bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamical masses of two infant giant planets
Authors: Mascareño Alejandro Suárez , Damasso Mario , Lodieu Nicolas , Sozzetti Alessandro , Béjar Víctor , Benatti Serena , Osorio María Rosa Zapatero , Micela Giusi , Rebolo Rafael , Desidera Silvano , Murgas Felipe , Claudi Riccardo , González-Hernández Jonay , Malavolta Luca , Burgo Carlos del , D'Orazi Valentina , Amado Pedro , Locci Daniele , Tabernero Hugo , Marzari Francesco , Aguado David , Turrini Diego , Guillén Carlos Cardona , Padrón Borja Toledo , Maggio Antonio , Aceituno Jesús , Bauer Florian , Caballero Jose , Chinchilla Patricia , Esparza-Borges Emma , González-Álvarez Esther , Granzer Thomas , Luque Rafael , Guerrero Eduardo Martín , Nowak Grzegorz , Oshagh Mahmoudreza , Pallé Enric , Parviainen Hannu , Quirrenbach Andreas , Reiners Ansgar , Ribas Ignasi , Strassmeier Klaus , Weber Michael
Published: May 2021

Current theories of planetary evolution predict that infant giant planets have large radii and very low densities before they slowly contract to reach their final size after about several hundred million years 1, 2. These theoretical expectations remain untested to date, despite the increasing number of exoplanetary discoveries, as the detection and characterisation of very young planets is extremely challenging due to the intense stellar activity of their host stars 3, 4. However, the recent discoveries of young planetary transiting systems allow to place initial constraints on evolutionary models5–9. With an estimated age of 20 million years, V1298 Tau is one of the youngest solar-type stars known to host transiting planets: it harbours a multiple system composed of two Neptune-sized, one Saturn-sized, and one Jupiter-sized planets 10, 11. Here we report the dynamical masses of two of the four planets. We find that planet b, with an orbital period of 24 days, has a mass of 0.60 Jupiter masses and a density similar to the giant planets of the Solar System and other known giant exoplanets with significantly older ages 12, 13. Planet e, with an orbital period of 40 days, has a mass of 1.21 Jupiter masses and a density larger than most giant exoplanets. This is unexpected for planets at such a young age and suggests that some giant planets might evolve and contract faster than anticipated, thus challenging current models of planetary evolution.
Host-Plant Volatiles Enhance the Attraction of Cnaphalocrocis medicals (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) to Sex Pheromone
Authors: Liu Fang , Du Hai-Tao , Li Yao , Zhu Jun
Published: May 2021

Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a notorious pest of rice, Oryza sativa L.(Poaceae). Sex pheromone and host-plant volatiles can trap C. medinalis separately. To improve the trap efficiency of sex pheromone, we first tested the synergistic effect of 8 host-plant volatiles, including 2-Phenylethanol, 1-Hexanol, 1-Heptanol, (Z)-3-Hexenal, (E)-2-Hexenal, Octanal, Valeraldehyde, and Methyl Salicylate on the attraction of C. medinalis to the female-produced sex pheromone in electroantennography. The addition of (E)-2-Hexenal, Methyl Salicylate, Valeraldehyde, and (Z)-3-Hexenal increased electroantennogram response of C. medinalis to sex pheromone. Further testing of the mixtures of these four compounds and sex pheromone in wind tunnel experiments indicated that additive (E)-2-Hexenal or Methyl Salicylate stimulated the landing behaviors of both male and female C. medinalis compared with sex pheromone alone. Field evaluations showed that mixtures of sex pheromone and (E)-2-Hexenal or Methyl Salicylate resulted in significantly higher catches to male moths than sex pheromone alone. Using 1:1 and 1:10 combinations of the sex pheromone and (E)-2-Hexenal, showed a synergistic effect of 95% and 110%, respectively. Furthermore, 1:1 and 1:10 mixtures of the sex pheromone and Methyl Salicylate exhibited a synergistic effect of 69% and 146%, respectively. These results may provide the basis for developing efficient pest management strategies against C. medinalis using host-plant volatiles and insect sex pheromones.
International Value of The Potential Al-Medina Volcanic Global Geopark in Saudi Arabia Revealed From Multi-Satellite Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Fu Han , Fu Bihong , Shi Pilong , Zheng Yuanyuan
Published: May 2021

The Global Geopark must be of international importance in terms of their scientific quality, rarity, aesthetic appeal and education value. The Saudi Arabia, as one of the important node countries along the Belt and Road, has developed at least nine Cenozoic basaltic volcanic lava fields in the western part, with a total area of 180,000 km2. In this paper, the geological and geomorphic features of volcanic lava fields in western Saudi Arabia induced by the expansion of the Red Sea are interpreted using multi-source satellite images, such as Moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS), Landsat-8 OLI (Operational Land Imager) and Gaofen-2 data. Our results show that the Al-Medina volcanic field (AMVF) has great advantages to become the potential volcanic Global Geopark in Saudi Arabia. This study indicates that : 1) AMVF has special international geo-scientific significance and rare natural attribute in geodynamic mechanism and lithologic characteristics; 2) AMVF has abundant volcanic landscapes, including completely preserved cones and craters and multi-phase lava flows from different eruption stages, which have great aesthetic appreciation and education values to attract the general public; 3) AMVF is close to the second holy city of Islam-Medina city, which has convenient transportation and is suitable to develop tourism to promote the local economy development; 4) AMVF had erupted repeatedly (the latest eruption was in 1256 AD), establishment of the Global Geopark can not only prevent potential geological hazard risks to Medina city from future volcanic eruptions, but also provide better protection and conservation to geoheritage sites being damaged by human activities.
TERT Promotes Neurogenesis and Neural Repair after Hypoxic Ischemic Brain Damage in Neonatal Rats
Authors: Li Jiao , Liu Hai-ting , Zhao Jing , Fang Zhi
Published: May 2021

Neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) endangers quality of life in children; but effective cure is rare. Neurogenesis plays an important role in neural repair following brain damage. Recent studies have demonstrated that telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) was involved in neurogenesis regulation. However, whether TERT participates in the regulation of neurogenesis after hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) is unclear. Here, we established a model of HIBD in neonatal rats both in vivo and in vitro, and used lentivirus and adenovirus transfection for TERT overexpression to investigate its role in neurogenesis after HIBD in developmental stage. Using immunofluorescence staining, cell counting Kit-8 staining, TUNEL, and western blotting, we observed that TERT attenuated apoptosis and promoted proliferation, migration, and differentiation in neural stem cells (NSCs). Furthermore, TERT induced myelination in the brain of neonatal rats after HIBD. Neurobehavioral tests revealed that TERT could improve learning, memory, and neurological function after HIBD in neonatal rats, and thus promote the recovery of neurological function after HIBD. In addition, we investigated the regulatory mechanism of TERT during neurogenesis after HIBD in developmental stage. We found that TERT may regulate neurogenesis after HIBD through the Sonic Hedgehog/Gli1 signaling pathway. Our study demonstrated that TERT could promote neural repair and neurological function recovery after HIBD in neonatal rats. The new neuroprotective pathway regulated by TERT during HIBD described here could provide a basis for developing therapeutic strategy for neonatal HIE. Furthermore, TERT may be a potential target during neural repair and reconstruction in various diseases affecting nervous system.
Taking better advantage of fold axis data to characterize anisotropy of complex folded structures in the implicit modeling framework
Authors: Pizzella Laure , Alais Robin , Lopez Simon , Freulon Xavier , Rivoirard Jacques
Published: May 2021

When too few field measurements are available for the geological mod-ling of complex folded structures, results of implicit methods typically exhibit an unsatisfactory bubbly aspect. However, in such cases, anisotropy data are often readily available but not fully exploited. Among them, fold axis data are a straightforward indicator of this local anisotropy direction. Focusing on the so-called potential field method, this work aims to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of such data into the modeling process. Given locally sampled fold axis data, this paper proposes to use the second-order derivatives of the scalar field in addition to the existing first-order ones. The mathematical foundation of the approach is developed and the respective efficiencies of both kinds of constraints are tested. Their integration and impact are discussed based on a complex case study, thereby providing practical guidelines to geomodeling tool users on the parsimonious use of data for the geological modeling of complex folded structures
Characterization of the Physical Origins of Acoustic Emission (AE) From Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymers (Nfrps) Machining Processes
Authors: Wang Zimo , Guo Ruiqi , Ma Qiyang , Chegdani Faissal , Tai Bruce , Mansori Mohamed El , Bukkapatnam Satish
Published: May 2021

Natural fiber reinforced polymers (NFRPs) are environmentally friendly and are receiving growing attention in the industry. However, the multi-scale structure of natural fibers and the random distribution of the fibers in the matrix material severely impede the machinability of NFRPs, and real-time monitoring is essential for quality assurance. This paper reports a synchronous in-situ imaging and acoustic emission (AE) analysis of the NFRP machining process to connect the temporal features of AE to the underlying dynamics and process instability, all happen within milliseconds during the NFRP cutting. This approach allows directly observing the surface modification and chip formation from a high-speed camera (HSC) during NFRP cutting processes. The analysis of the HSC images suggests that the complex fiber structure and the random distribution introduce an unsteady, almost a freeze-and-release type motion pattern of the cutting tool with varying depths of cut at the machining interface. More pertinently, a prominent burst pattern of AE from time domain was found to emanate due to the sudden penetration of the tool into the surface of the NFRP workpiece (increasing the depth of cut), as well as a release motion of the tool from its momentary freeze position. These findings open the possibility of tracking AE signals to assess the effective specific energy and surface quality that are affected by these unsteady motion patterns.
Ropivacaine induces cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and apoptosis of PC12 cells via inhibiting mitochondrial STAT3 translocation
Authors: Zeng Lian , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Fuyu , Chen Huaxian , Wang Ying , Ding Xudong , Luo Huiyu
Published: May 2021

STAT3 has neuroprotective effect via non-canonical activation and mitochondrial translocation, but its effects on ropivacaine-induced neurotoxicity remain unclear. Our previous study revealed that apoptosis was an important mechanism of ropivacaine-induced neurotoxicity, this study is to illustrate the relationship between STAT3 with ropivacaine-induced apoptosis. Those results showed that ropivacaine treatment decreased cell viability, induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in PC12 cells. Besides, ropivacaine decreased the phosphorylated levels of STAT3 at Ser727 and downregulated the expression of STAT3 upstream gene IL-6. The mitochondrial translocation of STAT3 was also hindered by ropivacaine. To further illustrate the connection of STAT3 protein structure with ropivacaine, the autodock-vina was used to examine the interaction between STAT3 and ropivacaine, and the results showed that ropivacaine could bind to STAT3’s proline site and other sites. In addition, the activator and inhibitor of mitoSTAT3 translocation were used to demonstrate it was involved in ropivacaine-induced apoptosis, the results showed that enhancing the mitochondrial STAT3 translocation could prevent ropivacaine-induced apoptosis. Finally, the expression of p-STAT3 and the levels of apoptosis in the spinal cord were also detected, the results were consistent with the cell experiment, ropivacaine decreased the expression of p-STAT3 protein and increased the levels of apoptosis in the spinal cord. We demonstrated that ropivacaine induced apoptosis by inhibiting the phosphorylation of STAT3 at Ser727 and the mitochondrial STAT3 translocation. This effect was reversed by the activation of the mitochondrial STAT3 translocation.
Accuracy of Robot-Assisted Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Placement Under Regional Anaesthesia: A Comparative Cohort Study
Authors: Gao Shangju , Wei Jingchao , Li Wenyi , Zhang Long , Cao Can , Zhai Jinshuai , Gao Bo
Published: May 2021

Background: Robot-assisted pedicle screw placement is usually performed under general anaesthesia to keep the body still. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of the robot-assisted technique under regional anaesthesia with conventional fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous pedicle screw placement under general anaesthesia in minimally invasive lumbar fusion surgery.Methods: Patients who underwent robot-assisted percutaneous endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (PELIF) or fluoroscopy-guided minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) from December 2017 to February 2020 in a single centre were included. Based on the method of percutaneous pedicle screw placement used, patients were divided into the robot-assisted under regional anaesthesia (group RE-RO) and fluoroscopy-guided under general anaesthesia (group GE-FLU) groups. The primary outcome measures were screw accuracy and the incidence of facet joint violation (FJV). Secondary outcome measures included X-ray exposure and intraoperative adverse events.Results: Eighteen patients were included in group RE-RO, and 23 patients were included in group GE-FLU. The percentages of clinically acceptable screws (Gertzbein and Robbins grades A and B) were 94.4% and 91.5%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the percentages of clinically acceptable screws (p=0.44) or overall Gertzbein and Robbins screw accuracy grades (p=0.35). Only the top screws were included in the analysis of FJVs. The percentages of FJV (Babu grades 1, 2 and 3) were 5.6% and 28.3%, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.01). Overall, the FJV grades in group RE-RO were significantly better than those in group GE-FLU (p=0.009). The mean fluoroscopy time for each screw in group RE-RO was significantly shorter than that in group GE-FLU (group RE-RO, 5.4±1.9 seconds, group GE-FLU, 6.8±2.0 seconds; P=0.03). The intraoperative adverse events included 1 case of registration failure and 1 case of guide-wire dislodgment in group RE-RO as well as 2 cases of screw misplacement in group GE-FLU. No complications related to anaesthesia were observed.Conclusion: Robot-assisted pedicle screw placement under regional anaesthesia can be performed effectively and safely. The accuracy is comparable to the conventional technique. Moreover, this technique has the advantage of fewer FJVs and a lower radiation time.
The Adaptation of Turkish Health Literacy Scale for Literate Syrian Adult Refugees Living in Turkey: A Reliability-Validity Study
Authors: Bahar-Ozvaris Sevkat , Guciz-Dogan Bahar , Unlu Hande Konsuk , Aktuna Gamze , Inandi Tacettin , Kurt A. Oner , Aydin Neriman , Kutluk M. Tezer
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThere is a big Syrian refugee population which counts more than 3.5 million since the year 2011, and continuously growing. This situation causes various problems, mainly while obtaining health services. In planning the migrant health services, for the policy makers of host countries, health literacy level of migrants is an important measure. Determination of health literacy level of Syrian refugees in Turkey would be supportive for planning some interventions to increase health services utilization, and health education and health communication programs. An “original health literacy scale" for 18–60 years of age Turkish literate adults (Hacettepe University Health literacy Scale-HLS) was developed to be used as a reference scale in 2018. It would be useful to compare the health literacy level of Turkish adults and Syrian adult refugees resided in Turkey with an originally developed scale. For this reason, it was aimed to adapt the HLS-Short Form in Syrian refugees.MethodsThis methodological study was carried out between 2019–2020 in three provinces of Turkey where the Syrians live intensively. The data was collected by pre-trained, Arabic speaking 12 interviewers and three supervisors via a questionnaire on household basis. At first, the original Scale and questionnaire were translated into Arabic and backtranslated. The questionnaire and the Scale was pre-tested on 30 Syrian refugees in Ankara Province. A total of 1254 refugees were participated to the main part of study; 47 health-worker participants were excluded from the validity-reliability analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed. Cronbach’s alpha and Spearman-Brown coefficients were calculated.ResultsOf the participants, 52.9% was male; 26.1% had secondary level or less; almost half of them had moderate economic level; 27.5% could not speak Turkish. The Cronbach’s Alpha was 0.75, Spearman-Brown Coefficient was 0.76; RMSEA = 0.073, CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.92 and GFI = 0.95 for the Scale. The Cronbach’s Alpha was 0.76, Spearman-Brown Coefficient was 0.77; RMSEA = 0.085, CFI = 0.93, TLI = 0.91 and GFI = 0.95 for self-efficacy part.ConclusionIn conclusion, the adapted HLS would be a reliable instrument to evaluate the health-literacy level of Syrians living in Turkey and could give an opportunity to compare the host country’s HL with the refugees by using the same scale.
Propofol Improves Survival In A Murine Model of Sepsis Via Inhibiting Rab5a -Mediated Intracellular Trafficking of TLR4
Authors: Zhou Bo-Wei , Zhang Fang-Ling , Zhang Wen-Juan , Yang xiao , Yao Zhi-Wen , Yan Zheng-Zheng , Zhao Bing-Cheng , Zhao Jin , Feng Wei-Jie , Chen Xiao-Dong , Li Cai , Liu Ke-xuan
Published: May 2021

Background：Propofol is a widely used anesthetic and sedative, which has been reported to exert an anti-inflammatory effect. TLR4 plays a critical role in coordinating the immuno-inflammatory response during sepsis. Whether propofol can act as an immunomodulator through regulating TLR4 are still unclear. In view of its potential as a sepsis therapy, we investigated the mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory activity of propofol.Methods: The effects of propofol on TLR4 and Rab5a (a master regulator involved in intracellular trafficking of immune factors) were investigated in macrophage (from Rab5a-/- and WT mice) following treatment with lipopolysaccharide or cecal ligation and puncture in vitro and in vivo, and in peripheral blood monocyte from sepsis patients and healthy volunteers. Results: We showed that propofol reduced membrane TLR4 expression on macrophage in vitro and in vivo. Rab5a participated in TLR4 intracellular trafficking and both Rab5a expression and the interaction between Rab5a and TLR4 were inhibited by propofol. We also showed Rab5a upregulation in peripheral blood monocyte of septic patients, accompanied by increased TLR4 expression on the cell surface. Both were correlated with SOFA score of sepsis patients and higher expression of Rab5a were found in septic non-survivors. Propofol downregulated the expression of Rab5a and TLR4 in these cells.Conclusions：We demonstrated that Rab5a regulates intracellular trafficking of TLR4 and that propofol reduces membrane TLR4 expression on macrophages by targeting Rab5a. Our study not only reveals a novel mechanism for the immunomodulatory effect of propofol but also indicates that Rab5a may be a potential therapeutic target against sepsis.
Exploring Vertebrate Behavior at Mesocarnivore Carcass Sites: Implications for Non-Trophic Parasite Transmission
Authors: Moisés Gonzálvez , Martínez-Carrasco Carlos , Marcos Moleón
Published: May 2021

The spatiotemporal distribution of parasites in ecosystems is heterogeneous. High infection risk is often associated with aggregations of animals around attractive resources. Here, we explore the behavior of potential hosts of non-trophically transmitted parasites at mesocarnivore carcass sites. We used videos recorded by camera traps at 56 red fox (Vulpes vulpes) carcasses and 10 carcasses of other wild carnivore species in three areas of southeastern Spain. In general, scavenging species, especially wild canids, mustelids and viverrids that display rubbing behavior, were more exposed to infection risk at carnivore carcass sites than non-scavenging and domestic species. The red fox was the species that most frequently contacted carcasses and marked and rubbed carcass sites. Foxes contacted heterospecific carcasses more frequently and earlier than conspecific ones, and close contact was more frequently observed at heterospecific carcasses. Thus, foxes seemed to avoid contacting carcasses in those periods and at carcass types of maximum risk of acquiring parasites. Overall, our results suggest that infection risk at carnivore carcass sites may take place mainly for visitor-carcass contact or contact with feces and urine rather than direct contact between visitors. Moreover, contact events between scavengers and carnivore carcasses are far more frequent than consumption events, which indicates that scavenger behavior is more constrained by the risk of acquiring meat-borne parasites than non-trophically transmitted parasites. This study contributes to filling key gaps in understanding the role of carrion in the landscape of disgust, which may be especially relevant in the current global context of emerging and re-emerging pathogens.
Soybean responses to nutrients deficiency, and the possibility of detecting this deficiency using chlorophyll fluorescence technique
Authors: Latifinia Elham , Eisvand Hamid Reza
Published: May 2021

Aims Managing plant nutrition is a key factor to getting optimum yield quantity and quality. Soybean is an important plant as an oil and protein producer crop as well as a biological nitrogen fixing plant. The aims of current work were studying soybean's responses to some macro and micronutrients deficiency stress as well as the possibility of diagnosing this deficiency using chlorophyll fluorescence technique.Methods The two-year field experiment during 2019 and 2020 growth seasons were conducted based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments were use and non-use of N, P, Fe, and Mo, accompanied with and without humic acid. N and P were applied in the soil, but Fe, Mo, and humic acid were foliar applied at the final vegetative growth stage. Results Results showed that the effect of fertilizer treatments was significant on all traits. N-P-Fe-Mo improved grain yield and photosynthesis rate, but their application accompanied with humic acid induced a synergistic effect, and the maximum grain yield and photosynthesis were recorded in the N-P-Fe-Mo + HA. Fertilizer application decreased F0 and Fm and increased Fv/Fm. Besides, there was a significant negative correlation between leaf's N, P, Fe, and Mo content with Fm; meanwhile, the negative correlation between leaf's nitrogen and Fm was stronger than the other applied nutrients (r=-0.767). Conclusions Research findings show that, it is possible to use the chlorophyll fluorescence technique as a valid non-destructive physiological indicator and a quick way to monitor the nutritional status of soybean plant about N-P-Fe-Mo to timely fertilizing. Although soybean is a nitrogen fixing plant, but it needs complementary N fertilizer to achieve maximum PSII efficiency, minimum chlorophyll fluorescence, and optimal yield.
Fine-Tuning Dye Adsorption Capacity of UiO-66 by Mixed-Ligand Approach
Authors: Nanthamathee Chompoonoot , Chantarangkul Chantamalinee , Jakkrawhad Chanida , Payaka Apirak , Dechatiwongse Pongsathorn
Published: May 2021

Mixed ligand synthetic approach offers an alternative to engineer a specific character in metal-organic framework (MOFs) materials. Herein, we synthesized and characterized a well-known prototype zirconium based-MOF, so called UiO-66 and its mixed ligand derivatives UiO-66-xATA, where x is mole fraction (0.5, 0.75 and 1.0) and ATA is 2-animoterephthalate. The aim of the study is to observe whether the dye adsorption capacity can be tuned/enhanced by the ATA ligand substitution into the framework. We found that, at room temperature, UiO-66-0.75ATA shows the highest adsorption capacity toward various dye solution including methylene blue (MB), indigo carmine (IC) and congo red (CR). The optimum adsorption conditions in all four materials were found to be in a common trend where their adsorption capacities can be increased with decreasing pH and adsorbent dose, increasing of IC concentration, contact time and temperature. Pseudo-second order kinetics model fits best with their adsorption data, where UiO-66-ATA has the fastest rate of adsorption. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were found to best describe adsorption behaviour in ATA-containing UiO-66 and UiO-66 respectively, where adsorption processes were found to be physisorption. Confirming by thermodynamic studies, the adsorption in all four materials occurred spontaneously, driven by entropy. Computational studies showed ligand to metal charge transfer where the distribution of electron densities was varied with the amount of functionalized ligand. Adsorption mechanism is proposed as a synergistic interplay between electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding. The findings in this work broaden potential strategy to fine-tune the dye adsorption capacity in MOF materials.
Usefulness of Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 in Saliva as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Disease.
Authors: Im Nu-Ri , Kim Byoungjae , Jung Kwang-Yoon , Baek Seung-Kuk
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Several diagnostic methods are currently being used to diagnose LPRD (laryngopharyngeal reflux disease), but have the disadvantage of being invasive, subjective, or expensive.
Objectives

Our purpose in this study was to investigate the correlation between pepsin and MMP-7 (Matrix Metalloproteinase-7) in pharyngeal secretions of subjects according to RSI (Reflux Symptom Index) score to find out the diagnostic value of MMP-7.
Method

We recruited 173 subjects aged between 19 and 85 years who completed the RSI scale. All samples were taken after waking up, and the amount of the pepsin and MMP-7 in saliva were measured by means of an enzyme activity assay.
Results

There was a significant increase of pepsin and MMP-7 activity in the study group with an RSI score of 13 or higher. The sensitivity and specificity of MMP-7 for predicting the possibility of an RSI of 13 or more was higher than that of pepsin. When MMP-7 and pepsin were combined, this sensitivity and specificity increased.
Conclusion

An enzyme assay of MMP-7 in saliva may be a noninvasive and easy technique for diagnosing LPRD.
IgG antibody response against Nucleocapsid and Spike protein post SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Choudhary Hari Ram , Parai Debaprasad , Dash Girish Chandra , Peter Annalisha , Sahoo Subrat Kumar , Pattnaik Matrujyoti , Rout Usha Kiran , Nanda Rashmi Ranjan , Pati Sanghamitra , Bhattacharya Debdutta
Published: May 2021

Objectives: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic became the greatest public health challenge globally. Study of dynamicity and durability of naturally developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 are of great importance from an epidemiological viewpoint.Methods: In this observational cohort study, we have followed up the 76 individuals who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for 16 weeks (post enrollment) to record the periodic changes in titre, concentration, clinical growth and persistence of naturally developed SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. We collected serum samples from these individuals for 16 weeks with a frequency of weekly and fortnightly during each follow-up and tested them in two CLIA-based platforms (Abbott Architect i1000SR and Roche Cobas e411) for testing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies both qualitatively and quantitatively.Results: We recorded the antibody magnitude of these individuals 10 times between September 2020 and February 2021. We found a waning of antibodies against nucleocapsid antigen protein but not a complete disappearance by the end of 16 weeks. Out of 76 cases, 30 cases (39.47%) became seronegative in qualitative assay, although all the sera samples (100%) remained positive when tested in quantitative assay.Conclusion: The lower persistence of anti-nucleocapsid SARS-CoV-2 antibody may not be the exact phenomenon as those cases were still seropositive against spike protein and help in neutralizing the virus.
Ethnomedicinal Study of Plants in Begumgonj, Noakhali, Bangladesh
Authors: Kazi-Marjahan Akter , Sajib Noor Hasan , Kang Dong-Min , Ahn Mi-Jeong , Uddin Sheik Bokhtear
Published: May 2021

Backgraound: The aim of this study was to document and preserve the ethnomedicinal knowledge used by traditional healers of Begumganj upazila, Bangladesh, to treat human diseases and evaluate the relative efficacy of the medicinal plants.Methods: The uses of medicinal plants were documented as an ethnomedicinal data sheet using direct observation, field interview, plant interview and group interview techniques from December 2012 to January 2014 in the study area. Data were collected from 98 traditional healers through a questionnaire survey and analyzed through informant consensus factor and fidelity level.Results: Overall, 75 plant species under 71 genera of 47 families were documented, which are used to treat 41 diseases. Data analysis revealed that 41.33%, 14.67%, 36% and 8% of the medicinal plant species were herbs, shrubs, trees, and climbers, respectively. Leaves were the most used parts, followed by stem, root, fruit, bark, latex and rhizome. The most frequently treated diseases were dysentery, rheumatism and skin diseases.Conclusions: This is the first ethnobotanical survey, which recorded the importance of medicinal plants in Begumgonj upazila, Bangladesh. This study can contribute to preserving the indigenous knowledge on the traditional use of medicinal plants in this region and attract future generations towards traditional healing practice.
The Impact of Multidisciplinary Pre-Dialysis Care on the Outcomes of Incident Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Wang I-Kuan , Yu Tung-Min , Yen Tzung-Hai , Yip Hei-Tung , Lai Ping-Chin , Li Chi-Yuan , Sung Fung-Chang
Published: May 2021

This study aims to evaluate the impact of multidisciplinary pre-dialysis care (MDPC) on the risks of peritonitis, technique failure and mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Incident end-stage renal disease patients were classified into two groups, the MDPC group and the control group, that received the usual care by nephrologists. Risks of the first episode of peritonitis, technique failure and mortality were compared between the two groups. Patients in the MDPC group initiated dialysis earlier than those in the non-MDPC group. There was no significant difference between these two groups in time to the first episode of peritonitis. Compared to the non-MDPC group, the MDPC group was at similar risks of technique failure (adjusted HR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.64–1.15) and mortality (adjusted HR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.42–1.02). Among patients with diabetes, the risk of mortality was significantly reduced in the MDPC group with an adjusted HR of 0.45 (95% CI = 0.25–0.80).There was no significant difference in time to develop the first episode of peritonitis, and risks of technique failure and mortality between these two groups. Diabetic PD patients under MDPC had a lower risk of mortality than those under the usual care.
Determinants of Vertical Integration in Poultry Production in Ghana: Application of Count Data Models
Authors: Adams Faizal , Mensah Amos , Etuah Seth , Aidoo Robert , Mensah James Osei
Published: May 2021

Poultry production has significant potential to reduce protein deficiency, food insecurity and poverty in Ghana. However, limited vertical integration and high cost of production in the sector have stifled growth and exposed poultry farms in the country to many risks, leading to poor business performance. This study uses cross-sectional data from 102 commercial poultry farms to assess the determinants of extent of vertical integration in the Ghanaian poultry industry by employing zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP) and Zero-inflated Binomial (ZINB) models. The results show that one in every four poultry farms in the country are vertically integrated, either partially or fully. The ZINB model, which best fits the data, reveals that the extent of vertical integration in the poultry business is significantly influenced by a set of personal (education, occupation, and farming experience) and farm level (land tenure, flock size, production cost, and farm revenue) characteristics as well as institutional factors (credit access, extension access and membership of association). The paper discusses the implications of these findings and provides appropriate recommendations for strengthening the poultry industry in Ghana.
Influence of the “Great Acceleration” of the Anthropocene on the fluxes of trace elements in sediments of the Santos and São Vicente estuarine system, southeastern Brazil
Authors: Angeli José Lourenço Friedmann , Sartoretto Julie , Kim Bianca , Ferreira Paulo , Mahiques Michel , Figueira Rubens
Published: May 2021

The worldwide evidence of human activities on the environment led the scientific community to recognize a new geologic time unit known as the Anthropocene. Since the twentieth century, the estuaries have been largely impacted by urbanization and industrialization needs driven by population and economic growth. To assess the contamination, provenance, and fluxes of trace elements (As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sc, V and Zn) over the last century, a geochemical and chemometric technique was employed in sediment cores of the Santos and São Vicente Estuarine System (SSVES), an industrial and port region of international importance. The results indicated low contamination, with the highest enrichment factors (EF) for Cu (EF = 3.1), Pb (EF = 2.7), Zn (EF = 2.4) and As (EF = 2.3) found next to the harbor area. The Pre-industrial records confirm the relatively high concentrations of As and its naturally enriched occurrence on the Brazilian shelf. Sediment accumulation rates and trace element fluxes showed a general increase over the years, since the early 1960s, associated with the “Great Acceleration” of the mid-twentieth century. These alterations are human-induced and include urbanization and industrialization. Nonetheless, as the contents and enrichment of trace elements indicate that the region is not severely polluted, we hypothesize that the contamination in the SSVES is likely related to the drainage and erosion of the urbanized adjacent area, rather than direct disposal of inorganic contaminants from the industrial activity.
Dissipationless zero energy epigraphene edge state for nanoelectronics
Authors: Prudkovskiy Vladimir , Hu Yiran , Zhang Kaimin , Hu Yue , Ji Peixuan , Nunn Grant , Zhao Jian , Shi Chengqian , Tejeda Antonio , Wander David , de Cecco Alessandro , Winkelmann Clemens , Jiang Yuxuan , Zhao Tianhao , Wakabayashi Katsunori , Jiang Zhigang , Ma Lei , Berger Claire , de Heer Walt
Published: May 2021

The graphene edge state is essential for graphene electronics and fundamental in graphene theory, however it is not observed in deposited graphene. Here we report the discovery of the epigraphene edge state (EGES) in conventionally patterned epigraphene using plasma-based lithography that stabilizes and passivates the edges probably by fusing the graphene edges to the non-polar silicon carbide substrate, as expected. Transport involves a single, essentially dissipationless conductance channel at zero energy up to room temperature. The Fermi level is pinned at zero energy. The EGES does not generate a Hall voltage and the usual quantum Hall effect is observed only after subtraction of the EGES current. EGES transport is highly protected and apparently mediated by an unconventional zero-energy fermion that is half electron and half hole. Interconnected networks involving only the EGES can be patterned, opening the door to a new graphene nanoelectronics paradigm that is relevant for quantum computing.
A Longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 Biorepository for COVID-19 Survivors with and without Post-Acute Sequelae
Authors: LaVergne Stephanie M , Sophia Stromberg , Baxter Bridget A , Webb Tracy L , Dutt Taru S , Berry Kailey , Tipton Madison , Haberman Jared , Massey Benjamin R , McFann Kim , Alnachoukati Omar , Zier Linda , Heacock Thomas , Ebel Greg , Henao-Tamayo Marcela , Dunn Julie , Ryan Elizabeth P
Published: May 2021

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 has swept across the globe, causing millions of deaths worldwide. Though most survive, many experience symptoms of COVID-19 for months after acute infection. Successful prevention and treatment of acute COVID-19 infection and its associated sequelae is dependent on in-depth knowledge of viral pathology across the spectrum of patient phenotypes and physiologic responses. Longitudinal biobanking provides a valuable resource of clinically integrated, easily accessed, and quality-controlled samples for researchers to study differential multi-organ system responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), and vaccination. MethodsAdults with a history of a positive SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal PCR are actively recruited from the community or hospital settings to enroll in the Northern Colorado SARS-CoV-2 Biorepository (NoCo-COBIO). Blood, saliva, stool, nasopharyngeal specimens, and extensive clinical and demographic data are collected at 4 time points over 6 months. Patients are assessed for PASC during longitudinal follow-up by physician led symptom questionnaires and physical exams. This clinical trial registration is NCT05603677.ResultsWe have enrolled and collected samples from 119 adults since July 2020, with 66% follow-up rate. Forty-nine percent of participants assessed with a symptom surveillance questionnaire (N=37 of 75) had PASC at any time during follow-up (up to 8 months post infection). Ninety-three percent of hospitalized participants developed PASC, while 23% of those not requiring hospitalization developed PASC. At 90-174 days post SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, 67% of all participants had persistent symptoms (N=37 of 55), and 85% percent of participants who required hospitalization during initial infection (N=20) still had symptoms. The most common symptoms reported after 15 days of infection were fatigue, loss of smell, loss of taste, exercise intolerance, and cognitive dysfunction. ConclusionsPatients who were hospitalized for COVID-19 were significantly more likely to have PASC than those not requiring hospitalization, however 23% of patients who were not hospitalized also developed PASC. This patient-matched, multi-matrix, longitudinal biorepository from COVID-19 survivors with and without PASC will allow for current and future research to better understand the pathophysiology of disease and to identify targeted interventions to reduce risk for PASC. Registered 27 October 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04603677.
Evaluation of the association between duodenal eosinophil counts, functional dyspepsia, symptomatic erosive GERD and other variables: A retrospective multi-ethnic Malaysian study.
Authors: Raj Sundramoorthy Mahendra , Ravindran Sarala , Kaur Manreesha , Braganza Michelle Clare , Kunnath Anil Philip
Published: May 2021

Background: Duodenal eosinophilia is postulated to play a key role in the pathogenesis of functional dyspepsia. Our objective was to evaluate the relative strength of the associations, between duodenal eosinophil counts functional dyspepsia, symptomatic erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the presence of co-morbidities and a number of other variables.Methods: Eosinophil counts of archived endoscopic duodenal biopsies of 289 subjects were determined by a pathologist blinded to the clinical data. Duodenal eosinophilia was defined by a count of more than 15 per 5 high power fields. Clinical charts were reviewed by a gastroenterologist blinded to the histology review. Results: The primary diagnosis was functional dyspepsia (undifferentiated by subtypes) in 45, symptomatic erosive GERD in 29, gall stone disease in 17, irritable bowel syndrome in 23 and an alternative or undetermined diagnosis in 175 subjects respectively. On logistic regression analyses, eosinophil counts were associated with symptomatic erosive GERD (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00 - 1.05; p=0.035) but not functional dyspepsia. Pre-defined duodenal eosinophilia was associated with symptomatic erosive gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.11 - 8.80; p=0.030), the presence of co-morbidities (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.16 - 3.84; p=0.014), Chinese (compared to Malay and Indian) ethnicity and lower age but not with either functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, gallstone disease, Helicobacter pylori infection or gender. Conclusion: Duodenal eosinophilia was associated with symptomatic erosive GERD, the presence of co-morbidities and Chinese ethnicity but not with undifferentiated functional dyspepsia. Taken in conjunction with other studies, these findings support the hypothesis that subsets of GERD and functional dyspepsia may be part of a disease spectrum characterised by duodenal eosinophilia.
Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Sars-cov-2 Infection in Healthcare Personnel of the Spanish Central Military Hospital. Results of a Case-control Study
Authors: BAZAN MARIA JULIA AJEJAS , MORA CARLOS FUENTES , ORCAL LUCÍA ELENA BALLESTER , WÄRNBERG JULIA , PÉREZ LUIS HERRERO , VICENTE MIGUEL PUERRO , FARINÓS NAPOLEÓN PÉREZ
Published: May 2021

Background. Spain is the country with the highest number of health care workers affected by COVID-19 disease in the world. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of SARS-COV-2 infection in HCW at the Gómez Ulla Military Hospital. Methods. A case-control study was conducted during the first outbreak of COVID 19 at GUMH. The study was extended to the total number of HCW in the hospital who met the inclusion criteria. HCW of the GUMH were civilian and military personnel that included Nursing and Medicine students of Spanish Military Academy, Medicine specialty residents and Nursing residents of Medical Surgical Specialty in Operations (EMQO). An ad hoc questionnaire of 33 items was made up. The questionnaire was sent by e-mail to the entire population of study. With this questionnaire personnel were classified into sick (cases) or healthy (controls). Results and Conclusions. 150 professionals answered the questionnaire. Cases were defined as those who tested positive in the diagnostic tests (n=28, 20.7 %) and controls were those who tested negative (n=107, 79.3 %). Therefore, the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the GUMH was 20.7 %. Of the total number of cases, 64.3 % were men (p<0.05), with a mean age of 47.1 (SD 13.3), with a mean BMI of 25.3 (SD 3.8), 48.2 % were overweighted. Of the total cases, 59.3 % had A blood group type and 69.2 % were Rh positive. 50 % were physicians, 32.1 % were nurses and 17.9 % were auxiliary nurses (p<0.05). Cases and controls with vitamin D deficiency and who took supplements had a lower risk of suffering COVID-19, with significant differences. Fever, cough and diarrhea were found in at least 50% of the sample with significant differences.
The prognostic value of a tumor microenvironment-based immune cell infiltration score model in colon cancer
Authors: Pan Xiaofen , Tang Xingkui , Liu Minling , Luo Xijun , Zhu Mengyuan , Huang Shan
Published: May 2021

BackgroundTumor microenvironment consists of tumor cells, immune cells and other matric components. Tumor infiltration immune cells are associated with prognosis. But all the current prognosis evaluation system dose not take tumor immune cells other matrix component into consideration. In the current study, we aimed to construct a prognosis predictive model based on tumor microenvironment.MethodCIBERSORT and ESTIMATE algorithms were used to reveal the immune cell infiltration landscape of colon cancer. Patients were classified into three clusters by ConsensusClusterPlus algorithm. Immune cell infiltration (ICI) scores of each patient were determine by principal-component analysis. Patients were divided to high and low ICI score groups. Survival, gene expression and somatic mutation of the two groups were compared.ResultsPatients with no lymph node invasion, no metastasis, T1-2 disease and stage I-II had higher ICI scores. Calcium signaling pathway, leukocyte transendothelial migration pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, TGF β pathway, and WNT signaling pathway were enriched in high ICI score group. Immune-checkpoint genes and immune-activity associated genes were significantly decreased in high ICI score. Patients in high ICI score group had better survival than low ICI score group. Prognostic value of ICI score was independent of TMB.ConclusionICI score might serve as an independent prognostic biomarker in colon cancer.
Capnography and Pulse Oximetry Improve Fast Track Extubation in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Moradian Seyed Tayeb , Beitollahi Fatemah , Ghiasi Mohammad Saeid , vahedian-azimi Amir
Published: May 2021

Background

Use of capnography as a non-invasive method during the weaning process for fast track extubation (FTE) is controversial. We conducted the present study to determine whether pulse oximetry and capnography could be utilized as alternatives to arterial blood gas (ABG) measurements in patients under mechanical ventilation (MV) following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
Methods

In this randomized clinical trial, 70 patients, who were candidates for CABG surgery, were randomly assigned into two equal groups (n = 35); the intervention group and the control group. In the intervention group, the ventilator management and weaning from MV was done using Etco2 from capnography and SpO2 from pulse oximetry. Meanwhile, in the control group, weaning was done based on ABG analysis. The length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, time to extubation, number of manual ventilator setting changes, and alarms were compared between the groups.
Results

The end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) levels in the intervention group were completely similar to the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCo2) in the control group (39.5 ± 3.1 vs. 39.4 ± 4.32, P > 0.05). The mean extubation times were significantly shorter in the intervention group compared to those in the control patients (212.2 ± 80.6 vs. 342.7 ± 110.7, P < 0.001). Moreover, the number of changes in the manual ventilator setting and the number of alarms were lower in the intervention group (P < 0.05). However, the differences in the length of stay in ICU between the two groups were not significant (P = 0.219).
Conclusion

According to our results, the use of non-invasive monitors, including capnography and pulse oximetry, is emphasized in order to utilize FTE after CABG surgery. Furthermore, it is a safe and valuable monitor that could be a good alternative for ABG in this population. Nevertheless, further studies with larger sample sizes and on different disease states and populations are required to assess the accuracy of our findings.
Trial registration:

IRCT, IRCT201701016778N6, Registered 3 March 2017, https://www.irct.ir/trial/7192