bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two Novel Models Evaluating the Determinants of Resting Metabolic Rate in Indian Children
Authors: Areekal Sandra Aravind , Khadilkar Anuradha , Ekbote Veena , Kajale Neha , Kinare Arun S. , Goel Pranay
Published: February 2021

Resting metabolic rate (RMR) quantifies the minimal energy required to sustain vital body functions and is a crucial component of childhood development. While inter-individual variations in RMR have been studied for over a century they are poorly understood. Wang (Am. J. Hum., 2012) has modelled mean RMR per unit body mass (RMR/BM) in children grouped into age classes one year apart; this model is able to explain the variation in RMR/BM very accurately in a reference Caucasian dataset based on the relative masses of four major organs (liver, kidney, brain, heart) and the residual mass. However, it is not clear if it applies to other ethnicities, especially when the variation in the RMR is observed to be large in a population. Here we address the extent to which such a model can be adapted to explain RMR/BM in Indian children. Here we present two novel phenomenological models that describe the mean RMR/BM stratified by age in Indian children and adolescents, using data from the Multi-Centre Study (MCS) and RMR-USG. MCS is a cross-sectional dataset on 495 (235 girls) children aged 9 to 19 years with anthropometric, body composition and RMR measurements. RMR-USG consists of anthropometric data, RMR, and liver and kidney volume measured through ultrasonography in nine girls and nine boys aged 6 to 8 years. The mean RMR/BM in Indian children is observed to be significantly lower compared to their Caucasian counterparts, except in boys in the age groups 9 to 11 years and 12 to 13 years. The first is a modified Wang model in which the relative masses of four major organs are assumed to be uniformly lowered for Indian children. Theoretical predictions of size are not uniformly borne out in a pilot validation study, however, the relative mass of the kidney is indeed found to be significantly lower. We then present another version of the Wang model to demonstrate that changes in body composition alone can also explain the Indian data. Either model can be thus used phenomenologically to estimate mean RMR/BM by age in Indian children; however, understanding the mechanistic basis of variation in RMR/BM remains an open problem.
Chrysin Promotes Temozolomide-induced Apoptosis by Activating p38 MAPK and Suppressing Akt and ERK1/2 in Human Glioblastoma.
Authors: KAMARUDIN MUHAMAD NOOR , Parhar Ishwar
Published: February 2021

Temozolomide (Tmz) faces the challenges of high chemoresistance and high dose leading to various side-effects. Chrysin exhibits anticancer and adjuvant effects in various cancer models. Nevertheless, chrysin’s synergistic effect with Tmz against Tmz-sensitive and Tmz-resistant human glioblastoma has never been reported. Chrysin and Tmz reduced the viability of A172 and LN18 in concentration- and time-dependent manner, with chrysin exhibited IC50 values lower than Tmz. The combination of chrysin and Tmz enhanced cell death (CI indexes between 0.59–0.98), suggesting synergistic efficacy of chrysin at lower concentrations. Chrysin promoted Tmz-induced phosphatidylserine externalization and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential. Chrysin promoted Tmz-induced suppression of pAkt (Ser473) and pERK1/2 (Thr202/Tyr204) while enhanced the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK (Thr180/Tyr182). This further reduced the antiapoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Mcl-1), elevated proapoptotic proteins (Bax, Bad, Bak, PUMA, Noxa), and activated caspase-9 and caspase-3 compared to Tmz treatment alone. Pretreatment with Z-LEHD-FMK and Z-VAD-FMK attenuated apoptosis and restored caspase-9 and − 3 levels. However, pretreatment with Z-IETD-FMK did not suppress the promotion of apoptosis. Collectively, chrysin promotes Tmz-induced apoptosis through p38 MAPK activation and suppression of Akt and ERK1/2. These results suggest chrysin as a potential therapeutic adjuvant to improve Tmz effects in Tmz-sensitive and -resistant GBM.
The Effects of Home-Grown Rule on Efficiency of Sports Teams : Evidence from English Premier League
Authors: Shin Seungmin , Kim Changhee
Published: February 2021

Research questionThe English Premier League, one of the most successful football league, is on the verge of losing its competitive edge due to Home-grown regulation proposal. This study focuses on the effects of this regulation on football clubs’ financial and operational efficiency. Research methodsTo accurately measure the effects of these measures, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique was used to 10 different Premier League Clubs spanning 7 years. Data of 10 clubs that have never been relegated were collected over 7 years. Results and findingsEfficiency score spread shows that clubs were seriously affected in efficiency in adjacent season after the implementation of the Home-grown regulation. Clubs were financially impacted due to rising cost of required Home-grown players, further depriving its financial footholds. Also, efficacy of this regulation was not effective as the Home-grown players did not gain much playing time in the field. ImplicationsFootball Association proposes further strengthening the Home-grown regulation in the future seasons. This study concludes that proposed home-grown regulation will further impact the football clubs financially as it was evident from the efficiency modeling in the study.
Opening decision spaces: a case study on the opportunities and constraints in the public health sector of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
Authors: Witter Sophie , Merwe Maria van der , Twine Rhian , Mabetha Denny , Hove Jennifer , Byass Peter , Tollman Stephen M. , D’Ambruoso Lucia
Published: February 2021

Background
Decentralised and evidence-informed health systems rely on managers and practitioners at all levels having sufficient ‘decision space’ to make timely locally informed and locally relevant decisions. Our objectives were to: (a) understand decision spaces in terms of constraints and enablers (using a framework focused on authority, accountability and capacity and the interrelationships between these domains); and (b) outline opportunities through which to expand and enhance them in an understudied rural context in South Africa.
Methods
This study examined decision spaces within Mpumalanga Province, using data and insights generated through a participatory action research process with local communities and health system stakeholders since 2015, which was triangulated with published documents and research team participant observation to produce findings on the three core domains at three levels of the health system.
Results
There is significant capacity in the system, which is delivering on many of its goals, with areas of high achievement. While lines of authority are generally well-defined, personal networks take on an important dimension in how stakeholders can act. This is expressed through marked ingenuity and a range of informal coping strategies built on local relationships. There are constraints in terms of limited formal external accountability to communities and internal accountability which is weak in places for individuals and focused more on meeting performance targets set at higher levels and less on enabling effective local leadership. More generally, political and personal factors are clearly identified at higher levels of the system, whereas at sub-district and facility levels, the dominant theme was constrained capacity, affecting all health system components.
Conclusions
Decision space can be opened up through supporting leadership and organisational culture changes. In this scenario, the real resources in the system, which are human, technical and financial, can be empowered to realise potential more fully. The article adds to existing literature by applying a decision space lens at multiple levels of a decentralised health care system, focusing on a broad range of capacities, and providing future directions to support and expand existing capacity.
Heavy metal pollutants and their spatial distribution in surface sediments from Thondi coast, Palk Bay, South India
Authors: Perumal Karthikeyan , Antony Joseph , M Subagunasekar
Published: February 2021

Background

The concentration of heavy metals and their spatial distribution in surface sediments collected from the Thondi coast, Palk Bay, South India were analysed in this study. The sediment grain size, pH, EC, and heavy metal concentrations (Mn, Fe, Cr, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cu, and Pb) were determined and the values for the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), potential contamination index (Cp), potential ecological risk index (PERI), contamination factor (CF), modified contamination degree (mCd), degree of contamination (Cd), and potential contamination factors (Cp) were calculated based on their background values to determine the pollution level of the study area. The sediment grain size, pH, EC, and heavy metal concentrations were determined and the values for the pollution indices were calculated based on their background values to determine the pollution level.
Results

The pollution indices, namely EF, CF, Cd, mCd, CP, \({\text{E}}_{\text{r}}^{\text{i}}\), and PERI, except for Igeo, revealed that the heavy metal contamination was due to Cd, while a moderate level of contamination was caused by Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr. The principal component analysis and correlation matrix analysis showed a strong positive loading for Cd due to its high level of contamination in the study area. Anthropogenic inputs such as municipal wastewater, domestic sewage discharge, fishing harbour activities, and industrial and aquaculture wastes led to the increased Cd concentration in the study area. Moreover, the pollution load index revealed that the sediments were polluted by heavy metals.
Conclusion

The findings of this study revealed that the increased concentration of heavy metals in the study area increases the toxicity in the marine environment, thus affecting the ecosystem.
Hazardous Effects of HighVoltage on Albino Rats and Role of Rosmarinus Officinalis
Authors: Tony Sallm , Tony Sallam K. , Ismail Hamadi A. , Hatour Fawzy S. , Mahmoud Magda E.
Published: February 2021

Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are common in our everyday lives. They have many origins and severe effects on individuals and environments where they inflict a great deal of health and psychological harm. The current study investigated the impact of high voltage (H.V.) EMF 5.4 k / v for 2, 4 h per day with a frequency equal to 50 Hz on body weight(b.wt), blood indices, and certain liver enzymes of albino rats after 25 days of exposure to the electromagnetic field. This work focuses on the therapeutic action of methanol extract of Rosmarinus officinalis (R. officinalis) leaves at a dose (5 mg/kg b. wt) against harmful EMF-induced effects. The findings showed that electromagnetic field exposure induced a substantial decrease in red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), and catalase activity (CAT). Although white blood cells (WBCs), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Total Bilirubin, Urea, Creatinine, Uric Acid, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels have increased significantly under EMF treatment. Treatment with R.officinalis showed attenuation in these parameters that were induced in rats exposed to H.V. These findings were followed by the histopathological analysis of the liver in the observations. Finally, we conclude that R.officinalis leaves extract offered substantial protection against H.V induced liver damage and can be applied in drug production.
Overexpression of the Plant Medium-chain Acyl-carrier Protein Thioesterase BTE for the Overproduction of the nC14-surfactin Isoform with Promising MEOR Applications
Authors: hu fangxiang , Cai Weijie , Lin Junzhang , Wang Weidong , Li Shuang
Published: February 2021

BackgroundSurfactin, a representative biosurfactant of popeptide mainly produced by Bacillus subtilis, consists of a cyclic heptapeptide linked to a β-hydroxy fatty acid chain. The functional activity of surfactin is closely related to the length and isomerism of the fatty acid chain. ResultsIn this study, the plant medium-chain acyl-carrier protein (ACP) thioesterase (BTE) from Umbellularia californica was overexpressed in a recombinant surfactin production strain based on B. subtilis 168. As a result, the surfactin yield after 24 h of cultivation improved by 23%, and the production rate increased from 0.112 to 0.177 g/L/h. The isoforms identified by RP-HPLC and GC-MS showed that the proportion of nC14-surfactin increased 6.4 times compared to the control strain. A comparison of further properties revealed that the product with more nC14-surfactin had higher surface activity and better performance in oil-washing. Finally, the product with more nC14-surfactin isoform had a higher hydrocarbon-emulsification index, and it increased the water-wettability of the oil-saturated silicate surface. Conclusion﻿The obtained results provide an original approach to modify the fatty acid chain of surfactin and further demonstrate the importance of the length and isomerism of the β-hydroxy fatty acid chain for the MEOR application of surfactin.
Coping Strategies Mediate the Association Between Stigma and Fertility Quality of Life in Infertile Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization Embryo Transfer
Authors: JING Xiaoyu , GU Wei , ZHANG Lu , MIAO Runna , XU Xiuli , WANG Min , Joann RAMACHDRAN Hadassah , WANG Wenru
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine the mediating effect of coping strategies on the relationship between stigma and fertility quality of life (FertiQoL) in Chinese infertile women undergoing In Vitro Fertilization Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET).MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, a total of 768 infertile women undergoing IVF-ET were recruited from Assisted Reproductive Center of Shaanxi Province, China. The personal information, infertility stigma scale, coping strategy scale and FertiQoL scale were measured using a set of questionnaires. The multiple mediator model was performed using AMOS 21.0.ResultsThe model showed a significant negative direct effect between stigma on FertiQoL (direct effect= -2.375, BC 95% CI= -2.764, -1.987). There were significantly negative indirect effects of stigma on FertiQoL through active-avoidance (indirect effect = -0.706; BC 95% CI = -0.950,-0.497), active-confronting (indirect effect = -0.267; BC 95% CI= -0.414, -0.136) and passive-avoidance (indirect effect= -0.244; BC 95% CI = -0.368,-0.142), respectively. The meaning-based coping played a positive intermediary role (indirect effect=0.105; BC 95% CI = 0.046, 0.190). The model explained 69.4% of the variance in FertiQoL.ConclusionActive-avoidance coping strategy is the most important mediator factor between stigma and FertiQoL in infertile women undergoing IVF-ET treatment. Meaning-based coping strategy also plays a positive mediating role between stigma and FertiQoL.
Effects of Group Behavior in The Predatory Raid on Damselfish Nests By The False Cleanerfish Aspidontus Taeniatus
Authors: Sato Hajime , Sakai Yoichi , Kuwamura Tetsuo
Published: February 2021

The benefits of group behavior have been reported in a variety of animals. The false cleanerfish Aspidontus taeniatus, which resembles the bluestreak cleaner wrasse Labroides dimidiatus, is the best-known example of mimicry in vertebrates. This mimicry system has been viewed as an aggressive mimicry to bite fish fins. However, recent field studies have reported that large individuals of the false cleanerfish form groups and jointly raid fish nests to eat eggs that are guarded by their parents. Since the cleaner wrasse does not form such groups or specialize in egg-eating, the feeding groups of the false cleanerfish is assumed to reduce the effectiveness of mimicry. Here, we conducted field observations to clarify the functions of group behavior in egg-eating in the false cleanerfish. The false cleanerfish formed groups of 2–12 individuals when they raided breeding nests of 13 damselfish (Pomacentridae) and one triggerfish (Balistidae). The results showed that the group behavior has two effects: a dilution effect, which reduces the risk of being attacked by egg-guarding fish, and an increase in foraging efficiency. We conclude that the false cleanerfish need to form cooperative foraging groups during egg-eating because the egg-guarding parents could see through the mimicry.
Cerebrovascular Segmentation Based on Hidden Markov Model in Phase-Contrast Angiography Images
Authors: Zhou Kangneng , Chen Cheng , Lu Yuanyuan , Guo Xinmeng , Li Wubin , Wang Huilin , Wu Xintong , Xiao Ruoxiu
Published: February 2021

Background: Phase-Contrast Angiography (PCA) is an acceptable magnetic resonance imaging method for cerebrovascular diseases diagnosis. However, it is an important and great challenge to accurately extract cerebrovascular structures from PCA images because of the complex vascular structures and large amount of noise. To accomplish this task, this work proposes a cerebrovascular segmentation algorithm based on Local Binary Fitting (LBF) and Hidden Markov Model (HMM), which can accurately extraction features from PCA data. Results: Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC), False Positive Score (FPN), and False Negative Score (FTN) are defined as metrics to assess this algorithm. Results show this method obtain higher accuracy (74.58%, 4.93%, 24.48%) than compared methods. Conclusion: Based on quantitative results, it appears that the proposed method has a higher accuracy rate compared to other methods. Due to no human correction and has no training process, it performs well on small datasets. Thus, this algorithm can accord with clinical requirements.
The Structural, Electronic and Optical Properties of Hydrofluorinated Germanene (GeH1-xFx): A First-Principles Study
Authors: Kumar V , Santosh R , Sinha Anita , Kumar J
Published: February 2021

The structural, electronic, and optical properties of hydrofluorinated germanene have been studied with different occupancy ratios of fluorine and hydrogen. The hybridization of H-1s and Ge-4p orbitals in hydrogenated germanene and F-2p and Ge-4p orbitals in fluorinated germanene plays a significant role in creating an energy bandgap. The binding energy and phonon calculations confirm the stability of hydrofluorinated germanene decreases with the increase of the F to H ratio. The value of the energy bandgap decreased by increasing the ratio of F and H. The optical properties have been studied in the energy range of 0-25 eV. Six essential parameters such as energy bandgap (Eg), binding energy (Eb), dielectric constant ε(0), refractive index n(0), plasmon energy (ћωp), and heat capacity (Cp) have been calculated for different occupancies of H and F in hydrofluorinated germanene for the first time. The calculated values of structural parameters agree well with the available experimental and reported values.
Is Covid-19 community level testing effective in reaching at-risk populations? Evidence from spatial analysis of New Orleans patient data at walk-up sites
Authors: Hernandez Julie , Karletsos Dimitris , Avegno Jennifer , Reed Chantell
Published: February 2021

Background: This paper evaluates the increase in coverage and use of Covid-19 testing services for vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations through the introduction of community-based walk-up sites in New Orleans, LA. While most GIS work on Covid-19 testing coverage and access has used census tract or ZIP code aggregated data, this manuscript is unique in that it uses individual level demographics and exact addresses to calculate distances actually traveled by patients. Methods: We used testing data recorded for 9,721 patients at 20 sites operating in May-June 2020. The dataset includes detailed age, race and ethnicity, and testing results as well as the exact address of each individual. Using GIS, we estimated changes in testing coverage for minority neighborhoods and calculated the actual distance covered by individuals. Logistic regression and multivariate linear regression were used to identify socio-demographic variables associated with distance travelled to and used of nearest testing site. We used a secondary dataset from drive-through sites to evaluate change in coverage at the census tract level for the metropolitan area. Results: Walk-up sites significantly increased testing availability in New Orleans, and specifically in minority neighborhoods. Both African Americans and Asians were more likely (14.7% and 53.0%) to be tested at the nearest walk-up site. They also covered shorter distances to get tested. Being elderly was also significantly and positively associated with testing at the nearest site. Hispanics, however, were not associated with increased proximity to and use of nearest sites, and they traveled an additional 0.745 km to get tested. Individuals who tested positive also travelled significantly longer distances to obtain a test. Conclusions: Walk-up sites increased testing availability for some vulnerable populations who took advantage of the sites’ proximity, although inequalities appear at the metropolitan scale. As cities are planning community vaccination campaigns, mobile, walk-up sites appear to improve both coverage and accessibility for hard-to-reach populations. With adequate technical (vaccine dose refrigeration) and messaging (addressing reticence to immunization) adaptations, they could constitute a key complementary approach to health facility points of delivery.
Perspectives and Approaches of Primary Care Physicians on Diagnosing Dementia– a Qualitative Japan – United States Comparison Study
Authors: Abe Michiko , Tsunawaki Shinji , DeJonckheere Melissa , Cigolle Christine T. , Phillips Kristin , Rubinstein Ellen B. , Matsuda Masakazu , Fetters Michael D. , Inoue Machiko
Published: February 2021

Background: To explore the perspectives and approaches of primary care physicians in Japan and the US on diagnosing dementia.Methods: Qualitative comparison conducted in ethnographic tradition using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. Primary care settings across Japan and in the Midwest State of Michigan, US. Participants were a total of 48 primary care physicians, 24 each from Japan and the US participated. Both groups contained a mixture of the practice area (rural/urban), gender, age, and years of experience as a primary care physician. Results: Participants in Japan and the US voiced similar approaches for making the diagnosis of dementia and held similar views about the desire benefits of diagnosing dementia. Differences were found in attitudes about the appropriate timing of formally diagnosing dementia. Japanese physicians tended to make a formal diagnosis when problems that would benefit from long-term care services emerged for family members. US physicians were more proactive in diagnosing dementia in the early stages by screening for dementia in health check-ups and promoting advance directives when the patients were still capable of decision-making. Views about appropriate timing of diagnostic testing for dementia in the two systems reflect what medical or nursing care services physicians can use to support dementia patients and caregivers.Conclusions: Testing to establish an early diagnosis of dementia by primary care physicians only partly relates to testing options available. Benefits of making the diagnosis included the need to activate the long-term care services in Japan and for early intervention and authoring advance directives in the US.
CD171 multi‑epitope peptide design based on immunoinformatics approach as a cancer vaccine candidate for glioblastoma
Authors: Moghri Seyed Amir Hossein Mohammadzadeh Hosseini , Abbasian Arefeh
Published: February 2021

Glioblastoma (GB) is a common primary malignancy of the central nervous system, and one of the highly lethal brain tumors. GB cells can promote therapeutic resistance and tumor angiogenesis. The CD171 is an adhesion molecule in neuronal cells that is expressed in glioma cells; it is a regulator of the brain development. CD171 is one of the immunoglobulin-like CAMs (cell adhesion molecules) families that can be associated with prognosis in a variety of human tumors. The multi-epitope peptide vaccines are based on synthetic peptides with a combination of both B-cell epitopes and T-cell epitopes, which can induce specific humoral or cellular immune responses. In the present study, several immune-informatics tools were used for analyzing the CD171 sequence and studying the important characteristics of a designed vaccine. The results included the prediction and validation of the secondary and tertiary structure, physicochemical properties, solubility, conservancy, toxicity as well as antigenicity and allergenicity of the promising candidate for a vaccine against CD171. The immunoinformatic analysis suggested 12 predicted multi-epitope peptides, whose construction consists of 582 residues long. Therewith, cloning adaptation of designed vaccine was performed and eventually sequence was inserted into pET30a (+) vector for the application of the anti-glioblastoma vaccine development.
Lead optimization of novel quinolone chalcone compounds by a structure-activity relationship (SAR) study to increase efficacy and metabolic stability
Authors: Knockleby James , Djigo Aicha , Lindamulage I. Kalhari , Karthikeyan Chandrabose , Trivedi Piyush , Lee Hoyun
Published: February 2021

Many agents targeting the colchicine binding site in tubulin have been developed as potential anticancer agents. However, none has successfully made it to the clinic, due mainly to dose limiting toxicities and the emergence of multi-drug resistance. Chalcones targeting tubulin have been proposed as a safe and effective alternative. To identify the most effective anticancer chalcone compound, we synthesized 17 quinolone-chalcone derivatives based on our previously published CTR-17 and CTR-20, and then carried out a structure-activity relationship study. We identified two compounds, CTR-21 [((E)-8-Methoxy-3-(3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxoprop-1-enyl) quinolin-2(1H)-one)] and CTR-32 [((E)-3-(3-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-3-oxoprop-1-enyl) quinolin-2(1H)-one)] as potential leads, which contain independent moieties that play a significant role in their enhanced activities. At the nM range, CTR-21 and CTR-32 effectively kill a panel of different cancer cells originated from a variety of different tissues including breast and skin. Both compounds also effectively kill multi-drug resistant cancer cells. Most importantly, CTR-21 and CTR-32 show a very high degree of selectivity against cancer cells. In silico, both of them dock near the colchicine-binding site with similar energies. However, only CTR-21 effectively prevents tubulin polymerization, leading to the cell cycle arrest at G2/M and, eventually, cancer cell death by apoptosis. Perhaps not surprisingly, the combination of CTR-21 and ABT-737, a Bcl-2 inhibitor, showed synergistic effect in killing cancer cells, since we previously found the “parental” CTR-20 also exhibited synergism. Taken together, CTR-21 can potentially be a highly effective and relatively safe anti-cancer drug.
Prognostic value of metabolic parameters on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron tomography/computed tomography in classical rectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Choi Byung Wook , Kang Sungmin , Bae Sung Uk , Jeong Woon Kyung , Baek Seong Kyu , Song Bong-Il , Won Kyoung Sook , Kim Hae Won
Published: February 2021

We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the metabolic parameters of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) in classical rectal adenocarcinoma (CRAC). We retrospectively reviewed 149 patients with CRAC who underwent preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT at initial diagnosis followed by curative surgical resection. 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters including maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumour volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated for prognostic significance by univariate and multivariate analyses, along with conventional risk factors including pathologic T (pT) stage, lymph node (LN) metastasis, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), perineural invasion (PNI), and preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level. On univariate analysis, high pT stage, positive LN metastasis, LVI, PNI, MTV, and TLG were significant prognostic factors affecting DFS (all P < 0.05), while CEA level, high pT stage, positive LN metastasis, LVI, PNI, MTV, and TLG affected OS (all P < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, positive LN metastasis, LVI, MTV, and TLG were independent prognostic factors affecting DFS (all P < 0.05), while CEA level, positive LN metastasis, and MTV affected OS (all P < 0.05). Thus, MTV and TLG are independent prognostic factors for DFS and OS in CRAC patients.
A Panel of Urine Derived Biomarkers to Identify and Distinguish Sepsis From Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
Authors: Tang Yao , Huang Juan , Zhang Wenyue , Zhang An , Ren Hong , Yang Yixuan , Hu Huaidong , Wang Xiaohao
Published: February 2021

BackgroundSepsis is a fatal condition caused by infection. It is frequently difficult to distinguish sepsis from systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), often resulting in poor prognoses and the misuse of antibiotics. Hence, highly sensitive and specific biomarkers are needed to differentiate sepsis from SIRS.MethodsUrine samples were collected and segregated by group (sepsis group, SIRS group, healthy control group). iTRAQ was used to identify the differentially expressed protein among the three groups. The identified proteins were measured by ELISA from urine samples. Finally, all the acquired data was analyzed by SPSS.ResultsThe C-reactive protein, leucine-rich alpha glycoprotein-1 and serum amyloid A protein were differentially expressed among the three groups. The adjusted median concentrations of urinary C-reactive protein were 1337.6, 358.7, and 2.4 in the three groups, respectively. The urinary leucine-rich alpha glycoprotein-1 levels were 1614.4, 644.5, and 13.6 respectively. The levels of SAA were 6.3, 2.9, and 0.07, respectively. The sepsis group were higher than SIRS group (P<0.001) and the SIRS group were higher than healthy control group. The sensitivity was 0.906 and the specificity was 0.896 when combining the three biomarkers to distinguish sepsis from SIRS.ConclusionThe urinary C-reactive protein, urinary leucine-rich alpha glycoprotein-1 and urinary SAA has diagnostic value in cases of sepsis. Combining the three biomarkers would greatly improve the sensitivity and specificity of differential diagnoses between sepsis and SIRS.
Comparison of karyotype analysis and SNP-array in prenatal diagnosis of mosaicism aneuploidy
Authors: Wang Ting , Huang Huamei , Wu Lihua , Huang Yanlin , Li Xianzheng , Guo Li , Chen Hanbiao , Lu Jian , Jian Min
Published: February 2021

Objective

To determine the best method for chromosome detection of mosaicism by comparing the results of karyotype and SNP-array in amniotic fluid,chorionic villi and cord blood.
Methods

A total of 14,805 pregnant women underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis.SNP-array and karyotype analysis were used to detect chromosomal abnormalities.
Results

A total of 169 cases of mosaicism were detected in this study.Mosaicism was found in both karyotype and SNP-array in 99(0.66%,99/14,805) cases of prenatal samples. In the remaining 70 cases of mosaicism, the results of karyotype and SNP-array were discrepant with ten cases(1.04%,10/959),forty-five cases (0.5%,45/9034) and fifteen cases(0.31%,15/4812) dectected from CV,AF and CB respectively. The mosaic positive rate of karyotype analysis only was 1.11%(164/14,805), which was significantly higher than that of SNP-array (0.7%,104/14,805), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The mosaic positive rate of combination with SNP-array and karyotype was 1.14%(169/14,805), which was higher than that of SNP-array(0.7%).
Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the combination of SNP-array and karyotype analysis may be the best strategy for the prenatal diagnosis of mosaicism aneuploidy.These two techniques have their own advantages and disadvantages, which can complement each other in clinical application.
The evolution of the metazoan Toll receptor family and its expression during protostome development
Authors: Orús-Alcalde Andrea , Lu Tsai-Ming , Hejnol Andreas
Published: February 2021

Background: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in immunity and development. They contain leucine-rich repeat domains, one transmembrane domain, and one Toll/IL-1 receptor domain. TLRs have been classified into V-type/scc and P-type/mcc TLRs, based on differences in the leucine-rich repeat domain region. Although TLRs are widespread in animals, detailed phylogenetic studies of this gene family are lacking. Here we aim to uncover TLR evolution by conducting a survey and a phylogenetic analysis in species across Bilateria. To discriminate between their role in development and immunity we furthermore analyzed stage-specific transcriptomes of the ecdysozoans Priapulus caudatus and Hypsibius exemplaris, and the spiralians Crassostrea gigas and Terebratalia transversa.Results: We detected a low number of TLRs in ecdysozoan species, and multiple independent radiations within the Spiralia. V-type/scc and P-type/mcc type-receptors are present in cnidarians, protostomes and deuterostomes, and therefore they emerged early in TLR evolution, followed by a loss in xenacoelomorphs. Our phylogenetic analysis shows that TLRs cluster into three major clades: clade α is present in cnidarians, ecdysozoans, and spiralians; clade β in deuterostomes, ecdysozoans, and spiralians; and clade γ is only found in spiralians. Our stage-specific transcriptome and in situ hybridization analyses show that TLRs are expressed during development in all species analyzed, which indicates a broad role of TLRs during animal development.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the bilaterian TLRs likely emerged by duplication from a single TLR encoding gene (proto-TLR) present in the last common cnidarian-bilaterian ancestor. This proto-TLR gene duplicated before the split of protostomes and deuterostomes; a second duplication occurred in the lineage to the Trochozoa. While all three clades further radiated in several spiralian lineages, specific TLRs clades have been presumably lost in others. Furthermore, the expression of the majority of these genes during protostome ontogeny suggests their involvement in immunity and development.
The Presentation of Clinical Results of Radiolabelling of 99mTc-MIBI Complex Using Ultrasound Technique for Myocardial Perfusion Scanning (MPS)
Authors: Hassanpour Seyyed Hossein , Karami Seyyedeh Zeinab
Published: February 2021

Background
The initial objective and opinion of this study is introducing the clinical results of the 99mTc-MIBI complex radiolabelling utilizing ultrasound method as an approach for labeling MIBI kits with 99mTc instead of applying a boiling water bath as a usual and standard method.
Materials and methods
Twenty MIBI kits were bought for twenty patient volunteers. 555–3330 MBq (15–90 mCi) freshly eluted solution of Na+ 99mTcO4− was added to freeze-dry MIBI Kits. Moreover, ten kits were labeled applying ultrasound radiation method as an alternative approach (The vials were sonicated in thermo noted bath (Elma, P = 50 W, Germany) at 60\(\text{℃}\) and for 60 seconds), and other kits were provided applying boiling water bath method as a standard approach. Twenty patient volunteers (8 men and 12 women; age range 30–72, median 52.45 years) took part in this research. These people had gone to the hospital for myocardial perfusion imaging. These twenty volunteer patients were divided into two groups (every group contains ten people): group A (involving 3 men and 7 women with an age range from 36 to 67 years and a mean age of 51.7 years), and group B (involving 5 men and 5 women with an age range from 30 to 72 years and an average age of 50.3 years). The 99mTc-MIBI complex samples provided by ultrasound method were injected into group A subjects intravenously and group B received 99mTc-MIBI vials provided by boiling water bath approach (intravenous injection). In this research, the myocardial perfusion-SPECT was handled applying a rest-stress protocol which is done two isolated days for all volunteer patients.
Results
The results provided in this research applying radio-HPLC and ITLC, indicate that radio-labeling of MIBI vial with 99mTc can be provided with high effectiveness and appropriate acceptance applying ultrasound method as a novel approach. The imaging research applying SPECT indicated that the 99mTc-MIBI complex samples that were made ready applying ultrasound irradiation approach indicate very similar biodistribution in the heart, thyroid, lung, liver, gallbladder, kidneys, stomach, GI and bladder of the volunteer patients. Non-habitual aggregation of 99mTc-MIBI samples were not observed in our approach.
Conclusions
This research indicated that sonication approach can be proposed for providing 99mTc-MIBI radio-complex samples. The reaction time to provide radio-complex can be considerably decreased compared to the boiling water bath approach. This main development may decrease potential risk to the patient to inhibit any delay in emergency situations like acute therapy, especially for myocardial infarction patients in clinical practice.
Transcriptome and De Novo Analysis of Rosa xanthina f. spontanea in Response to Cold Stress
Authors: Zhuang Defeng , Ma Ce , Xue Li , Li Zhen , Wang Cheng , Lei Jiajun , Yuan Xingfu
Published: February 2021

Background: Rose is one of most popular ornamental plants all over the world, it is of high economical value and great cultural importance. However, chilling damage restricts its application in cold area. To elucidate the metabolic response under low temperature stress, we conducted transcriptome and De novo analysis in Rosa xanthina f. spontanea.Results: A total of 124,106 unigenes from 9 databases were generated by De novo assembly, with mean length of 661bp under 4℃ and -20℃ stress (23℃ as control). Functional annotation and prediction of 55,084 unigenes were detected and 67.72% of these unigenes had significant similarity (Blast, E≤10-5) in the public databases. 468 DEGs were involved in three groups: biological process (64.84%), cellular component (9.38%) and molecular function (25.78%), KEGG analysis suggested that metabolic pathway, response to plant pathogen interaction, starch and sucrose metabolism, circadian rhythm plant and photosynthesis antenna proteins were significantly enriched under cold stress.Conclusions: Our study first reported response to cold stress at the transcriptome level in Rosa xanthina f. spontanea, which can provides a theoretical basis for further studies on the molecular mechanism of cold-resistance in rose. The results was shown that the expression trend of eight DEGs selected by qRT-PCR analysis at random was consistent with the results of high-throughput sequencing.
PGE2 Displays Immunosuppressive Effects During Human Active Tuberculosis
Authors: Pellegrini Joaquín , Martin Candela , Morelli María Paula , Schander Julieta Aylen , Tateosian Nancy Liliana , Amiano Nicolás Oscar , Rollandelli Agustín , Palmero Domingo Juan , Levi Alberto , Ciallella Lorena , Colombo María Isabel , García Verónica Edith
Published: February 2021

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), an active lipid compound derived from arachidonic acid, regulates different stages of the immune response of the host during several pathologies such as chronic infections or cancer. In fact, manipulation of PGE2 levels was proposed as an approach for countering the Type I IFN signature of tuberculosis (TB). However, very limited information regarding the PGE2 pathway in patients with active TB is currently available. In the present work, we demonstrated that PGE2 exerts a potent immunosuppressive action during the immune response of the human host against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. Actually, we showed that PGE2 significantly reduced lymphoproliferation, the production of proinflammatory cytokines, and the surface expression of several immunological receptors. On the other hand, PGE2 promoted autophagy in monocytes and neutrophils cultured with Mtb antigens. These results suggest that PGE2 might be attenuating the excessive inflammatory immune response caused by Mtb, emerging as an attractive therapeutic target. Taken together, our findings contribute to the knowledge of the role of PGE2 in the human host resistance to Mtb and highlight the potential of this lipid mediator as a tool to improve anti-TB treatment.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Novel β-Cyclodextrin Polyurethane Materials
Authors: Chen YueXing , Yan Jun , Zhang Yubin , Chen Wenwen , Wang Zefeng , Wang Lingnan
Published: February 2021

The advanced water treatment taken by organic micro-pollution or microbiological pollution water resource has been a hot issue of public concern. In this article, a novel quaternary ammonium salt functionalized β-cyclodextrin polyurethane (QAS-β-CDPU) was successfully constructed for above-mentioned pollutants removal. By adjusting the proportion of the chlorine-containing monomers, we studied the effect of different quaternization degree (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%) on solvent resistance and thermal stability. Staphylococcus aureus are recognized as significant human bacterial pathogens, which were used as model bacteria to investigate the antibacterial activity by contact-killing tests. Methylene blue (MB) served as a toxic organic model to quantify the dye wastewater remediation efficiency. Research shows that the reaction of β-cyclodextrin and diisocyanate can form a cyclodextrin-based carbamate network structure. Since both the cyclodextrin cavity and the carbamate network may remove the dye, the obtained polymer has a double advantage. Besides, the presence of quaternary ammonium groups enables QAS-β-CDPU to possess good bactericidal properties. When the quaternization degree is 60%, sterilization rate of QAS-β-CDPU comes to 97.3%. On basis of this simple, green and economical synthetic route, QAS-β-CDPU has the potential to become an ideal multifunctional material in water purification.
Work Environment Characteristics as Determinants of Work to Family Conflict Among Working Females, Egypt
Authors: Zayed Hanaa , Kabbash Ibrahim , Elsalamy Rania , Abdo Sanaa
Published: February 2021

BackgroundPositive work practice environment is the corner stone for control and relieving of work to family conflict (WFC). Objectiveso determine the prevalence of work to family conflict and to study the relation between work to family conflicts and work environment characteristics among full-time female employees at Tanta University Medical Campus. MethodsA cross sectional study was carried among female employees working in the five Faculties that present at Tanta University Medical Campus. A total of 442 female workers were recruited. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire including personal characteristics, work related data and home responsibilities. Job characteristics scales, work to family and family to work spillovers scales were used to study their correlation. ResultsParticipants’ mean age was 39.87 ± 10.07 years. Significant positive correlation was detected between; skills discretion and both of positive work to family and family to work spillovers (r= 0.361, r= 0.288, P=0. 0.001 respectively), similar relations were reported regarding decision authority, coworkers support and supervisors support. The negative work to family and family to work spillovers significantly increased by increasing in work demands (r= 0. 0.315, r= 0.218, P=0. 0.001 respectively). Significant and negative correlations were found between each of skills discretion & supervisors support scales and the negative impact of family to work spillover (r= -0.130; P= 0.006, r= -0.167; P= 0.001, respectively). ConclusionPositive work practices environment is a significant determinant to prevent and control work to family conflict.
Hg Concentrations and Stable Isotopes Variations in Tropical Fish Species of a Gold-mining Impacted Watershed in French Guiana
Authors: Laffont Laure , Menges Johanna , Goix Sylvaine , Gentes Sophie , Maury-Brachet Régine , Sonke Jeroen E. , Legeay Alexia , Gonzalez Patrice , Rinaldo Raphaëlle , Maurice Laurence
Published: February 2021

The aim of the study was to determine if gold mining activities could impact the mercury (Hg) concentrations and isotopic signatures in freshwater fish consumed by riparian people in French Guiana. Total Hg, MeHg concentrations and Hg stable isotopes ratios were analyzed in fish muscles from different species belonging to three feeding patterns (herbivorous, periphytophagous and piscivorous). We compared tributaries impacted by gold-mining activities (Camopi, CR) with a pristine area upstream (Trois-Sauts, TS), along the Oyapock River. We measured δ15N and δ13C to examine whether Hg patterns are due to differences in trophic level. Differences in δ15N and δ13C values between both studied sites were only observed for periphytophageous fish, with enriched values at TS. Total Hg concentrations and Hg stable isotopes fractionations showed that Hg accumulated in fish from both areas have undergone different biogeochemical processes. Δ199Hg variation in fish (-0.5 to 0.2‰) was higher than the ecosystem baseline defined by a Δ199Hg of -0.66‰ in sediments, and suggested limited aqueous photochemical MeHg degradation. Photochemistry-corrected δ202Hg in fish were 0.7‰ higher than the baseline, consistent with biophysical and chemical isotope fractionations in aquatic environment. While THg concentrations in periphytophagous fish were higher in the gold-mining area than in TS, in contrast to the sediments results, the ensemble of Hg isotope shifts did not allow to trace and quantify the gold-mining related liquid Hg(0) sources in the fish muscles.
Liver Abnormalities in Turner’s Syndrome – Effects of Estrogen Replacement Therapy
Authors: István Fedor , Zold Eva , Barta Zsolt
Published: February 2021

BackgroundTurner’s syndrome is one of the most frequently reported sex chromosomal abnormality, affecting approximately 40 in every 100,000 live female births. Due to insufficient estrogen production, induction of puberty and sexual development requires hormone replacement. The syndrome affects several organ systems with diverse clinical features (cardiovascular, reproductive, hepato-biliary). There is also an increased risk of developing immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID). Hepatobiliary alterations embrace a broad spectrum of possible manifestations, from asymptomatic mild hypertransaminasemia to overt hepatitis and even cirrhosis. Although exogenous estrogen hormones might cause liver dysfunction, in Turner’s syndrome hormone replacement can even alleviate the derangement of laboratory values and might prove beneficial in preventing the progression of hepatic architectural alterations.FindingsWe report two patients, in whom cessation of estrogen replacement therapy lead to worsening of hepatic and cholestatic enzyme values. These changes were later alleviated by recommencing estrogen hormone administration. We aim to summarize the available literature on estrogen hormone replacement therapy in Turner’s syndrome. We also provide a brief overview on the role of estrogen hormones in the pathology associated with the syndrome. ConclusionsOur findings are confirming, that estrogen replacement therapy has beneficial effects on hepatic enzymes and liver related laboratory studies in Turner’s syndrome. Therefore it is recommended for physicians not to withdraw estrogen replacement, even with elevated concentrations of liver and cholestatic enzymes in Turner’s syndrome patients.