AbstractDifferent hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) secondary metabolite based supplement products are being increasingly used, sold and researched. So far the industry lacks a clear regulation for the contaminants of the end products. Hemp is efficient in accumulating heavy metals from the soil. This study shows the Cd, Hg and Pb concentrations of NatureDry© lyophilized FINOLA® hemp juice grown on fine-sandy moraine soil in central Finland to be neglible in contrast to recommended maximum daily dosages of each heavy metal. 

Tembusu virus (TMUV) is a positive-sense RNA virus that is associated with severe reduction in egg production and even death in ducks. TMUV infection shows high incidence and is a threat to the global duck industry. However, the possible origin, genotype, and codon usage bias of TMUV are not very clear. Here, we addressed these questions by analyzing the available genomic sequences from China. The results showed that the ancestor of avian TMUV was most likely a mosquito TMUV. Moreover, three TMUV clades were identified by three different phylogenetic analysis methods. The TMUV genome exhibits a stronger mutation pressure than natural selection pressure. TMUV has the potential to cause an infection outbreak among humans, thereby posing a major threat to public health. Our findings provide important insights that reveal the ongoing TMUV spread in China and can aid in future prevention and control.

The incidence of unusual coronary patterns including single coronary artery is high in Taussig-Bing anomaly (TBA). The relocation of a single coronary artery from a non-facing sinus can be technically challenging with implications on early and late outcomes. Many innovative techniques for coronary transfer have been described and no coronary pattern precludes arterial switch operation in the current era. We describe a technique of coronary transfer using autologous pericardial tube extension with good early outcome.

A 32 yr female was referred for surgery for Left atrial myxoma based on symptoms of dyspnea on exertion , palpitations and echocardiography revealing a left atrial mass , mostly likely a left atrial myxoma. On chest X ray , there was right lower lobe white out which instigated the need to perform a CT chest. On CT Chest a 10.9x14.2x13.6 cm (APxTRxCC) cm heterogenously hypodense mass was seen along the posterior and inferior aspect of right hemithorax. It showed multiple vascular channels within it and broad base towards posterior pleura. It had ill defined planes with left atrium and extension into the left atrium through right inferior pulmonary vein. It was causing compression of right descending pulmonary artery and right lower lobe bronchus with collapse of right lower lobe. Likey etiology was sarcomatous/malignant vascular mass. Patient was transferred to oncology department for further management

Background: It remains uncertain whether low-level electrical stimulation (LL-ES) of ventricular ganglionated plexi (GP) improves heart function. Aim: This study investigates the anti-arrhythmic, and heart function improving effects following LL-ES of aortic root ventricular ganglionated plexi (ARVGP). Methods: Thirty dogs were divided randomly into control, drug, and LL-ES groups after performing rapid right ventricular pacing to establish a heart failure (HF) model. The inducing rate of arrhythmia, bioactive factors of HF, including angiotensin II type I receptor (AT-1R), transforming growth factor (TGF-β), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK1/2), left ventricular stroke volume(LVSV) and ejection fraction(LVEF) were measured at baseline, and after treatment with a placebo, drugs, and LL-ES, respectively. Results: The inducing rate of arrhythmia decreased from 80% in the control group to 60% in the drug group, and to 10% after 1 week(w)of LL-ES (P=0.009). The expression of AT-1R, TGF-β, and MMP was down-regulated, whilep-ERK1/2 increased significantly in the LL-ES group (P=0.001, all) compared with drug group. The ventricular effective refractory period (VERP) was prolonged from 139±8 ms in the drug group to 166±13 ms after 1w of LL-ES (P=0.001).Moreover, LVSV increased markedly from 13.16±0.22ml to 16.86±0.27ml after 1 w of LL-ES compared with the drug group (P=0.001), and LVEF increased significantly from 38.48±0.53% to 48.94±0.57% during the same timeframe (P=0.001). Conclusion: Short-term LL-ES of ARVGP had both anti-arrhythmic and anti-inflammatory effects and contributed to the treatment of tachycardia-induced HF and its associated arrhythmia.

Purpose: Describe echocardiographic characteristics in patients admitted to intensive care unit by COVID-19 and identify clinical and laboratory findings associated with an abnormal echocardiogram. Methods: Included all patients with RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 who underwent echocardiography during hospitalization. Echocardiographic characteristics were assessed in entire population and in subgroups. We also analyzed clinical characteristics associated with an abnormal echocardiogram. An echocardiogram was defined as abnormal when it demonstrates systolic ventricular dysfunction of any degree (left and/or right ventricle) and/or high filling pressures (E/E’ ratio> 16; SPAP> 40mmHg, RAP> 15mmHg or diastolic dysfunction ≥ grade 2) and/or moderate to severe pericardial effusion. Clinical variables were also assessed using classification tree and binary logistic regression was performed with characteristics that showed a statistical significance in univariate analysis. Results: 272 admissions to ICU by COVID-19 were identified. Of these, 159 underwent echocardiography (58.5%). 39 were excluded by incomplete demographic data. 72 echocardiograms (60%) were abnormal according to pre-established criteria. Low occurrence of left and right ventricular systolic dysfunction was observed, as well as 30.8% of the population had normal diastolic function. In univariate analysis, characteristics associated with abnormal echocardiogram were age, elevated troponin, previous heart failure and SAPS3 score. In regression model, troponin was the independent marker of abnormal echocardiography in patients admitted to the intensive care unit by COVID19. This finding was corroborated by the classification tree. Conclusions: Many manifested elevated ventricular filling pressures, but the occurrence of ventricular dysfunction was low. Elevated serum troponin level was the independent marker associated with an abnormal echocardiogram.

Introduction: Intracardiac defibrillation (IDF) is performed to restore sinus rhythm (SR) during radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to examine the change in the IDF threshold before and after RFCA during the procedure, and furthermore, to evaluate whether the IDF threshold after RFCA was associated with the AF substrate and recurrence of AF. Method: This study enrolled 141 consecutive patients with drug-refractory persistent AF (age 62.5±10.3 years, 84.4% male). Before the RFCA, we initially performed IDF with an output of 1 J. When the defibrillation failed to restore SR, the output was gradually increased up to 30 J. After RFCA, we attempted pacing-induced AF to provoke other focuses of AF. When AF was induced, we again performed IDF to terminate the AF with outputs of 1 to 30 J. The change in the IDF threshold to restore SR before and after RFCA was assessed. Results: The IDF threshold for restoring SR significantly decreased after RFCA (from 11.5±8.6 J to 4.0±3.8 J, p < 0.001). During the follow-up (24.3±12.2 months), SR was maintained in 107 patients (75.9%). A multivariate analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model revealed that an IDF threshold of > 5 J after the RFCA was significantly associated with recurrence of AF (HR, 3.99; 95% CI 1.93-8.22; p=0.0001). Conclusion: RFCA decreased the IDF threshold for restoring SR in patients with persistent AF. IDF outputs of > 5 J after RFCA could be a predictor of AF recurrence independent of the AF substrate.

Introduction Radiofrequency (RF) ablation of parahisian accessory pathways (PHAPs) is a serious challenge, which is associated with high recurrence and fluoroscopy exposure. According to previous studies and case reports, catheter ablation of PHAPs is associated with a high post-ablation recurrence. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy, safety and long-term outcome of radiofrequency ablation in patients with recurrent PHAPs after prior ablations with zero or extremely low fluoroscopy. Methods and Results A total of 58 patients (43 male, 75.4%) with PHAPs that had one or more previously unsuccessful RF ablations were enrolled. RF ablation procedures were performed under a three-dimensional guiding system (EnSite NavX, St. Jude Medical, MN) with extremely low exposure of fluoroscopy to femoral venous or arterial routes. The acute success rate was 96.6% (56/58). Two procedures were terminated during ablation because of high risk of complete AVB. In addition to a case of transient complete AVB during RF energy delivery, no minor or major complications were recorded during the procedure or long-term follow up. The mean fluoroscopy time was 98 seconds (0-129), and the mean radiation dose was 1.98 mGy (0-3.38) in all 58 cases. Fourteen patients underwent the EPS and RF ablation with zero X-ray exposure. The long-term success rate was 98.2% with a median follow-up period of 30 (12-45) months. Conclusions With a near zero X-ray exposure, RF ablation of recurrent PHAPs can be performed with a high acute success rate and convincing safety during long-term follow-up.

1. In many social species, reproductive success varies between individuals within a population, resulting in socially structured populations. Social network analyses of familial relationships may provide insights on how fitness influences population-level demographic patterns. These methods have however rarely been applied to genetically-derived pedigree data from wild populations. 2. Here we use social networks to reconstruct parent-offspring relationships and create a familial network from polygamous boreal woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) in Saskatchewan, Canada, to inform recovery efforts. We collected samples from 933 individuals at 15 variable microsatellite loci along with caribou-specific primers for sex identification. Using social network metrics, we assess the contribution of individual caribou to the population with several centrality metrics and then determine which metrics are best suited to inform on the population demographic structure. We look at the centrality of individuals from eighteen different local areas, along with the entire population. 3. We found substantial differences in centrality of individuals in different local areas, that in turn contributed differently to the full network, highlighting the importance of analyzing social networks at different scales. The full network revealed that boreal caribou in Saskatchewan form a complex, interconnected social network with strong familial ties, as the removal of edges with high betweenness did not result in distinct subgroups. Alpha, betweenness, and eccentricity centrality were the most informative metrics to characterize the population demographic structure and for spatially identifying areas of highest fitness levels and social cohesion across the range. 4. Synthesis and applications: Our results demonstrate the value of different network metrics in assessing genetically-derived familial networks. The spatial application of the familial networks identified areas of higher fitness levels and social cohesion across the range in support of population monitoring and recovery efforts.

Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) play key roles in the production of various chemical precursors that are essential in pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries. To achieve practical application of ADHs in industrial processes, tailoring enzyme properties through rational design or directed evolution is often required. Here, we developed a secretion-based dual fluorescence assay (SDFA) for high-throughput screening of ADHs. In SDFA, an ADH of interest is fused to a mutated superfolder green fluorescence protein (MsfGFP), which could result in secretion of the fusion protein to culture broth. After a simple centrifugation step to remove the cells, the supernatant can be directly used to measure activity of the ADH based on a red fluorescence signal, whose increase is coupled to formation of NADH (a redox co-factor of ADHs) in the reaction. SDFA allows easy quantification of ADH concentration based on the green fluorescence signal of MsfGFP. This feature is useful in determining specific activity and may improve screening accuracy. Out of five ADHs we have tested with SDFA, four ADHs can be secreted and characterized. We successfully screened a combinatorial library of an ADH from Pichia finlandica and identified a variant with a 197-fold higher kcat/km value toward (S)-2-octanol compared to its wild-type.

The viscous fingering morphologies at a particular stage of emulsion displacements are observed to follow similar development patterns as that of the partially-miscible viscous fingering behavior (existent between the commonly studied fully miscible and immiscible systems). Chemically-induced viscous fingering before and after the finger droplet development resembling the partially-miscible fluid behavior is investigated using fractal dimensions and various -classic and modified- dimensionless scaling groups. We demonstrate, through the quantitative analysis using the empirical data collected from our previous experimental study, that the finger droplet formation morphologies observed in partially-miscible injection are indicative of an emulsion hydrodynamic instability behavior. The dominant parameters responsible for such droplet formation and their relationship to fractal dimension and hydrodynamic stability are mapped in a phase diagram with the original experimental images.

A strategy to boost hydrogen generation from ammonia borane hydrolysis was proposed by engineering Ru local structures via the employment of Cl-free Ru precursors and acid-leaching of the bimetallic Ru-Co catalysts. The effects of Cl and Co were separately investigated by comparing the Cl-free/Cl-containing monometallic Ru catalysts and Co-leaching/Co-containing bimetallic Ru-Co catalysts, respectively. Decoupled from the Co electronic effects (electron transfer from Co to Ru), the Cl geometric effects (site blockage and steric hindrance) were identified as the main factors, which could be further promoted by introducing more low-coordinated Ru sites. The increase of Co content gives rise to more edge-like Ru active sites after acid leaching, with a lower H2O activation barrier for hydrogen production. Consequently, al-Ru1Co with the most edge-like Ru active sites demonstrated a 4.1-fold increase in catalytic activity. The insights revealed here might guide the design and preparation of metal catalysts with the maximum active sites.

Biotechnological application of multiple enzymes in different phases for target compounds synthesis poses a significant challenge for industrial process development. At the same time, a growing demand for natural flavors and fragrances opens up possibilities for novel biotechnological processes to replace current chemical synthesis routes, with additional advantages such as avoiding harsh reaction conditions and toxic chemicals, and less by-products in the system. Within complex biotechnological processes, the key for unfolding their industrial application potential in bioprocess engineering lies in their mathematical modeling. In this contribution, a multi-enzyme cascade reaction in a two-phase system implemented in a miniplant-scale reactor setup is mathematically modeled for the example of the flavoring agent cinnamyl cinnamate. Using our validated model and a mathematical optimization tool based on a genetic algorithm, optimization runs are performed to demonstrate the potential of computer-aided process development for complex biotechnological processes.

High performance thin-film composite (TFC) hollow fiber membranes have been developed for pervaporation dehydration by second interfacial polymerization (SIP) modification with 3 kinds of amine-functionalized β-cyclodextrin (amine-CDs), which were synthesized by modifying β-CD with ammonia, ethylenediamine (EDA) and tris(2-aminoethyl)amine, respectively. The chemical properties of amine-CDs and SIP-modified TFC membranes were characterized by various techniques. The effects of amine-CD type and SIP parameters (pH or concentration of CD-EDA solution) were studied systematically to acquire the optimized selective layer of TFC membranes for ethanol dehydration. Among all SIP-modified TFC membranes, the one with SIP by 2 wt% CD-EDA aqueous solution (pH=2) exhibited the most outstanding separation performance with a ultra-high permeation flux (3018.0±12.0 g/m2.h) and permeate concentration (98.7±0.2 wt% water) at 50 °C (equivalent to separation factor of 415), contributed by the effectively incorporated CD with rich hydrophilic functional groups and intrinsic nanocavities facilitating the passage of water molecules.

A document by Sonakshi Modeel. Click on the document to view its contents.

Accurate restricted Hartree-Fock (RHF) wave-functions are used to investigate information theoretic properties of the model problem of two interacting electrons confined within an infinite spherical potential of radius R. Benchmark quality calculations are performed to characterise this system via a range of information measures as a function of the tunable parameter R, across the full electron correlation regime (low to high correlation; small R to large R). Both the Shannon information entropy and a statistical complexity measure provide quantitative insight regarding the onset of the formation of a ‘Wigner molecule’ state for this system.

Aiming at the structural safety problems caused by the coupling and randomness of factors such as the geometric characteristics, load status, service characteristics and failure mechanism of the in-service bridge structure in time and space, a real-time prediction method of fatigue life of bridge structure under digital twin is proposed. Based on the physical entity of the general bridge crane, the status information acquisition system is used to get the current service status information of the crane equipment, and the obtained current service status information is combined with inherent information and historical service information to construct a fuzzy information database, which is clearly quantified to form twin data; based on the characteristics of the equipment structure and the technology cycle process, the load, strength, defect and life analysis models are determined to form a multi-theoretical calculation model of the bridge structure through information transmission; using the informational data of the active service state, the multi-theoretical computational model is modified to obtain the main factors affecting the fatigue life, and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation theory is combined to determine the comprehensive influence factor; the Kriging proxy model is constructed through experimental design to obtain the response relationship between inherent and service information and the fatigue life of the bridge structure, and the whole life cycle process of the equipment is reflected by completing the real-time prediction of the fatigue life of the bridge structure in the virtual space. Taking the QD20/10t×43m×12m general bridge crane as an example, the feasibility and applicability of the proposed method are verified by comparison, which provides a strong theoretical basis for the safe service and timely scrapping of the crane.

A document by Pedro Brugada. Click on the document to view its contents.

Flowering time is a major determinant of adaptation, fitness and yield in the allopolyploid species rapeseed (Brassica napus). Despite being a close relative to Arabidopsis thaliana, little is known about the timing of floral transition and which genes govern this process. Winter, semi-winter and spring type rapeseed have important life history characteristics that differ in vernalization requirements for flowering and are important for growing rapeseed in different regions of the world. In this study, we investigated the timing of vernalization-driven floral transition in winter rapeseed and the effect of photoperiod and developmental age on flowering time and vernalization responsiveness. Microscopy and whole transcriptome analysis at the shoot apical meristems of plants grown under controlled conditions showed that floral transition is initiated within few weeks of vernalization. Certain Bna.SOC1 and Bna.SPL5 homeologs were among the induced genes, suggesting that they are regulating the timing of cold-induced floral transition. Moreover, the flowering response of plants with shorter pre-vernalization period correlated with a delayed expression of Bna.SOC1 and Bna.SPL5 genes. In essence, this study presents a detailed analysis of vernalization-driven floral transition and the aspects of juvenility and dormancy and their effect on flowering time in rapeseed.

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is one of the causes for large retroperitoneal masses. Symptoms could be minimal if the tumor is not hormonally active. We describe a case with only dull flank pain as an initial presentation. Imaging studies confirmed a large, irregular mass with central necrosis and calcification.

A 13-year-old female patient presented with a 20×15-mm pedunculated, elastic hard cauliflower-shaped lesion with a healthy color and partial erosion attached to the maxillary gingiva in the right maxillary first molar region. The lesion gradually grew over a year. Excisional biopsy was performed and histopathological analysis indicated epulis osteoplastica.

Objective: We aimed to determine the correlation of cardiovascular risk parameters with serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICCU) King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, from March 2019-February, 2020. Blood samples and other data were collected from 100 adult AMI patients admitted to the ICCU (age, 40–60 years) and from 40 age- and BMI-matched healthy adults. Results: The comparison of median and interquartile range of the IL-6 and hs-CRP levels showed that the median values in the MI group were significantly higher than in the healthy control (p < 0.001). Levels of FPG, HbA1c, TG, LDLc were significantly higher, while HDLc was significantly lower in MI patients than control subjects. In the MI group, hs-CRP showed a significant correlation with BMI (r=0.531; p<0.001), and waist circumference (r=0.448; p<0.001). With regard to the gender-based comparison, the hs-CRP and IL-6 levels were not significantly different in male and female MI patients (5.90±2.0 vs. 6.80±8.2; p=0.166 and 21.23±8.2 vs. 21.06 ±8.7; p=0.948, respectively). However, IL6 levels were significantly different between males and females in the control groups (6.64±3.0 vs. 9.74±4.7;p=0.017). Conclusion: IL-6 and hs-CRP were significantly higher in MI than the healthy group. No correlation was found with biochemical parameters. Further research is needed to explore the pathways involving these two molecules in the pathogenesis of MI. Keywords: Myocardial infarction, interleukin-6, cardiovascular risk parameters, C-reactive protein, HDL-c

Aim: To investigate the association of erectile dysfunction (ED) and osteoporosis in all-aged (18-87 years) males, and by comparing models with or without ED, explore the ability of ED to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in Southern China based on the community population from March to July 2015 and 998 eligible individuals ages form 18 to 87 years were included. The diagnosis of ED was based on self-reporting and osteoporosis was defined as a bone mineral density (BMD) of 2.5 standard deviations or below (T score ≤−2.5). Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated in logistic regression model. Lasso regression model was used for feature selection. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the ability of the different models to assess the prevalence of osteoporosis. Results: The prevalence of osteoporosis was 1.70-fold higher in the ED group compared with the non-ED group (OR: 1.70, 95%CI: 0.99-2.87, P=0.051) after adjustment in total population. AUC in model with biochemical indices including low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG), further plus ED was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.68-0.79), which was significantly higher than model only with non-invasive basic clinical parameters (AUC: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.65-0.80). Model included only biochemical indices evaluated the AUC from 0.70 to 0.72 (P=0.050), and further plus ED can significantly evaluated the ability of diagnosis osteoporosis (P=0.017). Conclusions: We found that patients with ED had an increased risk of osteoporosis among the all-age (18-87 years) male population, and the diagnosis ability for osteoporosis significantly evaluated when plus ED. For assessing osteoporosis in male population, the information about ED should be collected.

1. Chain formation is common feature among non-motile marine phytoplankton. Several theories exist around the potential benefits of larger colonies. 2. Here we test the hypothesis that predation is one of the evolutionary drivers behind chain formation and chain length plasticity. We exposed cultures of Thalassiosira rotula, Chaetoceros curvisetus and Chaetoceros affinis to copepodamides, a chemical alarm signal from copepods. This was coupled with a grazing experiment which compared grazing rates on different chain lengths. 3. Our results show that T. rotula and C. curvisetus decreased their chain lengths by 79 % and 49 %, respectively, in response to copepodamides. Single cells and short chains were grazed at lower rates and the copepodamide driven size shift led to 30 % and 12 % lower grazing in T. rotula and C. curvisetus respectively. C. affinis did not respond to copepodamides and did not show the same size dependent clearance rate. 4. We found that more chain forming diatoms respond to predatory cues from copepods than previously known, and that predation is likely an important driver in the evolution of colony size and colony size plasticity.