bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A haemagglutination test for rapid detection of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Townsend Alain , Rijal Pramila , Xiao Julie , Tan Tiong Kit , Huang Kuan-Ying A. , Schimanski Lisa , Huo Jiandong , Gupta Nimesh , Rahikainen Rolle , Matthews Philippa C. , Crook Derrick , Hoosdally Sarah , Dunachie Susanna , Barnes Eleanor , Street Teresa , Conlon Christopher P. , Frater John , Arancibia-Cárcamo Carolina V. , Rudkin Justine , Stoesser Nicole , Karpe Fredrik , Neville Matthew , Ploeg Rutger , Oliveira Marta , Roberts David J. , Lamikanra Abigail A. , Tsang Hoi Pat , Bown Abbie , Vipond Richard , Mentzer Alexander J. , Knight Julian C. , Kwok Andrew J. , Screaton Gavin R. , Mongkolsapaya Juthathip , Dejnirattisai Wanwisa , Supasa Piyada , Klenerman Paul , Dold Christina , Baillie J. Kenneth , Moore Shona C. , Openshaw Peter J. M. , Semple Malcolm G. , Turtle Lance C. W. , Ainsworth Mark , Allcock Alice , Beer Sally , Bibi Sagida , Skelly Donal , Stafford Lizzy , Jeffrey Katie , O’Donnell Denise , Clutterbuck Elizabeth , Espinosa Alexis , Mendoza Maria , Georgiou Dominique , Lockett Teresa , Martinez Jose , Perez Elena , Gallardo Sanchez Veronica , Scozzafava Giuseppe , Sobrinodiaz Alberto , Thraves Hannah , Joly Etienne
Published: March 2021

Serological detection of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 is essential for establishing rates of seroconversion in populations, and for seeking evidence for a level of antibody that may be protective against COVID-19 disease. Several high-performance commercial tests have been described, but these require centralised laboratory facilities that are comparatively expensive, and therefore not available universally. Red cell agglutination tests do not require special equipment, are read by eye, have short development times, low cost and can be applied at the Point of Care. Here we describe a quantitative Haemagglutination test (HAT) for the detection of antibodies to the receptor binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The HAT has a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 99% for detection of antibodies after a PCR diagnosed infection. We will supply aliquots of the test reagent sufficient for ten thousand test wells free of charge to qualified research groups anywhere in the world.
Bomb 137Cs in modern honey reveals a regional soil control on pollutant cycling by plants
Authors: Kaste J. M. , Volante P. , Elmore A. J.
Published: March 2021

137Cs is a long-lived (30-year radioactive half-life) fission product dispersed globally by mid-20th century atmospheric nuclear weapons testing. Here we show that vegetation thousands of kilometers from testing sites continues to cycle137Cs because it mimics potassium, and consequently, bees magnify this radionuclide in honey. There were no atmospheric weapons tests in the eastern United States, but most honey here has detectable137Cs at >0.03 Bq kg−1, and in the southeastern U.S., activities can be >500 times higher. By measuring honey, we show regional patterns in the biogeochemical cycling of137Cs and conclude that plants and animals receive disproportionally high exposure to ionizing radiation from137Cs in low potassium soils. In several cases, the presence of137Cs more than doubled the ionizing radiation from gamma and x-rays in the honey, indicating that despite its radioactive half-life, the environmental legacy of regional137Cs pollution can persist for more than six decades.
Reversed evolution of grazer resistance to cyanobacteria
Authors: Isanta-Navarro Jana , Hairston Nelson G. , Beninde Jannik , Meyer Axel , Straile Dietmar , Möst Markus , Martin-Creuzburg Dominik
Published: March 2021

Exploring the capability of organisms to cope with human-caused environmental change is crucial for assessing the risk of extinction and biodiversity loss. We study the consequences of changing nutrient pollution for the freshwater keystone grazer, Daphnia, in a large lake with a well-documented history of eutrophication and oligotrophication. Experiments using decades-old genotypes resurrected from the sediment egg bank revealed that nutrient enrichment in the middle of the 20th century, resulting in the proliferation of harmful cyanobacteria, led to the rapid evolution of grazer resistance to cyanobacteria. We show here that the subsequent reduction in nutrient input, accompanied by a decrease in cyanobacteria, resulted in the re-emergence of highly susceptible Daphnia genotypes. Expression and subsequent loss of grazer resistance occurred at high evolutionary rates, suggesting opposing selection and that maintaining resistance was costly. We provide a rare example of reversed evolution of a fitness-relevant trait in response to relaxed selection.
UXT chaperone prevents proteotoxicity by acting as an autophagy adaptor for p62-dependent aggrephagy
Authors: Yoon Min Ji , Choi Boyoon , Kim Eun Jin , Ohk Jiyeon , Yang Chansik , Choi Yeon-Gil , Lee Jinyoung , Kang Chanhee , Song Hyun Kyu , Kim Yoon Ki , Woo Jae-Sung , Cho Yongcheol , Choi Eui-Ju , Jung Hosung , Kim Chungho
Published: March 2021

p62/SQSTM1 is known to act as a key mediator in the selective autophagy of protein aggregates, or aggrephagy, by steering ubiquitinated protein aggregates towards the autophagy pathway. Here, we use a yeast two-hybrid screen to identify the prefoldin-like chaperone UXT as an interacting protein of p62. We show that UXT can bind to protein aggregates as well as the LB domain of p62, and, possibly by forming an oligomer, increase p62 clustering for its efficient targeting to protein aggregates, thereby promoting the formation of the p62 body and clearance of its cargo via autophagy. We also find that ectopic expression of human UXT delays SOD1(A4V)-induced degeneration of motor neurons in a Xenopus model system, and that specific disruption of the interaction between UXT and p62 suppresses UXT-mediated protection. Together, these results indicate that UXT functions as an autophagy adaptor of p62-dependent aggrephagy. Furthermore, our study illustrates a cooperative relationship between molecular chaperones and the aggrephagy machinery that efficiently removes misfolded protein aggregates.
Expanding the scope of plant genome engineering with Cas12a orthologs and highly multiplexable editing systems
Authors: Zhang Yingxiao , Ren Qiurong , Tang Xu , Liu Shishi , Malzahn Aimee A. , Zhou Jianping , Wang Jiaheng , Yin Desuo , Pan Changtian , Yuan Mingzhu , Huang Lan , Yang Han , Zhao Yuxin , Fang Qing , Zheng Xuelian , Tian Li , Cheng Yanhao , Le Ysa , McCoy Bailey , Franklin Lidiya , Selengut Jeremy D. , Mount Stephen M. , Que Qiudeng , Zhang Yong , Qi Yiping
Published: March 2021

CRISPR-Cas12a is a promising genome editing system for targeting AT-rich genomic regions. Comprehensive genome engineering requires simultaneous targeting of multiple genes at defined locations. Here, to expand the targeting scope of Cas12a, we screen nine Cas12a orthologs that have not been demonstrated in plants, and identify six, ErCas12a, Lb5Cas12a, BsCas12a, Mb2Cas12a, TsCas12a and MbCas12a, that possess high editing activity in rice. Among them, Mb2Cas12a stands out with high editing efficiency and tolerance to low temperature. An engineered Mb2Cas12a-RVRR variant enables editing with more relaxed PAM requirements in rice, yielding two times higher genome coverage than the wild type SpCas9. To enable large-scale genome engineering, we compare 12 multiplexed Cas12a systems and identify a potent system that exhibits nearly 100% biallelic editing efficiency with the ability to target as many as 16 sites in rice. This is the highest level of multiplex edits in plants to date using Cas12a. Two compact single transcript unit CRISPR-Cas12a interference systems are also developed for multi-gene repression in rice and Arabidopsis. This study greatly expands the targeting scope of Cas12a for crop genome engineering.
Effects of long sleep time and irregular sleep–wake rhythm on cognitive function in older people
Authors: Okuda Masato , Noda Akiko , Iwamoto Kunihiro , Nakashima Honoka , Takeda Kozue , Miyata Seiko , Yasuma Fumihiko , Ozaki Norio , Shimouchi Akito
Published: March 2021

Sleep disturbances and cognitive decline are common in older adults. We aimed to investigate the effects of the total sleep time (TST) and sleep–wake rhythm on executive function and working memory in older adults. In 63 older participants, we measured the TST, wake after sleep onset (WASO), and sleep timing (midpoint between bedtime and wake-up time) using actigraphy. Executive function was evaluated with the trail making test B (TMT-B) and Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST). The number of back task (N-back task) was used to measure working memory. Participants with a TST ≥ 8 h had a significantly lower percentage of correct answers (% correct) on the 1-back task than those with a TST < 8 h. The % correct on the 1-back task was significantly correlated with the TST, WASO, and sleep timing. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the TST and sleep timing were significant factors of the % correct on the 1-back task. The TMT-B score was significantly correlated with the sleep timing. Category achievement on the WCST was significantly correlated with the standard deviation of the sleep timing. Therefore, a long sleep time and an irregular sleep–wake rhythm could have adverse effects on executive function and working memory in older people.
A smart viral vector for targeted delivery of hydrophobic drugs
Authors: Ghosh Sukanya , Banerjee Manidipa
Published: March 2021

Targeted delivery of hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs to tumor cells remains a fundamental problem in cancer therapy. Effective encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs in nano-vehicles can improve their pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and prevent off-target localization. We have devised a method for easy chemical conjugation and multivalent display of a tumor-homing peptide to virus-like particles of a non-mammalian virus, Flock House Virus (FHV), to engineer it into a smart vehicle for targeted delivery of hydrophobic drugs. This conjugation method provides dual functionalization to the VLPs, first, a 2 kDa PEG spacer arm shields VLPs from immune reactivity, and second, attachment of the tumor homing peptide tLyP-1 chauffeurs the encapsulated hydrophobic drugs to target cells. The fortuitous affinity of the FHV capsid towards hydrophobic molecules, and dependence on Ca2+ for maintaining a stable capsid shell, were utilized for incorporation of hydrophobic drugs—doxorubicin and ellipticine—in tLyP-1 conjugated VLPs. The drug release profile from the VLP was observed to be gradual, and strictly endosomal pH dependent. We propose that this accessible platform empowers surface functionalization of VLP with numerous ligands containing terminal cysteines, for generating competent delivery vehicles, antigenic display and other biomedical applications.
Impact of climate change and management strategies on water and salt balance of the polders and islands in the Ganges delta
Authors: Mainuddin Mohammed , Karim Fazlul , Gaydon Donald S. , Kirby John M.
Published: March 2021

Enhancing crop production, particularly by growing a crop in the typically-fallow dry season is a key strategy for alleviating poverty in the Ganges delta region. We used a polder water and salt balance model to examine the impact of several crop management, salt management and climate change scenarios on salinity and crop evapotranspiration at Dacope and Amtali in Bangladesh and Gosaba in India. A key (and unsurprising) finding is that salt management is very important, particularly at the two drier sites, Dacope and Gosaba. Good salt management lowers salinity in the shallow groundwater, soil and water storage ponds, and leads to more irrigation. Climate change is projected to alter rainfall, and this in turn leads to modelled increases or decreases in runoff from the polders, and thence affect salt concentrations in the soil and ponds and canals. Thus, the main impacts of climate change are through the indirect impacts on salt concentrations, rather than the direct impacts of the amount of water supplied as rainfall. Management practices to remove salt from polders are therefore likely to be effective in combatting the impacts of projected climate change particularly at Dacope and Gosaba.
Revisiting single cell analysis in forensic science
Authors: Watkins Davis R. L. , Myers Dan , Xavier Hannah E. , Marciano Michael A.
Published: March 2021

Forensic science has yet to take full advantage of single cell analysis. Its greatest benefit is the ability to alleviate the challenges associated with DNA mixture analysis, which remains a significant hurdle in forensic science. Many of the factors that cause complexity in mixture interpretation are absent in single cell analyses—multiple contributors, varied levels of contribution, and allele masking. This study revisits single cell analyses in the context of forensic identification, introducing previously unseen depth to the characterization of data generated from single cells using a novel pipeline that includes recovery of single cells using the DEPArray NxT and amplification using the PowerPlex Fusion 6c kit with varied PCR cycles (29, 30, and 31). The resulting allelic signal was assessed using analytical thresholds of 10, 100, and 150RFU. The mean peak heights across the sample sets generally increased as cycle number increased, 75.0 ± 85.3, 147.1 ± 172.6, and 226.1 ± 298.2 RFU, for 29, 30, and 31 cycles, respectively. The average proportion of allele/locus dropout was most significantly impacted by changes in the detection threshold, whereas increases in PCR cycle number had less impact. Overall data quality improved notably when increasing PCR from 29 to 30 cycles, less improvement and more volatility was introduced at 31 cycles. The average random match probabilities for the 29, 30, and 31 cycle sets at 150RFU are 1 in 2.4 × 1018 ± 1.46 × 1019, 1 in 1.49 × 1025 ± 5.8 × 1025, and 1 in 1.83 × 1024 ± 8.09 × 1024, respectively. This demonstrates the current power of single cell analysis in removing the need for complex mixture analysis.
Clinical and genetic spectrum of glycogen storage disease in Iranian population using targeted gene sequencing
Authors: Beyzaei Zahra , Ezgu Fatih , Geramizadeh Bita , Imanieh Mohammad Hadi , Haghighat Mahmood , Dehghani Seyed Mohsen , Honar Naser , Zahmatkeshan Mojgan , Jassbi Amirreza , Mahboubifar Marjan , Alborzi Alireza
Published: March 2021

Glycogen storage diseases (GSDs) are known as complex disorders with overlapping manifestations. These features also preclude a specific clinical diagnosis, requiring more accurate paraclinical tests. To evaluate the patients with particular diagnosis features characterizing GSD, an observational retrospective case study was designed by performing a targeted gene sequencing (TGS) for accurate subtyping. A total of the 14 pediatric patients were admitted to our hospital and referred for molecular genetic testing using TGS. Seven genes namely SLC37A4, AGL, GBE1, PYGL, PHKB, PGAM2, and PRKAG2 were detected to be responsible for the onset of the clinical symptoms. A total number of 15 variants were identified i.e. mostly loss-of-function (LoF) variants, of which 10 variants were novel. Finally, diagnosis of GSD types Ib, III, IV, VI, IXb, IXc, X, and GSD of the heart, lethal congenital was made in 13 out of the 14 patients. Notably, GSD-IX and GSD of the heart-lethal congenital (i.e. PRKAG2 deficiency) patients have been reported in Iran for the first time which shown the development of liver cirrhosis with novel variants. These results showed that TGS, in combination with clinical, biochemical, and pathological hallmarks, could provide accurate and high-throughput results for diagnosing and sub-typing GSD and related diseases.
Biofabrication of chitosan/chitosan nanoparticles/polycaprolactone transparent membrane for corneal endothelial tissue engineering
Authors: Tayebi Tahereh , Baradaran-Rafii Alireza , Hajifathali Abbas , Rahimpour Azam , Zali Hakimeh , Shaabani Alireza , Niknejad Hassan
Published: March 2021

We aimed to construct a biodegradable transparent scaffold for culturing corneal endothelial cells by incorporating chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) into chitosan/polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes. Various ratios of CSNP/PCL were prepared in the presence of constant concentration of chitosan and the films were constructed by solvent casting method. Scaffold properties including transparency, surface wettability, FTIR, and biocompatibility were examined. SEM imaging, H&E staining, and cell count were performed to investigate the HCECs adhesion. The phenotypic maintenance of the cells during culture was investigated by flow cytometry. Transparency and surface wettability improved by increasing the CSNP/PCL ratio. The CSNP/PCL 50/25, which has the lowest WCA, showed comparable transparency with human acellular corneal stroma. The scaffold was not cytotoxic and promoted the HCECs proliferation as evaluated by MTT assay. Cell counting, flow cytometry, SEM, and H&E results showed appropriate attachment of HCECs to the scaffold which formed a compact monolayer. The developed scaffold seems to be suitable for use in corneal endothelial regeneration in terms of transparency and biocompatibility.
Propagation of shear stress in strongly interacting metallic Fermi liquids enhances transmission of terahertz radiation
Authors: Valentinis D. , Zaanen J. , van der Marel D.
Published: March 2021

A highlight of Fermi-liquid phenomenology, as explored in neutral $$^3$$

3

He, is the observation that in the collisionless regime shear stress propagates as if one is dealing with the transverse phonon of a solid. The existence of this “transverse zero sound” requires that the quasiparticle mass enhancement exceeds a critical value. Could such a propagating shear stress also exist in strongly correlated electron systems? Despite some noticeable differences with the neutral case in the Galilean continuum, we arrive at the verdict that transverse zero sound should be generic for mass enhancement higher than 3. We present an experimental setup that should be exquisitely sensitive in this regard: the transmission of terahertz radiation through a thin slab of heavy-fermion material will be strongly enhanced at low temperature and accompanied by giant oscillations, which reflect the interference between light itself and the “material photon” being the actual manifestation of transverse zero sound in the charged Fermi liquid.
Camel whey protein hydrolysates induced G2/M cellcycle arrest in human colorectal carcinoma
Authors: Murali Chandraprabha , Mudgil Priti , Gan Chee-Yuen , Tarazi Hamadeh , El-Awady Raafat , Abdalla Youssef , Amin Amr , Maqsood Sajid
Published: March 2021

Camel milk has been gaining immmense importance due to high nutritious value and medicinal properties. Peptides from milk proteins is gaining popularity in various therapeutics including human cancer. The study was aimed to investigate the anti-cancerous and anti-inflammatory properties of camel whey protein hydrolysates (CWPHs). CWPHs were generated at three temperatures (30 ℃, 37 ℃, and 45 ℃), two hydrolysis timepoints (120 and 360 min) and with three different enzyme concentrations (0.5, 1 and 2 %). CWPHs demonstrated an increase in anti-inflammatory effect between 732.50 (P-6.1) and 3779.16 (P-2.1) µg Dicolfenac Sodium Equivalent (DSE)/mg protein. CWPHs (P-4.3 & 5.2) inhibited growth of human colon carcinoma cells (HCT116) with an IC50 value of 231 and 221 μg/ml, respectively. P-4.3 induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and modulated the expression of Cdk1, p-Cdk1, Cyclin B1, p-histone H3, p21 and p53. Docking of two peptides (AHLEQVLLR and ALPNIDPPTVER) from CWPHs (P-4.3) identified Polo like kinase 1 as a potential target, which strongly supports our in vitro data and provides an encouraging insight into developing a novel peptide-based anticancer formulation. These results suggest that the active component, CWPHs (P-4.3), can be further studied and modeled to form a small molecule anti-cancerous therapy.
Increased mortality in patients with non cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis with respiratory comorbidities
Authors: Choi Hayoung , Yang Bumhee , Kim Yun Jin , Sin Sooim , Jo Yong Suk , Kim Youlim , Park Hye Yun , Ra Seung Won , Oh Yeon-Mok , Chung Sung Jun , Yeo Yoomi , Park Dong Won , Park Tai Sun , Moon Ji-Yong , Kim Sang-Heon , Kim Tae-Hyung , Yoon Ho Joo , Sohn Jang Won , Lee Hyun
Published: March 2021

There are limited data regarding whether mortality is higher in patients with non cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (bronchiectasis) than in those without bronchiectasis. Using 2005–2015 data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service, we evaluated hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality in the bronchiectasis cohort relative to the matched cohort. The effect of comorbidities over the study period on the relative mortality was also assessed. All-cause mortality was significantly higher in the bronchiectasis cohort than in the matched cohort (2505/100,000 vs 2142/100,000 person-years, respectively; P < 0.001). Mortality risk was 1.15-fold greater in the bronchiectasis cohort than in the matched cohort (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–1.22); mortality was greatest among elderly patients (HR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.10–1.25) and men (HR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.10–1.29). Comorbidities over the study period significantly increased the risk of death in the bronchiectasis cohort relative to the matched cohort: asthma (adjusted HR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.11–1.30), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (adjusted HR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.15–1.34), pneumonia (adjusted HR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.39–1.63), lung cancer (adjusted HR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.61–2.12), and cardiovascular disease (adjusted HR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.23–1.45). In contrast, there were no significant differences in the risk of death in patients without bronchiectasis-related comorbidities and the matched cohort, except in the case of non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection. In conclusion, all-cause mortality was higher in patients with bronchiectasis cohort than those without bronchiectasis, especially in elderly patients and men. Comorbidities over the study period played a major role in increasing mortality in patients with bronchiectasis relative to those without bronchiectasis.
The effect of Aspalathus linearis (Burm.f.) R.Dahlgren and its compounds on tyrosinase and melanogenesis
Authors: Blom van Staden Analike , Oosthuizen Carel B. , Lall Namrita
Published: March 2021

Pigmentation, a process controlled by melanogenesis, plays a vital role in protecting the skin against harmful ultraviolet rays. The level of protection is compromised in case of hypopigmentation. This study aimed to evaluate anAspalathus linearisextract, fractions and phytoconstituents, for their efficacy on melanogenesis stimulation. Fifteen compounds were kinetically assessed against tyrosinase; the rate-limiting enzyme of melanogenesis. Aspalathin and catechin significantly (pvalue < 0.001) increased the enzymatic rate, showing 50% stimulatory effects at 119.70 ± 2.06 µg/mL and 143.30 ± 2.74 µg/mL, respectively, by acting as subversive substrates. Five compounds inhibited the enzyme’s activity, of which four exhibited competitive inhibition. To investigate the molecular interactions between the compounds and the active site, molecular docking was done, using tyrosinase (PBD: 2Y9X) and tyrosinase related protein 1 (PBD: 5M8P). All the compounds docked successfully with acceptable docking scores. Further quantitative structure–activity relationship analysis identified potential functional groups, linked to the specific activity. The crude extract, its fractions, and compounds exhibited low antiproliferative activity with 50% cell viability at concentrations higher than 100 µg/mL. Finally, both aspalathin and catechin exhibited a significant increase (4.5%) in melanin production at 119.82 µg/mL and 76.92 µg/mL, respectively. This is the first report ofA. linearis’compounds on skin re-pigmentation.
New method for early evaluation of clitoris innervation using clitoro-perineal reflex after feminizing genitoplasty in early childhood: a pilot-study
Authors: Bidault Valeska , Botto Nathalie , Paye-Jaouen Annabel , Leger Juliane , Josset-Raffet Éliane , Martinerie Laetitia , Peycelon Matthieu , El-Ghoneimi Alaa
Published: March 2021

A major complication of feminizing genitoplasty in children is the loss of clitoral sensation with serious impact at adult life. We suggest a new method to evaluate the surgical results during childhood based on the bulbocavernosus or clitoro-perineal reflex (CPR). The afferent pathway of CPR implies the intact sensory receptors on the clitoral glans. Girls with congenital adrenal hyperplasia who were followed-up medically without surgery or who underwent feminizing genitoplasty with or without clitoroplasty were included (2002–2018). All clitoroplasties were standardized reduction clitoroplasty with preservation of neurovascular bundles associated with vaginoplasty and vestibuloplasty. Standardized examinations were prospectively performed including the CPR starting at one year postoperatively. The reflex was triggered by gentle touch of the glans by a cotton swab. Contraction of the perineal muscles was considered positive. Thirty-two children were operated at a median age of 8.6 months (5.8–12.1). Median follow-up (FU) was 3.9 years (1.3–6.4). Twenty-four patients had clitoroplasties: 17 were tested for CPR at one-year FU, and all had a positive test. Eight girls had genitoplasty without clitoral surgery, two of them were tested and were positive. Ten patients were managed without surgery, two of them were tested for the CPR and were positive. The reflex was always triggered easily and repeated at least twice during the FU. The clitoro-perineal reflex is a simple, non-invasive and reproducible test in early childhood and may serve as an early evaluation tool of clitoral innervation after feminizing genitoplasty. These results need to be confirmed at long term and completed at adult life.
Use of iron mine tailing as fillers to polyethylene
Authors: Coura Ítalo R. , Carmignano Ottavio R. D. R. , Heitmann Ana Pacheli , Lameiras Fernando S. , Lago Rochel M. , de O. Patricio Patrícia S.
Published: March 2021

The iron mine tailings accumulation in dams is an environmental and economic problem. The composite based on high-density polyethylene/iron mine tailing production for the application of wood plastic and some items of domestic plastic industry can be a good alternative to reduce the rejects in the environment. This work presents the influence of the processing methodology in the mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of composites based on the high-density polyethylene/iron mine tailing. Four methodology processing by continuous and/or batch mixing were available. The iron mine tailing particles in the polymer matrix promoted an increase in mechanical strength and thermal stability. Besides, the particles acted as flame retardant. The iron mine tailing materials produced using batch mixing showed more significant modifications in the properties due to the better dispersion of the filler as shown by scanning electron microscopy.
Sensitivity of cells to ATR and CHK1 inhibitors requires hyperactivation of CDK2 rather than endogenous replication stress or ATM dysfunction
Authors: Ditano Jennifer P. , Donahue Katelyn L. , Tafe Laura J. , McCleery Charlotte F. , Eastman Alan
Published: March 2021

DNA damage activates cell cycle checkpoint proteins ATR and CHK1 to arrest cell cycle progression, providing time for repair and recovery. Consequently, inhibitors of ATR (ATRi) and CHK1 (CHK1i) enhance damage-induced cell death. Intriguingly, both CHK1i and ATRi alone elicit cytotoxicity in some cell lines. Sensitivity has been attributed to endogenous replications stress, but many more cell lines are sensitive to ATRi than CHK1i. Endogenous activation of the DNA damage response also did not correlate with drug sensitivity. Sensitivity correlated with the appearance of γH2AX, a marker of DNA damage, but without phosphorylation of mitotic markers, contradicting suggestions that the damage is due to premature mitosis. Sensitivity to ATRi has been associated with ATM mutations, but dysfunction in ATM signaling did not correlate with sensitivity. CHK1i and ATRi circumvent replication stress by reactivating stalled replicons, a process requiring a low threshold activity of CDK2. In contrast, γH2AX induced by single agent ATRi and CHK1i requires a high threshold activity CDK2. Hence, phosphorylation of different CDK2 substrates is required for cytotoxicity induced by replication stress plus ATRi/CHK1i as compared to their single agent activity. In summary, sensitivity to ATRi and CHK1i as single agents is elicited by premature hyper-activation of CDK2.
Accelerated Varroa destructor population growth in honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies is associated with visitation from non-natal bees
Authors: Kulhanek Kelly , Garavito Andrew , vanEngelsdorp Dennis
Published: March 2021

A leading cause of managed honey bee colony mortality in the US, Varroa destructor populations typically exceed damaging levels in the fall. One explanation for rapid population increases is migration of mite carrying bees between colonies. Here, the degree to which bees from high and low mite donor colonies move between apiaries, and the effect visitation has on Varroa populations was monitored. More bees from low mite colonies (n = 37) were detected in receiver apiaries than bees from high mite colonies (n = 10, p < 0.001). Receiver colony Varroa population growth was associated with visitation by non-natal bees (p = 0.03), but not high mite bees alone (p = 0.19). Finally, colonies lacking robbing screens experienced faster Varroa population growth than screened neighbors (p = 0.01). Results indicate visiting non-natal bees may vector mites to receiver colonies. These results do not support the current two leading theories regarding mite immigration – the “mite bomb” theory (bees from high mite colonies emigrating to collapsing colonies), or the “robbing” theory (natal robbing bees return home with mites from collapsing colonies). Potential host-parasite effects to bee behavior, as well as important management implications both for Varroa treatment regimens and breeding Varroa resistant bees are discussed.
Transforming electronic health record polysomnographic data into the Observational Medical Outcome Partnership's Common Data Model: a pilot feasibility study
Authors: Kim Jeong-Whun , Kim Seok , Ryu Borim , Song Wongeun , Lee Ho-Young , Yoo Sooyoung
Published: March 2021

Well-defined large-volume polysomnographic (PSG) data can identify subgroups and predict outcomes of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, current PSG data are scattered across numerous sleep laboratories and have different formats in the electronic health record (EHR). Hence, this study aimed to convert EHR PSG into a standardized data format—the Observational Medical Outcome Partnership (OMOP) common data model (CDM). We extracted the PSG data of a university hospital for the period from 2004 to 2019. We designed and implemented an extract–transform–load (ETL) process to transform PSG data into the OMOP CDM format and verified the data quality through expert evaluation. We converted the data of 11,797 sleep studies into CDM and added 632,841 measurements and 9,535 observations to the existing CDM database. Among 86 PSG parameters, 20 were mapped to CDM standard vocabulary and 66 could not be mapped; thus, new custom standard concepts were created. We validated the conversion and usefulness of PSG data through patient-level prediction analyses for the CDM data. We believe that this study represents the first CDM conversion of PSG. In the future, CDM transformation will enable network research in sleep medicine and will contribute to presenting more relevant clinical evidence.
Deep neural network-based automatic metasurface design with a wide frequency range
Authors: Ghorbani Fardin , Beyraghi Sina , Shabanpour Javad , Oraizi Homayoon , Soleimani Hossein , Soleimani Mohammad
Published: March 2021

Beyond the scope of conventional metasurface, which necessitates plenty of computational resources and time, an inverse design approach using machine learning algorithms promises an effective way for metasurface design. In this paper, benefiting from Deep Neural Network (DNN), an inverse design procedure of a metasurface in an ultra-wide working frequency band is presented in which the output unit cell structure can be directly computed by a specified design target. To reach the highest working frequency for training the DNN, we consider 8 ring-shaped patterns to generate resonant notches at a wide range of working frequencies from 4 to 45 GHz. We propose two network architectures. In one architecture, we restrict the output of the DNN, so the network can only generate the metasurface structure from the input of 8 ring-shaped patterns. This approach drastically reduces the computational time, while keeping the network’s accuracy above 91%. We show that our model based on DNN can satisfactorily generate the output metasurface structure with an average accuracy of over 90% in both network architectures. Determination of the metasurface structure directly without time-consuming optimization procedures, an ultra-wide working frequency, and high average accuracy equip an inspiring platform for engineering projects without the need for complex electromagnetic theory.
Association of TLR2 haplotypes encoding Q650 with reduced susceptibility to ovine Johne’s disease in Turkish sheep
Authors: Yaman Yalçın , Aymaz Ramazan , Keleş Murat , Bay Veysel , Ün Cemal , Heaton Michael P.
Published: March 2021

Ovine Johne’s disease (OJD) is caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) and carries a potential zoonotic risk for humans. Selective breeding strategies for reduced OJD susceptibility would be welcome tools in disease eradication efforts, if available. The Toll-like receptor 2 gene (TLR2) plays an important signaling role in immune response to MAP, and missense variants are associated with mycobacterial infections in mammals. Our aim was to identify and evaluate ovine TLR2 missense variants for association with OJD in Turkish sheep. Eleven TLR2 missense variants and 17 haplotype configurations were identified in genomic sequences of 221 sheep from 61 globally-distributed breeds. The five most frequent haplotypes were tested for OJD association in 102 matched pairs of infected and uninfected ewes identified in 2257 Turkish sheep. Ewes with one or two copies of TLR2 haplotypes encoding glutamine (Q) at position 650 (Q650) in the Tir domain were 6.6-fold more likely to be uninfected compared to ewes with arginine (R650) at that position (CI95 = 2.6 to 16.9, p-value = 3.7 × 10–6). The protective TLR2 Q650 allele was present in at least 25% of breeds tested and thus may facilitate selective breeding for sheep with reduced susceptibility to OJD.
Dynamic tensile properties, deformation, and failure testing of impact-loaded coal samples with various water content
Authors: Wei Zhen , Yang Ke , Chi Xiao-Lou , He Xiang , Zhao Xin-Yuan , Zhang Ji-qiang
Published: March 2021

Disc coal samples with different water content were tested using the split Hopkinson press bar test system. Their dynamic tensile failure process was monitored via an ultra-high-speed digital image correlation system. The deformation trend and failure characteristics as a function of the water content were analyzed, and the water content effect on dynamic mechanical properties was investigated. The results demonstrated that the dynamic stress–strain curve of the coal samples consisted of four stages. As the water content increased, the coal sample brittleness degraded, while its ductility was enhanced. Quadratic polynomial functions can describe dynamic peak stress, peak strain, and loading pressure. Under different loading pressures, the dynamic peak stress exhibited a concave bending trend as the water content increased. The coal sample's dynamic tensile strength had a strong rate correlation, and the saturated coal sample exhibited the highest rate correlation. Under high-rate loading, the inertia effect and the Stefan effect of water in coal samples hinder the initiation and propagation of coal sample cracks, improving the coal sample's strength. The research results provide a basic theoretical basis for the prevention and control of rock burst in coal mines.
Different aspects of early and late development of atrial fibrillation during hospitalization in cryptogenic stroke
Authors: Doijiri Ryosuke , Ueno Yuji , Kikuno Muneaki , Shimizu Takahiro , Tateishi Yohei , Kuriki Ayako , Takekawa Hidehiro , Shimada Yoshiaki , Kanemaru Kodai , Kamiya Yuki , Yamaguchi Eriko , Koga Masatoshi , Ihara Masafumi , Tsujino Akira , Hirata Koichi , Hasegawa Yasuhiro , Kikuchi Takahiko , Hattori Nobutaka , Urabe Takao
Published: March 2021

The detection of underlying atrial fibrillation (AF) has become increasingly possible by insertable cardiac monitoring (ICM). During hospitalization for cryptogenic stroke, factors related to the early and late development of AF have not been studied. CHALLENGE ESUS/CS is a multicenter registry of cryptogenic stroke patients undergoing transesophageal echocardiography. Twelve-lead electrocardiogram, continuous cardiac monitoring, and 24-h Holter electrocardiogram were all used for the detection of AF. Early and late detection of AF was determined with an allocation ratio of 1:1 among patients with AF. A total of 677 patients (68.7 ± 12.8 years; 455 men) were enrolled, and 64 patients developed AF during hospitalization. Four days after admission was identified as the approximate median day to classify early and late phases to detect AF: ≤ 4 days, 37 patients; > 4 days, 27 patients. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) (OR 5.91; 95% CI 2.19–15.97; p < 0.001) was associated with AF ≤ 4 days, whereas a large infarction > 3 cm in diameter (OR 3.28; 95% CI 1.35–7.97; p = 0.009) was associated with AF > 4 days. SEC and large infarctions were important predictors of in-hospital AF detection, particularly in the early and late stages, respectively; thus, they could serve as indications for recommending ICM.
Evaluation of malignant effusions using MR-based T1 mapping
Authors: Kuetting D. , Luetkens J. , Faron A. , Isaak A. , Attenberger U. , Pieper C. C. , Meffert L. , Jansen C. , Sprinkart A. , Kütting F.
Published: March 2021

Our aim was to investigate the diagnostic yield of rapid T1-mapping for the differentiation of malignant and non-malignant effusions in an ex-vivo set up. T1-mapping was performed with a fast modified Look-Locker inversion-recovery (MOLLI) acquisition and a combined turbo spin-echo and inversion-recovery sequence (TMIX) as reference. A total of 13 titrated albumin-solutions as well as 48 samples (29 ascites/pleural effusions from patients with malignancy; 19 from patients without malignancy) were examined. Samples were classified as malignant-positive histology, malignant-negative histology and non-malignant negative histology. In phantom analysis both mapping techniques correlated with albumin-content (MOLLI: r = − 0.97, TMIX: r = − 0.98). MOLLI T1 relaxation times were shorter in malignancy-positive histology fluids (2237 ± 137 ms) than in malignancy-negative histology fluids (2423 ± 357 ms) as well as than in non-malignant-negative histology fluids (2651 ± 139 ms); post hoc test for all intergroup comparisons: < 0.05. ROC analysis for differentiation between malignant and non-malignant effusions (malignant positive histology vs. all other) showed an (AUC) of 0.89 (95% CI 0.77–0.96). T1 mapping allows for non-invasive differentiation of malignant and non-malignant effusions in an ex-vivo set up.
Prevalence and associated factors of electrocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy in a rural community, central Thailand
Authors: Viwatrangkul Patipan , Lawanwisut Sakda , Leekhaphan Pondfah , Prasart-intara Tatchamon , Phiensuparp Pathomphon , Prakiatpongsa Sirapat , Amnaj Promnavaporn , Phoominart Vichaya , Chanyou Krittanan , Jiratrakan Peeratuth , Klumnaimueang Pisit , Pipitdaecha Nattapat , Panchamawat Rawin , Tangkongpanich Pannathorn , Mungthin Mathirut , Rangsin Ram , Sakboonyarat Boonsub
Published: March 2021

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is considered a cardiac condition with life-threatening complications. Detected LVH is a strong predictor of cardiovascular diseases and death. This condition is normally diagnosed at offices. We aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of electrocardiographic-LVH (ECG-LVH) among adults in a Thai rural community. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Na-Yao rural community of Thailand in 2020. A total of 638 individuals aged ≥ 20 years were interviewed using standardized structured questionnaires related to demographic information, risk behaviors, comorbidities and anthropometric measurements. LVH was determined by Sokolov-Lyon and Cornell criteria based on the collected electrocardiograms. The prevalence of ECG-LVH among adults was 6.6%. The factors independently associated with ECG-LVH were being male (AORs 2.04, 95% CI 1.05–3.98), history of diabetes mellitus (AORs 1.01, 95% CI 1.01–1.02), and hypertensive crisis ≥ 180/110 mmHg (AORs 7.24, 95% CI 1.31–39.92). However, resting heart rate was negatively associated with ECG-LVH (p < 0.05). Our data emphasized that LVH was one of the significant health problems among adults in a rural community. This condition could lead to severe complications. Thus, effective detection and public health interventions should be provided at the community level.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in polycystic ovary syndrome women
Authors: Won Young Bin , Seo Seok Kyo , Yun Bo Hyon , Cho SiHyun , Choi Young Sik , Lee Byung Seok
Published: March 2021

To evaluate risk factors leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurrence in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) women. A retrospective cohort study of a total of 586 women diagnosed with PCOS aged 13–35 years at the gynecology department at a university hospital was done to evaluate PCOS phenotype, metabolic syndrome (MetS) diagnosis, body composition, insulin sensitivity, sex hormones, lipid profile, liver function, and transient elastography (TE). In PCOS women with NAFLD compared to those without, MetS diagnosis (Hazard ratio [HR] 5.6, 95% Confidence interval [CI] 2.2–14.4, p < 0.01) and hyperandrogenism (HA) (HR 4.4, 95% CI 1.4–13.4, p = 0.01) were risk factors significantly associated with subsequent NAFLD occurrence, whereas 2-h insulin level in 75 g glucose tolerance test (GTT) (HR 1.2, 95% CI 0.5–2.5, p = 0.70) and body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2 (HR 2.2, 95% CI 0.6–8.0, p = 0.24) was not. Among NAFLD patients who underwent TE, a higher number of MetS components indicated a worse degree of fibrosis and steatosis. MetS diagnosis and HA at PCOS diagnosis were risk factors associated with NAFLD, while 2-h insulin level in 75 g GTT and obesity were not. Although elevated aspartate aminotransferase levels were significant for NAFLD risk, liver enzyme elevations may not be present until late liver damage. Further prospective studies of PCOS women with MetS or HA are warranted to determine whether patients without liver enzyme elevations should undergo preemptive liver examinations.
Author Correction: Degree day-based model predicts pink bollworm phenology across geographical locations of subtropics and semi-arid tropics of India
Authors: Fand Babasaheb B. , Nagrare V. S. , Bal S. K. , Naik V. Chinna Babu , Naikwadi B. V. , Mahule D. J. , Gokte-Narkhedkar Nandini , Waghmare V. N.
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
MiR-199-3p enhances muscle regeneration and ameliorates aged muscle and muscular dystrophy
Authors: Fukuoka Masashi , Fujita Hiromi , Numao Kosumo , Nakamura Yasuko , Shimizu Hideo , Sekiguchi Masayuki , Hohjoh Hirohiko
Published: March 2021

Parabiosis experiments suggest that molecular factors related to rejuvenation and aging circulate in the blood. Here, we show that miR-199-3p, which circulates in the blood as a cell-free miRNA, is significantly decreased in the blood of aged mice compared to young mice; and miR-199-3p has the ability to enhance myogenic differentiation and muscle regeneration. Administration of miR-199 mimics, which supply miR-199-3p, to aged mice resulted in muscle fiber hypertrophy and delayed loss of muscle strength. Systemic administration of miR-199 mimics to mdx mice, a well-known animal model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), markedly improved the muscle strength of mice. Taken together, cell-free miR-199-3p in the blood may have an anti-aging effect such as a hypertrophic effect in aged muscle fibers and could have potential as a novel RNA therapeutic for DMD as well as age-related diseases. The findings provide us with new insights into blood-circulating miRNAs as age-related molecules.
Biogeography of ammonia oxidizers in New England and Gulf of Mexico salt marshes and the potential importance of comammox
Authors: Bernhard A E , Beltz J , Giblin A E , Roberts B J
Published: March 2021

Few studies have focused on broad scale biogeographic patterns of ammonia oxidizers in coastal systems, yet understanding the processes that govern them is paramount to understanding the mechanisms that drive biodiversity, and ultimately impact ecosystem processes. Here we present a meta-analysis of 16 years of data of ammonia oxidizer abundance, diversity, and activity in New England (NE) salt marshes and 5 years of data from marshes in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM). Potential nitrification rates were more than 80x higher in GoM compared to NE marshes. However, nitrifier abundances varied between regions, with ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and comammox bacteria significantly greater in GoM, while ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) were more than 20x higher in NE than GoM. Total bacterial 16S rRNA genes were also significantly greater in GoM marshes. Correlation analyses of rates and abundance suggest that AOA and comammox are more important in GoM marshes, whereas AOB are more important in NE marshes. Furthermore, ratios of nitrifiers to total bacteria in NE were as much as 80x higher than in the GoM, suggesting differences in the relative importance of nitrifiers between these systems. Communities of AOA and AOB were also significantly different between the two regions, based on amoA sequences and DNA fingerprints (terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism). Differences in rates and abundances may be due to differences in salinity, temperature, and N loading between the regions, and suggest significantly different N cycling dynamics in GoM and NE marshes that are likely driven by strong environmental differences between the regions.
Ultrafast Charging Supercapacitors Based on 3D Macrostructures of Graphene and Graphene Oxide
Authors: Horn Michael R. , Alomari Suaad A. , MacLeod Jennifer , Motta Nunzio , Dubal Deepak P.
Published: March 2021

Supercapacitors (SC) are a key technology in energy storage systems, which have attracted extensive attention due to the significant recent breakthroughs in their use in modern wearable and consumer electronics. However, for obtaining a high specific capacitance and rate performance, a cogent design and synthesis of the electrode material with abundant active sites are critically important. Unique three-dimensional (3D) open-porous architectures, composed of thin nanosheets of graphene, can offer fast electron transfer and large electrochemically active surface areas, which makes them promising electrode materials for SCs. Moreover, the electronically conductive framework of the graphene building blocks could deliver excellent specific capacitances, high rate performance, and long-term cycling stability. In this chapter, we provide a structure–property-perfomance relationship of graphene, followed by a discussion of the recent advances in developing exotic 3D graphene macrostructures. Finally, we describe the use of these 3D graphene macroarchitectures to realise SCs with unprecedented performance.