bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and management of patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis masquerading as liver failure
Authors: You Yahong , Wang Jingshi , Wang Zhao
Published: April 2021

Liver failure (LF) is a lethal condition characterized by jaundice, coagulation disorders. patients with LF carry a high mortality. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is established as a rare cause of LF. However, the clinical course of HLH may not be familiar to most hepatologist. We aimed to decipher the characteristics of these patients, to provide experience in the diagnose and management of patients with HLH masquerading as LF. Nine patients initially diagnosed with LF and finally developed HLH between January 2017 and October 2020 were retrospectively included. 78% cases developed LF with no discernable causes. Unexplained cytopenia and recurrent fever with LF may be a red flag for suspicion of HLH. Besides, female maybe predispositional to HLH in the context of LF. Modified DEP regimen was effective to control the fatal inflammatory state, all 9 cases achieved response after only one course. Further, three courses of treatment could substantially make the blood count and liver function return to normalcy, and without recurrence of HLH.
Three-Dimensional Hierarchical Porous Carbon Derived from Natural Resources for Highly Efficient Treatment of Polluted Water
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Holze Rudolf , Moyo Simbarashe , Wang Song , Li Sanxi , Tang Tao , Chen Xuecheng
Published: April 2021

In this work, a series of three-dimensional (3D) porous carbon nanomaterial with large specific surface area and hierarchical pores were selectively prepared from biomass with varied properties obtained by tuning the carbonization temperature and activation agent. The optimized carbon sample (PC-500-6) exhibits a typical hierarchical porous structure with a high specific surface area (3203 m2/g) and pore size distribution in the range 0.8 to 3.0 nm, which shows excellent adsorption performance for methylene blue (MB) from an aqueous solution. The maximum adsorption capacity even reaches 917.43 mg/g, which is among one of the best results up to now. Through analysis of the adsorption data, it is found that the corresponding adsorption kinetic fits the pseudo-second-order model very well. The present results demonstrate that biomass-derived hierarchical porous carbon has a real potential application for wastewater treatment.Background:Dealing with the ever-increasing water pollution has become an urgent global problem, especially the organic containing polluted water. The physical adsorption has become one of the most popular ways for removal of organic dyes from wastewater due to its low cost as well as high efficiency. However, the adsorption performance is still limited by the low specific surface area (SSA) and unsuitable pore size. Hence, it is still a challenge to synthesize active carbon (AC) with high SSA, suitable pore size distribution as well as low cost for polluted water treatment. Here, we report an efficient method to prepare AC with large SSA from jujube for removal of MB in aqueous solution. The present results demonstrate that biomass-derived hierarchical porous carbon has a real potential application for wastewater treatment.Results:The as-prepared hierarchical porous structure carbon material (PC-500-6) shows a high specific surface area (3203 m2/g) and pore size distribution in the range 0.8 to 3.0 nm, while exhibits an enhanced adsorption performance for methylene blue (MB) from an aqueous solution. The maximum adsorption capacity even reaches 917.43 mg/g, which was calculated from Langmuir model. Through analysis of the adsorption data, it is found that the corresponding adsorption kinetic fits the pseudo-second-order model very well.Conclusions:It can be concluded that the adsorption of MB has a strong correlation with SSA, pore size distribution as well as the pore volume. The present study paved a practical way for wastewater treatment by using biomass-derived hierarchical porous carbon.
Surface Modification of Ti-6Al-4V by Gas-liquid Mixed EDM
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Li , Wang Ning , Meng Jianbing , Ren Jianhua
Published: April 2021

Ti-6Al-4V alloy is widely used in many fields due to its excellent properties. However, its further applications is limited by its low hardness and poor wear resistance. In this paper, gas-liquid mixed electrical discharge machining (EDM) process was applied for surface modification of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The multi-hole electrode was adopted to flow nitrogen to mix nitrogen with special spark oil. The effect of different parameters (peak current and pulse duration) on surface morphology, cross section morphology, micro hardness and wear resistance were investigated. The results indicated that the gas-liquid mixed EDM process has better performance on sample surface with fewer pores and shallow craters. A continuous and thick recast layer was obtained by gas-liquid mixed EDM process and N element was migrated to the sample surface from nitrogen gas. The XRD results demonstrated that TiN hard phase was formed on the sample surface, thus the micro hardness was nearly three times higher than that of the matrix, reaching 1329.5HV, and the wear resistance is improved accordingly. The surface of Ti-6Al-4V alloy was modified by gas-liquid mixed EDM process.
Lipid ratios and obesity indices as effective predictors of metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Kaluzna Malgorzata , Człapka-Matyasik Magdalena , Kompf Pola , Moczko Jerzy , Wachowiak-Ochmańska Katarzyna , Janicki Adam , Wosicka-Frąckowiak Hanna , Ruchała Marek , Ziemnicka Katarzyna
Published: April 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Reference Values of Left and Right Atrial Volumes and Phasic Function based on A Large Sample of Healthy Chinese Adults: A Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Study
Authors: Gao Yiyuan , Zhang Zhen , Zhou Shanshan , Li Gengxiao , Lou Mingwu , Zhao Zhiwei , Zhao Jun , Li Kuncheng , Pohost Gerald M.
Published: April 2021

The left and right atrial (LA and RA) volumes and function are tightly linked to the morbidity and mortality of multiple cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to establish cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) reference values for LA and RA volumes and phasic function based on a large sample of healthy Chinese adults. 408 validated healthy Chinese adults (54% men; aged 21–70 years) were included. The atrial volumes: maximum, minimum, and pre-atrial contraction (Vmax, Vmin, and Vpac); atrial phasic emptying fractions: total, passive, and booster (EF total, EF passive, and EF booster); atrial phasic emptying volumes: total, passive, and active (TEV, PEV, and AEV); and atrial expansion index (EI) were measured. Normal reference values were calculated and were stratified by sex (men and women) and age decades. The absolute LA and RA volumes and the indexed RA volumes were all greater in men. Women demonstrated higher LAEF total, LAEF booster, LAEI, RAEF total, RAEF passive, RAEF booster, and RAEI, while men had greater RATEV and RAAEV. Aging was positively correlated with the absolute and indexed LA and RA volumes, except for LA Vmax. LA and RA reservoir and conduit function including EF total, EI, EF passive, and PEV increased with age, while the atrial booster function (EF booster and AEV) decreased. We systematically provide age- and sex-specific CMR reference values for LA, RA volumes and phasic function based on a large sample of healthy Chinese adults with a wide age range. Both age and sex are closely associated with atrial volumes and function.
The rare anatomical variant of upper lobe
Authors: shen cheng , che guowei
Published: April 2021

Background
Primary disease in thorax associated with an azygos lobe is extremely rare. It is usually identified incidentally on chest X-ray or CT during health checkups with an incidence of up to 0.2%. This is the first study involving 46 of patients found with azygos lobe in surgery of English literature from January 1931 to July 2020.
Methods
PubMed, EMBASE and the Web of Science databases were searched for full-text literatures met out inclusion criteria. We summarized the clinical data, radiological manifestation, accompanying disease and treatment strategy of all patients.
Results
18 eligible studies involving 46 patients were selected for this research. The mean age was 36.5 years old. There were 26 male patients and 20 female patients and the male to female ratio nearly to 1.3:1. There were many different primary diseases with azygos lobe including lung cancer (n = 8), spontaneous pneumothorax (n = 5), esophageal cancer (n = 1), pulmonary sequestration (n = 1), esophageal atresia (n = 2), hyperhidrosis (n = 29). The azygos lobe (azygos lobe in Figs. 1 and 2) is an uncommon anomaly that is found in 1% of anatomic specimens, on about 0.4% of chest radiographs and 1.2% of high resolution CT. The azygos lobe is a developmental anomaly but not a true accessory lobe. Azygos lobe of all patients was diagnosed during the operation.
Conclusions
Azygos lobe occurs in 0.2% of the population and can make clinical diagnosis difficult. The detection of this anomaly and clarification of its precise anatomical features are important to alert the surgeon to potential problems during surgery.
Surface Electroencephalography (EEG) During the Acute Phase of Stroke to Assist With Diagnosis and Prediction of Prognosis: a Scoping Review.
Authors: Sutcliffe Lou , Lumley Hannah , Shaw Lisa , Francis Richard , Price Christopher I.
Published: April 2021

BackgroundStroke is a common medical emergency responsible for significant mortality and disability. Early identification improves outcomes by promoting access to time-critical treatments such as thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion (LVO), whilst accurate prognosis could inform many acute management decisions. Surface electroencephalography (EEG) shows promise for stroke identification and outcome prediction, but evaluations have varied in technology, setting, population and purpose. This scoping review aimed to summarise published literature addressing the following questions:1. Can EEG during acute clinical assessment identify:a) Stroke versus non-stroke mimic conditionsb) Ischaemic versus haemorrhagic strokec) Ischaemic stroke due to LVO. 2. Can these states be identified if EEG is applied <6hrs since onset. 3. Does EEG during acute assessment predict clinical recovery following confirmed stroke.MethodsWe performed a systematic search of five bibliographic databases ending 19/10/2020. Two reviewers assessed eligibility of articles describing diagnostic and/or prognostic EEG application <72hrs since suspected or confirmed stroke. ResultsFrom 5892 abstracts, 210 full text articles were screened and 39 retained. Studies were small and heterogeneous. Amongst 21 reports of diagnostic data, consistent associations were reported between stroke, greater delta power, reduced alpha/beta power, corresponding ratios and greater brain asymmetry. When reported, the area under the curve (AUC) was at least good (0.81–1.00). Only one study combined clinical and EEG data (AUC 0.88). There was little data found describing whether EEG could identify ischaemic versus haemorrhagic stroke. Radiological changes suggestive of LVO were also associated with increased slow and decreased fast waves. The only study with angiographic proof of LVO reported AUC 0.86 for detection <24hrs since onset. Amongst 26 reports of prognostic data, increased slow and reduced fast wave EEG changes were associated with future dependency, neurological impairment, mortality and poor cognition, but there was little evidence that EEG enhanced outcome prediction relative to clinical and/or radiological variables. Only one study focussed solely on patients <6hrs since onset, for predicting neurological prognosis post-thrombolysis.ConclusionsAlthough studies report important associations with EEG biomarkers, further technological development and adequately powered real-world studies are required before recommendations can be made regarding application during acute stroke assessment.
Kinetics and antimicrobial activity of gallic acid by novel bacterial co-culture system using Taguchi’s method and submerged fermentation
Authors: Selvaraj Subbalaxmi , Amaral Julia Moraes , MURTY VYTLA RAMACHANDRA
Published: April 2021

In this present study, a tannase positive Bacillus gottheilii M2S2 and Bacillus cereus M1GT were co-cultivated for the production of gallic acid by using tannic acid as the sole carbon source through submerged fermentation. Optimizing various factors is important for the improvement of coculture metabolite production. Taguchi orthogonal array (OA) of Design of experimental (DOE) methodology was used to estimate the influence and significance of five factors (tannic acid concentration, glucose concentration, agitation speed, and inoculum size) on the gallic acid production in shake flask. L16 OA with five factors in four levels was considered with an experimental matrix of 16 trials. Among all the factors, Agitation speed contributed the highest for gallic acid production (28.28%), followed by glucose concentration (21.59%), inoculum size (19.6%), tannic acid concentration (19.54%), and pH (11.09%). Validation experiments were executed at the found optimized conditions which resulted in a 6.36-fold increase in gallic acid yield compared to the unoptimized condition. Further, the kinetics of growth, tannic acid degradation, and gallic acid yield were evaluated at the optimized conditions. The kinetic parameters Yx/s, Yp/s, and Yp/x were determined as 0.292 mg of cells/mg of tannic acid, 22.2 µg of gallic acid/mg of tannic acid, and 70.76 µg of gallic acid/mg of cells with a growth rate of 0.273 h− 1 after 24 h of fermentation. Finally, antimicrobial activity of the product gallic acid was investigated against food-borne pathogenic E. coli, and Serriatia marcescens, Bacillus sp. and S. aureus using the agar disc diffusion technique. Gallic acid showed bacteriostatic against E. coli, S. aureus, and Serriatia marcescens with a zone of inhibition of 2 cm, 1.6 cm, and 1.3 cm respectively. Thus the cost-effective bioproduct gallic acid proved to be potentially effective to control food poisoning diseases and preserve foodstuff.
SIRT1 Regulates the Phosphorylation and Degradation of P27 by Deacetylating CDK2 to Promote T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Progression
Authors: Wang Fangce , Li Zheng , Zhou Jie , Wang Guangming , Zhang Wenjun , Xu Jun , Liang Aibin
Published: April 2021

Background: Despite marked advances in the clinical therapies, clinical outcome of most T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) patients remains poor, due to the high risk of relapse, even after complete remission. Previous studies suggest that the NAD-dependent deacetylase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) has a dual role in hematologic malignancies, acting as a tumor suppressor or tumor promoter depending on the tumor type. However, little is known about the expression and functions of SIRT1 in T-ALL leukemogenesis. Methods: Public RNA-seq data, a Notch1 driven T-ALL mouse model and γ-secretase inhibitor were used to identify SIRT1 expression in T-ALL. We knocked down SIRT1 expression with ShRNAs and assessed the impacts of SIRT1 deficiency on cell proliferation, colony formation, the cell cycle and apoptosis. Transgenic SIRT1 knockout mice were used to determine the function of SIRT1 in vivo. RT-PCR, western blot, co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination analyses were used to detect SIRT1, p27 and CDK2 expression and their interactions.Results: SIRT1 protein expression was positively correlated with the activation of Notch1. Downregulation of SIRT1 expression suppressed the proliferation and colony formation of T-ALL cell lines, which was reversed by SIRT1 overexpression. SIRT1 silencing prolonged the lifespan of T-ALL model mice. We demonstrated that p27 was involved in the downstream mechanism of cell cycle arrest induced by silencing SIRT1. SIRT1 increased the phosphorylation of p27 on Thr187 by deacetylating CDK2 and enhanced the interaction between p27 and SKP2 leading to the degradation of p27.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that SIRT1 is a promising target in T-ALL and offer a mechanistic link between the upregulation of SIRT1 and downregulation of p27.
Salivary Metabolic Hormones as Biomarkers of Childhood Obesity
Authors: Manohar Shiny Lizia , Janardhanam Hemamalini Arambakkam , Ravichandran Latha
Published: April 2021

PurposeObesity is a major threat to the health and development of children. While hormones in serum samples have been extensively investigated in childhood obesity research, our study attempts to explore salivary metabolic hormones as biomarkers of childhood obesity.MethodsObese (n=83) and non-obese (n=83) school children aged 6-11 years were recruited as cases and controls, respectively, for this case-control study. Salivary concentrations of the hormones, Ghrelin, Leptin, Adiponectin and Insulin were assessed and compared between obese and non-obese children to evaluate their role in childhood obesity.Results The mean ghrelin (1.69 ± 0.38) and adiponectin (95627.56 ± 64915.04) levels of the non-obese children were higher than the mean values of the obese, while the mean values of the hormones leptin (265.95 ± 83.16) and insulin (224.56 ± 184.86) were found to be higher among the obese. Higher levels of the hormones insulin (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.05-1.12) and leptin (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.02-1.04) posed higher risks for childhood obesity, followed by adiponectin, which was found to be lower among the cases (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.99995-0.99998) which increased the risk of childhood obesity.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the efficacy of saliva as a promising non-invasive tool in childhood obesity research and highlights the significance of appetite regulatory hormones as biomarkers of childhood obesity.Level of evidenceLevel III, Case-control study.
Relative differential equations from water treatment Leukocytes with self-operating computer
Authors: Nonomura Yuusuke
Published: April 2021

Conventional differentiation has many problems, they are no smoothness, singularity, and non simultaneous.The origin of those problems is:1. Since the differentiation value of conventional differentiation has the infinitesimal real number (include the 10 problem of direction) direction), simultaneous equations are impossible rotation, vibration, and instability Moreover , it generates singularity.2. The problem concerning the existence of minus, There is no apple of a minus piece.A minus piece (a minus time and a minus space) does not exist in the macro world , although it is able to exist in the world of the uncertainty principle. Therefore , don't use the number of minuses absolutely . It is defined as an absolute arithmetic. Relatively the number of minuses should be used. It is defined as a relative arithmetic (operation).In this study, relative differential equation (RDE) by Zai Pair which elementized Nature World solves those problems. Concretely, RDE is able to obtain smoothness by Str Zai, obtain the solution from the singularity by Zai Pair, obtain Kyoku without the infinitesimal real number by Zai Pair and obtain independent from the conventional absolute coordinate system. Moreover, the RDE has self-operating computing, the RDE self-operating computer (SOC) is not model, and the RDE SOC is solution itself and the graph itself. In an example, inflammation itself is RDE SOC itself.
Complex Effects of Macrolide Venturicidins on Bacterial F-ATPases Likely Contribute to Their Action as Antibiotic Adjuvants
Authors: Milgrom Yakov M. , Duncan Thomas M.
Published: April 2021

Bacterial energy metabolism is now recognized as a critical factor for the efficacy of antibiotics. The F-type ATPase/ATP synthase (FOF1) is a central player in cellular bioenergetics of bacteria and eukaryotes, and its potential as a selective antibiotic target has been confirmed by the success of bedaquiline in combatting multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Venturicidin macrolides were initially identified for their antifungal properties and were found to specifically inhibit FOF1 of eukaryotes and bacteria. Venturicidins alone are not effective antibacterials but recently were found to have adjuvant activity, potentiating the efficacy of aminoglycoside antibiotics against several species of resistant bacteria. Here we discovered more complex effects of venturicidins on the ATPase activity of FOF1 in bacterial membranes from Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Our major finding is that higher concentrations of venturicidin induce time– and ATP–dependent decoupling of F1-ATPase activity from the venturicidin-inhibited, proton-transporting FO complex. This dysregulated ATPase activity is likely to be a key factor in the depletion of cellular ATP induced by venturicidins in prior studies with P. aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Further studies of how this functional decoupling occurs could guide development of new antibiotics and/or adjuvants that target the F-type ATPase/ATP synthase.
Effects of Elemental Mercury Vapor Inhalation on Arterial Blood Gases, Lung Histology, and Interleukine-1 Expression in Pulmonary Tissues of Rats
Authors: Raffee Liqaa A. , Alawneh Khaled Z. , Alassaf Ruba A. , Alzoubi Abdallah , Alshehabat Musa A. , Alabdallah Nadeem , Al-Mistarehi Abdel-Hameed
Published: April 2021

We investigated the effects of elemental mercury vapor inhalation on arterial blood gases (ABG's), lung histology, and interleukin-1 (IL-1) expression in pulmonary tissues in rats. A total of 42 Sprague-Dowley rats were divided randomly into three groups. Rats in the first group were used as control (CG). A Short-Term Group (STG) and Long-Term Group (LTG) were exposed to 7.3 µl of elemental mercury vapor for 21 days and 65 days, respectively. After exposure periods were completed, arterial blood samples were obtained, and ABG’s were measured. Lung tissue sections were prepared for histology evaluation and immune-stained to detect IL-1 expression. There was a significant decrease in body weight in both STG (15%) and LTG (22%) compared to the CG. In the LTG, six rats died (43%), while none of the rats in the STG died during the experiment. In both STG and LTG, a significant acid-base imbalance was characterized by a significant decrease in blood PH values and a significant increase in PCO2 values. Both PO2 and SpO2 blood values were significantly decreased in the STG and LTG, while no changes were observed in HCO3 values in all groups. Histological evaluation of lung tissues revealed severe lesions characterized by pulmonary emphysema and inflammatory cellular infiltrate. IL-1 expression in lung tissue was not significantly different between exposed rats and control subjects. These results indicate significant alterations in blood acid-base status characterized by severe respiratory acidosis with hypoxemia and no evidence of compensatory alkalosis in rats after short and long-term elementary mercury vapor exposure.
Fluctuations in Quality of Life and Immune Responses During Intravenous Immunoglobulin Infusion Cycles
Authors: Abbott Jordan , Chan Sanny K , MacBeth Morgan , Crooks James L , Hancock Catherine , Knight Vijaya , Gelfand Erwin W
Published: April 2021

Despite adequate infection prophylaxis, variation in self-reported quality of life (QOL) throughout the intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusion cycle is a widely reported but infrequently studied phenomenon. To better understand this phenomenon, immunodeficiency subjects receiving replacement doses of IVIG were studied over 3 infusion cycles. Questionnaire data from 6 time points spread over 3 IVIG infusions cycles (infusion day and 7 days after each infusion) was collected in conjunction with monitoring the blood for number of regulatory T-cells (Treg) and levels of 40 secreted analytes: primarily cytokines and chemokines. At day 7, self-reported well-being increased, and self-reported fatigue decreased, reflecting an overall improvement in QOL 7 days after infusion. Over the same period, percentage of Treg cells in the blood increased (p<0.01). Multiple inflammatory chemokine and cytokine levels increased in the blood by 1 hour after infusion (CCL4 (MIP-1b), CCL3 (MIP-1a), CCL2 (MCP-1), TNF-α, granzyme B, IL-10, IL-1RA, IL-8, IL-6, GM-CSF, and IFN-γ). The largest changes occurred in subjects initiated on IVIG during the study. A significant decrease in IL-25 (IL-17E) following infusion was seen in a majority of intervals among subjects already receiving regular infusions prior to study entry. These findings confirm IVIG “wear off” and provide a basis for the phenomenon. Secondary findings including differences between IVIG-experienced and IVIG-naïve subjects and the novel finding of suppression of IL-25 levels in the blood following IVIG are identified as novel immunomodulatory aspects of IVIG infusion in immunodeficient patients worthy of further exploration.
“Self-inflicted ballpoint pen in a male urinary bladder and successful endoscopic management - a rare case report ”
Authors: Sharma Somanatha , Prakash JVS , V Natarajan.
Published: April 2021

Background: Self-inflicted foreign bodies in the urinary bladder are extremely rare sometimes posing a great challenge in the management. Most of these objects are introduced through the urethra for sexual gratification. It is very rare for foreign bodies inserted per the urethra, to reach the bladder, especially in men owing to the anatomy of the urethra.Case presentation: We report a case of the self-inflicted ball-point pen in the urinary bladder of a male patient during the COVID-19 pandemic lock-down. The uniqueness of this presentation is the patient was able to negotiate the foreign body through the normal curvatures of the urethra to reach the urinary bladder in its entirety without causing any significant injury to the lower urinary tract and its successful endoscopic extraction using nephroscope and the challenges faced during the extraction.Conclusion: This is the first reported successful endoscopic extraction of a long rigid foreign body from a male urinary bladder. A combined or open procedure is the usual approach for the removal of large bladder foreign bodies. It is now clear to us that the even long rigid bladder foreign bodies in men can be extracted successfully with endoscopy provided adequate endoscopic instruments and armamentarium are available
Farmers’ Perceptions of Climate Change, Long-term Variability and Trends in Rainfall in Apac District, Northern Uganda
Authors: Atube Francis , Malinga Geoffrey M. , Nyeko Martine , Okello Daniel M. , Mugonola Basil , Omony George William , Okello-Uma Ipolto
Published: April 2021

Background: Climate change poses a serious threat to agricultural livelihoods and food security of smallholder farmers in Sub Saharan Africa. Understanding long-term rainfall trends of variability and extremes at local scales and perceptions regarding long-term changes in climate variables is important in planning appropriate adaptation measures to climate change. This paper examines the perception of farmers in Apac district regarding long-term changes in climate variables and analyzes the trend of occurrence in seasonal and annual rainfall in Apac district, northern Uganda. A cross-sectional survey design was employed to collect data on perception of farmers regarding long-term changes in climate from 260 randomly selected small-holder farmers’ households across two sub-counties in Apac district by the administration of semi-structured questionnaires in February 2018. Monthly rainfall data sets from the Uganda Meteorological Authority (UMA) for the period 1980 to 2019 for the Apac district were also used to analyze trends of occurrences in seasonal and annual rainfall in the study area. The nonparametric Sequential Mann-Kendall (SMK) and Sequential SMK tests were employed at a 5% significance level to detect trends and abrupt change points in mean seasonal rainfall. Results: The majority of the respondents (87%) perceived a decrease in precipitation over the past 39 years. The plot of forward regression u(ti) values and backward regression u’(ti) values showed interactions indicating rainfall trends: rainfall lower and upper limits and abrupt change points in the different cropping seasons. Analysis of historical series of mean monthly and annual rainfall showed an abrupt change in rainfall in March, April, May (MAM) season in 1982. Although the September, October and November (SON) season did not show an abrupt significant change, there was a significant (p<0.05) increase in rainfall above the upper limit from 1994 to date. Conclusion: The mean seasonal rainfall for MAM and SON cropping seasons in the Apac district were highly variable from different time points within the past 39 years (1980-2019), while JJA did not realize a significant change in rainfall within the same study period. Thus, the two cropping seasons (MAM and SON) in the district experienced remarkable variations in rainfall. This, therefore, provides a basis for Government to strengthen the provision of an effective climate tailored agricultural advisory service to aid farmers’ adaptation planning at the local level and to assist smallholder farmers and land-use managers in developing effective adaptation management strategies to the effects of climate change.
Adapting Coordinated Specialty Care in the Post-COVID-19 Era: Study Protocol for an Integrative Mixed-methods Study
Authors: Patel Sapana , Bello Iruma , Cabassa Leopoldo J. , Nossel Ilana R. , Wall Melanie M. , Montague Elaina , Rahim Reanne , Mathai Chacku M. , Dixon Lisa B.
Published: April 2021

Background: Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) programs provide evidence-based services for young people with a recent onset of a psychotic disorder. OnTrackNY is a nationally recognized model of CSC treatment in New York state. In 2019, OnTrackNY was awarded a hub within the Early Psychosis Intervention Network (EPINET) to advance its learning health care system (LHS). The OnTrackNY network is comprised of 23 CSC teams across New York state. OnTrack Central, an intermediary organization, provides training and implementation support to OnTrackNY teams. OnTrack Central coordinates a centralized data collection protocol for quality improvement and evaluation of program fidelity and a mechanism to support practice based-research. OnTrackNY sites’ breadth coupled with OnTrack Central oversight provides an opportunity to examine the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis in New York State. Methods: This project will examine the implications of modifications to service delivery within the OnTrackNY LHS during and after the COVID-19 crisis. We will use the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced (FRAME) to classify systematically, code, and analyze modifications to CSC services and ascertain their impact. We will utilize integrative mixed methods. Qualitative interviews with multi-level stakeholders (program participants, families, providers, team leaders, agency leaders, trainers (OnTrack Central), and decision-makers at the state and local levels) will be used to understand the process making decisions, information about modifications to CSC services, and their impact. Analysis of OnTrackNY program data will facilitate examining trends in team staffing and functioning, and participant service utilization and outcomes. Study findings will be summarized in a CSC Model Adaptation Guide, which will identify modifications as fidelity consistent or not, and their impact on service utilization and care outcomes. Discussion: A CSC Model Adaptation Guide will inform CSC programs, and the state and local mental health authorities to which they are accountable, regarding modifications to CSC services and the impact of these changes on care process, and participant service utilization and outcomes. The guide will also inform the development of tailored technical assistance that CSC programs may need within OnTrackNY, the EPINET network, and CSC programs nationally. Trial Registration: NCT04021719, July 16th, 2019.
Repair of Aluminum 6061 Plate by Additive Friction Stir Deposition
Authors: Martin Louis Peter , Luccitti Allen , Walluk Mark
Published: April 2021

The deposition of new alloy to replace a worn or damaged surface layer is a common strategy for repairing or remanufacturing structural components. For high-performance aluminum alloys common in the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries, however, traditional fusion-based deposition methods can lead to solidification cracking, void formation, and loss of strength in the heat affected zone. Solid state methods, such as additive friction stir deposition (AFSD), mitigate these challenges by depositing material at temperatures below the melting point. In this work, a solid state volumetric repair was performed using AFSD of aluminum alloy 6061-T6 to fill grooves machined into the surface of a plate of 6061-T651. The groove-filling process is relevant to replacement of cracked or corroded material after removal by localized grinding. Three groove geometries were evaluated by means of metallographic inspection, tensile testing, and fatigue testing. For the process conditions and groove geometries used in this study, effective repairs were achieved to a depth of 3.1 – 3.5 mm. Below that depth, the interface between the substrate and AFSD filler exhibited poor bonding associated with insufficient shear deformation. The mechanical properties of the filler alloy, the depth of the heat affected zone, and areas for further optimization are discussed within the context of precipitation hardened aluminum alloys.
Characterisation of Levonorgestrel Resistant Endometrial Cancer cells
Authors: Dore Molly , Filoche Sara , Danielson Kirsty , Henry Claire
Published: April 2021

Background

Endometrial Cancer (EC) is the most common gynaecologic malignancy in the developed world, and incidence is increasing in premenopausal women. The Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System (LNG-IUS) is gaining traction as an alternative treatment for hyperplasia and early-stage EC for women who are unable to undergo surgery. Thirty to 50% of women do not respond to this treatment, making the unknown mechanisms of Levonorgestrel (LNG) resistance a critical obstacle for the conservative management of EC. This study aimed to characterise LNG-IUS treatment resistance in early-stage endometrial cancer in cell line models.
Method:

LNG resistant endometrial cancer cell lines (MFE296R and MFE319R) and cultures from three early stage endometrial cancer patients were developed. The behavioural profile of MFE296R and MFE319R were analysed using proliferation, adhesion, migration (wound healing and transwell) and invasion (spheroid) assays. LNG sensitive cell lines (MFE296S and MFE319S) were compared to LNGR cell lines (MFE296R and MFE319R). A literature search was conducted to identify possible candidate biomarkers of LNG resistance. RT-qPCR was used to analyse the mRNA expression of 17 candidate biomarkers in MFE296R and MFE319R. mRNA expression of the top differentially expressed genes was measured using RT-qPCR in primary cultures.
Results

LNG resistance did not affect proliferation or invasion in immortalised endometrial cancer cells, however significantly increased transwell migration in MFE319R cells (p = 0.03). LNG resistance led to a decrease in cellular adhesion in both MFE296R cells (p = 0.012) and MFE319R cells (p = 0.04) compared to LNG sensitive clones. mRNA expression of KLF4 and SATB2 was significantly amplified in MFE296R and MFE319R cells compared to their LNG sensitive clones. mRNA expression of KLF4 was significantly upregulated and mRNA expression of ER was significantly downregulated in LNG resistant primary cell lines compared to their LNG sensitive clones.
Conclusion

LNG resistant cells may be slightly more aggressive and therefore, have more oncogenic potential than their LNG sensitive counterparts. There were significant changes in the mRNA profile of LNG resistant cells compared to LNG sensitive cells, with relative expression of KLF4 and SATB2 significantly upregulated in resistant immortalised cell lines. This study presents promising preliminary results in biomarker discovery for guiding LNG-IUS treatment of early stage endometrial cancer.
Potentials of straw return and potassium supply on maize (Zea mays L.) photosynthesis, dry matter accumulation and yield
Authors: Fan Yafang , Gao Julin , Sun Jiying , Liu Jian , Su Zhijun , Hu Shuping , Wang Zhigang , Yu Xiaofang
Published: April 2021

Maize (Zea mays L.) is considered one of the most important grains in the world. Straw return and potassium fertilization can enhance the maize yield. Therefore, three field experiments were carried out in the three years (2018–2020) to study the effects of straw return at two methods and four levels of potassium fertilization on photosynthesis, dry matter accumulation and yield of the maize ‘Xianyu 335’. To conduct the field trials, a split plot system in five replications was established. Two straw return methods (straw return with deep tillage and straw mulching with no tillage) were in the main plots, and four potassium fertilization levels (0, 30, 45 and 60 kg/ha) were in the subplots. Each sub-plot consisted of 10 rows with 5 m length and 0.6 m width, and each sub-plot area was 30 m2 in the three years. The results indicated that the straw return methods and the potassium supply significantly affected the maize photosynthesis, dry matter accumulation and yield in the three years. Under the same potassium supply, straw return with deep tillage significantly improved the maize photosynthesis, dry matter accumulation and yield compared to straw mulching with no tillage. The above characteristics improved with increased potassium supply. The treatment of SFK60 recorded the highest values for the parameters of maize photosynthesis, dry matter accumulation and yield during the three harvest seasons. The treatment of SFK45 reached maximum profit of maize planting, which was 12088.77 yuan/ha. Therefore, SFK45 was an effective way to ensure the stable and higher yields of maize and to maximize the income of farmers.
Unpacking Future Climate Extremes and their Sectoral Implications in Western Nepal
Authors: Chapagain Dipesh , Dhaubanjar Sanita , Bharati Luna
Published: April 2021

Existing climate projections and impact assessments in Nepal only consider a limited number of generic climate indices such as means. Few studies have explored climate extremes and their sectoral implications. This study evaluates future scenarios of extreme climate indices from the list of Expert Team on Sector-specific Climate Indices (ET-SCI) and their sectoral implications in the Karnali Basin in western Nepal. First, future projections of 26 climate indices relevant to six climate-sensitive sectors in Karnali were made for the near (2021–2045), mid (2046–2070), and far (2071–2095) future for low- and high-emission scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively) using bias-corrected ensembles of 19 regional climate models from the COordinated Regional Downscaling EXperiment for South Asia (CORDEX-SA). Second, a qualitative analysis based on expert interviews and a literature review on the impact of the projected climate extremes on the climate-sensitive sectors was undertaken. Both the temperature and precipitation patterns are projected to deviate significantly from the historical reference already from the near future with increased occurrences of extreme events. Winter in the highlands is expected to become warmer and dryer. The hot and wet tropical summer in the lowlands will become hotter with longer warm spells and fewer cold days. Low-intensity precipitation events will decline, but the magnitude and frequency of extreme precipitation events will increase. The compounding effects of the increase in extreme temperature and precipitation events will have largely negative implications for the six climate-sensitive sectors considered here.
In-Situ Polymerization of Maleic Acid in Presence of Aloe vera Gel for Development of Eco-Friendly Eri Silk based Handlooms
Authors: Banerjee Ashis Narayan Amita , Majumdar Abhijeet , Datta Dibyendu Bikash , Das Debasish
Published: April 2021

Polycarboxylic acid compounds such as butane-tetra-carboxylic acid, cyclopentane-tetra-carboxylic acid, and citric acid offer an environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and safe alternative to toxic formaldehyde condensate resin as a silk cross-linking agent. However, the sodium salts of phosphorus-containing mineral acids used as esterification catalysts with such polycarboxylic acids are not environmentally friendly because of their reported adverse effects on the aquatic environment and soil. Also, finishes based on such non-polymeric polycarboxylic acids cannot retain or improve the strength and moisture-regain characteristics of silk. Moreover, most polycarboxylic acids are too expensive for practical exploitation. In view of the above, the present work was aimed at establishing the optimum condition for the application of vinyl monomer containing carboxylic acid like maleic acid in presence of initiator and catalysts on silk fabric in the presence of ammonium persulphate as the free radical polymerization catalyst and trisodium citrate as the esterification catalyst. In this study, eri silk-based handloom fabrics were finished with Aloe vera gel and maleic acid as a cross-linking agent using the pad-dry-cure method. Water-soluble Aloe vera gel with varying concentrations of 5 to 15% (w/v) was also added in the finishing bath to add antibacterial activity to the fabric along with the anti-crease properties. Evaluation of attainable changes or improvements in the eri silk based handloom fabric properties in respect of tensile strength, wrinkle recovery, flexibility, antimicrobial, porosity and moisture regain on such treatments have been done. Besides this, changes in the chemical nature of silk fabric on such modifications have been studied by infrared (IR) spectroscopy and reported in this research article. The study proposes thermal curing system is conducive for in-situ polymerization of maleic acid in presence of Aloe vera for the development of eco-friendly eri silk based handlooms with antibacterial and anti-crease properties, without a significant loss in strength properties. The effects of the antimicrobial agent were assessed even after the 10 wash cycle.
Cancer Immunotherapy Based on Carbon-Quantum-Dot Modified Cancer Cells
Authors: Tang Zikang , Liang Tao , Lei Josh Haipeng , Tao Jinsong , Guo Sen , Gao Hanlu , Zhu Lipeng , Zhou Yinning , Liu Youcheng , Xi Long , Tong Haibo , Liu Enshan , Zhang Bohan , Sun Heng , Zhang Huiqi , Luo Kathy Qian , Zhao Qi , Liu Tzu-Ming , Ouyang Defang , Ge Wei , Zheng Ying , Deng Chuxia , Qu Songnan
Published: April 2021

Cancer immunotherapy based on carbon-quantum-dot (CQD) modified cancer cells (CM-cancer) has proven effective. The CQDs non-distinctively modify the conformational structure of proteins by hydrogen bonding between the protein chains and the permeated CQDs via a thermal treatment. CM-cancer vaccines exhibit robust immunogenicity, which can recruit macrophages and dendritic cells to effectively deliver the cancer antigens into lymph nodes to activate CD8+ T cells, and eventually leads to an anti-cancer immune response all over the body. The CM-cancer vaccinations are not only able to inhibit primary tumors, but also clearly eliminate metastatic tumors. Our research demonstrates a promising personalized cancer immunotheraputic technology for potential clinical applications.
Transmittance measurements in non-alternating magnetic field as reliable method for determining of heating properties of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Radović Magdalena , Mirković Marija , Nikolić Aleksandar S. , Kuraica Milorad , Iskrenović Predrag , Milanović Zorana , Vranješ-Đurić Sanja , Peric Marko
Published: April 2021

Different phosphates and phosphonates have shown excellent coating ability toward magnetic nanoparticles, improving their stability and biocompatibility which enables their biomedical application. The magnetic hyperthermia efficiency of phosphates (IDP and IHP) and phosphonates (MDP and HEDP) coated Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were evaluated in an alternating magnetic field. For a deeper understanding of hyperthermia, the behavior of investigated MNPs in the non-alternating magnetic field was monitored by measuring the transparency of the sample. To investigate their theranostic potential coated Fe3O4-MNPs were radiolabeled with radionuclide 177Lu. Phosphate coated MNPs were radiolabeled in high radiolabeling yield (> 99%) while phosphonate coated MNPs reached maximum radiolabeling yield of 78%. Regardless lower radiolabeling yield both radiolabeled phosphonate MNPs may be further purified reaching radiochemical purity of more than 95%. In vitro stabile radiolabeled nanoparticles in saline and HSA were obtained. The high heating ability of phosphates and phosphonates coated MNPs as sine qua non for efficient in vivo hyperthermia treatment and satisfactory radiolabeling yield justifies their further research in order to develop new theranostic agents.
A single chromosome strain of S. cerevisiae exhibits diminished ethanol metabolism and tolerance
Authors: Doughty Tyler W , Yu Rosemary , Chao Lucy Fang-I , Qin Zhongjun , Siewers Verena , Nielsen Jens
Published: April 2021

Background:Eukaryotic organisms, like the model yeast S. cerevisiae, have linear chromosomes that facilitate organization and protection of nuclear DNA. A recent work described a stepwise break/repair method that enabled fusion of the sixteen chromosomes of S. cerevisiae into a single large chromosome. Construction of this strain resulted in the removal of 30 of 32 telomeres, over 300kb of subtelomeric DNA, and 107 subtelomeric ORFs. Despite these changes, characterization of the single chromosome strain uncovered modest phenotypes compared to a reference strain.Results:This study further characterized the single chromosome strain and found that it exhibited a longer lag phase, increased doubling time, and lower final biomass concentration compared with a reference strain when grown on YPD. These phenotypes were amplified when ethanol was added to the medium or used as the sole carbon source. RNAseq analysis showed poor induction of genes involved in diauxic shift, ethanol metabolism, and fatty-acid ß-oxidation during growth on ethanol compared to the reference strain. Enzyme-constrained metabolic modeling identified decreased flux through the enzymes that are encoded by these poorly induced genes as a likely cause of diminished biomass accumulation. The diminished growth on ethanol for the single chromosome strain was rescued by nicotinamide, an inhibitor of sirtuin family deacetylases, which have been shown to silence gene expression in heterochromatic regions. Conclusions:Our results indicate that sirtuin-mediated silencing in the single chromosome strain interferes with growth on non-fermentable carbon sources. We propose that the removal of subtelomeric DNA that would otherwise be bound by sirtuins leads to silencing at other loci in the single chromosome strain. Further, we hypothesize that the poorly induced genes in the single chromosome strain during ethanol growth could be silenced by sirtuins in wildtype S. cerevisiae during growth on glucose.