bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in gynecologic tumor development in Amhr2-Cre mice with KRASG12D or KRASG12V mutations
Authors: Kun Eucharist H. S. , Tsang Yvonne T. M. , Lin Sophia , Pan Sophia , Medapalli Tejas , Malpica Anais , Richards JoAnne S. , Gershenson David M. , Wong Kwong-Kwok
Published: November 2020

How different KRAS variants impact tumor initiation and progression in vivo has not been thoroughly examined. We hypothesize that the ability of either KRASG12D or KRASG12V mutations to initiate tumor formation is context dependent. Amhr2-Cre mice express Cre recombinase in tissues that develop into the fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries. We used these mice to conditionally express either the KRASG12V/+or KRASG12D/+ mutation. Mice with the genotype Amhr2-Cre Pten(fl/fl) KrasG12D/+(G12D mice) had abnormal follicle structures and developed low-grade serous ovarian carcinomas with 100% penetrance within 18 weeks. In contrast, mice with the genotype Amhr2-Cre Pten(fl/fl) KrasG12V/+ (G12V mice) had normal follicle structures, and about 90% of them developed uterine tumors with diverse histological features resembling those of leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma. Granulosa cell tumors also developed in G12V mice. Differences in cell-signaling pathways in the uterine tissues of G12D and G12V mice were identified using RNA sequencing and reverse-phase protein array analyses. We found that CTNNB1, IL1A, IL1B, TNF, TGFB1, APP, and IL6 had the higher activity in G12V mice than in G12D mice. These mouse models will be useful for studying the differences in signaling pathways driven by KrasG12V/+ or KrasG12D/+ mutations to aid development of targeted therapies for specific KRAS mutant variants. Our leiomyoma model driven by the KrasG12V/+ mutation will also be useful in deciphering the malignant progression from leiomyoma to leiomyosarcoma.
Sojourn-time-corrected receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) for prostate specific antigen (PSA) test in population-based prostate cancer screening
Authors: Jen Hsiao-Hsuan , Chang Wei-Jung , Hsu Chen-Yang , Yen Amy Ming-Fang , Auvinen Anssi , Chen Tony Hsiu-Hsi , Chen Sam Li-Sheng
Published: November 2020

Evaluating the performance of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test in population-based screening with receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve often neglects the time dimension. Asymptomatic cases with negative PSA test would have been missed if sojourn time is not taken into account to allow for cases surfacing into the clinical phase. Data included 20,796 men with PSA test at the first screening round was used from population-based Finnish prostate cancer screening trial during 1996–1999. Cancers detected at the first screen, together with interval cancers ascertained during 4-year follow-up were expediently used to estimate sensitivity and specificity. A sojourn-time-corrected model was applied to estimating the possible false negative cases for those with PSA < 4 ng/ml for correcting the ROC curve. The estimated sensitivity estimate was reduced from 94.4% without correction to 68.8% with correction but the estimated specificity was identical (89.4% vs. 89.2%) at cutoff of 3 ng/ml. The corrected area under curve (AUC) [77.0% (74.9–79.1%)] of the PSA test was significantly lower than the uncorrected AUC [95.9% (95.3–96.6%)]. The failure of considering the time since last negative screen due to incomplete ascertainment for asymptomatic cancer led to the overestimation of PSA test performance that further affects the cut-off value of PSA tests for population-based prostate cancer screening.
Assessment of the aerobic glass beads fixed biofilm reactor (GBs-FBR) for the treatment of simulated methylene blue wastewater
Authors: Donkadokula Naresh Yadav , Naz Iffat , Kola Anand Kishore , Saroj Devendra
Published: November 2020

The present research is focused on the application of glass beads (GBs) in fixed biofilm reactor (FBR) for the treatment of simulated methylene blue (MB) wastewater for 9 weeks under aerobic conditions. The COD of MB wastewater showed a reduction of 86.48% from 2000 to 270.4 mg/L, and BOD was declined up to 97.7% from 1095.5 to 25.03 mg/L. A drastic increase in the pH was observed until the 3rd week (8.5 to 8.28), and later, marginal changes between 8.30 ± 0.02 were noticed. A dramatic fluctuation was observed in ammonia concentration which increased (74.25 mg/L) up till the 2nd week, and from the 3rd week it started declining. In the 9th week, the ammonia concentration dropped to 16.5 mg/L. The color intensity increased significantly up till the 2nd week (259,237.46 Pt/Co) of the experiment and started decreasing slowly thereafter. The SEM–EDX analysis has shown the maximum quantity of carbon content in the GBs without biofilm, and then in the GB samples of 1st, and 9th-week old aerobic biofilms. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy results revealed that the 9th-week GBs has a fine and strong MB peak and matched with that of the MB stock solution. Overall, the results have shown that the GBs filter media were suitable for the development of active biofilm communities for the treatment of dye wastewater. Thus, GBs-FBR system can be used for wastewater treatment to solve the current problem of industrial pollution in many countries and to protect the aquatic environment from dye pollution caused by the textile industry.
Cannabidiol enhances cytotoxicity of anti-cancer drugs in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Go Yoon Young , Kim Su Ra , Kim Do Yeon , Chae Sung-Won , Song Jae-Jun
Published: November 2020

Cannabidiol (CBD) has anti-tumorigenic activity. However, the anti-cancer effect of CBD on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. The cytotoxicity of CBD on HNSCC was analyzed using cell survival and colony-forming assays in vitro. RNA-seq was used for determining the mechanism underlying CBD-induced cell death. Xenograft mouse models were used to determine CBD’s effects in vivo. CBD treatment significantly reduced migration/invasion and viability of HNSCC cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. HNSCC mouse xenograft models revealed anti-tumor effects of CBD. Furthermore, combinational treatment with CBD enhanced the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs. Apoptosis and autophagy processes were involved in CBD-induced cytotoxicity of HNSCCs. RNA-seq identified decreased expression of genes associated with DNA repair, cell division, and cell proliferation, which were involved in CBD-mediated cytotoxicity toward HNSCCs. We identified CBD as a new potential anti-cancer compound for single or combination therapy of HNSCC.
Fractal dimension of particle-size distribution and their relationships with alkalinity properties of soils in the western Songnen Plain, China
Authors: Bai Yufeng , Qin Yan , Lu Xinrui , Zhang Jitao , Chen Guoshuang , Li Xiujun
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study was to identify the fractal dimension and their relationships with alkalinity properties of soils, and to evaluate the potential of fractal dimension as an indicator of alkalinity properties of soil. Six soils with an increasing salinity (electrical conductivity was 0.09, 0.18, 0.62, 0.78, 1.57 and 1.99 dS m−1, respectively) were selected from the western part of the Songnen Plain (China). Salt content, exchangeable sodium percentage, sodium adsorption ratio and other properties of the soils were determined and the soil particle-size distribution (0–2000 μm) was measured using a laser diffraction particle size analyser. Our results show that the overall fractal dimension of the selected soils ranged from 2.35 to 2.60. A linear regression analysis showed a significant negative correlation between fractal dimension and the amount of coarse sand and fine sand (r =  − 0.5452, P < 0.05 and r =  − 0.8641, P < 0.01, respectively), and a significant positive correlation with silt and clay (r = 0.9726, P < 0.01 and r = 0.9526, P < 0.01, respectively). Thus, soils with higher silt and clay content have higher fractal dimension values. Strong linear relationships between fractal dimension and salt content (P < 0.05), in particular a very significant positive relationship with HCO3− (P < 0.01), also exist. It is therefore possible to conclude that a soil’s fractal dimension could serve as a potential indicator of soil alkalization and the variability in alkaline soil texture.
Deficits in motor and cognitive functions in an adult mouse model of hypoxia-ischemia induced stroke
Authors: Feng Li , Han Chun-Xia , Cao Shu-Yu , Zhang He-Ming , Wu Gang-Yi
Published: November 2020

Ischemic strokes cause devastating brain damage and functional deficits with few treatments available. Previous studies have shown that the ischemia-hypoxia rapidly induces clinically similar thrombosis and neuronal loss, but any resulting behavioral changes are largely unknown. The goal of this study was to evaluate motor and cognitive deficits in adult HI mice. Following a previously established procedure, HI mouse models were induced by first ligating the right common carotid artery and followed by hypoxia. Histological data showed significant long-term neuronal losses and reactive glial cells in the ipsilateral striatum and hippocampus of the HI mice. Whereas the open field test and the rotarod test could not reliably distinguish between the sham and HI mice, in the tapered beam and wire-hanging tests, the HI mice showed short-term and long-term deficits, as evidenced by the increased number of foot faults and decreased hanging time respectively. In cognitive tests, the HI mice swam longer distances and needed more time to find the platform in the Morris water maze test and showed shorter freezing time in fear contextual tests after fear training. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that adult HI mice have motor and cognitive deficits and could be useful models for preclinical stroke research.
Salt-responsive transcriptome analysis of triticale reveals candidate genes involved in the key metabolic pathway in response to salt stress
Authors: Deng Chaohong , Zhang Zhibin , Yan Guorong , Wang Fan , Zhao Lianjia , Liu Ning , Abudurezike Abudukeyoumu , Li Yushan , Wang Wei , Shi Shubing
Published: November 2020

Triticale is tolerant of many environmental stresses, especially highly resistant to salt stress. However, the molecular regulatory mechanism of triticale seedlings under salt stress conditions is still unclear so far. In this study, a salt-responsive transcriptome analysis was conducted to identify candidate genes or transcription factors related to salt tolerance in triticale. The root of salt-tolerant triticale cultivars TW004 with salt-treated and non-salt stress at different time points were sampled and subjected to de novo transcriptome sequencing. Total 877,858 uniquely assembled transcripts were identified and most contigs were annotated in public databases including nr, GO, KEGG, eggNOG, Swiss-Prot and Pfam. 59,280, 49,345, and 85,922 differentially expressed uniquely assembled transcripts between salt treated and control triticale root samples at three different time points (C12_vs_T12, C24_vs_T24, and C48_vs_T48) were identified, respectively. Expression profile and functional enrichment analysis of DEGs found that some DEGs were significantly enriched in metabolic pathways related to salt tolerance, such as reduction–oxidation pathways, starch and sucrose metabolism. In addition, several transcription factor families that may be associated with salt tolerance were also identified, including AP2/ERF, NAC, bHLH, WRKY and MYB. Furthermore, 14 DEGs were selected to validate the transcriptome profiles via quantitative RT-PCR. In conclusion, these results provide a foundation for further researches on the regulatory mechanism of triticale seedlings adaptation to salt stress in the future.
An atypical and functionally diverse family of Kunitz-type cysteine/serine proteinase inhibitors secreted by the helminth parasite Fasciola hepatica
Authors: Smith David , Cwiklinski Krystyna , Jewhurst Heather , Tikhonova Irina G. , Dalton John P.
Published: November 2020

Fasciola hepatica is a global parasite of humans and their livestock. Regulation of parasite-secreted cathepsin L-like cysteine proteases associated with virulence is important to fine-tune parasite-host interaction. We uncovered a family of seven Kunitz-type (FhKT) inhibitors dispersed into five phylogenetic groups. The most highly expressed FhKT genes (group FhKT1) are secreted by the newly excysted juveniles (NEJs), the stage responsible for host infection. The FhKT1 inhibitors do not inhibit serine proteases but are potent inhibitors of parasite cathepsins L and host lysosomal cathepsin L, S and K cysteine proteases (inhibition constants < 10 nM). Their unusual inhibitory properties are due to (a) Leu15 in the reactive site loop P1 position that sits at the water-exposed interface of the S1 and S1′ subsites of the cathepsin protease, and (b) Arg19 which forms cation-π interactions with Trp291 of the S1′ subsite and electrostatic interactions with Asp125 of the S2′ subsite. FhKT1.3 is exceptional, however, as it also inhibits the serine protease trypsin due to replacement of the P1 Leu15 in the reactive loop with Arg15. The atypical Kunitz-type inhibitor family likely regulate parasite cathepsin L proteases and/or impairs host immune cell activation by blocking lysosomal cathepsin proteases involved in antigen processing and presentation.
Altered phase and nonphase EEG activity expose impaired maintenance of a spatial-object attentional focus in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Vazquez-Marrufo M. , Sarrias-Arrabal E. , Martin-Clemente R. , Galvao-Carmona A. , Navarro G. , Izquierdo G.
Published: November 2020

Some of the anatomical and functional basis of cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis (MS) currently remains unknown. In particular, there is scarce knowledge about modulations in induced EEG (nonphase activity) for diverse frequency bands related to attentional deficits in this pathology. The present study analyzes phase and nonphase alpha and gamma modulations in 26 remitting-relapsing multiple sclerosis patients during their participation in the attention network test compared with twenty-six healthy controls (HCs) matched in sociodemographic variables. Behavioral results showed that the MS group exhibited general slowing, suggesting impairment in alerting and orienting networks, as has been previously described in other studies. Time–frequency analysis of EEG revealed that the gamma band was related to the spatial translation of the attentional focus, and the alpha band seemed to be related to the expectancy mechanisms and cognitive processing of the target. Moreover, phase and nonphase modulations differed in their psychophysiological roles and were affected differently in the MS and HC groups. In summary, nonphase modulations can unveil hidden cognitive mechanisms for phase analysis and complete our knowledge of the neural basis of cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis pathology.
Development of a reverse transcription recombinase polymerase based isothermal amplification coupled with lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (CTV-RT-RPA-LFICA) for rapid detection of Citrus tristeza virus
Authors: Ghosh Dilip Kumar , Kokane Sunil B. , Gowda Siddarame
Published: November 2020

Tristeza is a highly destructive disease of citrus caused by the phloem-limited, flexuous filamentous Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) in the genus Closterovirus and the family Closteroviridae. It has been a major constraint for higher productivity and has destroyed millions of citrus trees globally. CTV is graft transmissible and spread through use of virus infected nursery plants. Therefore, virus detection by using specific and reliable diagnostic tools is very important to mitigate disease outbreaks. Currently, the standard molecular techniques for CTV detection include RT-PCR and RT-qPCR. These diagnostic methods are highly sensitive but time consuming, labor intensive and require sophisticated expensive instruments, thus not suitable for point-of-care use. In the present study, we report the development of a rapid, sensitive, robust, reliable, and highly specific reverse transcription-RPA technique coupled with a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (CTV-RT-RPA-LFICA). RT-RPA technique was standardized to amplify the coat protein gene of CTV (CTV-p25) and detect double labeled amplicons on a sandwich immunoassay by designing specific labeled primer pair and probe combinations. The optimally performing primer set (CTRPA-F1/CTRPA-R9-Btn) and the corresponding TwistAmp nfo probe (CTRPA-Probe) was optimized for temperature and reaction time using purified cDNA and viral RNA as template. The sensitivity of the developed assay was compared with other detection techniques using in vitro-transcribed RNA. The efficacy and specificity of the assay was evaluated using CTV positive controls, healthy samples, field grown citrus plants of unknown status, and other virus and bacterial pathogens that infect citrus plants. The RT-RPA-LFICA was able to detect ≤ 141 fg of RNA when cDNA used as a template. The assay detected ≤ 0.23 ng/µl of CTV RNA when directly used as template without cross-reactivity with other citrus pathogens. Best results were achieved at the isothermal temperature of 40 °C within 15–20 min. The study demonstrated that RT-RPA-LFICA has potential to become an improved detection technique for end users in bud-wood certification and quarantine programs and a promising platform for rapid point-of-care diagnostics for citrus farmers and small nurseries in low resource settings.
Application of multi-omics technology for the elucidation of anti-pneumococcal activity of 3-acyl-2-phenylamino-1,4-dihydroquinolin-4-one (APDQ) derivative against Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Lee Sang-Yeop , Lee Hayoung , Yun Sung Ho , Jun Sangmi , Lee Yujeong , Kim Wooyoung , Park Edmond Changkyun , Baek Joonyoung , Kwak Yoonna , Noh Soojin , Seo Giwan , Jang Soojin , Park Chul Min , Kim Seung Il
Published: November 2020

Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of Gram-positive pathogen that causes invasive pneumococcal disease. Nowadays, many S. pneumoniae strains are resistant to commonly used antibiotics such as β-lactams and macrolides. 3-Acyl-2-phenylamino-1,4-dihydroquinolin-4-one (APDQ) derivatives are known as novel chemicals having anti-pneumococcal activity against S. pneumoniae. The underlying mechanism of the anti-pneumococcal activity of this inhibitor remains unknown. Therefore, we tried to find the anti-pneumococcal mechanism of APDQ230122, one of the APDQ derivatives active against S. pneumoniae. We performed transcriptomic analysis (RNA-Seq) and proteomic analysis (LC–MS/MS analysis) to get differentially expressed genes (DEG) and differentially expressed proteins (DEP) of S. pneumoniae 521 treated with sub-inhibitory concentrations of APDQ230122 and elucidated the comprehensive expression changes of genes and proteins using multi-omics analysis. As a result, genes or proteins of peptidoglycan biosynthesis and DNA replication were significantly down-regulated. Electron microscopy analysis revealed that the structure of peptidoglycan was damaged by APDQ230122 in a chemical concentration-dependent manner. Therefore, we suggest peptidoglycan biosynthesis is a major target of APDQ230122. Multi-omics analysis can provide us useful information to elucidate anti-pneumococcal activity of APDQ230122.
Toward automated classification of monolayer versus few-layer nanomaterials using texture analysis and neural networks
Authors: Aleithan Shrouq H. , Mahmoud-Ghoneim Doaa
Published: November 2020

The need for a fast and robust method to characterize nanostructure thickness is growing due to the tremendous number of experiments and their associated applications. By automatically analyzing the microscopic image texture of MoS2 and WS2, it was possible to distinguish monolayer from few-layer nanostructures with high accuracy for both materials. Three methods of texture analysis (TA) were used: grey level histogram (GLH), grey levels co-occurrence matrix (GLCOM), and run-length matrix (RLM), which correspond to first, second, and higher-order statistical methods, respectively. The best discriminating features were automatically selected using the Fisher coefficient, for each method, and used as a base for classification. Two classifiers were used: artificial neural networks (ANN), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). RLM with ANN was found to give high classification accuracy, which was 89% and 95% for MoS2 and WS2, respectively. The result of this work suggests that RLM, as a higher-order TA method, associated with an ANN classifier has a better ability to quantify and characterize the microscopic structure of nanolayers, and, therefore, categorize thickness to the proper class.
Gallium phosphide optical metasurfaces for visible light applications
Authors: Melli Mauro , West Melanie , Hickman Steven , Dhuey Scott , Lin Dianmin , Khorasaninejad Mohammadreza , Chang Chieh , Jolly Sunny , Tae Huy , Poliakov Evgeni , St. Hilaire Pierre , Cabrini Stefano , Peroz Christophe , Klug Michael
Published: November 2020

There are few materials that are broadly used for fabricating optical metasurfaces for visible light applications. Gallium phosphide (GaP) is a material that, due to its optical properties, has the potential to become a primary choice but due to the difficulties in fabrication, GaP thin films deposited on transparent substrates have never been exploited. In this article we report the design, fabrication, and characterization of three different amorphous GaP metasurfaces obtained through sputtering. Although the material properties can be further optimized, our results show the potential of this material for visible applications making it a viable alternative in the material selection for optical metasurfaces.
Ventral cochlear nucleus bushy cells encode hyperacusis in guinea pigs
Authors: Martel David T. , Shore Susan E.
Published: November 2020

Psychophysical studies characterize hyperacusis as increased loudness growth over a wide-frequency range, decreased tolerance to loud sounds and reduced behavioral reaction time latencies to high-intensity sounds. While commonly associated with hearing loss, hyperacusis can also occur without hearing loss, implicating the central nervous system in the generation of hyperacusis. Previous studies suggest that ventral cochlear nucleus bushy cells may be putative neural contributors to hyperacusis. Compared to other ventral cochlear nucleus output neurons, bushy cells show high firing rates as well as lower and less variable first-spike latencies at suprathreshold intensities. Following cochlear damage, bushy cells show increased spontaneous firing rates across a wide-frequency range, suggesting that they might also show increased sound-evoked responses and reduced latencies to higher-intensity sounds. However, no studies have examined bushy cells in relationship to hyperacusis. Herein, we test the hypothesis that bushy cells may contribute to the neural basis of hyperacusis by employing noise-overexposure and single-unit electrophysiology. We find that bushy cells exhibit hyperacusis-like neural firing patterns, which are comprised of enhanced sound-driven firing rates, reduced first-spike latencies and wideband increases in excitability.
Machine learning issues and opportunities in ultrafast particle classification for label-free microflow cytometry
Authors: Lugnan Alessio , Gooskens Emmanuel , Vatin Jeremy , Dambre Joni , Bienstman Peter
Published: November 2020

Machine learning offers promising solutions for high-throughput single-particle analysis in label-free imaging microflow cytomtery. However, the throughput of online operations such as cell sorting is often limited by the large computational cost of the image analysis while offline operations may require the storage of an exceedingly large amount of data. Moreover, the training of machine learning systems can be easily biased by slight drifts of the measurement conditions, giving rise to a significant but difficult to detect degradation of the learned operations. We propose a simple and versatile machine learning approach to perform microparticle classification at an extremely low computational cost, showing good generalization over large variations in particle position. We present proof-of-principle classification of interference patterns projected by flowing transparent PMMA microbeads with diameters of $${15.2}\,\upmu \text {m}$$

15.2

μ
m

and $${18.6}\,\upmu \text {m}$$

18.6

μ
m

. To this end, a simple, cheap and compact label-free microflow cytometer is employed. We also discuss in detail the detection and prevention of machine learning bias in training and testing due to slight drifts of the measurement conditions. Moreover, we investigate the implications of modifying the projected particle pattern by means of a diffraction grating, in the context of optical extreme learning machine implementations.
Design, reliability and construct validity of a Knowledge, Attitude and Practice questionnaire on personal use of antibiotics in Spain
Authors: Mallah Narmeen , Rodríguez-Cano Rubén , Figueiras Adolfo , Takkouche Bahi
Published: November 2020

Numerous questionnaires are available on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) towards antibiotics' use by adults, but none of these questionnaires is fully validated. We undertook an exhaustive literature review to design a comprehensive KAP questionnaire concerning the personal use of antibiotics in Galicia, North Spain. The Item Content Validity Index (I-CVI) and modified Kappa statistic (K*), confirmed the content validity of the questions (0.78 ≤ I-CVI ≤ 1.00 and 0.78 ≤ K* ≤ 1.00). The S-CVI statistic showed the content validity of the scale (S-CVI/Ave: 0.95). Following face validity and pilot testing, the Test–Retest Reliability in a sample of 145 adults confirmed the reliability of the questions. We carried out Confirmatory Factor Analysis using cross loadings and modification indices to choose the most adequate model in data collected from 844 adults. We estimated the indicators of model fit and demonstrated that the selected model has a good to excellent fit, thus establishing the construct validity. The final version of the questionnaire was highly accepted by the general adult population as reflected by the response rate (95.85%) and the low percentage of unanswered questions (0.4–2.7%). Our fully validated questionnaire could prove useful for research as it permits generating high quality data and reducing measurement error.
Risks of forgotten double-J ureteric stents after ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy in Taiwan: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Cheng Weiming , Chiu Yi-Chun , Fan Yu-Hua , Lin Shu-Yi , Chen Sheng-Wen
Published: November 2020

Delayed double-J ureteric stent (DJ) removal may cause severe morbidity. We aimed to identify high-risk patients for forgotten DJs to prevent iatrogenic injury and improve safety. Data of patients with DJs placed after ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy (URSL) between 2000 and 2013 from the National Health Insurance Database in Taiwan were included. Forgotten DJs were defined as indwelling DJs for > 6 months after URSL, which is approximately two times longer than the expiratory duration. Age at stenting, sex, socioeconomic status, specialty of stenting physician, comorbidities, postoperative emergency room visiting and abdominal plain x-ray filming frequencies, and alpha blocker use for > 7 days after stenting were analysed. Of 13,058 patients, 12,969 (99.31%) had timely removed DJs while 89 (0.68%) had forgotten DJs. Per a univariate analysis, patients with forgotten DJs were older, female, and of low socioeconomic status, and the use of more than one DJ for one URSL, placement by non-urologists, and less frequent postoperative abdominal plain x-ray filming and postoperative alpha blocker use were risk factors. Per a multivariate analysis, elderly patients (Odds ratio [OR] = 3.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.36–8.32, p = 0.0085), DJ placement by non-urologists (OR = 9.63, 95% CI 6.09–15.24, p < 0.0001), more than two DJs for one URSL (OR = 2.93, 95% CI 1.58–5.42, p = 0.0006), and less frequent postoperative abdominal plain x-ray filming (OR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.51–0.86, p = 0.0016) were significantly associated with forgotten DJs. Forgotten URSL-related DJs are infrequent in Taiwan. Old age, complicated DJ insertion requiring more than two stents for one URSL, and stent placement by non-urologists are risk factors. Physicians should be aware of these high-risk patients.
The role of lipoprotein profile in depression and cognitive performance: a network analysis
Authors: Jia Qiu-fang , Yang Han-xue , Zhuang Nan-nan , Yin Xu-yuan , Zhu Zhen-hua , Yuan Ying , Yin Xiao-li , Wang Yi , Cheung Eric F. C. , Chan Raymond C. K. , Hui Li
Published: November 2020

Lipid profile (total cholesterol and lipoprotein fractions) has been found to correlate with depression and cognitive impairment across the lifespan. However, the role of lipid levels in self-rated depressive state and cognitive impairment remains unclear. In this study, we examined the relationship between lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and cognition in adults with and without self-rated depression. Four hundred and thirty-eight healthy participants completed the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and a serum lipoprotein test. Using multivariate ANOVA, partial correlation and network analysis, a network linking lipoprotein profile, depressive state and cognition was constructed. A significant difference in serum lipid profile between the high and low depressive groups was detected. Depressive state had a strong negative correlation with cognitive performance. Of the lipid profile, only high-density lipoprotein was positively correlated with depressive symptom severity, whereas the other three indices showed negative correlation with both depressive state and cognitive performance. Our results suggest that serum lipid profile may be directly linked to self-rated depression and cognitive performance. Further studies recruiting larger clinical samples are needed to elucidate the specific effect of lipoprotein on cognitive impairment in mood disorder.
Chemical hypoxia induces apoptosis of human pluripotent stem cells by a NOXA-mediated HIF-1α and HIF-2α independent mechanism
Authors: Isaja Luciana , Mucci Sofía , Vera Jonathan , Rodríguez-Varela María Soledad , Marazita Mariela , Morris-Hanon Olivia , Videla-Richardson Guillermo Agustín , Sevlever Gustavo Emilio , Scassa María Elida , Romorini Leonardo
Published: November 2020

Human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (hESCs and hiPSCs) are self-renewing human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) that can differentiate to a wide range of specialized cells. Notably, hPSCs enhance their undifferentiated state and self-renewal properties in hypoxia (5% O2). Although thoroughly analyzed, hypoxia implication in hPSCs death is not fully determined. In order to evaluate the effect of chemically mimicked hypoxia on hPSCs cell survival, we analyzed changes in cell viability and several aspects of apoptosis triggered by CoCl2 and dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG). Mitochondrial function assays revealed a decrease in cell viability at 24 h post-treatments. Moreover, we detected chromatin condensation, DNA fragmentation and CASPASE-9 and 3 cleavages. In this context, we observed that P53, BNIP-3, and NOXA protein expression levels were significantly up-regulated at different time points upon chemical hypoxia induction. However, only siRNA-mediated downregulation of NOXA but not HIF-1α, HIF-2α, BNIP-3, and P53 did significantly affect the extent of cell death triggered by CoCl2 and DMOG in hPSCs. In conclusion, chemically mimicked hypoxia induces hPSCs cell death by a NOXA-mediated HIF-1α and HIF-2α independent mechanism.
Alteration of contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)
Authors: Chang Johannes , Dumitrache Alexia , Böhling Nina , Abu-Omar Jasmin , Meyer Carsten , Strobel Deike , Luetkens Julian , Luu Andreas Minh , Rockstroh Jürgen , Strassburg Christian P. , Trebicka Jonel , Gonzalez-Carmona Maria A. , Marinova Milka , Praktiknjo Michael
Published: November 2020

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) can treat portal hypertensive complications and modifies hepatic hemodynamics. Modification of liver perfusion can alter contrast enhancement dynamics of liver nodules. This study investigated the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to diagnose hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhosis with TIPS. In this prospective monocentric observational study, CEUS was used to characterize focal liver lesions in patients at risk for HCC with and without TIPS. Times of arterial phase hyperenhancement (APHE) und washout were quantified. Perfusion-index (PI) and resistance-index (RI) of hepatic artery and portal venous flow parameters were measured via doppler ultrasonography. Diagnostic gold standard was MRI/CT or histology. This study included 49 liver lesions [23 TIPS (11 HCC), 26 no TIPS (15 HCC)]. 26 were diagnosed as HCC by gold standard. Sensitivity and specificity of CEUS to diagnose HCC with and without TIPS were 93.3% and 100% vs. 90.9% and 93.3%, respectively. APHE appeared significantly earlier in patients with TIPS compared to patients without TIPS. TIPS significantly accentuates APHE of HCC in CEUS. CEUS has good diagnostic performance for diagnosis of HCC in patients with TIPS.
Performance evaluation of a large-scale thermal power plant based on the best industrial practices
Authors: Najjar Yousef S. H. , Abu-Shamleh Amer
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study is to assess and evaluate the performance of a large-scale thermal power plant (TPP). The performance rating was conducted in compliance with the statistical principles. The data for this analysis were obtained for a TPP with an installed capacity of 375 MW during a span of 8 years (2010–2017). Four parameters were used to evaluate the performance of the TPP including the availability, the reliability, the capacity factor, and the thermal efficiency. These parameters were calculated using a set of equations and then compared to the international best practices and target values. The results indicate that approximately 91% of the expected capacity was available throughout the studied period against the industry best practice of 95%. However, the average TPP’s reliability was found to be approximately 95% against the target value of 99.9%. Furthermore, the average capacity factor throughout the studied period is 70% as against the international value of 40–80%. Moreover, the thermal efficiency of the TPP is 40% against the target value of 49%. Due to the outage hours and malfunctions, the power losses throughout the studied period reached 846 MW. Overall, the analysis indicates that the studied TPP is not within the scope of the best industrial practices.
Effects of cochlear hair cell ablation on spatial learning/memory
Authors: Qian Z. Jason , Ricci Anthony J.
Published: November 2020

Current clinical interest lies in the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive impairment. Previous work demonstrated that noise exposure, a common cause of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), leads to cognitive impairments in mice. However, in noise-induced models, it is difficult to distinguish the effects of noise trauma from subsequent SNHL on central processes. Here, we use cochlear hair cell ablation to isolate the effects of SNHL. Cochlear hair cells were conditionally and selectively ablated in mature, transgenic mice where the human diphtheria toxin (DT) receptor was expressed behind the hair-cell specific Pou4f3 promoter. Due to higher Pou4f3 expression in cochlear hair cells than vestibular hair cells, administration of a low dose of DT caused profound SNHL without vestibular dysfunction and had no effect on wild-type (WT) littermates. Spatial learning/memory was assayed using an automated radial 8-arm maze (RAM), where mice were trained to find food rewards over a 14-day period. The number of working memory errors (WME) and reference memory errors (RME) per training day were recorded. All animals were injected with DT during P30–60 and underwent the RAM assay during P90–120. SNHL animals committed more WME and RME than WT animals, demonstrating that isolated SNHL affected cognitive function. Duration of SNHL (60 versus 90 days post DT injection) had no effect on RAM performance. However, younger age of acquired SNHL (DT on P30 versus P60) was associated with fewer WME. This describes the previously undocumented effect of isolated SNHL on cognitive processes that do not directly rely on auditory sensory input.
Galectin-1 is associated with the severity of coronary artery disease and adverse cardiovascular events in patients undergoing coronary angiography
Authors: Chou Ruey-Hsing , Huang Shao-Sung , Kuo Chin-Sung , Wang Shen-Chih , Tsai Yi-Lin , Lu Ya-Wen , Chang Chun-Chin , Huang Po-Hsun , Lin Shing-Jong
Published: November 2020

Galectin-1, a β-galactoside-binding lectin mediating inflammation and neovascularization, is reported to attenuate ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction. But its role in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to identify the relationship between the circulating galectin-1 level and the severity of CAD in patients with suspected CAD. Pre-procedure galectin-1 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations were measured in 834 subjects who underwent scheduled coronary angiography. Subjects were grouped into tertiles of the galectin-1 levels. SYNTAX scores were calculated to evaluate the severity of CAD. All patients were followed until January 2019 or the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Patients with higher galectin-1 concentrations were older; had greater prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure; and were more likely to present with higher hs-CRP levels and SYNTAX scores. During the follow-up period of 1.3 ± 1.1 years, patients in the highest tertile of galectin-1 were associated with a greater risk of MACE after adjustment for age, sex, comorbidities, co-medications, serum levels of hemoglobin, creatinine, hs-CRP, ejection fraction, SYNTAX scores, and revascularization modalities (adjusted hazard ratio 10.95, 95% confidence interval 2.29–52.47, p = 0.003). Galectin-1 showed better discriminatory performance than hs-CRP, and non-inferior performance to SYNTAX scores, in predicting the incidence of MACE.
HbWRKY27, a group IIe WRKY transcription factor, positively regulates HbFPS1 expression in Hevea brasiliensis
Authors: Qu Long , Li Hui-Liang , Guo Dong , Wang Ying , Zhu Jia-Hong , Yin Li-Yan , Peng Shi-Qing
Published: November 2020

Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPS) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the formation of farnesyl pyrophosphate, the main initiator for rubber chain initiationin Hevea brasiliensisMuell. Arg. The transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of the FPS gene still not well understood. Here, a WRKY transcription factor designated HbWRKY27 was obtained by screening the latex cDNA library applied theHbFPS1promoter as bait. HbWRKY27 interacted with theHbFPS1promoter was further identified by individual Y1H and EMSA assays. HbWRKY27 belongs to group IIe WRKY subfamily which contains a typical WRKY domain and C-X5-CX23-HXH motif. HbWRKY27 was localized to the nucleus.HbWRKY27predominantly accumulated in latex.HbWRKY27was up-regulated in latex by ethrel, salicylic acid, abscisic acid, and methyl jasmonate treatment. Transient expression of HbWRKY27 led to increasing the activity of theHbFPS1promoter in tobacco plant, suggesting that HbWRKY27 positively regulates theHbFPS1expression. Taken together, an upstream transcription factor of the key natural rubber biosynthesis geneHbFPS1was identified and this study will provide novel transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of the FPS gene inHevea brasiliensis.
The effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on brain functional networks during goal-directed planning in obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Kim Minah , Jung Wi Hoon , Shim Geumsook , Kwon Jun Soo
Published: November 2020

Whether brain network connectivity during goal-directed planning in patients with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is abnormal and restored by treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) remains unknown. This study investigated whether the disrupted network connectivity during the Tower of London (ToL) planning task in medication-free OCD patients could be restored by SSRI treatment. Seventeen medication-free OCD patients and 21 matched healthy controls (HCs) underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while performing the ToL task at baseline and again after 16 weeks of SSRI treatment. Internetwork connectivity was compared across the groups and treatment statuses (pretreatment versus posttreatment). At baseline, compared with the HCs, the OCD patients showed lower internetwork connectivity between the dorsal attention network and the default-mode network during the ToL planning task. After 16 weeks of SSRI treatment, the OCD patients showed improved clinical symptoms accompanied by normalized network connectivity, although their improved behavioral performance in the ToL task did not reach that of the HCs. Our findings support the conceptualization of OCD as a network disease characterized by an imbalance between brain networks during goal-directed planning and suggest that internetwork connectivity may serve as an early biomarker of the effects of SSRIs on goal-directed planning.
Thyroid hormone-induced expression of Foxl1 in subepithelial fibroblasts correlates with adult stem cell development during Xenopus intestinal remodeling
Authors: Hasebe Takashi , Fujimoto Kenta , Ishizuya-Oka Atsuko
Published: November 2020

In the Xenopus laevis intestine during metamorphosis, stem cells appear and generate the adult epithelium analogous to the mammalian one. We have previously shown that connective tissue cells surrounding the epithelium are essential for the stem cell development. To clarify whether such cells correspond to mammalian Foxl1-expressing mesenchymal cells, which have recently been shown to be a critical component of intestinal stem cell niche, we here examined the expression profile of Foxl1 in the X. laevis intestine by using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Foxl1 expression was transiently upregulated only in connective tissue cells during the early period of metamorphic climax and was the highest just beneath the proliferating stem/progenitor cells. In addition, electron microscopic analysis showed that these subepithelial cells are ultrastructurally identified as telocytes like the mammalian Foxl1-expressing cells. Furthermore, we experimentally showed that Foxl1 expression is indirectly upregulated by thyroid hormone (TH) through Shh signaling and that TH organ-autonomously induces the Foxl1-expressing cells concomitantly with appearance of the stem cells in the tadpole intestine in vitro. The present results suggest that intestinal niche cells expressing Foxl1 are evolutionally conserved among terrestrial vertebrates and can be induced by TH/Shh signaling during amphibian metamorphosis for stem cell development.
Drought analysis with different indices for the Asi Basin (Turkey)
Authors: Dikici Mehmet
Published: November 2020

Today, within the scope of planning, development and management of water resources affected adversely by climate change, the issue of minimization of the adverse effects of drought has become very important. In this study, drought risk analyses were performed using meteorological, hydrogeological and hydrological data of the Asi basin and as a result of the determination of different indices and indicators available in the literature. First, the missing data was completed by regional analyses. The DI (Deciles Index), SPI (Standardized Precipitation Index), SPEI (Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index) and SRI (Standardized Runoff Index) indices were described. Drought severity and magnitude were found according to these indices. Based on 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 48-month recurrence intervals, analyses were made. Classification of droughts and their threshold values were determined. For some places, drought incidence rates were presented according to each index. The indices were compared, the correlation between them was examined and a common conclusion was reached. The drought severities, which has a precipitation area of 7800 m2, were evaluated for certain recurrence intervals. For this purpose, based on meteorological, hydrological and hydrogeological data for the years between 1970 and 2016, DI, SPI, SPEI, and SRI indices were analyzed and compared.
The construction of a single-crystalline SbSI nanorod array–WO3 heterostructure photoanode for high PEC performance
Authors: Peng Guoliang , Lu Huidan , Liu Yongping , Fan Dayong
Published: November 2020

A highly efficient photoanode was constructed with a single-crystalline SbSI nanorod-WO3 heterostructure by optimizing the solvent (carbon disulfide) for SbI3.
Regulating the oxidation state of nanomaterials for electrocatalytic CO2reduction
Authors: Wu Zhi-Zheng , Gao Fei-Yue , Gao Min-Rui
Published: November 2020

Recent advances in regulating the oxidation state of nanocatalysts for enhanced CO2electroreduction has been comprehensively reviewed.
Lactobacillus pentosus SMB718 as a probiotic starter producing allyl mercaptan in garlic and onion-enriched fermentation
Authors: Jo Yu Mi , Seo Hee , Kim Ga Yun , Cheon Seong Won , Kim Seul-Ah , Park Tae Soon , Hurh Byung-Serk , Han Nam Soo
Published: November 2020

Lactobacillus pentosus SMB718 has the properties of being a beneficial probiotic for human health and is a desirable starter for better flavor in fermented allium species plants.
Interfacial catalysts for sustainable chemistry: advances on atom and energy efficient glycerol conversion to acrylic acid
Authors: Jin Xin , Meng Kexin , Zhang Guangyu , Liu Mengyuan , Song Yurou , Song Ziwei , Yang Chaohe
Published: November 2020

Conversion of glycerol to acrylic acid represents an emerging application in transforming waste biomass to valuable products in chemical industry.
Correction: Plasma electrolysis of cellulose in polar aprotic solvents for production of levoglucosenone
Authors: A Lusi , Radhakrishnan Harish , Hu Haiyang , Hu Hui , Bai Xianglan
Published: November 2020

Correction for ‘Plasma electrolysis of cellulose in polar aprotic solvents for production of levoglucosenone’ by Lusi A et al., Green Chem., 2020, 22, 7871–7883. DOI: 10.1039/D0GC02813D.
New flow control systems in capillarics: off valves
Authors: Menges Julian , Meffan Claude , Dolamore Fabian , Fee Conan , Dobson Renwick , Nock Volker
Published: November 2020

Off-valves, fabricated by a simple milling process and engaged by trigger channels, enable autonomous flow and sequencing control in capillary circuits for point-of-care applications.
Elevated serum antibody responses to synthetic mycobacterial lipid antigens among UK farmers: an indication of exposure to environmental mycobacteria?
Authors: Jones Alison , Davies Carys A. , Fitch Samuel , Al Dulayymi Juma'a R. , Gwenin Christopher D. , Gibbons James , Williams A. Prysor , Baird Mark S.
Published: November 2020

Antibody binding to trehalose mycolates, such as that shown, was evaluated in ELISA. Median responses with the serum of individuals with no known mycobacterial infection were low; some were very high, the majority from Welsh farmers older than 55.
Triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion with reversible emission-tunability induced by chemical-stimuli: a remote modulator for photocontrol isomerization
Authors: Wei Yaxiong , Xian Haitao , Lv Xialei , Ni Fan , Cao Xiaosong , Yang Chuluo
Published: November 2020

The chemical stimuli-responsive triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC) system was demonstrated for the first time with high-contrast dual-color UC emission, and this platform was furtherly adopted to induce reversible photoswitching of a photochromic dye remotely under low-energy light excitation at a fixed wavelength.