall, adherence to standard operating procedures was poor (27.1%). Rabies vaccine distributed to public health facilities from 2018 to 2020 was worth N$75,381,419.91 and was expected to vaccinate 87,269 patients, however, only 95 cases of both rabies cases and rabid dog-bite patients were reported. The major inventory management challenges for public healthcare facilities include inadequate number of pharmacy staff, poor adherence to standardized pharmaceutical warehousing, lack of regular supervision, and inadequate staff training.
Conclusion
Inventory management practices in public healthcare facilities were not in compliance with standard operating procedures. There is a significant discrepancy between rabies vaccine expenditure and the number of patients that were vaccinated. Therefore there is a need for adequate staff training on inventory management and regular facility supervision to enforce optimal rabies vaccine inventory management practices.
Mental health and cognitive outcomes in patients six months after testing positive compared with matched patients testing negative for COVID-19 in a non-hospitalized sample: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Ward Brooklyn , Edgar Nicole E. , Ahluwalia Chloe , Huang Eileen , Corsi Daniel , Colman Ian , Kaluzienski Mark , Orpana Heather , Hatcher Simon
Published: September 2022

Background: Most research on the psychiatric and cognitive outcomes of COVID-19 infection have been in patients who have been hospitalised, despite more than 95% of cases never being admitted to hospital. We aimed to determine the mental health and cognitive outcomes at six months of people who had not been hospitalized with COVID-19 and who had tested positive and negative for COVID-19 in Eastern Ontario.
Methods: Participants were matched 1:1 at the 6-month time point. Primary analyses compared COVID-positive with matched COVID-negative participants. In addition, within the COVID-19 positive population, we used an age and sex-adjusted logistic regression analysis to explore risk factors associated with depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment.
Results: 324 participants were enrolled (n=162 per arm). 40.7% of those in the COVID-positive group were men, with an average age of 37.9 (SD 13.2) years of age. In the COVID-negative group 41.4% were men, with an average of 36.7 (SD 12.8) years of age. There were no statistically significant differences in mental health outcomes between the two groups. On cognitive testing, 21% of the COVID-positive participants and 14% of the COVID-negative participants scored below the cut off for significant cognitive impairment. Risk factors for poor mental and cognitive outcomes differed between the two groups.
Conclusion: In non-hospitalised patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 there is no evidence of an increase in mental health disorders compared to people who tested negative. Any increases in mental health disorders during the pandemic are probably the effect of social changes rather than an effect of the virus itself. The exception may be the cognitive changes in those who tested positive.