bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Short Shaker Channel Mediates K+ Loading to Root Conducting Tissues and Contributes to Rice Grain Yield under Field Conditions
Authors: Yang Shunying , Nguyen Thanh-Hao , Fizames Cécile , Li Junlin , Wang Sheliang , Vernet Aurore , Guiderdoni Emmanuel , Wang Shaofei , Huang Yanan , Hao Dongli , Wang Jiajin , Sentenac Hervé , Véry Anne-Aliénor , Su Yan-Hua 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
K+ uptake to root conducting cells is a prerequisite for its release to the xylem vessels and long-distance delivery to the aerial parts, though the molecular mechanism underpinning such process remains insufficiently understood. Here we report the discovery in rice root of an essential component involved in loading of K+ to the stelar tissues encoded by an unusual short Shaker K+ channel OsK2.2. OsK2.2 represents a novel type of short Shaker channels lacking the sequences immediately downstream of the putative cyclic nucleotide binding domain that present to the C-termini of all plant Shaker channels reported to date. In silico analysis suggests that such short Shaker channels are monocot-specific and especially found in the Poaceae species. Functional assessment in Xenopus oocytes reveals that OsK2.2 uses such innate C-terminal shortness as an intrinsic strategy for maintaining large capacity of K+ uptake to the cells. OsK2.2 predominantly localizes to the phloem and xylem peripheral cells of rice root vasculature. Disruption of OsK2.2 function causes approximately 30% lower K+ in both phloem and xylem sap and reduces K+ accumulation to the shoots. OsK2.2 strongly contributes to the grain yield of rice under field conditions. The essential contribution of such particular type of inward Shaker channel, operating in stelar tissues, to K+ transport between roots and shoots and to grain yield, here evidenced in rice, may be a common trait amongst Poaceae species.
A Study on the Clinical Application of a New Type of Integrated Suctioning Semi-Rigid Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy for Ureteral Calculi
Authors: Fan Difu , Liao Xiaohui , Luo Chuanxiang , Song Leming , Michel Jack , Xie Donghua 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect and clinical value of a new type of integrated suctioning semi-rigid ureteroscopic lithotripsy for treating ureteral calculi. METHODS: Retrospective analysis the clinic data of 180 patients who underwent surgery for ureteral calculi from May 2019 to October 2020 in our department, which was divided into three groups, 60 cases each. Group A used traditional semi-rigid ureteroscopic lithotripsy, group B used a suctioning semi-rigid ureteroscopic lithotripsy with a sheath being connected to a vacuum device; group C used a new type of suctioning integrated rigid ureteroscopic lithotripsy with a novelly designed ureteroscope. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-four cases of ureteroscopic lithotripsy were completed in one stage, and the remaining 16 cases were converted to other surgical methods due to difficulty in placing a suctioning sheath or entering the ureteroscope due to ureteral stricture. Compared with group A, group C had a higher rate of stone stone-clearance rate at 30 days after surgery, a shorter operation time and fewer hospitalization days (P<0.05); Compared with group B, group C had a had a higher one-stage operation success rate, a shorter operation time and fewer hospitalization days (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the other two types, the new type suctioning integrated semi-rigid ureteroscopic lithotripsy has certain advantages including reduced operation time and length of hospital stay, and higher level of minimally invasiveness for upper urinary calculi.
Time Series Study on the Effects of Daily Average Temperature on the Mortality from Respiratory Diseases and Circulatory Diseases: A Case Study in Mianyang City
Authors: Guo Hongju , Du Peipei , Zhang Han , Zhou Zihui , Zhao Minyao , Wang Jie , Shi Xuemei , Lin Jiayi , Lan Yulu , Xiao Xiang , Zheng Caiyun , Ma Xiaofeng , Liu Chengyao , Zou Junjie , Yang Shu , Luo Jiawei , Feng Xixi 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BackgroundClimate change caused by environmental pollution is the most important one of many environmental health hazards currently faced by human beings. In particular, the extreme temperature is an important risk factor for death from respiratory and circulatory diseases. This study aims to explore the meteorological-health effect and find out the vulnerable individuals of extreme temperature events in a less developed city in western China.MethodWe collected the meteorological data and data of death caused by respiratory and circulatory diseases in Mianyang City from 2013 to 2019. The nonlinear distributed lag model and the generalized additive models were combined to study the influence of daily average temperature (DAT) on mortality from respiratory and circulatory diseases in different genders, ages.ResultsThe exposure-response curves between DAT and mortality from respiratory and circulatory diseases presented a nonlinear characteristic of the "V" type. Cumulative Relative Risk of 30 days (CRR30) of deaths from respiratory diseases with 4.48 (2.98, 6.73) was higher than that from circulatory diseases with 2.77 (1.96, 3.92) at extremely low temperature, while there was no obvious difference at extremely high temperature. The health effects of low temperatures on the respiratory system of people of all ages and genders were persistent, while that of high temperatures were acute and short-term. The circulatory systems of people aged <65 years were more susceptible to acute effects of cold temperatures, while the effects were delayed in females and people aged ≥65years.ConclusionBoth low and high temperatures increased the risk of mortality from respiratory and circulatory diseases. Cold effects seemed to last longer than heat did.
Using An Optimized Generative Model To Infer The Progression of Complications In Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Wang Xiaoxia , Xiong Yun , Plasek Joseph M. , Bates David , Tang Chunlei 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: People with type 2 diabetes would progress slowly and have few symptoms before diagnosed, if any, and don’t discover their condition until complications develop. Furthermore, with the development of the diabetes, patients often develop comorbidities. However, heterogeneity of progression coupled with deficiencies in electronic health records related to incomplete data, discrete events, and irregular event intervals make identification of pre-diabetes and critical points of diabetes progression challenging. Methods: We utilized longitudinal electronic health records of 9,298 patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes from 2005 to 2016 from a large regional healthcare delivery network in China. We optimized a generative Markov-Bayesian-based model to generate 5000 synthetic illness trajectories. The synthetic data were manually reviewed by endocrinologists. Results: We build an optimized generative progression model for type 2 diabetes using anchor information to reduce the number of parameters learning in the third layer of the model from O(N×W) to O(N-C), where N is the number of clinical findings, W is the number of complications, C is the number of anchors. Based on this model, we infer the relationships between progression stages, the onset of complication categories, and the associated diagnoses during the whole progression of type 2 diabetes using electronic health records. Conclusions: The full type 2 diabetes patient trajectories generated by the chronic disease progression model can counter a lack of real-world evidence of desired longitudinal timeframe while facilitating population health management.
An Extended Sepic DC-DC Converter for Micro-Grid Based Photovoltaic (Pv) Applications.
Authors: ISAH HUZAIFA , Yunusa Abdu , Hajara Mukhtar Ali 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background

The demands for clean energy is growing rapidly and the fossil fuel we use in our everyday live is ushered in CO2 and other greenhouse effects, resulting in natural disasters and other climate threats. To continue on this route, the world is challenged to prepare for the unknown disasters. Hence, the search for a clean, alternative energy resource, which could bring resilience back to our cities is in incredibly rapid velocity. Solar energy is a clean and alternative energy that can be use but PV panels tend to generate low energy in nature which is why a lot of panels have to be employed in order to go off-grid. A simple DC-DC converter can be used to boost the energy generated by PV panels. Provided herein is an extended DC-DC single ended primary inductor converter (SEPIC) for micro-grid based photovoltaic (PV) applications. The new topology was designed with an addition of some components to the conventional SEPIC.
Results

The extended SEPIC topology utilizes a single power switch with high voltage gain, low duty-cycle, reduced voltage stress across the power switch, low density and cheap. The new topology was designed with an addition of some components to the conventional SEPIC. A 125 V DC output was generated from a 12 V DC input through MATLAB/SIMULINK. The new SEPIC converter revealed the best value voltage gain as 10.42, duty-cycle value of 0.8 and voltage stress of 62.5 V compared to the conventional SEPIC or SEPIC integrated with other converters.
Conclusions

the results of voltage gain, duty-cycle and voltage stress obtained validate the credibility of the new converter and show the potentiality of the converter for the adoption in power step-up applications.
Effect of Formic Acid Treatment on Colostrum Quality, and on Absorption and Function of Immunoglobulins: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Holstein Dairy Calves
Authors: Smith Billy I. , Cady Sarah V. , Aceto Helen W. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background

Good quality colostrum is characterized by high immunoglobulin levels and low pathogen load. Techniques to decrease pathogens can damage immunoglobulins, potentially reducing both absorption and function. Objectives were to determine the effect of formic acid treatment on colostral bacterial and immunoglobulin (IgG) levels before feeding, and serum immunoglobulin levels and neutralizing capabilities after feeding. Fifteen female Holstein calf pairs born < 12 h apart from different dams were randomly assigned to receive four liters of either untreated pooled (both dams) colostrum (MC) or colostrum acidified to pH 4.0-4.5 (AC). Colostrum characteristics evaluated; pH, bacterial load, IgG, and neutralization of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBRV), Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVDV) Types 1 and 2. Blood collected on days 1, 3 and monthly for 6 months was analyzed for IgG, and both viral plus leptospiral neutralization.
Results

Compared to MC (mean 6.7, SD 0.4; median 6.8, range 6.0-7.3), AC pH was significantly reduced (mean 4.3, SD 0.2; median 4.3, range 4.0-4.5; P < 0.001). Total coliform count (cfu/mL) was also reduced (MC mean 149, SD 444; median 1, range 0-1,700; AC mean 8, SD 31; median 0, range 0-120; P = 0.02). Colostrum IgG levels were not significantly different between MC (mean 93.3, SD 39.7; median 92.80, range 36.7-164.4 g/L) and AC (mean 101.9, SD 36.7; median 108.3, range 33.8-164.4 g/L; P = 0.54). In calves, serum IgG peaked on day 3 (MC mean 26.1, SD 34.9; median 169.2, range 8.3-151.0 g/L; AC mean 30.24, SD 48.7; median 188.8, range 3.1-204.4 g/L; P = 0.77), and apparent efficiency of IgG absorption was not different between groups (MC mean 24.3, SD 11.4, median 25.3, range 8.6–51.3%; AC mean 22.6, SD 21.7, median 21.6, range 4.1-58.9%; P = 0.65). Thereafter, IgG levels declined but did not differ between groups. MC and AC serum neutralizing titers for IBRV, BVDV Types 1 and 2, or Leptospira canicola, hardjo, and pomona were not different.
Conclusions

Colostrum acidification significantly decreased bacterial load fed to newborn calves without affecting IgG concentration or virus neutralization. Nor did acid treatment impact serum IgG levels in calves or activity against common pathogens.
Temporo-spatial Variations in Resistance Determinants and Clonality of Acinetobacter Baumannii and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Strains From Romanian Hospitals and Wastewaters
Authors: Gheorghe Irina , Barbu Ilda Czobor , Popa Laura Ioana , Parcalabioru Gratiela Gradisteanu , Popa Marcela , Marutescu Luminita , Nita-Lazar Mihai , Banciu Alina , Stoica Catalina , Gheorghe Stefania , Lucaciu Irina , Sandulescu Oana , Paraschiv Simona , Surleac Marius , Talapan Daniela , Muntean Andrei Alexandru , Preda Madalina , Muntean Madalina-Maria , Dragomirescu Cristiana Cerasella , Popa Mircea Ioan , Otelea Dan , Chifiriuc Mariana Carmen 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Romania is one of the European countries reporting very high antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates and consumption of antimicrobials. We aimed to characterize the AMR profiles and clonality of 304 multi-drug resistant (MDR), carbapenemase (CP) and extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Acinetobacter baumannii (Ab) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) strains isolated during two consecutive years (2018 and 2019) from hospital settings, hospital collecting sewage tanks and the receiving wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located in the main geographical regions of Romania. Methods: The strains were isolated on chromogenic media and identified by MALDI-TOF-MS. Antibiotic susceptibility testing and confirmation of ESBL- and CP- producing phenotype were performed. The genetic analyses consisted of PCR for ESBL and CP genes, horizontal gene transfer experiments, whole-genome sequencing (WGS), assembling, annotation and characterization. Results: Both clinical and aquatic isolates exhibited high MDR rates, especially the Ab strains isolated from nosocomial infections and hospital effluents. The phenotypic resistance profiles and MDR rates have largely varied by sampling point and by geographic location. The highest MDR rates in aquatic isolates were recorded in Galați WWTP followed by Bucharest. The Ab strains harbored mostly blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaSHV, blaTEM and blaGES, while Pa strains blaIMP, blaVIM, blaNDM, blaVEB, blaGES and blaTEM, with high variations depending on the geographical zone and the sampling point. The WGS analysis revealed the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) to other antibiotic classes, such as aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, sulphonamides, fosfomycin, phenicols, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole as well as class 1 integrons. The molecular Ab and Pa analyses highlighted: i) the presence of epidemic clones such as ST2 for Ab and ST233 and ST357 for Pa; ii) the relatedness between clinical and hospital wastewater strains and iii) the possible dissemination of clinical Ab strains belonging to ST2 (also proved in the conjugation assays to transfer blaOXA-23 or blaOXA-72 genes), ST79 and ST492 and of clinical Pa strains belonging to ST357, ST640 and ST621 in the wastewaters. Conclusion: The prevalent clones were strongly associated with the presence of class 1 integrons, suggesting that those isolates could be a significant reservoir of ARGs and are able to persist into the environment.
Modified Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Sakamoto Teruhisa , Sunaguchi Teppei , Goto Keisuke , Morimoto Masaki , Murakami Yuki , Miyatani Kozo , Hanaki Takehiko , Shishido Yuji , Kihara Kyoichi , Matsunaga Tomoyuki , Yamamoto Manabu , Tokuyasu Naruo , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) was recently reported not as a nutritional assessment tool but as a useful index for predicting prognosis in various diseases including malignancies. The modified nutritional geriatric risk index (mGNRI), incorporating C-reactive protein instead of albumin, was developed as a novel index and provides a more appropriate prognostic index than the original GNRI. This study aimed to establish the prognostic significance of the mGNRI compared with the GNRI in patients with pancreatic cancer.Methods: This retrospective study included 137 patients who had undergone pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer. The enrolled patients were grouped as high mGNRI (≥ 85.3) or low mGNRI (< 85.3), and high GNRI (≥ 92) or low GNRI (< 92) for prognostic analysis based on cutoff values.Results: The 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival of patients in the high mGNRI group were significantly longer than those in the low mGNRI group. Similarly, the 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival of patients in the high GNRI group were significantly longer than those in the low GNRI group. The concordance index of the mGNRI to predict the 5-year overall survival was greater than that of the GNRI. Multivariate analysis revealed that the mGNRI was an independent prognostic factor for patients with pancreatic cancer (P = 0.004).Conclusions: The mGNRI might be a useful prognostic factor for patients with pancreatic cancer and might predict prognostic outcomes more accurately than the GNRI.
One-Year Retention of Gait Speed Improvement in Stroke Survivors After Treatment With a Wearable Home-Use Gait Device
Authors: Darcy Brianne , Rashford Lauren , Tsai Nancey T. , Huizenga David , Reed Kyle B. , Bamberg Stacy J.M. 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: A majority of stroke survivors experience gait impairments, some of which persist into the chronic phase of stroke. Treatment with the iStrideTM gait device has been shown to improve symmetry, gait speed, and functional balance for chronic stroke survivors. In this study, we examine the long-term gait speed changes up to twelve months after treatment with the iStrideTM gait device.Methods: Eighteen individuals (mean 56.7 years, range 44-77 years) at least one-year post-stroke (mean 59.7 months, range 13-308 months) participated in this single group, before-after study with multiple follow-ups. Participants completed 12 treatment sessions (three times per week over four weeks) with the gait device. During each session, participants ambulated over ground on the gait device for a goal of 30 minutes. Gait speed was measured using the Ten-Meter Walk Test at a comfortable pace at baseline and at five follow-up sessions after the treatment period: one week, one month, three months, six months, and twelve months. All study aspects were performed in the home environment of each participant and under the guidance of a licensed physical therapist. Gait speed changes were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA from baseline to each follow-up time frame, comparison to the minimal clinically important difference threshold, evaluation of functional ambulation category changes, and subjective questionnaires.Results: Participants retained more than a 0.21 m/s gait speed improvement at all post-treatment time frames, p<0.01. Additionally, 94% of participants improved their gait speed beyond the minimally clinical important difference during one or more post-treatment measurements. 88% of participants subjectively reported a gait speed improvement.Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that this four-week treatment protocol using the iStrideTM gait device in the home environment may result in meaningful, long-term gait speed improvement for chronic stroke survivors with hemiparetic gait impairments.Trial Registration: NCT03649217. Registered August 28, 2018 – Retrospectively registered for 11 participants who were consented before August 28, 2018; seven participants were consented after August 28, 2018.
Clinical Significance of Notch Receptors In Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Shah Heer , Mistry Mittal , Patel Nupur , Vora Hemangini 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The Notch signaling pathway is an evolutionary conserved cell signaling pathway that plays an indispensable role in essential developmental processes. Aberrant activation of Notch pathway is known to initiate wide array of diseases and cancers. The role of Notch receptors and the effect of their expression in Triple Negative Breast Cancer is unknown. Methods and Results: In this study, we evaluated the association between Notch receptors and clinicopathological parameters including disease-free survival and overall survival of one hundred TNBC patients by immunohistochemistry. We observed membrane, cytoplasmic and nuclear localization of Notch receptors in tumor cells of TNBC patients. It was observed that positive expression of nuclear Notch1 receptor (18%) was found be significantly correlated with high BR score (p=0.009) and necrosis (p=0.003) while cytoplasmic expression of Notch2 receptor (26%) was significantly correlated with local or distant metastasis (p=0.04), worse DFS (p=0.05) and poor OS (p=0.02) in TNBC patients. Further, it was determined that cytoplasmic (65%) and cytonuclear (3%) expression of Notch3 was significantly associated with poorly differentiated tumors (p=0.008) and necrosis (p=0.04) respectively. However, cytoplasmic Notch3 and Notch4 expression were negatively correlated with poor prognostic factors. Conclusion: Our data indicated that Notch receptors play a key role in promoting TNBC and mainly, Notch2 receptor may contribute to poor prognosis of the disease. Hence, it is implicated that Notch2 receptor may serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for TNBC.
Chalcone Derivative B8HA as A Novel Histone Deacetylase and Tubulin Dual Inhibitors, Inhibits Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells Proliferation
Authors: li kangkang , zheng qiuling , qi shulei , xie yi , chen xuehong 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Designing and synthesizing dual- and multi-target drugs have raised considerable interests due to their advantages in improving potencies as antitumor agents. In previous studies, our group designed and synthesized a series of novel chalcone based tubulin and histone deacetylase (HDAC) dual-targeting inhibitors. Among them, compound B8HA exhibited promising potency for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. In this work, we highlighted its biological evaluations in MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 cells, including anti-proliferative effects, cell cycle arresting effects, anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenesis effects. In vivo results further demonstrated that B8HA significantly inhibited the 4T1 breast tumor growth and destroyed tumor blood vessel as compared to its counterparts. The results indicated that compound B8HA could be a potent inhibitor of both HDAC and tubulin, leading to excellent in vitro and in vivo antiproliferative activities, and is a promising therapeutic agent for triple-negative breast cancer.