bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolomics and Computational Analysis of the Role of Monoamine Oxidase Activity in Delirium and SARS-COV-2 Infection
Authors: Cuperlovic-Culf Miroslava , Cunningham Emma L. , Teimoorinia Hossen , Surendra Anu , Pan Xiaobei , Bennett Steffany A.L. , Jung Mijin , McGuiness Bernadette , Passmore Anthony Peter , Beverland David , Green Brian D.
Published: March 2021

Delirium is an acute change in attention and cognition occurring in ~65% of severe SARS-CoV-2 cases. It is also common following surgery and an indicator of brain vulnerability and risk for the development of dementia. In this work we analyzed the underlying role of metabolism in delirium-susceptibility in the postoperative setting using metabolomic profiling of cerebrospinal fluid and blood taken from the same patients prior to planned orthopaedic surgery. Distance correlation analysis and Random Forest (RF) feature selection were used to determine changes in metabolic networks. We found significant concentration 2 differences in several amino acids, acylcarnitines and polyamines linking delirium-prone patients to known factors in Alzheimer’s disease such as monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) protein. Subsequent computational structural comparison between MAOB and angiotensin converting enzyme 2 as well as protein-protein docking analysis showed that there potentially is strong binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to MAOB. The possibility that SARS-CoV-2 influences MAOB activity leading to the observed neurological and platelet-based complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection requires further investigation.
Going Digital: Added Value of Electronic Data Collection in 2018 Afghanistan Health Survey
Authors: Mergenthaler Christina , Yadav Rajpal Singh , Safi Sohrab , Rood Ente , Alba Sandra
Published: March 2021

Background: Through a nationally representative household survey in Afghanistan, we conducted an operational study in two relatively secure provinces comparing effectiveness of electronic data collection (EDC) with paper data collection (PDC). Methods: In Panjshir and Parwan provinces, household survey data were collected using paper questionnaires in 15 clusters, versus OpenDataKit (ODK) software on electronic tablets in 15 clusters. Added value was evaluated from three perspectives: efficient implementation, data quality, and acceptability. Efficiency was measured through financial expenditures and time stamped data. Data quality was measured by examining completeness. Acceptability was studied through focus group discussions with survey staff.Results: Training, printing, material procurement, wages and transportation costs were 68% more expensive in electronic clusters compared to paper clusters, due to upfront one-time investment for survey programming. Enumerators spent significantly less time administering surveys in electronic cluster households (248 minutes survey time) compared to paper (289 minutes), for an average savings of 41 minutes per household (95% CI: 25 – 55). EDC offered a savings of 87 days for data management over PDC.Among 49 tracer variables (meaning responses were required from all respondents), small differences were observed between PDC and EDC. 2.2% of the cleaned dataset’s tracer data points were missing in electronic surveys (1,216/ 56,073 data points), compared to 3.2% in paper surveys (1,953/ 60,675 data points). In pre-cleaned datasets, 3.9% of tracer data points were missing in electronic surveys (2,151/ 55,092 data points) compared to 3.2% in paper surveys (1,924/ 60,113 data points). Enumerators from Panjsher and Parwan preferred EDC over PDC due to time savings, user-friendliness, improved data security, and less conspicuity when traveling; however approximately half of enumerators trained from all 34 provinces reported feeling unsafe due to Taliban presence. Community and household respondent skepticism could be resolved by enumerator reassurance. Enumerators shared that in the future, they prefer collecting data digitally when possible.Conclusions: EDC offers clear gains in efficiency over PDC for data collection and management time, although costs are relatively comparable even without the programming investment. However, serious field staff concerns around Taliban threats and general insecurity mean that EDC should only be conducted in relatively secure areas.
Differences Between Oral Health According to Water Intake Using the Data from South Korea's 7-Year National Health and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Kim Yu-Rin
Published: March 2021

Background: Proper moisture is an essential condition for maintaining the homeostasis of the body, enhancing immunity, and preventing constipation, and it is an indispensable substance for maintaining human life and health. The bacteria that cause oral disease are affected by water intake. Therefore, this study aims to compare the relationship between dental caries and periodontal disease according to the amount of water drank per day.Methods: Among the data of the National Health and Nutrition Survey conducted annually by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the data for 7 years (2010-2017) were analyzed. Out of a total of 64,758 people, 134 people in the ‘< 1 cup’ group, 27,223 people in the ‘1-4 cups’ group, and 25,877 people in the ‘5 cups ≤’ group were selected as subjects.Results: As a result, the prevalence of periodontal disease increased by 1.018 times, the prevalence of dental caries increased by 1.032 times, and the experience of dental caries increased by 1.075 times each time a person drank one less cup of water per day. Even in model 2, for which age and gender were adjusted, there was a significant effect. In addition, there was significant impact in Model 3, which adjusted oral health behavior, except for permanent caries prevalence. Based on the above results, oral health behaviors and state were positive in those who consumed a lot of water per day.Conclusions: Therefore, it is considered that the government’s active promotion of water intake recommendations and policies should be prepared so that water intake can become a habit to improve oral health.
Procedure via cross-Kerr nonlinearities for encoding single logical qubit information onto four-photon decoherence-free states
Authors: Heo Jino , Choi Seong-Gon
Published: March 2021

We propose a photonic procedure using cross-Kerr nonlinearities (XKNLs) to encode single logical qubit information onto four-photon decoherence-free states. In quantum information processing, a decoherence-free subspace can secure quantum information against collective decoherence. Therefore, we design a procedure employing nonlinear optical gates, which are composed of XKNLs, quantum bus beams, and photon-number-resolving measurements with linear optical devices, to conserve quantum information by encoding quantum information onto four-photon decoherence-free states (single logical qubit information). Based on our analysis in quantifying the affection (photon loss and dephasing) of the decoherence effect, we demonstrate the experimental condition to acquire the reliable procedure of single logical qubit information having the robustness against the decoherence effect.
Optimal Design Oriented Adaptive Robust Control for A Planar 2-DOF Redundantly Actuated Parallel Robot
Authors: Han Jiang , Wang Peng , Dong Fangfang , Zhao Xiaomin , Chen Shan
Published: March 2021

An adaptive robust control combined with a multi-objective parameter optimization method for the parallel robot with unknown uncertainty is proposed. In the active joint space, the accurate dynamic model of the parallel robot can be obtained by combining the closed-chain constraint force and the open-chain system's dynamic equation. According to the Udwadia-Kalaba theory, the closed-chain constraint force imposed by the end effector can be calculated in a simple way. The proposed adaptive robust control could guarantee deterministic robust performances of the system (the uniform boundedness and uniform ultimate boundedness). To seek suitable weighting factors for the proposed control, a system performance function, which includes the transient performance portion, the steady state performance portion, and the control cost, is introduced. By applying $D$-operation, the performance function is transformed into a multi-objective function with weighting factors. Meanwhile, the problem of choosing the optimal gain is equivalent to the problem of finding the minimum value of the system performance index function. An illustrative example illustrates the superiority of the proposed modeling method and the proposed adaptive robust control.
Molecular Characterization of a Porcine Sapelovirus Strain Isolated in China
Authors: Li Nana , Liu Huili , Tao Jie , Li Benqiang , Cheng Jinghua , Shi Ying , SHEN Xiaohui
Published: March 2021

BackgroundPorcine sapelovirus (PSV) infections have been associated with a wide spectrum of symptoms ranging from asymptomatic infection to clinical signs including diarrhoea, pneumonia, reproductive disorders, and polioencephalomyelitis. Although it has a global distribution, studies on PSV in domestic have been relatively few so far which goes against for this pathogen’s research and disease prevention.MethodsIn this study, we isolated a PSV strain, SHCM2019, from the swine faecal specimens with PK-15 cells. To investigate its molecular characteristics and pathogenicity, the genomic sequence of the SHCM2019 strain was analysed, and further the clinical manifestations and pathological changes exhibited following inoculation of the neonatal piglets were observed.ResultsThe strain isolated with PK-15 cells, was identified as PSV by RT-PCR, IFA and TEM assays. Sequencing results showed that the full-length genome of the SHCM2019 strain was 7567 nucleotides including a 27-nucloetude poly (A) tail. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the virus isolate belonged to PSV and was classified into the Chinese strain cluster. Virus recombination analysis indicated that there might be a recombination break point upstream of the 3D region in PSVs. Pathogenicity research demonstrated that the virus isolate could cause diarrhoea and pneumonia in piglets. Conclusion﻿This study presented the isolation of a recombinant PSV strain, SHCM2019, and demonstrated the isolate was pathogenic. Our results may provide a reference for future researches of the pathogenic mechanism and evolutionary characteristics of PSV.
Effect of Lumbopelvic Control on Landing Mechanics and Lower Extremity Muscles’ Activities in Female Professional Athletes: Implications for Injury Prevention
Authors: Dehcheshmeh Pari Fadaei , Gandomi Farzaneh , Maffulli Nicola
Published: March 2021

Background: Lumbopelvic control has recently been associated with function, kinesiology, and limb loading. However, poor lumbopelvic control has not been studied as a risk factor for lower limb injury in sports with frequent jump landings. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of lumbopelvic control on landing mechanics and lower limb muscle activity in professional athletes with frequent landing.Methods: This study was conducted on 34 professional female athletes aged 18.29±3.29 years with the mean height and weight of 173.5±7.23 centimeters and 66.79±13.37 kilograms, respectively. The lumbopelvic control of the subjects was evaluated using the knee lift abdominal test, bent knee fall-out, active straight leg raising, and PRONE test by the pressure biofeedback unit. Based on the test results, the participants were equally divided into two groups of with and without lumbopelvic control (n=17). Landing mechanics were evaluated by an expert blinded to the procedures using the landing error scoring system (LESS) and two-dimensional video analysis. In addition, electrical muscle activity in single-legged standing skills was assessed via surface electromyography.Results: The results of independent samples t-test indicated significant differences between the groups with and without lumbopelvic control in terms of the LESS test scores (P=0.0001), lateral trunk flexion (P=0.0001), knee valgus (P=0.0001), knee flexion (P=0.001), trunk flexion (P=0.01), and gluteus medius muscle activity (P=0.03). However, no significant differences were observed in the activity of the rectus femoris and semitendinosus muscles, and ankle dorsiflexion (P>0.05).Conclusions: Poor lumbopelvic control affects the kinematics and electrical activity of the lower limb muscles and may be a risk factor for lower limb injuries, especially knee injury.
An Optimized Sporulation Method for the Wheat Fungal Pathogen Pyrenophora Tritici-Repentis
Authors: Jacques Silke , Lenzo Leon , Stevens Kofi , Lawrence Julie , Tan Kar-Chun
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThe necrotrophic fungal pathogen Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (Ptr) causes tan (syn. yellow) spot of wheat and accounts for significant yield losses worldwide. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of this economically important crop disease is crucial to counteract the yield and quality losses of wheat globally. Substantial progress has been made to comprehend the race structure of this phytopathogen based on its production of necrotrophic effectors and genomic resources of Ptr. However, one limitation for studying Ptr in a laboratory environment is the difficulty to isolate high spore numbers from vegetative growth with mycelial contamination common. These limitations reduce the experimental tractability of Ptr. ResultsHere, we optimized a multitude of parameters and report a sporulation method for Ptr that yields robust, high quality and pure spores. Our methodology encompasses simple and reproducible plugging and harvesting techniques, resulting in spore yields up to 1,500 fold more than the current sporulation methods and was tested on multiple isolates and races of Ptr as well as an additional seven modern Australian Ptr isolates. Moreover, this method also increased purity and spore harvest numbers for two closely related fungal pathogens (Pyrenophora teres f. maculata and f. teres) that cause net blotch diseases in barley (Hordeum vulgare), highlighting the usability of this optimized sporulation protocol for the wider research community. ConclusionsLarge-scale spore infection and virulence assays are essential for the screening of wheat and barley cultivars and combined with the genetic mapping of these populations allows pinpointing and exploiting sources of host genetic resistance. We anticipate that improvements in spore numbers and purity will further advance research to increase our understanding of the pathogenicity mechanisms of these important fungal pathogens.
The Localized Enhancement of Surface Plasmon Standing Waves Interacting With Single Nanoparticles
Authors: liu hongyao , Sun Xuqing , Wang Xue , Wang Fei , Wang Chang , Sun Xiaojuan , Lu Xinchao , Huang Chengjun
Published: March 2021

Real-time, high-sensitivity, and label-free detection to single nanoparticles has been achieved via visualizing the interaction between surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and nanoparticles, which is widely applied to chemistry and biology. In this work, aiming to enhance the detection sensitivity to nanoparticles, we explore the interaction of SPP standing waves with single nanoparticles. Compared with SPPs, the inhomogeneous fields of SPP standing waves modulate charge distributions around the particle and excite different electric dipole modes that tailor localized enhancements. For nanoparticles situating at electric antinodes of SPP standing waves, a vertical electric dipole is excited and high-density charges are stimulated around nanoparticle-film nanocavities, leading to further increased localized enhancement. The localized enhancement experiences more increase with smaller particle size, lower dielectric constant of surrounding medium, and lower particle refractive index. Via tailoring the localized enhancement by SPP standing waves, the sensitivity of SPP microscopy can be improved, which would broaden its applications on nanotechnology, biomedicine, and environmental monitoring.
Spectroscopic Studies of in Vitro Exposure to Low-Dose Gamma Rays from 137Cs Radioactivity on Some Human Blood Components (Plasma and Red Blood Cells)
Authors: Supawat Benjamaporn , Vorasiripreecha Watcharit , Wattanapongpitak Sakornniya , Kothan Suchart , Tungjai Montree
Published: March 2021

This current study was to determine the effects of in vitro exposure to radioactive cesium-137 on some human blood components (Plasma and red blood cells). Blood samples were given a radiation dose of 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mGy of gamma rays using a 137Cs radioactive standard source. The blood samples that were exposed to 0 mGy served as sham-controls. The spectrofluoroscopic technique was used to determine the autofluorescence spectrum of protein in plasma or red blood cells by using excitation wavelength and range of emission wavelengths at 280 nm and 300-550 nm, respectively. The spectrophotometric technique was used to determine the release of hemoglobin from the red blood cells to the supernatant. This data indicated no change in the ratio of fluorescence emission intensity at 340 nm of wavelength of protein extract from irradiated whole blood or red blood cells compared to the corresponding non-irradiated control. The results did not change in the absorption intensity at 415 nm of wavelength of hemoglobin leakage from in vitro irradiated red blood cells when compared to the corresponding non-irradiated red blood cells. These current results suggested that there were no harmful effects of the low-dose gamma rays from radioactive 137Cs on some blood components when human whole blood was exposed to gamma rays in an in vitro condition.
Evaluation of the in vivo Antihypertensive Effect and Antioxidant Activity of HL-7 and HL-10 Peptide in Mice
Authors: Setayesh-Mehr Zahra , Ghasemi Leila Vafadar , Asoodeh Ahmad
Published: March 2021

In this study, the in vivo antioxidant and antihypertensive properties of peptides HL-7 with the sequence of YLYELR and HL-10 with the sequence of AFPYYGHHLG were identified from scorpion venom of H. lepturus were evaluated. To study the in vivo effects of peptides, D-galactose-induced and DOCA salt-induced mice models were used. The results of the antioxidant assay for both peptides showed that the activity of serum and liver catalase (CAT), as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes, was significantly decreased in the D-galactose-induced group (NC), while MDA levels were increased in serum and the liver tissue samples (p<0.01). Compared with the D-galactose-induced mice, the peptide treated mice group had a higher activity of antioxidant enzymes namely CAT and SOD, as well as a lower lipid peroxidation level. Also, the results of antihypertensive activity for both peptides showed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of the mice treated with the HL-7 and HL-10 peptides were significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.01). The administration of the HL-7 peptide at doses of 5 mg/kg BW (LP1) and 15 mg/kg BW (HP1) significantly diminished the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) by 31 mmHg and 40.47 mmHg, respectively. Accordingly, treatment of mice with the HL-10 peptide at doses of 5 mg/kg BW (LP2) and 15 mg/kg BW (HP2) considerably lowered the MAP by 18.3 mmHg and 21.93 mmHg, respectively. Our findings suggest that both the HL-7 and HL-10 peptides could be potentially utilized as antihypertensive and antioxidant components.
Nanoeugenol Prevents Apoptotic Damage in Selenite-induced Cataracts in Cultured Lenses From Wistar Rats and in Human Lenticular Epithelial Cell Lines: Molecular Validation
Authors: Thiraviyam Anand , Philip Archana Teresa , Thomas Philip Aloysius , Pitchairaj Geraldine
Published: March 2021

Senile cataract is the most common cause of severe visual impairment and blindness. Lenticular epithelial cells apoptosis induced by oxidative stress is a major factor in senile cataract pathogenesis, but there are still many blind nodes in this progress. The aim of the present experiment was to investigate the possibility that nanoeugenol prevents selenite-induced cataractogenesis by regulating the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, expressions of apoptotic genes and corresponding proteins. Nanoeugenol found to be inhibited oxidative stress-induced downregulation cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX-1), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) genes and upregulation of early growth response protein- 1 (EGR-1), Bcl-2-associated X (Bax), caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 genes in cultured lenses from Wistar rats. Nanoeugenol significantly reduced oxidative stress-induced cell apoptosis and generation of ROS in human lenticular epithelial cells (HLE-B3 cells). These findings suggested that, nanoeugenol can regulate cataract progression by influencing cell vitality and apoptosis, which could provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of senile cataract.
A Cohort Study Using Preoperative IL-6/Stat3/IL-17 And Blood Aminotransferase Levels To Predict Five-Year Survival For Patients After Liver Cancer Resection
Authors: Wang Lijie , Li Xiaoning , Tao Lin , Zhang Wenjie
Published: March 2021

Objective: The expression/activation of p-Stat3, IL-6 and IL-17 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues together with the serum levels of aminotransferases ALT, AST, GGT and ALP were designed to evaluate their abilities in predicting the survival prognosis of postoperative patients with HCC.Methods: The clinicopathological data and paraffin-embedded tissues of 98 patients who underwent liver tumor resection were collected at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University School of Medicine, and the patients were followed-up after surgery. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the activation/expression of p-Stat3, IL-6 and IL-17 using tissue microarrays derived from these patients. Before surgery, patients’ serum levels of AST, ALT, GGT and ALP were measured using a Roche Modular DPP automated biochemical analyzer. Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric tests, Spearman's correlation, ROC curves, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Cox single-factor and multifactor regression models.Results: (1) The strong positive rate of expressed IL-6 in HCC tissues (18.09%) was lower than that in paracancerous tissues (60.06%) (p<0.001); the strong positive rate of expressed IL-17 in HCC tissues (42.40%) was lower than that in paracancerous tissues (87.80%) (p<0.001). The strong positive rate of activated p-Stat3 in HCC tissues (52.20%) was higher than paracancerous tissues (18.04%) (p=0.01). (2) The higher the levels of ALT (p<0.001), AST (p=0.002), GGT (p<0.001), and ALP (p< 0.001) were, respectively, the worse the survival prognoses were observed among HCC patients. (3) High levels of ALP were an independent risk factor for postoperative prognosis in HCC patients. (4) The combination of ALT+AST+ ALP appeared to be the best survival predictor for HCC patients as indicated by AUC (0.820, 95% CI=0.714, 0.926) (p<0.001).Conclusions: The activation/expression of p-Stat3, IL-6 and IL-17 differ in HCC tissues compared with their paracancerous tissues. Using classical TNM staging system as a reference, higher levels of serum aminotransferases ALT, AST, GGT and ALP are capable of predicting poor prognosis among postoperative HCC patients. ALT+AST+ALP+p-Stat3 is an optimal combination better than the classical TNM staging system in predicting postoperative survival among HCC patients. The observations presented may provide a useful guide for clinicians to strategize individualized surgical plans for liver cancer patients before surgery.
The systematic use of metabolomic epidemiology, biobanks, and electronic medical records for precision medicine initiatives in asthma: findings suggest new guidelines to optimize treatment
Authors: Kachroo Priyadarshini , Stewart Isobel , Kelly Rachel , Stav Meryl , Mendez Kevin , Dahlin Amber , Soeteman Djøra , Chu Su , Huang Mengna , Cote Margaret , Knilhtilä Hannah , Lee-Sarwar Kathleen , McGeachie Michael , Wang Alberta , Wu Ann , Virkud Yamini , Zhang Pei , Wareham Nick , Karlson Elizabeth , Wheelock Craig , Clish Clary , Weiss Scott , Langenberg Claudia , Lasky-Su Jessica
Published: March 2021

The application of large-scale metabolomic profiling provides new opportunities to realize the potential of omics-based precision medicine with regard to asthma. We leveraged over 14,000 individuals from four distinct epidemiological studies. We identified and independently replicated seventeen steroid metabolites that were significantly reduced in individuals with prevalent asthma. Importantly steroid levels were reduced among all individuals with asthma regardless of medication use; however, the largest reduction was associated with inhaled corticosteroids use (ICS) that was further confirmed in a four-year ICS clinical trial. Cortisol levels extracted from electronic medical records confirmed that cortisol is reduced among asthmatics taking ICS over the entire 24-hour period, compared with all other groups. Clinical-grade adrenal suppression in asthmatics on ICS, resulting from substantial reductions in steroid metabolites, represents a larger public health problem than previously recognized. Regular cortisol testing may identify at-risk individuals, enabling personalized treatment modifications and improving overall patient care.
SuFExable Isocyanides for Ugi Reaction: Facile Synthesis of Sulfonyl Fluoro Peptides
Authors: Xu Shuheng , Cui Sunliang
Published: March 2021

The sulfur(VI) fluoride exchange (SuFEx) reaction has become a good click chemistry transformation and acted as a powerful tool in medicinal chemistry and materials science. Therefore, the investigation of versatile SuFExable synthon and SuFEx compatible reactions is highly desirable. Herein, the sulfonyl fluoro isocyanides were first developed as a new type of SuFExable synthon, and used as flexible building blocks in the Ugi four-component reaction (U-4CR). Hence, the preparation methods of differential SuFExable isocyanides were set up, including both aryl and alkyl sulfonyl fluoro isocyanides. Meanwhile, the sulfonyl fluoro tolerable Ugi reaction was established and the substrate scope was investigated, and various sulfonyl fluoro α-amino amides and peptides could be reached in a one-step synthesis. Therefore, this protocol opens a new vision for SuFExable building block and click chemistry, and also provides a distinct approach to sulfonyl fluoro peptides.
Matched-Pair Long-Term Survival Analysis of Male and Female Patients with Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Feng Xiaoshuang , Mo Miao , Wu Chunxiao , Gong Yangming , Zhou Changming , Shen Jie , Wang Zezhou , Fu Chen , Zheng Ying
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To examine the differences in long-term survival between male and matched female breast cancer cases based on data from the Shanghai Cancer Registry (SCR).Methods: Every male breast cancer case was matched with four female cases according to the year of diagnosis, age, tumor stage, and histological subtype. Cumulative observed overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival estimates, and log-rank tests were applied to compare the survival rates of male and female cases. Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to assess the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between sex and the risk of death.Results: 50,958 patients with breast cancer (0.85% male) were registered in the SCR between 2002 and 2013. After matching, 434 male and 1736 female patients were included in the study. With a median follow-up time of 10 years, men with breast cancer showed significantly worse OS (P < 0.0001) and CSS (P < 0.0001) than women. The 5- and 10-year OS rates for male and female patients were 67.27% and 77.75%, and 45.95% and 62.60%, respectively; the 5- and 10-year CSS rates for male and female patients were 70.19% and 79.79%, and 50.57% and 67.20%, respectively. Compared with women, men had 65% increased risk of overall death (95% CI: 1.42-1.92) and 70% increased risk of cancer-specific death (95% CI: 1.44-2.00).Conclusion: The study provided evidence at the population level that male patients with breast cancer had lower survival rates than women in China.
Chemokines modulate glycan binding and immunoregulatory activity of galectins
Authors: Sanjurjo Lucia , Schulkens Iris , Touarin Pauline , Heusschen Roy , Aanhane Ed , Castricum Kitty , de Gruijl Tanja , Nilsson Ulf , Lefler Hakon , Griffioen Arjan , Elantak Latifa , Koenen Rory , Thijssen Victor
Published: March 2021

Galectins are versatile glycan-binding proteins involved in immunomodulation. Increasing evidence suggests that galectins can control the immunoregulatory function of cytokines and chemokines through direct binding. Here, we report a new inverse mechanism by which chemokines control the immunomodulatory function of galectins. In a galectin-chemokine interaction screen we identified several specific galectin-chemokine binding pairs, including galectin-1/CXCL4. NMR analyses showed that CXCL4 binds on the surface edge of the galectin-1 ß-sheet causing changes in the galectin-1 carbohydrate binding site. Consequently, the interaction with CXCL4 altered the glycan binding affinity and specificity of galectin-1. With regard to immunomodulation, CXCL4 potentiated the apoptotic activity of galectin-1 on activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The potentiation of apoptosis specifically affected CD8+ T cells, while no effect was observed in CD4+ T cells. An opposite regulatory activity was found for another galectin-chemokine pair, i.e., galectin-9/CCL5. While CCL5 reduced the apoptosis induction by galectin-9 in activated PBMCs, this was only statistically significant for CD4+ T cells and not for CD8+ T cells. Collectively, the current study describes a novel immunomodulatory mechanism in which specific galectin-chemokine interactions control the glycan-binding activity and immunoregulatory function of galectins.
Time-Series Analysis of Coxsackievirus B Serotype Surveillance Data in Japan
Authors: Sumi Ayako , Mise Keiji
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveStudies have identified serotypes of Coxsackievirus B (CVB) enterovirus as a cause of type 1 diabetes. Studies have also identified cyclical variations in type 1 diabetes incidence—peak incidences occurring in 4- to 6-years periods in two regions in England, a 5-year period in Western Australia, and 5.33-year period in Poland. To date, no studies have investigated whether CVB infection rates demonstrate similar cyclical variation characteristics. The purpose of this study was to characterize periodicity in CVB surveillance data.ResultsMaximum entropy spectral analysis was performed on monthly CVB surveillance data. In addition to demonstrating a 1-year cycle for all serotypes, spectral peaks demonstrated dominant cycles—6.9-, 3.8-, 4.3-, 9.5-, and 7.8- year periods for CVB1, CVB2, CVB3, CVB4, and CVB5, respectively. Pearson correlation was used to compare the least-squares fit curves based on periods estimated from the analysis with the original data. The results for all five serotypes—CVB1, CVB2, CVB3, CVB4, and CVB5—demonstrated good correlation—ρ = 0.96, ρ = 0.60, ρ = 0.90, ρ = 0.88, and ρ = 0.67, respectively. This method could be a useful tool for the efficient investigation of CVB as a pathogen of type 1 diabetes.
circDym prevents chronic neuropathic pain by competitive inhibition of Nlgn2 mRNA transport in neurites
Authors: Wang Linbang , Liu Jingkun , Tai Jiaojiao , Wang Bing , Wang Shuqi , He Bin , Quan Zhengxue
Published: March 2021

Aims: Neuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic syndrome that is refractory to current analgesics through unknown mechanisms. Epigenetic regulation in spinal dorsal horn neurons is reported to contribute to the initiation and maintenance of NP. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in various biological processes in neurons, but molecular mechanism of how the involvement in NP are lacking. Methods: To study NP, we used a sciatic chronic constriction injury (CCI) model in C57 mice, with the level of mechanical allodynia determined using von Frey monofilaments. The injured ipsilateral spinal dorsal horns in lumbar segments (L3–L5) were collected and total RNA and protein extracted. Transcriptome sequencing, qRT-PCR, western blot analysis, and immunoprecipitation were performed. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted using R packages. The patient cohort was analysed using logistic regression analysis. Results: circDym was identified as one of the NP-related circRNA candidates and qRT-PCR showed that its expression was significantly lower in both the CCI mouse models and in the peripheral blood of patients with NP. Overexpression of circDym significantly attenuated injury induced by NP. Further examination indicated that circDym functions by inhibiting synaptic localization of Nlgn2 mRNA by competitively binding with the RNA-binding protein, Fmrp, resulting in decreased expression of GABAAR, thus leading to the inhibition of chronic pain. Single-cell sequencing results showed that Prodynorphin-positive and Cholecystokinin-positive neurons were likely responsible for this process. Conclusions: We identified circDym, which works through a coupling mechanism, as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for NP.
A product carbon footprint model for embodiment design based on macro-micro design features
Authors: Wang Geng , Li Fangyi , Fu Zhao , Zhou Lirong , Huang Aihua , Wang Liming , John Sutherland
Published: March 2021

Greenhouse gas emissions have become one of the most attractive global concerns for sustainable development. To reduce product life cycle carbon footprint, planning should begin at embodiment design phase. Accurate assessment of carbon footprint is the foundation of carbon footprint reduction. However, existing carbon footprint models are not applicable to embodiment design phase due to incomplete and limited design information. With this in mind, this paper proposes a carbon footprint model for embodiment design based on macro-micro design features. First, a Function-Structure-Feature (FSF) model for embodiment design is established to convey the design information. The concept of design features is introduced (as both macro and micro level). The macro design feature denotes the different operational states of the product and the constraint relationships between parts. The micro design feature denotes specific properties of parts. Then, a model of product carbon footprint based on design features is presented through analyzing the relationships between macro-micro design features and product carbon footprint. The feasibility of the proposed method is demonstrated by a gear hobbing machine. The amount of carbon footprint from each type of design feature can be predicted. Through the optimization of design features, product life cycle carbon footprint has decreased significantly.
A Nomogram to Predict Stricture-free Survival in Patients with Ureteral Stricture after Balloon Dilation
Authors: Hu Jintao , Lai Cong , Gao Mingchao , Li Kaiwen , He Wang , Zhu Dingjun , Xie Wenlian , Wu Haihua , Xu Meijuan , Huang Jian , Han Jinli
Published: March 2021

Background

Balloon dilation is a commonly used minimally invasive endourological treatment of ureteral stricture, but the postoperative recurrence rate is relatively high. And factors contributing to recurrence after treatment are poorly understood. Herein, we sought to develop a novel clinical nomogram to predict ureteral stricture-free survival in patients suffering from ureter stricture and performed balloon dilation.
Methods

The nomogram was established based on a retrospective analysis of 321 patients diagnosed with ureter strictures from January 2016 to January 2020 in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital using the Cox regression model. Perioperative clinical data and disease outcomes were analyzed. Discrimination of the nomogram was assessed by the concordance index (C-index) and the calibration curve. The results were internally validated using bootstrap resampling.
Results

Overall, 321 patients with a median follow-up of 590 days were enrolled in the study, among which 97 patients (30.2%) developed recurrence of ureteral stricture during follow-up. Five variables remained significant predictors of ureteral re-stricture after multivariable analyses: stricture nature (P < 0.001), urinary nitrite (P = 0.041), CKD (P = 0.005), stent retention time (P < 0.001), and balloon size (P = 0.029). The calibration craves for the probability of 1-, 3-, and 5-years stricture-free survival (SFS) presented satisfied with the consistency of nomogram prediction and actual observation. The C-index of the model was 0.74 (95% CI 0.70–0.79).
Conclusions

Our study developed the first nomogram to effectively predict stricture-free survival in patients suffering from ureter stricture after balloon dilation. It is helpful to identify the optimal patients with ureter stricture for balloon dilation and improve treatment outcomes. However, further external validation of the nomogram is warranted.
Multidimensional well-being of residents affected by the Pak Mun Dam, Thailand
Authors: Chaiyamart Pattaraphongpan , Gartner William , delMas Robert
Published: March 2021

Understanding effects on the overall well-being of the communities affected by the Pak Mun Dam construction would fill in the gaps in existing knowledge and facilitate a deeper discussion of the factors that impact overall wellbeing. The Pak Mun Dam was finished in 1994 and from that point on there have been changes affecting local residents. This study attempts to understand the impact of those changes from a well being perspective using primary data collected from residents in villages close to the dam site. Structural Equation Model (SEM) was method for this research analysis. Results from a structural model show that social and economic well-being are important factors that impact the overall well-being of the affected residents from the Pak Mun Dam area. Furthermore, we discuss how information from 20 items within seven dimensions of the well-being measurement model can be used to develop more efficient strategies and policies to increase well-being capital.
Pak Mun Dam’s Long Term Impact on Local Residents 
Authors: Chaiyamart Pattaraphongpan , Gartner William , Carlson Stephan
Published: March 2021

Multidimensional well-being is an important method for understanding the social functioning of communities affected by the Pak Mun Dam, 26 years after its construction. This is the first quantitative research on the well-being of these communities. In six of eight well-being dimensions, the more distant communities are faring better than those in close proximity to the dam. Furthermore, 24 of 40 items which represent each dimension have statistically significant lower means in the affected community. This result shows the long-lasting nature of negative effects on communities and without appropriate policy action negative impacts will linger preventing developmental progress from occurring.
A Method for Solving Initial and Boundary Value Fuzzy differential equations by Mellin Transform
Authors: Azhar Noreen , Iqbal Saleem
Published: March 2021

This Paper is included fuzzy concepts of Mellin transform along with its operational properties. Mellin transform method is applicable in fuzzy context. The study involved the proposed techniques for solving initial and boundary value fuzzy differential equations under strongly generalized differentiability concepts.
Structure-based virtual screening suggests inhibitors of 3-Chymotrypsin-Like Protease of SARS-CoV-2 from Vernonia amygdalina and Occinum gratissimum
Authors: Gyebi Gideon A. , Elfiky Abdo A. , Ogunyemi Oludare M. , Ibrahim Ibrahim M. , Adegunloye Adegbenro P. , Adebayo Joseph O. , Olaiya Charles O. , Ocheje Joshua , Fabusiwa Mercy M
Published: March 2021

An in-house library of 173 phytocompound structures from Vernonia amygdalina and Occinum gratissimum was screened against the active region of 3-Chymotrypsin-Like Protease (3CLpro) of SARS-CoV-2 in silico. Based on docking scores and reference inhibitors, a hit- list of 21 phytocompounds, with binding energies ranging from − 7.2 to -8.0 kcal/mol, was initially generated. Further docking against the 3CLpro of related coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV), docking to 5 different representative conformations generated from the cluster analysis of SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) trajectories, and in silico drug-likeness analyses, revealed two drug-like terpenoid structures as promising non-covalent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 3CLPro viz: neoandrographolide and vernolide. These terpenoid structures are accommodated within the substrate-binding pocket, and interacted with the catalytic dyad, the oxyanion loop (residues 138–145), and the S1/S2 subsites of the enzyme active site. With the aid of an array of hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with residues 142–145, these phytocompounds may stabilize the conformation of the flexible oxyanion loop; and thereby interfere with the tetrahedral oxyanion intermediate formation during proteolytic cleavage. Molecular dynamics simulation and binding free energy calculation further revealed that the terpenoid-enzyme complexes exhibit strong interactions and structural stability, which could be adapted for experimental models.
How much land can households transfer out to achieve effective poverty reduction? Empirical evidence from China’s poverty-stricken areas
Authors: Cai Jie , Liu Wei , Xia Xianli , Li Xiaoping
Published: March 2021

Land transfer can promote land scale management, realize economies of scale, and improve scale efficiency. Considering the current level of social and economic development, choosing the most appropriate transfer scale can not only increase households’ income but also improve their capability. Based on survey data from rural households in China’s poverty-stricken areas, this paper uses the threshold regression model to analyze the nonlinear relationship between the land transfer-out scale selection and multidimensional poverty. An endogenous switching regression model, which comprehensively considers the bias and heterogeneity of sample selection, is used to analyze the effect of land transfer on multidimensional poverty. The study yields three main findings. First, the effect of transfer-out rate on the multidimensional poverty index (MPI) structurally changes when the rate reaches 0.7667. Second, based on counterfactual assumptions, we find that high transfer-out land scale can effectively reduce the MPI. Third, if high transfer-out scale households (> 0.7667) choose the low scale, the MPI will increase by 0.0378; if low transfer-out scale households (< 0.7667) have the opportunity to choose the high scale, the MPI will drop by 0.1297. Therefore, to achieve better poverty reduction effects in poor areas, policy maker must rationally guide farmers to transfer sufficient land to cross the threshold value for poverty reduction. The government should formulate different guidance strategies for households to transfer out land to improve their capability and avoid falling into multidimensional poverty. Finally, local governments can alleviate multidimensional poverty by increasing support in poor areas and developing the industrial economy.
Vitamin D status among infants attending Reproductive and Child Health Centre in Arusha, Tanzania; A cross-sectional study 
Authors: Urio Victor Zablon , Phillip Kasirye , Musiime Victor , Piloya Theresa , Swanson Stephen
Published: March 2021

Background: Globally there is a high burden of low serum vitamin D levels, with children being more at risk, due to low intake in breastmilk, few available foods and inadequate cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D. Even in countries with abundant sunshine, Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) remains a problem. The classical clinical effect of severe vitamin D deficiency is rickets. VDD is common in developing countries and may affect developmental outcomes of children. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with vitamin D deficiency among infants attending the Reproductive and Child Health Clinic (RCH), in Arusha, Tanzania.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of infants aged 6 weeks to 12 months attending RCH clinic at Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre (ALMC). We enrolled 304 infants from November 2018 to January 2019 after consent. A pre-coded questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics of the infants. Physical examination was done for anthropometric measures and signs of rickets. Serum was drawn for assessment of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D),calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphate was assessed. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as 25(OH)D less than 20ng/ml. Multivariate analysis was done to determine factors associated with VDD. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA 14 version. P- value < 0.05 was significant. Results: A total of 67/ 304 infants had vitamin D deficiency. Another 50(16.5%) were found to have insufficiency level of vitamin D. Only 187(61.5%) had adequate vitamin D. Signs of rickets were observed in 11(3.6%) and hypocalcemia in 33(10.9%) infants. Factors independently associated with VDD include age < 6 months Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 1.56 (95% CI 1.19-4.0) p value < 0.026, presence of signs of rickets and hypocalcemia p value <0.001 and <0.002 respectively. Conclusion and Recommendation: A high prevalence of VDD (22%) was observed among infants attending RCH clinic in Arusha Tanzania. Age <6 months and the presence of the clinical sign of rickets were associated with VDD. Clinicians should actively assess for VDD and vitamin D supplementation with special emphasis infants <6 months should be implemented.
Variability of gait spatio-temporal parameters during treadmill walking
Authors: Latka Miroslaw , Kozlowska Klaudia , West Bruce J.
Published: March 2021

During treadmill walking, the subject’s stride length (SL) and duration (ST) yield a stride speed (SS) which fluctuates over a narrow range centered on the treadmill belt’s speed. We recently demonstrated that ST and SL trends are strongly correlated and serve as control manifolds about which the corresponding gait parameters fluctuate. The fundamental problem, which has not yet been investigated, concerns the contribution of SL and ST fluctuations to SS variability. To investigate this relation, we approximate SS variance by the linear combination of SL variance and ST variance, as well as their covariance. The combination coefficients are nonlinear functions of ST and SL mean values and, consequently, depend on treadmill speed. The approximation applies to constant speed treadmill walking and walking on a treadmill whose belt speed is perturbed by strong, high-frequency noise. In the first case, up to 80% of stride speed variance comes from SL fluctuations. In the presence of perturbations, the SL contribution decreases with increasing speed, but its lowest value is still twice as large as that of either ST variance or SL-ST covariance. The presented evidence supports the hypothesis that stride length adjustments are primarily responsible for speed maintenance during walking. Such a control strategy is evolutionarily advantageous due to the weak speed dependence of the SL contribution to SS variance. The ability to maintain speed close to that of a moving cohort did increase the chance of an individual’s survival throughout most of human evolution.