bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing and species identification for mixed infections
Authors: Kandavalli Vinodh , Karempudi Praneeth , Larsson Jimmy , Elf Johan 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing problem globally. Rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) is urgently needed in the clinic to enable personalized prescription in high-resistance environments and limit the use of broad-spectrum drugs. Previously we have described a 30 min AST method based on imaging of individual bacterial cells. However, current phenotypic AST methods do not include species identification (ID), leaving time-consuming plating or culturing as the only available option when ID is needed to make the sensitivity call. Here we describe a method to perform phenotypic AST at the single-cell level in a microfluidic chip that allows subsequent genotyping by in situ FISH. By stratifying the phenotypic AST response on the species of individual cells, it is possible to determine the susceptibility profile for each species in a mixed infection sample in 1.5 h. In this proof-of-principle study, we demonstrate the operation with four antibiotics and a mixed sample with four species.
Policy design: Perspectives of innovation from Digital Bangladesh
Authors: Zaman Hasanuzzaman 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Despite recording high-levels of corruption persistently, some governments in least developed countries have recently achieved impressive online transformation level, through electronic or e-Governance implementation. What explains the digital transformation of these governments? In particular, how did such governments with little or no knowledge on digital governance policies, embark upon the e-Governance path? The article analyzes how Bangladesh, a least developed country, is experimenting with design thinking policies for e-Governance implementation. It combines survey data from a design thinking led empathy training program with secondary literature and interviews with top-level bureaucrats and representatives from international donor agencies. The results support the thesis regarding the importance of design thinking policies and strategies in motivating public sector managers to engage in digital transformation efforts. We discuss the policy implications for practitioners and scholars working in the area of designing policies such as capacity building training programs, for public sector managers to implement citizen-centric innovations.
Circular economy approach for rice husk modification: Equilibrium, kinetic, thermodynamic aspects and mechanism of Congo red adsorption
Authors: Mladenovic Nina , Petkovska Jovana , Dimova Vesna , Dimitrovski Dejan , Jordanov Igor 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Equilibrium, kinetic, thermodynamic aspects and mechanism of Congo red adsorption onto rice husk treated with effluent from cotton pre-treatment are examined by altering the initial dye concentration, contact time, temperature, and adsorbent mass. When a lower mass is applied, the treated rice husk adsorbs the Congo red following the Langmuir model, while at a higher mass, the adsorption follows the Freundlich model. А maximum of 149.1 mg/g Congo red is adsorbed with 10 g/L rice husk at 70oC. This capacity of the chemically modified rice husk is one of the better ones found in the literature. The calculated Dubinin–Radushkevich activation energy indicates the physical nature of Congo red adsorption adsorbed under the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The thermodynamic analysis confirmed spontaneous and endothermic adsorption with physically created Congo red-rice husk bonds. These results showed the applicability of the circular economy concept in the effort to obtain an efficient adsorbent without wasting additional chemicals and energy that could be used to create a continuous column-mode process of rice husk modification and purification of colored effluent from the textile industry.
Pre-Cerclage Cervical Length—A Reliable Predictor of Long-Term Pregnancy Sustenance After Therapeutic Cervical Cerclage: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kondo Emi , Shibata Eiji , Sakuragi Toshihide , Aiko Yukiyo , Kawakami Takeshi , Takashima Takeshi , Yoshino Kiyoshi , Okura Naofumi 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: The indication of therapeutic cerclage is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess pregnancy outcomes after cervical cerclage in women with shortened cervical length (CL) during pregnancy and/or with a medical history of cervical insufficiency. Methods: We included pregnant women who underwent cerclage in four perinatal medical centers between January 2009 and December 2010. We compared the outcomes of cerclage in terms of non-term and term births, as well as successful and unsuccessful cerclages. Cervical cerclage was defined as successful if pregnancy was continued for more than 13 weeks post-cerclage. Therapeutic and prophylactic cerclages were performed in pregnant women with pre-cerclage CL < 25 mm and ≥ 25 mm, respectively.Results: We screened 114 pregnant women, of whom 91 were included; 15 and 8 women were excluded for unknown pregnancy outcomes and multiple gestation, respectively. The rate of therapeutic cerclage was significantly higher in the non-term birth (68% vs. 38%, p <0.01; non-term group vs. term birth group), unsuccessful cerclage (79% vs. 43%, p =0.01; unsuccessful cerclage vs. successful cerclage) groups. Inflammatory marker levels (white blood cell count and C-reactive protein) were normal in both group sets, albeit no significantly different between-group differences. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that 87% of patients with pre-cerclage CL ≥ 17 mm sustained their pregnancies for more than 13 weeks post-cerclage. However, 64% of patients with pre-cerclage CL < 17 mm did not sustain their pregnancies for more than 13 weeks post-cerclage.Conclusions: Therapeutic cerclage should be performed in patients with cervical insufficiency having CL ≥ 17 mm, for long-term pregnancy sustenance.
Clinical Evaluation of a New Rapid Immunochromatographic Test for Detection of Bordetella Pertussis Antigen
Authors: Okada Kenji , Horikoshi Yuho , Nishimura Naoko , Ishii Shigeki , Nogami Hiroko , Motomura Chikako , Miyairi Isao , Tsumura Naoki , Mori Toshihiko , Ito Kenta , Honma Shinichi , Nagai Kensuke , Tanaka Hiroshi , Hayakawa Toru , Abe Chiharu , Ouchi Kazunobu 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
A more rapid and less complicated test is required in clinical settings to diagnose pertussis. We need to detect Bordetella pertussis, which mainly causes pertussis, as early as possible, because pertussis is more likely to become severe in infants, and people around them can easily become the source of infection due to its strong infectivity. Nevertheless, methods that can detect B. pertussis rapidly and efficiently are lacking. Therefore, we developed a new immunochromatographic antigen kit (ICkit) for the early diagnosis of pertussis. The ICkit detects B. pertussis antigens in a nasopharyngeal swab without equipment and provides the result in about 15 min with a simple procedure. Additionally, a prospective study to evaluate the ICkit was conducted in 11 medical institutions, involving 195 cases with suspected pertussis. The sensitivity and specificity of the ICkit were 86.4% (19/22) and 97.1% (168/173), respectively, compared with the real-time polymerase chain reaction (rPCR). The ICkit detected the antigen in both children and adults. Furthermore, the ICkit detected the antigen until the 25th day from the onset of cough, when rPCR detected the antigen. Thus, the ICkit demonstrated a high correlation with rPCR and would help diagnose pertussis more rapidly and efficiently.
Fabrication And pH Sensing Characteristics Measurement of Back Gate ZnO Thin Film Planar FET
Authors: Porwal Ankita , Sahu Chitrakant 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Here in we demonstrate the design of a low- cost zinc oxide (ZnO) thin-film planar transistor-based pH sensor controlled by the bottom gate fabricated by a fairly simple fabrication approach. The performance of the fabricated device is evaluated by electrical as well as surface characterization. The surface morphology is analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) and it shows surface properties that are essential for a device to function as a pH sensor. The fabricated thin-film FET comprises Zinc Oxide (ZnO) as a channel layer of length 6 µm and thickness 200 nm, Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) as a pas- sivation layer, and Aluminum (Al) as a contact layer. The effect on pH sensitivity for varied channel lengths (6 µm, 12 µm, and 15 µm) is also examined and opti- mum results have been achieved at channel length = 6 µm. The change in threshold voltage (ΔVth) & change in current (ΔImax) are used as a sensing metrics to an- alyze the sensing performance of the device. The device shows excellent pH sensitivity in terms of average cur- rent and average voltage sensitivity 120.97 mA/pH and 97.85 mv/pH respectively at pH ranging from 3.2 to 11.1 with best pH stability (linearity) for pH value 4 to 10. The voltage sensitivity is higher than the Nernstian value (59 mv/pH) at room temperature.
Endothelial integration of mechanosensory signals by the spectrin cytoskeleton
Authors: Mylvaganam Sivakami , Yusuf Bushra , Li Ren , Lu Chien-Yi , Robinson Lisa , Freeman Spencer , Grinstein Sergio 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Physiological blood flow induces the secretion of vasoactive compounds, notably NO, and promotes endothelial cell elongation and reorientation parallel to the direction of applied shear. How shear is sensed and relayed to intracellular effectors is incompletely understood. We demonstrate that an apical spectrin network is essential to convey the force imposed by shear to endothelial mechanosensors. By anchoring CD44, spectrin modulates the cell surface density of hyaluronan, which senses and translates shear into changes in plasma membrane tension. Spectrins also regulate the stability of apical caveolae, where the mechanosensitive Piezo1 channels are thought to reside. Accordingly, shear-induced Piezo1 activation and the associated calcium influx were absent in spectrin-deficient cells. As a result, cell realignment and flow-induced eNOS stimulation were similarly dependent on spectrin. We concluded that the apical spectrin network is not only required for shear sensing, but transmits and distributes the resulting tensile forces to mechanosensors that elicit protective and vasoactive responses.
AIBP-CAV1-VEGFR3 axis dictates lymphatic cell fate
and controls lymphangiogenesis
Authors: Yang Xiaojie , Kim Jun-dae , Chan Kelvin , Gu Qilin , Astin Jonathan , Crosier Philip , Yu Pengchun , Rockson Stanley ,   Hong 2 Chen, Fang Longhou 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

The lymphatics control tissue fluid homeostasis; its dysfunction contributes to lymphedema. VEGFR3 signaling dictates LEC fate specification and lymphangiogenesis. Cholesterol is essential for cell function and organ development, yet the molecular mechanism by which cholesterol controls lymphangiogenesis is unknown. Here, we show that APOA1 binding protein (AIBP), a secreted protein, enhances LEC specification and increases lymphangiogenesis. Mechanistically, AIBP-mediated cholesterol efflux disrupts LEC caveolae, which abolishes CAV-1-dependent inhibition of VEGFR3 signaling. Loss of Aibp2, the zebrafish paralog of human AIBP, reduces LEC progenitors and impairs lymphangiogenesis; the impairment can be rescued by caveolae disruption. CAV-1 mutant that is deficient in VEGFR3 binding, thereby abolishing its inhibition, enhances VEGFR3 signaling and accelerates lymphatic growth. Furthermore, AIBP expression is reduced in the epidermis of human lymphedema. Administrating recombinant AIBP augments VEGFC-induced lymphangiogenesis and increases secondary tail lymphedema resolution in adult mice. Our studies reveal AIBP and CAV-1 as critical regulators of VEGFR3 signaling and identify previously unidentified therapeutic targets for lymphedema treatment.
Detecting Major Introgressions in Wheat and their Putative Origins Using Coverage Analysis
Authors: Keilwagen Jens , Lehnert Heike , Berner Thomas , Badaeva Ekaterina , Himmelbach Axel , Börner Andreas , Kilian Benjamin 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Introgressions from crop wild relatives (CWRs) have been used to introduce beneficial traits into cultivated plants. Introgressions have traditionally been detected using cytological methods. Recently, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based methods have been proposed to detect introgressions in crosses for which both parents are known. However, for unknown material, no method was available to detect introgressions and predict the putative donor species. Here, we present a method to detect introgressions and the putative donor species. We demonstrate the utility of this method using 10 publicly available wheat genome sequences and identify nine major introgressions. We show that the method can distinguish different introgressions at the same locus. We trace introgressions to early wheat cultivars and show that natural introgressions were utilised in early breeding history and still influence elite lines today. Finally, we provide evidence that these introgressions harbour resistance genes.
Cul3-KLHL20 E3 ubiquitin ligase plays a key role in the arms race between HIV-1 and host restriction
Authors: Li Rongrong , Ahmad Iqbal , Li Sunan , Johnson Silas , Sun Liangliang , Zheng Yong-Hui 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
HIV-1 must counteract various host restriction factors to establish productive infection. SERINC5 is a critical host restriction factor that potently blocks HIV-1 entry from virions, but its activity is counteracted by Nef. The SERINC5 and Nef activities are both initiated from the plasma membrane, where SERINC5 is packaged into virions and downregulated by Nef via lysosomal degradation. However, it is still unclear how SERINC5 is localized to the plasma membrane and how its expression is regulated on the plasma membrane. We now report that Cullin 3-KLHL20, a trans-Golgi network (TGN)-localized E3 ubiquitin ligase, polyubiquitinates SERINC5 at lysine 130 via K33- and K48-linked ubiquitin chains. The K130 polyubiquitination is required not only for the SERINC5 expression on the plasma membrane, but also the SERINC5 anti-HIV-1 activity and the Nef counteractive activity. Our study reveals an important role of K33/K48-branched ubiquitin chains in HIV-1 infection by regulating protein post-Golgi trafficking and degradation.
Mutations in The Stator Protein PomA Affect Switching of Rotational Direction in Bacterial Flagellar Motor
Authors: Terashima Hiroyuki , Hori Kiyoshiro , Ihara Kunio , Homma Michio , Kojima Seiji 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The flagellar motor rotates bi-directionally in counter-clockwise (CCW) and clockwise (CW) directions. The motor consists of a stator and a rotor. Recent structural studies have revealed that the stator is composed of a pentameric ring of A subunits and a dimer axis of B subunits. The stator interacts with the rotor through conserved charged and neighboring residues, and the rotational power is generated by their interactions through a gear-like mechanism. The rotational direction is controlled by chemotaxis signaling transmitted to the rotor, with no evidence for the stator being involved. In this study, we found novel mutations that affect the switching of the rotational direction at the putative interaction site of the stator to generate rotational force. Our results highlight a novel aspect of flagellar motor function that appropriate switching of the interaction states between the stator and rotor is critical for controlling the rotational direction.
Research on the Factors of Extremely Short Construction Period under the Sufficient Resources based on Grey- DEMATEL-ISM
Authors: Peng Jun-long , Peng Chao , Wang Meng-yao , Hu Ke , Wu Du-bin 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Under the condition of sufficient resources, there are many factors affecting the realization of extremely short construction period of engineering construction projects. Based on literature review and questionnaire survey, this paper firstly selected 17 influencing factors from the five dimensions of design, management, technology, policy and environment. And the factor analytic hierarchy process model was established based on Grey-DEMATEL-ISM. The model introduced the improved grey system theory and combined decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) with interpretative structural modeling method (ISM). In addition, the model can not only identify the critical factors in the system, but also present the internal logical relationship between the influencing factors through the multi-level hierarchical structure diagram. Finally, through the analysis of the influencing factors of extremely short construction period under the sufficient resources, it defined that the key factor is construction technology and the secondary factor is construction safety organization. The research results provide a theoretical basis for managers to realize the extremely short construction period under the sufficient resources.
Efficiency of a Dexamethasone Nanosuspension as an Intratympanic Injection for Acute Hearing Loss
Authors: Jung So-Young , Kang Zion , Kwon Soonmin , Lee Juhye , Kim Subin , Park Joo Won , Kim Kab Sig , Kim Dong-Kee 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Dexamethasone sodium phosphate (Dex-SP) is the most commonly used drug for intratympanic injection in acute hearing loss, but its penetration efficiency into the inner ear is very low. To address this problem, we evaluated the possibility of dexamethasone nanosuspensions as intratympanic injection because the lipophilicity of drugs can affect their permeation of the round window membrane, an important pathway from the middle ear to the cochlea.Results: Three types of dexamethasone nanosuspensions were prepared; the dexamethasone nanocrystals in the three nanosuspensions were between approximately 250 and 350 nm in size. In order to compare the efficiency of Dex-SP and a dexamethasone nanosuspension in delivering dexamethasone to the inner ear, the concentrations of dexamethasone in perilymph and cochlear tissues were compared by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The dexamethasone nanosuspensions showed significantly higher drug concentrations in perilymph and cochlear tissue than Dex-SP at 6 h; interestingly, animals treated with a nanosuspension showed a 26-fold higher dexamethasone concentration in the cochlear tissue than the Dex-SP group. In addition, the dexamethasone nanosuspension achieved better glucocorticoid receptor phosphorylation than Dex-SP both in vitro and in vivo, and in the ototoxic animal model, it showed a significantly better hearing protective effect than Dex-SP against ototoxic drugs. In safety evaluation, the nanosuspension showed no toxicity at concentrations up to 20 mg/mL in an in vivo test.Conclusions: A nanosuspension of dexamethasone was able to deliver dexamethasone to the cochlea very safely and efficiently and showed potential as a formula for intratympanic injection. In addition, it can be applied in studies on the delivery of various hydrophobic antioxidants to treat acute hearing loss.
The Impact of COVID-19 and Associated Measures On Health, Police and Non-Government Organisation Service Utilisation Related to Violence Against Women and Children
Authors: Butler Nadia , Quigg Zara , Pearson Isabelle , Yelgezekova Zhamin , Nihlén Aasa , Bellis Mark A , Yon Yongjie , Passmore Jonathon , Aguirre Isabel Yordi , Stöckl Heidi 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background: Globally, concerns have been raised that the priority implementation of public health measures in response to COVID-19 may have unintended negative impacts on a variety of other health and wellbeing factors, including violence. This study examined the impact of COVID-19 response measures on changes in violence against women and children (VAWC) service utilisation across European countries. Methods: A rapid assessment design was used to compile data including: a survey distributed across WHO Europe Healthy Cities Networks and Violence Injury Prevention Focal Points in WHO European Region member states; and, a scoping review of media reports, journal articles and reports. Searches were conducted in English and Russian and covered the period between 1 January 2020 and 17 September 2020. Data extracted included: country; violence type; service sector; and change in service utilisation during COVID-19. All data pertained to the period during which COVID-19 related public health measures were implemented compared to a period before restrictions were in place.Results: Overall, findings suggested that there was a median reported increase in VAWC service utilisation of approximately 20% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Crucially however, change in service utilisation differed across sectors. After categorising each estimate as reflecting an increase or decrease in VAWC service utilisation, there was a significant association between sector and change in service utilisation; the majority of NGO estimates (95.1%) showed an increase in utilisation, compared to 58.2% of law enforcement estimates and 42.9% of health and social care estimates.Conclusions: The variation across sectors in changes in VAWC service utilisation has important implications for policy makers in the event of ongoing and future restrictions related to COVID-19 and more generally during other times of prolonged presence in the home. The increased global attention on VAWC during the pandemic should be used to drive forward the agenda on prevention, increase access to services, and implement better data collection mechanisms to ensure the momentum and increased focus on VAWC during the pandemic is not wasted.
Programmable Hybridization Assemble Nicked Displacement Amplification for Detecting Ricin Toxin
Authors: Wang Yu , Peng Yuan , Bai Jialei , Li Shuang , Han Dianpeng , Ren Shuyue , Qin Kang , Li Sen , Zhou Huanying , Gao Zhixian 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Isothermal amplification, such as hybridization chain reaction (HCR), is a simple and reliable method for detecting signal amplification. However, the hairpin in HCR will not fully participate in the reaction. And after the hairpin is opened, the distance between the fluorophore and the quencher does not change much. Therefore, the signal magnification is limited. Here, we designed a new isothermal amplification method named hybridization assemble nicked displacement amplification (HANDA), combining HCR and strand displacement amplification (SDA) ingeniously. HANDA first triggers HCR through the target sequence to form long double-strand DNA (dsDNA) with gaps. Then SDA is performed from the gap to obtain a large amount of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), so as to achieve the purpose of double signal amplification. The base sequence of DNA hairpin had also been optimized. The best sequence design rule was found and had universal applicability. We have demonstrated that HANDA combined with DNA barcodes can be used for trace detection of ricin. This new isothermal amplification method provides an effective and universal platform for the trace detection of various toxic substances.