bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of immunosuppression protocols for MHC-matched allogeneic iPS cell-based transplantation using a mouse skin transplantation model
Authors: Kamatani Tomoki , Otsuka Ryo , Murata Tomoki , Wada Haruka , Takahashi Takeshi , Mori Akihiro , Murata Soichiro , Taniguchi Hideki , Seino Ken-ichiro
Published: February 2022

Background

Off-the-shelf major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-matched iPS cells (iPSC) can potentially initiate host immune responses because of the existence of numerous minor antigens. To suppress allo-immune responses, combination of immunosuppressants is usually used, but its efficacy to the allogeneic iPSC-based transplantation has not been precisely evaluated.

Methods

Three transplantation models were used in this study; MHC-matched, minor antigen-mismatched mouse skin or iPSC-graft transplantation, and fully allogeneic human iPSC-derived liver organoid transplantation in immune-humanized mice. The recipients were treated with triple drugs combination (TDC; tacrolimus, methylprednisolone, and mycophenolate mofetil) or co-stimulatory molecule blockade (CB) therapy with some modifications. Graft survival as well as anti-donor T and B cell responses was analyzed.

Results

In the mouse skin transplantation model, immunological rejection caused by the minor antigen-mismatch ranged from mild to severe according to the donor-recipient combination. The TDC treatment could apparently control the mild skin graft rejection when combined with a transient T cell depletion, but unexpected anti-donor T or B cell response was observed. On the other hand, CB therapy, particularly when combined with rapamycin treatment, was capable of attenuating both mild and severe skin graft rejection and allowing them to survive long-term without any unfavorable anti-donor immune responses. The efficacy of the CB therapy was confirmed in both mouse and human iPSC-derived graft transplantation.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the CB-based treatment seems suitable to well manage the MHC-matched allogeneic iPSC-based transplantation. The TDC-based treatment may be also used to suppress the rejection, but screening of its severity prior to the transplantation seems to be needed.
Prophylactic Use of Compression Sleeves Reduces the Incidence of Arm Swelling in Women at High Risk of Breast Cancer–Related Lymphedema: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Paramanandam Vincent S. , Dylke Elizabeth , Clark Gary M. , Daptardar Anuradha A. , Kulkarni Ajeeta M. , Nair Nita S. , Badwe Rajendra A. , Kilbreath Sharon L.
Published: February 2022

PURPOSE

To determine whether prophylactic use of compression sleeves prevents arm swelling in women who had undergone axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer surgery.

METHODS

Women (n = 307) were randomly assigned to either a compression or control group. In addition to usual postoperative care, the compression group received two compression sleeves to wear postoperatively until 3 months after completing adjuvant treatments. Arm swelling was determined using bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) thresholds and relative arm volume increase (RAVI). Incidence and time free from arm swelling were compared using Kaplan-Meier analyses. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated from Cox regression models for BIS and RAVI thresholds independently. In addition, time to documentation of the first minimally important difference (MID) in four scales of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the breast cancer–specific (BR23) questionnaire was analyzed.

RESULTS

The HR for developing arm swelling in the compression group relative to the control group was 0.61 (95% CI, 0.43 to 0.85; P = .004) on the basis of BIS and 0.56 (95% CI, 0.33 to 0.96; P = .034) on the basis of RAVI. The estimated cumulative incidence of arm swelling at 1 year was lower in the compression group than the control group on the basis of BIS (42% v 52%) and RAVI (14% v 25%). HRs for time from baseline to the first change of the minimally important difference were not statistically significant for any of the four scales of EORTC QLQ-30 and BR23 questionnaires.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic use of compression sleeves compared with the control group reduced and delayed the occurrence of arm swelling in women at high risk for lymphedema in the first year after surgery for breast cancer.
Changing Rates of Goals of Care Designations in Patients With Advanced Pancreatic Cancer During a Multifactorial Advanced Care Planning Initiative: A Real-World Evidence Study
Authors: Anaka Matthew , Lee Minji , Lim Elisa , Ghosh Sunita , Cheung Winson Y. , Spratlin Jennifer
Published: February 2022

PURPOSE:

Goals of care (GoC) designations are an important part of advanced care planning (ACP) for patients with incurable cancers. Studies of outpatient oncology records show that most patients do not have GoC documented. We performed a retrospective analysis of changes in GoC designations in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer in Northern Alberta, Canada, during a system-wide ACP quality improvement initiative.

METHODS:

Four hundred seventy-one patients with newly diagnosis of advanced, non-neuroendocrine pancreatic cancer between 2010 and 2015 in Northern Alberta, Canada, were included. The ACP initiation launched April 2014, and included educational materials for patients and families, and a coded system of GoC designations describing care philosophies and preferences for resuscitation and medical interventions. Data sources included the Alberta Cancer Registry and oncology-specific electronic medical records.

RESULTS:

25.5% of patients had a documented GoC, which increased over the study period (Mantel-Haenszel test-of-trend P < .001; increased from 7.8% in 2010 to 50.0% in 2015). GoC designations occurred later in patients who received palliative chemotherapy versus those who did not (median 130 days from diagnosis [95% CI, 76.019 to 183.981] v 36 days [95% CI, 28.107 to 43.893]; P < .001), and coincided with the end of treatment (median 4.5 days from last treatment). 64.8% of GoC designations were documented by palliative care physicians, but the proportion documented by medical oncologists increased with time (Mantel-Haenszel test-of-trend P = .020; increased from 0% in 2010 to 52.1% in 2015).

CONCLUSION:

GoC documentation increased in the outpatient records of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer during the system-wide, multifactorial ACP initiative. GoC documentation by medical oncologists also increased. These data provide real-world evidence supporting the impact of a specific ACP initiative to improve rates of GoC designation in patients with advanced cancer.
Topological phase transitions on the square-hexagon lattice
Authors: Wang G. X.
Published: February 2022

We study the tight-binding model of the square-hexagon lattice, which supports two kinds of nearest-neighbor hoppings and spin-orbit couplings. Based on the parity criterion and Fukui-Hatsugai method, the topological properties are investigated. In the presence of spin-orbit coupling, topological phase transition between topological semimetal and normal band insulator can be realized. The phase diagrams as a function of the spin-orbit couplings,

and

, are presented. Also, the effects of the Rashba spin-orbit coupling and staggered potential are discussed. We find that the Rashba spin-orbit coupling can drive the square-hexagon lattice into topological nontrivial phase at 1/5 and 2/5 filling fraction. The helical edge states are given numerically to confirm the topological property of square-hexagon lattice. Our results enlarge the number of two-dimensional lattices which have only a simple cubic symmetry and can support topological nontrivial phase.
The frequency spectrum of rotobreathers with many degrees of freedom
Authors: Savin Alexander V. , Dmitriev Sergey V.
Published: February 2022

A rotobreather in a lattice of coupled particles with rotational degrees of freedom is a dynamical regime when one particle rotates and the other particles vibrate with amplitudes exponentially decaying with distance from the rotating particle. In addition to rotational, particles can have internal degrees of freedom. Here, the influence of internal degrees of freedom on the possible rotational frequencies of rotobreathers is discussed for two models: a chain of coupled elastic rotators and a molecular crystal of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). It is shown that additional degrees of freedom create forbidden frequency bands for rotobreathers. In the case of a CNT crystal, due to resonances with many internal degrees of freedom, the frequency spectrum of a rotobreather has a complex structure resembling a Cantor set.
Higher Free Triiodothyronine Is Associated With Higher HDL Particle Concentration and Smaller HDL Particle Size
Authors: Post Adrian , Garcia Erwin , Gruppen Eke G , Kremer Daan , Connelly Margery A , Bakker Stephan J L , Dullaart Robin P F
Published: February 2022

Context

Thyroid function status has effects on the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease by affecting lipid metabolism, but associations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particle concentrations and subfractions with thyroid hormone levels within the reference range remain elusive.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to determine the associations of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels with HDL particle characteristics in euthyroid individuals.

Methods

This cross-sectional study on the associations of thyroid hormones with HDL particle concentrations, HDL subfractions, and HDL particle size included 5844 euthyroid individuals (FT3, FT4, and TSH levels within the reference range and no medication use affecting thyroid function), participating in the Prevention of REnal and Vascular ENd-stage Disease (PREVEND) study. HDL particles and subfractions were measured by nuclear magnetic resonance using an optimized version of the NMR LipoProfile Test (LP4).

Results

In multivariable linear regression analyses, FT3 was positively associated with total HDL particle concentration (std.β = 0.14; P < 0.001) and with small (std.β = 0.13; P < 0.001) and medium-sized HDL particles (std.β = 0.05; P = 0.001). Conversely, FT3 was inversely associated with large HDL particles (std.β = −0.07; P < 0.001) and with HDL particle size (std.β = −0.08; P < 0.001). Such associations with FT4 or reciprocally with TSH were less pronounced or nonsignificant.

Conclusion

In euthyroid individuals, higher FT3 is cross-sectionally associated with higher total HDL particle concentration and with lower HDL particle size. These associations may be relevant to better understand the role of HDL in thyroid function–associated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Genetic Characteristics of Incidental Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
Authors: Zhang Jing , Li Minghao , Pang Yingxian , Wang Cikui , Wu Jingjing , Cheng Ziyun , Li Xiaomu , Lu Zhiqiang , Liu Yujun , Guo Jianming , Chen Xiang , He Yao , Guan Xiao , Xu Xiaowen , Wang Yong , Liu Jiahao , Guo Wei , Hou Yingyong , Liu Longfei , Jiang Jingjing , Gao Xin
Published: February 2022

Context

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are being increasingly discovered by imaging performed for unrelated conditions. The genetic landscape of incidental PPGLs remains to be elucidated.

Objective

We aimed to describe the genetic characteristics of PPGLs discovered incidentally in a large PPGL cohort.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study included 697 patients with pathology confirmed PPGLs, including 283 incidentalomas and 414 nonincidentalomas, at 2 tertiary care centers in China in 2009-2019. Tumor DNA samples were sequenced by next-generation sequencing. Identified genetic mutations were confirmed by Sanger sequencing and tested in 277 available matched blood DNA samples.

Results

There was a lower proportion of patients with mutations identified (53% vs 63.3%; P = 0.0067) in incidental than nonincidental PPGLs. In incidental PPGLs, HRAS (11.7%), FGFR1 (11%), and RET (9.2%) were the top 3 mutated genes, whereas HRAS (17.9%), VHL (9.2%), and NF-1 (8.7%) exhibited the highest rate of mutations in nonincidental PPGLs. In incidental pheochromocytomas, the most frequently mutated genes were RET (10.9%), HRAS (10.4%), and VHL (8.6%), while in incidental paragangliomas, FGFR1 (32.8%), HRAS (16.4%), and EPAS1 (9.8%) topped the list. The frequency of NF-1 mutations was significantly lower in incidental than nonincidental pheochromocytomas (4.1% vs 11%; P = 0.0042), while FGFR1 mutations were far more common in incidental than nonincidental paragangliomas (32.8% vs 15.3%; P = 0.0076).

Conclusion

More than half of patients with incidental PPGLs had mutations in common susceptibility genes. The search for susceptibility genes should take both the mode of discovery (incidental vs nonincidental) and tumor location (pheochromocytoma vs paraganglioma) into consideration.
Amino acids suppress macropinocytosis and promote release of CSF1 receptor in macrophages
Authors: Mendel Zachary I. , Reynolds Mack B. , Abuaita Basel H. , O'Riordan Mary X. , Swanson Joel A.
Published: February 2022

The internalization of solutes by macropinocytosis provides an essential route for nutrient uptake in many cells. Macrophages increase macropinocytosis in response to growth factors and other stimuli. To test the hypothesis that nutrient environments modulate solute uptake by macropinocytosis, this study analyzed the effects of extracellular amino acids on the accumulation of fluorescent fluid-phase probes in murine macrophages. Nine amino acids, added individually or together, were capable of suppressing macropinocytosis in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages stimulated with the growth factors colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) or interleukin 34, both ligands of the CSF1 receptor (CSF1R). The suppressive amino acids did not inhibit macropinocytosis in response to lipopolysaccharide, the chemokine CXCL12, or the tumor promoter phorbol myristate acetate. Suppressive amino acids promoted release of CSF1R from cells and resulted in the formation of smaller macropinosomes in response to CSF1. This suppression of growth factor-stimulated macropinocytosis indicates that different nutrient environments modulate CSF1R levels and bulk ingestion by macropinocytosis, with likely consequences for macrophage growth and function.
An early Shh–H2O2 reciprocal regulatory interaction controls the regenerative program during zebrafish fin regeneration
Authors: Thauvin Marion , Matias de Sousa Rodolphe , Alves Marine , Volovitch Michel , Vriz Sophie , Rampon Christine
Published: February 2022

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), originally classified as toxic molecules, have attracted increasing interest given their actions in cell signaling. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the major ROS produced by cells, acts as a second messenger to modify redox-sensitive proteins or lipids. After caudal fin amputation, tight spatiotemporal regulation of ROS is required first for wound healing and later to initiate the regenerative program. However, the mechanisms carrying out this sustained ROS production and their integration with signaling pathways remain poorly understood. We focused on the early dialog between H2O2 and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) during zebrafish fin regeneration. We demonstrate that H2O2 controls Shh expression and that Shh in turn regulates the H2O2 level via a canonical pathway. Moreover, the means of this tight reciprocal control change during the successive phases of the regenerative program. Dysregulation of the Hedgehog pathway has been implicated in several developmental syndromes, diabetes and cancer. These data support the existence of an early positive crosstalk between Shh and H2O2 that might be more generally involved in various processes paving the way to improve regenerative processes, particularly in vertebrates.
Cultural Affinity, Regulation, and Market Structure: Evidence from the Canadian Retail Banking Industry
Authors: Perez-Saiz Hector , Xiao Hongyu
Published: February 2022

We estimate a perfect information static entry game to study the effect of cultural entry barriers on entry and competition in the retail banking industry. Canada provides a favorable setting for analysis due to its high linguistic diversity, concentrated market, and regulatory entry barriers. We find that cultural affinity between customers and financial institutions that share a common cultural origin plays an important role in explaining the comparative advantages of these institutions in certain markets. Using several counterfactual experiments and additional empirical evidence, we show that the effectiveness of regulations intended to foster competition is significantly limited by cultural barriers, which is a key determinant that shapes the competitive landscape of the industry. (JEL G21, G28, L13, Z13)
Precise gene models using long-read sequencing reveal a unique poly(A) signal in Giardia lamblia
Authors: Bilodeau Danielle Y. , Sheridan Ryan M. , Balan Balu , Jex Aaron R. , Rissland Olivia S.
Published: February 2022

During pre-mRNA processing, the poly(A) signal is recognized by a protein complex that ensures precise cleavage and polyadenylation of the nascent transcript. The location of this cleavage event establishes the length and sequence of the 3′ UTR of an mRNA, thus determining much of its post-transcriptional fate. Using long-read sequencing, we characterize the polyadenylation signal and related sequences surrounding Giardia lamblia cleavage sites for over 2600 genes. We find that G. lamblia uses an AGURAA poly(A) signal, which differs from the mammalian AAUAAA. We also describe how G. lamblia lacks common auxiliary elements found in other eukaryotes, along with the proteins that recognize them. Further, we identify 133 genes with evidence of alternative polyadenylation. These results suggest that despite pared-down cleavage and polyadenylation machinery, 3′ end formation still appears to be an important regulatory step for gene expression in G. lamblia.
Widespread genetic heterogeneity of human ribosomal RNA genes
Authors: Fan Wenjun , Eklund Eetu , Sherman Rachel M. , Liu Hester , Pitts Stephanie , Ford Brittany , Rajeshkumar N.V , Laiho Marikki
Published: February 2022

Polymorphism drives survival under stress and provides adaptability. Genetic polymorphism of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes derives from internal repeat variation of this multicopy gene, and from interindividual variation. A considerable amount of rRNA sequence heterogeneity has been proposed but has been challenging to estimate given the scarcity of accurate reference sequences. We identified four rDNA copies on chromosome 21 (GRCh38) with 99% similarity to recently introduced reference sequence KY962518.1. We customized a GATK bioinformatics pipeline using the four rDNA loci, spanning a total 145 kb, for variant calling and used high-coverage whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data from the 1000 Genomes Project to analyze variants in 2504 individuals from 26 populations. We identified a total of 3791 variant positions. The variants positioned nonrandomly on the rRNA gene. Invariant regions included the promoter, early 5′ ETS, most of 18S, 5.8S, ITS1, and large areas of the intragenic spacer. A total of 470 variant positions were observed on 28S rRNA. The majority of the 28S rRNA variants were located on highly flexible human-expanded rRNA helical folds ES7L and ES27L, suggesting that these represent positions of diversity and are potentially under continuous evolution. Several variants were validated based on RNA-seq analyses. Population analyses showed remarkable ancestry-linked genetic variance and the presence of both high penetrance and frequent variants in the 5′ ETS, ITS2, and 28S regions segregating according to the continental populations. These findings provide a genetic view of rRNA gene array heterogeneity and raise the need to functionally assess how the 28S rRNA variants affect ribosome functions.
Impact of COVID-19 on the comparative practice of federalism: Some preliminary observations
Authors: Chattopadhyay Rupak , Knüpling Felix , Chebenova Diana
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented international event. The spread of the coronavirus – the biggest public health crisis in a century and the first of this scale in the globalized modern world – has prompted unparalleled responses by national governments. The proliferation of 24-hours news coverage and social media has allowed people across the world to follow, in real time, the unfolding and visible impacts of the pandemic. In 2020, as governments grappled with fluctuating waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effectiveness of public policy varied among federal nations (the paper focuses on countries that are explicitly and constitutionally federal, and countries with governance systems in which governance powers and responsibilities are devolved from the central level to the subnational level). Federal countries such as Australia and Canada managed to keep mortality low, whereas others such as Brazil, Spain and the United States suffered some of the highest numbers of fatalities anywhere around world, both in absolute and relative terms (Kontis et al. 2020, 1919-1928; Brunner et al. 2020; Ritchie et al. 2020)
Ochratoxin A occurrence, its pathological effects on poultry health and decontamination approaches
Authors: MEHTAB U , TAHIR MA , ABBAS RZ , ABBAS A , HUSSAIN K , SIDDIQUI F , MOHSIN M , RANI Z , REHMAN A , YASIN R
Published: February 2022

Mycotoxins are filamentous fungi which can be seen microscopically and they impart adverse effects on poultry health. The occurrence of mycotoxins in poultry feed imparts adverse effects not only to the birds’ health but also causes huge economic losses by affecting feed conversion ratio, production of meat and eggs,and also responsible for histopathological changes in lymphoid organs of chicken. More than 300 different species of mycotoxins have been reported from which the ochratoxin and aflatoxins are the most harmful for poultry industry. Among ochratoxins, especially the Ochratoxin A (OTA) is produced from Aspergillus Ochraceus and and Penicillium verrucosum species as storage fungi inside stored drains and feed ingredients. The ochratoxicity is a dose-dependent factor and hits the immune system of birds besides decreased feed intake and decreased body weight. Higher doses of OTA toxicity resulted in deterioration of egg shell quality and hatchability in layers and breeders. Histopathological profile of ochratoxicity affected birds showed severe to moderate changes in the kidney, bursa of Fabricius, liver, thymus, spleen, heart, and lungs depending on dosage. In this review article, an attempt has been made to concise the OTA associated alterations in growth pattern, production index, biochemical changes and histopathological profile of the poultry. The current approaches and agents (Vitamin-E, Silymarin), which are being used to reduce the effects of OTA toxicity in birds, have also been discussed.
Expressions and Distributions of Leucine-enkephalin, Delta, Mu, and Kappa Opioid Receptors in Four Systems of the Octopus, Octopus ocellatus by Comparative Immunohistochemical Method and ELISA
Authors: SHA AI , HAO HY
Published: February 2022

We have investigated the expressions and distributions of leucine-enkephalin (Leu-enk), delta (δ), mu (μ), and kappa (κ) opioid receptors immunoreactivities in the respiratory, circulatory, excretory and reproductive systems of the Octopus, Octopus ocellatus, by comparative immunohistochemical method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that δ opioid receptor and Leu-enk immunoreactivities were both detected in the branchia, ventricle, branchial heart, ovary and oviducal gland, while δ opioid receptor was additionally detected in the branchial gland and kidneys in less extend. The majority of the examined tissues presented weak immunoreactivities of δ opioid receptor and Leu-enk, with the notable exception of the white body and spermary tissues that were found negative. No labellings of μ and κ opioid receptors were observed in the respiratory, circulatory, excretory and reproductive systems of O. ocellatus. The combined results of δ opioid receptor and Leu-enk immunoreactivities indicated that they may be involved in the regulations of respiration, circulation, reproduction and endocrine together with other hormones or neurotransmitters in the O. ocellatus’ body. The different densities of δ opioid receptor and Leu-enk in the respiratory, circulatory, excretory and reproductive systems of O. ocellatus may be related to the different functions.
Digestibility and Silage Quality of Potato Pulp Silages Prepared with Different Feedstuff
Authors: ŞENYÜZ ΗΗ , KARSLI ΜΑ
Published: February 2022

The objective of this study was to determine silage quality and digestibility of potato pulp ensiled with different feedstuffs (straw, alfalfa hay and wheat bran). A total of 5 different potato pulp silages (PPS) were prepared with 5% ground barley straw, ground alfalfa hay, wheat bran alone or combination of 2.5 % wheat bran+ground straw, and wheat bran+ground alfalfa hay on a fed basis.These silages were ensiled in 2-L jars. After 49d of ensiling, all silages were opened and the chemical composition, pH, organic acids, ammonia-N contents, in situ organic matter (OM) and starch degradabilities and in vitro OM digestibility (IVOMD) of the silages were determined. Then, energy values were calculated.The highest dry matter (DM) and OM concentrations were observed in PPS prepared with wheat bran alone (P<0.05). Potato pulp silage containing ground barley straw alone had the lowest crude protein (CP) concentration (P<0.05) and silage containing wheat bran alone had the lowest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) concentrations among PPS (P<0.05). Potato pulp with wheat bran alone had the highest lactic acid concentrations among all silages (P<0.05). Acetic acid concentrations of silages were similar (P>0.05). The in situ OM degradability and IVOMD were significantly different (P<0.05) among all silages. However, in situ starch digestibility was similar among PPS (P>0.05). It can be concluded that PPS prepared with different feedstuffs at a 5% level had good fermentation properties and high degradability values. Even a high quality PPS can be obtained with the addition of 5% ground barley straw alone.
The phylogenetic analysis of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene of chronic bee paralysis virus in Turkey
Authors: ÇAGIRGAN AA , YILDIRIM Y , USTA A
Published: February 2022

Chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) is a major contributor to global bee colony losses. However, among the RNA viruses infecting honeybees, CBPV is still not classified. In this study, samples of asymptomatic adult honey bees were randomly collected from 45 apiaries in three provinces (Burdur, Antalya, and Isparta) in Turkey. Five of the 45 samples were determined to be positive by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition, three positive samples from Burdur, Isparta, and Antalya were confirmed by sequencing. We constructed a phylogenetic tree that was divided into five main groups based on the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene region. The Turkish strains TUR/BUR/CBPV1, TUR/ISPT/CBPV2, and TUR/ANT/CBPV3 and the Turkish strains from obtained previous studies formed a different cluster. The sequence homology results of a phylogenetic analysis showed that the Turkish strains shared 97-98.9% of their nucleotide identity and had 96.9-99% similarity rates with each other. The strains obtained in this study and the Turkish strains detected in previous studies were also 81-84.6% similar to European, Chinese, and Uruguay strains. This research underlines the presence of CBPV in apparently healthy Turkish bee colonies and the remarkable differences in Turkish CBPV strains. Further investigation is needed to identify the molecular characterization, complete genome sequence, and pathogenesis of Turkish CBPV strains.
Cloning of the xylanase gene from soil Streptomyces into Escherichia coli for the poultry industry application
Authors: BAHRAMINIA M , MORADMAND F , AMINI K
Published: February 2022

Streptomyces are gram-positive aerobic strains that are isolated from soil, water, sediments, and various sources. The bacteria are capable of producing secondary metabolites, such as enzymes that sometimes play unique functional roles in industry, and are one of the important bio-control agents. This study aimed to isolate and clone thexylanase gene from soil Streptomyces. Soil samples were collected from Markazi Province, Iranafter specific biochemical examinations, isolation of bacteria, and DNA extraction. PCR was then performed to identify the strains containing the xylanase gene. The gene from the positive strains was cloned into an E.coli host-vector by TA cloning technique and finally, the expression of genes in E. coli origami was measured by Real-Time PCR technique. ClustalX and Mega5 software were used to draw the phylogenetic tree. A total of twelve Streptomyces isolates were identified from the soil samples. Among all the isolates, threeones had the xylanase gene. After cloning the xylanase genes, the cloned strains were isolated. To confirm the DNA cloning, Real-Time PCR was performed, and finally, the PCR product where sequenced. In this study, Streptomyces was identified as a native strain for the expression of xylanase after generating recombinant plasmid and TA cloning. It can be stated that cloning of the xylanase gene from soil Streptomyces in E. coli can be used in the poultry industry.
Detection of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in neotropical primates from São Paulo state, Brazil
Authors: MOURA DE , ADANIA CH , SOARES HS , SILVA JCR , GENNARI SM , CARDOSO L. L , LOPES AP
Published: February 2022

Toxoplasmosis is a life-threatening disease in neotropical primates. The aim of the present study was to  determine the frequency of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in neotropical primates from São Paulo state (SP), Brazil. The modified agglutination test (MAT, cut-off: 25) was used in 49 neotropical primates upon or after their admission to Associação Mata Ciliar (Jundiaí, SP, Brazil). Eight of the 49 animals (16.3%) were seropositive. The genus Sapajus had the highest antibody titer (12,800), followed by the genus Callithrix (3,200). No association (p> 0.05) was found between seroprevalence and genera (Alouatta, Callicebus, Callithrix, and Sapajus), sex or age. The three positive primates of the genera Allouataand the one of the genera Callithrix died, whereas the two seropositive Sapajus were alive. Further studies on the epidemiology of T. gondii infection are necessary in a larger sample size of captive and wild neotropical primates.
Clinical and bacteriological analysis of respiratory tract infections in sheltered dogs and determination of antibacterial treatment options
Authors: KÖSE Sİ , MADEN M , SAYIN Z
Published: February 2022

After canine infectious respiratory disease complex-CIRDC, only bacterial pneumonia or accompanied with CIRDC has a higher proportion in respiratory disease in stray dogs. Management of these respiratory problems in terms of both treatment and prevention in shelters has a big importance for animal welfare. With this purpose, the present study evaluates bacterial pneumonia in terms of clinical, bacteriological and the antibacterial treatment options in 100 sheltered dogs with respiratory tract infection symptoms. In all dogs, status of respiratory disease and treatment efficacy were evaluated by haematological analysis and clinical scores. Haematological analyses showed that all of the dogs suffered leucocytosis before treatment. Health status of all animals before, during and after treatment were evaluated according to nine clinical scores include clinical condition, body temperature, respiratory and heart rates per minutes, nasal discharge, tracheal sensitivity, mucous membranes, coughing, auscultation. For bacteriological analysisand antimicrobial susceptibility tests, Bronchoalveolar lavage-BAL fluids were obtained from all dogs, twice. The bacterial agents isolated in the present study were Bordetella spp. (38.98%), Mycoplasma spp. (21.19%), Klebsiella spp. (16.10%), E. coli (5.93%), S. aureus (5.08%) and Pasteurella spp. (4.24%). Susceptibility tests were performed by using the disc diffusion method for Enrofloxacin (ENR), Trimethoprim/Sulpha (TS), Chloramphenicol (C), Amoxicillin clavulanate (AC), and Erythromycin (E) in all cases. Bordetella spp. isolated from 46 cases were found to be most susceptible to ENR (21/46 = 46%), TS (12/46 = 26%), and C (11/46 = 24%). Mycoplasma spp. were isolated from 25 cases and were found to be susceptible to C (14/25 = 56%), TS (8/25 = 32%), and ENR (3/25 = 12%). Klebsiella spp. were isolated from 19 cases and the antibiotics most effective were ascertained as C (9/19 = 47%), ENR (9/19 = 47%), and TS (1/19 = 5%).The results showed that clinical scores could be useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of respiratory tract diseases in sheltered dogs. Besides, in the light of the findings of presented study, enrofloxacin, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim/sulpha were proven efficient against to bacterial isolates in sheltered dogs in the treatment of bacterial pneumonia. Antibacterial therapy should be conducted by antibiotic sensitivity test. But, in the cases this is not possible, antibiotic choice may contain enrofloxacin, trimethoprim/sulpha. If it is not forbidden to use for companion animals by administrations, chloramphenicol may also be thought as alternative.
The effectiveness of a sexual assault nurse examiner-grounding program (SANE-GP) on knowledge, skill and practice regarding sexual assault examination (SAE) among nurses working in a tertiary care hospital in Udupi district, India: A study protocol
Authors: Yesodharan Renjulal , Nayak Vinod , Jose Tessy , Palimar Vikram , George Anice
Published: February 2022

The medico-legal care of victims of sexual assault is very challenging, and requires specific knowledge and skills. Professionals in the emergency departments of hospitals might not have specialised training in forensic science. Nurses have a very significant role in these settings, but they lack any formal forensic training. This study aims to develop a sexual assault nurse examiner-grounding program (SANE-GP) for Indian nurses to inculcate knowledge and skill regarding sexual assault examination. The study adopts a three-stage Delphi technique to develop the training module and uses a time-series design to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. A questionnaire on nurses’ knowledge on sexual assault examination (KQSANE-I) will be developed in phase-I and subsequently used in phase-II. The protocol of SANE-GP will help the medical community to implement the program across India. The implementation of SANE-GP can also help to start a sexual assault nurse examiner network.
The first report on detecting SARS-CoV-2 inside human fecal-oral bacteria: A case series on asymptomatic family members and a child with COVID-19
Authors: Brogna Carlo , Cristoni Simone , Petrillo Mauro , Bisaccia Domenico Rocco , Lauritano Francesco , Montano Luigi , Prisco Marina , Piscopo Marina
Published: February 2022

Many studies report the importance of using feces as source sample for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in patients with COVID-19 symptoms but who are negative to oropharyngeal/ nasopharyngeal tests. Here, we report the case of an asymptomatic child whose family members had negative results with the rapid antigen nasopharyngeal swab tests. The 21-month-old child presented with fever, diarrhea, bilateral conjunctivitis, and conspicuous lacrimation. In this study, analysis for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in fecal samples by using Luminex technology allowed accurate detection of the presence of the viral RNA in the feces of the child and of all her relatives, which thus resulted to be positive but asymptomatic. It is the first time that SARS-CoV-2- is observed inside human fecal-oral bacteria and outside a matrix resembling extracellular bacterial lysates, in agreement with a bacteriophage mechanism with the images obtained by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), post-embedding immunogold, and by fluorescence microscope. In addition to the typical observations of respiratory symptoms, accurate evaluation of clinical gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, combined with efficient highly sensitive molecular testing on feces, represent an efficient approach for detecting SARS-CoV-2, and for providing the correct therapy in challenging COVID-19 cases, like the one here reported.
Modern Particularities of Investment Processes in Russian Chemical Industry
Authors: Lomovcev D. , Kizimov M. , Shevarin P.
Published: February 2022

There major investment projects in the domestic chemical industry are considering in the article. Based on the ascertained structural distortions the authors suggest the improvement directions of branch government assistance in Russian present-day conditions.
Building a Team Building Model in an Organization When Solving Project Tasks
Authors: Shishkin Andrey
Published: February 2022

The article discusses issues related to the use and implementation of a team management system to solve problems of varying degrees of complexity. The necessity of transition to team management, distribution of roles in the process of project execution in order to achieve the maximum effect of its implementation is substantiated. The processes associated with the formation of teams are analyzed. A number of measures are presented, formed in the form of a model that allows the organization to form a team management system. The presented model has a modular character and can be applied depending on the needs of the organization in a certain period of time characterizing a particular phase of its life cycle.
Algorithms for Queueing Systems with Reneging and Priorities Modeled as Quasi-Birth-Death Processes
Authors: Rastpour Amir , Ingolfsson Armann , Sandıkçı Burhaneddin
Published: February 2022

We consider a Markovian multiserver queueing system with two customer classes, preemptive priorities, and reneging. We formulate this system as an infinite level-dependent quasi-birth-death process (LDQBD). We introduce an algorithm that endogenously truncates the level and calculates lower and upper bounds on stationary probabilities of this LDQBD such that the gap between the bounds can be any desired amount. Our algorithm can be applied to any LDQBD for which the rate matrices become elementwise nonincreasing above some level. This appears to be the first algorithm that provides bounds on stationary probabilities for an infinite-level LDQBD. To obtain these bounds, the algorithm first obtains lower and upper bounds on the rate matrices of the LDQBD using a novel method, which can be applied to any LDQBD. We then extend this algorithm to approximate performance measures of the system of interest and calculate exact lower and upper bounds for those that can be expressed as probabilities, such as the probability that an incoming low-priority customer will wait. We generate a wide range of instances with up to 100 servers and compare the solution times and accuracy of our algorithm with two existing algorithms. These numerical experiments indicate that our algorithm is faster than the other two algorithms for a given accuracy requirement. We investigate the impact of changing service rates on the proportion of low-priority customers served and their wait time, and we demonstrate how ignoring one of these measures can possibly mislead decision makers.

Summary of Contribution: We contribute to operations research by modeling a practically important queueing system and developing an algorithm to accurately compute performance measures for that system. We also contribute to computer science by providing error and complexity analysis for the algorithm to solve a broad class of two-dimensional Markov chains with infinite state space.
Demand-Driven Timetabling for a Metro Corridor Using a Short-Turning Acceleration Strategy
Authors: Schettini Tommaso , Jabali Ola , Malucelli Federico
Published: February 2022

The efficient management of metro lines is a major concern for public transport operators. Traditionally, metro lines are operated through regular timetables, that is, timetables where trains have a constant headway between all stations. In this paper, we propose a demand-driven metro timetabling strategy and elaborate exact solution methods for the case of a two-directional metro corridor. In doing so, we avoid imposing any predetermined structure to the timetable, and instead control the trains individually to best match passenger demand. We consider that trains may short turn, that is, trains that are not required to serve the line from terminal to terminal, but instead may reverse direction before reaching the terminal. We present a mixed integer linear programming formulation for the demand-driven timetabling problem of a two-directional metro corridor with short turning. Furthermore, we develop an efficient exact algorithm using cut generation for an alternative formulation with an exponential number of constraints, and derive two classes of valid inequalities. We evaluate the proposed formulation and algorithm considering seven possible cut generation strategies on a number of test instances from artificially generated lines and on two test beds derived from real-world lines. Through the computational experiments, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed algorithm and the added value of the proposed strategy in terms of passengers’ waiting time.
In-band pumped Tm,Ho:LiYF4 waveguide laser
Authors: Loiko Pavel , Kifle Esrom , Brasse Gurvan , Thouroude Romain , Starecki Florent , Benayad Abdelmjid , Braud Alain , Laroche Mathieu , Girard Sylvain , Gilles Hervé , Camy Patrice
Published: February 2022

A 4.5 at.% Tm, 0.5 at.% Ho:LiYF4 planar waveguide (thickness: 25 μm) grown by Liquid Phase Epitaxy is in-band pumped by a Raman fiber laser at 1679 nm (the 3H6 → 3F4 Tm3+ transition). A continuous-wave waveguide laser generates a maximum output power of 540 mW at 2051nm with a slope efficiency of 32.6%, a laser threshold of 337 mW and a linear laser polarization (π). This represents the highest output power extracted from any Tm,Ho waveguide laser. No parasitic Tm3+ colasing is observed. The waveguide propagation losses are determined to be as low as 0.19 dB/cm.
Enhanced fiber-coupling efficiency via high-order partially coherent flat-topped beams for free-space optical communications
Authors: Yuan Yangsheng , Zhang Jiqian , Dang Junjie , Zheng Wenjie , Zheng Guochen , Fu Peng , Qu Jun , Hoenders Bernhard J. , Zhao Yuefeng , Cai Yangjian
Published: February 2022

The fiber-coupling efficiency of signal beams is crucial in free space optical (FSO) communications. Herein, we derived an analytical expression for the fiber-coupling efficiency of partially coherent flat-topped beams propagating through atmospheric turbulence based on the cross-spectral density function. Our numerical calculation results showed that the fiber-coupling efficiency of partially coherent flat-topped beams in a turbulent atmosphere could be enhanced by increasing the beam order. Under the same conditions, the fiber-coupling efficiency of the high-order partially coherent flat-topped beams was larger than those connected to the Gaussian and Gaussian Schell-model (GSM) beams. Our results will improve the quality of partially coherent beams used in FSO communications.
Study of symmetries of chiral metasurfaces for azimuth-rotation-independent cross polarization conversion
Authors: Cheng Gong , Si Liming , Tang Pengcheng , Zhang Qingle , Lv Xin
Published: February 2022

The realization of cross-polarization conversion has attracted great interest in polarization conversion metasurfaces (PCMs), particularly due to polarization manipulation of electromagnetic (EM) waves with small size and low loss. An azimuth-rotation-independent (ARI) cross-polarization converter is a kind of 90° polarization rotator, which can rotate the polarization of linearly polarized incident electromagnetic (EM) waves with an arbitrary polarization direction to the orthogonally polarized transmitted EM waves. In this paper, we study the symmetry properties of chiral metasurfaces using the Jones matrix method for ARI 90° polarization rotators. The previous designs could only address C4 symmetry, but with this approach, the derived unit cell structure of the ARI PCM should possess C
n
(n ≥ 3, n ∈ N+) symmetry. To confirm the design concept, two chiral structures with different symmetries are investigated by full-wave numerical simulations. The experimental results are also carried out and excellently agree with the simulated results. It could be used for polarization conversion applications and further utilized in antenna applications, polarization detection, and telecommunication applications.
Multi-level spatial details cross-extraction and injection network for hyperspectral pansharpening
Authors: Yang Yufei , Dong Wenqian , Xiao Song , Zhang Tongzhen , Qu Jiahui
Published: February 2022

Hyperspectral (HS) pansharpening, which fuses the HS image with a high spatial resolution panchromatic (PAN) image, provides a good solution to overcome the limitation of HS imaging devices. However, most existing convolutional neural network (CNN)-based methods are hard to understand and lack interpretability due to the black-box design. In this Letter, we propose a multi-level spatial details cross-extraction and injection network (MSCIN) for HS pansharpening, which introduces the mature multi-resolution analysis (MRA) technology to the neural network. Following the general idea of MRA, the proposed MSCIN divides the pansharpening process into details extraction and details injection, in which the missing details and the injection gains are estimated by two specifically designed interpretable sub-networks. Experimental results on two widely used datasets demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method.
Fast extended depth of focus meta-optics for varifocal functionality
Authors: Whitehead James E. M. , Zhan Alan , Colburn Shane , Huang Luocheng , Majumdar Arka
Published: February 2022

Extended depth of focus (EDOF) optics can enable lower complexity optical imaging systems when compared to active focusing solutions. With existing EDOF optics, however, it is difficult to achieve high resolution and high collection efficiency simultaneously. The subwavelength spacing of scatterers in a meta-optic enables the engineering of very steep phase gradients; thus, meta-optics can achieve both a large physical aperture and a high numerical aperture. Here, we demonstrate a fast

(
f
/
1.75
)

EDOF meta-optic operating at visible wavelengths, with an aperture of 2 mm and focal range from 3.5 mm to 14.5 mm (286 diopters to 69 diopters), which is a

250
×

elongation of the depth of focus relative to a standard lens. Depth-independent performance is shown by imaging at a range of finite conjugates, with a minimum spatial resolution of

∼
9.84
  
μm

(50.8 cycles/mm). We also demonstrate operation of a directly integrated EDOF meta-optic camera module to evaluate imaging at multiple object distances, a functionality which would otherwise require a varifocal lens.