bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Association Studies of Leaf Angle in Maize
Authors: Peng Bo , Zhao Xiaolei , Wang Yi , Li Chunhui , Li Yongxiang , Zhang Dengfeng , Shi Yunsu , Song Yanchun , Wang Lei , Li Yu , Wang Tianyu
Published: March 2021

Compact plant-type with small leaf angle has increased canopy light interception, which is conducive to the photosynthesis of the population and higher population yield at high density planting in maize. In this study, a panel of 285 diverse maize inbred lines genotyped with 56,000 SNPs was used to investigate the genetic basis of leaf angle across three consecutive years using a genome-wide association study (GWAS). The leaf angle showed broad phenotypic variation and high heritability across different years. Population structure analysis subdivided the panel into four subgroups that correspond to the four major empirical germplasm origins in China, i.e., Tangsipingtou, Reid, Lancaster and P. When tested with the optimal GWAS model, we found that the Q+K model was the best in reducing false positive. In total, 96 SNPs accounting for 5.54%-10.44% of phenotypic variation were significantly (P<0.0001) associated with leaf angle across three years. According to the linkage disequilibrium decay distance, 96 SNPs were binned in 43 QTLs for leaf angle. Seven major QTLs with R2>8% stably detected in at least two years and BLUP values were clustered in four genomic regions (bins 2.01, 2.07, 5.06, and 10.04). Seven important candidate genes, Zm00001d001961, Zm00001d006348, Zm00001d006463, Zm00001d017618, Zm00001d024919, Zm00001d025018, and Zm00001d025033 were predicted for the seven stable major QTLs, respectively. The markers identified in this study can be used for molecular breeding for leaf angle, and the candidate genes would contribute to further understanding of the genetic basis of leaf angle.
The Use of Climate Information for Climate Resilience and Adaptation: Current Practices
Authors: Lu Xianfu
Published: March 2021

With the need for action on adaptation gaining growing attention in public discourse on climate change, the use of climate data from observations and climate model simulations has been rapidly expanding. This includes areas such as designing climate-resilient critical infrastructure and valuating assets of financial institutions. How climate information is applied in these emerging areas of adaptation practice has significant practical, economic and financial implications. Using a set of case studies, this paper illustrates the current practices of how climate information is applied to inform climate-resilient infrastructure development in multilateral climate funds and development banks, and to assess physical climate risks by financial institutions. Two main challenges are identified: a disconnect between what climate data is needed to inform certain decisions and analyses and what is currently available, and a lack of common standards and professional scrutiny around the provision of climate services. Opportunities to help address these challenges are highlighted for the providers and users of climate information.
The Influence of Age and Gender on Normalized Foot Arch Height in Childhood and Adolescence: Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Park Kyue-nam , Koh Eun-kyung , Jung Do-young
Published: March 2021

Normalized arch height (NAH), which can be calculated as the instep height (IH) divided by total foot length (TFL), has been used when comparing the foot arch height, instead of navicular height (NH) because of the difficulty to palpate navicular tuberosity when measuring NH. The aim of current study was to investigate to investigate association between foot length and arch height, change in NAH over age, and distribution of foot type according to age in children and adolescent from 8 to 19 years. Foot scanning data of 1,451 children and adolescents were obtained. Four NAH indices were calculated as follows, 1) NH/TFL, 2) NH/instep length (IL), 3) IH/TFL and 4) IH/IL. There were significant positive relationships between foot length and arch height. Natural growth was observed in NH/TFL and NH/IL until 16 years old and IH/TFL and IH/IL between 11-13 and 14-16 years age groups. The proportions of pes planus also decreased, whereas the proportion of rectus foot type increased over age. Clinicians should be caution when diagnosing and designing non-surgical program for children with pes planus until 16 years old.
Influence of Oral Health on Frailty in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Aged 75 Years or Older
Authors: Ishii Masaki , Yamaguchi Yasuhiro , Hamaya Hironobu , Iwata Yuko , Takada Kazufumi , Ogawa Sumito , Imura Mitsuo , Akishita Masahiro
Published: March 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of oral health on frailty in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods: Patients with type 2 diabetes aged 75 years or older were included in this retrospective study. Eligible patients were surveyed by questionnaire for frailty, oral health status, and cognitive and living functions. Factors influencing pre-frailty, frailty, and individual frailty score categories were evaluated. Results: Of the 111 patients analyzed, 66 cases (59.5%) were categorized as robust, 33 cases (29.7%) as pre-frailty, and 5 cases (4.5 %) as frailty. The oral frailty index, the cognitive and living functions score, and BMI were factors influencing pre-frailty or frailty. In the evaluation by individual frailty score categories, BMI was found to only influence those with a frailty score ≤2. The cognitive and living functions score was a factor influencing those with frailty scores ≤3. The oral frailty index was found to have a significant influence on all frailty score categories.Conclusion: Poor oral health has an influence on frailty in patients with type 2 diabetes aged ≥75. The management of oral health is an important consideration in the prevention of the frailty of elderly patients with diabetes.
Microwave Irradiated Novel Mesoporous Nickel Oxide Carbon Nanocomposite Electrodes for Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Thida Rakesh Kumar , CH Shilpa Chakra , S Madhuri , E Sai Ram , K Ravi
Published: March 2021

The present work accentuates the aspects of electrochemical analysis determined by Cyclic Voltammeter(CV), especially enhancement in Supercapacitor's specific capacitance and energy density. In this work, Nickel Oxide (NiO) and Nickel Oxide @ reduced Graphene Oxide (NiO@rGO) nanocomposite materials using as electrodes synthesized by the Microwave irradiation method. Performance of the synthesized material further characterized using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), BET(Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) specific surface-area, Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), and CV. Electrochemical performance of active material at three different molarities (2M, 4M & 6M) of potassium hydroxide (KOH) as an electrolyte is analyzed and observed decline in specific capacitance for synthesized nanocomposite materials in a lower state of electrolyte concentration. Accordingly, Specific capacitances at 1A/g are 270F/g, 395 F/g at 1A/g current density, and Energy densities of 10.2Wh/Kg, 17.55Wh/Kg are observed for NiO and NiO@rGO respectively at 6M KOH.
Design and Simulation of an Electrically Pumped SPASER
Authors: Fattah Ali , Livani Abdolber Mallah , Norouzi Eliye
Published: March 2021

In this investigation, a novel SPASER is designed and simulated which uses a forward biased pn junction to induce population inversion condition. Simulations are performed by means of SILVACO software. In the proposed structure, the active region is considered as a direct bandgap material (InGaAs) and a larger bandgap material (InP) is used for p and n regions to form heterojunctions. This pn junction is in contact with gold and surface plasmons propagate along their interface. Free space wavelength of the oscillations of surface plasmons is 1550nm that is used in photonic devices, frequently. To form the resonance cavity of the SPASER, two high reflective mirrors are placed at the ends of the plasmonic waveguide. Applied forward voltage and absorption coefficient of the SPASER are 1.2V and − 0.33cm− 1, respectively. Thus, the optical gain for a 50 microns cavity length is 1cm− 1. Moreover, the power consumption of the proposed device at these conditions is 1.2mW. The output plasmonic power is 0.6mW which yields 50% power efficiency.
Reverse Remodeling of Tricuspid Valve Morphology and Function in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension Patients Following Pulmonary Thromboendarterectomy – a Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Invasive Hemodynamic Study
Authors: Frederiksen Christian Alcaraz , Waziri Farhad , Ringgaard Steffen , Mellemkjær Søren , Clemmensen Tor Skibsted , Hjortdal Vibeke Elisabeth , Nielsen Sten Lyager , Poulsen Steen Hvitfeldt
Published: March 2021

PurposeTo investigate changes in tricuspid annulus (TA) and tricuspid valve (TV) morphology among chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients before and 12 months after pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PEA) and compare these findings to normal control subjects. Methods20 CTEPH patients and 20 controls were enrolled in the study. The patients were examined with echocardiography, right heart catherization and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging prior to PEA and 12 months after.ResultsRight atrium (RA) volume was significantly reduced from baseline to 12 months after PEA (30 ±9 versus 23 ±5ml/m2, p<0.005). TA base area in systole remained unchanged (p=0.11) and was comparable to controls. The leaflet area, tenting volume and tenting height in systole were significantly increased at baseline but decreased significantly with comparable values to controls after 12 months (p<0.005). There was correlation between the changes of right ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling and changes of TV tenting height (r = -0.54, p=0.02), TV tenting volume (r = -0.73, p<0.001) and TV leaflet area (-0.57, p = 0.01) from baseline to 12 months after PEA. Tricuspid regurgitation jet area/RA area was significantly (p<0.01) reduced from baseline (30 ±13%) to 12 months after PEA (9 ±10%).ConclusionsIn CTEPH patients selected for PEA, TV tenting height, volume and valve area are significantly increased whereas annulus size and shape are less affected. The alterations in TV morphology are fully reversed after PEA and correlates to improvements of right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling.
Structures and Photophysical Characterization of the Samarium-doped Y2Mo3O12 Ceramics
Authors: Lim Hyun-Ji , Kang Min-Seung , Yang Imjeong H-S. , Byeon Mirang , Kim Hyun Gyu , Bae Jong Seong , Hong Kyong-Soo
Published: March 2021

Negative thermal expansion materials have been studied in various types of functional materials regardless of their intriguing physical properties. In this study, by introducing Sm 3+ ions into the Y 2 Mo 3 O 12 lattice, the hygroscopicity is reduced. Y 2 Mo 3 O 12 :xSm 3+ (x = 0.000 ~ 0.300) have been synthesized by using the solid-state reaction method, and their structures have been studied by using thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrometry, FT-IR spectroscopy, and nano-SIMS. It is found that the Y 2 Mo 3 O 12 :Sm 3+ is formed in the orthorhombic [Y 2 Mo 3 O 12 ] phase for lower Sm 3+ concentrations and samarium molybdates [Sm 2 MoO 5 ] and [Sm 2 Mo 3 O 12 ] at higher Sm 3+ concentration samples. Elemental distribution images captured by using a nano-SIMS confirm the existence of [Sm 2 MoO 5 ] and [Sm 2 Mo 3 O 12 ] phases clearly. Additional phases due to the introducing of Sm 3+ ions confirm the reduction of atmospheric moisture. Photophysical properties obtained by using absorption and emission spectra reveal that the hygroscopicity-reduced Y 2 Mo 3 O 12 :Sm 3+ can be a possible orange-red-emitting phosphor with the near ultra-violet excitation.
A de novo paradigm for male infertility
Authors: Veltman Joris , Oud Manon , Smits Roos , Smith Hannah , Mastrorosa Francesco , Holt Giles , Houston Brendan , de Vries Petra , Alobaidi Bilal , Batty Lois , Ismail Hadeel , Greenwood Jackie , Sheth Harsh , Mikulasova Aneta , Astuti Galuh , Gilissen Christian , McEleny Kevin , Turner Helen , Coxhead Jonathan , Cockell Simon , Braat Didi , Fleischer Kathrin , D’Hauwers Kathleen , Schaafsma Ewout , Nagirnaja Liina , Conrad Donald , Friedrich Corinna , Kliesch Sabine , Aston Kenneth , Riera-Escamilla Antoni , Krausz Csilla , Gonzaga-Jauregui Claudia , Santibanez-Koref Mauro , Elliott David , Vissers Lisenka , Tüttelmann Frank , O’Bryan Moira , Ramos Liliana , Xavier Miguel , Heijden Godfried van der
Published: March 2021

De novo mutations (DNMs) are known to play a prominent role in many sporadic disorders with reduced fitness. We hypothesize that DNMs play an important role in male infertility and explain a significant fraction of the genetic causes of this understudied disorder. We performed a trio-based exome-sequencing study in a unique cohort of 185 infertile males and their unaffected parents. Following a systematic analysis, 29 of 145 rare protein altering DNMs were classified as possibly causative of the male infertility phenotype. We observed a significant enrichment of Loss-of-Function (LoF) DNMs in LoF-intolerant genes (p-value=1.00x10-5) as well as predicted pathogenic missense DNMs in missense-intolerant genes (p-value=5.01x10-4). One DNM gene identified, RBM5, is an essential regulator of male germ cell pre-mRNA splicing. In a follow-up study, 5 rare pathogenic missense mutations affecting this gene were observed in a cohort of 2,279 infertile patients, with no such mutations found in a cohort of 5,784 fertile men (p-value=0.009). Our results provide the first evidence for the role of DNMs in severe male infertility and point to many new candidate genes affecting fertility.
Identifying the potential role of IL-1β in molecular mechanisms of disc degeneration using gene expression profiling and bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Fan Ning , Yuan Shuo , Hai Yong , Du Peng , Li Jian , Kong Xiaochuan , Zhu Wenyi , Liu Yuzeng , Zang Lei
Published: March 2021

Background: Inflammatory processes exacerbated by IL-1β are believed to be key mediators of disc degeneration and low back pain. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. We performed a bioinformatics analysis to identify the key genes that were differentially expressed between degenerative intervertebral disc cells with and without exposure to interleukin (IL)-1β, and explore the related signaling pathways and interaction networks.Methods: The microarray data were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE 27494). Then, analyses of the gene ontology, signaling pathways, and interaction networks for the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were conducted using tools including the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID), Metascape, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA),Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING), Cytoscape, the Venn method, and packages of the R computing language.Results: A total of 260 DEGs were identified, including 161 upregulated genes and 99 down-regulated genes. Gene Ontology (GO) annotation analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly associated with the extracellular region, chemotaxis, taxis, cytokine activity, and cytokine receptor binding. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signaling pathway analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly involved in the interactions of cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, rheumatoid arthritis, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, salmonella infection, and chemokine signaling pathway. The interaction network analysis indicated that 10 hub genes, including CXCL8, CXCL1, CCL20, CXCL2, CXCL5, CXCL3, CXCL6, C3, PF4, and GPER1 may play key roles in intervertebral disc degeneration.Conclusions: Bioinformatic analysis showed that CXCL8 and other 9 key genes may play a role in the development of disc degeneration induced by inflammatory reactions, and can be used to identify the potential therapeutic target genes.
Mobilization of lithospheric mantle carbon during the Palaeocene-Eocene thermal maximum
Authors: Gernon Thomas , Barr Ryan , Fitton John , Hincks Thea , Longman Jack , Merdith Andrew , Mitchell Ross , Palmer Martin
Published: March 2021

The early Cenozoic exhibited profound environmental change influenced by plume magmatism, continental breakup, and opening of the North Atlantic Ocean. Global warming culminated in the transient (170 thousand year, kyr) hyperthermal event, the Palaeocene-Eocene thermal maximum (PETM) 56 million years ago (Ma). Although sedimentary methane release has been proposed as a trigger, recent studies have implicated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the coeval North Atlantic igneous province (NAIP). However, we calculate that volcanic outgassing from mid-ocean ridges and large igneous provinces associated with the NAIP yields only one-fifth of the carbon required to trigger the PETM. Rather, we show that volcanic sequences spanning the rift-to-drift phase of the NAIP exhibit a sudden and ∼220-kyr-long intensification of volcanism coincident with the PETM, and driven by substantial melting of the sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM). Critically, the SCLM is enriched in metasomatic carbonates and is a major carbon reservoir. We propose that the coincidence of the Iceland plume and emerging asthenospheric upwelling disrupted the SCLM and caused massive mobilization of this deep carbon. Our melting models and coupled tectonic–geochemical simulations indicate the release of >104 gigatons of carbon, which is sufficient to drive PETM warming. Our model is consistent with anomalous CO2 fluxes during continental breakup, while also reconciling the deficit of deep carbon required to explain the PETM.
Is Online Teaching in the First Two Years of the Medical School During the COVID-19 Pandemic Serving the Purpose? 
Authors: Arja Sateesh Babu , Fatteh Samir , Nandennagari Sailaja , Pemma Sai Sarath Kumar , Ponnusamy Kumar , Arja Sireesha B.
Published: March 2021

BackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic has required a major and rapid shift in teaching and training methods across health professions education. Physical distancing and closure of campuses required online teaching to replace face-to-face teaching. This study aims to investigate if online teaching implemented in the first two years of the medical school at Avalon University School of Medicine is serving the purpose during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsThis is a concurrent mixed research method. The quantitative data collected are course evaluations and students’ performance in assessments between the two semesters September 2019 and May 2020, which had on-campus and online teaching, respectively. Qualitative data were collected using individual interviews of 19 faculty members and students. The quantitative data were analyzed for p-values and statistical significance using a t-test. The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. ResultsResults have shown no statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between two semesters for course evaluations. Even if there is any difference, the mean values were better in May 2020 semester with online teaching. There was no statistically significant difference (p<0.05) even on students’ performance in assessments except for two courses. The thematic analysis of interviews revealed the advantages and disadvantages of online teaching. ConclusionsOnline teaching is serving the purpose in the first two years of the medical school during the COVID-19 pandemic. The advantages of online teaching are flexibility and comfort, and students can save time. The disadvantages are technical challenges, students lacking motivation, lack of personal interaction, and limitations on lab and hands-on experiences.
Absence of pro-survival A1 has no impact on inflammatory cell survival in vivo during acute lung inflammation and peritonitis
Authors: Herold Marco , Gangoda Lahiru , Schenk Robyn , Best Sarah , Nedeva Christina , Louis Cynthia , D'Silva Damien , Fairfax Kirsten , Jarnicki Andrew , Puthalakath Hamsa , Sutherland Kate , Strasser Andreas
Published: March 2021

Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism of the body to protect against pathogens. It is induced by immune cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, which are rapidly recruited to the site of infection, mediating host defense. The processes for eliminating inflammatory cells after pathogen clearance are critical in preventing sustained inflammation which can cause diverse pathologies. During chronic inflammation, excessive and uncontrollable activity of the immune system can cause extensive tissue damage. New therapies aimed at preventing this over-activity of the immune system could have major clinical benefit. Here, we investigated the role of the pro-survival Bcl-2 family member A1 in the survival of inflammatory cells under normal and inflammatory conditions using murine models of lung and peritoneal inflammation. Despite the robust upregulation of A1 protein levels in wild-type cells upon induction of inflammation, the survival of inflammatory cells was not impacted in A1 deficient mice compared to wild-type controls. These findings indicate that A1 does not play a major role in immune cell homeostasis during inflammation and therefore does not constitute a therapeutic target for such morbidities.
Adherence to Recommendations For Secondary Prevention Medications After Myocardial Infarction in Estonia – Comparison of Real-World Data From 2004-2005 and 2017-2018
Authors: Lõiveke Piret , Marandi Toomas , Ainla Tiia , Fischer Krista , Eha Jaan
Published: March 2021

Background:Relatively high rates of adherence to myocardial infarction (MI) secondary prevention medications have been reported, but register-based, objective real-world data is scarce.We aimed to analyse adherence to guideline-recommended medications for secondary prevention of MI in 2017-2018 (period II) and compare the results with data from 2004-2005 (period I) in Estonia.Methods:Study populations were formed based on data from the Estonian Health Insurance Fund's database and on Estonian Myocardial Infarction Register. By linking to the Estonian Medical Prescription Centre database adherence to guideline-recommended medications for MI secondary prevention was assessed for one year follow-up period from the first hospitalization due to MI. Data was analysed using the defined daily dosages methodology. Results:Total of 6694 and 6060 cases of MI were reported in periods I and II, respectively. At least one prescription during the follow up period was found for beta-blockers (BB) in 81.0 % and 83.5 % (p = 0.001), for angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor blocker (ACEi/ARB) in 76.9 % and 66.0 % (p < 0.001), and for statins in 44.0 % and 67.0 % (p < 0.001) of patients in period I and II, respectively. P2Y12 inhibitors were used by 76.4 % of patients in period II. The logistic regression analysis adjusted to gender and age revealed that some drugs and drug combinations were not allocated similarly in different age and gender groups.Conclusions:In Estonia, adherence to MI secondary prevention guideline-recommended medications has improved. But as adherence is still not ideal more attention should be drawn to MI secondary prevention through systematic guideline implementation.
Retrospective Genomics Suggests the Disappearance of a Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo Cuvier) Population Off South-Eastern Australia
Authors: Manuzzi Alice , Jiménez-Mena Belen , Henriques Romina , Holmes Bonnie J. , Pepperell Julian , Edson Janette , Bennett Mike B. , Huveneers Charlie , Ovenden Jennifer R. , Nielsen Einar Eg
Published: March 2021

Over the last century, many populations of sharks have been reduced in numbers by overexploitation or attempts to mitigate human-shark interactions. Still, there is a general perception that populations of large ocean predators cover wide areas and therefore their diversity is less susceptible to local anthropogenic disturbance. Here we report retrospective genomic analyses of DNA using archived and contemporary samples of tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) from eastern Australia. Using SNP loci, we documented a significant overall change in genetic composition of tiger sharks born over the last century. The change was most likely due to a shift over time in the relative contribution of two well differentiated, but hitherto cryptic populations. Our data strongly indicate a dramatic shift in relative contribution of the two populations to the overall tiger shark abundance of the east coast of Australia, possibly associated with differences in direct or indirect exploitation rates.
Pituitary Deformation in High Altitude Immigrants and the Correlation with Headache：A Preliminary Study.
Authors: Feng Jie , Yu Xiao , Men Weiwei , Liu Wenjia , Zhang Shiyu , Liu Jie , Ma Lin
Published: March 2021

Aim: To investigate pituitary gland deformation (PGD) in high altitude (HA) immigrants and determine if a correlation exists between PGD with headache and the ratio of brain volume to total intracranial volume (BV/TIV), and to investigate whether PGD can be used as an objective indicator of headache in HA immigrants.Methods: A total of 34 male HA immigrants and 60 age- and gender-matched sea-level (SL) residents were enrolled in this study. 3D T1 weighted brain MRI scans and headache scales were acquired. HA participants were classified into headache positive (HA[+]) and headache negative (HA[-]) subgroups. PGD was graded visually on mid-sagittal images of the pituitary gland. All continuous variables and categorical variables were compared using Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney test and the χ2 or Fisher exact tests, respectively. Kendall's tau rank correlation coefficient and Spearman’s rho were used to investigate the relationship between PGD and headache or BV/TIV, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate whether PGD can be used as an objective indicator of headache in HA immigrants.Results: A higher proportion of HA participants had PGD (54.8%) than SL residents (23.3%) (p=0.005). The proportion of HA(-) participants with PGD (68.2%) was higher than that of HA(+) participants (22.2%) (p=0.044). PGD was negatively correlated with headache (Kendall's tau=-0.323, p=0.0097) and positively correlated with BV/TIV (r=0.454, p=0.010). The presence of PGD was an indicator of headache in HA immigrants (area under the ROC curve=0.712, p= 0.038, sensitivity=0.778, specificity=0.682). Conclusion: A greater proportion of HA immigrants had PGD, which is an adaptation to chronically altered ICP or compliance. The presence of PGD indicated a restoration of spatial compensatory capacity and compliance of intracranial system, leading to headache relief. PGD is a potential indicator of headache in HA immigrants.
Changes in Microbial Community Phylogeny and Metabolic Activity Along the Water Column Uncouple at Near Sediment Aphotic Layers in Fjords
Authors: Tobias-Hünefeldt Sven P. , Wing Stephen R. , Baltar Federico , Morales Sergio E.
Published: March 2021

Fjords are semi-enclosed marine systems with unique physical conditions that influence microbial community composition and structure. Pronounced organic matter and physical condition gradients within fjords provide a natural laboratory for the study of changes in microbial phylogeny and metabolic potential in response to environmental conditions. Photosynthetic production in euphotic zones sustains deeper aphotic microbial activity via organic matter sinking, augmented by large terrestrial inputs. We profiled microbial functional potential (Biolog Ecoplates), bacterial abundance, heterotrophic production (3H-Leucine incorporation), and prokaryotic/eukaryotic community composition (16S and 18S rRNA amplicon gene sequencing) to link metabolic potential, activity, and community composition to known community drivers. Similar factors shaped metabolic potential, activity and community (prokaryotic and eukaryotic) composition across surface/near surface sites. However, increased metabolic diversity at near bottom (aphotic) sites reflected an organic matter influence from sediments. Photosynthetically produced particulate organic matter shaped the upper water column community composition and metabolic potential. In contrast, microbial activity at deeper aphotic waters were strongly influenced by other organic matter imput than sinking marine snow (e.g. sediment resuspension of benthic organic matter, remineralisation of terrestrially derived organic matter, etc.), severing the link between phylogeny and metabolic potential. Taken together, different organic matter sources shape microbial activity, but not community composition, in New Zealand fjords.
Assessment of Disease Activity Using a Whole-body MRI Derived Radiological Activity Index in Chronic Nonbacterial Osteomyelitis
Authors: Capponi Martina , Marafon Denise Pires , Rivosecchi Flaminia , Zhao Yongdong , Pardeo Manuela , Messia Virginia , Horatio Laura Tanturri di , Tomà Paolo , De Benedetti Fabrizio , Insalaco Antonella
Published: March 2021

Background. Based on the recently developed ChRonic nonbacterial Osteomyelitis MRI Scoring tool (CROMRIS), we developed a radiological activity index (RAI-CROMRIS) to obtain a quantification of the overall bone involvement in individual patients.Methods. Whole Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging (WB-MRI) images were scored according to parameters included in the RAI-CROMRIS: bone marrow hyperintensity, signal extension, soft tissue/periosteal hyperintensity, bony expansion, vertebral collapse. These parameters were evaluated for each bone unit yielding a score from 0 to 7 and summed up as RAI-CROMRIS including all bone units. We assessed clinical disease activity using a physician global assessment (PGA) and radiological findings in 76 treatment-naïve patients; 46 of 76 were evaluated at 6 and 12 months after initial WB-MRI. Quantitative variables were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test for unmatched groups and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired groups. Correlation was evaluated using Spearman's rank coefficient (rs).Results. There was a significant correlation between RAI-CROMRIS and PGA (rs=0.32; p=0.0055), between RAI-CROMRIS and presence of elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p=0.013) and C-reactive protein (p=0.0001) at baseline. The RAI-CROMRIS decreased from a median of 17 at baseline to 12 at 6 months (p=0.004) and remained stable (median 11) at 12 months. A correlation between the RAI-CROMRIS and the PGA was observed at baseline (rs=0.41; p=0.004) and during follow up at 6 months (rs=0.33; p=0.025) and 12 months (rs=0.38; p=0.010). The baseline RAI-CROMRIS (median 20) was significantly higher in patients who subsequently received bisphosphonates than in patients who received other treatments (median 12) and decreased significantly after bisphosphonates (p=0.008).Conclusions. The RAI-CROMRIS was correlated with clinical and laboratory measures of disease activity showing significant short-term changes following treatment with bisphosphonates. This tool could be used in clinical practice and clinical trials after validation.
Robust Resource Targeting in Continuous and Batch Process
Authors: Kumawat Piyush Kumar , Chaturvedi Nitin Dutt
Published: March 2021

Water is considered a significant resource in process industries. It is essential for planners to target and optimize the use of water as an external resource for industrial operations. Such optimization problems account for uncertainties related to internal resources and must be handled to provide solutions for real plants of industrial relevance. In this paper, these parametric uncertainties are addressed, while targeting resources for continuous and flexible schedule batch process. The proposed robust counterpart formulations include resource minimization constraints for continuous and batch processes to satisfy the demand. Three different robust optimization methodologies are adapted and extended to handle parametric uncertainties associated with internal resources. Assuming bounded and known uncertainty, the resultant formulations are then implemented to literature examples and the results are compared with the deterministic formulation. The results show that the formulation proposed by Bertsimas and Sim is the most appropriate model for the defined problem because it preserves the linearity and provides a mechanism to control the degree of conservatism, guaranteeing feasibility. This model will assist the planner to decide the resource requirement under uncertain conditions. Thus, immune the process against uncertainties to satisfy demands.
Identifying the Presence and Severity of Dementia by Applying Interpretable Machine Learning Techniques on Structured Clinical Records
Authors: Vyas Akhilesh , Aisopos Fotis , Vidal Maria-Esther , Garrard Peter , Paliouras George
Published: March 2021

Background: Dementia occurs through declining of cognitive abilities, and its early detection stands essential for effective preventive measures. However, mainstream diagnostic tests and screening tools, such as Cambridge Cognition Examination (CAMCOG) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), often fail to detect dementia accurately. Various graph-based or feature-dependent prediction and progression models have been proposed. Whenever these models exploit information in the patients’ electronic medical records, they represent promising options to identify the presence and severity of dementia more precisely. Methods: The methods presented in this paper aim to address two problems related to dementia: (a) Basic diagnosis: identifying the presence of dementia in individuals, and (b) Severity diagnosis: predicting the presence of dementia, as well as the severity of the disease. We formulate these two tasks as classification problems and address them using machine learning models based on random forests, analysing structured clinical data from an elderly population cohort. We perform a hybrid data curation method where a dementia expert is in the loop to ensure meaningful curation decisions. We then employ the machine learning algorithms that classify individual episodes into a specific dementia class. Decision trees are also used for enhancing the explainability of decisions made by prediction models, allowing medical experts to identify the most crucial patient features and their threshold values for the detection of dementia. Results: Our experiment results prove that clinical record features (such as age or comorbidities), along with baseline arithmetic or memory tests, can predict dementia and its severity with high accuracy. In specific, our prediction models have reached an average f1-score of 0.93 and 0.85 for problems (a) and (b), respectively. Moreover, the decision trees produced for the two issues empower the interpretability of the prediction models. Conclusions: This study proves that there can be an accurate estimation of the existence and severity of dementia disease by analysing various clinical features and cognitive tests from the past episodes of the elderly population. Moreover, a set of rules represent building blocks in the efficiently patient classification. Relevant clinical and screening test features (e.g., simple arithmetic or animal fluency task) represent precise predictors without calculating the scores of mainstream cognitive tests such as MMSE and CAMCOG. They identify not only meaningful features but also justifications of classifications. As a result, the predictive power of machine learning models over curated clinical data is demonstrated, paving the way for accurate diagnosis of dementia.
A large-scale population-based epidemiological study on the prevalence of central sensitization syndromes in Japan
Authors: Haruyama Yasuo , Sairenchi Toshimi , Uchiyama Koji , Suzuki Keisuke , Hirata Koichi , Kobashi Gen
Published: March 2021

To investigate the prevalence of CSS in a general population. A large-scale cross-sectional study on 21,661 residents (7,531 men, 14,130 women) in a community in Japan was performed. CSS were assessed using Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI-A, B). Participants with a CSI-A score ≥40 was defined as having CSS. Age, sex, district, CSI-B (10 CSS-related diseases), lifestyle, and mental health factors were rated in a self-reported survey. The prevalence of CSS and its relationship with potential factors were examined by sex using descriptive and logistic regression models. The prevalence of CSS was 5.4% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 5.1 to 5.7) in all participants. It significantly differed between men (3.6%, 95% CI 3.2 to 4.1) and women (6.3%, 95% CI 5.6 to 6.7). A CSI-A score ≥40 correlated with more than one CSI-B disease, exercise habits, sleeping hours per day, perceived stress, and resilience in both men and women. In women, age, ex-smokers, coffee intake (≥1 day per week), and alcohol intake correlated with CSS. The prevalence of CSS was 5.4% in the community examined and was higher in women than in men. CSS-related diseases and many factors correlated with CSS. The present results provide important information for future research on CSS.
Connexin32 promotes autophagy of cervical cancer to resistance to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis via AMPK pathway
Authors: fan lixia , Tao Liang , Lai Yongchang , Cai Shaoyi , Zhao Ziyu , Yang Feng , Su Riya , Wang Qin
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThe roles of gap junction and its components, connexins in autophagy of cervical cancer cells are rarely investigated. Our previous study demonstrated that connexin32 (Cx32) exerted an anti-apoptotic effect on cervical cancer (CaCx). However, as an important regulator of apoptosis, whether the autophagy is involved in the function of Cx32 on cervical cancer cells are not well defined.MethodsThe expression of Connexin32 and the autophagy-associated protein LC3-Ⅱ in paracancerous cervical tissues (n = 30) and cervical cancer (n = 50) tissues were determined by Western blotting. Forty-five cervical cancer specimens were used to evaluate the clinical relevance of Connexin32 and LC3-Ⅱ. The effect of Connexin32 on autophagy was examined by detecting the change of LC3-Ⅱ using Western blotting, transfection with enhanced green fluorescent protein-LC3 plasmid and transmission electron microscopy analysis. The mechanism of Connexin32-mediated autophagy was assessed by Western blotting and flow cytometry.ResultsBoth Connexin32 and LC3-Ⅱ are upregulated in cervical cancer tissues compared to those in paracancerous cervical tissues. Overexpression of Connexin32 significantly enhanced autophagy in HeLa-Connexin32 cells, whereas knockdown of Connexin32 suppressed autophagy in C-33A cells. Connexin32 inhibited apoptosis of cervical cancer cells by promoting autophagy. Moreover, Connexin32 triggered autophagy by activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase signalling, which was gap junction-independent.ConclusionConnexin32 exerts its anti-apoptotic effect by activating autophagy through the AMPK pathway in cervical cancer. This finding suggests that Connexin32 is a potential biomarker and a new therapeutic target for cervical cancer.Trial registrationThe study was approved by the Research Committee of Ethics of the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University (K-201354).
CPXM1: a novel biomarker for gastric cancer prognosis
Authors: Du Jun , Zhu Mengxiang , Yan Wenwu , Yao Changsheng , Li Qingyi , Wang Jinguo
Published: March 2021

Background

The molecular role of carboxypeptidase X, M14 family member (CPXM1) in oncogenesis or tumor progression remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether CPXM1 can be used as a potential prognostic biomarker for gastric cancer (GC).
Methods

We first demonstrated the relationship between CPXM1 expression and GC in various public databases. Secondly, the expression of CPXM1 in GC tissues was further verified by immunohistochemical staining using tissue microarray containing 96 cases of GC patients. Kaplan–Meier analysis and a Cox proportional hazard regression model were performed to evaluate the relationship between the expression of CPXM1 and the survival of GC patients. Finally, we used the expression data of CPXM1 in The Cancer Genome Atlas database to predict CPXM1-related signaling pathways through bioinformatics analysis.
Results

The expression level of CPXM1 in GC tissues was significantly correlated with tumor size (p = 0.041) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.014). In addition, Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the expression of CPXM1 in GC tissues was significantly associated with poor prognosis (p = 0.011). Multivariate analysis indicated that CPXM1 is a potential predictor of poor prognosis in GC patients (p = 0.026). The results of biosynthesis analysis demonstrated that the data set of CPXM1 high expression was mainly enriched in cancer-related signal pathways.
Conclusion

CPXM1 is an effective biomarker for the prognosis of GC patients and may play a key role in the occurrence and progression of GC.
Risk Factors for Plasmodium Falciparum Infection in Pregnant Women in Burkina Faso: A Community-Based Malaria Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Yaro Jean Baptiste , Ouedraogo Alphonse , Diarra Amidou , Sombié Salif , Ouedraogo Z Amidou , Nébié Issa , Bousema Teun , Drakeley Chris , Sirima Sodiomon B , Tiono Alfred , Lindsay Steve W , Wilson Anne L
Published: March 2021

Background: Malaria in pregnancy remains a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Identifying risk factors for malaria in pregnancy could assist in developing interventions to reduce the risk of malaria in Burkina Faso and other countries in the region.Methodology: Two cross-sectional surveys were carried out to measure Plasmodium falciparum infection using microscopy in pregnant women in Saponé Health District, central Burkina Faso. Data were collected on individual, household and environmental variables and their association with P. falciparum infection assessed using multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 356 pregnant women were enrolled in the surveys, 174 during the dry season and 182 during the wet season. The mean number of doses of sulphadoxine pyrimethamine for Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnancy (IPTp-SP) was 0.4 doses during the first trimester, 1.1 doses at the second and 2.3 doses at the third. Overall prevalence of P. falciparum infection by microscopy was 15.7%; 17.8% in the dry season and 13.7% in the wet season. 88.2% of pregnant women reported sleeping under an insecticide-treated net on the previous night. P. falciparum infection risk in pregnancy was reduced in those women who reported using an ITN (Odds ratio, OR=0.31, 95% CI 0.12-0.79, p=0.02) and an increasing number of IPTp-SP doses during pregnancy, with each additional dose reducing the odds by 40% (OR=0.59, 95% CI 0.43–0.81, p<0.001). ConclusionThe prevalence of P. falciparum infection among pregnant women remains high in Burkina Faso although use of IPTp-SP and ITNs were found to reduce the odds of infection. Despite this, compliance with IPTp remains far from that recommended by the National Malaria Control Programme and World Health Organization. Behaviour change communication should be improved to encourage compliance with protective malaria control tools during pregnancy.
Traditional Medicines Used as Adjuvant Therapy for COVID-19 Symptoms in Syria: An Ethno-medicine Survey
Authors: Khatib Chadi , Nattouf Abdulhakim , Agha Mohamad Isam Hasan
Published: March 2021

Context: The use of traditional Arabic medicine (TAM) has spread to treat various diseases in Syria since ancient time. They are cost-effective with fewer side effects and are more suitable for long-term use compared with chemically synthesized medicines.Objective: We conducted ethnobotanical and ethno-medicine research on plants traditionally used as adjuvant therapy for COVID-19 symptoms in Syria. Methods: Information was collected in the period of (September 1st, 2020 to December 21st, 2020), from Southern Region (Damascus, As Suwayda, Dar'a), Northern region (especially Aleppo), Central region (Himis, Hamah), Western coastal region (Latakia, Tartus) Eastern Region (Dayr az Zawr, Al Hasakah) in Syria. 150 informants were divided into two group one of them is pharmacists who interested in herbal remedies 73.34% (63.64% female and 36.36% male of them), and the other is herbalists 26.66% who are called "attarin" traditional healers and bee therapists. Medicinal plants being mentioned by the Informants were recorded with local names and photographed. Each reported medicinal plant species was gathered, compressed, dehydrated, and identified.Results: In this research we listed a total of 26 medicinal species relating to 15 botanical families were generally utilized by pharmacists and herbalists in the prevention and treatment of COVID 19. The calculated results of medicinal use-value MUV showed that Pimpinella anisum L. was ranked first (MUV=0.933) followed by Zingiber officinale Roscoe. (MUV=0.920), then Thymus syriacus Boiss. (MUV=0.9).Conclusion: There may be some effective Syrian traditional herbal remedies in preventing and treating COVID-19 symptoms for some people, but the lack of information on the mechanism of effect, the appropriate dosage, side effects, toxicity and drug interactions makes them questionable, as they need more research and study.
Multi-plane echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular function in adults with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Bowen Daniel , Berendoncks An van , McGhie Jackie , Roos-Hesselink Jolien , Bosch Annemien van den
Published: March 2021

Background In patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF), detailed assessment of right ventricular (RV) function is important for management and timing of possible pulmonary valve re-intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate RV function using two-dimensional multi-plane echocardiography (2D MPE), a novel four-wall imaging method obtained from one apical acoustic window utilising electronic plane rotation. Methods and Results In sixty-two ToF patients (aged - 28 [22, 39] years, 65 % male), systolic function of four different RV walls (lateral, anterior, inferior and inferior coronal) were evaluated using MPE. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), tricuspid annular peak systolic velocity (RV-S’) and RV wall longitudinal strain (RV-LS) measurements were compared with those of matched healthy individuals. 2D MPE measurements were highly feasible across the four RV walls (93.5-100% for TAPSE/S’; 66.1-95.1% for RV-LS) and could be performed more reliably than 3D RV ejection fraction (RVEF - 56.5%). All functional values were significantly reduced when compared to the control group (p<0.001). Higher RV-LS values were seen in the lateral (-17.8±4.5%) and inferior (-17.8±4.2%) walls compared to the anterior (-15.9±3.8%) and inferior coronal (-15.1±3.9%) walls. 3D RVEF correlated strongest with RV-LS values from the lateral (r -0.50; p=0.002) and anterior walls (r -0.74; p<0.001) and furthermore the four-wall average (r -0.57; p=0.001). Conclusion 2D MPE evaluation of the RV is highly feasible in ToF patients. This novel method provides new insights into regional RV wall function, enabling a more comprehensive and quantitative approach to RV assessment in daily clinical practice.