bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sars-Cov-2 Spike 1 protein control Natural killer cells activation via HLA-E/NKG2A pathway.
Authors: Bortolotti Daria , Gentili Valentina , Rizzo Sabrina , Rotola Antonella , Rizzo Roberta
Published: May 2021

Natural killer (NK) cells are important in the control of viral infections. However, the role of NK cells during Sars-Cov-2 infection has previously not been identified. Peripheral blood NK cells from Sars-Cov and Sars-Cov-2 naïve subjects were evaluated for their activation, degranulation, interferon-gamma expression in the presence of Sars-Cov and Sars-Cov-2 spike proteins. K562 and lung epithelial cells were transfected with spike proteins and co-cultured with NK cells. The analysis was performed by flow cytometry and immune-fluorescence. Sars-Cov and Sars-Cov-2 spike proteins did not alter NK cell activation in K562 in vitro model. On the contrary, Sars-Cov-2 spike 1 protein (SP1) intracellular expression by lung epithelial cells resulted in NK cell reduced degranulation. Further experiments revealed a concomitant induction of HLA-E expression on the surface of lung epithelial cells and the recognition of a SP1-derived HLA-E-binding peptide. Simultaneously, there was the up-modulation of the inhibitory receptor NKG2A/CD94 on NK cells when SP1 is expressed in lung epithelial cells. We ruled out GATA3 transcription factor as responsible for HLA-E increased levels and HLA-E/NKG2A interaction as implicate in NK cells exhaustion. We show for the first time that NK cells are affected by SP1 expression in lung epithelial cells via HLA-E/NKG2A interaction. The resulting NK cells exhaustion might contribute to immunopathogenesis in Sars-Cov-2 infection.
Transcriptome analysis reveals different responses and tolerance mechanisms of EPSPS and GAT genes in transgenic soybeans
Authors: Guo Bingfu , Hong Hui-Long , Guo Yong , Qiu Li-Juan
Published: May 2021

Background: Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum and non-selective systemic herbicide. Introduction of glyphosate tolerance genes like EPSPS or detoxification genes like GAT could confer glyphosate tolerance to plants. Our previous study revealed that co-expression of EPSPS and GAT genes conferred higher glyphosate tolerance with no “yellow flashing” phenomenon. However, the tolerance mechanisms response to glyphosate at transcriptional level was still unknown. Methods and Results: To investigate glyphosate tolerance mechanisms in different GM soybeans, RNA-seq analysis was conducted using four soybean genotypes, including two non-transgenic (NT) soybeans ZH10, MD12, and two GM soybeans HJ698 and ZH10-6. A total of 90.72 Gb clean reads were generated and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in these soybeans before and after glyphosate treatments. The similar response of glyphosate in NT soybeans and the different effect of glyphosate to two GM soybeans were identified. The number of DEGs involved in shikimate biosynthetic pathway and herbicide targeted cross-pathways was continuously increased in NT soybeans, and slightly increased in HJ698 as the increasing of treat time. However, it was only significantly increased at 12hpt but tended to recover to levels of 0 hpt at 72 hpt in ZH10-6, which can explain the higher glyphosate tolerance of ZH10-6.Conclusions: All these results suggested that GAT and EPSPS genes associated play a crucial role in response to glyphosate, and the former might work at the early stage of glyphosate exposure while the latter might be activated after the uptake of glyphosate uptake. These findings will provide valuable sights for understanding of the molecular basis underlying glyphosate tolerance.
Temporal and microtopographical variations in greenhouse gas fluxes from riparian forest soils along headwater streams
Authors: Silverthorn Teresa K. , Richardson John S.
Published: May 2021

Riparian zones of headwater streams have valuable ecosystem functions and are prevalent across many landscapes. Nevertheless, studies of greenhouse gas (GHG; CO 2 , CH 4 , N 2 O) fluxes from these unique ecosystems, with fluctuating water tables and high soil organic matter, remain limited. Our objectives were to (1) to quantify the effects of local riparian groundwater conditions on soil GHG flux rates, namely to determine if groundwater discharge (DIS) areas in the riparian zone would have higher soil moisture than adjacent non-discharge (ND) areas in the riparian zone, impacting GHG fluxes; and (2) to examine the relationship between GHG fluxes, soil moisture, soil temperature, and groundwater depth. We measured gas fluxes in situ alongside two relatively undisturbed headwater streams over one year, using closed static chambers and gas chromatography. We found that, although not significant, DIS areas had on average lower CH 4 uptake and lower CO 2 emissions than ND areas. We further found that soil temperature explained 30.0% and 26.2% of variation in CO 2 and N 2 O fluxes, respectively, and soil moisture explained 9.8% of variation in CH 4 fluxes. Our results provide information on the magnitude and drivers of GHG fluxes in riparian zones to help inform GHG budgets and forest management.
Dynamic Link Adaptation For Filterband Multicarrier In Networks With Diverse Service Quality And Throughput Requirements
Authors: Tiwana Amna Javed , Zeeshan Muhammad , Ashraf Tabinda , Farooq Muhammad Umar , Shahzad Kashif , Akhunzada Adnan
Published: May 2021

The fast evolution in wireless communication standards and enhancement in cellular applications has created an exponential rise in the data rate requirement over the past few decades. The next generation wireless standards, therefore, need not only to provide ultra high data rates with minimum latency, but also to support diverse quality-of-service (QoS) requirements. Filterbank multicarrier (FBMC) scheme provides quite a few advantages over the conventional orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) for future wire-
less networks. In order to achieve adaptive throughput and diverse service quality requirements under varying channel conditions, a link adaptation algorithm for FBMC scheme is proposed in this paper. The aim is to provide the dynamic selection of optimum parameters resulting in diverse modes of operation to ensure the desired and/or best available communication service quality. The proposed link adaptation algorithm incorporates the parameters of required data rate, available channel condition and QoS demand, and dynamically allocates the appropriate FBMC transmission parameters. The proposed scheme has been evaluated for AWGN as well as multipath fading SUI channel models. Simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithm successfully achieves the desired service quality subject to the availability of suitable channel conditions and is also superior to the existing algorithms in terms of block error rate and effective throughput.
Control of A Tomato Plant Root-Knot Nematode By Induced Resistance Of Oxalic Acid Derived From Aspergillus Niger
Authors: Yeon Jehyeong , Park Ae Ran , MinKyu-Kang  , Nguyen Van Thi , Lee Yookyung , Kim Ho Myeong , Park Hae Woong , Panjung-Ha  , Koo Yeonjong , Kim Jin-Cheol
Published: May 2021

Aspergillus niger F22 producing oxalic acid (OA) as a nematicidal component is currently used as a microbial nematicide. OA is known to induce systemic resistance in plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses, but the induced resistance of OA has not yet been elucidated in plant diseases caused by root-knot nematodes (RKNs). In this study, we investigated the functional mechanism of induced resistance of A. niger F22 formulation (Nemafree, 20% SC) and OA in tomato plant RKN disease caused by Meloidogyne incognita and analyzed their effectiveness against the disease. Foliar spray and soil drench treatments of Nemafree and OA were effective in the management of M. incognita in tomato plant in-pot experiments. When Nemafree and OA were applied 4 days before inoculation of M. incognita eggs, the treatments of Nemafree (4,000-fold dilution) and OA (0.22 mM) reduced root gall formation by more than 50%. The soil drench treatment also effectively suppressed RKN disease in field experiments. Moreover, the treatments of Nemafree and OA enhanced the transcriptional expression of pathogenesis-related 1 gene, plant proteinase inhibitor-II, and polyphenol oxidase genes and improved the production of total phenols, flavonoids, and lignin in the tomato plants infected with M. incognita. These results demonstrate that RKN diseases can be effectively controlled by induced resistance even at low concentrations of Nemafree or OA. Accordingly, our study provides evidence for more economical and efficient application strategies of microbial nematicides that control RKNs under field conditions.
Preparation And Characterization of Sodium Alginate/Acrylic Acid Composite Hydrogels Conjugated To Silver Nanoparticles As An Antibiotic Delivery System
Authors: Mohamadinia Parvaneh , Anarjan Navideh
Published: May 2021

Hydrogels are specific groups of polymers that are highly swellable in aqueous solutions, despite their water-in-soluble structures. Thus, they are promising drug delivery systems attributable to their unique characteristics such as high hydrophilicity, high controllability, facile production routines and, good biocompatibility. The aim of this research was the preparation of sodium alginate/acrylic acid composite hydrogels conjugated to silver nanoparticles to deliver the cephalexin as a model antibiotic compound. The reduction of silver ions into silver nanoparticles as well as the stabilization of created nanoparticles ensued simultaneously with hydrogel backbone formulation during microwave irradiation and monomer cross-linking processes. The impact of acrylic acid and silver ions concentrations and also the radiation time of microwave were then investigated on the main characteristics of hydrogels, namely, swelling ratio, gel fraction, cephalexin load and, antibacterial activity. The results indicated that the hydrogels’ characteristics could be significantly predicted by studied all independent parameters, through various second-order polynomial models. The multiple optimization analysis suggested that the prepared hydrogels using 7.8 g acrylic acid and 1.5 g silver nitrate and 1 min microwave radiation could give the best hydrogels with the highest swelling degree, gel fraction, cephalexin absorption and, antibacterial activity. The morphology and either absorption or release kinetics of cephalexin by/from the optimum prepared hydrogels were also investigated. No significant differences between the experimental and predicted data was confirmed the suitability of the suggested models.
STAT6 attenuated murine acute lung injury through NLRP3/p38 MAPK/NF-kappaB signaling in macrophages
Authors: Hu Lu , Shao Changzhou , Pan Linyue , Jiang Zhilong
Published: May 2021

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) is an intracellular transcription factor, it remained unclear whether STAT6 affects murine acute lung injury (ALI) through modulation of macrophage subtypes and NLRP3/p38 MAPK/NF-kappaB signaling. We in this study, intratracheal treated wild-type (WT) and STAT6-/- mice with 5 mg/kg LPS. Lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were collected 2 days after the treatment. The results showed that lack of STAT6 in STAT6-/- mice caused more severe lung inflammation, neutrophil influx, and the expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in the inflamed lung tissues. Flow cytometry analysis showed Siglec F-CD206- biased polarization of M1 subtype macrophages in the LPS-treated STAT6-/- mice. In addition, lack of STAT6 increased the expression of NLRP3, p-p38 M APK, TNF-α, IL-1β and Calreticulin in the lung tissues of LPS-treated mice and STAT6-/- bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). However, Glibenclamide, PDTC and SB203580 effectively reversed the up-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines in STAT6-/- BMDMs. Thereby, STAT6 defciency increased ALI severity, possibly through increasing polarization of M1 subtype macrophages and NLRP3/p38 MAPK/NF-kappaB signaling. NLRP3/p38 MAPK/NF-kappaB signaling may particiupate in the polarizatin of M1 subtype macrophages. Modulation of macrophages subtypes by molecular intervention of STAT6 signaling would be a promising therapeutic approach in the treatment of ALI.
Effect of The Enzyme Charge On The Production And Morphological Characteristics of Cellulose Nanofibrils
Authors: Henríquez-Gallegos Sergio , Albornoz-Palma Gregory , Andrade Andrea , Soto Carolina , Pereira Miguel
Published: May 2021

The effect of cellulase enzymes on the degree of polymerization of cellulose and the mechanical fibrillation process has been widely reported. However, the available information does not allow to establish specific relationships between the applied enzymatic-mechanical treatment, the degree of polymerization, and the characteristics of the cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) produced. This work aims to establish specific relationships between the intensity of enzymatic treatment, the degree of polymerization of the cellulose, the morphology of CNFs, and the tensile strength of the films. It was determined that the decrease in the degree of polymerization plays an important role in the fibrillation processes of the cell wall to produce CNFs and that there is a linear relationship between the degree of polymerization and the length of CNFs, which is independent of the type of enzyme, enzyme charge, and intensity of the applied mechanical treatment. In addition, it was determined that the percentage of decrease in the degree of polymerization of CNFs due to mechanical treatment is irrespective of the applied enzyme charge. Else ways, it was shown that the aspect ratio is a good indicator of the efficiency of the fibrillation process, and the degree of polymerization in not. Finally, it was shown that the resistance of CNF films is positively related to the degree of polymerization up to a maximum value which corresponds to the maximum of the aspect ratio.
Whole Genome Copy Number Analyses Reveal a Highly Aberrant Genome in TP53 Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma Tumors
Authors: Bjaanaes Maria Moksnes , Nilsen Gro , Halvorsen Ann Rita , Russens Hege G. , Solberg Steinar , Jørgensen Lars , Brustugun Odd Terje , Lingjaerde Ole Christian , Helland Åslaug
Published: May 2021

Background: Genetic alterations are common in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and DNA mutations and translocations are targets for therapy. Copy number aberrations occur frequently in NSCLC tumors and may influence gene expression and further alter signaling pathways. In this study we aimed to characterize the genomic architecture of NSCLC tumors and to identify genomic differences between tumors stratified by histology and mutation status. Furthermore, we sought to integrate DNA copy number data with mRNA expression to find genes with expression putatively regulated by copy number aberrations and the oncogenic pathways associated with these affected genes. Methods: Copy number data were obtained from 190 resected early-stage NSCLC tumors and gene expression data were available from 113 of the adenocarcinomas. Clinical and histopathological data were known, and EGFR-, KRAS- and TP53 mutation status was determined. Allele-specific copy number profiles were calculated using ASCAT, and regional copy number aberration were subsequently obtained and analyzed jointly with the gene expression data.Results:The NSCLC tumors tissue displayed overall complex DNA copy number profiles with numerous recurrent aberrations. Despite histological differences, tissue samples from squamous cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas had remarkably similar copy number patterns. The TP53-mutated lung adenocarcinomas displayed a highly aberrant genome, with significantly altered copy number profiles including gains, losses and focal complex events. The EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinomas had specific arm-wise aberrations particularly at chromosome7p and 9q. A large number of genes displayed correlation between copy number and expression level, and the PI(3)K-mTOR pathway was highly enriched for such genes.Conclusions: The genomic architecture in NSCLC tumors is complex, and particularly TP53-mutated lung adenocarcinomas displayed highly aberrant copy number profiles. We suggest to always include TP53-mutation status when studying copy number aberrations in NSCLC tumors. Copy number may further impact gene expression and alter cellular signaling pathways.
A Nomogram Based On A-To-I RNA Editing Predicting The Overall Survival of Patients With Lung Squamous Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Li , Liu Jun , Tu Li , Zhao Zhuxiang , Xie Chenli , Yang Lei
Published: May 2021

Background: A-to-I RNA editing has been recognized as a novel hallmark of cancer, while little is known about its contribution to cancer prognosis. We aimed to develop a prognostic nomogram with A-to-I editing events in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). Methods: The TCGA A-to-I editing profile, corresponding clinical and gene expression data of LUSC were analyzed. Patients were randomly divided into a training (n = 134) and validation group (n = 94). An A-to-I risk biosignature was generated by univariate Cox regression and followed Lasso regression. Results: We identified a seven A-to-I sites-based risk biosignature that includes TMEM120B(A2588I), HMOX2(A224I), CALCOCO2(A2603I), MIR548AE2(A113641I), ZNF440(A3942I), CLCC1(A2315I), and CHMP3(A23735I). High risk was significantly associated with worse overall survival (OS) in both the training (HR = 7.30; 95%CI = 3.48-15.3) and validation groups (HR = 2.13; 95%CI = 1.09-4.15). Patients with advanced T (P = 0.021) or clinical stages (P = 0.021) had higher risk scores than the counterparters. We then developed a nomogram incorporating the A-to-I biosignature and clinicopathological features, which exerted well performance on predicting probability of LUSC OS with C-indexes as 0.808 and 0.685 in both sets. Moreover, the editing levels of ZNF440(A3942I), CLCC1(A2315I), HMOX2(A224I) are correlated with expressions of their host genes, while the levels of TMEM120B(A2588I), CLCC1(A2315I), and CALCOCO2(A2603I) differed between tumor tissues and normal tissues. Conclusions: Our results for the first time provided insight into the development of A-to-I editing‑based nomogram for predicting OS of LUSC patients.
Haemodynamic Characteristics And Factors Influencing The Head-Up Tilt Test In Patients With Orthostatic Hypotension
Authors: Jiayu Wang , Yueyang Wu , Yongjun Wang , Xingquan Zhao , Yilong Wang , Yinghui Li , Bin Wu , Linjie Wang , Lina Qu , Zhaoxia Li , Xiaomeng Yang , Aubert Andre , Jiexin Liu
Published: May 2021

Background: Failure to activate autonomic neural and hormonal reflex mechanisms could result in orthostatic hypotension. Patients with orthostatic hypotension often experience symptoms of cerebral hypoperfusion, including syncope. The purpose of this study was to investigate the haemodynamic characteristics of patients with orthostatic hypotension and the factors affecting blood pressure regulation.Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 45 patients who were diagnosed with typical orthostatic hypotension by the head-up tilt test at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University from June 2019 to December 2020. Changes in haemodynamic parameters in these patients were compared in the supine and tilted upright positions.Results: For all patients, haemodynamic parameters in the supine and tilted upright positions were compared, and systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure, cardiac output and stroke volume were all significantly decreased per minute. Heart rate significantly increased per minute, but systemic vascular resistance did not significantly change. The absolute value, percentage and rate of increases in heart rate and the absolute value, percentage and rate of decreases in stroke volume from the supine to the titled upright position were significantly lower in patients 60 years and older than in patients under 60 years old. Linear regression analyses found that the changes in heart rate, stroke volume and systemic vascular resistance were related to changes in systolic blood pressure, while the changes in stroke volume and systemic vascular resistance had more important effects on systolic blood pressure.Conclusions: In patients with orthostatic hypotension, we observed no significant increase in systemic vascular resistance from the supine position to the tilted upright position. Nevertheless, an increase in systemic vascular resistance had a significant impact on the maintenance of systolic blood pressure. In addition, in orthostatic hypotension patients younger than 60 years of age, heart rate increased while stroke volume decreased significantly after tilting upright compared with orthostatic hypotension patients older than 60 years of age and older.
The Longer The Decision-TAE Time, The Higher The Risk of Mortality: A Retrospective Study Of Trans-Arterial Embolization In Pelvic Fracture
Authors: Miyake Takahito , Okada Hideshi , Ishihara Takuma , Kanda Norihide , Mizuno Yosuke , Ichihashi Masahiro , Kamidani Ryo , Fukuta Tetsuya , Nachi Sho , Yoshida Takahiro , Nagata Shoma , Kawada Hiroshi , Matsuo Masayuki , Yoshida Shozo , Ogura Shinji
Published: May 2021

Early administration of hemostasis strategies, such as transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE), is critical in pelvic injury patients because they often experience hemorrhagic shock and other fatal injuries. We investigated the influence of delays in TAE administration on mortality. Patients admitted to the Advanced Critical Care Center at Gifu University with pelvic injury between January 2008 and December 2019 who underwent acute TAE were retrospectively enrolled. The time from when the doctor decided to administer TAE to the start of TAE (needling time) was defined as “decision-TAE time.” We included 162 patients. The median decision-TAE time was 59.5 min. Twenty-five patients died. Kaplan-Meier curves for overall survival were compared, with a significant difference observed between the patients above and below the median cutoff value for decision-TAE time (p=0.02). The age and sex-adjusted multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model revealed that the longer the decision-TAE time, the higher the risk of mortality (p=0.01). The interaction between TAE duration (procedure time) and decision-TAE time was statistically significant (p=0.044), indicating that TAE duration modified the effect of decision-TAE time on mortality. Decision-TAE time may play a key role in establishing resuscitation in pelvic fracture patients, and efforts to shorten this time should be pursued.
Evaluation of Preoperative Diagnostic Methods for Resectable Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Maruta Akinori , Iwashita Takuji , Yoshida Kensaku , Uemura Shinya , Yasuda Ichiro , Shimizu Masahito
Published: May 2021

Background: In pancreatic cancer clinical practice guideline 2016, it is recommended to perform pathological diagnosis as much as possible, but priorities and algorithms for diagnostic methods have not yet been established. In recent years, EUS-FNA has become mainstream as a method of collecting tissues from pancreatic disease, but the effect of EUS-FNA on surgical results and prognosis has not been clarified.Aims: To evaluate the diagnostic ability of EUS-FNA and preoperative diagnosis affects surgical outcome and prognosis of pancreatic cancer.Methods: Between January 2005 and June 2017, 293 patients who had surgical resection for pancreatic cancer were retrospectively evaluated. The interested outcomes were diagnostic ability of EUS-FNA and the influence for surgical result and prognosis.Results: The diagnostic sensitivity of EUS-FNA was 94.4%, which was significantly higher than ERCP (45.5%) (p<0.001). The adverse event rate in ERCP was 10.2%, which was significantly higher than EUS-FNA (1.3%) (p=0.001). Patients were divided into FNA group (N=160) and non-FNA group (N=133) for each preoperative diagnostic method. In the study of surgical curability R0 between two groups, there was no significant difference in FNA group: 65.0% (104/160) and non-FNA group: 64.7% (86/133), (p=1.000). In the prognostic study, the total of 256 patients with curability R0 or R1, the recurrence rate was 54.3% (70/129) in the FNA group and 57.4% (73/127) in non-FNA group. Moreover peritoneal dissemination occurred 34.3% (24/70) in the FNA group and 21.9% (16/73) in the non-FNA group, neither of which showed significant difference. The median survival time of FNA group and non-FNA group were 955 days and 799 days, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (Log rank p=0.735). In the Cox proportional hazards model examining factors influencing prognosis, staging, curability and adjuvant chemotherapy were dominant factors, but preoperative diagnostic method(EUS-FNA) itself was not.Conclusions: As a preoperative examination of pancreatic cancer, EUS-FNA was shown to be a safe procedure with high diagnostic ability. It was considered to be the first choice without the influence of surgical curability, postoperative recurrence, peritoneal dissemination and prognosis.
Aggregative trans-eQTL analysis detects trait-specific target gene sets in whole blood
Authors: Dutta Diptavo , He Yuan , Saha Ashis , Arvanitis Marios , Battle Alexis , Chatterjee Nilanjan
Published: May 2021

Large scale genetic association studies have identified many trait-associated variants and understanding the role of these variants in downstream regulation of gene-expressions can uncover important mediating biological mechanisms. In this study, we propose Aggregative tRans assoCiation to detect pHenotype specIfic gEne-sets (ARCHIE), as a method to establish links between sets of known genetic variants associated with a trait and sets of co-regulated gene-expressions through trans associations. ARCHIE employs sparse canonical correlation analysis based on summary statistics from trans-eQTL mapping and genotype and expression correlation matrices constructed from external data sources. A resampling based procedure is then used to test for significant trait-specific trans-association patterns in the background of highly polygenic regulation of gene-expression. Simulation studies show that compared to standard trans-eQTL analysis, ARCHIE is better suited to identify “core”-like genes through which effects of many other genes may be mediated and which can explain disease specific patterns of genetic associations. By applying ARCHIE to available trans-eQTL summary statistics reported by the eQTLGen consortium, we identify 71 gene networks which have significant evidence of trans-association with groups of known genetic variants across 29 complex traits. Around half (50.7%) of the selected genes do not have any strong trans-associations and could not have been detected by standard trans-eQTL mapping. We provide further evidence for causal basis of the target genes through a series of follow-up analyses. These results show ARCHIE is a powerful tool for identifying sets of genes whose trans regulation may be related to specific complex traits. The method has potential for broader applications for identification of networks of various types of molecular traits which mediates complex traits genetic associations.
Combined evaluation of long-lasting insecticidal nets, house screening and push-pull technology as appropriate interventions for integrated management of malaria vectors and cereal pests in Ethiopia: study protocol for household randomized controlled trial
Authors: Asale Abebe , Kassie Menale , Abro Zewdu , Enchalew Bayu , Belay Aklilu , Sangoro Peter O , Tchouassi David , Mutero Clifford M
Published: May 2021

Introduction: The combined application of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) has led to mixed results (Significant reduction vs no impact) on malaria burden. Other studies have attempted to study the combined effects of house screening (HS) and LLINs have demonstrated a reduction in indoor vector densities and malaria when the interventions are combined. In addition to malaria vectored by mosquitoes, farmers living in rural settings face challenges from crop pests, which significantly reduce agricultural productivity and negatively impact their food security. Thus, addressing the coexisting risks of malaria and crop pests could contribute to the improved livelihood of communities. Design: A three-armed household, cluster-randomized, controlled study will be conducted to assess the impact of HS, LLINs, and PPT against clinical malaria in children than LLINs alone in Ethiopia. The unit of randomization will be the household, which includes a house and its occupants. A total of 663 households will be enrolled in this study. All the households will receive the LLINs. Then other treatments will be overlaid according to the randomization sequence. Thus, 246 households will receive HS, and 250 households will receive HS and PPT before the commencement of clinical follow-up. The rest 167 houses that received LLINs only will be used as control. One child aged not more than 14 years will be enrolled from each household and followed for clinical malaria using active case detection to estimate malaria incidence for two malaria transmission seasons. Results: Episodes of clinical malaria, the prevalence of anaemia, density of malaria vector mosquitoes, sporozoite infection rate, crop infestation rate due to stem borer and fall armyworm, crop yield gain, livestock productivity, and cost-effectiveness analysis will be the endpoints of this study. Socio-economic, social demographic, cost-effectiveness analysis will be conducted using qualitative and participatory methods to explore the acceptability of HS and PPT. Conclusion Documenting the combined impact of LLINs, HS, and PPT on the prevalence of clinical malaria and crop pest damage will be the first of its kind and will provide deep insight and evidence base for forging collaborations between health and agriculture sectors. Trial Registration: The protocol was registered online on Date 28/05/2020 on sight www.pactr.org With registration No: PACTR202006878245287.
Diagnostic Value of Serum miR-25-3p in Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy
Authors: Zhou Dexia , Qu Bin , Zhang Xuan
Published: May 2021

Objective: Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDIP) are a variety of heterogeneous conditions. microRNA (miR)-25-3p is involved in HDIP diagnosis. This study explored the clinical effects of miR-25-3p on HDIP patients.Methods: A total of 190 HDIP patients including 65 cases of gestation hypertension (GH), 67 cases of mild preeclampsia (mPE) and 58 cases of severe preeclampsia (sPEz), and 60 normal pregnant women were selected as the control. Serum miR-25-3p expression in HDIP patients and controls was detected. Diagnostic efficacy of miR-25-3p on HDIP was analyzed. HDIP patients were assigned into high/low miR-25-3p expression groups. sPEz patients assigned into high/low miR-25-3p expression group were followed up until delivery. Gestational weeks and pregnancy outcomes were recorded at delivery. The effect of miR-25-3p expression on pregnancy outcomes of sPE patients was analyzed.Results: Compared with the controls, miR-25-3p expression in GH, mPE and sPEz patients was upregulated. miR-25-3p expression was highest in sPE patients, then in mPE patients and then in GH patients. Area under the curve of miR-25-3p for sPEz diagnosis was 0.946, with 87.93% sensitivity and 98.33% specificity, which were higher than those for GH and mPE diagnosis. In sPEz patients, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, 24-h urine protein, AST, ALT, GGT and Scr were increased, and PLT was decreased in high expression group. High miR-25-3p expression increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcome in sPEz patients.Conclusions: High miR-25-3p expression helps HDIP diagnosis and is related to increased risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes in sPEz patients.
Bivariate Multilevel Modeling of Modern Contraceptive Use and Knowledge of HIV/AIDS Prevention of Women in Ethiopia
Authors: Bekele Daniel , Kebede Essey
Published: May 2021

Background: Ethiopia is one of the most populous countries in Africa and has the highest number of new HIV infections. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to demonstrate the joint predictors and association between modern contraceptive use and knowledge of HIV prevention in women aged 15-49 across clusters in Ethiopia.Methods: This study considered a weighted sample of 10,223 married women aged 15-49 years, extracted from the 2016 EDHS data. The bivariate multilevel logistics regression model was used in this study.Results: In Ethiopia, 64.75%, 54.58% of the women didn’t use the modern contraceptive method and didn’t know about HIV prevention, respectively. A positive relationship between the use of modern contraceptives and knowledge of HIV prevention of women across the clusters was found, which implies that modern contraceptive use has positive implications on women's knowledge of HIV prevention techniques across the clusters.Conclusions: Predictor visiting a health facility, wealth index, media exposure, religion, place of residence, and the contextual region are statistically related with the use of modern contraceptive use and knowledge of HIV prevention of women across the clusters. Those women who use the modern contraceptive method have more likelihood of knowing about HIV prevention. The study result confirmed that modern contraceptive use has a spillover effect on women's knowledge of HIV prevention across the clusters. Therefore, the integration of the two programs with taking into account their joint predictors was an advantage in terms of clinical benefit, cost, and for seeking care individuals in the communities. The integration of two programs with due consideration of community-specific was recommended.
A Simulation of Nonlinear Thermally Radiative Hydrodynamic Stagnation Point Flow of Nanomaterial in View of a Stretchable Surface
Authors: Rasheed Haroon Ur , Islam Saeed , Khan Zeeshan , Khan Waris
Published: May 2021

This article aims to explore the mathematical and computational communication of transverse magnetic field interaction to stagnation point viscoelastic nanofluid flow over convectively heated stretching surface accompanied with a heat source, magnetohydrodynamics, and viscous dissipation. The mathematical framework is established for mass conservation, momentum, energy conservation, and concentration of nanoparticles is implemented. The constitutive nonlinear partial differential flow expressions are reduced by utilizing compatible similarity transformations. The non-dimensionless flow laws of (PDEs) are changed into nonlinear dimensionless governing ordinary differential flow laws and then the bvph2 numerical technique is employed for its solution. The consequences of innumerable governing flow parameters are explicitly deliberated and plotted graphically. The physical such as drag force and heat transfer rate are taken into the account and evaluated accordingly. To confirmed the legitimacy and reliability of the upcoming numerical results were compared with homotopic solution (HAM) and an outstanding promise was perceived.
Allele-Specific PCR and Next Generation Sequencing based genetic screening for Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia in India
Authors: Ravichandran Lavanya , Korula Sophy , H.S. Asha , Varghese Deny , R Parthiban , Johnson Jabasteen , Ishwarya Janani , Shetty Sahana , Cherian Kripa Elizabeth , Jebasingh Felix , Kapoor Nitin , Pachat Divya , Mathai Sarah , Simon Anna , Rajaratnam Simon , Paul Thomas V , Thomas Nihal , Chapla Aaron
Published: May 2021

Purpose
Genotyping CYP21A2 gene is known to be extremely challenging and is not utilized as a first tier diagnostic tool in routine clinical practice. Also, with the advent of massive parallel sequencing technology, there is a need for investigating extended panel of genes implicated in CAH. This study aims to establish a comprehensive genetic screening strategy for five genes in CAH.
Methods
Allele-Specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (ASPCR) for hotspot mutations in CYP21A2 gene followed by targeted Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) of CYP21A2, CYP11B1, CYP17A1, POR, and CYP19A1 genes were carried out to screen 72 clinically diagnosed CAH subjects from India.
Results
Utilizing ASPCR, 88.7% (n = 55/62) of the subjects suspected with 21 hydroxylase deficiency were positive for CYP21A2 hotspot mutations. Utilizing NGS, the ASPCR assay was found to highly sensitive and specific for screening these hotspot mutations. Additionally, through targeted NGS, six study subjects were positive for other CYP21A2 variants: one with a novel c.1274G > T, three with c.1451G > C and one with c.143A > G variant. One subject was compound heterozygous for c.955C > T/c.1042G > A variants identified using ASPCR and NGS. One subject suspected for a simple virilizing 21-hydroxylase deficiency was positive for a CYP19A1:c.1142A > T variant. CYP11B1 variants (c.1201-1G > A, c.1200 + 1delG, c.412C > T, c.1024C > T, c.1012dup, c.623G > A) were identified in all six subjects suspected for 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency.
Conclusion
With an overall mutation-positivity rate of 97.2% (140/144 alleles), ASPCR followed by a multigene targeted NGS assay has shown to be highly sensitive and specific as a cost-effective and comprehensive diagnostic tool for CAH in a clinical setting.
Echolocation reverses information flow in a cortical vocalization network
Authors: García-Rosales Francisco , López-Jury Luciana , González-Palomarez Eugenia , Wetekam Johannes , Cabral-Calderin Yuranny , Kiai Ava , Kössl Manfred , Hechavarría Julio
Published: May 2021

The mammalian frontal and auditory cortices are fundamental structures supporting vocal behaviour, yet the patterns of information exchange between these regions during vocalization remain unknown. Here, we address this issue by means of electrophysiological recordings in the fronto-auditory network of freely-vocalizing Carollia perspicillata bats. We show that oscillations in frontal and auditory cortices predict vocalization type with complementary patterns across structures. Transfer entropy analyses of oscillatory activity revealed directed information exchange in the circuit, predominantly of top-down nature (frontal to auditory). The dynamics of information flow depended on vocalization type and on the timing relative to vocal onset. Remarkably, we observed the emergence of predominant bottom-up information transfer, only when animals produced calls with imminent post-vocal consequences (echolocation signals). These results unveil changes of information flow in a large-scale sensory and association network associated to the behavioural consequences of vocalization in a highly vocal mammalian model.
Biopsychosocial Inequality, Active Lifestyle and Chronic Health Conditions In Brazilians
Authors: Guedes Marcello , Lopes Johnnatas , Silva Lídia da , de Araújo Diego , de Assis Sanderson , Guedes Thais , de Araújo Rodolpho , Marinho Eldys , de Souza Clécio
Published: May 2021

Background:A study estimated the biopsychosocial factors related to active physical behavior in the Brazilian population with and without chronic non-transmissible disease (CNCD).Methodology: Cross-sectional study of the National Health Survey (NHS) in Brazil, with 60,202 individuals. The outcome was physically active behavior. The independent variables were social characteristics, lifestyle and health. Cox regression was applied to estimate the prevalence ratio (PR).Results: 29,666 (48.3%; 95% CI: 47.0–50.0) reported having CNCD. Not being a smoker or alcoholic, living in an urban area, having informal social support, you are in class A, high schooling as well as paid work are more associated with active lifestyle in both groups. However, in the group without CNCD, the female sex, having some disability and not having private health insurance were more associated with sedentary behavior, while in the group with CNCD, being elderly, white and not having restful sleep are associated with sedentary lifestyle.Conclusion: People with and without CNCD in Brazil have very close active behavior, however, some biopsychosocial factors such as: sex, age, lifestyle, socioeconomic level are unevenly associated with the active lifestyle in the groups. Thus, therapeutic or preventive proposals as well as public policies for health promotion must observe these distinctions when elaborating their actions.
Direct imaging of the disconnection climb mediated point defects absorption by a grain boundary
Authors: Wei Jiake , Feng Bin , Tochigi Eita , Shibata Naoya , Ikuhara Yuichi
Published: May 2021

Grain boundaries (GBs) have been considered to be the effective sinks for point defects, which improve the radiation resistance of materials. However, the fundamental mechanisms of how the GBs absorb and annihilate point defects under irradiation at atomic scale are still not well understood. With the aid of the atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM), we experimentally investigated the atomistic mechanism of point defects absorption by a ∑31 GB in α-Al2O3 under high energy electron beam irradiation. It is shown that a disconnection pair was formed, during which all the Al atomic columns were tracked by STEM imaging. We demonstrated that the formation of the disconnection pair is proceeded with disappearing of atomic columns in the GB core, which suggests that the GB absorbed vacancies. Such point defect absorption is attributed to the disconnection climb motion in mesoscopic scale. These experimental results provide an atomistic understanding of how GBs improve the radiation resistance of materials.
Optimization of an Ammonia Assay based on Transmembrane pH-gradient Polymersomes
Authors: Spyrogianni Anastasia , Gourmel Charlotte , Hofmann Leopold , Marbach Jessica , Leroux Jean-Christophe
Published: May 2021

Reliable ammonia quantification assays are essential for monitoring ammonemia in patients with liver diseases. In this study, we describe the development process of a microplate-based assay for accurate, precise, and robust ammonia quantification in biological fluids, following regulatory guidelines on bioanalytical method validation. The assay is based on transmembrane pH-gradient polymersomes that encapsulate a pH-sensitive ratiometric fluorophore, the fluorescence signal of which correlates with the ammonia concentration in the sample. Using four-parameter logistic regression, the assay had a large quantification range (30–800 µM ammonia). As for selectivity, the presence of amino acids or pyruvate (up to clinically relevant concentrations) showed no assay interference. In samples with low bilirubin levels, polymersomes containing the fluorophore pyranine provided accurate ammonia quantification. In samples with high bilirubin concentrations, billirubin’s optical interference was alleviated when replacing pyranine with a close to near-infrared hemicyanine fluorophore. Finally, the assay could correctly retrieve the ammonia concentration in ammonia-spiked human plasma samples, which was confirmed by comparing our measurements with the data obtained using a commercially available point-of-care device for ammonia.
Power Estimation of QPSK and BPSK Modulation Systems for FPGAs based on IP Modeling for Wireless Applications
Authors: Singh Neerja , Verma Gaurav , Khare Vijay
Published: May 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Tumor Volume and Tumor Crossing of the Axial Renal Midline as Preoperative Predictors of Reduced Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate After Robotic Partial Nephrectomy
Authors: Ohsugi Haruyuki , Akiyama Kyojiro , Taniguchi Hisanori , Yanishi Masaaki , Sugi Motohiko , Matsuda Tadashi , Kinoshita Hidefumi
Published: May 2021

The ability of nephrometry scoring systems, including the radius, exophytic/endophytic, nearness to collecting system or sinus, anterior/posterior, and location relative to polar lines (R.E.N.A.L.), to predict loss of renal function after robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) is still controversial. Therefore, we verified which combination of factors from nephrometry scoring systems, including tumor volume, was the most significant predictor of postoperative renal function. Patients who underwent RPN for cT1 renal tumors in our hospital were reviewed retrospectively (n=163). The preoperative clinical data (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], comorbidities, and nephrometry scoring systems including R.E.N.A.L.) and perioperative outcomes were evaluated. We also calculated the tumor volume using the equation applied to an ellipsoid by three-dimensional computed tomography. The primary outcome was reduced eGFR, which was defined as an eGFR reduction of ≥20% from baseline to 6 months after RPN. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationships between preoperative variables and reduced eGFR. Of 163 patients, 24 (14.7%) had reduced eGFR. Multivariate analyses indicated that tumor volume (cutoff value≥14.11 cm3, indicating a sphere with a diameter≥approximately 3 cm) and tumor crossing of the axial renal midline were independent factors for reduced eGFR (odds ratio [OR], 4.57; P=0.003 and OR, 3.21; P=0.034, respectively). Our classification system using these two factors showed a higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) than previous nephrometry scoring systems (AUC=0.786 vs. 0.653–0.719), and it may provide preoperative information for counseling patients about renal function after RPN.
Choroidal Remodeling Distribution Pattern in the Macular Region in Chinese Young Patients with Myopia
Authors: Wang Jun , Ye Xin , She Xiangjun , Xu Jiahao , Chen Yiqi , Tao Jiwei , Ye Xinjie , Shen Lijun
Published: May 2021

Background: The pathogenesis of myopia has been found to be associated with the blood supply of the choroid. This study aimed to determine the relationship between distribution pattern of the choroidal remodeling and the degree of myopia in young patients.Methods: Young patients (age < 18 years) with spherical equivalent of less than -12 diopters (D) were included. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) with enhanced depth imaging (EDI) modality was used to measure the choroidal thickness (CT) and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in the macular regions. CVI was calculated as the proportion of luminal area to choroidal area and was measured within 1 mm and 3 mm nasal (N1 and N3), temporal (T1 and T3), superior (S1 and S3), and inferior (I1 and I3) to the foveal center. CT and CVI were compared across different ages (i.e., 5~9 years, 10~13 years, and 14~18 years), axial lengths (ALs) (i.e., 21.00~25.00mm and 25.01~29.00mm), and spherical equivalents (SEs) (i.e., SE>-0.5D, -0.5~-3.0D, -3.01~-6.0D, and <-6.0D). Multiple linear regression was applied to examine the associations amongst age, AL, SE, and CVI of different locations.Results: 164 of 172 eyes from 85 volunteers were included. The mean CT in the central foveal was 269.87 ± 63.32µm (ranging from 93.00µm to 443.00µm). The mean sub foveal-CVI was 67.66 ± 2.40% (ranging from 57.84% to 79.60%). Multiple linear regression results revealed significant correlations between SE and T1-CVI (p < 0.05, r2= 0.082, β= 0.194), N1-CVI (p < 0.05, r2= 0.039, β= 0.212). Simple linear regression results revealed that T1-CVI (p < 0.05, r2 = 0.09) and T3-CVI (p < 0.05, r2 = 0.05) were negatively correlated with SE; N1-CVI (p < 0.05, r2 = 0.05) and N3-CVI (p < 0.05, r2 = 0.04) were negatively correlated with SE. Conclusions and Relevance: CVI in the horizontal meridian underwent the largest change as myopia worsened. Temporal and nasal CVIs within the r =1mm and r=3mm sub foveal range were positively associated with degree of myopia in young patients. The CVI value may be used to assess the vascular status of the choroid and be a potential marker of myopic progression.