bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Body Resistance Training Exercise on Biomedical Profile at High Altitude: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zaman Gaffar Sarwar , Abohashrh Mohammed , Ahmad Irshad , Dera Ayed A. , Alshahrani Mastour S. , Ahmad Irfan , Alam Mohammad Mahtab , Mahmood Syed Esam , Mansuri Nasrin , Irfan Safia , Zaman Forhad Akhtar
Published: June 2021

Background. Obesity causes different diseases, eventually. In our study, the results of resistance exercises were examined on selected biochemical markers in Abha City, Saudi Arabia, which is at the height of 2,270 meters above sea level. Methods. A randomized controlled research was conducted with 60 participants equally divided into three groups, 20 subjects in each group: group 1 was composed of obese people who received resistance training exercise, group 2 was composed of the obese control group who did not receive resistance training exercise, and group 3 was composed of normal individuals who received resistance exercise training. The resistance exercises were done in the 6th and 12th weeks. Biochemical blood tests were done. Results. Comparing to the control group, glucose decreased very little with insulin also showing little difference. It has been seen that TC, TG, and LDL reduced to a reasonable extent after resistance exercise, while HDL was increased (p ≤ 0.01). Plasma urea and creatinine showed no differences. Interleukin‐6 and leptin decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.01), while there was a significant elevation in adiponectin and testosterone (p ≤ 0.01) once comparing group 1 with group 2 and group 3. Conclusion. We have seen that resistance exercise helps in reducing lipid profile which will result in a decrease of the cardiac and related risk factors when conducted in obese patients in high‐altitude regions. Also, alterations of the levels of interleukin‐6, leptin, adiponectin, and testosterone showed that resistance exercise is of benefit and favourable in obese persons in high‐altitude regions, which can also pave the way for added development of drugs related to the above parameters.
Prevalence of Food Insecurity and Its Associated Factors among Adult People with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hidru Hagos Degefa , Gebremedhine Haftay , Gebretsadik Alem , Teame Hirut , Negash Hadush , Mengesha Meresa Berwo
Published: June 2021

Background. Food insecurity is the shortage of both the quantity and quality of food and a negative impact on the overall nutritional and health status of people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Ethiopia is intensely affected by food insecurity which is about 87.4% of adult people living with human immuno deficiency virus (HIV) are still facing shortage to have access to safe, sufficient, and nutritious food for themselves and their family. However, there is no concrete scientific evidence established at the national level in Ethiopia. Hence, this review gave special emphasis on adult people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to estimate the pooled prevalence of food insecurity and its associated factor at the national level in Ethiopia. Methods. Studies were retrieved from selected electronic data bases, including PubMed/Medlin, Cochrane library, Sciences Direct, Google, and Google Scholar. Random-effects model meta-analysis was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of food insecurity and its associated factors at 95% confidence interval with odds ratio (OR) using statistical

R

-software version 3.6.1. Moreover, quality appraisal of the included studies, publication bias was checked using the funnel symmetry test, and heterogeneity was checked using forest plot and inverse variance square (

I

2

). The searches were restricted to articles published in the English language only, and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH terms) was used to help expand the search in advanced PubMed search. Result. A total of 650 articles were identified through the initial search of which 20 studies were included in the final review yielding a total sample size of 7,797 adult people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The pooled prevalence of food insecurity was 52% (95% CI, 40%, 63%). Cluster of

differentiation
 
4
 

CD
4

 
count
<
350
 
cell
/
m

m

3

[

AOR
=
1.29

(95% CI, 1.08, 1.54)], develop opportunistic infection [

AOR
=
4.09

(95% CI, 2.47, 6.78)], rural residence [

AOR
=
1.59

(95% CI, 1.09, 2.34)], and World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stages III and IV [

AOR
=
1.98

(95% CI, 1.23, 3.19)] was among the significantly associated factors. Conclusion. In this review, there was a high prevalence of food insecurity among adult people with human immunodeficiency virus. Therefore, the responsible stockholders should strengthen the system and procedure for early diagnosis of opportunistic infection, under nutrition, screening of underlying problems.
Generalized Refinement of Gauss-Seidel Method for Consistently Ordered 2-Cyclic Matrices
Authors: Dessalew Gashaye , Kebede Tesfaye , Awgichew Gurju , Walelign Assaye
Published: June 2021

This paper presents generalized refinement of Gauss-Seidel method of solving system of linear equations by considering consistently ordered 2-cyclic matrices. Consistently ordered 2-cyclic matrices are obtained while finite difference method is applied to solve differential equation. Suitable theorems are introduced to verify the convergence of this proposed method. To observe the effectiveness of this method, few numerical examples are given. The study points out that, using the generalized refinement of Gauss-Seidel method, we obtain a solution of a problem with a minimum number of iteration and obtain a greater rate of convergence than other previous methods.
Characteristics, Classification, and Application of Stem Cells Derived from Human Teeth
Authors: Lei Tong , Zhang Xiaoshuang , Du Hongwu
Published: June 2021

Since mesenchymal stem cells derived from human teeth are characterized as having the properties of excellent proliferation, multilineage differentiation, and immune regulation. Dental stem cells exhibit fibroblast-like microscopic appearance and express mesenchymal markers, embryonic markers, and vascular markers but do not express hematopoietic markers. Dental stem cells are a mixed population with different sensitive markers, characteristics, and therapeutic effects. Single or combined surface markers are not only helpful for understanding the subpopulation of mixed stem cell populations according to cell function but also for improving the stable treatment effect of dental stem cells. Focusing on the discovery and characterization of stem cells isolated from human teeth over the past 20 years, this review outlines the effect of marker sorting on cell proliferation and differentiation ability and the assessment of the clinical application potential. Classified dental stem cells from markers and functional molecules can solve the problem of heterogeneity and ensure the efficacy of cell therapy strategies including dentistry, neurologic diseases, bone repair, and tissue engineering.
Peripheral Retinal Neovascularization in a Patient with Sarcoidosis and Cocaine-Associated Autoimmunity
Authors: Roohipourmoallai Ramak , Davoudi Samaneh , Hosseinian Benvidi Seyed Majid , Iyer Siva S. R.
Published: June 2021

A 63-year-old African-American female with history of sarcoidosis (lymph node biopsy proven) and cocaine abuse for 8 years was referred to us because of new floater. Her ocular history was unremarkable except for vague complaints of visual disturbance during a hospital admission in 2016. On presentation, her visual acuity was 20/400 in the right eye and 20/30 in the left eye. Dilated fundus exam and multimodal imaging showed thick epiretinal membrane (ERM) superior to optic nerve head causing a lamellar macular hole and intra retinal edema in the right eye, a full thickness macular hole, and peripheral neovascularization in the left eye. Peripheral vasculitis was appreciated in both eyes and peripheral neovascularization in the left eye on fluorescein angiography. The patient underwent laser therapy, and the new vessels regressed in the left eye without any changes in systemic medications. Multiple factors may contribute to retinal vasculitis and neovascularization including sarcoidosis, cocaine abuse, and other undiagnosed systemic vasculitis, which makes this case a mystery.
The Second‐Order Differential Equation System with the Controlled Process for Variational Inequality with Constraints
Authors: Wang Li , Chen Xingxu , Sun Juhe
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the variational inequality with constraints can be viewed as an optimization problem. Using Lagrange function and projection operator, the equivalent operator equations for the variational inequality with constraints under the certain conditions are obtained. Then, the second‐order differential equation system with the controlled process is established for solving the variational inequality with constraints. We prove that any accumulation point of the trajectory of the second‐order differential equation system is a solution to the variational inequality with constraints. In the end, one example with three kinds of different cases by using this differential equation system is solved. The numerical results are reported to verify the effectiveness of the second‐order differential equation system with the controlled process for solving the variational inequality with constraints.
Research on Fabrication of Flame Retardant Nanocomposite Coating to Protect Steel Structures on Epikote 240 Epoxy Resin Base with the Synergy of MWCNTs and Fly Ash
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh
Published: June 2021

The use of industrial wastes such as thermal power plant fly ash can reduce the environmental risk. The fly ash properties are useful and can contribute to organic coatings. This paper examines a new strategy for coatings that protect steel structures from the effects of fire while enhancing mechanical properties. The aim of this study was to show that the fly ash additive can be a partial replacement for other conventional additives while also having a flame retardant effect. To study the effectiveness of the use of fly ash additives, we have sought to combine them with nanoadditives. Specifically, we study the synergy of fly ash with multi-wall carbon nanotube additives to reinforce the coating on the system: epoxy Epikote 240/ammonium polyphosphate (APP)/pentaerythritol (PER), and melamine. Content of fly ash was studied: 10 wt.% with 0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt.% of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The results prove that the synergies between fly ash and multi-wall carbon nanotubes increase the fire resistance to increase the protection of steel structures of the building. When using 10 wt.% fly ash and 1 wt.% MWCNTS, the coating can be considered as a flame retardant material with UL 94V-0 fire resistance and the limiting oxygen index of 27.2%..
Risk Factors Associated with the Incidence of Ventricular Arrhythmias Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction and Prognosis Analysis
Authors: Li Guibin , Liu Shengxin , Jin Jiali , Ding Kejun , Qian Caizhen
Published: June 2021

Ventricular arrhythmias (VTA) usually occur following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, risk factors for VTA attack after AMI have been not well-recognized. The purpose of the study is to identify risk factors associated with the incidence of VTA complicating AMI. A total of 200 patients with AMI who were admitted to our hospital from February 2018 to February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. These 200 patients were classified into a non-VTA group (

n
=
140

) and a VTA group (

n
=
60

) based on the occurrence of VTA within 24 after AMI. Patients in the VTA group were older than those in the non-VTA group. The VTA group had more numbers of WBCs and neutrophils than the non-VTA group. The level of serum potassium was lower, but the levels of cTnT and CK-MB were higher in the VTA group than in the non-VTA group. The VTA group presented an increase in proportions of anterior MI, TpTe, and proportions of Killip

classification
≥
class

II but a decline in LVEF when comparable to the non-VTA group. The two groups were not significantly different concerning other variables including sex, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart rate, Scr, SUA, BUN, PTL counts, TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, D-dimer, BNP, LVS, LVP, and LVEDd. The levels of hsCRP, endothelin-1, and TNF-α were remarkably higher in the VTA group than in the non-VTA group (

P
<
0.001

). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, with clinical variables including age, WBCs, neutrophils, serum potassium, cTnT, CK-MB, hsCRP, endothelin-1, TNF-α, anterior MI, TpTe, proportions of Killip

classification
≥
class

II, and LVEF as an independent variable and with the occurrence of VTA as a dependent variable. It was revealed that serum potassium, cTnT, CK-MB, hsCRP, endothelin-1, TpTe, proportions of Killip

classification
≥
class

II, and LVEF were independent risk factors of VTA complicating AMI. Compared with the non-VTA group, the incidence rate of simple left heart failure, total heart failure, stroke, and dyslipidemia in the VTA group was significantly higher than those in the non-VTA group (

P
<
0.05

). It was found that the proportion of all-cause deaths within one year outside the hospital was higher in the VAT group than in the non-VAT group (

P
<
0.05

). Collectively, the study demonstrates serum potassium, cTnT, CK-MB, hsCRP, endothelin-1, TpTe, proportions of Killip

classification
≥
class

II, and LVEF were independent risk factors of VTA complicating AMI.
Effects of the Health Belief Model-Based Intervention on Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Zhang Yating , Zhao Xiangfang
Published: June 2021

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory condition. COPD causes a heavy burden on the patients through negative impacts on the quality of life and psychological health. The health belief model (HBM) is proposed and modified by several social psychologists and is confirmed to have benefits in the recovery of various diseases. This research aimed to explore the effects of the HBM-based intervention on anxiety, depression, and quality of life in COPD patients entering pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Methods: This research was conducted at the Tianjin Rehabilitation Recuperate Center of Chinese PLA in 2019. A total of 136 COPD patients were randomized into the intervention group and the control group. In the control group, patients received the PR program. In the intervention group, patients received both PR program and the HBM-based intervention. Quality of life was measured by the COPD assessment test. The outcomes of anxiety and depression were measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: The HBM-based intervention decreased both anxiety and depression scores among COPD patients. The COPD assessment test score was declined by the HBM-based intervention, which also decreased the serum levels of interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein in COPD patients entering PR. Conclusion: The HBM-based intervention alleviates anxiety and depression, enhances quality of life, and inhibits inflammation in COPD patients entering PR.
Age Differences in State Curiosity: Examining the Role of Personal Relevance
Authors: Chu Li , Fung Helene H.
Published: June 2021

Objectives: Curiosity, or the desire for novel information and/or experience, is associated with improved well-being and more informed decisions, which has implications on older adults’ (OAs’) adoption of novel technologies. There have been suggestions that curiosity tends to decline with age. However, it was rarely studied under specific contexts, and there were relatively limited attempts to enhance OAs’ curiosity. Under the theoretical framework of selective engagement theory, we examined age differences of curiosity in the context of learning a novel technology and investigated the moderating role of personal relevance. Method: This study utilized a pretest-posttest experimental design with a total of 50 younger adults (YAs) and 50 OAs from Hong Kong to measure their trait curiosity, perceived personal relevance, and state curiosity toward robots after interacting with a robot. Results: OAs showed significantly lower trait curiosity than YAs, but OAs showed a higher level of state curiosity toward a robot than YAs when they perceived an increase in personal relevance after interacting with the robot. Conclusion: Findings replicated previous findings that trait curiosity declined with age, but they also illustrated the distinctions between trait and state curiosity in the context of aging and highlighted the potential role of personal relevance in enhancing curiosity of OAs.
Clinical Outcomes of Endoscope-Assisted Vitreous Surgery for Giant Retinal Tear Detachment
Authors: Mitamura Hayato , Kaga Tatsushi , Yokoyama Sho , Kojima Takashi , Mori Toshio , Matsuda Taisuke , Sato Hiroyuki , Yoshida Norihiko , Ichikawa Kazuo
Published: June 2021

Introduction: With the advent of perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL), the success rate of refractory giant retinal tear (GRT) detachment has dramatically improved. PFCL is a very effective tool when used properly, but in GRT detachment, it may move under the retina through the tear, so it is necessary to devise ways to prevent PFCL from migrating under the retina. Ophthalmic endoscope-assisted vitrectomy may reduce the risk of subretinal migration of PFCL, facilitate safer use of PFCL, and increase the success rate of GRT detachment. The present study aimed to describe the clinical outcomes of endoscope-assisted vitreous surgery for giant retinal detachment. Methods: Twenty consecutive eyes from 19 patients who had undergone endoscope-assisted vitreous surgery for treatment of a GRT detachment were enrolled. Subretinal fluid drainage, extension of the rolled GRT, and endophotocoagulation under air were performed with the aid of an endoscope, without the use of PFCL. Where necessary, extension of a fixed retinal fold and internal limiting membrane peeling was performed with PFCL. Results: The initial and final retinal reattachment rates were 90 and 95%, respectively. In 3 eyes, a small amount of PFCL was used, and there were no PFCL remnants. The mean follow-up duration was 18 months (range, 3–69 months). After surgery, the mean best-correlated visual acuity significantly improved from 20/514 to 20/41 (p = 0.0008). Discussion/Conclusion: Endoscope-assisted vitreous surgery for giant retinal detachment has favourable clinical outcomes for visual acuity and retinal detachment.
Pathological Bases and Clinical Application of Long Noncoding RNAs in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Zhang Chengxin , Niu Kaiyuan , Lian Panpan , Hu Ying , Shuai Ziqiang , Gao Shan , Ge Shenglin , Xu Tao , Xiao Qingzhong , Chen Zhaolin
Published: June 2021

Increasing evidence has suggested that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have vital roles in cardiovascular tissue homeostasis and diseases. As a main subgroup of ncRNAs, long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play important roles in lipid metabolism, inflammation, vascular injury, and angiogenesis. They have also been implicated in many human diseases including atherosclerosis, arterial remodeling, hypertension, myocardial injury, cardiac remodeling, and heart failure. Importantly, it was reported that lncRNAs were dysregulated in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). A variety of studies have demonstrated that lncRNAs could influence gene expression at transcription, post-transcription, translation, and post-translation level. Particularly, emerging evidence has confirmed that the crosstalk among lncRNAs, mRNA, and miRNAs is an important underlying regulatory mechanism of lncRNAs. Nevertheless, the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in CVDs have not been fully explored yet. In this review, we will comprehensively summarize the main findings about lncRNAs and CVDs, highlighting the most recent discoveries in the field of lncRNAs and their pathophysiological functions in CVDs, with the aim of dissecting the intrinsic association between lncRNAs and common risk factors of CVDs including hypertension, high glucose, and high fat. Finally, the potential of lncRNAs functioning as the biomarkers, therapeutic targets, as well as specific diagnostic and prognostic indicators of CVDs will be discussed in this review.
Blood Pressure Determinants of Cerebral White Matter Hyperintensities and Microstructural Injury: UK Biobank Cohort Study
Authors: Wartolowska Karolina A. , Webb Alastair J.S.
Published: June 2021

Small vessel disease and related stroke and dementia risks are linked to aging and hypertension, but it is unclear whether the pulsatile or steady blood pressure (BP) component is more important for the development of macrostructural hyperintensities and microstructural white matter damage. This was a cross-sectional analysis of the UK Biobank cohort study of community-based adults from 22 UK centers. Linear associations were determined between neuroimaging markers (white matter hyperintensity [WMH] volume and diffusion imaging indices) and mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure (PP), both unadjusted and adjusted for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, antihypertensive medication, BP source, and assessment center. In 37 041 participants aged 45 to 82 years (53% female), univariable analyses demonstrated that increases in both BP components were associated with greater WMH volume and white matter injury on diffusion indices, with a larger effect for PP (standardized effect size for WMH: mean arterial BP: 0.182 [95% CIs, 0.170–0.193]; PP: 0.285 [95% CIs, 0.274–0.296]). In multivariable analyses, associations with mean arterial pressure remained similar, but associations with PP diminished, reflecting covariance with age and risk factors (standardized effect size for WMH: mean arterial BP: 0.106 [95% CIs, 0.095–0.117]; PP: 0.011 [95% CIs, −0.001 to 0.023]). The synergistic interaction between PP and age increased the effect of age on WMH and diffusion indices. Both macrostructural and microstructural white matter injury had similar associations with the pulsatile and steady components of hypertension, although PP accentuated the relationship between age and white matter damage.
How Big is the Ballpark? Assessing Variation in Grant Aid Awards within Net Price Calculator Student Profiles
Authors: Anthony Aaron M. , Page Lindsay C.
Published: June 2021

Net Price Calculators (NPCs) are online tools designed to increase transparency in college pricing by presenting students with individualized estimates of net prices to attend a given postsecondary institution. The federal template NPC predicts identical aid awards for similarly-profiled students attending the same institution. Using the 2012 National Postsecondary Student Aid Survey, we use regression analysis to assess variation in actual financial aid awards among students predicted by the federal template NPC to receive identical awards. We find estimated aid, derived from the federal template NPC, accounts for 70 percent of the variation in actual grant aid received by students. We then consider modifications to the federal template NPC that include an additional upper income bracket option and indicators of both high school grade point average and Free Application for Federal Student Aid filing time. These modifications explain an additional 16 percentage points, or more than half, of the unexplained variation in actual grant aid awards across all institutional sectors. These findings are especially relevant as legislators consider policy efforts to bring greater transparency to college cost and pricing, including creating a universal NPC in which prospective students can enter information once to receive net price estimates at any institution.
Volvopluteus canalipes comb. nov. (Pluteaceae) from the Sonoran Desert of Mexico

Authors: MONTOYA LETICIA , BANDALA VICTOR M. , ESQUEDA MARTIN
Published: June 2021

A collection of a volvarioid species with whitish, medium-sized basidiomes and distinctive grooved stipe was found in sandy soil in the Sonoran Desert, northwest of Mexico. After a morphological comparison with the type specimen of Volvariopsis canalipes from Florida, USA, we found that both materials share a similar set of taxonomic characters that supports considering them to be conspecific. Some species formerly placed in Volvariella but characterized by a gelatinous pileipellis and large basidiospores (such as V. canalipes) are currently recognized in Volvopluteus. A phylogenetic analysis based on ITS and LSU sequences obtained from the Sonoran material, inferred its position in Volvopluteus and sister to Vp. gloiocephallus. Based on morphological and molecular information, the new combination Volvopluteus canalipes is proposed. This corresponds to the second record of this species after its original publication. A description of the Mexican collection accompanied with photographs and line drawings is included and complemented with a taxonomic discussion.
An updated species list for “Smoky Bears”: Tardigrades of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA
Authors: BARTELS PAUL J. , NELSON DIANE R. , KACZMAREK ŁUKASZ
Published: June 2021

One of the largest inventories of tardigrades ever conducted occurred from 2000–2010 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA. Over 16,000 specimens were catalogued, 85 species were identified, 11 species new to science were described, and 16 other possible new species await further study. More than 20 papers have resulted from the GSMNP tardigrade inventory, making the Smokies the most thoroughly studied area in North America for tardigrades. Several species lists have been published over this 20-year period, but many taxonomic revisions and new identifications have led to significant changes to the list. Biogeographical studies citing species records from earlier studies could yield serious errors. Here we update the species list from the Smokies to accommodate the many recent changes in tardigrade taxonomy, we re-analyze some species in light of delineations of cryptic species groups that have occurred recently via integrative taxonomy, and we provide a table of all synonyms that have been used in previous publications. We also make available, for the first time, the Smokies tardigrade database, complete with all locations, elevations, and substrates.
Taxonomic study of the genus Promalactis Meyrick, 1908 (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) X. The commotica species-group, with descriptions of twenty-two new species
Authors: WANG SHUXIA , LIU CHEN
Published: June 2021

The commotica species-group of the genus Promalactis Meyrick, 1908 is proposed based on forewing pattern. Moths of this species group are characterized by the possession of three white streaks extending from the dorsum of the forewing. Twenty-two new species are described herein: P. apiculifera sp. nov., P. apisetosa sp. nov., P. arcicosta sp. nov., P. baoshana sp. nov., P. bicornuta sp. nov., P. bilobignatha sp. nov., P. binipapillata sp. nov., P. bispina sp. nov., P. curvicosta sp. nov., P. denticuligera sp. nov., P. lianhuashana sp. nov., P. motuoensis sp. nov., P. pedata sp. nov., P. quadriprocessa sp. nov., P. ramiformis sp. nov., P. senticosa sp. nov., P. similibellatula sp. nov., P. squamacea sp. nov., P. stenognatha sp. nov., P. subgladiata sp. nov., P. tengchongensis sp. nov. and P. triangulivalva sp. nov. The female of P. spinosicornuta Du & Wang, 2013 is described for the first time. Photographs of adults and genitalia of the new species are provided. A list of all the species belonging to the commotica species group is given.
UDP-Glucose Pyrophosphorylase ugp1 is Required in Heat Stress Response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Qian Xu , Zhou Hua , Cai Heng
Published: June 2021

UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGP1) is an important metabolic enzyme in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this research, we built a strain with reduced ugp1 level for exploring its biological roles. The survival rate, trehalose, glucan, and the sensitivity to cell wall perturbing
agents were tested. Intracellular trehalose and glucan of ugp1 knockdown (ugp1KD) strain showed 37.4% and 56.69% of WT strain at 42 °C. Meanwhile, the survival rate declined to 33.83% after 2 hours and to 8.44% after 8 hours. The cell wall was more susceptible to Congo red,
SDS, and Calcofluor white. After complementing ugp1(UGP1C), the resistance to heat-stress and cell wall perturbing agents were rescued markedly. The 1,3-β-D-glucan synthase (FKS1) expression level was affected by knocking down ugp1, as well. Our data suggest that
ugp1 is required in the heat stress response of S. cerevisiae by influencing trehalose and glucan, and provides a foundation elucidating the essence of survival under heat stress.
Construction of Saline-Alkali Tolerance Evaluation System and Isolation of Differentially Expressed Genes in High-Oleic Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Wang Hong , Wang Haixin , Yu Shutao , Cui Xueyan , Su Jiangshun , Sun Dongwei , Du Zubo , Yu Guoqing , Wang Chuantang
Published: June 2021

As an important source of vegetable oil, peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) with both adequate tolerance and high-oleate could be a profitable choice in saline-alkali soil. In our study, two high-oleic peanut lines derived from the same cross and differing in saline-alkali response
were initially identified from our previous field evaluation. In this study they were subjected to saline-alkali stress in pot culture, and their transcriptomes were analyzed. 16L1 possessed multiple characteristics related to saline-alkali stress tolerant, including well-developed green leaves,
more pods, elevated proline, high levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase and strong photosynthetic capacity. According to the correlation of various indicators, we have established high-oleic peanut biological saline-alkali tolerance and physiological saline-alkali evaluation
system. Ten differentially expressed genes (DEGs) responding to saline-alkali stress were characterized and confirmed by quantitative realtime reverse transcription PCR. A series of analyses of DEGs revealed the importance of secondary metabolites, osmotic adjustment substances, plant hormone
signal transduction, and protein kinase in peanut saline-alkali tolerance. The output of this study will help to understand the saline-alkali tolerant mechanism and provide a reference for peanut saline-alkali tolerance.
Artificial Measures Are Not Necessarily Better Than Natural Recovery for the Extremely Degraded Alpine Meadow: The Results of Simulated Degradation Restoration After Three Years
Authors: Tang Liuyan , Chen Lin , Yang Zhen’an
Published: June 2021

Natural and artificial restoration measures are widely used to restore degraded ecosystems, such as degraded alpine meadow. The objective of this research was to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of natural and artificial measures for extremely degraded alpine meadows. We removed
the surface soil (0–10 cm) of the alpine meadow to simulate the extremely degraded “black soil beach,” and set artificial measures (planting Festuca sinensis (E) and Elymus sibircus L. cv. chuan-cao No. 1 (F)) and natural recovery (N) (without any artificial
auxiliary measures) in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP), China. After 3 years, we determined the characteristics of community and soil in the artificial and natural treatment. The results show that the species number, above-and below-ground biomass (AB, BB), root-shoot
ratio (R/S) in N is significantly higher than that in artificial restoration (E and F); while the community coverage and concentration of soil total carbon, total nitrogen, microbial biomass carbon, microbial biomass nitrogen and microbial biomass phosphorus (TC, TN, MBC, MBN and MBP) in artificial
restoration is significantly higher than that in N. In conclusion, compared with N, artificial measures (E and F) are not completely beneficial to the development of plant community diversity and the restoration of soil nutrients in the extremely degraded meadow. Thus, the establishment of
artificial grassland is not necessarily better than natural recovery for the extremely degraded alpine meadow.
Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Perilla Seeds on the Monounsaturated Fatty Acid Profile in Gallus domestiaus Egg Yolk
Authors: Duan Suhu , Li Zaiqiang , Fan Zhenzhen , Qin Mengran , Yu Xiaoxue , Li Liuan
Published: June 2021

To study the effect of adding Perilla seeds daily on the quality of eggs and the content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in yolk, 160 healthy 26-week-old Gallus domestiaus were randomly selected and divided into 4 groups. The control group (CK) was fed with basic daily
ration, and 6, 10 and 15% Perilla seeds were respectively added to the basic diet in experimental groups (P1, P2 and P3). On the 10, 25 and 40th days, 12 and 24 eggs were randomly selected from each group for egg quality and MUFA analysis in yolk, respectively. The results indicated that on
the 10th day, the yolk ratio in P1, P2 and P3 were significantly higher than that in CK (P < 0.05). On the 25th day, the yolk color of P3 was significantly lower than that of CK and P2 (P < 0.05); on the 40th day, the Haugh unit of P2 and P3 were significantly higher than
that of CK (P < 0.05). On the 40th day, oleic acid content in yolk of P2 and P3 were significantly higher than that of P1 and CK (P < 0.05). The addition of Perilla seeds had no significant effect on the C14:1, C15:1, C16:1 and C17:1 contents of egg yolk. In conclusion,
adding Perilla seeds with certain concentration could improve Haugh unit and yolk weight, while adding high concentration for a long time could significantly increase the oleic acid content in yolk.
Effects of 24-Epibrassinolide on DNA Methylation Variation in Soybean (Glycine max) Leaf and Root Under Saline-Alkali Stress
Authors: Peng Ya-Nan , Li Jing , Sun Dan-Dan , Chen Nan , Wang Quan-Wei
Published: June 2021

Saline-alkali stress is major stress that severely reduces plant growth and productivity, it is necessary to make clear whether exogenous 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) can improve the salt-alkali resistance of soybean (Glycine max) by affecting its DNA methylation. In this study,
the effects of EBR on soybean adaptation to saline-alkali stress, genomic DNA methylation level and pattern changes in saline-alkali-stressed leaf and root with or without EBR treatment were compared using methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP). In the results, saline-alkali stress
increased DNA methylation levels in leaf and root, with higher respective hemi-methylation and global methylation rates observed in leaf (6.22, 22.24%) than root (5.72, 21.76%). EBR application reduced leaf and root DNA methylation levels, with leaf hemi-methylation rate (6.15%) exceeding
that of root (4.25%) and leaf global methylation rate (21.79%) below that of root (22.51%). There were distinct DNA remethylation and demethylation variations across different tissues and treatments, demethylation in leaves was dominant. Meanwhile, untreated saline-alkali-stressed roots exhibited
major demethylation-based variations, while remethylation variations predominated post-treatment. Under saline-alkali stress, root remethylation and demethylation rates (6.17, 7.55%, respectively) both exceeded respective leaf rates (5.18 and 7.46%); however, post-EBR treatment, root methylation
rate (6.45%) exceeded leaf rate (5.38%), while root demethylation rate (6.13%) fell below leaf rate (6.94%). In conclusion, exogenous EBR application to saline-alkali-stressed soybean can influence leaf and root genomic DNA methylation levels and patterns via distinct tissue-specific methylation
mechanisms.
Extraction of Damba Black Soybean Gene by Means of Magnetic Nanoparticles and Investigation of Aluminum Tolerance
Authors: Lin Tao , Han Rongrong , Wei Yunmin , Liu Lusheng , Jiang Caode , Yu Yongxiong
Published: June 2021

The aluminum tolerance of Tamba black soybean (Glycine max cv. Tamba) is closely related to organic acid secretion mechanisms. The gene responsible for this tolerance in this variety (GmFER84) is extracted from lysates of soybean root tips using silylated Fe3O4
nanomagnetic beads. GmFER84 (Glycine max XP 003540203.1) is a stable protein. Tobacco genetically transformed with GmFER84 using an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation was tested for aluminum tolerance. Citrate synthase and citric acid secretion in the roots of transgenic tobacco
prove to be significantly higher than those of wild tobacco, and the antioxidant properties of transgenic tobacco are also substantially increased. Research on GmFER84 may enable further agronomic development.
Chinese Herb Resveratrol Inhibits Renal Pelvic Cancer Cell Proliferation via Regulating miR-30a-5p
Authors: Zhu Zunwei , Wu Jinggong , Xu Lieyu , Wan Yong , Chao Haichao , Sun Ting
Published: June 2021

Renal pelvis cancer (RPC) is rare with unclear pathogenesis. Resveratrol (RSV) also plays a beneficial role in preventing chronic diseases related to inflammation. But its effect on RPC cells has not been reported. RPC cells were cultured and treated with resveratrol for 48 hours followed
by analysis of cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle, and miR-30a-5p expression. The expression of miR-30a-5p effects proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle was also assessed. After treatment, RPC cells showed upregulated miR-30a-5p, decreased cell survival and enhanced cell apoptosis
rate compared with abnormal cell cycle (P < 0.05), and the effect was more significant with the increase in concentration (P < 0.05). The miR-30a-5p target gene is AVEN. miR-30a-5p downregulation can reverse its effect on RPC cells (P < 0.05). Resveratrol treatment
on RPC cells can upregulate miR-30a-5p, inhibite cell proliferation, promotes apoptosis, and changes cell cycle.
Ameliorative Effects of Indole-3-Carbinol and/or Sulforaphane Against Gold Nanoparticle-Induced Cytotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Alkhalaf Maha I. , Alansari Wafa S.
Published: June 2021

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are the most commonly used metal nanoparticles due to their promising characteristics. However, application of GNs in medical and biological fields has resulted in toxicity to several organs. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and sulforaphane (SF) are the two well-known
natural compounds, largely present in cruciferous vegetables. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic efficacy of I3C and SF alone or in combination against GN-induced renal and cardiac toxicities. Fifty male Albino rats were randomly segregated into five groups with each group containing
10 rats; G1, control; G2, intraperitoneally administered with a suspension of GNPs (10 nm in size; 20 µg/kg body weight (b.w.) for 7 days; G3, GN-injected rats, supplemented with SF (5 mg/kg b.w) daily for 7 days; G4, GN-injected rats, supplemented orally with I3C (150 mg/kg b.w.)
for 7 days and G5, GN-injected rats supplemented orally with SF and I3C daily for 7 days. GN treatment significantly disturbed kidney functional markers, as evidenced by significantly increased levels of urea, creatinine and creatine kinase. Additionally, GNs significantly increased renal
and cardiac levels of malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and interleukin-6, and depleted, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2. In contrast, treatment with I3C and SF alone
or in combination significantly restored all the parameters to their near normal levels. GN induced histological abnormalities were also significantly attenuated. Taken together, the data indicate that the SF and I3C are more effective when given separately than when given together in lowering
GN-induced toxicity by their ability to alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation.
Effect of Amine Molecular Chain Length on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Functionalized Graphene Oxide/Polyurea Nanocomposites
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Ouyang Si , Chen Gang , Deng Yiqing , Chen Mengxiao , Zhao Yanqing , Zou Wangcai
Published: June 2021

To improve the overall performance of polyurea, linear diamines with three different chain lengths (1,2-ethylenediamine (EDA) and amino-terminated polyoxypropylenes D230 and D2000) were reacted with graphene oxide (GO) by reaction of amines with carboxyl groups, and three different
amino-functionalized graphene oxide (AGO) nanosheets (EDA-GO, D230-GO and D2000-GO) were prepared. Subsequently, an AGO flake was bonded to a polyurea (PUA) substrate by an in situ chemical process. Analytical tests, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), showed that diamines were
attached to the GO flake. The reinforcement properties of the nanocomposites were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and tensile testing. AGO nanosheets, especially EDA-GO, result in a certain degree of enhancement in the thermal and mechanical
properties of nanocomposites formed with polyurea. The TGA and DSC results indicated that the T5% and Tg of the nanocomposites at low AGO loading were increased compared with those of pure polyurea. Meanwhile, the elongation at break of the nanocomposite film with 0.1 wt%
EDA-GO loading was 240% higher than that of pure polyurea, and tensile strength was increased by 80% over that of pure polyurea. We provide a new approach to the chemical conversion of GO/PUA nanocomposites by preparing AGO and complexing it with polyurea.
A Short Review on the Synthesis of Polylactic Acid by Reactive Extrusion and Static Mixing Reaction Techniques
Authors: Liu Rong , Zhao Yue
Published: June 2021

Polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the most attractive biodegradable polymers, but the large-scale production of PLA in most countries is still in its infancy. This review begins with a brief introduction to PLA synthesis mechanism, followed by a summary of the techniques of twin-screw
reactive extrusion and tubular static mixing reaction, which are two new methods for rapid synthesis of PLA with large-scale production potential. The structures, advantages and disadvantages of each technique are then reviewed in the paper. Finally, the rapid synthetic methods are prospected.
Preparation of Novel 129Xe Nanoprobe and Its Application in Acupuncture Treatment of Refractory Peripheral Facial Paralysis with fMRI
Authors: Pang Jinbang
Published: June 2021

The NMR sensitivity of hyperpolarized 129Xe is much stronger than that of traditional proton, but single Xe has no targeting property. The Xe signal of new “cage” molecule can be obtained by combining it with molecular “cage,” which provides design
ideas for the preparation of hyperpolarized 129Xe nanoprobes. A kind of nano material with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons shell is synthesized, and its 129Xe loading, particle size and fluorescence properties are measured by Hyper-CEST. The material is injected into
the vein of patients with refractory peripheral facial paralysis in the form of solution. The patients are all treated with acupuncture. AFNI software is used to compare the fMRI data of patients before and after treatment and healthy control group. The average diameter of the prepared nano
particles is 130 nm, and the average Z potential of nano materials is 25 mV. The fluorescence effects of monomers and nano materials with the same concentration are compared. Nano materials can emit strong fluorescence, and the assembly of monomers can enhance the fluorescence intensity. The
results of Hyper-CEST 129Xe magnetic resonance testing show that the nano materials have strong CEST signal at 208 ppm, which means that the nano materials are suitable to carry Xe molecules, thus forming hyperpolarized 129Xe molecular cages. The nanoprobe solution loaded
with 129Xe is injected into the vein of patients with refractory peripheral facial paralysis. Before and after acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, there are obvious signal enhancement in posterior central gyrus, thalamus, paracentral lobe, cerebellum, superior temporal gyrus
and other areas of the brain, because the activated brain areas of acupuncture and moxibustion have been significantly enlarged, which proves that nanoprobe + acupuncture treatment is helpful to the analysis of the central operation mechanism of refractory peripheral facial paralysis.
Applications of Advanced Nanotechnology in Stem Cell Research
Authors: Yang Chih-Hui , Huang Shu-Ling , Wang Yi-Ting , Chang Chun-Ho , Tsai Ya-Chi , Lin Yu-Mei , Lu Yuan-Yi , Lin Yung-Sheng , Huang Keng-Shiang
Published: June 2021

Nanotechnology gives rise to new breakthroughs and developments in various fields. The applications of advanced nanotechnology may resolve the current technical problems encountered in stem cell research. Nanotechnology has gained significant attention in both academic research and the biomedical industry in recent years. In this mini-review article, the progress of nanotechnology-aided stem cell studies has been surveyed, and thein vitroandin vivoapplications of nanotechnology have been introduced. Thein vitrostudies are divided into three categories: isolation, detection, and regulation. The progress ofin vivostudies and trends in biomedical applications have also been addressed.
Data Construction and Spatiotemporal Trend Attribution of Runoff over the African Continent (1981–2016)
Authors: Karamage Fidele , Liu Yongwei , Liu Yuanbo
Published: June 2021

The availability of streamflow records in Africa has been declining since the 1980s due to malfunctioning gauging stations and data collection failures. Africa also has insufficient hydrological information owing to the allocation of few resources to research efforts. Unreliable runoff datasets and large uncertainties in runoff trends due to climate change patterns and human activities are major challenges to water resource management in Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to improve runoff estimates and to assess runoff trend responses to climate change and human activities in Africa during 1981–2016. Using statistical methods, monthly gridded runoff datasets were generated for the period of 1981–2016 from a modified runoff curve number method calibrated with river discharge data from 535 gauging stations. According to the cross-validation results, the constructed runoff datasets comprised the Nash and Sutcliffe coefficients ranging from 0.5 to 1, coefficients of determination ranging from 0.5 to 1 and percent biases between ±25% for a large number of stations up to 73%, 80% and 91% of the 535 gauged catchments used as references. Analysis of runoff trend responses to climate change and human activities revealed that land cover change contributed more (72%) to the observed net runoff change (0.30%•a−1) than continental climate changes (28%). These contributions were results of cropland expansion rate of 0.46%•a−1 and a precipitation increase of 0.07%•a−1. The performance and simplicity of the statistical methods used in this study could be useful for improving runoff estimations in other regions with limited streamflow data data. The results of the current study could be important to natural resource managers and decision makers in terms of raising awareness of climate change adaptation strategies and agricultural land-use policies in Africa.