bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El Centro de Análisis y Prospectiva del Turismo en Córdoba: un proyecto experimental de investigación y transferencia de conocimiento para el sector turístico
Authors: Fernández Cañero Carmen , Salinas Cuadrado Enrique Rafael
Published: May 2021

El Centro de Análisis y Prospectiva del Turismo (CAPT) ha sido creado a iniciativa del Vicerrectorado de Investigación y Desarrollo Territorial y la Oficina de Transferencia de la Investigación (OTRI) de la Universidad de Córdoba, con la cofinanciación inicial de la Secretaría General de Universidades, Investigación y Tecnología de la Consejería de Economía, Conocimiento, Empresas y Universidad de la Junta de Andalucía, así como con los fondos FEDER de la Unión Europea. El objetivo principal es recopilar, procesar, analizar, interpretar, sistematizar y divulgar información sobre el sector turístico provincial; apoyando la investigación y su gestión científica, así como facilitando la transferencia de conocimientos de los Grupos de Investigación y expertos de la Universidad de Córdoba tanto a los organismos públicos con competencias en turismo como al sector privado empresarial. Para ello este centro tiene la intención de convocar reuniones científicas y técnicas con las instituciones públicas de turismo como con las y asociaciones empresariales privadas del sector, fomentando el debate y el intercambio de experiencias, así como la investigación multidisciplinar que permita diagnosticar la situación actual y la toma de decisiones a los agentes turísticos cordobeses. Finalmente cabe destacar como principal proyecto del CAPT el sistema de información turística de Córdoba (SITCOR) herramienta de análisis y prospección que ofrecerá resultados periódicos de la actividad turística.

Palabras clave: transferencia; investigación; sistema de información turística; herramienta de análisis, Córdoba
La ordenación legal de los establecimientos de apartamentos turísticos en Andalucía (España)
Authors: SERRANO GARCÍA MARÍA
Published: May 2021

En este trabajo se intentan identificar y aclarar los contenidos en materia de ordenación turística del actual Decreto 194/2010 de 20 de abril, que regula este tipo de establecimientos de apartamentos turísticos en Andalucía (España), así como las modificaciones posteriores realizadas por la Administración Turística andaluza hasta la actualidad. Para delimitar el concepto de “apartamentos turísticos” y su diferenciación de la tipología de “viviendas vacacionales” o “viviendas de fines turísticos”, este trabajo aborda la conceptualización de este término, sus implicaciones prácticas en la explotación como negocio turístico de estos establecimientos, sus clasificaciones administrativas y el régimen del servicio de alojamiento resultante, de acuerdo con la normativa de ordenación turística de Andalucía.

Palabras clave: apartamento turístico, ordenación turística, servicio de alojamiento, Andalucía, España
Primeros datos sobre la composición holocena de los bosques de montaña en el Parque Natural Sierra de las Nieves (Serranía de Ronda) a partir del análisis pedoantracológico
Authors: Olmedo-Cobo José Antonio , Pardo-Martínez Rubén , Gómez-Zotano José
Published: May 2021

En este trabajo se presentan los primeros datos de la composición holocena de los bosques de montaña en el Parque Natural Sierra de las Nieves (Málaga, España). La información obtenida resulta de la aplicación del método pedoantracológico en 10 enclaves del espacio natural protegido. La búsqueda e identificación de los fragmentos de carbón recuperados y su posterior datación radiocarbónica han permitido una primera aproximación paleoecológica al ámbito de estudio: el hallazgo de diferentes paleopoblaciones de coníferas; la comprobación de la antigüedad de determinados bosques y su consideración como paleoendémicos; y el conocimiento inicial de las dinámicas forestales en relación a ciclos climáticos y alteraciones antrópicas. La implementación de los resultados en la gestión conservacionista y adaptativa de los bosques más amenazados y sus hábitats, frente al cambio climático, debe ser una prioridad en el marco de protección de estos espacios naturales de alto valor ecológico.
Knowledge of Postpartum Women About Modern Contraceptive Methods and Attitudes Towards its Utilization in Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Taye Eden , Mekonnen Dawit , Debele Tibeb , Tiguh Agumas , Kebede Azmeraw
Published: May 2021

Background: The postpartum period is a crucial time to prevent short inter-pregnancy interval and unwanted pregnancies. Despite, it is the most ideal period to create awareness regarding knowledge and attitudes of postpartum mothers about contraceptive methods; it is the most neglected part of the continuum of care. Therefore, this study aimed to assess postpartum mothers’ knowledge and attitudes of modern contraceptive methods towards its utilization.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 552 postpartum mothers at Debre Tabor town from September 20 to October 20, 2018. A cluster sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were entered into Epi info version 7 and analyzed by SPSS version 20 software. Multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify associated factors. Results: The overall prevalence of good knowledge and favorable attitude towards modern contraceptive methods was 57.6% (95% CI: 53.3%, 61.6%) and 40.6% (95% CI: 36.8, 44.6) respectively. Higher education [AOR: 2.15 (95% CI: 1.36, 3.4)], ever had a discussion with their husband about contraception [AOR: 2.15 (95% CI: 1.48, 3.14)] and ever used modern contraceptive methods [AOR: 1.87 (95% CI: 1.15, 3.03)] were found to be significantly associated with good knowledge of postpartum modern contraceptive methods. Besides, maternal age of 25-34-year-old (AOR= 0.42; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.65), having prior information about contraceptive methods (AOR= 1.73; 95% CI: 1.19, 2.53) and good knowledge of postpartum modern contraceptive methods were associated with the attitude of mothers towards modern contraceptive methods.Conclusion: The study shown that significant number of postpartum mothers had poor knowledge and un-favorable attitude towards modern contraceptive methods. Integrated work is necessary to build up women’s access to education and to get information all through the maternal continuum of care.
Intra-articular Injection of Autologous Adipose-derived Stromal Vascular Fractions for the Cartilage Repair of Grade 2 and 3 Knee Osteoarthritis: a Confirmatory Clinical Trial
Authors: Zhang Yin , Bi Qing , Yu Taihen , Hong Zheping , Tong Yu , Luo Junchao , Chen Xinji , Yuan Ye , Zhao Chen , Zhang Shuijun , Zhang Wei , Zhu Senbo , Ji Lichen , Zhang Qiong
Published: May 2021

Background: Cartilage defect remains one of the most important reasons for the rapid development of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Numerous reports have confirmed the safety and clinical efficacy of autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fractions (SVF), which has recently been used clinically to treat patients with knee OA. However, there is still no consensus as to whether SVF can promote cartilage regeneration. Herein, we purposed to evaluate the effectiveness of SVF in cartilage regeneration by developing cartilage model based on the 3D-FS-SPGR sequence.Methods: Patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2-3 knee OA were recruited in our research. Then, we monitored patients and subsequently scored symptoms using WOMAC, VAS, and range of motion (ROM) before treatment and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment. The WORMS and MOCART were recorded by magnetic resonance imaging. The cartilage model of the patient was established using the 3D-FS-SPGR sequence, while the relevant parameters of the model were counted at baseline, 6, and 12 months.Results: We enrolled 47 patients (53 knees) with knee OA in this study, of which 29 knees were classified as grade 2, while 24 were assigned grade 3. No treatment-related adverse event was observed in our study. Notably, WOMAC, VAS, and ROM showed a significant improvement at 12 months. We further found that the thickness, volume, and surface of the cartilage defect decreased, while the volume of healthy cartilage increased in all regions, particularly in the medial femoral and tibia condyle. Moreover, the scores of WORMS and MOCART revealed a substantial improvement of cartilage repair at 12 months. Conclusion: Taken together, this study shows that intra-articular injection of SVF into the knee markedly improved the clinical symptoms of patients without the occurrence of adverse events, thereby repairing the damaged articular cartilage through cartilage regeneration.Trial registry Retrospectively registered. Name of the registry: This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; Trial registration number: ChiCTR2100042930; Date of registration: 2021.1.31.
Effect of mobile-based self-management application on stroke outcomes: A study protocol for triple blinded Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Tadayon Hamidreza , Farzandipour Mehrdad , Nabovati Ehsan , Akbari Hossein , Masoud Seyed Ali
Published: May 2021

Background: Stroke is known as the second leading cause of death and the main leading cause of long-term disabilities in the world. Self-care applications can be potentially effective in improving chronic conditions. This protocol will be implemented for a study to evaluate the effects of an Android-based self-care application on patients with stroke.Methods: The first stage will include the development of an android-based application and second stage will be conducted using triple blinded Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT). The sample size will include 60 patients with recent stroke and partial paralysis of limbs (hemiplegia or hemiparesis), who will be divided into two groups of intervention and control through permuted block randomization method. Patients in both groups will receive usual medical care, but those in the intervention group will also use an Android-based self-management application for a period of two months and a total of 40 sessions. Outcomes will be assessed using valid and reliable questionnaires.Discussion: Assessed outcomes will include stroke severity using National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, ability to perform activities of daily living using Barthel Index (BI) score, depression rate using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) score, quality of life using EQ-5D-3L score, medication adherence using Modified Morisky Scale (MMS-8) score, patient satisfaction using Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) score and the number and type of complications in patients into two groups. These outcomes will be assessed at baseline, after two months and after three months from the beginning of the intervention. Intervention effects on the measured variables will also be evaluated using appropriate statistical tests based on the type of variable distribution. Potential consequences of the study might be the improvement of the measured variables in the intervention group compared to the control group. The initial expectations are that the intervention may significantly improve the status of the measured variables in the intervention group compared to that of the control group.Trial registration: This protocol is registered in the Iranian registration of clinical trial (IRCT) on November 7, 2020 with the code IRCT20201015049037N1. URL: https://irct.ir/trial/51674
Preparation and Application of KOH Impregnated Sepiolite as a Solid Base Catalyst for Biodiesel Production Using Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Karaoğlu M. Hamdi , Zholobenko Vladimir , Aslan Sema
Published: May 2021

An active basic solid catalyst for biodiesel production was obtained via KOH impregnation onto sepiolite support followed by high temperature calcination. The transesterification of rapeseed oil over the resulting nanocomposite structure was investigated using a microwave reactor. Morphological and structural characterization of sepiolite and KOH impregnated sepiolite was carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis. Optimization of the operational parameters such as methanol to oil molar ratio, catalyst loading, reaction temperature and reaction time were examined. Reusability of the catalyst and the reactions utilizing waste cooking oil were also studied. Obtained results indicated that the basic heterogenous catalysis diminishes the saponification during the transesterification reaction and that microwave heating was very effective at shortening the biodiesel production time. However, the reusability of the KOH impregnated sepiolite catalysts and their structural stability require futher investigation.
The interventions for resilience of breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Zhi , Liu Qiu-yue , Zhao Yu-Lei , Xu Xin-Yi , Chen Yan , Cao Wen-Juan , Li Cai-Hong , Min Li-Hua , Mao Xiaorong
Published: May 2021

Background﻿Breast cancer has now overtaken lung cancer as the world’s mostly commonly-diagnosed cancer. With the increasing prevalence of breast cancer, the psychological problems of breast cancer patients have also received more and more attention from scholars. The aim of our study was to synthesis the available research evidence on the effectiveness of interventions designed to promote or enhance the resilience of breast cancer patients.MethodsWe performed a systematic and comprehensive search of 12 databases from inception to February 4,2021: Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine disc (CBM), WanFang and VIP. We conducted a comprehensive qualification screening of the retrieved records and analysed all the included data using Review Manager Version 5.3 and STATA/SE Version 15.1.ResultsA total of 23 RCTs involving 2,002 women with stage I-Ⅳ breast cancer met the eligibility criteria and 15 of them were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that the effectiveness of resilience training program (SMD = 0.89; 95% CI 0.54, 1.24; p < 0.00001), health education delivered via mobile devices (SMD = 1.84; 95% CI 0.86, 2.82; p = 0.0002) and peer support (SMD = 2.62; 95% CI 0.61, 4.63; p = 0.01) in the experimental groups was better than that of the control groups. Furthermore, there were seven other kind of interventions which might contribute to improve resilience but with very few evidences available.Conclusion﻿Our findings suggest that resilience training program, health education delivered via mobile devices and peer support are more effective than that of the routine nursing care in improving the resilience of breast cancer patients. In addition, this study cannot draw definitive conclusions regarding the effectiveness of other seven kind of interventions because the sample size in the included is small and cannot be conducted in the meta-analysis. More studies are needed in the future to clarify the effectiveness of these interventions.
Identification of Hub Genes and Pathways in Colitis-Associated Colon Cancer by Integrated Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Yao Jie , Liu Huang , Wang Peng , Sheng Wenzhi , Huang Yongming
Published: May 2021

Background

Colon cancer is the third leading cause of death in the world. According to the etiology, colon cancer can be divided into three categories: sporadic, hereditary, and colitis-associated colon cancer(CAC). In terms of clinical features, CAC patients have younger age of onset, more multiple lesions, more difficult to find under endoscope, stronger tumor invasiveness than sporadic colorectal cancer patients. Early detection of CAC by endoscopic monitoring is a challenge, and the incidence of septal colorectal cancer is still high. So it is indispensable to find the biomarkers to predict tumorigenesis of CAC.
Methods

The gene expression profiles of GSE43338 and GSE4904 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The Limma package was used to standardize the data and obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was evaluated by STRING database. The Cytoscape software was used to establish PPI network and to perform modular analysis. Functional annotation analysis were performed by the DAVID. The transcription factor (TF) and miRNAs that regulate genes expression were analyzed by using the Network Analyst algorithm. Expression correlation analysis were conducted in GEPIA. The prognostic analysis of hub genes were conducted based on TCGA samples.
Results

A total of 275 DEGs including 103 up-regulated genes and 172 down-regulated genes were identified by bioinformatics analysis in CAC. IGF1, BMP4, SPP1, APOB, CCND1, CD44, PTGS2, CFTR, BMP2, KLF4, TLR2 were identified as hub DEGs, which were significantly enriched in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, stem cell pluripotency regulation pathway, Focal adhesion-Hippo signal pathway and AMPK signal pathway respectively. The FOXC1 were crucial regulators for these hub gene according to the TF analysis. The Sankey diagram showed that both PI3K-AKT signal pathway and Focal adhesion were composed of up-regulated genes, such as SPP1, CD44, TLR2, CCND1, IGF1, which were related to core miRNAs, hsa-mir-16-5p, hsa-mir-129-2-3p and hsa-mir-37a-3p by research and prediction. Survival analysis showed that the differential expression of SPP1, CFRT and KLF4 was significantly related to the poor prognosis of CAC.
Conclusion

This study provided a novel way to illuminate the mechanism of colitis-associated colon cancer. The most of all, the hub genes and signaling pathways may contribute to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of CAC.
Severe Abdominal Pain as a Presentation of Lead Poisoning: a Case Report
Authors: Ge Wei , Shao Li-hua , Gong Hai-yan , Chen Gang
Published: May 2021

Background: Lead poisoning is a rare but serious disease. The clinical manifestations of lead poisoning are various and nonspecific such as abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, nightmare, fatigue and so on. Rapid diagnosis of lead poisoning is challenging because it does not have special symptoms and the morbidity is very low.Case presentation: A 31-year-old woman presented with epigastric discomfort without any obvious cause. The patient was diagnosed with lead poisoning, as the blood levels of heavy metals were detected and the lead was 463.17ug/L, which was very high (normal value was less than 100 ug/L). The patient was treated with intravenous drip of calcium sodium edentate and got better. The patient achieved good recovery and there was no recurrence.Conclusion: Lead poisoning is a rare disease and easy to be misdiagnosed as acute abdomen disease when present with abdominal pain. Lead poisoning should be considered when common causes of abdominal pain are excluded, especially patients with anemia and abnormal liver function. The diagnosis of lead poisoning is mainly replied on the blood or urine lead concentrations. Then we should firstly cut off the contact with lead and use metal complexing agent to facilitate lead excretion.
Efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors in Ovarian Cancer: A Single-arm Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Jue , Yan Lifeng , Wang Qiming
Published: May 2021

Several studies have evaluated the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in ovarian cancer; however, the response rate varies. This study aims to explore the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in ovarian cancer. A quantitative meta-analysis was performed through a systematic search in PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The pooled ORR was calculated and compared. Fifteen trials were included in this meta-analysis. Our analyses showed that the pooled ORR of all included studies was 19% (95% CI: 13%, 27%). Single PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors had the lowest ORR of 9% (95% CI: 7%, 12%), while the combination of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and chemotherapy had the highest ORR of 36% (95% CI: 24%, 51%). This study showed that PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors alone have limited efficacy for ovarian cancer. The combination of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and chemotherapy could be chosen as the recommended modality for further study.
Development and validation of a nomogram to predict Bladder cancer in patients with different metastasis: a SEER database analysis
Authors: Lin Weijian , Xiao Ning , Long Yongfu , Tang Qi , Zhu Sheng , Jin Bin , Xin Zexiang , Tang Rongyu
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Population-based data on the clinical correlates and prognostic value of the pattern of metastases among patients with bladder cancer are needed.

Patients and methods: Surveillance , epidemiology and end results(SEER)database has been explored through SEER program. For each of four distant metastatic sites (bone, brain, liver, lung ),relevant correlation with baseline characteristics were reported. Survival analysis has been conducted through Kaplan-Meier analysis , and multivariate analysis has been conducted through a cox proportional hazard model. The precision of the nomogram was evaluated and compared using concordance index(C-index),and the area under receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC).

Results: A total 2715 patients with metastatic bladder cancer were identidied from 2005-2019.Patients with medium risk have the best overall survival,followed by patients with low risk followed by patients with high risk metastases. Multivariate analysis showed that patients who were older than 80 at the time of diagnosis, single, no Chemotherapy, no complete cystectomy and bone metastases were associated with poor survival. A nomogram based on 7 independent risk factors has a good predictive power for the 12-month, 24-month and 36-month prognosis of patients with bladder cancer. The C index of the nomogram has high consistency in evaluating the survival rate of bladder cancer patients(C index=0.722,95% CI=0.712-0.732).The values of AUC for 12-month, 24-month, and 36-month were 0.775, 0.73, and 0.692.Conclusion: Build Nomogram prediction method validation of bladder tumor, according to the results of the Nomogram has good capability of identification and correction, suggests that these column chart.
The oviposition cue indole inhibits animal-host attraction in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
Authors: Dekel Amir , Sar-Shalom Evyatar , Yakir Esther , Bohbot Jonathan Daniel
Published: May 2021

Mosquitoes represent a major source of disease transmission and possess the uncanny ability to locate suitable animal-hosts, a feature mediated by their exquisite olfactory system. Insect repellents such as N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, also called DEET, have been shown to activate and inhibit mosquito odorant receptors resulting in behavioral modulation. This and other repellents available for personal protection against mosquitoes are topically applied on the skin and operate at short range. In our search for potential long-range odorant repellents, we have hypothesized that the shared chemical similarities between indole and DEET, may confer the former the ability to block odorant receptor function and inhibit human-host attraction. Using the two-electrode voltage clamp of Xenopus laevis oocytes as a pharmacological platform, we provide evidence that indole inhibits the Aedes aegypti (R)-1-octen-3-ol receptor OR8, a receptor involved in the decision of female mosquitoes to identify human hosts. Coincidentally, we also show that indole inhibits the animal-host seeking behavior of female Aedes aegypti. Together, our findings suggests that indole may be a candidate spatial repellent for the long-range protection of humans against mosquito bites.
Contribution of Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use to Climatic Phenomena Through GHG Emissions in Burundi. Empirical Evidence From the ARDL Approach
Authors: Baptiste Aboyitungiye Jean , Suryanto Suryanto , Gravitiani Evi , Arnaud Nindamutsa , Eric Ngezahayo
Published: May 2021

In a world where we live in a climatic hazard disaster, understanding human activities' impact on the environment becomes crucial, especially for developing countries. This study addresses this issue through the prism of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) by examining how the growth of agricultural, forestry, and other land-use activities affects the environment. This study examines the long-term relationship between CO2 emissions and agriculture, forestry, and other land use by introducing other explanatory variables such as income per capita and population for 1970-2016. The econometric analysis results confirm a positive long-term relationship between CO2 emissions and agriculture, forestry, and other land use. The Granger causality tests show that this relationship's direction goes from agriculture, forestry, and other land use to CO2 emissions. For a developing country like Burundi, it is the growth of agricultural, forestry, and other land-use activities that determine GHG emissions level and not the other way around. Moreover, the ARDL model results adopted in this study validate our hypothesis, which assumes that Burundi has not yet reached its turning point in CO2 emissions due to economic growth. A low-carbon policy in favor of the environment can be implemented, and this cannot risk any negative repercussions on economic growth.
Outcomes in Pulmonary Sarcoidosis: Results of a Newly Implemented Prednisone Protocol.
Authors: Kampstra Nynke A. , Wees Philip J. van der , Beek Frouke T. van , Biesma Douwe H. , Grutters Jan C. , Nat Paul B. van der
Published: May 2021

Background

Prednisone is used as first-line therapy for patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. There is however no clear association between prednisone dose and FVC change in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. In order to improve our standard of care we introduced a more conservative prednisone protocol.
Methods

This study is a single centre observational non-inferiority study. In the new protocol, prednisone intake was reduced from a starting dose of 40 mg to a starting dose of 20 mg and was introduced on the 1st of September 2017. Primary outcomes evaluated were FVC % predicted, FEV1 % predicted and DLCO % predicted. The secondary outcome measure was BMI.
Results

369 patients were included in the old-cohort (Sept. 2015 – Sept. 2017) and 215 in the new-cohort (Oct. 2017 – Sept. 2019). In the old-cohort, 182 (49.0%) of the patients were treated with prednisone. In total, 114 patients (62.6%) were treated according to the old protocol with a mean initial prednisone dose of 32.1 ± 14.2 mg. In the new-cohort, 93 patients (45.0%) were treated with prednisone of which 53 patients (57.0%) received prednisone according to the new protocol. The mean initial prednisone dose in the new-cohort was 21.4 ± 9.8 mg. Changes in FVC and FEV1 % predicted did not vary. Change in % predicted DLCO was 2.4 ± 9.3 for the old-cohort and − 1.3 ± 11.4 for the new-cohort (p = 0.01). No statistically significant changes in BMI were observed.
Conclusions

Our results indicate that in more than half of the patients the new protocol was followed. The new protocol with reduced prednisone intake seems non-inferior compared to the old prednisone protocol looking at the changes in pulmonary function and BMI. We have shown that applying VBHC principles in a sarcoidosis centre can promote the delivery of high-value clinical care.
Epigenetics and Prognostic Survival Analysis of Muc Gene Family in Breast Cancer Based on Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Yang Kai , Cao Xin-Hui , Liang Ming-Xing , Xu Di , Fei Yin-Jiao , Liu Zhen , Chen Xiu , Tang jinhai
Published: May 2021

Background: To explore the epigenetic and biological functions of muc members in breast cancer. Results: Mutation analysis showed that most of the muc members had missense mutations and the breast cancer patients with muc13 had a poor prognosis. Methylation analysis showed that the methylation expression of muc1, muc4, muc5AC and muc13 was related closely. The differentially expressed muc1, muc13 and muc15 had a poor prognosis and were related to immune infiltrating lymphocytes in breast cancer microenvironment. Conclusions: The epigenetic basis and biological functions of muc members are closely related to the occurrence and development of breast cancer.
The effect of cattle-administered ivermectin and fipronil on the mortality and fecundity of Anopheles arabiensis Patton.
Authors: Makhanthisa Takalani Irene , Braack Leo , Lutermann Heike
Published: May 2021

Background

Malaria control primarily depends on two vector control strategies; indoor residual spraying (IRS) and long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLIN). Both IRS and LLIN target indoor-biting mosquitoes. However, some of the most important malaria vectors have developed resistance against the chemical compounds used in IRS and LLIN’s. Insecticides-induced behavioural changes in vectors, such as increased outdoor feeding on cattle and other animals also limit the effectiveness of these strategies. Novel vector control strategies must therefore be found to complement IRS and LLIN’s. A promising tool is the use of cattle-applied endectocides. Endectocides are broad-spectrum systemic drugs effective against a range of internal nematodes parasites and blood-feeding arthropods. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two endectocide drugs, ivermectin and fipronil, on the survival and fecundity of zoophilic Anopheles arabiensis.
Methods

Laboratory-reared mosquitoes were allowed to feed on cattle treated with either ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg), fipronil (1.0 mg/kg) or saline (Control) on day 0, 1, 4, 7, 13, 21 and 25 post-treatment and mortality and egg production were recorded daily.
Results

Compared to controls, the mortality of An. arabiensis increased 3.52 and 2.43 times with ivermectin and fipronil, respectively. The overall fecundity of mosquitoes that fed on both ivermectin- and fipronil-treated cattle was significantly reduced by up to 90% and 60%, respectively, compared to the control group. The effects of both drugs attenuated over a period of 3 weeks. Ivermectin was more effective than fipronil and increased mosquito mortality by a risk factor of 1.51 higher than fipronil. Similarly, both drugs significantly reduced the fecundity of An. Arabiensis.
Conclusions

This study demonstrated that ivermectin and fipronil are able to suppress An. arabiensis density and could help to reduce outdoor malaria transmission. The data from the current study as well as other similar studies suggest that current-generation endectocides have limited-duration action and are expensive. However, new-generation sustained-release formulations of ivermectin have multi-week high mortality impact on vector populations, thus holding promise of effective reduction of outdoor malaria transmission.
Circusp34 Promotes Osteosarcoma Proliferation and Invasion by Sponging Mir-16-5p: An in Vivo and in Vitro Analysis
Authors: Lou Jingbing , Zhang Hongliang , Xu Jiuhui , Wang Boyang , Ren Tingting , Huang Yi , Tang Xiaodong , Guo Wei
Published: May 2021

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary and highly malignant mesenchymal tissue tumor. Although it has achieved a significant breakthrough in therapeutic administration, the specific pathological mechanism remains unclear. CircRNAs are a type of covalently circular RNA with a head-to-tail junction site. Several studies have reported that abnormal expression of circRNAs is closely associated with tumorigenesis and progression. CircRNAs promote or inhibit the progression of OS by sponging miRNAs. In this study, we aimed to investigate the endogenous competition between circRNAs and miRNAs in OS.
Methods

CircUSP34 expression was detected by qRT-PCR in KHOS and 143B cells. To confirm the effect of circRNAs and miRNAs, function assays including CCK8, EdU, wound healing, transwell, and western blot were performed in OS cells. FISH and dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to confirm the sponging mechanism of circUSP34 and miR-16-5p. Additionally, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, HE staining, and western blot were used to confirm the expression of proteins and genes in tumor tissues from mice.
Results

In the present study, we found that circUSP34 promoted OS proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo. circUSP34 and miR-16-5p were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, in OS cells. OS cells’ biological behaviors, such as proliferation, migration, and invasion, were inhibited after circUSP34 knockdown. Western blot results also showed that Vimentin and Ki-67 expression levels were decreased. Similarly, miR-16-5p mimic compromised OS cell proliferation and migration. FISH assay indicated that circUSP34 and miR-16-5p were colocalized in the cytoplasm. The dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-16-5p was sponged by circUSP34. Interestingly, the miR-16-5p mimic partly reversed the inhibitory effect of sh-circUSP34 on the malignancy of OS cells. Finally, animal experiment results about IHC indicated that Vimentin, N-cadherin, and Ki-67 protein expression decreased, but E-cadherin protein expression increased.
Conclusion

Collectively, circUSP34 promoted OS proliferation, migration, and invasion by sponging miR-16-5p. It can serve as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker.
Acute Esotropia During an Adenoviral Keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Roca Jaime Moya , Lledó-Riquelme Mariola , Campos-Mollo Ezequiel , Porcar-Plana Carmela , Navarro-Hernández Elena , Lledó-Carreres Manuel
Published: May 2021

Background
Acute acquired comitant esotropia (AACE) is a very infrequent subtype of esotropia that has been used to describe a sudden onset of concomitant esotropia with diplopia in adults. Despite the multiple reports carried out its cause is still controversial.
Case presentation:
We describe a case of a young patient who presented an AACE during the course of an adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis. The patient had no history of previous strabismus. As a result of surgery the patient recovered orthotropy.
Conclusion
AACE is a very infrequent strabismus that has been related with many etiologies and that it occurs during a viral infection is extremely rare. We report a case of an acute acquired comitant esotropia during an adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis that has not been published before.
Risk Factors and Outcomes for Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative Bacterial Infection in Adult Patients with Abdominal Surgery Requiring Intensive Care
Authors: Lin Ting-Lung , Chang Po-Hsun , Chen I-Ling , Lai Wei-Hung , Chen Ying-Ju , Li Wei-Feng , Lee Ing-Kit , Wang Chih-Chi
Published: May 2021

Background: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative bacterial (GNB) infections remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among surgical patients. The objective of our study was to recognize the risk factors for MDR GNB infection in surgical intensive care unit (SICU) patients with abdominal surgery and determine the predictors independently associated with death.Methods: From 2010 to 2017, a retrospective cohort study was conducted among patients with abdominal surgery admitted in SICU. Patients with GNB (MDR and non-MDR) infections were included for analyses. Results: A total of 364 patients with abdominal surgery experienced GNB infections, among them, 117 (32.1%) were MDR GNB infections. Of 133 MDR GNB isolates, the most frequent isolate was Escherichia coli (45.1%). Patients with MDR GNB infection had significantly longer ventilator days and hospital stay, as well as higher 30-day and in-hospital mortality compared to non-MDR GNB patients. Multivariable analysis showed longer length of pre-ICU stay, surgical re-exploration, received anti-pseudo carbapenems and fluoroquinolones, and higher total bilirubin were independent risk factors for the acquisition of MDR GNB infection. Predictors for 30-day mortality among patients with MDR GNB infection were chronic kidney disease, received anti-pseudo carbapenems and inappropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy.Conclusions: This study provides important information about the risk factors for subsequent MDR GNB infection and 30-day mortality among the patients with abdominal surgery. Given the increasingly MDR GNB infection and mortality, implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs in critical care unit is crucial to reduce MDR pathogens and optimize antimicrobial therapies.
Organic Mulching Alters the Composition, but not the Diversity, of Rhizosphere Bacterial and Fungal communities
Authors: Sun Xiaodan , Ye Yuqian , Liao Jiahui , Tang Yifan , Wang Dong , Guan Qingwei
Published: May 2021

Background: Organic mulching is an effective forest management technique that provides carbon and nutrient sources to soil ecosystems, thereby improving the soil environment and promoting plant growth. Although the importance of rhizosphere microbiomes in plant and soil ecosystem functions has been widely recognised, the effect of organic mulching on rhizosphere microorganisms and the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Methods: We performed a field experiment in a 15-year-old Ligustrum lucidum forest of urban green space. The diversity and composition of the rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities following organic mulching were assessed by combining 16S ribosomal RNA and internal transcribed spacer amplicon sequencing. The correlations between microbial diversity, composition, and fine-root traits, as well as rhizosphere soil properties, were also analysed. Results: Organic mulching did not significantly affect the diversity of the rhizosphere bacterial or fungal communities. Additionally, organic mulching increased the bacterial diversity after 6 months, with a 20-cm-thick mulch layer showing a greater effect than 5- or 10-cm layers. Organic mulching significantly altered the rhizosphere bacterial and fungal community composition; after 6 months of mulching, the community compositions were significantly associated with fine-root traits (specific root length, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentration) and enzyme (urease and dehydrogenase) activity. Moreover, alterations in the bacterial and fungal communities occurred at the order level within each mulching stage. Bacterial diversity is affected by fungal diversity and rhizosphere soil properties (water content and organic carbon) in time-dependent manners. Hence, organic mulching appears to directly affect the fungal composition while indirectly affecting the bacterial composition via influencing rhizosphere soil properties (dissolved organic carbon and peroxidase activity). Conclusions: Organic mulching affects the rhizosphere bacterial and fungal community composition through different pathways; however, the underlying mechanisms, including the effects of time and soil layers, require further exploration combined with multi-index measurements and long-term dynamic monitoring.
A Fast Adaptive ℒ1 Constrained Back-Stepping Controller Using Barrier Lyapunov Function for an Uncertain Submersible Vehicle
Authors: Ahmadian Hossein , Arefi Mehdi , Khayatian Alireza , Montazeri Allahyar
Published: May 2021

In this paper an ℒ1 adaptive back-stepping controller, using a barrier Lyapunov function (BLF), and considering the position-velocity constraints is investigated. The purpose of this development is to remove the filter C(s) in the design process and reduce the complexity of ℒ1 adaptive method to achieve a fast adaptation and robustness for practical applications. The BLF is also used to constrain the system output. The performance of the proposed controller is evaluated numerically on two robotics scenarios, namely a single-link manipulator, and a 6-DOF remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The results in both scenarios confirm that the tracking and estimation error for both position and velocity output of the ROV outperforms compared to the standard ℒ1 adaptive control method. The results also show the efficacy of the proposed method in removing time-varying disturbances and uncertainties. It also demonstrates a satisfying tracking performance in front of uncertainty on the input gain and unknown nonlinear dynamics.
Translation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Persian Version of Lupus Erythematosus Quality of Life Questionnaire (LEQoL)
Authors: Ahmadi Seyed Majid , Rezaie Zeinab , Ahmadi Seyed Mojtaba , Raisi Sajad , Davoudi Mohammadreza
Published: May 2021

Background: Recently a comprehensive and multi-diversionary scale for assessing Quality of Life (QoL) in Patients with Lupus has been developed. This study aimed to evaluation psychometric properties of the Persian version of Lupus Erythematosus Quality of Life Questionnaire (LEQoL) in Iranian patients with Lupus Erythematosus.Method: We used the forward-backward translation, and cognitive interview for linguistic translation. A cross-sectional design was utilized. We recruited a convenience sample of 165 lupus patients aged 19 years or over from the Iranian social media and Tehran city rheumatology clinics. Patients completed the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), The Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R), and the translated LEQoL. The psychometric properties of the LEQoL were examined to establish test-retest reliability, internal consistency with Cronbach's alpha coefficient (COA), divergent-convergent validity, and construct validity. Also, we used Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) for assessing factor structures.Results: The total COA was α = 0.86. All subscales internal consistency ranging from 0.85–0.94. The findings of test-retest reliability for the overall scale was 0.93 and the subscales ranging between 0.82–0.92. The results from a CFA indicated that goodness‐of‐fit are satisfactory (χ2/df = 1.28, RMSEA = 0.042, CFI = 0.975). Also EFA showed that the Persian version of LEQoL with five-factor can explain 73.7% of the variances. For assessing validity, every factor of LEQoL has a correlation with some SF.36 and SCL-90-R subscales. This matrix indicates that the LEQoL subscales are somewhat independent, and this matter is one strength issue. Only depression (SCL-90 subscale) has a significant correlation with all LEQoL subscales.Conclusion: The translated Persian version of the LEQoL is a suitable scale for assessing QoL in Iranian patients with lupus.
Serum amyloid A1 induces apoptosis and cell survival in hepatocytes following acute liver injury
Authors: Getachew Anteneh , Huang Xinping , Abbas Nasir , Cheng Ziqi , Hussain Muzammal , Tao Jiawang , Chen Yan , Yang Fan , Li Yinxiong
Published: May 2021

Background Acute phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA) is one of abundantly expressed protein in the liver following injury or other traumas. However, the relative contribution during inflammatory response in the liver remains largely elusive. Method SAA1 genetic knockdown was performed by injecting siRNA/invivofectamine3.0 complex in CCl4-treated C57BL/6 mice. Parts of the excised liver were then processed for histological analyses. Primary human hepatocytes were isolated from surgical specimens, and evaluated for cell death, luciferase activity and chemokine production after recombinant human SAA1 treatment. Results In a mild liver injury status, after hepatocyte specific knockdown of SAA1 in mice liver, we observed reduced number of apoptotic hepatocyte at non-necrotic area. In vitro cell death assay revealed that in primary human hepatocytes, SAA1 induced apoptosis and cell survival simultaneously. SAA1 induced activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) - dependent genes, which ultimately led to cell survival. In contrast, blockade of NF-κB revealed hepatotoxic effects of SAA1 with appearance of apoptotic signatures such as caspase-3 and PARP cleavage products. SAA1-induced expression of pro-inflammatory genes such as MCP-1 and RANTES were inhibited when two survival signals NF-κB and PI3K were pharmacologically blocked by treatment with ActD and LY294002, respectively. Conclusion These results indicate that cytokine-like property of SAA1 resembles TNF-α signaling pathway in hepatocytes and triggers apoptosis and cell survival responding to injury.
Absolute Quantification of Bone Scintigraphy for the Longitudinal Monitoring of Vertebral Fractures With a High-speed Whole-body CZT-SPECT/CT System
Authors: BAHLOUL Achraf , VERGER Antoine , BLUM Alain , CHAWKI Mohammad Bilal , PERRIN Mathieu , MELKHI Saifeddine , KARCHER Gilles , MARIE Pierre-Yves , IMBERT Laetitia
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to determine whether absolute quantification obtained with a high-speed CZT SPECT/CT system provides consistent results on phantom and in bone scintigraphy-based longitudinal monitoring of patients with vertebral fractures and/or fracture cascades.Materials and Methods. SPECT images were reconstructed as recommended for clinical routine. Both image quality and accuracy of measured activity were evaluated using an IEC body phantom. The optimized reconstruction process was applied to routine ≤ 15 min 99mTc-HDP SPECT spine recordings, which had been previously acquired from 25 patients (74±12 years old) at both early (1.3±1.1 months) and late (5.2±2.3 months) stage assessments of an acute vertebral fracture of a traumatic and/or osteoporotic origin.Results. A SPECT reconstruction with 32 equivalent iterations was used based on high levels of foci detectability in spheres as small as 0.6 mL in volume, and accuracy of measured activity, although the latter was affected by partial volume effect for spheres ≤ 5.8 mL. SUVmax from patients’ intact T1 vertebrae, used as a reference, remained stable between 1st and 2nd SPECT recordings (5.7±1.1 vs. 5.8±1.1, p=0.76). SUVmax from the initially fractured vertebrae were 3-fold higher on 1st SPECT (21.0±8.5, p<0.001 vs. T1 SUVmax) and markedly decreased on 2nd SPECT (11.2±4.2, p<0.001 vs. 1st SPECT). Inverse changes in SUVmax were documented for newly compacted fractures apparent on the 2nd SPECT (1st SPECT: 7.4±2.0 vs. 2nd SPECT: 21.8±10.3, p=0.002) together with an increased bone density on CT (in mean Hounsfield Units: 121±28 vs.190±39, p=0.003). Rate of SUVmax > 7.5 was 98% (56/57) for measurements obtained in vertebrae fractured in the preceding 7-months, whereas this rate was only 4% for the reference intact vertebrae (2/50).Conclusion. High-speed recordings with this CZT-SPECT/CT system provide reliable SUV measurements that may attest to longitudinal changes in vertebral bone metabolism and especially changes related to fracture healing or recurrence.
Rainfall Determines Shallow Soil Seepage in a Piedmont Summer Pasture of Alpine Meadow on the Northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Hongqin , Yang Yongsheng , Zhang Fawei , Guo Xiaowei , Li Yikang , Lin Li , Li Yingnian , Cao Guangmin , Zhou Huakun
Published: May 2021

The soil seepage is an important component for quantifying hydrological processes while remains unclear in high-altitude alpine meadows. The shallow soil seepage was continuously measured by an auto-logged micro-lysimeter (diameter = 30 cm, depth = 30 cm) from July 2018 to June 2019 in a piedmont summer pasture of alpine meadow on the Northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The results showed that all the shallow soil seepage events occurred during the non-frozen period from April to September and the accumulative amount was 106.8 mm, which consumed about 1/5 annual precipitation. The maximum and minimum monthly soil seepage was 30.7 mm in September and 1.0 mm in April, respectively. The binary Logistic model revealed that daily half-hour rainfall frequency (R2 = 0.37, individual explanatory power) and amount played significant roles in the daily soil seepage odds (R2 = 0.50). The best subsets regression analysis showed that the same-day rainfall amount (R2 = 0.59), the first 3-day rainfall frequency, and the first 4-day solar radiation accounted for 73% of variations in the daily soil seepage amount. Monthly soil seepage correlated with monthly rainfall frequency significantly (R2 = 0.74, p = 0.005). Our results highlighted that precipitation, including its amount and frequency, was the key determinant of the probability and amount of the shallow soil seepage in the piedmont summer pasture of alpine meadow. These findings would be helpful for improving predictions of the water budgets of piedmont alpine meadows.