bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum progranulin as a predictive marker for high activity of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis
Authors: Yoon Taejun , Lee Lucy Eunju , Ahn Sung Soo , Pyo Jung Yoon , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong‐Beom , Lee Sang‐Won
Published: October 2021

Background

This study investigated whether serum progranulin could act as a predictive marker for high disease activity of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis (AAV).

Methods

Fifty‐eight AAV patients were included in this study. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained at blood collection. The Short‐Form 36‐Item Health Survey Physical and Mental Component Summaries (SF‐36 PCS and SF‐36 MCS), Birmingham Vasculitis activity score (BVAS), Five‐Factor Score (FFS), and Vasculitis Damage Index (VDI) were assessed as AAV‐specific indices. Whole blood was collected and serum samples were isolated and stored at −80°C. Serum progranulin concentration was quantified by ELISA kits.

Results

The median age of patients was 63.0 years (19 men). The median BVAS was 11.0, and the median serum progranulin level was 49.0 ng/ml. Serum progranulin was significantly correlated with BVAS, FFS, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein level, SF‐36 PCS, haemoglobin, and serum albumin. Severe AAV was arbitrarily defined as the highest tertile of BVAS (BVAS ≥16). When the cut‐offs of serum progranulin were set as 55.16 ng/ml and 43.01 ng/ml for severe AAV, AAV patients with serum progranulin ≥55.16 and 43.01 ng/ml had significantly higher risks of severe AAV than those without (relative risk (RR) 4.167 and 4.524, respectively).

Conclusions

Progranulin might play an anti‐inflammatory role in AAV pathogenesis and serum progranulin could be used as a predictive marker for high activity of AAV.
Examining engineering students' perceptions of learner agency enactment in problem‐ and project‐based learning using Q methodology
Authors: Du Xiangyun , Lundberg Adrian , Ayari Mohamed A. , Naji Khalid K. , Hawari Alaa
Published: October 2021

Background

Few studies have reported how students enact learner agency in a team setting or examined what elements of team settings students perceive as more supportive of their learning in problem‐ and project‐based learning (PBL) processes.

Purpose

This study explores how engineering students perceive their enactment of learner agency, particularly which aspects of the PBL process they find most important.

Method

Thirty‐nine students from two PBL civil engineering courses in Qatar participated in the study. Q methodology was chosen for both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. A 40‐item Q set based on a theoretical model of learner agency was used.

Results

Eight significantly different student viewpoints emerged from the Q methodological factor analysis, indicating a range of individual perceptions of learner agency. Intrapersonal dimensions were highlighted by three of the eight viewpoints, behavioral dimensions were underlined by seven viewpoints, and environmental dimensions were valued by all viewpoints.

Conclusion

While the results reveal a wide range of individual experiences with learner agency across the three dimensions, students addressed self‐directed learning aspects both actively and passively, suggesting that many participants still value instructors' roles of providing direct instruction and authorized knowledge in PBL. The results highlight the need for more awareness of learner agency and more opportunities for students to enact learner agency by increasing PBL knowledge, skills, and efficacy. Q methodology can contribute to engineering education research by providing new theoretical and empirical insights into learners' subjective understanding of agency in a PBL setting as a complex system.
Neddylation of Coro1a determines the fate of multivesicular bodies and biogenesis of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Fei Xuefeng , Li Zhijie , Yang Diya , Kong Xianghui , Lu Xinliang , Shen Yingying , Li Xu , Xie Shaofang , Wang Jiaoli , Zhao Yongchao , Sun Yi , Zhang Jing , Ye Zhaoming , Wang Jianli , Cai Zhijian
Published: October 2021

Multivesicular bodies (MVBs) fuse with not only the plasma membranes to release extracellular vesicles (EVs) but also lysosomes for degradation. Rab7 participates in the lysosomal targeting of MVBs. However, the proteins on MVB that directly bind Rab7, causing MVB recruitment of Rab7 remain unidentified. Here, we show that Coro1a undergoes neddylation modification at K233 by TRIM4. Neddylated Coro1a is associated with the MVB membrane and facilitates MVB recruitment and activation of Rab7 by directly binding Rab7. Subsequently, MVBs are targeted to lysosomes for degradation in a Rab7‐dependent manner, leading to reduced EV secretion. Furthermore, a decrease in neddylated Coro1a enhances the production of tumour EVs, thereby promoting tumour progression, indicating that neddylated Coro1a is an ideal target for the regulation of EV biogenesis. Altogether, our data identify a novel substrate of neddylation and reveal an unknown mechanism for MVB recruitment of Rab7, thus providing new insight into the regulation of EV biogenesis.
Kiær and the rebirth of the representative method: A case‐study in controversy management at the International Statistical Institute (1895–1903)
Authors: Lusinchi Dominic
Published: October 2021

Anders N. Kiær (1838–1919), the director of Norway's Central Bureau of Statistics between 1877 and 1913, was the foremost promoter, at the turn of the 20th century, of the rebirth of what came to be known as the “representative method” or sample survey. His advocacy of a methodology that had been abandoned at the beginning of the 19th century in favor of complete enumeration (the census) provoked a controversy at the International Statistical Institute (ISI) when he first presented it in 1895. Yet, it was “recommended” in fairly short order, by 1903. This was the result of a convergence of factors that prevented the dispute from degenerating into a full‐blown conflict and facilitated continuing the discussion while preventing a potential break‐up of the association. To understand how this came about, the paper examines (1) the role of the historical background from which the ISI emerged; (2) the epistemic beliefs that informed the ISI members in their daily professional practice; (3) the social structure of the ISI and its “ethos”; (4) the professional standing Kiær enjoyed within the international statistical community. This is a case‐study in the sociology of how and why some scientific practices initially seen as “dangerous” gain acceptance and become part of science's lore.
How community ART delivery may improve HIV treatment outcomes: Qualitative inquiry into mechanisms of effect in a randomized trial of community‐based ART initiation, monitoring and re‐supply (DO ART) in South Africa and Uganda
Authors: Gilbert Hannah N. , Wyatt Monique A. , Pisarski Emily E. , Asiimwe Stephen , van Rooyen Heidi , Seeley Janet , Shahmanesh Maryam , Turyamureeba Bosco , van Heerden Alastair , Adeagbo Oluwafemi , Celum Connie L. , Barnabas Ruanne V. , Ware Norma C. ,   for the Delivery Optimization of Antiretroviral Therapy (DO ART) Study Team
Published: October 2021

Introduction

UNAIDS fast track targets for ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 call for viral suppression in 95% of people using antiretroviral therapy (ART) to treat HIV infection. Difficulties in linking to care following a positive HIV test have impeded progress towards meeting treatment targets. Community‐based HIV services may reduce linkage barriers and have been associated with high retention and favourable clinical outcomes. We use qualitative data from The Delivery Optimization of Antiretroviral Therapy (DO ART) Study, a three‐arm randomized trial of community ART initiation, monitoring and re‐supply conducted in western Uganda and KwaZulu‐Natal South Africa, to identify mechanisms through which community ART delivery may improve treatment outcomes, defined as viral suppression in people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Methods

We conducted open‐ended interviews with a purposeful sample of 150 DO ART participants across study arms and study sites, from October 2016 to November 2019. Interviews covered experiences of: (1) HIV testing; (2) initiating and refilling ART; and (3) participating in the DO ART Study. A combined inductive content analytic and thematic approach was used to characterize mechanisms through which community delivery of ART may have contributed to viral suppression in the DO ART trial.

Results

The analysis yielded four potential mechanisms drawn from qualitative data representing the perspectives and priorities of DO ART participants. Empowering participants to schedule, re‐schedule and select the locations of community‐based visits via easy phone contact with clinical staff is characterized as flexibility. Integration refers to combining the components of clinic‐based visits into single interaction with a healthcare provider. Providers” willingness to talk at length with participants during visits, addressing non‐HIV as well as HIV‐related concerns, is termed “a slower pace”. Finally, increased efficiency denotes the time savings and increased income‐generating opportunities for participants brought about by delivering services in the community.

Conclusions

Understanding the mechanisms through which HIV service delivery innovations produce an effect is key to transferability and potential scale‐up. The perspectives and priorities of PLHIV can indicate actionable changes for HIV care programs that may increase engagement in care and improve treatment outcomes.
Stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth transplantation ameliorates Sjögren's syndrome by secreting soluble PD-L1
Authors: Yang Ning , Liu Xuemei , Chen Xu , Yu Si , Yang Wenxiao , Liu Yao
Published: October 2021

Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation (MSCT) regulates immune cells, and is a promising therapeutic approach for treating autoimmune diseases. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) are a unique postnatal stem cell population from the cranial neural crest with high self-renewal, multipotent differentiation, and superior immunomodulatory properties. However, the mechanisms by which SHED can treat autoimmune diseases remain unclear. Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease histologically characterized by high lymphocytic infiltration in the salivary and lacrimal glands that results in dryness symptoms. This study explores the potential of systemic transplantation of SHED to ameliorate SS-induced dryness symptoms in mice. Overall, SHED could rescue the balance of regulatory T cell (Treg)/T helper cell 17 (Th17) in the recipient SS mice. Mechanistically, SHED promoted Treg conversion and inhibited Th17 function via paracrine effects, which were related to the secretion of soluble programmed cell death ligand 1 (sPD-L1). Moreover, it directly induced Th17 apoptosis via cell-cell contact, leading to the up-regulation of Treg and down-regulation of Th17 cells. In summary, SHED-mediated rescue of Treg/Th17 balance via the sPD-L1/PD-1 pathway ameliorates the gland inflammation and dryness symptoms in SS mice. These findings suggest that SHED are a promising stem cell source for the treatment of autoimmune diseases in the clinical setting.
Molecular studies of immunological enzyme clumping factor B for the inhibition ofStaphylococcus aureuswith essential oils ofNigella sativa
Authors: Alfaiz Faiz Abdulaziz
Published: October 2021

Essential oils from black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa) have largely been used in the manufacturing of nutraceuticals and functional food products due to the presence of a wide variety of bioactive compounds. However, their applications in the pharmaceutical sector have recently attracted interest and started blooming. The present research elucidates the in silico and in vitro efficacies of active leads from essential oil ofN sativaagainst the human pathogenic bacteriumStaphylococcus aureus. Biofilm development has become an inevitable situation in the health care sector. Lowering the efficacies of antimicrobial drugs is one of the vital ramifications that resulted in the emergence of multidrug resistance. Clumping factor B (clfB) ofS aureusplays a key role in the human immune functions during pathogenesis. Through STRING analysis, the interacting protein partners of clfB were found to regulate biofilm pathway. Therefore, eight ligands from essential oil are docked with the critical clfB protein, which revealed p‐cymene, thymoquinone and carvacrol as the robust ligands with highest binding affinity. Therefore, antibiofilm potential ofN sativaessential oil at in vitro states was evaluated againstS aureus. Further, real time PCR analysis showed that the expression ofclfBand intercellular adhesion gene (icaAandicaD) was significantly altered upon treatment with essential oil. Altogether, the findings confirmed the antibiofilm efficacy ofN sativaessential oil againstS aureus. Hence, the essential oil fromN. sativawas envisaged to be promising candidate to treatS aureusbiofilm mediated infection.
Statistical climate model downscaling for impact projections in the Midwest United States
Authors: Polasky Andrew D. , Evans Jenni L. , Fuentes Jose D. , Hamilton Holly L.
Published: October 2021

For future climate projections to be useful they must be actionable at the local level. In this study, we develop daily temperature and precipitation climate scenarios suitable for use in projections of drought, energy use, water use, and crop production. We investigate the magnitude of future changes to air temperature and precipitation in the Midwest United States in response to three future climate change scenarios. Results are used to assess changes to incidence of precipitation extremes and human comfort (using heat index) associated with the anticipated climate changes in the region. We use self‐organizing maps and random forest based techniques to generate daily realizations of temperature and precipitation for 279 weather stations in a region centred on Illinois. We determine that the random forest model performs best for maximum and minimum temperatures, while the self‐organizing map performs best for precipitation. Using nine models from the Coupled Model Inter‐Comparison Project Phase 5, downscaled daily temperature and precipitation values are generated for low, moderate, and high greenhouse gas emissions scenarios for historical and future periods. Based on recent trends, we focus our results on the high emissions scenario, and show an average increase of 4.3°C in maximum daily air temperature across the region for the 2071–2100 period. Precipitation decreases by up to 15% in the southern half of the study region, with a similar percentage increase in the northern half of the region. The regional environmental changes result in an increase of 5.8° in average summer heat index, and increase of 48% in the number of days likely to produce extreme heat, and a decrease in the average value of the standardized precipitation and evapotranspiration index of 1.9 (indicating increased drought) across the region by 2100.
Retrospective median power, false positive meta‐analysis and large‐scale replication
Authors: Stanley T. D. , Doucouliagos Hristos , Ioannidis John P. A.
Published: October 2021

Recent, high‐profile, large‐scale, preregistered failures to replicate uncover that many highly‐regarded experiments are “false positives”; that is, statistically significant results of underlying null effects. Large surveys of research reveal that statistical power is often low and inadequate. When the research record includes selective reporting, publication bias and/or questionable research practices, conventional meta‐analyses are also likely to be falsely positive. At the core of research credibility lies the relation of statistical power to the rate of false positives. This study finds that high (>50%–60%) median retrospective power (MRP) is associated with credible meta‐analysis and large‐scale, preregistered, multi‐lab “successful” replications; that is, with replications that corroborate the effect in question. When median retrospective power is low (<50%), positive meta‐analysis findings should be interpreted with great caution or discounted altogether.
The physicochemical and fire extinguishing performance of aqueous film‐forming foams based on a class of short‐chain fluorinated surfactants
Authors: Zhu Xinhua , Jia Xuhong , Zhang Yuqiang
Published: October 2021

Aqueous film‐forming foams (AFFFs) are an important for fire extinguishing, and their key ingredient is fluorinated surfactant. In recent years, traditional long‐chain fluorinated surfactants have been banned by most countries because of their persistence, bio‐accumulation and toxicity. Therefore, increased attention has been paid to the research and development of short‐chain fluorinated surfactants. As is well known, the introduction of hydrophilic or hydrophobic groups in a surfactant affects its surface activity, and therefore, the fire extinguishing performance of AFFFs. In this work, a series of short‐chain fluorosurfactant‐based AFFFs with different hydrophobic chain lengths were prepared. The physicochemical performance of mixed systems (fluorinated surfactant plus sodium hexanesulfonate), including surface activity, spreading ability, foam expansion, drainage time, and the fire extinguishing and burn‐back performance of AFFFs were studied. The results show that the critical micelle concentration (CMC) and the surface tension (γCMC) at the CMC of mixed systems at 25°C are lower than 7.68 mmol/L and 16.51 mN/m, respectively. For mixed systems, the average spreading rate is more than 1.09 cm/s, the foam expansion is over 7.1, and the drainage time is greater than 3.28 min. The fire extinguishing time of AFFFs on fuels is less than 51 s while the burn‐back time is more than 15.18 min. The results imply a potential application prospect of the short‐chain fluorinated surfactants in AFFFs.
Identification of a thermophilic protease‐producing strain and its application in solid‐state fermentation of soybean meal
Authors: Dai Chunhua , Hou Yizhi , Xu Haining , Umego Ekene C , Huang Liurong , He Ronghai , Ma Haile
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Thermophiles can thrive at 50–80 °C and produce some enzymes with special promise for biocatalysis. A thermophilic protease‐producing strain YYC4 was isolated from Yunyan cigarette and employed in solid‐state fermentation (SSF) of unsterilized soybean meal (SBM).

RESULTS

The isolate was identified as Bacillus licheniformis based on appearance of colonies, microscopic observation and 16S rDNA sequencing. After SSF, soluble and crude protein contents in SBM increased from 49.24 to 185.73 g kg−1 and from 404.18 to 479.46 g kg−1, respectively, under the fermentation conditions of 107 cfu g−1 inoculation of strain YYC4, 1:1.8 (g mL−1) SBM to distilled water, 1.2 g kg−1 magnesium sulphate addition, 55 °C and 48 h. During fermentation, pH of the medium increased from 6.30 to 9.09 and protease activity especially neutral protease increased significantly from 13.5 to 181.31 U g−1. Meanwhile, trypsin inhibitor (TI) activity was decreased from 8.19 to 3.19 mg g−1. The safety of fermented SBM (FSBM) was verified by acute toxicity animal experiment. Analysis of microbial community in FSBM showed that Bacillus licheniformis YYC4 as a dominant strain inhibited most of the other microorganisms pre‐existing in the materials during fermentation.

CONCLUSION

Increments of soluble and crude protein by 277.19% and 18.63% and decrement of harmful TI by 61.05% in SBM were achieved using thermophilic SSF by Bacillus licheniformis YYC4, providing a basis for the application of thermophiles in fermentation industry in an environmentally friendly and energy‐saving way. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Identification of factors influencing the level of maturity of dealerships in Norway process orientation
Authors: Sliż Piotr
Published: October 2021

The main purpose of the article is to identify the factors limiting the achievement of higher levels of maturity in the implementation of process orientation elements on the example of automotive sector organizations in Norway. The study uses a systematic review of the literature and opinion poll carried out using the CAWI technique of 48 car dealerships functioning on the Norwegian automotive market. In the surveyed group of automotive sector organizations in Norway, based on the proprietary maturity model, it was shown that most of these are organizations in which business processes are only identified and formalized. The group of factors that prevent the achievement of higher levels of maturity includes the lack of process measurement systems, the lack of employee activation in process improvement, the lack of implementation of the customer‐supplier relationship mechanism in external and internal terms, and deficiencies in the management of knowledge diffusion within the organization. The presented results have been formulated for the examined group of 48 organizations and they cannot be extended to the entire population of authorized services. The theoretical model presented in the article, as well as the attached questionnaire for assessing the implementation of process orientation, enables self‐assessment of the process maturity for organizations operating in the automotive sector, both at the dealership level, as well as manufacturers and importers managing the dealership network. It is also a source of knowledge regarding the functioning of the examined dealership group in the selected market, primarily from the perspective of assessing the orientation of external and internal customers and the flexibility of the organization in responding to changes generated both in the environment and its interior. The theoretical model presented in the article is an innovative approach in assessing the level of the organization's process orientation implementation on the basis of an objectified and not subjective assessment of the respondents. In addition, the assessment model presented in the article was adapter to the specifics of the studied organizations of the automotive sector, which definitely increases the credibility of the obtained results in contrast to the use of universal models.
Deep Learning for nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Identification Using Both White Light and Narrow‐Band Imaging Endoscopy
Authors: Xu Jianwei , Wang Jun , Bian Xianzhang , Zhu Ji‐Qing , Tie Cheng‐Wei , Liu Xiaoqing , Zhou Zhiyong , Ni Xiao‐Guang , Qian Dahong
Published: October 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To develop a deep‐learning‐based automatic diagnosis system for identifying nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) from noncancer (inflammation and hyperplasia), using both white light imaging (WLI) and narrow‐band imaging (NBI) nasopharyngoscopy images.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

A total of 4,783 nasopharyngoscopy images (2,898 WLI and 1,885 NBI) of 671 patients were collected and a novel deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) framework was developed named Siamese deep convolutional neural network (S‐DCNN), which can simultaneously utilize WLI and NBI images to improve the classification performance. To verify the effectiveness of combining the above‐mentioned two modal images for prediction, we compared the proposed S‐DCNN with two baseline models, namely DCNN‐1 (only considering WLI images) and DCNN‐2 (only considering NBI images).

Results

In the threefold cross‐validation, an overall accuracy and area under the curve of the three DCNNs achieved 94.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 93.3%–96.5%) and 0.986 (95% CI 0.982–0.992), 87.0% (95% CI 84.2%–89.7%) and 0.930 (95% CI 0.906–0.961), and 92.8% (95% CI 90.4%–95.3%) and 0.971 (95% CI 0.953–0.992), respectively. The accuracy of S‐DCNN is significantly improved compared with DCNN‐1 (P‐value <.001) and DCNN‐2 (P‐value = .008).

Conclusion

Using the deep‐learning technology to automatically diagnose NPC under nasopharyngoscopy can provide valuable reference for NPC screening. Superior performance can be obtained by simultaneously utilizing the multimodal features of NBI image and WLI image of the same patient.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:999–1007, 2022
Environmental gradients and physical barriers drive the basin‐wide spatial structuring of Mediterranean Sea and adjacent eastern Atlantic Ocean prokaryotic communities
Authors: Sebastián Marta , Ortega‐Retuerta Eva , Gómez‐Consarnau Laura , Zamanillo Marina , Álvarez Marta , Arístegui Javier , Gasol Josep M.
Published: October 2021

The Mediterranean Sea is a miniature ocean divided by the Sicily Strait into two basins with a marked west to east trophic gradient and separated of the nearby eastern Atlantic Ocean by the Strait of Gibraltar. Here, we test the hypothesis that these physical and environmental barriers favor the development of specific prokaryotic assemblages, leading to changes in community structure both in the vertical and horizontal spatial scales. By analyzing taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity using amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) of the 16S rRNA gene, we show that there is indeed marked vertical segregation of prokaryotic groups, similar to that found in other areas of the ocean, but also a clear horizontal structuring among the two Mediterranean basins and the adjacent Atlantic waters. Prokaryotic diversity increased with depth and toward the Atlantic, whereas the easternmost stations displayed more phylogenetically diverse phylotypes, despite harboring globally less diverse communities. Basin‐indicator taxa (ASVs) accounted for a large fraction of the community (between 50% and 80%) in each of the basins at the surface and bathypelagic layers, being associated with different environmental variables. The existence of biogeographic and environmental barriers in the Mediterranean Sea is likely related to the trophic gradient at the surface and the isolation of water bodies in depth due to the Gibraltar and Sicily straits. Our work highlights the importance of studying microbial regional biogeography and provides the basis for future studies on the impact of this regionalization in the function of Mediterranean Sea prokaryotic communities.
Turning the Tide on Hepatitis C Virus–Related Liver Transplantation: The Return on Investment in Hepatitis C Virus Treatment in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Howell Jess , Majumdar Avik , Fink Michael A. , Byrne Mandy , McCaughan Geoff , Strasser Simone I. , Crawford Michael , Hodgkinson Peter , Stuart Katherine A. , Tallis Caroline , Chen John , Wigg Alan , Jones Robert , Jaques Bryon , Jeffrey Gary , Adams Leon , Wallace Michael C. , Munn Stephen , Gane Ed , Thompson Alex J. , Gow Paul
Published: October 2021

Introduction of universal access to direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Australia and New Zealand on March 1st, 2016, has had a major impact on the number of people with chronic HCV infection, but the impact on liver transplantation rates is unknown. We conducted a retrospective registry study including all adult liver transplantations from the Australia and New Zealand Liver and Intestinal Liver Transplant Registry (ANZLITR) data set. Interrupted time series analysis determined the impact of DAAs in 2016 on the number of HCV liver transplantations per year. Cox regression analysis was used to determine the impact of DAAs on post–liver transplantation survival. Between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2019 5318 adult liver transplantations were performed, and 29% (1531) were for HCV infection. Prior to the introduction of DAAs, there was a mean increase of 3.5 adult liver transplantations performed for HCV per annum, but between 2016 and 2019 there was a mean decrease of 7.9 adult liver transplantations per annum (P < 0.001). Similarly, the proportion of liver transplantations performed for HCV increased from 9% (1990) to 33% in 2016 and then fell to 23% in 2019 (P < 0.001). The number and proportion of patients with HCV added to the liver transplantation waiting list also fell in 2016 (P < 0.001) when compared with other indications. The introduction of DAAs was associated with a 31% reduction in death after liver transplantation, adjusted for age at transplant and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; hazard ratio [HR], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48‐0.99; P = 0.047). The number of adult liver transplantations performed for HCV‐related liver cirrhosis and HCC has reduced since the introduction of universal access to DAAs in 2016 in Australia and New Zealand.
Chitosan/Polyvinyl Alcohol/ Lauramidopropyl Betaine/2D‐HOF Mixed Film with Abundant Hydrogen Bonds Acts as High Mechanical Strength Artificial Skin
Authors: Ye Qin , Chen Shu‐Han , Zhang Ya , Ruan Bo , Zhang Yi‐Jie , Zhang Xin‐Ke , Jiang Tao , Wang Xiaoge , Ma Ning , Tsai Fang‐Chang
Published: October 2021

The mechanical properties of artificial skins are complicated to maintain under ensuring air permeability and antimicrobial. Thus, a series of hydrophilic antimicrobial polymer networks are prepared by crosslinking chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol with the lauramidopropyl betaine and hydrogen bond organic framework (CS/PVA/LPB/2D‐HOF). The mechanical performance of the control groups and the complex are systematically evaluated to attain an artificial strength skin. The CS/PVA/LPB/2D‐HOF complex exhibits strong mechanical abilities than other control groups. By analyzing the IR spectra and the morphology, the synergistic effect of hydrogen bonds between molecules and cracks significantly improves the mechanical properties of the complex. Its maximum tensile strength can reach 29 MPa, and its maximum load capacity can reach 3700 g. Notably, the composite membrane also performs an excellent antimicrobial activity. In vivo and in vitro experiments show that the hybrid membrane can promote tissue regeneration and wound healing (95％). These results may open up the opportunity for future composite material investigations in the artificial skin and tissue engineering field.
Investigating Branched Polyethylene Sensors for Applications in Prosthetics
Authors: Williams Jamie O. D. , Solan Gregory A. , Xu Jinting , Allen Jack , Harris Rob C. , Timmermann Vanessa M.
Published: October 2021

There is a need for new conductive, scalable sensors with piezoresistive and thermoresistive properties for applications in bioengineering. For example, the demand for real‐time sensory feedback in upper‐limb prosthetics requires sensors that are low‐cost, scalable, and sensitive to temperature, pressure, and movement. It is possible to manufacture low‐cost conductive sensors by directly mixing a low‐cost filler such as graphite into fillers such as polyorganosiloxane, although they can have poor electrical and mechanical homogeneity. In this paper, an alternative approach is outlined to form these sensors: ethylene was polymerized using a nickel catalyst to form a polymer with up to 93 branches per 1000 carbon atoms. This branched polyethylene was fibrous and had a greater volume than high‐density polyethylene. After hot pressing with a graphite filler to form a conductive, flexible sensor, the polyethylene samples had electrical resistivity down to 0.067 m, a thermal coefficient of resistance −7.5 at 27 , and a electrical resistance sensitive to forces down to 0.1 N. The process is scalable, and provides a route to homogeneous, low‐cost sensors for future prosthetics applications.
Identification and characterization of the cell division protein MapZ from Streptococcus suis
Authors: Dresen Muriel , Rohde Manfred , Arenas Jesús , de Greeff Astrid , Nerlich Andreas , Valentin‐Weigand Peter
Published: October 2021

Streptococcus suis, an emerging zoonotic pathogen, causes invasive diseases in pigs, including sepsis, meningitis, endocarditis, pneumonia, and arthritis. Importantly, similar pathologies are reported in human S. suis infections. In previous work, the locus SSU0375 of S. suis strain P1.7 had been identified as a conditionally essential gene by intrathecal experimental infection of pigs with a transposon library of S. suis. This study aimed to identify the function of the corresponding gene product. Bioinformatics analysis and homology modeling revealed sequence and structural homologies with the Streptococcus pneumoniae mid‐cell‐anchored protein Z (MapZ) that is involved in cell division in different bacterial species. Indeed, depletion of this locus in S. suis strain 10 revealed a growth defect as compared to the wild type. Electron microscopy analysis of the corresponding mutant demonstrated morphological growth defects as compared to the wild‐type strain, including an irregular cell shape and size as well as mispositioned division septa. Light microscopy and subsequent quantitative image analysis confirmed these morphological alterations. In the genetic rescue strain, the wild‐type phenotype was completely restored. In summary, we proposed that SSU0375 or the corresponding locus in strain 10 encode for a S. suis MapZ homolog that guides septum positioning as evidenced for other members of the Streptococci family.
A hunt for OM45 synthetic petite interactions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveals a role for Miro GTPase Gem1p in cristae structure maintenance
Authors: Shvetsova Antonina , Masud Ali J. , Schneider Laura , Bergmann Ulrich , Monteuuis Geoffray , Miinalainen Ilkka J. , Hiltunen J. Kalervo , Kastaniotis Alexander J.
Published: October 2021

Om45 is a major protein of the yeast's outer mitochondrial membrane under respiratory conditions. However, the cellular role of the protein has remained obscure. Previously, deletion mutant phenotypes have not been found, and clear amino acid sequence similarities that would allow inferring its functional role are not available. In this work, we describe synthetic petite mutants of GEM1 and UGO1 that depend on the presence of OM45 for respiratory growth, as well as the identification of several multicopy suppressors of the synthetic petite phenotypes. In the analysis of our mutants, we demonstrate that Om45p and Gem1p have a collaborative role in the maintenance of mitochondrial morphology, cristae structure, and mitochondrial DNA maintenance. A group of multicopy suppressors rescuing the synthetic lethal phenotypes of the mutants on non‐fermentable carbon sources additionally supports this result. Our results imply that the synthetic petite phenotypes we observed are due to the disturbance of the inner mitochondrial membrane and point to this mitochondrial sub‐compartment as the main target of action of Om45p, Ugo1p, and the yeast Miro GTPase Gem1p.
SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein harnesses SNX27‐mediated endocytic recycling pathway
Authors: Zhao Lin , Zhong Kunhong , Zhao Jia , Yong Xin , Tong Aiping , Jia Da
Published: October 2021

SARS‐CoV‐2 is an enveloped positive‐sense RNA virus that depends on host factors for all stages of its life. Membrane receptor ACE2 is a well‐established factor for SARS‐CoV‐2 docking. In addition to ACE2, whole‐genome genetic screens have identified additional proteins, such as endosomal trafficking regulators SNX27 and retromer, as key host factors required for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. However, it is poorly understood how SARS‐CoV‐2 utilize host endocytic transport pathways to produce productive infection. Here, we report that SNX27 interacts with the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike (S) protein to facilitate S protein surface expression. Interestingly, S protein binds to the PDZ domain of SNX27, although it does not contain a PDZ‐binding motif (PDZbm). Either abrogation of the SNX27 PDZ domain or S protein “MTSC” motif, which is critical for SNX27 binding, decreases surface expression of S protein and viral production. Collectively, our study highlights a novel approach utilized by SARS‐CoV‐2 to facilitate virion trafficking to establish virus infection.
A rare unbalanced translocation (trisomy 5q33.3‐qter, monosomy 13q34‐qter) results in growth hormone deficiency and brain anomalies
Authors: Joynt Alyssa C. M. , Deshwar Ashish R. , Zon Jessica , Dupuis Lucie , Wherrett Diane K. , Mendoza‐Londono Roberto
Published: October 2021

Background

Unbalanced translocations between the q arm of chromosomes 5 and 13 are exceedingly rare and there is only one reported case with distal trisomy 5q/monosomy 13q. In this report, we describe a second patient with a similar rearrangement arising from a paternal balanced translocation.

Methods

Karyotype analysis was performed on the proband and their parents. Microarray was also conducted on the proband.

Results

Our patient was found to have global developmental delay, distinct facial features, short stature, growth hormone deficiency, delayed puberty, and brain anomalies including a small pituitary. Karyotype and microarray analysis revealed a terminal duplication of chromosome regions 5q33.3 to 5qter and a terminal deletion of chromosome regions 13q34 to 13qter that resulted from a balanced translocation in her father. The endocrine abnormalities and neuroimaging findings have not been previously described in patients with either copy number change.

Conclusions

This case helps expand on the phenotype of patients with distal trisomy 5q/monosomy 13q as well as possibly providing useful information on the more common individual copy number changes.
Diverse parents inform stages of care for youth ADHD treatment, engagement
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2021

Seeking the perspectives of parents of racial/ethnic minority youth with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to better understand what could be done to improve access and treatment engagement, Boston Medical Center researchers have developed a new framework of six stages, which they say could be used to design family‐centered interventions.
Mississippi reports progress in system, as appeal of federal order looks likely
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: October 2021

The state of Mississippi appears poised to appeal a federal judge's latest order in the long‐standing lawsuit over deficiencies in the state's mental health system. At the same time, state mental health officials suggest that the pace of improvements to community‐based care can and will continue regardless of how developments in court unfold.
A study on fractional HIV‐AIDs transmission model with awareness effect
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Chauhan Ram P. , Osman Mohamed S. , Mohiuddine S. A.
Published: October 2021

The main aim of this work is to numerically investigate a mathematical model of the HIV/AIDS disease with awareness effect, as the fractional derivatives capture more the genetic and memory properties of the biological models in comparison to the classical derivative. Therefore, in this article, we utilize the generalized Caputo fractional derivative to extend the integer‐order model of HIV/AIDS transmission to fractional order. A novel fixed‐point approach is used to identify the existence and uniqueness of the FO model. We use a new numerical technique based on the Adams‐Bashforth predictor‐corrector method to solve the fractional‐order HIV/AIDS transmission model. We illustrated the obtained numerical results through graphs.
Quadratic‐phase wavelet transform with applications to generalized differential equations
Authors: Shah Firdous A. , Lone Waseem Z.
Published: October 2021

In this article, we introduce a novel integral transform coined as quadratic‐phase wavelet transform by employing the convolution structure of quadratic‐phase Fourier transforms. Firstly, we explore some mathematical properties of the quadratic‐phase wavelet transform, including the orthogonality relation, inversion formula, range theorem and some notable inequalities. Secondly, we derive an extension of the Heisenberg's uncertainty principle and formulate an analogue of the Pitt's inequality for the quadratic‐phase Fourier and wavelet transforms. Finally, we broaden the scope of the proposed work by studying the differentiation properties of the quadratic‐phase Fourier transform and then addressing the analytical solutions of certain generalized partial differential equations, such as the generalized Laplace, wave, and the Schrödinger equations by utilizing the quadratic‐phase wavelet transform.
Similarity solutions for cylindrical shock wave in self‐gravitating non‐ideal gas with axial magnetic field: Isothermal flow
Authors: Gupta Nandita , Sharma Kajal , Arora Rajan
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study is to obtain the solution using the Lie group of symmetry method for the problem of propagating magnetogasdynamic strong cylindrical shock wave in a self‐gravitating non‐ideal gas with the magnetic field which is taken to be axial. Here, isothermal flow is considered. In the undisturbed medium, varying magnetic field and density are taken. Out of four different cases, only three cases yield the similarity solutions. Numerical computations have been performed for the cases of power law and exponential law shock paths, to find out the behavior of flow variables in the flow field immediately behind the shock. Similarity solutions are carried out by taking arbitrary constants in the expressions of infinitesimals of the Lie group of transformations. Also, the study of the present work provides a clear picture of whether and how the variations in the non‐ideal parameter of the gas, Alfven–Mach number, adiabatic exponent, ambient magnetic field variation index, and gravitational parameter affect the propagation of shock and the flow behind it. Software package “MATLAB” is used for all the computations.
New criteria for exponential stability of positive switched linear impulsive systems with all modes unstable and its application
Authors: Ju Yanhao , Meng Fanwei , Sun Yuangong
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates the exponential stability of positive switched linear systems with impulse. By using the switched linear time‐varying copositive Lyapunov function method and the analytical method developed in positive systems, we establish new explicit criteria for exponential stability of the positive switched linear systems. Then, it is applied to the consensus of multi‐agent systems under the mode‐dependent interval dwell time case. The proposed conditions mean that all switched subsystems could be unstable. Finally, three examples illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
Unsupervised anomaly detection in MR images using multicontrast information
Authors: Kim Byungjai , Kwon Kinam , Oh Changheun , Park Hyunwook
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Anomaly detection in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is to distinguish the relevant biomarkers of diseases from those of normal tissues. In this paper, an unsupervised algorithm is proposed for pixel‐level anomaly detection in multicontrast MRI.

Methods

A deep neural network is developed, which uses only normal MR images as training data. The network has the two stages of feature generation and density estimation. For feature generation, relevant features are extracted from multicontrast MR images by performing contrast translation and dimension reduction. For density estimation, the distributions of the extracted features are estimated by using Gaussian mixture model (GMM). The two processes are trained to estimate normative distributions well presenting large normal datasets. In test phases, the proposed method can detect anomalies by measuring log‐likelihood that a test sample belongs to the estimated normative distributions.

Results

The proposed method and its variants were applied to detect glioblastoma and ischemic stroke lesion. Comparison studies with six previous anomaly detection algorithms demonstrated that the proposed method achieved relevant improvements in quantitative and qualitative evaluations. Ablation studies by removing each module from the proposed framework validated the effectiveness of each proposed module.

Conclusion

The proposed deep learning framework is an effective tool to detect anomalies in multicontrast MRI. The unsupervised approaches would have great potentials in detecting various lesions where annotated lesion data collection is limited.
TSSK3, a novel target for male contraception, is required for spermiogenesis
Authors: Nayyab Saman , Gervasi María G. , Tourzani Darya A. , Caraballo Diego A. , Jha Kula N. , Teves Maria E. , Cui Wei , Georg Gunda I. , Visconti Pablo E. , Salicioni Ana M.
Published: October 2021

We have previously shown that members of the family of testis‐specific serine/threonine kinases (TSSKs) are post‐meiotically expressed in testicular germ cells and in mature sperm in mammals. The restricted post‐meiotic expression of TSSKs as well as the importance of phosphorylation in signaling processes strongly suggest that TSSKs have an important role in germ cell differentiation and/or sperm function. This prediction has been supported by the reported sterile phenotype of the TSSK6 knock‐out (KO) mice and of the double TSSK1/TSSK2 KO. The aim of this study was to develop KO mouse models of TSSK3 and to validate this kinase as a target for the development of a male contraceptive. We used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to generate the TSSK3 KO allele on B6D2F1 background mice. Male heterozygous pups were used to establish three independent TSSK3 KO lines. After natural mating of TSSK3 KO males, females that presented a plug (indicative of mating) were monitored for the following 24 days and no pregnancies or pups were found. Sperm numbers were drastically reduced in all three KO lines and, remarkably, round spermatids were detected in the cauda epididymis of KO mice. From the small population of sperm recovered, severe morphology defects were detected. Our results indicate an essential role of TSSK3 in spermiogenesis and support this kinase as a suitable candidate for the development of novel nonhormonal male contraceptives.
Associations between demographics and quality of life in children in the first year of cancer treatment
Authors: Raybin Jennifer L. , Hendricks‐Ferguson Verna , Cook Paul , Jankowski Catherine
Published: October 2021

Symptom distress and decreased quality of life (QOL) among children with cancer are well documented. Research is emerging on the child's voice in QOL‐symptom reports, but existing QOL questionnaires are burdensome and objective biologic markers are lacking. We examined children's symptoms and QOL from parent and child perspectives and compared the results to one biologic marker (body posture). A cross‐sectional secondary analysis of prospective data from children receiving creative arts therapy explored potential associations among demographics with and between QOL measures (PedsQL, Faces Scale, posture). Children (n = 98) ranged in age from 3 to 17 years (M = 7.8) and were in the first year of cancer treatment. No significant associations were found among the child's sex, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), or distance from hospital, and total PedsQL. Older age was associated with worse total PedsQL, pain, nausea, worry, and posture (all P < 0.05). Greater worry (β = 0.51) and worse posture (β = 0.41) were the QOL variables most strongly correlated with older age. Poorer posture was associated with worse child PedsQL (total score, nausea, treatment anxiety, cognitive) and parent PedsQL (pain, nausea). Worse scores on the Faces Scale, PedsQL, and posture were all correlated (r = 0.21‐0.39, all P < 0.05). Interventions to improve QOL could target nausea, worry, and older patients. Accuracy and interpretation of symptom distress in children are problematic. The Faces Scale and posture may be suitable, readily obtained measures of QOL in pediatric oncology that hold promise.