bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurogenesis and Proliferation of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells Conferred by Artesunate via FOXO3a/p27Kip1 Axis in Mouse Stroke Model
Authors: Zhang Kaiyuan , Yang Yang , Ge Hongfei , Wang Ju , Lei Xuejiao , Chen Xuezhu , Wan Feng , Feng Hua , Tan Liang
Published: November 2021

Promoting neurogenesis and proliferation of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) is considered a promising strategy for neurorehabilitation after stroke. Our previous study revealed that a moderate dose of artesunate (ART, 150mg/kg) could enhance functional recovery in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ART treatment on neurogenesis and proliferation of NSPCs using a rodent MCAO model. MRI results indicated that the ischemic brain volume of MCAO mice was reduced by ART treatment. The results of diffusion tensor imaging, electron microscopic, and immunofluorescence of Tuj-1 also revealed that ischemia-induced white matter lesion was alleviated by ART treatment. After ischemia/reperfusion, endogenous NSPCs were activated by ART, which was displayed by comparing the proportion of Brdu+ neuronal precursor cells in the ipsilateral subventricular zone and peri-infarct cortex. Furthermore, the neuro-restorative effects of ART were abolished by the overexpression of FOXO3a. These findings suggested that ART could rescue penumbra damage and alleviate white matter injury, subsequently contributing to post-stroke functional recovery by promoting neurogenesis and proliferation of endogenous NSPCs via the FOXO3a/p27Kip1 pathway.
Bottleneck Removal of Paclitaxel Biosynthetic Pathway By Overexpression of DBTNBT Gene Under Methyl- β- Cyclodextrin and Coronatine Elicitation in Taxus Baccata L.
Authors: Kashani Kimia , Sabet Mohammad Sadegh , Javaran Mokhtar Jalali , Moieni Ahmad
Published: November 2021

Paclitaxel is a highly functionalized diterpenoid that is broadly used for the treatment of several cancer types. This valuable specialized metabolite naturally exists in the inner bark of Taxus species in low amounts. The limited-scale production of paclitaxel in Taxus cell cultures has necessitated the use of several elicitors. Recently, methyl-β-cyclodextrin (CD) and coronatine (COR) have been considered to be highly effective elicitors in producing plant specialized metabolites. Given the limited production of paclitaxel due to the rate limiting enzymes' function, bottleneck removal is conducive to the production of more significant amounts of paclitaxel. In the present study, the full length of DBTNBT coding sequence (CDS), as one of the paclitaxel pathway bottlenecks, was integrated downstream of the CaMV 35S promoter (pCAMBIA1304-DBTNBT) and transiently expressed in Taxus baccata leaves via Agrobacterium tumefaciens and vacuum infiltration method. Paclitaxel production and the expression level of several involved genes were evaluated through different treatments. The transient overexpression of the DBTNBT gene, associated with dual elicitation, resulted in 7.4-fold more paclitaxel production compared with the no-inoculation/no-elicitation control. These ratios were 2.1 and 1.8 in the CD+COR and pCAM treatments, respectively. Among T13αH, T14βH, DBAT, BAPT, DBTNBT, and ABC genes, the most increased expression level belonged to the DBTNBT gene, followed by ABC and BAPT genes. It seems as though in the near future, bottleneck removal could be used on a large scale in Taxus metabolic engineering, resulting in the relative removal of some other bottlenecks and an increase in the final paclitaxel production.
Radiomic Analysis for Predicting Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer From Preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Lv Lilang , Xin Bowen , Hao Yichao , Yang Ziyi , Xu Junyan , Wang Lisheng , Wang Xiuying , Song Shaoli , Guo Xiaomao
Published: November 2021

Background To develop and validate a survival model with clinico-biological features and 18F- FDG PET/CT radiomic features via machine learning, and for predicting the prognosis from the primary tumor of colorectal cancer.Methods A total of 196 pathologically confirmed colorectal cancer patients (stage I to stage IV) were included. Preoperative clinical factors, serum tumor markers, and PET/CT radiomic features were included for the recurrence-free survival analysis. For the modeling and validation, patients were randomly divided into the training (n=137) and validation (n=59) set, while the 78 stage III patients [training (n=55), and validation (n=23)] was divided for the further experiment. After selecting features by the log-rank test and variable-hunting methods, random survival forest (RSF) models were built on the training set to analyze the prognostic value of selected features. The performance of models was measured by C-index and was tested on the validation set with bootstrapping. Feature importance and the Pearson correlation were also analyzed. Results Radiomics signature with four PET/CT features and four clinical factors achieved the best result for prognostic prediction of 196 patients (C-index 0.780, 95% CI 0.634 - 0.877). Moreover, four features (including two clinical features and two radiomics features) were selected in the 78 stage III patients (C-index was 0.820, 95% CI 0.676-0.900). K-M curves of both models significantly stratified low-risk and high-risk groups (P < 0.0001). Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated that selected radiomics features were correlated with tumor metabolic factors, such as SUVmean, SUVmax.Conclusion This study presents integrated clinico-biological-radiological models that can accurately predict the prognosis from the preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomics in colorectal cancer. It is of potential value in assisting the management and decision making for precision treatment in colorectal cancer.Trial registration The retrospectively registered study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (No. 1909207-14-1910) and the data were analyzed anonymously.
How do maternal emotion and sleep conditions affect infant sleep: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Lin Xuemei , Zai Ronghui , Mo Jiafeng , Sun Jingzhou , Chen Peishan , Huang Yuejun
Published: November 2021

Background: Recent studies suggest that the incidence of infant sleep disorder is related to maternal emotional and sleep conditions, but how they influence each other is not fully understood. Methods: A total of 513 pairs of parents and infants were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Maternal emotional and sleep conditions were assessed using a self-rating depression scale, self-rating anxiety scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at the third trimester and within 3 months after delivery. Infant sleep was assessed by the Brief Screening Questionnaire for Infant Sleep Problems within 3 months after birth. Expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), melatonin receptors (MR), exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (EPAC) receptors, and dopamine receptor (DR) in the placenta was detected by immunohistochemistry. Methylation of the promoter regions for the GR (NR3C1 and NR3C2), MR (MTNR1A and MTNR1B), EPAC (RASGRF1 and RASGRF2), and DR (DRD1 and DRD2) genes was assessed by next generation sequencing-based bisulfite sequencing PCR. Results: The incidence of sleep disorders in infants 0-3 months of age in this cohort was 40.5%. Risk factors for infant sleep disorder were low education level of the father, maternal postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum sleep disorder, and maternal sleep disorder extend from the third trimester to postpartum. There was no difference in expression of placental DR, GR, MR, and EPAC between mothers whose infants were with and without sleep disorders. Methylation of MTNR1B was higher and expression of MR was lower in the placenta of mothers with sleep disorder in the third trimester than in mothers without sleep disorder. Level of NR3C2 methylation was lower and GR expression was higher in the placenta of mothers with sleep disorder extend from the third trimester to postpartum than in mothers without sleep disorder. Conclusion: Maternal sleep disorders in the third trimester could lead to decreased expression of MR by up-regulating MTNR1B methylation, and then resulting in elevated cortisol levels and increased GR expression by down-regulating NR3C2 methylation, which could increase the incidence of maternal postpartum sleep disorders, finally, the maternal postpartum sleep disorder could result in the high incidence of infant sleep disorder.
Transcriptome analysis revealed growth phase-associated changes of a centenarian-originated probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis A6
Authors: Wang Hui , An Jieran , Fan Chengfei , Zhai Zhengyuan , Zhang Hongxing , Hao Yanling
Published: November 2021

Background
The physiology and application characteristics of probiotics are closely associated with the growth phase. Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis A6 is a promising probiotic strain isolated from the feces of a healthy centenarian in China. In this study, RNA-seq was carried out to investigate the metabolic mechanism between the exponential and the stationary phase in B. lactis A6.
Results
Differential expression analysis showed that a total of 810 genes were significantly changed in the stationary phase compared to the exponential phase, which consisted of 392 up-regulated and 418 down-regulated genes. The results showed that the transport and metabolism of cellobiose, xylooligosaccharides and raffinose were enhanced at the stationary phase, which expanded carbon source utilizing profile to confront with glucose consumption. Meanwhile, genes involved in NH3 production were up-regulated at the stationary phase to enhance acid tolerance during fermentation. In addition, peptidoglycan biosynthesis was significantly repressed, which is comparable with the decreased growth rate during the stationary phase. Remarkably, a putative gene cluster encoding Tad pili was up-regulated 6.5~12.1-fold, which is consistent with the significantly increased adhesion rate to mucin from 2.38–4.90% during the transition from the exponential phase to the stationary phase.
Conclusions
This study reported growth phase-associated changes of B. lactis A6 during fermentation, including expanded carbon source utilizing profile, enhanced acid tolerance, and up-regulated Tad pili gene cluster responsible for bacterial adhesion in the stationary phase. These findings provide a novel insight into the growth phase associated characteristics in B. lactis A6 and provide valuable information for further application in the food industry.
A Qualitative Dual-Site Analysis of The Pharmacist Discharge Care (PHARM-DC) Intervention Using The CFIR Framework
Authors: Murry Logan Thomas , Kennelty Korey , Keller Michelle , Pevnick Joshua , Schnipper Jeffrey
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Older adults face several challenges when transitioning from acute hospitals to community-based care. The PHARMacist Discharge Care (PHARM-DC) intervention is a pharmacist-led Transitions of Care (TOC) program intended to reduce 30-day hospital readmissions and emergency department visits at two large hospitals. This study used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) framework to evaluate pharmacist perceptions of the PHARM-DC intervention.Methods: Intervention pharmacists and pharmacy administrators were purposively recruited by study team members located within each participating institution. Study team members located within each institution coordinated with two study authors unaffiliated with the institutions implementing the intervention to conduct interviews and focus groups remotely via telecommunication software. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, with transcriptions imported into NVivo for qualitative analysis. Qualitative analysis was performed using an iterative process to identify “a priori” constructs based on CFIR domains (intervention characteristics, outer setting, inner setting, characteristics of the individuals involved, and the process of implementation) and to create overarching themes as identified during coding.Results: In total, ten semi-structured interviews and one focus group were completed across both hospitals. At Site A, six interviews were conducted with intervention pharmacists and pharmacists in administrative roles. Also at Site A, one focus group comprised of five intervention pharmacists was conducted. At Site B, interviews were conducted with four intervention pharmacists and pharmacists in administrative roles. Three overarching themes were identified: PHARM-DC and Institutional Context, Importance of PHARM-DC Adaptability, and Recommendations for PHARM-DC Improvement and Sustainability. Increasing pharmacist support for technical tasks and navigating pharmacist-patient language barriers were important to intervention implementation and delivery. Identifying cost-savings and quantifying outcomes as a result of the intervention were particularly important when considering how to sustain and expand the PHARM-DC intervention.Conclusion: The PHARM-DC intervention can successfully be implemented at two institutions with considerable variations in TOC initiatives, resources, and staffing. Future implementation of PHARM-DC interventions should consider the themes identified, including an examination of institution-specific contextual factors such as the roles that pharmacy technicians may play in TOC interventions, the importance of intervention adaptability to account for patient needs and institutional resources, and pharmacist recommendations for intervention improvement and sustainability.
Transscleral vs Endoscopic Cyclophotocoagulation: Safety and Efficacy When Combined with Phacoemulsification
Authors: Nirappel Abraham , Klug Emma , Neeson Cameron , Chachanidze Mari , Hall Nathan , Chang Ta , Shen Lucy , Valle David Sola-Del
Published: November 2021

Precis: Phacoemulsification combined with MicroPulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation appears to provide significantly greater long-term IOP reduction than phacoemulsification combined with endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation without compromising safety.Purpose: To compare the effectiveness and safety of phacoemulsification combined with endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (phaco/ECP), phacoemulsification combined with MicroPulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (phaco/MP-TSCPC), and phacoemulsification alone (phaco) in the treatment of coexisting cataract and glaucoma. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of consecutive cases at Massachusetts Eye & Ear. The main outcome measures were the cumulative probabilities of failure between the phaco/ECP group, phaco/MP-TSCPC group, and the phaco alone group with failure defined as reaching NLP vision at any point postoperatively or the inability to maintain ≥20% IOP reduction from baseline with IOP between 5-18 mmHg. Additional outcome measures included changes in average IOP, number of glaucoma medications, and complication rates. Results: 64 eyes from 64 patients (25 phaco/ ECP, 20 phaco/ MPTSCPC, 19 phaco alone) were included in this study. The groups did not differ in age (mean 71.04 ± 6.7 years) or length of follow-up time. Primary open-angle glaucoma was the most common type of glaucoma in the phaco alone (42%) and phaco/ECP (48%) groups while mixed-mechanism glaucoma was the most common type in the phaco/MP-TSCPC group (40%). The mean IOP reductions at 1 year were 3.07 ± 5.3 mmHg from a baseline of 15.78 ± 4.7 in the phaco/ECP group, 6.0 ± 4.3 mmHg from a baseline of 18.37 ± 4.6 in the phaco/MP-TSCPC group and 1.0 ± 1.6 from a baseline of 14.30 ± 4.2 mmHg in the phaco alone group. Surgical failure was less likely in eyes in the phaco/MP-TSCPC and phaco/ECP groups compared to phaco alone based on the Kaplan-Meier survival criteria, with failure defined as the inability to maintain an IOP reduction of 20% or more with IOP between 5-18 mm Hg long term. There were no differences in complications among the three groups. Conclusions: Phaco/MP-TSCPC appears to provide for greater long-term IOP control than phaco alone and phaco/ECP. All three procedures had similar safety profiles.
Multi-State MRAM Cells For Hardware Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Rzeszut Piotr , Chęciński Jakub , Brzozowski Ireneusz , Ziętek Sławomir , Skowroński Witold , Stobiecki Tomasz
Published: November 2021

Magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJ) have been successfully applied in various sensing application and digital information storage technologies. Currently, a number of new potential applications of MTJs are being actively studied, including high-frequency electronics, energy harvesting or random number generators. Recently, MTJs have been also proposed in designs of new platforms for unconventional or bio-inspired computing. In the present work, it is shown that serially connected MTJs forming a multi-state memory cell can be used in a hardware implementation of a neural computing device. The main purpose of the multi-cell is the formation of quantized weights in the network, which can be programmed using the proposed electronic circuit. Multi-cells are connected to a CMOS-based summing amplifier and a sigmoid function generator, forming an artificial neuron. The operation of the designed network is tested using a recognition of hand-written digits in 20 × 20 pixels matrix and shows detection ratio comparable to the software algorithm, using weights stored in a multi-cell consisting of four MTJs or more.
SARS-CoV-2 infects human GnRH neurons and tanycytes, disrupting hypothalamic-pituitary hormonal axes
Authors: Sauve Florent , Nampoothiri Sreekala , Fernandois Daniela , Coelho Caio , Dam Julie , Ternier Gaëtan , Cotellessa Ludovica , Iglesias Cristina , Müller-Fielitz Helge , Dewisme Julie , Cecon Erika , Lebouvier Thibaud , Perbet Romain , Florent Vincent , Baroncini Marc , Sharif Ariane , Ereño-Orbea June , Mercado-Gomez Maria , Palazon Asis , Mattot Virginie , Pasquier Florence , Catteau-Jonard Sophie , Jockers Ralf , Storme Laurent , Hrabovszky Erik , Trottein François , Martínez-Chantar María , Nogueiras Ruben , Schwaninger Markus , Pigny Pascal , Poissy Julien , Chachlaki Konstantina , Maurage Claude-Alain , Giacobini Paolo , Rasika S , Prevot Vincent
Published: November 2021

Neuroinvasion by SARS-CoV-2 is now accepted. To investigate whether low testosterone levels observed in men with severe COVID-19 could be of central origin, we retrospectively analyzed blood samples from 60 male intensive-care patients and explored SARS-CoV-2 brain entry using animal and cellular models as well as adult COVID-19 patient and fetal human brains. Most hypotestosteronemic patients displayed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism or abnormal hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis regulation. Neurons producing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), the master molecule controlling fertility, expressed angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and neuropilin-1, two host-cell factors mediating infection, and were infected and dying in all COVID-19 patient brains. Tanycytes - hypothalamic glia that regulate GnRH secretion - were also infected. Additionally, human fetal olfactory and vomeronasal epithelia, from which GnRH neurons arise, richly expressed both the above host-cell susceptibility factors and formyl peptide receptor 2, a putative vomeronasal receptor that also appeared involved in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis in humans and mice. Finally, a fetal human GnRH cell line expressing all these receptors could be infected by a SARS-CoV-2-like pseudovirus. Together, our findings suggest that GnRH neurons, which may be implicated in brain development and aging in addition to reproduction, are particularly vulnerable to SARS-CoV-2 in both adults and fetuses/newborns, with potentially devastating long-term consequences.
Indoor Air Pollution Effects On Pediatric Asthma Are Submicron Aerosol Particles Dependent
Authors: Juskiene Izabele , Prokopciuk Nina , Franck Ulrich , Valiulis Algirdas , Valskys Vaidotas , Mesceriakova Vitalija , Kvedariene Violeta , Valiulyte Indre , Poluzioroviene Edita , Sauliene Ingrida , Valiulis Arunas
Published: November 2021

The school environment is crucial for the child’s health and wellbeing. On the other hand, the data about the role of school’s aerosol pollution on the etiology of chronic non-communicable diseases remain scarce.Objectives: To evaluate the level of indoor aerosol pollution in primary schools and its relation to the incidence of doctor’s diagnosed asthma among younger school-age children.Methods: The cross-sectional study was carried out in 11 primary schools of Vilnius during one year of education from autumn 2017 to spring 2018. Particle number (PNC) and mass (PMC) concentrations in the size range of 0.3-10 µm were measured using an Optical Particle Sizer (OPS, TSI model 3330). The annual incidence of doctor’s diagnosed asthma in each school was calculated retrospectively from the data of medical records.Results: The total number of 6-11 years old children participated in the study was 3638. The incidence of asthma per school ranged from 1.8 to 6.0%. Mean indoor air pollution based on measurements in classrooms during the lessons was calculated for each school. Levels of PNC and PMC in schools ranged between 33.0-168.0 part/cm 3 and 1.7-6.8 µg/m 3 , respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between the incidence of asthma and PNC as well as asthma and PMC in the particle size range of 0.3-1 µm (r=0.66, p=0.028) and (r=0.71, p=0.017) respectively. No significant correlation was found between asthma incidence and indoor air pollution in the particle size range of 0.3-2.5 and 0.3-10 µm.Conclusions: We concluded that the number and mass concentrations of indoor air aerosol pollution in primary schools in the particle size range of 0.3-1 μm are primarily associated with the incidence of doctor’s diagnosed asthma among younger school age-children.
Symbiont-driven niche expansion shaped the adaptive radiation of insects
Authors: Cornwallis Charlie , Padje Anouk van't , Ellers Jacintha , Klein Malin , Jackson Raphaella , Kiers Toby , West Stuart , Henry Lee
Published: November 2021

For over 300 million years, insects have relied on symbiotic microbes for nutrition and defence1,2. However, it is unclear whether specific ecological conditions have repeatedly favoured the evolution of symbioses, and how this has influenced insect diversification1,3,4. Using data on 1844 microbe-insect symbioses across 400 insect families, we found that symbionts have allowed insects to radiate into a range of feeding niches deficient in B vitamins, including phloem, blood and wood. In some cases, such as herbivorous insects, the shift to a new niche has resulted in spectacular species proliferation. In other niches, such as strict blood feeding, diversification has been severely constrained. Symbioses therefore appear to solve universal nutrient deficiencies for insects, but the consequences for insect diversification depend on the feeding niche invaded.
Thermal Analysis of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs Considering Anisotropic And Inhomogeneous Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Li Yao , Zheng Zixuan , Li Qun , Pu Hongbin
Published: November 2021

To examine the differences of thermal characteristics introduced by material thermal conductivity, anisotropic polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and GaN are analyzed based on the accurate model of grain sizes in the directions of parallel and vertical to the interface and an approximate solution of the phonon Boltzmann transport equation. Due to the space-variant grain structures of PCD, the inhomogeneous-anisotropic local thermal conductivity, homogeneous-anisotropic thermal conductivity averaged over the whole layer and the typical values of inhomogeneous-isotropic thermal conductivity are compared with/without anisotropic GaN thermal conductivity. The results show that the considerations of inhomogeneous-anisotropic PCD thermal conductivity and anisotropic GaN thermal conductivity are necessary for the accurate prediction of temperature rise in the GaN HEMT devices, and when ignoring both, the maximum temperature rise is undervalued by over 16 K for thermal boundary resistance (TBR) of 6.5 to 60 m2K/GW at power dissipation of 10 W/mm. Then the dependences of channel temperature on several parameters are discussed and the relations of thermal resistance with power dissipation are extracted at different base temperature. Compared with GaN, SiC and Si substrates, PCD is the most effective heat spreading layer though limited by the grain size at initial growth interface.
Stromal inflammation is a targetable driver of hematopoietic aging
Authors: Mitchell Carl , Verovskaya Evgenia , Calero-Nieto Fernando , Olson Oakley , Wang Xiaonan , Herault Aurelie , Dellorusso Paul , Swann James , Zhang Si Yi , Svendsen Arthur , Pietras Eric , Bakker Sietske , Ho Theodore , Gottgens Berthold , Passegué Emmanuelle
Published: November 2021

Hematopoietic aging is marked by a loss of regenerative capacity and skewed differentiation from hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) leading to impaired blood production. Signals from the bone marrow (BM) niche tailor blood production, but the contribution of the old niche to hematopoietic aging remains unclear. Here, we characterize the inflammatory milieu that drives both niche and hematopoietic remodeling. We find decreased numbers and functionality of osteoprogenitors (OPr) and expansion of pro-inflammatory perisinusoidal mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) with deterioration of the sinusoidal vasculature, which together create a degraded and inflamed old BM niche. Niche inflammation, in turn, drives chronic activation of emergency myelopoiesis pathways in old HSCs and multipotent progenitors (MPP), which promotes myeloid differentiation at the expense of lymphoid and erythroid commitment and hinders hematopoietic regeneration. Remarkably, niche deterioration, HSC dysfunction and defective hematopoietic regeneration can all be ameliorated by blocking IL-1 signaling. Our results demonstrate that targeting IL-1 as a key mediator of niche inflammation is a tractable strategy to improve blood production during aging.
Green Synthesis and Optimization of Zinc Oxide Quantum Dots Using the Box-behnken Design, With Anticancer Activity Against the MCF-7 cell line
Authors: Flora R. Mary Nancy , Palani S. , Sharmila J. , M M.CHAMUNDEESWARI
Published: November 2021

A green strategy and cost-effective approach was adapted to prepare Zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO-QDs) for biomedical applications. The prepared ZnO-QDs may hold great promise as sensing scanners for diagnostics and therapy, as demonstrated in our current study. Zinc Sulphate, Azadirachta indica, and Catharanthus roseus leaves extract were used to synthesis a novel natural Zinc oxide bionanocomposite (ZnO-BC) and used as a precursor to prepare ZnO-QDs by microwave-assisted technique. The ZnO-BC was characterized by SEM-EDX, FTIR, XRD, Zeta potential and particle size analysis. The optical properties of QDs were investigated using UV and PL spectrophotometers. Experimental factors like the concentrations of ZnO-NPs, C. roseus and A. verawere evaluated using Box-Behnken design (BBD). MTT and haemolysis assay was performed using ZnO-BC and ZnO-QDs. Maximum absorbance observed at optimized values of 0.5% ZnO-NPs, 1g A.vera gel and 0.5ml C.roseus leaf extract of ZnO-QDs against BBD. There was decreased viability rate, ranging from 60-15% for 0.5mg/ml ZnO-BC and 45-5% for 5 mg/ml ZnO-QDs which revealed a tenfold decrease in cell viability with less concentration scale for 5mg/ml of ZnO-QDs when compared with that of 0.5 mg/ml ZnO-BC. Also, hemolysis test shows that the hemolysis ratio was below 0.5%, indicating non-haemolysis of ZnO-QDs. cellular morphology by results was supported by phase-contrast microscopy images. A good biocompatibility and high anticancer activity was noticed for ZnO-QDs when compared to ZnO-BC and provide versatile applications in the field of Nano biomedicine.
Variational Quantum Optimization with Multi-Basis Encodings
Authors: Patti Taylor , Kossaifi Jean , Anandkumar Anima , Yelin Susanne
Published: November 2021

Despite extensive research efforts, few quantum algorithms for classical optimization demonstrate realizable quantum advantage. The utility of many quantum algorithms is limited by high requisite circuit depth and nonconvex optimization landscapes. We tackle these challenges by introducing a new variational quantum algorithm that utilizes multi-basis graph encodings and nonlinear activation functions. Our technique results in increased optimization performance, a factor of two increase in effective quantum resources, and a quadratic reduction in measurement complexity. While the classical simulation of many qubits with traditional quantum formalism is impossible due to its exponential scaling, we mitigate this limitation with exact circuit representations using factorized tensor rings. In particular, the shallow circuits permitted by our technique, combined with efficient factorized tensor-based simulation, enable us to successfully optimize the MaxCut of the nonlocal 512-vertex DIMACS library graphs on a single GPU. By improving the performance of quantum optimization algorithms while requiring fewer quantum resources and utilizing shallower, more error-resistant circuits, we offer tangible progress for variational quantum optimization.
High Frequency of PDGFRA and MUC Family Gene Mutations in Diffuse Hemispheric Glioma, H3 G34-mutant: A Glimmer of Hope?
Authors: Hu Wanming , Duan Hao , Zhong Sheng , Zeng Jing , Mou Yonggao
Published: November 2021

BackgroundDiffuse hemispheric glioma H3 G34-mutant (G34-DHG) is a new type of pediatric-type diffuse high-grade glioma in the fifth edition of the WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System. The current treatment for G34-DHG involves a combination of surgery and conventional radiotherapy or chemotherapy; however, the therapeutic efficacy of this approach is not satisfactory. In recent years, molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy have achieved significant benefits in a variety of tumors. In-depth understanding of molecular changes and immune infiltration in G34-DHGs will help to establish personalized tumor treatment strategies. Here, we report the clinicopathological, molecular and immune infiltration characteristics of G34-DHG cases from our center along with cases from the HERBY Trial and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas database (CGGA). MethodsHematoxylin-eosin (HE) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining were used to present the clinicopathological characteristics of 10 Chinese G34-DHG patients treated at our institution. To address the molecular characteristics of G34-DHG, we performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses of 5 patients from our center and 3 Chinese patients from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database. Additionally, 7 European G34-DHG patients from the HERBY Trail were also subjected to analyses, with 7 cases of WES data and 2 cases of RNA-seq data.ResultsWES showed a high frequency of PDGFRA mutation in G34-DHGs (12/15). We further identified frequent mutations in MUC family genes in G34-DHGs, including MUC16 (8/15) and MUC17 (8/15). Although no statistical difference was found, PDGFRA mutation tended to be an indicator for worse prognosis whereas MUC16/MUC17 mutation indicated a favorable prognosis in G34-DHGs. RNA sequencing results revealed that most G34-DHG are considered to be immune cold tumors. However, one patient in our cohort with MUC16 mutation showed significant immune infiltration, and the total overall survival of this patient reached 75 months. ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that G34-DHG is a new high-grade glioma with high frequency of PDGFRA and MUC gene family mutations. PDGFRA may serve as an indicator of poor prognosis and an effective therapeutic target. Moreover, MUC16 tends to be a favorable prognostic factor and indicates high immune infiltration in certain patients, and these findings may provide a new direction for targeted therapy and immunotherapy of patients with G34-DHGs.
Vermicompost Leachate, Seaweed Extract and Smoke-Water Alleviate Drought Stress in Cowpea By Influencing Phytochemicals, Compatible Solutes and Photosynthetic Pigments
Authors: Voko Mxolisi Peter , Kulkarni Manoj G , Ngoroyemoto Nelson , Gupta Shubhpriya , Finnie Jeffrey F , Staden Johannes van
Published: November 2021

Drought is a major constraint for agricultural production worldwide and is likely to become aggravated by global warming. It can induce land degradation, exorbitant food prices and menace livelihoods. Approaches for retaining optimal yield, especially in rainfed staple crops such as cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) are paramount. Biostimulants; vermicompost leachate (VCL), seaweed extract [Kelpak® (KEL)] and smoke-water (SW) have exhibited effective amelioration for plants under abiotic stresses, however, research on cowpea remains scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of seed priming of cowpea with VCL, KEL and SW on the growth, photosynthesis and biochemical levels in cowpea cultivated under three watering regimes. SW treatment amplified growth variables (i.e., foliage, shoot height, root length and number of flowers) of water-stressed cowpeas. KEL- and VCL-treated seeds significantly augmented shoot and nodules production by 2 and 4-fold respectively, compared to the control. Leaf carbohydrates and photosynthetic pigments in KEL- and SW-treated plants increased considerably under severe water deficits, while leaf proteins decreased by more than 3-fold. The biostimulants also lowered phenolic and flavonoid concentrations. Increasing and decreasing levels of soluble sugars, proteins, photosynthetic pigments, phenolics and flavonoids indicate stress alleviation and osmotic adjustment to water deficits. These biostimulants are a suitable alternative to improve soil fertility, growth, and yield of staple crops under water stress conditions.
Use of Immobilized Enzyme In Granular Activated Carbon And Chitosan Beads For Phenol Removal From Effluents
Authors: de Mello Ana Carina Cruz , Silva Felipe Pereira da , Salgado Andrea Medeiros , Fonseca Fabiana Valéria da
Published: November 2021

Tyrosinase enzyme present in a crude extract was immobilized in granular activated carbon (GAC) and activated chitosan beads (ACB). It was possible to immobilize up to 70.0 % of the enzymes in GAC in the conditions of 10.0 g of support, 15.7 rad/s of agitation and 90 minutes of contact time, and 100.0 % of enzymes in ACB when using 5 g of support, agitation of 15.7 rad/s and contact time of 120 minutes. In enzymatic oxidation tests, tyrosinase immobilized in GAC was able to achieve a final phenol concentration below the limit required by Brazilian law, 0.5 mg/L for phenol solutions with an initial concentration up to 20.0 mg/L while the enzyme immobilized in ACB was able to adapt solutions with initial concentrations of phenol up to 40.0 mg /L. It was possible to reuse the enzyme immobilized in GAC 2 times, maintaining the same phenol removal efficiency, while the enzyme immobilized in ACB maintained up to 98.0 % of its efficiency in 5 cycles of enzymatic oxidation of solutions with 10.0 mg/L of phenol initially. It was possible to maintain the same phenol removal efficiency as immobilized enzymes when stored for up to 2 weeks.
Transmission Routes of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria: A Systematic Review
Authors: Godijk Noortje G. , Bootsma Martin C.J. , Bonten Marc J.M.
Published: November 2021

BackgroundQuantification of acquisition routes of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) is pivotal for understanding transmission dynamics and designing cost-effective interventions. Different methods have been used to quantify the importance of transmission routes, such as relative risks, odds ratios (OR), genomic comparisons and basic reproduction numbers. We systematically reviewed reported estimates on acquisition routes’ contributions of ARB in humans, animals, water and the environment and assessed the methods used to quantify the importance of transmission routes.MethodsPubMed and EMBASE were searched, resulting in 6054 articles published up until January 1st, 2019. Full text screening was performed on 525 articles and 277 are included.ResultsWe extracted 718 estimates with S. aureus (n=273), E. coli (n=157) and Enterobacteriaceae (n=99) being studied most frequently. Most estimates were derived from statistical methods (n=560), mainly expressed as risks (n=246) and ORs (n=239), followed by genetic comparisons (n=85), modelling (n=62) and dosage of ARB ingested (n=17). Transmission routes analysed most frequently were occupational exposure (n=157), travelling (n=110) and contacts with carriers (n=83). Studies were mostly performed in the United States (n=142), the Netherlands (n=87) and Germany (n=60). Comparison of methods was not possible as studies using different methods to estimate the same route were lacking. Due to study heterogeneity not all estimates by the same method could be pooled.ConclusionDespite an abundance of published data the relative importance of transmission routes of ARB has not been accurately quantified. Links between exposure and acquisition are often present, but the frequency of exposure is missing, which disables estimation of transmission routes’ importance. To create effective policies reducing ARB, estimates of transmission should be weighed by the frequency of exposure occurrence.
Sod Tensile Strength, Handling Quality, and Their Interrelationship for 39 Bermudagrasses
Authors: Gopinath Lakshmy , Martin Dennis L. , Moss Justin Quetone , Wu Yanqi , Yu Shuhao , Underwood James R.
Published: November 2021

Suitable tensile strength is essential for sod harvest, transport, and installation. Thirty-nine bermudagrass (Cynodon sp.) entries were evaluated for sod handling quality (SHQ) and sod tensile strength (STS) during 2014–15. The SHQ (a discontinuous qualitative parameter) was evaluated using a 1 to 5 scale with 1 = complete pad separation during handling and 5 = no cracking or separation in the sod pad with excellent quality. The STS (a quantitative parameter) was determined using the force required to shear/separate the sod pad. Sod harvests were conducted at 14, 22, and 24 months after planting (MAP). The entry, harvest date, and their interaction affected STS and SHQ. Entries OKC 1302 and 12-TSB-1 had greater STS than ‘Patriot’ but less STS than ‘Latitude 36’, ‘Tifway’, ‘Astro’, and ‘TifGrand’. The seeded entry PST-R6T9S had the lowest STS and SHQ. The overall mean STS and SHQ were lowest at 22 MAP, which could be attributed to the slow recovery of the entries after Winter 2014. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.92) between STS and SHQ suggests that SHQ can be used as a rapid field method to estimate suitability for sod harvest. A predictive linear relationship between overall STS and overall SHQ (r2 = 0.85) found predicted STS values of 8.5, 22.6, 36.8, and 51.0 kg⋅dm–2 for overall mean SHQ ratings of 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. The results of this work will help sod producers in cultivar selection and will aid breeders in making commercialization decisions.
Integrating micromagnets and hybrid nanowires for topological quantum computing
Authors: Jardine Malcolm , Stenger John , Jiang Yifan , de Jong Eline J. , Wang Wenbo , Bleszynski Jayich Ania C. , Frolov Sergey
Published: November 2021

Majorana zero modes are expected to arise in
semiconductor-superconductor hybrid systems, with potential topological
quantum computing applications. One limitation of this approach is the
need for a relatively high external magnetic field that should also
change direction at the nanoscale. This proposal considers devices that
incorporate micromagnets to address this challenge. We perform numerical
simulations of stray magnetic fields from different micromagnet
configurations, which are then used to solve for Majorana wavefunctions.
Several devices are proposed, starting with the basic four-magnet design
to align magnetic field with the nanowire and scaling up to nanowire
T-junctions. The feasibility of the approach is assessed by performing
magnetic imaging of prototype patterns.
Evaluation of women’s access to building credits from banks in Nigeria
Authors: O. Afolabi Adedeji , R. Akinlolu Ifeoluwa
Published: November 2021

Women are responsible for the fastest economic growth in the world through their commercial activities. Despite this notable act, women in developing countries are most times sidelined in accessing financial incentives from banks. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the criteria used by banks and the problems encountered by women in accessing building credits in Nigeria. The study used a cross-sectional survey research design that utilized an electronic questionnaire instrument. The data obtained were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, 100% stacked bars, mean score, ANOVA, and categorical regression (CAT-REG) tests. The result revealed that the primary criteria to access building credits across different banks in Nigeria were the source of income/level of income, credit status/review, and the value of the collateral. When women can access building credits from banks, it can lead to improved living conditions for women, improved work-life, and benefits for their children. However, the lack of collateral, lack of financial literacy, lack of formal employment, and lack of right to ownership of property are limiting factors in women lending from banks. Furthermore, gender discrimination, lack of financial literacy, and low educational background could influence women’s access to building credits from banks. To facilitate the provision of loans to women from banks, it is necessary to improve government policy, economic reforms and banking legislation for women’s access to loans.
AcknowledgmentThe article processing charge (APC) for this paper was supported by Covenant University Centre for Research, Innovation and Discovery, Nigeria.
Hydrological performance of lined permeable pavements in Norway
Authors: Abdalla Elhadi Mohsen Hassan , Selseth Ingrid , Muthanna Tone Merete , Helness Herman , Alfredsen Knut , Gaarden Terje , Sivertsen Edvard
Published: November 2021

Lined permeable pavements (LPPs) are types of sustainable urban stormwater systems (SUDs) that are suitable for locations with low infiltration capacity or shallow groundwater levels. This study evaluated the hydrological performance of an LPP system in Norway using common detention indicators and flow duration curves (FDCs). Two hydrological models, the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM)-LID module and a reservoir model, were applied to simulate continuous outflows from the LPP system to plot the FDCs. The sensitivity of the parameters of the SWMM-LID module was assessed using the generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation methodology. The LPP system was found to detain the flow effectively based on the median values of the detention indicators (peak reduction = 89%, peak delay = 40 min, centroid delay = 45 min, T50-delay = 86 min). However, these indicators are found to be sensitive to the amount of precipitation and initial conditions. The reservoir model developed in this study was found to yield more accurate simulations (higher NSE) than the SWMM-LID module, and it can be considered a suitable design tool for LPP systems. The FDC offers an informative method to demonstrate the hydrological performance of LPP systems for stormwater engineers and decision-makers.
On the need for streamflow drought frequency guidelines in the U.S.
Authors: Vogel Richard M. , Kroll Charles N.
Published: November 2021

Extreme drought and resulting low streamflows occur throughout the U.S., causing billions of dollars in annual losses, detrimentally impacting ecosystems, as well as agricultural, hydropower, navigation, water supply, recreation, and a myriad of other water resource systems, leading to reductions in both the effectiveness and resiliency of our water resource infrastructure. Since 1966, with the introduction of Bulletin 13 titled ‘Methods of Flow Frequency Analysis’, the U.S. adopted uniform guidelines for performing flood flow frequency analysis to ensure and enable all federal agencies concerned with water resource design, planning, and management under flood conditions to obtain sensible, consistent, and reproducible estimators of flood flow statistics. Remarkably, over one-half century later, no uniform national U.S. guidelines for hydrologic drought streamflow frequency analysis exist, and the various assorted guidelines that do exist are not reliable because (1) they are based on methods developed for floods, which are distinctly different than low streamflows and (2) the methods do not take advantage of the myriad of advances in flood and low streamflow frequency analyses over the last 50 years. We provide a justification for the need for developing national guidelines for streamflow drought frequency analysis as an analog to the existing national guidelines for flood frequency analysis. Those guidelines should result in improved water resources design, planning, operations, and management under low streamflow conditions throughout the U.S. and could prove useful elsewhere.
Heavy metals removal from landfill leachate by coagulation/flocculation process combined with continuous adsorption using eggshell waste materials
Authors: Jaradat A. Q. , Telfah Dua'a B. , Ismail Rabah
Published: November 2021

The use of agricultural waste materials to remove heavy metals from wastewater is attractive due to its simplicity and economic efficiency. In this study, the applicability of calcined eggshell waste materials (CES) for heavy metals removal from real wastewater were examined via transport column experiment preceded by coagulation/flocculation process.A column packed with granular activated carbon (GAC) is operated in parallel to CES column to evaluate the adsorptive attributes of CES. The findings are assessed from another set of column experiments consisting of sand followed by CES column to evaluate the effect of particulate matter (PM) on CES performance toward heavy metals removal. In coagulation experiment, alum addition at an optimum dose (3.0 g/L) reduced the total suspended solids (TSS) by 80%, whereas the Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cr were reduced by 80%, 77%, 76%, 73%, 56%, and 49%, respectively. Under the current applied hydrodynamic conditions, using sand column before CES column improved the removal efficiencies of Fe, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Cr from 50% to 92%, 55% to 93%, 60% to 87%, 53% to 76%, 45% to 65%, and 41% to 60%, respectively. The whole results illustrate that CES can be competitive to GAC for heavy metals removal from landfill leachate, mainly if applied after PM removal by sand filtration.
O movimento estudantil e as possibilidades de “subversão da práxis”
Authors: Brito Delabona Boutin Aldimara Catarina , Flach Simone de Fátima
Published: November 2021

Derivado de pesquisa mais ampla, o presente texto tem por objetivo apontar as contribuições do movimento estudantil para a “subversão da práxis”. As reflexões propostas são de cunho teórico, realizadas a partir de pesquisa bibliográfica e sob a luz do Materialismo Histórico e Dialético. Os escritos de Gramsci (2014), Lenin (2015) e Mandel (1979) dão luz ao debate proposto. Para tanto, o texto tece considerações teóricas sobre a “subversão da práxis” situando-a na luta de classes; abre um debate sobre o conjunto de elementos que auxiliam na definição de movimento estudantil e debate as suas contribuições para a “subversão da práxis”. Ao final é destacado que a participação de jovens no movimento estudantil colabora na formação de sujeitos políticos, pois propicia experiências junto à realidade social, política e econômica, essenciais para instauração de um modo de vida que supere a desigualdade e se assente na igualdade.