bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matrine-producing endophytic fungus Galactomyces candidum TRP-7: screening, identification, and fermentation conditions optimization for Matrine production
Authors: Cao Kexin , Chen Jianhua , Lu Xuan , Yao Yuqun , Li Liangbo , Huang Rongshao
Published: June 2022

Matrine (MA) is an alkaloid extracted from the root of genus Sophora with various pharmacological activities. Production of MA by endophytic fungi offers an alternative challenge to reduce the massive consumption to meet the increasing demand of MA. In the current study, the positive strains with MA producing ability were screened from endophytic fungal isolated from the root of Sophora tonkinensis Gagnep. Chromatographic analyses verified the identity of the produced MA. Among these fungi, Galactomyces candidum strain TRP-7 was the most valuable strain for MA production with the initial yield 8.26 mg L− 1. The MA production was efficiently maximized up to 17.57 mg L− 1 of fermentation broth, after optimization of eight process parameters using Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken designs. The statistical optimization resulted in a 1.127 times increase in MA production as compared to the initial yield of TRP-7. This is the first report to isolate endophytic fungi with MA-producing activity from S. tonkinensis Gagnep., and to identify an endophytic fungus G. candidum TRP-7 as a new promising start strain for a higher MA yield.
An extracellular Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase from Neocaridina denticulata sinensis: cDNA cloning, mRNA expression and characterizations of recombinant protein
Authors: Feng Dandan , Gao Xi , Kong Weihua , Wu Zixuan , Liu Yujie , Xing Kefan , Sun Yuying , Zhang Jiquan
Published: June 2022

Background: Neocaridina denticulata sinensis possesses characters of rapid growth, tenacious vitality, short growth cycle, transparent, and easy feeding. Therefore, it is gradually being developed into an animal model for basic research on decapod crustaceans. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) family, the first line of defense to eliminate ROS, can catalyze ROS into O2 and H2O2. Particularly, Cu/Zn-SOD accounts for about 90% of total SOD, which play an important role in many creatures. Nevertheless, only a small number of related reports have cloned and characterized Cu/Zn-SOD in decapod crustaceans. Herein, a Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), named as Nd-ecCu/Zn-SOD, was identified and characterized from N. denticulata sinensis. Results: The full-length cDNA sequence of Nd-ecCu/Zn-SOD is 829 bp containing a 684 bp open reading frame, which encoded a protein of 227 amino acid residues with a typical Sod_Cu domain. The quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that Nd-ecCu/Zn-SOD mRNA was expressed in all the tested tissues. Under challenge with copper, the mRNA expression of Nd-ecCu/Zn-SOD reached the maximum at 6 h, and decreased until 24 h. After 24 h of exposure, its expression was up-regulated significantly at 36 h. After then its expression sharply decreased with a comeback at 48 h. The expression of Nd-ecCu/Zn-SOD in gills challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus changed in a time-dependent manner. In addition, Nd-ecCu/Zn-SOD was recombinantly expressed using E. coli and the recombinant protein was purified as a single band on SDS-PAGE. The recombinant Nd-ecCu/Zn-SOD (rNd-ecCu/Zn-SOD) existed enzymatic activity under a wide range of temperature and pH. The exposure of metal ions was found that Zn2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, and Cu2+ could inhibit the enzymatic activity of rNd-ecCu/Zn-SOD, and Mn2+ increased the enzymatic activity of rNd-ecCu/Zn-SOD. Conclusions: the recombinant protein was sensitive to change of pH and addition of different metal ions, and the expression of Nd-ecCu/Zn-SOD challenged with V. parahaemolyticus and exposure of Cu2+changed in a time-dependent manner. The results indicated that Nd-ecCu/Zn-SOD might sever as a biomarker of environment pollution and plays an important role in immune reaction.
A novel methodology for detecting variations in RBCs surface antigens by cell-tearing using optical tweezers
Authors: Lin Chih-Lang , Wang Shyang-Guang , Tien Meng-Tsung , Chiang Chung-Han , Lee Yi-Chieh , Baldeck Patrice L. , Shin Chow-Shing
Published: June 2022

Background: The quantitative analysis of cell surface antigens has attracted increasing attention due to the antigenic variation recognition that can facilitate diagnoses. The whole-cell-based analysis minimizes sample size, suggesting an alternative approach for detecting the variation in cell surface antigens. The optical tweezers (OT) are practical for precise single-cell manipulations, and has been widely used as a convenient tool in interdisciplinary fields. However, employing this technology as a biosensor using a "tearing" operation is still rare. Method:This paper presents a novel methodology based on the “tearing” operation of optical tweezers (OT) incorporated with the “dilution method” of antibodies to detect variations in red blood cell (RBC) surface antigens. The RBCs attach to the corresponding antibody-coated cover glass. Then, the binding firmness between an RBC and the functionalized surface is assayed by optically tearing using gradually reduced laser powers incorporated with serial antibody dilutions. Results:The experiment result shows that the higher dilution (lower antibody concentration), the lower power (lower optical force) needed to tear off the RBC binding from the functionalized surface, i.e., the antibody dilution fold is inversely proportional to the laser power. With the relative-quantitative analysis, the variation in RBC surface antigens can be intuitively estimated by comparing the maximum allowable dilution folds. The estimation gives that the antigens on the B3-type RBC are 35.7% of that on the B-type RBC, which is consistent with the literature findings using conventional biological methods. Conclusions:This study proposes a new application of the optical tweezers as a biosensor using the optically cell-tearing operation to estimate the variation in RBC surface antigens. With the proposed methodology, the detection of antigenic variation was successfully implemented without complicated optical force calculations and labored biological processing. One drop of blood from the fingertip is more than enough to obtain a satisfactory detection. It suggests an novel approach for antigenic variation analyses based on the whole-cell operation.
Measuring Australia’s Health Security Preparedness: Calculation and Application of the National Health Security Preparedness Index for Australia
Authors: Do Phu Cong , Alemu Yibeltal , Reid Simon
Published: June 2022

Background
With on-going efforts to strengthen public health security, there is a need to identify areas for improvement. Existing tools designed to measure health security have limitations and the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed their limited predicative capabilities. The National Health Security Preparedness Index (NHSPI) developed in the United States (US) uses an expanded set of indicators beyond the health sector to quantify health security preparedness. The NHSPI has not been applied outside the US, so we aimed to calculate the NHSPI for Australia and compare it to the US to evaluate its predictive ability.
Methods
The NHSPI for Australia was calculated using the 140 indicators across 6 domains and 19 sub-domains described in the 2019 US release [1]. Data for each indicator was collected through grey literature searches for analogous Australian datasets. Sub-domain, domain, and national scores were computed using the formula described in the US methodology.
Results
The overall NHSPI score for Australia was 7.3 (99% Cl, 7.2–7.4), which is significantly higher than the score for the US during the same period 6.8 (99% Cl, 6.6–6.9). There was minimal variation between the overall scores for each Australian State and Territory, and for each of the domains.
Conclusion
The interpretation of the NHSPI should not be used as a predicator for population health outcomes. The greater NHSPI score for Australia than the US suggests greater homogeneity between likely demonstrates greater capacity to implement consistent of public health legislation and capacity. Further work to improve overall interpretability is needed and can be done so by refining the core NHSPI methodology to incorporate a global perspective to facilitate uptake in other national contexts.
Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC): A new risk factor for high- altitude pulmonary edema in the Ecuadorian Andes
Authors: Sánchez Karen , Ramírez-Cando Lenin , Machado Wilfre , Villafuerte Anita , Ballaz Santiago
Published: June 2022

Ascent to high altitude (> 3,000 m height above sea level or m.a.s.l) exposes people to hypobaric atmospheric pressure and blood hypoxemia, which provokes mountain sickness and whose symptoms vary from the mild acute mountain sickness to the life-threatening, high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). This study analysed the risk factors underlying HAPE in dwellers and travellers of the Ecuadorian Andes after sojourning over 3,000 m height. A group of HAPE patients (N = 58) was compared to a NO HAPE group (N = 713), through demographic (ethnicity, sex, and age), red blood cell parameters (erythrocytes counts, hematocrit, median corpuscular volume, median corpuscular haemoglobin, and median corpuscular haemoglobin concentration or MCHC), altitude (threshold: 3,000 m.a.s.l.), and health status (vital signs) variables. Analysis of Deviance for Generalised Linear Model Fits (logit regression) revealed patterns of significant associations. High-altitude dwellers, particularly children and elder people, were HAPE-prone, while women were more tolerant of HAPE than men. Interestingly, HAPE prevalence was strongly related to an increment of MCH. The residence at low altitude was inversely related to the odds of suffering HAPE. Ethnicity did not have a significant influence in HAPE susceptibility. Blood adaptation of Andean highlanders to high altitude and its probable impact on HAPE was discussed.
The Subversion Dilemma: Why Voters Who Cherish Democracy Participate in Democratic Backsliding
Authors: Braley Alia , Lenz Gabriel , Adjodah Dhaval , Rahnama Hossein , Pentland Alex
Published: June 2022

Around the world, citizens are voting away the democracies they claim to cherish. Why are they voting against their own values? In this article, we provide evidence that this behavior is driven in part by fear that their opponents might dismantle democracy first. In an observational study (N=1,973), we find that US partisans who most fear the other party’s willingness to subvert democracy are also those most willing to support subverting democracy themselves. In an experimental study (N=2,543), we use an intervention to reduce these often exaggerated fears. With these fears reduced, partisans become more committed to upholding democratic norms. They also become more willing to vote against candidates of their own party who break these norms. The findings suggest that we can foster democratic stability by strengthening trust in opposing partisans’ commitment to democracy.
Application-Based Usability Evaluation Metrics
Authors: Sayed Noura A. , Hassan Hesham , Wassif Khaled , Bayomi Hanaa
Published: June 2022

Testing is one of the critical stages in the software development life cycle (SDLC). Usability testing is a very important field that helps the applications be usable and easy for the users. Because of the importance of usability testing, a metrics has been developed to help in measuring the usability through converting the main qualitative usability attributes in ISO to quantitative steps that provide the developer a framework to follow in developing to achieve usability of their applications and helps the tester with a checklist and a tool to measure the usability percentage of their application. The framework provides a set of steps to achieve the usability attributes and answers the question of how you could measure this attribute with the defined steps. The framework results in a 95% average accuracy in the high-rate application and a 59% average accuracy in the low-rate application. Finally, the framework is programmed in a tool to measure the usability percentage of the application through a checklist and provides a scheme to help the developer achieve the best results in usability.
QOGMP: QoS-oriented Global Multi-path Traffic Scheduling Algorithm in Software Defined Network
Authors: Guo Yiping , Hu Guyu , Shao Dongsheng
Published: June 2022

According to the research status of SDN(Software Defined Network) control layer traffic scheduling, we find the current common problems, including single path, easy congestion, QoS(Quality of Service) requirements and high delay. To solve these four problems, we design and implement a QoS-oriented global multi-path traffic scheduling algorithm for SDN, referred to as QOGMP. First, we propose a link weight calculation algorithm based on the idea of traction links and deep reinforcement learning, and conduct experimental verifications related to traction links. The algorithm considers QoS requirements and alleviates the problems of easy congestion and high delay. Then, we propose a traffic scheduling algorithm based on link weight and multi-path scheme, which also considers QoS requirements and solves the problem of single path. Finally, we combined the link weight calculation algorithm and the traffic scheduling algorithm to implement QOGMP, and carried out comparative experiments in the built simulation environment. The experimental results show that QOGMP is better than the two comparison algorithms in terms of delay and rescheduling rate.
Phenotypic and genotypic comparison between pathogenic Group B Streptococcus revealed the possibility of cross transmission between fish and human isolates in Malaysia
Authors: Muthanna AbdulRahman , Desa Mohd Nair Mohd , Alsalemi Wardah , Aziza Nur Aimi Liyana Abd , Dzaraly Nurul Diana , Baharin Nurul Hana Zainal , Aziz Nur Afiza , Ali Marlindawati Mohd , Nor Lailatul Akmar Mat , Ismail Zalina , Ahmad Nur Hanani , Shan Chua Hui , Azmai Mohammad Noor Amal , Amin-Nordin Syafinaz
Published: June 2022

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of various infectious diseases among humans and fish. However, the likelihood of GBS interspecies transmission that lead to potential zoonotic problem is less investigated. This study determined the antimicrobial susceptibility, serotype, virulence and pili genes, and sequence type (ST) of GBS isolated from humans and cultured tilapia in Malaysia. We report an unusual detection of the fish-adapted ST283 in human GBS isolates. Both ST283 obtained from humans and fish had several phenotypical and genotypic characteristics in common, including virulence and pilus genes as well as antimicrobial susceptibility, illustrating the value of monitoring GBS within the One Health scope. The study sheds light on the evolution of the GBS and provides new evidence for the potential interspecies transmission by identifying two human GBS isolates belonging to the variant common in fish hosts.
Significance of Brinkman and Stokes System Conjuncture in Human Knee Joint
Authors: Al-Atawi Nawal Odah , HASNAIN SHAHID , Saqib Muhammad , Mashat Daoud Suleiman
Published: June 2022

Stokes’s equation in the fluid domain and Brinkman’s equation in the porous media are combined in the current study which is designated by the Stokes-Brinkman coupling. The current paper gives a theoretical analysis of the Stokes-Brinkman coupling. It has been shown that such a model is a good match for the knee joint. A flow model has been investigated in order to get a better understanding of the convective diffusion of the viscous flow along the articular surfaces between the joints. The Beavers and Joseph slip conditions which are a specific boundary condition for the synovial fluid are used to solve the governing system of partial differential equations for the synovial fluid and the results are provided here. Through the development of an analytical solution and numerical simulation (using the finite volume approach) it is hoped that the mechanisms of nutritional transport into the synovial joint will be better understood. According to the data the average concentration has a negative connection with both the axial distance and the duration spent in the experiment. Many graphs have been utilized to gain understanding into the problem’s various characteristics including velocity and concentration, among others. Hyaluronate (HA) is considered to be present in porous cartilage surfaces and the viscosity of synovial fluid fluctuates in response to the amount of HA present.
Determination of Heavy metals content, Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), and Copper (Cu) with risk assessment to human consumption as a food and medicine in herbal species through Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Hyder Zeeshan , Rizwani Ghazala H. , Ahmed Iqbal , Shareef Huma , Azhar Iqbal , Aqeel Eraj
Published: June 2022

Survival of living being in the universe depends upon the nature created ecosystem for foods, nutrition’s and medicines from the past several decades. Most consumable natural gifts are plant and herbs as foods and medicines for both human and animals. The affect of heavy metal contamination in plants and herbs cannot be underestimated as they are being used as major foodstuff. In the current study, we have quantitatively determined the five different heavy metals including lead, mercury, cadmium, nickel and copper in 13 selective herbal species which are commonly used for the formulation of herbal and food product. The conventional wet acid digestion method was used for sample dissolution and the heavy metals were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. AS result of this study we have obtained the various concentrations level of heavy metals in the rage of 0.98­-2.39, 2.25-3.75, 0.42-1.17, 0.87-2.39, and 2.03-4.96 for Pb, Hg, Cd, Ni, and Cu respectively and compared the result with daily recommended limit of USP / B.P. while health risk assessment (EDI, THQ,TCR, and HI) of all selective herbal species have been computed for above toxic heavy metals and found within the limit but there is an attention need for regular monitoring of heavy metal in medicinal herbal species and foodstuff from regularity bodies.
Construction of land-use change matrix and estimation of greenhouse gas inventory focusing on settlements in South Korea
Authors: Choi Sol-E , Hong Segi , Song Cholho , Kim Jiwon , Kim Whijin , Ha Ram , Lee Woo-Kyun
Published: June 2022

Background: Five ministries are involved in estimating the greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory in the South Korean land use, land-use change, and forestry (LULUCF) sectors. However, these ministries have not established a consistent land classification standard between land-use categories. Therefore, the GHG inventory is estimated at the approach 1 level. Moreover, the settlements category is not estimated because activity data and the spatial scope are lacking.Result: We examined 10 sets of spatiotemporal data in South Korea to construct a land-use change matrix. To maintain consistency in the spatial classification within the LULUCF sectors, we constructed a land-use change matrix using cadastral maps, which provide useful spatial data for consistent land-use classification of the land-use change matrix in South Korea. The land-use change matrix from a cadastral map was divided into remaining and land-converted settlements between 2000 and 2019 with estimated areas of 878,393.17 and 203,260.42 ha, respectively. CO2 emissions, according to Intergovernmental Panel Climate Change’s Guideline Tier 1, were calculated 18,942,905.68 tCO2 for 20 years, with an annual CO2 emission of 1,262,860.38 tCO2 yr-1. Conclusion: The reviewed available spatial data, method of land-use change matrix, and GHG inventory will facilitate the use of approach 3 for the land-use change matrix in South Korea’s LULUCF sectors and more accurate estimations of the GHG inventory.
Hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress impairs the calcification ability of human dental pulp cells
Authors: Shirawachi Satomi , Takeda Katsuhiro , Naruse Tomoya , Takahasi Yohei , Nakanishi Jun , Shindo Satoru , Shiba Hideki
Published: June 2022

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an inducer of oxidative stress on the calcification ability of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) and the involvement of inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate (IP3). hDPCs were exposed to H2O2. Cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were then evaluated. To investigate the effect of H2O2 on the calcification ability of hDPCs, real-time PCR for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) mRNA expression, ALP staining, and Alizarin red staining were performed. Data were compared with those of hDPCs pretreated with 2-aminoethyldiphenylborate (2-APB), which is an IP3 receptor inhibitor.　H2O2 at concentrations above 250 µM significantly reduced cell viability. More ROS production occurred in 100 µM H2O2-treated hDPCs than in control cells. H2O2-treated hDPCs showed significant reductions in ALP mRNA expression, ALP activity, and mineralized nodule deposition compared with negative control cells. 2-APB significantly inhibited these reductions.　To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study documenting the involvement of IP3 signaling in the calcification ability of human dental pulp cells impaired by H2O2. The results of the present study add molecular insight into internal root resorption and may provide a clue to the development of new therapeutic agents in endodontic therapy.
Efficacy comparison of vascularized iliac crest bone flap and Ilizarov bone transport in the treatment of traumatic bone defects of the tibia combined with large soft tissue defects
Authors: Cao Zhe-ming , Sui Xin-lei , Xiao Yu , Qing Li-ming , Wu Pan-feng , Tang Ju-yu
Published: June 2022

Background: This retrospective study compared clinical efficacy of vascularized iliac crest bone flap (VIBF) and Ilizarov bone transport in traumatic bone defects of the tibia combined with large soft tissue defects.Methods: A total of 68 patients with traumatic tibia defects and large soft tissue defects were enrolled in the study. The soft tissue defects were repaired by latissimus dorsal musculocutaneous flap (LD), anterolateral thigh flap (ALTF) or both. 33 cases were treated with vascularized iliac crest bone flap transplantation and 35 cases were treated with Ilizarov bone transport. Intraoperative and postoperative follow-up data (including operation time, blood loss, bone union time, external fixation time, external fixation index, complication rate, reoperation rate, and functional evaluation) were recorded, and comparative analysis was performed.Results: The median follow-up time was 32 months. Compared with Ilizarov group, the VIBF group exhibited statistically faster bone union time (6.3 ± 1.0 vs 18.2 ± 3.0 months). Moreover, the VIBF group showed shorter EFT (7.3 ± 1.0 vs 19.2 ± 3.0 months) and a better EFI (34.8 ± 9.2 vs 84.2 ± 23.7 days/cm). The excellent and good rate of lower limb appearance evaluation in VIBP group was significantly better than that in Ilizarov group. The complication rate and reoperation rate were significantly higher in Ilizarov group.Conclusion: In summary, compared with Ilizarov bone transport, VIBP has the advantages of faster healing, shorter external fixation time, lower complication and reoperation rate, and better appearance within the limited defect length. Ilizarov bone transport is still preferred when the defect length exceeds the maximum repair length of the iliac flap.Level of Evidence: III, Case-control study
Exploratory analysis of earthquake moment tensor catalog using data visualization of unsupervised machine learning
Authors: Kubo Hisahiko , Kimura Takeshi , Shiomi Katsuhiko
Published: June 2022

Moment tensor inversion, which estimates the moment tensors of earthquakes from seismic waveforms, has been routinely performed, and the resulting catalogs have been used in various analyses in seismology. In this study, using dimensionality reduction of unsupervised machine learning, we performed exploratory data analysis of the moment tensor catalog to objectively obtain images of seismic activity and to acquire knowledge on the spatial and temporal characteristics of the earthquake mechanism. Source parameters of the moment tensor catalog in Japan, spatial location (latitude, longitude, and depth) and source-mechanism diagram information, were embedded in two-dimensional space via a non-linear graph-based dimensionality-reduction method, Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection. On the embedding map, earthquakes in eastern and western Japan are distributed separately and are further embedded to reflect their characteristic fault mechanism and depth in each region. The similarity degree of the earthquakes can be obtained as the distance on the embedding map. This study demonstrates that data visualization is useful for intuitively and objectively understanding the regional characteristics of earthquake mechanisms. The embedding map can also be employed to visualize temporal changes in regional seismic activity, and to perform similarity search with past events.
Opacified lens exchange – complications
Authors: Märker David A. , Prahs Philipp M. , Cvetkov Yordan , Radeck Viola , Helbig Horst , Scherer Nicolas C.D.
Published: June 2022

PurposeTo describe the long-term outcome after intraocular lens exchange with focus on visual recovery and any occurring serious complications.Methods: Patients with a Lentis LS-502-1 IOL implanted between February 2008 and March 2012 were identified. Medical records and information from the treating ophthalmologists were reviewed to determine the IOL status (clear or opacified). Visual outcomes and any occurring complications were analyzed.Results: Lentis LS-502-1 was implanted 1204 times in 1025 patients between February 2008 and March 2012.Lens exchange resulted in a significant improvement of BCDVA from 0.42±0.32logMar (mean±SD) in opacified lenses to 0.25±0.28logMar. An analysis of serious complications occurring was possible in 48 of the 55 explant cases.9 out of 48 patients (18.8%) underwent 11 further surgical procedures due to four indications: IOL dislocation (n = 2, 4.2%), retinal detachment (RD) (n = 6, 12.5%), epiretinal membrane (n = 2, 4.2%) and pupillary block (n= 1, 2.1%). 3 patients (6.3%) developed a temporarily elevated intraocular pressure. The rate of patients suffering from postoperative CME in our study was 4.2%.Conclusions: IOL exchange overall is a safe procedure restoring disturbed vision in most of the cases. Nonetheless it can lead to severe, sight threatening, complications even in eyes without predisposing ocular comorbidities.
Studies on Immobilization and Activity of Peroxidase Based on Zr-based MOFs
Authors: Yang Linyan , Sun Hongliang , Liu Shuxuan , Li Shuang , Cai Zhipeng , Zhao Ruili , Jin Tianming
Published: June 2022

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are a kind of porous crystalline compounds, which are self-assembled by metal clusters and organic ligands through coordination bonds. UiO66 is a kind of MOF crystal materials with a porous octahedral structure, which is coordinated by zirconium ion and terephthalic acid (H2BDC). In this paper, UiO66-NH2 and UiO66-(COOH)2 were prepared, and UiO66-NH2 was modified by Post-Synthetic Modification (PSM) to obtain UiO66-NH2-COOH material. The prepared samples and intermediate products were characterized by infrared spectrum (IR). UiO66-NH2-COOH and UiO66-(COOH)2 materials were loaded with horseradish peroxidase (HRP), which catalyzed the reaction between H2O2 and 3, 3', 5, 5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). Via the results of UV-vis spectrophotometry measurement, it was found that UiO66-(COOH)2 loaded with HRP had better catalytic effects than only HRP. In order to verify the influence of carboxyl groups on UiO66-NH2-COOH and UiO66-(COOH)2 materials, the adsorption of rhodamine B (RhB) was studied in this paper. The results of fluorescence spectrophotometer showed that UiO66-NH2-COOH material had better adsorption effect on RhB than UiO66-(COOH)2 material, which may be attributed to the flexibility of UiO66-NH2-COOH material after PSM. UiO66-NH2-COOH and UiO66-(COOH)2 materials were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) before and after adsorption of RhB. The XRD pattern of UiO66-(COOH)2 material has no obvious characteristic peak, which indicates that it belongs to nanoparticle polymer. The results are consistent with the UV-visible results, and the nanoparticle polymer has better catalytic effects.
Association of low dose p-phenylenediamine exposure with alterations of pulmonary function, pruritus and health-related quality of life in hair dye factory workers: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Ming , Fan Lin , Lin Dafeng , Zhang Meibian , Zhang Naixing
Published: June 2022

P-Phenylenediamine (PPD) is a common component of hair dye, which can cause skin contact allergy and asthma with impaired pulmonary function. However, the adverse effects of occupational exposure to low dose PPD was rarely mentioned. We recruited 124 workers from a hair dye factory to explore low dose PPD-induced pulmonary dysfunction, pruritus and health-related quality of life (HRQL). The quality of life and subjective pruritus of the workers was assessed by the short form 36 health survey (SF-36) and Visual analogue scale (VAS) of pruritus, respectively. In the high PPD-exposed group, FVC% (percentage of forced vital capacity) was higher, while FEV1/FVC% (ratio percentage of forced expiratory volume) was lower than that in the low PPD-exposed group (P<0.05). In terms of the HRQL, the scores of mental health and vitality in the higher exposure group were the lowest (P<0.05), while the score of VAS was significantly higher than that of other two groups (P<0.001). PPD levels were negatively correlated with vitality and mental health (P<0.01). The structural equation model showed that PPD have positive effects on VAS level (β = 0.213, P <0.001). Then PPD partly lacked total score of SF-36 (β = -0.465, P =0.002). Our results indicate that occupational exposure to low dose PPD might be associated with pulmonary function impairment, poor HRQL, and subjective pruritus of the workers.
The Relationship Between Accessory Maxillary Ostium and Sinonasal Region Variations
Authors: Okumuş Özlem , Şallı Gülay Altan
Published: June 2022

Purposes: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of accessory maxillary ostium (AMO) and its association with age, gender, sinus variation, pathological formations, status of dentition and tooth endodontic and periodontal status using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).Methods : The study examined archived CBCT images of 390 patients at least 18 years old (232 females and 158 males) representing 790 regions of interest. The mean age of the female patients was 46.35 and that of the males was 48.62. All the CBCT images analyzed with sagittal, coronal and axial sections. The data were assessed using IBM SPSS 22. Significance was evaluated at the p <0.05 level. Results: The study observed that while the prevalence of primary maxillary ostium (PMO) on the right side was 94.9% and on the left side was 94.6% (for a total of 94.7%), the prevalence of accessory ostium on the right side was 33.1% and on the left was 35.4% (34.2% in total).Conclusions: There was no significant difference in AMO prevalence related to age, presence of mucosal thickness, mucus retention cysts, maxillary sinusitis, sinonasal variation, status of dentition or periodontal status of posterior maxilla. However there was a relationship between AMO and both gender and endodontic status.
Multinomial logistic regression analysis of the determinants of anaemia severity among children aged 6-59 months in Ghana: New evidence from the 2019 Malaria Indicator Survey
Authors: Klu Desmond , Atiglo Donatus Yaw , Christian Aaron Kobina
Published: June 2022

BackgroundAnaemia among children under age five is a major public health issue. Although anaemia prevalence is declining in Ghana, the severity among anaemic children is worsening. This study aims to investigate the determinants of anaemia severity among children aged 6 to 59 months in Ghana.MethodThe study utilized data from 1,258 children with anaemia from the 2019 Malaria Indicator Survey. The independent variables included child, maternal, health, household and system characteristics. Analyses were conducted at the univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. At the multivariate level, three different multinomial logistic models were run to include interactive terms between selected independent variables. All tests were conducted at the 95% confidence level.ResultsThe overall anaemia prevalence among children under age five was 43.5%. Of these, 2.6% were severely anaemic, and 48.5% and 48.9/5 had moderate and mild anaemia, respectively. The multinomial analysis showed that maternal, household, child and health system factors significantly predicted anaemia levels among children with anaemia. The results indicate that anemic children whose mothers reside in urban areas (AOR=3.87; C. I: 1.11-13.48), children whose mothers are unaware of NHIS coverage of malaria (AOR=3.00; C.: 1.31-6.88) were more likely to have severe anaemia. Again, a lower probability of being severely anaemic was found among anaemic children whose household heads were aged 30-39 years and children who tested negative for malaria. With regard to moderate anaemia level, children who belong to the poorest and poorer household wealth index had a higher likelihood of being moderately anaemic. Similarly, children with anaemia who were less than 12 months old (AOR=1.72; C. I: 1.06-2.80) and mothers of anaemic children who were not aware of NHIS coverage of malaria (AOR=1.33; C.I: 1.00-1.77) were more likely to have moderate anaemia levels. Furthermore, anemic children whose household heads were aged 50-59 years (AOR=0.52; CI: 0.29-0.93) and three-year-old anemic children (AOR=0.59; C.: 0.38-0.90) had a lower likelihood of being moderately anaemic.ConclusionThe study findings show the importance of understanding the interaction among factors that influence anaemia levels among children under age five as critical in developing strategies and programmes aimed at addressing childhood anaemia.
“Not just the consequences, but also the pleasurable sex”: a review of the content of comprehensive sexuality education for schooling early adolescents in Rwanda.
Authors: Mbarushimana Valens , Goldstein Susan , Conco Daphney Nozizwe
Published: June 2022

Background: Responding to adolescents' educational needs in sexual and reproductive health and rights is central to their sexual health. In 2016, Rwanda introduced the Competence-based curriculum (CBC) that integrated comprehensive sexuality education (CSE). However, globally, the content of CSE is sometimes dissimilar, and little evidence surrounds its scope in many settings. This study aimed to assess major topic areas of the school-based CSE for early adolescents, analyse how this CSE correlates with international guidelines, and make recommendations accordingly.Methods: We reviewed the CBC and conducted semi-structured interviews with key informants concerned with sexuality education to map sexuality education contents and related CSE competences for pre-primary, primary and lower secondary levels. We selected eleven of the 23 CBC documents for the final review. We manually extracted data using a standard form in Microsoft Excel. We conducted a descriptive analysis (frequency tables and charts) of review data and a thematically analysed interviews in NVivo 11 for Windows using the International Technical Guidance of Sexuality Education (ITGSE).Findings: Overall, we found 58 CSE competences from the CBC. CSE competences increased with school grades: 4/58 (6.9%) in pre-school, 5/58 (8.6%) in lower-primary, 17/58 (29.3%) in upper-primary, and 32/58 (55.2%) in lower-secondary levels. Subjects of Kinyarwanda (13/58, 22.4%), Biology (10/58, 17.2%), and Social studies (9/58, 15.5%) abounded in CSE. Four ITGSE key concepts abounded most in CSE competences: Sexual and reproductive health (13/58, 22.4%); Human body and development (11/58, 19%); Values, rights, and sexuality (9/58, 15.5%); and Understanding gender (8/58, 13.8%). The CBC CSE covered least the area of Violence and staying safe (2/58, 3.4%). Six of 27 ITGSE topics had only one CSE competence, and eight ITGSE topics were not represented in the CBC. Recommended additional contents are sexual pleasure, sexual orientation, sexual desire and modern contraceptive methods such as condoms.Conclusion: CSE for early adolescents is delivered mainly in three subjects and aligns, to some extent, with the international guidelines for sexuality education. CSE intensifies with school grades and emphasises more on some topics than others that are equally important. The study recommends additional topics for CSE for this age group.
Secondary systemic AL-amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma: Clinical case and literature review
Authors: Novosad Olga , Rudiuk Tymur , Shevchuk Lesya , Kundina Viktoriia , Schmidt Anna
Published: June 2022

AL-amyloidosis refers to a systemic type of disease characterised by aggregation of an improperly folded light chain of immunoglobulin, mainly in the heart and kidneys, causing organ failure. This study describes the clinical experience of introducing a patient with cardiac amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma. The diagnosis of amyloidosis is based on a high index of clinical suspicion. Unfortunately, the disease often proceeds asymptomatically until a late stage, and even then the symptoms can be very nonspecific. The prolonged time to establish a diagnosis, often more than 1 year, is a frequent factor in poor treatment results. The slow course of the disease, in most cases, leads to fatal consequences, since initially, patients do not turn to specialised professionals. Namely, congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmia are common causes of death from primary systemic amyloidosis, from 48% to 65% of cardiac mortality. More accurate recognition of AL-amyloidosis by cardiologists allows prescribing earlier treatment and improving results. Conventional treatment of multiple myeloma and AL-amyloidosis includes a combination of dexamethasone with bortezomib and endoxan. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation after taking high doses of melphalan has become another treatment option and has led to remission in some patients. The study presents an example of a timely complete diagnosis and treatment of a combination of these two diseases, as a result of which the patient has achieved a complete haematological and partial organ response to the underlying disease.
Objective Identification and Characterisation of Pacific ITCZs using ERA5, GPCP and TRMM
Authors: Homoudi Ahmed , Barfus Klemens , Bedbur Gesa , Quesada-Chacón Dánnell , Bernhofer Christian
Published: June 2022

Despite the intense research on the tropical climate and its features, primarily the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), fewer studies investigated the state of the ITCZ through an objective and automated algorithm, particularly the double ITCZ. The study combines the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis (ERA5) variables, Global Precipitation ClimatologyProject (GPCP), and TRMM (TMPA 3B42 Daily) datasets to objectively and automatically identify the zonally elongated convergence regions (i.e. ITCZs) in the Pacific and provide 42 years climatologies. The algorithm utilises layer- and time-averaged winds in the lower troposphere (pressure levels between 1000 and 850 hPa) to obtain characteristics of ITCZs that include centre latitude, boundaries, widths, and additionally precipitation intensities using GPCP and TRMM datasets. The Northern Hemisphere (NH) ITCZs are found near 8° N, while the Southern Hemisphere (SH) ITCZs are near5° S. On the one hand, these results suggest that the NH ITCZs reach their northernmost centre latitude and the highest centre precipitation intensity in September and their southernmost in March; the full width peaks in August. On the other hand, the SH ITCZs start near the equator and migrate to reach the southernmost latitude in May. During their seasonal migration, the widths fluctuate with decreasing intensities. Generally, as found by previous studies, the NH ITCZs shift equatorward, narrow and intensify. The SH ITZCs shift poleward, narrow, and intensify under global warming.
Hypothalamic proteome analysis of insomnia rats treated by abdominal massage
Authors: Ye Zhang , de Yu Cong , Yufeng WANG , Peng LIU , Wu Siyuan , Zhi Xiaoyu , Lou Huijuan , Zhang Hongshi
Published: June 2022

Objective: To analyze differential protein expression in the hypothalamus of insomnia rats treated by abdominal massage using proteomic assays.Methods: The insomnia model was established by single intraperitoneal injection of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) in rats. Then, the rats were divided into four groups, including the blank (B), insomnia model A (MA), insomnia model B (MB) and abdominal massage-treated insomnia (T) groups, with six rats in each group. Behavior experiments were carried out, and differential proteins in the hypothalamus of rats were identified and assessed for biological properties.Results: Based on weight, locomotor activity, righting reflex and Morris water maze (MWM) data, there were statistically significant differences after modeling, indicating the success of model establishment.Comparing the three groups of differential proteins, P97887 (presenilin-1) and A0A0G2JSP8 (creatine kinase) had elevated amounts after modeling and decreased levels after massage. Meanwhile, P19969 (gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-5) and Q99P99 (histone deacetylase 4) were significantly decreased after modeling and significantly increased after massage treatment. Of the 4 tested proteins, 3 (presenilin-1, creatine kinase, and GABA alpha-5) showed trends consistent with mass spectrometry.Conclusion: Abdominal massage can treat insomnia by modulating P97887, A0A0G2JSP8, P19969, Q99P99 and other proteins are expressed during the treatment of insomnia.
Lost to Follow-Up and Its Predictors among Human Immune Deficiency Virus Infected Children on Antiretroviral Therapy, Southern Oromia, and Ethiopia: A Five Year Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bankere Assefa Washo , Gemechu Bikila Lencha , Ami Bonso , Kebebe Lalisa , Gabisa Sintayehu
Published: June 2022

Background
Lost to follow-up among pediatric human immune deficiency virus infected patients is a major challenge for the global scale-up of lifesaving antiretroviral therapy (ART). It is considerable obstacle for effectiveness of the program which negatively impacted on immunological benefits of ART and drug adherence. Additionally, it increases drug toxicity, resistance and acquired immune deficiency syndrome related morbidity and mortality. Therefore, it is very crucial to identify the incidence and determinants of loss to follow up among children in study area.
Objectives
To determine incidence and determinants of lost to follow-up among human immune deficiency virus-infected children on Anti-Retroviral Treatment.
Method
A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 269 randomly selected children who had been on ART in the health facilities of Shashemene Town from January 1, 2015 to December 30, 2020. Data on patients’ medical records such as patient intake form and the registers were collected using standardized checklist. Data were coded and entered by Epidata version 3.1 and analyzed by Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 25. The Cox proportional hazard assumption was checked using Schoenfeld residual test (global test > 0.05). Finally, adjusted hazard ratio with 95% confidence interval was computed, and variables with P-values < 0.05 in multivariable analysis were taken as significant predictors of lost to follow up.
Results
Of 269 HIV-infected children included in the final analysis, 43 (16%) were loss to follow up. The overall incidence rate of loss to follow up was 3.3 with (95% CI: 2.4–4.4) per 100 Child-Year of observation. Age less than 5 years (AHR:0.03 95% CI: 0.003–0.361), non-orphan status of the child (AHR = 0.13(0.048–0.340), < 30-minute distance from health facility (AHR:0.24 95% CI:0.077–0.728), disclosed HIV status (AHR :0.32 95% CI :0.126–0.795), history of opportunistic infection (AHR: 3.54, 95%CI :1.152–10.866) and CD4 below threshold (AHR:5.17 95%:CI:2.082–12.8490) were significant determinants of loss to follow up.
Conclusion
The incidence density of loss to follow up in this study was low as compared to other studies. The finding indicated that older children, orphan, low immune status, undisclosed HIV status and distance from health facility were independent determinants of loss to follow up. Giving special attention to older, orphan and those with low CD4 count is mandatory. Age-appropriate disclosure should also be encouraged.
Continuing cyclin dependent kinase 4/6 inhibition with abemaciclib in metastatic breast cancer patients previously treated with palbociclib or ribociclib: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Aguilar Alicia de Luna , Fuentes Javier David Benitez , Arcilla Jorge Bartolome , Shah Richa , Avagyan Manushak , Frick Clara , Lorenzo Alfonso Lopez de Sa , Rojas Carmen Toledano , Anton Fernando Moreno , Saenz Jose Angel Garcia
Published: June 2022

Background
Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women worldwide. Most breast cancer cases are estrogen receptor positive and epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (ER+/HER2-). A small proportion of these cases are metastatic with Cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors being the mainstay of treatment. Evidence supports the existence of differences between the three approved cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) in both preclinical and clinical settings. Abemaciclib appears to be capable of inhibiting other targets. Senescence and apoptosis took place at an earlier time and with lower concentrations of abemaciclib compared to treatment with palbociclib or ribociclib in preclinical models.
Methods
A search will be performed on the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A manual search of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Conference, American Society of Clinical Oncology annual conference, European Society of Medical Oncology annual conference, and European Society of Medical Oncology Breast annual conference will be performed.
Discussion
To our knowledge, no previous systematic review has evaluated the available evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of abemaciclib in MBC previously treated with palbociclib or ribociclib. This systematic review and meta-analysis will synthesize the existing data on the effectiveness and safety of abemaciclib after prior exposure to ribociclib or palbociclib in MBC. It will also identify the gap in the literature for potential future research. The results of this study will be of interest to multiple audiences including patients, their families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Systematic review registration:
PROSPERO CRD42022330355
Remdesivir resistance in transplant recipients with persistent COVID-19
Authors: Hogan John I , Duerr  , Dimartino Dacia , Marier Christian , Hochman Sarah , Mehta Sapna , Wang Guiqing , Heguy Adriana
Published: June 2022

The medical community currently lacks robust data regarding the incidence, prevalence, and clinical significance of mutations associated with resistance to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) therapeutics. This report describes two renal transplant recipients who, after remdesivir exposure, developed a de novo V792I RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) mutation that has recently been found to confer resistance to remdesivir in vitro. To the best of our knowledge, this publication is the first to document the emergence of V792I in patients treated with remdesivir. Our work underscores the critical need for augmented efforts to identify concerning mutations and address their clinical implications.