bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A genomics dissection of Kenya’s COVID-19 waves: temporal lineage replacements and dominance of imported variants of concern
Authors: Kimita Gathii , Nyataya Josphat , Omuseni Esther , Sigei Faith , Lemtudo Allan , Muthanje Eric , Andika Brian , Liyai Rehema , Githii Rachel , Masakhwe Clement , Ochola Stephen , Awinda George , Kifude Carol , Mutai Beth , Waitumbi John
Published: October 2021

Kenya’s COVID-19 epidemic was slow to peak. It was seeded early in March 2020, and did not peak until late-July 2020 (wave 1), mid-November 2020 (wave 2) and late-March 2021 (wave 3). Here we present SARS-CoV-2 lineages associated with the three COVID-19 waves through analysis of 483 genomes, which included 167 Alpha (B.1.1.7), 57 Delta (B.1.617.2) and 12 Beta (B.1.351) variants of concerns (VOC) that dominated the third wave. In total, 35 lineages were identified. The early European lineages B.1 and B.1.1 were the first to be seeded in Kenya. The B.1 lineage continued to expand and remained the most dominant lineage accounting for 55.8% and 56.3% in waves 1 and 2 respectively. The alpha (B.1.1.7), delta (B.1.167.2) and beta (B.1.351) VOCs dominated in wave 3 at 59.0%, 20.1% and 4.2% respectively. Eventually, the delta variant took over at the tail end of wave 3 and at the time of going to press, it had become the major lineage in the whole country. Phylogenetic analysis suggested multiple introductions of variants from outside Kenya especially during the first and third wave. Phylogeny also highlighted local lineage diversification as local transmission events supervened. The data highlights the importance of genome surveillance in determining circulating variants to aid in public health interventions.
Impact of invasive alien plant species, Lantana camara, on the species composition, richness and evenness of invaded plant communities in Sidama, Gamogofa and Gedio Zones, Ethiopia
Authors: Assefa Amare Seifu , Molla Ermias Lulekal
Published: October 2021

Invasive alien species represent one of the major threats to biodiversity and all economic sectors. Lantana camara has been ranked as the highest impacting invasive plant species in the study areas. However, its impact on diversity and composition of invaded plant communities has not been well studied. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of Lantana camara on species diversity and composition of invaded plant communities in the study areas. A total of 120, 10m X 10m plots were sampled so as to examine its effects of invasions on the species diversity and composition of invaded communities. A total of 109 species were found in the non-invaded areas as compared to 56 in the invaded areas. The number of species decreased by 48.6% in Lantana camara invaded areas as compared to the control. The mean evenness values of the entire invaded sampled study site and that of the control were 0.24 and 0.81 respectively. Thus, the heterogeneity of the invaded study sites was reduced by 57%. The number of plant families was 44 in the control areas in contrast to only 30 in the invaded areas. The number of plant families decreased by 31.8% in the invaded areas as compared to the control. Therefore, it was noted that Lantana camara has a serious impact on plant diversity hence the finding calls for an urgent management and control strategy against the spread of Lantana camara so as to save the ongoing threat to biodiversity.
Comparative Genomics Highlight the Importance of Lineage-Specific Gene Families in Evolutionary Divergence of the Coral Genus, Montipora
Authors: Yoshioka Yuki , Suzuki Go , Zayasu Yuna , Yamashita Hiroshi , Shinzato Chuya
Published: October 2021

Background: Scleractinian corals of the genus Montipora (Anthozoa, Cnidaria) possess some unusual biological traits, such as vertical transmission of algal symbionts; however, the genetic bases for those traits remain unknown. We performed extensive comparative genomic analyses among members of the family Acroporidae (Montipora, Acropora and Astreopora) to explore genomic novelties to explain unique biological traits of Montipora using improved genome assemblies and gene predictions for M. cactus, M. efflorescens and Astreopora myriophthalma. Results: We obtained genomic data for the three species, of comparable high quality to other published coral genomes. Comparative genomic analyses revealed that the number of gene families restricted to Montipora are significantly higher than those of Acropora and Astreopora, but their functions are largely unknown. The number of gene families specifically expanded in Montipora was much lower than the number specifically expanded in Acropora. In addition, we found that evolutionary rates of the Montipora-specific gene families were significantly higher than other gene families shared with Acropora and/or Astreopora. Of 40 gene families under positive selection (Ka/Ks ratio > 1) in Montipora, 30 were specifically detected in Montipora-specific gene families. Comparative transcriptome analysis of early life stages of Montipora, which possesses maternally inherited symbionts, and Acropora, which lacks them, revealed that most gene families continuously expressed in Montipora, but not expressed in Acropora do not have orthologs in Acropora. Among the 30 Montipora-specific gene families under positive selection, 27 are expressed in early life stages. Conclusions: Lineage-specific gene families were important to establish the genus Montipora, particularly genes expressed throughout early life stages, which under positive selection, gave rise to biological traits unique to Montipora. Our findings highlight evolutionarily acquired genomic bases that may support symbiosis in these stony corals and provide novel insights into mechanisms of coral-algal symbiosis, the physiological foundation of coral reefs.
Changing Scenario of Anemia Among Women in India: Understanding the Maternal Health Concern and Its Associated Predictors Through National Family Health Survey
Authors: Roy Nivedita , Mishra Vijay Kumar , Mishra Piyush Kumar , Bandhu Ashish , Dhakad Rajeev
Published: October 2021

Objectives: To study the changes in Anemia among women and to study the association between anemia and socio-demographic and economic predictors, also estimating the percentage contribution of selected predictors to Anemia among women belonging to poor and non-poor households.Methods: The State-wise percentages were taken from the extracted factsheets of National Family Health Survey 2015-2016 and 2019-2020. Absolute and relative percent changes to understand the changes in prevalence have been calculated. Multiple logistic regression was done to understand the associated varying predictors of Anemia among women. Percentage contribution of selected varying predictors through multivariate decomposition analysis have also been estimated. Results: Anemia prevalence was found the highest among the women in Goa and least in Lakshwadeep. The relative change in prevalence of Anemia was highest in Assam and lowest in Lakshwadeep. Socio-economic factors like marriage at a young age, lack of education, exposure to media, malnutrition, and poor economic status contribute significantly to the prevalence of Anemia among women of age 15-49 years.Conclusion: It is seen that the socio-demographic and economic burden on Anemia still continues to be higher than other medical predictors. The focus should be made more on education, malnutrition, and economic status to reduce the prevalence of Anemia.
The Inhibitory Effect of KIAA1456 on the Proliferation and Metastasis of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Through SSX1 and AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Yingfeng , Gao Yanhong , Sun Congcong , Mao Yanhua , Wu Benyuan , Li Changjiang , Zhang Wenwen , Wang Jia
Published: October 2021

Background: KIAA1456 is effective in the inhibition of tumorigenesis. We previously confirmed that KIAA1456 inhibits cell proliferation and metastasis in epithelial ovarian tumours. In the current study, the specific molecular mechanisms and clinical significance of KIAA1456 underlying the repression of epithelial ovarian cancer were investigated.Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the protein expression of KIAA1456 and SSX1 in epithelial ovarian tumours and normal ovarian tissues. The relationship of KIAA1456 and SSX1 with overall survival of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer was analysed with Kaplan–Meier survival curve and log-rank tests. KIAA1456 was overexpressed and silenced in HO8910PM cells with a lentivirus. The anticancer activity of KIAA1456 was tested by CCK8, plate clone formation assay, flow cytometry, wound healing assay and Transwell invasion assay. Xenograft tumour models were used to investigate the effects of KIAA1456 on tumour growth in vivo. Bioinformatics analyses of microarray profiling indicated that SSX1 and the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway were differentially expressed in KIAA1456-overexpressing and control cells. Therefore, the biological function of HO8910PM cotransfected with KIAA1456- and SSX1-overexpressing cells was detected to validate the rescue effect of SSX1. The downstream factors of PI3K/AKT that are related to cell growth and apoptosis, including p-AKT, PCNA, MMP9, CyclinD1 and Bcl-2, were detected by Western blot analysis.Results: KIAA1456 expression was lower in epithelial ovarian tumours than in normal ovarian tissues. Its expression level negatively correlated with pathological grade. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed that KIAA1456 negatively correlated with SSX1 expression. The overexpression of KIAA1456 in HO8910PM cells inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion and promoted apoptosis. By contrast, the silencing of KIAA1456 resulted in the opposite behaviour. A xenograft tumour experiment showed that KIAA1456 overexpression inhibited tumour growth in vivo. Mechanistically, the overexpression of KIAA1456 inhibited SSX1 expression and AKT phosphorylation in HO8910PM cells, causing the inactivation of the AKT signalling pathway and eventually reducing the expression of PCNA, CyclinD1, MMP9 and Bcl2. Similarly, the silencing of KIAA1456 resulted in the opposite behaviour. Finally, SSX1 overexpression could partially reverse the KIAA1456-induced biological effect.Conclusion: KIAA1456 may serve as a tumour suppressor via the inactivation of SSX1 and the AKT pathway, providing a promising therapeutic target for epithelial ovarian cancers.
COVID-19 Perception, Attitude, and Communication (COVPAC) Survey; the Value of Perceived Risk to Adherence
Authors: Awua Adolf Kofi , Doe Edna Dzifa , Nuro-Ameyaw Deborah , Akortia Eric
Published: October 2021

Aim: An understanding of the following; the level of knowledge, perception, attitudes, and the nature of risk communication to a population is important to national efforts at disease control in a situation of epidemic and pandemic. To this end, it was aimed to provide insight on the knowledge, perception, and attitude towards coronavirus disease-19 prevention, particularly, towards communication and adherence to protocols. The survey was carried out during the second wave of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infections and the reopening of schools in the country. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional online survey with a self-administered Knowledge-Attitude-Practise questionnaire was conducted between January and February 2021. Overall, two hundred and eight (208) cohorts were reached via WhatsApp by a combination of convenience and snowball sampling. Results: Although, the demographic information was generally unbiased, the educational level showed that the findings were mainly skewed towards the high-end of the educated in Ghana. It was evident that there were non-coronavirus disease-19 related prevention actions that complemented the COVID-19 prevention protocol. Additionally, self-driven factors were the least source of motivation to adhering to prevention protocols, while other people’s behaviour and new COVID-19 related information and related risk of harm to pupils were the most motivating factors on the perceptions on adherence to the prevention protocols. Conclusion: The study provides useful insights on a section of the population that is the high-end of the expectations on adherence. This, therefore, forms a useful basis for what should be expected among the general population and for newer prevention actions such as the ongoing vaccination campaigns.
Retrospective mercury exposure and current symptoms of nervous system dysfunction in adults of a First Nation community (Canada)
Authors: Philibert Aline , Fillion Myriam , Silva Judy Da , Lena Tanya Suvendrini , Mergler Donna
Published: October 2021

Background: The watershed in Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek (Grassy Narrows First Nation) territory has been contaminated by mercury (Hg) since 1962, resulting in very high Hg concentrations in fish, central to the community’s culture, traditions, economy and diet. Biomarkers of Hg (umbilical cord blood and hair/blood samples), monitored between 1970 and 1997, decreased over time. A recent Grassy Narrows Community Health Assessment (GN-CHA) survey included current symptoms of nervous system dysfunction. The present study aimed to cluster self-reported symptoms and examine their relation to past Hg exposure. Methods: The GN-CHA included 391 Registered adult Band members. Symptom clustering used a two-step segmentation approach. Umbilical cord Hg and yearly measurements of hair Hg were available for 242 participants. Longitudinal Mixed Effects Models (LMEM) served to examine past hair Hg with respect to clusters. Structural Equation Models (SEM) displayed direct and indirect pathways between Hg exposure and clusters, with Hg exposure modelled as a latent variable or in separate time periods (prenatal, childhood and having had hair Hg ≥ 5µg/g at least once). Results: A total of 37 symptoms bonded into 6 clusters, representing Extrapyramidal impairment, Sensory impairment, Cranial nerve disturbances, Gross motor impairment, Neuro-cognitive deficits and Affect/Mood disorders. Median Hg concentrations were 5µg/L (1-78.5) and 1.1µg/g (0.2-16) for umbilical cord and childhood hair, respectively. More than one-third (36.6%) had hair Hg ≥ 5 µg/g at least once. LMEM shows higher long-term hair Hg among those with higher scores for most clusters. In SEM, latent Hg is directly and indirectly associated with all clusters. The contribution of prenatal exposure is mediated by childhood exposure, except for Affect/Mood disorders, where the association is direct. Hair Hg ≥ 5 µg/g is directly related to Extrapyramidal and Sensory impairment. Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence that in this First Nation community, past Hg exposure from fish consumption was associated with later-life clusters of coexisting symptoms of nervous system dysfunction. Given the complexity of the interrelations between the various determinants of chronic health problems in this and other First Nation communities, LMEM and SEM methods provide the opportunity to trace direct and/or indirect effect routes of potential “causal impact”.
The Reasons for Informal Payments from the Perspective of Health Care Providers and Recipients: A Qualitative Study in Iran
Authors: Arab Mohammad , Khosravi Bahman , Safari Hosein , Rahmani Hojat , Rajabi Ghasem , Mobinizadeh Mohammadreza , Habibi Farhad
Published: October 2021

Background: Informal payments are one of the major obstacles to health system reform in many developing countries, and its elimination is on the agenda of health system policymakers in many countries, including Iran. This study was conducted to identify the causes of informal payments in the Iranian health system.Methods: This was a qualitative and exploratory study. The study population included health care providers and health care recipients. Data were collected using open-ended questions and semi-structured interviews. Convenience and snowball sampling methods were used to select the providers. Content analysis method was used to analyze the data.Results: In the present study, 6 participants were physicians, 4 were hospital managers or CEOs, 4 were treatment or technical managers, 2 were nurses and 12 were patients or their companions. Reasons for informal payments divided in 4 themes include Economic factors, Socio-cultural factors, Service delivery challenges and Legal-political factors.Conclusions: In the Iranian health system, there is a great effort in order to reduce and eliminate the informal payments phenomenon, especially with the implementation of the health system transformation plan. Knowing the causes of this phenomenon can help reduce or eliminate it.
Health Systems Strengthening Interventions for Perinatal Common Mental Disorders and Experiences of Domestic Violence in Cape Town, South Africa: Protocol for a Pilot Implementation Study
Authors: Abrahams Zulfa , Schneider Marguerite , Honikman Simone , Olckers Patti , Boisits Sonet , Seward Nadine , Lund Crick
Published: October 2021

Background: During the perinatal period, common mental disorders (CMDs) such as depression and anxiety are highly prevalent, especially in low resource settings, and are associated with domestic violence, poverty and food insecurity. Perinatal CMDs have been associated with several adverse maternal and child outcomes. While the Department of Health in South Africa provides healthcare workers with the tools to detect psychological distress and experiences of domestic violence, few healthcare workers routinely screen pregnant women at clinic visits, citing discomfort with mental health issues and the lack of standardised referral pathways as the key barriers. The aim of this study is to select and evaluate a set of health systems strengthening (HSS) interventions aimed at improving the care and outcomes for perinatal women with CMDs and experiences of domestic violence, attending public healthcare facilities in Cape Town.Methods: This study consists of a pre-implementation, development, and implementation phase. Contextual barriers identified during the pre-implementation phase included poor patient knowledge and health-seeking behaviour, high levels of stigma, and poor detection, referral and treatment rates. Implementation science determinant frameworks were applied to findings from the pre-implementation phase to identify determinants and gaps in delivering high-quality evidence-informed care. A participatory Theory of Change workshop was used to design a HSS programme, consisting of awareness raising, detection, referral, and treatment. HSS interventions selected to support the delivery of the HSS programme includes training, health promotion, change to the healthcare environment, task-sharing, audit and feedback and performance monitoring. The implementation phase will be used to assess several implementation and clinical outcomes associated with delivery of the HSS programme, which will be piloted at three healthcare facilities. Qualitative and quantitative methods will be used to evaluate the implementation and clinical outcomes. Discussion: This pilot implementation study will inform us about a range of implementation and clinical outcome measures that are relevant for assessing health systems strengthening interventions for perinatal women with depression, anxiety or experiences of domestic violence in low resource settings. Lessons learnt from the pilot study will be incorporated into the design of a cluster randomised control trial for which further funding will be sought.
Revealing the Systematic Nature of Coral Attachment to Reef Substrates
Authors: Lewis Brett , Suggett David , Prentis Peter , Nothdurft Luke
Published: October 2021

Reef-building coral colonies propagate by periodic sexual reproduction and continuous asexual fragmentation. The latter depends on successful attachment to the reef substrate through modification of soft tissues and skeletal growth. Despite decades of research examining coral sexual and asexual propagation, the contact response, tissue motion, and cellular reorganisation responsible for attaching to the substrate via a newly formed skeleton have not been documented. Here, we correlated fluorescence and electron microscopy image data with ‘live’ microscopic time-lapse of the coral tissue biomechanics and developed a multiscale imaging approach to establish the first “coral attachment model” (CAM) - identifying three distinct phases that determine the timing and success of attachment during asexual propagation: (i) an initial immune response, followed by (ii) fragment stabilisation through anchoring by the soft tissue and (iii) formation of a “lappet appendage” structure leading to substrate bonding of the tissue for encrustation through the onset of skeletal calcification. In developing CAM, we provide new frameworks and metrics that enable reef researchers, managers and coral restoration practitioners to evaluate attachment effectiveness needed to optimise species-substrate compatibility.
Competition Between The Tadpoles of Toads Versus Frogs: A Study of Four Japanese Anuran Taxa
Authors: Haramura Takashi , Eto Koshiro , Crossland Michael R. , Nishikawa Kanto , Shine Richard
Published: October 2021

Competition within and among species can play a key role in structuring the assemblages of anuran tadpoles. Previous studies have reported that tadpoles of the invasive cane toad (Rhinella marina) are more strongly disadvantaged by the presence of native frog tadpoles than by the same number of conspecific toad tadpoles. That effect might arise from a lack of coevolution of the invasive toad with its competitors; and/or from a generalized superiority of frog tadpoles over toad tadpoles. To clarify those possibilities, we conducted experimental trials using the larvae of a native rather than invasive toad (Bufo japonicus formosus in Japan) exposed to larvae of native anurans (the sympatric frogs Rana japonica and Rana ornativentris and the parapatric toad Bufo japonicus japonicus). In intraspecific competition trials, higher densities of B. j. formosus prolonged the larval period and reduced size at metamorphosis, but did not affect survival. In interspecific competition trials, the effects of the other anuran species on B. j. formosus were similar to the effects of the same number of conspecific larvae. This similarity in impact of interspecific versus intraspecific competition argues against any overall competitive superiority of frog larvae over toad larvae. Instead, the vulnerability of larval cane toads to frog tadpoles may result from a lack of coevolutionary history.
Impact of Library Activities on Labour Market Outcome
Authors: Utkirov Abbos , Salahodjayev Rauf
Published: October 2021

PurposeThis paper investigates the impact of the Learning Resource Centre activities of Westminster International University Tashkent (WIUT) graduated students on the labour market outcome. WIUT library provides a learning environment that helps students create functional teams and individual projects to support employability. The study aims to clarify the relationship between library activities and labour market outcomes. It proposes an employability guide to improve a commercial responsiveness workshop in collaboration with other services and alumni voices.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research approach was employed; an online survey questionnaire was distributed to alumni students to obtain the data. It was a semi-structured questionnaire designed using a Likert Scale to collect data from 607 graduates.FindingsThe study revealed that LRC activities have a significant impact on labour market outcomes for students. LRC activities such as presentation skills, information technology skills, problem-solving skills, research skills were expected mainly by the labour market.Research limitationsThe study was focused only on graduates of WIUT, which may limit the generalizability. Therefore, the researcher proposed to study and compare other graduates of universities in Uzbekistan.Practical implicationsThe insights are valuable for planning the curriculum of LRC activities and developing teaching practices at WIUT. Moreover, current and graduate students can learn market-oriented skills and labour market demands.Originality/valueThis is the first-ever study in Uzbekistan that explores the relationship of university library activities on the employability skills of alumni.
Possibility of Using Flexible Dentures Over Iliac Bone Graft in Adolescent Patients With Ameloblastoma: A Case Report
Authors: Belal Ammar , Monther Bassil , Alzarif Wael
Published: October 2021

BackgroundThe use of bone grafts is a common procedure after excision and reconstruction of the mandible, but it is rare in children and adolescents due to incomplete growth, which means a long transition period until reaching an appropriate age for implantation or predictable outcomes. Case PresentationThis article describes 9 months follow-up of the use of a flexible denture above a bone graft taken from the anterior iliac crest for adolescent Patients with resected mandible due to ameloblastoma.Taking into account prosthetic considerations, radiography, and clinical monitoring, showed no problems with the graft.ConclusionIt is safe to use a flexible denture as prosthetic over Iliac bone graft block during healing period.
Development of Mycelium Materials Incubating Pleurotus Ostreatus Fungi With Different Substrates Composed of Poplar Sawdust and Cottonseed Hull
Authors: Ding Rong , Yang Xinyu , Peng Liucheng , Xie Jing , Chen Chenwei
Published: October 2021

The mycelium materials incubating Pleurotus ostreatus fungi based on different substrate compositions were developed, the main components of which were poplar sawdust and cottonseed hull in different proportions. The hyphae on the surface of the samples become dense from appearance due to the addition of cottonseed hull. The Fourier Transforms Infrared analysis revealed that the cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin in substrates of all samples were degraded in different degrees owing to utilization by hyphae growth. The morphology and mechanical properties of the mycelial materials changed as the substrate compositions varied. The difference of properties among all mycelium materials was mainly attributed to the growth of mycelium and different substrate compositions. And the mycelium material (the ratio of poplar sawdust to cottonseed hull was 1) exhibited highest strength and lowest compression set, indicating that its size recovery capability was best. In comparison, the substrate of this material was more favorable to the growth of the mycelium and it showed optimal comprehensive performance among all samples. The mycelium material showed good potentiality for packaging application.
Prognostic Values of the Gross Volume of Metastatic Lymph Nodes in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated with Definitive Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Li Yang , Li Yanqi , Zhu Fuyi , Wei Xiaoying , Guo Zhoubo , Zhang Tian , Chen Xi , Wei Hui , Zhang Wencheng , Pang Qingsong , Wang Ping
Published: October 2021

Purpose

We aim to explore whether the gross volume of metastatic lymph nodes (GTVnd) and the gross volume of primary tumor (GTVp) could be prognostic factors for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients treated with definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (dCCRT).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 252 ESCC patients treated with dCCRT in the era of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) at our institution. The cut-off value for the GTVnd derived from the restricted cubic splines (RCS) was determined. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were performed to determine the association between GTVnd and prognosis. we performed recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) method using GTVnd to develop a new risk stratification (TGTVndM). Moreover, the linear trend χ2, likelihood ratio χ2, and akaike information criterion (AIC) were used to determine the prognostic value between the TNM and TGTVndM staging systems.

Results

The five-year overall survival (OS) rate was 30.6%, with a median follow-up of 38 months. The cut-off value of GTVnd determined by the RCS was 4.35 cm3. GTVnd≥4.35 cm3 was an independent and significant negative prognostic factor for OS (HR=1.949, P<0.001), progression free survival (PFS) (HR=1.425, P=0.048), and distance metastasis free survival (DMFS) (HR=2.548, P=0.001). In multivariable analysis, gender, clinical T stage, and GTVnd were independently associated with OS. RPA segregated patients into 3 prognostic groups: high risk (T1-4 GTVnd≥4.35, n=126, III stage), intermediate risk (T4 GTVnd<4.35,n=38,II stage), and low risk(T1-3GTVnd<4.35, n=88, I stage). The 5-year OS(P<0.001), PFS (P=0.002), and DMFS (P=0.001) were significantly worse in high-risk group in comparison with the intermediate and low risk groups. Compared with the TNM staging system, the clinical T stage combined with GTVnd (TGTVndM) had a higher linear trend χ2 (26.38 versus 25.77), higher likelihood ratio χ2 (24.39 versus 20.69), and lower AIC (1255.07 versus 1260.06).

Conclusions

GTVnd may serve as a good prognostic factor in predicting distant metastasis and death for ESCC patients treated with dCCRT. The TGTVndM staging system demonstrated superior accuracy for predicting OS and could serve as a more effective prognostic guidance for unresectable ESCC patients.
Gender Differences In The Effects of Marital Status And Physical Activity On Depression Among The South Korean Elderly
Authors: Park Soojin , Nam Jin Young
Published: October 2021

Background: Depression in the elderly has recently drawn considerable attention as a public health issue because of its significant impact on the physical and social relationship of these individuals. We examined the association of physical activity and marital status with depression in the elderly and the related gender differences.Methods: This study used the data of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) of 2014, 2016, and 2018. The participants were 4,134 elderly individuals aged 65 years or older. The association of physical activity and marital status with depression was analyzed using logistic regression.Results: Out of 4,134 elderly participants, 318 had depression. Those not living with their spouse had higher prevalence of depression than those living with their spouse (women: odds ratio [OR] = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.01-1.82; men: OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.05-3.39). Moreover, spouseless elderly who engaged in physical activity was associated with depression (OR = 1.65, 95% CI= 1.04-2.62). In the case of elderly men, the risk of depression was 2.7 times higher for those who lived alone without a spouse and engaged physical activity.Conclusions: There was a gender difference in the association between marital status and depression, elderly men without spouses having higher risk of depression. Policymakers need to devise health programs and policies to encourage older men to engage in social activities after retirement.
High expression of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine is associated with a more favorable hepatoblastoma prognosis in Chinese patients
Authors: Huang Junting , Hu Yang , Chen Huadong , Chen Binbin , Zhang Yu , Yan Shumei , Lu Suying , Sun Feifei , Zhu Jia , Wang Juan , Zhen Zijun , Liu Juncheng , Zhang Yizhuo
Published: October 2021

Background

To analyze associations between the strength of expression of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and survival outcomes of Chinese hepatoblastoma patients.
Methods

We collected and analyzed clinical data of hepatoblastoma patients aged <15 years treated at the Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center or the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from Feb 2010 to Sept 2018. Patients were treated according to the Children's Oncology Group protocol. Specimens for pathology were collected by biopsy or surgical resection before initiation of chemotherapy. The level of expression of 5hmC was analyzed in tissue samples from 100 patients by immunohistochemistry. The prognostic value of 5hmC was evaluated by Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses.
Results

We enrolled 100 patients with hepatoblastoma (median follow-up, 43.0 months; range, 18.4–131.6). The total recurrence rate was 30.0%. Three-year overall survival (OS) rates of high and low 5hmC expressors was 92.6%±3.6% and 80.3%±5.9%, respectively. Three-year event-free survival (EFS) of high and low expressors was 84.4%±5.1% and 49.8%±7.7%, respectively. Thus, high levels of 5hmC expression are associated with more favorable OS and EFS. Multivariate analysis indicated that 5hmC expression level was an independent prognostic indicator for OS and EFS.
Conclusions

Our findings showed that strong hepatoblastoma 5hmC expression was associated with lower recurrence rates and longer EFS and OS. Thus, 5hmC expression may have prognostic relevance in hepatoblastoma.
The Ablation of T1R1 Reduces Lipid Accumulation Through Reducing the De Novo Lipid Synthesis and Improving Lipid Metabolism in Mice
Authors: Ma Lu , Tian Xuekai , Xi Fengxue , He Yulin , Li Dong , Sun Jingchun , Yuan Tiantian , Wang Yaxin , Fan Lin , Zhang Chunlei , Yang Gongshe , Yu Taiyong
Published: October 2021

Background: That cells sense extracellular amino acids to regulate intracellular lipid metabolism has been a heated debate in terms of the study on amino acid nutrition. T1R1 is a membrane G protein-coupled receptor that senses amino acids in a variety of cells. In our study, T1R1-KO mice was used to explore the function of umami taste receptor in lipid metabolism. Results: Compared with wild-type mice, T1R1-KO mice showed Significantly lighter adipose tissue weight, reduced serum triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC), as well as higher glucose tolerance on chow diet. Moreover, there were less lipid accumulation in adipose and liver tissue and shrink of the adipocyte size in T1R1-KO mice. And a decreased expression of lipogenesis genes (PPARγ, CEBPα, SREBP1) was found in both adipose and liver tissue. To further study the mechanism of T1R1 regulating liver lipid metabolism, proteomics analysis was introduced and the up-regulated proteins were enriched in lipid and steroid metabolism pathways of T1R1-KO mice. Further PRM verification analysis showed that the ablation of T1R1 reduced the de novo synthesis of lipids through BCKDHA and BCKDHB, and promoted lipid metabolism through CYP7B1 and IGFBP2. Conclusions: Our results showed that the disruption of T1R1 in mice could reduce body lipid accumulation, and our data clarifies the role of umami receptors in lipid metabolism and could provide a basis for the research on nutrition and obesity.
Assessing the Effectiveness of an App-Based Unintentional Injury Intervention for Caregivers of Rural Chinese Preschoolers: Protocol for a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: He Jieyi , Wang Wanhui , Ning Peishan , Cheng Peixia , Li Jie , Zheng Ming , Yuan Shujuan , Yang Lei , Wu Youyou , Zong Huiying , Schwebel David C. , Yang Yang , Hu Guoqing
Published: October 2021

BackgroundCompared to urban children, children living in rural areas of most countries, including China, are at higher risk of suffering unintentional injuries. Most proven injury prevention interventions, however, are rarely implemented in rural China due to lack of resources. Mobile health interventions are low-cost and easy-to-implement, facilitating implementing injury prevention in resource-limited areas (e.g., rural areas). This study is designed to examine the effectiveness of an app-based intervention for unintentional injury prevention among rural preschoolers in China. MethodsA single-blind, 18-month, parallel-group cluster randomized controlled trial with 1:1 allocation ratio will be implemented in 2 rural areas of China (Yang County, Shaanxi Province, and Shicheng County, Jiangxi Province). In total, at least 3508 rural caregivers of preschoolers aged 3-6 years old who own a smartphone will be recruited from 24 preschools. Clusters will be randomized at the preschool level and allocated to the control group (receiving routine school-based education plus app-based parenting education excluding unintentional injury prevention) or the intervention group (receiving routine school-based education plus app-based parenting education including unintentional injury prevention). External support strategies will be adopted by local partners to minimize user fatigue, non-compliance, and attrition. Data collection will be conducted at baseline and then every 3 months during the 18-month follow-up time period. Intention-to-treat (ITT) data analysis will be implemented. Missing values will be imputed by using the Expectation Maximization algorithm (EM). Generalized estimation equations (GEE) will test the overall effectiveness of the app-based intervention. A per-protocol (PP) sensitivity analysis will be conducted to test the robustness of results. Subgroup analyses will follow the strategies for primary analyses.ResultsThe primary outcome measure is the incidence rate of unintentional injury among preschoolers during the study period. Secondary outcome measures comprise longitudinal changes in caregiver’s attitudes, caregiver-reported supervision behaviors, and caregiver-assessed home environment safety surrounding child unintentional injury prevention in the last week using a standardized audit instrument.ConclusionThe app-based intervention is expected to be feasible and effective over the 18-month intervention period. If the app is demonstrated effective as hypothesized, we will initiate processes to generalize and popularize it broadly to rural child caregivers across China. Trial registrationChiCTR2000037606, registered on August 29, 2020.
Bioinformatic analysis of PD 1 checkpoint blockade responsive immune microenvironment in severe influenza infection
Authors: ou huilin , Chen Keda , Wu Hongcheng , Yao hangping
Published: October 2021

Background: The programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) signaling pathway is significantly upregulated in severe influenza virus infection, which impairs the immune system and causes increased tissue inflammation and damage. Blocking this signaling pathway will reduce the damage, lower the virus titer in lung tissue, and alleviate the symptoms of infection to promote recovery. The aim of this study was to identify the key factors and regulatory mechanisms in the PD-1 checkpoint blockade–responsive immune microenvironment in severe influenza infection. Methods: A BALB/c mouse model of severe influenza A/H1N1 infection was constructed, and whole-transcriptome sequencing of mice treated with PD-1 checkpoint blockade before severe A/PR8(H1N1) influenza infection and IgG2a isotype control before infection were performed. Subsequently, the differential expression of nucleic acids between these two groups was analyzed, followed by functional interaction prediction analysis to investigate gene-regulatory circuits. Results: In total, 84 differentially expressed (dif) mRNAs, 36 dif-microRNAs (miRNAs), 90 dif‑lncRNAs (long noncoding RNAs), and 22 dif-circRNAs (circular RNAs) were found in PD-1 antagonist treated A/PR8(H1N1) influenza infection lung compared with the controls (IgG2a isotype control treated before infection). In spleens between the above two groups, 45 dif-mRNAs, 36 dif-miRNAs, 57 dif-lncRNAs, and 24 dif-circRNAs were identified. Direct function enrichment analysis of dif-mRNAs and dif-miRNAs showed that these genes were mainly involved in myocardial damage related to viral infection, mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, RAP1 (Ras-related protein 1) signaling pathway, and Axon guidance. Finally, 595 interaction pairs were obtained for the lungs and 462 interaction pairs for the spleen were obtained in the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) complex network, in which the downregulated mmu‑miR-7043-3p and Vps39-204 were enriched significantly. Conclusions: The present study provided a basis for the identification of potential pathways and hub genes that might be involved in the PD-1 checkpoint blockade–responsive immune microenvironment in severe influenza infection.
Derivation and validation a risk model for acute kidney injury and subsequent adverse events after cardiac surgery: a multicenter cohort study
Authors: Zhang Hang , Yu Min , Wang Rui , Fan Rui , Zhang Ke , Chen Wen , Chen Xin
Published: October 2021

Background

Acute Kidney Injury, a frequent complication in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, is associated with high mortality and poor quality of life. We aimed to establish a risk model for acute kidney injury and subsequent adverse events in Chinese cardiac patients.
Methods

This study included 11740 patients who had cardiac surgery at 14 institutions in China. Patients were randomly assigned to a derivation cohort (n = 8197) or a validation cohort (n = 3543). Variables ascertained during hospitalization were screened using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and logistic regression to construct a nomogram model. Model performance was evaluated using C-statistic, calibration curve, and Brier score. The nomogram was further compared with the five conventional models: Mehta score, Ng score, AKICS score, SRI score, and Cleveland Clinic score. Acute kidney injury was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Subsequent adverse events included mid-term outcomes: death from all causes and major adverse kidney events (defined as composite outcome of death from renal failure, dialysis, and advanced chronic kidney disease).
Results

Acute kidney injury occurred in 3237 (27.6%) patients. The model included 12 predictors. The nomogram achieved a C-statistic of 0.825 and 0.804 in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively, and had well-fitted calibration curves. The model performance of the nomogram was better than other five conventional models. After risk stratification, moderate-risk or high-risk groups were associated with significantly higher rates of death from all causes and major adverse kidney events compared with low-risk group during 7-year follow-up.
Conclusions

The nomogram provided an effective tool for predicting acute kidney injury and evaluating its subsequent adverse events after cardiac surgery.
Continuous Prescribed-Time Sliding Mode Control with A Prescribed-Time ESO for Second-Order Nonlinear Systems with Mismatched Disturbance
Authors: Ju Xiaozhe , Wang Feng , Guan Yingzi , Xu Shihao
Published: October 2021

This paper aims to settle the continuous prescribed-time stabilization problem of second-order nonlinear systems with mismatched disturbances. A continuous prescribed-time sliding mode control (CPTSMC) method with a prescribed-time extended state observer (PTESO) is proposed. The PTESO can precisely estimate the unknown states and disturbances, with its upper bound for the settling time (UBST) prescribed by only one parameter more tightly than existing finite-time or fixed-time ESOs. Furthermore, as a common concern for ESOs, the peaking value problem is well addressed. Then, a novel prescribed-time convergent form with little conservatism and simple tuning procedures is designed, and the internal mechanism in acquiring higher transient performance is explicitly researched. By using the estimated states and disturbances, the CPTSMC makes system states converge in a chattering-alleviated manner following the novel prescribed-time form. In addition to proving that the UBST of the whole system is tightly prescribed by only one design parameter, we show the continuity of the CPTSMC and the boundedness of all system signals, which are vital for practical applications. Ultimately, numerical simulations on the second-order system and a DC motor servo verify the efficiency of the proposed control system.
Long Noncoding RNA AL161729.4 Acts as an miR-760 Sponge to Enhance Colon Adenocarcinoma Proliferation via Activating PI3K/Akt Signaling
Authors: Liu Xinhong , Shi Mengyang , Mi Xue , Zhao Xin
Published: October 2021

Background: Colon adenocarcinoma is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies with poor prognosis and high mortality. The mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA regulatory network mediated by m6A methylation plays an important role in a variety of cancers including colon adenocarcinoma. Methods: We integrated and analyzed the gene expression data and clinical information of 473 patients with colon adenocarcinoma and 41 normal samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The luciferase reporter gene experiment is used to detect the targeting effect between gene, miRNA and lncRNA. Real-time PCR and Proliferation assays were performed to detect the biological function of gene, miRNA and lncRNA. Results: A risk model and Nomogram that could accurately predict the survival time of patients were constructed through informatics analysis. HYOU1, AL161729.4, miR-760 are differentially expressed in COAD patients and normal samples and are significantly related to survival, and there is a targeted binding effect between the three. Conclusions: HYOU1-AL161729.4-miR-760 ceRNA regulatory network could regulate the proliferation of SW620 cells through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Determinants of Economic Analysis of BT Cotton V/S Non-BT Cotton in Tando Allahyar Sindh, Pakistan
Authors: Shar Rashid , Jiskani Absar , Qi Yin
Published: October 2021

Adoption of certified and improved high-yielding varieties is a critical strategy for farmers in developing nations to increase agricultural productivity and living circumstances. The goal of this research was to investigate the factors that influence the adoption of improved cotton varieties by small-scale farmers in Tando Allahyar area of Sindh, Pakistan. In this study, Tando Allahyar area was selected, which is the main area of cotton cultivation. With the help of specially designed questionnaires, Bt cotton and non-Bt cotton data were collected from Better cotton registered farmers through personal interviews. Data were collected by simple random sampling. Descriptive and probabilistic regression models were used for data analysis. The empirical results showed that year of age (P≤ 0.000), House hold size (P≤ 0.092), farm machinery ownership (P≤ 0.000), distance to market (P≤0.005), access to market information (P≤0.003) and ground water quality (P≤ 0.000) had significantly positive influence on adoption of Bt cotton and non-Bt cotton verities, while age (P≤ 0.053) had significantly negative effect, while farming experience (P ≤-0.000), had significantly negative effect.