bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomic and metabolic profile analysis of low-temperature storage responses in Ipomoea batata Lam. tuberous roots
Authors: Cui Peng , Li Yongxin , Cui Chenke , Huo Yanrong , Lu Guoquan , Yang Huqing
Published: February 2020

Background: Sweetpotato ( Ipomoea batatas L.) is one of the seven major food crops grown worldwide, with 70-75% of production in China.Cold stress often can cause protein expression pattern and substance contents variations for tuberous roots of sweetpotato during low-temperature storage. Recently, we developed proteometabolic profiles of the fresh sweetpotatoes (cv. Xinxiang) in an attempt to discern the cold stress-responsive mechanism of tuberous root crops during post-harvest storage. Results: For roots stored under 4℃ condition, the activities of SOD, CAT, APX, O 2 .- producing rate, proline and especially soluble sugar contents were significantly increased as compared to sweetpotatoes exposed to room temperature (13℃). Most of the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were implicated in pathways related to metabolic pathway (~22%), especially phenylpropanoids (~10%) and followed by starch and sucrose metabolism (~3%). α-amylase, sucrose synthase and fructokinase were significantly up-regulated in starch and sucrose metabolism, while β-glucosidase, glucose-1-phosphate adenylyl-transferase and starch synthase were opposite. Furthermore, metabolome profiling revealed that glucosinolate biosynthesis, tropane, piperidine and pyridine alkaloid biosynthesis as well as protein digestion and absorption played a leading role in metabolic pathways of sweetpotato roots. More importantly, leucine, tryptophan, tyrosine, isoleucine and valine were all significantly up-regulated in glucosinolate biosynthesis. Conclusions: Our proteomic and metabolic profile analysis of sweetpotato roots stored at low temperature reveal that the antioxidant enzymes activities, proline and especially soluble sugar content were significantly increased. Most of the DEPs were implicated in phenylpropanoids and followed by starch and sucrose metabolism. Glucosinolate biosynthesis played a leading role in metabolic pathways of sweetpotao roots. More importantly, leucine, tryptophan, tyrosine, isoleucine and valine were all significantly up-regulated in glucosinolate biosynthesis.
Developing Public-Private Partnership Framework for Managing Adverse Health Effects of Environmental Disaster (A case study of Lake Urmia -Iran)
Authors: Gharaee Hojatolah , Rezapour Ramin , Derakhshani Naser , Ghojazadeh Morteza , Azami-Aghdash Saber
Published: February 2020

Background Due to the limited resources of the public sector, the presence of the private sector as an auxiliary to the health sector, to mitigate adverse health effects (AHEs) caused by environmental disasters, seems necessary. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework for managing AHE of environmental disasters (case study of Lake Urmia-Iran). Methods This is a qualitative study with grounded theory approach, conducted in 2019. Required data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 experts selected through purposive sampling, and analyzed using Content-Analysis. To formulate the initial framework, an experts’ panel, composed of 12 experts, was formed. Delphi method was used to determine the validity of the framework. Results Most participants found the private sector participation in this field, essential and useful. The most important infrastructure for the private sector participation was designing a legal framework and providing adequate resources and facilities. Pollutant assessment and education of families for disease prevention are among the most important areas that the private sector can participate. To evaluate the performance of the private sector, periodic and short-term reports together with documentation should be used, and the evaluation tool should be the checklists agreed by two sectors. Payments to the private sector should be for periodic objectives, based on performance, and after performance confirmation, in the form of combination of fee for services, per capita and performance-based system. Preventing waste of resources, improving service coverage, greater efficiency and attracting public participation were the most important benefits of the private sector participation. Conclusions PPP can be considered by policy makers as an effective policy for reducing the AHE of environmental disasters (especially drying lakes). To this end, the framework presented in this study can be used as an action guide by national and local authorities and policymakers.
The Burden of Laboratory-confirmed Influenza Infection in Lebanon Between 2008 and 2016: A single tertiary care center experience
Authors: Assaf-Casals Aia , Saleh Zeina , Khafaja Sarah , Fayad Danielle , Ezzeddine Hady , Saleh Mohammad , Chamseddine Sarah , Sayegh Rouba , Sharara Sima , Chmaisse Ahmad , Kanj Souha , Kanafani Zeina , Hanna-Wakim Rima , Araj George , Mahfouz Rami , Saito Reiko , Suzuki Hiroshi , Zaraket Hassan , Dbaibo Ghassan
Published: February 2020

BACKGROUND: Influenza is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Following the 2009 pandemic, there was widened interest in studying influenza burden in all regions. However, data from the World Health Organization (WHO) Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region remain limited particularly from Lebanon. METHODS: A retrospective chart review extending over a period of 8 seasons from Jan 1st, 2008 till June 30 th , 2016 at a tertiary care center in Beirut was performed. All laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza were included for analysis. Data on epidemiology, clinical presentation, complications, antiviral use and mortality were collected for analysis. RESULTS: A total number of 1829 cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza were identified. Average annual positivity rate was 14%. Both influenza A and B co-circulated in each season with predominance of influenza A. Influenza virus started circulating in December and peaked in January and February. The age group of 19-50 years accounted for the largest proportion of cases (22.5%) followed by the age group of 5-19 years (18%). Pneumonia was the most common complication reported in 33% of cases. Mortality reached 3.8%. The two extremes of age (<2 years and ≥ 65years) were associated with a more severe course of disease, hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, complications, and mortality rate. Of all the identified cases, 26% were hospitalized. Moderate-to-severe disease was more likely in influenza B cases but no difference in mortality was reported between the two types. Antivirals were prescribed in 68.8% and antibiotics in 41% of cases. There seemed to be an increasing trend in the number of diagnosed and hospitalized cases over the years of the study. CONCLUSION: Influenza causes a substantial hospitalization burden annually in Lebanon with significant morbidity across all age groups. A population based prospective surveillance study is needed to better estimate the burden of Influenza in Lebanon that would help formulate a policy on influenza control.
Evaluating the prevalence of plasmid- mediated quinolone resistant and ESBL- production in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli and the commensal gut microbiota in pregnant women: A comparative analysis
Authors: Mohebi Samane , Kholdi Soudeh , Hadadi Mahtab , hashemizadeh zahra
Published: February 2020

Background: ß-lactam and ﬂuoroquinolone antibiotics are frequently prescribed for urinary tract infections (UTIs). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) and extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) in E. coli from UTIs in comparison with the E. coli isolates from gut microbiota (fecal flora).Methods: A total of 54 E. coli urine isolates and 54 E. coli fecal flora isolates were collected from pregnant women (same host) from April to September 2018. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was determined by disk diffusion method. ESBLs were detected via double-disk test (DDST). ESBL and PMQR-encoding genes were identified, using PCR.Results: The highest resistance rate was found against nalidixic acid (42 isolates in urinary and 41 in fecal flora isolates) and the lowest resistance rate belonged to levofloxacin (23 isolates) and ofloxacin (25 isolates) in urinary and fecal flora isolates. The most prevalent PMQR genes were qnrS (29 isolates in urinary and 34 in fecal flora isolates) followed by qnrB, aac (6′)- Ib-cr and qnrA in urinary and fecal flora isolates. There was a significant association between qnrS gene and blaTEM in urinary and fecal flora isolates.Conclusions: Resistance to quinolones antibiotics was highest among fecal flora isolates, especially qnrS among other determinants of the qnr gene. In addition, it seems that high load of PMQR genes in commensal flora has a potential to spread to pathogenic organisms.
WITHDRAWN: Quercetin-conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles enhances Nrf2 expression through miR-27a intervention to prevent memory dysfunction in diabetic rats
Authors: Ebrahimpour Shiva , Shahidi Seyedeh Bahar , Aabbasi Mahnoosh , Tavakoli Zahra , Esmaeili Abolghasem
Published: February 2020

Background: Oxidative stress is involved in the development of diabetes-induced cognitive impairment. Nrf2 as a redox-sensing gene can be regulated by some microRNAs. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of quercetin (QC) and quercetin-conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (QCSPIONs) on Nrf2-controlled antioxidant genes via the miR-27a. Streptozotocin was applied to produce type 1 diabetes in male Wistar rats. Animals (five groups of 8 rats) were treated for 35 days. Real-time polymerase chain reaction method was applied to assess the expression levels of miR-27a, Nrf2, SOD1, GPX1, and CAT. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and histological alterations were investigated. Results: A significant up-regulation in the expression level of miR-27a was observed in diabetic rats in comparison to control (p<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, SOD1, GPX1 and CAT were significantly down-regulated under diabetic condition (p<0.0001, p<0.01, p<0.0001 and p<0.0001, respectively). Interestingly, QCSPIONs decreased expression level of miR-27a (p<0.01) and subsequently enhanced the expression levels of the Nrf2 (P<0.5), SOD1 (P<0.0204) and CAT (P<0.01) to the control level. Significant difference was not recognized in the expression level of GPX1 under QCSPIONs treatment. In addition, QC in pure and especially conjugated form was able to normalize TAC (p<0.01) and regenerate pathological lesions in STZ-diabetic rats. Conclusions: Result demonstrates that QCSPIONs as an effective combined therapy can reduce the miR-27a expression, that in turn increases the mRNA Nrf2 expression and its responsive antioxidant genes, resulting in the prevention of diabetic complications.
Detection of Human Cytomegalovirus in Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer and its Impacts on Survival
Authors: Yin Min , Chen Aiping , Zhao Fei , Ji Xuechao , Li Chuan , Wang Guangning
Published: February 2020

Background: The cause of epithelial ovarian cancer(EOC) is not elucidated. It has been proved that infectious agents could contribute to ovarian carcinogenesis. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been detected in several types of tumors. Objective: To investigate the potential role of HCMV infection in EOC, we evaluated the prevalence of HCMV proteins in EOC tissue sections and its impacts on patients’ survival. Methods: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from 66 patients with EOC and 30 patients with benign ovarian cystadenoma were studied. Specimens were detected for expression of HCMV immediate-early protein (IE) and HCMV tegument protein (pp65) by immunohistochemistry. Results: HCMV-IE protein expression was detected in 82% of EOC and 36% of benign tumors; pp65 was detected in 97% of EOC and 63% of benign tumors. Extensive expression of HCMV-IE protein was associated with higher stage of EOC. Reactivation of latent HCMV within the tumor at interval debulking surery may be induced by neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery. Extensive HCMV-IE expression was associated with shorter median overall survival than focal or negative expression (39 versus 41 months, P = 0.03). Conclusions: This study demonstrate a high prevalence of HCMV proteins in tissue sections from patients with EOC. HCMV infections can be potential risks for EOC development. The relationship between HCMV and clinical outcomes highlight the need for further researches on the oncomodulatory role of HCMV in ovarian cancer.
Clinicopathological signature and prognostic value of RNA:m5C methyltransferases in gliomas
Authors: Wang Peng , Huang Kai , Wu Miaojing , Hu Qing , Tao Chuming , Li Kuangxun , Zhu Xingen
Published: February 2020

Background: Glioma is the most common primary intracranial tumor, accounting for the vast majority of intracranial malignant tumors. Aberrant expression of RNA:5-methylcytosine(m5C) methyltransferases has recently been the focus of research relating to the occurrence and progression of tumors. However, the prognostic value of RNA:m5C methyltransferases in glioma remains unclear. This study investigated RNA: m5C methyltransferase expression and defined its clinicopathological signature and prognostic value in gliomas.
Methods: We systematically studied the RNA-sequence data of RNA:m5C methyltransferases underlying gliomas in the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets and identified different subtypes using Consensus clustering analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) and Gene Set Enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to annotate the function of these genes. Univariate Cox regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression algorithm analyses were performed to construct the risk score model. Kaplan-Meier method and Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the overall survival of glioma patients. Additionally, Cox proportional regression model analysis was developed to address the connections between the risk scores and clinical factors.
Results: Consensus clustering of RNA:m5C methyltransferases identified three clusters of gliomas with different prognostic and clinicopathological features. Meanwhile, Functional annotations demonstrated that RNA:m5C methyltransferases were significantly associated with the malignant progression of gliomas. Thereafter, five RNA:m5C methyltransferase genes were screened to construct a risk score model which can be used to predict not only overall survival but also clinicopathological features in gliomas. ROC curves revealed the significant prognostic ability of this signature. In addition, Multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that the risk score was an independent prognostic factor for glioma outcome.
Conclusion: We demonstrated the role of RNA:m5C methyltransferases in the initiation and progression of glioma. We have expanded on the understanding of the molecular mechanism involved, and provided a unique approach to predictive biomarkers and targeted therapy.
M 6A-related genes characterization in hepatocellular cancer identifies prognostic relevant gene signatures
Authors: zhu peng , Ren Qianqian , He Nan , Zhou Cheng , Gong Zhao , Jin Qianna
Published: February 2020

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most common types of cancers that threat the public health worldwide. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation, associated with cancer initiation and progression, is dynamically regulated by m6A RNA methylation associated genes. However, little is known about the expression status and the prognostic value of m6A associated genes in HCC. This study aimed to identify the expression profiling pattern and clinical significance of m6A-related genes in HCC. Methods The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-LIHC), the Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE14520) and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) databases were gathered for this study. Consensus clustering analysis was performed to identify the clusters of HCC with different clinical outcome. A prognostic signature built by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression model was utilized to discover subtypes correlated with different clinical outcomes of HCC patients and the differences between subgroups were characterized in terms of epigenetic dysregulation and somatic mutation frequencies. Results Most of the m6A-related genes were upregulated and involved with the prognosis and malignancy of HCC. A four-gene prognostic signature revealed two HCC subtypes (namely, risk-high group and risk-low group) that correlated with different clinical outcomes. Patients in risk-high group were accompanied with much more epigenetic silencing and significant mutation at TP53 and FLG, while ALB were mutated frequently for risk-low group. Conclusion Our characterization tightly links the expression of m6A genes with clinical outcomes of HCC, providing valuable molecular-level information that points to decoding heterogeneity, guiding personalized management and treatment of HCC patients.
Development of a Forceps Force Limiter Using Leaf Spring Buckling
Authors: Noda Satsuya
Published: February 2020

To prevent accidents in minimally invasive surgeries, force limiters have been developed for forceps grippers.
When a force limiter is in use, if the absolute value of its spring constant is reduced, the risk of damage to the organs decreases.
This paper proposes the use of a leaf spring buckling mechanism as a force limiter for forceps.
The results obtained indicate that the spring constant of a buckled leaf spring is lower than that of a normal coil spring.
Furthermore, the use of a leaf spring allows the independent adjustment of its thickness and width, based on the stress and force values.
This enables an easy calibration of the threshold value.
In the experiments, the spring constant of the buckled leaf spring was 0.15 N/mm, which is half of that of a normal coil spring.
After calibrating the gripping force, it was confirmed that the force limiter reduced the extent of damage to the dummy organs in the ex vivo experiments.
Robust Optimization to Reduce Dose Delivery Uncertainty by Potential Applicator Displacements for a Cervix Brachytherapy
Authors: Jo Byungdu , Park Kyeongyun , Kim Kwang Hyeon , Shin Dongho , Lim Young Kyung , Jeong Jong Hwi , Lee Se Byeong , Kim Hee-Joung , Kim Haksoo
Published: February 2020

Background Applicator displacement during brachytherapy treatment for cervical cancer leads to a drastic change in dose distribution. Hence, applicator displacement uncertainty is of significant relevance within the distribution of dose prescription. To minimize applicator displacement from patient movement during cervical cancer brachytherapy treatment, a multi-objective genetic algorithm was combined with a median absolute deviation (MAD) constrained robust optimization concept. Materials and methods To evaluate the feasibility of the robust optimization algorithm on applicator displacements, the clinically applied treatment plans of six tandem and ring (T&R) applicator cases for cervical cancer were included. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after the placement of the T&R applicator. The method considered multiple random scenarios reflecting the uncertainties in the dose delivered. For simplicity, the uncertainties in this proof-of-concept study were limited to potential applicator displacements. This problem is optimized by MAD-constrained robust optimization using a patient-specific multi-objective genetic algorithm. The proposed approach is then compared against the nominal (manual) plan strategies. Results All generated plans fulfilled EMBRACE protocol guidelines for all targets and organs at risk (OAR). MAD-constrained robust optimization provided not only excellent target coverage but also minimized doses to OAR. The nominal and robust plan equivalent dose in 2 Gy fractions (EQD2) of D98 for high-risk clinical target volume (HR-CTV) and rectum were 88.59, 55.29, and 84.84, 54.09, respectively. Furthermore, each standard deviation of D98 for HR-CTV and rectum reduced from ±1.0177 to ±0.9085 and ±0.4927 to ±0.4052, respectively. Conclusions Definitive dwell times and positions by the use of robust planned external beam radiation therapy plus brachytherapy (EBRT-BT) boost for cervical cancer were well tolerated. Using this robust strategy, the generated plans showed an increase in target coverage and minimized applicator displacement impact uncertainty on dose delivery.
Nine glycolysis-related gene signature predicting the survival of patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma
Authors: jinhui liu , siyue Li , feng Gao , huangyang meng , sipei Nie , rui Sun , jing yang , cheng wenjun
Published: February 2020

Background: Endometrial cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. The death rate for endometrial cancer has increased. Glycolysis of cellular respiration is a complex reaction and is the first step in most carbohydrate catabolism, which was proved to participate in tumors. Methods: We analyzed the sample data of over 500 patients from TCGA database. The bioinformatic analysis included GSEA, cox and lasso regression analysis to select prognostic genes, as well as construction of a prognostic model and a nomogram for OS evaluation. The immunohistochemistry staining, survival analysis and expression level validation were also performed. Maftools package was for mutation analysis. GSEA identified Glycolysis was the most related pathway to EC. Results: According to the prognostic model using the train set, 9 glycolysis-related genes including B3GALT6, PAM, LCT, GMPPB, GLCE, DCN, CAPN5, GYS2 and FBP2 were identified as prognosis-related genes. Based on nine gene signature, the EC patients could be classified into high and low risk subgroups, and patients with high risk score showed shorter survival time. Time-dependent ROC analysis and Cox regression suggested that the risk score predicted EC prognosis accurately and independently. Analysis of test and train sets yielded consistent results A nomogram which incorporated the 9‐mRNA signature and clinical features was also built for prognostic prediction. Immunohistochemistry staining and TCGA validation showed that expression levels of these genes do differ between EC and normal tissue samples. GSEA revealed that the samples of the low-risk group were mainly concentrated on Bile Acid Metabolism. Patients in the low-risk group displayed obvious mutation signatures compared with those in the high-risk group. Conclusion: This study found that the Glycolysis pathway is associated with EC and screened for hub genes on the Glycolysis pathway, which may serve as new target for the treatment of EC.
Integrating clinical and research training in child psychiatry: fifteen-year outcomes of a federally supported program
Authors: Calhoun Amanda , Bloch Michael H. , Stubbe Dorothy , Leckman James F. , Martin Andres
Published: February 2020

Background The Albert J. Solnit Integrated Training Program (AJSP) is a training initiative designed to prepare physician-scientists for independent careers in the investigation and treatment of childhood psychiatric disorders. Methods We compared AJSP (n=30) and rank-matched participants in other residency programs (n=60) based on membership in the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). We compared participants across three domains of research productivity: 1) Competitive awards received from AACAP; 2) Publication-related metrics derived from the National Library of Medicine (NLM); and 3) Federal grant funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Results AJSP participants were more commonly affiliated with AACAP and board certified in CAP. AJSP graduates and trainees outperformed their control group peers in several research outcomes: 1) Receipt of AACAP awards and number of awards per recipient were higher, and time to first award shorter in the AJSP than in the control group; 2) AJSP participants had more publications in PubMed, more first-authored publications, a higher h-index, and a shorter time to first publication than participants in the control group; and 3) NIH K- or R-series funding success rate was higher among AJSP participants (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Conclusions A program designed to support the development of clinician-scientists specifically dedicated to childhood mental health needs has been successful in fostering scientific creativity, productivity and independence. The expansion and replication of similar training initiatives will be an in important step forward to address the high level of morbidity and mortality associated with child and adolescent psychiatric disorders.
Role of carnitine in regulation of hypoglycemia-induced hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy
Authors: Alanazi Wael , Al-Harbi Naif O. , Imam Faisal , Ansari Mushtaq A. , Alhoshani Ali , Alasmari Abdullah F. , Alasmari Fawaz , Alanazi Mohammed M. , Ali Nemat
Published: February 2020

Background: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in diabetic patients. Hyperglycemia and iatrogenic hypoglycemia exacerbate several pathogenic mechanisms underlying hypertension and heart diseases. Carnitine is a potent endogenous antioxidant and cellular fatty acid transporter for antioxidative stress and energy production in the cardiovascular system. In the present study, we aimed to find the role of carnitine in the regulation of hypoglycemia-induced hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. Methods: Albino Wistar male rats were divided into six groups. The, first three groups received saline (n= 5), D-carnitine (n= 5) at dose of 500mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal for carnitine depletion, or acetyl-L-carnitine (n= 5) at a dose of 300mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal for carnitine supplementation for 15 days. In the last three groups, rats had pretreatment conditions for 5 days with saline, D-carnitine or acetyl-L-carnitine. Then, they were treated with insulin glargine (InG) for 10 days with saline (n= 6), D-carnitine (n= 5) or acetyl-L-carnitine (n= 6), respectively. Results: Our results showed that carnitine deficiency provoked hypoglycemia-induced hypertension. Mean arterial pressure was elevated from 78.16 ± 4.67 to 100 ± 2.09 mmHg in InG treated group, and from 78.2 ± 3.8 to 123.4 ± 12.6 mmHg in InG+D-carnitine treated group. Acetyl-L-carnitine resisted the elevation in blood pressure in all hypoglycemic animals and kept it within the normal values (68.33 ± 6.7 mmHg). In heart, acetyl-L-carnitine increased myocardial carnitine content leading to the attenuation of hypoglycemia-induced oxidative stress, which was evaluated through measurement of the oxidative stress biomarkers such as inducible nitric oxide synthase, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase-1, heme oxygenase-I, and glutathione transferase. Moreover, acetyl-L-carnitine prevented induction of cardiac hypertrophy during hypoglycemic conditions, which was assessed via the evaluation of mRNA expression of the cardiac hypertrophy biomarkers, α-myosin heavy chain and β-myosin heavy chain. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that carnitine plays an essential role in providing energy and antioxidants to the cardiovascular system leading to the prevention of hypoglycemia-induced hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy.
Blood parasites in vectors reveal a united blackfly community in the upper canopy
Authors: Chakarov Nayden , Kampen Helge , Krüger Oliver , Wiegmann Anja , Werner Doreen , Bensch Staffan
Published: February 2020

BackgroundThe behaviour of blood-sucking arthropods is a crucial determinant of blood protozoan distribution and hence host-parasite coevolution but is very challenging to study in the wild. The molecular identification of parasite lineages in vectors can be a useful key to understand the behaviour and transmission patterns realised by these vectors. MethodsIn this study, we collected blackflies around nests of three raptor species in the upper forest canopy in Central Europe and examined their load of vertebrate DNA and haemosporidian parasites. We molecularly analysed 156 blackfly individuals, their vertebrate meals, and the haemosporidian parasite lineages they carried. ResultsWe identified eight species of Simulium blackflies, largely belonging to the subgenera Nevermannia and Eusimulium. Only 1% of the collected specimens was visibly engorged, and only 4% contained remains of host DNA. However, in 29% of the blackflies Leucocytozoon-lineages were identified, suggesting a previous blood meal on an avian host. Based on the known vertebrate hosts of the represented Leucocytozoon-lineages, we found that large and/or abundant birds, such as thrushes, crows, pigeons, birds of prey, owls and tits are the main targets of ornithophilic blackflies in the canopy. Blackfly species contained similar proportions of host group-specific parasite lineages and thus do not appear to prefer particular host groups. ConclusionsThe lack of host preference by blackflies vectors can lead to common host switches of blood parasites, as becomes apparent in the Leucocytozoon clade infecting thrushes, crows, and pigeons. However, the abundance of simuliid species differed between nests of common buzzards, goshawks and red kites. This segregation can be explained by coinciding habitat preferences between host and vector, and may lead to the fast speciation of Leucocytozoon parasites. Thus, subtle ecological preferences and lack of host preference of vectors in the canopy may enable both parasite diversification and host switches, and enforce a habitat-dependent evolution of avian malaria parasites and related haemosporidia.
Association between strengths use and psychological adjustment to visual impairments among visually impaired individuals
Authors: Matsuguma Shinichiro , Kawashima Motoko , Ayaki Masahiko , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: February 2020

Background: We investigated the association between strengths use and psychological adjustment to visual impairment among the visually impaired individuals to identify the possibility of using one’s strengths to facilitate their psychological adjustment to visual impairment.Methods: Fifty-nine visually impaired individuals (mean age: 49.3 ± 14.8 years; range: 22–82) were assessed using the Strengths Use Scale and the Japanese version of the Nottingham Adjustment Scale (anxiety/depression, self-esteem, attitude to disability, acceptance of disability, locus of control, and self-efficacy). The participants’ sociodemographic and their visual impairment-related information were also collected.Results: A simple regression analysis of the Nottingham Adjustment Scale scores revealed that strengths use was significantly correlated with anxiety/depression, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and acceptance of VI, while multiple regression analyses identified strengths use as the most significant factor correlated with anxiety/depression, self-esteem, and self-efficacy.Conclusions:Strengths use could be a promising means of facilitating better psychological adjustment to visual impairment, although further study is needed to examine the underlying mechanisms involved.
Evolution of Plasmodium vivax populations in border areas of the Greater Mekong Subregion during malaria elimination
Authors: Li Yuling , Hu Yubing , Zhao Yan , Wang Qinghui , Mbenda Huguette Gaelle Ngassa , Kittichai Veerayuth , Lawpoolsri Saranath , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Menezes Lynette , Liu Xiaoming , Cui Liwang , Cao Yaming
Published: February 2020

Background: Countries within the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) of Southeast Asia have committed to eliminating malaria by 2030. Although malaria situation has greatly improved, Plasmodium vivax remains at international border regions. Therefore, to gain a better understanding of transmission dynamics, knowledge on the evolution of P. vivax populations after the scale-up of control interventions will guide more effective targeted control efforts. Methods: We investigated genetic diversity and population structures in 206 longitudinally collected P. vivax clinical samples in two international border areas at the China-Myanmar border (CMB, n=50 in 2004 and n=52 in 2016) and western Thailand border (n=50 in 2012 and n=54 in 2015). Parasites were genotyped using 10 microsatellite markers. Results: Despite intensified control efforts, genetic diversity in the four populations remained high (HE = 0.66-0.86). The proportions of polyclonal infections showed substantial decreases to 23.7 and 30.7% in the CMB and western Thailand, respectively, with corresponding decreases in the multiplicity of infection. Consistent with the shrinking map of malaria transmission in the GMS over time, there were also increases in multilocus linkage disequilibrium, suggesting of more fragmented and increasingly inbred parasite populations. There were considerable genetic differentiation and subdivision with the four tested populations. Various degrees of clustering were evident between the older parasite samples collected in 2004 at the CMB with the 2016 CMB and 2012 Thailand populations, suggesting some of these parasites had shared ancestry. In contrast, the 2015 Thailand population was genetically distinctive, which may reflect a process of population replacement. The moderately large effective population sizes and proportions of polyclonal infections highlight the necessity of further coordinated and integrated control efforts on both sides of the borders in the pursuit of malaria elimination. Conclusions: With enhanced control efforts on malaria elimination, P. vivax population in the GMS has fragmented into a limited number of clustered foci, but the presence of large P. vivax reservoirs still sustains genetic diversity and transmission. These findings provide new insights into P. vivax transmission dynamics and population structure in this area.
Differences in Health Related Quality of Life changes during Pregnancy based on Pregnancy Context: A prospective study
Authors: Kazemi Ashraf , Dadkhah Aazam , Torabi Fatemeh
Published: February 2020

Background The significance of planned pregnancy is an accepted principle for improving the health of pregnant women; and quality of life, as one of the important indicators of women's health, is reduced in high-risk pregnancies. The aim of this research was to investigate the changes in the health related quality of life (HRQL) in low risk pregnancies in different groups based on pregnancy context. Methods The present study was a longitudinal prospective study conducted on 250 pregnant women divided into three groups of women with planned pregnancy, unplanned/wanted pregnancy and unwanted pregnancy. Then, using WHOQOL-26 questionnaire, the quality of life of these women was measured in physical, psychological, social and environmental dimensions at the beginning of pregnancy as well as at the end of the first, second and third trimesters. Results Based on the results, the mean score of environmental-HRQL in women with unwanted pregnancy was significantly lower than the other two groups. All dimensions on HRQL were influenced by time and group. However, changes in the physical, psychological and social dimensions of HRQL varied within the groups. Physical- HRQL changes were different within the groups. The intergroup effect on environmental dimension of quality of life changes was significant. Conclusion It was observed in this study that HRQL in the women with unwanted pregnancy was lower than the women with planned pregnancy and those with unplanned /wanted pregnancy. Moreover, increase in gestational age would lower quality of life, but this decline had a similar pattern in different groups.
Childhood family background and female fertility intentions in China: analysis under different policy conditions
Authors: Lan Manyu
Published: February 2020

Objectives This study aimed to clarify the relationship between childhood family background and female fertility intentions in adulthood, fertility intentions for a second child under the universal two-child policy, and ideal fertility intentions under no birth restrictions. Methods Using 3388 participants sampled from the 2016 China Labor-force Dynamics Survey, I analyzed the relationship between women’s family background in childhood and their fertility intentions in adulthood. Zero-inflated Poisson regression and multinomial logistic regression models were used to determine the predictors of women’s intended number of children under different policy conditions. Results Women with more siblings intended to have more children. Parents’ education had a negative effect on daughters’ fertility intentions. There was also a cohort effect in female fertility intentions. Conclusions These empirical results suggest women’s fertility intentions are associated with their family background in childhood. A better socioeconomic status in childhood means women have moderate reproductive desires in adulthood.
Wrist deformity, bother and function following wrist fracture in the elderly
Authors: Lawson Andrew , Santhakumar Partiban , Naylor Justine M , Churches Tim , Frost Steve , Harris Ian A
Published: February 2020

Objective Wrist deformity in older people is common following treatment for a wrist fracture, particularly after non-surgical treatment. A cohort of older wrist fracture patients were surveyed by telephone regarding perceived deformity, bother with deformity and patient-reported wrist function. The objectives were to: 1. determine whether older patients with wrist fractures perceived a deformity of their wrist and if they were bothered by it; 2. test if there were associations between deformity and treatment-type and between deformity and function; 3. test for associations between bother and treatment-type and between bother and function; 4. measure the test-retest reliability of the ‘bother’ question. Results Of 98 eligible patients who were invited to participate, 41 responded. Out of 41, 14 (34%) believed they had a deformity and 4 (10%) reported that they were bothered by the appearance of their wrist. Deformity was associated with non-surgical treatment (RR=3.85, p=0.006) but was not significantly associated with functional outcomes (p=0.15). All those who were bothered belonged to the non-surgical treatment group. Bother was significantly associated with poorer functional outcomes (p=0.006) and this association was clinically significant (MD=35 points). The deformity and bother questions were found to have excellent test-retest reliability; ᴋ=1.00 and ᴋ=0.92, respectively.
Groundwater monitoring system and groundwater policy in relation to unified water resource management in Korea
Authors: Kang Lae-Soo , Hamm Se-Yeong , Cheong Jae-Yeol , Jeon Hang-Tak , Park Jae Hyun
Published: February 2020

The demand for water resources is consistently increasing due to industrialization and urbanization. Water resource management can become difficult because of climate change and social issues. Due to the difficulty in securing stable water resources, reasonable utilization and management of water is crucial for the sustainable development of groundwater resources that are an efficient alternative to surface water. For groundwater management, the National Groundwater Information Management Service (GIMS) Center for K-Water measures groundwater data hourly (groundwater level, water temperature, and electrical conductivity) at national groundwater monitoring stations and analyzes the long-term variation of groundwater with regard to climate change. According to the Groundwater Act (1993), auxiliary groundwater monitoring stations for groundwater use and water quality are activated by local governments. The observed data after the calibration process are provided for utilization by citizens, industries, schools, institutes, and government policies through annual reports on groundwater monitoring by the GIMS Center. In 2018, the Korean government merged water resources affairs that were once divided between the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. The change will be favorable for effective management of the surface water and groundwater resources as well as ensuring both quality and quantity.
Bio-modified carbon paste electrode for the detection of Pb(II) ions in wastewater
Authors: Mohanraj P. , Bhuvaneshwari S. , Sreelekshmi M. S. , Chandra Sekhar V. , Narsimhulu K. , Kiran Bhanu , Kumar Santosh
Published: February 2020

Heavy metal pollution in water is a serious environmental concern. Lead is one of the highly toxic heavy metals, and its toxicity is due to its non-degradation characteristic in living organisms. The monitoring of Pb(II) ions concentrations in drinking water is essential for human health and a safe environment. In this work, bio-modified carbon paste electrodes were constructed with live cells and thermally dried biomass (extracted protein) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells and employed for the detection of Pb(II) ions from wastewater. The biomass and biosensor preparation and optimization, and the performance of modified biosensors in the detection of Pb(II) ions are discussed here. The effect of various parameters, like pH, biomass composition, scan rate, and metal ion concentration, were studied to obtain the best electrochemical response. Further, the active surface of the electrode and solution characteristics were studies using chronocoulometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was done to find the functional groups present in the thermally dried biomass. From the present study, it is clear that the thermally dried protein biomass electrode has more sensitivity than the bare carbon paste electrode.
Lifestyle Changes for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease - A 2015-19 Update
Authors: Petroni Maria L. , Brodosi Lucia , Barbanti Francesca A. , di Domizio Silvia , Petta Salvo , Marchesini Giulio
Published: February 2020

Background:

Lifestyle interventions aimed at weight loss have been associated with improved liver
enzymes, reduced intrahepatic triglyceride content, and improved histology (including reduced fibrosis stage).

Objective:

To revise the evidence on the beneficial effects of lifestyle changes accumulated since 2015, following
the publication of the pivotal Cuban experience with histologic outcome.

Methods:

A PubMed search covering the period 2015 to July 2019 was carried out. All retrieved references were
analyzed and double-checked by authors.

Results:

20 new studies were identified; in addition, two relevant studies provided new evidence. Thirteen studies
were classified as randomized, controlled studies, three as proof-of-concept/pilot studies, four as cohort observational
studies. In an attempt to maintain a closer contact between participants and the treatment center, a study
implemented regular phone calls, another an e-mail service, a third was based on text messages, and finally, a
study was totally web-based. Notably, the web-based treatment, accessed following intense motivational interviewing,
was not less effective than a standard group-based behavior program.

Conclusion:

Lifestyle changes should form the basis of any NAFLD intervention. Information technology provides
the opportunity to expand treatment, bypassing job and time constraints in younger patients, and to maintain
long-term contact between patients and therapists in the NAFLD population.
Perspectives on the Role of the Frontier Effective-for-Reaction Molecular Orbital (FERMO) in the Study of Chemical Reactivity: An Updated Review
Authors: Braga Letícia S. , Leal Daniel H. S. , Kuca Kamil , Ramalho Teodorico C.
Published: February 2020

Molecular orbitals are critical in the rationalization of several chemical reactions. Thus, the frontier molecular orbital theory, proposed by Fukui's group, postulated the importance of the Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) and the Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) for chemical reactions. It should be kept in mind, however, that there are limitations of this theory and new perspectives about the chemical reactivity have recently been arisen based on composition and location of other frontier molecular orbitals. In this review, we have reported the development and the most recent applications of the Frontier Effective-for-Reaction Molecular Orbital (FERMO) concept, which describes the breaking and formation of new chemical bonds and can in turn, provide important clues that modulate chemical reactivity of atoms and molecules.
Process, Outcomes and Possible Elimination of Aggregation with Special Reference to Heme Proteins; Likely Remediations of Proteinopathies
Authors: Furkan Mohammad , Khan Rizwan Hasan
Published: February 2020

Protein folding is a natural phenomenon through which a linear polypeptide possessing necessary
information attains three-dimension functionally active conformation. This is a complex and
multistep process and therefore, the presence of several intermediary structures could be speculated as
a result of protein folding. In in vivo, this folding process is governed by the assistance of other proteins
called molecular chaperones and heat shock proteins. Due to the mechanism of protein folding,
these intermediary structures remain major challenge for modern biology. Mutation in gene encoding
amino acid can cause adverse environmental conditions which may result in misfolding of the linear
polypeptide followed by the formation of aggregates and amyloidosis. Aggregation contributes to the
pathophysiology of several maladies including diabetes mellitus, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
The propensity of native structure to form aggregated and fibrillar assemblies is a hallmark of
amyloidosis. During aggregation of a protein, transition from α helix to β sheet is observed, and mainly
β sheeted structure is visualised in a mature fibril. Heme proteins are very crucial for major life activities
like transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, synthesis of ATP, role in electron transport chain, and
detoxification of free radicals formed during biochemical reactions. Any structural variation in the
heme proteins may lead to a fatal response. Hence characterization of the folding intermediates becomes
crucial. The characterization has been deciphered with the help of strong denaturants like acetonitrile
and TFE. Moreover, possible role of elimination of these aggregates and prevention of protein
denaturation is also discussed. Current review deals with the basic process and mechanism of the protein
folding in general and the ultimate outcomes of the protein misfolding. Since Native conformation
of heme proteins is essential for some vital activities as listed above, we have discussed possible prevention
of denaturation and aggregation of heme proteins such as Hb, cyt c, catalase & peroxidase.
Reduce Disease Burden of Human Schistosomiasis in Asia Through Biological Control
Authors: Saleem Sidra , Ahmed Haroon , Siddiqui Tooba , Kilinc Seyma Gunyakti , Khan Aisha , Afzal Muhammad Sohail , Simsek Sami
Published: February 2020

Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease caused by a trematode blood fluke of the genus
Schistosoma that belongs to the Schistosomatidae family. It is a neglected disease in different regions
of Asia. In this review, 218 articles (between 2000 and 2017) related to the topic were collected
from PubMed and Google scholar and reviewed. After thoroughly reading collected articles, due to irrelevant
topic requirements, 94 articles were excluded. Articles that have data associated with Asian
regions are considered. In Asia, the disease is prevalent in China, Philippines, Indonesia, Yemen, Nepal
and Laos, etc. While in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, the disease is not endemic and very few
cases were reported. The disease was eliminated from Japan and Iran. The current review highlights
the geographical distribution among Asian countries, transmission patterns, diagnosis, control strategies
based on the use of anthelmintic plants and management practices implemented in Asia for the
control of schistosomiasis. However, new implementations to treat schistosomiasis in humans should
be proved to eliminate the disease finally in the future. This review emphasizes the biological control
of schistosomiasis for the eradication of the disease from Asia in the near future.