bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing nitrogen fertilizer use for more grain and less pollution
Authors: Ren Keyu , Xu Minggang , Li Rong , Zheng Lei , Liu Shaogui , Reis Stefan , Wang Huiying , Lu Changai , Zhang Wenju , Gao Hui , Duan Yinghua , Gu Baojing
Published: April 2021

Optimal nitrogen (N) management is critical for efficient crop production and agricultural pollution control. However, it is difficult to implement advanced management practices on smallholder farms due to a lack of knowledge and technology. Here, using 35,502 on-farm fertilization experiments, we demonstrated that smallholders in China could produce more grain with less N fertilizer use through optimizing N application rate. The yields of wheat, maize and rice were shown to increase between 10% and 19% while N application rates were reduced by 15–19%. These changes resulted in an increase in N use efficiency (NUE) by 32–46% and a reduction in N surplus by 40% without actually changing farmers’ operational practices. By reducing N application rates in line with official recommendations would not only save fertilizer cost while increasing crop yield, but at the same time reduce environmental N pollution in China. However, making progress towards further optimizing N fertilizer use to produce more grain with less pollution would require managements to improve farmers’ practices which was estimated to cost about 11.8 billion US dollars to implement.
Efficacy and Safety of rt-PA Intravenous Thrombolysis in Patients with Wake-up Stroke: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Hongfa , Luo Jianghong , Zhang Fang , Zhang Ziliang , Gu Wei , Hong Jiankun , Chen Jianping , Zhong Shanquan , Huang Ying
Published: April 2021

Background
Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is one of the most effective therapies for patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, wake-up stroke (WUS) is typically excluded from intravenous thrombolytic therapy because the time of symptom onset is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis in patients with WUS by meta-analysis.
Methods
We completed a systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and SinoMed and included relevant studies of WUS patients covering rt-PA thrombolysis and nonthrombolysis (published from January 1, 2000, to February 28, 2021, with no language restrictions). Primary outcomes included safety outcomes and functional outcomes. Safety outcomes was measured according to the incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (SICH) and mortality within 90 days. Efficacy outcomes was measured based on 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. We assessed pooled data using either a random-effects model (when P < 0.10, I2 > 50%) or a fixed-effects model (when P > 0.10, I2 < 50%).
Results
Nine studies with 913 patients were included in the meta-analysis. All patients had ischemic stroke confirmed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The incidence of mRS 0–2 was significantly higher in the rt-PA thrombolysis group compared with the nonthrombolysis group. And rt-PA thrombolytic WUS patients did not differ significantly from nonthrombolytic WUS patients in terms of 90-day mortality. However, the rate of SICH was also significantly higher in the rt-PA thrombolysis group than that in the nonthrombolysis group.
Conclusions
Patients with WUS who received rt-PA thrombolysis had a significant positive effect within 90 days. In addition, although there is no significant increase in mortality, we need to be aware of the risk of intracranial hemorrhage transformation associated with rt-PA thrombolysis despite no obvious increase in mortality. The safety of rt-PA intravenous thrombolysis should be closely monitored in patients with WUS.
Improvement of Formability and Corrosion Resistance of Az31 Magnesium Alloy by Pulsed Current-assisted Laser Shock Forming
Authors: Liu Huixia , Sun Yuhao , Ma Youjuan , He Yanchen , Wang Xiao
Published: April 2021

This study adopted a novel pulse current-assisted laser shock AZ31B sheet micro-forming method (EP-LSF). The mechanism of improving the formability of AZ31B Magnesium Alloy by pulse current assisted laser shock forming and the reason of improving the corrosion resistance were studied for the first time. Through laser shock free bulging experiment, tensile test, optical microscope (OM), and X-ray diffraction, the change in formability was studied. After pulse current assisted laser shock forming, the forming height of AZ31B magnesium alloy increases by 28.8%, the thinning rate decreases by 6.7%, and the strain rate sensitivity coefficient increases to 0.1452. The results show that the decrease of grain size and texture density is the reason why EP-LSF can further improve the formability of AZ31B magnesium alloy. The changes in corrosion resistance were studied by scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical tests. The results show that after EP-LSF, the corrosion current density of AZ31 magnesium alloy decreased, and the electrochemical impedance increased, indicating that this method further improved the corrosion resistance.
Visceral Adiposity Index Outperforms Conventional Anthropometric Assessments as Predictor of Diabetes Mellitus in Elderly Chinese: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Tsou Meng-Ting , Chang Yu-Chen , Hsu Ching-Ping , Kuo Yang-Che , Yun Chun-Ho , Huang Wei-Hsin , Hu Kuang-Chun , Liu Chia-Yuan , Chen Ying-Ju , Sung Kuo-Tzu , Liu Chuan-Chuan , Hung Chung-Lieh , Kuo Jen-Yuan , Chen Tung-Ying , Hung Ta-Chuan , Yeh Hung-I
Published: April 2021

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the predictive performance of diabetes (DM) by using adiposity indices compared to body mass index and waist circumference. MethodsAmong 8249 consecutive subjects who attended the Nationwide Health Check Up System for Senior Citizens between 2008 and 2018 (≥ 65 years), we examined the associations of several adiposity indices with DM risk, and further explored gender differences. ResultsAmong all adiposity indicators, Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) alone demonstrated the highest discriminatory ability for diabetes mellitus by area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) (0.65, 0.68, and 0.66 for men, women, and all participants, respectively), regardless of gender, with optimal cut-offs set as 126.09 in men and 117.77 in women, respectively. Compared with body shape index (ABSI), CVAI was strongly associated with baseline DM (adjusted OR: 4.16 [3.35–5.17] for 4th vs 1st quartile groups, P < 0.001), which was more pronounced in elderly women (P interaction < 0.05). Over a median of 5.25 years (IQR: 3.07–6.44 years) follow-up, Cox regression models showed higher predictive ability of CVAI rather than the ABSI. Further, this independently predicted new-onset DM (adjusted HR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.18–1.34) and composite endpoint of new DM and death (adjusted HR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.10–1.25, both P < 0.001) among those without baseline DM. ConclusionsOur population-based data demonstrated that Chinese visceral adiposity index may serve as a superior clinical indicator of diabetes when compared with conventional anthropometric indices among elderly Chinese, especially in women.
Effect of Melatonin and Insulin on Oxidative Stress in Spleen, Impairment of Adherent Leukocytes Activity and Inflammatory Response in Lps Treated Diabetic Mice
Authors: Sutradhar Sangita , Deb Anindita , Singh Shiv Shankar
Published: April 2021

The present study evaluated the protective effect of melatonin and insulin from LPS and diabetes-induced oxidative stress, impairment of peritoneal leukocyte functions, and inflammation in Swiss albino mice. Diabetes was induced in Swiss albino mice by streptozotocin treatment. Experimental mice were divided into two sets. Set-1 contains control, diabetic, melatonin, insulin, and melatonin+insulin groups of mice. In set-II, all groups of mice were challenged with a single dose of LPS (50mg/mice). Lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes (SOD, Catalase, GPx) activity, non-enzymatic GSH level, Nrf2/HO-1 expression, phagocytic index, intracellular ROS generation, and proinflammatory cytokines were measured. Diabetic as well as LPS treated diabetic mice showed significantly increased lipid peroxidation, suppressed antioxidant defence system, and down regulated Nrf2/HO-1 expression in spleen tissues; suppressed phagocytic index and increased ROS generation in adherent peritoneal leukocytes and increased level of circulatory proinflammatory cytokines. Either treatment of melatonin or insulin significantly improved the harmful effects caused by both of LPS treatment and of diabetes in experimental mice. Simultaneous treatment of melatonin and insulin effectively ameliorated the LPS, as well as diabetes, caused oxidative load, impairment of adherent peritoneal leukocyte function, and improved the level of circulatory proinflammatory cytokines. In the present study, we have noted that combined treatment of melatonin and insulin was more effective in attenuation of diabetes and LPS induced devastating effects in laboratory mice. Therefore, the present study may suggest a combinatorial approach in the therapeutic use of melatonin and insulin to improve such devastating conditions.
Experimental and Numerical Study on the Explosive Welding of Niobium-Steel
Authors: Wang Jian , Li Xiao-jie , Wang Yu-xin
Published: April 2021

The aim of this work is to study the use of explosive welding to produce Niobium-Steel composite plate, which is used in nuclear industry equipment material manufacturing. The welding parameters was determined by weldability window and numerical simulation was used to predict the wave shape of the welding interface. The morphology of the interface wave was observed by scanning electron microscope. Component measurement around interface waves. The experimental samples were investigeted using mechanical tests. The results show that the explosion parameters optimized by theory and numerical simulation can be used to obtain a niobium-steel composite plate with better welding quality. It can be proved that the welding quality is better by observing the interface wave and testing the mechanical properties, it can be seen that the melting zone of the welding interface is composed of niobium and steel by the composition analysis instrument. The morphology of the welding interface wave is consistent with the numerical simulation results, and the numerical simulation shows the changes of temperature, strain, and stress during the welding process.
Pleural Involvement in Pulmonary Sarcoidosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ji Xiaoqing , Wang Lixia , Lu Jiameng , Sun Fei , Peng Haiying , Jiang Yunxiu , Lu Degan
Published: April 2021

Background: Sarcoidosis is a chronic, multisystemic granulomatosis of unknown origin that can aﬀect multiple organs throughout the body with variable progression and prognosis. Although the lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes are almost always affected in sarcoidosis, involvement of the pleura remains uncommon.Case presentation: A 69-year-old female presented with dry cough, dyspnea on exertion and fatigue. She was diagnosed with pleural sarcoidosis based on the histological examination of the pleural biopsy and was treated with oral prednisone. Her complaints regressed two weeks later and the left pleural effusion almost disappeared four weeks later.Conclusions: Pleural involvements in sarcoidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pleural effusion and pleural nodules.
Enhancement of Phenolics Content and Biological Activities of Longan (Dimocarpus Longan Lour.) Treated with Thermal and Aging Process
Authors: Hong-in Preaploy , Neimkhum Waranya , Punyoyai Chanun , Sri Suwannee , Chaiyana Wantida
Published: April 2021

This study is the first to successfully produce novel black Dimocarpus longan by undergoing thermal and ageing process. Pericarp, aril, and seed of black D. longan were macerated in 95% v/v ethanol. Their chemical compositions were investigated by Folin–Ciocalteu assay, aluminium chloride assay, and high-performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant activities were evaluated in terms of radical scavenging and iron (III) reducing capacity. Enzyme inhibitory assay was used to evaluate the hyaluronidase inhibition. Black D. longan seed extract contained the significantly highest content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds (p < 0.05). Each gram of the extract contained 53.6 ± 0.9 mg of gallic acid, 19.8 ± 2.9 mg of corilagin, and 24.5 ± 0.7 mg of ellagic acid. This extract was the most potent anti-hyaluronidase and antioxidant with the strongest free radical scavenging activity and reducing power. Therefore, it was proposed as functional food and further used in the pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical industries.
Exploring Community Tuberculosis Program in the Pastoralist Setting of Ethiopia: a Qualitative Study of Community Health Workers' Perspectives in Borena Zone, Oromia Region
Authors: Megerso Abebe , Deyessa Negusie , Jarso Godana , Tezera Robel , Worku Alemayehu
Published: April 2021

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top ten causes of death and thee first cause of death due to single infectious disease in the world. Nevertheless, access to TB prevention and control is not uniform even within a country, The community TB program is designed to improve the access in Ethiopia. Exploring the program performance from the perspectives of its implemters in a pastoral setting remains important.Method: We conducted a qualitative study using an interpretive description method in the pastoralist community setting of Ethiopia. Study participants were recruited from geographically dispersed areas. Data were collected through in-depth interview using semi-structured guides and audio recordings during February 01-30, 2020. The interview guide was developed based on consultation with TB program experts and clinicians treating TB patients in the study area. Notes were taken at the interview to enrich the transcription of the data. The interview was conducted by the principal investigator. The subsequent data collection was informed by emerging ideas from forgoing interview transcriptions. The interview continued until data saturation was achieved.Results: One hundred and fisty six codes, nine categories and three themes emanated. The first theme was an inadequate community TB performance and some of its codes include inadequate presumptive TB case identification and compromised DOTs service delivery. The second theme was factors contributing to the performance. Community factors, lack of physical access to health facilities and indirect non-medical cost are some of categories under this theme. The final theme was related to solutions and its categories include a need for active community involvement and modification of service delivery approaches.Conclusion:Community TB performance is inadequate in the pastoralist community and many factors contribute to the inadequate performance. Aligning the program to the context of the pastoralist community setting is required to improve the performance.
Characteristics of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism: Evaluation Using Coronary Artery Computed Tomography Angiography
Authors: Zhou Xin-zhu , Shi Rui , Wang Jin , Shi Ke , Liu Xi , Li Yuan , Gao Yue , Guo Ying-kun , Yang Zhi-gang
Published: April 2021

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has recently been acknowledged as an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the characteristics of CAD in patients with SCH are not fully understood. This study aims to evaluate the features of CAD in patients with SCH using coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA).Materials and Methods: From 1 April, 2018 to 30 June, 2020, 234 consecutive SCH patients with coronary plaques identified on CCTA were included retrospectively. They were further subdivided into different degree of SCH groups (mild SCH vs. moderate SCH vs. severe SCH: 143 vs 62 vs 28) and different gender groups (men with SCH vs. women with SCH:116 vs 118). The distributions and types of plaques, luminal narrowing, segment involvement scores (SIS) and segment stenosis scores (SSS) were evaluated and compared among the different groups.Results: Patients with severe SCH had fewer calcified plaques (0.7 ± 0.9 vs. 2.0 ± 1.9, p < 0.001) and more non-calcified plaques (0.9 ± 1.0 vs. 0.3 ± 0.5, p < 0.001) than those with mild SCH. As the SCH condition worsened, the proportion of non-calcified plaques significantly increased. Whereas there were no significant discrepancies in SIS and SSS among patients with different grades of SCH (all p > 0.05). Men with SCH had higher SIS (3.9 ± 2.3 vs. 3.0 ± 2.3, p = 0.004) and SSS (7.8 ± 5.4 vs. 5.4 ± 3.0, p = 0.002) than women. Multivariate logistic and linear regression analysis demonstrated that grades of SCH (Moderate SCH, odds ratio [OR]: 2.11; 95% CI 1.03–4.34, p = 0.042; severe SCH, OR: 10.00; 95% CI 3.82–26.20, p < 0.001, taken mild SCH as a reference) was independently associated with the presence of non-calcified plaques, whereas sex (B: 1.67; 95% CI 0.27–3.10, p = 0.009) was independently associated with SSS. Conclusions: Severe SCH is associated with non-calcified plaques, and men with SCH have higher total plaque burden than women. We suggest that it is important to evaluate for coronary plaque in SCH patients, especially those with severe SCH and men with SCH.
Research on the Effects of Propofol and Sevoflurane on the Expression of Prognostic-Related Genes in Glioblastoma
Authors: An Yi , Zhao Lei , Wang Tianlong , Li Dongguo , Li Lixia , Li Zhongjia , Liang Chuanyu , Wang Pei
Published: April 2021

Background: Glioblastoma is one of the most common malignant brain tumors with high recurrence and mortality. The first choice for treatment is surgical resection under general anesthesia. Previous studies have demonstrated that general anesthetics are correlated with the prognosis of patients with malignant tumors, but the mechanisms remain unclear.Methods: In this study, surgical specimens were analyzed with gene microarray to explore the influences of propofol and sevoflurane on the expression of prognostic-related genes in glioblastoma. Through the construction of gene regulatory network and analyzing the network properties, we screened out the core genes related to the prognosis of glioblastoma and perform survival analysis to elucidate the potential effects of propofol and sevoflurane on the prognosis of glioblastoma patients.Results：In this study, 16 Hub genes (NDUFA4, NDUFA6, NDUFV2, CYCS, NDUFB2, MGST2, CYC1, ATP5G1, MRPS2, PPP2R1A, GSTM3, GSTK1, MAPK3, NDUFB7, ATP5D and MGST3 ) related to the prognosis of glioblastoma were screened out and their expression was down-regulated. GO and KEGG pathway analysis showed the Hub genes were closely related to mitochondrial function and oxidative phosphorylation pathway (has 00190). The down-regulated expression of NDUFB2 and MGST2 genes after propofol treatment may be associated with better prognosis of glioblastoma.Conclusions: General anesthetics can alter the expression of prognostic-related genes in glioblastoma. Changes in NDUFB2 and MGST2 gene expression levels can affect the overall survival of patients with glioblastoma, and other Hub genes may affect the prognosis of glioblastoma patients by interfering the energy metabolism process of tumor cells.Trial registration:Registration number: ChiCTR-IOR-16010180Date of registration: 18th, December, 2016
Comprehensive analysis of electronic properties due to N, O, Be, and B elements doped and adsorbed on graphene from DFT calculations
Authors: Raj Gaurav , Wahab Hud , Johnson Patrick A. , Aidhy Dilpuneet S.
Published: April 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma with Lung Metastases: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Shimizu Tadafumi , Oba Takaaki , Chino Tatsunori , Soma Ai , Ono Mayu , Ito Tokiko , Kanai Toshiharu , Maeno Kazuma , Sato Yoshinori , Uehara Takeshi , Ito Ken-ichi
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Distant metastasis from papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is rare. Here we report a case of PTMC with multiple lung metastases.Case Presentation: A 64-year-old man presented to our hospital with abdominal pain. Computed tomography incidentally revealed multiple lung nodules. The lung tumor was histologically diagnosed as metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) by core needle biopsy via thoracoscopy. The patient was referred to our department for further examination. Neck ultrasonography revealed a 0.8 cm hypoechoic mass in the right lobe of the thyroid gland, diagnosed as PTC by fine-needle aspiration cytology. Subsequently, total thyroidectomy was performed, followed by radioiodine therapy. Iodine-131 (131-I) scintigraphy showed a strong accumulation in the lung metastasis. The patient presented no evidence of progression of lung metastasis for 25 months after the operation. Discussion/Conclusions: Although there are few published cases of metastatic PTMC, lymph node metastasis or extraglandular extension was observed in most patients, including the present case, and the average age of these cases was 58.8 ± 12.0 years. Although active surveillance without surgical resection is expected to remain standard of care for PTMC, this case indicates that a subset of PTMC patients with risk factors may develop distant metastases. Careful preoperative screening is required to avoid complications associated with reoperation of the remnant thyroid gland.
Venom Proteomic Analysis of Two Medically Important Nigerian Viper (Echis Ocellatus and Bitis Arietans) Snake Species
Authors: Dingwoke Emeka John , Adamude Fatima Amin , Salihu Aliyu , Abubakar Mujitaba Suleiman , Mohamed Gadija , Klein Ashwil , Sallau Abdullahi Balarabe
Published: April 2021

Snakebite envenoming remains a neglected tropical disease, which poses severe health hazard, especially for the rural inhabitants in Africa. In Nigeria, vipers are the most toxin-producing snakes that cause the highest number of deaths. Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with LC-MS/MS was used to analyze the crude venom extracts of Echis ocellatus (Carpet viper) and Bitis arietans (Puff adder) in order to understand their venom proteomic identities. Results obtained revealed that gel-free proteomic analysis of the crude venom extracts from E. ocellatus and B. arietans yielded the identification of 85 and 79 proteins, respectively. Seventy-nine (79) proteins were common between the two snake species with a 90.8% similarity score. The identified proteins belong to 12 protein families where serine proteases (22.31%) and metalloproteinases (21.06%) were the dominant proteins in the venom of B. arietans. Metalloproteinases (34.84%), phospholipase A2s (25.69%) and serine proteases (17.25%) represents the major toxins in the E. ocellatus venom. Other protein families such as three-finger toxins and cysteine-rich venom proteins were also detected, albeit, in low proportions. This study represents the venom proteomic analysis of the two Nigerian viper species, which provides some valuable insights into the toxin families to be neutralized in case of envenomation. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD024638.
Paternal Childcare In Early Childhood and Problematic Behavior in Children: A Population-Based Prospective Study in Japan
Authors: Ochi Manami , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: April 2021

Background: Little is known about the effects of paternal childcare on children’s behavioral development. This study explored the association between paternal childcare during infancy in terms of childcare hours and type of caregiving behavior and subsequent behavioral problems in children aged 5.5 years stratified by sex.Methods: We analyzed data from the Longitudinal Survey of Newborns in the 21st Century (2001-2006), a population-based cohort survey in Japan (N = 27,870). Paternal childcare was assessed at 18 months in terms of paternal childcare hours on weekdays or weekends and the frequency of each type of childcare (feeding, changing diapers, bathing, putting the child to sleep, playing with the child at home, and taking the child outside). Six categories of child behavioral problems were assessed when the children were 5.5 years old. Logistic regression analysis was applied to account for the known confounding variables.Results: Longer paternal childcare hours, on both weekdays and weekends in infancy, had a protective effect on behavioral problems at 5.5 years of age. The dose-effect relationships were found between the frequency of fathers taking their children outside and behavioral problems in boys, and the frequency of fathers playing with their children at home and behavioral problems in both boys and girls.Conclusions: Paternal childcare during infancy could prevent subsequent behavioral problems in children. Several specific paternal caregiving behaviors, such as taking their children outside and playing with them at home, may play an important role in preventing subsequent behavioral problems.
The analysis and identification of charred suspected tea remains unearthed from Warring State Period Tomb
Authors: Jiang Jianrong , Lu Guoquan , Wang Qing , Wei Shuya
Published: April 2021

Recently, a tea bowl containing charred suspected tea remains unearthed from the early stage of Warring States period tomb in Zoucheng City, Shandong ProvinceChina. To identify the remains is significant for understanding the origin of tea and tea drinking culture. Scientific investigations of the remains were carried out by using calcium phytoliths analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS) and thermally assisted hydrolysis - methylation Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (THM-Py-GC/MS) techniques. Modern tea and modern tea residue were used as reference samples. Through phytoliths analyses, calcium phytoliths identifiable from tea were determined in the archeological remains. The infrared spectra of the archaeological remains was found similar as modern tea residue reference sample. In addition, the biomarker compound of tea – caffeine was determined in the archaeological remains by THM-Py-GC/MS analysis. Furthermore, through GC/MS analysis, some compounds were found both in the archeological remains and the modern tea residue reference samples. Putting the information together, it can be concluded that the archaeological remains in the tea bowl are tea residue after boiling or brewing by the ancient.
Development of thymic tumor in [LSL:KrasG12D;Pdx1-CRE ] mice, an adverse effect associated with accelerated pancreatic carcinogenesis
Authors: Liot Sophie , Kholti Naïma El , Verrier Bernard , Valcourt Ulrich , Lambert Elise
Published: April 2021

Pancreatic Ductal AdenoCarcinoma (PDAC) represents about 90% of pancreatic cancers. It is one of the most aggressive cancer, with a 5-year survival rate below 10% due to late diagnosis and poor therapeutic efficiency. This bad prognosis thus encourages intense research in order to better understand PDAC pathogenesis and molecular basis leading to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. This research frequently involves the KC (LSL:KrasG12D;Pdx1-CRE) genetically engineered mouse model, which leads to pancreatic cancer predisposition. However, as frequently encountered in animal models, the KC mouse model also exhibits biases. Herein, we report a new adverse effect of KrasG12D mutation in KC mouse model. In our hands, 10% of KC mice developed clinical signs reaching pre-defined end-points between 100- and 150-days post-parturition, and associated with large thymic mass development. Histological and genetic analyses of this massive thymus enabled us (1) to characterize it as a highly proliferative thymic lymphoma and (2) to detect the unexpected recombination of the Lox-STOP-Lox cassette upstream KrasG12D allele and subsequent KRASG12D protein expression in all cells composing thymic masses. Finally, we highlighted that development of such thymic tumor was associated with accelerated pancreatic carcinogenesis, immune compartment disorganization, and in some cases, lung malignancies.
Pheromones that Correlate with Reproductive Success in Competitive Conditions
Authors: Luzynski Kenneth C. , Nicolakis Doris , Marconi Maria Adelaide , Zala Sarah M. , Kwak Jae , Penn Dustin J.
Published: April 2021

The major urinary proteins (MUPs) of house mice (Mus musculus) bind and stabilize the release of pheromones and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from urinary scent marks, which mediate chemical communication. Social status influences MUP and VOC excretion, and the urinary scent of dominant males is attractive to females. Urinary pheromones influence the sexual behavior and physiology of conspecifics, and yet it is not known whether they also affect reproductive success. We monitored the excretion of urinary protein and VOCs of wild-derived house mice living in large seminatural enclosures to compare the sexes and to test how these compounds correlate with reproductive success. Among males, urinary protein concentration and VOC expression correlated with reproductive success and social status. Territorial dominance also correlated with reproductive success in both sexes; but among females, no urinary compounds were found to correlate with social status or reproductive success. Notably, the large sex differences in chemosensory compounds found in laboratory studies were significantly lower when the mice lived in seminatural conditions. These findings provide novel evidence for chemical signals that correlate with male reproductive success of house mice living in competitive conditions.
Primary Osseous Chondrosarcoma in the Lumbar Spine: Case Report and Literature Review With Analysis
Authors: Tu Chih-Hisu , Chiu You-Pen , Ji Hui-Ru , Chiu Cheng-Di
Published: April 2021

Background
Primary spinal chondrosarcoma (CS) is relatively rare, with a reported prevalence rate of less than 10% of all CS. En bloc surgery and resection without entering the tumor capsule typically provides a better prognosis. However, the approaches to such tumor lesions vary. Here, we present a case of CS in the lumbar spine treated with two-stage (anterior and posterior approach) en bloc surgery, along with an analysis and comparison of the characteristics and prognosis of one-stage versus two-stage surgery patients in previous studies.
Case description
A 30-year-old male with an L3 vertebral body CS presented with back pain and lower limb weakness. Lumbar spine MRI showed an L3 vertebral body tumor with cord and root compression. A two-stage surgery including posterior total laminectomy, transpedicular screw fixation over L2-L4 first with subsequent anterior corpectomy, cage implantation, and anterior lumbar interbody fusion was performed to achieve total tumor removal and stabilization. Pathology revealed a low grade CS with free resection margin. The patient’s symptoms improved after the operation, and no recurrence had occurred as of the two-year follow-up. Furthermore, we also analyzed the post-operative outcomes of 24 cases from previous publications and our current case.
Conclusions
Two-stage en bloc surgery concomitantly achieves total resection of the tumor, the preservation of neurological function, and a gain in stabilization. The analysis of cases showed that two-stage surgery, in comparison with one-stage surgery, seems to be beneficial in treating L-spine multiple segment disease, providing a lower rate of recurrence.
Piezoelectric Response in WO3-x Thin Films by Aluminum Clustering
Authors: Pineda-Domínguez Pamela , Ramos Manuel , Nogan John , López-Galán Oscar Alberto , Enríquez-Carrejo José Luis , Boll Torben , Hurtado-Macías Abel , López-Gallardo Jorge , Garay Yahir , Camacho-Montes Héctor , Heilmaier Martin
Published: April 2021

We report piezoelectric response of d33 = 35 ± 5 pm V− 1 on aluminum doped tungsten trioxide thin films (Al-WO3 − x), prepared by RF-sputtering and post annealing treatment in air atmosphere. Using XPS characterization indicate a stoichiometry of WO2.7 and Raman a distorted octahedral tungsten vibration mode of monoclinic WO3 at 236.9 cm− 1, 691 cm− 1 and 803 cm− 1 corresponding to O-W-O chemical bonds. The grazing incidence X-ray diffraction revealed a non-centrosymmetric monoclinic (P21/c) and tetragonal (P4/nmm) mixed phases of WO3 − x with islands of piezoelectric domains as observed by atomic force microscope, additionally atom probe tomography revealed diffusion of aluminum ions from Al2O3 substrate.
ADP-Ribosyltransferase PARP11 Suppresses Zika Virus in Synergy with PARP12
Authors: Li Lili , Shi Yueyue , Li Sirui , Liu Junxiao , Zu Shulong , Xu Xin , Gao Meiling , Sun Nina , Pan Chaohu , Peng Linan , Yang Heng , Cheng Genhong
Published: April 2021

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and ZIKV epidemic have been continuously spreading silently throughout the world and its associated microcephaly and other serious congenital neurological complications poses a significant global threat to public health. ZIKV infection stimulates type I interferon response in host cells which suppresses viral replication by inducing the expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Here, we identified ADP-ribosyltransferase PARP11 as an anti-ZIKV ISG and found that PARP11 suppressed ZIKV independently on itself PARP enzyme activity. Furthermore, PARP11 interacted with PARP12 and promoted PARP12-mediating ZIKV NS1 and NS3 protein degradation. Homo family PARP11 and PARP12 cooperated with each other on ZIKV suppression and the anti-ZIKV function of PARP11 mostly dependent on the existence of PARP12. Our findings have broadened the understanding of the anti-viral function of PARP11, and more importantly suggest a potential therapeutics target against ZIKV infection.
Dual-Stage Artificial Neural Network (Ann) Model for Sequential Lbmm-μedm Based Micro Drilling
Authors: Noor Wazed Ibne , Saleh Tanveer , Rashid Mir Akmam Noor , Ibrahim Azhar Bin Mohd , Ali Mohamed Sultan Mohamed
Published: April 2021

A sequential process combining laser beam micromachining(LBMM) and micro electro-discharge machining (μEDM) for the micro-drilling purpose was developed to incorporate both methods' benefits. In this sequential process, a guiding hole is produced through LBMM first, followed by μEDM applied to that same hole for more fine machining. This process facilitates a more stable, efficient machining regime with faster processing (compared to pure μEDM) and much better hole quality (compared to LBMMed holes). Studies suggest that strong correlations exist between the various input and output parameters of the sequential process. However, a mathematical model that maps and simultaneously predicts all these output parameters from the input parameters is yet to be developed. Our experimental study observed that the µEDM finishing operation's various output parameters are influenced by the morphological condition of the LBMMed holes. Hence, an artificial neural network(ANN) based dual-stage modelling method was developed to predict the sequential process's outputs. The first stage of the dual-stage model was utilized to predict various LBMM process outputs from different laser input parameters. Furthermore, in the second stage, LBMM predicted outputs (such as pilot hole entry area, exit area, recast layer, and heat affected zone) were used for the final prediction of the sequential process outputs (i.e. machining time by μEDM, machining stability during μEDM in terms of short circuit count and tool wear during μEDM). The model was evaluated based on the average RMSE (Root Mean Square Errors) values for the individual output parameters' complete set data, i.e. μEDM time, short circuit count and tool wear. The values of Average RMSE for the parameters as mentioned earlier were found to be 0.1272(87.28% accuracy), 0.1085(89.15% accuracy), 0.097 (90.3% accuracy), respectively.
Epidemiological Characteristics and Genetic Diversity of Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus (CIAV) in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Zeng Fancong , Li Wenfeng , Ke Junhong , Wen Feng , Guo Jinyue , Zhang Xuelian , Huang Shujiang , Mei Kun
Published: April 2021

Chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) is an immunosuppressive disease that causes enormous economic loss to the poultry industry worldwide, transmitted vertically and horizontally. In recent years, CIAV outbreaks have frequently occurred in southern China since 2014, especially in the Guangdong province. However, there is a lack of epidemiological studies of CIAV in Guangdong province. We performed PCR by using the serum and tissue samples collected from seven cities of Guangdong province. The PCR-positive tissue samples were inoculated into SPF eggs and MSB1 cells for virus isolation by blind-passages three times. This study isolated and characterized 325 serum samples and four tissue samples, the total positive CIAV rate of 62.15% in serum samples, and all four tissues were positive for the CIAV. However, the virus could only be isolated from MSB1 cells. Sequence analysis revealed that the four isolated comparisons with those in the GenBank showed high nucleotide similarities and were near clade C2. Our data showed over 60% of positive cases for CIAV serological analysis consist of seven cities, Which may lead to severe immunosuppressive effects in chickens. In summary, these findings provide new insights to guide molecular epidemiological surveillance of CIAV in Guangdong province.
Development of Graphene Oxide Nanosheets as Potential Biomaterials in Cancer Therapeutics: An In-Vitro Study against Breast Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Mohanta Yugal Kishore , Biswas Kunal , Rauta Pradipta Ranjan , De Debashis , Hashem Abeer , Alqarawi Abdulaziz A. , Abd-Allah Elsayed Fathi , Mahanta Saurov , Mohanta Tapan Kumar
Published: April 2021

Recent advances in nanotechnology and nano biomaterials have attracted considerable attention in the field of cancer therapy. The development of biocompatible nanotherapeutics that selectively target cancer cells is a prime area of interest and current research. The use of graphene is being explored in a variety of sciences, ranging from electronics to biomedical fields. In the present study, graphene oxide nanosheets were synthesized using a modified Hummer’s method. FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-Ray Diffraction analyses were used to characterize the as-synthesized nanosheets. FE-SEM and HR-TEM were also used to examine the structure of the as-synthesized nanosheets. Surface topography and thickness measurements were also conducted by Atomic Force Microscopy. Results indicated that the lateral thickness of the graphene nanosheets was approximately 6.45 nm, which was corroborated by the TEM and AFM analyses. Characteristic defect peaks observed in Raman spectroscopy and electron microscopy images along with the respective EDAX calculations confirmed the formation of graphene nanosheets. The potential biomedical application of graphene nanosheets was evaluated by assessing the cytotoxicity of the graphene nanosheets against human breast adenocarcinoma [MDA-MB-231] and HaCaT normal cell lines. Two different in-vitro, anti-oxidant activity assays of Graphene Oxide [GO] were employed, namely DPPH radical and the H2O2 scavenging activity. Antioxidant activity of GO was assessed in a measured concentration-dependent manner to better understand the cytotoxicity of the GO sheets in the different cell lines. The in-vitro tests revealed that the GO sheets had a high level of cytotoxicity to the human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells that was concentration dependent. In contrast, the cytotoxicity of the GO sheets against the HaCaT normal cell line was marginal, suggesting that the graphene nanosheets could be safely used in cancer therapy.
Differential Chemokine Alteration in the Variants of Primary Progressive Aphasia – A Role for Neuroinflammation
Authors: Esteve Aitana Sogorb , Swift Imogen J. , Woollacott Ione O.C. , Warren Jason D. , Zetterberg Henrik , Rohrer Jonathan D.
Published: April 2021

Background

The primary progressive aphasias (PPA) represent a group of usually sporadic neurodegenerative disorders with three main variants: the nonfluent or agrammatic variant (nfvPPA), the semantic variant (svPPA), and the logopenic variant (lvPPA). They are usually associated with a specific underlying pathology: nfvPPA with a primary tauopathy, svPPA with a TDP-43 proteinopathy, and lvPPA with underlying Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Little is known about their cause or pathophysiology but prior studies in both AD and svPPA have suggested a role for neuroinflammation. In this study we set out to investigate the role of chemokines across the PPA spectrum, with a primary focus on central changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Methods

36 participants with sporadic PPA (11 svPPA, 13 nfvPPA and 12 lvPPA) as well as 19 healthy controls were recruited to the study and donated CSF and plasma samples. All patients with lvPPA had a tau/Aβ42 biomarker profile consistent with AD, whilst this was normal in the other PPA groups and controls. We assessed twenty chemokines in CSF and plasma using Proximity Extension Assay technology: CCL2 (MCP-1), CCL3 (MIP-1a), CCL4 (MIP-1β), CCL7 (MCP-3), CCL8 (MCP-2), CCL11 (eotaxin), CCL13 (MCP-4), CCL19, CCL20, CCL23, CCL25, CCL28, CX3CL1 (fractalkine), CXCL1, CXCL5, CXCL6, CXCL8 (IL-8), CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11.
Results

In CSF, CCL19 and CXCL6 were decreased in both svPPA and nfvPPA compared with controls whilst CXCL5, was decreased in the nfvPPA group with a borderline significant decrease in the svPPA group. In contrast, CCL2, CCL3 and CX3CL1 were increased in lvPPA compared with controls and nfvPPA (and greater than svPPA for CX3CL1). CXCL1 was also increased in lvPPA compared with nfvPPA but not the other groups. CX3CL1 was significantly correlated with CSF total tau concentrations in the controls and each of the PPA groups. Fewer significant differences were seen between groups in plasma, although in general, results were in the opposite direction to CSF i.e. decreased in lvPPA compared with controls (CCL3 and CCL19), and increased in svPPA (CCL8) and nfvPPA (CCL13).
Conclusion

Differential alteration of chemokines across the PPA variants is seen in both CSF and plasma. Importantly, these results suggest a role for neuroinflammation in these poorly understood sporadic disorders, and therefore also a potential future therapeutic target.
Enhanced Scanning Electron Microscopy Images Using Muscovite Mica, an Example with Rhizaria
Authors: Monferrer Natalia Llopis , Foulon Valentin , Elies Philippe
Published: April 2021

Muscovite Mica sheets were used as a support to capture scanning electron microscopy pictures. The physical properties of the cleaved Muscovite Mica provide a clean background, which greatly reduces the post-processing of images, thereby enhancing them and resulting in impressive images. We chose siliceous Rhizaria for this investigation due to their morphological diversity and elaborate skeletons.
Development and Evaluation of an Indirect ELISA for Detection of Infection with Teladorsagia Circumcincta in Sheep
Authors: Aliabadi Jalal , Rakhshandehroo Ehsan , Yektaseresht Azadeh
Published: April 2021

Background

The gastrointestinal helminth, Teladorsagia circumcincta, is one of the major health risk and production-limiting disease in small ruminant populations, particularly in temperate regions. With the increasing importance of the disease management and recruited anthelminic resistant types, accurate approaches are needed for diagnosis of the infection in the host. Because of uncertain results using faecal examinations, the ELISA method was indicated for detection of the nematode antigenic materials. Despite some promising results, problems were described in terms of the test specificity and the cross-reactions. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate worm somatic and excretory/secretory (ES) products using western blot analysis and an indirect ELISA for detecting T. circumcincta infection in sheep.
Results

Based on the immuno-reactivity analysis, immunogenic fractions with molecular weights of approximately 60, 75 and 100 kDa were detected in somatic content and two antigens of about 63 and 75 kDa in ES material. Accordingly, a specific product at 75 kDa had the strongest reaction and appeared as the most common antigenic protein. In ELISA, all sera from the infected sheep revealed the OD rates above the calculated cut-off value with about two-fold greater in average. Negative control samples were also specifically recognized with the mean OD rate of about 1/3 of the estimated cut-off value. The cross-reaction test, using rabbit hyperimmune sera, did not show reactivity with ES antigens of other prevalent nematodes include Haemonchus contortus, Protostrongylus rufescens and Marshallagia marshalli. In contrast, a strong positive reaction was found with the somatic antigens of M. marshalli.
Conclusions

The results obtained here indicates the indirect ELISA method using the ES content enables distinguishing the T. circumcincta infected sheep with high specificity. Those antigenic ES peptides with 63 and particularly 75 kDa molecular weights should be more investigated due to the potential for serological diagnostic methods and immunoprotective targets in the host.
The Direct and Indirect Effects of Clinical Empathy on Well-Being among Pre-Medical Students: A Structural Equation Model Approach
Authors: MacArthur Kelly , Stacey Clare , Harvey Sarah , Markle Jonathan
Published: April 2021

Background: Empathy is a well-established facet of clinical competency that research suggests is associated with enhanced medical student well-being. Since little is known about empathy and well-being before students enter medical school—during pre-medical education—the main goal of this study is to test a conceptual model of how clinical empathy is related to two indicators of well-being, depression, and burnout among pre-medical students. The theoretical model hypothesizes that three dimensions of clinical empathy—Perspective-Taking, Compassionate Care, and Standing in Patients’ Shoes— will be directly and negatively related to depression, as well as indirectly through its inverse relationship with three facets of burnout, Emotional Exhaustion, Poor Academic Efficacy, and Cynicism. Methods: Using survey data from a sample of 132 pre-medical students at an American Midwestern university, this study employs structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the theoretical model of the relationships between empathy, burnout, and depression among pre-medical students. We identify the direct effects of the three dimensions of the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSE-S) on depression (CES-D), as well as the indirect effects of clinical empathy on depression through the three dimensions of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-S). Results: SEM analyses show that while none of the three dimensions of the JSE-S are directly related to depression, clinical empathy does significantly affect depression indirectly through burnout. Specifically, as predicted, we find that Perspective-Taking decreases Emotional Exhaustion, but, contrary to expectations, Compassionate Care increases it. And, the positive relationship between Compassionate Care and Emotional Exhaustion is particularly strong. In turn, Perspective-Taking and Compassionate Care are associated with depression in opposite directions and to different degrees. Conclusions: Findings suggest that clinical empathy as measured by the JSE-S produces both positive and negative effects on personal well-being. We conclude that further conceptual clarity of clinical empathy is needed to better discern how the different dimensions impact different indicators of well-being. Given that pre-medical education is a crucial time for emotional socialization, the challenge for medical education will be fostering the positive, cognitive aspects of clinical empathy while simultaneously mitigating the adverse effects of affective empathy on medical student well-being.