bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Divalent Yb Doped Silica Glass and Fiber with High Quantum Efficiency for White Light Source
Authors: Xia Changming , Liu Jiantao , Hou Zhiyun , Zhou Guiyao
Published: April 2022

In this study, divalent Yb2+-doped silica fiber was fabricated using rod-in-tube technology. The fiber core of Yb2+-doped silica glass was prepared by high-temperature melting technology under vacuum conditions. The spectroscopic properties of the Yb2+-doped glass and fiber were studied. The experiments indicate that divalent Yb2+-doped glass has a high quantum efficiency and superbroadband fluorescence in the visible region with an excitation wavelength of 405 nm. In additionally, the results suggest that Yb2+-doped fiber has a potential for application in visible fiber laser and fiber amplification.
Clinical Characteristics of Ciguatera Fish Poisoning in Martinique, French West Indies – A Case Series
Authors: Resiere Dabor , Florentin Jonathan , Mehdaoui Hossein , Mahi Zakaria , Gueye-Ngalgou Papa , Hommel Didier , Pujo Jean , Nkont'cho Flaubert , Boisnoir Aurélie , Portecop Patrick , Neviere Remi , Kallel Hatem , Megarbane Bruno
Published: April 2022

Ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP) is one of the most common causes worldwide of marine poisoning associated with fish consumption from tropical areas. Its incidence is underreported. CFP cases seem to increase with grouped cases reported during summer. Exposure to ciguatoxin, the toxin responsible for CFP with sodium-channel agonistic, cholinergic, and adrenergic activities, may result in a large spectrum of manifestations. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics, management, and outcome of CFP in Martinique, French West Indies. We conducted an observational retrospective single-center study for six years (October 2012 to September 2018) including all CFP patients managed by the prehospital medical services, admitted to the university hospital emergency department, or declared to the regional health agency. One hundred and forty-nine CFP patients (81females/63males; median age, 46 years [interquartile range, 34-61]) were included. Acute features consisted of general (91%; mainly, myalgia pruritus, and asthenia), gastrointestinal (90%; mainly diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea), neurological (72%; mainly, paresthesia, dysgeusia, and impairment of hot/cold feeling), and cardiovascular manifestations (22%; bradycardia, hypotension, and heart conduction disorders). Management was supportive. No patient died but symptoms persisted in 40% of the 77 patients with follow-up on day 15. CFP was mainly attributed to the ingestion of trevallies (59%), snappers (13%), and king mackerels (8%) with collective contaminations (71%). Unusual fish (tuna, salmon, and spider conchs) were suspected in rare cases. Ingestion of trevallies was associated with significantly higher persistent symptoms (odds ratio, 3.00; 95% confidence interval, [1.20-8.00]; p=0.03). CFP incidence was 0.67 cases per 10,000 patient-years in Martinique over the study period. To conclude, CFP represents an increasing public health issue in Martinique like in other Caribbean islands. Patients present usual but possibly life-threatening features. The outcome is excellent despite frequently prolonged manifestations.
Potential and Threat Analysis Towards Cybersecurity in South East Asia
Authors: Salsabila Anna S , Fikri Muflih D , Andika Muhammad S , Harahap Nanda A
Published: April 2022

Cybersecurity is a very strategic issue in maintaining a state’s stability, particularly in this modern era. The threats that can attack a state can no longer be physical or traditional threats but also cyber threat. In dealing with cases occurring related to the issue, Singapore initiated the establishment of ASEAN-Singapore Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (ASCCE) to ascertain cybersecurity stability in ASEAN region. However, it of course results in various speculations and potencies likely occurring when cybersecurity is concentrated and controlled on one country only. Therefore, this journal analyzed ASCCE-related potency and threat likely occurring in ASEAN using Speech Act, Securitization, Wideners, International Cooperation, and Information Technology Management theories. In addition, the author also discussed the effectiveness of ASCCE performance in coping with cybercrimes and cyberthreats in ASEAN and their effect on ASEAN states.
ASEAN's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Political and Security Sector
Authors: Jati Abisatya Kurnia , Farizka Afifah Amalia , Nasywa Hanani , Meliana Willies
Published: April 2022

The end of 2019 to continue the beginning of 2020, the world has been shocked by a new type of virus that at that time could not be identified and occurred for the first time in China. With the development of its transmission, the COVID-19 virus or corona virus is classified as a virus that spreads rapidly. High transmission of course affects areas bordering or with high mobility charts, such as South Korea, Japan and Italy. Responding to the coronavirus case, the World Health Organization (WHO) has taken many actions. One of them is holding a meeting of virologists and disease management through various media, directly or indirectly, to identify the possibility of the corona virus occurring and being contagious. This is a challenge that must be resolved by many countries. Empathy and solidarity between countries are considered as the first steps to reduce the number of infections. In this regard, regional international organizations such as ASEAN have an important role to play in resolving this problem. The purpose of this journal article is made to see the response given by international organizations in the ASEAN region, in the political and security sector during the coronavirus pandemic.
Shifting Profession from Service to Online Business in ASEAN Region
Authors: Nurdyawati Tika Tazkya , Rahman Badra Jultouriq , Ramadhan Rizki Ananda
Published: April 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic is pushing a multidimensional crisis, especially in the economic field. The most affected sector in this regard are service workers. With the type of work that was supposed to interact directly is now constrained by government policies; stay at home, lockdown and more. This article aims to examine the phenomenon of Termination of Employment in the ASEAN Region and analyze its adaptive solution through transformation. This article utilizes various software such as Publish or Perish for searching the amount of previous literature and VOSViewer for bibliometric analysis. Within the conceptual framework of New Regionalism, this article finds an opportunity in shifting profession of layoff victims in the service sector into an online businesser (e-commerce) as a survival and superior way forASEAN’s economic during pandemic. This article expected to give benefits both in terms of literature academics and practicality for the micro community in order to  drive ASEAN development from the buttom-up scheme.
The “Top 10” Psychosocial Factors Affecting Orthopaedic Outcomes
Authors: Curtis William , Fine River , Moya Addi , Blackstone Robert , Wardell Richard , Treme Gehron , Richter Dustin
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

Many patients within the orthopaedic population experience 1 or more psychosocial issues that may profoundly affect their postoperative outcomes after orthopaedic surgery. Despite the common nature of these factors, there is a paucity of literature describing their effect on orthopaedic outcomes. The purpose of this review was to describe the anecdotal 10 most-encountered psychosocial factors in our patient population, their described influence on orthopaedic outcomes, and how they may be addressed. These factors include expectations, fear of reinjury, socioeconomic status, social support, allergies, addiction, depression and anxiety, resilience, self-efficacy, and other mental health disorders.

Methods:

A thorough review of the PubMed-indexed literature was conducted using each one of our psychosocial factors described here combined with the key words “orthopaedic outcome.”

Study Design:

This was a clinical review paper.

Level of Evidence:

Not applicable.

Results:

These 10 psychosocial influences have dramatic effects on the recovery and outcomes after orthopaedic procedures. Patients benefit from early recognition and management of these issues before and after surgery.

Conclusions:

Each of the psychosocial factors reviewed in this paper has a significant influence on outcomes after orthopaedic surgery. A strong understanding of these factors and how to address them will aid orthopaedic surgeons in maximizing postoperative outcomes for their patients. Further research is necessary to improve our treatment strategies for this complex patient population.
Comparative Advantage and Export Performance of Indonesia and Vietnam Coffee to the US Market during 2001-2019
Authors: Pratita Dian Galuh , Budiarto Rahmat
Published: April 2022

Coffee as a strategic commodity in the world opens up opportunities for various producing countries including Indonesia and Vietnam. Both countries have a significant role to supply the US market as the main export destination. This study aims to evaluate comparative advantage and export performance of Indonesian and Vietnamese coffee. Quantitative method has been used by calculating the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), Export Competitiveness Index (ECI), and Export Product Dynamic (EPD) using secondary data from 2001-2019. In term of RCA, both Indonesia and Vietnam have a comparative advantage in US. Indonesia’s RCA valuewas lower than Vietnam’sones, i.e., 5.52 8.57. This result was caused by the lower Indonesia’s export performance rather than Vietnam’s ones. The ECI of both countries were dynamic but tended to decrease in international market.In term of EPD, Indonesia and Vietnam were both in the rising star position that indicated strong capability of both countries in supplying coffee to the US market. Therefore, both countries shared a similar big opportunity to increase their coffee export quantities.
Beef Cattle Sustainability Determinants Using Structural Equation Modeling in Pati Regency, Central Java
Authors: Setiadi Agus , Nurdiansyah Aldonny , Gayatri Siwi , Santoso Siswanto Imam , Nurfadillah Suryani , Prayoga Kadhung , Mariyono Joko , Nuswantara Limbang Kustiawan
Published: April 2022

The research objective was to create a structural model to link social, economic, and environmental variables to the sustainability of the beef cattle business. One hundred twenty beef cattle farmers in Pati Regency were taken as respondents. The exogenous variables studied were social, economic, and environmental factors. Endogenous variables were taken, namely beef cattle sustainability. The model was created using Structural Equation Modeling. The results show that social factors have a positive and significant effect on sustainability, while economic and environmental factors have a negative and significant effect. The net income obtained is low, and the investment return period takes nine years, nine months, and nine days. The number of beef cattle farmers who process dung is only 27.2%. To improve economic and environmental performance, it is necessary to provide training to improve skills in processing feed based on local resources and training in processing livestock manure into fertilizer and biogas.
Immunoglobulin (IgG4) sclerosing cholecystitis- Camouflaging gall bladder cancer- A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Singh Rashpal , Mahajan Puneet , Prasher Rizul , Rajdev Vivek , Singh Jagwinder , Kattoor Cliffin Mathai , Mardi Kavita , Gupta Jagdish
Published: April 2022

Background: IgG4 related disease is a rare systemic disorder having an underlying autoimmune cause. These disorders mainly affects pancreatico biliary tree i.e. pancreas, gall bladder and biliary tree (extrahepatic as well intrahepatic),but can also affect other part of body.Majority of disorders involving biliary tree are associated with autoimmune pancreatitis component.These disorders are difficult to diagnose clinically as they can mimic inflammatory as well malignancy and poses a real diagnostic challenge to manage and treat.Case presentation: 64 years old female known diabetic evaluated for pain in right hypochondrium. Gall bladder cancer was suspected clinically as well on radiologically basis. Patient underwent extended cholecystectomy as it was a resectable disease.Final histopathology revealed immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) related cholecystitis which was confirmed after immunohistochemistry for CD 138 and IgG4.This disease could be managed conservatively by giving oral steroids ,if it has been picked up preoperatively and major surgical intervention have been avoided. No defined blood test or tumour markers are currently available to diagnose this entity except serum immunoglobulin G4 which is costly and not feasible to get done in all patients especially in developing nations like India.Conclusion: IgG4 cholecystitis is an immune mediated disease whose pathophysiology is still not completely understood. Every clinician should keep possibility of IgG4 cholecystitis in mind whenever any patient with abnormal gall bladder thickening or gall bladder mass is encountered in their clinical practice, as both these entities have completely different options of treatment. We should not rely solely upon clinical and radiological picture.
Urban vultures preferentially roost at sites surrounded by more developed land cover and lower deer carcass density.
Authors: Partridge Hannah , Gagné Sara
Published: April 2022

Land cover changes resulting from urbanization alter habitat structure and resource availability. Vultures provide ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling and may help limit disease transmission, making them an important feature of urban areas. Urbanization may have positive and negative impacts on vultures, such as increasing foraging opportunities and decreasing nesting success, complicating our understanding of the effect of urbanization on these species. We examined how local and landscape features affect roost attendance of black vultures (Coragyps atratus) and turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) to better understand the factors that play a role in site selection and habitat and landscape use. We counted the number of vultures at twenty-nine roosting sites in the Charlotte Metropolitan Area, NC once a month between November and March over two years. At each roosting site, we measured roosting structure height, vegetation height, and open space, and calculated the amounts of developed land cover, open water, developed-forest edge density, and deer carcass density in surrounding landscapes of 0.4 to 20km radii. The best model for roost attendance included wind speed, vegetation height, developed land cover within 15km, developed-forest edge density within 15km, deer carcass density within 15 and 20km, and survey date. Developed land cover was associated with higher roost attendance while other variables were associated with lower roost attendance. The effects of landscape variables on roost attendance suggests urban vultures are relying more on trash and anthropogenic food sources, which may alter nutrient cycling, disease dynamics, and reproductive success.
Evaluating the functional, sexual and seasonal variation in the chemical constituents from feces of adult Iberian wolves (Canis lupus signatus)
Authors: Barja Isabel , Piñeiro Ana , Ruiz-González Aritz , Caro Amaia , López Pilar , Martín José
Published: April 2022

Chemical signals play an important role in intraspecific and interspecific communication of many mammals, We described the chemicals found in fresh feces of adult wolves by means of analyses using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) of samples collected from wild breeding groups. We identified 56 compounds in the feces, mainly heterocyclic aromatic organic compounds such as indole or phenol, but also steroids, such as cholesterol, carboxylic acids and their esters between n-C4 and n-C18, aldehydes, alcohols and significant quantities of squalene and α-tocopherol, which would increase the chemical stability of feces on humid substrates. All samples visually identified as wolves were subsequently identified to species level by sequencing a small fragment of mtDNA and sexed typing DBX6 and DBY7 sex markers. There is variability in the number and proportions of compounds between sexes, which could be indicative of their function as chemical signals. We also found variability in different reproductive states, especially in odorous compounds, steroids and α-tocopherol. Feces with a presumed marking function had higher proportions of α-tocopherol and steroids than feces with non-marking function. Therefore, these compounds could be involved in intragroup and intergroup communication of wolves and their levels could be directly related with the wolf’s physiological status.
Screening of tumor microenviroment immune-related lncRNA related to the prognosis of cervical cancer
Authors: Zhang Lan , Yang Yang
Published: April 2022

Background: Cervical cancer (CC) represents a major gynecologic health problem, accounting for the fourth most widespread cancer in women. A factor that may contribute to the occurrence and development of CC is involving disorders of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). The current study aimed to isolate immune-related lncRNA signatures capable of predicting CC prognosis and identify targets for immunotherapy. Methods: RNA-seq data and clinical characteristic information of CC were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and immune-related genes were downloaded from ImmPort Shared Data. Prognostic genes were screened via using univariate, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to assess the prognostic signature. The association between risk score and immune cell infiltration or antiviral genes was evaluated by CIBERSORT and Pearson correlation analysis.Results: In this study, we constructed a prognostic risk signature model comprising 20 immune-related lncRNAs. With this model, patients in the high-risk group showed a poorer prognosis than those in the low-risk group. Results from univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated that this risk model was an independent prognostic factor. According to CIBERSORT algorithm results, we found different tumor microenviroment immune cell infiltration levels in the low- and high-risk groups and antiviral genes were closely associated with 20 immune-related lncRNAs, while further analysis showed that lower expressions of these genes were present in the high-risk group. Conclusions: Our study shows immune-related lncRNAs can serve as effective agents for the prognosis of CC and offer the potential for immunotherapy targets.
Direct Patterning of Colloidal Quantum Dots with Adaptable Dual-Ligand Surface
Authors: Hahm Donghyo , Lim Jaemin , Kim Hyeokjun , Shin Jin-Wook , Hwang Sungkwon , Rhee Seunghyun , Chang Jun Hyuk , Yang Jeehye , Lim Chang Hyeok , Choi Beomgyu , Park Young-Shin , Lee Doh C. , Hwang Euyheon , Chung Seungjun , Kang Chan-mo , Kang Moon Sung , Bae Wan Ki
Published: April 2022

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) stand at the forefront of a variety of photonic applications given their narrow spectral bandwidth and near-unity luminescence efficiency. Integrating desired forms of QD films into photonic systems without compromising their optical or transport characteristics is the key to bridging the gap between expectations and outcomes. Here, we devise a dual-ligand passivation system comprising photocrosslinkable ligands and dispersing ligands to enable QDs to be universally compatible with solution-based patterning techniques. The successful control on the structure of both ligands allows multiscale, direct patterning of the dual-ligand QDs on various substrates via commercialized photolithography (i-line) or inkjet printing systems without compromising the optical properties of QDs or the optoelectronic performances of the devices implementing them. Our approach offers a versatile way of creating various structures of luminescent QDs in a cost-effective and non-destructive manner, and thus enables the implementation of QDs in a range of photonic applications.
Spatio-Temporal Coupling Controlled Laser for Electron Acceleration
Authors: Wang Lu , Niedermayer Uwe , Ma Jingui , Liu Weihao , Zhang Dongfang , Qian Liejia
Published: April 2022

Limited by the difficulty in acceleration synchronization, it has been a long-term challenge for on-chip dielectric laser-based accelerators (DLA) to bridge the gap between non-relativistic and relativistic regimes. Here, we propose a DLA based on a spatio-temporal coupling (STC) controlled laser pulse, which enables the acceleration of a non-relativistic electron to a sub-MeV level in a single acceleration structure (chirped spatial grating). It provides high precision temporal and spatial tuning of the driving laser via dispersion manipulation, leading to a synchronous acceleration of the velocity increasing electrons over a large energy range. Additionally, the STC scheme is a general method and can be extended to driving fields of other wavelengths such as terahertz pulses. Our results bring new possibilities to MeV-scale portable electron sources and table-top acceleration experiments.
Hemoglobin detection in blood samples using a graphene-based Surface plasmon biosensor
Authors: Karki Bhishma , Vasudevan B , Uniyal Arun , Srivast Vivek
Published: April 2022

In this paper, the performance of graphene and MXene employed SPR biosensor is numerically analyzed using angle interrogation to detect hemoglobin in blood samples. A hemoglobin increment of 6.1025 g/L caused by a refractive index increment of 0.001 in the blood samples present in the sensing medium, which has been detected using an SPR biosensor. The proposed configuration consists of six components: BK7 prism, bimetallic silver layers ( 45 nm and 7 nm), MXene and graphene layers, along with sensing medium to analyse biomolecular interaction. The sensitivity attained is 161 deg/RIU. The other performance parameters computed are FWHM of 1.98 deg , DA of 0.5051 deg−1 , and FoM of 81.321 RIU−1 .
A subtype of melanopsin ganglion cells encodes ground luminance
Authors: Berry Michael , Moldavan Michael , Garrett Tavita , Meadows Marc , Cravetchi Olga , White Elizabeth , von Gersdorff Henrique , Wright Kevin , Allen Charles , Sivyer Benjamin
Published: April 2022

Visual input to the hypothalamus from intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) influences several functions including circadian entrainment, body temperature, and sleep. ipRGCs also project to nuclei such as the supraoptic nucleus (SON), which is involved in systemic fluid homeostasis, maternal behavior, and appetite. However, little is known about the SON-projecting ipRGCs or their relationship to well-characterized ipRGC subtypes. Using a GlyT2Cre mouse line, we identify a subtype of ipRGCs restricted to the dorsal retina that selectively project to the SON. These ipRGCs form a non-overlapping tiled mosaic that is limited to a dorsal region of the retina, forming a substrate for encoding ground luminance. Optogenetic activation of their axons demonstrates they release the neurotransmitter glutamate and that the SON is retinorecipient, receiving synaptic input from dorsal ipRGCs. Our results challenge the idea that ipRGC dendrites overlap to optimize photon capture and suggests non-image forming vision operates to sample local regions of the visual field.
A microfluidic diagnostic device with air plug-in valves for the simultaneous genetic detection of various food allergens
Authors: Natsuhara Daigo , Misawa Sae , Saito Ryogo , Shirai Koki , Okamoto Shunya , Nagai Moeto , Kitamura Masashi , Shibata Takayuki
Published: April 2022

The identification of accidental allergen contamination in processed foods is crucial for risk management strategies in the food processing industry to effectively prevent food allergy incidents. Here, we propose a newly designed valve configuration termed an “air plug-in valve” to further improve microfluidic devices capable of multiplexed detection of targeted nucleic acids in a single operation. By implementing the air plug-in valve as a permanent stop valve, a maximal allowable flow rate of 70 µL/min could be achieved for sequential liquid dispensing into an array of 10 microchambers, which is 14 times higher than that achieved with the previous valve arrangement using single-faced stop valves. Additionally, we demonstrate the simultaneous detection of multiple food allergens (wheat, buckwheat, and peanut) based on the colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay using our diagnostic device with 10 microchambers compactly arranged in a 20-mm-diameter circle. After running the assays at 60°C for 60 min, any combination of the three types of food allergens and tea plant, which were used as positive and negative control samples, respectively, yielded correct test results, without any cross-contamination among the microchambers. Thus, our diagnostic device will provide a rapid and easy sample-to-answer platform for ensuring food safety and security.
Clinical features and imaging markers of small vessel disease in symptomatic acute subcortical cerebral microinfarcts
Authors: Tao Wendan , Cheng Yajun , Guo Wen , Kwapong William Robert , Ye Chen , Wu Bo , Zhang Shuting , Liu Ming
Published: April 2022

Background: Acute cerebral microinfarct (A-CMI) is presumed to be of ischemic origin and can be detected as small diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesions in any parenchymal region of the brain (diameter<5 mm). Since the recent small subcortical infarcts (RSSI) not having a lower size cutoff according to their definition, whether the lesion with size compatible with A-CMI in subcortical area (As-CMI) has distinct clinical and imaging features are largely unknown.Methods: Patients were selected with a magnetic resonance DWI-confirmed RSSI between January 2010 and November 2020 in a consecutive cohort. We measured axial infarct diameter and classified patients into two groups: As-CMI group (diameter<5mm) versus Larger RSSI group (diameter 5-20mm). Clinical variables, including vascular risk factors, clinical symptoms/signs, lesion locations and radiological markers of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) on MRI were analyzed between the two groups. Patients were followed up for 12-months and functional outcomes were measured by the modified ranking scale (mRS).Results: A total of 23 (3.9%) were As-CMI in 584 patients with RSSI. The most common neurological deficits with As-CMI were hemiparalysis (n=20), followed by central facial/lingual palsy (n=10) and hemidysesthesia (n=10). Most As-CMIs were located in the basal ganglia (n=11), followed by the thalamus (n=5) and centrum semiovale (n=4). No different regional distributions and symptoms/signs frequencies were found between the two groups except a lower percentage of dysarthria in As-CMI group (p=0.008). In multivariate analysis, patients with As-CMI were independently associated with lacunes (presence of lacunes and multiple lacunes) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-6.84 and aOR 3.5, CI 1.29-9.48) and higher total SVD burden (aOR 1.68, CI 1.11-2.53). Patients with As-CMI did not show a better functional outcome after 12-months of follow-up. Conclusions: Patients with As-CMI had non-specific clinical profile but a higher burden of SVD, indicating As-CMI might be s sign of more severe small vascular injury. Whether its vascular features are associated with worse cognitive outcomes requires further investigation.
Broad SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific CD4+ T-cell response preserves recognition of variants of concern
Authors: Long Heather , Tye Emily , Jinks Elizabeth , Haigh Tracey , Kaul Baksho , Patel Prashant , Parry Helen , Newby Maddy , Crispin Max , Kaur Nayandeep , Moss Paul , Drennan Samantha , Taylor Graham
Published: April 2022

CD4 + T-cells are essential for protection against viruses including SARS-CoV-2. Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) can enhance infectivity and reduce antibody recognition. CD4 + T-cell sensitivity to mutations is less well understood because few epitopes have been mapped. Characterising > 100 SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4 + T-cell clones from convalescent healthcare workers, we mapped and HLAII restricted 21 epitopes across three viral proteins. Responses to the same spike epitopes were also present after vaccination of uninfected individuals. Lack of CD4 + T-cell cross-reactivity with endemic beta-coronaviruses suggests these responses arose from naïve T-cells rather than pre-existing cross-reactive coronavirus-specific T-cell responses. 10/17 spike epitopes were mutated in VOCs and CD4 + T-cell recognition of 7 was impaired, including 3 of 4 epitopes mutated in Omicron. Broad CD4 + T-cell targeting of epitopes likely limits evasion by current VOCs. However, continued genomic surveillance is vital to identify new emerging mutations able to evade CD4 + T-cell immunity.
Identification of the parameters affecting the in situ dissolution process of natural gypsum
Authors: Zaier Imen , Billiotte Joël , De Windt Laurent , Charmoille Arnaud
Published: April 2022

This study aims at quantifying the parameters involved in water-gypsum interactions to better assess of the development of dissolution cavities in areas where gypsum is present at depth.The effect of erosion and particle transport on gypsum dissolution is first determined by an original leaching set-up under constant flow including a collector of the released grains. Different types of natural gypsum facies are tested, impure alabaster, sacharoidal, clay/carbonate matrices ones. The flow of released particles is globally low and mostly composed of insoluble grains. The distribution of insoluble at the water/solid interface has a significant impact on the dissolution. The effects of the mineralogy of the impurities present in gypsum deposits and of the groundwater chemistry are then investigated by geochemical modeling. These findings are then applied to in situ conditions. The use of a simple criteria such as dissolved sulfate content or electrical conductivity is not sufficient. An effective recession rate is derived from the porosity, the insoluble contents and the groundwater saturation index obtained from its chemical analysis.
Selective alkylation by zeolite catalysis opens up a sustainable platform of bisphenol substitutes from biomass.
Authors: Trullemans Laura , Koelewijn Steven-Friso , Cooreman Elias , Hendrickx Tessy , Preegel Gert , Boonen Imke , Aelst Joost Van , Witters Hilda , Elskens Marc , Puyvelde Peter Van , Dusselier Michiel , Sels Bert
Published: April 2022

Sustainable bisphenol A (BPA) substitutes should be safe and renewable to abolish the environmental burden of BPA’s endocrine disruption and petrochemical origin. Suitable alternatives preferably also retain the rigid and stiff methylenediphenol (MDP) scaffold to emulate the hallmark performance of BPA-based polymers. Here, we report a holistic solution to sustainable BPA substitutes made from abundant lignin-derivable o-methoxyphenols that display low-to-undetectable xeno-estrogenic activity while preserving the MDP scaffold. More specifically, we propose an innovative zeolite-catalyzed synthesis towards the similar albeit safer methylenediguaiacol (MDG) scaffold via Brønsted acid-catalyzed alkylation of guaiacol with different p-alkenylguaiacols yielding various so-called bisguaiacols. Zeolite catalysis favors regioselectivity and prompts higher rate and chemoselectivity for entropic reasons thanks to active site pocket confinement. Exploiting the intrinsic handles present in o-methoxyphenols not only simplifies and ameliorates classic bisphenol chemistry, but also enables to design out xeno-estrogenic activity. Successful direct reaction of a crude lignin oil extract, as produced by reductive catalytic fractionation, highlights the feasibility and robustness of this route as a downstream process for future wood biorefineries. Last but not least, pure p,p’-bisguaiacols are polymerized into high-molecular weight thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers with promising thermo-physical properties. Overall, this work elucidates that renewability should not merely serve as a goal (renewable carbon), but also as a means (safer chemicals), thereby transcending the scope of renewability.
Targeting Oxidative Phosphorylation with a Mitochondrial Complex I Inhibitor is limited by Mechanism-based Toxicity
Authors: Konopleva Marina , Yap Timothy , Daver Naval , Mahendra Mikhila , Zhang Jixiang , Kamiya-Matsuoka Carlos , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Kantarjian Hagop , Ravandi Farhad , Collins Meghan , Francesco Maria Di , Dumbrava Ecaterina , Fu Siqing , Gao Sisi , Gay Jason , Gera Sonal , Han Jing , Hong David , Jabbour Elias , Ju Zhenlin , Karp Daniel , Lodi Alessia , Molina Jennifer , Baran Natalia , Naing Aung , Ohanian Maro , Pant Shubham , Pemmaraju Naveen , Bose Prithviraj , Piha-Paul Sarina A. , Rodon Jordi , Salguero Carolina , Sasaki Koji , Singh Anand , Subbiah Vivek , Tsimberidou Apostolia M. , Xu Quanyun , Yilmaz Musa , Zhang Qi , Bristow Christopher , Bhattacharjee Meenakshi , Tiziani Stefano , Heffernan Timothy , Vellano Christopher , Jones Philip , Heijnen Cobi , Kavelaars Annemieke , Marszalek Joseph
Published: April 2022

While targeting oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is a rational anticancer strategy, patient benefit with OXPHOS inhibitors in the clinic has yet to be achieved. Based on promising preclinical data, we advanced IACS-010759, a highly potent and selective small-molecule inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I, into two phase I trials in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (NCT02882321) or advanced solid tumors (NCT03291938). Clinical findings revealed that IACS-010759 had a narrow therapeutic index with emergent dose-limiting toxicities that included elevated blood lactate and neurotoxicity, obstructing efforts to maintain target plasma exposure. Consequently, only modest on-target inhibition and limited antitumor activity were observed. Follow-up reverse translational studies uncovered that IACS-010759 reduced oxygen consumption rates in neurons and damaged myelin. Further, IACS-010759-treated mice displayed behaviors indictive of neuropathy, which were minimized with the co-administration of a histone deacetylase 6 inhibitor. Our findings urge caution in the continued development of complex I inhibitors as antitumor agents.
Determinants of Students Drop out at Injibara University: the way to retain students
Authors: mebratie eshetu , Nigussie Tesfaye
Published: April 2022

Education is a tool for facilitating learning, which includes the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, morals, beliefs, and personal development. Universities have emerged as one of the most significant institutions for the growth of knowledge in the modern world in this respect. The purpose of this study is to determine the reasons for students' dropout at Injibara University using tuition fees, geographic location, job, quality of education, and war as independent variables and students' dropout as a dependent variable. Methodologically, the researchers used a five-Point Likert-scale questionnaire to collect primary data from the entire sample of 366 students. The data was analyzed with the Logit model. After the analysis, it was concluded that Tuition fees, geographic location, job, assessment techniques, lack of personalized attention for students, and war were shown to be the most significant predictors of weekend students dropping out of university. Finally, the researchers recommends that opening continuing & distance education offices (in addition to the main campus) in selected three areas where students can attend their class in their locality; and exam committees in each department ought to be formed by securing some financial incentives so that appropriate student assessments can be carried out.
An analytical insight of discussions and sentiments of Indians on Omicron-driven third wave of COVID-19 using twitter data
Authors: Vatsa Deepika Vatsa Deepika , Yadav Ashima Yadav Ashima
Published: April 2022

Microblogging has become one of the most crucial tool for expressing and sharing the opinions and views of everyday life events. Digital channels are being used to monitor public health issues on the Internet. Twitter is a very popular source that provides tweets related to the sentiment of the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many researchers have used tweets to monitor the opinion of the people towards the coronavirus vaccine, mental health problems, treatment received by the doctors, impact of lockdown, etc. However, these works were mostly limited to the first and second waves of the pandemic. In this work, we aim to study the impact of the third wave of the pandemic, which started in December 2021 in India. We accomplished this by collecting tweet data set of two months, i.e., December 2021 and January 2022, discussing COVID-19 and having country code as ``IN". We employed the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) technique for topic modeling and labeled each tweet message with the topic words that best describe it. We also utilized sentiment labels for each tweet and analyzed the distribution of different topics across different sentiment labels. This helped us to analyze the perspectives and sentiments of the people with respect to different topic discussions. Our analysis discovered that the two most discussed topics were ``precautionary measures" like get well soon, stay safe, wear mask, etc., and ``vaccine" where people have discussed about its effectiveness and vaccination drive in India. We found that people mostly had neutral sentiments for the former topic while for the latter, overall sentiment polarity was negative, reflecting peoples' mistrust in the COVID-19 vaccine.
Production and preservation of serum-free human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell sheets
Authors: Wang Juan , Gao Shuang , Zhao Yufei , Fan Taibing , Zhang Mingkui , Chang Dehua
Published: April 2022

Background
Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) have attracted much attention because of their fast self-renewal, multipotent nature, painless collection, and compliance for standard amplification. Several types of culture media and systems have been used for large-scale expansion of UC-MSCs and preparation of UC-MSC sheets; however, most rely heavily on fetal bovine serum (FBS) and exogenous growth factors for optimal cell proliferation. Residual bovine serum albumin (BSA), a macromolecular protein in FBS, and exogenous growth factors in final products pose the potential threat of allergic reactions or tumorigenic risks in humans.
Methods
In this study, the production process of UC-MSC sheets was standardized, including donor screening, cell bank establishment and quality control, and cell sheet production and quality control. Serum-free culture medium and pharmaceutical grade coating matrix were used to form UC-MSC sheets to reduce the risk of BSA and exogenous growth factors in clinical application. Additionally, the preservation solution for and method of the UC-MSC sheet were developed for preservation and transportation before cell sheet transplantation. Then, quality standards of the UC-MSC sheet involving product characteristics, safety and functionality were formulated according to national and international regulations. Finally, the UC-MSC banks and the UC-MSC sheet products were identified according to the established quality standards.
Results
This technology enables UC-MSC sheets to be produced safely and stably while preserving the cell viability of UC-MSC sheets above 70% in 24 hours. The quality standards for the UC-MSC sheets were established in this study. Both the fresh and 24-hour preserved UC-MSC sheets met the established quality standards.
Conclusion
The preparation and preservation of clinical grade serum-free UC-MSC sheets provides the possibility for the clinical application of cell therapy.
N6-methyladenosine-modified circPLPP4 sustains cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer cells via PIK3R1 upregulation
Authors: He Shanyang , Lin Run , Zhang Yanna , Huang Shuting , Lan Jing , Lu Lian , Xie chuanmiao , Li Han , Zhang Weijing
Published: April 2022

Background
Cisplatin (CDDP) is the first-line chemotherapeutic strategy to treat patients with ovarian cancer (OC). The development of CDDP resistance remains an unsurmountable obstacle in OC treatment and frequently induces tumor recurrence. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are noncoding RNAs with important functions in cancer progression. Whether circRNAs function in CDDP resistance of OC is unclear.
Methods
Platinum-resistant circRNAs were screened via circRNA deep sequencing and examined using in situ hybridization (ISH) in OC. The role of circPLPP4 in CDDP resistance was assessed by clone formation and Annexin V assays in vitro, and by OC patientderived xenografts and intraperitoneal tumor models in vivo. The mechanism underlying circPLPP4-mediated activation of miR-136/PIK3R1 signaling was examined by luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down, RIP, MeRIP and ISH.
Results
circPLPP4 was remarkably upregulated in platinum resistant OC. circPLPP4 overexpression significantly reduced, whereas circPLPP4 silencing enhanced, OC cell chemoresistance. Mechanistically, circPLPP4 acts as a microRNA sponge to sequester miR-136, thus competitively upregulating PIK3R1 expression and conferring CDDP resistance. The increased circPLPP4 level in CDDP-resistant cells was caused by increased RNA stability, mediated by increased N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of circPLPP4. In vivo delivery of an antisense oligonucleotide targeting circPLPP4 significantly enhanced CDDP efficacy in a tumor model.
Conclusions
Our study reveals a plausible mechanism by which the m6A -induced circPLPP4/ miR-136/ PIK3R1 axis mediated CDDP resistance in OC, suggesting that circPLPP4 may serve as a promising therapeutic target against CDDP resistant OC. A circPLPP4-targeted drug in combination with CDDP might represent a rational regimen in OC.
Microbial inoculants as most effective agents for degradation of chlorpyrifos in coarse textured laterite soils
Authors: Arya P. R. , Binitha N. K , Unnikrishnan Boby V.
Published: April 2022

Chlorpyrifos is a widely used organophosphorus insecticide and there are concerns on soil health due to excessive use in agriculture. An attempt was made to understand the effect of chlorpyrifos degradation under natural conditions and as affected by different treatments in coarse textured laterite soil of Kasaragod, Kerala, India. Results from the study revealed that chlorpyrifos content was reduced by 34.76% within 60 days of incubation period under natural conditions. Effect of physical, chemical and biological treatments on fastening the process of chlorpyrifos degradation was evaluated. Biological treatment with microbial inoculants (combination of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma viride) showed maximum degradation (74.99 %), followed by individual application of Pseudomonas fluorescens (69.94 %) and Trichoderma viride (66.35 %) during the 60 days period of incubation. Soil enzymes such as dehydrogenase, phosphatase and urease showed significantly higher activities in treatments with Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma viride either single or combination on comparison with control. Microbial biomass carbon increased to 99.16 µg g-1 in treatment with a combination of Pseudomonas fluorescens + Trichoderma viride while control showed only 83.77 µg g-1. Degradation products of chlorpyrifos such as phosphate ions was significantly highest in biological treatment. Chlorides, sulphates and nitrate content also recorded highest values in treatment with microbial combination. Among the different agents, application of microbial combination of P. fluorescens and T. viride resulted in faster degradation of chlorpyrifos with no significant changes on chemical and biological properties of soil.
Modeling Grid Erosion in the NEXT Ion Thruster Using the CEX2D and CEX3D Codes
Authors: Polk James , Chaplin Vernon , Yim John , Soulas George , Williams George , Shastry Rohit
Published: April 2022

NASA’s Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) is a candidate for future deep space missions that offers high efficiency and specific impulse over a large power throttling range. One of the key life-limiting components is the ion accelerator system, which is subject to sputter erosion by low energy discharge plasma ions incident on the upstream screen grid and higher energy charge exchange ions that impact the downstream accelerator grid. The grid erosion codes CEX2D and CEX3D were validated with data from tests of NEXT as well as the NSTAR ion thruster and then used to assess the time to failure due to screen grid erosion and electron backstreaming caused by accelerator grid aperture erosion. Screen grid erosion was found to be important only at the lowest throttle levels, and was conservatively estimated to lead to failure after processing over 900 kg of xenon. The first failure mode at high power levels was found to be electron backstreaming due to accelerator grid hole wall erosion, which would occur after processing over 700 kg of propellant.
Performance of the transoesophageal echocardiography probe as an oesophageal temperature monitor in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass: A prospective observational study
Authors: Misra Satyajeet , Das Prasanta Kumar , Sriniva Anand
Published: April 2022

Purpose
Core temperature monitoring is critical during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). In this prospective observational study, we investigated the performance of the transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) probe as a core temperature (oesophageal) monitor during CPB.
Methods
Thirty adult patients, 18–70 years, of either gender, and undergoing cardiac surgery on CPB were enrolled. All patients received a reusable nasopharyngeal (NP) probe for monitoring core temperatures. In addition, the oesophageal temperatures were monitored by the TOE probe. The arterial outlet temperatures at the membrane oxygenator were also monitored and taken as reference standard. Monitoring was performed every five minutes until 20 minutes, and then at 30 minutes during both cooling and rewarming periods.
Results
During cooling, the temperatures recorded by both the TOE and NP probes lagged behind the arterial outlet temperatures. However, the intra-class correlation (ICC) of the TOE temperatures with the arterial outlet temperatures were better (ICC range 0.58–0.74) than the NP temperatures (ICC range 0.46–0.62), and with a lower degree of bias. During rewarming, while the NP temperatures lagged behind the arterial outlet temperatures, the performance of the TOE probe was significantly better. At 30 minutes of rewarming, the TOE and the arterial outlet temperature readings were similar, while the NP temperatures still lagged behind by 0.50 C. The ICC of the TOE temperatures with the arterial outlet temperatures were better compared with the NP probe with significant less bias.
Conclusion
Performance of the TOE probe as an oesophageal temperature monitor is superior to the NP probe during CPB.
Study registration:
CTRI no 2020/10/028228; ctri.nic.in