bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PET/CT NEMA Body Phantom Image Reconstruction Study Using 2 mm Voxel Size for Improved Image Quality
Authors: Rep Sebastijan , Tomše Petra , Jensterle Luka , Zaletel Katja , Ležaič Luka
Published: February 2021

Background PET/CT imaging is widely used in oncology and provides both metabolic and anatomic information. Because of the relatively poor spatial resolution of PET/CT imaging technique the detection of small lesions is limited. The low spatial resolution introduces the partial-volume effect (PVE) which negatively affects images both visually and quantitatively. The aim of our research was to investigate the effect of 4 mm and 2 mm voxel size on image quality and on detection of small spheres. MethodsWe used the NEMA body phantom with six fillable spheres. The spheres and background were filled with a solution of 18F-FDG, in ratio spheres vs background 2:1, 3:1, 4:1 and 8:1 In all images reconstructed with 2 mm and 4 mm voxel size the contrast recovery coefficient (CRC), contrast to noise ratio (CNR) in standardized uptake value (SUV) were evaluated.ResultsFor phantom spheres ≤ 13 mm, we found significant higher CRC, SUV and CNR using small-voxel reconstructions. CRC and SUV did not differ for large spheres (≥ 17 mm) using 2 mm and 4 mm voxel size. On the other hand, CNR for large spheres (≥ 17 mm) was significantly decreased in 2 mm voxel size images compared to the 4 mm.ConclusionAccording to our results, the reconstruction with 2 mm voxel size can improve precise lesion localization, image contrast, and image quality.
Coxsackievirus B4: a Undervalued Pathogen that Associated with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak
Authors: Xiao Jinbo , Wang Jianxing , Zhang Yong , Sun Dapeng , Lu Huanhuan , Han Zhenzhi , Song Yang , Yan Dongmei , Zhu Shuangli , Pei Yaowen , Xu Wenbo , Wang Xianjun
Published: February 2021

Objectives: This study was conducted to discover the causes of Coxsackievirus B4 (CVB4) -induced hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreaks and its evolutionary characteristics.Methods: In this study, we sequenced isolates obtained during the outbreak for comparative analyses with previously sequenced strains. Phylogenetic analysis and evolutionary dynamics were performed to illustrate the genetic characteristics of CVB4 in China and worldwide.Results: The nucleotide sequence of CVB4 isolated during the outbreak in 2011 was more similar to that of CVB4 isolated in Shandong Province, China in 2010 (95.7–99.4%) than to other CVB4 isolated in China (90.9–98.8%). A phylogenetic analysis showed that CVB4 originated from a common ancestor in Shandong. CVB4 strains isolated worldwide could be classified into genotypes A–E according to the VP1 region. All CVB4 strains in China belonged to genotype E. The global population diversity of CVB4 fluctuated substantially over time, and CVB4 isolated from China accounted for a significant increase in diversity of CVB4. The average nucleotide substitution rate in VP1 of Chinese CVB4 (5.20 × 10-3 substitutions/site/year) was slightly higher than that of global CVB4 (4.82 × 10-3 substitutions/site/year). Conclusions: These findings explain both the 2011 outbreak and a global increase in CVB4 diversity. In addition to improving our understanding of a major outbreak, these findings provide a basis for the development of surveillance strategies.
Integrating NCD into Primary Health Care in Thailand: a Mix Method Study
Authors: Tuangratananon Tuition , Julchoo Sataporn , Phaiyarom Mathudara , Panichkriangkrai Warisa , Pudpong Nareerut , Patcharanarumol Walaiporn , Tangcharoensathien Viroj
Published: February 2021

BackgroundIn response to an increased burden from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), primary health care (PHC) is advocated as an effective platform to support NCD prevention and control. This study aims to assess Thailand’s PHC capacity in providing NCD services, identify enabling factors and challenges and provide policy recommendations for improvement.MethodsThis cross-sectional mixed-method study was conducted between October 2019 and May 2020. Two provinces, one rich and one poor were randomly selected and then a city and rural district from each province were randomly selected. From these four sites in the two provinces, 56 officers from PHC centres were sampled purposively for a self-administrative questionnaire survey on their capacities and practices related to NCD.A total of 79 participants from Provincial and District Health Offices, provincial and district hospitals, and PHC centres who involved with NCD participated in focus group discussions or in-depth interviews.ResultsStrong health infrastructure, competent staff, though not matched with increased workload, and secured budget boost PHC capacity to address NCD prevention, control, case management, referral and rehabilitation. Community engagement through village health volunteers improves NCD awareness, enrols in screening and improves adherence to interventions. Collaborations between provincial and district hospitals in providing resources and technical support improve NCD capacity of PHC centres. In addition, village health volunteer, a crucial link between health sector and community, is key in supporting NCD control. Additionally, inconsistent national policy directions and uncertainty related to key performance indicators hamper progress in NCD management at the operational level.Conclusion﻿PHC centres play a vital role in managing NCDs prevention and control. However, adequate human and financial resources and policy guidance are required to improve PHC performance in managing NCDs. Implementing best buy measures at national level provides synergies for NCD control at PHC level.
Quantitative Spectrofluorometric Assay Detecting Nuclear Condensation and Fragmentation in Intact Cells
Authors: Majtnerova Pavlina , Capek Jan , Petira Filip , Handl Jiri , Roušar Tomáš
Published: February 2021

At present, nuclear condensation and fragmentation have been estimated also using Hoechst probes in fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. However, none of the methods has used the Hoechst probes for quantitative spectrofluorometric assessment. Therefore, the aim of present study was to develop a spectrofluorometric assay for detection of nuclear condensation and fragmentation in intact cells. We used HepG2 and HK‑2 cells cultured in 96-well plates which were treated with potent apoptotic inducers (i.e. cisplatin, staurosporine, camptothecin) for 6-48 h. Then, the cells were incubated with Hoechst 33258 (2 µg/mL) and the increase of fluorescence after binding of the dye to DNA was measured. The developed spectrofluorometric assay was capable to detect nuclear changes caused by all tested apoptotic inducers. Then, we compared the outcomes of the spectrofluorometric assay with other methods detecting apoptosis (i.e. TUNEL, DNA ladder, caspase activity). We found that the developed assay provides results of same sensitivity as TUNEL assay but the advantages of the spectrofluorometric assay are fast processing, low-cost and high throughput. Because nuclear condensation and fragmentation can be typical markers of cell death, especially in apoptosis, we suppose that the spectrofluorometric assay could become a routinely used method for characterizing cell death processes.
Perceived Family Function and Associated Predictors in Nurses: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Zeng Wen , Fang Qian , He Shan , An Qiping , Li Juan , Yao Yuanrong
Published: February 2021

Background: Evidence of family function in clinical nurses remains limited even though nurses play a core role in health care system. The current study was to evaluate the family function of the Chinese clinical nurses, and to explore associated predicting factors.Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional anonymous online survey was carried out. Chinese Family Function Scale were used in the study. Participants were asked to finish the questionnaire as well as demographic information. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis, Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis H test was performed in the univariate analysis. Pairwise comparison method was used to determine whether the difference was significant between pair groups. Categorical regression (optimal scaling regression) was the main method to analysis factors which had been confirmed to be statistically significant in the univariate analysis.Results: 19422 nurses completed the online questionnaires. The median of the nurse’s perceived family function score was 3 (Inter-quartile Range: IQR 2-5). The univariate analysis suggested age (P=0.004), highest education level (P<0.001), hospital level (P<0.001), working years (P=0.031), rotation shift status (P<0.001), working department (P<0.001), marital status (P<0.001), number of children (P<0.001), and monthly income per family member (P<0.001) were related to the nurses’ perceived family function. However, the multivariate analysis showed that highest education level (P<0.001), hospital level (P<0.001), rotation shift status (P<0.001), working department (P<0.001), number of children (P<0.001), monthly income per family member (P<0.001) were significantly associated with family function. Moreover, the importance of the factors was number of children (49.1%), monthly income per family member (20.7%), rotation shift status (12.4%), highest education level (8.0%), hospital level (7.6%) and working department (2.4%) in turn.Conclusions: Most of the nurses participated in the study demonstrated appropriate family function. Highest education level, hospital level, rotation shift status, working department, number of children and monthly income per family member were significant associated with nurses’ perceived family function. The importance of those predictors was, in turn, number of children, monthly income per family member, rotation shift status, highest education level, hospital level, and working department.
High Levels of Pyrethroid Resistance and Super-Kdr Mutations in the Populations of Tropical Bed Bug, Cimex Hemipterus, in Iran
Authors: Ghavami Mohammad Bagher , Ghahremani Zarafat , Raeisi Narges , Taghiloo Behrooz
Published: February 2021

Background: Tropical bed bug, Cimex hemipterus, is an important ectoparasite causing various health problems. This species is mainly confined to tropical regions; however, insecticide resistance, global warming, and globalization have changed its distribution map. Molecular information on pyrethroid resistance, which is essential for the development of control programs, is unknown for C. hemipterus in expanded areas. The present study was designed to determine the permethrin resistance status, characterize the pyrethroid receptor sites in voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc) gene and identify the resistance-related mutations in the populations of tropical bed bug in Iran. Methods: Live bed bugs were collected, and adults of C. hemipterus were selected for bioassay and molecular surveys. Bioassay was performed by tarsal contact with permethrin 0.75% in mixed-sex of samples. Conventional and quantitative TaqMan and SYBR green real-time PCR assays were conducted to characterize the vgsc gene and genotypes of studied populations. Results: In the bioassay tests, the mortality rates were in the range of 30.7-38.7% and 56.2-77.4% in 24 and 48 hrs, respectively. The knockdown rates of studied populations were in the range of 32.2-46.6% and 61.5-83.8% in the first and second days, respectively. The KT50 and KT90 values in the C. lectularius Kh1 strain were presented as 5.39 and 15.55 hrs, respectively. These values in the selected populations of C. hemipterus varied from 27.9 to 29.5 and from 82.8 to 104.4 hrs, respectively. Knockdown resistance ratios (KR50 and KR90) in these populations varied from 5.17 to 6.17-fold compared with those of the C. lectularius Kh1 strain. Fragments of vgsc gene with 355 bp and 812 bp were amplified. Analysis of sequences revealed the A468T substitution, kdr-associated D953G, and super-kdr M918I and L1014F mutations in all populations. Conclusions: The simple, specific/sensitive and rapid diagnostic assays developed in this study are recommended for detection of kdr/super-kdr mutations and frequency of mutant alleles. The presence of super-kdr mutations and high resistance to permethrin in all the populations necessitate the reconsideration of control approaches against C. hemipterus.
Effect of dexamethasone in patients with ARDS and COVID-19 – prospective, multi-centre, open-label, parallel-group, randomised controlled trial (REMED trial): A structured summary of a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Maláska Jan , Stašek Jan , Duška František , Balík Martin , Máca Jan , Hruda Jan , Vymazal Tomáš , Klementová Olga , Zatloukal Jan , Gabrhelík Tomáš , Novotný Pavel , Demlová Regina , Kubátová Jana , Vinklerová Jana , Svobodník Adam , Kratochvíl Milan , Klučka Jozef , Gál Roman , Singer Mervyn
Published: February 2021

ObjectivesThe primary objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that administration of dexamethasone 20 mg is superior to a 6 mg dose in adult patients with moderate or severe ARDS due to confirmed COVID-19. The secondary objective is to investigate the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone 20 mg versus dexamethasone 6 mg. The exploratory objective of this study is to assess long-term consequences on mortality and quality of life at 180 and 360 days.
A Novel Intelligent System Based on Adjustable Classifier Models for Diagnosing Heart Sounds
Authors: Sun Shuping , Huang Tingting , Zhang Biqiang , He Peiguang , Yan Long , Fan Dongdong , Zhang Jiale , Chen Jinbo
Published: February 2021

Background: As an eﬃcient method, heart sounds (HSs) analysis by classifying the features extracted from the four-stage sequence consisting of the ﬁrst heart sound (S1), second heart sound (S2), duration from S1 to S2 and duration from S2 to S1, has been widely used to diagnose heart disease and evaluate heart functions. However, the feature is diﬃcult to be extracted with high accuracy due to the four stages segmented from HSs with low accuracy; the ﬁxed classiﬁers achieved by training the features from the old samples cannot better ﬁt the features from the new ones because they are not adjusted with the incremental features. Thus, a novel intelligent diagnostic system, the innovations of which are primarily reﬂected in the automatic feature extraction and adjustable classiﬁer models, is proposed to realize the diagnosis of heart diseases with higher accuracy. Methods: The three stages of the proposed system are summarized as follows. In stage 1, the short time modiﬁed Hilbert transform (STMHT)-based curve is used to segment and extract the ﬁrst complex sound (CS1) and second complex sound (CS2). In stage 2, the envelopes CS1FE and CS2FE for periods CS1 and CS2 are obtained via a novel method, and the frequency features are automatically extracted from CS1FE and CS2FE by setting diﬀerent threshold value (Thv) lines. Finally, the principal component analysis (PCA)-based ﬁrst three principal components γ1, γ2, and γ3 are determined as the diagnostic features. In stage 3, a Gaussian mixture model (GMM)-based objective function fet(x) is generated. Then, the χ2 distribution for component k is determined by calculating the Mahalanobis distance from x to the class mean µk for component k, and the conﬁdence region of component k is determined by adjusting the optimal conﬁdence level βk and used as the criterion to diagnose HSs. Results: The performance evaluation was validated by sounds from online HS databases and clinical heart databases. The accuracy of the proposed method was compared to the accuracies of other well-known classiﬁers, and the highest classiﬁcation accuracies of 99.43%, 98.93%, 99.13%, 99.85%, 98.62%, 99.67% and 99.91% in the detection of MR, MS, ASD, NM, AS, AR and VSD sounds were achieved by setting βk(k = 1,2,...,7) to 0.87,0.65,0.67,0.65,0.67,0.79 and 0.87, respectively. Conclusions: This proposed intelligent diagnosis system provides an eﬃcient way to diagnose seven types of heart diseases. In addition, methods to manage the sounds (such as some ASD sounds) when CS1 and CS2 cannot be segmented and extracted via the STMHT method will be explored in the future to characterize the physical meanings of the frequency components and to build a model of the secondary curve in the frequency domain.
Population health surveillance using mobile telephone surveys in low- and middle-income countries: methodology and sample representativeness of a behavioural risk factor survey of live poultry exposure in Bangladesh
Authors: Berry Isha , Mangtani Punam , Rahman Mahbubur , Khan Iqbal Ansary , Sarkar Sudipta , Naureen Tanzila , Greer Amy L. , Morris Shaun K. , Fisman David N. , Flora Meerjady Sabrina
Published: February 2021

BackgroundIn low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), population-based health surveys are typically conducted using face-to-face household interviews. However, telephone-based surveys are cheaper, faster, and can provide greater access to hard to reach or remote populations. The rapid growth in mobile telephone ownership in LMICs provides a unique opportunity to implement novel data collection methods for population health surveys. This study describes the methodology, development, and population representativeness of a mobile telephone survey measuring live poultry exposure in urban Bangladesh.MethodsA population-based cross-sectional mobile telephone survey was conducted between September and November 2019 in North and South Dhaka City Corporations (DCC), Bangladesh to measure live poultry exposure using a stratified probability sampling design. Data were collected using a computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) platform. Call operational data were summarized, and participant data were weighted by age, sex, and education to the 2011 census. Demographic distributions of the weighted sample were compared with external sources to assess population representativeness.ResultsA total of 5486 unique mobile telephone numbers were dialled, with 1047 respondents completing the survey. The survey had an overall response rate of 52.4% and a cooperation rate of 89.0%. Initial results comparing the socio-demographic profile of the survey sample to the census population showed that mobile telephone sampling slightly underrepresented older individuals and overrepresented those with higher secondary education. After weighting, the demographic profile of the sample population was well matched to the latest DCC census population profile. ConclusionsProbability-based mobile telephone survey sampling and data collection methods produced a population-representative sample with minimal adjustment in DCC, Bangladesh. Mobile telephone-based surveys can offer an efficient, economic, and robust way to conduct surveillance for population health outcomes, which has important implications for improving population health surveillance in LMICs.
Unravelling the Strategies for Cell wall Biosynthesis used by Salt-Tolerant Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) under Salt Stress: From Root Structure to Molecular Mechanism
Authors: Yuan Yuhao , Liu Chunjuan , Li Jing , Ma Qian , Yang Qinghua , Feng Baili
Published: February 2021

Background: Considering the twin global problems of increasingly serious energy shortage and effects of salt stress on biofuel plants, breeding of salt-resistant biofuel plant and the discovery of mechanisms for biomass accumulation under salt stress is necessary for energy shortage. Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is very resilient to abiotic stress, especially to land degradation caused by soil salinization, and its promising as dedicated bioenergy crops for the production of renewable fuels and forage, due to its high photosynthetic efficiency C4 plant and ability to grow in a range of environmental conditions. However, the mechanisms by which the roots of proso millet adapt and tolerate salt-stress are obscure.Results: In this study, plants of a salt-sensitive cultivar (SS 212) and a salt-tolerant cultivar (ST 47) of proso millet were exposed to severe salt stress and subsequent re-watering. ST 47 exhibited greater salt tolerance and faster recovery than SS 212, as evidenced by higher increases in total root length (TRL), root surface area (RSA), root tip number (RTN), biomass. Moreover, microstructural analysis showed that relative to SS 212, the roots of ST 47 could maintain more intact internal structures, and thicker cell wall under salt stress, thereby stronger resistance to salt toxicity and maintenance of growth. Digital RNA sequence analysis suggested more genes involved in salt stress resistance were induced in ST 47 than in SS 212. In ST 47 also, re-watering restored most genes that had been induced by salt stress. Results of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analysis revealed that ST 47 maintained better Na+/ K+ balance to resist Na+ toxicity via a higher capability to restrict Na+ uptake, vacuolar Na+ sequestration, and Na+ exclusion. The mechanism for cell wall biosynthesis in cultivar ST 47 involved the promotion of cell wall composition changes, via efficient regulation of galactose metabolism and biosynthesis of cellulose and phenylpropanoids. Conclusions: Overall, this study provides valuable salt-resistant biofuel resources and mechanisms for relieving the world energy shortage, which could be applied for the rehabilitation of saline lands.
Liquid-vapor Growth of Atomically Thin Metal Tellurides with Controllable Polymorphism
Authors: Zhou Lin , Zhang Xingxing , Zhang Xu , Han Yimo , Shen Pin-Chun , Lin Yuxuan , Ji Qingqing , Bie Ya-Qing , Shi Jiaojian , Zubair Ahmad , Dai Xiaochuan , Yao Nan , Palacios Tomás , Kong Jing
Published: February 2021

Atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), together with their polymorphism, provide promising alternatives for next generation electronic devices and a platform to explore exotic quantum phenomena. However, a large-scale synthesis method that can reliably produce high-quality two-dimensional (2D) TMDs with controlled phase is still lacking. Instead, TMDs with high concentration of defects and defect-stabilized metastable crystalline phases are often obtained via conventional chemical vapor deposition. Here we developed a liquid-vapor (LV) technique to exploit liquid precursors to significantly suppress the equilibrium shift to the decomposition direction and successfully synthesized high-quality TMDs. We highlight the importance of exploiting the synergism of equilibrium and kinetics to facilitate the synthesis reaction (forward) and to impede decomposition (reverse). A high concentration of reactants in the liquid phase also maximizes the kinetic rate of defect repairing. We demonstrated the advantages of LV method by synthesizing diverse high-quality 2D metal tellurides with controllable polymorphs, which would be challenging, if not impossible, to realize by using conventional methods due to weak metal-tellurium bonds, thermal instability and the co-existence of mixed crystalline phases. In particular, we successfully synthesized high-quality monolayer 2H MoTe2, which is only possible when Te defect level is substantially suppressed. Our approach provides a new paradigm in high-quality and large-scale materials synthesis and can be readily extended to a variety of quantum materials, potentially accelerating both research and industrial initiatives.
Effect of Co and Y modification on structural, ferroelectric and magnetic properties of Bi5Ti3FeO15 ceramics
Authors: Bobic Jelena D , Ilić Nikola , Veerapandiyan Vignaswaran , Petrović Mirjana Vijatović , Deluca Marco , Dzunuzovic Adis , Vukmirovic Jelena , Ning Kaijie , Reichmann Klaus , Tidrow Steven
Published: February 2021

The ferroelectric and magnetic properties of four-layered Aurivillius Bi5Ti3FeO15 (BFT) compounds via partial substitution of Bi3+ with Y3+ and Fe3+ with Co2+ (according to formula: Bi5 − xYxTi3FeO15, x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3; Bi5Ti3Fe1 − yCoyO15, y = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5) were investigated. Polycrystalline ceramics of Co and Y substituted BFT were prepared by conventional solid-state reaction. Crystal structure and phase purity were confirmed via X-ray diffraction. Raman spectral signatures indicate that Y replaces Bi ions in the pseudo-perovskite layers and Co replaces Fe ions in the octahedral sites. SEM micrographs show a decrease in grain size for both chemically modified samples when compared to plate-like morphology for pure BFT with dimensions ranging from 3–5 µm in length and a thickness of ~ 0.5 µm. The decrease in grain size is more pronounced in Co substituted samples with plate-like grain dimensions of 1 µm in length and 0.1 µm in thickness. Ferroelectric measurements show unsaturated leaky hysteresis loops in both chemically modified samples until the maximum applied electric field. Magnetic measurements confirm the paramagnetic nature of pure and Y substituted BFT ceramics while Co substituted BFT ceramics exhibit a typical ferromagnetic M-H loop. The largest remanent magnetization value of 0.084 emu/g at room temperature is recorded for the Co2+ substituted sample with x = 0.30.
Sexual Intercourse among Early Adolescents in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia: Survey using Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS)
Authors: Perestroika Grhasta Dian , Prabandari Yayi Suryo , Wilopo Siswanto Agus
Published: February 2021

Background

Sexual intercourse is a risky behavior among many earlier adolescents (10–14 years), some of whom might ultimately experience unsafe abortion. However, the prevalence of sexual intercourse among earlier adolescents in Indonesia is not known.
Methods

A cross-sectional behavioral survey was conducted from July to October 2019 among early adolescents who are prone to sexual intercourse (EAWAPTSI) in Semarang, Indonesia. A total of 180 EAWAPTSI aged 10–14 years old (115 boys and 65 girls) were recruited using respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in urban areas. A survey with the Open Data Kit (ODK) application was administered to the study participants.
Results

A total of 180 EAWAPTSI were enrolled, including original seeds. The majority of respondents were male and 14 years old. The RDS-adjusted sexual intercourse prevalence was 38.4% (95% CI: 27.8–49.1). The prevalence was higher among adolescents who were of older age, boys, enrolled in school, and under the care of their mother, had low parental education, discussed sexuality with their parents less frequently and agreed with this behavior at their age.
Conclusions

The conclusion of this study is that early adolescents have already been exposed to sexual activity. This finding suggests that education on healthy sexual behavior should be started before the age of early adolescence (10–14 years). Education should be comprehensive and address individual risk behaviors, not only to delay sexual debut but also to emphasize the importance of preventing sexually transmitted infections and adolescent pregnancy. In addition, parental involvement is needed. Therefore, it is necessary to increase communication about sexuality between children and parents.
Cisplatin and phenanthriplatin modulate long-noncoding RNA expression in A549 and IMR90 cells revealing regulation of microRNAs, Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β signaling
Authors: Monroe Jerry D. , Moolani Satya A. , Irihamye Elvin N. , Lett Katheryn E. , Hebert Michael D. , Gibert Yann , Smith Michael E.
Published: February 2021

The monofunctional platinum(II) complex, phenanthriplatin, acts by blocking transcription, but its regulatory effects on long-noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have not been elucidated relative to traditional platinum-based chemotherapeutics, e.g., cisplatin. Here, we treated A549 non-small cell lung cancer and IMR90 lung fibroblast cells for 24 hours with either cisplatin, phenanthriplatin or a solvent control, and then performed microarray analysis to identify regulated lncRNAs. RNA22 v2 microRNA software was subsequently used to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) that might be suppressed by the most regulated lncRNAs. We found that miR-25-5p, -30a-3p, -138-5p, -149-3p, -185-5p, -378j, -608, -650, -708-5p, -1253, -1254, -4458, and − 4516, were predicted to target the cisplatin upregulated lncRNAs, IMMP2L-1, CBR3-1 and ATAD2B-5, and the phenanthriplatin downregulated lncRNAs, AGO2-1, COX7A1-2 and SLC26A3-1. The signaling pathways associated with these miRNAs suggests that phenanthriplatin may modulate Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β signaling through the MAPK/ERK and PTEN/AKT pathways differently than cisplatin. Further, as some of these miRNAs may be subject to dissimilar lncRNA targeting in A549 and IMR90 cells, the monofunctional complex may not cause toxicity in normal lung compared to cancer cells by acting through distinct lncRNA and miRNA networks.
Isolation and characterization of two new Staphylococcus aureus bacteriophages with potential to infect distinct bacteria from bovine mastitis
Authors: Barasuol Bibiana Martins , Cargnelutti Juliana Felipetto , Sangioni Luis Antônio , Pereira Daniela Isabel Brayer , Varela Ana Paula Muterle , Mayer Fabiana Quoos , Pottker Emanuele Serro , Gonçalves Gabriela Flores , Cibulski Samuel , Botton Sonia
Published: February 2021

Bovine mastitis is an important disease of dairy cows, and Staphylococcus aureus is the etiologic agent most prevalent among the microorganisms. Mastitis caused by S. aureus present low cure rate with antimicrobials treatment and low vaccines efficacy. Bacteriophages or phages have been considered as an alternative for treating this disease. This study, we isolated and characterized two new S. aureus phages, namely B_UFSM4 and B_UFSM5, from bovine milk of cows with mastitis. The adsorptions rates were 10–20 min for B_UFSM4 and 20–30 min for B_UFSM5. Phages activities were relatively stable at pH 3–11; however, at temperatures of 50 °C-60ºC-70ºC/60 min, the phages were completely inactivated. These viruses presented infectivity in various bacteria isolated from bovine mastitis, where the lytic activity of phages B_UFSM4 and B_UFSM5 were 34.2%(13/38) and 42.1%(16/38), respectively, including isolates from S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus sciuri, and Rothia terrae. The complete genomes of B_UFSM4 and B_UFSM5 have 41.396 bp and 41.829 bp, with GC-content 33.97% and 33.98%, respectively. Both phages comprise 61 putative ORFs. The viruses have double stranded DNA and linear architecture. Phylogenic similarity was observed by proteome with Staphylococcus prophage phiPV83 (45,536 nt), Staphylococcus phage CN125 (44,492 nt) and Staphylococcus phage JS01 (43,458 nt). Based on the morphology, the phages belong to Siphoviridae family, presenting icosahedral head with a long tail, Caudovirales order and Biseptimavirus genus. Thus, two S. aureus phages (B_UFSM4 and B_UFSM5) were isolated and characterized, and these phages can be used as therapeutic or prophylactic candidates against S. aureus infections in cattle mastitis.
Web-SpikeSegNet: Deep Learning Framework for Recognition and Counting of Spikes from Visual Images of Wheat Plants
Authors: Misra Tanuj , Arora Alka , Marwaha Sudeep , Jha Ranjeet Ranjan , Ray Mrinmoy , Varghese Eldho , Kumar Sudhir , Nigam Aditya , Sahoo Rabi Narayan , Chinnusamy Viswanathan
Published: February 2021

Background: Computer vision with deep-learning is emerging as a major approach for non-invasive and non-destructive plant phenotyping. Spikes are the reproductive organs of wheat plants. Detection of spike helps in identifying heading, and counting of the spikes as well as area of the spikes will be useful for determination of the yield of wheat plant. Hence detection and counting of spikes which is considered as the grain bearing organ, has great importance in the phenomics study of large sets of germplasms. Results: In the present study, we developed an online platform “Web-SpikeSegNet” based on a deep-learning framework for spike detection and counting from the wheat plant’s visual images. This platform implements the “SpikeSegNet” approach developed by Misra et al.(2020), which has proved as an eﬀective and robust approach for spike detection and counting. Architecture of the Web-SpikeSegNet consists of 2 layers. First Layer, Client Side Interface Layer, deals with deals with end user’s requests and its corresponding responses management while the second layer, Server Side Application Layer consisting of spike detection and counting module. The backbone of the spike detection module comprises of deep encoder-decoder network with hourglass for spike segmentation. Spike counting module implements the “Analyze Particle” function of imageJ to count the number of spikes. For evaluating the performance of Web-SpikeSegNet, we acquired wheat plant’s visual images using LemnaTec imaging platform installed at Nanaji Deshmukh Plant Phenomics Centre, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India and the satisfactory segmentation performances were obtained as Type I error 0.00159, Type II error 0.0586, Accuracy 99.65%, Precision 99.59% and F1 score 99.65%. Conclusions: In this study, freely available web-based software has been developed based on combined digital image analysis and deep learning techniques. As spike detection and counting in wheat phenotyping are closely related to the yield, Web-SpikeSegNet is a signiﬁcant step forward in the ﬁeld of wheat phenotyping and will be very useful to the researchers and students working in the domain.
Proteinuria May Be an Indicator of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients With Preeclampsia: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Lei Tingting , Qiu Ting , Liao Wanyu , Li Kangjie , Lai Xinyue , Huang Hongbo , Yuan Rui , Chen Ling
Published: February 2021

Background: Proteinuria is one of the common manifestations of patients with preeclampsia(PE), but whether the severity of proteinuria is related to the pregnancy outcome of patients with preeclampsia remains controversial. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between 24-hour proteinuria and adverse outcomes in patients with preeclampsia.Methods: Retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 329 pregnant women in Chongqing City. Patients were divided into PE group and non-PE group. PE group was divided into three subgroups according to the level of 24-hour proteinuria. Correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between biochemical indexes and adverse pregnancy outcome, and Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of adverse pregnancy outcome. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the ability of 24-hour urinary protein to distinguish the adverse pregnancy outcome in patients with preeclampsia. Results: (1) Among mild (proteinuria < 0.3g/24h), moderate (0.3g/24h ≦ proteinuria < 2g/24h) and massive (proteinuria ≧ 2g/24h) groups, the frequencies of induced labor (p = 0.006), hypoproteinemia (p < 0.001) and stillbirth (p = 0.002) increased according to the severity of 24-hour proteinuria. Patients with a proteinuria > 2g/24h had a shorter gestational week (p < 0.001) and a higher preterm delivery rate (p = 0.009). (2) Adverse pregnant outcome was positively correlated with 24-hour proteinuria (adverse maternal outcomes: r = 0.239, p = 0.002; adverse fetal outcomes: r = 0.336, p < 0.001). (3) The best 24-hour proteinuria cutoff value to determine adverse outcomes was 872.09 mg/24h (p < 0.001), odds ratios (95% confidence interval, CI) was 5.03 (2.60-9.74). For hypoproteinemia, the best value was 1935 mg/24h (p < 0.001) and ORs (95% CIs) was 6.7(2.6-17.4). For stillbirth, premature and intrauterine distress the best value were 3965.0mg/24h, 984.75mg/24h and 1503.85mg/24h and ORs (95%CIs) were 12.46 (3.46-44.88), 2.48 (1.15-5.37) and 10.02 (2.14-46.80), respectively.Conclusions: The severity of 24-hour proteinuia may forecast adverse outcomes in women with preeclampsia. We suggest proteinuria should be retained as a prognostic indicator for patients with preeclampsia.Trial registration: retrospectively registered.
A Bioinformatics Investigation into the Pharmacological Mechanisms of Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter 2 Inhibitors on Diabetes Mellitus and Heart Failure based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Mai Ziling , Li Huanqiang , Chen Guanzhong , Chen Enzhao , Liu Liwei , Lun Zhubin , Lai Wenguang , Zhou Chunyun , Yu Sijia , Liu Jin , Chen Shiqun , Chen Jiyan , Liu Yong
Published: February 2021

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor for the development of heart failure (HF). Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been demonstrated consistent benefits in the reduction of hospitalization for HF in patients with DM. However, the pharmacological mechanism is not clear. To investigate the mechanisms of SGLT2 inhibitors on HF and DM, we performed target prediction and network analysis by network pharmacology method.Material/MethodsWe selected targets of SGLT2 inhibitors according to SwissTargetPrediction and DrugBank databases and collected therapeutic targets on HF and DM from the Human Gene (GeneCards) and Human Mendelian Inheritance (OMIM) databases. The “Drug-Target” and “Drug-Target-Disease” networks were constructed by using Cytoscape_v3.6.1. Then the protein-protein interaction (PPI) was analyzed by using the String database. Gene Ontology (GO) biological functions and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were performed to investigate by using Bioconductor tool for analysis.ResultsThere were 125 effective targets among SGLT2 inhibitors, HF and DM. Through further screening and analyzing, 33 core targets were obtained, such as SRC, MAPK1, NARS, MAPK3 and EGFR. And it is predicted that Rap1 signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications and other signaling pathways were involved in the treatment of HF and DM by SGLT2 inhibitors.ConclusionsOur study elucidated the possible mechanisms of SGLT2 inhibitors from a systemic and holistic perspective based on pharmacological networks. The key targets and pathways will provide new insights for further research on the pharmacological mechanism of SGLT2 inhibitors in the therapy of HF and DM.
Production and Characterization Of Sumac Plantcrystals: Influence of High-Pressure Homogenization on Antioxidant Activity of Sumac (Rhus Coriaria L.)
Authors: Abraham Abraham M. , Quintero Camilo , Carrillo-Hormaza Luis , Osorio Edison , Keck Cornelia M
Published: February 2021

· Background: Oxidative stress diseases are usually treated or prevented by using antioxidants from natural or artificial sources. However, as a sustainable source of phytochemicals, plants got a renewed interest in obtaining their active agents using green technologies. Green chemistry is the ability to obtain commercially viable products with desirable properties from widely available renewable sources using eco-friendly methods. The high-pressure homogenization (HPH) technique was introduced into the food industry since it was invented in 1900 to homogenize milk and later to produce fruit juices with a longer shelf-life without preservatives. Recently, HPH was introduced as an eco-friendly method to nano mill plants for improved extraction efficacy without using organic solvents. ·Results: In this study, sumac was used as an antioxidants-rich spice model to investigate the effects of HPH on its antioxidant capacity (AOC). Sumac was rendered into PlantCrystals by using HPH. Particle size characterization proved the presence of submicron-sized particles (about 750 nm). Thus, HPH was able to produce sumac PlantCrystals and increase the AOC of bulk sumac by more than 500% according to the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) assay. The polyphenol and flavonoid contents showed higher values after HPH. Interestingly, the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assay also showed a well improved AOC (similar to ascorbic acid) after HPH. · Conclusion: In fact, in this study, the great potential of the green PlantCrystal-technology could be demonstrated.
An Explanation of the Barriers and Facilitators of Perceived Social Support in Controlling the COVID-19 Disease: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Toghroli Razie , Aghamolaei Teamour , Hassani Laleh , Ramezaninejad Vahid , Lebni Javad Yoosefi , NeJhaddadgar Nazila , Mehedi Nafiul , ziapour arash
Published: February 2021

Background: Considering the irreparable impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the target population, the study aimed at explaining the barriers and facilitators of perceived social support in controlling the spread of the COVID-19 disease.Methods: This study was performed qualitatively using the content analysis method. The population of this consisted of 37 Iranians active Instagram users. They participated in the research via calls. The researchers selected the samples purposively so that they could call the users on Instagram to participate after stating the objectives of the research. Purposeful sampling continued until the saturation point was reached. To collect data, a semi-structured interview was conducted with 12 participants via video calls, while 25 were interviewed personally. In doing so, the researchers re-interviewed 4 people personally to make them understand the issue more clearly. The interview process was repeated for some of the subjects. Finally, a total of 41 interviews were conducted with a duration between 17 and 48 minutes. Open and in-depth interviews were conducted to collect the data and analyzed it through the content analysis method.Results: The researchers extracted 2 main categories related to the barriers and facilitators of perceived social support and 12 subcategories by analyzing the data. Barriers to perceived social support were categorized into 6 main categories; economic factors, familial factors, socio-cultural factors, individual and psychological factors, inefficient quarantine policies, weak management. The facilitators of social support were classified into 6 main categories; familial factors, individual factors, government's supportive policies, and improvement of occupational, social, spiritual, and emotional status.Conclusion: The results indicated that a set of environmental and social factors could control the COVID-19 disease and play a deterring or facilitating role in the controlling process. Understanding these factors, as they were tailored with the social context and individuals' real-time experiences while being exposed to the outbreak, necessary measures can be effectively applied in designing training programs. The prevalence and spread of the disease can be controlled by strengthening the environmental factors and social facilitators and reducing the effect of deterring factors.
A Nomogram Based on Lactate to Predict Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events for Acute Coronary Syndrome after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Kong Shuting , Chen Changxi , Zheng Gaoshu , Yao Hui , Li Junfeng , Ye Hong , Wang Xiaobo , Qu Xiang , Zhou Xiaodong , Lu Yucheng , Zhou Hao
Published: February 2021

Background

Accurate prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) is very important for the management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. We aim to develop and validate effective prognostic nomogram for individualized risk estimate of MACE in patients with ACS after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Methods

We conducted a prospective assessment of patients with ACS after PCI from January 2013 to July 2019 (n = 1986). Based on the training set, single-factor and multi-factor Cox proportional hazard analysis method was used to determine the results of single-factor and multi-factor Cox proportional hazard analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and calibration curve were used to evaluate the prediction accuracy and discriminability, we have compared nomogram with the classical cardiovascular risk scores. In the validation set, X-tile analysis and Kaplan-Meier curve were used to evaluate the value of clinical application.
Results

Independent prognostic factors included lactate, age, left anterior descending branch (LAD) stenosis ≥ 50%, right coronary artery (RCA) stenosis ≥ 50%, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the training group were about 0.712 to 0.762. In the validation set, the nomogram still shows good differentiation (AUC were about 0.724 to 0.818). On the calibration plot, the predicted values of the statistical chart agree well with the actual observed values. In addition, participants can be divided into two different risk groups (low and high) according to the nomogram.
Identification of Novel Genes Associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Using Different Penalized Logistics Regression with High-Dimensional Biological Data from Human Sputum Cells
Authors: Gohari Kimiya , Kazemnejad Anoshirvan , Mostafaei Shayan , Sheidaei Ali , Daneshpour Maryam S , Akbarzadeh Mahdi , Sharifi Farshad
Published: February 2021

Background: Comparison of LASSO, smoothly clipped absolute deviation (SCAD) and minimax concave penalty (MCP) logistic classifiers in order to reconnaissance of related genes with COPD disease and assessing the genes effects on the progression of the disease based on one of the main classes of cells involved in the disease, Sputum Cells. We used a genome-wide expression profiling to define gene networks relevant to the disease. The data retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) with accession numbers "GSE22148". From 143 samples in GOLD stage 2-4 COPD ex-smokers, 54,675 probes primary were assessed. After normalization, LASSO, SCAD and MCP logistic regressions were applied. K-fold cross-validation scheme was used to evaluate the performance of two methods. All of the computational processes were done using "ncvreg", "Affy," "Limma" and "SVA" R packages. Results: The results of LASSO (AUC=0.95, sensitivity= 0.91, specificity= 0.86) and SCAD (AUC=0.97, sensitivity= 0.95, specificity= 0.85) logistic regression were almost similar. There were 23 and 22 significantly associated genes for LASSO and SCAD, respectively. The only difference between these models is related to "stromal interaction molecule 2". Comparing to MCP approach, the most conservative method, we detected only 7 significant genes (AUC= 0.94, sensitivity= 0.94, specificity= 0.82). Conclusions: In the present study, the relative expressions of thousands of the genes were assessed and identified as associated genes with the progression of COPD. Differential analysis of gene expression data is able to reduce the number of genes but in a limited manner. In order to find an efficient and small subset of genes, we should use alternative approaches like logistic regression. Regularization solves the high dimensionality problem in using this kind of regression.
Shielding techniques for Application Layer DDoS Attack in Wireless Networks : A Methodological Review
Authors: SALUNKE KIRAN , Ragavendran U.
Published: February 2021

In today's world the wireless networks are widely preferred as a communication medium as these are infrastructure less networks. The application layer of these networks is targeted by attackers because it is responsible for actual data exchange with privacy of end users. As human dependency on wireless networks is increasing the DDoS attacks i.e. distributed denial of service attack which becomes a nightmare for the researchers. This attack is one of the most devastating attacks that can be executed on web-servers and congest the network keys like socket connections, CPU cycles, and memory database. In this current mobile computing world, the necessity of DDOS attack management is significantly increased because this attack can degrade the entire web experience. Further, this DDOS attack is commenced along with the legitimate requests so it is also important to differentiate DDoS attack from other similar Events. This review endeavors to explore with more emphasis on various privacy preservation scheme for application layer DDoS attack and its management stages like prevention, detection, mitigation and Differentiation along with comparative statement of prominent techniques dis-covered in each stage. This methodological survey report shall lead the way to researchers and network designers to suit the specific management scheme to provide the complete protection of wireless networks from DDoS attack.