bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Strontium Removal Process From Contaminated Water Using Zeolite Nanocomposites
Authors: Karmaker Shamal Chandra , Eljamal Osama , Saha Bidyut Baran
Published: March 2021

The effective removal of strontium from polluted water is an emerging issue worldwide, especially in Japan, after the destruction of Fukushima’s Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. In the strontium removal process, statistical optimization of associated factors is needed to reduce the quantity of chemicals and the number of experimental trials. In this study, response surface methodology based on the central composite design was employed for assessing the influence of different factors and their interaction effects on the efficiency of strontium removal. We have considered nanoscale zero-valent iron-zeolite (nZVI-Z) and nano-Fe/Cu zeolite (nFe/Cu-Z) as adsorbents for the effective removal of strontium. The present study showed that the most statistically significant potential contributor was initial concentration, followed by contact time in the removal process. The study indicated that the interaction effect between contact time and initial concentration was statistically important, suggesting the need for a multi-mechanism technique in the removal phase of strontium. Tόth, Langmuir, Dubinin-Astakhov (D-A), Freundlich, and Hill isotherm models were also fitted with the experimental strontium adsorption data, in which the Tόth model fitted best compared to the other models based on the RMSD.
Quantitative analysis of non-equilibrium systems from short-time experimental data
Authors: Manikandan Sreekanth K , Ghosh Subhrokoli , Kundu Avijit , Das Biswajit , Agrawal Vipin , Mitra Dhrubaditya , Banerjee Ayan , Krishnamurthy Supriya
Published: March 2021

We provide a minimal strategy for the quantitative analysis of a large class of non-equilibrium systems in a steady state using the short-time Thermodynamic Uncertainty Relation (TUR).
From short-time trajectory data obtained from experiments, we demonstrate how we can simultaneously infer quantitatively, both the
thermodynamic force field acting on the system, as well as the exact rate of entropy production. We benchmark this scheme first for an experimental study of a colloidal particle system where exact analytical results are known, before applying it to the case of a colloidal particle in a hydrodynamical flow field, where neither analytical nor numerical results are available. Our scheme hence provides a means, potentially exact for a large class of systems, to get a quantitative estimate of the entropy produced in maintaining a non-equilibrium system in a steady state, directly from experimental data.
Dead-Reckoning Animal Movements in R – A Reappraisal Using Gundog.Tracks
Authors: Gunner Richard Michael , Holton Mark D , Scantlebury Mike D , Schalkwyk Louis van , English Holly M , Williams Hannah J , Hopkins Phil , Quintana Flavio , Gómez-Laich Agustina , Börger Luca , Redcliffe James , Yoda Ken , Yamamoto Takashi , Ferreira Sam , Govender Danny , Viljoen Pauli , Bruns Angela , Bell Stephen H , Marks Nikki , Bennet Nigel C , Tonini Mariano H , Duarte Carlos M , Rooyen Martin C van , Bertelsen Mads F , Tambling Craig J , Wilson Rory P
Published: March 2021

Background
Fine-scale data on animal position are increasingly enabling us to understand the details of animal movement ecology and dead-reckoning, a technique integrating motion sensor-derived information on heading and speed, can be used to reconstruct fine-scale movement paths at sub-second resolution, irrespective of the environment. On its own however, the dead-reckoning process is prone to cumulative errors, so that position estimates quickly become uncoupled from true location. Periodic ground-truthing with aligned location data (e.g., from global positioning technology) can correct for this drift between Verified Positions (VPs). Yet relatively few bio-logging studies have adopted this approach due to an apparent inaccessibility of the complex analytical processes involved. We present step-by-step instructions for implementing Verified Position Correction (VPC) dead-reckoning in R using the tilt-compensated compass method, accompanied by the mathematical protocols underlying the code and improvements and extensions of this technique to reduce the trade-off between VPC rate and dead-reckoning accuracy. These protocols are all built into a user-friendly, fully-annotated VPC dead-reckoning R function; Gundog.Tracks, with multi-functionality to reconstruct animal movement paths across terrestrial, aquatic, and aerial systems, provided within the supplementary information as well as online (GitHub).
Results
The Gundog.Tracks function is demonstrated on three contrasting model species (the African lion Panthera leo, the Magellanic penguin Spheniscus magellanicus, and the Imperial cormorant Leucocarbo atriceps) moving on land, in water and in air, respectively. We show the effect of uncorrected errors in speed estimations, heading inaccuracies and infrequent VPC rate and demonstrate how these issues can be addressed.
Conclusions
The function provided will allow anyone familiar with R to dead-reckon animal tracks readily and accurately, as the key complex issues are dealt with by Gundog.Tracks. This will help the community to consider and implement a valuable, but often overlooked method of reconstructing high-resolution animal movement paths across diverse species and systems without requiring a bespoke application.
Pink1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy regulated the apoptosis of dendritic cells in sepsis
Authors: Zhang Yaolu , Luo Yinan , Xiao Zhong , Wang Kang , Liu Xinyong , Chen Longwang , Zhao Guangju , Yao Yongming , Lu Zhongqiu
Published: March 2021

Although the Pink1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy is closely related to inflammation and immunoregulation, its effect on apoptosis of splenic dendritic cells (DCs) in sepsis remains unknown. Here, our current study demonstrates that mitophagy is enhanced, and apoptosis of DCs is increased during sepsis in Wild Type (WT) mice. It also shows that mitophagy occurs in the process of the sepsis-induced apoptosis of DCs. Moreover, the level of mitophagy of Pink1-knockout (Pink1-KO) mice is lower than that of WT mice, while the apoptosis of DCs of Pink1-KO mice is increased further more than that of WT mice during sepsis. The mitochondrial dysfunction in DCs is aggravated in Pink1-KO mice during sepsis, which suggests that Pink1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy regulates the apoptosis of DCs by improving mitochondrial function. Thus, an impaired Pink1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy exacerbates the apoptosis of DCs and it might represent a novel therapeutic target to prevent sepsis in the future.
Monitoring and Evaluation of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Three Rivers in Northeast China
Authors: Zhao Chen , Li Chenyu , Wang Xiaoming , Cao Zhuosong , Gao Chao , Su Sicong , Xue Bin , Wang Shang , Qiu Zhigang , Wang Jingfeng , shen zhiqiang
Published: March 2021

Background: Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have become an important public health problem. In this study, we used metagenomic sequencing to analyze the composition of ARGs in certain original habitats of northeast China, comprising three different rivers and riverbank soils of the Heilongjiang River, Tumen River, and Yalu River. Results: Twenty types of ARG were detected in every water sample. The major ARGs were multidrug resistance genes, at approximately 0.5 copies/16s rRNA, accounting for 57.5% of the total ARG abundance. The abundance of multidrug, bacitracin, beta-lactam, macrolide‑lincosamide‑streptogramin, sulfonamide, fosmidomycin, and polymyxin resistance genes covered 96.9% of the total ARG abundance. No significant ecological boundary of ARG diversity was observed. The compositions of the resistance genes in the three rivers were very similar to each other, and 92.1% of ARG subtypes were shared by all water samples. Except for vancomycin resistance genes, almost all ARGs in riverbank soils were detected in the river water. About 31.05% ARGs were carried by Pseudomonas. Opportunistic pathogenic bacteria carrying resistance genes were mainly related to diarrhea and respiratory infections. Multidrug and beta-lactam resistance genes correlated positively with mobile genetic elements (MGEs), indicating a potential risk of diffusion.Conclusions: The composition of ARGs in three different rivers was similar, indicating that climate played an important role in ARG occurrence. ARG subtypes in river water were almost completely the same as those in riverbank soil. ARGs had no significant geographical distribution characteristics. Many ARGs were carried by human pathogenic bacteria related to human diarrhea and respiratory infections, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aeromonas caviae. In general, our results provide a valuable dataset of river water ARG distribution in northeast China. The related ecological geography distribution characteristics should be further explored.
The analysis of the soliton-type solutions of conformable equations by using generalized Kudryashov method
Authors: Kaplan Melike , Akbulut Arzu
Published: March 2021

This research article is dedicated to applying the generalized Kudryashov method in order to acquire new exact and soliton-type solutions of the conformable Burgers' equation and Wu-Zhang system with conformable derivative.
Melatonin Ameliorates Cardiac Remodelling in Fructose-Induced Metabolic Syndrome Rat Model by Using Genes Encoding Cardiac Potassium Ion Channels
Authors: Ovali Mehmet Akif , Oztopuz Rahime Ozlem , Vardar Selma Arzu
Published: March 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Off-label use of combined antiretroviral therapy, analysis of data collected by The Italian Register for HIV-1 infection in Paediatrics in a large cohort of children.
Authors: Chiappini Elena , Lisi Catiuscia , Giacomet Vania , Erba Paola , Bernardi Stefania , Zangari Paola , Biagio Antonio Di , Taramasso Lucia , Giaquinto Carlo , Rampon Osvalda , Gabiano Clara , Garazzino Silvia , Tagliabue Claudia , Esposito Susanna , Bruzzese Eugenia , Badolato Raffaele , Zanaboni Domenico , Cellini Monica , Dedoni Maurizio , Mazza Antonio , Pession Andrea , Giannini Anna Maria , Salvini Filippo , Dodi Icilio , Carloni Ines , Cazzato Salvatore , Tovo Pier Angelo , de Martino Maurizio , Galli Luisa , Italy Italian Register for HIV Infection in Children
Published: March 2021

BackgroundEarly start of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in perinatally HIV-1 infected children is the optimal strategy to prevent immunological and clinical deterioration. To date, according to EMA, only 35% of antiretroviral drugs are licenced in children < 2 years of age and 60% in those aged 2–12 years, due to the lack of adequate paediatric clinical studies on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and drug safety in children.MethodsAn observational retrospective study investigating the rate and the outcomes of off-label prescription of HAART was conducted on 225 perinatally HIV-1 infected children enrolled in the Italian Register for HIV Infection in Children and followed-up from 2001 to 2018.Results22.2% (50/225) of included children were receiving an off-label HAART regimen at last check. Only 26% (13/50) of off-label children had an undetectable viral load (VL) before the commencing of the regimen and the 52.0% (26/50) had a CD4 + T lymphocyte percentage > 25%. At last check, during the off label regimen, the 80% (40/50) of patients had an undetectable VL, and 90% (45/50) of them displayed CD4 + T lymphocyte percentage > 25%. The most widely used off-label drugs were: dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine (16%; 8/50), emtricitbine/tenofovir disoproxil (22%; 11/50), lopinavir/ritonavir (20%; 10/50) and elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/ tenofovir alafenamide (10%; 10/50). At logistic regression analysis, detectable VL before starting the current HAART regimen was a risk factor for receiving an off-label therapy (OR:2.41; 95%IC 1.13–5.19; P = 0.024). Moreover, children < 2 years of age were at increased risk for receiving off-label HAART with respect to older children (OR:3.24; 95%IC 1063 − 7.3; P = 0.001). Even if our safety data regarding off-label regimens where poor, no adverse event was reported.ConclusionThe prescription of an off-label HAART regimen in perinatally HIV-1 infected children was common, in particular in children with detectable VL despite previous HAART and in younger children, especially those receiving their first regimen. Our data suggest similar proportions of virological and immunological successes at last check among children receiving off-label or on-label HAART. Larger studies are needed to better clarify efficacy and safety of off-label HAART regimens in children, in order to allow the enlargement of on-label prescription in children.
Impact of short-term exposure to extreme temperatures on diabetes mellitus morbidity and mortality? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Song Xuping , Jiang Liangzhen , Zhang Dongdong , Wang Xinyi , Ma Yan , Hu Yue , Tang Jing , Li Xiayang , Huang Wenqiang , Meng Yuan , Shi Anchen , Feng Yan , Zhang Yan
Published: March 2021

The relationship between diabetes mellitus and short-term exposure to extreme temperatures remains controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to assess the association between extreme temperatures and diabetes mellitus morbidity and mortality. PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) were searched since inception to January 1, 2019, and updated on November 17, 2020. The results were combined using random effects model and reported as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). 32 studies met the included criteria. (1) Both heat and cold exposures have impact on diabetes. (2) For heat exposure, the subgroup analysis revealed that the effect on diabetes mortality (RR = 1.139, 95% CI: 1.089–1.192) was higher than morbidity (RR = 1.012, 95% CI: 1.004–1.019). (3) With the increase of definition threshold, the impact of heat exposure on diabetes rised. (4) A stronger association between heat exposure and diabetes was observed in the elderly (≥ 60 years old) (RR = 1.040, 95% CI: 1.017–1.064). In conclusion, both short-term exposure to heat and cold temperatures have impact on diabetes. The elderly is the vulnerable population of diabetes exposure to heat temperature. Developing definitions of heatwaves at the regional level are suggested.
Novel synthesis, characterization and TDD-DFT computations for ZrO2-bromothymol blue nanocomposite thin film [ZrO2+BTB]C and its application
Authors: Al-Hossainy Ahmed F. , Zoromba Mohamed Sh.
Published: March 2021

A novel [ZrO2 + BTB]C nanocomposite was synthesized and prepared as a thin film using the Sol-Gel spin coating method. Different characterization techniques for [ZrO2 + BTB]C like FTIR, UV-Vis, and optical properties have been used. The resulted XRD and SEM data have been employed to study interface composites. The optimization was performed using DFT by DMol3 and CASTEP program. The chemical structure was confirmed by spectroscopic and structural properties for [ZrO2-BTB]C, XRD results showed the same crystal structure. Combined between experimental and TDD-DFT data, the average crystallite size and composite interface are 12.36 nm and orthorhombic symmetry (a = 7.38(5); b = 18.178(6); c = 26.10(3) Å and a = b = g = 90o) with space group (P61) for [ZrO2 + BTB]C, respectively. Furthermore. While the computed by DFT are 2.897 eV and 2.492 eV for as-isolated crystals of [BTB]TF and [ZrO2 + BTB]C, respectively. Both [BTB]TF and [ZrO2 + BTB]C thin films have direct allowed transitions. In addition, the optoelectrical parameters have been calculated for [BTB]TF and [ZrO2 + BTB]C films such as refractive index, extinction coefficient, dielectric constant, and optical conductivity. The simulated values obtained by CATSTEP for the optical parameters of [ZrO2 + BTB]C are in good agreement with the experimental values. The [ZrO2 + BTB]C presents a good candidate for optoelectronics and solar cell applications.
Quantitative analysis of IKZF1 gene deletions in pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Higher levels are associated with a poorer prognosis
Authors: Huang Zhizhuo , Yueping Jia , Guorui Ruan , Yingxi Zuo , Jun Wu , Aidong Lu , Yujuan Xue , Yifei Cheng , Zhang Le-ping
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To assess the prognostic effect of different levels of IKZF1 gene deletions in pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL).Methods: IKZF1 Δ2-8/ALB deletions were quantified using multiplex real-time quantitative PCR in newly diagnosed pediatric BCP-ALL patients. Seventy-four patients with IKZF1 deletions ≥ 0.01% were included. Clinical characteristics, laboratory data, and treatment outcomes were analysed.Results: The patients were divided into two groups: IKZF1 deletions < 1% (group A) and ≥ 1% (group B). Group B patients had a higher BCR-ABL1 positive rate than did group A patients. The proportions of patients who had an age at onset ≥10 years old, and white blood cell count ≥ 50×109/L were significantly higher in group B than in group A. The 3-year overall survival (OS) and 3-year event-free survival (EFS) rates in group B were 79 ± 8.8% and 62.4 ± 9.7%, respectively, being significantly lower than those in group A (97.7 ± 2.2% and 83.2 ± 5.8%, respectively). The level of IKZF1 deletions ≥ 1% and the central nervous system leukemia were independent risk factors of EFS.Conclusions: Pediatric BCP-ALL patients with high levels of IKZF1 gene deletions have a poorer prognosis than those with low levels.
Description of the Demicyclic life Cycle of Puccinia Sherardiana in Sphaeralcea Angustifolia in Mexico.
Authors: Moreno-Velázquez Magnolia , Sánchez-Pale Jesús Ricardo , Tapia-Nuño Ricardo , Camacho-Tapia Moisés , Cambrón-Crisantos José Manuel , Leyva-Mir Santos Gerardo , Tovar-Pedraza Juan Manuel , QUEZADA-SALINAS ANDRES
Published: March 2021

During 2017-2019, leaves and stems with dark brown lesions containing hypophyllous telia surrounded by chlorotic halos were collected from Sphaeralcea angustifolia plants located in Axapusco, State of Mexico. Based on the morphological characteristics of pycnia, aecia and telia observed by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, the fungus Puccinia sherardiana was identified. Uredial stage was not present during the observation period. Identity verification was carried out by phylogenetic analysis with sequences of part of the 28S gene from ribosomal DNA. In addition, pathogenicity tests were done on S. angustifolia leaves by inoculating teliospores. The inoculated plants developed symptoms 15 days after inoculation, the signs beginning with the presence of aecia in the epidermis of the host and later telia were formed, completing the Koch Postulates. Puccinia sherardiana was previously described as a rust with a microcyclic life cycle on species of the genera Alcea, Malvastrum, Sidalcea and Sphaeralcea , belonging to the Malvaceae family, however, this study revealed that this plant pathogenic fungus has a demicyclic life cycle.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Loess Collapsibility of Oil and Gas Pipeline Based on Cloud Theory
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Zhang Manyin , Sun Zhizhong , Zhang Yimin
Published: March 2021

The comprehensive evaluation of pipeline loess collapsibility risk is a necessary means to grasp the safety risks of pipelines in the collapsible loess section, and it is also one of the key scientific basis for risk prevention, control and management. The comprehensive evaluation system of cloud theory consists of quantitative and qualitative indexes, and the evaluation system has the characteristics of randomness and fuzziness. Aiming at the problem that the common qualitative and semi-quantitative evaluation methods have strong subjectivity in dealing with the uncertainty problems such as randomness and fuzziness of the system, the cloud theory, which can effectively reflect the randomness and fuzziness of things at the same time, is introduced, and the state scale cloud and index importance weight cloud of pipeline loess collapse risk are constructed by golden section method. The uncertainty cloud reasoning process of the quantitative indexes and the expert scoring method of the qualitative indexes are proposed. The comprehensive evaluation model of loess collapsibility risk of oil and gas pipeline is established and the engineering example is analysed. The comprehensive evaluation results of 10 samples to be evaluated are basically consistent with the results of semi-quantitative method, and are consistent with the actual situation. The evaluation process softens the hard division of index boundary, simplifies the index data pre-processing, realizes the organic integration of quantitative and qualitative, integrated decision-making, and improves the accuracy, rationality and visualization of the results.
Data Mining of Coronavirus: SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV
Authors: Huh Jung Eun , Han Seunghee , Yoon Taeseon
Published: March 2021

Objectives: All three SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV belong to the Coronaviridae family. In this study we compare amino acid and codon sequence of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV using different statistics programs to understand their characteristics. Specifically, we are interested in how differences in the amino acid and codon sequence lead to different incubation periods and outbreak periods.Results: The initial question we had was to compare SARS-CoV-2 to different viruses in the coronavirus family to understand its characteristics. The result of experiments using BLAST, Apriori and Decision Tree has shown that SARS-CoV-2 had high similarity with SARS-CoV while having comparably low similarity with MERS-CoV. We decided to compare the codons of SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV to see the difference. Though the viruses are very alike according to BLAST and Apriori experiments, SVM proved that they can be effectively classified using non-linear kernels. Decision Tree experiment has proved several remarkable properties of SARS-CoV-2 amino acid sequence that cannot be found in MERS-CoV amino acid sequence.The consequential purpose of this paper is to minimize the damage on humanity from SARS-CoV-2. Hence, further studies can focus on the comparison of SARS-CoV-2 virus with other viruses that also can be transmitted during latent periods.
Vaccination Status, Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Toward Hepatitis B Infection Among Students of Medical Laboratory Sciences at Sudan International University
Authors: Elhadi Ahmed , Elfaki Eman , Yassin Mustafa Eltigani
Published: March 2021

Objective: This study aimed to assess the level of awareness about Hepatitis B infection, and the HBV testing and vaccination history among students of medical laboratory sciences (MLS) at Sudan international university.Results: A total of 271 students responded to the questionnaire. Among them, 67% were females, and 33% were males with a mean age of 20.93 ± 1.6 years. Only 66 (24.4%) students were vaccinated against hepatitis B, whereas 205 (75.6%) students had never been vaccinated. Out of all study participants, 121 (44.6%) had never been tested for HBV. Among the study participants, 60.4% had good knowledge about HBV, 85% had a positive attitude toward HBV, and 85% had good practices related to HBV. The mean awareness score was 18.3, with 64% of participants having satisfactory awareness about HBV. Moreover, this awareness was significantly predicted by the study level of the student (P = .000). Being on the fourth year of study was associated with satisfactory awareness about HBV (OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.188–0.889).
Hydrogen Spillover-Driven Low Temperature Synthesis of High-Entropy Alloy Nanoparticles as a Robust Catalyst
Authors: Mori Kohsuke , Hashimoto Naoki , Kamiuchi Naoto , Yoshida Hideto , Kobayashi Hisayoshi , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: March 2021

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) have been intensively pursued as potentially advanced materials because of their exceptional properties. However, the facile fabrication of nanometer-sized HEAs over conventional catalyst supports remains challenging, and the design of rational synthetic protocols would permit the development of innovative catalysts with a wide range of potential compositions. Herein, we demonstrate that titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a promising platform for the low-temperature synthesis of supported CoNiCuRuPd HEA nanoparticles (NPs) at 400°C. This process is driven by the pronounced hydrogen spillover effect on TiO2 in conjunction with coupled proton/electron transfer. In this process, Pd nuclei generated in the early stage act as uptake sites to enhance the migration of active hydrogen atoms, and the five component metals are simultaneously reduced by spilled hydrogen on the support rather than via direct reduction by gaseous H2. The CoNiCuRuPd HEA NPs on TiO2 produced in this work were found to be both active and extremely durable during the CO2 hydrogenation reaction. Characterization by means of various in situ techniques and theoretical calculations elucidated the specific mechanism by which the HEA NPs were formed and also established that a synergistic effect was obtained from this combination of elements.
Ablation rate after radioactive iodine therapy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer at intermediate or high risk of recurrence: a systematic review and a meta-analysis
Authors: Klain Michele , Nappi Carmela , Zampella Emilia , Cantoni Valeria , Green Roberta , Piscopo Leandra , Volpe Fabio , Manganelli Mariarosaria , Caiazzo Elisa , Schlumberger Martin , Cuocolo Alberto
Published: March 2021

Purpose
We performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis to investigate the successful ablation rate after radioiodine (RAI) administration in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) at intermediate-high risk of recurrence.
Methods
A comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases was conducted according to the PRISMA statement.
Results
The final analysis included 9 studies accounting for 3103 patients at intermediate-high risk of recurrence. In these patients, the successful ablation rates ranged from 51–94% with a 71% pooled successful ablation and was higher in intermediate (72%) than in high (52%) risk patients. Despite the rigorous inclusion standards, a significant heterogeneity among the evaluated studies was observed. Higher administered RAI activities are associated with a lower successful ablation rate in the whole population and in the subgroup of high-risk patients. Further, pooled recurrence rate in intermediate risk patients achieving successful ablation was only 2% during the subsequent 6.4-year follow-up while the pooled recurrence rate was 14% in patients who did not achieve a successful ablation.
Conclusion
In a large sample of 3103 patients at intermediate-high risk of persistent/recurrent disease, 71% of patients achieved a successful ablation. In these intermediate-risk patients, the probability of subsequent recurrence is low and most recurrence occurred in those with already abnormal findings at the first control.
Effect of Silver Nano-Particles on Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of Casted (Polyvinyl alcohol/ Polyacrylamide/Polyethylene oxide) Composites for Antibacterial Applications
Authors: Abass khalid , O Karar Abdali
Published: March 2021

The (PVA-PAAm-PEO) weight percentage blends with Ag nanoparticles as a nanocomposites (NCs) have been prepared by solution casting method. Optical microscope and SEM were used to investigated the diffusion of nanoparticles (NPs) in the blends. NPs agglomeration were clearly appears in the high weight additives. The materials have been diagnosed by optical microscopy, SEM and FTIR. The absorption spectrum records in the wavelength scope (190-1100) nm. The optical properties directly proportional with Ag nanoparticle additives except the transmittance and the energy gap were decreased. The optical parameters show that Ag doping clearly effects on the films characteristics, the optical constants enhanced. The AC electrical conductivity also calculated. This results can be applied in coatings for photographic films. The results applied as anti-bacterial to E-coli bacteria with the used additives of Ag (20-30 nm) NPs. The antibacterial effect of the prepared films also tested to be accompaniment with other applications.
Root Porosity Contributes to Root Trait Space of Wetland Monocotyledons Independently of Economics Traits.
Authors: Ye Ziqi , Ryser Peter
Published: March 2021

Aims Root aerenchyma, a key adaptive trait to anoxic soils has rarely been integrated into trait-based plant ecology. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between root porosity and root economics-related traits among wetland plants, focusing on the effect of aerenchyma on root tissue density, a central trait in plant economics spectrum.Methods Root porosity, root tissue density with air-space included or excluded (RTD and RTDA), and other root economics-related traits were measured separately for basal and lateral roots of 16 garden-grown Ontario wetland monocots with contrasting root longevities.Results Interspecific variation in root porosity was unrelated to root economics traits and did not differ between species with long-lived or short-lived roots. Consequently, RTDA better differentiated between species with contrasting root longevities than RTD did, consistently both for basal and lateral roots. Root dry matter content (RDMC) accurately predicted RTDA. A principal component analysis showed that in the root adaptive trait space of wetland plants, the first dimension is defined by economics-related traits, the second dimension by lateral root porosity and the ratio of lateral to basal root length, and the third dimension by basal root porosity.Conclusions Interspecific variation in the aerenchyma content is independent of root economics: Wetland plants can construct economically conservative or acquisitive roots of any porosity. Consequently, to consistently express root functional relationships among wetland plant species, root tissue density should be expressed with RTDA, i.e., excluding the air space, or with the more easily measured RDMC.
Ipsilateral Vs Controlateral Approach in Tuberculum Sellae Meningiomas Surgery. A Retrospective Comparative Study
Authors: Troude Lucas , Boucekine Mohamed , Baucher Guillaume , Farah Kaissar , Boissonneau Sébastien , Fuentes Stéphane , Graillon Thomas , Dufour Henry
Published: March 2021

Background: Most of tuberculum sellae meningiomas (TSM) show asymmetric growth. They are usually resected through ipsilateral approaches. The access of the inferior–medial side of the ipsilateral optic nerve might be challenging, which result in increased manipulation of the compromised optic nerve. The contralateral approach has been described to avoid these technical difficulties.Objective: Assessing the long term visual and olfactory outcome, as well as recurrence rate in patients operated for TSM through ipsi- or contralateral approaches.Methods: Single center retrospective cohort study about 94 patients operated on between March 2000 and April 2018.Results: 70% of the preoperative visual acuity loss totally resolved (44%) or showed varying degrees of improvement (26%) after surgery. Seventy-two percent of the preoperative visual field defects evolved favorably (44% recovery, 28% improvement). Eight patients showed aggravated visual disturbances (9%). A contralateral approach seemed to be predictive of visual field defects improvement after surgery (OR=0.4), with borderline significant results (p=.08). There was a higher rate of postoperative olfactory nerve impairment after a contralateral approach (37%vs17%, p=.03). Total removal of the tumor fragment entering the optic canal was accomplished in 96% in the contralateral vs 75% in the ipsilateral group (p=.04). The 2-, 5- & 7-year tumor progression free survival were 100% in the Simpson Grade 2 group, and 85% (n=17), 74% (n=11) & 67% (n=5) in the Simpson Grade 4 group, respectively (p=.00). Conclusion: Resection of tuberculum sellae meningiomas through a contralateral approach seems to provide better visual outcome and tumor control at the cost of increased olfactory nerve disorders.
Effect of Lipopeptide-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles on Candida Albicans Adhesion and on the Growth of Leishmania Major
Authors: Soussi Siwar , Essid Rym , Karkouch Ines , Saad Houda , Sarra Bachkouel , Limam Ferid , Tabbene Olfa
Published: March 2021

A strain B84 producing surfactin and bacillomycin D lipopeptides was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. B84 lipopeptides were extracted by acid precipitation, identified by mass spectrometry and loaded onto chitosan nanoparticles by ionotropic gelation process. The lipopeptide / chitosan nanoparticles have an average size of 569 nm, a zeta potential range of 38.8 mV and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 85.58 %. The treatment of C. albicans cells with encapsulated lipopeptides showed an anti-adhesive activity of 81.17 % and a decreased effect of cell surface hydrophobicity « CSH » by 25.53%. An anti-leishmanial activity was also recorded with IC50 of 14.37 µg ml-1 and 22.45 µg mL-1 against L. major promastigote and amastigote forms, respectively. Cytotoxicity studies on human cells showed low cytotoxicity effect with HC50 value of 770 µg mL-1 towards human red blood cells and LC50 value of 234.56 µg mL-1 towards macrophage Raw 264.7 cell line. These lipopeptide / chitosan nanoparticles could be used as a potential delivery system of lipopeptides to improve both their anti-adhesive effect against C. albicans cells colonizing medical devices and their anti-infectious activity against leishmania.
Identification and Validation of Prognostic Signature Incorporating Long Non-Coding RNAs and Clinical Factors in White Clear Cell Renal cell Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Li Yang , Shi Xue-Zhong , Jia Xiao-Can , Zhang Xue-Ning , Bao Jun-Zhe , Lu Jie , Yang Yong-Li
Published: March 2021

Background: In previous studies, the prognostic model of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) was constructed through all racial subjects, however, the intrinsic genomic differences between races may lead to disparity in survival outcomes, hence the accurate prognostic model of white patients in ccRCC was needed to be explored. This research aimed to identify and validate the potential long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and clinical factors model to predict overall survival of ccRCC in white patients. Methods:LncRNA expression data and clinical factors of 459 white racial ccRCC subjects were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. According to the exclusion criteria, 76 patients were excluded from the analytical dataset, hence 383 ccRCC participants were covered in present study. Then, 383 subjects were randomized into training series (n = 255) and test series (n = 128). The model was constructed using the training series, and validated in the test series. In the training series, the prognostic lncRNA model was constructed through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis. Subsequently, the clinical variables were combined with lncRNA model to better predict the prognosis. The prognostic power of the models was verified by concordance index (95%CI) and area under time-dependent receiver operator characteristic curve (95%CI). Finally, the constructed models were validated in the test and entire series.Results:In the training series, 12 lncRNAs were confirmed as prognostic related biomarkers of ccRCC patients, among which AC012404.1, AC092296.1, AC099684.2, AC108752.1, AC131097.1, AL606519.1, and LINC02475 were seven novel candidate prognostic biomarkers. The performance evaluation of combined model incorporating 12-lncRNAs, age, and the tumor node metastasis stage showed that concordance index (95%CI) in the training, test and entire series were 0.863(0.830-0.896), 0.863(0.814-0.912) and 0.841(0.812-0.870), respectively, the 5-year area under time-dependent receiver operator characteristic curve (95%CI) in the training, test and entire series were 0.923(0.879-0.967), 0.861(0.777-0.945) and 0.879(0.834-0.924), respectively. Conclusion:This novel signature incorporating 12-lncRNAs, age, and the tumor node metastasis stage can be applied as an accurate tool for ccRCC prognostic evaluation in white patients.
Effect of Extended-Release Steroid Implants on the Contralateral Eye
Authors: Fleissig Efrat , Sigford Douglas Kenneth
Published: March 2021

Purpose
To investigate the contralateral effect of extended release steroid implants on cystoid macular edema (CME).
Methods
Retrospective study of patients with bilateral CME receiving intravitreal injections of long-acting intravitreal corticosteroid implants. Changes in CME and central subfield thickness (CST) in the contralateral eye on optical coherence tomography (OCT) were compared to an untreated control group.
Results
Thirteen study patients and 14 controls were included in the study. In the treatment group CST remained stable in all of the patients. Of the controls, CST worsened in 21.4% and remained stable in 78.6%. The mean CST (6.3 ± 30.3 vs. 27.5 ± 66.1 µm, p = 0.2) and the mean macular volume (0.08 ± 0.34 vs. -0.05 ± 0.21 mm3, P = 0.8) were not statistically different between the treatment group and control group.
Conclusion
In this study there was no statistically significant effect on CME of contralateral intravitreal corticosteroid implants.
Secure Key Management and Mutual Authentication Protocol for Wireless Sensor Network using Hybrid Approach
Authors: Sharmila  , Kumar Pramod , Bhushan Shashi , Kumar Manoj , Alazab Mamoun
Published: March 2021

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) play a crucial role in developing the Internet of Things (IoT) by collecting data from hostile environments like military and civil domains with limited resources. The above applications are prone to eavesdropper due to cryptographic algorithms' weaknesses for providing security in WSNs. The security protocols for WSNs are different from the traditional networks because of the limited resource of sensor nodes. Existing key management schemes require large key sizes to provide high-security levels, increasing the computational and communication cost for key establishment. This paper proposes a Hybrid Key Management Scheme for WSNs based on Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) and a hash function to generate key pre-distribution keys. The Key establishment is carried out by merely broadcasting the node identity. The main reason for incorporating a hybrid approach in the key pre-distribution method is to achieve mutual authentication between the sensor nodes during the establishment phase. The proposed method reduces computational complexity with greater security and the proposed scheme can be competently applied into resource constraint sensor nodes
Clinical efficacy of Mineralized Collagen (MC) versus Bio-Oss for immediate implant implantation in esthetic area: a single-center retrospective clinical study
Authors: Dai Yan , Xu Jin , Han Xiao-Hui , Cui Fu-Zhai , Zhang Dong-Sheng , Huang Sheng-Yun
Published: March 2021

Background: The purpose of this retrospective clinical study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of mineralized collagen (MC) versus Bio-Oss for immediate implant implantation in esthetic area. Methods: Medical records of Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Shandong Provincial Hospital were screened for patients who had been treated with immediate implant implantation in the esthetic area using either MC( Allgens®) or Bio-Oss®, between January 2018 and December 2019. All patients fulfilling the in-/exclusion criteria and following for a minimum period of 1 year after surgery were enrolled into the presented study. Implant survival rate, radiographic, esthetic and patient satisfactory evaluations were performed.Results: Altogether, 70 patients were included in the study; a total of 80 implants were inserted. All implants had good initial stability after implantation. The survival rate of implants was 100% at 1-year follow-up. The differences in horizontal and vertical bone loss between the Trail group (0.72±0.26mm, 1.62±0.84mm) and the Control group (0.70±0.52 mm, 1.57±0.88mm) were statistically no significant at 6 months after permanent restoration. Similar results occurred at 12 months after permanent restoration. Clinical acceptability defined by PES ≥ 6 (6.07±1.62 vs. 6.13±1.41) was not significantly different between groups. Patient satisfaction estimated by VAS was similar (8.56±1.12 vs. 8.27±1.44), and the difference was not statistically significant between the two groups.Conclusions: The biomimetic MC seems to be a suitable and feasible option for bone graft material in immediate implant implantation.
Consideration of the Optimal Surgical Procedure Based on the Risk of Recurrence in Clinical Stage 0 or IA Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Takenaka Tomoyoshi , Tagawa Tetsuzo , Hartake Naoki , Kinoshita Fumihiko , Ono Yuki , Wakasu Sho , Oku Yuka , Mori Masaki
Published: March 2021

Background
Although sublobar resection is widely performed for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, what kind of patients should be actively indicated for sublobar resection has not yet been established according to 8th edition of tumor node metastasis classification (TNM). We evaluated the computed tomography (CT) features and optimal surgical procedures of clinical stage 0 or IA adenocarcinoma from the perspective of recurrence.
Methods
We retrospectively investigated 508 lung adenocarcinoma diagnosed as c-stage 0 or IA in the 8th edition of TNM classification. A survival analysis was performed according to the clinical T descriptor, CT features and surgical procedures.
Results
The tumors were classified as follows: 74 with pure ground glass opacity (GGO), 237 part-solid tumors and 197 solid tumors. The types of surgical procedures were lobectomy (n = 328), segmentectomy (n = 73) and wedge resection (n = 107). Clinical T descriptors were cTis in 74 patients, cT1mi in 68 patients, cT1a in 94 patients, cT1b in 181 patients and cT1c in 91 patients. Recurrence was observed 46 cases (9%), including 3 (3.1%) with cT1a, 23 (12.7%) with cT1b and 20 (22.0%) with cT1c. No recurrence was observed in cTis or cT1mi cases. Solid tumors with cT1b recurred more often than part-solid tumors among cT1b cases (6.8% vs. 16.8%) (p = 0.046). There were no marked differences in the recurrence rate between part-solid and solid tumors in the cT1a and cT1c groups. The patients who received sublobar resection developed recurrence more often than the patients who received lobectomy among cT1b cases (10.1% vs. 21.4%) and cT1c cases (18.0% vs. 46.2%) (p = 0.053 and p = 0.023).
Conclusions
Pure GGO and cT1mi cases should be actively considered for sublobar resection, while cT1b (especially solid cT1b cases) and cT1c cases should be considered for lobectomy to prevent recurrence.
Genome-wide analysis of protein-protein interactions and involvement of viral proteins in SARS-CoV-2 replication
Authors: Jiang Yiling , Tong Kuijie , Yao Roubin , Zhou Yuanze , Lin Hanwen , Du Liubing , Jin Yunyun , Cao Liu , Tan Jingquan , Guo Deyin , Pan Ji-An , Peng Xiaoxue
Published: March 2021

Analysis of viral protein-protein interactions is an essential step to uncover the viral protein functions and the molecular mechanism for the assembly of a viral protein complex. We employed a mammalian two-hybrid system to screen all the viral proteins of SARS-CoV-2 for the protein-protein interactions. Our study detected 48 interactions, 14 of which were firstly reported here. Unlike Nsp1 of SARS-CoV, Nsp1 of SARS-CoV-2 has the most interacting partners among all the viral proteins and likely functions as a hub for the viral proteins. Five self-interactions were confirmed, and five interactions, Nsp1/Nsp3.1, Nsp3.1/N, Nsp3.2/Nsp12, Nsp10/Nsp14, and Nsp10/Nsp16, were determined to be positive bidirectionally. Using the replicon reporter system of SARS-CoV-2, we screened all viral proteins for their impacts on the viral replication and revealed Nsp3.1, the N-terminus of Nsp3, significantly inhibited the replicon reporter gene expression. We found Nsp3 interacted with N through its acidic region at N-terminus, while N interacted with Nsp3 through its NTD, which is rich in the basic amino acids. Furthermore, using purified truncated N and Nsp3 proteins, we determined the direct interactions between Nsp3 and N protein. In summary, our findings provided a basis for understanding the functions of coronavirus proteins and supported the potential of interactions as the target for antiviral drug development.
Imbalance of the intestinal virome caused by a conditional deletion of the vitamin D receptor from epithelial cells, Paneth cells, or myeloid cells in murine models
Authors: Zhang Jilei , Zhang Yong-guo , Xia Yinglin , Sun Jun
Published: March 2021

Background Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is highly conserved in mammals, and its deficiency is associated with various diseases (e.g., cancer, infection, and chronic inflammation). Prior research has described the effect of VDR on bacteria; however, little is known regarding the effects of VDR on viruses. We hypothesize that VDR is a regulator of the virome and virus-bacterial interactions. We conditionally deleted VDR from intestinal epithelial cells (VDRΔIEC), Paneth cells (VDRΔPC), and myeloid cells (VDRΔLyz) in mice. Feces were collected for shotgun metagenomic sequencing and metabolite profiling. To test the functional changes, we evaluated pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and analyzed microbial metabolites. Results Vibrio phages, Lactobacillus phages and Escherichia coli typing phages were significantly enriched in all three conditional VDR-knockout mice compared to VDRLoxP mice. In the VDRΔLyz mice, the levels of eight more virus species (2 enriched, 6 depleted) were significantly changed. These significantly altered virus species were primarily observed in female VDRΔLyz (2 enriched, 3 depleted) versus male VDRΔLyz (1 enriched, 1 depleted). Altered alpha and beta diversity were found in VDRΔLyz (family to species). In VDRΔIEC mice, bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 was significantly enriched. Overall, these significantly altered virus species were more often observed in female VDRΔIEC mice (2 enriched, 5 depleted) versus male mice (none). A significant correlation between viral and bacterial alterations was found in conditional VDR knockout mice. There was a positive correlation between Vibrio phage JSF5 and Cutibacterium acnes in VDRΔPC and VDRΔLyz mice. Also, there were more altered viral species in female conditional VDR knockout mice. Notably, there were significant changes in PRRs: upregulated TLR3, TLR7, and NOD2 in VDRΔLyz mice and increased CLEC4L expression in VDRΔIEC and VDRΔPC mice. Furthermore, we identified metabolites related to virus infection: decreased glucose in VDRΔIEC mice, increased ribulose/xylulose and xylose in VDRΔLyz mice, and increased long-chain fatty acids in VDRΔIEC and VDRΔLyz female mice. Conclusion Tissue-specific deletion of VDR changes the virome and functionally changes viral receptors, which leads to dysbiosis, metabolic dysfunction, and infection risk. This study helps to elucidate VDR regulation of the virome in a tissue-specific and sex-specific manner.