bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling galvanostatic charge-discharge of nanoporous supercapacitors
Authors: Zeng Liang , Wu Taizheng , Ye Ting , Mo Tangming , Qiao Rui , Feng Guang
Published: May 2021

Molecular modeling can study the energy storage of supercapacitors at the atomistic level and has become indispensable in this research. The constant potential method (CPM) allows keeping the electric potential uniform on the electrode, which is essential for a realistic description of the charge repartition and dynamics process in supercapacitors. Prior CPM studies have been limited to the potentiostatic mode. Though widely adopted in the experiment, the galvanostatic mode has been rarely investigated in CPM simulations due to a lack of effective methods. In this work, we developed a modeling approach to simulating the galvanostatic charge-discharge of supercapacitors under constant potential (GCD-CPM). We show that, for nanoporous electrodes, GCD-CPM can capture supercapacitor dynamics in excellent agreement with experimental measurements and delineate the ion adsorption-desorption dynamics underlying the hysteresis with molecular resolutions during charging and discharging. Therefore, this GCD-CPM modeling could open up new avenues for exploring the rich physics and electrochemistry of supercapacitor dynamics.
A Novel miRNA Y-56 Mediates the Proliferation of Porcine Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells by Targeting IGF-1R
Authors: Song Jie , Hao Linlin , Zeng Xiangfang , Yang Rui , Qiao Shiyan , Wang Chunli , Yu Hao , Wang Siyao , Jiao Yingying , Jia Hongyao , Liu Songcai
Published: May 2021

Background: The skeletal muscle phenotype of the Bama Xiang pig (BM) is significantly different from the Landrace pig (LP). Uncovering the mechanism of porcine skeletal muscle growth will be of great significance to elucidate the mechanism of the different formation. As the key post-transcriptional regulators, miRNAs play an indispensable role in skeletal muscle development. The proliferation of skeletal muscle satellite cells not only maintain the muscle stem cell population, but also provide a large number of muscle derived cells. Thus, the goal of this study is to explore the effects of a novel miRNA Y-56 on the porcine skeletal muscle satellite cells (PSCs). Results: Firstly, we found that Y-56 was highly expressed in porcine muscle tissues, and its expression was higher in the BM than the LP. The EdU staining and CCK-8 assays results showed that increased levels of Y-56 suppressed cell proliferation, whereas decreased levels of Y-56 resulted in the opposite consequences. Furthermore, flow cytometry results showed that overexpression of Y-56 significantly reduced the percentage of S-phase cells, and the qRT-PCR and western blotting results showed that the expression levels of cyclin dependent kinase 2 (CDK4), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Cyclin D1 were significantly inhibited. Moreover, downregulation of Y-56 increased the number of S-phase cells and the expression of CDK, PCNA and Cyclin D1. Furtherly, we identified that insulin like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) was a direct target of Y-56. Consistently, overexpression of IGF-1R promoted the cell proliferation of the PSCs, and increased the number of S-phase cells, as well as up-regulated the expressions of CDK4, PCNA and Cyclin D1. Meanwhile, knock-down of IGF-1R was associated with the opposite tend. Finally, overexpression of IGF-1R partially reversed the inhibition of cell proliferation of the PSCs, the decrease of the percentage of S-phase cells and down-regulation of the expression levels of CDK4, PCNA and Cyclin D1, which caused by overexpression of Y-56. Conclusion: Collectively, our findings suggested that Y-56 represses proliferation and cell cycle process of the PSCs through several biological mechanisms involving downregulation of IGF-1R.
Physiological Effects of Wearing N95 Respirator on Medical Staff During Prolong Work Hours in Covid-19 Departments
Authors: shechtman liran , ben-Haim Gal , ben-zvi ilan , steel Laurence , Ironi Avinoah , huszti ella , Chatterji Sumit , levy Liran
Published: May 2021

BackgroundSince the emergence of coronavirus disease, health care professionals in high-risk environments are mandated to wear N95 respirators for prolonged periods. The effect of this prolonged use on cardio-respiratory variables and gas-exchange is poorly defined. The objective of the current study was to determine gas exchange abnormalities and physiological changes among healthcare workers during a 4-hour emergency department (ED) shift while wearing the N95 respirator.MethodsThis was a single-center prospective observational study that consisted of medical staff working at the Sheba Medical Center ED. Physiological effects and gas exchange variables were obtained under normal breathing conditions and after 4-hour shifts while continuously wearing an N95 respirator. Comparisons of paired measurements were performed using a non-parametric Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test.ResultsForty-one subjects were included in the study. Prolonged N95 respirator use was associated with a significant decline in plasma pH [7.35mmHg vs. 7.34mmHg, P=0.02], PvO2 [23.2 mmHg vs. 18.6 mmHg, P<0.001] and a concurrent increase in EtCO2 [32.5mmHg vs. 38.5mmHg, p<0.0001]. PvCO2 and bicarbonate levels did not differ. No significant change was observed for heart rate or oxygen saturation. ConclusionUsing an N95 respirator for prolonged periods by healthcare professionals may provoke changes in gas exchange. The clinical significance of these changes in terms of symptoms or longer-term health status is unknown and remains to be determined.
Unravelling the role of alcohol copper radical oxidases in fungal plant pathogens
Authors: Bissaro Bastien , Kodama Sayo , Hage Hayat , Ribeaucourt David , Haon Mireille , Grisel Sacha , Simaan A , Beisson Fred , Forget Stephanie , Brumer Harry , Rosso Marie-Noelle , O'Connell Richard , Lafond Mickael , Kubo Yasuyuki , Berrin Jean-Guy
Published: May 2021

Copper radical oxidases (CRO) form a class of enzymes with a longstanding history encompassing diverse substrate specificities. While the biological function of most CROs remains unknown, we observed that CROs active on aliphatic alcohols are found only in fungal plant pathogens. Here, we unveil the role of these CROs and the identity of their natural redox partner, a haem-iron peroxidase. Combining multiscale approaches, we report that Colletotrichum and Magnaporthe appressoria (specialized cells that puncture the plant cuticles) co-secrete this pair of metalloenzymes early during penetration. We show in vivo that mutant appressoria lacking either or both enzymes have impaired penetration ability and pathogenicity. We reveal in vitro a finely-tuned enzyme interplay is responsible for the oxidation of plant cuticular long-chain alcohols into aldehyde products, suggested to act as key molecular signals in the fungal infection machinery. Our results open new avenues to design oxidase-specific inhibitors as anti-penetrants for crop protection.
Development of A One-Step Multiplex qRT-PCR Assay For Detection of African Swine Fever Virus, Classical Swine Fever Virus And Atypical Porcine Pestivirus
Authors: Liu Huixin , Shi Kaichuang , Zhao Jing , Yin Yanwen , Chen Yating , Si Hongbin , Qu Sujie , Long Feng , Lu Wenjun
Published: May 2021

Background: African swine fever virus (ASFV), classical swine fever virus (CSFV) and atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) have caused great economic losses to the swine industry in China. Since there exist co-infections of ASFV, CSFV and APPV in certain pig herds, it is necessary to accurately and differentially detect these pathogens in the fields. In this study, a one-step multiplex real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (multiplex qRT-PCR) was developed for simultaneous and differential detection of ASFV, CSFV and APPV.Results: The developed one-step multiplex qRT-PCR was able to specifically detect ASFV, CSFV and APPV, but could not amplify other viruses, including porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), pseudorabies virus (PRV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), porcine parvovirus (PPV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine rotavirus (PRoV), porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), border disease virus (BDV), bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 (BVDV-1), BVDV-2 and so on. The detection limit of the assay was 2.52×101 copies/μL for ASFV, CSFV and APPV. Repeatability test using standard plasmids showed that the coefficients of variation of the intra- and inter-assay were less than 2 %. The detection of 509 clinical samples collected in Guangxi Province, Southern China from October 2018 to December 2020 showed that the positive rates of ASFV, CSFV and APPV were 45.58 %, 12.57 % and 3.54 %, respectively, while the co-infection rates of ASFV and CSFV, ASFV and APPV, CSFV and APPV were 4.91 %, 1.38 %, 0.98 %, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nucleotide sequences of partial ASFV p72 gene showed that all ASFV strains from Guangxi Province, Southern China belonged to genotype I and II.Conclusion: A one-step multiplex qRT-PCR with high specificity, sensitivity, accuracy and repeatability was successfully developed for simultaneous and differential detection of ASFV, CSFV and APPV.
Lymph Node Ratio Predicts Overall Survival in pT4 Gastric Cancer Patients who Underwent Curative Surgery
Authors: Yang Fan , Yu Xinying , Li Qi , Wu Jun , Chen Yang , Yue Dongmei
Published: May 2021

Background: Lymph node ratio (LNR), the ratio of metastatic lymph nodes to the total number of examined lymph nodes, has been considered a prognostic factor in gastric cancer (GC) patients. However, the predictive values of LNR vary as characteristics of patients are different. We confirmed its prognostic value and investigated the differences between patients with different pathological features.Methods: Totally, 211 GC patients who underwent curative gastrectomy between October 2004 and November 2016 were retrospectively investigated. Patients were classified into LNR 0, 1 and 2, using cutoff values 0.05 and 0.2. Cutoff values were calculated by Youden index. Relationships between LNR and clinicopathological characteristics were investigated by chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Survival analysis were based on Cox proportional hazard regression model and Kaplan-Meier method.Results: LNR were related to tumor size (p = 0.003), Lauren classification (p = 0.007), grade of differentiation (p = 0.041), pT stage (p = 0.050) and pN stage (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, LNR was an independent prognostic factor (HR = 7.023, p < 0.001). In stratification analysis, LNR showed independent prognostic value (HR = 4.852, p < 0.001) in pT4 patients, but not in pT3 patients (p = 0.361) and pT1-2 patients (p = 0.123). Conclusions: LNR is an independent predictor of overall survival in pT4 GC patients who underwent curative surgery.
Factors Associated With An Interruption in Treatment of People Living With HIV in USAID-Supported States in Nigeria: A Retrospective Study From 2000‒2020
Authors: Tomescu Silviu , Crompton Thomas , Adebayo Jonathan , Kinge Constance Wose , Akpan Francis , Rennick Marcus , Chasela Charles , Ondura Evans , Dauda Dauda Sulaiman , Pisa Pedro T
Published: May 2021

Background: Patient interruption of antiretroviral therapy (ART) continues to limit HIV programs’ progress toward epidemic control. Multiple factors have been associated with program interruptions in treatment (IIT)—also referred to by the World Health Organization as loss to follow-up (LTFU)―including age, gender, CD4 count, and education level. Program implementers can prevent future IIT by understanding which clients are more likely to interrupt treatment. In this paper, we explore the factors associated with treatment interruptions in people living with HIV (PLHIV) in United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-supported facilities under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program in Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective secondary cross-sectional analysis on data obtained from Nigeria’s National Data Repository (NDR), representing a summarized record of 573 630 ART clients that received care at 484 PEPFAR/USAID-supported facilities in 16 states from 2000‒2020 were used in this analysis. Interruption in treatment was recorded as no clinical contact for 28 days after the last scheduled appointment or expected clinical contact. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were computed to explore the factors associated with IIT. The variables included in the analysis were sex, age group, zone, facility type, regimen line, multi-month dispensing (MMD), and viral load category.Results: Of the 573 630 clients analysed in this study, 32% in the cohort have been recorded as having interrupted treatment. Of the clients investigated, 66% were female (32% had interruption in treatment), 39% were aged 25‒34 at their last ART pick-up date (with 32% of them interrupted treatment), 62% received care at a hospital (38% interrupted treatment) and 38% were last receiving between three- to five-month MMD (with 10% of these interrupted treatments). Those less likely to interrupt ART were males (aOR = 0.93), clients on six-month MMD (aOR = 0.04), adults on 2nd line regimen (aOR = 0.14), and paediatrics on 1st line regimen (aOR = 0.09). Clients most likely to interrupt ART were located in the South West Zone (aOR = 1.91), received treatment at a hospital (aOR = 3.39) or medical center (aOR = 5.15), and had no viral load (VL) on record (aOR =8.92). Age group was not significantly associated with IIT.Conclusions: Sex, zone, facility type, regimen line, MMD, and VL were significantly associated with IIT. MMD of three months and longer (especially six months) had better retention on ART than those on shorter MMD. Not having a VL on record was associated with a considerable risk of IIT.
Late-Onset of Chronic Granulomatous Disease Revealed By Paecilomyces Lilacinus Cutaneous Infection
Authors: Lemaigre Clément , Suarez Felipe , Martellosio Jean-Philippe , Barbarin Cindy , Brunet Kevin , Hainaut Ewa , Rammaert Blandine , Roblot France , Torregrosa-Díaz Jose Miguel
Published: May 2021

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an inherited immunodeficiency due to defective leukocyte NADPH responsible for recurrent infections and aberrant inflammation. Mutations in the CYBB gene are responsible for the X-linked CGD and account for approximately 70% of the cases. CGD is diagnosed during childhood in males. Female carriers may have biased X inactivation and may present with clinical manifestations depending on the level of residual NADPH oxidase activity. We report the case of a previously asymptomatic female carrier who was diagnosed at age 67 with a skin infection with the rare fungus, Paecylomyces lilacinus as the first manifestation of CGD. Dihydrorhodamin 123 (DHR) activity was below 10%. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed mutations in DNMT3A, ASXL1, and STAG2 suggesting that clonal hematopoiesis of undetermined potential (CHIP) could be responsible for a progressive loss of NADPH oxidase activity and the late onset of X-linked CGD in this patient. Long-term follow-up of asymptomatic carrier women seems to be essential after 50 years old.
Circ-FOXM1 Promotes Cell Proliferation, Migration and EMT Process in Osteosarcoma Through FOXM1-Mediated Wnt Pathway Activation
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhou Qiongqiong
Published: May 2021

Background: As the most common primary bone tumor in adolescents and children, osteosarcoma commonly occurs with high mortality rate and metastasis. Emerging evidence has illustrated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are important regulatory RNAs that are involved in multiple biological activities of carcinomas. Circ-FOXM1 (hsa_circ_0025033) is a recently found circRNA and promotes the cellular activities of several cancers. However, the function and molecular mechanism of circ-FOXM1 in osteosarcoma have not been interrogated yet. Methods: The qRT-PCR was utilized to test the expression of circ-FOXM1 in osteosarcoma cell lines. Loss-of-function assays including CCK-8, EdU, TUNEL, transwell and western blot assays were conducted to measure cell proliferation, cell migration, EMT process and cell apoptosis. Luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay were utilized to detect the interaction of circ-FOXM1 and RNAs. Results：We discovered the high expression of circ-FOXM1 in osteosarcoma cells. Besides, it was indicated that circ-FOXM1 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, cell migration and EMT process, as well as induced cell apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, circ-FOXM1 was discovered to upregulate the expression level of forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) at post-transcriptional level. Moreover, it was proved that circ-FOXM1 sponged miR-320a and miR-320b so as to increase FOXM1 expression. Additionally, circ-FOXM1 could activate Wnt signaling pathway through upregulating FOXM1. In the end, rescue assays certified that FOXM1 overexpression could totally rescue the circ-FOXM1 silence-repressed cellular activities of osteosarcoma cells.Conclusion: Circ-FOXM1 facilitated the progression of osteosarcoma cells via relieving FOXM1 from the inhibition by miR-320a and miR-320b.
Theoretical Investigation of Excited-State Intramolecular Double-Proton Transfer Mechanism of Substituent Modified 1, 3-Bis (2-pyridylimino)-4,7-dihydroxyisoindole in Dichloromethane Solution
Authors: Liu Xiumin , Li Wenzhi , Wang Yuxi , Tao Yaping , Wang Yi , Hou Yingmin
Published: May 2021

Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) methods were used to investigate substituent effects and excited-state intramolecular double-proton transfer in 1, 3-bis (2-pyridylimino)-4, 7-dihydroxyisoindole (BPI-OH) and its derivatives. The results of a systematic study of the substituent effects of electron-withdrawing groups (F, Cl, and Br) on the adjacent sites of the benzene ring were used to regulate the photophysical properties of the molecules and the dynamics of the proton-transfer process. Geometric structure comparisons and infrared spectroscopic analysis confirmed that strengthening of the intramolecular hydrogen bond in the first excited state (S1) facilitated proton transfer. Functional analysis of the reduction density gradient confirmed these conclusions. Double-proton transfer in BPI-OH is considered to occur in two steps, i.e., BPI-OH (N) →BPI-OH (T1) →BPI-OH (T2), in the ground state (S0) and the S1 state. The potential-energy curves for two-step proton transfer were scanned for both the S0 and S1 states to clarify the mechanisms and pathways of proton transfer. The stepwise path in which two protons are consecutively transferred has a low energy barrier and is more rational and favorable. This study shows that the presence or absence of coordinating groups, and the type of coordinating group, affect the hydrogen-bond strength. A coordinating group enhances hydrogen-bond formation, i.e., it promotes excited-state intramolecular proton transfer.
Kinematics of Crustal Deformation along the Central Himalaya
Authors: Sharma Yogendra , Pasari Sumanta , Ching Kuo-En
Published: May 2021

Using an updated set of GPS surface velocities, the present study provides fault
locking behavior and slip rate distribution of the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT) along
the central Himalaya. The two-dimensional velocity field is inverted through Bayesian
inversion to estimate fault geometry and kinematic parameters of the MHT along the
central Himalaya. The modeling results reveal that: (1) MHT is fully locked in the upper
flat (0-9 km), partially locked along the mid-crustal ramp (15-21 km), and it is creeping
in the deeper flat (> 21 km); (2) there is an insignificant slip rate of MHT
along the locked-to-creeping transition zone, indicating its partially coupled/locked
behavior; (3) along the deeper flat of the MHT, the estimated creeping rate is ~16.3
mm/yr, ~14.7 mm/yr, and ~14.3 mm/yr along western, central, and eastern Nepal,
respectively; and (4) along the MHT on the upper crust, the modeled locking width
turns out to be 97 km, 106 km, and 129 km in the western, central, and eastern Nepal,
respectively. In addition, the posterior probability distribution of the locking width
exhibits a bimodal Gaussian distribution coinciding with the two ramp geometry of the
MHT along the western Nepal. Along the foothills of the Higher Himalaya, the inferred
locking line is also aligned to the estimated maximum shear strain concentration and
observed seismicity along the central Himalaya. With a general agreement to the
previous geodetic results, geological estimates, and background seismicity, our
findings provide a promising avenue of the contemporary crustal deformation along the
Nepal Himalaya. The estimated inversion results in a Bayesian framework exhibit
updated fault kinematics of the MHT and hence provides valuable inputs for seismic
hazard assessment along the central Himalaya.
Detection of Aspergillus Flavus in Wheat Grains Using Anti-Mannoprotein (MP1) and Spore Proteins Polyclonal Antibodies
Authors: Kumari Ranjana , Ghosh Ananta
Published: May 2021

Cell wall mannoprotein (MP1) gene of an aflatoxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus, isolated from stored wheat grains, was cloned and sequenced. MP1 protein was expressed in E. coli in soluble form and purified. Polyclonal antibodies were raised against recombinant MP1 protein and inactivated spores of this fungus in rabbit, and purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation, Protein A sepharose and antigen affinity chromatography. The minimum concentration of purified mycelial or spore proteins that could be detected by ELISA was determined as 100 ng using 2 µg of these antibodies. The anti-MP1 antibody was found more sensitive than anti-spore protein antibody. Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis showed reactivity of these antibodies to various proteins (30 kDa to 200 kDa) distributed throughout the surface of mycelia and spore of A. flavus. Cross reactivity of these antibodies was detected with fungi belonging to different Aspergillus, Rhizopus and Alternaria species out of fourteen different fungal species tested. In fungal contaminated wheat grains these antibodies could detect presence of as low as 1 µg mycelia or 103 spores per gram of wheat grains using ELISA. The results suggest that the developed antibodies could be successfully applied for the detection of predominant fungal infestation in stored wheat grains.
BRIT1 Inhibits Invasion and Metastasis by Regulating SERPINA5 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Xuemei , Xin Ming , Fang Jianqiang , Li Ning , Wang Jialing , Zhang Xuelian , Liang Yulong
Published: May 2021

Purpose: BRIT1 (also known as MCPH1) is a DNA repair and tumor suppressor gene, whose alterations might be potentially associated with tumor progression and metastasis in HCC. SERPINA5, also known as Protein C inhibitor, has been reported to be decreased in a variety of human cancers and its decrease is associated with cellular invasion and tumor metastasis. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism of SERPINA5 downregulation and whether BRIT1 deficiency contributed to regulation control of SEPINA5 and invasion and metastasis in HCC.Methods: The expression of BRIT1 and SERPINs in HCC cells or human tumor tissue microarrays were determined by using quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, or immunohistochemistry. Migratory and invasive capacity of HCC cells were assessed by using in vitro wound-healing and Transwell-based assays or in vivo mouse xenograft tumor model. Dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to measure promoter activity of the SERPINA5 gene. HCC datasets analyzed in this study was performed by using Oncomine and cBioPortal Cancer Genomics with default parameters.Results: In this study we showed that BRIT1 protein was low expressed in HCC cells and tumor tissues. BRIT1 deficiency increased the capacity of migration, invasion and metastasis of HCC in vitro and in vivo; its expression level was positively correlated with that of SERPINA5 in HCC cells and tissue microarray. With the transcription factor E2F1, BRIT1 can upregulated the promoter activity of the SERPINA5 gene in HCC. Conclusion: These findings suggest that BRIT1 deficiency might induce tumor invasion and metastasis of HCC through regulatory control of SERPINA5 with the help of E2F1, and provide convincing evidence that BRIT1/SERPINA5 might be a novel biomarker for HCC metastasis.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Lingguizhugan Decoction Ameliorate HFD-Induced Hepatic-Lipid Deposition in Mice by Inhibiting STING-Mediated Inflammation in Macrophages
Authors: Cao Lin , Xu Erjin , Zheng Rendong , Zhong Rongling , Huang Fei , Ye Juan , Sun Hongping , Fan Yaofu , Xie Shaofeng , Chen Yu , Xu Yijiao , Zhangchen Zhili , Cao Jing , Cao Wen , Liu Chao
Published: May 2021

Background: Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) is highly expressed in the livers of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) patients and HFD induced NAFLD mice model. The STING signaling induced inflammation has been shown to be a critical role in metabolic disorders, such as NAFLD and Type 2 diabetes. Lingguizhugan decoction (LGZG), a Traditional Chinese herbal decoction, has been applied to treat metabolic disorders for many years. However, whether LGZG can alleviate the progression of NAFLD through inhibiting inflammation is not fully understood. This study was to determine the role of STING-mediated inflammation in the HFD- induced hepatic-lipid deposition treated with LGZG.Methods: The anti-inflammatory and anti- hepatic-lipid deposition effects of LGZG in vivo were detected by H&E staining, immunofluorescence and immunochemistry. Mice bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were co-incubated with palmitic acid-induced lipid deposition HepG2 cell model (BMDM+PA-HepG2) and treated with LGZG.STING-specific agonist or blockers respectively to detect whether the activation of STING-mediated pathway is involved in the anti-hepatocyte lipid deposition effect of LGZG. Mitochondrial DNA was detected by real time PCR. The expression of inflammatory cytokines related to STING-TBK1-NF-κB pathway was detected by western blotting and ELISA.Results: LGZG significantly ameliorated HFD induced hepatic steatosis, alleviated insulin resistance (IR) and reduced the oxidative stress. Furthermore, LGZG reduced hepatic mitochondrial damage and mitochondrial DNA release, which corresponded to reducing the expression of STING as well as the the infiltration of STING-positive Kupffer cells in the liver of HFD fed mice. LGZG directly inhibited the activation of STING-TBK1-NF-κB pathway in BMDM induced by DMXAA, LPS, thereby reducing the release of IFNβ and TNFα. Co-incubation LGZG treated BMDM and PA-stimulated HepG2 significantly reduced PA-induced lipid deposition in HepG2 cells by inhibiting STING- mediated signal pathways. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that LGZG can ameliorate HFD-induced hepatic -lipid deposition through inhibiting STING-TBK1-NF-κB pathway in macrophages, which provides novel insight for elucidating the molecular mechanism of LGZG alleviating HFD induced hepatic steatosis.
Brevilactibacter Soli Sp. Nov., a Novel Member of the Genus Brevilactibacter Isolated from Soil in China
Authors: Li Le Le , Zhao Jiang Yuan , Geng Yu , Zhou Yu Guang , Yuan Hui Ren , Cai Man , Wen Meng Liang , Li Ming Gang , Tang Shu Kun
Published: May 2021

A Gram-stain-positive, cocci-shaped, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile bacterial strain, designated YIM S02567T, was isolated from a forest soil sample collected from Gejiu City, Yunnan Province, south-west PR China. Growth was observed at 10–45°C, at pH 6.0-9.5, in the presence of up to 4.0 % (w/v) NaCl on R2A medium. Through the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis showed that strain YIM S02567T was most closely related to the type strain of Brevilactibacter sinopodophylli (95.38 %) and Propioniciclava tarda (94.67%), phylogenetic analysis based on genome data showed that strain YIM S02567T should be assigned to the genus Brevilactibacter. The cell-wall diamino acid was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The major cellular fatty acids were identified as anteiso-C15:0 and C16:0, and the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and two unidentified glycolipids. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4). The genomic DNA G + C content was 71.20 mol%. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic evidence, strain YIM S02567T is assigned to a novel member of the genus Brevilactibacter, for which the name Brevilactibacter soli sp. nov., (type strain YIM S02567T = CCTCC AB 2020128T = CGMCC 1.18504T = KCTC 49478T) is proposed.
High Concordance Between Automatic Identification in Ion S5 and Manual Identification in Miseq During Next-Generation Sequencing for Preimplantation Genetic Testing of Aneuploidy
Authors: Chuang Tzu-Hsuan , Wu Zih-Huei , Kuan Chin-Sheng , Lee Meng-Ju , Hsieh Chia-Lin , Wang Huai-Lin , Lai Hsing-Hua , Chang Yu-Jen , Chen Shee-Uan
Published: May 2021

The Ion S5 (Thermo Fisher Scientific) and Miseq (Illumina) NGS systems are both widely used in the clinical laboratories conducting PGT-A. Each system employs discrepant library preparation steps, sequencing principles, and data processing algorithms. The automatic interpretation via Ion Reporter software (Thermo Fisher Scientific) and the manual interpretation via BlueFuse Multi software (Illumina) for chromosomal copy number variation (CNV) represent very different reporting approaches. Thus, it is intriguing to compare their ability of ploidy detection as PGT-A/NGS system. In the present study, four aneuploid cell lines were individually mixed with a diploid cell line at different aneuploid ratios of 0% (0:5), 10% (1:9), 20% (1:4), 40% (2:3), 50% (3:3), 60% (3:2), 80% (4:1) and 100% (5:0) to assess the sensitivity and specificity for whole chromosomal and segmental aneuploidy detection. The clinical biopsies of 107 blastocysts from 46 IVF/PGT-A cycles recruited between December 2019 and February 2020 were used to calculate the concordance. Initially, the pre-amplified products were divided into two aliquots for different library preparation procedures of each system. Applying with the same calling criteria, automatic identification was achieved through the Ion Reporter, while well-trained technicians manually identified each sample through the BlueFuse Multi. The results displayed that both systems reliably distinguished chromosomal CNV of the mixtures with at least 10% aneuploidy from karyotypically normal samples ([Ion S5] whole-chromosomal duplication: 2.14 vs. 2.05, p-value=0.009, segmental deletion: 1.88 vs. 2.05, p-value=0.003; [Miseq] whole-chromosomal duplication: 2.12 vs. 2.03, p-value=0.047, segmental deletion: 1.82 vs. 2.03, p-value=0.002). The sensitivity and specificity were comparable between the Ion S5 and Miseq ([sensitivity] 93% vs. 90%, p=0.78; [specificity] 100% vs. 100%, p-value=1.0). In the 107 clinical biopsies, three displayed chaotic patterns (2.8%), which could not be interpreted for the ploidy. The ploidy concordance was 99.04% (103/104) per embryo and 99.47% (2265/2277) per chromosome pair. Since their ability of detection were proven to be similar, the automatic identification in Ion S5 system presents comparatively faster and more standardized performance.
The Effect of Several Profenofos® (EC 50%) Insecticides on Cotton Bollworm Helivoverpa Armigera (Hub.) in Golestan Province of Iran.
Authors: Darvish Mojeni Taghi , Golmohammadi Gholamreza
Published: May 2021

Cotton Boll Worm, Helicoverpa armigera an important pest of cotton in Iran in some areas, causing yield, feeding on buds, flowers and bolls. The most important method for pest control is the use of chemical methods. Approximately 30% of the insecticides used worldwide were against H. armigera. In order to compare the effect of commercial formulations of insecticide companies on the control of cotton bollworm, a field experiment was conducted in Hashemabad cotton research station Golestan province on 2019 year. This experiment was used in the form of a randomized complete block design with 10 treatments and 4 replications including 10 formulations of profenofos® from different companies along with the control on the cotton plant as spraying application. Sampling of larvae mortality statistics were determined 3, 7 and 14 days after spraying application and corrected according to Henderson-Tilton formula and analyzed by SAS software. Mean treatments were also compared with Duncan's multiple range tests. According to the results of comparing the average in the Golestan province showed that in 3 days after spraying the profenofos® formulation of Arman Sabz® and Alborz Behsam® companies with 76.7 and 71.5% had the greatest effect. Profenofos formulations of Razi Shimi Khoram® Company and javaneh Rooyesh® with 48.2 and 42% had the least effect. Percentage of effect of Profenofos® poison formulation of other companies in 7 days after spraying the formulation of Sabzavaran® and Bazargan Pars® companies with 83.2 and 81.5% had the highest effect and were in group a. The formulations of Partov Naz® , Arman Sabz® and Glia Shimi® companies with 79, 78.5 and 78% impact were in group b. The formulation of Razi Shimi Khoram® company with 47.5% had the lowest impact and was placed in group c. Therefore, we recommended the formulation of profenofos Sabzavaran® and Bazargan Pars® companies with no significant adverse for controlling of cotton bollworn for the next year.
Simultaneous Removal of Soluble Metal Species and Nitrate from Acidic and Saline Industrial Wastewater in a Pilot Scale Biofilm Reactor
Authors: Mendrinou Panagiota , Hatzikioseyian Artin , Kousi Pavlina , Oustadakis Paschalis , Tsakiridis Petros , Remoundaki Emmanouella
Published: May 2021

Α pilot scale packed-bed biofilm reactor was set up and monitored for the treatment of wastewater originating from the hydrometallurgical recovery of metals from printed circuit boards (PCBs). The wastewater is characterized by: (a) low pH, (b) residual soluble metal species and (c) elevated concentrations of nitrate and chloride originating from the use of nitric and hydrochloric acid as leaching agents. Such wastewater could be treated in a bioreactor capable for the simultaneous removal of metals and nitrates, through complete denitrification, in presence of elevated chloride concentrations. However, the possible inhibitory effects of metals as well as the metals bioprecipitation should be investigated experimentally. Biological denitrification was studied under extreme conditions in the bioreactor inoculated with Halomonas denitrificans: at (a) pH 3-8; (b) metal content (Cu, Ni, Zn and Fe) at 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L, respectively (c) nitrate concentration 750-5,750 mg/L NO3- and (d) chloride concentration 5%-10% as NaCl. According to the results, denitrification proceeds rapidly through the formation of nitrite as intermediate which is sequentially reduced completely to nitrogen. The presence of metals does not affect the denitrification process. Iron, zinc, copper and nickel are sequestered from the wastewater via bioprecipitation. Both goals, namely metals removal and complete reduction of nitrate in presence of elevated concentrations of chloride, were successfully achieved by the treatment scheme. The proposed simple, robust and low-cost biological treatment unit is advantageous compared to the conventional wastewater treatment, based on metal precipitation via chemical neutralization, where the problem of nitrate removal remains unresolved.
Hemicentin-1 is An Essential Extracellular Matrix Component of the Dermal-Epidermal and Myotendinous Junctions
Authors: Welcker Daniela , Stein Cornelia , Feitosa Natalia Martins , Armistead Joy , Zhang Jin-Li , Lütke Steffen , Kleinridders Andre , Brüning Jens C. , Eming Sabine A. , Sengle Gerhard , Niehoff Anja , Bloch Wilhelm , Hammerschmidt Matthias
Published: May 2021

The extracellular matrix (ECM) architecture is composed of supramolecular fibrillar networks that define tissue specific cellular microenvironments. Hemicentins (Hmcn1 and Hmcn2) are ancient and very large members (>600 kDa) of the fibulin family, whose short members are known to guide proper morphology and functional behavior of specialized cell types predominantly in elastic tissues. However, the tissue distribution and function of Hemicentins within the cellular microenvironment of connective tissues has remained largely unknown. Performing in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence analyses, we found that Hmcn1 and Hmcn2 show a complementary distribution throughout different tissues and developmental stages. In postnatal dermal-epidermal junctions (DEJ) and myotendinous junctions (MTJ), Hmcn1 is primarily produced by mesenchymal cells (fibroblasts, tenocytes), Hmcn2 by cells of epithelial origin (keratinocytes, myocytes). Hmcn1-/-mice are viable and show no overt phenotypes in tissue tensile strength and locomotion tests. However, transmission electron microscopy revealed ultrastructural basement membrane (BM) alterations at the DEJ and MTJ of Hmcn1-/-mice, pointing to a thus far unknown role of Hmcn1 for BM and connective tissue boundary integrity.
Immunogenicity and safety of an inactivated virus vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases
Authors: Bonfa Eloisa , Medeiros-Ribeiro Ana , Aikawa Nadia , Saad Carla , Yuki Emily , Pedrosa Tatiana , Fusco Solange , Rojo Priscila , Pereira Rosa , Shinjo Samuel , Andrade Danieli , Sampaio-Barros Percival , Ribeiro Carolina , Deveza Giordano , Martins Victor , Silva Clovis , Lopes Marta , Duarte Alberto , Antonangelo Leila , Sabino Ester , Kallas Esper , Pasoto Sandra Sandra G.
Published: May 2021

CoronaVac(SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine) has been largely used as the main immunogen for COVID-19 in several countries. However, its immunogenicity in immunocompromised individuals has not been established. This was a prospective controlled study of 910 adult ARD patients and 182 age- and sex-matched control group(CG) who received two doses of CoronaVac in a 28-days interrval. Anti-SARS-Cov-2 IgG and neutralizing antibodies were assessed at each vaccine shot and 6 weeks after the 2nd dose. Vaccine adverse events(AE) were similar in both groups. We observed significant lower anti-SARS-Cov-2 IgG seroconversion(70.4% vs. 95.5%,p < 0.001) and titers[12.1(95%CI 11.0-13.2) vs. 29.7(95%CI 26.3–33.5),p < 0.001], frequency of neutralizing antibodies(56.3% vs. 79.3%),p < 0.001) and median (interquartile range) neutralization activity [58.7(43.1–77.2) vs. 64.5(48.4–81.4),p = 0.013] in ARD patients compared to CG. A significant decline in the number of COVID-19 cases (p < 0.0001) were observed 10 days after the second dose, with a predominant P1 variant. Safety analysis revealed no moderate/severe AEs. In conclusion, CoronaVac has an excellent safety profile and reasonable rates of quantitative serology(70.4%)/neutralization(56.3%) in ARD patients. The impact of this reduced immunogenicity in vaccine effectiveness warrants further evaluation.
Tracheal Intubation by Specialist Paramedics (Critical Care) in a United Kingdom Ambulance Service: a Service Evaluation.
Authors: Budd Silas Houghton , Alexander-Elborough Eleanor , Brandon Richard , Fudge Chris , Hardy Scott , Hopkins Laura , Paul Ben , Philips Sloane , Thatcher Sarah , Winsor Paul
Published: May 2021

BackgroundDrug-free tracheal intubation has been a common intervention in the context of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest for many years, however its use by paramedics has recently been the subject of much debate. Recent international guidance has recommended that only those achieving high tracheal intubation success should continue to use it.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective service evaluation of all drug-free tracheal intubation attempts by specialist paramedics (critical care) from South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust between 1st January and 31st December 2019. Our primary outcome was first-pass success rate, and secondary outcomes were success within two attempts, overall success, Cormack-Lehane grade of view, and use of bougie.ResultsThere were 663 drug-free tracheal intubations and following screening, 605 were reviewed. There was a first-pass success rate of 81.5%, success within two attempts of 96.7%, and an overall success rate of 98.35%. There were ten unsuccessful attempts (1.65%).ConclusionSpecialist paramedics (critical care) are able to deliver drug-free tracheal intubation with high first-pass success and very high overall success and are therefore both safe and competent at this intervention.
Importance sampling over Monte Carlo Technique to estimate Wireless infrared On-Chip communication
Authors: Balti Moez
Published: May 2021

Optical code division multiple access (OCDMA) represents the development of optical communication. The advantages of OCDMA such as, asynchronous multiuser communication transmission, flexibility, ample bandwidth and scalability; have made this technique a better candidate to be proposed for next generation network on chip. In this paper, performance of on-chip OCDMA communication system is analyzed. Analytical techniques for estimating the performance of optical communication systems are difficult, complicated and no complete analytical treatment of the problem has been obtained before. Simulation techniques such as Monte Carlo (MC) are used to obtain reasonable estimates of these systems performance. For optical communications, Monte Carlo require excessively large sample sizes which makes it cumbersome in terms of physical resources, and are not practical for estimating very low values of error probabilities. Modified Monte-Carlo (Importance sampling/IS) method was used to reduce the number of simulation tests for estimating error probabilities for optical communications systems by modifying the probability density function of the on-chip noise process. Simulation results are presented and assessed in term of bit error rate (BER), showing the contribution of IS relatively to MC.
Developing A Random Forest Algorithm to Identify Patent Foramen Ovale and Atrial Septal Defects in Ontario Administrative Databases
Authors: Oliva Laura , Horlick Eric , Wang Bo , Huszti Ella , Hall Ruth , Abrahamyan Lusine
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Routinely collected administrative data is widely used for population-based research. However, although clinically very different, atrial septal defects (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) share a single diagnostic code (ICD-9: 745.5, ICD-10: Q21.1). Using machine-learning based approaches we developed and validated an algorithm to differentiate between PFO and ASD patient populations within healthcare administrative data. Methods: Using data housed at ICES, we identified patients who underwent transcatheter closure in Ontario between October 2002 and December 2017 using a code (1HN80GPFL, N = 4680). A novel random forest model was developed using demographic and clinical information. Those patients who had undergone transcatheter closure and had records in the CorHealth Ontario cardiac procedure registry (N = 1482) were used as the reference standard. Several algorithms were tested and evaluated for accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Variable importance was examined via mean decrease in Gini index. Results: We tested 7 models in total. The final model included 24 variables, including demographic, comorbidity, and procedural information. After hyperparameter tuning, the final model achieved 0.76 accuracy, 0.76 sensitivity, and 0.75 specificity. Patient age group had the greatest influence on node impurity, and thus ranked highest in variable importance. Conclusions: Our random forest classification method achieved reasonable accuracy in identifying PFO and ASD closure in administrative data. The algorithm can now be applied to evaluate long term PFO and ASD closure outcomes in Ontario. Future external validation studies are recommended to further test the algorithm.
Rapid incidence estimation from SARS-CoV-2 genomes reveals decreased case detection in Europe during summer 2020
Authors: Smith Maureen , Trofimova Maria , Weber Ariane , Duport Yannick , Kühnert Denise , von Kleist Max
Published: May 2021

By May 2021, over 160 million SARS-CoV-2 diagnoses have been reported worldwide. Yet, the true number of infections is unknown and believed to exceed the reported numbers by several fold. National testing policies, in particular, can strongly affect the proportion of undetected cases.

Here, we propose a novel method (GInPipe) that reconstructs SARS-CoV-2 incidence profiles within minutes, solely from publicly available, time-stamped viral genomes. We validated GInPipe against in silico generated outbreak data and elaborate phylodynamic analyses. We apply the method to reconstruct incidence histories from sequence data for Denmark, Scotland, Switzerland, and Victoria (Australia). GInPipe reconstructs the different pandemic waves robustly and remarkably accurate. We demonstrate how the method can be used to investigate the effects of changing testing policies on the probability to diagnose and report infected individuals. Specifically, we find that under-reporting was highest in mid 2020 in parts of Europe, coinciding with changes towards more liberal testing policies at times of low testing capacities.

Due to the increased use of real-time sequencing, it is envisaged that GInPipe can complement established surveillance tools to monitor the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We anticipate that the method is particularly useful in settings where diagnostic and reporting infrastructures are insufficient. In ‘post-pandemic’ times, when diagnostic efforts are decreased, GInPipe may facilitate the detection of hidden infection dynamics.
IL17A G197A and IL17F T7488C genotypes of IL-17 gene as biomarkers in keratoconus
Authors: Gomes Isabela Bronchtein , Ayo Christiane Maria , Lopes Alessandro Garcia , Kumano Laurie Sayuri , Junior Geraldo Magela de Faria , de Almeida Gildásio Castello , Castiglioni Lilian , de Mattos Luiz Carlos , Brandão Cinara Cássia
Published: May 2021

Investigate possible correlations between genetic polymorphisms of IL17A G197A (rs2275913) and IL17F T7488C (rs763780) with the development of keratoconus (KC) in patients from a population of the northwestern part of the State of São Paulo. Were enrolled 35 patients and 61 controls. Genotyping of IL17A G197A and IL17F T7488C polymorphisms was carried out using the PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) technique. The evaluation of IL17F T7488C SNP found that the TT genotype is associated as a risk factor for the development of KC (P = 0.04; OR = 2.97; CI = 1.09–8.33). As for the evaluation of IL17A G197A SNP, the allele and genotype frequencies between patients and controls were compared and no statistically significant differences were found. The TT genotype of IL17F T7488C SNP apparently contributes to the development of KC and the IL17A G197A SNP seemingly has no influence on the progression of the disease in the population of this study.
DCore: Integrated DMFT software for correlated electrons
Authors: Shinaoka Hiroshi , Otsuki Junya , Kawamura Mitsuaki , Takemori Nayuta , Yoshimi Kazuyoshi
Published: May 2021

We present a new open-source program, DCore, that implements dynamical mean-field theory (DMFT).
DCore features a user-friendly interface based on text and HDF5 files.
It allows DMFT calculations of tight-binding models to be performed on predefined lattices as well as ab initio models constructed by external density functional theory codes through the Wannier90 package.
Furthermore, DCore provides interfaces to many advanced quantum impurity solvers such as quantum Monte Carlo and exact diagonalization solvers.
This paper details the structure and usage of DCore and shows some applications.