bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
D-Dimensional f(R,φ) Gravity
Authors: Bousder Mostafa
Published: February 2021

In this work, we explore a the different forms of a new type of modified gravity, namely f(φ) gravity. We construct the Big Rip type for the energy density and the curvature of the universe. We show that dark energy is a result of the transformation of the field φ mass (dark matter) to energy. In addition, we provide that Ω_{m}≈0,050, Ω_{DM}≈0,2, Ω_{DE}≈0,746, is in excellent agreement with observation data. We explore a generalized formalism of braneworld modified gravity. We also construct a new field equations, which generalize the Einstein field equations. We provide a relation between the extra dimension in 3-brane with the vacuum energy density. We show that the energy density of matter depends directly on the number of dimensions. We manage to find the value of the Gauss-Bonnet coupling α=1/4 which is a good agreement with the results in the literature, this correspondence creates a passage between f(R) gravity and Gauss-Bonnet gravity, this comparison leads to a number of bulk dimensions equal to D=10¹²¹+4.
LRH-1 Ameliorates Hepatic Triglyceride Accumulation via Regulation of Perilipin 5 in the Liver
Authors: Pantha Rubee , Lee Jae-Ho , Bae Jae-Hoon , Koh Eun Hee , Song Dae-Kyu , Im Seung-Soon
Published: February 2021

Liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1) has emerged as a regulator of hepatic glucose, bile acid, and mitochondrial metabolism. However, the functional mechanism underlying the effect of LRH-1 on lipid mobilization has not been addressed. This study investigated the regulatory function of LRH-1 in lipid metabolism during fasting. The wild-type (WT) and LRH-1 liver-specific knockout (LKO) mice were either fed or fasted for 24 h, and the liver and serum were isolated. During fasting, the LRH-1 LKO mice showed greater accumulation of triglycerides in the liver compared to that in WT mice. Interestingly, LRH-1 LKO liver decreased the perilipin 5 (PLIN5) expression and genes involved in β-oxidation. Additionally, the LRH-1 agonist dialauroylphosphatidylcholine also enhanced PLIN5 expression in human cultured HepG2 cells. To identify new target genes of LRH-1, these findings directed to analyze the PLIN5 promoter sequence, which revealed −1620/−1614 to be a putative binding site for LRH-1. This was confirmed by promoter activity and chromatin immuno-precipitation assays. Moreover, fasted WT primary hepatocytes showed increased co-localization of PLIN5 in lipid droplets (LDs) compared to that in fasted LRH-1 LKO primary hepatocytes. Overall, these findings suggest that PLIN5 might be a novel target of LRH-1 to mobilize LDs and manage the cellular needs.
THE USE OF LOW CALORIE SWEETENER STEVIA IN VELVA TOMATO (Lycopersicum esculentum mill)
Authors: Astuti Zenita Mulya , Ishartani Dwi , Muhammad Dimas Rahadian Aji
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this research was to determine the effect of velva tomato formula with different proportions of sugar and stevia on the physical, chemical, and sensory of tomato velva. The best tomato velva with sweetener stevia was then determined based on the physical, chemical and sensory characteristics. This research used a completely randomized design (RAL) of one factor which was the propotions of sweetener stevia (K: 50 g sucrose; F1: 39.5 g sucrose and 0.75 g stevia; F2: 29 g sucrose and 1.5g stevia; F3: 19.5 g sucrose and 2.25 g stevia; and F4: 8 g sucrose and 3 g stevia). The result show tat propotions of stevia significantly affects physical characteristics (total dissolved solids, melting power, and overrun), chemical (total calories), and sensory (taste, texture, and overall). While the formula modification has no significant effect on vitamin C and lycopene content. The more proportion of stevia and the less proportion of sucrose reduced total calories, melting power, and total dissolved solids and at the same time increased overrun. The most preferred formula was F1 (39,5g sugar and 0,75g stevia sweetener) which has an overrun of 28.09%, total dissolved solids of 8.43 oBrix, melting power of 13.09 minutes and total calories of 328.65 cal/g.
Efisiensi Rantai Pasok pada Makanan Tidak Tahan Lama Berdasarkan Permintaan Stokastik dan Densitas Bersyarat
Authors: Nur Holisah  , Sudarwanto Sudarwanto  , Ibnu Hadi
Published: February 2021

Rantai pasok pada makanan tidak tahan lama dikelola secara independen untuk memaksimalkan keuntungan. Makanan yang mudah kedaluwarsa dan ketidakpastian permintaan konsumen membuat rantai pasok pada makanan tidak tahan lama sulit dikelola. Akibatnya diberikan diskon sebagai strategi untuk makanan dapat laku terjual sebelum kedaluwarsa. Strategi penentuan harga dan diskon, serta kebijakan stok dapat didekati dengan permintaan stokastik dalam model satu jenis makanan tidak tahan lama. Selain itu, strategi penentuan besarnya rak dapat didekati dengan densitas bersyarat untuk model beragam jenis makanan tidak tahan lama.
Viscoelasticity measured by shear wave elastography in a rat model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: comparison with dynamic mechanical analysis
Authors: Pi Zhaoke , Wang Mengke , Lin Haoming , Guo Yanrong , Chen Siping , Diao Xianfen , Xia Hui , Liu Guoqiang , Zeng Jie , Zhang Xinyu , Chen Xin
Published: February 2021

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly becoming one of the most common liver diseases. Ultrasound elastography has been used for the diagnosis of NAFLD. However, clinical research on steatosis by elastography technology has mainly focused on steatosis with fibrosis or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), while steatosis without fibrosis has been poorly studied. Moreover, the relationship between liver viscoelasticity and steatosis grade is not clear. In this study, we evaluated the degree of liver steatosis in a simple steatosis rat model using shear wave elastography (SWE). Results: The viscoelasticity values of 69 rats with hepatic steatosis were measured quantitatively by SWE in vivo and validated by a dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) test. Pathological sections were used to determine the steatosis grading for each rat. The results showed that the elasticity values obtained by the two methods followed the same trend, and is significantly correlated with liver steatosis. The Pearson’s correlation coefficients indicate that obtained by SWE is positively linear correlated with DMA (r = 0.628, p = 7.85×10-9). However, the obtained by SWE were relatively independent of those obtained by DMA with a correlation coefficient of −0.01. The combined Voigt elasticity measurements have high validity in the prediction of steatosis (S0 vs S1-S4), with an AUROC of 0.755 (95% CI = 0.6175-0.8925, p < 0.01) and the optimal cutoff value was 2.08 kPa with a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 63%.Conclusion: SWE might have the feasibility to be introduced as an auxiliary technique for NAFLD patients in clinical settings. However, the viscosity results measured by the two methods are significantly different because the two methods work in different frequency bands.
Relationship between the density of tatami stores and COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in Japan
Authors: Iwasaki Soshi , Kigawa Yoshiyasu , Takahashi Kazunobu , Yamakage Michiaki
Published: February 2021

Although the primary mechanism for the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is through respiratory droplets (1), the virus that causes COVID-19 can survive on smooth surfaces (e.g., stainless steel, plastic, glass) for days at low temperatures (2). Surface transmission represents a possible route of infection, as unwashed hands that touch a contaminated surface can transfer the virus to mucous membranes (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth) (3). However, it is difficult to observe disease transmission directly. Therefore, the Japanese Cluster Countermeasures team has identified the “Three Cs”—Closed spaces with poor ventilation, Crowded places, and Close-contact settings—as factors to avoid to prevent COVID-19 clusters. Identifying other environmental factors that increase or decrease the number of infections would be useful to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a shoe-related transmission model and enhance COVID-19 transmission route precautions by investigating the associations between the prevalence of COVID-19 and both population density and the distribution of tatami stores in each prefecture in Japan. As a result, a significant negative relationship was observed between the number of tatami stores per 100,000 population and the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths.
Tile: Combination Therapy of Zinc and Trimethoprim Inhibits Influenza A Virus In Chick Embryo
Authors: Habbal Magdi El , Habbal Magdi H EL
Published: February 2021

Background. Respiratory RNA viruses including influenza virus have been a cause of health and economic hardships. These viruses depend on its host for replication and infection. Influenza virus infection is lethal to the chick embryo. We examined whether a combination of trimethoprim and zinc (Tri-Z), that acts on the host, can reduce the lethal effect of influenza A virus in chick embryo model. Method. Influenza virus was isolated from patients and propagated in eggs. We determined viral load that infects 50% of eggs (50% egg lethal dose, ELD50). We introduced 10 ELD50 into embryonated eggs and repeated the experiments using 100 ELD50. A mixture of zinc oxide (Zn) and trimethoprim (TMP) (weight / weight ratios ranged from 0.01 to 0.3, Zn/TMP with increment of 0.1) was tested for embryo survival of the infection (n = 12 per ratio, in triplicates). Embryo survival was determined by candling eggs daily for 7 days. Controls of Zn, TMP, saline or convalescent serum were conducted in parallel. The effect of Tri-Z on virus binding to its cell surface receptor was evaluated in a hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay using chicken red cells. Tri-Z was prepared to concentration of 10 mg TMP and 1.8 mg Zn per ml, then serial dilutions were made. HAI effect was expressed as scores where ++++ = no effect; 0 = complete HAI effect.Results. TMP, Zn or saline separately had no effect on embryo survival, none of the embryos survived influenza virus infection. All embryos treated with convalescent serum survived. Tri-Z, at ratio range of 0.15 to 0.2 (optimal ratio of 0.18) Zn / TMP, enabled embryos to survive influenza virus despite increasing viral load (>80% survival at optimal ratio). At concentration of 15 microgram/ml of optimal ratio, Tri-Z had total HAI effect (scored 0). However, at clinical concentration of 5 microgram/ml, Tri-Z had partial HAI effect (++).Conclusion. Acting on host cells, Tri-Z at optimal ratio can reduce the lethal effect of influenza A virus in chick embryo. Tri-Z has HAI effect. These findings suggest that combination of trimethoprim and zinc at optimal ratio can be provided as treatment for influenza and possibly other respiratory RNA viruses infection in man.
Bronze Age to Medieval vegetation dynamics and landscape anthropization in the central pre-Pyrenees 
Authors: Rull Valentí , Vegas-Vilarrúbia Teresa , Corella Juan Pablo , Valero-Garcé Blas
Published: February 2021

The varved sediments of Lake Montcortès (central Pre-Pyrenees) have provided a continuous high-resolution record of the last ca. 3000 years. Previous chronological and sedimentological studies of this record have furnished detailed paleoenvironmental reconstructions. However, palynological studies are only available for the last millennium, when the landscape around the lake had already been transformed by humans. Therefore, the primeval vegetation of Montcortès and the history of its anthropogenic transformations remains unknown. This paper presents a palynological analysis of the interval between the Late Bronze Age and the Early Medieval period, aimed at recording the preanthropic conditions, the anthropization onset and the further landscape transformations. During the Late Bronze Age (ca. 1100 BCE to 770 BCE), the vegetation did not show any evidence of human impact. The decisive anthropogenic transformation of the Montcortès catchment vegetation and landscape started at the beginning of the Iron Age (770 BCE) and continued during Roman and Medieval times in the form of recurrent burning, grazing, cultivation, silviculture and hemp retting. Some intervals of lower human pressure were recorded, but the original vegetation never returned. The anthropization that took place during the Iron Age did not cause relevant changes in the sediment yield to the lake, but a significant limnological shift occurred, as manifested in the initiation of varve formation, a process that has been continuous until today. Climatic shifts seem to have played a secondary role in influencing vegetation and landscape changes. These results contrast with previous inferences of low anthropogenic impact until the Medieval Period, at a regional level. It could be interesting to verify whether the same pattern – i.e., Iron Age anthropization and Early Medieval intensification of human pressure – may be a recurrent pattern for mid-elevation Pyrenean landscapes below the tree line.
Serum Anti-AP3D1 Antibodies Are Risk Factors for Acute Ischemic Stroke Related With Atherosclerosis
Authors: Li Shu-Yang , Yoshida Yoichi , Kobayashi Eiichi , Kubota Masaaki , Matsutani Tomoo , Mine Seiichiro , Machida Toshio , Maezawa Yoshiro , Takemoto Minoru , Yokote Koutaro , Kobayashi Yoshio , Takizawa Hirotaka , Sata Mizuki , Yamagishi Kazumasa , Iso Hiroyasu , Sawada Norie , Tsugane Shoichiro , Kobayashi Sohei , Matsushita Kazuyuki , Nomura Fumio , Matsubara Hisahiro , Sumazaki Makoto , Ito Masaaki , Yajima Satoshi , Shimada Hideaki , Iwase Katsuro , Ashino Hiromi , Wang Hao , Goto Kenichiro , Tomiyoshi Go , Shinmen Natsuko , Nakamura Rika , Kuroda Hideyuki , Iwadate Yasuo , Hiwasa Takaki
Published: February 2021

Atherosclerosis has been considered as the main cause of morbidity, mortality, and disability worldwide. The first screening for antigen markers was conducted using the serological identification of antigens by recombinant cDNA expression cloning, which has identified adaptor-related protein complex 3 subunit delta 1 (AP3D1) as an antigen recognized by serum IgG antibodies of patients with atherosclerosis. Serum antibody levels were examined using the amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay-linked immunosorbent assay (AlphaLISA) using a recombinant protein as an antigen. It was determined that the serum antibody levels against AP3D1 were higher in patients with acute ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack , diabetes mellitus (DM), cardiovascular disease , chronic kidney disease (CKD), esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and colorectal carcinoma than those in the healthy donors. The area under the curve values of DM, nephrosclerosis type of CKD, and ESCC calculated using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were higher than that of other diseases. Correlation analysis showed that the anti-AP3D1 antibody levels were highly associated with maximum intima-media thickness, which indicates that this marker reflected the development of atherosclerosis. The results of the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study indicated that this antibody marker is deemed useful as risk factors for AIS.
Plasmon resonances of graphene-dielectric-metal structures calculated by the method of recurrence relations
Authors: Cruz Gerardo Gonzalez de la , Oliva-Leyva Maurice
Published: February 2021

Graphene supports surface plasmons in the therahertz range, and compared with noble-metal plasmons, they show an extreme level of field confinement and relatively long propagation distances, with the advantage of being highly tunable via electrostatic field. Nevertheless, its interaction with light is normally rather weak. To obtain a more powerful capability of excite plasmons, a combination of graphene and artificial structures (metamaterials) present a powerful tunability for enhancing light-matter interaction. These features make graphene metamaterials a promising candidate for plasmonics and surface plasmon resonance for biological sensors. In this work, we study the plasmon spectra in a finite number of graphene layers on a metallic-dielectric substrate surrounded by materials with different dielectric constants. It is shown that using standard electromagnetic boundary conditions and solving the recurrence relation (a suitable alternative to transfer matrix method) for the coefficients of the electric potential between graphene layers, an explicit effective dielectric function of the metamaterial can be obtained giving the plasmon dispersion relations. It is found that the metal-dielectric-layered graphene structure supports both, high-energy optical plasmons oscillations and out-of-phase low energy acoustic charge density excitations. Experimentally, the Kretschmann configuration can be used to excite the surface plasmon resonances. It is based on the observation of a sharp minimum in the reflection coefficient versus angle (or wavelength) curve.
Cdc20 protects cells from Ara-c-induced apoptosis in AML via targeting autophagy
Authors: Ding Shumin , Kan Jinyao , Wang Yan , Cui Siyuan , Wang Jingyi , Li Zonghong , Wang Teng , Ma Daoxin , Xu Ruirong
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the role and mechanism of Cdc20 on Ara-c chemosensitivity of AML cells.MethodsEvaluation experiments of effects of Cdc20 on Ara-c chemosensitivity were performed with AML cell transfected with constructs overexpressing Cdc20 or AML cell transfected with Cdc20 shRNA through observing cell viability, apoptosis rate,expression of apoptosis protein.The level of autophagy was assessed by transmission electron microscopy and western blotting.ResultsAfter exposure to Ara-c, Cdc20 expression is down-regulated. Intracellular Cdc20 expression inhibited Ara-c-induced apoptosis as shown by increasing cell viability and decreasing expression of cleaved caspase3.The expression of LC3B was mediated by Cdc20 expression,which further inhibits autophagy. Moreover, Cdc20 mediated LC3B-decreasing promotes the expression of P-Akt and P-ERK and inhibits ROS generation.ConclusionIt was determined that Cdc20 promoted the degradation of LC3B, thereby inhibiting autophagy and decreasing Ara-c-induced apoptosis in AML cells.
The biomass, survival, reproductive and biomarker responses of Helix pomatia to soil contaminated with treated and untreated wastewater.
Authors: Matseleng Semase , Ogbeide Ozekeke , Voua Patricks' Otomo
Published: February 2021

Wastewater treatment facilities in developing countries like South Africa are major sources of contaminants via effluent into the environment, which could portend high toxicity risks for non-target flora and fauna. To this end, a study was conducted to determine the ecotoxicological responses of selected organism to treated and untreated wastewater from the wastewater treatment plants in an industrial town. The snail Helix pomatia was exposed to OECD artificial soil spiked with untreated or treated wastewater at the following concentrations: 0, 25, 50, 75, 100%. The ecotoxicological responses of Helix pomatia to wastewater were determined by assessing the biomass, survival, reproduction and biomarker responses (Catalase ‒ CAT and Acetylcholinesterase ‒ AChE activities). The overall results showed significant effects on the survival, reproduction and biomass of H. pomatia. Similar results were observed for juvenile emergence. An EC50 of 5.751% for egg production and an EC50 of 6.233% for juvenile emergence were determined in the untreated wastewater. Such indices could not be computed for the treated wastewater, indicating a decreased in toxicity between the untreated and the treated samples. For both the AChE and CAT activities, there was no statistical difference between treated and untreated wastewater treatments. The results from this study highlight the toxic effects of untreated wastewater and indicate that treated wastewater (effluent) released from the wastewater treatment plant in Phuthaditjhaba remains suitable for invertebrate fauna such as H. pomatia.
Community Richness, Height, Coverage, and Spatial Distribution Mediate Grasshopper Abundance in the Upper Reaches of Heihe River, China
Authors: Li Lili , zhao chengzhang , zhao xiawei , wang dawei , li yu
Published: February 2021

Species interactions are often context-dependent and complex, such as the grasshopper community and phytoecommunity. The adaption of grasshopper abundance and plant community were determined by topographical heterogeneity. However, it remains vague about how vegetation community, such as coverage, abundance and height, influence the spatial distribution pattern of grasshopper abundance at the altitude gradient. The geostatistical methods were used in natural grassland of the upper reaches of Heihe River to quantify the relationship of spatial correlation. A 5-years investigation shown that 3149 of grasshoppers was collected，belonging to 3 families, 10 genera, and 13 species. The semivariable function of grasshopper abundance and vegetation community followed a nonlinear model. Meanwhile, horizontal distribution of two communities was a clear flaky and plaque distribution pattern, especially at the altitude gradient. The abundance of grasshoppers is opposite to the height and coverage of vegetation and the overall follow ability of coverage, while the local following is consistent. Such as grasshopper abundance, the above 2750m sample with the opposite trend, the following areas were consistent. The grasshoppers exhibited the varieties on vegetation characters among all directions. On the different habits, the spatial distribution formed uniform trends; meanwhile, on the same, the trends diversified with altitude gradient, formed embedded striped patches structure.
Passivation and Remediation of Pb and Cr in Contaminated Soil by Sewage Sludge Biochar Tubule
Authors: Chen Lin , Ni Qi , Wu Yan , Fu Chuan , Ping Wei , Bai Hongyu , Li Mengnan , Huang HongCheng , Liu Hanshuang
Published: February 2021

Currently, numerous studies have carried out to research the effect of biochars remediation soil heavy metals (HMs) contaminated, but there have been fewer explorations of the effect of biochars tubule on soil HMs remediation. This work aimed was to study the effect of passivation and remediation of lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) contaminated soil after insert sewage sludge biochar (SSB) tubule. The results showed that the high risky fractions of Pb and Cr could be transformed into more stable fractions, also, Pb and Cr total contents are significantly decreased by SSB tubule. The mechanisms including adsorption, ion exchange, complexation and precipitation which are concluded from the characteristic analysis. Detailly, the passivation of Pb and Cr are better when the moisture at 25% and 35%, respectively, [Pb: exchangeable (F1), carbonate bound (F2) decreased by 25.1%, 16.8%, Fe-Mn oxides bound (F3) increased by 18.5%; Cr: F1 decreased by 73.0%, F2, F3, Organic matter bound (F4) increased by 13.2%, 23.9%, 30.8%), respectively]. The remediation of Pb and Cr is better when the moisture at 25% and 35%, respectively, (Pb: decreased by 23.3%; Cr: decreased by 38.4%, respectively). The findings showed that the SSB tubule is effective when used for soil HMs contaminated.
Magnetic Field Sensor Using Asymmetric Giant Magnetoimpedance Effect Created by Micro Magnets
Authors: Izgi Tekin , Pektas M. , Kolat V.S. , Bayri N. , Atalay S.
Published: February 2021

A magnetic field sensor was developed using asymmetric giant magnetoimpedance (AGMI) effect. Amorphous ferromagnetic (Fe0.06Co0.94) 72.5Si12.5B15 wires were used in this study. The 2 cm long wire showed about 88 % and the 7 cm long wire showed about 197 % giant magnetoimpedance effect. When two micro magnets were placed 1 cm away from the ends of the wire, a distortion in two peak shapes of the GMI curve was observed and asymmetry was created by micro magnets and 7 cm long wire showed about 148 % AGMI effect. A simple and a new approach was designed to develop a magnetic field sensor, in the design circuit two signal generators were used to arrange linearity and dc offset in the output signal. The circuit output showed good linearity and zero hysteresis at ±250 A/m and ± 50 A/m magnetic field regions for 2cm wires long and 7 cm wires long, respectively.
Polyomic Analyses of Dopaminergic Neurons Isolated From Human Substantia Nigra in Parkinson’s Disease: An Exploratory Study.
Authors: ZACCARIA Affif , Malaspina Paola Antinori , Licker Virginie , Kovari Enikö , Lobrinus Johannes A , Burkhard Pierre R
Published: February 2021

Background Dopaminergic (DA) neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) selectively and progressively degenerate in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Until now, molecular analyses of DA neurons in PD have been limited to genomic and transcriptomic approaches, whereas, to the best of our knowledge, no proteomic or combined polyomic study examining the protein profile of these neurons, is currently available. Methods In this exploratory study, we used laser microdissection to extract DA neurons from 10 human SNpc samples obtained at autopsy in PD patients and control subjects. Extracted RNA and proteins were identified by RNA sequencing and nano-LC-MS/MS, respectively, and the differential expression between the PD and control group was assessed. Results Qualitative analyses confirmed that the microdissection protocol preserves the integrity of our samples and offers access to specific molecular pathways. This polyomic analysis highlighted differential expression of 52 genes and 33 proteins, including molecules of interest already known to be dysregulated in PD, such as LRP2, PNMT, CXCR4, MAOA and CBLN1 genes, or the Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 protein. On the other hand, despite the same samples were used for both analyses, correlation between RNA and protein expression was low, as exemplified by the CST3 gene encoding for the cystatin C protein. Conclusion This is the first exploratory study analyzing both gene and protein expression of LMD-dissected DA neurons from SNpc in PD. Although correlation between RNA and protein expressions was limited, this polyomic study provides an extensive and integrated overview of molecular changes identified in the PD SNpc and may offer novel insights into specific pathological processes at work in PD degeneration.
Chronic Testosterone Administration During Pregnancy Causes Autistic-like Traits in Rat Offspring: Possible Relationships with Cerebral Oxytocin, Dopamine, Serotonin and IGF-1 Levels.
Authors: Senkal Evrim , Eryigit Umut , Bozkurt Mehmet Fatih , Solmaz Volkan , Erbas Oytun
Published: February 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects boys three times more frequently than girls. Previous studies have suggested that higher fetal testosterone exposure can cause autism-like behaviors in males. The mechanism of effect of fetal testosterone on autism development is not well known. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between prenatal testosterone exposure and ASD in an experimental study with the use of behavioral tests, histopathological examinations and biochemical measurements performed to compare offspring with and without exposure to testosterone.
Female rats were randomly distributed into Group 1 (control, n = 6) and Group 2 (Testosterone undecanoate, n = 6). Female rats were caged with a fertile male (three female/one male) for 2–3 days during the oestrus period.
Group 1 rats were given 1 ml/kg % 0.9 NaCl saline on the 10th day of pregnancy, while Group 2 rats were given 250 mg/kg testosterone undecanoate. The dams were allowed to raise their litters until weaning on postnatal day 21 (P21). On P21 , forty littermates (10 male control, ten female control, ten male Testosterone-exposed, and ten female Testosterone-exposed) were randomly separated and housed. These animals underwent behavioral testing in adulthood on P50. Subsequently, the rats were sacrificed. Biochemical analyses [Brain tissue 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), homovanillic acid (HVA), Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and oxytocin] and histopathological analyses were performed.
Analysis of the behavioral tests (three-chamber social test, open field test) revealed significant differences among the groups, with the testosterone-exposed groups demonstrating autistic traits at a greater degree. Histologically, hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions displayed significant alterations such as gliosis and neuronal cell death in the testosterone-exposed groups compared to controls. Brain levels of tissue 5-HIAA, HVA, IGF-1 increased while oxytocin level decreased in the testosterone-exposed groups.
These results suggest a possible link between chronic prenatal testosterone exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD. Testosterone exposure and autism-like traits can be linked to dopamine, serotonin, IGF-1 increase, and oxytocin decrease.
Increased Severity of Complications After Therapeutic ERCP in Geriatric Patients With Chronic Pancreatitis: An Observational Study
Authors: Guo Ji-Yao , Zou Wen-Bin , Zhu Jia-Hui , Ru Nan , Pan Jun , Wang Yuan-Chen , Qian Yang-Yang , Hu Liang-Hao , Liao Zhuan , Li Zhao-Shen
Published: February 2021

Background: Studies of therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in geriatric patients have mainly examined patients with biliary diseases, rather than chronic pancreatitis (CP). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and success rate of therapeutic ERCP in geriatric patients with CP. Methods: This was an observational study from prospectively collected data. The medical records of patients with CP aged over 65 years (Group A) were collected in a tertiary hospital from January 2013 to December 2018. Sex-matched CP patients under 65 years (Group B) were randomly selected into the control group (matching ratio = 1:2). Collected data included demographic data, endoscopic findings, interventions, success, and complications. The success rate and the complication rate of therapeutic ERCP in two groups were compared with chi-square test. The risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis were investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis.Results: A total of 268 ERCPs were performed in 179 patients of Group A and 612 ERCPs in 358 patients of Group B. The success rate of ERCP in Group A was similar to that of Group B (92.16% vs 92.32%; P=0.936). The overall incidence of post-ERCP complications was 7.09% (19/268) and 5.72% (35/612) in Group A and B, respectively (P=0.436). However, geriatric patients had a significantly increased occurrence of moderate to severe complications (2.61% vs 0.16%; P=0.002). Female gender (OR=3.40; 95% CI, 1.02-11.31; P=0.046), pancreas divisum (OR=7.15; 95% CI, 1.01-50.62; P=0.049), dorsal pancreatogram (OR=7.40; 95% CI, 1.63-33.64; P=0.010), and lithotripsy (OR=0.15; 95% CI, 0.03-0.70; P=0.016) were significantly associated with risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis in geriatric patients.Conclusions: Therapeutic ERCP is safe and feasible in elderly patients with CP. However, occurrence of moderate to severe complications after ERCP increased in geriatric patients.Trial registration: retrospectively registered.
 Prevalence of Myopia in 3–14-Year-Old Chinese Children: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Chengdu
Authors: Wang Jianglan , Liu Jinnan , Ma Wei , Zhang Qi , Li Rong , He Xiao , Liu Longqian
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe prevalence of myopia among children in Chengdu is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of myopia in 3- to 14-year-old Chinese children in Chengdu.MethodsThis study was a school-based cross-sectional study in children aged 3–14 years. Visual acuity (VA), spherical equivalent error (SER) with noncycloplegic autorefraction, axial length (AL) and corneal radius (CR) were measured.ResultsA total of 19455 children were recruited for this study. The prevalence of myopia was 38.1%; the prevalence of low myopia was 26.6%, that of moderate myopia was 9.8%, and that of high myopia was 1.7%. The prevalence of myopia and SER increased with age from 6 years old. The prevalence of myopia was higher, and the SER indicated more severe myopia in the girls than in the boys (40.1% vs. 36.2%, χ2 = 30.67, df = 1, P < 0.001; -0.93 D±1.75 D vs. -0.84 D±1.74 D, t=3.613, df=19453, P<0.001). The girls had a higher prevalence of myopia and myopic SER than did the boys aged 9 years and older (P<0.05). Among the myopic children, the rates of uncorrected, undercorrected and fully corrected myopia were 54.8%, 17.8% and 27.4%, respectively. AL and AL/CR increased with age from 6 years old, but CR remained stable after 4 years old. The AL was longer, and the CR was flatter in the boys than in the girls aged 3 to 14 years old (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe prevalence of myopia, AL and AL/CR increased, and the SER became more myopic with age from 6 years old. The girls had a higher prevalence of myopia and myopic SER than did the boys, but the boys had a longer AL, flatter CR and higher AL/CR ratio than did the girls. The rate of uncorrected myopia was very high in the myopic children. More actions need to be taken to decrease the prevalence of myopia, especially uncorrected myopia in children.
Prognostic Nomogram Based on Circular RNA-Associated Competing Endogenous RNA Network For Patients With Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Yang , Sun Rongrong , Li Rui , Chen Yonggang , Du He
Published: February 2021

Evidence is increasingly indicating that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are closely involved in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, function and application of circRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) are still unknown. In this study, we selected differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs), differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) and differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) to establish a circRNA-associated competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and further constructed a prognostic signature for LUAD patients. Based on TargetScan prediction tool and Pearson correlation coefficient, we constructed a circRNA-associated ceRNA network including 11 DEcircRNAs, 8 DEmiRNAs and 49 DEmRNAs. Functional enrichment indicated that the ceRNA network might be involved in regulation of GTPase activity and endothelial cell differentiation. After removing the discrete points, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network containing 12 DEmRNAs was constructed. Based on DEmRNAs within PPI network, we constructed a three-gene prognostic signature for LUAD patients using LASSO method. Patients in the training cohort could be categorized into high-risk or low-risk subgroup with significant survival difference (HR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.12-2.35, log-rank p = 0.009). The prognostic performance was confirmed in an independent cohort (HR: 2.59, 95% CI: 1.32-5.10, log-rank p = 0.004). Combining three-gene signature with clinical risk characters, a nomogram was constructed. The calibration curves for probability of 3- and 5-year overall survival showed significant agreement between nomogram predictions and actual observations. Our findings provided a deeper understanding of the circRNA-associated ceRNA regulatory mechanism in LUAD pathogenesis and constructed a prognostic signature that could be a useful guide for personalized treatment of LUAD patients.
Synthesis of Spinel Nanocrystalline ZnFe2O4: Structural, Optical, Magnetic and Electrical properties.
Authors: Chelladurai Sasirekha , Chandrasekaran Raghavan , Murugasen Sivaraman
Published: February 2021

The present paper deals with the synthesis of Zinc Ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles using simple, low cost co - precipitation method and study the structural, optical, magnetic and electrical properties. The samples have been prepared at two different calcination temperatures of 400˚ C and 600˚ C. The XRD studies indicate that the synthesized ZnFe2O4 samples exhibit cubic spinel structure and that the grain size increases with calcination temperature. The FTIR spectra demonstrate bands associated with metal – oxygen bonds in the tetrahedral and octahedral sites. Moreover, no unwanted impurity such as nitrate has been detected in the synthesized samples revealing their high purity. The micro structural analysis shows that though most particles are irregular granular ones, some are spherical. The optical band gap energy is found to increase with increasing calcination temperature. The Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) studies reveal the super paramagnetic behavior of the synthesized samples, even for a high Fe: Zn ratio of 1:2. The electrical resistivity of the samples decreases with increase in calcination temperature.This phenomenon has been explained on the basis of the Verwey-de Boer mechanism.
A 24,482-bp Deletion Increases Seed Weight Through Multiple Pathways in Rapeseed (Brassica Napus L.)
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Huang Qiyang , Wang Pengfei , Liu Feiyang , Luo Mudan , Li Xiang , Wang Zhuanrong , Wan Lili , Yang Guangsheng , Hong Dengfeng
Published: February 2021

Exploration of the genes controlling seed weight is critical to improve crop yield and understand the mechanisms underlying seed formation in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). We previously identified the quantitative trait locus (QTL) qSW.C9, for the thousand-seed weight (TSW) trait, in a double haploid population constructed from F1 hybrids between the parental accessions HZ396 and Y106. Here, we confirmed the phenotypic effects associated with qSW.C9 in BC3F2 populations and fine-mapped the candidate causal locus to a 266-kb interval. Sequence and expression analyses revealed that a 24,482-bp deletion in HZ396 containing six predicted genes most likely underlies qSW.C9. Differential gene expression analysis and cytological observations suggested that qSW.C9 affects both cell proliferation and cell expansion through multiple signaling pathways. After genotyping a rapeseed diversity panel to define their haplotype structure, we suggest that the selection of germplasm carrying two specific markers may be effective in improving seed weight in rapeseed. This study provides a solid foundation for the identification of the causal gene of qSW.C9 and offers an attractive target for breeding higher-yielding rapeseed.
Abnormal Biomechanical Conditions of the Foot in Child with Down Syndrome During Standing: A Finite Element Study
Authors: Li Yaqi , Huang Shangjun , Zhang Beihua , Wong Duo Wai-Chi , Wang Yan , Niu Wenxin , Zhang Ming
Published: February 2021

Background: Down syndrome children have a high incidence of pes planus. Pain follows and does harm to their daily life. To well manage their foot pain, it’s necessary to know the mechanism of the pain from the aspect of biomechanics. The purpose of this study was to characterize the abnormal biomechanical conditions of foot in Down syndrome children during standing, comparing to the normal control children by finite element method. Methods: Two participants aged 5 were recruited in this study that are a Down syndrome child with pes planus and a normal control child. Two three-dimension finite element foot models were constructed from CT of the two participants, each of which include bones, ligaments, plantar fascia, cartilages, epiphyseal plates and an encapsulated soft tissue. The plantar pressure during standing and anthropometric data were collected from the same participants for model validation and simulation. Results: The abnormal alignment of the transverse tarsal joint showed in Down syndrome child. The contact pressure in Down syndrome child was higher in tibiotalar joint, compared with the normal control child. The tensile force of spring, plantar calcaneocuboid ligaments in Down syndrome child was approximately 9 folds and 58 folds greater than normal control child, respectively. In Down syndrome child contact force of the talonavicular joint was 0.05 times the body weight and calcaneocuboid joint was near zero, whereas the value in normal control child was 0.11 and 0.01 respectively. Conclusion: The Down syndrome child showed abnormal biomechanical conditions in foot in terms of joints contact pressure, tensile force of ligament around transverse tarsal joint and contact force transmission through transverse tarsal joint. These abnormal biomechanical conditions resulted from pes planus are the potential factors that may cause their foot pain. Conservative interventions should be considered at their early age to eliminate negative effect of these potential factors.
Vacuum Phenomenon as a Predictor of Kyphosis After Implant Removal Following Posterior Pedicle Screw Fixation Without Fusion for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture: a Single-center Retrospective Study
Authors: Hirahata Masahiro , Kitagawa Tomoaki , Yasui Youichi , Oka Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Iwao , Yamada Kazuaki , Fujita Muneyoshi , Kawano Hirotaka , Ishii Keisuke
Published: February 2021

Background: Posterior pedicle screw fixation without fusion has been commonly applied for thoracolumbar burst fracture. Implant removal is performed secondarily after bone union. However, the occurrence of secondary kyphosis has recently attracted attention. Secondary kyphosis results in poor clinical outcomes. The purpose of this was to determine predictors of kyphosis after implant removal following posterior pedicle screw fixation without fusion for thoracolumbar burst fracture.Methods: This retrospective study reviewed 60 consecutive patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture who underwent implant removal following posterior pedicle screw fixation without fusion. Inclusion criteria were non-osteoporotic fracture and T11-L4 burst fracture. Old age, sex, initial severe wedge deformity, initial severe kyphosis, and vacuum phenomenon were examined as factors potentially associated with final kyphotic deformity (defined as kyphotic angle greater than 25°) or loss of correction. Logistic regression analysis was performed using propensity score matching.Results: Among the 31 female and 29 male patients (mean age 39 years), final kyphotic deformity was found in 17 cases (28%). Multivariate analysis showed a significant association with the vacuum phenomenon. Loss of correction was found in 35 cases (58%) and showed a significant association with the vacuum phenomenon. There were no significant associations with other factors.Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that the vacuum phenomenon before implant removal may be a predictor of secondary kyphosis of greater than 25° after implant removal following posterior pedicle screw fixation without fusion for thoracolumbar burst fracture, but that old age, sex, initial severe kyphosis, and initial severe wedge deformity may not be predictors.
Pretreatment of CFRP by Amino Thermoset Abrasive Air Jet Machining
Authors: Zhao Yangyang , Lu Wenzhuang , Zhu Yansong , Zuo Dunwen
Published: February 2021

An effective pretreatment method of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) aircraft skin was proposed. In this article, the function of the amino thermosetting abrasives entrained by the airflow on the CFRP aircraft skin is introduced and discussed to achieve the purpose of enhancing the coating adhesion and prolonging the service life. An orthogonal experiment with five factors and four levels was designed and carried out, including jet pressure, target distance and impact angle, moving speed and particle size. The best pretreatment process was obtained by analyzing surface morphology, wettability and adhesion. The erosion mechanism of CFRP coating pretreatment with abrasive impact was studied emphatically. The results show that the critical pressure for fiber damage is 0.4 MPa, and the better surface energy is 38.0 mN/m. Semi-ductile erosion has been identified as the main erosion mechanism of amino thermosetting abrasives eroding CFRP. Effective assurance was provided for the improved surface of the aircraft CFRP skin and enhanced coating adhesion in this study.
Assessment of Modern Contraceptive Utilization and Associated Factors Among Women Living With HIV/AIDS In DTRH In Debre Tabor Town, South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Endeshaw Chekol , Ayele Teklie Mengie , Dejenie Tadesse Asmamaw , Muche Zelalem Tilahun
Published: February 2021

Background: Preventing unintended pregnancy among HIV-positive women constitutes a critical global public health priority for addressing the desperate state of maternal and child health in HIV hyper endemic settings, yet few data exist on contraceptive use among women having ART follow up in Debre Tabor Referral Hospital (DTRH). Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess contraceptive utilization and associated factors among women aged 15-49 years living with HIV/AIDS in DTRH, Ethiopia.Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 02 to February 03, 2020 on women aged 15-49 years living with HIV/AIDS in DTRH. A total of 415 reproductive women living with HIV/AIDS were selected for the study using simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using structured questionnaires through face to face interview by two trained nurses assigned at ART clinic of DTRH during data collection period. The data was presented using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage and the association between dependent and selected independent variables was determined by inferential statistics of chi-square test.Result: The study analysis shows that there is significant association (p<0.05) between educational status (p<0.001), knowledge about modern contraceptive (p<0.001), spouse approval (p<0.001) and receive counseling about modern contraceptive (p<0.001) with their modern contraceptive use.Conclusion: This study in generally showed lower utilization of modern contraceptive in the study area.
Experimental Study on Surface Integrity and Subsurface Damage of Fused Silica in Ultra-Precision Grinding
Authors: Zhong Yaoyu , Dai Yifan , Xiao Hang , Shi Feng
Published: February 2021

To realize low-damage ultra-precision grinding on fused silica, the surface quality and subsurface damage (SSD) distribution with fine-grained grinding wheel under different depth-of-cut and cutting speed are experimentally studied. The material removal mechanism under different grinding parameters is revealed by calculating undeformed chip thickness and observed with the help of transmission electron microscopy. The results show that brittle-ductile surfaces and ductile-like surfaces are generated during grinding. With the decrease of depth-of-cut and the increase of wheel cutting speed, the ultra-precision grinding changes to ductile-regime grinding with plastic flow removal. Besides, the surface roughness (SR) and SSD depth are reduced. The fracture defects such as fractured pits and grinding streaks on brittle-ductile surface gradually decrease. Instead, a ductile-like surface covered with grinding streaks is found. On brittle-ductile surfaces, the nonlinear relationship SSD∝SR4/3 is no longer proper under the influence of plastic flow. Using surface roughness Ra to predict SSD depth is more accurate. When depth-of-cut is 1 µm, cutting speed is 23.4 m/s and the material removal mode is dominated by plastic flow removal, the surface Ra is improved to 2.0 nm and there is no crack but only a 3.4 nm deep plastic flow layer in subsurface after grinding.