bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hard Turning of Hot Work Steel X38CRMOV5-3: Evaluation of Surface Roughness and Current Values Using Cutting Parameters
Authors: Cakir Ali Kemal
Published: December 2020

This study evaluates the surface roughness and current values using cutting parameters in the turning of AISI H11 being hot work tool steel under dry machining conditions. The selected design factors are the depth of cut, feed rate, cutting speed. A design of experiments was used to carry out this research. The obtained results were analyzed to determine the effects of input parameters on the resultant surface roughness, current using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The experimental results showed that increasing feed rate increased the surface roughness, and current values. The most effective cutting parameter on all the output parameters was found to be the feed rate on the surface roughness. Also, the motor current values were influenced by the 38,48% depth of cut, 23,98% cutting speed, 25,52% feed rate, respectively.
In Silico Analysis of Possible Interaction between Host Genomic Transcription Factors and Zika Virus (ZikaSPH2015) Strain with Combinatorial Gene Regulation; Virus Versus Host - The Game Reloaded
Authors: Chetta Massimiliano , Tarsitano Marina , Vicari Laura , Saracino Annalisa , Bukvic Nenad
Published: December 2020

In silico analysis is a promising approach for understanding biological events in complex diseases. Herein, we report an in silico analysis of the entire genome of virus ZikaSPH2015 strain, which was performed in order to identify the occurrence of specific motifs on genomic sequence of Zika Virus that is able to bind and therefore, sequester host’s Transcription Factors (TFs) as well as subsequently predict a possible interactions within host genome. Accordingly to obtained results of this original computational work-flow it is possible to hypothesize that these TFs Binding Motifs might be able to explain the complex and heterogeneous phenotype presentation in Zika Virus affected fe-tus/newborns, as well as the less severe condition in adults. Moreover, the proposed in silico protocol identified thirty three different TFs same as the distribution of TFBSs (Transcription Factor Binding Sites) on ZikaSPH2015 strain, potentially able to influence genes and pathways with biological functions confirming that this approach could find potential answers on disease pathogenesis.
INVERSI IMPEDANSI ELASTIK DAN  UNTUK KARAKTERISASI KANDUNGAN RESERVOIR BATUPASIR
Authors: Jayadi Harsano , Sismanto Sismanto , Meidji Icha Untari , Wahyuni Ayusari , Ninasafitri Ninasafitri
Published: December 2020

Penelitian ini berupa analisis inversi data seismik dengan menggunakan impedansi elastik dan lr (lambda-rho) untuk mengestimasi kandungan  reservoir batupasir. Analisis Inversi Amplitude Versus Offset (AVO) dilakukan untuk mendapatkan reflektivitas impedansi elastik dan lambda-rho sehingga diperoleh kelas anomalinya. Dalam menentukan litologinya diperoleh sudut 30o sebagai sudut yang sensitif sehingga selanjutnya dilakukan proses inversi dengan sudut tersebut. Hasil dari analisis Anomali Inversi Amplitude Versus Offset (AVO) menetapkan kelas anomali respon terletak pada posisi IIp sehingga dengan menggunakan sudut 30o tersebut dilakukan pemetaan inversi impedansi elastik untuk mengetahui litologi batupasir yang diperkirakan mempunyai arah timurlaut-baratdaya. Selanjutnya untuk melakukan analisis untuk estimasi adanya fluida dengan menggunakan analisis inversi lambda-rho sehingga diperoleh nilai target 40-65 MPa*gr/cc pada litologi batupasir tersebut dengan arah orientasi utara-tenggara.
Thematic Contrast between The Story of Xu Sanguan Selling Blood and The Old Man and The Sea
Authors: Mengxia Chen
Published: December 2020

Thematic study plays an important role in comparative literature. With the perspective of the thematic approach in comparative literature, readers can better understand the content of different texts and recognize the characteristics of each text. Moreover, readers can also have a glimpse of some creative ideas and personalities of different writers by exploring their treatment of the same or similar theme. This paper aims to compare the two novels, The Story of Xu Sanguan Selling Blood and The Old Man and The Sea, to elaborate on the themes of suffering and redemption, tragedy, kindness, and to explore the similarities and differences between them.
Trade-off strategies of leaf functional traits of desert halophyte Lycium ruthenicum in the lower reaches of Heihe River, Northwest China: response to soil moisture and salinity
Authors: Li Shanjia , Gou Wei , Wang Hui , Wu Guoqiang , Su Peixi
Published: December 2020

Background: Soil salinization affects plant growth and causes changes in leaf traits. Lycium ruthenicum Murr. is one of the dominant shrubs and halophytes in the lower reaches of the Heihe River in Northwest China. We analyze the trade-off strategies of fourteen leaf functional traits of eight L.ruthenicum populations growing at varying distances from the Heihe River, and discussed the effects soil moisture and salinity on leaf functional traits. Results: Lower nitrogen (N) contents indicated that L.ruthenicum was located at the slow investment-return axis of the species resource utilization graph. Compared to non-saline and very slightly saline sites, populations of slightly saline sites showed higher carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N). Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed a relatively strong relationship between leaf functional traits and soil properties, the first RDA axis accounted for 70.99 % and 71.09 % of the variation in 0-40 cm and 40-80 cm of soil moisture and salinity. Populations in non-saline and very slightly saline habitats tended to have higher leaf C content, whereas populations in slightly saline habitats tended to have lower leaf C content, and the discrepancy was evident. Relative importance analysis found that in the 0-40 cm soil layer, leaf traits variations were mainly influenced by soil moisture (SWC), HCO3- and CO32- ions content, while leaf trait variations in the 40-80 cm soil layer were mainly influenced by HCO3- and SO42-. Conclusions: The leaf functional traits of L. ruthenicum in this region are mainly restricted by soil N content. The L.ruthenicum populations formed a pattern of increased C:N ratios and C content, reduced nitrogen to phosphorus ratio (N:P) and N content from very slightly saline soil to slightly saline. L.ruthenicum has a foliar resource acquisition method and a resource conservation trade-off with a flexible life history strategy in habitats with drought and salinity stress. In the shallow soil layers, water has a greater effect than salt on leaf trait variation, in both shallow and deep soil layers, HCO3- have a relatively important effect on leaf traits. We believe that these findings will provide some baseline information to facilitate the management and restoration of arid-saline desert ecosystems.
Response of wheat DREB transcription factor to drought stress based on DNA methylation
Authors: Zhu Yanqiu , Wang Huihui , Jia Wenjing , Wei Xiaoyan , Duan Zhikun , Qi Qianting , Jiang Lina , Zhou Yanqing , Duan Hongying
Published: December 2020

Background: The growth and development of wheat are seriously influenced by drought stress, and the research on drought resistance mechanism of wheat is very important. Dehydration responsive element binding protein (DREB) plays an important role in the response of plant to drought stress, but epigenetic regulation for gene expression of DREB transcription factor is less studied, especially the regulatory role of DNA methylation has not been reported.Results: In this research, DREB2, DREB6 and Wdreb2 were cloned from wheat, their CDS sequences were composed of 732 bp, 837 bp or 1035 bp, respectively, and one 712 bp intron was found in DREB6. Although AP2/EREBP domain of DREB2, DREB6 and Wdreb2 had 73.25% identity, they belong to different types of DREB transcription factor, and the expression of Wdreb2 was significantly higher, yet was the lowest in DREB2. Under drought stress, the expression of DREB2, DREB6 and Wdreb2 could be induced, but had different trends along with the increase of stress time, and their expression had tissue specificity, was obviously higher in leaf. Promoter of DREB2, DREB6 and Wdreb2 in leaf was further studied, some elements related to adverse stress were found, and the promoter of DREB2 and Wdreb2 was slightly methylated, but DREB6 promoter was moderately methylated. Compared with the control, the level of promoter methylation in DREB2 and DREB6 decreased as stressed for 2 h, then increased along with the increase of stress time, which was opposite in Wdreb2 promoter, the status of promoter methylation in DREB2, DREB6 and Wdreb2 also had significant change under drought stress. Further analysis showed that promoter methylation of DREB6 and Wdreb2 was negatively correlated with their expression, especially was significant in Wdreb2. Conclusions: DREB2, DREB6 and Wdreb2 might function differently in response to drought stress, and promoter methylation had more significant effects on gene expression of Wdreb2 and DREB6.
Evaluation of A Newly Designed Patient-Friendly Discharge Letter – A Randomized, Controlled Participant-Blind Trial
Authors: Smolle Christian , Schwarz Christine , Hoffmann Magdalena , Kamolz Lars-Peter , Sendlhofer Gerald , Brunner Gernot
Published: December 2020

Introduction Low health literacy has been associated with poor health outcome and impaired use of healthcare services. The hospital discharge letter represents a key source of medical information for patients and can be used to address the problem of low health literacy. The aim of this project was to develop and evaluate a new, patient-directed, version of the discharge letter.Methods Based upon two conventional discharge letters (CDL; one surgical and one medical letter), two new, patient-friendly discharge letters (PFDL) were designed following 5 key principles: short sentences, few abbreviations, large font size, avoidance of technical terms and no more than 4 pages length. Medical undergraduates were randomized into two blinded groups (CDL, PFDL) and asked to assess the assigned letter for the 3 domains structure, content and patient-friendliness. Subsections were rated on a 6-point Likert scale (1=completely agree, 6=completely disagree), the results of the survey were compared using the Mann-Whitney-U-Test with a p < 0.05 being the level of significance.Results In total, 74 undergraduates participated in the study. PFDL (35 participants) were rated significantly better than CDL (39 participants) regarding structure (median 1 vs. 2, p=0.005), content (1 vs. 3, p<0.001) and patient-friendliness (2 vs. 6, p<0.001). Of all 17 subsections, PFDL were rated significantly better in 12 cases, and never worse than CDL.Conclusion PFDL were rated significantly better than their CDL counterparts. Medical undergraduates were considered the ideal cohort, not being medical lays and yet unbiased regarding everyday clinical practice procedures. Further tests evaluating the impact of the PFDL on patient comprehension and health literacy are necessary.
The Relationship Between Insurance and Health Outcomes of Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Maryland: A Retrospective Archival Record Study
Authors: Lee Soo-Hoon , Brown Samuel , Bennett Andew
Published: December 2020

Background: Past studies examining the health outcomes of diabetes mellitus (DM) patients found that social determinants of health disparities were associated with variabilities in health outcomes. However, improving access to healthcare, such as health insurance, should mitigate negative health outcomes. The aim of the study was to explore the association between four types of health insurance, namely, Medicare fee-for-service (FFS), Medicare managed care (MC), private FFS, and private MC plans, on the health outcomes of DM patients, controlling for patients’ social determinants of health.Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional archival record study to explore the relationships between types of health insurance and health outcomes of DM patients. Data was drawn from the 2012 Maryland Clinical Public Use Data and was exempt from our Institutional Review Board. Maryland residents who were at least 65 years old, with chronic DM were included in the study, resulting in a sample size of 43,519 individuals. Predictor variables were four types of insurance and health outcome variables were length of hospital stay (LOS), 30-day readmission rates, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Control variables included hospital characteristics, patient characteristics, and social determinants of health. Multiple hierarchical regression analysis was applied to test the association between insurance plans and LOS, while logistic regression analyses were applied to test the association between insurance plans with 30-day readmission and ESRD. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.Results: After factoring out confounds from hospital characteristics, patient characteristics, and social determinants of health, Medicare FFS patients had the worst outcome for LOS, 30-day readmission, and ESRD rates. Although patients on Medicare MC plans had lower LOS, 30-day readmission, and ESRD rates compared to those on Medicare FFS, patients enrolled in private MC plans had the lowest odds of 30-day readmission and patients enrolled in private FFS had the lowest odds of ESRD.Conclusions: The data suggests that insurance plans influence health outcomes of DM patients after considering their social determinants of health. Specifically, DM patients enrolled in managed care and private insurance plans had better health outcomes compared to those on Medicare FFS plans.
Variation in Serum Urate Levels in the Absence of Gout and Urate Lowering Therapy: An Analysis Using Data from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shaffer Andrew , Rahn Elizabeth , Saag Kenneth , Mudano Amy , Gaffo Angelo
Published: December 2020

Background: Previous studies have noted significant variation in serum urate (sUA) levels, and it is unknown how this influences the accuracy of hyperuricemia classification based on single data points. Despite this known variability, hyperuricemic patients are often used as a control group in gout studies. Our objective was to determine the accuracy of hyperuricemia classifications based on single data points versus multiple data points given the degree of variability observed with serial measurements of sUA.Methods: Data was analyzed from a cross-over clinical trial of urate-lowering therapy in young adults without a gout diagnosis. In the control phase, sUA levels used for this analysis were collected at 2-4 week intervals. Mean coefficient of variation for sUA was determined, as were rates of conversion between normouricemia (sUA ≤6.8 mg/dL) and hyperuricemia (sUA >6.8 mg/dL). Results: Mean study participant (n = 85) age was 27.8 ± 7.0 years, with 39% female participants and 41% African-American participants. Mean sUA coefficient of variation was 8.5% ± 4.9% (1% to 23%). There was no significant difference in variation between men and women, or between participants initially normouricemic and those who were initially hyperuricemic.Among those initially normouricemic (n=72), 15% converted to hyperuricemia during at least one subsequent measurement. The subgroup with initial sUA <6.0 (n=54) was much less likely to have future values in the range of hyperuricemia compared to the group with screening sUA values between 6.0-6.8 (n=18) (7% vs 39%, p = 0.0037).Of the participants initially hyperuricemic (n=13), 46% were later normouricemic during at least one measurement.Conclusion: Single sUA measurements were unreliable in hyperuricemia classification due to spontaneous variation. Those with an sUA of <6.0 mg/dL were less likely to demonstrate future hyperuricemic measurements and this could be considered a safer threshold to rule out intermittent hyperuricemia based on a single measurement point.Trial registration: Data from parent study ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02038179
Comparison of Rain Classroom Teaching and Traditional Teaching Methods in Teaching Undergraduate Nursing Students of Stomatology
Authors: Wang YuJing , Liu JingBo , Yuan LuLu , Gao YuQin , Li Chen
Published: December 2020

Background: Rain classroom teaching (RCT) is now used as a teaching method to increase interaction between teachers and students. The aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of rain classroom teaching and traditional teaching on self-directed learning ability(SDLA) of nursing undergraduates.Methods: This was a randomized controlled study. The research enrolled two classes of junior nursing undergraduates, they were randomly divided into two groups. The content and time of Stomatology courses were the same. The control group (n=32) adopted traditional teaching method and the experimental group (n=31) used RCT method. SDLA, satisfaction and teaching quality were evaluated by questionnaire. A final examination was used to estimate the quality of learning.Results: The complete data displayed that rain classroom group had more excellent results than the traditional group. The rain classroom group had higher SDLA, satisfaction, teaching measure, teaching effectiveness and final examination scores. Conclusion: Rain classroom teaching method is more effective than traditional teaching method in promoting SDLA and teaching quality for undergraduate nursing students in stomatology.
Insights into the Prediction of Condensate Viscosity Near the Wellbore by ELM and ANFIS-PSO Strategies
Authors: Naseri Maryam
Published: December 2020

By lowering the pressure beneath the dew point as the result of production in gas condensate (GC) reservoirs, liquid droplets are formed in the borehole zone. Accurate prediction of production and optimization in these reservoirs requires specific properties such as liquid viscosity. Empirical models have already developed to predict this parameter. Due to the peculiar behavior of fluids beneath the dew point pressure (DPP), the prediction of liquid viscosity associates with an error. With the development of machine learning (ML) approaches, studies on fluid properties like other sciences have entered in a new phase. In this study, extreme learning machine (ELM) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system with particle swarm optimization (ANFIS-PSO) methods applied to this end. Therefore, a big data bank including reservoir and fluid properties including reservoir temperature and pressure, specific gravity (SG) of gas, API gravity, and gas to oil ratio (Rs) were used. The results showed that R-squared and RMSE for ANFIS-PSO are 0.755 and 0.15, respectively, while these values are 0.889 and 0.06 for ELM which shows that the last model has a better performance in estimating output values. Also, the range of reliable data is determined, and further, a sensitivity analysis was done, which showed that the greatest impact on the viscosity was from SG and API gravity has the least effect on it. This model can be used as a reference for calculating condensate viscosity and also by expanding the range of datasets, it can be applied in the commercial software.
Analysis of risk factors for early mortality and multiorgan failure after pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis
Authors: Huang Jing-bin , Wen Zhao-ke , Lu Wei-jun , Lu Chang-chao , Tang Xian-ming
Published: December 2020

Background:. The operative mortality of pericardiectomy is still high. This prospective study was to determine the risk factors for early mortality and multiorgan failure.Methods: We prospectively observe patients undergoing pericardiectomy from January 2009 to June 2020 at our hospital. Radical pericardiectomy was performed via sternotomy. Histopathologic studies of pericardum tissue from every patient was done. All survivors were monitored to the end date of the study.Results: 92 consecutive underdoing pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis were included in the study. Postoperatively ,CVP decreased significantly, and LVED and LVEF improved significantly. The overall mortality rate was 5.4%. The common postoperative complications inclued acute renal injury（27.2%）, low cardiac output syndrome (10.9% ), and multiorgan failure (8.7%). Analysis of risk factor showed that D2 (fluid balance of the second day following operation) was associated with decreased early mortality and decreased multiorgan failure. In this series from Guagxi, China, characteristic histopathologic features of tuberculosis（60/92,65.2%） of pericardium were the most common histopathologic findings, and 32 patients (32/92,34.8%) had the histopathologic findings of chronic nonspecific inflammatory changes. The functional status of the patients improved after pericardiectomy, 6 months postoperatively 85 survivors were in class I (85/87, 97.7%) and 2 in class II (2/87, 2.3%) .Conclusions: Our results show that pericardiectomy is an effective procedure in the treatment of constrictive pericarditis Early surgical intervention is advocated. Improvement of surgical technique and intraoperative and perioperative management can decrease mortality and morbidity.
Activation of Toll-like receptor 2 via specific agonists promotes OXPHOS and glycolysis in gastric cancer cells rather than other Toll-like receptors
Authors: li yuzhe , ji chengbo , liu youdong , gu qisheng , Jenkins Brendan , li jikun , yu liang
Published: December 2020

Background

Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 activation via microbial and host stimuli plays important roles in the regulation of metabolic reprogramming in immune cells. We recently showed that ligand-induced TLR2 activation enhanced OXPHOS and glycolytic activity of gastric epithelial (cancer) cells, thus promoting tumour progression.
Objective

To investigate the full spectrum of TLR family members whose ligand-dependent activation can cause metabolic reprogramming in gastric cancer (GC) cells.
Methods

The expression of TLR family members was measured by RT-qPCR and Western blotting in a panel of human GC cells. Metabolic changes in human GC cells which were induced by agonists for different TLRs (TLR2, 4, 9) were identified by performing the Seahorse bioenergetic assay, as well as by measuring L-lactate and ROS production. The expression of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis was also profiled in stimulated GC cells by RT-qPCR. Western blot further characterized the expression of SOD2, a key downstream target of TLR2 signaling in GC.
Results

TLR2 signaling activated by either synthetic molecules or whole pathogen antigen enhanced glycolytic activity and mitochondrial respiration in TLR2-high expressing cells, whereas ligand-induced TLR4 and TLR9 activation inhibited mitochondrial respiration or extracellular acidification rate. Furthermore, genes implicated in the regulation of glucose metabolism and the redox system, such as HIF1A, PFKFB3 and SOD2, were upregulated downstream of TLRs.
Conclusion

Our study reveals that ligand-induced activation of specific TLRs mediates diverse metabolic phenotype in human GC cells. TLR2 is the only family member that promotes both OXPHOS and glycolysis, which may result in tumor progression.
Influence of sub-inhibitory concentrations of antimicrobials on micrococcal nuclease and biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Sjollema Jelmer , Mei Henny van der , Rosman Colin
Published: December 2020

A major contributor to biomaterial associated infection (BAI) is Staphylococcus aureus. This pathogen produces a protective biofilm, making eradication difficult. Biofilms are composed of bacteria encapsulated in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) comprising polysaccharides, proteins and extracellular DNA (eDNA). S. aureus also produces micrococcal nuclease (MN), an endonuclease which contributes to biofilm composition and dispersion, mainly expressed by nuc1. MN expression can be modulated by sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations of antimicrobials. We investigated the relation between the biofilm and MN expression and the impact of the application of antimicrobial pressure on this relation. Planktonic and biofilm cultures of three S. aureus strains, including a nuc1 deficient strain, were cultured under antimicrobial pressure. Results indicated that nuc1 deletion stimulates the polysaccharide production per CFU in the biofilm in in vitro biofilms. Also antimicrobial pressure of ciproflocacin, doxycycline and erythromycin resulted in significantly increased quantities of polysaccharides per CFU, but this did only coincide with significantly reduced MN activity in erythromycin. Resveratrol significantly reduced MN production per CFU but did not affect polysaccharides production. In conclusion, various antimicrobials impact the balance of eDNA, polysaccharides and MN production, all in a different way.
Selection of Urethral Orifice Location for Hypospadias with Prostatic Cyst Undergoing Urethroplasty
Authors: Lu Jun , Cen Junjie , Wang Wenwei , Zhao Hongwei , Li Pengju , Mo Jiacong , Chen Zhenhua , Tang Yiming , Wei Jinhuan , Fang Yong
Published: December 2020

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether opening the external urethral orifice in the coronal sulcus can reduce the incidence of epididymitis after operating on hypospadias with a prostatic cyst connected to the vas deferens.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three patients (group A) (average age = 3.3 years old) with severe hypospadias and prostatic cyst underwent cystostomy, hypospadias correction and urethroplasty, along with relocation of the external orifice of urethra. Group B consisted of 4 patients (average age = 6.9 years old) presenting with epididymitis after hypospadias surgery and Unsuccessful conservative treatment. Patients underwent urethral dilatation along with urethral catheterization, cutting of the original corpus cavernosum that encapsulated the urethra, and extension of the position of the external urethral orifice to the coronal sulcus. RESULTS: In group A, 3 children underwent bladder fistula removal 2 weeks after operation. All patients were followed up for 5-7 years. The vulva developed normally without any complications. Four children in group B underwent stent removal 12 weeks after operation, and one patient was still stenosed and dilated again. All patients were followed up for 2-12 years without epididymitis recurrence. Penile erection and ejaculation were normal in adulthood. CONCLUSION: For hypospadias patients experiencing complications due to the presence of a prostatic sac, especially those with prostatic sac connected to the vas deferens, the positioning of the external urethral orifice in the coronary sulcus would be helpful to reduce the occurrence of epididymitis.
Nitrogen Oxides Concentration and Emission Change Detection During COVID-19 Restrictions in North India
Authors: Misra Prakhar , Takigawa Masayuki , Khatri Pradeep , Dhaka Surendra , Dimri A. , Yamaji Kazuyo , Kajino Mizuo , Takeuchi Wataru , Imasu Ryoichi , Patra Prabir , Hayashida Sachiko
Published: December 2020

COVID-19 induced restrictions resulted in a lowered fine aerosol particle and trace gas concentration across several urban places around the world, providing a natural opportunity to study effects of anthropogenic activities on emissions of air pollutants. Impact of sudden suspension of human activities on air pollution was analyzed by studying the change in satellite retrieved NO2 concentrations and top-down NOx emission over the urban and rural areas around Delhi. NO2 was chosen for being the most indicative of emission intensity due to its short lifetime of the order of a few hours in the planetary boundary layer. We present a robust temporal comparison of Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) retrieved NO2 column density during the lockdown with the counterfactual baseline concentrations, extrapolated from the long-term trend and seasonal cycle components of NO2 using observations during 2015 to 2019. NO2 columns in the urban area of Delhi experienced an anomalous relative change ranging from 60.0% decline during the Phase 1 of lockdown (March 25-April 13, 2020) to 3.4% during the post-lockdown Phase 5. In contrast, we find no substantial reduction in NO2 concentrations over the rural areas. To clarify the quantitative impact of the lockdown measures, weekly top-down NOx emissions were estimated from TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) retrieved NO2 by accounting for horizontal advection derived from the steady state continuity equation. NOx emissions from urban areas and power plants exhibited a mean decline of 72.19% and 53.4% respectively in Phase 1 compared to the pre-lockdown business-as-usual phase. Due to absence of confounding emission source activity during lockdown, emission estimates over urban areas and power-plants were validated with respective electricity generation reports and Google’s mobility reports. A higher anomaly in emission estimates suggests that comparison of only concentration change, without accounting for the dynamical and photochemical conditions, may mislead evaluation of lockdown impact. Our results are also useful for optimizing bottom-up emission inventories.
Molecular and Epidemiological of Human Adenovirus and Classic Human Astrovirus in Children With Acute Diarrhea in Shanghai, 2017-2018
Authors: Lu Lijuan , Zhong Huaqing , Xu Menghua , Su Liyun , Cao Lingfeng , Jia Ran , Xu Jin
Published: December 2020

Background: In addition to rotavirus and norovirus, human adenovirus (HAdV) and classic human astrovirus (classic HAstV) have been identified as important pathogens of acute diarrhea in infants and young children. Here, we presented the molecular epidemiology of HAdV and classic HAstV in children with acute diarrhea in Shanghai. Methods: Fecal specimens were collected from 804 outpatient infants and young children diagnosed as acute diarrhea in Shanghai from January 2017 to December 2018. All the samples were screened for the presence of HAdV and classic HAstV. HAdV and Classic HAstV were detected using traditional PCR and reverse-transcription PCR, respectively. All the HAdV and classic HAstV positive samples were genotyped by phylogenetic analysis. Results: Among these 804 fecal samples, 8.58% (69/804) samples were infected with at least one of HAdV or classic HAstV, and one of them was co-infected with these two viruses. The overall detection rates of HAdV and classic HAstV were 3.47% (28/804) and 5.22% (42/804), respectively. Four subgroups (A, B, C and F) of HAdV were detected and seven different genotypes (HAdV-C1, -C2, -B3, -C5, -A31, -F40 and -F41) were identified. Subgroup F had the highest constituent ratio at 64.29% (18/28) followed by non-enteric HAdV of subgroup C (21.43%, 6/28) and subgroup B 10.71% (3/28). HAdV-F41 (60.71%, 17/28) was the dominant genotype, followed by HAdV-C2 (14.29%, 4/28) and HAdV-B3 (10.71%, 3/28). Two diﬀerent genotypes of classic HAstV (HAstV-1 and HAstV-5) were identified in 42 samples during the study period. HAstV-1 (95.24%, 40/42) was the predominant genotype and the other two strains were genotyped as HAstV-5. Conclusions: Those findings indicate that HAdV and classic HAstV play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute diarrhea in children in Shanghai. Systematic and long-term surveillance of HAdV and classic HAstV are needed to monitor their prevalence in children and prevent major outbreak.
Mixed Alkyltrimethylammonium-Alkylcarboxylate Surfactants Systems: A Potential Anti-Proliferation Agent for MDA-MB-231 Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Lim Huei , Yong Shuang , Phang Yee , Chuah Hock , Alitheen Noorjahan
Published: December 2020

Series of catanionic based alkyltrimethylammonium-alkylcarboxylate surfactants systems having different degree of alkyl chain length asymmetry were prepared and tested for their cytotoxicity against both fibroblast 3T3 and breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Catanionic surfactant with the highest alkyl chain length possessed significant potent cytotoxicity, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 4.04 ± 0.06 μM on MDA-MB-231 cell line. Combination of anti-cancer agent (tocotrienol rich fraction,TRF; and curcumin, respectively)with the catanionic at different weight ratios was found to exert lower cytotoxicity on both cell lines as compared to the treated cells with catanionic only. Noticeably, combination of TRF withcatanionic showed higher anti-cancer activities than the incorporation of curcumin with catanionic (resulted low IC50 value). Combination index (CI) of both anti-cancer agent (TRF and curcumin) and catanionic mixtures indicated antagonistic effect (more than 1), respectively, which may explained catanionic surfactant having long alkyl chain length has the potential to act as anti-cancer agent in its pristine form and less effective with other anti-cancer agents combination.
Development and Validation of the Anesthesia Critical-Thinking Test (ACTT)
Authors: Kiatchai Taniga , Raksamani Kasana , Suraseranivongse Suwannee
Published: December 2020

Background: Despite critical thinking being a crucial skill in anesthesia practice, no specific tool exists to evaluate the skill in anesthesia training. The present study measured the validity, reliability and practicality of the Anesthesia Critical-Thinking Test (ACTT) for measuring the stages of critical thinking in anesthesia settings.Methods: We developed the ACTT to evaluate critical-thinking skills by ranking learners into 6 critical-thinking stages: 1) unreflective thinker, 2) beginning critical thinker, 3) practicing critical thinker, 4) advanced critical thinker, 5) accomplished critical thinker and 6) challenged thinker. Content validity was assessed by 5 experts. Concurrent validity, reliability and practicality were tested by 2 evaluators. We retrospectively and randomly assessed 47 long-essay assignments written by 1st–3rd year anesthesia residents in 2018. The assignments were subsequently blindly reviewed by 2 researchers to assess the critical-thinking stages. Results: The ACTT’s items were adjusted for content validity until the item-objective congruence was > 0.5. Concurrent validity between the scores and the critical-thinking stages showed moderate correlation by both evaluators (Evaluator 1 rs 0.574, P < 0.001; Evaluator 2 rs 0.603, P < 0.001). High-performance learners (stages 3, 4 and 5) had significantly higher scores than low-performance learners (stages 1 and 2), with P = 0.001. Interrater reliability was strongly correlated (rs 0.866, P < 0.001). Both evaluators were satisfied with the tool’s practicality.Conclusions: The ACTT provides a valid, reliable and practical means of evaluating the critical-thinking skills of anesthesia residents.
Oncoplastic Reconstructive Breast Surgeon (ORBS) Performance and Impact on Breast Reconstructions: Clinical Outcome, Learning Curve, and Patient Reported Aesthetic Results- An analysis of 451 Procedures
Authors: Lai Hung-Wen , Lin Joseph , Chen Shou-Tung , Chen Dar-Ren , Lin Shih-Lung , Kuo Shou-Jen , Lin Ying-Jen
Published: December 2020

Oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgeon (ORBS) aimed to incorporate aesthetics and plastic technique into breast cancer operations to balance the oncologic safety and cosmetic outcome, and also to promote breast reconstructions. The outcome of breast reconstruction performed by an ORBS was reported from a single institute. Among the 451 breast reconstructions performed by an ORBS, 75.8% were gel implant reconstructions, 3.3% were tissue expander, 16.9% were transverse rectus abdominal myocutaneous (TRAM) flap, 3.1% latissimus dorsi (LD) flap, and 0.9% LD flap + implant. The patients reported aesthetic evaluation showed that 53.9% responded excellent, 41.1% good, 4.4% fair, and 0.6% poor. In cumulative sum plot learning curve analysis, it took around 58 procedures for an ORBS to be familial with mastectomy followed by immediate gel implant reconstruction and to significantly decrease the operation time. In multivariate analysis, younger age, MRI, nipple sparing mastectomy, ORBS, and high-volume surgeon were factors related to breast reconstructions. Current study demonstrated that a breast surgeon after adequate training could become an ORBS and perform breast reconstructions with adequacy. Complimentary to traditional breast surgeon-to-plastic surgeon breast reconstruction pathways, ORBS could increase breast reconstructions rate, which remained low worldwide.
Construction and Validation of a Prognostic Model of Gastric Cancer with 10RBPs Based on 6 Microarrays
Authors: Zhou Liqiang , Lu Hao , Xin Lin , Zhou Qi , Wu You , Li Shihao , Yuan Yiwu
Published: December 2020

For explore the potential connection of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) to the expression function of gastric cancer (GC). We download the GPL10558 and GPL6947 platform mircroarray data from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Express database. Then the system integrates and analyzes the differentially expressed RBPs. And enrich the differentially expressed RBPs to understand the mechanism of its influence on tumors. Univariate Cox, lasso regression and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to screen independent prognostic parameters to construct prognostic model, and calculate aera under time-dependent receiver operating characteristics (AUC) and survival analysis were used to evaluate their prognostic ability. GSE15459, GSE62254 cohorts were used to verify hub signature. Finally, we also verified the prognosis and expression of hub-RBPs. Systematic analysis identified 23 up-regulated and 30 down-regulated RBPs, and enrichment analysis showed that they mainly affect their modification by binding to mRNA, and their stability affects the progression of GC. After multiple statistical analyses, we obtained the prognostic signature constructed by 10 RBPs and determined that it has better predictive performance (AUC = 0.685). Through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, we have obtained 10 key gastric cancer RBPs as potential prognostic biomarkers, providing new perspectives for the treatment and prognostic of GC.
Classification and Coding of Data About IgE-mediated Food Allergic Reactions
Authors: French Chloe , Green Benjamin , Lawson-Tovey Saskia , Javed Bushra , Morisset Martine , Knulst Andre , Li Thuy-my , Simpson Angela , Dua Shelly , Jong Nicolette de , Ballmer-Weber Barbara , Fernandez-Rivas Montserrat , Beyer Kirsten , Mills Clare , Couch Philip
Published: December 2020

Background: Collation of clinical data on IgE-mediated food allergies is essential to provide evidenced-based approaches to managing and treating food allergies and prevent accidental reactions. However, this can be a time consuming and difficult process due to the heterogeneous way in which studies collect such data. In order to facilitate data harmonisation a set of standardised terminologies have been identified and a consensus technique established to code food allergy data.Methods: Different terminologies to encode the most common signs, symptoms and problematic foods associated with IgE-mediated food allergies were identified. Their suitability for classifying and coding information about the signs and symptoms of food allergic reactions, causative foods and reaction severity of was assessed. The assessment included existing conceptual coverage and data descriptions, classification schemes and additional relevant information.Results: All of the terminologies reviewed included classification schemes, allowing broader concepts to be related to those that are more specialised. Additional information was often present such as equivalence. Of the clinical coding systems assessed, the Systemized Nomenclature of Medical Clinical Terms (SNOMED-CT) provided the most complete coverage with options to code symptom severity. Only food coding systems, such as FoodEx2, provided comprehensive conceptual coverage of the food terms.Conclusions: Utilising SNOMED-CT and FoodEx2 standards together will support the harmonisation of data regarding food allergy from diverse sources, providing a transparent and effective way to collate relevant data required for effective food allergen management in the future.
MIF Facilitates the Therapeutic Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived Exosomes in Acute Myocardial Infarction Through Up-regulating miR-133a-3p
Authors: Zhu Wenwu , Sun Ling , Zhao Pengcheng , Liu Yaowu , Zhang Jian , Zhang Yuelin , Hong Yimei , Zhu Yeqian , Lu Yao , Zhao Wei , Chen Xinguang , Zhang Fengxiang
Published: December 2020

Background The purpose of this study was to explore whether exosomes derived from MIF engineered umbilical cord MSCs (ucMSCs) exhibit better cardioprotective effects in a rat model of AMI and the mechanisms underlying it. Results Exosomes isolated from ucMSCs (MSC-Exo), MIF engineered ucMSCs (MIF-Exo) and MIF down-regulated ucMSCs (siMIF-Exo) were used to investigate cellular protective function in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and H9C2 cardiomyocytes under hypoxia and serum deprivation (H/SD) and infarcted hearts in rats. Compared with MSC-Exo and siMIF-Exo, MIF-Exo significantly enhanced proliferation, migration and angiogenesis of HUVECs and inhibited H9C2 cardiomyocytes apoptosis under H/SD in vitro; MIF-Exo also significantly inhibited cardiomyocytes apoptosis, reduced fibrosis area and improved cardiac function in infarcted rats in vivo. Exosomal miRNAs sequence and qRT-PCR confirmed miRNA-133a-3p remarkably increased in MIF-Exo. The biological effects of HUVECs and H9C2 cardiomyocytes were attenuated with incubation of MIF-Exo and miR-133a-3p inhibitors. And these effects were accentuated with incubation of siMIF-Exo and miR-133a-3p mimics, followed by p-AKT protein level up-regulated. Conclusion MIF-Exo enhance the effects on promoting angiogenesis, inhibiting apoptosis, reducing fibrosis and preserving heart function, in vitro and in vivo. The miR-133a-3p and its downstream AKT signal pathway were involved in these biological activities of MIF-Exo.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Determination of Enterococcus spp. isolated from Hospital Environment in Iran
Authors: Marghmalek Saba Asgharzadeh , Valadan Reza , Gholami Mehrdad , Nasrolahei Mohtaram , Goli Hamid Reza
Published: December 2020

Background: The role of the hospital environment as a source of pathogenic bacteria in recent studies has been poorly investigated. This study investigated the distribution of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence determinants in Enterococcus species isolated from hospital environment in Sari, Iran. A total of 90 enterococci isolates were identified and species identification confirmed with specific primers. Seven resistance genes and two virulence associated genes were evaluated molecularly by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Results: Of the 90 enterococcal isolates, 42 (46.66%), and 48 (53.33%) were identified as E. faecalis, and E. faecium, respectively. Also, 28 (66.6%) E. faecalis and 18 (37.5%) E. faecium isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR). Among all 90 environmental isolates 54 (60%), 54 (60%), 8 (8.8%), 8 (8.8%), 60 (66.6%), 26 (28.8%), and 24 (26.6%) isolates contained tetM, tetL, vanA, vanB, ermB, aac (6´)-Ie-aph (2´´)-Ia, and aph (3´)-IIIa, respectively. Moreover, 88 (97.7%) and 16 (17.7%) isolates were detected as esp and ace positive ones, correspondingly. Conclusions: This report showed that the environmental isolates of Enterococcus are the major sources of antibiotic resistance genes that can transfer them to the clinical isolates of bacteria in hospital settings. An effective following strategy should be organized to clearance and stop emergence of these pathogenic bacteria.
Characterization and Development of Osmotolerant Caldicellulosiruptor Strains Targeting Enhanced Hydrogen Production from Lignocellulosic Hydrolysates
Authors: Byrne Eoin , Björkmalm Johanna , Bostick James , Sreeni Krishnan , Willquist Karin , Niel Ed Van
Published: December 2020

Background The members of the genus Caldicellulosiruptor have the potential for future integration into a biorefinery system due to their capacity to generate hydrogen close to the theoretical limit of 4 mol H 2 /mol hexose, use a wide range of sugars and can grow on numerous lignocellulose hydrolysates. However, members of this genus are unable to survive in high osmolarity conditions, limiting their ability to grow on more concentrated hydrolysates, thus impeding their industrial applicability. In this study five members of this genus, C. owensensis , C. kronotskyensis , C. bescii, C. acetigenus and C. kristjanssonii , were developed to tolerate higher osmolarities through an adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) process. The developed strain C. owensensis CO80 was further studied accompanied by the development of a kinetic model based on Monod kinetics. Results Osmotolerant strains of Caldicellulosiruptor were obtained with C. owensensis adapted to grow up to 80 g/l glucose; other strains in particular C. kristjanssonii demonstrated a greater restriction to adaptation. C. owensensis CO80 was further studied and demonstrated the ability to grow in glucose concentrations up to 80 g/l glucose but with reduced volumetric hydrogen productivities (Q H2 ) and incomplete sugar conversion at elevated glucose concentrations. In addition, the carbon yield decreased with elevated concentrations of glucose. The ability of C. owensensis CO80 to grow in high glucose concentrations was further described with a kinetic growth model, which revealed that the critical osmolarity of the cells increased fourfold when cultivated at higher osmolarity. When co-cultured with the osmotolerant strain C. saccharolyticus G5 at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 20h, C. owensensis constituted only 0.09-1.58% of the population in suspension.Conclusions The adaptation of members of the Caldicellulosiruptor genus to higher osmolarity established that the ability to develop improved strains via ALE is species dependent, with C. owensensis adapted to grow on 80 g/l, whereas C. kristjanssonii could only be adapted to 30 g/l glucose. Although, C. owensensis CO80 was adapted to a higher osmolarity medium, the strain demonstrated reduced Q H2 with elevated glucose concentrations. This would indicate that while ALE permits adaptation to elevated osmolarities, this approach does not result in improved fermentation performances at these higher osmolarities. Moreover, the observation that planktonic culture of CO80 was outcompeted by an osmotolerant strain of C. saccharolyticus, when co-cultivated in continuous mode, indicates that the robustness of strain CO80 should be improved for industrial application .
From Skirmishes to Protracted Battles: A Bibliometric Analysis About Human Beings and Coronaviruses From 1991 to 2020
Authors: Yue Ling , Fu Youjuan , Li Yuanquan , Huang Jiayi , Wang Yifei , Zhu Ziyi , Wang Zhiyang , Li Jing , Chen Wei , He Chao
Published: December 2020

Background: COVID-19 caused unprecedented literature upsurge, and the world has worked together to fight the epidemic.Methods: We conducted a bibliometric analysis to evaluate the research trends and reveal the core contents, based on publication outputs, geographical distribution, collaborations and hot keywords.Results: Our analysis revealed the following: (1) The publication outputs obviously increased after SARS and MERS outbreaks, while sharply on rise during COVID-19 outbreak. Compared with SARS and MERS, COVID-19 aroused more dramatic and prolonged upsurge. (2) Compared with SARS and MERS, COVID-19 caused more widespread and powerful influences on countries or territories at short notice. Countries or territories displayed more international collaborations and communications to cope with the epidemics, and COVID-19 remarkably boosted the research advancements. (3) Given the keywords, we identified that multiple optional methods were used to cope with the SARS-CoV-2 infection based on the features of biology and immune responses.Conclusions: Epidemics extremely accelerated the research boom and evolution.