bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene Homologies Identified between Trypanosoma cruzi Antigen 36 and Mammalian TRIM21 Genes Using Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Winkler Martin A , Pan Alfred A
Published: July 2021

Background

We previously reported that a Human Ro52 gene sequence (TRIM21) produced a significant stretch of protein sequence homologous to T. cruzi Antigen 36 (Ag 36) protein sequence, when Ag 36 was translated in the second reading frame. Comparison of their respective DNA sequences demonstrated a 114 nucleotide region of both genes having ~ 70 percent partial homology. After Ro52 was shown to be an E3 Ubiquitin dependent Type I ligase for transcription factors for Interferon genes, we proposed that the Ag 36 gene, which contains a repetitive motif within it, may function to repress Ro52 in the human heart through RNA interference, or other unknown mechanism, giving rise to autoimmunity found in Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy (CCC).
Results

To test that hypothesis, we compared various mammalian TRIM genes to the T. cruzi Ag 36 DNA sequence using the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm in the http:\\usegalaxy.eu bioinformatics tool base. In addition to human and chimpanzee, TRIM21 comparable gene regions from canine, shrew, ferret, bat, feline, and armadillo, and aardvark showed homology to the gene for Ag 36 ranging from 68 to 30 percent. However, mouse and eight other mammalian species showed no significant homology. Since mice have been shown to have severe cardiac cardiomyopathy after infection, but their TRIM21 was not homologous to Ag 36 in this study, we conclude that the gene homology has no causative link to CCC.
Conclusions

In addition to human TRIM21, eight mammalian species showed partial gene homology to T. cruzi Ag 36, and some of these have been demonstrated to have CCC. However, rats and mice TRIM21 showed no partial homology to Ag 36. Since these species have been demonstrated to have CCC, the partial gene homology between Ag36 and TRIM 21 may not be causative or associated with CCC, as was originally hypothesized.
Blocking Exosomal miR-19b-3p from Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells Enhances Sunitinib Mediated Anti-Tumor Activity via Promoting TGFBR2/KLF10 Expression
Authors: Lv Dong , Shen Taimin , Yao Juncheng , Yang Qi , Xiang Ying , Ma Zhiwei
Published: July 2021

Background

Multiple studies have found that microRNAs contribute to the malignant progression and chemoresistance of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This study intends to probe the effect of miR-19b-3p shuttled by exosomes derived from RCC cells on RCC development and its resistance to Sunitinib.
Methods

Sunitinib-resistant cell lines (OSRC-2R and Caki-1R) were constructed from OSRC-2 and Caki-1 RCC cells. Exosomes in the RCC cell supernatant were isolated, and the miR-19b-3p profile in cells and exosomes was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Subsequently, the TGFβR2/SMAD2/3 pathway was activated by TGFβ, and the KLF10 overexpression and miR-19b-3p overexpression/knockdown models were constructed. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay and flow cytometry were implemented to verify RCC cell proliferation, Sunitinib chemosensitivity, and apoptosis. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins and the TGFβR2-SMAD2/3-KLF10 pathway was monitored by Western blot. MiR-19b-3p was overexpressed in sunitinib-resistant RCC cell lines (OSRC-2R and Caki-1R) and their exosomes (vs. normal OSRC-2 and Caki-1 cell lines).
Results

In-vitro experiments showed that knocking down cellular and exosomal miR-19b-3p levels reduced the proliferation and colony-forming ability of OSRC-2 and Caki-1 cells and strengthened their apoptosis and sensitivity to Sunitinib. Bioinformatics analysis illustrated that miR-19b-3p targeted TGFβR2 and inhibited TGFβR2/SMAD2/3. Activation of the TGFβR2-SMAD2/3 pathway via TGFβ dampened ORSC-2 and Caki-1 cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and enhanced their chemosensitivity to Sunitinib.
Conclusion

Moreover, TGFβ heightened KLF10 expression, and overexpressing KLF10 attenuated miR-19b-3p-mediated carcinogenic effects and resistance to Sunitinib by increasing SMAD2/3 phosphorylation. RCC cell-derived exosomal miR-19b-3p enhances RCC progression and Sunitinib chemoresistance by inactivating TGFβR2-SMAD2/3-KLF10.
The Working Conditions and Optimization of a Large Rainwater Harvesting and Treatment System in an Area at a Risk of Erosion
Authors: Zubala Tomasz
Published: July 2021

The study evaluates the operation of rainwater harvesting and treatment systems (RHTS), receiving effluents from the wholesale market and fuel station (twenty years of observations). Changes of the basic elements of RHT systems (e.g. earthen reservoirs – sealed settler, infiltration reservoir) were characterized and the impact of climatic conditions on the system monitored. The analyses also referred to the stability and work safety of the most important equipment and water treatment efficiency. In the study period, due to the accumulation of erosive phenomena, it was necessary to optimize the system. The infiltration reservoir was considerably modified. At the same time, another reservoir of a similar type was built. The quality of water in the reservoirs were measured in 2008–2010 (before the modernisation) and in 2016–2018 (after the modernisation). Selected physical, oxygen, biogenic and salinity indicators were determined in the water. During the study the harvesting and treatment system had a positive effect on the quality of rainwater runoff – the values of many contaminants were reduced (RHTS 1: suspended solids, nitrogen, iron, potassium; RHTS 2: conductivity, suspended solids, nitrogen). Design and operational errors were noticed that in the long run may contribute to deteriorating the operational efficiency and even lead to a building collapse (intense erosive phenomena). This study clearly demonstrates that building a rainwater management system is a highly site-specific issue.
Role of Pigtail Catheter Drainage in the Management of Liver Abscess – A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Kumar Saurabh , Ahari Kamlesh , Midha Naresh Kumar , Kumar Deepak , Gopalakrishnan Maya , Kumar Bharat , Bohra Gopal Krishana , Sureka Binit , Garg Mahendra K
Published: July 2021

Introduction – Liver abscess (especially amoebic) is an important health concern in tropical countries. Effective management of liver abscess included appropriate antibiotics and drainage of abscess cavity. Percutaneous abscess drainage by pigtail catherization is now gaining popularity. We analysed the role of pigtail catheter drainage in the treatment of liver abscess.Method and Material – This was a retrospective analytical study conducted in a tertiary care center in western India. Data of total 64 patients admitted with diagnosis of liver abscess were analyzed. To find the effectiveness of treatment data were analyzed in three groups based on treatment strategies, Group A (Conservative treatment), Group B (Percutaneous needle aspiration) and Group C (Pigtail catheter drainage).Results – A total of 64 patients of liver abscess were analyzed. There was male predominance (93.75%). Mean abscess volume in Group C (307.9 ± 212.8 ml) was significantly higher when compared to Group A (130.8 ± 72.9 ml, p = 0.03) and Group B (177.2 ± 129.5; p = 0.024). Duration of hospital stay and residual abscess volume at the time of discharge did not show statistically significant difference between treatment groups. Pigtail catheterization of abscess with volume >150ml shortened the hospital stay, whereas it prolonged the hospital stay in patients with abscess volume <150ml.Conclusion - Percutaneous pigtail catherization would be an operative decision for management of liver abscess. We concluded that use of pigtail catherization of patients with abscess volume > 150ml improved the clinical outcome.
Bio-Fertilizer Amendment Alleviates The Replanting Disease By Reshaping Leaf And Root Microbiome
Authors: Wu Hongmiao , Zhang Zhen , Wang Juanying , Qin Xianjin , Chen Jun , Wu Linkun , Lin Sheng , Rensing Christopher , Lin Wenxiong
Published: July 2021

A growing problem in intensive agricultural systems is replanting disease. Application of bio-fertilizer containing beneficial microbes contributes to disease suppression and is a promising strategy to control replanting disease. However, the effect of both replanting disease and bio-fertilizer amendment on the assembly of crop microbiota in leaves and roots and their relationships to crop yield and quality remains elusive. In these experiments, roots and leaves of Radix pseudostellariae were collected from different consecutive monoculture and bio-fertilizer amended fields and characterized the associated microbiota by bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequencing and qRT-PCR. Consecutive monoculture altered the bacterial community structure and composition and significantly increased the abundance of pathogenic Ralstonia and Fusarium oxysporum in leaves and roots. Furthermore, bio-fertilizer application alleviated replanting disease by decreasing the pathogen load, increasing the beneficial genera Pseudomonas, Streptomyces, Paenibacillus, and Bradyrhizobium, and enhancing positive connections of the bacterial community across the two compartments. Bio-fertilizer had a positive and indirect effect as indicated by a structural equation models on both yield and quality by shaping the leaf microbiota rather than the root microbiota. Our findings highlight the role of leaf and root microbiota on replanting disease, showing that bio-fertilizer contributes to alleviating replanting disease by improving the plant-microbe interactions.
A Novel Probiotic Strain Exerts Therapeutic Effects on Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis by Altering The Expression of Inflammasome and IDO Genes and Modulation of T Helper Cytokine Profile
Authors: sadeghi saba , kazemi fatemeh , taheri saba , Ebrahimi Maryam Tajabadi , arasteh javad
Published: July 2021

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory demyelinating disease that commences to neuronal cell destruction. Recently, a promising evidence of synergic effects of combined supplementation with vitamin D and probiotics in modulating the gut microbiota and metabolome is emerging. Bacillus Coagulans IBRC-M10791 as a novel strain was chosen, prevention and treatment impacts of regular administered were studied in Cuprizone-induced C57bl/6 mouse of demyelination. The mice were divided into six groups and received a daily dose of cuprizone or probiotics. To investigate the effect of probiotic, the IDO-1, CYP27B1, NLRP1, NLRP3, and AIM2 expression were estimated by Real-Time PCR, and IL-4, IL-17, IFN-gamma, and TGF-beta cytokines were measured by ELISA. The results showed that there was significant decrease in IL-17 and IFN-γ and modulatory effects on IL-4 and TGF-β. On the other hand, we demonstrated that there are significant decrease for expression of IDO-1, CYP27b1, NLRP1, NLRP3 and AIM2 genes in prevention and treatment groups compared to cuprizone group. Also, a significant enhancement in rate of remyelination and alternations proved by LFB staining and Y-Maze test. In conclusion, our study provides insight into how the therapeutic effect of the chosen strain of probiotic was correlated with the modulation of the level of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Further, we demonstrated that the expression of genes related to Tryptophan, Vitamin D and Inflammasome pathways could be affected by Bacillus coagulans. Our study could be beneficial to provide a novel Co-therapeutic strategy for Multiple sclerosis.
Hybrid Intelligent Predictive Maintenance Model for Multiclass Fault Classification
Authors: Buabeng Albert , Simons Anthony , Frimpong Nana Kena , Ziggah Yao Yevenyo
Published: July 2021

Data recorded from monitoring the health condition of industrial equipment are often high-dimensional, nonlinear, nonstationary and characterised by high levels of uncertainty. These factors limit the efficiency of machine learning techniques to produce desirable results when developing effective fault classification frameworks. This paper sought to propose a hybrid artificial intelligent predictive maintenance model based on Improved Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (ICEEMDAN), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Least Squares Support Vector Machine (LSSVM) optimised by the combination of Coupled Simulated Annealing and Nelder-Mead Simplex optimisation algorithms (ICEEMDAN-PCA-LSSVM). Here, ICEEMDAN was first employed as a denoising technique to decompose signals into series of Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) of which only relevant IMFs containing the relevant fault features were retained for signal reconstruction. PCA was then employed as a dimension reduction technique through which the resulting set of uncorrelated features extracted served as input for LSSVM for classifying various fault types. The proposed technique is compared with three established methods (Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN)) with multiclass classification capabilities. The various techniques were tested on an experimental UCI machine learning benchmark data obtained from multi-sensors of a hydraulic test rig. The results from the analysis revealed that the proposed ICEEMDAN-PCA-LSSVM technique is versatile and outperformed all the compared classifiers in terms of accuracy, error rate and other evaluation metrics considered. The proposed hybrid technique drastically reduced the redundancies and the dimension of features, allowing for the efficient consideration of relevant features for the enhancement of classification accuracy and convergence speed.
Machine Learning Augmented Causal Inference To Estimate The Treatment Effect of Tranexamic Acid In Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Meyer Imke , Moyer Jean-Denis , Dreyfus Aliénor , Mathieu Boutonnet , Cungi Pierre-Julien , Foucrier Arnaud , Harrois Anatole , James Arthur , Nadal Jean-Pierre , Josse Julie , Gauss Tobias
Published: July 2021

Background: The CRASH-3 trial provides a high level of evidence on the question whether to administer Tranexamic Acid (TXA) for Traumatic brain injury (TBI). For numerous other research questions, the available evidence will not correspond to such a level of evidence and will rely on observational evidence only. The development of methodological alternatives to analyze observational data is necessary. The Crash-3trial provided the opportunity to explore the effect of TXA on TBI mortality with two distinct causal inference methods using incomplete observational data. Methods: Two causal inference techniques, inverse propensity weighting (IPW) and doubly robust method (DR), associated with machine learning method techniques to handle missing data, explored the effect of TXA administration on 30-day head injury related death expressed in registry data. The effect was expressed as Average Treatment Effect (ATE). TBI was defined as a head Abbreviated Injury Score >2. The hypothesis expected the results to concur with the results obtained with the CRASH-3 benchmark trial. Results: Between September 2010 and February 2019, from a total of 20037 registry cases 8269 corresponded to the definition of TBI. A total of 683 received TXA and 7565 did not. The observed head-injury related 30-day hospital mortality rate in the group TXA was 30% (205/683) compared to 15% in the group no-TXA (1102/7565, p<0.001). Causal inference with the IPW approach indicates an ATE with a higher mortality after TXA independently of the approach applied to manage missing data (ATE 0.10 (95% IC [0.06, 0.14]) or 0.09 (95% IC [0.03, 0.15])). ATE obtained with DR did not show any effect on mortality independently of the approach applied to missing data (ATE -0.01 (95% IC [-0.05, 0.03]) or -0.01 (95% IC [-0.07, 0.05])). No effect was observed in predefined subgroups. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the feasibility to apply causal inference techniques in incomplete observational data. DR based on a stronger theoretical background compared to IPW, did not show a significant association of TXA administration with in-hospital mortality. This result provides a strong incentive to explore augmented causal inference techniques on incomplete observational data coupled with techniques to handle missing values.
Outstanding Tunable Electrical And Optical Characteristics In Monolayer Silicene At high Terahertz Frequencies
Authors: Nejad Hamed Emami , Mir Ali , Farmani Ali , Talebzadeh Reza
Published: July 2021

Silicene, a zero-gap semi-metallic advanced material, has received much attention due to its extraordinary electronic and optical characteristics, which could be used in plasmonics nano-devices. This material presenting as a tunable material without degrading its high carrier mobility. By applying the rigorous numerical techniques, the optical and electrical properties of silicene at high terahertz frequencies are calculated here. Beneath the inﬂuence of environmental effects such as the Fermi level, temperature, and external electric field, on the optical conductivity and refractive index of silicene are investigated using the tight-binding model. The effect of Fermi level from zero to 1 eV, external electric field from zero to 2.5 eV, and temperature from 5 to 400 K are investigated on the optical properties of silicene. One of the interesting features of Silicene is its adjustable bandgap, which we are present here.
The Influence of Stream Barriers and The Hypothetical Origin of Highlands Fishes.
Authors: Fadzil Nurul F.M. , Hashim Zarul H. , Sah Amir S. R. M. , Sah Shahrul A. M. , Aziz Amirul A. A. , Suki Ermizan , Mohammad Mohd S. , Hoole Dave
Published: July 2021

Instream barriers such as waterfalls and man-made dams may result in distinct fish assemblages on both sides of the barriers. To determine the influence of these barriers on fish assemblages, a study was conducted in Sungai Enam that have substantial barriers including an 18-m high waterfall with 6.1% slope. Fish were captured using a backpack electrofishing gear together with scoop nets. Thirteen fish species from six families were recorded along this stream, but only Poropuntius smedleyi (Cyprinidae) can be found along the stream and the reach above the waterfall. Studies on a second site, Sungai Kooi, that has a 65m high and 90° slope waterfall, revealed eight fish species from three families, but only P. smedleyi and Devario regina (Cyprinidae) occurred above the waterfall. The number of species in both streams increases from upstream to downstream. A chi-square test revealed that the total number of species among reaches in Sungai Enam differed significantly. Fish species found above the waterfall are known to have no special adaptations to climb or jump over the barriers. Therefore, to explain their existence above the substantial waterfalls especially in Sungai Kooi, we proposed three hypotheses: (1) the world was once flooded and there was no limitation to fish distribution, (2) fish species assemblages were separated by land uplifting, and (3) there are other stream branches enabling fish movement into respective streams. Further studies are required to confirm these hypotheses.
Effects of Hemicellulose on Recycling Performance of Paper Based on Sisal Fibers
Authors: Qin Shaoliu , Chen Yian , Tao Shenming , Zhang Cunzhi , Qin Xingzhen , Chen Pan , Qi Haisong
Published: July 2021

The pulp and paper industry growingly paid attention to the recycling and maintenance of waste paper products. Each paper-making cycle would lead to a sharp drop in the mechanical properties of the cellulosic paper, which was related to the hornification effect. Here, the recycling performance of the holocellulose paper was studied, compared with that of the cellulosic paper. Holocellulose fibers from sisal were fabricated by a gentle delignification method, and the well-preserved cellulose and hemicellulose components hindered the cocrystallization and aggregation of cellulose fibril. Holocellulose paper exhibited much more favorable recycling properties, compared with cellulosic paper. After 5 runs of recycling, holocellulose paper still shown an ultimate strength as high as 25 MPa (reduced from 35 MPa), a decrease of 27.1 %. However, cellulosic paper experienced a substantial loss in ultimate strength from 35 MPa to 9 MPa, a decrease of about 74 %. This can be attributed to the core-shell structure from cellulose and hemicellulose to weaken the hornification effect.
Single Adsorption of Diclofenac and Ronidazole from Aqueous Solution on Commercial Activated Carbons: Effect of Chemical and Textural Properties
Authors: Moral-Rodríguez Adriana I. , Leyva-Ramos Roberto , Mendoza-Mendoza Esmeralda , Díaz-Flores Paola Elizabeth , Carrales-Alvarado Damarys H. , Alexandre-Franco María F. , Fernández-González Carmen
Published: July 2021

The importance of the textural and physicochemical characteristics upon the adsorption capacity of the commercial activated carbons (ACs) Coconut, Wood, Merck, Darco and Norit towards ronidazole (RNZ) and diclofenac (DCF) from water solution was investigated thoroughly in this work. At pH = 7, Coconut AC and Wood AC presented the highest adsorption capacity towards RNZ (444 mg/g) and DCF (405 mg/g), correspondingly. The maximum mass of RNZ adsorbed onto Coconut AC was higher in this study than those outlined previously in other works. Besides, the maximum capacity of Wood AC for adsorbing DCF was comparable to those found for other ACs. The findings disclosed that the adsorption capacity of all the ACs was remarkably increased by surface area and was favored by incrementing the acidic site concentration. The π-π stacking interactions were the predominant adsorption mechanism for the RNZ and DCF adsorption on ACs, and the acidic sites favored the adsorption capacity by activating the π-π stacking. Electrostatic interactions did not influence the adsorption of RNZ on Coconut AC, but electrostatic repulsion decreased that of DCF on Wood AC. In the range of 15–25°C, the adsorption of RNZ and DCF on the Coconut and Wood ACs was endothermic, but the capacity remained essentially constant by elevating the temperature from 25 to 35°C.
Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium, Mercury and Hypertension among Asian Populations in the United States: NHANES 2011-2016
Authors: Tang Jun , Zhu Qinheng , Xu Yang , Zhou Yexinyi , Zhu Longtao , Jin Lanfei , Chen Guangdi , Zhao Hao
Published: July 2021

Background:Asian Americans have been reported having higher arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) levels, comparing with non-Asian Americans. Exposure to these metals/metalloids have been associated with risk of hypertension, however, limited studies have explored the associations of As, Pb, Cd and Hg levels with hypertension among general Asian Americans. This study aimed to investigate the associations of As, Pb, Cd and Hg levels with blood pressure and prevalence of hypertension among Asian Americans who participated in the 2011-2016 National Health and Nutrition and Examination Survey (NHANES).Methods:The study included participants aged 20 years and older with determinations of As, Pb, Cd and Hg in blood (n=7913) and urine (n=3954). These metals levels were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels were examined through a standardized protocol. Censored normal regression model and logistic regression model were employed to explore the associations of As, Pb, Cd and Hg levels with blood pressure levels and hypertension respectively, and potential confounders were also adjusted in these regression models.Results:In multivariable-adjusted models, blood Hg levels were associated with increased SBP (tertile 2 vs. tertile 1: β=-0.9 mmHg, 95%CI:-6.1, 4.4; tertile 3 vs. tertile 1: β=5.6, 95%CI: 0.0, 11.2; P trend=0.003), DBP level (tertile 2 vs. tertile 1: β=4.1 mmHg, 95% CI: 0.1, 8.1; tertile 3 vs. tertile 1: β=5.8 mmHg, 95% CI: 1.9, 9.7; P trend=0.003) and prevalence of hypertension (tertile 2 vs. tertile 1: OR=1.2, 95% CI: 0.4, 3.4; tertile 3 vs. tertile 1: OR=2.8, 95% CI: 1.1, 7.3; P trend=0.001) among Asian Americans. The positive associations were also found between blood methyl-Hg level and blood pressure levels and prevalence of hypertension, whereas we did not identify significant associations of As, Pb and Cd levels in blood and urine with blood pressure levels and hypertension among Asian Americans. Conclusions:Highly exposed to Hg level among Asian Americans might associated with increased blood pressure levels and prevalence of hypertension. Further prospective studies with larger sample size should be performed to warrant the results.
Modeling for a Small-hole Drilling Process of Engineering Plastic PEEK by Taguchi-based Neural Network Method
Authors: Chang Dar-Yuan , Lin Chien-Hung , Wu Xing-Yao
Published: July 2021

Engineering plastics have specific properties in the strength, hardness, impact resistance, and aging persistence, often used for structural plates and electronic components. However, the holes made by the drilling process always shrink after the cutting heat dispersion due to their high thermal expansion coefficient. Especially for small-hole fabrication, drilling parameters must be discussed thoughtfully to acquire a stable hole quality. This study developed parameter models by the Taguchi-based neural network method to save the experimental resources on drilling of engineering plastic, polyetheretherketone (PEEK). A three-level full-factorial orthogonal array experiment, L27, was first conducted for minimizing the thrust force, hole shrinkage in diameter, and roundness error. The experiments were operated by a peck-drilling process with cyclic lubricant, and the diameter was 1 mm. In terms of the network modeling, four variables were designated to the input layer neurons including the spindle speed, depth of peck-drilling, feed rate, and thrust force detected; and that of the output layer were the diameter shrinkage and roundness of the hole drilled. The models were trained by a stepped-learning procedure to expand the network’s field information stage by stage. After three stages of training, the models developed can provide precise simulations for the network’s training sets and accurately predict the hole’s characteristics for the non-trained cases.
Integrated and Sustainable Preparation of Functional Nanocellulose via Formic Acid/Choline Chloride Solvents Pretreatment
Authors: Wu Meiyan , Liao Keyu , Liu Chao , Yu Guang , Rahmaninia Mehdi , Li Haiming , Li Bin
Published: July 2021

Formic acid/choline chloride (F-DES), one of high-efficiency deep eutectic solvents (DES) for lignocellulose pretreatment, has great potential in the production of nanocellulose (NC). In this work, the integrated preparation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) was developed using F-DES pretreatment and the followed ball milling. Then, the properties of the resultant NC products (F-NC) were comprehensively investigated. The NC samples obtained from direct ball milling and urea/choline chloride (U-DES) plus ball milling (i.e. B-NC, and U-NC, accordingly) were used for comparison. Characterization results showed that similar to U-DES, F-DES pretreatment could effectively enhance the fibrillation of cellulose and facilitate the followed ball milling for the production of NC, and the yields of NC (CNCs plus CNFs) were over 95%. Yet, compared with B-NC and U-NC, F-NC with surface ester groups had better ability to stabilize the oil/water interface for further preparation of oil-in-water Pickering emulsion. In addition, F-DES has lower viscosity than U-DES. The recovery rate of F-DES could reach 92% after three cycles, and the recycled F-DES without obvious increase of viscosity showed better reusability to make the whole process clean and sustainable.
Neuropathic Pain in Breast Cancer: A Cohort Study in 279 Patients with a Total of 1141 High-Concentration Capsaicin Patch Applications
Authors: Dupoiron Denis , JUBIER-HAMON Sabrina , SEEGERS Valérie , BIENFAIT Florent , PLUCHON Yves-Marie , LEBREC Nathalie , JAOUL Virginie , DELORME Thierry
Published: July 2021

Background: Peripheral neuropathic pain (PNP) is frequent in patients with breast cancer (BC) and BC survivors (BCSs). Data supporting the use of high-concentration (179 mg) capsaicin patches (HCCP) in PNP in oncology are limited. This observational study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of HCCP applications in BCSs/BC patients with PNP. Methods: The study took place in the Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine department of a French comprehensive cancer centre (Angers, France). For all patients treated with HCCP from 01-Jan-2014 to 18-Dec-2018 data have been collected retrospectively over this period, and for those continuing to receive HCCP after 18-Dec-2018 data collection continued prospectively until 14-Oct-2020. Treatment with HCCP was at the entire discretion of the treating pain specialists. Independent pain specialists completed the Clinical Global Impression of Change (CGIC) for each included patient based on data extracted from patient’s electronic medical record completed by the treating pain specialist after each HCCP application. Results: This study included 279 patients (1141 HCCP applications). Patients were on average 59.2 years old; 54.5% had received at least one medication for their PNP before entering the study. PNP was most frequently caused by surgery (62.4%) followed by chemotherapy (11.8%) and radiotherapy (6.5%). Patients received on average 4.1 repeated HCCP applications; 68.8% received HCCP as an add-on to systemic therapy and 27.9% as first-line therapy. A complete/important analgesic effect was reported at least once by 82.3% of patients; 6.0% of patients reported no effect at all. Complete/important effect was observed in 70.7% and 56.0% of applications in post-surgical PNP existing for <12 months and >10 years, and 52.7% and 52.3% of applications in chemotherapy- or radiotherapy-induced PNP respectively. HCCP application was associated with application site reactions in 54.4% of patients with burning sensation or pain (45.9%) and erythema (30.8%) being the most frequently reported. High blood pressure was reported in 7.2% and frostbite, likely due to local cooling, in 1.4% of patients. Conclusions: This real-world chart review evaluating HCCP under usual practice conditions in a large cohort of patients provides important effectiveness and safety information to clinicians when considering topical options to treat PNP in BCSs/BC patients. Trial registration: Not applicable
Identifying Six Novel Genetic Variants and Alterations in Peripheral T-cell Subsets in Porokeratosis Patients
Authors: Tao Lu , Huang Yike , Yan Kexiang , Li Caihua , Zhang Zhenghua , Shen Lei
Published: July 2021

Porokeratosis (PK) is considered a skin-specific autoinflammatory keratinization disease. Intriguingly, four causative genes of PK are in turn arranged in mevalonate pathway, with MVD variants being the commonest followed by MVK variants in a cohort of Chinese patients. Based on our previous findings, PK patients with MVK or MVD variants show different phenotypes. Using targeted exome sequencing and exonic CNV screening, we identified 14 mutations in the 26 PK patients, including six novel mutations (MVK: c.118_226 + 1337dup, c.388_392delGATATinsC, c.613A > T, c.768G > C, and MVD: c.250C > T, c.988T > G). Peripheral T-cell subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry in PBMCs from 22 PK patients with MVK or MVD variants and 27 normal controls (NCs). In contrast to NCs, significantly decreased frequencies of CD8+ and Vγ9Vδ2 T cells were observed in the PK patients with MVD variants. Moreover, it was found that dysregulated secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by T-cell in both PK patients with MVK and MVD variants. Collectively, our findings enriched the Human Gene Mutation Databases and provided the cues to further studies on autoreactive CD8 + T and γδT cells in the pathogenesis of PK.
Effects of Temporally Heterogeneous Hydrological Experiences On Subsequent Performance And Plasticity of Exotics And Natives From Different Habitats
Authors: Wang Shu , Callaway Ragan M.
Published: July 2021

Aims Temporally heterogeneous environments have crucial influences on plant survival and growth, leading to greater variations in plasticity, but direct experimental evidence is rare. Our objective was to investigate how early experience with temporally heterogeneous water conditions may affect the subsequent performance and plasticity of plants in response to water availability.Methods We subjected eight plant species from xeric, mesic or hydric habitats, four exotic and four native to North America, to initial exposure to either an alternating drought and inundation treatment (Ehet, heterogeneous experience) or a consistently moderate water supply (Ehom, homogeneous experience), and to a second round of drought, moderate watering or inundation treatments.Results Compared to Ehom, Ehet increased the final total mass across all species, but did not affect mortality. For species in groups, Ehet relative to Ehom decreased the initial total mass of native species, but increased the mass of exotic species, but natives had greater late growth than exotics after Ehet. Ehet also increased the total mass and late growth of mesic species more than xeric and hydric species.Conclusions Our findings suggest that previous exposure to temporal heterogeneity in water supply may be not beneficial immediately, but can be beneficial for plant late growth and plastic responses under water stress. Species from different habitats, and exotics vs. natives showed contrasting abilities to exploit such benefits from early heterogeneous experience, regardless of their final performance. This revealed the importance of modulating future plastic responses, or “metaplasticity”.
Improvement Growth, Yield, and Seed Quality of Pea Plants Using Glass Fertilizers and Bio-Fertilizers.
Authors: Sayed Eman G. , Ouis Mona A.
Published: July 2021

A new glass fertilizer (GF) system of main composition 60P2O5.30K2O.3.5ZnO. 3.5MnO.3Fe2O3 was developed in response to the needs of pea plants with bio-fertilizers (Rhizobium leguminosarum. Bv.vicieae, Bacillus megaterium var phosphaticum, Bacillus circulans).GF was prepared by the traditional melt quenching technique at 1150°C. Characterization of prepared system was done using FTIR spectra before and after immersion in a simulated actual agriculture medium like 2% citric acid and distilled water. During two winter seasons, two successful field experiments were conducted at Cairo University's Eastern Farm to determine the impact of chemical, glass, and bio-fertilizers on plant growth, yield attributes, and seed quality of pea plant. Control treatment were without any addition of recommended chemical fertilizers and other treatments were full dose of recommended chemical fertilizers (100%RDF), glass fertilizers at rate 60 kg fed− 1, Glass fertilizers at rate30 kg fed− 1, 50% RDF ,100%RDF + bio-fertilizers, Glass fertilizers at rate 60 kg fed− 1 + bio-fertilizers, glass fertilizers at rate 30 kg fed− 1+ bio-fertilizers, 50%RDF + bio-fertilizers. Plots received 60 kg fed− 1 glass fertilizers + bio-fertilizers show the highest significant increment in plant growth, number and weight of pods plant− 1, number of grain pods− 1, grain yield, biological yield, P%, k% in pea leaves and quality of pea seeds compared with plots without any addition (control) in both seasons.
Relative, local and global dimension in complex networks
Authors: Peach Robert , Arnaudon Alexis , Barahona Mauricio
Published: July 2021

Dimension is a fundamental property of objects and the space in which they are embedded. Yet ideal notions of dimension, as in Euclidean spaces, do not always translate to physical spaces, which can be constrained by boundaries and distorted by inhomogeneities, or to intrinsically discrete systems such as networks. To take into account locality, finiteness and discreteness, dynamical processes can be used to probe the space geometry and define its dimension. Here we show that each point in space can be assigned a relative dimension with respect to the source of a diffusive process, a concept that provides a scale-dependent definition for local and global dimension also applicable to networks. To showcase its application to physical systems, we demonstrate that the local dimension of structural protein graphs correlates with structural flexibility, and the relative dimension with respect to the active site uncovers regions involved in allosteric communication. In simple models of epidemics on networks, the relative dimension is predictive of the spreading capability of nodes, and identifies scales at which the graph structure is predictive of infectivity.
Trigger Asynchronies Induced by the Introduction of External Gas Into the Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation Circuit: A Bench-to-Bedside Study
Authors: Lalmolda Cristina , Flórez Pablo , Grimau Carles , Larrosa Roberto , Corral Marta , Sayas Javier , Luján Manel
Published: July 2021

Background and objective: Treatments that require the introduction of external gas into the non-invasive ventilation (NIV) circuit, such as aerosol and oxygen therapy, may influence the performance of the ventilator trigger system. The aim of the study was to determine the presence and type of asynchronies induced by external gas in the NIV circuit in a bench model and in a group of patients undergoing chronic NIV.Methods: Bench study: Four ventilators (one with two different trigger design types) and three gas sources (continuous flow at 4 and 9 l/min and pulsatile flow at 9 l/min) were selected in an active simulator model. The sensitivity of the trigger, the gas introduction position, the ventilatory pattern and the level of effort were also modified.Clinical study: The same ventilators and gas conditions were used in patients undergoing chronic NIV.Results: Bench: The introduction of external gas caused asynchronies in 35.9% of cases (autotriggering 73%, ineffective effort 27%). Significant differences (p<0.01) were detected according to the ventilator model and the gas source.Clinical study: In seven patients, the introduction of external gas induced asynchrony in 20.4% of situations (77% autotriggering). As in the bench study, there were differences in the occurrence of asynchronies depending on the ventilator model and gas source used.Conclusion: The introduction of external gas produces alterations in the ventilator trigger. These alterations are variable, and depend on the ventilator design and gas source. This phenomenon makes it advisable to monitor the patient at the start of treatment.
Targeting tumor-macrophage interaction via the Notch2-Jag1 axis reverses tumor resistance to paclitaxel
Authors: Yu Fazhi , Zhou Qin , Zhou Ying , Xie Yijia , Zhang Peng , He Wei , Yu Weiqiang , Wu Yuwei , Cheng Aoxing , Liu Hanyuan , Sun Cheng , Wu Qingfa , Zhang Kaiguang , Ma Xiaopeng , Shi Jue , Guo Jing , Yang Zhenye
Published: July 2021

Taxanes are widely used in chemotherapy, but intrinsic and acquired resistance limit the clinical outcomes. Studies showed tumor interaction with suppressive macrophages plays a key role in taxane resistance, yet therapeutic strategies that deplete or repolarize macrophages are challenging. Here we uncovered a novel tumor-macrophage interaction via Notch2-Jag1 justacrine signaling that can be targeted to sensitize paclitaxel response without affecting the broad macrophage functions. Using translatome profiling, we identified Notch2 upregulation during taxol-induced prolonged mitosis. Notch2 was subsequently activated in the post-mitotic G1 phase by Jag1 expressed on neighboring macrophages, which promoted tumor cell survival by upregulating p38 and anti-apoptotic proteins. Notch2 also upregulated cytokines that further recruited Jag1-expressing macrophages. By targeting this Notch2-Jag1 interaction with a pan-Notch inhibitor, RO4929097, taxol resistance was significantly attenuated in multiple mouse tumor models. Our results point to combining Notch inhibitor with taxane as an effective strategy to selectively disrupt tumor-macrophage interaction underlying chemoresistance.
Micro Ring Resonator based CO2 Gas Sensor using PbSe Quantum Dots
Authors: Hajikhanloo Anvar Shahamat , Sarraf Mohammad Javadian , Rostami Ali , Dolatyari Mahboubeh
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we introduce a micro-ring resonator-based highly sensitive carbon dioxide sensor. For this purpose, a valley is created in the core of the ring and PbSe quantum dots (QDs) are deposited in the valley and the sensor is exposed to CO2 gas. In this way, the refractive index of the PbSe QDs increases with an increase in the concentration of gas flow, and then the resonance frequency of the ring resonator shifts. The designed sensor operates almost linearly over a wide range of concentrations for CO2 gas and shows a high resonance shift at different concentrations of CO2 gas. The detection limit for the designed sensor is 0.001% of CO2 gas which is more sensitive than previously reported sensors based on microring resonators. The frequency shifts are investigated by changing the width of the valley. The minimum width of the valley was determined for the evanescent field in which only the outer core of the ring affects the resonant frequency. Also, the modal analysis of the designed ring resonator waveguide is investigated to determine the minimum core width.
Health Needs Above of Automation Fears: The Role of the Future of Work in Shaping Career Decisions and Appraisals of Employment Among Young Adults with Disabilities
Authors: Jetha Arif , Shamaee Ali , Tompa Emile , Smith Peter , Bultmann Ute , Bonaccio Silvia , Tucker Lori , Norman Cameron , Banks Cristina , Gignac Monique
Published: July 2021

Objectives. Technological, sociopolitical and environmental forces are changing the working world and creating conditions that could be disadvantageous to young adults with disabilities. Our study aims to examine the thoughts and perceptions held by young adults with disabilities regarding the future of work.Methods. One-on-one semi-structured interviews with Canadian young adult (ages 18-35 years) with a disability were conducted. Participants were asked questions on their thoughts and perceptions regarding the impact the changing nature and availability of work on their labor market involvement and career aspirations. Themes that emerged from the data were inductively examined. Results. Twenty-two young adults were interviewed of which just over half were employed full-time. Career aspirations and work-related decisions were primarily shaped by a participant’s health needs. Aspects of the future of work were seen as a more proximal determinants to employment. Digital technologies were expected to impact working conditions for people with disabilities and create barriers and facilitators to employment. Participant who were securely employed held positive expectations regarding the impact of digital technology on their work. Conversely, participants working precariously held negative appraisals regarding the impact of digital technologies on employment opportunities.Conclusions. Initiatives that support labor market engagement of young adults with disabilities should consider changes in the future of work and emerging health needs while also accounting for the availability of secure work arrangements.
Association between Dietary Choline and Betaine Intake and 10.6-Year Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes and Mortality in Adults
Authors: Golzarand Mahdieh , Mirmiran Parvin , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: July 2021

Background: Several studies have assessed the association between dietary choline and betaine and cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes but their results are inconsistent. The present study aimed to determine the association between dietary intake of choline and betaine and risk of CVD events and mortality in the general population over a 10.6-year of follow-up. Methods: The present cohort study was conducted on participation in the third wave of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (2006-2008) and was followed-up until March 2018. Dietary intake of choline and betaine was calculated using the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) database. Data about CVD events and mortality were collected using patients’ medical records or death certification. Results: In this study, 2606 subjects with no previous CVD were participated and followed-up for a median of 10.6 years. During the follow-up periods, 183 incidences of CVD and 17 deaths were detected. Results of the multivariate analysis indicated neither per one standard deviation (SD) increase in dietary choline nor betaine associated with the incidence of CVD, CHD, stroke, and CVD mortality. There was no significant association between food sources of choline and CVD outcomes and mortality. When we assessed the relationship between dietary contributors betaine, per one SD increase in betaine content of fruit and vegetables and oils and fats significantly associated with increased risk of CVD mortality.Conclusion: Our investigation indicates no association between per one SD increase in choline and betaine and a 10.6-year risk of CVD events and mortality among adults. Besides, we found no relationship between significant food sources of choline and betaine and outcomes of interest.
Effects of Forest Structure On Dendroctonus Valens Damage Under Natural and Human Disturbances
Authors: Zhan Zhongyi , Wang Lixia , Yu Linfeng , Ren Lili , Luo Youqing
Published: July 2021

Background

In recent years, the red turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus valens, RTB), an invasive pest species has spread northward along the distribution of pine forests, forming a potential threat to healthy pine forests in North China. Previous studies have shown that natural (e.g., fire) and human (e.g., felling) disturbances can significantly promote bark beetle damage. However, few studies have considered the effect of forest landscape structure on bark beetle damage under disturbance conditions. Here we used generalized linear models and generalized linear mixed models to explore the effects of multi-scale factors on RTB damage under different disturbance conditions (presence or absence) in 109 forest stands in the Heilihe National Nature Reserve, Inner Mongolia.
Result

Disturbance (i.e., fire and stolen felling) could significantly promote the occurrence of RTB. In the absence of disturbance, small-scale stand factors (i.e., aspect and canopy density) played important roles in the prediction of RTB damage. In the presence of disturbance, forest landscape structure (i.e., forest isolation) was the main factor affecting RTB invasion.
Conclusion

In the presence of disturbance, the forest structure played an important role in the process of the diffusion of RTB from the surrounding habitat to the disturbance. This study, which emphasizes the potential importance of forest landscape structure on RTB spread, not only provides new insights into understanding the roles of large-scale factors but also assists in the implementation of pest management programs.