bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geochemistry of Onshore Deposits From Rio-Del-Rey Sub-Basin of The Western Atlantic Margin of Cameroon (Coastal Basin, South West Cameroon): Provenance And Environments of Sedimentation
Authors: Tchouatcha Milan Stafford , Kassi Pafouly Kassi , Mbesse Cecile Olive , Noupa Romeo Kuété , Mam Wallace Junior , Préat Alain
Published: August 2021

The Rio del Rey Basin belongs to the coastal basins of Cameroon with Cretaceous to Cenozoic deposits. The Cretaceous (Cenomanian and Campanian-Maastrichtian) and Cenozoic (Paleocene) sediments were studied using major and trace elements geochemistry associated with mineralogical data. The studied samples are mainly made up of Fe-shale and shale with rare intercalations of Fe-sand in the Cenomanian deposits, Fe-shale and shale in the Campanian-Maastrichtian deposits and sub-litharenite, Fe-sand, shale and Fe-shale in the Paleocene deposits. These samples contain high LREE/HREE ratios (9.27 -24.23), no to slight positive Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*= 1.02 – 1.44), moderate to high Al2O3/TiO2 (10.42 – 112.93) ratio and their position in the Ce vs. La/Yb, Zr vs. TiO2 and La/Sc vs. Th/Co diagrams indicate that they derivate from mainly felsic associated with subordinate intermediate igneous rocks. The CIA (Chemical Index of Alteration; 61.69 – 92.76), PIA (Plagioclase Index of Alteration; 62.16 – 99.47), K2O/Na2O ratios (0.08 – 22.125) and Zr/Sc vs. Th/Sc diagram suggest the source rocks have experienced low to high recycling and weathering (Paleocene deposits), high chemical weathering (Campanian-Maastrichtian) and moderate to high chemical watering (Cenomanian deposits). The SiO2 vs. Al2O3 + K2O + Na2O plot suggests a predominant semi-arid to arid climate with periodically semi-humid climate during the Paleocene, attested by the evolution of the clay minerals composition with association of illite-chlorite/vermiculite/kaolinite in the Cenomanian sediments and periodic appearance of siderite in the Campanian-Maastrichtian and Paleocene deposits. The Sr/Ba (0.41 – 2) and U/Th (0.16 – 0.28) ratios indicate brackish to shallow marine environment of deposition. The Arc-Rift-Collision of two sets of high and low silica rocks and SiO2 vs. K2O/Na2O diagrams indicate a Collisional or Active Continental Margin tectonic setting similar as the Cretaceous (Lower Mundeck and Logbadjeck Formation) and Paleocene (Nkapa Formation) deposits from the Douala sub-basin, which could reflect the Precambian basement history linked to the Neoproterozoic orogeny.
Lower Serum Phosphate Ion Level is Associated with Acute Hydrocephalus After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.
Authors: Kang De-Zhi , Zhang Yi-Bin , Zheng Shu-Fa , Chen Guo-Rong , Li Chun-Wang , Lin Yuan-Xiang , Yao Pei-Sen
Published: August 2021

Background: The relationship between serum phosphate ion (sPi) and the occurrence of acute hydrocephalus (aHCP) in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) remains largely unknown and controversial. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the association between sPi on admission and aHCP following aSAH. Methods: A prospective study was conducted on six hundred thirty-five patients over the age of 19 years diagnosed with aSAH in our institution from January 21, 2012, to December 30, 2019. Data on clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, treatments, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. The association between lower sPi levels and aHCP was assessed in univariate and multivariate analyses. Propensity-score matching (PSM) analyses were adopted to reduce the baseline differences between the non-HCP group and HCP group. Results: The overall incidence of aHCP following aSAH was 19.37% (123/512). Lower sPi levels were detected in patients with aHCP compared with those without [0.86(0.67-1.06) mmol/L vs. 1.04(0.84-1.21)] mmol/L in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, lower sPi, high modified Fisher (mFisher) grade, and high Hunt-Hess grade were associated with aHCP [odds ratios (OR) 1.729, 95% CI 1.139–2.623, P=0.01; mFisher OR 0.097,95%CI 0.055-0.172, p<0.001; Hunt-Hess, OR 0.555, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.320–0.961, P=0.036]. After PSM, the matched HCP group had a significantly lower sPi level than the matched non-hydrocephalus group [(0.86(0.67-1.06) vs. 0.94(0.76-1.12) mmol/L, P= 0.020)]. The area under the curve (AUC) of the sPi level and the logistic regression model based on these predictors (sPi, Hunt-Hess grade, and mFisher score) was 0.667 and 0.840 (sensitivity of 88.6% and specificity of 68.4%) for predicting aHCP, respectively. Conclusion: Lower sPi levels at admission were observed in patients with unfavorable outcomes. Lower sPi levels were associated with aHCP and poor prognosis, and the model constructed by sPi levels, Hunt-Hess grade, and mFisher grade significantly improves the prediction of aHCP after aSAH.
The Evaluation of Preventive and Control Measures on Congenital Syphilis in South China: A Time Series Modelling Study
Authors: Tang Xijia , Chen Wen , Tang ShangQing , Zhao PeiZhen , Ling Li , Wang Cheng
Published: August 2021

Background:

The re-emergence of congenital syphilis (CS) was witnessed since the 1990s over the globe, including China. The country, therefore, carried out the prevention and control measures in an all-around way in 2010, including large-scale syphilis screening for pregnant women, providing standard treatment and follow-up management for both infected mothers and their infants, as well as the supportive strategies from the government as the response. However, there is a lack of the published evaluation for these measures when the deadline of the final goal (CS notification rate < 15/100,000 livebirths by 2025) is approaching. This study evaluates the effectiveness of CS control measures based on the change of the notification rate from 2005 to 2020 and predicts the CS case number in the following year in Guangdong, one of the provinces which used to have the highest CS notification rate in China.
Methods:

The interrupted time series analysis was conducted to compare changes in slope and level of CS notification rate from 2005 to 2020 in Guangdong Province and its three regions with different economic development levels. The year 2012 was identified as the intervention point, the time when Guangdong Province officially launched a bunch of measures. The autoregressive integrated moving average model was established to predict the CS case number of Guangdong Province in 2021.
Results:

A total of 12,687 CS cases were reported from 2005 to 2020. The notification rate of CS had been increasing in Guangdong Province until 2012 (128.55/ 100,000 livebirths), followed by a constant downward trend. It hit the lowest point in 2020 (5.76/ 100,000 livebirths), which was lower than the national goal set for 2025 (15/100,000 livebirths). The effectiveness of preventive and control measures was proved by the significant change in slope of the notification rate which was found in both of the whole province and two less-developed regions (-18.18, 95%CI: -25.63 to -10.75, -10.49, 95%CI: -13.13 to -7.86 and − 32.89, 95%CI: -41.67 to -24.10, respectively). In the developed region where the notification rate had already been decreasing in the pre-program period, implementing these measures also aided in hastening the rate of descent. The CS case number in 2021 was predicted to be 48, which remains a low-level epidemic.
Conclusions:

The comprehensive preventive and control measures have assisted Guangdong Province to control CS and exceed the goal that China set for 2025 ahead of schedule. As these measures worked effectively in places with varying levels of development and produced satisfying outcomes in regions with limited resources, it could be feasible to be generalized in other Low-and-Middle-Income countries where CS is still a public health concern.
Biological Activity of the Tenebrionidae Beetle Antioxidant Complex in a Murine Neurotoxic Model of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Kovalzon Vladimir , Ambaryan Aleksandr , Revishchin Aleksandr , Pavlova Galina , Rybalkina Ekaterina , Bastrakov Aleksandr , Ushakova Nina
Published: August 2021

We have previously shown that the aqueous extract of the Ulomoides dermestoides darking beetle (the Tenebrionidae family) biomass contains a powerful complex of antioxidant substances of protein and non-protein nature. Considering the crucial role of ROS in the development of neurodegeneration, we set out to test the biological activity of this extract in a mouse neurotoxic model of Parkinson's disease. The beetle extracts were administrated continuously with food and their effects on parkinsonism caused by twice injected defoliant paraquat to experimental mice was evaluated. The motor activity of the animals was analyzed in behavioral tests using a rotarod and a vertical pole. The number of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunopositive neurons in the ventral part of the substantia nigra of the midbrains of experimental and control mice was studied by immunohistochemistry. In the model in vitro system with SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma, the effect of the extracts on cell proliferation was examined in the absence and presence of the neurotoxin MPP+. The isolation of biologically active substances from raw biomass using cavitation effects made it possible to obtain extracts with protective properties in the model of an early stage of Parkinson's disease used in this study.
The Research of Site Supervision of Aids Screening Laboratory in Sichuan Province During 2011-2020: A Laboratory Capacity-based Continuity Study
Authors: Li Ling , Ye Li , Liu Hong Lu , Zhou Geng Sheng , Yu Jia , Wei Dong Bing , Su Ling , Yang Hong , Li Yi Ping , Zhou Chang , Zhang Yan , Liang Shu , Yuan Dan
Published: August 2021

Background: Expanding the scale of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing is long-term strategy for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention and control. This study analyzes the capacity of HIV screening laboratory operation to find influencing factors and guarantee quality of test. The result could also provide reference value for management of AIDS laboratories in other provinces and even abroad.Methods: Randomly checking AIDS screening laboratories in 21 cities and counties (districts) every year and also filling out evaluation form of site supervision. Analyzing the influence factors of HIV screening laboratory operation though Logistic regression.Result: From 2011 to 2020, there were 68, 75, 81, 82, 87, 80, 33, 57, 85 and 87 HIV screening laboratories conducted site supervision respectively, of which 60(88.24%), 74 (98.67%), 76 (93.83%), 81(98.78%), 60(68.97%), 51(63.75%), 23(69.70%), 41(71.93%), 59(69.41%) and 60(68.97%) had excellent results. It was found that the excellence rate of each institution was relatively stable during 2011-2014, while the overall score of each regional laboratory in 2015 fluctuated significantly than 2015 before and all of excellence rate has declined. Hospitals and centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) were with higher frequency of assessment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found these following variables were significant influencing factors of laboratory quality, including staffing, standard operating procedure (SOP) and management system, periodic calibration of equipment, standardization of HIV testing, uniqueness of sample number, standardized use of quality control materials, standard drawing of quality control chart, biosafety facilities .Conclusion: The overall operation of HIV screening laboratories in the whole province is good and the quality management can normatively meet the requirements, which also meet the demand of expanding HIV testing. It also has lots of questions influencing laboratory quality, so each part is still strictly required to ensure laboratory work well.
Darboux transformation, bright and dark-bright solitons of an N-coupled high-order nonlinear Schrödinger system in an optical fiber
Authors: Wu Xi-Hu , Gao Yi-Tian , Yu Xin , Ding Cui-Cui , Liu Fei-Yan , Jia Ting-Ting
Published: August 2021

In this paper, an N -coupled high-order nonlinear Schrödinger system, which describes the properties of the ultrashort optical pulses in an optical fiber, is investigated with the help of Darboux transformation (DT) method and asymptotic analysis. Starting from the given (2 N +1)th-order Lax pair, we construct a new form of DT (complex eigenfunctions of Lax pair involved) to derive the formulas of the n th-iterated solutions, where n and N are the positive integers. On the zero background, the first- and second-order solitons are obtained and analysed through the asymptotic analysis. Multi-parameter adjustment is proceeded since there are 3 N +4 real parameters in the second-order solitons. We find that under certain conditions each of the two interaction patterns (elastic, inelastic) holds in the second-order soliton. On the plane wave background, the first-order bright and dark-bright solitons are obtained. Soliton velocities, amplitudes, widths and characteristic lines of the first-order bright and dark-bright solitons are presented and analysed.
Comparison of the Transcriptomic Responses of Two Chrysanthemum Morifolium Cultivars to Low Light
Authors: Han Shuang , Zhang Qingchen , Zhu Xiaoqin , Pei Dongli
Published: August 2021

Low light is a primary regulator of chrysanthemum growth. Herein, we conducted a transcriptomic analysis of leaf samples from the ‘Nannonggongfen’ and ‘Nannongxuefeng’ chrysanthemum cultivars following a 5-day exposure to optimal light (70%, control [CK]) or low-light (20%, LL) conditions. Gene Ontology (GO) classification of upregulated genes revealed these genes to be associated with 11 cellular components, 9 molecular functions, and 15 biological processes, with the majority being localized to the chloroplast, highlighting the role of chloroplast proteins as regulators of shading tolerance. Downregulated genes were associated with 11 cellular components, 8 molecular functions, and 16 biological processes. Heat map analyses suggested that basic helix–loop–helix domain genes and elongation factors were markedly downregulated in ‘Nannongxuefeng’ leaves, consistent with the maintenance of normal stem length, whereas no comparable changes were observed in ‘Nanonggongfen’ leaves. Subsequent qPCR analyses revealed that phytochrome-interacting factors and dormancy-associated genes were significantly upregulated under LL conditions relative to CK conditions, while succinate dehydrogenase 1, elongated hypocotyls 5, and auxin-responsive gene of were significantly downregulated under LL conditions. These findings suggest that LL plants were significantly lower than those of the CK plants. Low-light tolerant chrysanthemum cultivars may maintain reduced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and elongation factor expression as a means of preventing the onset of shade-avoidance symptoms.
Short-Term Pretreatment of Naringin Isolated from Citrus Wilsonii Tanaka Attenuates Rat Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Cheng Liping , Liu Hangxiu , Li Xuefei , Liu Wenting , Zhao Lili , Du Hongzhi , Hu Xiaorong , Ma Zhaocheng
Published: August 2021

Pretreatment or treatment with anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, or anti-oxidative approaches could be critical for reducing the occurrence of myocardial I/R injury. Naringin, a natural flavonoid, plays important roles in inflammation-related diseases. Immature dry fruits of Citrus wilsonii Tanaka (Xiang Yuan) are rich in naringin that can be used as traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammation-related symptoms. However, its roles in cardioprotective role remain unclear. This study aimed to isolate naringin from Citrus wilsonii Tanaka fruit and test their cardioprotective effect. The dry fruits of Citrus wilsonii Tanaka were extracted with boiling water and then supernatants were freeze-dried to yiled aqueous extract (ZQAE). The extract was chemoprofiled using UPLC-MS/MS to stand for major constituents, then subjected to different chromatographic separation steps and naringin was isolated in a high yield. The cardioprotective effect of the aqueous extract of ZQAE and naringin were investigated in a myocardial I/R rat model and to elucidate the mechanism underlying its cardioprotective effect. Naringin was successfully isolated from ZQAE powder by recrystallization in a very high yield. Our results indicated that 5-day ZQAE and naringin pretreatment both promoted histopathological changes and reduced myocardial enzymes induced by I/R. Moreover, the 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg ZQAE doses pretreatment presented a striking decreased the infarct size as well as myocardial enzyme levels but also inhibited myocardial apoptosis, the inflammatory response and oxidative stress. The cardioprotective effect of 5mg/kg dose of naringin pretreatment is comparable with that of 5mg/kg drug ditiazem pretreatment. Additionally, Naringin pretreatment exhibited striking decreases in the apoptosis index and downregulation of cleaved-Caspase3 protein expression. Meanwhile, naringin downregulated HMGB1 expression and upregulated SIRT1 expression in the myocardium. These findings suggest that short-term pretreatment with ZQAE and naringin both protect against myocardial I/R injury by suppressing myocardial apoptosis, the inflammatory response and oxidative stress. The cardioprotective effect of naringin involves SIRT1 activation and may interact with HMGB1 and inhibit the release of HMGB1.
Insecticidal Effect of Ethnobotanical Plant Extracts Against Anopheles Arabiensis (Diptera: Culicidae) Under Laboratory Condition
Authors: Fereda Desta Ejeta , Asme Ansha , Asefa Animut
Published: August 2021

BackgroundThe emergence and spread of resistant strains of malaria vectors to chemical insecticides are becoming major problem for malaria vector management. Natural plant products play a vital role to resolve the current challenge of malaria control. ObjectiveThe current study was conducted to evaluate insecticidal effect of ethnobotanical plant extracts against the primary malaria vector, Anopheles arabiensis in Northwestern Ethiopia. MethodsPrimarily, ethnobotanical plants used for Anopheles mosquito control was surveyed in Dangur district, Northwestern Ethiopia. Insecticide susceptible strains of Anopheles arabiensis mosquito were reared in insectary of tropical and infectious diseases research center, Assosa university. The larvicidal and adulticidal potentials of frequently used plant extracts against susceptible strains of laboratory colony were evaluated. ResultA total of fifteen plants were identified as ethnobotanical plants helping the local people for mosquito control. Azadirachta indica, Ocimum lamiifolium, Ocimum americanum, Moringa olifiera leaf, and Moringa olifiera seed species of local plants were found to be frequently used to kill and/or repel mosquitoes in the study district. All the plant extracts were found to have potential larvicidal activity against 4th instar larvae of An. arabiensis and only ethanol and methanol extract of A. indica and O. lamiifolium were found to have potential adulticidal effect against adult of An. arabiensis. The highest larvicidal activity was observed in ethanol extract of A. indica with 95% larval mortality and lowest LC50 of 40.73 ppm and LC90 of 186.66 ppm. The highest adulticidal activity was observed in methanol extract of A. indica with 75% adult mortality at 300 ppm and lowest LC50 of 106.65ppm and LC90 of 1293ppm. The lowest larvicidal and adulticidal activity was observed in methanol extracts of O. lamiifolium with 63.35% larval mortality and leaf extract of M. olifiera with 50% adult mortality at 300 ppm, respectively. Conclusionethanol extract of A. indica exerted a remarkable larvicidal effect against An. arabiensis and thus it can be used for botanical mosquito insecticide development.
Mesh-like Electrospun Membrane Loaded With Atorvastatin Facilitates Cutaneous Wound Healing by Promoting The Paracrine Function Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Xiang Jieyu , Zhou Ling , Xie Yuanlong , Zhu Yufan , Xiao Lingfei , Chen Yan , Zhou Wei , Chen Danyang , Wang Min , Cai Lin , Guo Liang
Published: August 2021

Background:The Functional electrospun membrane was a promising strategy to promote wound healing, however, the microstructure and drug loading of the membranes still need further improvement. Here, we designed a novel mesh-like electrospun fibrous loaded with atorvastatin and investigated the effect on the paracrine secretion of BMSCs and wound healing.Methods:We fabricated a mesh-like electrospun membrane by using the copper mesh receiver. Physical properties of the membranes were characterized with Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Tensile Strength Analysis and Contrast Angle Test. The drug Release was measured with a concentration curve of certain times. In vitro, we tested the effect of conditioned-medium (CM) from BMSCs on the migration and pro-angiogenic function of endothelial cells and used the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to investigate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) genes in BMSCs. Furthermore, a wound model of rat was established, the atorvastatin loaded mesh-like membranes (PCL/MAT) seeded with BMSCs were used as artificial skin to evaluate the wound-healing efficiency.Results:The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy reveals the successful loading of atorvastatin in mesh-like membranes (PCL/MAT). Compared with the random electrospun fibrous (PCL/R) and the mesh-like electruspun fibrous without drug-loading (PCL/M), PCL/MAT has the strongest effect on the migration of HUVECs. The scratches were almost closed after 24h of cell migration in the PCL/MAT group, whereas the scratches maintained a distance for the other groups. The effect of the PCL/MAT group was significant on the pro-angiogenic function of endothelial cells with obviously higher tube length than those of the other groups. And all above corresponding to the increased VEGF and b-FGF gene expression of BMSC in the RT-PCR. In vivo, PCL/MAT seeded with BMSCs significantly accelerated the speed of healing, improved the neovascularization and collagen reconstruction in the wound area compared with the other groups.Conclusions:Mesh-like topography of fibrous scaffolds with atorvastatin releasing can provide unique microenvironment that benefiting paracrine of BMSCs and migration and pro-angiogenic function of endothelial cells, thus accelerating wound healing. It's a novel strategy to design electrospun membranes for wound treatment
Bone marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST-2) genetic variants influence expression levels and disease outcome in HIV-1 chronically infected patients
Authors: Mlimi Hlelolwenkosi , Naidoo Kewreshini K. , Mabuka Jenniffer , Ndung’u Thumbi , Madlala Paradise
Published: August 2021

BackgroundBone marrow stromal antigen 2 (BST-2) also known as Tetherin (CD317/HM1.24), is a host restriction factor that blocks the release of HIV-1 virions from infected cells. Previous studies reported that BST-2 genetic variants or single nucleotide polymorphims (SNPs) have a preventative role during HIV-1 infection. However, the influence of BST-2 SNPs on expression levels remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the inffluence of BST-2 SNPs on expression levels and disease outcome in HIV-1 subtype C chronically infected antiretroviral therapy naïve individuals.ResultsWe quantified BST-2 mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), determined BST-2 protein expression on the surface of CD4 + T cells using flow cytometry and genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs919267, rs919266 and rs9576 using TaqMan assays from HIV-1 uninfected and infected participants. Determined the ability of plasma antibody levels to meadiate andibodydependenet cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) using gp120 consensus C and p24 subtype B/C protein. Fc receptor-mediated NK cell degranulation was evaluated as a surrogate for ADCC activity using plasma from HIV-1 positive participants. BST-2 mRNA expression levels in PBMCs and protein levels on CD4 + T cells were lower in HIV-1 infected compared to uninfected participants (p=0.075 and p=0.005, respectively). rs919267CT (p=0.042) and rs919267TT (p=0.045) were associated with lower BST-2 mRNA expression levels compared to rs919267CC in HIV-1 uninfected participants. In HIV-1 infected participants, rs919267CT associated with lower CD4 count, (p=0.003), gp120-IgG1 (p=0.040), gp120-IgG3 (p=0.016) levels and but higher viral load (p=0.001) while rs919267TT was associated with lower BST-2 mRNA levels (p=0.046), CD4 counts (p=0.001), gp120-IgG1 levels (p=0.033) but higher plasma viral load (p=0.007). Conversely, rs9576CA was associated with higher BST-2 mRNA expression levels (p=0.027), CD4 counts (p=0.079), gp120-IgG1 (p=0.009), -IgG3 (p=0.039) levels and but with lower viral load (p=0.037). However, there was not correlation between BST-2 SNPs, p24-IgG subclass, ADCC and ADCP activity. ConclusionOur findings show that bst- 2 SNPs mediate BST-2 expression and disease outcome, correlate with gp120-IgG1, gp120-IgG3 levels but p24-IgG levels, ADCC and ADCP activity. Future studies should investigate the role of BST-2 polymorphic variants on improving myeloid dentritic cell (DC) activation and MHC class II antigene presentation.
Development and Validation a Prediction Model to Recurrence in Borderline Ovarian Tumor Patients with Fertility-Preserving Surgery
Authors: He Yunan , Hu Shunjie , Zhong Jiaojiao , Yang Hui , Shan Nianchun
Published: August 2021

Background: To identify prognostic factors in patients with borderline ovarian tumor (BOT) and establish and validate a nomogram predicting recurrence in BOT patients treated with fertility-preserving surgery.Methods: Patients with BOT who underwent surgery at two institutions between January 2000 and June 2017 were included and categorized into training and validation cohorts. Univariate log-rank test and Cox regression analysis were performed in the training cohort to identify prognostic factors, and a nomogram was developed to predict the recurrence rate. The model was validated by calculating the C-index and drawing the calibration curve and receiver operating curve (ROC).Results: In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, practice period, past history of benign ovarian disease, past history of benign breast disease, elevated CA125 levels, elevated CA199 levels, surgical methods, greater omentum resection, FIGO stage, postoperative pregnancy, and re-operation were independently associated with recurrence-free survival (p<0.05). The aforementioned prognostic factors were used to develop a nomogram. The nomogram demonstrated a good ability to predict the risk of recurrence (training cohort C-index: 0.866, validation cohort C-index: 0.920). The calibration curve suggested that the predicted recurrence-free survival was closely related to the actual recurrence. ROC analysis showed that the nomogram had a good discriminatory power with the area under curve between 0.776 and 0.956. Conclusions: The nomogram can predict the 1-, 3-, and 5-year recurrence-free survival of BOT patients undergoing fertility-preserving surgery. The predictive model can help guide surgical plans, postoperative monitoring, and prognostic evaluation of BOT patients.
Relationship of Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio with coronary artery disease and plaque composition of coronary artery
Authors: Wang Ruopeng , Gu Hui , Ji Congshan , Gao Yan , Gao Lin , Qin Songnan , Wang Ximing
Published: August 2021

Evidence suggests that the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been considered as useful marker for identifying individuals under risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and associated events, a more powerful predictor than any other leukocyte subtypes. In this study, we aimed to evaluate association of NLR with CAD and plaque composition of coronary artery analyzed from coronary CT angiography (CCTA). The study population consisted of 469 patients who underwent CCTA due to stable typical or atypical chest pain. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups and three groups according to coronary artery stenosis and tertiles of NLR, respectively. The plaque burden, volume and ratio of calcified, lipid and fibrous components of plaques were measured based on CCTA images. Chi-square, Student’s test, ANOVA, Mann–Whitney U test, KruskalWallis test and multiple logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. Compared with non-CAD group, NLR was significantly higher in CAD group(P = 0.001). The non-calcified plaque volume, fibrotic plaque volume and lipid plaque volume increased with the NLR (P༜0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that NLR was an independent risk factor for CAD(OR: 1.792, 95CI 1.067–3.011, P < 0.05). The present study demonstrated that NLR is associated with both the CAD and non-calcified plaque volume of coronary artery.
In-silico genome wide identification, expressional profiling and regulation of NHX (Sodium/ Hydrogen Antiporter) gene family in Camellia sinensis
Authors: Paul Abhirup , Chatterjee Archita , Subrahmanya shreya , Shen Guoxin , Mishra Neelam
Published: August 2021

Background

Salt stress affects the plant growth and productivity worldwide and NHX is one of those genes that are well known to improve salt tolerance in transgenic plants. It is well characterized in several plants such as Arabidopsis and cotton however not much is known about NHXs in tea plant.
Result

In the present study, NHX genes of tea were obtained through a genome wide search using Arabidopsis thaliana as reference genome. Out of the 9 NHX genes in tea, 7 genes were localized in vacuole while the remaining 2 genes were localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) (TEA014468.1) and plasma membrane (PM) (TEA006997.1) respectively. Furthermore, phylogenetic relationships along with structural analysis which includes gene structure, location as well as protein conserved motifs and domains, were systematically examined and further, predictions were validated by the expression analysis. The dN/dS values show that the majority of tea NHX genes are subjected to strong purifying selection under the course of evolution. Also, functional interaction was carried out in C. sinensis based on the orthologous genes in Arabidopsis. The expression profiles linked to various stress treatments revealed wide involvement of NHX genes from tea in response to various abiotic factors.
Conclusion

This study provides the targets for further comprehensive identification, functional study, and also contributed for a better understanding of the NHX regulatory network in C. sinensis.
Atherogenic index of plasma is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Fu Liyao , Zhou Ying , Sun Jiaxing , Zhu Zhaowei , Xing Zhenhua , Zhou Shenghua , Wang Yongjun , Tai Shi
Published: August 2021

Background

Previous studies have reported the prognostic value of the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in the course of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the utility of the AIP for prediction is unknown among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods

This was a secondary analysis of the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) study which randomized 10,251 patients with long-lasting T2DM. ROC curve analysis was used to determine an optimal threshold for AIP and the study population was divided into high and low AIP groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to find the association between AIP and primary (MACEs) and second outcomes (all-cause mortality). Stratified analyses were performed to control the confounding factors.
Results

AIP was an independent risk factor for the prognosis of T2DM (HR = 1.309; 95% CI, 1.084–1.581; P = 0.005). The threshold for AIP was determined to be 0.34 among the study population. After adjustments for confounding factors, multivariate analysis showed that AIP was associated with the risk of MACEs (Model 1: HR = 1.333, 95%CI: 1.205–1.474, P༜0.001; Model 2: HR = 1.171, 95%CI: 1.030–1.333, P = 0.016; Model 3: HR = 1.194, 95%CI: 1.049–1.360, P = 0.007) and all-cause mortality (Model 1: HR = 1.184, 95%CI: 1.077–1.303, P༜0.001), especially cardiovascular deaths (Model 1: HR = 1.422, 95%CI: 1.201–1.683, P༜0.001; Model 3: HR = 1.264, 95%CI: 1.015–1.573, P = 0.036) and nonfatal myocardial infarction (Model 1: HR = 1.447, 95%CI: 1.255–1.669, P༜0.001; Model 2: HR = 1.252, 95%CI: 1.045–1.499, P = 0.015; Model 3: HR = 1.284, 95%CI: 1.071–1.539, P = 0.007). Subgroup stratified analyses showed that AIP might interact with gender, a classical risk factor of cardiovascular events.
Conclusions

Our study showed that AIP might be a strong biomarker that could be used to predict the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with T2DM.
A Widespread Characteristic Estimation Analysis of Photovoltaic: Mayfly Algorithm Application
Authors: KOCKANAT SERDAR
Published: August 2021

In recent years, traditional energy sources have begun to give way to alternative and renewable energy sources such as solar energy. Therefore, the interest in the use of solar cells in energy production is increasing by researchers and practitioners. In literature, performance and control improvement studies are carried out in order to generate more energy by using solar cells effectively. To increase performance and control, several solar cell models are developed such as one diode ad double diode models. They are very effective but there is a problem of accurate and efficient estimation of parameters in these models. Recently, to overcome this problem, metaheuristic algorithms have been used in literature. In this paper, for the first time, a novel swarm based Mayfly algorithm (MA) is proposed to characteristic parameter estimation of photovoltaic models. To analyze the estimation performance of MA, single and double diode model are applied for silicon R.T.C. France, poly-crystalline Photowatt-PWP-201 and mono-crystalline STM-40/36 solar cells. Obtained results are compared with those of the well-known algorithms suggested in literature. Also, current-voltage and power-voltage characteristic are constructed using estimated parameters by MA. The results show that the MA is right choice for accurate and effective parameter estimation of photovoltaic cells.
A new physiologically realistic and clinically relevant model of sleep apnoea for investigating it’s effect as a comorbidity on neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Roberts Reno , Wall Mark , Braren Ingke , Dhillion Karendheep , Evans Amy , Dunne Jack , Nyakupinda Simbarashe , Huckstepp Robert
Published: August 2021

Sleep apnoea is a highly prevalent disease but often goes undetected and is associated with poor clinical prognoses when combined with many different disease states. However, most animal models of sleep apnoea (e.g., intermittent hypoxia) have recently been dispelled as physiologically unrealistic. Due to a lack of appropriate models, little is known about the causative link between sleep apnoea and it’s co-morbidities. To overcome these problems, we have created a realistic animal model of moderate sleep apnoea by reducing the excitability of the respiratory network. This has been achieved through controlled genetically-mediated lesions to the preBötzinger Complex (preBötC), the inspiratory oscillator. This novel model shows increases in sleep disordered breathing with alterations in breathing during wakefulness (decreased frequency and increased tidal volume) as observed clinically. The increase in apnoea episodes leads to a reduction in REM sleep, with all lost active sleep being spent in an awake state. The increase in hypoxic and hypercapnia insults leads to both systemic and neural inflammation. Alterations in neurophysiology, an inhibition of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), reflect deficits in both long and short term spatial memory. This new physiologically relevant and clinically realistic model of sleep apnoea may be the key to understanding why sleep apnoea has such far reaching and often fatal effects on end organ function.
WITHDRAWN: Development of a Solid Phase Extraction-based Method for Quantitative Analysis of Methylmercury in Soil and Sediment
Authors: Kakimoto Sachiko , Yoshimitsu Masato , Kiyota Kyohei
Published: August 2021

Methylmercury (MeHg) pollution is currently widespread in paddy soil and sediment, posing a health hazard risk during the harvesting of rice grains. However, to date, a simple and universal method for quantifying MeHg in the soil is unavailable. Therefore, we aimed to develop a solid-phase extraction-based method using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In this study, MeHg was purified from the soil matrix using optimized solid-phase extraction; our method reduced the use of organic solvents and did not require harmful reagents such as alkaline solution and toluene. The limit of quantification in the sample was determined to be 7.5 ng/g. The MeHg recovery in reference samples was 96.2–102.6%, and intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were 3.4–7.1% and 4.3–7.1%, respectively, indicating high validation performance. Furthermore, the MeHg levels of the five tested reference samples were determined to be 64.1 ng/g or not detected, and these levels were well below the Japanese regulatory criteria. This new method could provide reliable and useful data for environmentalists and agriculturalists to prevent MeHg pollution, facilitating the improvement of food safety for harvests from paddy soil.
Occupational Categorization of female Work Force in Kashmir Himalayas, India
Authors: Dev Aisha , Ganaie M. Imran , Abida Dar , Mayer Ishtiaq A. , Singh Harmeet
Published: August 2021

Occupational classification has been a subject of many experiments. From the definition of a worker to their attribution to a particular category of occupation. Multiple attempts have been made in understanding and explaining the same. The present paper attempts to take the case of female workforce and delves into the subject of categorizing their prevalence across the Kashmir valley (geographic unit), which by and large corresponds to Kashmir Division (administrative unit) in a comprehensible manner. The researcher adopts the Standard deviation method to do so. Using the standard deviations observed for each occupational category, the researcher proposes a rank table visualizing the target area employing a standard deviation-based occupational coding. Based on the rank table it is observed that amongst the female workforce the primary sector is dominant in Ganderbal and Kulgam districts, secondary sector in Shopian, Pulwama and Kulgam, tertiary sector in Srinagar and Budgam and the Quaternary/Quinary sectors in Srinagar, Anantnag and Pulwama districts. The standard deviation method adopted in this paper has led to a satisfactory representation of the occupational distribution observed in the sample area. The occupational coding of the target districts using this method not only makes it easier to visualize the occupational trends but also gives us a clear sense of variation (positive and negative) amongst these categories across the districts.
Prediction of herb-drug interactions involving consumption of furanocoumarin-mixtures and cytochrome P450 1A2-mediated caffeine metabolism inhibition in humans
Authors: Alehaideb Zeyad Ibrahim
Published: August 2021

Herb-drug interaction (HDI) has become important due to the increasing popularity of natural product consumption worldwide. HDI is difficult to predict as botanical drugs usually contain complex phytochemical-mixtures which interact with drug metabolism. Currently, there is no pharmacological tool to predict HDI since almost all in vitro-in vivo-extrapolation (IVIVE) Drug-Drug Interaction (DDI) models deal with one inhibitor-drug and one victim-drug. The objectives were to modify IVIVE models of Mayhew et al. (2000) and Wang et al. (2004) for prediction of in vivo interaction between caffeine and furanocoumarin-containing herbs, and to confirm model prediction by comparing the predictive results with experimental data. The models were modified to predict in vivo herb-caffeine interaction using the same set of inhibition constants but different integrated dose/concentration of furanocoumarin mixtures in the liver. Different hepatic inlet inhibitor concentration ([I]H) surrogates were used for each furanocoumarin. In the Mayhew et al., the [I]H was predicted using the concentration-addition model for chemical-mixtures. In the Wang et al., the [I]H was calculated by adding individual furanocoumarins together. Once [I]H was determined, the models predicted an area-under-curve-ratio (AUCR) of each interaction. The results indicate that both models were able to predict the experimental AUCR of herbal products reasonably well.
Community satisfaction with Enhanced Community Health Workers Activities in Mukono District, Uganda
Authors: Kabali Kenneth , Bulafu Douglas , Behringer Hannah , O’Donovan James , O'Niel Edward , Macrae Mackenzie
Published: August 2021

Background

Although the community health workers’ (CHWs) / volunteer health teams’ (VHTs) work is widely appreciated, some households do resist their interventions, and figures of authority sometimes question their manner and ability. Despite critical shortage of health workers’ world-over, little has been done to explore whether community health workers satisfy the people they serve. To fill this VHT training and support gap, Omni Med Uganda, a local Non-Governmental Organization in Uganda, has been implementing an enhanced hybrid VHT program since 2008. This study aimed at assessing community satisfaction with the CHW activities involved the enhanced CHW program.
Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was employed. Qualitative data was collected from 217 participants using semi-structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, proportions, and means were performed for socio-demographic characteristics, Community satisfaction, and CHW activities. Prevalence Ratios (PR) were used to determine association between Community satisfaction and enhanced CHW activities.
Results

Majority of the respondents 81.1% (176/217) reported that the performance of the CHWs was satisfactory to maintain their health and that of their families. CHW activities such as confirming sick persons (APR:1.26 :95%CI (1.01–1.44), mobilization for cook stove building, (APR: 1.18: 95%CI (1.04–1.34), and monthly visits at participant’s homes (APR: 1.17: 95%CI (1.01–1.35) were positively associated with community satisfaction.
Conclusion

Enhancement of CHW activities should be considered during CHW programs. However, CHW performance should also be considered because community satisfaction does not imply high performance by CHWs and adherence to health interventions by the community.
Mencari Bentuk Pembelajaran Rancang Kota dalam Konteks Adaptasi Kebiasaan Baru
Authors: Widyastuti Dyah Titisari
Published: August 2021

Title: Seeking Appropriate Approach for Urban Design Learning under the New Normal Condition

 

Basically, it is urgently needed to build appropriate learning methods in the current pandemic condition, where the teaching and learning process at various levels of education demands a major change from what originally took place face-to-face in educational institution classrooms to turning into screen-to-screen in the personal spaces of individual respective environments. This should not be as simple as simply transferring class material onto a computer screen, but more than that, how the pedagogical aspects of each discipline must be fulfilled, how learning competencies can be fulfilled equivalent to learning under normal conditions. Design learning basically cannot be separated from learning the process of designing in a studio, where pedagogically integrates a learner-centered approach, methods of interaction between learners, and the studio as a physical and social space that forms an atmosphere that triggers creativity. Likewise in urban design learning is based on not only a theoretical component but also an empirical component. This study aims to develop content and learning methods for urban design, that cannot be separated from its pedagogical aspects, as a form of adaptation of urban design learning norms during the pandemic period and their potential as an alternative learning method in the future.
Post-COVID-19 Sustainable Architecture Design Studio
Authors: Takkanon Pattaranan
Published: August 2021

COVID-19 outbreak has set the beginning of new normal in many parts of the world. The impact of COVID-19 was recognized in all sectors, including higher education. Many new ways of teaching and learning are taking place. Despite lockdowns and social distancing that transformed on-site classrooms to online classrooms, architecture design studio programs should also adapt and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as contribute to society by taking the real-world projects. The architectural program of the Department of Building Innovation, Faculty of Architecture, Kasetsart University in Bangkok took the initiative in designing studio project programs to acknowledge the new normal. The programs were assigned to 2nd-year Sustainable Architecture Design Studio during the 1st semester (July-November) of the academic year 2020. Physical distancing, passive design, especially ventilation strategies, were the focus. Means to prove design performance include calculation and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods. The paper shows results of the post-COVID-19 eco canteen and 50-bed hospital design programs.
Weak integrability breaking and level spacing distribution
Authors: Szász-Schagrin Dávid , Pozsgay Balázs , Takacs Gabor
Published: August 2021

Recently it was suggested that certain perturbations of integrable
spin chains lead to a weak breaking of integrability in the sense that
integrability is preserved at the first order in the coupling. Here we
examine this claim using level spacing distribution. We find that the
volume dependent crossover between integrable and chaotic level spacing
statistics {which marks the onset of quantum chaotic behaviour, is
markedly different for weak vs. strong breaking of integrability. In
particular}, for the gapless case we find that the crossover coupling as
a function of the volume LL
scales with a 1/L^{2}1/L2
law for weak breaking as opposed to the 1/L^{3}1/L3
law previously found for the strong case.
Automatic sampling of seawater quality based on electric propulsion unmanned ship
Authors: Xu Tao
Published: August 2021

In many sea areas, toxic and harmful chemicals vastly exceed the standard, which not only has had a very bad impact on the survival of marine organisms, but also damages the safety of edible groundwater. With the continuous development of artificial intelligence and deep learning, the most efficient and safe method to detect seawater is with unmanned ship. By processing and fusing the images transmitted by the two radars, the common advantages of the two sensors are integrated, and the comprehensiveness of the unmanned aerial vehicle's (UAV;s) perception of the surrounding environment is improved. In order to improve the accuracy and safety of UAV offshore operations, this study designed an electric propulsion unmanned ship and its automatic control system according to the requirements of water quality sampling. Based on the small body theory, the model of an unmanned ship with the least resistance and the best safety is designed. According to the requirements of water quality sampling in sea areas, the vessel was equipped with collection and analysis systems to measure six elements of water quality. The Realizable k-e turbulence model was used to simulate the self-recovery ability of an unmanned ship under wave disturbance. Theoretically, the unmanned ship can achieve self-righting in 4.25 s. For actual navigation, the unmanned ship can effectively avoid obstacles, and the basic information on seawater quality was within the specified range. The unmanned ship constructed in this study can be used as an auxiliary tool for water quality detection. Compared with various study methods, the proposed method obtained a better performance.