bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of Heterosis, Combining Ability and Parental Diversity for Seed Cotton Yield and Contributing Traits using Diallel Data in Cotton (G. hirsutum L.)
Authors: Giri R.K. , Verma S.K. , Yadav J.P.
Published: February 2021

Background: Combining ability and parental diversity contributes directly to improve the heterotic potential. The experiment was aimed to study the parental diversity and its contribution to heterosis and to get an idea if parental diversity has any influence on the combining ability of the parental lines. Methods: The field testing was carried out during 2017-18 at three locations comprises, Sirsa, Bathinda and Abohar. Total eight parents were crossed in diallel manner to produce 56 combination excluding eight parental genotypes using full diallel. All the hybrids and parental lines were tested using RBD at the selected locations and the mean of these three locations data was used to study the relationship. Genetic relatedness of the parents was studied using 20 SSR markers and the distance/similarity matrix was developed using Jaccard coefficient method. Result: Genotypes showed significant (p≤0.01) differences for mean squares values for all the traits under study. F-2228, F-2164 and LH-2108 were the parents with best general combining abilities. Parental lines RS-2013 and RST were found to be the most divergent lines. The best F1 hybrids such as RST-9 x F-2164, LH-2076 x RST-9 and LH-2076 x RS-2013 comprised of diverse parents produced high heterosis for seed cotton yield. Among all the traits under study the maximum heterosis was received for seed cotton yield with a max gain of 126.8% over the mid parent.
Genetic Divergence in Sunnhemp [Crotalaria juncea (L.)]
Authors: B. Desai Tarjani , Bala Madhu , Patel R.K.
Published: February 2021

Background: Sunnhemp is a very important green manuring crop. The crop is utilized for various purposes like reducing soil erosion, improving soil properties and recycling plant nutrients. The knowledge regarding the crop is still not exploited, due to lack of research in this crop. So, the present study was conducted to know the extent of genetic diversity present in the crop. From the divergence analysis, it may be concluded that the genotypes belonging to different clusters separated by high estimated statistical distance may be used in the hybridization programme for developing high green biomass yielding sunnhemp varieties. Methods: A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat with thirty sunnhemp genotypes to know the extent of genetic diversity by D2 analysis in a randomized block design during late Kharif 2017. Result: The analysis was conducted for D2 analysis and was concluded from D2 analysis that, the characters viz., days to 50% flowering, fresh weight of root nodules per plant, fresh weight of plant, root nodules per plant, leaf length, root length, dry weight of root nodules per plant, C: N ratio, internodes per plant, plant height and stem diameter contributed towards the genetic divergence. Traits like primary branches per plant and leaf area didn’t contribute towards genetic divergence. The thirty genotypes were grouped into seven clusters following Tocher’s method (Rao, 1952). The cluster III was largest having eleven genotypes. Cluster IV and cluster II was second largest which contained seven and five genotypes respectively. Cluster I and cluster V contained three and two genotypes respectively Cluster VI and VII had only one genotype. The intra cluster distance was more in cluster III and the inter cluster distance was maximum between cluster V and cluster VII.
Validación por expertos del Índice de Distrés Peri-traumático relacionado con la Enfermedad por Coronavirus 2019 para su uso en el Perú.
Authors: Pedraz-Petrozzi Bruno , Arévalo-Flores Martín , Krüger-Malpartida Hever , Anculle-Arauco Victor
Published: February 2021

Objetivo: Efectuar una validación de contenido por expertos del Índice de Distrés Peri-traumático relacionado a COVID-19 (CPDI) para su uso en el Perú. Material y Métodos: El CPDI fue traducido al castellano y luego adaptado en una primera ronda de expertos. En una segunda ronda (n = 13), se evaluó la validez del contenido mediante el uso de la V de Aiken (V). Se calculó la V para cada ítem, así como para el instrumento en su conjunto (V TOT). Resultados: De los 24 ítems originales, solo un ítem (S7) presentó valores no significativos para validez de Objetivo: Efectuar una validación de contenido por expertos del Índice de Distrés Peri-traumático relacionado a COVID-19 (CPDI) para su uso en el Perú. Material y Métodos: El CPDI fue traducido al castellano y luego adaptado en una primera ronda de expertos. En una segunda ronda (n = 13), se evaluó la validez del contenido mediante el uso de la V de Aiken (V). Se calculó la V para cada ítem, así como para el instrumento en su conjunto (V TOT). Resultados: De los 24 ítems originales, solo un ítem (S7) presentó valores no significativos para validez de contenido, razón por la que fue eliminado. La escala con 23 ítems no presentó alteraciones en el cálculo de la VTOT. Conclusiones: Sobre la base de su validez de contenido, el CPDI en castellano es adecuado para su aplicación en n la población peruana. Quedan por definirse las características psicométricas así como la modificación propuesta del instrumento, mediante estudios cuantitativos en torno a la validez del constructo.
Optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis for bioethanol production by semi-simultaneous saccharification and fermentation using mature coconut fibre
Authors: Gonçalves Fabiano Avelino , Santos Everaldo Silvino dos , Macedo Gorete Ribeiro de
Published: February 2021

Alternative substrates to produce useful chemicals such as biofuel have been attractive, in particular, for cellulosic ethanol production. In this context, the objective of this work was optimized the synergistic mixture of enzymes and bioethanol production. The enzymes of Trichoderma reesei and crude enzyme extract from Lichtheimia ramosa were used in the hydrolysis of mature coconut fibre pretreated by sequential process of alkaline hydrogen peroxide (Alk-H2O2)-sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Furthermore, these enzymes and pretreated vegetable biomass were applied in the bioethanol production by Saccharomyces cerevisiae in semi-simultaneous saccharification and fermentation strategy (SSSF). Resulting in the yields and conversions of delignified mature coconut fibre into reducing sugars between 12.7-82.14% and 0.09-0.64 g reducing sugars/g dry biomass, respectively, with an initial hydrolysis rate at 12 h between 0.10-0.89 g/(L.h). Yields and conversions of delignified mature coconut fibre into glucose between 10.16-83.78% and 0.06-0.43 g glucose/g dry biomass, in that order, with an initial hydrolysis rate at 12 h between 0.03-0.35 g/(L.h). Bioethanol production by S. cerevisiae using delignified mature coconut fibre, enzymes from T. reesei and crude enzyme extract from L. ramosa resulted in the production of 4.62 g/L, yield of 0.41 g ethanol/g glucose and volumetric productivity of ethanol of 0.13 g/(L.h), respectively. The results showed synergistic effects between enzymes from T. reesei and crude enzyme extract from L. ramosa, without promoting inhibition in the alcoholic fermentation. Therefore, allowing to formulate an optimized enzymatic preparation aiming cellulosic ethanol production.
Diagnostics of an anomalous personality
Authors: Belokopytov Yu. N. , Panasenko G. V.
Published: February 2021

It is necessary for a clinical psychologist to determine adequately whether a person is structurally normal or abnormal. Such a diagnosis prejudges work with the person either in the penal system or in the health care one. Several hundred professional tests are successfully used in professional psychology and clinical medicine. It should be noted that most of them have been developed in clinical medicine and foreign psychiatric clinics. The article analyzes in detail the projective tests as a clinical method of psychodiagnostics. Rorschach test, Shondi test, M. Luscher color test, TAT method, and others are the most popular among the specialists. Their distinctive feature from questionnaires is that the obtained result processing is not quantitative, but qualitative. Patient diagnosis depends on the experience and value orientations of a clinical psychologist and psychiatrist. Scientific schools and the culture of various countries play a significant role in this. Although there are certain international criteria for the diagnosis of personality. They are based on DSM–IV diagnostic table. Its indicators are more intended for a psychiatrist and psychotherapist. The authors raise a very unequivocal problem of using personal questionnaires from a legal point of view. Foreign studies reveal the impact of clinicians on the criminal law system, as well as the impact of legislation on the psychiatric clinics system. In the late XX century, a complex forensic psychological and psychiatric examination (CSTI) appeared at the junction of the expert application of psychiatry and psychology. It is important to note that the objects of its research are persons with borderline neuropsychiatric disorders and character anomalies. A key aspect in the activities of professional psychologists and psychiatrists is studying the validity in diagnosis using a case of the «Picture of a Man»(RFC) test. The results of foreign studies have shown that the decisions that clinical psychologists make about their patients are nothing more than a projection of their preconceived opinions. Thus, when making a fateful decision for each individual person, in no case should one make mistakes.
Opinion of Oleg Smolin, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Education and Science
Authors: Editorial Article
Published: February 2021

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More than just Night Parrots: A baseline bird survey of Pullen Pullen Reserve, south-western Queensland
Authors:   Bush Heritage Australia, P.O. Box 329, Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 8009, Australia, Kutt A.S. , Kearney S.G. , Kern P.L ,   Tasmanian Land Conservancy, P.O. Box 2112, Lower Sandy Bay TAS 7005, Australia,   School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia,   School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD 4072, Australia,   School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD 4072, Australia
Published: February 2021

The birds of arid environments often exhibit nomadism, seasonal breeding and population fluctuations that respond to highly variable weather patterns. In this study we present data from a baseline bird survey in Bush Heritage Australia’s Pullen Pullen Reserve in south-western Queensland. We conducted seasonal surveys (October–November 2018, May 2019) in 40 sites representing Spinifex (Triodia spp.) grasslands, a complex of Mitchell Astrebla spp./chenopod grasslands and Georgina Gidgee Acacia georginae riparian woodlands, using a standardised 2-ha census. A total of 85 species was recorded in the standardised sites, as well as an additional 16 species recorded opportunistically. Twenty-six species (31%), many of which were nomadic, were recorded from only one of the surveys. Bird abundance and species richness were highest in the post-wet-season survey (May 2018), and there was strong variation in the composition of the bird species between the three habitats surveyed. These data provide a baseline to continue monitoring and to understand the resident and more peripatetic elements of this arid bird community, which should be surveyed regularly to investigate the role of changing management and the long-term influence of global environmental change.
The clinically validated viral superinfection therapy (SIT) platform technology could cure early cases of COVID-19 disease
Authors: Kovesdi Imre , Sandig Volker , Slavin Shimon , Renz Wolfgang , Ranst Marc Van , Chumakov Peter M. , Bakács Tibor
Published: February 2021

Currently, SARS-CoV-2 infection which is the causative agent for COVID-19 disease is a worldwide pandemic with more than 100 million global cases and more than 2.0 million deaths (as of January, 2021). While several vaccines for prevention of COVID-19 have already been registered by the regulatory authorities, the problem is that the substitution rate of this virus is estimated to be one change per 2 weeks, thus mutations could arise that threaten the efficacy of vaccines. Unfortunately, there is no current evidence from random clinical trials to recommend any specific post-exposure treatment for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 disease. Here we propose an innovative superinfection therapeutic (SIT) strategy, which could complement the development of prophylactic vaccines. SIT is based on clinical observations that unrelated harmless viruses might interact in patients infected with pathogenic virus. During SIT, the patient benefits from superinfection with an apathogenic double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus such as the infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), which is a powerful activator of the interferon-dependent antiviral gene program. An attenuated vaccine strain of IBDV was already successfully administered to resolve acute and persistent infections induced by two completely different viruses, the hepatitis B (DNA) and C (RNA) viruses (HBV/HCV). The safety of orally administered acid-resistant IBDV strain R903/78 reverse engineered viral drug candidate was demonstrated in 10 stage IV cancer patients who exhausted all conventional therapy. Following repeated oral administration of the virus up to 109 infectious units (IU)/ dose, only mild flu-like side effects were reported in some patients. Proof-of-principle efficacy was demonstrated in an early COVID-19 patient who was successfully treated with 3x106 IU of an attenuated IBDV vaccine. A small scale dose-finding Phase I safety study is proposed.
Research on High-Pressure Hydrochloric Acid Leaching of Scandium, Aluminium and Other Valuable Components from the Non-Magnetic Residues Obtained from Red Mud after Iron Removal
Authors: Zinoveev Dmitry , Grudinsky Pavel , Zhiltsova Ekaterina , Grigoreva Darya , Volkov Anton , Dyubanov Valery , Petelin Alexander
Published: February 2021

Red mud is a hazardous waste of alumina industry that contains high amounts of iron, aluminum, titanium and REEs. One of the promising methods for the extraction of iron from red mud is car-bothermic reduction with the addition of sodium salts. This research focuses on the process of hy-drochloric high-pressure acid leaching using 10–20% HCl of two samples of non-magnetic tailings obtained by 60-minute carbothermic roasting of red mud at 1300 °C and the mixture of 84.6 wt. % of red mud and 15.4 wt. % Na2SO4 at 1150 °C, respectively, with subsequent magnetic separation of metallic iron. An influence of temperature, leaching duration, solid-to-liquid-ratio and acid con-centration on dissolution behavior of Al, Ti, Mg, Ca, Si, Fe, Na, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sc, Zr were studied. Based on the investigation of the obtained residues, mechanism of passing of valuable elements into the solution was proposed. It has shown that 90% Al, 91% Sc and above 80% of other REEs can be dissolved under optimal conditions; Ti can be extracted into the solution or the residue depending on the leaching temperature and acid concentration. Based on the research results, novel flowsheets for red mud treatment were developed.
Effects of NPS and Bio-organic Fertilizers on Yield and Yield Components of Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in Gozamin District, East Gojjam, Ethiopia
Authors: Ebbisa Addisu , Amdemariam Tadele
Published: February 2021

Faba bean (Vicia faba L) is the first grain legume in terms of hectarage, total production and foreign exchange earnings in Ethiopia. The current study was designed to evaluate effect of NPS and bio-organic fertilizers on the yield and yield components of faba bean in Debre Markos University research farm. A total of 16 treatments were made from the factorial combination of four levels NPS (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1) and four levels bio-organic fertilizer (Nil BOF (Bio(Nil)), rhizobium (Bio(IR)), 10 t ha-1 FYM (Bio(FYM)) and FYM+Rhizobium (Bio(FYM+IR))) in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The Walki (EH 96049-2) variety, which is high yielding, moderate disease resistant and water-logging tolerant used as test crop. The result experiment showed that, plot treated with Bio(FYM+IR)+NPS100 treatment gave statically maximum effective number of tillers (2.73), maximum number of pods per plant (20.30), hundred seeds weight (76.11g), grain yield (5.62 t ha-1), biomass yield (10.94 t ha-1) and Harvest index (59.91%) than over other treatments received NPS fertilizer with and without bio-organic fertilizers. Therefore, the combined use of 100kg ha-1 NPS with 10 tha-1 FYM and rhizobium inoculation is superior for optimum production of faba bean in study area.
PENGARUH PENGEMBANGAN KARIR DAN KOMPENSASI FINANSIAL TERHADAP KEPUASAN KERJA SUBDIVISI PLATE MANUFACTURING PT YUASA BATTERY INDONESIA
Authors: Sholikhah  , Marisa Andriani  , Hania Aminah
Published: February 2021

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah: Untuk mengetahui deskripsi dari pengembangan karir, kompensasi finansial dan kepuasan kerja karyawan subdivisi plate manufacturing PT Yuasa Battery Indonesia, pengaruh pengembangan karir terhadap kepuasan kerja karyawan subdivisi plate manufacturing PT Yuasa Battery Indonesia, pengaruh kompensasi finansial terhadap kepuasan kerja karyawan subdivisi plate manufacturing PT Yuasa Battery Indonesia, model penelitian pengembangan karir dan kompensasi finansial dapat memprediksi kerpuasan kerja karyawan Subdivisi Plate Manufacturing PT Yuasa Battery Indonesia. Penelitian ini dilakukan terhadap 121 orang karyawan subdivisi plate manufacturing PT Yuasa Battery Indonesia. Penelitian ini menggunakan analisis deskriptif dan explanatory. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan metode survei yaitu menyebarkan kuisioner yang kemudian diolah dengan progam SPSS 22. Hasil dari regresi menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan antara pengembangan karir terhadap kepuasan kerja, terdapat pengaruh positif dan signifikan antara kompensasi finansial terhadap kepuasan kerja, dan model penelitian pengembangan karir dan kompensasi finansial dapat memprediksikan kepuasan kerja karyawan subdivisi plate manufacturing PT Yuasa Battery Indonesia.
THE IMPACT OF NET STABLE FUNDING RATIO ON BANK PERFORMANCE AND RISK AROUND THE WORLD
Authors: Setiyono Bowo , Naufa Ahmad Maulin
Published: February 2021

This study examines whether liquidity, as measured by net stable funding ratio (NSFR), impacts bank performance and risk. Based on an annual panel data set consisting of 2,909 banks from 127 countries, we find that NSFR reduces both performance and risk. These results are uniquely different in the robustness analysis under various settings (non-linear relationships, high versus low NSFR, and conventional versus Islamicbanks). Overall, NSFR implementation brings benefits in the form of risk reduction rather than performance improvement to banks around the world.
Mice with mutations in Trpm1, a gene within the locus of 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome, display pronounced hyperactivity and decreased anxiety-like behavior.
Authors: Hori Tesshu , Ikuta Shohei , Hattori Satoko , Takao Keizo , Miyakawa Tsuyoshi , Koike Chieko
Published: February 2021

15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by a deletion of a region containing seven genes on chromosome 15, MTMR10, FAN1, TRPM1, MIR211, KLF13, OTUD7A, and CHRNA7, and characterized by a wide spectrum of psychiatric disorders. The contribution of each gene in this syndrome has been studied using mutant mouse models, but no single mouse model recapitulates the whole spectrum of human 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome. The behavior of Trpm1−/− mice with relation to 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome has not been investigated due to the visual impairment in these mice, which may confound the results of behavioral tests that involve vision. We have now performed a comprehensive behavioral test battery in Trpm1 null mutant mice to demonstrate the role of Trpm1, which is thought to be solely expressed in the retina, in central nervous system and to examine the relationship of TRPM1 and 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome. Our data indicate abnormal behavior of Trpm1−/− mice which may explain some phenotypes of 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome, including reduction of anxiety-like behavior, abnormality of social interaction, attenuation in fear memory, and hyperactivity, which is the most prominent phenotype of Trpm1 mutant mice. While the ON visual transduction pathway is impaired in Trpm1−/− mice, we did not detect compensatory high sensitivities for other sensory modalities. Although Trpm1−/− mice share the same pathway for visual impairment with mGluR6-/- mice, hyperlocomotor activity has not been reported in mGluR6-/- mice. These data suggest that the phenotype of Trpm1−/− mice extends beyond that expected from visual impairment alone. This is the first evidence to associate TRPM1 with impairment of cognitive function similar to that found in the phenotypes of 15q13.3 microdeletion syndrome.
Assessing Community Health Governance for Evidence-informed Decision-making: A Cross-sectional Study Across Nine Districts of India
Authors: Sharma Shantanu , Rawat Sucheta , Akhtar Faiyaz , Singh Rajesh , Mehra Sunil
Published: February 2021

BackgroundVillage Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committee (VHSNC) is a key mechanism to effectuate community health governance in India. VHSNCs enable community members to participate in ‘decentralized health planning’ and take actions collectively to achieve improved health outcomes in the villages. However, limited studies have evaluated the functioning of VHSNCs comprehensively. We intend to assess the VHSNCs on six parameters, including their formation, composition, meeting frequencies, activities, supervisory mechanisms, and funds receipt and expenditures across nine districts of the three states of India.MethodsThe cross-sectional study, conducted in the states of Uttar Pradesh (5 districts), Odisha (2 districts), and Rajasthan (2 districts), used a quantitative research design. The community health workers of 140 VHSNCs, who are also the members of VHSNCs, were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The details about the funds’ receipt and expenditures were verified from the VHSNC records (cashbook). Additionally, we asked about the role of health workers in the VHSNC meetings and the issues and challenges faced.ResultsThe average number of members in VHSNCs varied from 10 in Odisha to 15 in Rajasthan. Activities were regularly organized in Rajasthan and Odisha (one per month) compared to Uttar Pradesh (one every alternate month). Most commonly, health promotion activities, cleanliness drives, community monitoring, and facilitation of service providers were done by VHSNCs. Funds were received regularly in Odisha compared to Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Funds were received late and less compared to the demands or needs by VHSNCs. Supervisory visits to VHSNCs were made most commonly by the medical officer in charge of the primary health centers and chief medical officers at the district.ConclusionThis comprehensive analysis of VHSNCs’ functioning in the selected study areas sheds light on the gaps in many components, including the untimely and inadequate receipt of funds, poor documentation of expenditures and involvement of VHSNC heads, and inadequate supportive supervision and monitoring. These gap areas need to be addressed immediately for ensuring effective health planning and quality delivery of services in villages.
Evaluation and Characterization of Selected Varieties of Sorghum for Malting Purpose in Ethiopia
Authors: Zerihun Mulate , Belew Segedu , Dida Kebede , Minuye Masresha
Published: February 2021

Background Sorghum is staple cereal crop in Ethiopia which is used as a food source and traditional beverage. Seven sorghum varieties were used, planted malted, and extracted under similar conditions to assess their quality for brewing. The experiment was performed and analyzed their physicochemical, malting, biochemical and wort quality parameters investigated employing standard procedures. The grain quality parameters for seven sorghum varieties such as ash, moisture, protein, tannin, starch, amylose, iron and zinc, malting, and wort quality parameters were analyzed. Data were analyzed utilizing ANOVA [at 95% significant level] and correlations using SPSS 14 software. Result Results showed the two cultivars ESH-1 an ESH-4 had a protein percentage greater than 12%. While the highest starch value was recorded in Melkam (65.39 %) variety. Debra grain recording the highest zinc (38.86 ppm) content and ESH-4 was recorded the highest iron (38.66 ppm) content. All the cultivars had good germinative capacities more than 80% and more than 90% were recorded at 24 and 48 hours respectively. The varieties Debere and Melkam have recorded the highest germinative energy values of 88 and 67 % at 12 hours respectively and while 100% of germination energy values were recorded at 24 hours. Varieties with high friability were Debere and Melkam which indicates high lautering performance. Varieties with low friability were Argity and ESH-4 indicated that under modification can lead to poor mash conversion and more high viscosity. The cross correlations between amylose, starch and protein were showed the significant difference at p<0.05. The correlations between the amylose pairs of amylose-starch (0.686) and amylose-protein (0.685) were found to be high and positive. Yield was negatively significantly correlated to amylose, starch, protein, ash and moisture content (r = -0.705, -0.590, -0.441, -0.201 and -0.0.178) respectively. However, most of the cultivars fulfilled the quality requirements and within the acceptable range of the European Brewery Convention (EBC) and Asela Malt factory standard (Ethiopia). Conclusion This study showed that the cultivars have good potentials for use as malting materials in beverage making. Some of the sorghum varieties have been identified to be useful as nutritious source of food and for use in the malting industry.
Anticoagulation Practices and Mortality in Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: zhang Lei , Liu Miao , Wang Meng , Liu Lina , Lin Caiwei , Wang Xudong
Published: February 2021

Objective: This study sought to evaluate the effect of different anticoagulant methods on in-hospital mortality, bleeding, and thromboembolic complications of patients receiving extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR).Data Sources: We searched the relevant literature concerning ECPR and anticoagulation indexed in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from 1995 until May 2020. Study Selection: The anticoagulation information and outcomes data (i.e., anticoagulation targets and strategy, major bleeding and thromboembolic events, and in-hospital mortality rate) were extracted. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to analyze these data.Data Extraction: Twenty-seven studies (N = 1,302 patients) were included; of these, 16 studies (n = 672 patients) included data regarding bleeding and thromboembolic complications. Data Synthesis:The summary prevalence for in-hospital mortality was 70% [95% confidence interval (CI): 65%–74%, I2 = 68.3%], the summary prevalence for major bleeding was 27% (95% CI: 19%–35%, I2 = 84.1%), and the summary prevalence for thromboembolic events was 8.7% (95% CI: 5.2%–13.4%, I2 = 71.4%).Conclusions: Controversy persists regarding whether to administer loading heparin and in making the choice of target anticoagulant dose. Currently, limited evidence suggests that low target anticoagulant doses may benefit patients. There is a need for further investigation of optimal anticoagulation strategies in patients receiving ECPR, preferably in randomized trials or well-designed observational studies and with clearly defined outcomes.
Genetic Architecture of Chile Pepper (Capsicum Spp.) QTLome Revealed Using Meta-QTL Analysis
Authors: Lozada Dennis N. , Whelpley Lanie , Acuña-Galindo Andrea
Published: February 2021

Chile peppers (Capsicum spp.) are among the most important vegetable crops in the world due to their health-related, economic, and industrial uses. In recent years, quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping approaches have been widely implemented to identify genomic regions affecting variation for different traits for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in peppers. Meta-QTL analysis for different traits in Capsicum remains lacking, and therefore it would be necessary to re-evaluate identified QTL for a more precise MAS for genetic improvement. We report the first known meta-QTL analysis for diverse traits in the chile pepper QTLome. A literature survey using 29 published linkage mapping studies identified 766 individual QTL from five different trait classes. A total of 311 QTL were projected into a consensus map. Meta-analysis identified 30 meta-QTL regions distributed across the 12 chromosomes of Capsicum. MQTL5.1 and MQTL5.2 related to Phytophthora capsici fruit and root rot resistance were delimited to < 1.0 cM confidence intervals in chromosome P5. Candidate gene analysis for the flanking sequences for the P5 meta-QTL revealed biological functions related to DNA repair and transcription regulation. Moreover, epigenetic mechanisms such as histone and RNA methylation and demethylation were predicted, indicating the potential role of epigenetics for P. capsici resistance. Allele specific SNP markers for the meta-QTL will be developed and validated using different breeding populations of Capsicum for MAS of P. capsici resistant lines. Altogether, results from meta-QTL analysis for chile pepper QTLome rendered further insights into the genetic architecture of different traits for this valuable horticultural crop.
Towards Safer and More Sustainable Systems for Monitoring Exophagic Vectors of Malaria in Western Kenya
Authors: Abong'o Bernard Onyango , Gimnig John E. , Longman Bradley , Odongo Tobias , Wekesa Celestine , Webwile Amos , Oloo Benjamin , Nduta Mercy , Muchoki Margaret , Omoke Diana , Wacira Daniel , Ngaruro Charity , Ochomo Eric , Munga Stephen , Donnelly Martin J. , Oxborough Richard M.
Published: February 2021

Introduction. Longitudinal monitoring of outdoor-biting malaria vector populations is becoming increasingly important in understanding the dynamics of residual malaria transmission. However, the human landing catch (HLC), the gold standard for measuring human biting rates indoors and outdoors, is costly and raises ethical concerns related to increased risk of infective bites among collectors. Consequently, routine data on outdoor-feeding mosquito populations are usually limited due to the lack of a scalable tool with similar sensitivity to outdoor HLC. Methodology. The Anopheles trapping sensitivity of four baited proxy outdoor trapping methods—Furvela tent trap (FTT), host decoy trap (HDT), mosquito electrocuting traps (MET) and outdoor CDC light traps (OLT)—was assessed relative to HLC in a 5x5 replicated Latin square conducted over 25 nights in two villages of western Kenya. Indoor CDC light trap (ILT) was run in one house in each of the compounds with outdoor traps, while additional non-Latin square indoor and outdoor HLC collections were performed in one of the study villages. Results. The MET, FTT, HDT and OLT sampled approximately 4.67, 7.58, 5.69 and 1.98 times more An. arabiensis compared to HLC, respectively, in Kakola Ombaka. Only FTT was more sensitive relative to HLC in sampling of An. funestus in Kakola Ombaka (RR=5.59, 95%CI: 2.49-12.55, P < 0.001) and Masogo (RR=4.38, 95%CI: 1.62-11.80, P = 0.004) and in sampling An. arabiensis in Masogo (RR=5.37, 95%CI: 2.17-13.24, P < 0.001). OLT sampled significantly higher numbers of An. coustani in Kakola Ombaka (RR=3.03, 95%CI: 1.65-5.56, P < 0.001) and Masogo (RR=2.88, 95%CI: 1.15-7.22, P=0.02) compared to HLC. OLT, HLC and MET sampled mostly An. coustani, FTT had similar proportions of An. funestus and An. arabiensis, while HDT sampled predominantly An. arabiensis in both villages. FTT showed close correlation with ILT in vector abundance for all three species at both collection sites. Conclusion. FTT and OLT are simple, easily scalable traps and are potential replacements for HLC in outdoor sampling of Anopheles mosquitoes. However, the FTT closely mirrored indoor CDC light trap in mosquito indices and therefore may be more of an indoor mimic than a true outdoor collection tool. HDT and MET show potential for sampling outdoor host seeking mosquitoes. However, the traps as currently designed may not be feasible for large scale, longitudinal entomological monitoring. Therefore, the baited outdoor CDC light trap may be the most appropriate tool currently available for assessment of outdoor-biting and malaria transmission risk.
Social, Demographical, and Clinical Correlates of Stigma in Iranian Breast Cancer Women
Authors: Zamanian Hadi , Amini-Tehrani Mohammadali , Daryaafzoon Mona , Jalali Zahra , Sabeghi Fatemeh , Rahimdel Sedighe , Tahmasbi Bita
Published: February 2021

Background: This study aimed to assess the severity of disease-related stigma felt by Iranian women with breast cancer as well as to determine the contextual correlates of stigmatization.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 223 breast cancer patients between October-2014 and May-2015, in Tehran, Iran. Eligible patients were asked to provide background data and to complete Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness 8-item (SSCI-8) questionnaire. Binomial logistic regression analysis was employed to identify stigmatized (SSCI-8 > 8) and heavily stigmatized (SSCI-8 >10) groups.Results: A total of 58.3% (n=130) stated that they were stigmatized at least “rarely.” In the multi-variable models in the total sample, living with spouse, Turkic ethnicity, family history of chronic diseases were the significant associations of stigmatization, while no variable was found to be associated with heavily stigmatization. In the sub-sample having the data of spouse’s education (n=185), living with spouse, lower spouse’s education, and family history of chronic diseases were the significant correlates of stigmatization; while, in terms of heavily stigmatization, only the lower spouse’s education was the significant indicator.Conclusions: Stigmatization tails women with breast cancer especially those living with their poorly educated husbands which call for dyadic interventions.
Evaluation of Antimicrobial, Cytotoxicity and Catalytic Activities of CuO-NPs Synthesized by Tanacetum Parthenium Extract
Authors: Ranjbar Mojtaba , Dastani Mahsa , Khakdan Fatemeh
Published: February 2021

Development of efficient methods for treating microbial infections, cancer, and toxic organic dyes is a serious challenge in medical sciences. The purpose of this study is to synthesize CuO-NPs using T. parthenium extract and to evaluate its anticancer, antimicrobial, and catalytic activity. CuO-NPs were characterized by UV-Vis, XRD, FTIR, FESEM, and EDX. UV-Vis spectra exhibited surface plasmonic resonance at 298 nm of synthesized CuO-NPs. The synthesized CuO-NPs were pure, predominantly spherical with mean size of 16 nm. FTIR confirmed that CuO-NPs were reducted and stabilized with the biomolecules present in the T. parthenium extract. CuO-NPs indicated excellent degradation activity for the industrial dyes, i.e., MO (96.6% removal in 400s), Rh B (98.3% removal in 400s), MB (98.7% removal in 400s) and CR (99.6% removal in 180s). CuO-NPs showed excellent inhibition against selected microorganisms, especially E.coli and C. albicans. CuO-NPs have also shown good anticancer activity against A549, Hela, and MCF7 cancer cell lines (IC50 = 65.0, 57.4, and 71.8 µg/mL, respectively) while negligible cytotoxic effects were observed on L929 (IC50 = 226.1 µg/mL). The results proposed that synthesized CuO-NPs can be considered as a suitable candidate for biomedical, pharmaceutical, and environmental applications.
Gender Difference in the Association Between Serum Uric Acid Level and Metabolic Syndrome and Components: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Among Chinese Young Adults
Authors: Fang Zhengmei , Chen Yan , Zhu Lijun , He Lianping , Jin Yuelong , Yao Yingshui
Published: February 2021

Background

This study aimed to investigate the associations between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and MetS components in Chinese young adults.
Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 3044 young adults (1266 men and 1778 women). The anthropometric index, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose and SUA levels were measured. Male and female participants were grouped according to the quartiles of SUA level separately. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of SUA quartiles with MetS and its components.
Results

The overall prevalence of hyperuricemia and MetS was 29.7% and 2%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that compared with the lowest 2 quartiles of SUA together, the highest quartile showed an association with the prevalence of MetS and high triglyceride in males, and OR (95% CI) were 3.438(1.090-10.841) and 4.364(2.133–8.930) respectively after adjustments confounding factors. In terms of abdominal obesity, compared with the lowest 2 quartiles of SUA together, the OR (95% CI) was 1.976(1.128–3.459) for those in the third quartile and 1.766(1.020–3.057) for those in the highest quartile after adjustments confounding factors in females.
Conclusions

This study suggested a significant positive relationship between SUA and MetS and its components among young adults. Hence, routine measurement of SUA is recommended to prevent hyperuricemia and its related complications.
FOXH1 Promotes Tumor Growth and Metastasis via Regulation of Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway in Lung Cancer 
Authors: Zhang Jun , Zhang Xian , Yang Shasha , Bao Yanqiu , Xu Dongyuan , Liu Lan
Published: February 2021

Background: Forkhead box protein H1 (FOXH1) is upregulated in a variety of cancer types but its expression patterns and specific functions in lung cancer are unclear at present. The main objective of the present study was to establish whether FOXH1 plays a role in regulation of lung cancer progression. Methods: The TCGA and Kaplan-Meier plotter dataset was analyzed for possible association between FOXH1 expressions in lung cancer tissues and patient prognosis. A549 and PC9 cells were transfected with shRNA targeting FOXH1 mRNA. The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8), plate clone formation, soft agar, wound healing, transwell invasion and flow cytometry assay were performed to detect the cell proliferation, migration and invasion in lung cancer cells. Tumorigenicity was examined in mouse model system. Western blot analysis was used to detect FOXH1, Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), Vimentin, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, Snail, Slug, p-GSK-3β, β-catenin and Cyclin D1. The β-catenin activity was measured by luciferase reporter system assay. Results: FOXH1 expression in the lung cancer was determined using the TCGA and Kaplan-Meier plotter databases. Higher expression of FOXH1 was observed in tumor tissue relative to normal tissue, which was associated with reduced overall survival. FOXH1 knockdown resulted in significant inhibition of the proliferation, the cell cycle, the migration as well as the invasion of lung cancer cells. Then, we confirmed that FOXH1 knockdown can significantly slow down tumor growth and tumor cell proliferation in vivo using the mouse model. It also significantly reduced the migration and invasion capabilities of lung cancer cells. Using Western blot analyses, we found that FOXH1 depletion inhibited the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lung cancer cells through downregulation of the mesenchymal cell markers Snail, Slug, MMP2, N-cadherin, and Vimentin, and upregulation of the epithelial marker E-cadherin. Moreover, FOXH1 knockdown significantly downregulated β-catenin and its downstream targets, such as p-GSK-3β and cyclin D1, and also led to direct suppression of β-catenin activity, as determined by the luciferase reporter system assay. Conclusion: In conclusion, FOXH1 promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion of lung cancer cells via regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. FOXH1 is a prognostic marker and a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer treatment.
Serum Alanine Aminotransferase As An Early Marker of Outcomes in Patients Receiving Immuno-Oncology Drugs
Authors: Azuma Takeshi , Takeuchi Takumi , Matayoshi Yukihide , Namiki Shin , Obara Tetsuya , Imamura Kazuhiro , Takamori Mikio
Published: February 2021

Immune-oncology (IO) drug therapy is effective against various types of cancer. Although several, potential, clinical, predictive markers have been identified, none so far have proven reliable. Herein we evaluated changes in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which is upregulated by the accumulation of activated CD8 + T cells in the liver, as a potentially reliable predictive marker. We retrospectively analyzed 265 patients with advanced malignancies at three institutions between 2016 and 2019. The patients received IO drug therapy. We defined the ALT ratio (ALR) as the serum ALT value at baseline / the highest serum ALT during IO drug therapy, then determined whether the ALR correlated with the objective response rate or progression-free survival. The median follow-up was 3.1 months. We observed objective responses in 65 patients. The ALR ranged from 0.19 to 32.2 (median 1.5), and a significant ALR increase was observed in responders (p < 0.001). In receiver operating characteristic analysis, ALR = 1.55 had the highest sensitivity and specificity. The patients with ALR < 1.55 had a significantly poorer PFS than those with ALR ≥ 1.55. A high ALR was associated with a tumor response and good PFS in patients with advanced malignancies. The ALR is a reliable predictive marker based on activated cytotoxic T lymphocyte dynamics.
Postoperative Outcomes of Subaxial Cervical Spine Metastasis: Comparison Among The Anterior, Posterior, and Combined Approaches
Authors: Luksanapruksa Panya , Santipas Borriwat , Rajinda Panupol , Chueaboonchai Theera , Chituaarikul Korpphong , Bovonratwet Patawut , Wilartratsami Sirichai
Published: February 2021

Background: Incidence of subaxial spinal metastases is increasing due to longer life expectancy resulting from successful modern treatments of cancer. The three most utilized approaches for surgical treatment include the anterior, posterior, and combined approach. However, despite increasing surgical volume, data on the postoperative complication profiles of different operative approaches for this patient population is scarce.Methods: The institutional databases of two large referral centers in Thailand were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with subaxial cervical spine metastasis who underwent cervical surgery during 2005 to 2015 were identified and enrolled. Clinical presentations, baseline characteristics, operative approach, perioperative complications, and postoperative outcomes, including pain, neurological recovery, and survival, were compared among the three surgical approaches.Results: This study included 70 patients (44 anterior approach, 14 posterior approach, 12 combined approach). There were no statistically significant differences in preoperative characteristics, including Charlson Comorbidity Index(CCI), Tomita score, and revised Tokuhashi score, among the three groups. There were also no significant differences among groups for medical complications, surgical complications, neurological recovery, verbal pain score improvement, survival time, or ambulatory status improvement. However, the combined approach did show a significantly higher rate of overall perioperative complications (p=0.01), intraoperative blood loss, (p<0.001), and operative time (p<0.001) compared to the other two approaches. Conclusions: The results of this study do not reveal any clear superiority among the three main surgical approaches used to treat subaxial cervical spine metastasis. Patients in the combined approach group had the highest rates of perioperative complications. However, although the differences were not statistically significant, patients in the combined group tended to have better clinical outcomes after follow-up, and the longest survival time.
Establishment and Assessment of An Amplicon Sequencing Method Targeting The 16S-ITS-23S rRNA Operon For Analysis of The Equine Gut Microbiome
Authors: Kinoshita Yuta , NIWA Hidekazu , UCHIDA-FUJII Eri , NUKADA Toshio
Published: February 2021

Microbial communities are commonly studied by using amplicon sequencing of part of the 16S rRNA gene. Sequencing of the full-length 16S rRNA gene can provide higher taxonomic resolution and accuracy. To obtain even higher taxonomic resolution, with as few false-positives as possible, we assessed a method using long amplicon sequencing targeting the rRNA operon combined with a CCMetagen pipeline. Taxonomic assignment had >90% accuracy at the species level in a mock sample and at the family level in equine fecal samples, generating similar taxonomic composition as shotgun sequencing. The rRNA operon amplicon sequencing of equine fecal samples underestimated compositional percentages of bacterial strains containing unlinked rRNA genes by a third to almost a half, but unlinked rRNA genes had a limited effect on the overall results. The rRNA operon amplicon sequencing with the A519F + U2428R primer set was able to reflect archaeal genomes, whereas full-length 16S rRNA with 27F + 1492R could not. Therefore, we conclude that amplicon sequencing targeting the rRNA operon captures more detailed variations of bacterial and archaeal microbiota.
Focal, Extranodal Primary Polymorph Hemangioendothelioma Treated With Endovascular Embolization Plus Open Surgery Resection: Rare Case Report and Review
Authors: Ramirez-Ferrer Esteban , Perez-Pinto Francisco Javier , Riveros-Castilla William Mauricio , Morales-Naranjo Samuel David , Osorio-Bohorquez Luis Alejandro
Published: February 2021

Background: We report the rare case of an adult with a primary extranodal polymorphous hemangioendothelioma at dorsum, treated with endovascular coiling followed by open surgery resection. Clinical history, findings of spinal arteriography, histopathological findings and combined surgical procedure are reported.Case report: A 22-year-old male patient complained of a dorsal mass that has been increasing in size, painful, soft, no mobile and without neurological symptoms. A vascular tumor was suspected and an endovascular followed by an open surgical approach was performed. Histopathological diagnosis of an extranodal polymorph hemangioendothelioma was documented and a total resection was confirmed by free-tumor resection margin. The postoperative course was uneventful. Conclusion: Polymorph hemangioendothelioma is a rare vascular tumor. given the high vascular features of the lesion and, therefore, the high rate of bleeding during surgery.