bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
POPULISME ISLAM DALAM GERAKAN 212
Authors: Dea Bhakti Pratama
Published: September 2021

This study aims to describe the 212 movement as a phenomenon of Islamic populism based on socio-religious movements followed by various Islamic organizations and their contradictions with other Islamic organizations The results showed that the 212 movement phenomenon was followed by various religious groups, especially Islam, participation was based on various forms of motivation, demands, principles and organizational ideology. In addition, the research results show that not all Islamic organizations support the 212 movement, but there are contradictions among religious organizations regarding their perceptions of the 212 movement. Pros and cons tend to be based on interpretations of religious teachings as well as ideology and organizational principles. The results of the research are then analyzed using the concept of mass mobilization and Islamic populism in the study of social movements that lead to the populist movement. The research findings also show that there is a relationship between social movements and Islamic populism as evidenced by the finding of chains of equivalens and empty signifiers which have implications for the formation of political frointer in the Islamic populism movement 212.
Oxygen Isotope Offsets in Deep-Water Benthic Foraminifera
Authors: Jöhnck Janika , Holbourn Ann , Kuhnt Wolfgang , Andersen Nils
Published: September 2021

Despite the extensive use of the benthic foraminiferal oxygen isotope composition (δ18O) as a proxy for paleoclimatic reconstructions, uncertainties remain regarding the consistency of interspecies offsets and the environmental factors controlling 18O fractionation. We investigated δ18O offsets of some frequently used Uvigerina, Bulimina, and Cibicidoides species in core top samples from different hydrographic and sedimentary regimes in the South China Sea, Makassar Strait, and Timor Strait/Eastern Indian Ocean. The δ18O values of the epifaunal taxa Cibicidoides mundulus and Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi showed no significant offset in all investigated regions, whereas shallow infaunal Cibicidoides species exhibited higher variability and were less reliable. We found no offsets between species of Uvigerina and Bulimina and assume that these genera can be measured together and/or substituted. Our results show that epifaunal taxa are close to equilibrium with ambient seawater and thus provide more reliable records of past ice volume and/or bottom water temperature variations than infaunal taxa. Offsets among equilibrium calcite, epifaunal taxa, and infaunal taxa are not constant “vital effects” but are influenced by changing gradients in bottom to pore water pH and carbonate ion concentrations that depend on deep-water ventilation and export flux of particulate carbonate and organic carbon. Offsets between epifaunal and infaunal taxa varied between 0.58 and 0.73‰, depending on regional bottom and pore water conditions. Our findings highlight the importance of regional and temporal variations in organic carbon flux/degradation and dissolution of calcite that may lead to slight under- or overestimates of the amplitude of δ18O fluctuations, especially during times of rapidly changing calcite-saturation of bottom and pore water.
APOIO À GESTÃO DAS ATIVIDADES PORTUÁRIAS DE UMA HOLDING PÚBLICA
Authors: Pedersini Daiana Rafaela , Matos Lucas dos Santos , Ensslin Sandra Rolim , Ensslin Leonardo
Published: September 2021

Ao assumir a responsabilidade da gestão portuária catarinense, a diretoria da holding SC Participações e Parcerias S.A se questionou quanto à sua adequação estrutural e profissional para bem desempenhar as novas funções. Nesse contexto, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi construir um modelo de apoio à gestão das atividades de planejamento portuário da holding, levando em consideração as particularidades dos seus gestores e do ambiente portuário. Para tanto, utilizou-se a metodologia Multicritério de Apoio à Decisão-Construtivista (MCDA-C). Valendo-se de entrevistas semiestruturadas, foram identificados nove objetivos, considerados necessários para avaliar a dimensão Planejamento das Atividades da holding. Com base no modelo construído, constatou-se que embora a holding apresente um desempenho global em nível competitivo, em alguns critérios apresenta performance comprometedora. O modelo subsidiou a geração de ações de melhoria, mostrando-se promissor em seus resultados para apoiar a holding a melhor atender suas atribuições relacionadas ao suporte dos portos subsidiários.
Biosynthesis And Structural Characterization of Levan By A Recombinant Levansucrase From Bacillus Subtilis ZW019
Authors: Wang Jingyue , Xu Xinan , Zhao Fangkun , Yin Nan , Zhou Zhijiang , Han Ye
Published: September 2021

Purpose: The yield of levan extracted from microbial fermentation broth is low, so in vitro catalytic synthesis of levan by levansucrase is expected to be one of the industrial production approaches of levan. Methods: A recombinant plasmid pET-28a-AcmA-Z constructed in the previous study was used to produce levansucrase. The effects of temperature, pH, and metal ions on the levan formation activity of the levansucrase were investigated. The polymer was analyzed by means of HPIC, FTIR, NMR techniques.Results: The recombinant levansucrase could be easily purified in one step and the purified enzyme had a single band clearly visible in SDS-PAGE. The conditions for enzymatic reactions was optimal at pH 5.2 and 40 ℃, and the activity of enzymes was stimulated by K+ and Ca2+. The yield of levan biosynthesis from 10% (w/v) sucrose with 6.45 U/g sucrose of levansucrase was 30.6 g/L. The molecular weight of the levan was about 1.56×106 Da, as measured by GPC. HPIC analysis showed that the monosaccharide composition of the levan was fructose and glucose. The results of FTIR and NMR analysis indicated that the polymer produced by the recombinant levansucrase was β-(2, 6) levan.Conclusions: The results of this study provide a basis for large-scale production of levan by enzymatic method.
Neutralization Characteristics of HIV-1 CRF01_AE Env Clones From Infections in China
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Zhou Zehua , Li Xueli , An Yimeng , Jiang Fei , Wang Youchun , Gao Feng , Huang Weijin , Liao Lingjie , Xing Hui , Yu Bin , Zhao Chenyan
Published: September 2021

Owing to the increasing prevalence of HIV-1 CRF01_AE, it is necessary to understand the neutralization properties of CRF01_AE and to develop broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (bnmAbs) that can neutralize this virus. The full-length Env gene was cloned from HIV-1 CRF01_AE-infected plasma specimens collected in China and used to establish pseudoviruses. Neutralization phenotypes of the pseudoviruses were characterized with bnmAbs. The neutralizing activities of 11 bnmAbs VRC01, VRC03, IgG1b12 and 3BNC117 (targeting the CD4 binding site); PG9 (targeting the V1V2 region); 2G12 (targeting the high mannose patch), PGT135 and 10-1074 (targeting the V3 glycans); 2F5, 4E10 and 10E8 (targeting the membrane proximal external region), against 36 pseudoviruses were analyzed, demonstrating varying efficacies. In general, VRC01, 10E8 and 3BNC117 showed strong neutralizing activity, neutralizing more than 75% of the pseudoviruses; followed by PG9 and 4E10, showing moderate neutralizing activity with neutralization of 50%–60% of the pseudoviruses; whereas the efficacies of the remaining bnmAbs were poor, neutralizing less than 15% of pseudoviruses tested. Env variants of CRF01_AE from one infection also showed significant differences in resistance to neutralization. These characterized HIV-1 CRF01_AE pseudoviruses could be used for neutralization studies and evaluation of vaccines or anti-HIV-1 products in China.
Biochemical Response and Nutrient Uptake of Two Arbuscular Mycorrhiza-Inoculated Chamomile Varieties under Different Water Potentials
Authors: Ebrahimi Fatemeh , Salehi Amin , Dehnavi Mohsen Movahedi , Mirshekari Amin , Hamidian Mohammad , Hazrati Saeid
Published: September 2021

BackgroundWater-deficit stress is one of the most important sources of damage to crop production worldwide. Adopting appropriate varieties using soil microorganisms such as arbuscular mycorrhiza(AM) fungi can significantly reduce the adverse effects of water deficiency. This study is aimed to evaluate the role of Funneliformis mosseae on nutrients uptake and some physiological traits of two chamomile varieties namely Bodgold (Bod) and Soroksári (Sor) under water-deficit stress. The pot experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with three factors: water-deficit stress (PEG 6000) was applied along with Hoagland solution at three levels (0, -0.4 and -0.8 MPa), two German chamomile varieties (Bodgold (Bod) and Soroksari (Sor)) and AM inoculation (Funneliformis mosseae species (fungal and non-fungal)) at four replications in perlite substrate. ResultsWater-deficit stress significantly reduced the uptake of macro-nutrients (N, P, and K) and micro-nutrients (Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn) in the shoots and roots. Moreover, the level of osmolytes (total soluble sugars and proline) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the shoots of both varieties increased under water-deficit stress. In the case of Sor variety, the level of these compounds was more satisfactory. AM improved plant nutrition uptake and osmolyte contents while enhancing antioxidant enzymes and reducing the adverse effects of water-deficit stress. Under water-deficit stress, the growth and total dry weight improved upon AM inoculation. ConclusionsIn general, inoculation of chamomile with AM balanced the uptake of nutrients increased the level of osmolytes, antioxidant enzymes, and hence improved plant characteristics under water-deficit stress in both varieties, however, it was more effective in reducing stress damages in Sor variety.
Antidepressants Fluoxetine Mediates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Autophagy of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells Through ATF4-AKT-mTOR Signaling Pathway.
Authors: Shao Shali , Du Yajing , Zhuang Xibing , Qiao Tiankui
Published: September 2021

Cancer patients often suffer the depression with worse quality of life and prognosis. Therefore, studying how antidepressants affect the cancer is of great significance. Recent years witnessed the reports that antidepressants have the antiproliferation effect, However, in lung cancer it’s still unclear about the specific molecular target. This study mainly focused on how fluoxetine influenced different types of cells and discovered the molecular basis of its inhibitory effect in lung cancer. The specific antiproliferation effect and autophagy induced by fluoxetine on lung cancer cell were shown in CCK8 and immunofluorescence. The RNA sequence hinted that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related protein and mTOR pathway were enriched after fluoxetine treating. Western blot results revealed that the ER stress pathway was activated by fluoxetine, including PERK, ATF4, and CHOP, while the AKT/mTOR pathway was inhibited. In addition, the transfection of ATF4 siRNA further discovered that ER stress participated in the inhibition of AKT/mTOR pathway and the induction of antiproliferation and autophagy in the fluoxetine-treated cells. More importantly, fluoxetine was demonstrated to play cytotoxic activity in cancer cells without affecting normal cells. Our results showed that fluoxetine triggered the ATF4-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway to induce cell cycle arrest and autophagy restraining cancer cells’ growth in lung cancer. This study found fluoxetine unaffected the proliferation of normal lung epithelial cells, providing safe clinical therapeutic strategies for lung cancer patients with depression.
Determinants of Under-Five Mortality in Tach-Armachiho District, North Gondar, Ethiopia
Authors: ABERA AGMAS SISAY , YOHANNIS HUNACHEW KIBRET
Published: September 2021

Background: Under-five mortality rate, often known by its acronym U5MR, indicates the probability of dying between birth and five years of age, expressed per 1,000 live births. Globally, 16,000 children under-five still die every day. Especially in Sub-Saharan Africa every 1 child in 12, dying before his or her fifth birthday. This study aims to identify the determinants of under-five mortality among women in child bearing age group of Tach-Armachiho district using count regression models. Methods: For achieving the objective, a two stage random sampling technique (simple random sampling and systematic random sampling techniques in the first and second stages respectively) was used to select women respondents. The sample survey conducted in Tach-Armachiho district considered a total of 3815 households of women aged 15 to 49 years out of which the information was collected from 446 selected women through interviewer administrated questionnaire. Results: The descriptive statistics result showed that in the district 16.6% of mothers have faced the problem of at least one under-five death. In this study, Poisson regression, negative binomial, zero-inflated Poisson and zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were applied for data analysis. Each of these count models were compared by different statistical tests. So that, zero-inflated poisson regression model was found to be the best fit for the collected data. Results of the zero-inflated Poisson regression model showed that education of husband, source of water, mother occupation, kebele of mother, prenatal care, place of delivery, place of residence, wealth of house hold, average birth interval and average breast feeding were found to be statistically significant determinants of under-five mortality. Conclusions: In this study, it was found that the factors like average birth interval and average breast feeding were found to be statistically significant factors in both groups (not always zero category and always zero category) with under-five child death whereas education of husband, source of water, place of delivery, mother occupation and wealth index of the household have significant effect on under-five mortality under not always zero group. Place of residence, kebele of mother and prenatal care have a significant effect on under-five mortality in Tach-Armachiho district on inflated group.
Subjective Social Status (SSS) as an Important Mediator in the Association between Socioeconomic Status (SES) and Mental Health
Authors: Mehravar Fatemeh , Foroushani Abbas Rahimi , Vakili Mohammad Ali , Nedjat Saharnaz
Published: September 2021

Background: Socioeconomic status (SES) has often been considered a major predictor of mental health-related outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and stress. However, little is known about the mediating role of subjective social status (SSS) — an individual perception of relative position in the social hierarchy—in the relationship between SES and health outcomes. This study aimed to determine the mediating role of SSS in the relationship between SES and mental health among the employees of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS).Methods:The data from the enrolment phase of a cohort study on TUMS employees (n = 4461) were used in this cross-sectional study. Household SES was the main independent variable. SES was first entered into the mediation model as a composite index (a combination of wealth index, social class, and education), and then each indicator was entered separately. Stress, anxiety, and depression scores were measured using the DASS-42 Scale as a latent outcome variable for mental health status. SSS was evaluated as a potential mediator variable using the MacArthur scale which was converted to a five-point Likert item. The mediation analysis was carried out using a two-step structural equation modeling (SEM) approach in STATA version 14.0 with maximum likelihood (ML) estimation. Finally, the direct and indirect effects of SES indices on mental health were investigated, considering SSS's mediating role.Results: The data showed that 2706 participants (60.65%) were female and the mean age of all participants was 42.21±8.72 years. The standardized path coefficient for the direct effect of SES on SSS was --0.50 (SE=0.013), whereas the standardized path coefficient for the direct effect of SSS on mental health was 0.10 (SE=0.018). The standardized indirected effect of the composite SES-index on mental health through the SSS is -0.05 (lower SSS and mental health scores and higher SES scores indicate improvements in the status of these variables). Contribution of SSS in association between composite SES-index and the mental health of TUMS employees is 27.78% (27.27% in male and 22.23% in female). In addition, contribution of SSS for the association between the indices of wealth, education, social class and mental health is 41.67%, 36.36%, and 28.57%, respectively.Conclusions:The Findings of this study showed that a poorer SSS may influence the pathology of mental health disorders. It seems to be as a mediator in the association between SES and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Individuals' mental health may thus be improved by intervening in their subjective social status in relation to SES, which is relatively more stable.
Androgen Regulates the Expression and Function of Connexin 43 in Granulosa Cells via the PKC Signalling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Yangyang , Xu Yang , Kuai Yanrong , Wang Sheng , Yu Jiao
Published: September 2021

Background: Poor ovarian response (POR) is one of the most challenging issues in assisted reproductive technology. Given the importance of androgens in follicle recruitment, growth and development, domestic and foreign reproductive centers have added androgen as an adjuvant to in vitro fertilization protocols for patients with POR to improve the ovarian response. The mechanism underlying the effects of androgens is unclear. The aim of this research was to study the effects of testosterone on granulosa cells and the underlying mechanisms.Methods: The human ovarian granulosa cell line KGN was treated with testosterone at various concentrations, an androgen receptor antagonist (flutamide) and a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor (GF109203X). The protein levels of PKC and phosphorylated connexin 43 (p-Cx43) were measured using Western blot analysis. The location and distribution of Cx43 and p-Cx43 were determined by immunofluorescence. Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) was monitored using the scrape loading/dye transfer method.Results: The results showed that treatment with testosterone at a physiological level significantly increased the PKC and p-Cx43 levels and GJIC activity in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the expression of PKC, p-Cx43 levels and GJIC activity in the cells treated with testosterone above physiological concentrations (10-5 M) decreased compared with those in the cells treated with 10-7 M testosterone. Compared to the 10-7 M testosterone-treated cells, the KGN cells treated with flutamide had much lower levels of PKC and p-Cx43. The levels of p-Cx43 and GJIC activity in the GF109203X-treated group were decreased compared to those in the 10-7 M testosterone group. Immunofluorescence showed that testosterone treatment had no effect on the localization and distribution of gap junction proteins.Conclusions: This study suggests that androgen can increase GJIC activity in granulosa cells by phosphorylating Cx43 via the PKC signalling pathway to promote oocyte development. The results of this study might provide a theoretical basis for androgen pretreatment of patients with POR.
Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Bovine Ephemeral Fever Viruses in Khuzestan Province of Iran From 2018 to 2020
Authors: Rezatofighi Seyedeh Elham , Mirzadeh Khalil , Mahmoodi Fahimeh
Published: September 2021

Background

Bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) is an arthropod-borne viral disease caused by the BEF virus (BEFV). This single-stranded RNA virus that affects cattle and water buffalo is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions including Iran. While BEF is a major disease of cattle in Iran, information regarding its agent, molecular characterization, and circulating viruses are highly limited. The current study aimed to, firstly, determine the genetic and antigenic characteristics of BEFV strains in Khuzestan province in Southwest of Iran from 2018 to 2020 and, secondly, to compare them with strains obtained from other areas.
Results

By phylogenetic analysis based on the Glycoprotein gene, BEFV strains were divided into four clusters of Middle East, East Asia, South Africa, and Australia; in which the 2018 and 2020 Iranian BEFV strains were grouped in the Middle East cluster with the Turkish, Indian, and Israeli strains. Depending on the chronology and geographical area, the outbreaks of Turkey (2020), Iran (2018 and 2020), and India (2018 and 2019) are proposed to be related. These BEFVs had the highest identity matrix and the lowest evolutionary distance among the studied strains. Multiple sequence alignment of G1, G2, and G3 antigenic sites showed that these neutralizing epitopes are highly conserved among the strains of the Middle East cluster; however, the strains previously identified in Iran differed in three amino acids placed in G1 and G2 epitopes.
Conclusion

The findings revealed that BEFVs circulating in the Middle East are closely related phylogenetically and geographically. They also have similar antigenic structures; therefore, developing a vaccine based on these strains can be effective for controlling BEF in the Middle East.
SARS-CoV-2 NSP-12 mutations survey during the pandemic in the world
Authors: Mazhari Sogol , Alavifard Helia , Rahimian Karim , Karimi Zohreh , Mahmanzar Mohammadamin , Sisakht Mahsa Mollapour , Bitaraf Masoud , Arefian Ehsan
Published: September 2021

Background

SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the beta coronavirus family responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome pandemic. The infection first emerged in Wuhan, China, and rapidly spread worldwide. The ongoing outbreak has posed an urgent worldwide health threat due to the rapid transmittable potential and high mortality rate. Due to the critical role of none structural protein − 12 (NSP-12) in COVID-19. This study tries to investigate the link between genotype-phenotype NSP-12 variation and the prevalence of this disease.
Methods

We analyzed approximately 2 million Nsp12 of SARS-CoV-2 protein sequence from January 2020 until June 2021. Python programming language was utilized to preprocess and apply inclusion criteria on FASTA files to prepare a list of suitable samples for clustering samples. NSP-12 regions were aligned to the reference sequence to compare and identify mutation patterns, categorized based on frequency and continent.
Results

The rate of ‌NSP-12 mutation in divided geographical areas was different. Based on continental studies, the P227L and G671S mutations have multiplied over time and in European and Asian societies in recent months. According to biochemical studies, the occurrence of G671S mutation increases the stability of the protein.
Conclusion

We concluded that NSP-12 P227L and G671S mutations in SARS-CoV-2 are increased in recent months. Further studies will be required to investigate whether these mutations impact the severity of the disease.
New Clues to Reveal Origins of Hot- and Warm-Jupiter: Mutual Occurrence Rate of Hot Jupiter，Warm Jupiter and Cold Jupiter
Authors: Su Xiangning , Zhang Hui , Zhou Jilin
Published: September 2021

Many works based on the correlations between the occurrence rate of various giant planets and stellar properties of their hosts have provided clues revealing planetary formation processes. However, few researches have focused on the mutual occurrence rate of different type of planets and their dependency upon the stellar properties, which may help to provide an insight into the dynamics evolution history of planetary systems. To investigate the mutual occurrence rates, first we define three types of giant planets, i.e. cold Jupiter(CJ), warm Jupiter(WJ) and hot Jupiter(HJ), according to their position normalized by the snow-line in the system, ap > asnow, 0:1asnow < ap ≤ asnow and ap ≤ 0:1asnow, respectively. Then, we derive their occurrence rates(ηHJ,ηwJ,ηcJ) considering completeness correction caused by different detection methods (RV and transit) and surveys (HARPS& CORALIE and Kepler). Finally, we investigate the correlation between the relative occurrence rates, i.e. ηcJ/ηwJ or ηwJ/ηHJ, and various stellar properties, e.g. stellar metallicity and effective temperature Teff . We find that ηWJ from RV and transit surveys show a similar increasing trend with the increasing stellar effective temperature when Teff ≤ 6100K. While ηcJ from RV samples is almost flat within Teff in (4600K;6100K], and ηHJ from transit samples is increasing with increasing stellar effective temperature within 3600K < Te f f < 7100K. Further more, we find that the mutual occurrence rate between CJ and WJ, i.e. ηcJ/ηwJ , shows a decreasing trend with the increasing stellar effective temperature. In contrary, the ratio ηwJ/ηHJ is reversely depends on the stellar effective temperature. After a series of consistency tests, our results suggest the in-situ hypothesis can be excluded from the formation process of both WJ and HJ. However, the origin and evolution history of HJ may be quite different from that of WJ.
Implementation Models for Development in Low- and Middle-income Countries: Systematic Review of Peer-Reviewed Literature
Authors: Evans William Douglas , Gerard Raquel , Symington Lorry , Shaikh Hina , Agha Sohail
Published: September 2021

Background. This study operationally defines a relatively small, but growing field of study on practical implementation models for health behavior change in the context of international development. The paper examines the continuum of behavioral theories and their application in the context of development programs and research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We describe implementation models, point out that they have strengths in terms of feasibility and evaluability, and examine how they have been used to design theory-based interventions.The main research question (RQ1) is the following: What is the extent and nature of evidence published in this field? Two additional hypotheses are: (H1) There are examples, such as the Fogg Behavioral Model and others, that have established evidence for practical implementation models; and (H2) There are some practical implementation models that represent best practices and may be recommended as a basis for resources and intervention design in the context of international development. The study describes the state of evidence for feasible implementation models for development.Methods. The authors conducted a systematic search of the published, peer-reviewed literature following the widely accepted PRISMA methods for systematic reviews. We aimed to identify all relevant manuscripts published in the English language in health, social science, and business literature that apply implementation models, located in an LMIC, with a behavior change objective. We located 1,078 articles through database searching and 106 through other means. Ultimately, we identified 25 relevant articles for inclusion.Results. In answer to RQ1, we found that the peer-reviewed literature on implementation models for development has been growing in recent years, with 80% of reviewed papers published since 2015. There was a wide range of different models revealed by this review but none demonstrated clear-cut evidence of being most effective. However, the models found in this review share common characteristics of focusing on the three central tenets of Opportunity, Ability, and Motivation (OAM).Conclusions. This review found that implementation models for development are a promising and growing approach to behavior change in LMICs. Intervention models research should be expanded and applied in new domains, such as vaccination.
Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Rationing COVID-19 Vaccines Amidst Extreme Scarcity: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Barugahare John , Kwagala Betty , Ochieng Joseph
Published: September 2021

Background: In the context of scarce health-resources robust priority setting for access to existing interventions is critical for at least two reasons: ensuring efficient use of resources, and equitable access to existing interventions. This need is more urgent, and its achievement more intractable in severely resource-constrained health systems, of Low and Middle Income Countries, such as Uganda. COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting need for large-scale and immediate vaccination amidst extreme scarcity of vaccines in Uganda necessitated an exploration of stakeholders’ perspectives on the country’s priority setting for access to COVID-19 vaccines. We aimed at exploring stakeholders’ perspectives on priority setting for COVID-19 vaccination in Ugandan. Methods: We conducted key informant and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders in the COVID-19 intervention including public health experts, clinicians, policy makers, human rights experts, bioethicists, legal fraternity, biomedical scientists and members from the general public. Stakeholders’ views were sought on the status of official guidelines for rationing COVID-19 vaccines; who they thought should get priority for vaccination and why; and what the process of setting such priorities should involve. Data were transcribed and analysed thematically using NVivo software (QSR international 2020).Results: There was concern about lack of clarity regarding context-specific guidance on priorities COVID-19 vaccination. This concern was corroborated by the fact that national guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination are still in draft form and inaccessible to the public. Regarding who should get priority and why, dominant views indicated more concern for efficiency-cum-effectiveness at controlling the spread of the virus, although further probing revealed that some of these views were partly motivated by equity concerns. Most respondents felt that the process of developing the needed guidelines should have employed a bottom-up approach involving rigorous community engagement. Conclusion: Given extreme of scarce health resources, in order to strike favourable balance between effectiveness and equity in rationing COVID-19 vaccines, there is need for clear and context-specific official guidelines. To achieve such a goal, the guidelines need to be developed through a bottom-up approach involving robust public engagement.
Conversion of Cellulose Into 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) In a H2O/Tetrahydrofuran/Cyclohexane Biphasic System With Al2(SO4)3 As Catalyst
Authors: Shi Ning , Zhu Yuju , Qin Bangzhi , Liu Ying , Zhang Hongyan , Huang Hongsheng , Liu Yunhua
Published: September 2021

A simple and efficient biphasic system consisting of H2O, tetrahydrofuran (THF), cyclohexane (CHX) and Al2(SO4)3 was employed to convert cellulose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) with high yield of 71.2%. The real volumes of organic phase (Vorg) and aqueous phase (Vaque) of the biphasic system at reaction temperature were measured to found out that over 80% of the added H2O was dissolved into the organic phase at reaction temperature, leading to high Vorg/Vaque (over 44/1) and high concentration of Al2(SO4)3 (over 0.34 g/mL) in aqueous phase. The high concentration of Al2(SO4)3 in aqueous phase could efficiently catalyze the conversion of cellulose into HMF, while the high Vorg/Vaque could protect the formed HMF from rehydration, all of which are responsible for the high efficiency of the system on conversion of cellulose into HMF. The addition of CHX into reaction mixture could decrease the solubility of Al2(SO4)3 and H2O in the organic phase, which could improve the stability of HMF in the reaction system, resulting higher yield of HMF from cellulose. Because of the high Vorg/Vaque of the reaction system, one microemulsion-like system and liquid film catalytic model are proposed for the cellulose-to-HMF process.
Structure and Stability Analysis of Antibacterial Substances Produced by Selenium Enriched Bacillus Cereus
Authors: Ming Shanxiu , Chen Xujun , Zhang Na , Li Shuyi , Zhu Zhenzhou , Cheng Shuiyuan
Published: September 2021

Microorganisms can produce many antibiotics against bacteria and fungi, which have been used as potential choice of new antibiotics. In this paper, Bacillus cereus, was used to study the properties of antibacterial substance in its fermentation supernatant. The results showed that the source of antibacterial activity of Bacillus cereus was mainly the antibacterial substance produced by acid precipitation method, and further characterization speculates that the antibacterial substance may be lipopeptide substance. Then the antibacterial spectrum of the antibacterial substance was investigated, which showed that the antibacterial substance only had good inhibitory effect on Gram-positive bacteria and fungi, and selenium enrichment could significantly enhance the antibacterial activity of lipopeptide antibacterial substance produced by Bacillus cereus, and the inhibition mode of antibacterial substance to indicator bacteria was determined. The effects of different treatment methods on the stability of antibacterial substance were studied and the results showed that the antibacterial substance were stable to heat, ultrasonic and ultraviolet treatment, and their antibacterial activity would not be greatly affected. However, they were sensitive to pepsin. The optimum pH range of antibacterial activity was 3-5. This study may contribute to reuse the fermentation supernatant often discarded in the previous fermentation process. At the same time, the lipopeptide antibacterial substance extracted from the fermentation broth of selenium enriched Bacillus cereus can be used in the development of antibiotics and biopesticides, and open up a new way for the control of plant diseases.
Predefined and data driven CT densitometric features predict critical illness and hospital length of stay in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Shalmon Tamar , Salazar Pascal , Horie Miho , Hanneman Kate , Pakkal Mini , Anwari Vahid , Fratesi Jennifer
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to compare predefined and data-driven parameters of whole lung CT density histograms to predict critical illness outcome and hospital length of stay in a cohort of 80 COVID-19 patients. CT chest images on segmented lungs were retrospectively analyzed. Functional Principal Component Analysis (FPCA) was used to find the main modes of variations on CT density histograms (F1,F2,F3,F4) in the whole patient cohort. The data driven and a priori CT density features, the CT severity score, the COVID-GRAM score and the patient clinical data were assessed for predicting the patient outcome using logistic regression models stratified for contrast enhanced CT and non-enhanced CT, and survival analysis. ROC analysis identified as best predictors of critically ill status: 87.5th percentile CT density (Q875) - AUC: 0.88 95%CI (0.79 0.94), F1-CT - AUC: 0.87 (0.77 0.93) Standard Deviation (SD-CT)- AUC: 0.86 (0.73, 0.93). Multivariate models combining CT-density predictors and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio showed the highest accuracy with cross-validated AUCs in the 0.91–0.92 range for contrast CT and 0.82–0.88 range for non-contrast CT. SD-CT, Q875 and F1 score were significant predictors of hospital length of stay while controlling for hospital death using competing risks models. Predefined and data-driven parameters of lung CT density histograms can predict critical illness and length of stay to guide management and resources. FPCA method can be used to interpret the CT density histogram variation in a patient cohort and to extract predictive features with minimal a priori knowledge.
Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal the Effect of Nitric Oxide on the Lateral Root Development and Growth of Mangrove Plant Kandelia Obovata
Authors: Wei Ming-Yue , Li Huan , Zhong You-Hui , Shen Zhi-Jun , Ma Dong-Na , Gao Chang-Hao , Liu Yi-Ling , Wang Wen-Hua , Zhang Jing-Ya , You Yan-Ping , Zheng Hai-Lei
Published: September 2021

Background and aims Kandelia obovata, a dominant mangrove species in China, produces complex buttress roots and prop roots in intertidal wetlands where high quantities of nitric oxide (NO) are produced by reducing sediments. NO, a key signaling molecule, participates in an array of plant physiological and developmental processes. However, it is unclear whether NO functions in K. obovata root system establishment. Methods Here, we used a transcriptomic approach to investigate the potential role of NO in the regulation of K. obovata lateral root development and growth. Transcript profiles and bioinformatics analyses were used to characterize potential regulatory mechanisms. Results NO enhanced K. obovata lateral root development and growth in a dose-dependent manner. RNA-seq analysis identiﬁed 1,593 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 646 and 947 were up- and down-regulated in roots treated with NO donor. Functional annotation analysis demonstrated that the starch and sucrose pathway was significantly induced in response to NO. A suite of DEGs involved in hormone signal transduction and cell wall metabolism was also differentially regulated by NO. Taken together, our results suggest that a complex interaction between energy metabolism, multiple hormone signaling pathways, and cell wall biosynthesis is required for the NO regulation on lateral root development and growth in mangrove plant K. obovata. Conclusion NO appears to contribute to the formation of the unique root system of mangrove plants.
A liquid biopsy-based approach identifies myeloid cells, STAT3 and arginase-1 as predictors of glioma risk score and patients' survival
Authors: Bianco Paola Del , Pinton Laura , Magri Sara , Canè Stefania , Masetto Elena , Basso Daniela , Padovan Marta , Volpin Francesco , D'Avella Domenico , Lombardi Giuseppe , Zagonel Vittorina , Bronte Vincenzo , Puppa Alessandro Della , MANDRUZZATO SUSANNA
Published: September 2021

Background

Although gliomas are strictly confined to the central nervous system, their negative influence over the immune system can extend to peripheral circulation. The immune suppression exerted by myeloid cells is capable of affecting both response to therapy and disease outcome. Here we analyzed the expansion of several myeloid parameters in the blood of low- and high-grade gliomas and assessed their relevance as biomarkers of disease and clinical outcome.
Methods

Peripheral blood was obtained from 134 low- and high-grade glioma patients before surgery and treatment. Myeloid cell subsets such as total CD14+, CD14+/p-STAT3+, CD14+/PD-L1+, CD15+ cells and 4 myeloid derived suppressor cell (MDSC) subsets, were evaluated by multiparametric flow cytometry. Arginase-1 (ARG1) quantity and activity was determined in the plasma. Principal component analysis was performed to define correlations between myeloid markers. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to obtain a diagnostic score to discriminate glioma patients from healthy controls, and between each glioma grade. A glioblastoma prognostic model was determined by multiple Cox regression using clinical and myeloid parameters.
Results

In the blood of glioma patients, changes in myeloid parameters associated with immune suppression were identified and allowed us to define a diagnostic score calculating the risk of being a glioma patient, that included CD15+ cells, MDSC1, MDSC3, p-STAT3 and ARG1 activity. Of note, the same parameters, together with age, can also be used to calculate the risk score in differentiating each glioma grade. Finally, a prognostic model for glioblastoma patients stemmed out from a Cox multiple analysis, highlighting the role of MDSC, p-STAT3 and ARG1 activity together with clinical parameters in predicting the patient outcome.
Conclusions

This work emphasizes the role of systemic immune suppression carried out by myeloid cells in gliomas. The identification of biomarkers associated with immune landscape, diagnosis and outcome of glioblastoma patients lays the ground for their clinical use for stratification and follow up.
Markets Survey On Traditional Medicine of Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, China
Authors: mingshuo Zhang , tao li hai , junqi wang , xiaobo zhang , shaohua yang , yinglu bai , zijun sha , jianqin liu , ying li , xiulan huang , zhiyong li , luqi huang
Published: September 2021

Background: Traditional markets are important trading places for medicinal plants, and market surveys often engage in ethnobotanical research to record the herbal plants used locally and related traditional knowledge. However, information on the market traded medicinal plants is not well documented from traditional markets in Lijiang City, Yunnan. This research is an ethnobotanical survey focusing on medicinal plants traded in traditional markets of Lijiang City, and contributes to the understanding of medicinal plants and related information used by the Naxi people.Methods: Ethnobotanical surveys were carried out during two years (2019-2020). Three traditional markets in Lijiang City were investigated. The methods we used include literature research, participatory surveys, key insider interviews and group discussions.Results: As a result, 318 medicinal plants were recorded including 29 unidentified medicines. The plant medicines were from medicinal plants of 97 families belonged to Angiosperm, Gymnospermae, Pteridophyta, Bryophyta, Lichenes and Fungi. Asteraceae provided the maximum numbers of medicinal plants. Among them, there were 258 species (89.27%) of wild plants, 15 species (5.19%) were cultivated, and 16 species (5.54%) were wild or cultivated. There were 22 species of national protected plants in China, including 3 species of national first-level protected plants and 19 species of national second-level protected plants. Among the recorded diseases, 58.13% of medicinal plants are used to treat musculoskeletal system and connective tissue diseases and digestive system diseases. A total of 31 kinds of medicinal plants can be found in Dongba Sutra or Yu Long Ben Cao.Conclusion: This study surveyed herbal medicine in the market of Lijiang City, analyzing and revealing resource compositions and current market situations. The medicinal plants used by the Naxi people are diverse and are used to treat a wide spectrum of body disorders. There are many wild medicinal plants, and in order to ensure sustainable development, its natural protection should be strengthened. Knowledge of medicinal plants recorded in Naxi medical classics has ethnobotanical value and should be further developed.
m6A-Related lncRNAs Affect Tumor Immune Microenvironment And Prognosis In Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Zhong Fangmin , Yao Fangyi , Cheng Ying , Liu Jing , Zhang Nan , Li Shuqi , Li Meiyong , Huang Bo , Wang Xiaozhong
Published: September 2021

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a complex hematologic malignancy. Survival rate of AML patients is low. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and long-chain non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in AML tumorigenesis and progression. However, the relationship between lncRNAs and biological characteristics of AML, as well as how lncRNAs influence the prognosis of AML patients, remain unclear. In this study, we identified m6A-related lncRNAs, and analyzed their roles and prognostic values in AML. m6A-related lncRNAs associated with patient prognosis were screened using univariate Cox regression analysis, followed by systematic analysis of the relationship between these genes and AML clinicopathologic and biologic characteristics. Furthermore, we examined the characteristics of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) using different IncRNA clustering models. Using LASSO regression, we identified the risk signals related to prognosis of AML patients. We then constructed and verified a risk model based on m6A-related lncRNAs for independent prediction of overall survival in AML patients. Our results indicate that risk scores, calculated based on risk-related signaling, were related to the clinicopathologic characteristics of AML and level of immune infiltration. Finally, we examined the expression level of TRAF3IP2-AS1 in patient samples through real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis and in GEO datasets, and we identified SRSF10 as a regulator of TRAF3IP2-AS1 through in vitro assays. Our study shows that m6A-related lncRNAs, evaluated using the risk prediction model, can potentially be used to predict prognosis and design immunotherapy in AML patients.
Short-Term and Highly Efficient Cas9 Expression System Using Adenovirus Vector and Site-Specific Recombinase Cre
Authors: Nagamoto Sayaka , Agawa Miyuki , Tsuchitani Emi , Akimoto Kazunori , Kondo Saki , Kanegae Yumi
Published: September 2021

Genome editing techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 have both become common gene engineering technologies and have been applied to gene therapy. However, the problems of increasing the efficiency of genome editing and reducing off-target effects that induce double-stranded breaks at unexpected sites in the genome remain. In this study, we developed a novel Cas9 transduction system, Exci-Cas9, using an adenovirus vector (AdV). Cas9 was expressed on a circular molecule excised by the site-specific recombinase Cre and succeeded in shortening the expression period compared to AdV, which expresses the gene of interest for at least six months. As an example, we chose hepatitis B, which currently has more than 200 million carriers in the world and frequently progresses to liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. The efficiencies of hepatitis B virus genome disruption by Exci-Cas9 and Cas9 expression by AdV directly (Avec) were the same, about 80–90%. Furthermore, Exci-Cas9 enabled cell- or tissue-specific genome editing by expressing Cre from a cell- or tissue-specific promoter. We believe that Exci-Cas9 developed in this study is useful not only for resolving the persistent expression of Cas9, which has been a problem in genome editing, but also for eliminating long-term DNA viruses such as human papilloma virus.