bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transformation Related Genomic Analysis Reveals Prognostic And Immunogenic Significance In Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Yin Yangyang , Liu Ying , Pan Yun , Yu Tianyu , Liu Bin , Deng Xianyu , Ma Bingwei , Yang Muqing , Li Jiyu
Published: September 2021

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been viewed to play a vital role in immune regulation and treatment response shaping. EMT is associated with an invasive or metastatic phenotype in CRC and is also related to patient prognosis and treatment responsiveness. We aimed to explore an EMT gene panel with potential application in patient classification and precise treatment and assist clinicians to generate individualized immunotherapeutic strategies for CRC patients.Methods: TCGA, GEO, STRING, TRRUST, TragetScan, miRTarBase, miRDB, cBioPortal, StarBase databases were utilized in this study.Results: In this study, EMT factors were screened in three different ways(EMT factors, EMT-related pathways, EMT genotyping genes).And the prognosis-related modules were screened by the WGCNA method. Then, Cox single factor regression analysis was performed on the module hub gene, combined with multivariate Cox regression, the prognosis model was established, and the risk score of each sample was calculated. Then the samples were divided into high-risk samples and low-risk samples according to the risk score, and the differences in immune cell infiltration, mutation, CNV, clinical characteristics between high-risk and low-risk samples were compared. The risk model can effectively predict the prognosis of samples, which is verified by two external data, and it can also effectively predict the prognosis of CRC samples in the other two digestive tract cancers (liver cancer and gastric cancer) and has a good indication for the effect of chemotherapy treatment response and immunotherapy. Conclusion: The prognosis model can effectively predict the prognosis of samples and may be an effective tool for treatment guidance in CRC patients.
Dynein Light Chain LC8 Alleviates Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis By Regulating Nuclear Factor κB Through Interference With IκBα Phosphorylation
Authors: Lee Gong-Rak , Lee Hye In , Kim Narae , Lee Jiae , Kwon Minjeong , Kang Ye Hee , Song Hyeong Ju , Yeo Chang-Yeol , Jeong Woojin
Published: September 2021

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a liver disease characterized by fat accumulation and chronic inflammation in the liver. Although dynein light chain of 8 kDa (LC8) was identified previously as an inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), a key regulator of inflammation, its role in NASH remains unknown. In this study, we investigated whether LC8 can alleviate NASH using a mouse model of methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diet–induced NASH and examined the underlying mechanism. LC8 transgenic (Tg) mice showed lower hepatic steatosis and less progression of NASH, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and hepatic fibrosis, compared to wild-type (WT) mice after consuming an MCD diet. The hepatic expression of lipogenic genes was lower, while that of lipolytic and mitochondrial genes was greater in LC8 Tg mice than WT mice, which might be associated with resistance of LC8 Tg mice to hepatic steatosis. Consumption of an MCD diet enhanced IκBα phosphorylation and subsequent p65 liberation from IκBα and nuclear translocation, resulting in induction of NF-κB targets, including pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. However, these effects of MCD diet were reduced by LC8 overexpression. Taken together, these results suggest that LC8 alleviates MCD diet–induced NASH by inhibiting NF-κB through binding to IκBα to interfere with IκBα phosphorylation.
Can Tracking Mobility be used as a Public Health Tool Against COVID-19 Following the Expiration of Stay-at-Home Mandates?
Authors: Her Peter Hyunwuk , Saeed Sahar , Tram Khai Hoan , Bhatnagar Sahir
Published: September 2021

Considering the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and low vaccine access and uptake, minimizing human interactions remains an effective strategy to mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Using a functional principal component analysis, we created a multidimensional mobility index (MI) using six metrics compiled by SafeGraph from all counties in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan and Indiana between January 1st to December 8, 2020. Changes in mobility were defined as a time-updated 7-day rolling average. Associations between our MI and COVID-19 cases were estimated using a quasi-Poisson hierarchical generalized additive model adjusted for population density and the COVID-19 community vulnerability index. Individual mobility metrics varied significantly by counties and by calendar time. More than 50% of the variability in the data was explained by the first principal component by each state, indicating good dimension reduction. While an individual metric of mobility was not associated with surges of COVID-19, our MI was independently associated with COVID-19 cases in all four states given varying time-lags. Following the expiration of stay-at-home orders, a single metric of mobility was not sensitive enough to capture the complexity of human interactions. Monitoring mobility can be an important public health tool, however, it should be modelled as a multidimensional construct.
Breast Cancer and Smell: Hints from Epigenetic and Functional Alteration of the Olfaction
Authors: Fessahaye Ghimja , Khalid Reem S , Mohamed Kamal-Hamad , Alsidiq Mohammad O.E , Khalid Amna , Mohamed Hiba S. , Ibrahim Muntaser E.
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Olfactory receptors are G protein coupled surface receptors (GPCRs) of which their ectopic expression is currently of mounting interest to the development and metastasis of malignancies. These genes having a direct contact with the environment may probably be stimulated by various factors which can bring about methylation aberrations, including DNA hypo and hyper-methylation. Here we gather clues from epigenetic and phenotypic data in order to further our understanding of the potential association of the olfaction with oncogenesis.Methods: Whole methylome dataset of breast cancer series generated by Illumina Infinium Human Methylation 450 Bead Chip was interrogated for differentially methylated genes and further subject to network analysis using various search tools. Analysis of putative phenotypic trait in olfaction function was performed using smell detection and smell identification tests and data was analyzed using Mann-Whitney test.Results: Sixty-eight differentially methylated ORs were enriched mainly on chromosomes 1q23, and 11p15, specifically 1q44 (P value 6.867e-20). Amongst the disease signatures of these hypomethylation events was breast cancer itself (P value 0.004437). Network analysis suggests the interaction of differentially hypo and hyper methylated olfactory receptor genes might be pivotal in stimulating several important biological pathways including circadian genes and pathways potentially associated with metastasis. Phenotypic smell test shows a generalized impairment of smell capability in breast cancer patients as compared to controls (Mann-Whitney Test P=0.0001), an effect that is independent of chemotherapyConclusions: The olfaction appears as a crucial element in carcinogenesis, evident by both phenotypic and genotypic (epigenetic) data in a well characterized breast cancer subset.
Bariatric Surgery in Super-Superobese Patients Maintains Metabolic Improvement Beyond The Failure in Expected Weight Loss.
Authors: Susmallian Sergio , Raziel Asnat , Babis Irena , Barnea Royi
Published: September 2021

Background
Extreme obesity leads to increased health risks and perioperative complications. The results of bariatric surgery in patients with super-super obesity (SSO) are presented in this study.
Methods
From April 2008 to August 2019, 60 patients with SSO underwent bariatric surgery. Their weight loss and surgical outcome were analyzed. The mean follow-up time was 7.2 years.
Results
At baseline, the mean age was 41.5 years old, the mean BMI was 63.8 kg/m2, 80% of the patients suffered from co-morbidities, and 23.33% were revisional surgeries. Weight loss continued for up to two years after surgery. The percentage of EBW lost at two years was 62.27%, from two to five years: 61.48%, from five to 10 years: 36.82% and after ten years it was 31.89%, the differences in weight change over the time is significative (P<.001). The mean BMI at last visit (Mean 7.2 years) was 45.1 kg/m2 and 48.33% of the patients failed to lose at least 50% of EBW. Patients with fatty liver, diabetes, sleep apnea and hyperlipidemia had a remission or improvement in more than 70% of the cases. There were 5% perioperative complications, one perioperative death (1.67%) and other patient died in a motor vehicle accident, overall mortality 3.33%.
Conclusion
In the long term, almost half of the patients failed to lose 50% of their EBW. However, the metabolic effects of bariatric surgery were maintained during the follow-up time with a high remission of comorbidities. Revisional bariatric surgery increased the risk of mortality.
Applying the Workload Indicators of Staffing Needs Method in Nursing Health Workforce Planning: Evidences from Four Hospitals in Vietnam
Authors: Thu Nguyen Thi Hoai , Hung Phung Thanh , Bui My Anh
Published: September 2021

Background: Vietnam has encountered difficulties in ensuring an adequate and equitable distribution of health workforce. The traditional staffing norms stated in the Circular 08/TT-BYT issued in 2007 based solely on population or institutional size and do not adequately take into consideration the variations of need such as population density, mortality and morbidity patterns. To address this problem, more rigorous approaches are needed to determine the number of personnel in health facilities. One such approach is Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), a facility-based workforce planning method that assists managers in defining the responsibilities of different workforce categories and improving the appropriateness and efficiency of a staff mix. Methods: This study applied the WISN approach and was employed in 22 clinical departments at four hospitals in Vietnam between 2015 and 2018. 22 targeted group discussions involving nurses were conducted. Hospital personnel records have been retrieved. The data were analyzed according to WISN instructions. Results: Of the 22 departments, there was a shortage of 1 to 2 nurses in 10 departments, with WISN ratios ranging between 0.88 and 0.95. Only 01 clinical colleges at Can Tho Hospital lacked 05 nurses, facing a high workload with a WISN ratio of 0.78. Administrative time represented 20-40% of the total work time of a nurse. In comparison, nurses at Can Tho Hospital spent time on administration from 24 onwards. 5% to 41.7% of their working time while nurses at Thanh Hoa Hospital spent 21% to 33%. Conclusion: The application of the WISN enabled health managers to analyze the workload of nurses, calculate staffing needs, and thus effectively contribute to the workforce planning process. It is expected that the results of this research will encourage the use of the WISN tool in other hospitals and health facilities across the health system. At provincial and national levels, this study provides important evidence to help policy makers develop guidelines for personnel norms for health facilities in the context of limited resources, while the existing regulation is no longer appropriate.
Astrocytes donate mitochondria to increase glioblastoma tumorigenicity
Authors: Lathia Justin , Watson Dionysios , Bayik Defne , Williford Sarah , Lauko Adam , Zhou Yadi , Deshpande Gauravi , Seder Juliana , Mears Jason , Cheng Feixiong , Hjelmeland Anita
Published: September 2021

Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common primary brain cancer in adults1, is characterized by numerous cell-intrinsic/extrinsic interactions that drive tumorigenesis. In addition to cell-surface and secreted protein/extracellular vesicle interactions2,3, treatment resistance of GBM is augmented by the formation of cytoplasmic interconnections and junctions among tumor cells4. These cytoplasmic bridges among tumor cells enable exchange of cellular metabolites as well as mitochondria4, which can play a key role in metabolic function and cellular programming in GBM5,6. However, the contribution of the tumor microenvironment to mitochondrial transfer, as well as the downstream impact of mitochondrial transfer on GBM remains poorly characterized. Here we identified horizontal mitochondrial transfer from the tumor microenvironment as a mechanism that enhances tumorigenesis in glioblastoma. We found that this transfer occurs primarily from brain-resident cells, including astrocytes, and can be appreciated in vitro and in vivo through intercellular connections between GBM cells and non-malignant host cells. The acquisition of astrocyte mitochondria drives an overall enhancement of mitochondrial membrane potential and metabolic capacity, while increasing glioblastoma cell self-renewal and tumor-initiating capacity. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that astrocyte mitochondrial transfer augments the tumorigenic capacity of glioblastoma cells and reveals a previously unknown cell-cell communication mechanism that drives tumor growth. We anticipate our findings will open new research directions to decipher the molecular events linking mitochondria acquisition from non-malignant cells to increased tumorigenicity of recipient GBM cells. This line of research will lead to new therapeutic opportunities targeting this understudied phenomenon and its sequelae in GBM.
Predictors of COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptability Among Health Professions Students in Vietnam
Authors: Le Cua Ngoc , Nguyen Uyen Thi To , Do Diem Thi Hoang
Published: September 2021

Background: The COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy or refusal has actually been a threat to global health. In the current situation, health profession students are at risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection during their internship at healthcare facilities. Furthermore, those future healthcare workers will advise people to accept the COVID-19 vaccination. Therefore, the attitude of students towards vaccine acceptance and the predicting factors needs to be elucidated. This study applied the Health Belief Model to determine predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptability among health professions students. Methods: 911 students participated in a cross‐sectional online survey in Vietnam. Multinomial logistic regression model determined predictors of the COVID-19 vaccine acceptability. Results: The overall vaccine acceptance, hesitancy, and refusal rates were 58% (95% CI: 54.7% - 61.3%), 40.4% (95% CI: 37.2% - 43.7%) and 1.5% (95% CI: 0.8% - 2.6%), respectively. Regarding vaccination hesitancy, a predictor such as "Receiving recent flu shots” had a negative correlation, whereas "Vaccines haves little efficacy & serious adverse effects” (Perceived barriers), nationality, and majors were positive correlates. For refusal, "Unvaccinated students feasibly infected COVID-19 during hospital internship” (Perceived susceptibility) was a negative correlate. For both hesitancy and refusal, "Mass media appreciating effectiveness and safety of vaccines" (Cues to action), and " Health professions students get serious complications of COVID-19 if not vaccinated" (Perceived severity) had a negative correlation. In contrast, "Manufacturers do not disclose adverse effects of vaccines" (Cues to action), and "Adverse effect causes death" (Perceived barrier) were positive correlates. Strong Health Belief Model predictors of vaccine refusal were "Manufacturers do not disclose adverse effects of vaccines" (Cues to action) (OR= 5.299, 95% CI: 1.687-16.641, p= 0.004), and "Adverse effect causes death" (Perceived barrier) (OR= 10.255, 95% CI = 3.528-29.814, p= 0.0005). Conclusion: Perceived susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19 might lead to vaccination acceptance among students. However, concerns of vaccine effectiveness and safety may still affect the choice of refusal or hesitancy in vaccination. Health information from mass media and transparency of vaccine effectiveness and safety could improve COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.
Experiences of Trauma Health Care Professionals When Providing Healthcare to Immigrants in Durban Public Hospitals, South Africa.
Authors: Madzamba Rowan , Naidoo Kantharuben , Ngwenya Barbara Ntombi
Published: September 2021

BackgroundExisting research on access to health care for immigrants in South Africa has focused on access and use of services by immigrants. Focus has been on immigrants concerns around issues of citizenship acquisition and the burdening of the country’s resource-constrained healthcare system. Limited empirical research has been conducted to explore health care professionals’ views, daily experiences and challenges when attending to immigrant patients in South African public hospitals. This study purports to fill in this knowledge gap by capturing experiences and challenges of trauma health care professionals when providing healthcare to immigrants in Durban public hospitals, KwaZulu Natal province in South Africa.MethodData were collected based on a multicase qualitative study design through face-to-face in-depth structured interviews with twenty (20) trauma health care professionals from four (4) trauma centers in Durban public hospitals. Criterion based expert purposive sampling was used to recruit participants for the study. Data collected were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsInability of immigrant patient to converse in English or any other local language posed a major constraint for trauma medical professional health care service provision. Poor communication and culturally based differences in interpretations of sickness causality as well as desired treatment were also reported as challenges health professionals face when attending to immigrant patients. Doctors were concerned about how these barriers presented risks of prescribing wrong treatment and the possibility of patient’s non-compliance especially those who cannot not speak English or any local language. ConclusionTo health professionals’ language and communication barrier, different cultural interpretation of sickness and cause of sickness is a challenge health professional are facing when attending to immigrant patients. There is need for interpreters at hospitals or for hospitals to make it compulsory for patients who do not speak native language or English to always be accompanied by an interpreter.
To Identify and Verify the Role and Crucial Genes of Methionine Restriction in Inhibiting the Progression of Colon Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhou Liqiang , Chen Zhiqing , Liu Chuan
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Study the potential mechanism of methionine restriction (MR) inhibiting colon cancer (CC).Materials and Methods: The differential expression genes (DEGs) of the CC cell line HCT116 after MR restriction treatment in the GSE72131 and GSE103602 data sets were identified, and functional enrichment analysis was performed. Furthermore, the DEGs of CC in the TCGA database were identified, and the MR-related DEGs were combined to establish transcriptional regulation (TR), competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, and identify key genes from it. Then, in vitro experiments were performed to analyze the effects of MR on the proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis of HCT116 cells, and to verify the effects of MR on the expression of key genes identified.Results: In HCT116 cells, 1181 genes regulated by MR were identified, and their functional enrichment suggests that they are closely related to tumor progression. Combined with the DEGs of CC, a total of 330 dysregulated genes of CC were affected by MR. 6 hub genes (E2F1, MIR17HG, FANCI, HJURP, KPNA2, KIF15) were obtained from the TR, ceRNA, and PPI network constructed based on this, and the results were consistent with the analysis by rt-PCR. In vitro studies have shown that MR can inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of CC cells and promote apoptosis.Conclusion: MR may inhibit the progress of CC by down-regulating the expression of E2F1, MIR17HG, FANCI, HJURP, KPNA2, and KIF15.
Role of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-2 and Insulin Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 7 for Early Recognition of Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients
Authors: CASAS GUSTAVO , Barrera Claudia Alvarado-de la , Escamilla-Illescas David , León-Rodríguez Isabel , Río-Estrada Perla Mariana del , Calderón-Dávila Natalia , Gonzalez-Navarro Mauricio , Olmedo-Ocampo Rossana , Castillejos-López Manuel , Figueroa-Hernández Liliana , Peralta-Prado Amy , Villalobos Yara Luna , Piten-Isidro Elvira , Fernández-Campos Paola , Ávila-Ríos Santiago
Published: September 2021

Background: A high proportion of critically ill patients with COVID-19 develop acute kidney injury (AKI) and die. Early recognition of subclinical AKI could contribute to AKI prevention. Therefore, this study was aimed at exploring the role of the urinary biomarkers NGAL and [TIMP-2]•[IGFBP7] for early detection of AKI in this population. Methods: This prospective, longitudinal cohort study included critically ill COVID-19 patients without AKI at study entry. Urine samples were collected on admission to critical care areas for determination of NGAL and [TIMP-2]•[IGFBP7] concentrations. Demographic information, comorbidities, clinical and laboratory data were recorded. The study outcomes were development of AKI and mortality during hospitalization. Comparisons of individuals who developed AKI during hospitalization vs. those without AKI were made using chi-squared test for categorical variables and Mann-Whitney U for continuous variables. Urinary biomarkers and their cutoff values were selected based on the highest sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve with 95% confidence intervals for prediction of AKI. Selected biomarkers and cutoffs were used in the Kaplan-Meier survival analyses for the time to AKI. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the association between relevant covariates with AKI and mortality. For all analyses, two-sided P values £0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: Of the 51 individuals studied, 25 developed AKI during hospitalization (49%). The risk factors for AKI were male gender (HR=7.57, 95% CI: 1.28-44.8; p=0.026) and [TIMP-2]•[IGFBP7] ³ 0.2 (ng/ml)2/1000 (HR=7.23 , 95% CI: 0.99-52.4; p=0.050). Mortality during hospitalization was significantly higher in the group with AKI than in the group without AKI (p=0.004). Persistent AKI was a risk factor for mortality (HR=7.42, 95% CI: 1.04-53.04; p=0.046).Conclusions: The combination of [TIMP-2]•[IGFBP7], together with clinical information, were useful for identification of subclinical AKI in critically ill COVID-19 patients. The role of additional biomarkers and their possible combinations for detection of AKI in critically ill COVID-19 patients remains to be explored in large clinical trials.
Early Ascorbic Acid Administration Prevents Vascular Endothelial Cell Damage in Septic Mice
Authors: Madokoro Yutaro , Kamikokuryo Chinatsu , Niiyama Shuhei , Ito Takashi , Hara Satoshi , Ichinose Hiroshi , Kakihana Yasuyuki
Published: September 2021

Background: Ascorbic acid (AsA) therapy for sepsis is thought to have a protective effect on vascular endothelial cells. However, the effect of AsA therapy on endothelial cell dysfunction over time and the appropriate timing for AsA administration to demonstrate efficacy is unclear.Methods: Septic mice were induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The effect of AsA administration (200 mg/kg) on vascular endothelial cell dysfunction in sepsis was examined using septic mice at two administration timings: early group (AsA was administered immediately after CLP) and late group (AsA was administered 12 h after CLP). First, survival rates were compared between the early and late administration groups. Next, the dihydrobiopterin/tetrahydrobiopterin (BH2/BH4) ratio, serum syndecan-1, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were measured as indicators of vascular endothelial cell damage, and liver tissue was examined for organ damage to verify the effect of early AsA administration in septic mice.Results: In survival experiments, the early group showed significantly improved survival compared to the non-treatment group (p < 0.05), while the late group showed no improved survival compared to the non-treatment group. The BH2/BH4 ratio increased after 6 hours following CLP, and the increase was suppressed by early AsA administration (0.12 ± 0.02 vs. 0.07 ± 0.016, p < 0.05). Serum syndecan-1 levels were significantly elevated at 12 h after CLP, and early AsA administration prevented the increase (25.4 ± 12.1 vs. 9.9 ± 2.7 mg/ml, p < 0.05). The expression of eNOS at 12 h after CLP was decreased in the non-treatment group, but the expression was protected by early AsA administration. Moreover, hematoxylin and eosin staining of hepatocytes showed reduced liver damage in the early group compared to the non-treatment group.Conclusions: In septic mice, early AsA administration immediately after CLP may have protective effects on vascular endothelial cells by decreasing the BH2/BH4 ratio, resulting in reduced organ dysfunction and improved survival. To achieve this effect, early administration of AsA is required before BH4 is oxidized.
Estimation and Determinants of Technical Efficiency of Smallholder Cashew (Anacardium) Farmers in Dassa District, Benin: a Bootstrap Data Envelopment Approach
Authors: Akanro Raoul , GERO Abraham AMOUSSOUGA , Attanasso Marie-Odile
Published: September 2021

Cashew nut production is becoming more important in Benin’s economy and helps improve rural populations’ living conditions through the income it provides. However, production is characterized by an obsolete technology and a low farm productivity. This paper examines cashew producers’ technical efficiency in Dassa District in Benin using survey data collected from 100 farms in 2020. The research relied on the bootstrap modelling of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) while a censored Fractional Regression Model (FRM) was applied to assess the determinants of producers' technical efficiency. The results show that farms are 34.56% technically efficient. Factors affecting technical efficiency include experience, access to credit, age of farm managers, sale of cashew apples, and expenditure on education. Policies to promote cashew farm efficiency need to focus on promoting formal education in rural areas, establishing a financial literacy training programme for farm managers, and promoting the expansion of agricultural extension for farmers. In addition, producers should also set up a system for cashew apples’ conservation and sale as production waste in order to increase their income.
Strong Interaction Between Thiol and Silver Modified Silica Nanoparticles in the SERS Sensing of Municipal Solid Waste and Tannery Waste Leachate From Groundwater
Authors: A Aarthi , Mahalingam Umadevi , R Parimaladevi , G.Sathe Vasanth
Published: September 2021

A novel surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) based polyvinylthiol (PVASH) and silver modified silica nanoparticles (PSA NPs) was prepared to actively concentrate different types of landfill leachate in water. PSA NPs were characterized with UV-visible spectroscopy, XRD, TEM and EDX. SERS sensitivity of the PSA NPs was proved with environmentally ignored leachate from municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill. The result shows that, SERS sensing of PSA NPs were improved with the presence of thiol group. Further, PSA NPs exhibited similar vibrational bands of MSW and tannery waste (TW) landfill leachate in their nearest homeland aquifers. Hence, this study provides a novel SERS sensor of PSA NPs in the tile to detect and analyze the environmentally ignored organic and inorganic compounds.
The Environmental Efficiency-Export Performance Nexus: Fresh Evidence from the Top Environmental Performance Index (EPI) Countries
Authors: Awodumi Olabanji Benjamin
Published: September 2021

The quest for sustainability and greener economies has intensified the call for more stringent environmental regulation, hence environmental efficiency of production processes that produce growth. Since trade activities represent a huge part of economic growth, while countries are becoming increasingly cautious of their imports, environmental efficiency becomes an integral consideration for trade. This study investigates the link between environmental efficiency and export performance among the top 20 countries on the environmental performance scale utilizing annual data between 1980 and 2019. The classic comparative advantage theory of international trade provides the theoretical basis for the study. Environmental efficiency scores were generated using the slack-based data envelopment analysis while the nature of causality between environmental efficiency and export performance is established using the Pairwise Dumitrescu Hurlin Panel Causality Tests and VECM Granger causality approaches. The export models are estimated using the fully modified and dynamic ordinary least squares approaches.Bidirectional causality is found between export per capita (and export intensity) and environmental efficiency for the panel analysis. Causality results is however mixed at country level with significant unidirectional causal links running from either export to environmental efficiency or otherwise. The FMOLS and DOLS analysis provides evidence of significant positive effect of environmental efficiency on export per capita and export intensity for the panel of the top EPI countries, and confirmed in most of the countries. The study therefore provides strong evidence for the role of environmental efficiency in countries’ efforts to improve their global competitiveness in trade-related activities. Thus, the study emphasizes increased global investment in environmental efficiency as the global economies grow. JEL: F18; Q56; Q58; N40
Spatial and Temporal Variation in Fine Root Biomass, Productivity and Turnover in Shorea Robusta Along the Gradient of Tree Girth Size
Authors: Pandey Rachita , Bargali Surendra Singh , Bargali Kiran
Published: September 2021

Fine roots (≤ 2 mm of diameter) contribute diminutive fractions of the overall tree biomass but are highly zestful and functionally remarkable component for assessing forest carbon and nutrient budgets. This study assessed how tree girth influenced fine root biomass (FRB), production (FRP) and turnover rate (FRT) in sub tropical sal forest.Four sites (S1, S2, S3, S4) were established in the bhabhar region of Nainital district, Uttarakhand, India within an elevational range of 405m and 580m. On the basis of girth size, sal trees were categorized in five girth size classes. Fine roots were sampled seasonally to a depth of 60 cm and divided into 3 layers (0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm).FRB was significantly affected by tree girth size (p< 0.05) while FRP and FRT showed insignificant effect. FRB was higher in lower girth classes (A-C) as compared to higher girth classes (D-E).Seasonal variation of FRB in all girth sizes showed a keen resemblance as the standing FRB reached pinnacle during rainy season and reached bottom-line in the winter season. Maximum FRB was reported for uppermost organo-mineralic soil depth (0-20 cm) at 1 m distance from tree bole and decreased with increasing soil depth and distance from tree bole while FRT showed a reverse trend. The present study will provide a holistic outlook on variations in FRB, FRP and FRT and the impact of edaphic characteristics and tree girth on fine root dynamics with respect to the studied forest stands.
Combination of IL-34 and AFP improves the diagnostic value during the development of HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Kehui , Ding Yezhou , Wang Yun , Zhao Qingqing , Yan Lei , Xie Jingdong , Liu Yunye , Xie Qing , Cai Wei , Bao Shisan , Wang Hui
Published: September 2021

Background
IL34 involves in host immunity regulated carcinogenesis. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is related to the development of HCC. We explored if combination of IL-34 and APF could improve the diagnostic value in HBV related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBVHCC).
Methods
Serum was obtained from HBV patients or healthy control. Liver tissue was obtained from liver biopsy in CHB, HBV related cirrhosis patients or curative resection in HBVHCC patients. Serum IL34 and MCSF were measured. Hepatic IL34, MCSF and CD68+ tumor associate macrophages (TAMs) were determined.
Results
Serum IL34 was 1.7, 1.3 or 2.3-fold higher in HBVHCC than that of CHB, HBV related cirrhosis, or healthy control, which was inhibited following transhepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in HBVHCC patients. Intrahepatic IL34 was higher in HBVHCC than that of the other three groups. Intra-hepatic IL34 was associated with high HBVDNA, HBeAg−, poor differentiation and small tumor size of HBVHCC patients. Intra-hepatic TAMs in HBVHCC were increased 1.7 or 1.3-fold, compared to that from CHB or HBV-cirrhosis patients. Intra-hepatic TAMs were associated with high HBVDNA, high tumor differentiation, small tumor size, abnormal AFP and more tumor number. AFP plus serum IL-34, showed the highest AUC (0.837) with sensitivity (0.632) and highest specificity (0.931), suggesting that AFP plus IL-34 enhances the reliability for prediction of the development of HBVHCC among CHB patients.
Conclusions
Circulating and intra-hepatic IL34 was upregulated gradually in HBV disease progression from CHB, cirrhosis and HCC. IL-34 may be used as a diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for the management of HBVHCC.
Function Analysis of Choline Binding Domains of LytA, LytC and CbpD in The Biofilm Formation Process of Streptococcus Pneumoniae
Authors: Ji Hongsheng , Zhou Yingshun , Zhang Luhua , Wang Ying , Zhang Feiyang , Bai Jiawei , Li Qin , Zhang Zhikun
Published: September 2021

Background: Choline binding proteins (CBPs) are a family of proteins that can interact with pneumococcal cell wall by choline binding domains (CBDs). In this study, we found a modified choline binding repeat (ChBp-I) with a pI of 7.66 can promote the development of biofilm in vitro. Thus, we aim to characterize the function of CBDs of LytA, LytC and CbpD in biofilm formation.Results: By transcriptome analysis, 81 genes were identified as down regulated and 138 genes were up regulated (|log2 fold change|≥1.5) under ChBp-I of 50mg/L. The up regulated genes are well clustered in membrane transport (carbohydrate, lipid, protein, cation and phosphate) and carbohydrate metabolism (fructose, mannose, galactose, starch, sucrose, amino sugar and nucleotide) related pathways. The up-regulated genes are mostly regulated the same under CBD-A, CBD-C and CBD-D. Phenotype analysis reveal high concentrations of CBD-C and CBD-D (>100μg/mL) but not CBD-A (negative charged) can promote the biofilm formation. Meanwhile, the existence of CBD-C and CBD-D promote the growth rate and both CBDs inhibit the autolysis of pneumococcal cell. By component analysis, these three CBDs were proved involved in the regulation of extracellular DNA, protein, cation and phosphate, and promote the forming of insoluble precipitates.Conclusions: The binding of CBPs can influence the membrane transport pathways and react with extracellular DNA and protein to promote biofilm formation in S. pneumoniae.
Association of Circulating IgE and CML levels With in-Stent Restenosis After Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation in Type 2 Diabetic Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Liu Jing Meng , Chen Qiu Jing , Lu Lin , Jin Qi , Bao Yang Yang , Ling Tian You , Lin Chang Jian , Ding Feng Hua , Wang Xiao Qun , Shen Wei Feng , Shen Ying , Dai Yang , Wu Li Qun
Published: September 2021

Background: We investigated whether serum levels of immunoglobin (Ig) E and Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) are related to in-stent restenosis (ISR) in patients with stable coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods: Serum levels of IgE and CML were measured in 416 stable angina patients with T2DM who received angiographic follow-up 12 months after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with third-generation drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation for de novo lesions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between IgE or CML and ISR. In mice models, femoral artery injury was induced in mice receiving albumin or glycated albumin injection, and immunofluorescence staining of the injured artery segment was performed 4 weeks later using CML and IgE antibodies. Results: Both IgE and CML levels were higher in patients with ISR (n=196) compared with non-ISR patients (n=220). The rate of ISR increased stepwise with increasing tertiles of IgE and CML levels, and IgE correlated significantly with CML. After adjusting for potential confounders, IgE and CML levels remained independently associated with ISR. IgE and CML levels improved the predictive capability of traditional risk factors for ISR, and there existed an interaction between IgE and CML in relation to ISR (P for interaction < 0.01). In mice models, glycated albumin induced increased CML and IgE infiltration in the injured femoral artery segment which was associated with a higher degree of neointimal hyperplasia and luminal stenosis.Conclusion: Elevated circulating IgE and CML levels confer an increased risk for ISR after DES-based PCI in type 2 diabetic patients with stable coronary artery disease.
The Coupling of Carbon and Nitrogen in Response to Variable NH4+/ NO3- Ratios in Brassica Napus Plantlets in Vitro
Authors: Zhang Kaiyan , Wu Yanyou , Su Yue , Li Haitao
Published: September 2021

BackgroundPlantlets grown in vitro with a mixed nitrogen source utilize sucrose and CO2 as carbon sources for growth. However, it is very difficult to obtain the correct proportion of assimilated nitrate, ammonium, sucrose and CO2 for plantlets. Consequently, the NH4+/NO3- use efficiency for carbon fixation derived from the assimilation of sucrose/CO2 is still unclear for plantlets. ResultsThe bidirectional stable nitrogen isotope tracer technique was employed to quantify the proportions of nitrate and ammonium utilized at different NH4+/ NO3- ratios, and the proportions of sucrose and CO2 assimilation were quantified by the foliar δ13C values of plantlets. There was an obvious difference in the assimilation of nitrate and ammonium under different NH4+/NO3- ratios for Brassica napus (Bn) plantlets. Increasing the supply of nitrate contributed to enhancing the assimilation of nitrate and ammonium simultaneously. The nitrate utilization coefficients of the Bn plantlets had no distinct change with increasing nitrate concentration, while the ammonium utilization coefficients of the Bn plantlets increased obviously with increasing nitrate concentration. The proportion of sucrose/CO2 assimilation depended on the NH4+/NO3- ratios of the Bn plantlets. Both nitrate and ammonium assimilation were independent of sucrose/CO2 assimilation. Based on the proportion of CO2, sucrose, nitrate and ammonium utilization, the nitrate/ammonium use efficiency (as indicated by the C/N ratio) for carbon fixation derived from the assimilation of sucrose/CO2 can be quantified for Bn plantlets.ConclusionsQuantifying the utilization proportions of nitrate and ammonium can reveal the difference in nitrate and ammonium utilization among plantlets at different NH4+/NO3- ratios. Foliar δ13C value in combination of the foliar δ15N value of plantlets can be used to quantify the nitrate/ammonium use efficiency for the carbon fixation derived from the assimilation of sucrose/CO2, which contributes to knowing the coupling process of carbon and nitrogen in plantlets and provides an alternate way to optimize the supply of inorganic nitrogen in culture media.
Preparation and Characterization of Bioceramic Cordierite for Medical Applications
Authors: Basheet Mohammad Hasan , Farhan Fadhil Kareem , Abed Abdulrahman Najem
Published: September 2021

The study concentration on the fabricate of bioactive behavior of pure cordierite system and investigate the structure of phase transformation and physical characteristics. cordierite powders were synthesized by chemical coprecipitation, combined Cordierite gel with water-based sol–gel which begin fundamental from magnesium oxide MgO, Alumina Al2O3 and silicon oxide SiO2. Five specimens were prepared with different weight percentage of Mgo, Al2O3 and SiO2 powders. cylindrical shape samples were press by hydraulic press at 4 bar for 30 minutes. All specimens were sintered at 1250 0C.The microstructure examination of specimens was carried out using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and particle size analysis The analysis revealed cordierite phase formation at 1250 °C, and the intense peaks were identified for composites S4 and S5. The results also indicated the formation of spinel, cristobalite, corundum, protoestatite and cordierite for all the specimens.
Do ACE and ACE2 Polymorphisms Influence in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Nephropathy?
Authors: Reis Angela Adamski da Silva , Silva Elisângela Gomes da , Santos Kamilla de Faria , Anjos Laura Raniere Borges dos , Santos Rodrigo da Silva , Freiria-Oliveira André Henrique
Published: September 2021

BackgroundIn this study, we reported the impact of polymorphisms in the ACE and ACE2 encoding genes on diabetic nephropathy (DN) susceptibility in Brazilian subjects from the Goiânia region of central Brazil. These genes have been increasingly highlighted, mainly due to their relationship with the severity of COVID-19. Methods and ResultsIn this study, 196 diabetic individuals (101 patients with DN and 95 without DN) were investigated. Genotyping of the ACE gene was performed by real-time PCR, and ACE2 gene analysis was conducted through PCR/RFLP. Our results indicate that the I/D genotype presented increased risk in the development of DN (OR=2.5; p=0.01). This finding shows the D allele influences the circulating levels of angiotensin II and, as a consequence, arterial pressure increases, the glomeruli will be affected, culminating in glomerular damage and, consequently, DN. By combining ACE and ACE2 genotypes, we observed an evident risk tendency (OR=2.51; p=0.07) associated with the combination of ACE (I/D or D/D) and wild type ACE2 (GG) polymorphisms, as well as for the combination of the same polymorphism and ACE2 heterozygous or mutant (GA or AA or A) (OR=2.61; p=0.08). ConclusionsOur findings suggest that ACE polymorphism could have an important role in the DN pathogenesis, as well as in the variations of the clinical parameters investigated in this research. However, ACE2 polymorphism was not correlated with DN. Thus, characterization of ACE and ACE2 polymorphisms in patients with Diabetes Mellitus need more studies for appropriate and effective clinical conducts based in genotype.
Age-Related Effects of Executive Function on Takeover Performance: A Simulator Study in Automated Driving
Authors: Peng Qijia , Wu Yanbin , Qie Nan , Iwaki Sunao
Published: September 2021

The development of highly automated vehicles (HAV) can meet elderly drivers’ mobility needs; however, worse driving performance after a takeover request (TOR) is frequently found, especially regarding non-driving related tasks (NDRTs). This study aims to detect the correlation between takeover performance and underlying cognitive factors comprising a set of higher order cognitive processes including executive functions. Thirty-five young and 35 elderly participants were tested by computerized cognitive tasks and simulated driving tasks to evaluate their executive functions and takeover performance. Performance of n-back tasks, Simon tasks, and task switching were used to generate updating, inhibition, and shifting components of executive functions by principal component analysis. The performance of lane changing after TOR was measured using the standard deviation of the steering wheel angle and minimum time-to-collision (TTC). Differences between age groups and NDRT engagement were assessed by two-way mixed analysis of variance.Older participants had significantly lower executive function ability and were less stable and more conservative when engaged in NDRT. Furthermore, a significant correlation between executive function and lateral driving stability was found. These findings highlight the interaction between age-related differences in executive functions and takeover performance; thus, provide implications for designing driver screening tests or human-machine interfaces.
Solving Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem with Demands as Fuzzy Random Variable
Authors: Singh Vishnu Pratap , Sharma Kirti , Chakraborty Debjani
Published: September 2021

Capacitated vehicle routing problem ( CVRP ) is a classical combinatorial optimization problem in which a network of customers with specified demands is given. The objective is to find a set of routes which originates as well as terminates at the depot node. These routes are to be traversed in such a way that the demands of all the customers in the network are satisfied and the cost associated with traversal of these routes come out to be a minimum. In real-world situations, the demand of any commodity depends upon various uncontrollable factors, such as, season, delivery time, market conditions and many more. Due to these factors, the demand can always not be told in advance and a precise information about the demand is nearly impossible to achieve. Hence, the demands of the customers always experience impreciseness and randomness in real-life. The decisions made by the customers about the demands may also have some scope of hesitation as well. In order to handle such demands of customers in the network, fuzzy random variables and intuitionistic fuzzy random variables are used in this work. The work bridges the gap between the classical version of CVRP and the real-life situation and hence makes it easier for the logistic management companies to determine the routes that should be followed for minimum operational cost and maximum profit. Mathematical models corresponding to CVRP with fuzzy stochastic demands ( CVRPFSD ) and CVRP with Intuitionistic fuzzy stochastic demands ( CVRPIFSD ) have been presented. A two-stage model has been proposed to find out the solution for the same. To explain the working of the methodology defined in this work, two different example of a network with fuzzy and intuitionistic fuzzy demands have been worked out. The proposed solution approach is also tested on modified fuzzy versions of some benchmark instances.