bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Mapping of QTLs for Fiber Quality Traits in Gossypium hirsutum Multi-parent Recombinant Inbred Lines
Authors: Doğanlar Sami , Baytar Asena Akköse , Peynircioğlu Ceng , Sezener Volkan , Frary Anne
Published: March 2021

Cotton is a valuable fiber crop which supplies raw material to more than 50 industries and is produced in more than 70 countries worldwide thus, it is worthy of its reputation as “white gold”. The superiority of cotton fiber over other crops is primarily dependent on its quality. However, further improvements in fiber length, strength and fineness are required for modern processing technology and for cotton to maintain its position in the global market. Association mapping enables identification of QTLs controlling fiber quality-related traits which can be useful in cotton breeding. In the present study, we performed genetic diversity, linkage disequilibrium and association mapping analyses in 157 G. hirsutum multi-parent recombinant inbred lines using a total of 102 SSR markers. The population had depressed genetic variability (14%), a result of inbreeding of modern cotton genotypes. Despite this, we identified 13 significant and stable marker-trait associations for seed cotton yield, lint percentage, fiber length, fiber strength and fiber fineness (p < 0.005). We also detected QTL co-localizations with positive and negative marker additive effects. Our results indicate that selection against negative alleles may be as important as selection for positive alleles. Analysis of the effects of allelic combinations at different QTLs revealed significant and stable marker clusters that can be selected for or against to provide maximum quality gains in cotton fiber quality.
Prospective Randomized Evaluation of Decompressive Ipsilateral Craniectomy for Traumatic Acute Epidural Hematoma (PREDICT-AEDH): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang Chun , Huang Xianjian , Feng Junfeng , Xie Li , Hui Jiyuan , Li Weiping , Jiang Jiyao
Published: March 2021

Background: Expeditiously surgical evacuation of acute epidural hematoma (AEDH) is an attainable gold standard and is often expected to have a good clinical outcome for patients with surgical indications. However, controversy exists on the optimal surgical treatment for AEDH, especially for patients with brain herniation. Neurosurgeons are confronted by the decision to evacuate the hematoma with decompressive craniectomy or craniotomy. Here, we present the protocol for a randomized controlled trial targeted at comparing the outcome and economic benefits of decompressive craniectomy versus craniotomy for the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients with cerebral herniation undergoing evacuation of AEDH.Methods/design: Patients of both genders, aged from 18 to 65 years, presenting to the emergency room with a clinical and radiological diagnosis of AEDH with herniation, comply with other inclusion and exclusion criteria are enrolled. Clinical information, including diagnosis of AEDH, clinical radiological information and treatment procedures, follow-up data of 1, 3 and 6 months post injury are collected on 120 eligible patients, randomized into groups of decompressive craniectomy versus craniotomy in a 1:1 ratio among 51 centers. The primary outcome is the Glasgow Outcome Score-Extended (GOSE) at 6 months post-injury. Secondary outcomes include incidence of post-operative cerebral infarction, incidence of additional craniocerebral surgery, and other evaluation indicator within 6 months post-injury.Discussion: This study is expected to help neurosurgeons make a better decision to evacuate the epidural hematoma with or without a DC, especially for patients with brain herniation, and improve current situation of lack of general evidence.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT 04261673 (Registration date: 04 February 2020)
Integrating social determinants of health screening and referral during routine emergency department care: Evaluation of reach and implementation challenges
Authors: Wallace Andrea S , Luther Brenda L. , Sisler Shawna M. , Wong Bob , Guo Jia-Wen
Published: March 2021

BackgroundDespite the importance of social determinants in health outcomes, little is known about best practices for screening and referral during clinical encounters. This study aimed to implement universal social needs screening and community service referrals in an academic emergency department (ED), evaluating for feasibility, reach, and stakeholder perspectives.MethodsBetween 01/2019-02/2020, ED registration staff screened patients for social needs using a 10-item, low literacy, English-Spanish screener on touchscreens that generated automatic referrals to a community service outreach specialists and data linkages. The RE-AIM framework guided evaluation. Reach was estimated through number of approaches, and completed screenings; effectiveness was estimated through receipt of community service referrals. Adoption was addressed qualitatively via content analysis and qualitative coding techniques from (1) meetings, clinical interactions, and semi-structured interviews with ED staff; and (2) an iterative “engagement studio” with an advisory group composed of ED patients representing diverse communities.ResultsOverall, 4608 participants were approached, and 61% completed the screener. The most common reason for non-completion was patient refusal (43%). 47% of patients with completed screeners communicated one or more needs, 34% of whom agreed to follow-up by resource specialists. Of the 482 participants referred, 20% were reached by outreach specialists and referred to community agencies. Only 7% of patients completed the full process from screening to community service referral; older, male, non-white, and Hispanic patients were more likely to complete the referral process.Iterative staff (n=8) observations and interviews demonstrated that, despite instruction for universal screening, patient presentation (e.g., appearance, insurance status) drove screening decisions. Staff communicated discomfort with, and questioned the need for, screening. Patients (n=10) communicated desire for improved understanding of their unmet needs, but had concerns about stigmatization and privacy, and communicated how receptivity of screenings and outreach are influenced by perceived sincerity of screening staff. ConclusionsDespite limited time and technical barriers, few patients with social needs ultimately received service referrals. Perspectives of staff and patients suggest that social needs screening during clinical encounters should incorporate structure for facilitating patient-staff relatedness and competence, and address patient vulnerability by ensuring universal, private screenings with clear intent. Trial registration: NCT04630041
Mechanistic modeling of pesticide uptake with a 3D plant architecture model
Authors: Jorda Helena , Huber Katrin , Kunkel Asta , Vanderborght Jan , Javaux Mathieu , Oberdörster Christoph , Hammel Klaus , Schnepf Andrea
Published: March 2021

A new root solute uptake model based on a lumped version of the Trapp model (Trapp, 2000) was implemented in a coupled version of R-SWMS-ParTrace models for 3-D water flow and solute transport in soil and roots. Solute uptake was modeled as two individual processes: advection with the transpiration stream and diffusion through the root membrane. We parameterized the model for a FOCUS scenario used in the European Union for pesticide registration. Simulation with a single root showed a good agreement with the results produced by the 1D PEARL model. Simulations with a complex root system predicted larger water uptake from the upper root zone, leading to larger pesticide uptake when pesticides are concentrated in the upper root zone. Dilution of root water concentrations at the top root zone with water with low pesticide concentration taken up from the bottom of the root zone lead to larger uptake of solute when uptake was simulated as a diffusive process. This illustrates the importance of modeling uptake mechanistically and considering root and solute physical and chemical properties, especially when root-zone pesticide concentrations are non uniform.
Screening for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis with Comorbid Pattern Recognition in Electronic Health Records
Authors: Chattopadhyay Ishanu , Onishchenko Dmytro , Hunninghake Gary , Martinez Fernando , Marlowe Robert
Published: March 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an irreversible, debilitating, and ultimately lethal fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD) of unknown cause. The poor prognosis of IPF (mean survival less than 2-5 years post diagnosis), combined with its worldwide prevalence greater than all but the most common cancers, makes it a serious health problem. Thus, the need for early diagnosis is paramount. Currently, early screening is hampered by the absence of reliable screening tools, non-specific symptomology, a limited understanding of the phenotypic and genetic markers for early-stage IPF, and the potential need for invasive procedures for confirmatory diagnosis. In this study we introduce a new screening tool that requires no new diagnostic tests, may be universally administered, and does not necessarily require recognition of early symptoms by the patients or care providers. Applying novel pattern discovery algorithms on the detailed history of past medical encounters of individual patients, we leverage subtle comorbidity patterns to compute the Zero-burden Co-Morbidity Risk Score for IPF (ZCoR-IPF), which is expected to be widely, readily, rapidly and inexpensively applicable at points of care. Our algorithm is trained and validated on a large national insurance claims database (n=2,059,559). In out-of-sample validation, we demonstrate that ZCoR-IPF identifies IPF patients with an AUC approaching 84% at 4 years, ~86% at 3 years, ~87% at 2 years, and exceeding >88% at 1 year before conventional diagnosis. Our out-of-sample accuracy indicates that on average, we correctly predict the eventual IPF status 94-98 out of every 100 patients, with a positive predictive value >50% irrespective of sex at a specificity of 99%. Maximum PPV and NPV achieved are >70% and ~98% respectively. We investigate several important sub-populations, including high risk patients with known IPF co-morbidities, low risk patients who lack those indications, in older (>65 years) and younger populations, in patients who already have a diagnosis of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma or have cardiac disorders, and for patients who are never recorded to have experienced dyspnea and thus are at a higher risk of a missed diagnosis. High performance of the ZCoR-IPF score across clinically relevant situations suggests that it may aid providers to more selectively flag patients for detailed diagnostic evaluation, substantially improving patient outcomes and quality-of-life, as well as efficiency of healthcare resource utilization. Additionally, earlier diagnosis may improve the odds of disease modifying therapy, optimal timing of a lung transplantation, and accelerate access to interventions and palliative care.
Twentieth Century Precipitation Trends in the Upper Mzingwane Sub-catchment of the Northern Limpopo Basin, Zimbabwe
Authors: Maviza Auther , Grab Stefan , Engelbrecht Francois
Published: March 2021

This study evaluates precipitation trends in the upper Mzingwane sub-catchment (UMS) of Zimbabwe for the variables of annual precipitation, extremely wet days, consecutive wet days and consecutive dry days. The UMS is of strategic socio-economic significance in terms of its provision of water security and sustenance to livelihoods. The analysis is undertaken at four stations: Bulawayo Goetz, Filabusi, Mbalabala and Matopos National Park, and for the period 1921–2000. In general trends were found not to have local statistical significance, with the exception of the Matopos station (in the westernmost extent of UMS) which records significant increasing (declining) trends for most dryness (wetness) extreme indices. A general north to south-western declining precipitation gradient during the past ~ 69 years over the UMS was also found. The findings provide a baseline for future extended historical and future precipitation trend studies, and are important in the context of the socio-economic impacts of extreme events in this region.
Tool Remaining Useful Life Prediction Using Deep Transfer Reinforcement Learning Based on Long Short Term Memory Networks
Authors: Yao Jiachen , Lu Baochun , Zhang Junli
Published: March 2021

Tool wear and faults will affect the quality of machined workpiece and damage the continuity of manufacturing. The accurate prediction of remaining useful life (RUL) is significant to guarantee processing quality and improve productivity of automatic system. At present, the most methods for tool RUL prediction are trained by history fault data. However, when researching on new types of tools or processing high value parts, fault datasets are difficult to acquired, which led to RUL prediction a challenge under limited fault data. To overcome shortcomings of above prediction methods, a deep transfer reinforcement learning (DTRL) network based on long short term memory (LSTM) network is presented in this paper. Local features are extracted from consecutive sensor data to track the tool states, and the trained network size can be dynamically adjusted by controlling time sequence length. Then in DTRL network, LSTM network is employed to construct the value function approximation for smoothly processing temporal information and mining long-term dependencies. On this basis, a novel strategies of Q-function update and transfer are presented to transfer the DRL network trained by historical fault data to a new tool for RUL prediction. Finally, tool wear experiments are performed to validate effectiveness of the DTRL model. The prediction result demonstrate that the proposed method has high accuracy and generalization for similar tools and cutting conditions.
Time Perspective as A Common Transdiagnostic Factor of Mental Problems: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocol
Authors: Yang Yi , Wong Siu Ching , Obsuth Ingrid , Murray Aja
Published: March 2021

BackgroundResearch into the transdiagnostic processes underlying multiple mental health problems is promising for making clinical practice and interventions more effective and resource-efficient. In this protocol, we describe a systematic review and meta-analysis that will explore time perspective, defined as an individual’s relative investment of attention on past, present, and future, as a possible transdiagnostic factor that may contribute to issues across wide-ranging domains of mental health. MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis will be conducted to quantify the associations between mental health issue and specific dimensions of time perspective (past, present, future), respectively. The review will include quantitatively measured associations between time perspective and psychological problems published in a peer-reviewed journal from 1st January 1990 up until 1st March 2021, in the English language. Electronic searches will be conducted in Google Scholar, PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science, and EMBASE and supplemented by expert consultation and inspection of the reference lists of included papers. Screening, quality assessment and data extraction will be conducted by two reviewers independently, and potential conflicts will be resolved through discussion with a third reviewer. Random-effects meta-analysis will be conducted using the metafor package in R statistical software, and quality assessment will employ The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Form for Cohort Studies and for Case-Control Studies. The Quality In Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) will be used to evaluate risk of bias. A narrative synthesis will additionally be used to summarize and interpret the results. DiscussionThe present review will provide the first systematic synthesis exploring the associations between time perspective defined as a multidimensional construct and a broad range of mental health issues. This will help evaluate the extent to which time perspective can be considered a key transdiagnostic factor in mental health and thus a key intervention target for the prevention and treatment of multiple mental health issues simultaneously. With a clearer view of the relations between time perspective and various mental health issues based on a robust synthesis, more focused, effective, and efficient interventions may be delivered. Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42021228869
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) and Salinity Impacts Physiological Response and Expression of Salinity-Related Genes in Strawberry cv. Aromas
Authors: Golnari Sahar , Vafaee Yavar , Nazari Farzad , Ghaderi Naser
Published: March 2021

Salinity is one of the most crucial abiotic stresses which is the consequence of increase in the concentration of NaCl ions influencing plant’s growth, development, and yield. Gama-butyric acid gamma (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid involved in various metabolic processes that accumulates in many plant species during stress conditions. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of GABA (0 and 25 mM) and salinity (3 and 5 dS/m) on physiological characteristics and expression pattern of some salinity-related genes in strawberry cv. Aromas under soilless culture condition 12, 24, and 36 h after treatments’ initiation. Based on the results, salinity increased the content of H2O2, MDA, and proline while it decreased the percentage of MSI and the activity of SOD and POD antioxidant enzymes. In contrast, the implementation of GABA not only decreased H2O2 and MDA content, and maintained MSI percentage, but also it improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the transcription level of DREB, cAPX, MnSOD, and GST genes. Under non-stress conditions, GABA acted as a mild stressor by imposing effects similar to abiotic stress which could help plants adapt under the adverse environmental conditions. We concluded that strawberry plants represented a higher salinity tolerance by enhancing both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant physiological protection mechanisms and also by increasing the transcription of salinity-related genes upon GABA application.
Influence of Sulfur and Light Intensity in Nutrient Removal, and Hydrogen and Ethanol Production by Optimized Biomass of Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii in Batch Anaerobic Photobioreactors
Authors: Vargas Sarah Regina , Zaiat Marcelo , Calijuri Maria do Carmo
Published: March 2021

Hydrogen is a renewable fuel that can be biologically produced by green algae in closed anaerobic photobioreactors with light and organic carbon as energy sources. This research aimed to investigate the influence of sulfur concentration and light intensity on hydrogen and ethanol production, as well as on nutrient removal by Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (CC425) in batch cultures. The strain was cultivated in two phases: in the first step, the cultures were maintained under aerobic conditions to obtain biomass; in the second step, the biomass was transferred to closed anaerobic photobioreactors for gas generation under continuous illumination. A factorial design was accomplished to optimize the biomass production in the first step, with light variation, pH, and glucose addition. Afterward, light intensity and sulfur concentration were varied to test hydrogen production in the second step. The best production occurred in photobioreactors without sulfur addition (average increase of 7 times in the production) and under higher light intensity the production was 37% higher than lower light (39.64 ± 2.44 µmol H2 L-1 h-1). There was an effect of sulfur concentration in the ethanol production and under higher light intensity the production was higher (203.20 ± 31.49 mg L-1). In addition, in general, under conditions with the presence of sulfur, there was greater removal of ammoniacal nitrogen (5.3%), phosphate (85.0%), COD (9.1%) and acetic acid (97.2%). This research demonstrates the efficient production of hydrogen and ethanol by C. reinhardtii and it shows that the process can be associated with nutrient removal.
Chronic Foot Pain and Foot Solutions in Adults from Different Professions: the I-Corps-National Science Foundation Foot Health Survey.
Authors: Mbue Ngozi D. , Wang Wanyi , Rosario Martin G.
Published: March 2021

Background: Chronic foot pain (CFP) is a major contributor to sick leave and early retirement among individuals in all professions, especially those whose jobs require prolonged standing, lifting and walking. Current treatment modalities are inadequate in managing CFP. Hence, there is a significant need for new treatment options to manage chronic foot pain. The objectives of this study are i) explore the current state of chronic foot pain; ii) investigate current solutions and treatment options; and iii) explore opportunities for future inventions to address chronic foot pain.Methods: Between April 2019 and September 2020, our team embarked on an I-Corps-National Science Foundation (NSF) programs in the United States to obtain information from stakeholders. Individualized, open-ended, mostly face-to-face interviews from nurses, athletes, construction and restaurant workers, among others were conducted.Results: Preliminary data (N=119) showed that current solutions and treatments for CFP were insufficient in managing moderate to acute pain (mostly pain scale 5 on a scale of 0-10). Those with ≥ 5 pain, changed shoes (63.3%), used shoe inserts, nursing clogs and painkillers (53.3%), and compression stockings (40%), with none reporting effectiveness. Fisher's exact tests were used to examine the relationships between regions (foot, heel and leg) and pain solutions. Regions (foot and heel) and shoe change were significantly related (p = 0.006) with participants using 5-7 pairs of shoes interchangeably, spending approximately $500-$700/year on new shoes. Female nurses 30-40 years experienced the highest foot pain than those younger. No significant differences in nursing and other professions with regards to CFP and solutions. Conclusions: The majority expressed interest in trying new products to relieve their chronic foot and heel pain. Risk factors for foot pain included prolonged standing, walking, and lifting heavy objects. Current solutions are inadequate for managing moderate to acute foot pain in those who stand for prolonged periods of time on their feet. Innovations are urgently needed to address CFP.
Severe congenital neutropenia due to G6PC3 deficiency. Case series of five patients and literature review
Authors: Velez-Tirado Natalia , Yamazaki-Nakashimada Marco Antonio , Valentín Enrique Lopez , Partida-Gaytan Armando , Scheffler-Mendoza Selma C , Semerena Genny M Chaia , Alvarez-Cardona Aristóteles , Gutiérrez Marcos Alejandro Suárez , Medina-Torres Edgar Alejandro , Capetillo Patricia Baeza , Hirschmugl Tatjana , Garncarz Wojciech , Espinosa-Padilla Sara Elva , Hernández Jesús Aguirre , Klein Christoph , Boztug Kaan , Reyes Saul Oswaldo Lugo
Published: March 2021

Glucose-6-phosphate catalytic subunit 3 (G6PC3) deficiency is characterized by severe congenital neutropenia with recurrent pyogenic infections, a prominent superficial venous pattern, and cardiovascular and urogenital malformations, caused by an alteration of glucose homeostasis, with increased endoplasmic reticulum stress and cell apoptosis. We describe five new cases from Mexico, and review 89 more patients reported in the past decade, to delineate the most frequent laboratory and genetic features, their treatment, and outcomes, and to expand the knowledge of syndromic and non-syndromic phenotypes in these patients.
Association Between Prehospital Airway Management Methods and Neurologic Outcome in Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) with Respiratory Cause.
Authors: Choi Yeongho , Kim Tae Han , Hong Ki Jeong , Song Kyoung Jun , Shin Sang Do
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Cardiac arrests are resulted by various aetiology including respiratory cause. Advanced airway placement is an important prehospital intervention for oxygenation and ventilation in respiratory cardiac arrest. We evaluated the association between of advanced airway method and neurologic outcome in arrest with respiratory cause.Method: Adult witnessed non-traumatic OHCAs treated by emergency medical service (EMS) providers in 2013-2017 were enrolled in a nationwide OHCA database. The association between airway management methods (endotracheal intubation (ETI), supraglottic airway (SGA) and bag valve mask (BVM)) and outcome were evaluated according to the presumed cause of cardiac arrest (cardiac, respiratory or others). The primary outcome was good neurological recovery at discharge. Multivariable logistic regression models with interaction analysis was conducted.Result: Of 40,443 eligible OHCA patients, the cause of arrest of 90.0%, 7.5%, and 2.4% of patients were categorized as cardiac, respiratory and others, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the effect of the advanced airway type on good neurologic recovery in the total population (aOR 0.96 (0.81-1.14) for ETI; 1.01 (95% CI 0.93-1.11) for BVM). However, ETI was associated with better neurologic recovery than SGA or BVM in OHCA in cardiac arrest with suspected respiratory cause (aOR 3.12 (95% CI 1.24-7.80) for ETI; 0.99 (95% CI 0.51-1.91) for BVM).Conclusion: Prehospital ETI was associated with good neurologic outcome when the cause of arrest was respiratory. ETI may be considered initially when a respiratory cause is suspected on the scene.
Isochoric specific heat in the Dual Model of Liquids and comparison with the Phonon theory of Liquid Thermodynamics
Authors: Peluso Fabio
Published: March 2021

We continue in this paper to illustrate the implications of the Dual Model of Liquids (DML) by deriving the expression for the isochoric specific heat as a function of the collective degrees of freedom available at a given temperature and comparing it with the analogous expression obtained in the Phonon Theory of Liquid Thermodynamics. The Dual Model of Liquids has been recently proposed as a model describing the dynamics of liquids at the mesoscopic level. Bringing together the early pictures of Brillouin and Frenkel and the recent experimental outcomes obtained by means of high energy scattering, liquids are considered in the DML as constituted by a population of wave packets, responsible for the propagation of elastic and thermal perturbations, and of dynamic aggregates of molecules, in continuous re-arrangement, diving in an ocean of amorphous, disordered liquid. The collective degrees of freedom contribute to the exchange of energy and momentum between the material particles and the lattice particles, which the liquids are supposed to be composed of in the DML.First, we show that the expression obtained for the specific heat in the DML is in line with the experimental results. Second, its comparison with that of the Phonon Theory of Liquid Thermodynamics allows getting interesting insights about the limiting values of the collective degrees of freedom and on that of the isobaric thermal expansion coefficient, two quantities that appear related to each other in this framework
Metabo-Endotypes of Asthma Reveal Clinically Important Differences in Lung Function: Discovery and validation in two TOPMed Cohorts
Authors: Kelly Rachel , Mendez Kevin , Huang Mengna , Hobbs Brian , Clish Clary , Gerszten Robert , Cho Michael , Wheelock Craig , McGeachie Michael , Chu Su , Celedon Juan , Weiss Scott , Lasky-Su Jessica
Published: March 2021

Current guidelines do not sufficiently capture the heterogeneous nature of asthma; a detailed molecular classification is needed. Metabolomics represents a novel and compelling approach to derive asthma endotypes, i.e., subtypes defined by functional/pathobiological mechanisms. In two cohorts of asthmatics, untargeted metabolomic profiling and Similarity Network Fusion was used to derive and validate five “metabo-endotypes” of asthma, which displayed significant differences in asthma-relevant phenotypes including pre-bronchodilator and post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC). The “most-severe” asthma metabo-endotype was defined by the lowest FEV1/FVC and characterized by altered levels of phospholipids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, suggesting dysregulation of pulmonary surfactant homeostasis. This was supported by genetic analyses as members of this endotype were more likely to carry variants in key pulmonary surfactant regulation genes including BMPR1B (meta-analyzed p=2.8x10-4) and BMP3 (meta-analyzed p=5.23x10-4). These findings suggest clinically meaningful endotypes can be derived and validated using metabolomic data. Interrogating the drivers of these metabo-endotypes can help understand their pathophysiology.
Biotransformation Mechanism of Inorganic Selenium into Selenomethionine and Selenocysteine by Saccharomyces Boulardii: In Silico Study
Authors: González-Salitre Lourdes , Román-Gutiérrez Alma Delia , Rodríguez-Serrano Gabriela Mariana , Jaimez-Ordaz Judith , Bautista-Ávila Mirandeli , González-Olivares Luis Guillermo
Published: March 2021

The biosynthesis of inorganic selenium into seleno amino acids has been studied in recent years. Thus, it has been reported that Saccharomyces cerevisiae bioaccumulates selenium from the metabolism of inorganic selenium. Based on the studies conducted, several authors have proposed a biotransformation metabolism of selenate into selenomethionine or selenocysteine. However, the pathway in different yeast is unknown. Therefore, and given the relevance of Saccharomyces boulardii as probiotic yeast, this study aims to propose the pathway used by S. boulardii to biosynthesize inorganic selenium into organic species. A comparative in silico study was performed for Saccharomyces boulardii ASM141397V1 with the genome-scale metabolic model of Saccharomyces cerevisiae S288C. Orthologous genes were identified using BLASTp of NCBI. In addition, a circular representation was done using CIRCOS software. The metabolic pathway for the assimilation of selenium was proposed based on the results obtained
Molecular Epidemiology of First Lumpy Skin Disease Outbreak in Odisha, India
Authors: Sethi Rajesh Kumar , Senapati Santosh Kumar , Selim Ahmed Magdy , Acharya Aditya Prasad , Mishra Chinmoy , Das Manoranjan , Biswal Shuvranshu Shekhar
Published: March 2021

Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) is the causative agent of lumpy skin disease (LSD) which is a member of Capripoxvirus. It is an economically critical transboundary disease affecting cattle. This study records the first LSD incidence in cattle of Ganjam district and analyses data from LSD outbreak in August 2020 on epidemiological and genetic characterization. Out of 452 animals clinically examined (59 farms), 63 animals were clinically affected with LSD, with a total morbidity rate of 13.93%. The morbidity rates in the villages (ten villages) varied from 5.55 to 21.62%. The multivariable logistic regression showed that grazing of animals (P=0.023; OR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.09-3.32), and lactation and pregnancy status of animals (P=0.007; OR: 2.86; 95% CI: 1.32-6.17) were the potential risk factors for the occurrence of lumpy skin disease. Out of 53 clinically suspected animals collected from Ganjam district of Odisha, 18 samples (33.96%) were found positive by PCR for both P32 and F genes of capripox virus. Phylogenetic analysis of P32 gene of LSD (MW147486) showed 100% similarity with other isolates from India, Bangladesh, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis of F gene of LSD (MW147485) revealed a similarity of 97.99 %, 97.36%, and 96.60% with, Odisha India (MT074110), Beni Suif Egypt (MN694826) and Marsa Matrouh Egypt (MN699855), respectively.
The relationship between community violence and mental health symptoms in adolescents: Protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Miliauskas Claudia R , Faus Daniela Porto , Cruz Valeria , Vallaperde João Gabriel Rega do Nascimento , Junger Washington , Lopes Claudia Souza
Published: March 2021

Background: Mental health diseases are responsible for 16% of the global burden of disease in adolescents. Identifying the main determinants of these disorders in this age group can direct public and political efforts aimed at their prevention. Two previous meta-analyses showed a moderate and positive effect between exposure to community violence and mental health symptoms; however, there are still significant gaps to be addressed. Objectives: To evaluate whether adolescents’ exposure to a higher degree of community violence is associated with a higher risk of internalizing mental health symptoms and to investigate whether degrees of community violence events (victimization, witnesses and heard about) is associated with a higher risk of internalizing mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety and postraumatic stress disorder). Methods: A systematic review, research question and inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed according to the PEO format. The population consists of adolescents aged 10 to 24 years, the exposition involves individuals who were exposed to community violence, the comparison is adolescents who were not exposed or who were exposed to community violence to a smaller degree, and the outcome consists of internalizing mental health symptoms. Selection, extraction and quality assessment are being performed independently by two researchers. Results: A narrative synthesis will be presented. If possible, a meta-analysis will be performed with subgroup analyses of age, sex, degree of community violence and race. Publication bias will be assessed using funnel plots. This protocol has been registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) - CRD 42019124740.
Sex differentiation and early sex identification in hatchery produced greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) reared in sea cages
Authors: Papadaki Maria , Mandalakis Manolis , Anastasiou Thekla I. , Pouli Marina , Asderis Michalis , Katharios Pantelis , Papandroulakis Nikos , Mylonas Constantinos C.
Published: March 2021

The histological process of gonadal differentiation together with the endocrine changes of glucocorticoids and sex steroids was studied in hatchery produced greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) from 101 until 408 days post-hatching. In the samplings, which were conducted every 50 days, no size dimorphism was observed between the sexes and sex ratio was 1:1, suggesting that there was no influence of early rearing in captivity on sex differentiation. Plasma concentrations of cortisol, cortisone, adrenosterone (Ad), androstenedione (Δ4), 11-ketotestosterone (11ΚΤ), testosterone (Τ), estradiol (Ε2), progesterone (P4) and 17,20β-dihydroxyprogesterone (DHP) were measured in males and females with the use of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to examine their role in the sex differentiation process. From the nine hormones, the only one that exhibited differences between the sexes was 11-KT. However, variations were observed in the mean values of cortisol, Ad, Δ4, 11-KT, T, P4 and DHP over time in one or both sexes, indicating their involvement in the sex differentiation process. Moreover, the 11-KT/E2 ratio was found to be a useful diagnostic biomarker for greater amberjack sex, from as early as 150 dph.
The effects of clonidine and yohimbine in the tail flick and hot plate tests in the naked mole rat (Heterocephalus glaber)
Authors: Mwobobia Royford , Titus Kanui , Klas Abelson
Published: March 2021

Objective: The naked mole rat (NMR) (Heterocephalus glaber) is increasingly considered an important biomedical research model for various conditions like hypoxic brain injury, cancer and nociception. This study was designed to investigate the effects of clonidine and yohimbine, an alpha-2 (α2) adrenoceptor agonist and antagonist respectively in the tail flick and hot plate tests. Results: A significant difference in tail flick latency was noted between saline control and 30µg/kg clonidine, which was reduced after administration of 30µg/kg yohimbine. A significant difference in hot plate latency was also noted between saline control and 30µg/kg clodinine during the periods 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 minutes after administration, and between saline control and 10µg/kg clonidine during 30 minutes after administration. The hot plate latency by 30µg/kg clonidine was also reduced by 30µg/kg yohimbine during 30 minutes after administration. Since the tail-flick and hot plate tests mediate the effects at spinal and supraspinal levels respectively, the present study indicates the presence and involvement of noradrenergic receptors in thermal antinociception at spinal and supraspinal levels of the NMR, similar to what has been found in other mammals.
Nanodroplet-Benzalkonium Chloride Formulation Demonstrates In Vitro and Ex- Vivo Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activity Against SARS-CoV-2 and other Enveloped Viruses
Authors: Pannu Jessie , Ciotti Susan , Ganesan Shyamala , Arida George , Costley Chad , Fattom Ali
Published: March 2021

Objective: The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of aerosolized droplets inhaled into the nose in the transmission of respiratory viral disease. Inactivating pathogenic viruses at the nasal port of entry may reduce viral loads, thereby reducing infection, transmission and spread. In this communication, we demonstrate safe and broad anti-viral activity of oil-in-water nanoemulsion (nanodroplet) formulation containing the potent antiseptic 0.13% Benzalkonium Chloride (NE-BZK). Results: We have demonstrated that NE-BZK exhibits broad-spectrum, long-lasting antiviral activity with >99.9% in vitro killing of enveloped viruses including SARS-CoV-2, human coronavirus, RSV, and influenza B. In vitro and ex-vivo studies demonstrated continued killing of >99.99% of human coronavirus with diluted NE-BZK and persistent for 8 hours post application, respectively. The repeated application of NE-BZK, twice daily for 2 weeks into rabbit nostrils demonstrated its safety with no nasal irritation. These findings demonstrate that formulating BZK into the proprietary nanodroplets offers a safe and effective antiviral and a significant addition to strategies to combat the spread of respiratory viral infectious diseases.
Maternal-Fetal Immune Responses in Pregnant Women Infected with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Garcia-Flores Valeria , Romero Roberto , Xu Yi , Theis Kevin , Arenas-Hernandez Marcia , Miller Derek , Peyvandipour Azam , Galaz Jose , Levenson Dustyn , Bhatti Gaurav , Gershater Meyer , Pusod Errile , Kracht David , Florova Violetta , Leng Yaozhu , Tao Li , Faucett Megan , Para Robert , Hsu Chaur-Dong , Zhang Gary , Tarca Adi , Pique-Regi Roger , Gomez-Lopez Nardhy
Published: March 2021

Pregnant women are a high-risk population for severe/critical COVID-19 and mortality. However, the maternal-fetal immune responses initiated by SARS-CoV-2 infection, and whether this virus is detectable in the placenta, are still under investigation. Herein, we report that SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy primarily induced specific maternal inflammatory responses in the circulation and at the maternal-fetal interface, the latter being governed by T cells and macrophages. SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy was also associated with a cytokine response in the fetal circulation (i.e. umbilical cord blood) without compromising the cellular immune repertoire. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 infection neither altered fetal cellular immune responses in the placenta nor induced elevated cord blood levels of IgM. Importantly, SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in the placental tissues, nor was the sterility of the placenta compromised by maternal viral infection. This study provides insight into the maternal-fetal immune responses triggered by SARS-CoV-2 and further emphasizes the rarity of placental infection.
Brick Strex – A Robust Device Built of LEGO® Bricks for Mechanical Manipulation of Cells
Authors: Mäntylä Elina , Ihalainen Teemu Olavi
Published: March 2021

Cellular forces, mechanics and other physical factors are important co-regulators of normal cell and tissue physiology. These cues are often misregulated in diseases such as cancer, where altered tissue mechanics contribute to the disease progression. Furthermore, intercellular tensile and compressive force related signaling is highlighted in collective cell behavior during development. However, the mechanistic understanding on the role of physical forces in regulation of cellular physiology, including gene expression and signaling, is still lacking. This is partly because studies on the molecular mechanisms of force transmission require easily controllable experimental designs. These approaches should enable both easy mechanical manipulation of cells and, importantly, readouts ranging from microscopy imaging to biochemical assays. To achieve a robust solution for mechanical manipulation of cells, we developed devices built of LEGO® bricks allowing cell stretching and compression studies. By using these devices, we show that b-catenin responds differentially to epithelial monolayer stretching and compression, either localizing more to the cell nuclei or cell-cell junctions, respectively. In addition, we show that epithelial compression drives cytoplasmic retention and phosphorylation of transcription coregulator YAP1. We provide a complete part listing and video assembly instructions, allowing other researchers to build and use the devices in cellular mechanics -related studies.
Case characteristics, clinical data, and outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Qom province, Iran: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Pourhoseingholi Mohamad Amin , Yousefi Hosein , Manesh Hassan Fatemi , Motahaver Nima Najafian , Heydari Zahra , Looha Mehdi Azizmohammad , Taraghikhah Nazanin , Yazdi Maryam , Salami Zahra , Moallemi Elmira , Adeli Seyed Hasan
Published: March 2021

Background: The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) dates back to December 2019 in China. Iran has been one of the most virus inflicted countries of all in which the first case of the disease was declared on 19th February, 2020 in Qom city. The aim of this study was to report demographics, signs and symptoms, laboratory findings, therapeutic approaches, and outcomes.Methods: This observational cohort study was performed from 20th February 2020 to 20th July 2020. All patients were admitted due to WHO, CDC, and Iran’s National Guidelines. Their information was recorded in their medical files. Multivariable analysis was performed to assess demographics, signs and symptoms, paraclinical data, treatments, outcomes of disease, and finding the risk factors of death subject to COVID-19.Results: Of all 2468 participants, the mean age was 57.9±17.6 years and 56.8% of patients were male. The most significant comorbidities were seen among those who have Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus. Cough, Dyspnea, and Fever were the most frequent symptoms. 92.3% of patients received supplementary oxygen, 14.42% were admitted to ICU, and 17.2% died in hospital. The significant risk factors of death related to COVID-19 were ageing, male gender, HTN, CHF, CVA, CKD, increasing ESR, PT, WBC, liver function tests, and decreasing Oxygen saturation.Conclusion: Incontinent results in the case of COVID-19 outcomes and death-related risk factors attribute to marked differences in demographics and health care systems. The patients with hazardous risk factors must be detected urgently and monitored closely to save more lives.
The Effect of Modulation Frequency for Frequency Domain Diffuse Optic Tomography (FDDOT)
Authors: Kazanci Huseyin Ozgur
Published: March 2021

In this study, it was illustrated that extremely high frequency (EHF) Ka-band (26.5-40 GHz) modulated frequency domain diffuse optic tomography (FDDOT) biomedical optic imaging (BOI) modality is superior to the generally accepted 100 MHz modulation frequency case. The effect of modulation frequency was shown with reconstructed images for two different modulation frequency simulation cases. Ka EHF-band frequency range covers 26.5 - 40 GHz. In this simulation study 33 GHz modulation frequency was selected. Forward model problem photon fluencies were generated for 30 equally separated sequential phase delays. Each phase delay has different photon fluence distributions inside the imaging geometry. 3.1 cm grid sizes were set in the x, y, z cartesian grid coordinate system with 31×31×31 xyz grid elements. To test the advantage of EHF-band modulation frequency, inverse problem solution algorithm was done and inclusion images were reconstructed for each modulation frequency simulation case. Original inclusion was embedded inside the imaging geometry at (15-16, 15-16, 15-16) x, y, z coordinate system in the three-dimensional (3D) cubic spatial form. Homogenous tissue background photon absorption, scattering, and anisotropy coefficients were selected as µa = 0.1 cm-1, µs = 100 cm-1, and g = 0.9. Four sources and four detectors were placed on the back-reflection geometry. Forward model problem was built between sources, voxels, and detectors. Forward model problem photon fluencies were generated based on the diffusion equation (DE) approximation of the radiative transport equation (RTE) formula in the frequency domain. Original inclusion was reconstructed by simply applying mathematical pseudoinverse problem solution function. It was observed that, reconstructed inclusion image at the 33 GHz Ka-Band modulation frequency simulation case is superior to the reconstructed inclusion image at the 100 MHz modulation frequency simulation case. Since there are too many frequency selection opportunities, the best Ka-band frequency was selected to demonstrate here. Thus, 33 GHz and 100 MHz modulation frequencies were tested against each other. These two different electronic modulation frequencies were tested and compared with each other.
ETHEREUM ve AKILLI SÖZLEŞMELER
Authors: TEVETOĞLU Mete
Published: March 2021

Borcun kaynaklarından biri olan sözleşmelerin temelinde tarafların sözleşme yapmak konusunda iradelerini açıklamaları ve bu iradelerin birbiri ile uyuşması yatar. Sözleşmesel yükümlülüklerin sözleşmelerde düzenlenen şekilde yerine getirilmesi önemlidir. Bu nokta, taraflarının iradelerine tabi olup ve birbirlerine yönelik karşılıklı güvenlerine dayanır. Sözleşmelerin gereği gibi ifası, dayanağı ve kaynağı bakımından hassas, zayıf ve kırılgandır. Zira, taraflar her zaman birbirlerinin iradelerini tam ve doğru şekilde anlayamayabilir. Yine böylesine akitlerde taraflar, aradan geçen zamanın veya değişen şartların etkisiyle yahut ortada bunun için zorlayıcı bir sebep yokken bile sözleşmeye yansıyan iradesine konu taahhüdünü tam veya zamanında yerine getirmekten kaçınabilir. Güven esasına dayanan sözleşmelerin ifası itimat asimetrisi riskine ve taraf iradesinin zaaflarına tabidir. Teknoloji, güven ve sözleşmelerin ifa edilmesine dair bu risklerin giderilmesine çözüm getirebilir mi? İşte bu soru, Bitcoin ile ortaya çıkan Blokzincir teknolojisini pek çok yönden daha ileri taşıyan Ethereum ile birlikte daha fazla tartışılır, merak edilir hale gelmiştir. Ethereum ile beraber tekrar hatırlanan ve Blokzincir teknolojisi ile yeniden yorumlanan akıllı sözleşme kavramı mezkur sözleşmenin, taraflarının karşılıklı, subjektif güvenine mahkum edilmeden, kendi kendini ifa edebilmesinin yeniden tartışılmasına ve heyecanla karşılanmasına yol açmıştır. Bu makalede, Ethereum üzerinde geliştirilebilen ve uygulanabilen akıllı sözleşmelerin ne anlama geldiği, kendi kendini nasıl ifa edebildiği, gelecekteki teknoloji ve hukuk işbirliğine dair hangi etkileşimleri yarattığı ve bunların hukuki sonuçlarına incelenmektedir.