bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Special Issue: Breeding Towards Agricultural Sustainability - Invited
Authors: Badaeva Ekaterina D , Konovalov Fedor A. , KWS Helmut , Friscano Agostino , Ruban Alevtina S. , Kehel Zakaria , Zoshchuk Svyatoslav A. , Surzhikov Sergei A. , Neumann Kerstin , Graner Andreas , Hammer Karl , Filatenko Anna , BSchoologaard Amy , Jones Glynis , Özkan Hakan , Kilian Benjamin
Published: June 2021

Wheat yields are stagnating around the world and new sources of genes for resistance or tolerances to abiotic traits are required. In this context, the tetraploid wheat wild relatives are among the key candidates for wheat improvement. Despite of its potential huge value for wheat breeding, the tetraploid GGAtAt genepool is largely neglected. Understanding the population structure, native distribution range, intraspecific variation of the entire tetraploid GGAtAt genepool and its domestication history would further its use for wheat improvement. We report the first comprehensive survey of genomic and cytogenetic diversity sampling the full breadth and depth of the tetraploid GGAtAt genepool. We show that the extant GGAtAt genepool consists of three distinct lineages. We provide detailed insights into the cytogenetic composition of GGAtAt wheats, revealed group-, and population-specific markers and show that chromosomal rearrangements play an important role in intraspecific diversity of T. araraticum. We discuss the origin and domestication history of the GGAtAt lineages in the context of state-of-the-art archaeobotanical finds. We shed new light on the complex evolutionary history of the GGAtAt wheat genepool. We provide the basis for an increased use of the GGAtAt wheat genepool for wheat improvement. The findings have implications for our understanding of the origins of agriculture in southwest Asia.
The Three-Dimensional Characteristic of Fungiform Papillae and its Taste Buds in European Bison (Bison Bonasus), Cattle (Bos Taurus), and Bison Bonasus Hybrid
Authors: Plewa Barbara , Skieresz-Szewczyk Kinga , Jackowiak Hanna
Published: June 2021

Background: Our recent macro- and scanning electron microscopic study of tongue and lingual papillae conducted on domesticated cattle, wild living European bison, and its Bison bonasus hybrid revealed the presence of morphologic differences between parental species and the hybrid. Analysis of gustatory papillae indicated the variable distribution of fungiform papillae (Fu) on the dorsal and ventral surface of the apex and body of the tongue to be important in taste perception during feeding and in the discussion concerning differentiated diet and living environments of studied ruminants. To specify detailed macro-and microstructure of Fu papillae, and its connective tissue cores (CTC) and taste buds, we have chosen for the first time the three-dimensional computer-aided analysis of serial histoslides resulted in the rendering of 3D reconstructions of Fu papillae, which allowed also determine the histomorphometric characteristic of studied papillae. Results and conclusions:For comparative analysis of 3D models of Fu papillae and taste buds were taken from six areas of each tongue provided data about the diversity of Fu papillae in studied ruminants. The calculations of the number and density of Fu papillae of the tongues allowed us to distinguish the ventral surface of the lingual apex and posterolateral surfaces of the lingual torus as two regions important in taste perception, i.e., in the preselection of taken food and analysis of food during rumination, respectively. For the first time were indicated differences in grade of protrusion of Fu papillae over the tongue surface, the presence of three structural types of CTC, and the exact number of taste buds per papilla. The quantitative data of the number of taste buds expanded the knowledge about regional differences of the taste system. Moreover, 3D imaging resulted in the first description of variable patterns of distribution of taste buds over the surface of each Fu papillae. The comparison of obtained results determined new species-specific features in examined hybridand its similarities of some features with cattle, i.e., maternal species. The 3D reconstruction method proved to be an innovative and efficient tool in evaluating microstructures of Fu papillae, and it could be a suitable tool for further studies of gustatory papillae and taste buds in mammals.
Deep Learning-based Histopathological Segmentation for Whole Slide Images of Colorectal Cancer in a Compressed Domain
Authors: Kim Hyeongsub , Yoon Hongjoon , Thakur Nishant , Hwang Gyoyeon , Lee Eun Jung , Kim Chulhong , Chong Yosep
Published: June 2021

Automatic pattern recognition using deep learning techniques has become increasingly important. Unfortunately, due to limited system memory, general preprocessing methods for high-resolution images in the spatial domain can lose important data information such as high-frequency information and the region of interest. To overcome these limitations, we propose an image segmentation approach in the compressed domain based on principal component analysis (PCA) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT). After inference for each tile using neural networks, a whole prediction image was reconstructed by wavelet weighted ensemble (WWE) based on inverse discrete wavelet transform (IDWT). The training and validation were performed using 351 colorectal biopsy specimens, which were pathologically confirmed by two pathologists. For 39 test datasets, the average Dice score was 0.852 ± 0.086 and the pixel accuracy was 0.962 ± 0.027. We can train the networks for the high-resolution image (magnification x20) compared to the result in the spatial domain (magnification x10) in same the region of interest (6.25 × 10^2 um^2). The average Dice score and pixel accuracy are significantly increased by 6.4 % and 1.6 %, respectively. We believe that our approach has great potential for accurate diagnosis in pathology.
A Customised Target Capture Sequencing Tool for Molecular Identification of Aloe Vera and Relatives
Authors: Woudstra Yannick , Viruel Juan , Fritzsche Martin , Bleazard Thomas , Mate Ryan , Howard Caroline , Rønsted Nina , Grace Olwen M.
Published: June 2021

Plant molecular identification studies have, until recently, been limited to the use of highly conserved markers from plastid and other organellar genomes, compromising resolution in highly diverse plant clades. Due to their higher evolutionary rates and reduced paralogy, low-copy nuclear genes overcome this limitation but are difficult to sequence with conventional methods and require high-quality input DNA. Aloe vera and its relatives (Asphodelaceae, subfamily Alooideae) are of economic interest for food and health products and have horticultural value. However, pressing conservation issues are increasing the need for a molecular identification tool to regulate the trade. With >600 species and an origin of ±15 million years ago, this predominantly African succulent plant clade is a diverse and taxonomically complex group for which low-copy nuclear genes would be desirable for accurate species discrimination. Unfortunately, with an average genome size of 16.76 pg, obtaining high coverage sequencing data for these genes would be prohibitively costly and computationally demanding. We used newly generated transcriptome data to design a customised RNA-bait panel targeting 189 low-copy nuclear genes in Alooideae. We demonstrate its efficacy in obtaining high-coverage sequence data for the target loci on Illumina sequencing platforms, including degraded DNA samples from museum specimens, with considerably improved phylogenetic resolution. This customised target capture sequencing protocol has the potential to confidently indicate phylogenetic relationships of Aloe vera and related species, as well as aid molecular identification applications.
Healthcare providers’ discussions regarding transportation and driving with autistic and non-autistic patients: A brief report
Authors: Sartin Emma , Myers Rachel K. , Labows Christina G. , Metzger Kristina B. , Carey Meghan E. , Yerys Benjamin E. , McDonald Catherine C. , Mollen Cynthia J. , Curry Allison E.
Published: June 2021

Objective: To characterize healthcare and behavioral service providers’ transportation-related discussions with their autistic and non-autistic patients.Method: Seventy-eight providers completed a cross-sectional survey assessing their transportation discussions with patients. We used Mann-Whitney U tests and chi-square tests to compare differences in provider reports by patient diagnosis.Results: Compared with one in two providers who reported they discuss transportation with non-autistic patients, only one in five have these conversations with their autistic patients. Few (8%) providers felt prepared to assess driving readiness in autistic patients, yet only a quarter refer patients elsewhere.Conclusion: There is a critical need to develop resources for use in medical settings to effectively support autistic adolescents’ independence and mobility as they transition into adulthood.
Efficacy of Combination Colonoscopy Using Modified Cap-assisted and Water-exchange Colonoscopy with Prone Position in the Detection of Colorectal Adenomas: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ko Jihwan , Kim Hyung Wook , Ko Byung Gu , Han Seong Ho
Published: June 2021

Background: The efficacy of cap-assisted and water-exchange colonoscopy for adenoma detection, individually or in combination, is well documented but the efficacy of the combination colonoscopy using the above methods with prone position for adenoma detection is unclear. We compared the effectiveness of the combination colonoscopy using modified cap-assisted and water-exchange colonoscopy with prone position (CWP) and conventional colonoscopy (CC) for adenoma detection.Methods: A total of 746 patients who underwent either CWP or CC, performed by two board-certified gastroenterologists between December 2019 and March 2020, were investigated retrospectively. Cap-assisted colonoscopy was modified using hooking and dragging maneuver. We evaluated the polyp detection rate (PDR), adenoma detection rate (ADR), and mean number of adenomas detected per procedure (MAP). Results: There was no significant difference in sex, age, the indication of colonoscopy and quality of bowel preparation between the two groups. The PDR, ADR, and proximal MAP were significantly higher in the CWP group than the CC group (PDR: 84.9% vs. 59.8%, P < 0.001; ADR: 70.1%, vs. 49.2%, P < 0.001; proximal MAP: 1.24 vs. 0.55, P < 0.001). Amongst males, total and proximal MAP were significantly higher in the CWP group than the CC group, respectively (2.28 ± 2.24 vs. 1.49 ± 1.92, P < 0.001; 1.73 ± 1.98 vs. 0.74 ± 1.21, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Combination colonoscopy is more effective than conventional colonoscopy for the PDR, ADR, and proximal MAP. Further studies assessing the synergistic or complementary effects of the combination are needed.
A Five Autophagy-Related Long Non-Coding RNA Prognostic Model for Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Boxuan , Zhao Yun , Yang Shuanying
Published: June 2021

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma is the most occurred pathological type among non-small cell lung cancer. Although huge progress has been made in terms of early diagnosis, precision treatment in recent years, the overall 5-year survival rate of a patient remains low. In our study, we try to construct an autophagy-related lncRNA prognostic signature that may guide clinical practice.Methods: The mRNA and lncRNA expression matrix of lung adenocarcinoma patients were retrieved from TCGA database. Next, we constructed a co-expression network of lncRNAs and autophagy-related genes. Lasso regression and multivariate Cox regression were then applied to establish a prognostic risk model. Subsequently, a risk score was generated to differentiate high and low risk group and a ROC curve and Nomogram to visualize the predictive ability of current signature. Finally, gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis were executed via GSEA.Results: A total of 1,703 autophagy-related lncRNAs were screened and five autophagy-related lncRNAs (LINC01137, AL691432.2, LINC01116, AL606489.1 and HLA-DQB1-AS1) were finally included in our signature. Judging from univariate(HR=1.075, 95% CI: 1.046–1.104) and multivariate(HR =1.088, 95%CI = 1.057 − 1.120) Cox regression analysis, the risk score is an independent factor for LUAD patients. Further, the AUC value based on the risk score for 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, was 0.735, 0.672 and 0.662 respectively. Finally, the lncRNAs included in our signature were primarily enriched in autophagy process, metabolism, p53 pathway and JAK/STAT pathway. Conclusions: Overall, our study indicated that the prognostic model we generated had certain predictability for LUAD patients’ prognosis.
First direct neutrino-mass measurement with sub-eV sensitivity
Authors: Aker M. , Bottcher M. , Beglarian A. , Behrens J. , Berlev A. , Besserer U. , Bieringer B. , Block F. , Bornschein B. , Bornschein L. , Brunst T. , Caldwell T. S. , Carney R. M. D. , Cascio L. La , Chilingaryan S. , Choi W. , Debowski K. , Deffert M. , Descher M. , Barrero D. D´ıaz , Doe P. J. , Dragouns O. , Drexlin G. , Eitel K. , Ellinger E. , Engel R. , Enomoto S. , Felden A. , Formaggio J. A. , Frankle F. M. , Franklin G. B. , Friedel F. , Fulst A. , Gauda K. , Gil W. , Gluck F. , Grossle R. , Gumbsheimer R. , Gupta V. , Hohn T. , Hannen V. , Haußmann N. , Helbing K. , Hickford S. , Hiller R. , Hillsheimer D. , Hinz D. , Houdy T. , Huber A. , Jansen A. , Karl C. , Kellerer F. , Kellerer J. , Klein M. , Kohler C. , Kollenberger L. , Kopmann A. , Korzeczek M. , Kovalik A. , Krasch B. , Krause H. , Kunka N. , Lasserre T. , Le T. L. , Lebeda O. , Lehnert B. , Lokhov A. , Machatschek M. , Malcherek E. , Mark M. , Marsteller A. , Martin E. L. , Melzer C. , Menshikov A. , Mertens Susanne , Mertens S. , Mostafa J. , Muller K. , Niemes S. , Oelpmann P. , Parno D. S. , Poon A. W. P. , Poyato J. M. L. , Priester F. , Rollig M. , Rottele C. , Robertson R. G. H. , Rodejohann W. , Rodenbeck C. , Rysavy M. , Sack R. , Saenz A. , Schafer P. , Pollithy) A. Schaller (nee , Schimpf L. , Scholosser K. , Schlösser Magnus , Schluter L. , Schneidewind S. , Schrank M. , Schulz B. , Schwemmer A. , Sefcık M. , Sibille V. , Siegmann D. , Slezak M. , Steidl M. , Sturm M. , Sun M. , Tcherniakhovski D. , Telle H. H. , Thorne L. A. , Thummler T. , Titov N. , Tkachev I. , Urban K. , Valerius K. , Venos D. , Hernandez A. P. Vizcaya , Weinheimer C. , Welte S. , Wendel J. , Wilkerson J. F. , Wolf J. , Wustling S. , Xu W. , Yen Y.-R. , Zadoroghny S. , Zeller G.
Published: June 2021

We report the results of the second measurement campaign of the Karlsruhe Tritium Neutrino (KATRIN) experiment. KATRIN probes the effective electron anti-neutrino mass, mν, via a high-precision measurement of the tritium β-decay spectrum close
to its endpoint at 18.6 keV. In the second physics run presented here, the source activity was increased by a factor of 3.8 and
the background was reduced by 25% with respect to the first campaign. A sensitivity on mν of 0.7 eV/c2 at 90% confidence level (CL) was reached. This is the first sub-eV sensitivity from a direct neutrino-mass experiment. The best fit to the spectral data yields mν2=(0.26±0.34) eV2/c4, resulting in an upper limit of mν<0.9 eV/c2 (90% CL). By combining this result with the first neutrino mass campaign, we find an upper limit of mν<0.8 eV/c2 (90% CL).
Association Between Infection With Campylobacter Species and the Risk of Esophageal Cancer: A Hospital-Based Case–Control Study in Thailand
Authors: Poosari Arisara , Nutravong Thitima , Sa-ngiamwibool Prakasit , Namwat Wises , Chatrchaiwiwatana Supaporn , Ungareewittaya Piti
Published: June 2021

Background
Previous studies have shown the association between Campylobacter species infection and environmental factors, poor oral hygiene in particular, is linked to an increased risk of esophageal cancer (EC). However, no study has reported on these factors in Thai. Thus, this study objective was to evaluate the impact of the relationship between Campylobacter infection and environmental factors on EC incidence in the population Thailand.
Methods
Data from a case–control study were collected from 105 newly diagnosed EC cases and 105 controls recruited from 2007 to 2017. Infection with Campylobacter spp. was detected in the Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue of EC taken from gastroesophageal biopsy specimens obtained from the participants and evaluated using a TaqMan® real-time PCR. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and perform data analysis.
Results
Smoking, alcohol use, a family history of cancer, history of gastroesophageal reflux disease, poor oral hygiene and Campylobacter spp. infection were shown to be significant risk factors for EC (p < 0.05). The combination of poor oral hygiene and infection with Campylobacter spp. constituted significant risk for EC (p < 0.001). In addition, the risk of EC in subjects co-infected with C. rectus and C. concisus practiced poor oral hygiene was even higher and was significant (ORadj = 4.7, 95%CI: 2.41–9.98, p = 0.003).
Conclusions
In Thailand, poor oral hygiene and infection with Campylobacter spp. was associated with an increased risk of EC.
Manufacture-friendly nanostructured metals stabilized by dual-phase honeycomb shell
Authors: Wang Hai , Song Wei , Liu Mingfeng , Zhang Shuyuan , Ren Ling , Qiu Dong , Chen Xing-Qiu , Yang Ke
Published: June 2021

Refining grains to the nanoscale can greatly enhance the strength of metals. But so far the fabrication routes of nanostructured metals are difficult to be applied at a large-scale industrial level owing to their high cost and size limitation. More crucially, the superior properties of nanostructured metals are easily lost during thermoforming process due to their poor microstructural stability, which limits their widespread application in engineering practice. Here we report a facile “Eutectoid element alloying→Quenching→Hot deformation” (EQD) strategy, which enables the mass production of a Ti6Al4V5Cu model alloy with α-Ti grain size of 95 ± 32 nm. In addition, rapid co-precipitation of Ti2Cu and β phases forms a “dual-phase honeycomb shell” (DPHS) structure along the grain boundaries and effectively stabilizes the nanosized α-grains. The instability temperature of the nanostructured Ti6Al4V5Cu alloy reaches 973 K (0.55Tm). The room temperature tensile strength approaches 1.52 ± 0.03 GPa, which is 60% higher than the Ti6Al4V counterpart without sacrificing its ductility. Furthermore, the tensile elongation at 923 K exceeds 1000%, more than ten times higher than the Ti6Al4V counterpart. Grain growth is not observed even under such an extreme thermal-mechanical coupling condition. This enables nanostructured Ti6Al4V5Cu to be easily shaped to complex components. The aforementioned strategy paves a new pathway to develop manufacture-friendly, high-performance metallic materials and it also has a great potential to be applied in other alloy systems.
Effect of Wrist Joint Angle on the Examination of Hoffmann's Sign
Authors: Shi Guan , Tang Hai , Shan Jianlin
Published: June 2021

Objective To study the effect of different wrist flexion and extension angles on the results of Hoffmann’s sign.Methods Thirty-seven patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and fifty objectives as control group were examinated at 15° palmar flexion, 0° neutral, 30° back extension, and 60° back extension of the wrist joint to observe Hoffmann's sign.ResultsThe patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy did not present significantly different results of Hoffmann’s sign at 0° neutral, 30° back extension, and 60° back extension, but significantly different at 15° palmar flexion (P<0.05). In control group, there is no significant difference at 15° palmar flexion, 0° neutral, 30° back extension, but significantly different at 60° back extension (p<0.05).ConclusionThe different angles of wrist flexion and extension present a significant impact on the results of Hoffmann’s sign examination. For the patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, it is reliable to test Hoffmann’s sign at 30° wrist back extension.
Biotechnological Potential of Bacterial Endoglucanase from Marine and Hypersaline Environments in Saccharification of Lignocellulosic Biomass Pre-Treated with Alkali or Ionic Liquid
Authors: Sar Abhijit , Biswas Sudipto , Biswas Raju , Misra Arijit , Pal Srikanta , Dam Bomba
Published: June 2021

In second-generation biofuel production, the recalcitrant plant biomass requires pretreatment prior to enzymatic hydrolysis. Pretreatment with alkali or ionic liquids (IL) such as 1-butyl 3-methyl immidazolium chloride ([Bmim][Cl]), are efficient but the residual salt in former, or IL in later process inhibits downstream enzymatic saccharification and thus require extensive washing. Recent studies have established IL tolerance by moderate halophilic bacteria being contributed by their general salt adaptation strategies. Objective of the present study is to examine whether the same holds true for their extracellular enzymes, and eventually select a few for future exploitation. In this direction, ten distinct endoglucanase positive (≥3 mm halo zone in congo-red cellulolytic assay) colonies were picked each from decomposed wood material of the hypersaline Sambhar Lake (SLW), in Rajasthan; and Bichitrapur (BPW) mangrove in Orissa. SLW and BPW samples had total salinities of 21.54% and 2.18%; and their isolates had optimum NaCl requirement of 10-15% and 1-5% respectively. The extracellular endoglucanase of SLW isolates were active in 5-25% NaCl but those from BPW remain active in only up to 5% NaCl. Interestingly, SLW endoglucanases also performed better in 10% and some even in 30% (v/v)[Bmim][Cl]. Endoglucanase secreted by two SLW isolates, identified by their 16S rRNA gene sequence as Salipaludibacillus sp. were effectively used for in situ enzymatic hydrolysis of both alkali and [Bmim][Cl] pretreated rice straw. However, endoglucanase from BPW isolate Salinicola sp. could hydrolyze seawater washed alkali-pretreated biomass thereby expanding their industrial applicability in coastal areas.
Screening for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) among Obese and Overweight Children: Prevalence and predictors
Authors: Thiagarajan Srinivasan , Shrinuvasan Sadhanandham , Babu Thirunavukkarasu Arun
Published: June 2021

Background: Non- alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly recognised in obese and overweight children. NAFLD is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in these children. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of NAFLD and to identify the anthropometric, metabolic risk factors for NAFLD. Materials and methods: This cross sectional study was done with 154 overweight and obese children. The study population was divided into 2 groups based on the presence or absence of NAFLD by screening with ultrasonography and/or alanine transaminase levels. Anthropometric (Body mass index, waist circumference) and biochemical parameters (Total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, Insulin, Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase) were compared between these two groups. Results: NAFLD was diagnosed based on abnormal screening in 79 (51.3 %) overweight and obese children.. No age or gender difference was noted between 2 groups. NAFLD patients did not differ significantly from patients without NAFLD in age, Body mass index, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and waist circumference. LDL Cholesterol levels were found significantly higher in the NAFLD group. There was no significant difference found in lipid profile apart from LDL cholesterol, aspartate transaminase and HOMA-IR between 2 groups. Conclusion: NAFLD is common in overweight and obese South Indian children. High LDL cholesterol level is a risk factor for NAFLD in these children. Screening of this high risk group for early diagnosis of NAFLD is essential to prevent and monitor further progression of the disease.
Neural bases of audio-visual integration of socially meaningful information in macaques
Authors: Froesel Mathilda , Gacoin Maëva , Clavagnier Simon , Hauser Marc , Goudard Quentin , Hamed Suliann Ben
Published: June 2021

Social interactions rely on the interpretation of semantic and emotional information, often from multiple sensory modalities. In primates, both audition and vision serve the interpretation of communicative signals. Autistic individuals present deficits in both social communication and audio-visual integration. At present, the neural mechanisms subserving the interpretation of complex audio-visual social events are unknown. Based on heart rate estimates and functional neuroimaging, we show that macaque monkeys associate affiliative facial expressions or social scenes with corresponding affiliative vocalizations, aggressive expressions or scenes with corresponding aggressive vocalizations and escape visual scenes with scream vocalizations, while suppressing vocalizations that are incongruent with the visual context. This process is subserved by two distinct functional networks, homologous to the human emotional and attentional networks activated during the processing of visual social information. These networks are thus critical for the construction of social meaning representation, and provide grounds for the audio-visual deficits observed in autism.One-sentence summary Macaques extract social meaning from visual and auditory input recruiting face and voice patches and a broader emotional and attentional network.
Calculation of Mohr-Coulomb Parameters for Rocks of Doha, Qatar
Authors: Vučemilović Hrvoje
Published: June 2021

Among practitioners, designers and researchers, modern-day geotechnical software packages still predominantly use Mohr-Coulomb (MC) input modelling parameters, despite the immense computing power of today’s software and hardware components. The same particularly applies to this field of work in the state of Qatar. The goal of this technical note is to demonstrate the most appropriate derivation method for Mohr-Coulomb parameters, by proving that this must ensue by first obtaining or estimating proper Hoek-Brown parameters, followed by appropriate method for conversion. Only such an approach can remove uncertainty and high variability of results in geotechnical estimations and design inputs.
SIRT1 Suppresses Pituitary Tumor Progression by Downregulating PTTG1 Expression
Authors: Huang Jinxiang , Zhang Fenglin , Hu Guohan , Pan Yuan , Sun Wei , Jiang Lei , Wang Peng , Qiu Jiting , Ding Xuehua
Published: June 2021

Pituitary tumor is among the most common types of brain tumor, and the underlying molecular mechanism of this disease is still obscure. Here we found downregulation of SIRT1 in tumor tissues of pituitary tumor patients by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry staining. In vitro studies reveal that upregulation of SIRT1 suppresses pituitary tumor cell line growth, and vice versa. We also find that enzymatic activity of SIRT1 is required for its cellular function. Mechanism study uncovers that SIRT1 negatively regulates PTTG1 expression by deacetylation of H3K9ac at promoter region of PTTG1. Moreover, H3K9ac level at PTTG1 promoter is an essential regulatory element for PTTG1 expression. Thus SIRT1/H3K9ac/PTTG1 axis contributes to pituitary tumor formation and may provide further potential therapeutic opportunity.
Investigation Into Deep Hole Drilling of Austenitic Steel With Optimised Tool Solutions
Authors: Felinks Nils , Rinschede Timo , Biermann Dirk , Stangier Dominic , Tillmann Wolfgang , Fuß Moritz , Abrahams Hendrik
Published: June 2021

Deep hole drilling processes for high-alloyed materials are characterised by worn guide pads and chatter vibrations. In order to increase feed rates, process stability and bore quality in STS deep hole drilling, various investigations were carried out with adjustments to the tool. First, a new process chain for the production of tribologically optimized guide pads and their effects on the guide pad shape is described in detail. The results of theses studies show that the shape change in the area of the axial run-in chamfer through a micro finishing process leads to a better bore hole quality. Furthermore, the influence of guide pad coating and cooling lubricant on the deep hole drilling process was investigated. In addition, the machining of the austenitic steel AISI 304 is analyzed by using a conventional steel boring bar and an innovative CFRP-boring bar. While the conventional drill tube oscillates with different eigenfrequencies, the CFRP-boring bar damps chatter vibrations of the drill head and stabilizes the process. Even at higher feed rates up to f = 0.3 mm, it is possible to machine austenitic, difficult-to-cut-materials with significantly reduced vibrations.
Histological Regional Analysis of the Aortic Root and Thoracic Ascending Aorta: a Complete Analysis of Aneurysms From Root to Arch
Authors: Surman Timothy Luke , Abrahams John Matthew , Manavis Jim , Finnie John , O’Rourke Dermot , Reynolds Karen Jane , Edwards James , Worthington Michael George , Beltrame John
Published: June 2021

BackgroundAlthough aortic root and ascending aortic aneurysms are treated the same, they differ in embryological development and pathological processes. This study examines the microscopic structural differences between aortic root and ascending aortic aneurysms, correlating these features to the macroscopic pathophysiological processes. MethodsWe obtained surgical samples from ascending aortic aneurysms (n=11), aortic root aneurysms (n=3), and non-aneurysmal patients (n=7), Aortic collagen and elastin content were examined via histological analysis, and immunohistochemistry techniques used to determine collagen I, III, and IV subtypes. Analysis was via observational features, and colour deconvolution quantification techniques. ResultsElastin fiber disruption and fragmentation was the most extensive in the proximal aneurysmal regions. Medial fibrosis and collagen density increased in proximal aneurysmal regions and aortic root aneurysms (p<0.005). Collagen I was seen in highest quantity in aortic root aneurysms. Collagen I content was greatest in the sinus tissue regions compared to the valvular and ostial regions (p<0.005) Collagen III and IV quantification did not vary greatly. The most susceptible regions to ultrastructural changes in disease are the proximal ascending aorta and aortic root.ConclusionsThe aortic root differs histologically from the ascending aorta confirming its unique composition in aneurysm pathology. These findings should prompt further evaluation on the influence of this altered structure on function which could potentially guide clinical management.
Increased Chitotriosidase1 Concentration Following Nusinersen Treatment in Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Freigang Maren , Steinacker Petra , Wurster Claudia Diana , Schreiber-Katz Olivia , Osmanovic Alma , Petri Susanne , Koch Jan Christoph , Rostásy Kevin , Falkenburger Björn , Ludolph Albert Christian , Otto Markus , Hermann Andreas , Günther René
Published: June 2021

BackgroundStudies regarding the impact of (neuro)inflammation and inflammatory response following repetitive, intrathecally administered antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) in 5q-associated spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are sparse. Increased risk of hydrocephalus in untreated SMA patients and a marginal but significant increase of the serum / CSF albumin ratio (Qalb) with rare cases of communicating hydrocephalus during nusinersen treatment were reported, which confirms the unmet need of an inflammatory biomarker in SMA. The aim of this study was to investigate the (neuro)inflammatory marker chitotriosidase 1 (CHIT1) in SMA patients before and following the treatment with the ASO nusinersen. MethodsIn this prospective, multicenter observational study, we studied CSF CHIT1 concentrations in 58 adult and 21 pediatric patients with SMA type 1, 2 or 3 before treatment initiation in comparison to age- and sex-matched controls and investigated its dynamics during nusinersen treatment. Concurrently, motor performance and disease severity were assessed.ResultsCHIT1 concentrations were elevated in treatment-naïve SMA patients as compared to controls, but less pronounced than described for other neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. CHIT1 concentration did not correlate with disease severity and did not distinguish between clinical subtypes. CHIT1 concentration did show a significant increase during nusinersen treatment that was unrelated to the clinical response to nusinersen therapy.ConclusionsCHIT1 elevation in treatment-naïve SMA patients indicates the involvement of (neuro)inflammation in SMA. The lacking correlation of CHIT1 concentration with disease severity argues against its use as a marker of disease progression. The observed CHIT1 increase during nusinersen treatment may indicate an immune response-like, off-target reaction. Since antisense oligonucleotides are an establishing approach in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, this observation needs to be further evaluated.
Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) Indicated Frailty is Associated with Increased In-Hospital and 30-Day Mortality in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rottler Máté , Ocskay Klementina , Görbe Anikó , Virág Marcell , Hegyi Péter , Molnár Tihamér , Erőss Bálint , Leiner Tamás , Molnar Zsolt
Published: June 2021

Background: The concept of frailty provides an age-independent, easy-to-use tool for risk stratification. We aimed to summarize the evidence regarding the use of frailty tools in COVID-19, assessing the risk of frail patients for in-hospital and 30-day mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and length of hospitalization (LOH).Methods: The protocol was prospectively registered via PROSPERO (CRD42021241544). Studies reporting on frailty in COVID-19 patients were eligible. We compared in-hospital and 30-day mortality, lengths of stay and ICU admission in frail and non-frail COVID-19 patients. We also compared average frailty in COVID-19 survivors and non-survivors. MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Scopus, CENTRAL, and Web of Science were searched up to 3 February 2021 with terms related to COVID-19 and frail*. Search, selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were conducted in duplicate by two independent review authors. The QUIPS tool was used for the risk of bias assessment. Odds ratios (OR) and weighted mean differences (WMD) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a random effect model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 and χ2 tests.Results: From 1693 records identified, 27 were included in the qualitative and 21 in the quantitative synthesis. Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) was used in 24 studies, the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) by one and the Frail Non-Disabled questionnaire by another one. One study reported both CFS and HFRS. We found that frail patients (CFS 5–9) compared to non-frail patients (CFS 1–4) have a higher risk for both in-hospital (OR: 2.77; CI: 1.86–4.15) and 30-day mortality (OR: 1.47; CI:1.05–2.06). Frail patients (CFS 5–9) were less likely to be admitted to ICU (OR 0.05, CI: 0.01–0.16). Statistical heterogeneity was not present for CFS 5–9 30-day mortality OR and ICU admission OR (CFS 1–3 vs 4–9), and was moderate for in-hospital mortality WMD. Quantitative synthesis for LOH was not feasible. Most studies carried a high risk of bias.Conclusions: As determined by CFS, frailty is strongly associated with in-hospital and 30-day mortality; hence, investigating its use in deciding on ICU admission further in COVID-19 is warranted.
Factors affecting the COVID-19 risk in the US counties: an innovative approach by combining unsupervised and supervised learning
Authors: Ziyadidegan Samira , Razavi Moein , Pesarakli Homa , Javid Amirhossein , Erraguntla Madhav
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 disease spreads swiftly, and nearly three months after the first positive case was confirmed in China, Coronavirus started to spread all over the United States. Some states and counties reported high number of positive cases and deaths, while some reported lower COVID-19 related cases and mortality. In this paper, the factors that could affect the risk of COVID-19 infection and mortality were analyzed in county level. An innovative method by using K-means clustering and several classification models is utilized to determine the most critical factors. Results showed that mean temperature, percent of people below poverty, percent of adults with obesity, air pressure, population density, wind speed, longitude, and percent of uninsured people were the most significant attributes.
Bacterial and Fungal Co-Infections in Patients with COVID-19 Related Pneumonia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bedini Andrea , Menozzi Marianna , Cuomo Gianluca , Franceschini Erica , Orlando Gabriella , Santoro Antonella , Cozzi-Lepri Alessandro , Meschiari Marianna , Carli Federica , Puzzolante Cinzia , Milic Jovana , Monte Martina Del , gaetano Margherita Di , Bacca Erica , Franceschi Giacomo , Dolci Giovanni , Busani Stefano , Biagioni Emanuela , Tutone Marco , Sarti Mario , Girardis Massimo , Guaraldi Giovanni , Mussini Cristina
Published: June 2021

Background: The study analysed risk factors for bacterial and fungal co-infection in patients with COVID-19 and the impact on mortality.Methods: This is a single-center retrospective study conducted on 387 patients with confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to an Italian Tertiary-care hospital, between 21 February 2020 and 31 May 2020. Bacterial/fungal coinfection was determined by the presence of characteristic clinical features and positive culture results. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors for the development of bacterial/fungal co-infection after adjusting for demographic characteristics and comorbidities. Thirty-day survival of the patients with or without co-infections was analysed by Kaplan-Meier method.Results: In 53/387 (13.7%) patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, 67 episodes of bacterial/fungal co-infection occurred (14 presented >1 episode). Pneumonia was the most frequent co-infection (47.7%), followed by BSI (34.3%) and UTI (11.9%). S. aureus was responsible for 24 episodes (35.8%), E. coli for 7 (10.4%), P. aerugionsa and Enterococcus spp. for 5 episodes each (7.4%). Five (7.4%) pulmonary aspergillosis, 3 (4.4%) pneumocystosis and 5 (7.4%) invasive candidiases were observed. Multivariable analysis showed a higher risk of infection in patients with an age>65 years (csHR 2.680; 95%CI: 1.254 - 5.727; p=0.054), with cancer (csHR 5.243; 95%CI: 1.173-23.423; p=0.030), with a LOS>10 days (csHR 12.507; 95%CI: 2.659 – 58.830; p=0.001), early (within 48h) admitted in ICU (csHR 11.766; 95% CI: 4.353-31.804; p<0.001), and with a SOFA score>5 (csHR 3.397; 95% CI: 1.091 - 10.581; p=0.035). Estimated cumulative risk of developing at least 1 bacterial/fungal co-infection episode was of 15% and 27% after 15 and 30 days from admission, respectively. Kaplan-Meier estimated a higher cumulative probability of death in patients with bacterial/fungal co-infection (log-rank=0.031). Thirty-day mortality rate of patients with pneumonia was 38.7%, higher than those with BSI (30.4%).Conclusions: Bacterial and fungal infections are a serious complication affecting the survival of patients with COVID-19-related pneumonia. Some issues need to be investigated, such as the best empirical antibiotic therapy and the need for possible antifungal prophylaxis.
Beliefs Toward Smoking and COVID-19, and The Pandemic Impact on Smoking Behavior and Quit Intention: Findings from a Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan
Authors: Al-Tammemi Ala'a B. , Barakat Muna , Al-Tamimi Doa’a B. , Alhallaq Sami A. , Hasan Dima M. Al , Khasawneh Ghena M. , Naqera Khalil Abu , Jaradat Raghad M. , Farah Fadi W. , Al-Maqableh Hindya O. , Abuawad Alaa , Othman Bayan , Tarhini Zeinab , Odeh Hamza , Khatatbeh Moawiah , Akour Amal , Aljaberi Musheer A. , Kolozsvári László Róbert
Published: June 2021

Background
The relationship between smoking and Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is still topical with mixed epidemiological evidence. However, the pandemic may affect people’s beliefs towards smoking as well as smoking behavior and quit intentions. Considering high smoking rates in Jordan, our current study aimed to assess (i) the beliefs that surround smoking and COVID-19, (ii) the pandemic impact on smoking behavior and quit intention.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jordan utilizing an online questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised 13 items on sociodemographic, health, and smoking profiles, 14 items to assess beliefs surrounding COVID-19 and the use of combustible cigarettes (CC), waterpipe (WP), and electronic cigarettes (EC), and 12 items to assess the pandemic impact on smoking behavior and quit intention.
Results
Of 2424 survey respondents who participated in our study there were 1163 never-smokers, 1044 current smokers, and 217 ex-smokers. The mean age of participants was 35.2 years (SD:11.06). Most participants have shown anti-smoking beliefs with around 72.9% believed that WP smoking is related to the risk of contracting COVID-19. Also, 71.7% believed that smoking CC may worsen the COVID-19 clinical course, while 74.1% of respondents believed that smoking has no protective effect against COVID-19. During the pandemic, about 28.1% and 19.3% of current smokers reported increased or reduced smoking, respectively, and many smokers reported their willingness to quit smoking due to the pandemic.
Conclusion
Most participants reported anti-smoking beliefs and attitudes during the pandemic. Nevertheless, the double-edged effect of the pandemic on smoking habits should be carefully considered, and reliable anti-smoking measures should be strengthened and sustained in the country.
Consumer health knowledge: cultural norms and marketing of healthcare products
Authors: Oteh Ogbonnaya Ukeh , Oloveze Ambrose Ogbonna , Obasi Raymond Ozoemena , Opara J. O.
Published: June 2021

This paper discourses healthcare products that face some degree of acceptance within some societies due to specific cultural dilemmas and ethical concerns. The purpose of this paper is to assess consumer health knowledge on the cultural and ethical dilemma and norms as they affect the marketing of healthcare products. Literary sources indicate the existence of misconceptions and poor marketing performance of healthcare products within a cultural milieu in Nigeria, thus the focus is on indigenous people and their cultural backgrounds. To gain insight into consumer health knowledge, the study modelled Hofstede’s collectivism dimension following the dominant in-group cultural context of the indigenous people. The relevance of this scientific decision problem is that the result will cause an urgent policy approach, re-strategizing of approaches in communication and reach by the healthcare marketers and healthcare product producers. The research follows a survey pattern as data was collected for 4 – 5 months in year 2020 using a structured questionnaire while mean rating analysis and Pearson Coefficient correlation were used to analyze the result. The object of this research was Abia State in Nigeria, given that good numbers of the communities are notorious for the patronage of traditional healthcare products. The results proved that negligence of immunization, dependence on traditional health healers, and maintenance of ethical work environment are critical concerns that impact consumers’ health knowledge and their response to healthcare products being marketed by firms. Thus, the research makes an empirical confirmation and theoretically proves that Hofstede’s collectivism dimension appropriately profiles the dominant in-group cultural context of the indigenous people of Abia State, Nigeria. The findings of this research show its practical usefulness by identifying the need for communication, enlightenment and awareness programs, and practical demands for strategic approaches to marketing healthcare products within the communities. Policy-wise, the implication is the urgent demand to moderate beliefs and norms of the group by devising stringent measures for clinical laboratory tests of the traditional drugs and stiff penalties for defaulters of traditional healthcare product vendors and producers.
A CENTRALIZAÇÃO DO PODER DE MÍDIA NO BRASIL E A OMISSÃO DO ESTADO NA EFETIVAÇÃO DA PLURALIDADE E DEMOCRATIZAÇÃO DA INFORMAÇÃO: UMA ANÁLISE DOS VAZAMENTOS DA OPERAÇÃO LAVA JATO
Authors: Reginato Amador Cristian , Penning Pauli de Menezes Cristiane
Published: June 2021

O presente estudo busca fazer uma análise dos recentes vazamentos relacionados a Operação Lava Jato, traçando um enlace com a relação criada entre a atuação do Estado no papel de agente cuja função consiste em pluralizar e democratizar a informação e a mídia como agente influenciador em uma sociedade dita informacional. Assim, questiona-se a seguinte questão: em que medida a omissão do Estado na democratização e pluralização da informação, aliada a centralização do poder de mídia no Brasil, dificulta a efetivação do direito a informação? Para responder tal questionamento, utiliza-se como método de abordagem o dedutivo e enquanto procedimento o monográfico. Desta forma, o estudo foi dividido em duas seções. Na primeira, será analisado o direito a informação, onde apoia-se no pressuposto de que este se encontra alçado entre os direitos fundamentais de 4° geração e que assim faz parte das novas demandas acerca dessa temática, como também será analisada a participação da mídia e do Estado no que tange a democratização e pluralização da informação. Por fim, na segunda e última seção, será feita análise dos vazamentos de conteúdos que atingem determinados sujeitos envolvidos na Operação Lava Jato, evidenciando a participação da mídia brasileira no caso em destaque.
Factors To Influence Employee Performance In Bank Tabungan Negara Sharia Semarang
Authors: Ilahi Avita Puji , Afendi Arif
Published: June 2021

AbstractPurpose - This research aimed to know the analysis of the influence of work experience, education, and work motivation on the employees’ performance of BTN Syariah KCS Semarang..Method - This research used primary data namely questionnaire which used Likert scale as the calculation scale, and also documentation given by the employees’ of BTN Syariah KCS Semarang. The samples of this research were 73 employees’. To analyse the data, the writer used multiple linier regression method and SPSS 16 version.Result - The result of the research showed that work experience had positive and significant effect toward employees’ performance, education had positive and significant effect toward employees’ performance, and work motivation had positive but nit significant effect toward employees’ performance. It showed that work experience, education, and work motivation had positive and significant effect toward employees’ performance.Implication - This study uses the data from only one Islamic bank.Originality - The paper looks into the determinant factors ofemployees’ performance at BTN Syariah Semarang. Previous studies have only focused on employees’ performance in conventional banks. On the other hand, this paper contributes to the empirical literature, giving a clearer picture of the determinants of employees’ performance of Islamic banks.