bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole Genome Sequence based Capsular Typing and Antimicrobial Resistance Prediction of Group B Streptococcal Isolates from Colonized Pregnant Women in Nigeria
Authors: Bob-Manuel Mienye , McGee Lesley , Igunma Jeremiah , Alex-Wele Mary , Obunge Orikomaba , Wariso Kennedy
Published: April 2021

Background: Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) is one of the major bacterial pathogens responsible for neonatal sepsis. Whole genome sequencing has, in recent years, emerged as a reliable tool for capsular typing and antimicrobial resistance prediction. This study characterized vaginal and rectal isolates of Group B Streptococcus obtained from pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria using a whole-genome sequence-based approach.Results: Capsular types Ia, Ib, II, III, IV and V were detected among the 43 isolates sequenced. Twelve sequence types (STs) were identified, with ST19 (n=9, 27.3%) and ST486 (n=5, 15.2%) the most frequent among non-duplicated isolates. Of the alpha-like proteins (alp) identified, Alp1 was the most prevalent in 11 (33.3%) isolates. Macrolide and lincosamide resistance determinants were present in 15 (45.5%) isolates; ermB was detected in 1 (3%) and ermTR in 7 (21.2%) isolates. The lnu gene, was detected in 6 (18.2%) and mef was identified in 3 (9.1%) isolates. Resistance of GBS to erythromycin and clindamycin was found to be 30.3% and 24.2%, respectively. All isolates were resistant to tetracycline with only the tetM gene identified. Fluoroquinolone-resistance conferring substitutions in gyrA + parC were detected in 9 (27.3%) isolates and chloramphenicol resistance was predicted in 11 (33.3%).Conclusion: The data available from the whole genome sequencing of these isolates offers a small but insightful description of common serotypes and resistance features within colonizing GBS in Nigeria.
The Effectiveness of Intervention Based on the Transactional Model on Improving Coping Efforts and Stress Moderators in Hemodialysis Patients in Tehran
Authors: Ghaffari Mohtasham , sharifabad Mohammad Ali Morowati , Jadgal Mohammad Saeed , Mehrabi Yadollah , alizadeh somayeh
Published: April 2021

Background: Present study was conducted to determine the effect of training on coping efforts (CE) and stress moderators, based on transactional model of Lazarus and Folkman, in hemodialysis patients (HD). Methods: This is a randomized controlled clinical trial on 116 hemodialysis patients referred to dialysis centers in Tehran from May to August 2018. The patients were assigned to two experimental and control groups using a simple randomization method. The intervention included 6 training sessions in the form of CE and moderators of transactional model. Data were collected before and 3 months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16.Results: After 3 months training intervention, there was significant increase in the intervention group in the mean scores of CE (P<0.001), moderators and subscales of emotional regulation (ER) from 51.18 ± 20.42 to 64.87 ± 13.18 (P<0.001), dispositional coping style (DCS) from 45.56± 19.45 to 55.84± 18.03 and social support (SS) from 49.61 ±20.14 to 55.55 ± 17.35 (P<0.005).Conclusion: The training based on transactional model was successful in the increase of SS, DCS and ER in (HD). Therefore, Nurses and healthcare providers can use this program to help (HD) to increase their adaptation to the illness and reduce stress.
Cytosine base editing systems with minimized off-target effect and molecular size
Authors: Li Ang , Mitsunobu Hitoshi , Yoshioka Shin , Takahisa Suzuki , Kondo Akihiko , Nishida Keiji
Published: April 2021

Structure-based rational engineering of the cytosine base editing system Target-AID was performed to minimize its off-target effect and molecular size. By intensive and careful truncation, DNA-binding domain of its deaminase PmCDA1 was eliminated and additional mutations were introduced to restore enzyme function. The resulting tCDA1EQ was effective in N-terminal fusion (AID-2S) or inlaid architecture (AID-3S) with Cas9, showing minimized gRNA-independent off-targets, as assessed in yeast and human cells. Combining with the smaller Cas9 ortholog system, the smallest cytosine base editing system was created that is within the size limit of AAV vector.
Qualitative Assessment of Barriers to Rural Health Care in Pennsylvania
Authors: Maganty Avinash , Hamm Megan , Wasilko Rachel , Sabik Lindsay M , Davies Benjamin J , Jacobs Bruce L
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Rural populations routinely rank poorly on common health indicators including urologic cancer-specific mortality. While it is understood that rural residents face barriers to healthcare, the exact nature of these barriers has not been well described. In order to define these barriers, we performed a qualitative study to directly identify primary care physician perspective on healthcare access in rural areas. Methods: From January to August 2019, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 primary care physicians practicing in rural areas within western Pennsylvania. We purposively sampled primary care physicians in rural counties in Pennsylvania. We then recruited additional participants using a snowball recruitment strategy, in which the initial interviewees recommend other potential participants in their field. Data was then transcribed, coded, and analyzed via thematic analysis. Results: Participants identify the following as major healthcare barriers rural residents face: access to specialists, lack of transportation to medical centers, and financial burden. Financial barriers impact patients’ willingness to obtain screenings measures and attend specialist appointments secondary to co-pays. Primary care physicians report patients experience numerous hardships after being referred to a specialist, as they often have to travel long distances, lack means of transportation, are unwilling to skip work, have low healthcare literacy, and tend to be suspicious of medical treatment. Conclusion: Rural residents face numerous barriers to obtaining healthcare. Policy to rectify this disparity should focus on improving local access to care, transportation to tertiary care centers, and financial assistance for preventative screening measures.
Title: Fatigue is the predominant patient-reported outcome measure in hemodialysis patients: Results of a multicenter cross-sectional ePROMs Study
Authors: Guerraoui Abdallah. , Prezelin-Reydit Mathilde. , Kolko Anne. , Lino-Daniel Marie. , Roque Charlotte. Dumas , Urena Pablo. , Chauveau Philippe. , Lasseur Catherine. , Haesebaert Julie. , Caillette-Beaudoin Agnes.
Published: April 2021

Background: End Stage renal disease (ESRD) and hemodialysis are associated with a decrease in quality of life (QOL). Self-reported QOL symptoms are not always prioritized by the medical team, potentially leading to conflicting priorities with patients. Electronic patient-reported outcome measures (ePROMs) allow physicians to better identify these symptoms. The objective was to describe the prevalence of symptoms self-reported by hemodialysis (HD) patients.Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in three HD centers. Patients were included if they were 18 years old or over and treated with HD for at least three months in a center. Data were collected by the patient via a self-administered ePROMs questionnaire. Data included patient characteristics, post-dialysis fatigue and intensity, recovery time after a session, perceived stress, impaired sleep the day before the dialysis session, current state of health, and the one-year change. Results: In total, we included 173 patients with a mean age of 66.2 years, a mean ± SD hemodialysis duration of 48.9 ± 58.02 months. They were mainly treated in self-dialysis unit (67%) with at least one comorbidity (72.5%). The prevalence of fatigue was 72.1%. 66.4% had a high level of stress (level B or C). Recovery time was more than 6 hours after a HD session for 24.9% of patients and 78 % declared they had a better or unchanged health status than the previous year. Sleep disturbance was associated with cardiovascular comorbidities. Conclusions: Fatigue and stress were the main symptoms reported by HD patients. The patient’s care teams should better consider these symptoms.Trial registration: Commission Nationale de l'Informatique et des Libertés (CNIL): N° 2214737V0, Date First Registered: 2019-08-20. The CPP (Patient Protection Committee) Ile-de-France VII (2019-12-26) in accordance with French regulations N° ID-RCB: 2019-AO1373-54. Date First Registered: 2019-08-19.All methods were carried out in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations. Informed consent was obtained from all subjects, no subjects were under 18 years of age
Molecular Detection Of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia Coli (Stec) O157 In Sheep, Goats, Cows And Buffaloes
Authors: Mian Abrar Hussain
Published: April 2021

A total of 400 Recto-anal mucosal swabs samples (200 from each region) were collected and processed initially by conventional PCR. Among them, only two (n=2) RAMS samples were detected and positive for E. coli O157 gene, included one in RAMS samples of sheep from slaughterhouse of Rawalpindi, while another in RAMS samples of buffalos from slaughterhouse of Islamabad. The rest of the samples from goats and cows showed negative results for E. coli O157 in both regions. E. coli O157 isolates were obtained from each positive sample onto two different Sorbitol MacConkey Agar media plates and analyzed again through conventional PCR, resulted only single 1/6 isolated colony confirmed from both samples which possessed rfbE genes. The overall prevalence of rfbE (O157) genes came up to (0.5%). Furthermore, for the presence of STEC other virulent genes (sxt1, stx2, eae and ehlyA), these both positive rfbE isolated colonies were then briefly subjected towards multiplex PCR. Results revealed that none of the STEC virulent genes were detected in single (01) positive rfbE O157 isolated colony of sheep sample. While fortunately 4 STEC virulent genes (sxt1, stx2, eae and ehlyA) were detected in single (01) positive rfbE O157 isolated colony of buffalo sample. It was concluded that healthy adult sheep and buffalo are possibly essential carriers of STEC O157. However, buffalo sample possessed 4 STEC virulent genes, hence considered an important source of STEC infection to humans either through direct or indirect transmission which should devise proper control systems.
A Possible Definition of Oligometastases in Pancreatic Cancers and Their Survival Outcomes
Authors: Yamanaka Masaya , Hayashi Masamichi , Yamada Suguru , Sonohara Fuminori , Takami Hideki , Inokawa Yoshikuni , Shimizu Dai , Hattori Norifumi , Kanda Mitsuro , Tanaka Chie , Nakayama Goro , Koike Masahiko , Kodera Yasuhiro
Published: April 2021

Background: Among advanced metastatic cancers, oligometastatic cancers (OM) are defined as having limited visible metastases, possibly associated with relatively better survival outcomes. We attempted to identify cases that are in line with the concept of OM among unresectable metastatic pancreatic cancer, using a retrospective cohort.Methods: A total of 130 cases with unresectable metastatic pancreatic cancer received non-curative surgery (palliative surgery or staging laparotomy) from April 2001 to December 2019. Metastatic sites, clinicopathological information, and surgical outcomes were collected to reveal definition of OM.Results: Primary tumor sites were pancreatic head in 80 cases and others in 50 cases. Performed operations were gastrointestinal tract bypass in 68 cases and staging laparotomy in 62 cases. Based on the survival outcome differences, OM criteria were defined as single organ metastasis, a few countable lesions (4 or fewer organ metastases or limited peritoneal metastases) and low serum CA19-9 level (< 2000 U/ml). The median overall survival time (MST) after non-curative surgery of OM cases (n=54) was 13.0 months and was significantly better than non-OM cases (n=76) (MST:8.4months, P = 0.003).Conclusion: We propose single organ metastasis of limited tumor volume (H1 or P1-2 by the Japanese Society of Cancer of the Colon and Rectum classification) and low serum CA19-9 (< 2000 U/ml) as a new criteria for OM.
Ethical challenges faced by French military doctors deployed in the Sahel (Operation Barkhane): a qualitative study.
Authors: Lamblin Antoine , Derkenne Clément , Trousselard Marion , Einaudi Marie-Ange
Published: April 2021

Background French military doctors are currently deployed in the Sahel to support the armed forces of Operation Barkhane, in medical or surgical units. As well as supporting French soldiers, their other missions are diverse and complex: medical assistance to civilians and persons under control (PUC), advice to commanding officers. These tasks can create ethical dilemmas when decisions are forced upon doctors that may be in conflict with medical values or fundamental principles. Little is known about the specific dilemmas experienced by French military doctors in overseas operations. We therefore conducted a qualitative study among doctors and surgeons recently deployed to the Sahel to explore and better understand this question.Method Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 20 French military doctors or surgeons deployed since January 2016 in medical or surgical facilities in Mali and Chad. Results All interviewed doctors reported having faced several ethical dilemmas during missions. All reported dilemmas involved the treatment of civilians (while delivering community medical assistance) or of PUC. The dilemmas involved choices as to which patients to treat, the use of care as a means to an end by military authorities, and the level of care attainable in the absence of any possible hospital follow-up. Questions of delivering care at the risk of their own safety or the mission’s and of treating openly hostile patients were also brought up. Most dilemmas stemmed from the dual loyalty problem, namely the conflict between military doctors’ duty of care to patients and to the military institution. Contextual factors (restricted resources and security constraints) were also associated with many of the reported dilemmas. Conclusion This is the first reported study focusing on the ethical dilemmas encountered by French military doctors in overseas operations. It provides unique insights into their ethical experiences and should prove useful in improving operational training for healthcare personnel deployed on overseas missions.
Creep Damage Evolution Process of Asphalt Binder Based On Viscoelastic Characteristics
Authors: Shuang Tian , Xiaofei QI , liyan shan , Shuang Liu , Yajie Wang
Published: April 2021

The creep damage evolution of asphalt binder plays a significant role in investigating the formation mechanism of rutting, a common type of distress at high temperature for asphalt pavements. However, the reliability of existing creep damage parameters is under questioned, and these parameters cannot accurately illustrate change law of intrinsic microstructure about asphalt binder. In this paper, a new testing protocol is given access to study the evolution of viscoelastic parameters during creep damage. It is completed by inserting the frequency sweep during creep test. The frequency sweep curve clusters are fitted using the generalized Kelvin-Voigt model for obtaining the change law of model parameters. Based on the change law and sensitivity analysis of model parameters, (E2 + E3)/2 is proposed as the creep damage variable. According to the curve of (E2+E3)/2 versus loading time, two stages during the creep test can be identified: an approximate constant value in phase Ⅰ and a linear decrease in phase Ⅱ. Intrinsic differences about creep property of binders can be determined by this new proposed parameter. Above results not only ensure better understanding of the creep damage mechanism of binders, but also lay the theoretical foundation on predicting the anti-rutting performance of binders.
Retrospective Investigation of Factors Influencing Time-dependent Changes in Serum Magnesium Levels in Patients Receiving Cetuximab
Authors: Yamashiro Kaito , Hirata Atsushi , Ota Ryosuke , Ogata Fumihiko , Nakamura Takehiro , Kawasaki Naohito
Published: April 2021

Background: Cetuximab causes electrolyte abnormalities, such as hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, and hypocalcemia. However, little is known about the relationships between the onset of hypomagnesemia, patient background before administration, and time-dependent changes in serum magnesium levels. Therefore, we examined the patient backgrounds that influenced the onset of hypomagnesemia and the time-dependent changes in serum magnesium levels in patients receiving cetuximab. Methods: A retrospective study was performed to investigate patients with advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer or head and neck cancer, treated with a cetuximab regimen from 2012 to 2020 at Kindai University Nara Hospital. In total, 52 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. Results: The serum magnesium levels tended to decline with an increasing number of cetuximab administrations. After two administrations of cetuximab, the serum magnesium level was significantly lower in the hypomagnesemia group than in the non-hypomagnesemia group (p < 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the baseline serum sodium levels (odds ratio: 0.729, 95% confidence interval: 0.552–0.963) and the combination of magnesium oxide tablet (odds ratio: 0.997, 95% confidence interval: 0.995–0.999) were one of the independent factors for hypomagnesemia. These results indicated that the two administrations of cetuximab may cause magnesium deficiency even if the serum levels are within the normal range. Additionally, hyponatremia before administration may be an indicator of serum magnesium levels after administration of cetuximab.Conclusion: Cetuximab-induced hypomagnesemia may be predicted using baseline serum sodium levels, and hypomagnesemia may be prevented by administration of magnesium oxide tablets. Our findings provided new evidence for the management of serum magnesium levels in patients receiving cetuximab.
Impact of lack of sufficient incentives on the healthcare provision of township healthcare centers in rural China
Authors: Zhou Zhongliang , Shen Chi , Lai Sha , Dong Wanyue , Zhao Yaxin , Cao Dan , Zhao Dantong , Ren Yangling , Fan Xiaojing
Published: April 2021

Background China's government launched a large-scale healthcare reform from 2009. One of the main targets of this round reform was to improve the primary health care system. Major reforms for primary healthcare institutions include increasing government investment. However, it is lack of an empirical study based on large sample to catch long-term effect of increased government subsidy and lack of sufficient incentives on township healthcare centers (THCs), therefore, this study aims to fill this gap by conducting an empirical analysis of THCs in Shaanxi province in China.Methods We collected nine years (2009 to 2017) data of THCs from the Health Finance Annual Report System (HFARS) that was acquired from the Health Commission of Shaanxi Province. We applied two-way fixed effect model and continue difference-in-difference (DID) model to estimate the effect of percentage of government subsidy on medical provision. Results A clear jump of the average percentage of government subsidy to total revenue of THCs can be found in Shaanxi province in 2011, and the average percentage has been more than 60% after 2011. Continue DID models indicate every 1% percentage of government subsidy to total revenue increase after 2011 resulted in a decrease of 1.1% to 3.5% in THCs healthcare provision (1.9% in medical revenue, 1.2% in outpatient visit, 3.5% in total occupy beds of inpatient, 1.1% in surgery revenue, 2.1% in sickbed utilization rate). The results show that the THCs with high government subsidy reduce the number of medical services after 2011.Conclusions We think that it is no doubt that the government should take more responsibility for the financing of primary healthcare institutions, the problem is when government plays a central role in the financing and delivery of primary health care services, more effective incentives should be developed.
Persistent bovine viral diarrhea virus subgenotype 1d infection in dairy heifer calves born within 38 days interval
Authors: Zucoloto Natalia Zaparoli , Fritzen Juliana Torres Tomazi , Lorenzetti Elis , Massi Rodrigo Pelisson , Alfieri Alice Fernandes , Alfieri Amauri Alcindo
Published: April 2021

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) causes a significant economic impact on the beef and dairy industries worldwide. Fetal infection with a non-cytopathic strain may lead to the birth of persistently infected (PI) offspring, the main event in the epidemiological chain of BVDV infection. This report describes the birth of 10 PI dairy calves from Brazil and the infecting BVDV subgenotype. Serum and blood samples were collected from 10 cows and 10 calves; all 10 calves were previously deemed BVDV positive by the ear notch rapid test. Serum samples were used in the virus neutralization technique to detect anti-BVDV antibody. Blood samples were used to detect BVDV RNA using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay of the 5' UTR and Npro genes. All 10 cows were negative for BVDV RT-PCR, while all 10 calves were RT-PCR positive. Phylogenetic analyses were performed and the strain was classified as BVDV-1d. High titers of BVDV-specific antibodies in the serum of cows indicated recent circulation of BVDV in the dairy herd, whereas calves presented intermediate, low, or no anti-BVDV-1a antibody titers. The monitoring of circulating BVDV subgenotypes and the detection of PI animals is of great importance in disease control, and regular vaccination alone is insufficient to prevent BVDV infection.
Development of an Efficient Preparation and Verifying System for Rice Gametophytic Male Sterility using RNAi on Candidate Gene and OsMYB86R as a Reporter
Authors: Chen Yun , Zhu Wenping , Shi Shudan , Wu Lina , Du Shuanglin , Jin Liangshen , Yang Kuan , Zhao Wenjia , Yang Jiaxin , Guo Longbiao , Wang Zhongwei , Zhang Yi
Published: April 2021

Background: Gametophytic male sterility plays an important role in the study of pollen development mechanism and the breeding of three-generation hybrid rice. Because of the inherent phenotypic and genetic characteristics of gametophytic male sterility, it is very hard to find and identify gametophytic male sterility, which makes the related research lay behind the sporophytic male sterility. On the other hand, with the abundance of gene transcription data, a large number of pollen-specific genes have been found, and most of them are possibly associated with gametophytic male sterility. In order to promote the research of these genes in pollen development and heterosis utilization, it is necessary to construct an efficient, economical and accurate method to test these genes and identify if they are gametophytic male sterility related genes.Results: In this study, at first, the OsC1/OsMYB86 gene involved in anthocyanin synthesis in rice was modified and identified, and the function of revised OsMYB86R gene was created as the same as OsMYB86, and OsMYB86R is more convenient to be used as a reporter gene because the restriction site is removed. Then, an ascorbic acid oxidase gene OsPTD1 was downregulated using RNAi driven by its own promoter, which resulted in abnormal pollen tube growth; Lastly, the RNAi elements were linked with OsMYB86R and together-transferred into an osmyb86 mutant, and the purple color segregation of T1 and F1 derived from positive plants were distorted, which showed that the OsPTD1 related gametogenic male sterility was successfully prepared and determined.Conclusion: In this study, an easy and efficient method to prepare and identify gametophyte male sterility was established by using the strategy of RNAi and OsMYB86R as reporter. Comparing with the current methods, the advantages of this method are: (1) in material preparation, save time, a generation less comparing with conventional method, also a lot of mutation screening maybe avoided; (2) in identification, less cost, no PCR, electrophoresis, and other processes needed, and no expensive chemicals and instruments required; (3) in the results, more accurate, much less background affection, no damage on the plant. As a result, it is an easy, efficient, low-cost, accurate method to prepare and identify gametophytic male sterility genes. It is very important in elucidating the mechanism of pollen development and promoting the utilization of heterosis.
Study On the Antitumor Bioactivity of Koningic Acid in Thyroid Cancer in Vivo and in Vitro
Authors: Jing Changxin , Li Yanyan , Gao Zhifei , Hou Peng , Wang Rong
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Koningic acid (KA), a sesquiterpene lactone, has been identified as an antimicrobial agent. Recent studies have revealed KA’s antitumor activities in colorectal cancer, leukemia, and lung cancer. However, its antitumor effect in thyroid cancer remains largely unknown. The aim of this study is to test the therapeutic potential of KA in thyroid cancer and explore the mechanisms underlying antitumor effects.Methods: We examined the effects of KA on proliferation, colony formation, apoptosis, ATP deprivation, and xenograft tumor growth in thyroid cancer cells.Results: KA inhibited thyroid cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, and induced cell apoptosis in a dose and time-dependent manner. Our data also showed that KA caused a rapid, extensive decrease of ATP levels in thyroid cancer cells. Growth of xenograft tumor derived from the thyroid cancer cell line C643 in nude mice was significantly inhibited by KA. Importantly, KA treatment did not cause significant liver and kidney damage in mice compared with the control group.Conclusion: KA may be used as an effective and safe agent for thyroid cancer treatment.
Magnetic Chitosan-Glutaraldehyde/Zinc Oxide/Fe3O4 Nanocomposite: Optimization and Adsorptive Mechanism of Remazol Brilliant Blue R Dye Removal
Authors: Reghioua Abdallah , Barkat Djamel , Jawad Ali H. , Abdulhameed Ahmed Saud , Rangabhashiyam S , Khan Mohammad Rizwan , ALOthman Zeid A.
Published: April 2021

A magnetic Schiff’s base chitosan-glutaraldehyde/Fe3O4 composite (CHT-GLA/ZnO/Fe3O4) was developed by incorporating zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles into its structure to prepare an efficient adsorbent for the removal of remazol brilliant blue R (RBBR) dye. The CHT-GLA/ZnO/Fe3O4 was characterized by the following methods: CHN, BET, FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDX, pHpzc, and potentiometric titrations. Box-Behnken design based on response surface methodology was used to optimize the effects of the A: ZnO nanoparticles loading (0–50%), B: dose (0.02–0.1 g), C: pH (4–10), D: temperature (30–60°C), and time E: (10–60 min) on the synthesis of the magnetic adsorbent and the RBBR dye adsorption. The experimental data of kinetics followed the pseudo-second order model, while isotherms showed better fit to Freundlich and Temkin models. The maximum adsorption capacity of the target nanocomposite (CHT-GLA/Fe3O4 containing 25% ZnO or CHT-GLA/ZnO/Fe3O4-25) was reached of 176.6 mg/g at 60°C. The adsorption mechanism of RBBR onto CHT-GLA/ZnO/Fe3O4 nanocomposite can be attributed to multi-interactions including electrostatic attractions, hydrogen bonding, Yoshida H-bonding, and n-π interactions. This study offers a promising hybrid nanobiomaterial adsorbent in environmental nanotechnology to separate and remove the contaminants such as organic dyes from wastewater.
A simple method for exogenously phytohormone application to the protodermal areas in the base of maize (Zea mays L.) leaf
Authors: Li Jieping , Feng Xinlei
Published: April 2021

Background: The maize leaf epidermis is function as protection against water loss and gas exchange, contacting the environment and avoiding the damage, which is an attractive system for studying the process of cell fate and development. In monocots, leaves epidermis grown from basal meristem, which contains protodermal cells. The leaf protoderm zone was covered by the leaf sheath or coleoptile in maize, the classic exogenously phytohormone application method, such as spraying on leaf surface or adding in the culture media can’t apply the phytohormone to the protoderm areas directly, which restricts the research about phytohormone effect epidermal development.Results: Here we described a simple and direct method for exogenously application of phytohormone to maize leaf protoderm. We use the auxin analogs 2,4-D to test the system, and the asymmetrical division events which initial stomata development were decreased and the subsidiary cells were induced in advance after 2,4-D treatment. This result was the same as other similar studies’ results, indicated that the method is suitable for been used for application phytohormone to the maize leaf protodermal areas.Conclusions: The method, applied hormones on the mesocotyls of the maize seedlings, is simple and direct. Only a small amount of externally applied substances is required to complete this experiment through this method. The entire experiment process just last 10 days generally and it is easy to survey the phytohormone's effect on the epidermis development.
Aggressive Versus Conservative Fluid Treatment for Acute Pancreatitis in Adult Patients: A Meta-Analysis of 3,127 Cases
Authors: Liao Jiyang , Zhan Yang , Wu Huachu , Yao Zhijun , Peng Xian , Lai Jianbo
Published: April 2021

Background: The advantages of aggressive fluid treatment (AFT) compared to conservative fluid treatment (CFT) within 24 h for acute pancreatitis (AP) remain controversial in adult patients. A meta-analysis was undertaken to investigate whether aggressive strategies are more beneficial.Methods: We searched (on February 1, 2021) PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for eligible trials that assessed the two therapies and performed a meta-analysis. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were adverse events (e.g., renal failure and pancreatic necrosis) within 24 h of treatment.Results: Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 8 observational studies involving 3,127 patients were identified. There was a significant difference in in-hospital mortality for AFT compared to CFT (OR, 1.66; P = 0.0001). The incidences of renal failure (OR, 2.38; P < 0.00001) and pancreatic necrosis (OR, 2.34; P < 0.0001) were similar and significantly different between the two groups. Patients aged > 50 years had a potentially higher utilization of mechanical ventilation and incidence of respiratory failure (OR, 4.88; P < 0.00001). Persistent organ failure, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and length of hospital stay did not differ significantly between the two groups. Sensitivity analysis identified two significant changes: one in persistent SIRS (OR, 2.37; P = 0.02) in patients aged > 50 years and one in the overall incidence of persistent organ failure (OR, 1.81; P = 0.02).Conclusions: Compared to CFT, AFT increases in-hospital mortality and the incidence of renal failure, pancreatic necrosis and respiratory failure with relatively strong evidence.
Sevoflurane for fiberoptic intubation in patients with pharyngeal or laryngeal tumor and severe comorbidities: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Breuer-Kaiser Andreas Friedrich Christoph , Nicolaescu Ana , Herzog-Niescery Jennifer , Bellgardt Martin , Vogelsang Heike , Weber Thomas Peter , Dazert Stefan , Volkenstein Stefan , Gude Philipp
Published: April 2021

Background: Current guidelines recommend fiberoptic intubation as the gold standard for intubating patients with “difficult airways.” An awake, spontaneously breathing patient provides some degree of safety; however, many patients require sedation. Sedation may impair spontaneous breathing and counteract the benefits of an “awake fiberoptic intubation.” Sevoflurane might be an alternative to intravenous sedative drugs as it preserves spontaneous breathing and provides patient comfort. For this, we implemented a sevoflurane-based protocol to improve the safety of fiberoptic intubation in high-risk patients with severe comorbidities.Methods: We enrolled 29 patients with pharyngeal or laryngeal carcinoma who had undergone fiberoptic intubation with sevoflurane due to a “difficult airway.” The primary endpoint was the preservation of spontaneous breathing during airway management. Secondary endpoints were drop in oxygen saturation to < 90%, the success rate and duration of intubation, the use of intravenous sedative drugs, changes in vital parameters, complications, and awareness. Results: Preservation of spontaneous breathing was possible in all procedures. Fiberoptic intubation was successful in 25 procedures. In three cases, a video laryngoscope was used. One patient suffering from an unidentified trans-cricoid fistula exhaled sevoflurane before an adequate depth of sedation was achieved. In this patient, oxygen saturation dropped to 71%. In the other 28 patients, oxygen saturation did not drop below 90%. The vital parameters did not change significantly. One fiberoptic intubation was complicated by epistaxis, and four patients had moderate bronchial spasm. None of the patients were able to recall the procedure. Conclusions: We concluded that a sevoflurane-based fiberoptic intubation in patients with “difficult airways” and relevant comorbidities is technically feasible. A trans-cricoid fistula is probably a contraindication for this approach.
The previous stretching to resistance training promotes adaptations on the postsynaptic region in different myofiber types
Authors: Jacob Carolina dos Santos , Barbosa Gabriela Klein , Rodrigues Mariana Pasquini , Neto Jurandyr Pimentel , Rocha Lara Caetano , Ciena Adriano Polican
Published: April 2021

This investigation revealed the postsynaptic morphological adaptations in static stretching, resistance training, and their association in adult male Wistar rats. We processed the soleus and plantaris muscle for histochemical (muscle hypertrophy) and postsynaptic region imaging techniques. We observed muscle hypertrophy in both groups submitted to resistance training, even though the cross-section area is larger when there is no previous static stretching. The soleus postsynaptic region revealed an increase in compactness and fragmentation index in combined exercise. The resistance training promotes high adaptations in the postsynaptic area of plantaris; moreover, the previous static stretching decreased this area. In conclusion, the neuromuscular system’s components respond according to the myofiber type even though it is the same physical exercise. Besides, static stretching (isolated or combined) plays a crucial role in neuromuscular adaptations.
Relationship Between Nighttime Emergency Department Admission and Adherence to a Sepsis Treatment Bundle
Authors: You Je Sung , Park Yoo Seok , Chung Sung Phil , Lee Hye Sun , Jeon Soyoung , Kim Won Young , Shin Tae Gun , Jo You Hwan , Kang Gu Hyun , Choi Sung Hyuk , Suh Gil Joon , Ko Byuk Sung , Han Kap Su , Shin Jong Hwan , Kong Taeyoung
Published: April 2021

Background: Nighttime hospital admission is often associated with increased mortality risk in various diseases. Following sepsis campaign implementation, this study investigated compliance rates with the Surviving Sepsis Campaign 3-h bundle for daytime and nighttime emergency department (ED) admissions and the clinical impact of compliance on mortality. Methods: We conducted an observational study using data from a prospective, multicenter registry for septic shock provided by the Korean Shock Society from 11 institutions from November 2015 to December 2017. The outcome was the compliance rate with the complete 3-hour treatment bundle according to the time of arrival in the ED. Mediation analysis was conducted to evaluate the proportion of the total effect that could be explained by hospital admission times.Results: A total of 2,247 patients were enrolled. Compared with daytime admission, nighttime admission was associated with higher compliance for the administration of antibiotics within 3-h (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 1.276; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.050–1.550, p=0.014), vasopressor within 3-h (AOR, 1.235; 95% CI, 1.009–1.512; P=0.031) and for the administration of the complete 3-h bundle (AOR, 1.231; 95% CI, 1.004–1.501; P=0.046), likely as a result of the increased volume of patients admitted during daytime hours. Consequently, daytime hospital admission adversely affected in-hospital and 28-day mortality rates, mediated by decreased compliance with the complete 3-h bundle. Conclusions: Septic shock patients admitted to the ED during the daytime exhibited lower sepsis bundle compliance than those admitted at night. Despite sepsis campaign implementation, factors that decrease bundle compliance should be reconsidered in patients with septic shock.
Comparative genome and transcriptome integration studies reveal the mechanism of pectoral muscle development and function in pigeons
Authors: Hou Haobin , Wang Xiaoliang , Yang Changsuo , Cai Xia , Lv Wenwei , Tu Yingying , Aodungerile Bao , Wu Quanli , Zhao Weimin , Yao Junfeng , Ding Weixing
Published: April 2021

Background: Various morphological breeds of rock pigeons have emerged as a result of human domestication. Pigeon breed resources provide a genetic model for the study of phenomics. The pectoral muscles are play a key role for the meat production performance of the meat pigeon and the athletic ability of the High flyers. Euro-pigeons and Silver King are commercial varieties that exhibit good meat production performance. In contrast to the domestication direction of meat pigeons, the traditional Chinese ornamental pigeon breed, High flyers, has a small and light body. Here, we investigate the molecular mechanism of the pectoral muscle development and function of pigeons using whole-genome and RNA sequencing data
Result: The selective sweep analysis (FST and log2 (θπ ratio)) revealed 293 and 403 positive selection genes in Euro-pigeons and Silver King, respectively, of which 65 genes were shared. With the Silver King and Euro-pigeon as the control group, the High flyers were selected for 427 and 566 genes respectively. There were 673 differentially expressed genes in the breast muscle transcriptome between the commercial meat pigeons and ornamental pigeons. Pigeon genome selection signal combined with the breast muscle transcriptome revealed that 6 genes from commercial varieties of pigeons and 5 genes from Chinese traditional ornamental pigeons were positively selected. These genes were involved in pathways related to muscle development and function.
Conclusion: Integrated selection signal, transcriptome analysis, and functional annotation identified SYNE1 as a key gene enriched in the actin binding and muscle cell differentiation pathways. Moreover, SYNE1 gene mutations have been associated with human muscular dystrophy. The differential expression of this gene reveals that it has a negative regulatory role in the development and function of pigeon breast muscle.
RSST-ARGM: A Data-Driven Approach to Long-term Sea Surface Temperature Prediction
Authors: Zhu Linqian , Liu Qi , Liu Xiaodong , Zhang Yonghong
Published: April 2021

For the purpose of exploring the long-term variation of regional SST, this paper studies the historical SST in local sea areas and the emission pattern of greenhouse gases and proposes a gray model of regional SST based on atmospheric reflection which can be used to predict SST variation in a long time span. By studying the grey systematic relationship between historical SST data, the model obtains the development law of temperature change, and further introduces different future greenhouse gas emission scenarios as the index coefficient to determine the corresponding changing results of seawater temperature in the next 50 years. Taking the North Atlantic Ocean as an example, the cosine similarity test method is used to verify the model proposed in this paper, and its accuracy is as high as 0.99984. The model predicts that the local SST could reach a maximum of 15.3℃ by 2070. This model is easy to calculate, with advantages of the high accuracy and good robustness.
High performance optical filters in silicon nanowires with coupled Sagnac loop reflectors
Authors: Arianfard hamed , wu jiayang , juodkazis saulius , moss david
Published: April 2021

We present theoretical designs of high performance optical filters in integrated silicon photonic nanowire resonators. We use mode interference in formed by zig-zag waveguide coupled Sagnac loop reflectors (ZWC-SLRs), tailored to achieve diverse filtering functions with good performance. These include compact bandpass filters with improved roll-off, optical analogues of Fano resonances with ultrahigh spectral extinction ratios (ERs) and slope rates, and resonance mode splitting with high ERs and low free spectral ranges. The analysis verifies the feasibility of multi-functional integrated photonic filters based on ZWC-SLR resonators for flexible spectral engineering in diverse applications.
Empire-Building, Imperial Policies, and Famine in Occupied Territories and Colonies
Authors: Klid Bohdan
Published: April 2021

The introductory article to the special issue “Empire, Colonialism, and Famine in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries” begins by pointing to some recent literature on famine theory, where stress has been made on responses of authorities to famine and on the political nature of modern famines. Literature on the connection between imperial policies, colonial rule, and famines is also briefly discussed. The Soviet Union is treated as an empire in the essay, and some of the literature on this question is also surveyed. The article then offers summaries of and highlights from essays in this volume that resulted from papers presented at two conferences on the theme “Empires and Famines in Comparative Historical Perspective,” held in 2016 in Toronto and in 2017 in Kyiv. These include papers on famine and food policies during World War II in occupied Ukraine and Moldova. Essays on famines in Soviet Ukraine, British-ruled Ireland, and British-ruled Bengal, India, are summarized as well as an essay on Raphaël Lemkin’s views on genocide and famine and an essay that looked at minorities in Mao’s China during the 1958-62 famine. The essay concludes with the observation that the investigation of imperial policies, colonial rule, and famine should be pursued further, especially in the case of the Soviet Union where this line of research is just beginning.
Review of Roman Vysots'kyi. Patsyfikatsiia Halychyny 1930 roku: Dokumenty [The Pacification of Galicia in 1930: Documents].
Authors: Wróbel Piotr J.
Published: April 2021

Book review of Roman Vysots'kyi. Patsyfikatsiia Halychyny 1930 roku: Dokumenty [The Pacification of Galicia in 1930: Documents]. Vol. 1, Vydavnytstvo Ukrains'koho Katolyts'koho Universytetu, 2019. Ukraina. Ievropa—1921-1939 [Ukraine. Europe—1921-1939]. 696 pp. Tables. Bibliography. Indexes. ₴ 300,00, cloth.
ACQUAINTANCE TO FOREX FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET
Authors: Zaitsev O. , Dvorianova T.
Published: April 2021

The article draws attention to the steady growth of the general trend of direct participation of individuals in financial transactions using electronic platforms. In particular, the article notes the increased interest in participating in operations in the Forex currency market. It is emphasized that relatively technically easy access to participation in financial transactions through the use of electronic platforms is currently a potential threat to financial security for the funds of participants in such transactions. This is a lack of professional training of most novice traders who voluntarily become participants in financial transactions. It is emphasized that stock exchange transactions on stock markets, purchase and sale of currency on electronic platforms, transactions with gold, etc. require, along with general, also special knowledge on certain specific areas of economic development and financial relations. Also, psychological and behavioral factors begin to "work" in such relationships. It is noted that only from the beginning of 2019 in Ukraine at the legislative level began a systematic regulation of the structure of the foreign exchange market and the procedure for trading in foreign currency. The article states that it is time to pay attention to digitalized trading activities from a professional point of view and start teaching in educational institutions the relevant disciplines for training and acquiring students' general skills in trade and financial transactions on electronic platforms. From this point of view, the article provides an introductory review of the Forex currency market, outlines the principles of its operation, pays more attention to trading strategies. As a result, the following conclusions are made that, first, the foreign exchange market is highly profitable provided that its trends are mastered; secondly, the foreign exchange market is high risk; it is necessary to understand not only in many terms, but, especially, in processes and situations in the financial-globalized world to confidently use charts of change of cost of currencies for profit; thirdly, there are many different strategies that can be used successfully in the currency market, from the simplest - for amateurs, to more complex - for experienced traders, but none of them will fit perfectly for a particular psychotype, professional level and amount of time a person - trader can pay trade. Of particular value, according to the authors, is the following conclusion: a trader creates his own strategy, which provides a greater likelihood of earnings in the international Forex market. Currency trader is a creative activity, but an activity based on mastering a large base of professional knowledge.
Hypervetilation syndrome as a risk factor of diastolic dysfunction among hypertension patients
Authors: Zarivna I.V. , Levchenko V.A. , Vakalyuk I.P. , Maksymyak M.V. , Moroz O.S.
Published: April 2021

Hypertensive disease is one of the urgent problems in the modern cardiology. It is known that a huge variety of comorbid states influence the development of hypertensive disease, i. e. neurogenic hyperventilating syndrome. It is the sign and the marker of suprasegmental vegetative structures disorders that destabilize homeostasis, initiate the development of specific pathological processes, which are the base of somatization of hyperventilating disorders, including heart disorders. It led to research of structural and functional characteristics of the ventricles with the help of echocardiology among hypertensive patients with neurogenic hyperventilating syndrome. Ventricular dilation of cavities, mostly of the right one without thickening of the walls, was found in the patients with stage 1 hypertension disease (43.59 %). Dilation of the ventricular cavities was also revealed in hypertensive patients with stage 2 hypertension disease in 37.88% of cases. The next variations of remodeling were registered: concentric – in 10.61% of cases; concentric hypertrophy – in 22.73%; asymmetric hypertrophy – in 12.12%; eccentric remodeling and eccentric hypertrophy of the left ventricle – in 4.55% and 9.09% of patients, respectively. Thickening of the right ventricle wall was observed in 13.64% of patients. In the control group of patients without hypertonic syndrome, the signs of concentric and asymmetric hypertrophy were noticed in 10% of patients, eccentric – in 20%; extension of the left ventricle – in 20%. The assessment of the condition of transmitral and tricuspid flows revealed a significant increase in the number of cases, disorders, relaxation of the heart ventricles among hypertensive patients with neurogenic hyperventilating syndrome. It can be a sign of specific role of permanent hyperventilation in ventricle remodeling and mandatory systematic echocardiological control of these patients.