bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Declined Maternal GDCA is Correlated With Insulin Resistance and β-Cell Compensation in GDM: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chinese Pregnant Women
Authors: Zhu Bo , Ma Zhixin , Zhu Yuning , Fang Lei , Zhang Hong , Kong Hongwei , Xia Dajing
Published: June 2020

BackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is characterized by glycemia and insulin disorders. Bile acids (Bas) have emerged as vital signaling molecules in glucose metabolic regulation. Bas change in GDM are still unclear, it exerts great significance to illustrate the change of Bas in GDM.MethodsWe organized GDM patient (n = 67) and normal pregnant women (n = 48) around the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) screening period, fasting serums were collected for the measurement of Bas. Clinical data were collected and Bas metabolism profiles were analyzed in the GDM and normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Delivery characteristics, delivery gestational age and infant birthweight were abstracted from medical record to illustrate the differences among the groups.ResultsGDM patients exert the distinctive features compared with NGT, including higher BMI, glucose, insulin (both fasting and OGTT) and HbA1c levels. GDM also gained higher insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and decreased β-cell compensation (DIo). Total bile acids (TBA) remained stable, but glycodeoxycholic acid (GDCA) and taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) declined significantly in GDM. GDCA was inversely correlated with HOMA-IR and positively correlated with DIo. There exists no obvious difference in clinical outcome between GDM and NGT. However, GDM patients with high HOMA-IR and low DIo are inclined to suffering higher cesarean delivery rate and earlier delivery gestational age. ConclusionsGDM with significantly increased insulin resistance and declined DIo elevated the worse clinical outcome, GDCA could be a valuable biomarker to evaluate insulin resistance and DIo in GDM.
Original study Postoperative Urinary Retention: Risk Factors, Speed of Bladder Filling and Time of Catheterization: An Observational Study as Part of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Brouwer Tammo Allie , Roon Eric N van , Kalkman Cor J , Veeger Nic
Published: June 2020

Background If risk factors for postoperative urinary catheterization are known adverse events to the lower urinary tract may be prevented. Therefore, postoperative surgical patients were assessed for risk factors for urinary catheterization, for speed of bladder filling and for time till catheterization or spontaneous voiding. The individual maximum bladder capacity was used as threshold for urinary catheterization. Methods In this prospective observational study 936 general surgical patients were analyzed for risk factors for urinary catheterization. Patients were 18 years or older and were operated under general or spinal anesthesia without the need for an intra-operative indwelling urinary catheter. The maximum bladder capacity was measured at home by voiding in a calibrated bowl after a strong urge that could no longer be ignored. Postoperatively bladder volumes were hourly assessed with ultrasound. Patients were catheterized after reaching their maximum bladder capacity and being unable to void. Speed of bladder filling and time to catheterization were then calculated. Results Spinal anesthesia was the main independent modifiable risk factor for urinary catheterization (hyperbaric bupivacaine RR 8.1, articaine RR 3.1). Unmodifiable risk factors were a maximum bladder capacity <500mL (RR 6.7), duration of surgery ≥60 minutes (RR 5.5), first scan at Post Anesthesia Care Unit ≥250mL (RR 2.1) and age ≥60 (RR 2.0). Urine production varied between 100mL to 200mL/hour. Catheterization or spontaneous voiding happened around 4 hours postoperatively. Conclusion Using the individual maximum bladder capacity, next to the other risk factors, identifies patients at risk for urinary catheterization. These factors should be taken in account whether or not to catheterize the patient to prevent unnecessary urinary catheterization. Considering urine production and maximum bladder capacities, the bladder should be scanned at least within 3 hours postoperatively to prevent overdistention and damage to the lower urinary tract.
Early Epidemiological Features and Trends of the COVID-19 Outbreak in Southeast Asia: a Population-Level Observational Study
Authors: Zhu Mingjian , Jirapat Kleepbua , Shen Jian , Chew Sien Ping , Tan Joanna Wei Hui , Latthitham Natthjija , Li Lanjuan
Published: June 2020

Background: The global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been ongoing in Southeast Asia since 13 January 2020. To guide intervention strategies and summarize beneficial experience, we describe the early epidemiological features and evaluate the trends of the COVID-19 outbreak in Southeast Asia.

Methods: In this population-level observational study, we compiled a list of individual patients with COVID-19 and daily country-level case counts between 13 January 2020 and 16 March 2020 in Southeast Asia. Relevant spatiotemporal distributions, demographic characteristics and short-term trends were assessed.

Results: A total of 1,346 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 217 (16.1%) recoveries and 18 (1.3%) deaths were reported in Southeast Asia as of 16 March 2020. The early transmission dynamics was fit with an exponential regression model: y=0.30e0.13x (p<0·01, adjusted R2 = 0.96). Using this model, we predicted that the cumulative number of reported COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia would exceed 10,000 by early April 2020. A total of 74 cities across 8 countries in Southeast Asia were affected by COVID-19 and most of the confirmed cases were located in 5 international metropolitan areas. Demographic analysis conducted on 925 confirmed cases indicated a median age of 44 years and a sex ratio of 1.25. Median age of local patient population was significantly higher than that of general population in corresponding country (p<0·01), whereas sex ratio did not significantly differ.

Conclusions: The situation of COVID-19 endemic in Southeast Asia is intricate and not optimistic in the short-term. Dynamic disease surveillance and targeted intervention strategies are urgent.
A nomogramic model based on clinical and laboratory parameters at admission for predicting the survival of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Ma Xiaojun , Wang Huifang , Huang Junwei , Geng Yan , Jiang Shuqi , Zhou Qiuping , Chen Xuan , Hu Hongping , Li Weifeng , Zhou Chengbin , Gao Xinglin , Peng Na , Deng Yiyu
Published: June 2020

Background and Aim

COVID-19 has become a major global threat. The present study aimed to develop a nomogram model to predict the survival of COVID-19 patients based on their clinical and laboratory data at admission.

Methods

COVID-19 patients who were admitted at Hankou Hospital and Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan, China from January 12, 2020 to March 20, 2020, whose outcome during the hospitalization was known, were retrospectively reviewed. The categorical variables were compared using Pearson’s χ2-test or Fisher’s exact test, and continuous variables were analyzed using Student’s t-test or Mann Whitney U-test, as appropriate. Then, variables with a P-value of ≤0.1 were included in the multivariate model, and merely these independent risk factors were used to establish the nomogram model. The discrimination of the nomogram was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and internally verified using the Bootstrap method.

Results

A total of 262 patients (134 surviving and 128 non-surviving patients) were included in the analysis. Seven variables, which included age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.905, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.868-0.944; P<0.001), chronic heart disease (CHD, OR: 0.048, 95% CI: 0.013-0.180; P<0.001), the percentage of lymphocytes (Lym%, OR: 1.116, 95% CI: 1.051-1.184; P<0.001), platelets (OR: 1.008, 95% CI: 1.003-1.012; P=0.001), C-reaction protein (OR: 0.982, 95% CI: 0.973-0.991; P<0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, OR: 0.993, 95% CI: 0.990-0.997; P<0.001) and D-dimer (OR: 0.734, 95% CI: 0.615-0.875; P=0.001), were identified as the independent risk factors. The nomogram model based on these factors exhibited a good discrimination, with an AUC of 0.948 (95% CI: 0.923-0.973).

Conclusion

A nomogram based on age, CHD, Lym%, platelets, C-reaction protein, LDH and D-dimer was established to accurately predict the prognosis of COVID-19 patients. This can be used as an alerting tool for clinicians to take early intervention measures, when necessary.
COVID-19 in Northeast Bosnia and Herzegovina and patients length of hospitalization
Authors: Trnacevic Alma , Mujkanovic Amer , Al-Salloum Noura , Sakusic Amra , Trnacevic Emir , Jusufovic Emir , Hukic Fatima , Jahic Rahima , Stratton Richard
Published: June 2020

Background Since outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic clinical data from various parts of the world have been reported, until now there has been no provide data from Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) about COVID-19. Aim was to report on the first cohort of patients from B&H and to analyze clinical factors of COVID-19 patients that influence the length of hospitalization. Methods Retrospective cohort study conducted at UKC Tuzla. The study included 25 COVID-19 positive patients that were hospitalized between March 28th and April 27th 2020. The LOH was measured from the time of admission to discharge. Hospitalization greater than 10 days was considered as prolonged. Factors analyzed induced age, BMI, comorbidities, serum creatinine and oxygen saturation upon admission.Results The mean age was 52.92±19.15 years and BMI 28.80±4.22. LOH for patients with normal BMI was 9±SE2.646 days (CI 95% 3.814-14.816) vs 14.182 ±SE .937 (CI 95% 12.346-16.018; p<0.05) for ≥25 BMI. Patients without underlying diseases had a LOH of 11.70 ±SE1.075 (CI 95% 9.592-13.808), while those with comorbidities 14.8 ±SE1.303 (CI95% 12.247-17.353; p<0.05). Conclusion LOH varied among COVID-19 patients and was prolonged when clinical characteristics such as elevated BMI, comorbidities, elevated creatinine and low oxygen saturation levels were taken into consideration. Furthermore, risk factors for COVID-19 patients in B&H do not deviate from data reported in other countries.
Metagenomic discovery and functional validation of L-asparaginases with anti-leukemic effect from the Caspian Sea
Authors: Sobat Motahareh , asad sedigheh , Kabiri Mahboubeh , Mehrshad Maliheh
Published: June 2020

Background
L-asparaginase has been used for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) for more than 30 years. However, efforts continued to find new enzymes with more desirable properties due to the immunogenicity, short half-life, rapid clearance and L-glutaminase side activity of the existing commercial enzymes. Screening for novel L-asparaginases in prokaryotes as a promising resource has been mainly hampered by the cultivation/expression bottleneck.
Results
By screening 27000 publicly available prokaryotic genomes, we recovered ca. 6300 type I and ca. 5200 type II putative L-asparaginase in 36 and 42 bacterial phyla respectively highlighting the vast potential of prokaryotes for L-asparaginase activity. Caspian water with similar salt composition to the human serum was targeted for in-silico screening of L-asparaginase. We screened ca. three million predicted Open Reading Frames of the assembled Caspian Sea metagenomes. In-silico screening resulted in 87 putative L-asparaginase genes from the Caspian Sea datasets. The L-asparagine hydrolysis was experimentally confirmed by cloning three selected genes (1092, 1218 and 1011 bp) in E. coli. Catalytic parameters of the purified enzymes including Km, Vmax and catalytic efficiency were determined to be among the most desirable reported values of microbial L-asparaginases. Two of the recombinant enzymes represented remarkable anti-proliferative activity (IC50 less than 1 IU/ml) against leukemia cell line Jurkat while no cytotoxic effect on human erythrocytes or human umbilical vein endothelial cells was detected.
Conclusions
Similar salinity and ionic concentration of the Caspian water samples to the human serum highlights the secretory L-asparaginases recovered from these metagenomes as potential treatment agents.
Shotgun metagenomics reveals significant gut microbiome features in different grades of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Yu Shanshan , Xiong Yangyang , Fu Yangyang , Chen Guorong , Zhu Huadong , Mo Xun , Xu Jun , Wu Dong
Published: June 2020

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) has a broad spectrum of severity and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. We aimed to evaluate the composition and functional effects of gut microbiota in different grades of AP severity. Results: Gut microbiota in AP patients was characterized by decreased species richness. The most representative gut microbiota in mild acute pancreatitis (MAP), moderately severe acute pancreatitis (MSAP), and severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) was Streptococcus, Escherichia-coli, and Enterococcus, respectively. Each of the three AP-associated genera could differentiate AP from healthy control population. Representative pathways associated with the glutathione metabolism, lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, and amino acid metabolism (valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation) were enriched in MAP, MSAP, and SAP, respectively. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that in patients with AP, the gut microbiome composition and function are correlated with different severity of AP from a whole-genome perspective, and new changes are observed.
A multidisciplinary experimental study on the effects of breeders diet on newborn seahorses (Hippocampus guttulatus)
Authors: Planas Miquel , Olivotto Ike , González María Jesús , Laurá Rosaria , Zarantoniello Matteo
Published: June 2020

The global trade in seahorses is increasing and new rearing techniques are currently available for a few species. One of the main bottlenecks in seahorse production is reproduction success, which is dependent upon the administration of high quality diets to breeders. However, very little is known about the most adequate diets, on how they should be administered and on how they might affect newborn performance. In this study, three homogeneous groups of adult seahorses Hippocampus guttulatus were maintained in captivity. Each group was fed on one of the following diets since the onset of the breeding period: Unenriched adult Artemia (Diet A), unenriched adult Artemia and mysidaceans (Diet AM) and mysidaceans (Diet M). As a positive control we used a wild pregnant male. The mixed diet AM provided the highest overall breeding success and reasonable fatty acid profiles, and better resembled newborn from a wild male. The use of only mysidaceans (Diet M) provided the worse results in spite of the high DHA content. Significant differences were observed in newborn characteristics and fatty acid profiles among dietary groups and along the breeding season, especially in total n-3 HUFA and DHA. Monospecific diets including Artemia or mysidaceans very likely suffered nutritional deficiencies, which were reflected in morphological alterations of the muscle tissue (diet A) or abnormal early mortalities in newborn (diet M). Three progressive stages were identified along the whole breeding period: Initial mixed capital-income period (100 – 120 days since the onset of the breeding period), followed by an inflexion period (short transitional stage - income sources), and finally a long period characterized by the use of income sources and the progressive exhaustion of body reserves. Special attention should be deserved to the progressive changes in fatty acid profiles along the breeding season, resulting in a decrease in newborn performance. Considering the time required for a diet to be reflected in newborn, we recommend Hippocampus guttulatus breeders to be fed on a high quality diet for at least three months prior the breeding period.
Machine Learning and Statistical Approaches for Classification of Risk of Coronary Artery Disease using Plasma Cytokines.
Authors: Saharan Seema Singh , Nagar Pankaj , Creasy Kate Townsend , Stock Eveline O. , Feng James , Malloy Mary J. , Kane John P.
Published: June 2020

Background As per the 2017 WHO fact sheet, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the primary cause of death in the world, and accounts for 31% of total fatalities. The unprecedented 17.6 million deaths caused by CAD in 2016 underscores the urgent need to facilitate proactive and accelerated pre-emptive diagnosis. The current research took an innovative approach to implement K Nearest Neighbor (k-NN) and ensemble Random Forest Machine Learning algorithms to achieve a targeted “At Risk” Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) classification. To ensure better generalizability mechanisms like k-fold cross validation, hyperparameter tuning and statistical significance (p<.05) were employed. The classification is also unique from the aspect of incorporating 35 cytokines as biomarkers within the predictive feature space of Machine Learning algorithms.Results A total of seven classifiers were developed, with four built using 35 cytokine predictive features and three built using 9 cytokines statistically significant (p<.05) across CAD versus Control groups determined by independent two sample t tests. The best prediction accuracy of 100% was achieved by Random Forest ensemble using nine significant cytokines. Significant cytokines were selected to decrease the noise level of the data, allowing for better classification. Additionally, from the bio-medical perspective, it was enlightening to empirically observe the interplay of the cytokines. Compared to Controls, moderately correlated (correlation coefficient r=.5) cytokines “IL1-β”, “IL-10” were both significant and down regulated in the CAD group. Both cytokines were primarily responsible for the Random forest generated 100% classification. In conjunction with Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, the traditional statistical techniques like correlation and t tests were leveraged to obtain insights that brought forth a role for cytokines in the investigation of CAD risk.Conclusions Presently, as large-scale efforts are gaining momentum to enable early detection of individuals at risk for CAD by the application of novel and powerful ML algorithms, detection can be further improved by incorporating additional biomarkers. Investigation of emerging role of cytokines in CAD can materially enhance the detection of risk and the discovery of mechanisms of disease that can lead to new therapeutic approaches.
Psychometric assessment of translated Urdu version of WHOQOL-HIV BREF among patients living with HIV
Authors: Ahmed Ali , Saqlain Muhammad , Akhtar Nasim , Hashmi Furqan K , Blebil Ali , Dujaili Juman , Umair Malik M , Bukhsh Allah
Published: June 2020

ObjectiveThe Low Middle Income Countries (LMIC) like Pakistan are facing an escalation in the number of HIV cases, approximately more than 180,000 people are currently living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Currently, no HIV specific Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) tool is validated in Pakistan; therefore, the current analysis was aimed at translating and examining the psychometric properties of the Urdu version of WHOQOL HIV BREF among HIV patients of Pakistan.MethodsThe standard forward-backwards translation technique was used for Urdu translation of the instrument. Based on the principle of 5 subjects minimally for each item, a sample of 182 patients were recruited by employing a universal random sampling technique. Data were analysed to measure reliability, internal consistency, known-group, multivariable linear regression and construct validity. Results High internal consistency 0.93 (Cronbach alpha) was found for all WHOQOL HIV Bref facets. The test-retest reliability analysis demonstrated a statistically significant Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) ranged from 0.88 – 0.98 (p < 0.001). In known group validity, lower CD-4 lymphocytes count was significantly related to poor scores for all six domains (p < 0.001). Similarly, symptomatic subjects had significantly lower scores compared to asymptomatic subjects on the physical, psychological, social relationship and independence domains (p < 0.05). Results also revealed a statistically significant positive correlation of all six domains with CD4 count (p < 0.001), exhibiting patients with higher CD-4 lymphocytes count will have higher mean scores of all six domains. Factor analysis revealed 5 domains, including Physical health, Psychological health, Social relationship, Environmental, and Spiritual health. When all domains were assessed together via Multivariable linear regression analysis; only physical, psychological health and environment health domains were found significantly associated with higher CD-4 lymphocytes count (Beta = 0.121, p < 0.001, Beta = 0.103, p = 0.002, and Beta = 0.032, p = 0.032).ConclusionFindings suggested that the Urdu version of WHOQOL HIV Bref is a psychometrically valid tool for measuring HRQoL.
Chronic oral administration of P. gingivalis induces microglial activation and degeneration of dopaminergic neurons possibly through increase in gut permeability and peripheral IL-17A in LRRK2 R1441G mice
Authors: Feng Yu-kun , Peng Yan-Wen , Wu Qiong-Li , Liang Feng-Yin , You Hua-Jing , Feng Yi-Wei , Li Ge , Li Xue-jiao , Liu Shu-Hua , Li Yong-Chao , Zhang Yu , Pei Zhong
Published: June 2020

Background
The R1441G mutation in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene results in late-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD). Peripheral inflammation and gut microbiota are closely associated with the pathogenesis of PD. Chronic periodontitis is a common type of peripheral inflammation, which is associated with PD. Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), the most common bacterium causing chronic periodontitis, can cause alteration of gut microbiota. It is not known whether Pg-induced dysbiosis plays a role in the pathophysiology of PD.
Methods
In this study, live Pg were orally administrated to animals, three times a week for one month. Pg-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to stimulate peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. The effects of oral Pg administration on the gut and brain were evaluated through behaviors, morphology, and cytokine expression.
Results
Dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra were reduced and activated microglial cells were increased in R1441G mice given oral Pg. In addition, an increase in mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 β (IL-1β) as well as protein level of α-synuclein together with a decrease in zonula occludens-1 (Zo-1) were detected in the colon in Pg-treated R1441G mice. Furthermore, serum interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and brain IL-17 receptor A (IL-17RA) were increased in Pg-treated R1441G mice.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that LRRK2 causes gut leakage and further mediates peripheral IL-17A response in Pg-treated animals. We, thus, put forward the hypothesis that IL-17A in the serum may result in activation of the IL-17A-IL-17RA axis that aggravates dysfunction of dopaminergic neurons and provokes microglial activation in LRRK2 R1441G mice.
Considerations for the Use of Serum IgG4, Total Bilirubin (TBIL)and the IgG4/TBIL Ratioindifferential Diagnosis Between IgG4-related Sclerosing Cholangitis and Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Xiao Jianchun , Zhou Wenzhe , Hong Tao , Li Binglu , Liu Wei , He Xiaodong , Zheng Chaoji
Published: June 2020

Background:Obstructive jaundice is the most frequent even theonly manifestation of both IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC) and Cholangiocarcinoma(CCA). It was difficult to distinguish this two diseases, though the treatment strategies were quite different. Serum IgG4elevation was most frequently seen in IgG4-SC patients, yet the significantly elevated serum IgG4 in several CCA patients should not be neglected. Likewise, the serum level of IgG4 could be interfered by the serumlevel of TBIL.None of the previous research effort examined the differentiation potential of serumIgG4, CA19-9, TBIL and theIgG4/TBIL ratio for IgG4-SC and CCA. Methods: Atotalof202cases(131 cases of CCA and 71 cases of IgG4-SC) with pathology results were retrospectively registered. The data of serum IgG4,TBIL and the IgG4/TBIL ratio was captured. ROC-curve analysis was then applied to calculatedthe optimal cutoff values.Results: A significantly higher number of IgG4-SC patients experienced abdominal pain than CCA patients (P = 0.006).Elevationof the serum IgG4observedin IgG4-SCandCCAcasesshowed significant differences(P<0.0001). The optimal value of theIgG4 and the ratio was 1780 (95.3% sensitivity and 94.9% specificity) and 36.10 (96.9% sensitivity and 94.9% specificity)for differential diagnosis of IgG4-SC, respectively.For patients with elevation of serum IgG4 ranging from 650 to 3000 mg/L in 30.1% of all patients and 28.1% IAC patients, the serum levels of IgG4 and the ratio showed stronger differential diagnostic power (AUC=0.873 and AUC=0.968, respectively). The optimal value of the sIgG4 and the ratio was 1685 (with 88.9% sensitivity and 84.2% specificity) and 56.02 (94.4% sensitivity, 94.7% specificity). The combination of serum IgG4 and the IgG4/TBILpresentedhigher specificity(98.5%) andaccuracy(99.2%).Conclusion:The differences were significant in the serumlevel of IgG4, CA19-9 and the ratio. The IgG4/TBIL ratio has strongerdiscriminationefficiencythan the serum level of IgG4 or TBIL alonefor patients with elevation of serum IgG4 ranging from 650 to 3000 mg/L. The combination of the IgG4 and the IgG4/TBIL ratio could further enhance the specificity and accuracy for differentiatingIgG4-SCfrom CCA, especially in patients with serum IgG4 from 650 to 3000 mg/L.
Myocardial Infarction Biomarker Discovery with Integrated Gene Expression, Pathways and Biological Networks analysis
Authors: MUJALLI Abdulrahman , Banaganapalli Babajan , Shaik Noor A. , Elango Ramu , Al-Aama Jumana Y.
Published: June 2020

Background
Myocardial infarction (MI) is the most prevalent coronary atherosclerotic heart disease caused by the complex molecular interactions between multiple genes and environment. Molecular exploration of gene expression changes in MI patients is very crucial not just to understand the molecular basis of disease development but also to identify potential therapeutic targets. Therefore, we aim to identify potential biomarkers for the disease development mechanisms and for prognosis of MI using extensive integrated biological network analysis.
Methodology
Gene expression datasets (GSE66360) generated from 51 healthy controls and 49 endothelial cell samples from patients experiencing acute MI were used to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEG), protein-protein interactions (PPI), gene network-clusters to annotate the candidate pathways relevant to MI pathogenesis.
Results
Bioinformatic analysis revealed 810 DEGs, between control and MI samples, with 574 up- and 236 down- regulated genes. Their functional annotations with Gene Ontology (GO) has captured several MI targeting biological processes like immune response, inflammation and platelets degranulation. Most significantly DEGs enriched KEGG pathways are related to the following functions: Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, TNF and NFkB signaling. By constructing the PPI network using STRING and CytoHubba, seventeen hub and bottleneck genes were found, whose involvement in MI was further confirmed by DisGeNET data. Search in the Open Target Platform reveal unique bottleneck genes as potential target for MI.
Conclusion
Our integrative bioinformatics analysis of large-scale gene expression data has identified several potential genetic biomarkers associated with early stage MI providing a new insight into molecular mechanism underlying the disease.
Significance of the Viral Load of High-risk Hpv in the Diagnosis and Prediction of Cervical Lesions: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Liu Yang , Xu Changjun , Pan Jing , Sun Chunyi , Zhou Honglin
Published: June 2020

Background: The significance of HPV viral load in the detection of cervical lesions is still controversial. This study analyzed the correlation between the high-risk (HR)-HPV viral load and different cervical lesion degrees.Methods: This was a retrospective study of the patients who first visited the hospital between January 2015 and June 2018. Patients with positive HR-HPV were screening for cervical cancer. The HR-HPV DNA load was measured by the second generation hybrid capture (HC2) technology. The patients grouped as normal, CIN I, CIN II, CIN III, and cervical cancer. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to explore the association between HR-HPV DNA load and cervical lesions.Results: Finally, 265 patients were grouped as normal (n=125), CIN I (n=51), CIN II (n=23), CIN III (n=46), and cervical cancer (n=20). Among them, 139 (52.5%) had a low viral load, 90 (34.0) had a moderate viral load, and 36 (13.4%) had a high viral load. Taking the normal control group as a reference, a high viral load was an independent factor for CIN I (CIN I: OR=3.959, 95%CI: 1.300-12.059, P=0.015) CIN II (OR=6.211, 95%CI: 1.641-23.513, P=0.007), CIN III (OR=7.002, 95%CI: 2.308-21.244, P=0.001), and cervical cancer (OR=9.439, 95%CI: 2.394-37.22, P=0.001).Conclusion: Cervical lesions are closely related to HR-HPV infection. Higher HR-HPV viral load in cervical lesions was associated with a higher risk of high-grade cervical lesions.
“Andrà tutto bene”. The effect of character strengths on psychological distress and self-efficacy during Covid-19 lockdown
Authors: Casali Nicole , Feraco Tommaso , Ghisi Marta , Meneghetti Chiara
Published: June 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic obliged people around the world to stay home and self-isolate, with a number of negative psychological consequences. This study focuses on the protective role of character strengths in sustaining mental health and self-efficacy during lockdown. Data were collected from 944 Italian respondents (mean age = 37.24 years, SD = 14.50) by means of an online survey investigating character strengths, psychological distress and Covid-19-related self-efficacy one month after lockdown began. Using principal component analysis, four strengths factors were extracted, namely transcendence, interpersonal, openness and restraint. Regression models showed that transcendence strengths had a strong inverse association with psychological distress, and a positive association with self-efficacy. Openness showed an unexpected direct effect on psychological distress. These results provide original evidence of the importance of character strengths, and transcendence strengths in particular, in supporting mental health and self-efficacy in a pandemic and are discussed within the field of positive psychology.
Molecular Detection of Pathogens in Ticks and Fleas Collected from Companion Dogs and Cats in East and Southeast Asia
Authors: Nguyen Viet-Linh , Colella Vito , Greco Grazia , Fang Fang , Nurcahyo Wisnu , Hadi Upik Kesumawati , Venturina Virginia , Tong Kenneth Boon Yew , Tsai Yi-Lun , Taweethavonsawat Piyanan , Tiwananthagorn Saruda , Tangtrongsup Sahatchai , Le Thong Quang , Bui Khanh Linh , Do Thom , Watanabe Malaika , Rani Puteri Azaziah Megat Abd , Dantas-Torres Filipe , Halos Lenaig , Beugnet Frederic , Otranto Domenico
Published: June 2020

Background: Ticks and fleas are considered amongst the most important arthropod vectors of medical and veterinary concern due to their ability to transmit pathogens to a range of animal species including dogs, cats and humans. By sharing a common environment with humans, companion animal-associated parasitic arthropods may potentially transmit zoonotic vector-borne pathogens (VBPs). This study aimed to molecularly detect pathogens from ticks and fleas from companion dogs and cats in East and Southeast Asia.Methods: A total of 392 ticks and 248 fleas were collected from 401 infested animals (i.e., 271 dogs and 130 cats) to molecularly screened for the presence of pathogens. Ticks were tested for Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. while fleas were screened for the presence of Rickettsia spp. and Bartonella spp.Result: Of the 392 ticks tested, 37 (9.4%) scored positive for at least one pathogen with Hepatozoon canis being the most prevalent (5.4%), followed by Ehrlichia canis (1.8%), Babesia vogeli (1%), Anaplasma platys (0.8%) and Rickettsia spp. (1%) [including Rickettsia sp. (0.5%), Rickettsia asembonensis (0.3%), Rickettsia felis (0.3%)]. Out of 248 fleas tested, 106 (42.7%) were harboring at least one pathogen with R. felis being the most common (19.4%), followed by Bartonella spp. (16.5%), Rickettsia asembonensis (10.9%) and Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis (0.4%). Furthermore, 35 Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks were subjected to phylogenetic analysis, of which 34 ticks belonged to the tropical and only one belonged to the temperate lineage (Rh. sanguineus sensu stricto). Conclusion: Our data reveals the circulation of different VBPs in ticks and fleas of dogs and cats from Asia, including zoonotic agents, which may represent a potential risk to animal and human health.
Performance and Community Structure Dynamics of Microbial Electrolysis Cells Operated on Multiple Complex Feedstocks
Authors: Satinover Scott J. , Rodriguez Miguel , Campa Maria F , Hazen Terry C. , Borole Abhijeet P
Published: June 2020

Background Microbial electrolysis is a promising technology for converting aqueous wastes into hydrogen. Substrate adaptability is an important feature, seldom documented in Microbial Electrolysis Cells (MECs). The correlation between substrate composition and community structure has not been well established. This study used a MEC capable of producing over 10 L/L-day of hydrogen from a switchgrass-derived bio-oil aqueous phase and investigated four additional substrates. The additional substrates included a red oak-derived bio-oil aqueous phase, a corn stover fermentation product, a mixture of phenol and acetate, and acetate alone. Results The MEC fed with the corn stover fermentation product resulted in the highest performance among the complex feedstocks, producing an average current density of 7.3 A/m2, although the acetate fed MEC outperformed complex substrates, producing 12 ± A/m2. 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that community structure and community diversity were not predictive of performance, and replicate community structures diverged despite identical inoculum and enrichment procedure. The trends in each replicate, however, were indicative of the influence of the substrates. Geobacter was the most dominant genus across most of the samples tested, but its abundance did not correlate strongly to current density. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed that acetate accumulated during open-circuit conditions when MECs were fed with complex feedstocks and was quickly degraded once closed-circuit conditions were applied. The largest net acetic acid removal rate occurred when MECs were fed with red oak bio-oil aqueous phase, consuming 2.93 ± 0.00 g/L-day. Principal component analysis found that MEC performance metrics such as current density, hydrogen productivity, and COD removal were closely correlated. Net acetic acid removal was also found to correlate with performance. However, no bacterial genus correlated to performance metrics, and the analysis suggested that less than 70% of the variance was accounted for by the two components. Conclusions This study demonstrates the robustness of microbial communities to adapt to a range of feedstocks and conditions without relying on specific species, delivering high hydrogen productivities, thus indicating functional adaptation vs. compositional requirement. MECs may,, play a central role in the 21st-century bioeconomy as factories producing a zero-emission fuel.
ANONİM ŞİRKETLERDE KÂR PAYI VE KÂR PAYI AVANSI DAĞITIMI HAKKINDA 7244 SAYILI KANUN İLE ÖNGÖRÜLEN TEDBİRLER
Authors: AYTUĞAR Bilge
Published: June 2020

Çin’de ortaya çıkan ve tüm dünyayı etkisi altına alan Covid-19 nedeniyle Dünya Sağlık Örgütü’nün salgını pandemi ilan etmesinin ardından, diğer ülkelerde olduğu gibi Türkiye’de de bir takım mali, hukuki ve sosyal tedbirler alınmıştır. Anonim şirketlerle ilgili olarak alınan tedbirler, kurul toplantılarının yapılmasına, kâr dağıtımına ve şirketin kendi payını iktisap etmesine ilişkin olarak üç ana başlıkta toplanabilir. Alınan bu tedbirlerden en çok tartışılanı ise anonim şirket genel kurullarının kâr ve kâr payı avansı dağıtımı kararlarına sınırlama getirilmesini tavsiye eden, Ticaret Bakanlığı tarafından Türkiye Odalar ve Borsalar Birliği’ne (TOBB) iletilen 31.03.2020 tarihli yazı olmuştur. Bu yazıda tavsiye edilen hususların Kanun’da yer alması ile bu konuda ileri sürülen çekinceler, bir nebze olsun giderilmeye çalışılmıştır. Bununla birlikte kâr dağıtım kararı alınan hallerde de 2019 yılı net dönem kârının yüzde yirmi beşini aşan kısmın dağıtımının 30.09.2020 tarihine kadar erteleneceğinin öngörülmesi, kâr dağıtımına ilişkin genel kurul kararının hukuki niteliği ile uyumlu olmadığı gibi, bu düzenlemenin hukuk güvenliğine zarar verebileceği düşünülmektedir. Bu çalışmamızda, sermaye şirketlerinin kâr dağıtımına sınırlama getiren hükmün kanunlaşma süreci ve Kanun’a aykırılığın hukuki sonuçları, pandemi nedeniyle alınan diğer tedbirlere de temas edilmek suretiyle incelenmiştir.
Paisagem Físico-Geográfica
Authors: Vicens Raul Sanchez , Rodriguez José Mateo , Cronemberger Felipe Mendes
Published: June 2020

A cartografia das paisagens constitui uma etapa cognitiva da pesquisa científica dos sistemas terrestres através de uma abordagem paisagística. Estre trabalho apresenta os principais fundamentos metodológicos da representação cartográfica como síntese da identificação e classificação das paisagens físico-geográficas. São descritos os principais métodos de levantamentos, com base nos dados espaciais e ferramentas de processamento disponíveis na atualidade com o aporte das geotecnologias.

Palavras-chave: paisagem físico-geografica, geotecnologias, mapeamento
The Madrasa Resistance Against Radicalism
Authors: Salim Ahmad
Published: June 2020

The background of this article is based on madrasa resistance to radicalism. The purpose of this study is to see how madrasa resistance to face radicalism. The type of this research is qualitative research and data collection methods with observation and in-depth interviews with selected respondents. This study uses Peter L Berger's theory of the fundamental dialectics of society-externalization, objectification, and internalization. The results showed that madrasa resistance to radicalism with social empowerment through the process of social construction (externalization, objectification, and internalization). The tolerant attitude of the community which is manifested in social humanitarian activities such as genduri, sambatan and kerja bakti is contracted by the madrasa as a subjective reality into objective reality, so that the anti-radicalism attitude in this society can become the norm for the madrasas to be deprived and implemented in the daily life of the madrasa. Abstrak Latar belakang artikel ini didasarkan pada resistensi madrasah terhadap radikalisme. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk melihat bagaimana cara madrasah menghadapi radikalisme. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kualitatif dan metode pengumpulan data dengan observasi dan wawancara mendalam kepada responden terpilih. Penelitian ini menggunakan teori Peter L.Berger tentang dialektika fundamental masyarakat-eksternalisasi, objektifikasi dan internalisasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa madrasah menolak radikalisme dengan pemberdayaan sosial melalui proses konstruksi sosial (eksternalisasi, objektifikasi dan internalisasi). Sikap toleran dari masyarakat yang dimanifestasikan dalam kegiatan sosial kemanusiaan seperti genduri, sambatan dan kerja bakti dikontrak oleh madrasah sebagai realitas subjektif ke dalam realitas objektif, sehingga sikap anti-radikalisme dalam masyarakat ini dapat menjadi norma bagi madrasah untuk dicabut dan diimplementasikan di kehidupan sehari-hari madrasah.
Mahakali Treaty: delay in implementation and resulting impacts from Nepal's perspective
Authors: Bagale Dharma Raj , Adhikari Keshab Dhoj
Published: June 2020

The Mahakali Treaty concluded between Nepal and India, on February 12, 1996 is said to be on an ‘equal footing’ unlike other agreements/treaties on water resources before. However, the provisions of the treaty have not been implemented even after more than two decades of its enforcement. This paper, written following a study involving key informant interviews, direct field observations and study of documents, looks for the reasons behind the delay in implementation of the treaty and the resulting impacts from Nepal's perspectives. The study shows that the controversies of the treaty are around: (1) India's strategy to legitimatize its unilateral construction at Tanakpur; (2) interpretation of the Article of the treaty concerning equal entitlement to water; and (3) the extent of existing irrigation use on the Indian side having its direct implication on benefit assessment, which, in turn, has its implication on proportional cost sharing. The delay in implementation of Mahakali Treaty has created a deadlock in Nepal–India water cooperation. If an agreement could be worked out and the project could be implemented, that would set a very good precedent, useful for many other storage projects like Karnali Chisapani, Koshi High Dam, etc., in the future.
Photocatalytic degradation of carbamazepine using ozonation and photocatalytic ozonation with TiO2 and WO3
Authors: Mathew Riya Ann , Kanmani S.
Published: June 2020

Ozonation, TiO2 photocatalytic ozonation (PCO) and WO3 PCO were used to demonstrate the removal of carbamazepine (CBZ), an antiepileptic drug commonly found in water bodies. The experiment was carried out in a lab-scale reactor (500 mL) at pH 7, CBZ concentration 1 mg/L and 0.25 g/L catalyst dose. The mixture was stirred in the dark for 30 minutes to achieve adsorption equilibrium. A UV and visible light source of 8 watt was used to photoactivate TiO2 and WO3. Ozonation alone using an ozone dose of 10 mg/hour was found to be very effective for CBZ removal. In all the processes investigated, CBZ was easily removed while the removal of by-products varied depending on the reaction pathway. The mineralization efficiencies (TOC removal) for complete by-products removal using ozonation, TiO2 PCO and WO3 PCO were 95, 73 and 62% respectively. TiO2 PCO performed better than WO3 PCO in achieving complete mineralization, but it would not be a sustainable solution considering the costs of UV lamps, harmful UV rays and toxicity of TiO2. The removal efficiency of WO3 PCO can be increased by increasing the ozone dose and duration of treatment.
Hysteresis analysis to quantify and qualify the sediment dynamics: state of the art
Authors: Malutta Simone , Kobiyama Masato , Chaffe Pedro Luiz Borges , Bonumá Nadia Bernardi
Published: June 2020

This work is a review of the use of hysteresis to quantify sediment discharge dynamics. We reviewed 71 journal articles from the year 1953 to the present day focusing on two topics: the factors that influence hysteresis; and hysteresis quantification. The main factors influencing hysteresis are: (a) magnitude and sequence of events; (b) sediment particle size distribution; (c) basin size; and (d) land use and sediment source. Hysteresis quantification can be done using several different methods that can be grouped as: (a) hysteresis indexes; (b) statistical analysis; and (c) uncertainty analysis. Most studies were conducted in Western Europe and the USA. The studies, in general, show how the factors listed above influence the shape and patterns of hysteresis. However, the sediment dynamics are complex, and the hysteresis patterns may be linked to many other factors, such as slope and drainage systems. The quantification of hysteresis still appears, mainly with the hysteresis index and statistical analysis. Therefore, there are still many other factors that influence hysteresis patterns, as well as hysteresis rates and uncertainty analyses.
Factors influencing the stormwater quality model of sewer networks and a case study of Louis Fargue urban catchment in Bordeaux, France
Authors: Sun Congcong , Parellada Benjamí , Feng Jing , Puig Vicenç , Cembrano Gabriela
Published: June 2020

Pollution caused by combined sewer overflows has become a global threat to the environment. Under this challenge, quality-based real-time control (RTC) is considered as an effective approach to minimize pollution through generating optimal operation strategies for the sewer infrastructure. To suit the fast computation requirement of RTC implementation, simplified quality models are required. However, due to the hydrological complexity, it is not easy to develop simplified quality models which are amenable to be used in real-time computations. Under this context, this paper contributes a preliminary analysis of influencing factors for the quality models of sewer networks in order to give supportive knowledge for both model development and application. Conceptual quality models which were proposed previously by the authors, with total suspended solids (TSS) as quality indicator, are used in this study. A clustering algorithm is used for exploratory analysis. Further analysis about the correlations between different factors and model performance is also carried out. The study and analysis are demonstrated on a real pilot based on the Louis Fargue urban catchment in Bordeaux. Conclusive results about the influencing factors, flow rate, rain intensity and pipe length, as well as their correlations with the TSS models are elaborated.
Triple-A Syndrome (TAS): An In-Depth Overview on Genetic and Phenotype Heterogeneity
Authors: Pogliaghi Gabriele , Cangiano Biagio , Duminuco Paolo , Vezzoli Valeria , Bonomi Marco
Published: June 2020

Triple-A Syndrome (TAS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by three
cardinal symptoms: alacrimia, achalasia and adrenal insufficiency due to ACTH insensitivity.
Various progressive neurological abnormalities and skin changes have been described in association
with the syndrome. The disease is caused by mutation in the AAAS gene on chromosome
12q13. Mutations in AAAS were identified in more than 90% of individuals and families with TAS.
The protein encoded by AAAS was termed ALADIN and is part of the WD repeat family of
proteins, that have been found to be involved in many different functions such as protein-protein
interaction, RNA processing, cytoskeleton assembly, control of cell division, signal transduction
and apoptosis. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that mutated or truncated ALADIN localizes
to the cytoplasm rather than to the nuclear pore complex. The exact function of ALADIN and the
mechanisms that lead to the ACTH-resistant adrenal phenotype remains largely unknown. Nonetheless,
recent studies provided some insights on the role of ALADIN as a member of the Nuclear
Pore Complex not only implicated in the import of proteins involved in DNA repair and oxidative
stress homeostasis but also in the strengthening of the mitotic spindle assembly. Early identification
of the syndrome is challenging, given the rarity of the condition and high phenotypic heterogeneity
even among members of the same family. In this review, we aim to summarize the current
knowledge of clinical and molecular profile of patients with TAS and recommendations for the
diagnosis, management, and follow-up of patients.