bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole exome sequencing reveals a combination of rare high and low penetrance variants that correlates with familial breast cancer relative risk
Authors: rekaya Mariem Ben , Hamdi Yosr , Benna Houda El , Mejri Nessrine , Jaidane Olfa , Ayari Jihene , Nasr Sonia Ben , Dallali Hamza , Messaoud Olfa , Meddeb Rym , Mighri Najah , Boujemaa Maroua , Boubaker Mohamed Samir , Haddaoui Abderazek , Mrad Ridha , Boussen Hamouda , Abdelhak Sonia , Labidi Soumaya
Published: July 2020

Background: Genetic risk factors of breast cancer are very heterogeneous and complex. They vary according to the familial relative risk, the age of cancer diagnosis of the index case and the age of the affected relatives.Objectives: We aimed to investigate and identify simultaneously all rare pathogenic and common variants in unrelated BC cases with different relative risk ratios for breast cancer and evaluate the contribution of these variants in genetic susceptibility to breast cancer.Patients and Methods: All frequent mutations in BRCA genes previously identified in Tunisia have been excluded by Sanger sequencing in 42 women affected with high family risk having at least 3 cancer affected related individuals. Two unrelated cases having two different family histories (in terms of different numbers of affected first-degree relatives and young age onset) have been selected for whole exome sequencing. The first family is composed of three sisters F1.1, F1.2 and F1.3 affected at 46, 50, and 32 years old, respectively. The second has only two breast cancer cases, F2.2 and F2.4, affected at late age 61 and 70 years old, respectively, in addition to other 5 members affected by different kinds of cancer. Selected high risk variants were confirmed and segregation analysis was performed using Sanger sequencing. Results and discussion: For F1.1 case, we identified a pathogenic frame-shift loss of function variant in BRCA2 p.Val1283Lysfs. For F2.2 we identified a pathogenic rare variant in OGG1, p.Arg46Gln that co-segregates with a rare non sense variant in BRCA2 p.K3326X, only in the breast cancer affected cases. Moreover, F2.2 patient has 9 other common low penetrant variants in different loci known to represent independently minor, but cumulatively significant, increased risk for breast cancer.Conclusion: Family history and the young age at onset for patient F1.1 correlate with the presence of a rare high penetrant variant (p.Val1283Lysfs) in BRCA2 gene. However, the late age at onset and the less severe phenotype for patient F2.2 are probably the consequence of the presence of a pathogenic variant p.Arg46Gln in OGG1 gene that co-segregate with a low penetrant variant Lys3326X in BRCA2 only in breast cancer cases.
The experience of loneliness among young people with depression: a qualitative meta-synthesis of the literature
Authors: Achterbergh Louis , Pitman Alexandra , Birken Mary , Pearce Eiluned , Sno Herman , Johnson Sonia
Published: July 2020

Background: Young people have a higher prevalence of loneliness than other age groups, and they are also at risk of depression. Quantitative studies describe a bidirectional association between loneliness and depression, but there is limited understanding of how these influence each other. Little is known about the experience of loneliness among young people with depression. Qualitative approaches may help understand the relationship between loneliness and depression among young people, and how to intervene to improve outcomes. We aimed to conduct a meta-synthesis to understand the complex inter-relationship between loneliness and depression among young depressed people by synthesising evidence from a systematic review of qualitative studies.Methods: We conducted a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies capturing experiences of loneliness among young people with depression. We systematically searched six electronic databases for selected search terms, critically appraised eligible studies, and analysed the data from included studies using the approach of thematic synthesis. We used feedback from an inter-disciplinary research workshop to improve reflexivity. Results: Our inclusion criteria identified fourteen studies. Our analysis identified four themes: (1) social withdrawal due to poor mental health, (2) non-disclosure of depression contributing to social distance, (3) the desire to connect, and (4) paradoxes of loneliness and depression. These themes illustrated a range of pathways between depression and loneliness, and a sense of how these might be mutually reinforcing. Our findings suggest that where depressed individuals engage in certain behaviours (withdrawing; not confiding) for a range of reasons, this can lead to feelings of loneliness, an awareness of which worsens their mood, thus perpetuating their depression. Conclusions: Young people with depression experience loneliness as an insurmountable distance between themselves and others. Our findings identified non-disclosure of depression, and the debilitating nature of the depressive symptomatology, as factors perpetuating a vicious cycle of loneliness and depression. They suggest that approaches to tackling the problem might include helping young people communicate about their depression to trusted friends and educating their social networks in how to support them. The wider research literature suggests that cognitive interventions may have a role in shifting maladaptive cognitions about their social world.
A Model of Disparities: Risk Factors Associated with COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Rozenfeld Yelena , Beam Jennifer , Maier Haley , Haggerson Whitney , Boudreau Karen , Carlson Jamie , Medows Rhonda
Published: July 2020

Background

By mid-May 2020, there were over 1.5 million cases of (SARS-CoV-2) or COVID-19 across the U.S. with new confirmed cases continuing to rise following the re-opening of most states. Prior studies have focused mainly on clinical risk factors associated with serious illness and mortality of COVID-19. Emerging risk factors in the U.S., including clinical, sociodemographic, and environmental variables associated with contraction of COVID-19 have not been widely studied to assess disparities across populations.

Methods

A multivariable statistical model was used to identify predictors associated with COVID-19 contraction in the study population of 34,503 patients, comparing laboratory confirmed positive and negative COVID-19 cases in the Providence Health System (U.S.) between February 28 and April 27, 2020. Publicly available data were utilized as approximations for social determinants of health, and patient-level clinical and sociodemographic factors were extracted from the electronic medical record.

Results

Higher risk of contraction was associated with older age (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.41-2.02, p<0.0001), male gender (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.21-1.44, p<0.0001), Asian race (OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.18-1.72, p= 0.0002), Black/African American race (OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.25-1.83, p<0.0001), Latino ethnicity (OR 2.07; 95% CI 1.77-2.41, p<0.0001), non-English language (OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.7-2.57, p<0.0001), high school education or less (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.14, p=0.04), residing in a neighborhood with financial insecurity (OR 1.10; 95% CI 1.01-1.25, p=0.04), low air quality (OR 1.01; 95% CI 1.0-1.04, p=0.05), housing insecurity (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.16-1.5, p< 0.0001) or transportation insecurity (OR 1.11; 95% CI 1.02-1.23, p=0.03), and living in senior living communities (OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.23-2.32, p= 0.001).

Conclusions

Risks associated with COVID-19 contraction reflect disparities across age, race, ethnicity, language, socioeconomic status, and living conditions. Health promotion and disease prevention strategies should prioritize groups most vulnerable to contraction and address structural inequities that contribute to risk through social and economic policy.
Pelvic Rotation Parameters Related to In-Brace Correction in Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: li kepeng , Miao Jun , Jing-an Zhang
Published: July 2020

OBJECTIVE To identify the pelvic parameters affecting in-brace correction (IBC) in patients with idiopathic scoliosis (IS). METHODS Patients with IS receiving Chêneau brace treatment in our scoliosis center from January 2019 to November 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Pelvic rotation parameters, including Pelvic incidence (PI), Sacral slope (SS), pelvic tilt (PT), L/R ratio, were collected. Other radiographic data, such as Risser sign, coronal and sagittal balance, curve location, kyphosis, lordosis of each patient was also recorded to analyze their correlations with IBC. Correlation analyses were performed to identify the classified variables influencing IBC. The principal component analysis was used to extract common factors of radiographic parameters to eliminate interaction effects. The linear regression equation was established using principal components, the variables influencing IBC were identified. RESULTS A cohort of 44 patients with IS (36 girls and 8 boys) were included in the present study. The mean IBC was 49.87% (range, 3%∽100%). IBC of lumbar IS was negatively correlated with apical rotate factor (ARF, B=-0.385), mainly consisted of pelvic coronal plane rotation (PCPR, 0.449), cobb angle (CA,0.575), apical vertebral rotation (AVR, 0.918), and pelvic rotate factor (PRF, B=-0.387), mainly consisted of PT (0.861), PI (0.728), PCPR (-0.570). The regression equation of lumbar IS had statistical significance (F=6.500, P=0.005,R2=0.317). Whereas statistically significance was not found in the regression equation of thoracic IS (F=2.913, P=0.106). The remaining parameters were not related to IBC. CONCLUSIONS For lumbar IS, ARF and PRF have negative effects on IBC, Coronal and sagittal rotation of the pelvis is related to IBC.
Response of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to Sulfur Fertilizer Rate Under Balanced Fertilization at Basona Warena District of North Shewa Zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Assefa Shawl , Shewangezaw Beza , kassie kenzemed
Published: July 2020

Background: Sulphur is becoming an important limiting nutrient to agricultural production in Ethiopian soil. Bread wheat is one of the most important cereal crops produced and consumed in Ethiopia. Declining soil fertility is one of the major factors that accounts for low productivity of wheat in Ethiopia which is caused by soil erosion, continuous cropping of same land year after, deforestation, depletion of organic matter is the main challenge not only to wheat productionMethods: The field experiment was conducted for consecutive three years (2013/14-2015/16) to evaluate effects of S levels on yield and yield components of bread wheat grown on two soil types (Cambisols and Vertisols), North Central of Ethiopia. An experiment consisting of six levels S (0, 10, 20,30,40 and 50 kg ha-1) laid out in RCB design with three replications. Results: Results revealed that, yield components were not affected by different levels of S while, yield of wheat were significantly affected by S in both soil types. S applied on cambisols at 30 and 40 kg ha-1 increased grain yield (GY) of wheat by 9.0 and 10.1 % over control respectively. The corresponding increases on Vertisols were 8.0 and 10.0 % over control respectively. Application of 10 and 30 kg S ha-1 produced the highest MMR (4913.31 and 1277.24%) respectively.Conclusions: The current finding presents additional evidence to research claims that S is becoming a limiting nutrient in some Ethiopian soils. Application of 10 and 30 kg S ha-1 are found to be the most economically feasible treatments for bread wheat production in Cambisols and Vertisols of the district respectively.
A Study on The Entrepreneurial Opportunities, Global and Indian Economy in 3D Printing Sector
Authors: P Sethu Ramalingam , K Mayandi , N Rajini , S.K Rajesh Kanna , Ayrilmis Nadir
Published: July 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Tim-3 drives tissue Treg effector function to promote neonatal immune tolerance and tumor-induced immune suppression
Authors: Yang Min , Wu Shaoxian , Zhou Wenyan , He Chunyan , Sun Runzi , Ying Yao-yu , Zhou Yi , Li Sihan , Zhai Wensi , Chen Bendong , Xue Jun , Yang Da , Lu Binfeng
Published: July 2020

Tissue regulatory T cells (Treg) are a key player in preventing immune pathology and shaping the immune suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). The signaling molecules that uniquely regulate tissue Treg are not well understood. Here, we show that Tim-3 was predominantly expressed in Treg cells in both normal and tumor tissues. Notably, Tim-3 deficiency in Tregs led to the development of severe signs of autoimmune diseases in neonatal mice, indicating a crucial role of Tim-3 in establishing immune tolerance in early life. In addition, deletion of Tim-3 on Tregs resulted in reduced numbers and suppressor activities of tumoral Tregs and an increase in antitumor immune responses. A gene profiling study revealed the requirement of Tim-3 in upregulation of effector Treg genes encoding immune inhibitory molecules, chemokine receptors for tissue residency, chemokines, and cytokines. Moreover, Tim-3 deficiency in Tregs and treatment with PD-1 mAbs synergistically inhibited tumor growth. Our study demonstrates the essential role of Tim-3 in driving tissue effector Treg-mediated immune suppression.
M2 macrophages contribute to cell proliferation and migration of breast cancer
Authors: Tu Daoyuan , Dou Jin , Wang Mingkao , Zhuang Haiwen , Xiaoyu Xiaoyu
Published: July 2020

Background: Breast cancer is a kind of malignant tumor that severely threatens women’s health and life worldwide. Macrophages have been reported to mediate tumor progression, while the potential mechanism still needs further identification.Methods: Human monocytic cell line THP-1 was used to induce M2-macrophage. Real-time PCR and western blot were performed to determine gene expression in mRNA and protein level, respectively. Cell proliferation was determined using MTT assays, while cell migration was detected based on the scratch wound healing assays.Results: The supernatant medium of M2-macrophages incubated breast cancer cells showed increased cell proliferation and reduced expression of IRF-7. Overexpression of IRF-7 reversed the increased level of M2-macrophage induced cell proliferation and migration. The supernatant medium of M2-macrophages incubation promoted miR-1587 expression in breast cancer cells. miR-1587 overexpression promoted cell proliferation and migration of breast cancer. In addition, miR-1587 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation and migration that induced by M2-macrophages. miR-1587 targets IRF-7 to regulate its expression. Knockdown of IRF-7 reversed the effects of miR-1587 knockdown on cell proliferation and migration.Conclusion: Collectively, this study revealed that miR-1587/IRF-7 mediated the mechanism of M2-macrophages-induced breast cancer progression, and this would shed light on the further clinical therapy of breast cancer.
Kinematic Analysis of Upper Extremity Movement in Stroke Patients as a Rehabilitation Supporting Tool
Authors: Mariusz Konieczny , Pakosz Paweł , Błaszczyszyn Monika
Published: July 2020

BackgroundIschemic stroke often results in reduced mobility of the upper extremity and subsequent long-term disability. Evaluation of the effects of rehabilitation monitoring is often insufficient, while technological progress in 3D analysis application is more objective in the assessment of motor deficits. The aim of the study was to examine the use of kinematic analysis indicators for diagnosing the rehabilitation process in post-stroke patients.Methods20 ischemic stroke patients in the early post-stroke phase (up to three months after the stroke) took part in the study. The study tests were conducted at the beginning of the rehabilitation process and after its completion. The procedure comprised moving the index finger and reaching for four target points (closer, farther, contralaterally, ipsilaterally) placed on a table in front of the patient. The analysis of movement time and movement trajectory was carried out using the OptiTrack system. Movement time and movement smoothness (trajectory smoothness) were calculated with the use of normalized jerk score (JERK).ResultsThe JERK parameter changed significantly in three movement trajectory directions: closer (p ≤ 0.01; d = 1.82), further (p ≤ 0.05; d = 1.02), and contralaterally (p ≤ 0.05; d = 0.91).ConclusionsThe results confirm the usefulness of the applied measurements in diagnosing the effects of rehabilitation of patients in the early post-stroke phase.Trial registration: (not applicable)
Efficient solar-driven steam generation enabled by an ultra-black paint
Authors: Liu Xiaojie , Tian Yanpei , Chen Fangqi , Ahlgren Ralph , Zheng Yiting , Su Ming , Xiao Gang , Zheng Yi
Published: July 2020

Solar-driven interfacial steam generation for desalination has attracted broad attention. However, a significant challenge still remains for achieving a higher evaporation rate and high water quality, together with a cost-effective and easy-to-manufacture device to provide a feasible solar-driven steam generation system. In this study, a novel ultra-black paint, Black 3.0, serving as a perfect solar absorber is introduced into the hot-pressed melamine foam networks, allowing us to construct an ultra-black (99% absorptance in the solar region) and self-floating evaporation device. The high performing features of effective solar absorptance and salt-rejection capability contribute to a high-to-date evaporation rate of freshwater at 2.48 kg m-2 h-1 under one sun (1 kW m-2). This interfacial solar evaporator has a daily drinkable water yield of 2.8 kg m-2 even in cloudy winter weather and maintains stability in water with a wide range of acidity and alkalinity (pH 1 ~ 14). These features will enable the construction of a facilely fabricated, robust, highly-efficient, and cost-effective solar steam generation system for freshwater production.
Elucidating Interfacial Stability between Lithium Metal Anode and LiPON via In Situ Electron Microscopy
Authors: Hood Zachary , Chen Xi , Sacci Robert , Veith Gabriel , Liu Xiaoming , Mo Yifei , Niu Junjie , Dudney Nancy , Chi Miaofang
Published: July 2020

Li phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON) is one of a very few solid electrolytes that have demonstrated stability against Li metal, and performed extended cycling with high coulombic efficiency. However, theoretical calculations show that LiPON does react with Li metal. Here, we utilize in situ electron microscopy to directly observe the dynamic evolutions at the LiPON-Li interface upon contacting and under biasing at the nanometer scale. We reveal that a thin interface layer (~60nm) develops at the LiPON-Li interface upon contact. This interface layer is conductive and robust, serving as an effective passivation layer keeping the interface stable over time and under biasing up to 5 V. Our results explicate the excellent cyclability of LiPON and reconciles the existing debates regarding the stability of LiPON-Li interface. This work demonstrates that glassy solid-state electrolytes with a sufficient ionic conductivity, though may not have a perfect initial electrochemical window with Li metal, may excel in future applications for ASSBs.
Mosquito control, a simple optical method.
Authors: Tran Phi D
Published: July 2020

Mosquitoes are extremely harmful to humans, spreading diseases to millions of people each year, many of whom die as a result of these infections. Mosquitoes have evolved to live in low light, to identify active, moving predators to avoid, and to recognize passive objects around which to navigate. The experiments in this paper introduce a method that involves the use of LED light to flood areas with the simulated presence of actively persisting objects. In a related paper, a highly regarded mosquito laboratory at a U.S. university used a dual-color pulsing light bulb to encourage mosquitoes to prefer one place to another. Although this was shown to be a potentially life-saving technology, further study under more carefully controlled conditions is required to ascertain whether the mosquitoes’ behavior was not influenced by extraneous factors. The experiments herein capture the movement of mosquitoes away from a faintly lit, treated area towards a more well-lit one.
A preceding low-virulence strain pandemic inducing immunity against COVID-19
Authors: Perets Hagai , Perets Ruth
Published: July 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is thought to began in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Mobility analysis identified East-Asia and Oceania countries to be highly-exposed to COVID-19 spread, consistent with the earliest spread occurring in these regions. However, here we show that while a strong positive correlation between case-numbers and exposure level could be seen early-on as expected, at later times the infection-level is found to be negatively correlated with exposure-level. Moreover, the infection level is positively correlated with the population size, which is puzzling since it has not reached the level necessary for population-size to affect infection-level through herd immunity. These issues are resolved if a low-virulence Corona-strain (LVS) began spreading earlier in China outside of Wuhan, and later globally, providing immunity from the later appearing high-virulence strain (HVS). Following its spread into Wuhan, cumulative mutations gave rise to the emergence of an HVS, known as SARS-CoV-2, starting the COVID-19 pandemic. We model the co-infection by an LVS and an HVS and show that it can explain the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and the non-trivial dependence on the exposure level to China and the population-size in each country. We find that the LVS began its spread a few months before the onset of the HVS and that its spread doubling-time is \sim1.59\pm0.17 times slower than the HVS. Although more slowly spreading, its earlier onset allowed the LVS to spread globally before the emergence of the HVS. In particular, in countries exposed earlier to the LVS and/or having smaller population-size, the LVS could achieve herd-immunity earlier, and quench the later-spread HVS at earlier stages. We find our two-parameter (the spread-rate and the initial onset time of the LVS) can accurately explain the current infection levels (R^2=0.74); p-value (p) of 5.2x10^-13). Furthermore, countries exposed early should have already achieved herd-immunity. We predict that in those countries cumulative infection levels could rise by no more than 2-3 times the current level through local-outbreaks, even in the absence of any containment measures. We suggest several tests and predictions to further verify the double-strain co-infection model and discuss the implications of identifying the LVS.
An Evaluation of Bioenergy Industry Sustainability Impacts on Forest Degradation in The EU 28 Region
Authors: Alsaleh Mohd , Abdul-Rahim A.S.
Published: July 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Effects of Dapagliflozin on Serum and Urinary Uric Acid Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: a Prospective Pilot Trial
Authors: Yuan Tao , Liu Shixuan , Dong Yingyue , Fu Yong , Tang Yan , Zhao Wei-Gang
Published: July 2020

Background
We aimed to evaluate the effects of dapagliflozin short-term therapy on serum uric acid (SUA) and urinary uric acid (UUA) levels in type 2 diabetic patients.
Methods
In this prospective pilot trial, 8 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were assigned to the treatment group with dapagliflozin 10 mg once daily for one week, and 7 subjects with normal glucose tolerance were recruited in the control group. Data of anthropometric measurements, SUA, 24-hour UUA, the fractional excretion of UA (FEUA), serum lipid parameters and 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were collected in both treatment and control groups, also repeated after treatment. Area under curve of glucose (AUCGlu) was calculated to reflect the general glucose levels, insulin resistance and islet β-cell secretion function were reflected by indices calculated according to the data obtained from OGTT.
Results
The weight and serum lipid parameters showed no differences before and after dapagliflozin treatment for one week. We found SUA levels reduced from 347.75 ± 7.75 µmol/L before treatment to 273.25 ± 43.18 µmol/L after treatment with a significant difference (p = 0.001), accompanying with a significant increase in FEUA from 0.009 to 0.029 (p = 0.035), and there was a linear correlation between SUA and FEUA levels. The glucose control, insulin sensitivity and islet β-cell secretion function were improved to a certain extent. We also found the decrease in glucose levels were positively correlated with the improvement of islet β-cell secretion function.
Conclusions
Dapagliflozin can present the effect on reducing SUA by increasing UA excretion within one-week treatment, a certain degree of improvement in glucose levels and islet β-cell function were observed.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT04014192. Registered 12 July 2019, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04014192?term=NCT04014192&draw=2&rank=1. Yes.
Determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration of Medium Chain Fatty Acids for generic Escherichia coli, Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, Campylobacter coli, and Clostridium perfringens.
Authors: Cochrane Roger A. , Amachawadi Raghavendra G. , Remfry Sarah E. , Lerner Annie B. , Nagaraja Tiruvoor G. , Woodworth Jason C. , Dritz Steve S. , Tokach Michael D. , Jones Cassandra
Published: July 2020

Research has demonstrated that medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) can serve as reduction strategies for bacterial and viral pathogens in animal feed and ingredients. However, it is unknown how the type or level of MCFA impact bacteria growth. This can be tested through a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) benchtop assay, which identifies the lowest concentration of a chemical that prevents visible growth of a bacterium. The objective of this study was to 1) determine the MCFA MIC of C6:0, C8:0, C10:0, and C12:0 for generic Escherichia coli, Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, Campylobacter coli, and Clostridium perfringens; 2) determine the MIC of commercial based MCFA products against the same bacteria; and 3) determine the effect of 2 commercial based MCFA products on the quantification of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. For Exp. 1 and 2, MIC were determined by modified microbroth dilution method using a 96 well microtiter plate with a concentration of 105 CFU/mL for each bacterial strain. For Exp. 3, the two products selected for quantification were mixed with a complete swine diet and inoculated with two concentrations (106 or 102 CFU/g of feed) of a NalR strain of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) for bacterial enumeration. From Exp. 1, the MIC of MCFA varied among bacteria species. The lowest MIC of the MCFA was 0.43% of a 1:1:1 blend of C6:0, C8:0, and C10:0 for Campylobacter coli, 0.25% C12:0 for Clostridium perfringens, 0.60% 1:1:1 blend for generic Escherichia coli, 0.53% C6:0 for ETEC, and 0.40% C6:0 for Salmonella Typhimurium. In Exp. 2, products containing high concentrations of C6:0 or C8:0 had lower MIC in gram negative bacteria. In Exp. 3, feed containing either of the commercial based MCFA products reduced (linear, P < 0.05) quantifiable ETEC. Overall, the inhibitory efficacy of MCFA varies among bacteria species. This suggests that MCFA mixtures may provide a wider spectrum of bacterial control. As commercial products containing MCFA become available for livestock, it is important to consider the interaction between MCFA chain length and concentration on the potential to effectively mitigate various feed-based bacteria.
Potentiality of Magnetic Filtration on Wastewater Treatment with Flyash Media
Authors: Singh Abhishek , Barman Rajlakshmi , Singh T.S Anantha , Kandya Anurag
Published: July 2020

Water being one of the most precious resources for the Survival of life is on the verge of depletion and hence various treatment processes to treat wastewater are being researched. Speaking about waste, another solid waste comes into the picture which is available in abundance and easily accessible i.e. “FLY ASH”. Many researches have been done to utilize the fly ash for removal of heavy metal like Arsenic, Cadmium, and Nickle etc. for the past years. This paper is based on the idea of utilization of the magnetic property of the Nano iron particles present in the fly ash as well as the adsorption capacity of the carbon particles present in the fly ash. The magnetic property harnessed by the means of magnetic filtration lead to a decrease in the settlement time of the sludge to 35 seconds in 1000ml of wastewater with a fly ash concentration of 12 g/l. Turbidity removal was 95% in most cases at variable settlement time. The wastewater used for the experiment/study was obtained from an Educational University in Gandhinagar, having various organic and inorganic contents. This sewage water initially having an over range turbidity which was reduced to a limit of 50 to 100 NTU by Fly ash treatment process induced with magnetic filtration. Atomic spectrometric test for Fe+ ions was done and the result obtained has slight decrease in the Fe+ concentration in the treated water. The whole treatment process done by the adopted method lead to a huge decrease of time span for treatment as compared with the standard adopted process for the treatment of sewage water at the university treatment plant.
Deep learning based DNA:RNA triplex forming potential prediction
Authors: ZHANG Yu , Long Yahui , Kwoh Chee Keong
Published: July 2020

Background
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can exert functions via forming triplex with DNA. The current methods in predicting the triplex formation mainly rely on mathematic statistic according to the base paring rules. However, these methods have two main limitations: i) they identify a large number of triplex forming lncRNAs, but the limited number of experimental verified triplex forming lncRNA indicate that maybe not all of them can from triplex in practice, and ii) their prediction only consider the theoretical relationship while lacking the features from the experimentally verified data.
Results
In this work, we develop an integrated program named TriplexFPP (Triplex Forming Potential Prediction), which is the first machine learning model in DNA:RNA triplex prediction. TriplexFPP predicts the most likely triplex forming lncRNAs and DNA sites based on the experimentally verified data, where their high-level features are learned by the deep neural networks. In the 5-fold cross validation, its average values of Area Under the ROC curves and PRC curves for triplex forming lncRNA and DNA sites predictions are 0.9949 and 0.9999, 0.8775 and 0.9692, respectively. Besides, we also briefly summarized the cis and trans targeting of triplexes lncRNAs.
Conclusions
The TriplexFPP can predict the most likely triplex forming lncRNAs from all the lncRNAs with computationally defined triplex forming capacities, and predict the potential of a DNA site to become a triplex. It may provide insights to the exploration of lncRNA functions.
Evaluation of retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell layer thickness in Alzheimer's disease using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Jindahra Panitha , Hengsiri Nitchanan , Witoonpanich Pirada , Poonyathalang Anuchit , Pulkes Teeratorn , Tunlayadechanont Supoch , Thadanipon Kunlawat , Vanikieti Kavin
Published: July 2020

Background: To evaluate the feasibility of using optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD), by measuring the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and the ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer (GCL-IPL).Methods: This was a single-center, cross-sectional study. The study included 29 patients with AD (mean age ± standard deviation: 75.61 ± 6.24 years) and 29 healthy age- and sex-matched controls. All participants underwent cognitive evaluations using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test. Measurements of the RNFL thickness, as well as GCL-IPL thickness, were obtained for all participants using OCT. Both RNFL and GCL-IPL parameters were adjusted for best–corrected visual acuity.Results: The mean RNFL thickness was significantly thinner in the AD group than in the control group (85.24 and 90.68 µm, respectively, adjusted P = 0.019). The superior quadrant was thinner in the AD group (adjusted P = 0.042). The thicknesses did not differ significantly between groups for the other quadrants. The mean GCL-IPL thickness in the AD (68.81 µm) was significantly thinner than that in the controls (76.42 µm) (adjusted P = 0.010). Overall, there was a negative correlation between age and mean RNFL; and between age and GCL-IPL thickness (r = − 0.338, P = 0.010 and r = − 0.346, P = 0.008, respectively).Conclusions: The mean RNFL and GCL-IPL thicknesses were thinner in the AD group than in the control group. These findings suggest that RNFL and GCL-IPL thickness may be biological markers for AD.
Risk Factors for Exposure of Baerveldt Glaucoma Drainage Implants: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Edo Ayaka , Jian Koji , Kiuchi Yoshiaki
Published: July 2020

Background
Glaucoma drainage implant exposure is one of the serious complications after glaucoma drainage implant surgery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the risk factors for exposure of the device after implantation of a Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implant.
Methods
This is a retrospective review of the medical records of all patients who underwent Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implant surgery at the Hiroshima University Hospital between April 1, 2012 and October 31, 2016, and who were followed for at least 6 months after surgery. We examined the risk factors for implant exposure based on data obtained from the medical records, with particular focus on the differences in implant models.
Results
A total of 80 eyes from 80 patients were identified; all patients were Japanese. In this study, the rate of Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implant exposure was 15.0% (12 of 80). The exposure rate of the BG 102–350 was tended to be higher than that for the BG 101–350 and BG 103–250 (p = 0.092; adjusted odds ratio = 3.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.82–13.58). In the patients who had diabetic mellitus, the BG 102–350 showed a significant risk of implant exposure (p = 0.038; adjusted odds ratio = 15.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.17–202.59).
Conclusions
In Baerveldt glaucoma drainage implant surgery in patients with diabetes, using the BG 102–350 was associated with greater risk of implant exposure compared with using BG 101–350 or BG 103–250.
Expectant Management of Pneumothorax in Intubated COVID 19 Positive Patients: A Case Series
Authors: Elder Colby , Bawa Sheina , Anderson Douglas , Atkinson Stephen , Etzel Joshua , Moritz Troy
Published: July 2020

Background: There is an increasing amount of literature describing the pathogenesis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia and its associated complications. Historically, a small pneumothorax has been shown to be successfully treated without chest tube insertion, but this management has yet to be proven in COVID-19 pneumonia patients. In addition, pneumothorax in an intubated patient with high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) provides additional uncertainty with pursuing non-operative management. Case Presentation: In this series we report four cases of patients with respiratory distress who tested positive for COVID-19 via nasopharyngeal swab and developed ventilator-induced pneumothoraces which were successfully managed with observation alone.Conclusions: Management of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia on positive pressure ventilation who develop small stable pneumothoraces can be safely observed without chest tube insertion.
The cost and effect of expanding a Patient Tracer programme to identify and return patients loss to follow up at a large HIV Clinic in Trinidad
Authors: Edwards R. Jeffrey , Lyons Nyla , Samaroo-Francis Wendy , Lavia Leon-Omari , John Isshad , Todd Selena , Edwards Jonathan , Boyce Gregory
Published: July 2020

Background: Patients who default from HIV care are usually poorly adherent to antiretroviral treatment which results in suboptimal viral suppression. The study evaluated the effect and cost of expanding an intervention using two Patient Tracers to track and return to care patients lost to follow up at a large HIV Clinic in Trinidad.Methods: Two Social Workers were trained as Patient Tracers and hired initially for 6 months (April –September 2017), then extended to 15 months (April 2017 – June 2018) to call patients who were lost to follow up for 30 days or more during the period July 2016 – May 2018 at the HIV Clinic Medical Research Foundation of Trinidad and Tobago. Both the outcomes of the intervention, and costs were assessed over time. Results: Over the 15 month period, of the of 2,473 patients who missed their scheduled visits for one month or more, 261 (10.6%) patients were no longer in active care - 89 patients dead, 65 migrated, 55 hospitalized, 33 transferred to another treatment clinic and 19 incarcerated. Of the remaining 2,212 patients eligible for tracing, 1,794 (81.1%) patients were returned to care at an average cost of $38.09 USD per patient returned to care as compared to 589 of 866 (68%) patients returned to care over the 6 month period (p < 0.001) at an estimated cost of $47.72 USD per patient returned to care (p<0.001). Of the 1,794 patients returned to care, 1,686 (94%) were re-initiated/started on anti-retroviral therapy and 72.7% of these were virally suppressed (viral load <1,000 copies/ml) as of December 2018.Conclusions: Patient Tracing is a feasible and effective intervention to identify and resolve the status of patients who are loss to follow up to bring these patients back into care with the aim of achieving viral suppression on antiretroviral therapy. Over time the effect of costs of patients returned to care demonstrated greater yields making patient tracing a sustainable intervention for programmes to identify and return patients to care.
Attentiveness Toward Oral Care Needs for Preventing Aspiration Pneumonia: A Comparative Study of Indonesian Care Workers in Japan and Indonesia
Authors: Hirano Yuko O. , Nugraha Susiana , Shiozu Hiroyasu , Higashijima Misako , Rahardjo Tri Budi W
Published: July 2020

Background: Japan has opened its labor market to care workers from Indonesia under the Japan–Indonesia Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Many foreign care workers wish to enter Japan to learn skills that they can apply upon returning to work in their home countries. However, little research has examined the types of care skills that could be transferred between countries. In this study, we assessed Indonesian care workers employed at care institutions in Japan and Indonesia to identify discrepancies in their attentiveness toward checking essential points of oral care for older adults. Methods: A checklist comprising 42 items of universal oral care assessment was developed prior to the study. The checklist was distributed via the Internet to 418 Indonesian EPA care workers in Japan, and via a paper survey to 213 Indonesian care workers in Indonesia. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the distribution of scores for each checklist item in each group. Results: The respondents comprised 110 Japan-based EPA care workers (response rate: 26.3%) and 213 Indonesia-based care workers (response rate: 99.1%). Comparing the two groups, Japan-based care workers were significantly more likely to perform environmental observations of their older adult patients (p < 0.001) and to check items on the oral care checklist during feeding (p < 0.01) and post-meal (p < 0.01) periods, while Indonesia-based care workers were more likely to check the overall condition of patients before meals (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Discrepancies between the two groups in checking the essential points of oral care were attributed to differences in laws and regulations governing the care environment. Indonesian care workers employed in Japan have the advantage of learning to provide a more systematic approach to caring for older adults in accordance with Japan’s Long-Term Care Act. This approach could contribute to lowering the risk of aspiration pneumonia in Indonesia. A training program designed for returning migrant workers to transfer newly developed oral care skills will be essential for Indonesia to keep pace with the negative impacts of its aging population.
Vestibular physical therapy improves turning not straight walking during the inertial sensor-instrumented Timed Up and Go test
Authors: Kim Kyoung Jae , Gimmon Yoav , Millar Jennifer , Brewer Kelly , Serrador Jorge , Schubert Michael
Published: July 2020

Background: Deficits in vestibular function increase the risk for fall while turning. However, the clinical assessment of turning in patients with vestibular dysfunction is lacking, and evidence is limited that identifies how effective vestibular physical therapy (VPT) is for improving turning performance. Objective: To quantify and compare walking and turning performance during the instrumented timed up and go (TUG) test using inertial measurement units (IMUs) for clinical settings. We investigate novel instrumented TUG parameters for ability to distinguish patients with unilateral vestibular deafferentation (UVD) from control groups, and discriminate the differences in turning parameters of UVD patients following a VPT program. Methods: We recruited 38 patients following UVD surgery, 26 age-matched Veteran patient (VA) controls with reports of non-vestibular dizziness, and 12 age-matched healthy controls. Individuals were donned with body-worn IMUs and given verbal instructions to complete the TUG test as fast as safely possible. The IMU-instrumented and automated assessment of the TUG test provided component-based TUG parameters, including the novel walking:turning ratio. Among the UVD patients, 19 patients completed an additional instrumented TUG testing after VPT. Results: The walking:turning time ratio showed that turning performance in pre VPT UVD patients are significantly more impaired than VA patients and healthy controls (p < 0.001). Vestibular rehabilitation significantly improved turning performance and “normalized” their walking:turning time ratio compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001). However, the duration of the straight walking component in UVD patients before VPT was not significantly different as to that after VPT as well as healthy controls. Conclusions: Our data showed that the IMU-instrumented TUG test can distinguish patients with vestibular deafferentation and objectively quantify the change in their turning performance after surgery. The IMU-based instrumented TUG parameters have potential to quantify the efficacy of VPT and be adopted in the clinic.
Postural Control Strategy After Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: Effect of Sensory Inputs on Trunk-leg Movement Coordination
Authors: Noamani Alireza , Lemay Jean-François , Musselman Kristin E. , Rouhani Hossein
Published: July 2020

Background
Postural control is affected after incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) due to sensory and motor impairments. Any alteration in the availability of sensory information can challenge postural stability in this population and may lead to a variety of adaptive movement coordination patterns. Hence, identifying the underlying impairments and changes to movement coordination patterns is necessary for effective rehabilitation post-iSCI. This study aims to compare the postural control strategy between iSCI and able-bodied populations by quantifying the trunk-leg movement coordination under conditions that affects sensory information.
Methods
13 individuals with iSCI and 14 aged-matched able-bodied individuals performed quiet standing on hard and foam surfaces with eyes open and closed. We used mean Magnitude-Squared Coherence between trunk-leg accelerations measured by accelerometers placed over the sacrum and tibia.
Results
We observed a similar ankle strategy at lower frequencies (f ≤ 1.0 Hz) between populations. However, we observed a decreased ability post-iSCI in adapting inter-segment coordination changing from ankle strategy to ankle-hip strategy at higher frequencies (f > 1.0 Hz). Moreover, utilizing the ankle-hip strategy at higher frequencies was challenged when somatosensory input was distorted, whereas depriving visual information did not affect balance strategy.
Conclusion
Trunk-leg movement coordination assessment showed sensitivity, discriminatory ability, and excellent test-retest reliability to identify changes in balance control strategy post-iSCI and due to altered sensory inputs. Trunk-leg movement coordination assessment using wearable sensors can be used for objective outcome evaluation of rehabilitative interventions on postural control post-iSCI.
Development of an Unpowered Energy Recycling Exoskeleton for Walking Assist
Authors: wang kun , Gao Xiujie , Ma Kefeng , She Xiaojun , Yang Honglian , Cui Bo
Published: July 2020

Background

A reduction of energy used during walking could present a significant advantage for both healthy individuals and those with reduced mobility. Current unpowered exoskeletons have shown a net reduction in energy consumption for walking, but commonly with a clutch and assist on the heel. This paper presents the development of a lightweight energy recycling exoskeleton without a clutch and assists on the forefoot.
Methods

Eight healthy participants were tested during walking at 1.25 m/s on a treadmill wearing exoskeletons of four kinds of conditions. Electromyography (EMG) of the soleus muscle and gastrocnemius muscle were collected.
Results

Our results showed that the novel exoskeleton could make the peak and average EMG-values of soleus muscles drop about 13% and 8% respectively, and that of gastrocnemius muscles drop about 12% and 13% respectively.
Conclusions

The results of the present work demonstrate for the first time that the novel energy recycling exoskeleton can improve the walking economy, and this device could be feasibly worn for a broad range of individuals.
The Antidiabetic and Spectral Analysis of Various Extracts of Lilium Polyphyllum
Authors: mir mohd , ashraf waqar , singh priya
Published: July 2020

Background

The Antidiabetic and Spectral Analysis of Various Extracts of Lilium polyphyllum
Methods

The study involves antidiabetic and spectral analysis, in which inhibition of alpha amylase and alpha glycosidase inhibition was carried out by various extracts of Lilium polyphyllum.
Results

The plant showed a good inhibiting potential of amylase and glycosidase, the two key enzymes responsible for the breakdown of oligosaccharides into glucose molecules. Among the extracts the inhibition of alpha amylase was found to be 54.95% by water extract, 53.01% by ethanol extract and 47.87% by DCM extract. The percentage inhibition of alpha glucosidase was found to be 48.48% by water extract, 48.48% by ethanol extract and 43.85% by DCM extracts. GC-MS analysis involves isolation of, Methyl 2-furoate, 5-hydroxymethyl furfural, Methyl piperate, Piperine, Palmitic acid, Methyl Palmitate, which in turn justifies the antidiabetic properties of the concerned plant. So the plant can act as good source of antidiabetic drug. The water extract is more beneficial than other extracts.
Conclusion

The inhibiting potential of natural products have been found as a good choice for the diabetic patients as they did not led to side effects. Similarly in the above study it had been found that Lilium polyphyllum posses many biosignitures which have the amylase and glycosidase inhibiting potential, among which polar components have more tendency than the less polar.