bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound Study of Layer-specific Strain and Perfusion of Left Ventricular Myocardium in Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Tang Sha , Guan Lina , Mu Yuming
Published: July 2021

BackgroundTo investigate the changes in deformation and myocardial microcirculation perfusion of left ventricular three-layer myocardium in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) by using speckle tracking imaging (STI) and myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE).MethodsTwenty-four patients with DCM and 19 healthy controls were selected. Two-dimensional and MCE dynamic images of apical four-chamber, two-chamber, and three-chamber sections and left ventricular mitral valve, papillary muscle and apex sections were collected. The peak values of longitudinal strain (LS), circumferential strain (CS), cross-sectional area of a microvessel (A) and average myocardial microvascular lesion (β) were obtained by Qlab 10.8 workstation values, and myocardial blood flow (MBF) was calculated with A×β to evaluate the deformation and coronary microvascular perfusion of left ventricular three-layer myocardium.ResultsThe brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVEDS), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV), left atrial volume index (LAVI), E peak in early diastolic period/A peak velocity in late diastolic period (E/A) and average E/e' in the DCM group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05); left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (FS) rate, stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), A peak, and the e' and a' velocities of both the lateral wall and interventricular septum were smaller than those in the control group (P<0.05). The LS, CS, A, β, and A×β of the DCM group were all lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The pattern of myocardial strain and perfusion among myocardial layers was subendocardial>middle>subepicardial. The correlation coefficients of LS with A, β, and A×β were -0.500, -0.279 and -0.190, respectively, and the correlation coefficients of CS with A, β, and A×β were -0.383, -0.255 and -0.208, respectively.ConclusionsThe deformation of the three-layer myocardium and coronary microcirculation perfusion in DCM patients were diffusely damaged from the endocardium to the epicardium, layer by layer. The longitudinal function of the left ventricular myocardium was closely related to changes in myocardial microcirculation perfusion.
The Moment-SOS hierarchy and the Christoffel-Darboux kernel
Authors: Lasserre Jean Bernard
Published: July 2021

We consider the global minimization of a polynomial on a compact set B. We show that each step of the Moment-SOS hierarchy has a nice and simple interpretation that complements the usual one. Namely, it computes coefficients of a polynomial in an orthonormal basis of L 2 (B,μ) where μ is an arbitrary reference measure whose support is exactly B. The resulting polynomial is a certain density (with respect to μ) of some signed measure on B. When some relaxation is exact (which generically takes place)
the coefficients of the optimal polynomial density are values of orthonormal polynomials at the global minimizer and the optimal (signed) density is simply related to the Christoffel-Darboux (CD) kernel and the Christoffel function associated with μ.
In contrast to the hierarchy of upper bounds which computes positive densities, the global optimum can be achieved exactly as integration against a polynomial (signed) density because the CD-kernel is a reproducing kernel, and so can mimic a Dirac measure (as long as finitely many moments are concerned).
Bioethanol production from defatted biomass of Nannochloropsis oculata microalgae grown under mixotrophic conditions
Authors: Fetyan Nashwa , El-Sayed Abo El-Khair B. , Ibrahim Fatma M. , Attia Yasser , Sadik Mahmoud W.
Published: July 2021

Microalgal biomass is one of the most promising third-generation feedstocks for bioethanol production because it contains significantly reduced sugar amounts which, by separate hydrolysis and fermentation, can be used as a source for ethanol production. In this study, the defatted microalgal biomass of Nannochloropsis oculata (NNO-1 UTEX Culture LB 2164) was subjected to bioethanol production through acid digestion and enzymatic treatment before being fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NRRLY-2034). For acid hydrolysis (AH), the highest carbohydrate yield 252.84 mg/g DW was obtained with 5.0% (v/v) H2SO4 at 121°C for 15 min for defatted biomass cultivated mixotrophically on SBAE with respect to 207.41 mg/g DW for defatted biomass cultivated autotrophically (control treatment), Whereas, the highest levels of reducing sugars was obtained With 4.0%(v/v) H2SO4 157.47 ± 1.60 mg/g DW for defatted biomass cultivated mixotrophically in compared with 135.30 mg/g DW for the defatted control treatment. The combination of acid hydrolysis 2.0% (v/v) H2SO4 followed by enzymatic treatment (AEH) increased the carbohydrate yields to 268.53 mg/g DW for defatted biomass cultivated mixotrophically on SBAE with respect to 177.73 mg/g DW for the defatted control treatment. However, the highest levels of reducing sugars were obtained with 3.0% (v/v) H2SO4 followed by enzyme treatment gave 232.39 ± 1.77 for defatted biomass cultivated mixotrophically on SBAE and 150.75 mg/g DW for the defatted control treatment. The sugar composition of the polysaccharides showed that glucose was the principal polysaccharide sugar (60.7%-62.49%) of N. oculata defatted biomass. Fermentation of the hydrolysates by Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the acid pretreated defatted biomass samples gave ethanol yield of 0.86 g/l (0.062 g/g sugar consumed) for control and 1.17 g/l (0.069 g/g sugar consumed) for SBAE mixotrophic. Whereas, the maximum ethanol yield of 6.17 ± 0.47 g/l (0.26 ± 0.11 g/g sugar consumed) was obtained with samples from defatted biomass grown mixotrophically (SBAE mixotrophic) pretreated with acid coupled enzyme hydrolysis.
A Combined GIS, Remote Sensing And Geophysical Methods For Groundwater Potential Assessment Of Ilora, Oyo Central, Nigeria
Authors: Ogungbade Olubukola , Ariyo Stephen Oluwafemi , Alimi Sodiq Abiodun , Alepa Vincent Cephas , Aromoye Saheed Akinwumi , Akinlabi Oluwafemi Joseph
Published: July 2021

This research combined GIS, Remote sensing and geophysical methods for groundwater potential investigation. The study aimed at delineating groundwater potential zones within Ilora, Oyo central, Nigeria. Unavailability of water is a major menace in these area and agricultural activities are suffering as a result. Landsat 8 OLI, ASTER DEM, geological, geophysical, and soil data of the research area were acquired for this study. In order to map groundwater potential of the area, eight thematic layers that influence groundwater occurrences and movement controlling factors such as, geology, elevation, slope, land use land cover (LULC), fault proximity, soil, lineament density, and drainage density were mapped out from the acquired data of the area. The influence of each theme and sub unit/class to groundwater recharge based on previous studies was evaluated using Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP). The groundwater potential of the area of study was qualitatively classified into five classes, namely; very high, high, moderate, low, and very low which account for 0.3%, 7.8%, 54.8%, 35.6%, and 1.5% of the total area respectively. The results were cross-validated using well data from the area and 89% correlation was achieved. The groundwater potential map generated in this research could be used as a preliminary reference in selecting suitable sites for groundwater resource exploitation in the area in order to ameliorate the current scarcity of water in this region.
Extended Range Forecast of Monsoon at Smaller Spatial Domains over India for Application in Agriculture
Authors: Pattanaik D. R. , Alone Ashish , Kumar Praveen , Phani R. , Mandal Raju , Dey Avijit
Published: July 2021

The performance of operational extended range forecast (ERF) issued by IMD is evaluated for the southwest monsoon 2020. The early onset of monsoon over the Bay of Bengal and the normal onset of monsoon over Kerala with slightly rapid progress northward are very well captured in the ERF with two to three weeks lead time. The ERF also captured very well the transitions from normal to weaker phase of monsoon in July, the active phase of monsoon in entire August was well anticipated in ERF with a lead time of 3 weeks. The active monsoon condition in the second half of September associated with delayed withdrawal from northwest India was also reasonably well captured in the ERF. Quantitatively, the ERF shows significant skill up to three weeks on all India levels. The spatial distribution of met-subdivision level mean forecast skill of predicting above normal, normal and below normal categories in terms of correct (forecast and observed category matching) and partially correct (forecast and observed category out by one category) for the 36 subdivisions during the entire monsoon season of 2020 is found to be 89%, 83%, 80% and 78% for week 1 to week 4 forecasts respectively. The wrong forecasts (forecast and observed category out by two categories) are found to be between 11% in week 1 to 22% in week 4 forecast. Thus, the met-subdivision level forecast shows useful skill and is being used operationally for agrometeorological advisory services of IMD.
Host Immunity Biomarkers of Neonatal Sepsis: A Prospective, Multicentre Study in Sub Saharan Africa
Authors: Ezinmegnon Sem , Mommert Marine , Bartolo Francois , Agbota Gino , Darius Sossou , Briand Valérie , d’Almeida Marceline , Alao Maroufou Jules , Dossou-Dagba Ida , Massougbodji Achille , Lausten-Thomsen Ulrik , Pachot Alexandre , Vachot Laurence , Yugueros-Marcos Javier , Brengel-Pesce Karen , Fievet Nadine , Tissieres Pierre
Published: July 2021

Few biomarkers for sepsis diagnosis are commonly used in neonatal sepsis. Whilst host response is increasingly recognized in sepsis pathogenesis and prognosis, there is a need for evaluating the accuracy of new biomarkers targeting host response in regions where sepsis burden is high and medico-economic resources are scarce. The objective of the study is to evaluate diagnostic and prognostic accuracy of biomarkers of neonatal sepsis in Sub Saharan Africa. This prospective multicentre study included newborn infants delivered in the Abomey-Calavi region in South Benin and their follow-up from birth to 3 months of age. Accuracy of transcriptional (CD74, CX3CR1), proteic (PCT, IL-6, IL-10, IP-10) biomarkers and clinical characteristics to diagnose and prognose neonatal sepsis were measured. At delivery, cord blood from all consecutive newborns were sampled and analysed, and infants were followed for a 12 weeks’ period. Five hundred and eighty-one newborns were enrolled. One hundred and seventy-two newborns developed neonatal sepsis (29.6%) and death occurred in forty-nine infants (8.4%). Among all tested biomarkers and clinical criteria, CD74/IP-10 ratio showed the best accuracy for neonatal sepsis diagnosis, while PCT accuracy was low. Among biomarkers and clinical criteria studied, only CD74 and PCT were independently associated with mortality, with CD74 showing an elevated predictive accuracy. These results suggest that cord blood PCT had a low accuracy for diagnosing early onset neonatal sepsis in Sub Saharan African neonates, while CD74/IP-10 ratio had the best diagnostic accuracy. CD74 expression at birth had the best accuracy in prognosing sepsis mortality.Trial registration: Clinicaltrial.gov registration number: NCT03780712. Registered 19 December 2018. Retrospectively registered.
Level of Abusive Maternal Care and Associated Factors during Childbirth in Northeast Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: tenaw Lebeza alemu , Endalifer Melese Linger
Published: July 2021

Background: The maternal mortality rate is 412 per 100,000 live births in Ethiopia which is the highest in the world. Skilled birth attendance during childbirth and immediate postpartum care can prevent 75% of maternal mortality but women are not willing to deliver in the health institutions due to ignorance of their sensitive issues by health professionals. Additionally, the care given in the health institution is not psychologically supportive of what they need. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of abusive maternal care and associated factors during childbirth in North Wollo Hospitals, Northeast Ethiopia.Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study design was implemented in 2018 with a sample size of 394. Stratified systematic random sampling was applied to select the study participants. Data was collected by using a structured questionnaire adapted from the White Ribbon Alliance Declaration of women's right during childbirth. Data were entered by EPI- data version 3.1 and analysed by using SPSS version 23. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out. Model fitness was assured.Result: The level of abusive care among childbearing women was 47.1%. Women who attended their childbirth at general hospital (AOR =0.13, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.26), women who had no antenatal care (AOR =2.08, 95% CI: 1.27, 3.39) and women who had two birth attendants (AOR =0.56, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.92) were significant association with abusive maternal care.Conclusion: The level of abusive maternal care in health institutions is high as compared to national and international standards. Women who attend their childbirth at general hospitals, having antenatal care and the number of birth attendants were factors associated with abusive maternal care. The interventions better to focus on increasing pregnant women’s ANC follow up. The health institutions also better increase the number of professional skilled birth attendants to address women’s concerns during childbirth.
Cross-tissue transcriptome-wide association studies of 885,176 individuals and seven diseases of the gut-brain axis identify susceptibility genes shared between schizophrenia and inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Ellinghaus David , Uellendahl-Werth Florian , Maj Carlo , Borisov Oleg , Juzenas Simonas , Wacker Eike , Jørgensen Isabella , Steiert Tim , Bej Saptarshi , Consortium The IBD Genetics , Group International PSC Study , Krawitz Peter , Hoffmann Per , Schramm Christoph , Wolkenhauer Olaf , Banasik Karina , Brunak Søren , Schreiber Stefan , Karlsen Tom , Degenhardt Franziska , Nöthen Markus , Franke Andre , Folseraas Trine
Published: July 2021

Genetic correlations and an increased incidence of psychiatric disorders in inflammatory-bowel disease (IBD) have been reported, but shared molecular mechanisms are unknown. We performed cross-tissue and multiple-gene conditioned transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) for 23 tissues of the gut-brain-axis (GBA) using GWAS data sets (total 246,772 patients and 638,454 controls) for Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BD), major depressive disorder (MDD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We identified NR5A2, SATB2, and PPP3CA (encoding a target for calcineurin inhibitors in refractory UC) as shared susceptibility genes with transcriptome-wide significance both for CD/UC and SCZ, largely explaining fine-mapped association signals at nearby GWAS susceptibility loci. Analysis of bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing data showed that PPP3CA expression was strongest in neurons and in enteroendocrine and Paneth-like cells of the ileum, colon, and rectum, indicating a possible link to the GBA. Gene-disease associations as part of calcineurin-related signaling pathways such as NFAT activation or Wnt are the most likely shared candidate pathways for IBD and SCZ, where risk is mediated by gene expression.
Tuning and Sensitivity Improvement of Bi-metallic Structure-based Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor with 2-D ξ-Tin Selenide nanosheets
Authors: Sathya Natarajan , Karki Bhishma , Rane Kantilal Pitambar , Jha Ankit , Pal Amrindra
Published: July 2021

This manuscript aims to visualize the effect of tin selenide (SnSe) on the sensing application of the SPR biosensors. Tin selenide is the 2-Dimensional material transition metal dichalcogenide family element. By utilizing the extraordinary properties of the SnSe, high sensitivity and high performance of the biosensor is analyzed by utilizing the extraordinary properties of the SnSe. A unique two-dimensional substantial heterostructure, \({\epsilon }\)-tin selenide (SnSe) /graphene layer has been deposited over the metal surface to improve the sensitivity; moreover, the sensitivity is limited to a certain extent. The \({\epsilon }-\text{S}\text{n}\text{S}\text{e}\) nanosheet is placed in between two layers of gold (Au) in the Kretschmann arrangement. The proposed configuration has a maximum sensitivity of 214°/RIU, which is 93.81% higher than the conventional sensor. The performance parameters like FWHM, detection accuracy and quality factor have been analysed. The \({\epsilon }-\text{S}\text{n}\text{S}\text{e}\) material is an air-stable 2-D nanosheet and has application in chemical, medical, and biological sensors.
Study on the Plasmonic Properties of Ag-Coated Spherical Dielectric Nanoparticles by Finite-Difference Time-Domain Calculations
Authors: Sun Qing-Wei , Sun Qi , Zhang Qing-Yu , Zhou Nan , Li Xi-Na
Published: July 2021

The optical properties of nanostructures are rather important for designing plasmonic devices. In this work, the plasmonic properties of Ag-coated spherical dielectric nanoparticles (NPs), namely, Ag-SiO2-NPs, Ag-ZnO-NPs, and Ag-TiO2-NPs, were studied using a method of finite-difference time-domain calculations. It was found that the Ag-coated dielectric NPs start to exhibit unique plasmonic properties different from Ag-NPs as the thickness of Ag shells is reduced to be less than a critical value, which is basically determined by the penetration depth of light in silver. On the other hand, the core-shell structures of Ag-coated dielectric NPs were found to be of benefit to the plasmonic resonance high-efficiently coupled with the incident light. In the extinction spectra of Ag-coated dielectric NPs with sufficient thin Ag shells, the dipole plasmonic resonance is predominant and exhibits a pronounced red-shift up to infrared band with increasing the NP sizes. In addition to the electromagnetic waves of emission towards the outside, the electromagnetic field in the dielectric NP inside is uniformly enhanced as well and both of dipole and quadrupole plasmonic resonances are identified. The Ag-coated dielectric NPs are suggested to have great potential in the plasmonic devices working in infrared band, such as the light emitters and SERS substrates for biosensing.
Association of MTHFD Gene Polymorphisms and Maternal Smoking With Risk of Congenital Heart Disease: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Song Xinli , Li Qiongxuan , Diao Jingyi , Li Jinqi , Li Yihuan , Zhang Senmao , Wang Tingting , Zhao Lijuan , Chen Letao , Wei Jianhui , Shu Jing , Liu Yiping , Sun Mengting , Huang Peng , Qin Jiabi
Published: July 2021

Background: MTHFD may affect the embryonic development by elevated homocysteine levels, DNA synthesis and DNA methylation, but limited number of genetic variants of MTHFD was focused on the association with congenital heart disease (CHD). This study examined the role of MTHFD and maternal smoking in CHD risk, and investigated their interaction effects in Chinese populations. Methods: A case-control study of 464 mothers of CHD infants and 504 mothers of health controls was performed. The exposures of interest were maternal tobacco exposure, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of maternal MTHFD gene. The logistic regression model was used for accessing the strength of association.Results: Mothers exposed to secondhand smoke during three months before pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13-2.15) and in the first trimester of pregnancy (aOR = 2.24; 95%CI: 1.57-3.20) were observed an increased risk of CHD. Our study also found that polymorphisms of maternal MTHFD gene at rs1950902 (AA vs. GG: aOR = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.01-2.97), rs2236222 (GG vs. AA: aOR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.38-4.12), rs1256142 (GA vs.GG: aOR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.01-2.45) and rs11849530 (GG vs. AA: aOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.02-2.77) were significantly associated with higher risk of CHD. Furthermore, we found the different degrees of interaction effects between polymorphisms of the MTHFD gene including rs1950902, rs2236222, rs1256142, rs11849530 and rs2236225, and maternal tobacco exposure.Conclusions: Maternal polymorphisms of MTHFD gene at rs1950902, rs2236222, rs1256142 and rs11849530, maternal tobacco exposure and their interactions are significantly increased the risk of CHD in offspring. However, more studies in different ethnic populations with a larger sample and prospective designs are required to confirm our findings.Trial registration: Registration number: ChiCTR1800016635; http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=28300&htm=4
Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Preputial and Penile Abnormalities Among Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Clients in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa
Authors: Quazi Mohammad A , Jacobs Donna , Dikgale Freck , Nyasulu Peter , Ndirangu James
Published: July 2021

BackgroundVoluntary Medical male circumcision (VMMC) has been identified as a cost-effective intervention for reducing the transmission of HIV. KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), the second most populous province in South Africa, has the highest HIV prevalence, estimated at 27%. VMMC reduces the transmission of HIV by up to 60%; at initiation of VMMC Program in 2010, the KZN VMMC target was 2.4 million, almost 50% of the national target, among males aged 15-49 years. This paper documents the prevalence of penile abnormalities and related factors among clients undergoing VMMC procedures in KwaZulu-Natal province. MethodsA retrospective review of files was conducted among VMMC clients at the Centre of Excellence (a referral centre in the KZN province) and data was captured from a standardized client form into an Excel database. The data was analysed using STATA 15.0. Univariate and multivariate analysis were done using Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with penile abnormalities. ResultsDuring the review period, 6,650 males accessed VMMC services; the median age was 13 years (IQR 9 – 21). A total of 227 (3.4%) of the clients were HIV-Positive, about 80% of these aged ≥13 years. Upon physical examination, 5,366 (80.6%) of the VMMC clients had penile abnormalities (Mild 781, Moderate 2,282, Severe 2,303). Overall, 43% of these clients had severe penile abnormalities (SPA); two-thirds were aged below 13 years and 10% aged above 34 years. The three most common Penile Abnormalities (PA) were phimosis (3,686; 55.4%), tight ring (3,669; 55.2%) and overhanging foreskin (2,966; 44.6%). The odds of penile abnormality were significantly lower in older clients aged 13–18 years (AOR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.59–0.87) and above 18 years (AOR = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.10–0.29) compared to younger clients aged below 13 years.ConclusionsA higher prevalence of Penile Abnormalities was observed among the younger clients except for balanitis / posthitis. Recommendations for VMMC program include the fact that all clients need to be examined thoroughly preoperatively to exclude any abnormalities. Any clients with severe abnormalities should be referred for specialist examination and surgery.
Recycling EVA Waste: An Opportunity For The Footwear Industry - Rheological Properties of EVA Waste Composites Using Torque Rheometry
Authors: Júnior C. Z. Paiva , Mendonca A. V. , Fim F. C. , Silva Lucineide Balbino
Published: July 2021

Ethylene vinyl acetate blends (EVA-B) (at 19 and 28wt% vinyl acetate) were supplied by the footwear industry, along with an industrial (reference) compound labeled EVA-ref. EVA waste is an industrial sub-product crosslinked (injection sprues and unused midsoles), that was particulate through a micronization process and labeled as EVA-w. The objective of the present work was to evaluate processability and rheological parameters (using torque rheometry) when adding EVA-w to EVA-B. The EVA-w particle size distribution was bimodal, with an average diameter of 53.06 μm, and volume (%) D (10), D (50), and D (90) respectively equal to 12.47, 31.83, and 135.18 μm. However, this ample size distribution did not affect the composite mixing. FTIR-ATR analysis showed that no new crosslinking occurred after processing the composites. Low unit mixing energy (Wu), and mechanical work (as represented by DT values: torque stabilization temperature (Tstab) - test temperature (Ttest)) were required to mix the composites. Consequently, the dispersion of the EVA-w particles within the molten EVA-B occurred during the first 3 min of mixing, making it easier. The sensibility to shear-thinning behavior was more pronounced when adding EVA-w, especially at 25 phr. The m parameter was smaller in the composites as compared to the EVA-ref, and when adding EVA-w at 35 phr, it showed a tendency to increase. The average shear stress (E) of the 15 phr composite was similar to that of the EVA-ref compound. Yet for 25 phr, a higher value was observed. The adding of EVA-w made the non-Newtonian behavior of EVA-B less pronounced. For all samples, the average viscosity (t) decreased with average shear rate (h), revealing a pseudoplastic behavior.
A Novel Frameshift Mutation in The NHS Gene Causes Nance-Horan Syndrome in a Chinese Family
Authors: Wen Huaming , Xiaosheng Huang , Li Qianwen , Wang Yan , Shaoyi Mei , Jiamin Cai , Zhao Jun
Published: July 2021

Background:Nance-Horan syndrome (NHS), also known as cataract-tooth syndrome, is a rare X-linked genetic disorder characterized by congenital cataract as well as dental and craniofacial abnormalities caused by mutations in the NHS gene.In this study,we describe a Chinese family with a frameshift mutation in NHS associated Nance-Horan syndrome, thus expanding the mutational spectrum of this gene.Methods:Four members (including three patients) had their ocular bodies examined in the presence of congenital cataracts featuring dental and craniofacial abnormalities. DNA samples of family members were extracted from peripheral venous blood, and known pathogenic genes of congenital cataracts were panel sequenced.Results:In the proband, a novel frameshift mutation (c.1694_1697delGAATinsCATTCG) was identified in the NHS gene. Sanger sequencing of family members verified that the mutation completely co-segregated with the disease in the pedigree.Conclusion:The congenital cataract family was diagnosed as having Nance-Horan syndrome (NHS), and the NHS frameshift mutation was determined to cause the disease in this family. This is a novel NHS gene mutation that has not been reported previously.
Role of Private Healthcare Facilities in Public Health Programs: A Study in Greater Accra Region
Authors: Salam Abdul-Rahaman Abdul , Aseweh Abor Patience
Published: July 2021

Background: Public health is a collective responsibility of everybody. Private sector plays a key role in the functioning of many sectors in both developed and developing countries which includes provision of public health services. However, there is dearth of studies on the role of private health delivery institution in public health programs in Ghana. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the role of private health care delivery institutions in public health programs in Ghana.Methods: Resource dependency theory was used as the theoretical framework. The study used mixed method to derive the advantages of both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The sample size was fifteen private healthcare facilities in Greater Accra region. It of ten private for-profit healthcare facilities and five mission facilities. Records of public health activities of the private health care institutions from 2015 to 2019 were collected from the selected health facilities for the quantitative analysis. In-depth interview was used to gather the qualitative data. Descriptive statistics and Welch two sample t-test simple to analyse the quantitative data. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data.Results: The results of the study indicate that, private for-profit healthcare facilities were not taking part in designing public health programs in Ghana. However, the mission facilities were consulted in the policy making process due to their organised nature. Conclusion: There is also a significant difference in the number of public health cases undertaken by mission and private for-profit health care facilities. The study indicates that private health care facilities undertake a lot of public health programs. However, mission facilities accommodate more public health cases due to the support they received from the state and other organisations in terms of resources.
Medicinal Plants Against Coronavirus (SARS-COV-2) in Morocco Via Computational Virtual Screening Approach
Authors: CHEBAIBI Mohamed , Bousta Dalila , Gonçalves Rene Francisco Boschi , Hoummani Hasnae , Achour Sanae
Published: July 2021

With the spread of the coronavirus in all countries of the world and in the absence of a vaccine or effective treatment to inhibit the infection. Several medicinal plants are used by the Moroccan population either to treat or prevent infection. The frequent use of its plants without documentation of their effectiveness on the Covid-19 is justified by cultural and economic reasons and their pharmacological activity scientifically proven. The objective of this study is to evaluate the inhibitory effect of the main polyphenols and flavonoids of Syzygium aromaticum and citrus limon as well as the main organosulfur compounds of garlic against coronavirus 6lu7 protease and 6y2e protease using in-silico molecular docking analysis.The COVID-19 3CLpro/Mpro (PDB ID: 6LU7) and free enzyme of the SARS-CoV-2 (2019- nCoV) main protease (PBD ID: 6Y2E) structures were obtained from the https://www.rcsb.org/ website in .PDB format. The COVID-19 3CLpro/Mpro (PDB ID: 6LU7) and main protease (PBD ID: 6Y2E) were prepared using autodock tools from MGL Tools package http://mgltools.scripps.edu/. The reactive molecular dynamics simulations were performed using the software LAMMPS and the ReaxFF force field. In this force field, the general energy functionWe have docked 34 natural products belonging to the three medicinal plants. In 6LU7 protease, 24 compounds exhibited a binding affinity greater than or equal to -6 Kcal/mol. While, in 6Y2E protease, 6 compounds exhibited a binding affinity greater than or equal to -6 Kcal/mol.We found that ellagic acid, narirutin, neoeriocitrin and neohesperidin are highly suggested as an inhibitor of SARS-COV-2.
Exploring the Promoting Mechanisms of Bovine Serum Albumin, Lignosulfonate, Polyethylene Glycol for Lignocellulose Saccharification from Perspective of Molecular Interactions with Cellulase
Authors: Wang peiepi , Wang Qingcheng , Liu Tian , Guo Jiaqi , Jin Yongcan , Xiao Huining , song junlong
Published: July 2021

Background: Bovine serum albumin (BSA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and lignosulfonate (LS) have been extensively employed as synergistic agents in lignocellulose saccharification. Nevertheless, the promoting mechanisms have not been fully understood and there are a number of controversial opinions existed. All attention has been paid to the interactions between respective additive and substrate. However, rarely attention has been paid to the interactions between additives and cellulase. The interaction between respective additive and cellulase is actually more important since cellulase interacts with the additives before it contacts with substrate.Results: This investigation showed that BSA and LS could bind to cellulase to form complexes, whereas PEG did not. However, PEG had a high affinity to lignin or lignin derivatives. The complexes of Cell-BSA consisted of one BSA and four cellulase molecules; while the complexes of Cell-LS were composed of one cellulase and four LS molecules in the testing conditions. Regarding to the enzymatic hydrolytic efficiency for Avicel and lignocellulose substrates, the results showed that BSA and PEG promoted the enzymatic hydrolysis for both substrates, while LS had a promoting effect for lignocellulose only and inhibited some extent for Avicel. Conclusions: This study showed that synergistic agents of LS, BSA, and PEG have different interaction modes with cellulase. BSA and LS can form complexes with cellulase and the formed complexes prevent them from nonproductive binding by residue lignin; what’s more, the cellulase-BSA complexes improve the hydrolytic capability of pristine enzyme whereas cellulase-LS complexes reduce. The promoting mechanism of PEG has to be attributed to two aspects: one is to prevent cellulase from nonproductive binding to residue lignin by forming a thin layer that actually serves as steric hindrance on residue lignin; the other is the structure change of substrate induced by PEG addition. This investigation will help us to understand the sophisticated interactions among the components in the complicated enzymatic system, especially the interactions between enzymes and synergistic agents. It will be helpful in the design and utilization of synergistic additives in the lignocellulose biorefinery process as well.
Inhalable Particulate (PM10) Emission Externalities From Overburden Dumps and Associated Health Risk Assessment in Densely Populated Coalfield
Authors: Srivast Amartanshu , Kumar Ambasht , Vaibhav Kumar , Elumalai Suresh Pandian
Published: July 2021

Overburden (OB) dumps and associated haulage are the significant contributors to increased respirable particulate levels in mining areas. Earlier studies have only focused on reporting seasonal variation of size-segregated particle mass concentration, limiting the role of specific emission sources on sensitive receptors nearby. This study estimated the impact of OB dump expansion (between years 2016 to 2018) with associated haulage on spatial pattern of particulate concentration, associated health effects, and health cost. Furthermore, a model to identify critical health risk zones was also developed. Haulage of OB and its unloading contributed to a significant increase in particulate concentration on the windward side. Moreover, OB dumping resulted in a higher respiratory dose for workers and inhabitants nearby the OB dumpsite. The results indicated that coughing along with lower respiratory problems were the dominant health effects. Moreover, the cases of lower respiratory symptoms due to PM10 emissions from OB dumps increased in 2018. The risk potential model indicated a 4.9% increase in high risk category for population exposed to PM10 emission from OB expansion within two years. An alternative management option was proposed to reduce health risk potential. The control resulted in 73% peak concentration curtailment and 84% reduction in the surface area exceeding prescribed PM10 (100 µg/m3) levels. The said study will be useful in demarcating risk zones and findings have particular significance for dispersion of particulates emanating from OB dumps.
Giant Extra-Ordinary Near Infrared Transmission from Seemingly Opaque Plasmonic Metasurface: Sensing Applications
Authors: Verma Sagar Kumar , Srivast Sachin Kumar
Published: July 2021

In the present study, we report giant extra-ordinary transmission of near infra-red (NIR) light, more than 90%, through a seemingly opaque plasmonic metasurface, which consists of two metal nano-slits arrays (MNSAs) with alternate opening arrangements. By using perfect coupling of the plasmonic modes formed between the sharp edges of the upper and lower MNSAs of silver, a giant, wavelength selective transmission could be obtained. The study is accompanied by optimization of electromagnetic (EM) field coupling for different interlayer spacings and lateral overlap between the two MNSAs to understand their significance in light transmission through the metasurface. The interlayer spacing between the MNSAs works as the transmitting channel for light. The optimization of performance with different fill factors and plasmonic metals was performed as well. Because of the excitation of extended surface plasmons (ESPs) generated at both the MNSAs, the metasurface can be used for refractive index (RI) sensing as one of its applications by using a transparent and flexible polymer, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), as substrate. The maximum sensitivity which could be achieved for the optimal configuration of the metasurface was 1435.71 nm/RIU, with a figure of merit (FOM) of 80 RIU− 1 for 90.45% optical transmission of light for the refractive index variation of analyte medium from 1.33 to 1.38 RIU. The present study strengthens the concept of light funneling through subwavelength structures due to plasmons, which are responsible for light transmission through this seemingly opaque metasurface and finds use in highly sensitive, flexible, and cost effective EOT based sensors.
Catalytic Core-Shell Nanoparticles With Self-Supplied Calcium And H2O2 To Enable Combinational Tumor Inhibition
Authors: Fang Chao , Kong Hanjing , Chu Qiang , Hu Zefeng , Zhou Yi , Han Gaorong , Li Xiang
Published: July 2021

Nanoparticles, presenting catalytic activity to induce intracellular oxidative species, have been extensively explored for tumor treatment, but suffer daunting challenges in the limited intracellular H2O2 and thus suppressed therapeutic efficacy. Here in this study, a type of composite nanoparticles, consisting CaO2 core and Co-ferrocene shell, is designed and synthesized for combinational tumor treatment. The findings indicate that CaO2 core can be hydrolyzed to produce large amounts of H2O2 and calcium ions at the acidic tumor sites. Meanwhile, Co-ferrocene shell acts as an excellent Fenton catalyst, inducing considerable ROS generation following its reaction with H2O2. Excessive cellular oxidative stress triggers agitated calcium accumulation in addition to the calcium ions released from the particles. The combined effect of intracellular ROS and calcium overload causes significant tumor inhibition both in vitro and in vivo.
Identification of Fungi Resistant to 137Cs Gamma Radiation From an Artwork by Candido Portinari
Authors: Cardoso Renata , Correa Fernanda , Chaves Ana , Lutterbach Marcia , Ferreira Ana , Souza Marcia , Costa Antonio
Published: July 2021

Gamma radiation is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of art collections being used with high efficiency in reducing microbial loads being obtained by the emission of a radioactive isotope, such as Cesium 137. Portinari's work, from the collection of the National Museum (Brazil), was analyzed and the fungi contained therein were collected, isolated, and further treated with gamma radiation for decontamination. Radiation doses used were 16, 19 and 22 kGy. Results indicated 11 genera and 17 species isolated. Penicillium and Cladosporium were isolated in air, artwork and its support - emphasizing the predominance they assume in the contamination of works of art under favorable conditions, such as museums. The genera Penicillium, Cladosporium, Nigrospora and Curvularia showed high resistances (16 kGy). The most resistant was Cladosporium, which showed no growth under 22 kGy. As there are some differences in ionizing radiation resistance among fungi from the same order or species, the results here outlined indicates that the rates of DNA damage and repair were critical, depending on chronic or acute dose irradiated. The biochemical mechanism acting on fungal cells under irradiation was basically the inactivation of specific enzymes and, probably, DNA damage, particularly stimulating double-strand breaks.
A Gland of Many Uses: A Diversity of Compounds In The Labial Glands of The Bumble Bee Bombus Impatiens Suggests Multiple Signaling Functions
Authors: Orlova Margarita , Villar Gabriel , Hefetz Abraham , Millar Jocelyn G. , Amsalem Etya
Published: July 2021

Communication in social insect colonies depends on signals accurately reflecting the identity and physiological state of the individuals. Such information is coded by the products of multiple exocrine glands, and the resulting blends reflect the species, sex, caste, age, task, reproductive status, and health of an individual, and may also contain caste-specific pheromones regulating the behavior and physiology of other individuals. Here we examined the composition of labial gland secretions in females of the bumble bee Bombus impatiens, of different castes, social condition, age, mating status, and ovarian activation. We show that active queens, gynes, and workers each produce caste-specific compounds that may serve different communicative functions. The composition and amounts of wax esters, mostly octyl esters produced by active queens, differed significantly between castes, mating, and social conditions, suggesting a social signaling role. Farnesyl esters were predominant in gynes and peaked at optimal mating age (6-10 days), suggesting their possible roles as sex pheromone components. Reproductive status of females and age across castes was reflected by the ratio between short- and long-chain hydrocarbons, suggesting that these compounds may serve as fertility signals. Our findings overall suggest that the labial gland composition in B. impatiens reflects different facets of female bee physiology. While further bioassays are required to determine the function of these compounds, they are likely to have an important role in the communication between individuals and to the cohesion of the social structure.
Aqueous Humor Cytokine Levels Through Microarray Analysis and a Sub-Analysis Based on Optical Coherence Tomography in Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Patients
Authors: Joo Jin-Ho , Kim Hyejee , Shin Jae-Ho , Moon Sang Woong
Published: July 2021

Backgorund To identify disease-specific cytokine and growth factor profile differences in the aqueous humor between wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients and age-matched controls and to correlate their levels with the optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings.MethodsAqueous humors were obtained from 13 wet AMD eyes and 10 control eyes. Twenty cytokines and growth factors were measured using a RayBio antibody microarray technology in wet AMD and control eyes. Results The samples obtained from wet AMD patients exhibited a significantly increased expression of MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Subretinal fluid (SRF) patients showed significantly lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1α and GM-CSF, than those without SRF. Pigment epithelial detachments (PED) patients showed lower levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as GM-CSF, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, than those without PED. Subretinal tissue (SRT) patients showed a higher level of IFN-γ than those without SRT. Compared with the controls, type 1 choroidal neovascularization (CNV) patients showed increased levels of MCP-1, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β, but not VEGF (p = 0.083). However, type 2 CNV patients showed increased levels of MCP-1 and VEGF (p = 0.040 and p = 0.040). Conclusion Inflammatory cytokines varied according to the type of AMD- and OCT-based parameters. Our observation of low levels of VEGF in patients with type 1 CNV implies that the inhibition of VEGF alone appears to be insufficient treatment for these patients and that cytokines such as MCP-1, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β should be modulated. And the presence of SRF in CNV may be associated with a positive prognosis because we found relatively low levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Thus, treatment decisions for patients with wet AMD should be based on OCT-based biomarkers and angiographic classification schemes, and in patients with wet AMD, which is not treated well with anti-VEGF alone, it is necessary to analyze inflammatory cytokines.
Magnetic monopole mechanism for localized electron pairing in HTS
Authors: Diamantini Cristina , Trugenberger Carlo , Vinokur Valerii
Published: July 2021

Recent effective field theory of high-temperature superconductivity (HTS) captures the universal features of HTS and the pseudogap phase and explains the underlying physics as a coexistence of a charge condensate with a condensate of dyons, particles carrying both magnetic and electric charges. Central to this picture are magnetic monopoles emerging in the proximity of the topological quantum superconductor-insulator transition (SIT) that dominates the HTS phase diagram. However, the mechanism responsible for spatially localized electron pairing, characteristic of HTS, remains elusive. Here we show that real-space, localized electron pairing is mediated by magnetic monopoles and occurs well above the superconducting transition temperature Tc.
Localized electron pairing promotes the formation of superconducting granules connected by Josephson links. Global superconductivity sets in when these granules form an infinite cluster at Tc, which is estimated to fall in the range from hundred to thousand Kelvins. Our findings pave the way to tailoring materials with elevated superconducting transition temperatures.
Forming Characteristics and Mechanism of Double-roll Rotary forging for Large Diameter and Thin-walled Metal Discs
Authors: Yu Zhongquan , Zhu Chundong , Chen Mingchao , Luo Site
Published: July 2021

Double-roll rotary forging is an emerging plastic forming technology based on rotary forging. Owing to the advantages of labor saving, small eccentric load, low noise and vibration, good uniformity, high surface quality and material saving, it is very promising for fabrication of large-diameter thin-walled disc. To date, few relevant research on the double-roll rotary forging technology of large-diameter thin-walled metal discs has been reported, and the forming mechanisms and process of disc workpieces remains uninvestigated. Herein, a 3D rigid-plastic finite element model (FEM) is established to simulate the fabrication process of large-diameter thin-walled disc, four geometric features appear in the forming process: “mushroom” shape, “upper drum” shape, “drum shape” shape and “lower drum” shape. Equivalent stress, equivalent strain and temperature field of these four geometric shapes are analyzed, and the forming mechanism of these four geometric shapes is revealed. The reliability and accuracy of FEM are verified through experiments and the four geometric shape features occur in the process are consistent with the simulation. The research results provide valuable guidelines for better understanding of double-roll rotary forging for the fabrication of large-diameter thin-walled discs.