bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fine-tuning roles of Osa-miR159a in rice immunity against Magnaporthe oryzae and development
Authors: Chen Jin-Feng , Zhao Zhi-Xue , Li Yan , Li Ting-Ting , Zhu Yong , Yang Xue-Mei , Zhou Shi-Xin , Wang He , Zhao Ji-Qun , Pu Mei , Feng Hui , Fan Jing , Zhang Ji-Wei , Hang Yan-Yan , Wang Wenming
Published: September 2020

Background
Rice blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae is one of the most destructive diseases of rice. An increasing number of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to fine-tune rice immunity against M. oryzae and coordinate with growth and development.
Results
Here, we showed that rice microRNA159a (Osa-miR159a) played a positive role in rice resistance to M. oryzae. The expression of Osa-miR159a was suppressed in a susceptible accession at 12, 24, and 48 hours post-inoculation (hpi); it was upregulated in a resistant accession of M. oryzae at 24 hpi. The transgenic rice lines overexpressing Osa-miR159a were highly resistant to M. oryzae. In contrast, the transgenic lines expressing a short tandem target mimic (STTM) to block Osa-miR159 showed enhanced susceptibility. Knockout mutations of the target genes of Osa-miR159, including OsGAMYB, OsGAMYBL, and OsZF, led to resistance to M. oryzae. Alteration of the expression of Osa-miR159a impacted yield traits including pollen and grain development.
Conclusions
Our results indicated that Osa-miR159a positively regulated rice immunity against M. oryzae by downregulating its target genes. Proper expression of Osa-miR159a was critical for coordinating rice blast resistance with grain development.
Exosomal excretion of miR-3 7 5 promotes glioma progression by activating the CTGF-EGF R pathway
Authors: Xu Xiangdong , Liu Yang , Li Yan , Chen Huajian , Zhang Yuxuan , Liu Jie , Deng Shaokang , Zheng Yaofeng , Sun Xinlin , Wang Jihui , Chen Taoliang , Huang Min , Ke Yiquan
Published: September 2020

Background: Exosomes are membrane-bound extracellular vesicles of 40–150 nm produced by many cell types, and playing an important role in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Exosome secretion allows for the selective removal of harmful substances from cells. Whether this process also takes place in glioma cells is unknown. Methods: The role of the tumour suppressor miR-375 was explored in human glioma cell lines. Immunoblotting and qRT-PCR experiments demonstrated a functional link between miR-375 and its target, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and led to identify the involved molecular pathways. The exosomes secreted by glioma cells were extracted by ultracentrifugation and examined by transmission electron microscopy. The exosomal expression of miR-375 was analyzed by qRT-PCR. The exosome secretion inhibitor, GW4869, was used to study the biological significance of miR-375 release. Moreover, the dynamics of miR-375 release by glioma cells was investigated by using fluorescently labelled exosomes. Finally, exosomal miR-375 release was studied in an orthotopic xenograft model in nude mice. Results: MiR-375 expression was downregulated in gliomas. MiR-375 suppressed glioma proliferation, migration, and invasion by inhibiting the CTGF-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling pathway. MiR-375-containing exosomes were also found in human peripheral blood samples from glioma patients, and their level was correlated with the status of disease progression. Exosomal miR-375 secretion had an impact on the activity of the CTGF-EGFR pathway. Once secreted, exosomal miR-375 was not reuptaken by glioma cells. Conclusions: Exosomal miR-375 secretion allowed for sustained activation of the CTGF-EGFR oncogenic pathway, promoting the proliferation and invasion of glioma cells. These findings enhance our understanding of exosome biology, and may inspire the development of new therapies for glioma.
Modal Balancing of Flexible Rotors with Distributed Unbalance
Authors: Shu Hao , Zhang Chu , Dong Hui-min
Published: September 2020

A discrete dynamic balancing method for flexible rotors is proposed in this paper. The polynomial functions are adopted to characterize the mass eccentricity curve of rotor, and the relationship between the parameters of eccentricity curve and vibration response is established by finite element substructure method. Based on the vibration response at the bearing location, the parameters of mass eccentricity curve are identified, which are then decomposed into various modes to achieve the modal balance of the flexible rotor. Upon the proposed method, the simulation of a hollow rotor under cantilever support is performed, which indicates the effectiveness of the discrete dynamic balancing method.
Effects of icariin on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Wang Fang , Yang Zhiyong , Wei He , Gao Qinggao , Wang Kun , Zhou Yali
Published: September 2020

Background
Tissue engineering technology has been applied extensively for clinical research and human amnion mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) could cause mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into the bone tissue. However, it is necessary to develop and identify the safer appropriate amount of osteogenic inducer. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of icariin (ICA) on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of hAMSCs.
Methods
The morphology and phenotype of hAMSCs were discovered by flow cytometry and immunocytochemical staining. The osteogenic differentiation of hAMSCs under the influence of different concentrations of ICA were assessed by Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity substrate assay and Alizarin red Staining.
Results
MTT assay revealed that the hAMSCs pretreated with ICA exhibited increased proliferation when compared with the control group, and the most optimum concentration of ICA was 1 × 10− 6 mol/L. The combined analysis of ALP activity and ARS staining showed that ICA could significantly promote the osteogenic differentiation of hAMSCs, and the effect was most significant when the concentration of ICA was 1 × 10− 6 mol/L.
Conclusion
All above results implied that ICA could significantly increase proliferation and enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of hAMSCs, especially when the concentration of ICA was 1 × 10− 6 mol/L.
Associations Between Malignancy and Cardiovascular Complications Following Emergency Laparotomy – a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Vogelsang Rasmus Peuliche , Søby Jacob Hartmann , Tolstrup Mai-Britt , Burcharth Jakob , Ekeløf Sarah , Gögenur Ismail
Published: September 2020

Background
Several studies have shown a possible causal relationship between the occurrence of systemic inflammation in patients with malignant disease and increased risk of cardiovascular events. Our objective was to estimate the association between malignant disease and postoperative cardiovascular complications. Secondarily, we aimed to identify risk factors for postoperative cardiovascular complications.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients ≥ 18 years undergoing emergency laparotomy between 2010 and 2016 at the Department of Surgery at Zealand University Hospital, Denmark. Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification of surgical complications. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association between malignant disease and cardiovascular complications within 30 days of emergency laparotomy and to identify other risk factors for postoperative cardiovascular complications after emergency laparotomy.
Results
We identified 1188 patients ≥ 18 years undergoing emergency laparotomy between 2010 and 2016, in which 254 (21%) had malignant disease. Within 30 days of emergency laparotomy, 89 (9.5%) of patients without malignancy died, as compared with 45 (18%) of patients with malignancy (p < 0.001). Severe cardiovascular complication graded CD 3–5 occurred in 93 (8%) of all patients within 30 days of emergency laparotomy. We found no association between malignancy and postoperative cardiovascular complications. Increasing age and ASA physical status classification system (ASA) score ≥ III were the only independent risk factors of cardiovascular complications graded CD 3–5.
Conclusions
Malignancy was not associated with postoperative cardiovascular complications after emergency laparotomy. Risk factors for major cardiovascular complications after emergency abdominal surgery were age and ASA score ≥ III.
Blood Flow Restricted Low-Load Resistance Exercise in Patients with Knee Pain: A Pilot Cohort Study.
Authors: Jørgensen Stian Langgård , Marie Bohn Bagger
Published: September 2020

Background: Blood flow restricted low-load exercise (LL-BFR) has been shown to elicit beneficial adaptations in muscle size and strength. The aim was to investigate if LL-BRF was feasible in patients with knee pain in a rehabilitation setting. A secondary objective was to investigate functional performance, knee muscle strength and patient-reported outcomes.Methods: Data were collected from April-June 2018. Patients with knee Osteoarthritis or knee pain/functional loss after previous knee surgery were included. LL-BRF was performed twice weekly for 4-8 weeks as unilateral leg press with an individualized pressure (40% LOP) at 30% of one repetition maximum. Two protocols were tested (3-4 rounds, 30 second pauses). Patients were assessed by a 30-second chair-stand-test, Timed Up & Go, thigh circumference (TC), knee extensor strength (MVC) by handheld dynamometer, and completed the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) score at baseline and follow-up.Results: Adherence to training was 95.6%. Few and minor adverse events were observed. One opatient dropped out due to pain aggravation in relation to baseline testing. Scores on three out of five KOOS subscales improved more than 10 points. Also, functional tests and MVC of the affected limb improved (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: The study indicates that supervised LL-BFR is feasible in patients with knee pain. At follow-up, the patients experienced subjective and functional gains.Trial registration: Danish Data Protection Agency (Journal No 1-16-02-90-18).
Citric Acid-Assisted Inexpensive Semi-Wet Combustion Synthesis and Characterization of Ultrafine LiFe0.95Ti0.05PO4 and LiFePO4 Polycrystalline Materials
Authors: Lee Youngil , Singh Laxman , Mahato Dev Kumar , Rai R.N. , Gupta Ashok Kumar
Published: September 2020

A solution based economically low cost, eco-friendly and energetically advantageous alternative route for the fabrication of ultrafine LiFe0.95Ti0.05PO4 and LiFePO4, polycrystalline material by semi-wet combustion and sol-gel synthesis is presented. The thermal analysis, crystal structure, morphology and composition of the materials were investigated using different physio-chemical characterizations. TG/DTA, X-ray diffraction, TEM, SEM, EDX, and XPS. The route required auto-combustion of an aqueous metal nitrate solutions in air with the aid of citric acid and is efficient for the fabrication of high quality, LiFe0.95Ti0.05PO4 and LiFePO4 at low temperature, in the combustion residue itself. On a micro-structural studies the grain size was seen in submicron-size that was acquired in a long-established sol-gel combustion and succeeding calcination method. Consequently, the present method reported can yield the ultrafine LiFePO4 and LiFe0.95Ti0.05PO4 at moderate temperature and is look forward to be applicable for other iso-structural polycrystalline materials.
Fabrication and Mechanical Properties of Boron Nitride Nanotube Reinforced Boron Carbide Ceramics
Authors: Liu Bingsai , Gu Yuanping , Ji Yuchun , Zheng Guoyuan , Ma Feiwen , Wang Jilin , Wu Yi , Long Fei , Zhou Bing
Published: September 2020

A series of BNNTs/B4C composite ceramic were prepared by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technology using boron carbide (B4C) powders as the matrix and boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) as the toughening phase. The XRD, SEM, TEM and HR-TEM were used to characterize the B4C samples. The influence of sintering temperature, BNNTs content and matrix particle size on the microstructures and mechanical properties of B4C composite ceramics, as well the toughening mechanism were investigated in detail. The experimental results showed that changing the particle size of the powder, increasing the sintering temperature and adding BNNTs could significantly improve the mechanical properties of the material. The ceramic samples obtained by adding 5wt.% BNNTs content sintered at 1750℃ displayed the best mechanical properties. Its relative density, microhardness and fracture toughness respectively were 99.41%, 32.68 GPa and 6.87 Mpa·m1/2, respectively. In particular, the fracture toughness value of the BNNTs/B4C composite ceramic was 54.59% higher than that of B4C ceramics without BNNTs.
Mental Health and Community-Based Rehabilitation: A Qualitative Description of the Experiences and Perspectives of Service Users and Carers in Bangladesh
Authors: Koly Kamrun Nahar , Abdullah Rehnuma , Shammi Fahima Akter , Akter Taslima , Hasan Tasdik , Eaton Julian , Ryan Grace
Published: September 2020

BackgroundSince 2016, Promotion of Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Bangladesh (PHRPB) has been working to include people with psychosocial disabilities in their community-based inclusive development work, and to increase access to formal mental health care.MethodsField visits were carried out to PHRPBD catchment areas in Dhaka and Chittagong for a case study on the integration of mental health into community-based rehabilitation (CBR). This paper synthesizes the results of twenty-five semi-structured interviews carried out as part of the case study. Participants included people with psychosocial disabilities, intellectual disabilities, epilepsy or other cognitive impairments and their carers as needed. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and translated from Bangla to English, then hand-coded for content analysis.ResultsResults were organized into five overarching categories: (1) explanatory models, (2) help-seeking behaviors, (3) impact of services, (4) challenges and barriers to improving mental health, (5) recommendations of users and carers. Respondents either had no explanation for why service users had become unwell or attributed it to physically and/or emotionally traumatic events or supernatural causes. Before attending PHRPBD’s mental health services, most had visited formal or informal health care providers, often with disappointing results. Despite positive feedback on PHRPBD’s services, participants identified ongoing challenges. Stigma, discrimination and human rights abuses persist and are compounded by issues of gender inequality. Participants also identified barriers and made recommendations specific to the program itself, mainly regarding accessibility (e.g., cost, distance, frequency).ConclusionsThis study adds to the limited body of qualitative research on mental health in Bangladesh, reinforcing previous findings on explanatory models and health-seeking behaviors while providing new insights into the impact of a CBR program in this context. Feedback of service users and carers suggests that CBR may indeed be a useful approach to increase access to services in Bangladesh for people with psychosocial or intellectual disabilities, epilepsy or other cognitive impairments. However, this program is not without its limitations, some of which are the product of broader issues within the mental health system and others of the social and cultural context. More research is needed to formally evaluate this and other CBR programs in the Global South.
Does Prenatal Anxiety or Depression Symptoms Associate With Asthma or Atopic Diseases Throughout the Offspring's Childhood? An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Shuguang , Chen Sheng
Published: September 2020

Background:Asthma is the most common respiratory disease among children, while atopic disease such as atopic dermatitis affects about 20% infants under 2 years old. Recently, the investigators found that they may all be related to prenatal depression or anxiety, but further research and analysis are needed. This study aimed to explore the association between prenatal psychiatric disorder and childhood asthma or atopic disease in a systematic review and meta-analysis of nine studies. Methods:We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library up to May 2020. The primary outcome was the childhood asthma and childhood atopic dermatitis. We used random-effects model because of high heterogeneity indicated by I2 >50% and P<0.10. Results:A total of 598 studies were initially entered the PRISMA flow process, after selection, there had 9 studies met our inclusion criteria. Prenatal mental disorder is associated with childhood asthma (ES=1.146, 95%CI: 1.054-1.245, P=0.001; I2=93.5%, Pheterogeneity<0.001) whereas no statistically significant had been found on childhood atopic dermatitis (ES=1.211, 95%CI: 0.982-1.494, P=0.073; I2=78.5%, Pheterogeneity<0.001). The childhood asthma seems to be related more to depression (ES=1.170, 95%CI: 1.061-1.291, P=0.002) and anxiety/depression (ES=1.157, 95%CI: 1.050-1.275, P=0.073; I2=95.3%, Pheterogeneity<0.001). Conclusion:This present meta-analysis demonstrated that prenatal mental disorder increased the risk of childhood asthma. We limited the included samples to pregnant women to investigate the association between prenatal psychological factors and offspring’s physical health. Future study should include large high-quality cohort studies to investigate behavior, environmental and genetic causes for this association
Predominant cellular mitochondrial dysfunction in the TOP3A gene caused Bloom syndrome-like disorder
Authors: JIANG Wenjun , JIA Nan , GUO Chaowan , WEN Juan , WU Lingqian , OGI Tomoo , Zhang Huiwen
Published: September 2020

Background
TOP3A is a subunit of the BLM-TOP3A-RMI1/2 complex, which promotes processing of double Holliday junction dissolution and also plays an important role in decatenation and segregation of human mtDNA. Recently, TOP3A mutations have been reported to cause Bloom syndrome-like disorder. However, whether the two function play equal roles in the disease pathogenesis is unclear.
Results
Beside the common clinical manifestations in the reported TOP3A-deficiency, our patients also exhibited liver lipid storage with hepatomegaly and elevated liver enzyme. In cellular and molecular biological studies, TOP3A deficiency decreased the cellular protein level of RMI1 and RMI2, and moderately increased sister chromatid exchanges and decreased cell proliferation compared with BLM or RMI2 deficiency. These changes were rescued by ectopic expression of either of the wildtype TOP3A or TOP3A-D479G. In contrast, reduced mitochondrial ATP generation and oxygen consumption rates observed in TOP3A defective cells were rescued by over-expression of the wildtype TOP3A, but not TOP3A-D479G.
Conclusions
Considering the severe disease course and the impact of the TOP3A-D479G mutation on the genome stability and mitochondrial metabolism, we propose that the impaired mitochondrial metabolism plays an important role in the pathogenesis of TOP3A-deficient Bloom-like disease.
Determination of The Curie Point Depth, Thermal Gradient and Heat Flow of Parts of Central And North-Eastern Nigeria Using Spectral Analysis Technique
Authors: Odidi George Idena , Mallam Abu , Nasir Naeem
Published: September 2020

Radially power spectrum was applied to the aeromagnetic data covering an area 36,300km2 and bounded by latitudes 7.5o N and 11.5o N and longitudes 7.5o E and 10.5o E., divided into 35 square blocks (with 50% overlapping and approximately 64 by 64 data points) and each block analysed using the spectral centroid method to obtain depth to the top, centroid and bottom of magnetic sources. The result shows that the curie point depths, range from 17.711km to 34.34km, with a mean value of 26.21km, geothermal gradient, range from 16.89 0C km-1 to 32.75 0C km-1, with a mean value of 22.83 0C km-1 and heat flow, range from 42.22 mWm-2 to 81.87 mWm-2, with a mean value of 57.07 mWm-2. These results correlate with the existing geothermal and geo-tectonic signatures of the area. Hence, the possibility of the existence of geothermal resources in the study area and its possible exploration is not far fetch.
Adult diet in England: where is more support needed to achieve dietary recommendations?
Authors: Smith Dianna , Vogel Christina , Campbell Monique , Alwan Nisreen , Moon Graham
Published: September 2020

Background: Small-area estimation models are regularly commissioned by public health bodies to identify areas of greater inequality and target areas for intervention in a range of behaviours and outcomes. Such local modelling has not been completed for diet consumption in England despite diet being an important predictor of health status. The study sets out whether aspects of adult diet can be modelled from previously collected data to define and evaluate area-level interventions to address obesity and ill-health.Methods: Adults aged 16 years and over living in England. Consumption of fruit, vegetables, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) are modelled using small-area estimation methods in English neighbourhoods (Middle Super Output Areas [MSOA]) to identify areas where reported portions are significantly different from recommended levels of consumption. The selected aspects of diet are modelled from respondents in the National Diet and Nutrition Survey using pooled data from 2008-2016.Results: Estimates indicate that the average prevalence of adults consuming less than one portion of fruit, vegetables or 100% juice each day by MSOA is 6.9% (range of 4.3 to 14.7%, SE 0.06) and the average prevalence of drinking more than 330ml/day of SSB is 11.5% (range of 5.7 to 30.5%, SE 0.03). Credible intervals around the estimates are wider for SSB consumption. The results identify areas including regions in London and urban areas in the North of England which may be prioritised for targeted interventions to support reduced consumption of SSB and/or an increase in portions of fruit and vegetables.Conclusion: These estimates provide valuable information at a finer spatial scale than is presently feasible, allowing for within-country and locality prioritisation of resources to improve diet. Local, targeted interventions to improve fruit and vegetable consumption such as subsidies or voucher schemes should be considered where consumption of these foods is predicted to be low.
Collaborative Offloading for UAV-enabled Time-Sensitive MEC Networks
Authors: Li Wentao , Zhao Mingxiong , Wu Yuhui , Yu Junjie , Bao Lingyan , Yang Huan , Liu Di
Published: September 2020

Recently, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) acts as the aerial mobile edge computing (MEC) node to help the battery-limited Internet of Things (IoT) devices relieve burdens from computation and data collection, and prolong the lifetime of operating. However, IoT devices can ONLY ask UAV for either computing or caching help, and collaborative oﬄoading services of UAV is rarely mentioned in the literature. Moreover, IoT device has multiple mutually independent tasks, which make collaborative oﬄoading policy design even more challenging. Therefore, we investigate a UAV-enabled MEC networks with the consideration of multiple tasks either for computing or caching. Taking the quality of experience (QoE) requirement of time-sensitive tasks into consideration, we aim to minimize the total energy consumption of IoT devices by jointly optimizing trajectory, communication and computing resource allocation at UAV, and task oﬄoading decision at IoT devices. Since this problem has highly non-convex objective function and constraints, we ﬁrst decompose the original problem into three subproblems named as trajectory optimization (PT), resource allocation at UAV (PR) and oﬄoading decisions at IoT devices (PO), then propose an iterative algorithm based on block coordinate descent method to cope with them in a sequence. Numerical results demonstrate that collaborative oﬄoading can eﬀectively reduce IoT devices’ energy consumption while meeting diﬀerent kinds of oﬄoading services, and satisfy the QoE requirement of time-sensitive tasks at IoT devices.
Smartphone Usage and Pattern on Self-reported Symptoms Among Medical Students in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia During the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Kamaruddin Puteri Sofia Nadira Megat , Nawi Azmawati Mohammed
Published: September 2020

Background

Smartphone ubiquitous has become profound especially during 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) lockdown period. It is worth considering the influence on users’ health symptoms, which extend beyond the realm of communication. Prior research suggests smartphone’s usage and pattern correlated with self-reported symptoms from different countries. Hence, this research aimed to evaluate the smartphone usage and pattern, also its association on self-reported symptoms among medical students in Malaysia, which occurred during COVID-19 lockdown implementation.
Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted, with 252 medical students enrolled in the study at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) using proportionate stratified random sampling. Sociodemographic, socioeconomic characteristics, smartphone usage and pattern also self-reported symptoms were derived from the self-administered questionnaire. Student’s t-test, Pearson’s Chi Square and Pearson’s correlation were used to determine the association of factors (sociodemographic, socioeconomic status and academic performance) on smartphone usage and pattern. Simple and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) were performed to seek the main factor contributing to the association of smartphone usage and pattern on self-reported symptoms.
Results

Smartphone usage SAS-M score was 101.43 (25.15). Smartphone pattern revealed an average of 7 years owning a smartphone, make or receive calls about 32 minutes per day and spend around 4 hours per day other than calls, and the participants equally use their smartphone for entertainment (50%) and non-entertainment (50%) purposes. They have about one extra device besides their smartphone and usually would first use their smartphone within 15 minutes after wake-up in the morning. Employed father status (Adj. ß = 7.431, 95% CI: 3.069, 11.793) and entertainment (Adj. ß = 4.211, 95% CI: 0.460, 7.962) as most personally relevant smartphone function are the significant main predictors for self-reported symptoms after controlling other factors.
Conclusions

These results suggest that father’s occupation and entertainment function of smartphone pattern affect self-reported symptoms among medical students in the setting of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Parents’ active participation is crucial from early childhood education on proper ways to utilise smartphones, also having support system on seeking various ways of entertainment. Public campaigns promoting awareness on proper way of utilising smartphone to avoid the tendency of smartphone addiction are essential.
Approach of using a household device in decontaminating respirators with  ultraviolet C during the scarcity in the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Chotiprasitsakul Darunee , Kitiyakara Taya , Jongkaewwattana Anan , Santanirand Pitak , Jiaranaikulwanich Atisak , Prahsarn Chureetat , Monmaturapoj Naruporn , Wadwongsri Phattira , Jeendum Nunnarin , Watcharananan Siriorn P.
Published: September 2020

Background

Reusing N95 respirators with a practical and easy decontamination protocol might be a solution for the shortage of N95 respirators. We aimed to study the reliability and safety of household UV-C devices for the decontamination of N95 respirators.
Methods

We investigated a baby bottle ultraviolet C (UV-C) sterilizer box for N95 decontamination. Swine coronavirus (PEDV) was sprayed on the N95 and the virus was cultivated after UV-C sterilization. Bacterial culture from used N95 respirator was performed before and after UV-C exposure. Scanning electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the structural change after UV-C exposure. The radiation was measured by radiometer. The fit test was performed on 3 participants before use, and after reuse 4 and 6 times.
Results

The PEDV sprayed on the N95 respirator was inactivated by the UV-C level of 0.930–0.932 mW/cm2. Nearly all bacterial colonies had disappeared after the 10 min of the UV-C exposure. No significant change to the structure of the N95 polymer fibers after 240 min of UV-C exposure was observed by SEM. Three and two participants passed the fit test after the fourth and sixth time of reuse, respectively.
Conclusions

During the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, UV-C products may be practical and safe options for decontaminating N95 respirators, if the energy of UV-C is in the range known to deactivate the virus.
Impact of Baseline Clinical and Radiological Features on Outcome of Chronic Rhinosinusitis in Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
Authors: Holme Sigrun Skaar , Kilian Karin , Eggesbø Heidi B. , Moen Jon Magnus , Molberg Øyvind
Published: September 2020

Background: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) causes a recurring inflammation in nose and paranasal sinuses that clinically resembles chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) of other aetiologies. While sinonasal inflammation is not among the life-threatening features of GPA, patients report it to have major negative impact on quality of life. A relatively large proportion of GPA patients have severe CRS with extensive damage to nose and sinus structures evident by CT, but risk factors for severe CRS development remain largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to identify clinical and radiological predictors of CRS-related damage in GPA. Methods: We included GPA patients who had clinical data sets from time of diagnosis, and two or more paranasal sinus CT scans obtained ≥ 12 months apart available for analysis. We defined time from first to last CT as the study observation period, and evaluated CRS development across this period by CT scores for inflammatory sinus bone thickening (osteitis), bone destructions and sinus opacifications (here defined as mucosal disease). In logistic regression, we applied osteitis as main outcome measure for CRS-related damage.Results: We evaluated 697 CT scans obtained over median 5 years observation from 116 GPA patients. We found that 39% (45/116) of the GPA patients remained free from CRS damage across the study observation period, while 33% (38/116) had progressive damage. By end of observation, 32% (37/116) of the GPA patients had developed severe osteitis. We identified mucosal disease at baseline as a predictor for osteitis (Odds Ratio 1.34), and we found that renal involvement at baseline was less common in patients with severe osteitis at last CT (41%, 15/37) than in patients with no osteitis (60%, 27/45). Conclusions: In this largely unselected GPA patient cohort, baseline sinus mucosal disease associated with CRS-related damage, as measured by osteitis at end of follow-up. We found no significant association with clinical factors, but the data set indicated an inverse relationship between renal involvement and severe sinonasal affliction.
Establishment of A Clinical Diagnostic Model for Gouty Arthritis Based on Serum Biochemical Profile: A Prospective Study
Authors: Lyu Shang , Ding Ruowen , Yang Shilin , Chen Wanyuan , Rao Yi , Ouyang Hui , Liu Peng , Feng Yulin
Published: September 2020

Objective Gouty arthritis is a chronic disease caused by purine metabolism disorder. The progress of the disease is relatively clear, divided into four stages. Clinical judgment of the stage of gouty arthritis is generally based on blood uric acid levels, bursa fluid examination, there are false positive cases. This paper attempts to construct a clinical diagnostic model based on routine blood test data, so as to avoid tedious procedures such as cystic fluid examination and predict the development direction of the disease. Methods Serum samples from 579 patients were collected and divided into training set (379 cases) and validation set (200 cases). Through a series of multivariate statistical analysis and correlation analysis, 12 serum biochemical indicators were selected as risk factors for gouty arthritis to obtain the serum biochemical spectrum of gouty arthritis. Based on the biochemical indicators of 379 patients, the clinical diagnosis model of gouty arthritis was established and visualized with R language to predict the probability of patients at different stages, and the stage with the highest probability was used as the diagnosis result, and the evaluation model of 200 patients was used. Results The total ROC of the clinical diagnosis model was 0.95, and the Kappa coefficient of the clinical diagnosis model was 0.80. Conclusion This model can be applied to clinical prediction and basic research to improve the accuracy of gouty arthritis staging.
The influence of classroom seating arrangement on children’s cognitive processes in primary school: The role of individual variables
Authors: Tobia Valentina , Sacchi Simona , Cerina Veronica , Manca Sara , Fornara Ferdinando
Published: September 2020

To date, despite the great debate regarding the best seating arrangement for learning in classrooms, no empirical studies have examined the direct effects of different seating arrangements on children’s cognitive processes. This is particularly important nowadays that the COVID-19 measures include maintaining distance in the classroom. Aim of this study was experimentally investigating the effect of changing the seating arrangement (clusters vs. rows and columns), on logical reasoning, creativity and theory of mind, in children attending primary school. Furthermore, some individual characteristics (e.g., gender, loneliness, popularity) were analysed as potential moderators. Results on 77 participants showed that, when children were seated in rows and columns, their score in logical reasoning was globally higher. Furthermore, when seated in rows and columns, girls showed a better performance in the theory of mind, and lonelier children performed better in theory of mind and creativity. This on field experimental study suggests the importance of considering both the nature of the task and children’s individual characteristics when deciding on a seating arrangement in the classroom.
Effectiveness of Physician-Led Prehospital Management in Severe Trauma Patients: A Retrospective Analysis of the Japanese Nationwide Trauma Registry
Authors: Endo Akira , Kojima Mitsuaki , Uchiyama Saya , Shiraishi Atsushi , Otomo Yasuhiro
Published: September 2020

Background: The comparative effectiveness of physician-led over paramedic-led prehospital trauma management has been inconclusive. Regarding this topic, in some previous studies, the impacts of physician-led prehospital management were affected by the advantage of shortened prehospital time by helicopter transportation. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of physician-led prehospital management independent of prehospital time.Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed the data of severe trauma patients who were transported directly to a hospital during 2009–2018 using Japan’s nationwide trauma registry. In-hospital mortality was compared between patients who received physician-led prehospital management and those who received paramedic-led management, using 1:4 propensity score-matched analysis. The propensity score was calculated using information on patient demographics, mechanism of injury, and vital signs at the scene of injury, as well as prehospital transport time. Subgroup analysis was performed to identify patients who were most likely to benefit from physician-led prehospital management.Results: A total of 30,968 patients (physician-led: 3,032, paramedic-led: 27,936) were eligible for analysis, of whom 2,766 propensity score-matched pairs (i.e., physician-led: 2766, paramedic-led: 11,064) were generated and compared. Physician-led pre-hospital trauma management showed significant superiority over paramedic-led prehospital trauma management (in-hospital mortality: 395 [14.3%] and 1785 [16.1%], respectively; odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 0.87 [0.77–0.97], p = 0.017). In subgroup analysis, cases characterized by patient age <65 years, Injury Severity Score ≥25, Abbreviated Injury Scale in pelvis and lower extremities ≥3, and prehospital transport time <60 min likely benefitted from physician-led prehospital management.Conclusions: The result of a largescale registry-based cohort study showed that physician-led prehospital trauma management was significantly associated with survival benefit independent of prehospital transport time. The findings may provide a basis for future research to assess effective physician-provided treatments in prehospital-field.
Nrf2 Alleviates TNF-α-Induced Oxidative Stress Damage in Type II Alveolar Epithelial Cells by Down-Regulating the Expression of NOX1
Authors: Wu Weijing , Zhang Jiamin , Lian Xihua , Lin Xiaoping , Su Xiaoshan , Zhu Li , Zhuang Zesen , Zhu Zhixing , Zeng Yiming
Published: September 2020

Objective: To study the roles of Nrf2 in acute lung injury (ALI) pathogenesis by investigating the effects of Nrf2 on regulating oxidative stress damage in TNF-α-induced type II alveolar epithelial cells (T2AECs).Methods: T2AECs were transfected with Nrf2 siRNA and overexpression vectors for six hours before being induced by TNF-α for 24 hours. Subsequently, levels of interleukins (IL-6 and IL-8), reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidation capability (T-AOC), Nrf2, NOX1 and NF-kB were measured. Additionally, potential Nrf2 binding site in NOX1 promoter was predicted by AliBaba2.1 and two recombinant vectors, namely “pGL3-NOX1-1500” and “pGL3-NOX1-1489, were constructed by inserting the sequence of NOX1 promoter in full-length and that in the absence of Nrf2 binding site to pGL3 basic vector. T2AECs were transfected with these vectors prior to TNF-α induction and the luciferase activity was measured.Results: Levels of IL-6, IL-8, ROS and MDA were increased (P＜0.05) while T-AOC was decreased in TNF-α-induced A549 cells after the transfection of Nrf2 siRNA vector (P＜0.05). In contrast, concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, ROS and MDA were decreased (P＜0.05) whereas T-AOC was increased after the transfection of Nrf2 overexpression vector (P＜0.05). NOX1 promoter possesses one Nrf2 binding site. Cells transfected by “pGL3-NOX1-1500” vector had the highest luciferase activity, followed by cells transfected by “pGL3-NOX1-1489” vector and the control cells (P＜0.05).Conclusion: Nrf2 modulates NOX1 expression via binding to its promoter, by which against TNF-α-induced oxidative stress damage in T2AECs. Thus, Nrf2 might be a therapeutic target for ALI.
Comprehensive analysis of lumbar disc degeneration and autophagy-related candidate genes, pathways, and targeting Drugs
Authors: Xu Wei-long , Zhao Yan
Published: September 2020

Background
Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) is a major pathological process implicated in low back pain. At present, the research in the fields of spinal surgery has highlighted the complex mechanisms underlying LDD, with autophagy being considered as one of the important processes involved.
Objectives
We aimed to identify the genes and molecular pathways associated with LDD and autophagy using computational tools and publicly available data, and to identify drugs targeting the relevant genes associated with LDD and autophagy.
Materials and Methods
We used text mining to detect the LDD and autophagy-associated genes, and the intersection of the two gene sets was selected for gene ontology analysis using the DAVID program. We then constructed protein–protein interaction networks, followed by a functional enrichment analysis, from which we obtained three significant gene modules. Finally, the final list of genes was queried against the Drug Gene Interaction database to find drug candidates targeting relevant genes associated with LDD and autophagy.
Results
Our analysis identified 72 genes common to both the “LDD” and “Autophagy” text mining concepts. Gene enrichment analysis yielded three significant gene modules (22 genes), which represent four significant pathways and could be targeted by 32 Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug molecules, and identified the drug–gene interactions.
Conclusion
Using text mining, pathway analysis tools, and drug–gene interaction analysis for gene screening, signal pathway analysis and drug discovery can provide new ideas for the scientific research and clinical treatment.
Insights into the Ecology and Evolution of Blattodea-associated Ophiocordyceps
Authors: Araujo Joao , Moriguchi G.M. , Uchiyama S. , Kinjo N. , Matsuura Yu
Published: September 2020

Entomopathogenic fungi are ubiquitous inhabitants of forests worldwide, remarkably in tropical regions. Among these fungi, one of the most abundant and diverse is the genus Ophiocordyceps. These fungi are particularly diverse and more commonly found parasitizing coleopteran, lepidopteran, hymenopteran and hemipteran insects. However, other insect orders are also parasitized by these fungi, for example the blattodeans (termites and cockroaches). Despite their ubiquity in nearly all environments insects occur, blattodeans are rarely found infected by filamentous fungi and thus, their ecology and evolutionary history remains obscure. In this study, we propose a new species of Ophiocordyceps infecting the social cockroaches Salganea esakii and S. taiwanensis, based on 16 years of collections and field observations, especially the Ryukyu Archipelago. We found a high degree of genetic similarity between specimens from different islands, infecting two Salganea species and that this relationship is ancient, likely not originated from a recent host jump. Furthermore, we found that Ophiocordyceps lineages infecting cockroaches evolved around the same time, at least twice, one from beetles and the other from termites. We have also investigated the evolutionary relationships between Ophiocordyceps and termites and present the phylogenetic placement of O. blattae for the first time.
Clinicopathological features and risk factors analysis of lymph node metastasis and long-term prognosis in patients with synchronous multiple gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Liang , Yue Chao , Li Gang , Ming Xuezhi , Gu Rongmin , Wen Xu , Zhou Bin , Peng Rui , Wei Wei , Chen Huanqiu
Published: September 2020

Background
As a common malignancy, gastric cancer (GC) remains an important threat to human’s health. The incidence of synchronous multiple gastric cancer (SMGC) has increased obviously with technical advances of endoscopic and pathological examinations. Several studies have investigated the relationship between SMGC and solitary gastric cancer (SGC). However, little is known about the relationship between early and advanced SMGCs, and the independent risk factors of lymph node metastasis and prognosis in SMGC patients remain unclear.
Methods
We retrospectively collected 57 patients diagnosed as SMGC and underwent radical gastrectomies from December 2011 to September 2019. Epidemiological data and clinicopathological characteristics of all patients were recorded. Postoperative follow-up was performed by telephone or outpatient service. Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test was adopted in analysis of categorical data. Continuous data were analyzed by using unpaired t-test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the independent risk factors of lymph node metastasis and tumor recurrence of SMGC.
Results
There were 45 males and 12 females. The average age was 62.1-year-old. There were 20 patients with early SMGC and 37 patients with advanced SMGC. Most of patients (91.2%) had two malignant lesions. Tumor recurrence occurred in 8 patients, among which 7 patients died from recurrence. The rates of total gastrectomy, tumor size ≥ 2 cm, poorly-differentiated type, lymph node metastasis, ulcer and nerve invasion and preoperative CEA level were significantly higher in advanced SMGC patients compared to those with early SMGC. Lymphovascular cancer plug and preoperative CA125 were the independent risk factors of lymph node metastasis in patients with SMGC. Lymph node metastasis, nerve invasion and preoperative AFP might be the risk factors of tumor recurrence of SMGC, but need further validation.
Conclusions
In patients with SMGC, the presence of tumor size ≥ 2 cm, poorly-differentiated type, lymph node metastasis, ulcer, nerve invasion and relatively high preoperative CEA level might make them more likely to be advanced SMGC. More attention should be paid to lymph node metastasis in SMGC patients with lymphovascular cancer plug and high preoperative CA125. Lymph node metastasis, nerve invasion and preoperative AFP might be associated with recurrence of SMGC.
CKD and CKDu in Northern Peru: a cross-sectional analysis under the DEGREE protocol
Authors: Ruiz-Alejos Andrea O. , Caplin Ben , Miranda J. Jaime , Pearce Neil , Bernabé-Ortiz Antonio
Published: September 2020

Aims:
This study estimated the prevalence of low eGFR in those without known hypertension, T2DM or heavy proteinuria as a surrogate marker for chronic kidney disease of unknown cause (CKDu) among adults in the North of Peru.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted following the Disadvantaged Populations eGFR Epidemiology (DEGREE) Study protocol. Low eGFR was defined based on a single eGFR ≤ 60 mL/min/1.7 m2 estimated using the CKD-EPI equation. Environmental conditions related to CKDu (i.e. work in agriculture or sugarcane, water source, heat, and pesticide exposure) were evaluated, in addition to traditional risk factors for CKD (i.e. smoking, heavy drinking, physical activity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, urolithiasis, among others).
Results:
A total of 1514 subjects were included in the study, mean age 45.1 (SD: 16.4), and 55.2% were females. Overall, only 26 cases (1.7%; 95%CI: 1.1% − 2.5%) had an eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.7 m2 compatible with CKD definition; when those with hypertension and type-2 diabetes or heavy proteinuria were excluded, according to the DEGREE protocol, the estimate fell to 0.9% (95%CI: 0.4% − 1.5%). Low physical activity levels (OR = 1.99; 95%CI: 1.18–3.34), hypertension (OR = 2.07; 1.26–3.41), and urolithiasis (OR = 1.97; 95%CI: 1.18–3.27) were factors associated with low eGFR.
Conclusions:
A low population-based prevalence of low eGFR (as a surrogate for CKDu), both in rural and urban settings areas, in the Northern Peru, was found. Low physical activity levels, hypertension and urolithiasis were factors associated with low eGFR. Interventions to prevent CKD cases may be focused on well-known CV risk factors and urolithiasis.
Ni-modified Magnetic Nanoparticles for Affinity Purification of His-tagged Proteins From the Complex Matrix of the Silkworm Fat Body
Authors: Minkner Robert , Xu Jian , Takamura Kenshin , Boonyakida Jirayu , Wätzig Hermann , Park Enoch Y.
Published: September 2020

Purification of recombinant proteins is often a challenging matter because high purity and high recovery are desired. If the expressed recombinant protein is also in a complex matrix, such as a silkworm expression system, purification becomes more challenging. Even if purification from the silkworm expression system is troublesome, it has the benefit of a high capacity for production of recombinant proteins. In this study, we investigated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as a suitable tool for the purification of proteins from the complex matrix of the silkworm fat body. We modified MNPs with nickel so that they have an affinity for His-tagged proteins, as the MNP purification protocol does not need special equipment except for a magnet. Among the three different kinds of MNPs we investigated, MNPs with sizes of 100 nm to 200 nm and approximately 20 nm-thick nickel shells were the most suitable for our purpose. We reduced the total protein amount by up to 77.7%, with a protein recovery of 50.8% from the silkworm fat body. The minimum binding capacity was estimated to be 83.3 µg protein/mg MNP.