bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of Cr(VI) reduction by an indigenous Rhizobium pusense CR02 isolated from chromite mining quarry water (CMQW) at Sukinda valley, India
Authors: Sahoo Hrudananda , Kisku Kanika , Varadwaj Kumar S.K. , Acharya Prasannajit , Naik Umesh Chandra
Published: March 2022

Toxicological assessment of CMQW generated due to chromite mining activities at Sukinda, valley has revealed high chromium contamination along with Zn and Fe. The present study focused on mechanism of chromate reduction by an indigenous multi-metal tolerant bacterium Rhizobium pusense CR02 isolated from CMQW. Isolated strain has shown resistance upto (520 mg/L) of Cr(VI) with IC50 value of 385.4 mg/L. The highest reduction rate 8.6×10-2/h was recorded with 20 mg/L of initial concentration of Cr(VI). Extracellular (3.06±0.012 U/mL), intracellular (3.60±0.13 U/mL) and membrane (1.89±0.01 U/mL) associated chromate reductases were found to be involved for reduction. The extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) produced by the isolate also enhanced reduction activity of 46.32±1.69 mg/L after 72 h with initial concentration of 50 mg/L. FTIR analysis revealed the involvement of functional groups –OH, -CO and –NH for Cr(VI) biosorption whereas P=O, -CO-NH- and -COOH interacted with Cr(III). Zeta potential with less negative surface charge favored reduction of Cr(VI). Treatment of CMQW by bacterial isolate detoxified Cr(VI) minimizing chromosomal aberrations in root cells of Allium cepa L., suggesting the role of Rhizobium pusense CR02 as a promising bio-agent for Cr(VI) detoxification.
Toxic Effects on Dunaliella salina, Mysidopsis bahia, and Mugilogobius chulae from Ship Exhaust Gas Closed-loop Scrubber Wash Water
Authors: Ji Zhiyi , Yang Yunqi , Zhu Ying , Ling Yun , Ren Dezhang , Huo Zhibao , Zhang Nahui
Published: March 2022

To meet the strict requirements of reducing sulfur emission, more and more commercial ships have installed exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCSs). However, wash water produced during cleaning process is discharged back to the marine environment. We investigated effects of the closed-loop scrubber (natrium-alkali method) wash water on three trophic species. Severe toxic effects were found when Dunaliella salina, Mysidopsis bahia and Mugilogobius chulae were exposed to 0.63-6.25, 0.63-10 and 1.25-20% concentrations of wash water, respectively. EC50-96 h of D. salina was 2.48%, corresponding to total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or heavy metals were 22.81, 23.67 µg L−1. LC50-7 d of M. bahia and M. chulae were 3.57 and 20.50%. The LOEC of M. bahia and M. chulae were 1.25% and 2.5%, corresponding to total PAHs and heavy metals were 11.50, 11.93 and 22.99, 23.86 µg L−1. M. bahia’s body weight was negatively correlated with concentrations of wash water. Although wash water contained high concentrations of PAHs (e.g., naphthalene) and heavy metals (e.g., Cr, Ni, Cu and Zn), none of the single pollutant could explain the high toxicity of wash water. The measured toxicity might arise from synergistic effects among several contaminants or from other more toxic contaminants we know very little about. We highly recommend that wash water should be treated prior to being discharged to the marine environment.
NCOA4 is a Prognostic Biomarker Associated with Immune Infiltrates in Glioblastoma
Authors: Liu Lingyu , Liu Yufei
Published: March 2022

Background Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant primary craniocerebral tumor with median survival of less than 15 months. Nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4) can regulate the growth of various malignant tumors by participating in various biological processes. However, in glioblastoma, the specific regulatory role and mechanism of NCOA4 have not been clearly explained.Methods We collected GBM patient information from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The expression of NCOA4 in GBM and normal tissues and the relationship between NCOA4 and various clinicopathological features, further the enrichment pathway of NCOA4 as well as the relationship between NCOA4 and prognosis of patients and the NCOA4-related nomogram for patient survival were analyzed by various bioinformatic tools including Wilcoxon rank sum test, Logistic regression analysis, Gene ontology term analysis (GO), Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA), Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression comprehensively.Results Our study showed that NCOA4 was significantly overexpressed in GBM, and the higher the expression of NCOA4, the longer the survival. In order to further explore the potential role of NCOA4, we conducted enrichment analysis on NCOA4, established a NCOA4-related PPI network. We found that the expression of NCOA4 was negatively interrelated with the infiltration degree of NK CD56bright cells, and positively interrelated with the infiltration degree of mast cells, B cells, T cells, T helper cells. We created a Nomogram in order to predict the prognosis of patients with GBM.Conclusion High expression of NCOA4 is associated with better prognosis and is associated with immune cell infiltration in GBM.
Depression and quality of life in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Sundström Jacqueline , Rahm Sol-Britt
Published: March 2022

This cross-sectional study was carried out to find prevalence and possible relation between decreased quality of life and depression among patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Aims: Due to possible common biological pathways between inflammation in IBD and depression and due to the high burden of depression on both patient and health care institution, it is important to identify and initiate treatment to improve quality of life, disease outcome and reversed events associated with depression. Methods: 41 patients with either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis participated in a questionnaire-based interview. Beck’s depression inventory was used for depression assessment and quality of life. Peripheral blood was collected for analyzing inflammatory and anemia markers. Data was then used for statistical analysis. Results: most patients were clinically free of depression. However, there was a strong correlation between number of exacerbations and depression in patients with Ulcerative Colitis, there was a negative correlation between serum leukocytes and depression, and the use of Mesalazine had a protective effect. Conclusion: inflammation in the gut may provoke depressive phenotype and vice versa. This may be caused by biological, social and psychological factors. Depression may also cause decreased quality of life, why it is necessary to identify these symptoms early and thereby reduce the risk of decreased quality of life.
Impact of amendment with hog, cattle manure, and biochar on N2O, CO2, and CH4 fluxes of two contrasting temperate prairie agricultural soils
Authors: Hangs Ryan D , Schoenau Jeff
Published: March 2022

Liquid hog manure (LHM) and solid cattle manure (SCM) are valuable soil amendments for the nutrients and organic matter they augment. However, desire to mitigate the N2O, CO2, and CH4 fluxes associated with their use has led to the question of whether biochar co-applied with LHM and SCM could mitigate these greenhouse gas fluxes. A split-plot design was used at two agricultural field sites with contrasting soil types (Brown and Black) in Saskatchewan, Canada, to assess the effect of LHM and SCM (100 kg N ha-1), alone and in combination with two different biochars applied at 8 Mg C ha-1; produced using either slow or fast pyrolysis of willow (Salix spp.) feedstock. Intact cores were collected from the plots and the N2O, CO2, and CH4 fluxes were measured during a six-week lab incubation. The cumulative N2O emissions (37.9-1956.8 mg m-2), net CO2 fluxes (665.2-1233.2 g m-2), and CH4 consumption (28.3-90.0 mg m-2) were consistent with previously reported Canadian temperate agricultural soils, with and without LHM, SCM, or biochar addition. The impact of manure amendment on greenhouse gas fluxes was more apparent with LHM than SCM; reflecting higher inorganic N content, narrower C:N, and more easily mineralizable carbon in LHM. Overall, co-applying biochar with the manure sources reduced the manure-related N2O emissions 31.5 to 43.1% and increased CH4 consumption 94.1% to 2.1× compared with manure alone. Regardless of soil type, neither of the biochars co-applied with the manures affected the net CO2 fluxes compared with manure alone. The N2O emissions were principally influenced by the impact of biochar addition on NO3-N supply and pH, while the net CO2 fluxes were controlled by the opposing effects of heterotrophic (i.e., CO2 production) and autotrophic (i.e., CO2 consumption) respiration. The CH4 consumption was related to the NH4-N supply and its influence on autotrophic methanotrophy. Co-application of biochar along with manure, particularly the combination of slow pyrolysis biochar and LHM, decreased N2O emissions and increased CH4 consumption in these young temperate prairie soils; presumably, through enhanced abiotic sorption and biotic N immobilization, in addition to promoting greater methanotrophic activity.
Gravidity, Parity and Knee Breadth at Midlife – a Population-based Cohort Study
Authors: Junno Juho-Antti , Keisu Asla , Niinimäki Maarit , Niinimäki Jaakko , Lehenkari Petri , Oura Petteri
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Gestation increases the biomechanical loading of lower extremities. Gestational loading may influence anthropometrics of articular surfaces in similar means as bone diaphyseal properties. This study aimed to investigate whether gravidity (i.e. number of pregnancies) and parity (i.e. number of deliveries) is associated with knee breadth among middle-aged women. Methods: The study sample comprised 815 women from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. At the age of 46, questionnaires were used to enquire gravidity and parity, and knee radiographs were used to obtain two knee breadth parameters (tibial plateau mediolateral breadth (TPML) and femoral condylar mediolateral breadth (FCML)) as representatives of articular size. The associations of gravidity and parity with knee breadth were analyzed using general linear models with adjustments for height, weight, leisure-time physical activity, smoking, and education years.Results: In the fully adjusted models, gravidity and parity showed positive associations with knee breadth. Each pregnancy was associated with 0.11—0.14% or 0.08—0.10 mm larger knee breath (p ≤ 0.045), and each delivery accounted for an increase of 0.20% or 0.14 mm in knee breadth (p ≤ 0.008). Between-group comparisons showed that multiparous women had 0.68—1.01% or 0.49—0.71 mm larger knee breath than nulli- and primiparous women (p ≤ 0.021).Conclusions: Pregnancies and deliveries seem to increase the mediolateral breadth of the knee. This increase is potentially associated with increased biomechanical loadings during gestation.
Green-synthesis of superparamagnetic Fe3O4/alginate bio-nanocomposites for heavy metal contamination removal from industrial wastewater
Authors: Ince Muharrem , INCE OLCAY KAPLAN , Aydogdu Burcu , Alp Hevidar
Published: March 2022

In present study, an efficient superparamagnetic Fe3O4/alginate nanocomposite material (SPFe3O4/alg-NCM) was green-synthesized and used as nanosorbent to remove some heavy metals from industrial wastewater. Green-synthesized SPFe3O4/alg-NCM was characterized by using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) with attenuated total reflection (ATR) unit, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) techniques. For determination the experimental conditions to ensure maximum adsorption capacity and to find the effects of various variables including initial heavy metal concentration and flow rate on the adsorption efficiency in column system central compoiste design (CCD) was used. To predict of responses and ANOVA a regression model were derived from CCD. The adsorption efficiencies and capacities of SPFe3O4/alg-NCM were calculated as 31.93 mg g-1 for Cd2+ and 58.8 mg g-1 for Co2+. The obtained results have proven that nanosorbent can be used successfully and effectively to remove metals from industrial wastewaters. In addition, being reusable and inexpensive are other important advantages of nanosorbent.
Adaptive dynamic surface constraint control of rolling mill torsional vibration under current harmonic
Authors: Chen Shuzong , Jia Cheng , Hua Changchun , Chen Jiaqiang
Published: March 2022

In this paper, an adaptive dynamic surface control strategy is proposed to suppress torsional vibration, for the main drive system of rolling mill with nonlinear friction, nonlinear damping, current harmonic, time-varying stiffffness and unknown disturbance. A disturbance observer is proposed to estimate the external disturbance. Based on the adaptive estimation of harmonic amplitude, a fifinite time predetermined performance control method is proposed to make the speed tracking error of main drive system converge to the prescribed boundary in a given time. The torque control law of the motor is obtained based on the backstepping method, and the stability of the closed-loop system is strictly proved by Lyapunov theory. The actual numerical simulation verififies the effffectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Alteration of Symbiotic Microbiome Following the Decline of Korean Fir (Abies Koreana) and Its Relationship with Soil Environment in Regions of Mt. Hallasan, Jeju Island, the Republic of Korea
Authors: Jeong Minsoo , Tagele Setu Bazie , Kim Min-Ji , Ko Suk-Hyung , Kim Kwon-Su , Koh Jung-Goon , Jung Da-Ryung , Jo YoungJae , Jung YeonGyun , Park Yeong-Jun , Kim Min-Sueng , Lim Kyeongmo , Shin Jae-Ho
Published: March 2022

Background
The Abies koreana (Korean fir) population is declining at an accelerating rate on Mt. Hallasan in Jeju Island, Republic of Korea. Several prior studies have reported various inconclusive reasons, indicating that additional data, such as data on microbial communities that promote plant growth and resistance to abiotic stresses, are required to further understand the phenomena. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation that documents the changes in the microbial community as the result of the decline of the Korean fir forest. Here, high throughput sequencing data were provided for the rhizosphere microbiome of a Korean fir, identifying the bacterial and fungal composition differences between the rhizosphere soil of healthy Korean fir (HKF) and dead Korean fir (DKF).
Results
The results showed that the DKF soil of the fungal community was distinctly separated from the HKF soil. Interestingly, HKF soil comprised dominant symbiotic fungi (Russula, Sebacina, Inocybe, and Phenoliferia), whereas the microbial composition in DKF samples comprised abundant saprotrophs, such as Trichoderma, Ascocoryne, and Umbelopsis. It was also observed that symbiotic fungi, such as Russula, act as a hub in the co-occurrence network. Additionally, the representative fungal genera in HKF soil had a strong positive correlation with only a few soil physicochemical features: K+, Na+, Avail P, and cation exchange capacity (CEC).
Conclusions
Our findings shed light on the rhizosphere microbiota of dead and live A. koreana plants and their relationship with edaphic factors. The woody plant-associated symbiotic fungi, including ECMs, was also highlighted as a potential strategy to enhance the Korean fir forest ecosystem health.
Factors and re-treatment for recurrent lumbar disc herniation after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy
Authors: Tang Jin , Li Ying , Wu Congjun , Li Xugui , Xie Wei , Lu Qilin
Published: March 2022

Background
Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) has become the most common treatment for lumbar disc herniation (LDH). However, the risk of recurrence after PELD is inevitable. Therefore, clarifying the factors for recurrent LDH is necessary to improve the success rate and reduce the postoperative recurrence rate. The study aimed to investigate the postoperative recurrence rate, factors and re-treatment of recurrent LDH after PELD.
Methods
A total of 685 LDH patients who underwent PELD in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2017 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Postoperative recurrence rate was calculated. Outcomes for re-treatment of recurrent LDH were assessed by comparing VAS and JOA scores before the first surgery, after recurrence and at the final follow-up in patients with recurrent LDH. The factors for recurrent LDH were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis.
Results
Recurrent LDH was observed in 23 (3.35%) patients, including 21 cases of ipsilateral recurrent herniation, and 2 cases of contralateral recurrent herniation. Mean recurrence time was 5.4 ± 2.6 months (range, 0.5–11 months). VAS score was decreased, while JOA score was increased at the final follow-up compared with the scores measured before the first surgery and after recurrence. Univariate analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI), the types of disc herniation and postoperative activity levels were correlated with postoperative recurrence, while no correlation was found between sex, age, smoking history, the levels and position of herniated disc and recurrent LDH. Multivariate analysis showed that high BMI, the types of disc herniation (i.e. extrusion, sequestration) and high-intensity postoperative activity levels were risk factors for recurrent LDH.
Conclusions
High BMI, the extrusion and sequestration types of disc herniation, and high-intensity postoperative activity levels may significantly increase the incidence of recurrent LDH. All patients with recurrent LDH had satisfactory results after re-treatment.
Lymphocyte-C reactive protein ratio is a promising indicator for predicting intestinal necrosis in neonates with portal venous gas
Authors: Cao Jian , Zhang Xinyin , Hou Jinfeng , Cui Mengying , Chen Pengfei , Liu Qingshuang , Guo Chunbao , Guo Zhenhua , Wang Yi , Liu Wei
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Portal venous gas (PVG) in neonates is a special abdominal imaging, which often indicates the occurrence of intestinal ischemia and necrosis, and is also an indicator to evaluate the severity and surgical timing of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis. The timely identification and intervention of intestinal necrosis in neonates with PVG is particularly important, but it is still difficult at present. Various inflammatory factors in predicting prognosis and surgery timing have been described in adult literature, but rarely in neonatal literature. Therefore, we investigate the value of inflammatory factors in predicting intestinal necrosis in neonates with PVG.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of neonates with PVG detected by ultrasound in a tertiary-level referral hospital from January 2020 to December 2020. During the study period, 168 neonates with ultrasonographically identified PVG were included and were divided into two groups according to the presence of intestinal necrosis: a necrotic group (n=35) and a non-necrotic group(n=133). We evaluated the predictive values of various combination of inflammatory markers in preoperative period laboratory analyses using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) method. Results: In the current cohort, a total of 168 patients were identified. Of these, 35 patients (20.8%) underwent intestinal resection due to intestinal necrosis and 5 patients (3.0%) developed intestinal stricture after medical management. The overall survival rate was 164/168 (97.6%). In patients with intestinal necrosis, platelet count (p<0.001), lymphocyte count(p<0.001), Eosinophil count(p<0.001), CRP (C-reactive protein, p<0.001), PLR (platelet–lymphocyte ratio, p=0.002), NLR (neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio, p=0.001), LCR (lymphocyte–CRP ratio, p<0.001) and PCR (platelet- CRP ratio, p<0.001) values were significantly different with those in the patients without intestinal necrosis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis results showed that the combination of C-reactive protein levels along with lymphocyte count (LCR) had the highest correlation with intestinal necrosis in neonates with portal venous gas [AUC 0.86 (95% CI 0.79–0.94); p<0.001], with sensitivity of 0.81(0.73–0.87) and specificity of 0.86(0.69–0.95) for the diagnosis of intestinal necrosis. Conclusions: The preoperative LCR score is a promising indicator for predicting intestinal necrosis in neonates with PVG, which could be used as an additional criterion to guide surgical management.
Growth and yield responses of sunflower to drainage in waterlogged saline soil are caused by changes in plant-water relations and ion concentrations in leaves
Authors: Islam Mohammad Nazrul , Bell Richard W. , Barrett-Lennard Edward G. , Maniruzzaman Mohammad
Published: March 2022

Purpose While proper drainage systems could improve crop growth and yield by mitigating waterlogging and salinity stresses, field evidence of the responses in plant-water relations and ion concentrations in leaves is scarce. We investigated the changes in solute potential in soil (Ys), plant-water relations and ion concentrations in leaves of sunflower caused by drainage in waterlogged saline soil, and their impacts on growth and yield. Methods Over two growing seasons, we tested four drainage treatments: undrained, surface drains (SD; 0.1 m deep, 1.8 m apart), subsoil drains (SSD; 0.5 m deep, 4.5 m apart) and SSD+SD. All plots were inundated (2–3 cm depth; ECw 1.5–2.5 dS m–1) for 24 h at vegetative emergence and at 8-leaf stage before opening drains. Results Relative to the most drained treatment (SSD+SD), the undrained treatment caused higher waterlogging at 0–30 cm depth, and decreased Ys of soil at 7.5 cm to 52–374 kPa, leaf K+ by 5–20%, stomatal conductance by 5–37% and leaf greenness by 12–25%, but increased leaf Na+ by 25–70%, Na+/K+ ratio by 38–100% and leaf water potential by 90–250 kPa throughout the cropping season; these changes were closely related with reduced growth and yield. Conclusions The improved yield from the combination of shallow surface and sub-surface drains was attributed to an alleviation of salinity-waterlogging stress early in the season and to increased soil water late in the season that increased Ys and decreased Na+/K+ ratio in leaves.
EQUAL: Improving the Fidelity of Quantum Annealers by Injecting Controlled Perturbations
Authors: Ayanzadeh Ramin , Das Poulami , Tannu Swamit , Qureshi Moinuddin
Published: March 2022

Quantum Annealers (QAs) are single-instruction quantum machines that can only sample from the ground state of an energy function, called Hamiltonian. To execute a program, the problem is cast to a Hamiltonian, embedded on the hardware, and a single quantum machine instruction (QMI) is run. Noise and imperfections in hardware result in sub-optimal solutions on QAs even if the QMI is run for thousands of trials. Owing to the limited programmability of QAs, users execute the same QMI for all trials. This subjects all trials to a similar noise profile throughout the execution, resulting in a systematic bias. We observe that systematic bias leads to sub-optimal solutions and cannot be alleviated by executing more trials or using existing error-mitigation schemes. To address this challenge, we propose EQUAL (Ensemble QUantum AnneaLing). EQUAL generates an ensemble of QMIs by adding controlled perturbations to the program QMI. When executed on the QA, the ensemble of QMIs steers the program away from encountering the same bias during all trials and thus, improves the quality of solutions. Our evaluations using the D-Wave 2000Q machine show that EQUAL bridges the difference between the baseline and the ideal by an average of 14% (and up to 26%), without requiring any additional trials. EQUAL can be combined with existing error mitigation schemes to bridge further the difference between the baseline and ideal by an average of 55% (and up to 68%).
Autophagy-dependent TOR reactivation drives fungal growth in living host rice cells
Authors: Li Gang , Gong Ziwen , Dulal Nawaraj , Rocha Raquel , Wilson Richard
Published: March 2022

The devastating blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae elaborates invasive hyphae (IH) in living rice cells, separated from host cytoplasm by plant-derived interfacial membranes, but the molecular mechanisms and metabolic strategies (and hence metabolic vulnerabilities) underpinning this fundamental intracellular biotrophic growth phase are poorly understood. Eukaryotic cell growth depends on activated target-of-rapamycin (TOR) kinase signaling, which inhibits autophagy. Here, using live-cell imaging coupled with multiomic approaches, we show how cycles of autophagy in IH modulate TOR reactivation via α-ketoglutarate to support biotrophic growth. Deleting the M. oryzae serine-threonine protein kinase-encoding gene RIM15 abolished the in planta autophagic cycling we describe here in wild type, attenuating biotrophic growth and disrupting interfacial membrane integrity. Δrim15 biotrophic growth was remediated by α-ketoglutarate treatment. Altogether, our results demonstrate that Rim15-dependent cycles of autophagic flux liberate α-ketoglutarate – via glutaminolysis – as an amino acid-sufficiency signal to trigger TOR reactivation and promote biotrophic growth in host rice cells.
First isolation and Genetic characterization of G8P[8] rotavirus strains emerged recently from Guangzhou, China
Authors: Wang Si-Jie , Chen Li-Na , Wang Song-Mei , Zhou Hong-Lu , Qiu Chao , Jiang Baoming , Qiu Tian-Yi , Chen Sheng-Li , Wang Xuan-Yi
Published: March 2022

Background The G[8] genotype rotavirus has been detected frequently in children in many countries and even became the predominant strain in sub-Saharan Africa countries. While there are almost no reports from China. In our study, the whole genome sequences of G8 rotavirus strains in China was reported for the first time, and phylogenetic analysis was performed on them. Methods Virus isolation and subsequent next-generation sequencing were performed for those confirmed G8P[8] specimens. The genetic characteristics and evolutionary relationship were analyzed in comparison with those epidemic rotavirus strains derived from GenBank.Results The two Guangzhou G8 strains were DS-1-like with the closest genetic distance to strains circulating in Southeast Asia, and the VP7 gene of the two strains was derived from human G8 rotavirus instead of animal-derived rotavirus. The large genetic distance indicated that the isolated Guangzhou strains might not be directly introduced from Southeast Asian countries. Instead, it might be produced by reassortment between G8P[8] and other genotype strains circulated in Southeast Asia in recent years. Conclusions This is the first report of the whole genome sequence information of G8 rotavirus strain in China. The clinical and epidemiological significance of these G8 strains in China remains to be further monitored.
Basic Life Support Knowledge in a War-Torn Country: A Survey of Nurses in Yemen
Authors: Alkubati Sameer , Macclean Christopher , Yu Rebecca , Albagawi Bander , Alsaqri Salman , Alsabri Mohammed
Published: March 2022

Background: Successful implementation of Basic life support (BLS) is critical in improving survival rates and outcomes. By extension, health care workers’ knowledge and awareness about BLS is also essential. To our knowledge, there is no available literature pertaining to the level of BLS knowledge of health care professionals in Yemen.Methods: Data was collected for this cross-sectional descriptive study from June to August 2020, using a 10-item questionnaire related to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and BLS, along with questions on socio-demographic characteristics. Participants were nurses in public and private hospitals located in Al-Rahida, Taiz governance and Hodeidah, Hodeidah governance in Yemen.Results: Among all completed surveys, 53.65% of answer choices for BLS knowledge were correct and 46.35% of answer choices were incorrect. Having a Diploma was associated with higher survey scores (P < 0.001) compared to having a Bachelor’s degree. Those who said they had ever received training in CPR or received information about CPR had significantly higher scores than those who answered no to these questions (P < 0.001 for both questions).Conclusions: BLS knowledge among nurses in Yemen is comparable to other underdeveloped countries; however, it remains below an acceptable level to ensure maximum survival in the event of cardiac arrest. Future research and efforts should be aimed at implementing strategies to improve BLS knowledge among nurses in Yemen, with a long-term goal of improving BLS knowledge among the non-medical population as well to decrease the burden associated with sudden cardiac death.
Factors Associated With Adherence of Iron Folic Acid Supplementation Among Pregnant Women in Rural Soro District, Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia: Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Arficho Tegegn Tadesse
Published: March 2022

Background: Iron deficiency anemia is a wide spread public health problem around the globe which accounts 20% of maternal death worldwide. World health organization recommends every pregnant woman to take a daily dose of 30-60mg of iron and 400μg of folic acid tablets starting from early months of pregnancy. Despite the advantages of iron and folic acid supplementation the proportion of pregnant women who took iron supplements for 90 days or more during their last pregnancy was very low. Therefore this study assessed the adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation and its associated factors among pregnant women in rural Soro district, Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: Cross sectional study was employed to assess the compliance and factors associated with compliance of iron folic acid among women who gave birth one year prior to the date of survey. Simple random sampling method was applied to select the study subjects. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between the study variables and to control the possible confounding. Results: From the whole study participants only 51(18.8%) women had taken iron folic acid supplements for at least 90 days during their last pregnancy. On multivariable logistic regression analysis after adjusting for potential confounders women who had ANC of 4 and above times were 6.8 times more likely to take the minimum optimum dose of iron folic acid. Women who were frequently visiting health facilities for ante natal care were more likely to adhere for iron folic acid supplements than their counterparts. Conclusion: In this study high proportion of pregnant women did not take adequate dose of iron folic acid tablets during their last pregnancy. Every effort should be done to mobilize pregnant women to take the minimum acceptable dose of IFA during their pregnancy. Additional channels to provide IFA supplements for pregnant women should be considered in addition to providing free IFA tablets ANC contact with mothers.
Analysis of Influencing Factors for Predicting Re-intubation in Patients With Hypoxemia After Extubation: a Retrospective Study Based on the MIMIC-IV Database
Authors: Guo Yafen , Zhu Shouzhen , Duan Xiangjie , Zhang Xueqing , Zhou Quan , Shen Jinhua
Published: March 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) on the reintubation and mortality rates in adult patients with hypoxemia, and explore the risk factors for reintubation in these patients.Patients and methods: Clinical data were extracted from the MIMIC IV database. Demographic data, vital signs, laboratory test data, and disease severity scoring systems were collected from the database. The primary and secondary outcomes were defined as the rate of reintubation and mortality at 28 days, respectively. Lasso regression was used to screen for factors influencing reintubation at 28 days in patients with hypoxemia. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to predict reintubation in patients with hypoxemia.Results: In this study, 305 patients received HFNC therapy after extubation, while 234 patients received NIV treatment. Inunivariate analysis, statistically significant differences were identified in terms of respiratory support, paraplegia, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, overall anxiety severity and impairment scale (OASIS) score, pH, length of stay (LOS) in hospital, LOS in ICU, and serum potassium(p<0.05). In addition, we used lasso analysis and found that age, body mass index, breathing support, oxygenation index, Charlson index, pH, serum potassium, SOFA score, and red blood cell (RBC) count can affect the occurrence of reintubation in patients with hypoxemia. The area under the ROC curves was0.77 (95% confidence interval, 0.70–0.83).Conclusion: The 28-day reintubation and mortality rates were lower inpatients with hypoxemia treated with NIV than in those treated with HFNC. Breathing support, oxygenation index, serum potassium level, SOFA score, and RBC count were factors influencing the 28-day reintubation in patients with hypoxemia.
Persistent Septal Deviation After Septoplasty: Causes and Surgical Management
Authors: Lee Dong-Joo , Jo Hyunju , Kwon Ha-Nee , Park Ji-Hwan , Kim Sung-Dong , Cho Kyu-Sup
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Septoplasty is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by otolaryngologist. There are various causes of persistent septal deviation after primary septoplasty. The purpose of this study was to identify the associated factors affecting the failure of the primary septoplasty, and to investigate operative techniques for correcting residual septal deviation, as well as surgical outcomes. Methods: Seventy-four adult patients underwent revision septoplasty for persistent septal deviation was included. The level of hospital where primary septoplasty was performed, type of septal deviation, persistent deviated septal portion, and techniques used to correct the residual deviation were evaluated. Subjective outcomes using visual analog scale (VAS) and acoustic rhinometry data were assessed. Results: The first septoplasty was performed mainly in primary and secondary hospital. C-shape was more common than S-shape deviation in the anteroposterior and cephalocaudal dimensions. The most common areas of persistent septal deviation were caudal septum (44.6%) followed by multiple sites (20.3%). Correcting techniques included excision of remnant deviated portion (70.3%), septal cartilage traction suture (27.0%), spreader graft (13.5%), and crossing suture (6.8%). There was significant symptomatic improvement in the VAS at 6 months postsurgery. The minimal cross-sectional area and nasal cavity volume of the convex side were significantly increased after revision septoplasty. Conclusion: The patients underwent septoplasty in primary and secondary hospital were more likely to undergo revision septoplasty. Caudal septum was the most common sites of persistent septal deviation. Preoperative careful evaluation for caudal septal deviation characteristics and selection of the appropriate surgical techniques may lead to reduction of the need for revision septoplasty.
Controling average number of photons received per cell to promote the growth of Synechocystis sp. PPC 6803
Authors: Jiangong Zhang , Fan Fei , Yu Tao , Chen Jianpei , Wan Minxi , Li Yuanguang
Published: March 2022

To investigate the actually received light of microalgae cells in the photobioreactor, a light attenuation model of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 was established. The relationship between the average number of photons received per cell (APRPC) and the growth of microalgae was analyzed. The results demonstrated, Cornet model was accurately fitted with the light attenuation of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 and the cell growth rate was affected by APRPC. A maximum specific growth rate of 0.05 h− 1 was achieved with APRPC from 10− 6 to 4×10− 6 µmol/cell. After 156 h cultivation, compared to two control groups (constant light intensity: 100 and 1800 µmol/(m2·s)), the dry cell weight of the experimental group was higher by 79.1% and 20.0%, respectively. This study indicated that APRAC could be used as a light intensity regulation criterion to improve microalgae production despite different types of reactor and density of microalgae broth, which provided a theoretical basis for improving the biomass yield of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 or other microalgae.
Influence of preparation techniques of cellulose II nanocrystals as reinforcement for tannery solid waste-based gelatin composite films
Authors: Muralidharan Vimudha , Gochhayat Saiprasad , Palanivel Saravanan , Madhan Balaraman
Published: March 2022

Herein, the leather waste-based gelatin composite film reinforced with cellulose II nanocrystal (CNC II) extracted from wet wipes using three different hydrolysis techniques is explored for its functional properties. CNC II isolated using peroxide (PCNC), citric acid (CCNC) and hydrochloric acid (HCNC) differed in morphological and crystalline character as investigated using DLS, FE-SEM, FTIR and XRD analysis. The crystallinity of PCNC, CCNC and HCNC was found to be 81.1%, 75.4%, and 86.1%, respectively. The highly crystalline CNC II (PCNC) incorporation improved mechanical stiffness of raw hide trimming waste-based gelatin films by 50% compared to control gelatin film. Maximum thermal stability with T max of 329 ºC was obtained for gelatin films with PCNC nano-reinforcement. Strong interfacial hydrogen bonding interactions between gelatin and cellulose II nanocrystal existed and modified the properties of the film. Incorporation of CNC II reduced the surface wettability of the films and absorbed UV radiation as evidenced by transmittance value T280 of 0.19. Nanocomposite films degraded up to 79.9% of initial mass under 7 days of soil burial. Single use packaging application of garden eggplant seed has been demonstrated.
Monocytosis in the Acute Phase of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Predicts the Presence of Anosognosia for Cognitive Deficits in the Chronic Phase
Authors: Nuber-Champier Anthony , Voruz Philippe , de Alcântara Isabele Jacot , Breville Gautier , Allali Gilles , Lalive Patrice. H , Assal Frédéric , Péron Julie Anne
Published: March 2022

Altered awareness of neuropsychological disorders (i.e., anosognosia) is a striking symptom of post-COVID-19 syndrome. Some leukocytes markers in the acute phase might predict the presence of anosognosia in the chronic phase, but they have not been identified yet. This study aims to determine whether patients with anosognosia for their memory deficits in the chronic phase present specific leukocytes distribution in the acute phase, and if so, whether these leukocytes parameters could predict this anosognosia. First, we compare the acute immunological data of the leukocytes distribution of 20 patients infected with SARS-Cov-2 who displayed anosognosia 69 months after SARS-Cov-2 infection (230.25 ± 46.65 days) versus 41 patients infected with SARS-Cov-2 without developing anosognosia. Second, we performed a ROC analysis to evaluate the predictive value of the leukocytes markers that emerged from this comparison. Blood circulating monocytes (%) at the acute phase of SARS-CoV2 infection is associated with long term post-COVID-19 anosognosia. Finally, serology on admission showing a percentage rate of monocytes of 7.35% of the total number of leukocytes, seems to predict the presence of chronic anosognosia for 6–9 months after infection.
Reductions of endogenous gibberellin content impact fruit development and modify tomato fruit metabolism during ripening
Authors: Martins Auxiliadora O. , Silva Welder A. , Omena-Garcia Rebeca P. , Oliveira Franciele S. , Vallarino José G. , Osorio Sonia , Fernie Alisdair R. , Nunes-Nesi Adriano , Ribeiro Dimas Mendes , Araujo Wagner
Published: March 2022

Gibberellins (GAs) play a crucial role in modulating developmental processes throughout the plant life cycle. Among the processes in which GAs are involved, they are of significance during the transition and maintenance of the reproductive meristem, as well as in allowing the floral organs development. GAs are also able to regulate, alongside with auxin and cytokinin, the initial processes of fruit development, most likely because they are responsible for both division and cell expansion. It is unknown whether fluctuations in the endogenous content of GAs impact fruit development and metabolism during ripening. To investigate these questions, tomato mutant plants deficient in GAs biosynthesis (gib3, moderately deficient; gib2, intermediate deficiency and gib1, extremely deficient in GA) were used. Notably, gib2 and gib1 mutants were characterized by a complete interruption of their reproductive development at the floral bud level. Although gib3 plants displayed a slightly delay in fruit development, at the end of fruit ripening both WT and gib3 fruits were highly similar. Little differences were found between WT and gib3 mutant plants during floral development and total fruit yield. We demonstrated that reduced GAs in gib3 mutant did not promote morphological modifications in fruits and relatively few metabolic changes were observed between genotypes during fruit ripening. Overall, typical metabolic changes, including increments in amino acids and soluble sugars coupled with reductions in starch, were observed during ripening. Collectively, we demonstrate that GAs plays a significant role on change vegetative to reproductive stage, as well as on the binging of set fruit.
Structural Equation Modeling for Magnitude, Association and Predictors of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Hepatitis B among Tepi Community, Ethiopia
Authors: Hajare Sunil Tulshiram , Jemal Sebwedin Surur , Alemu Bizuwork Derebew , Aseffa Nejat Mehammed , Genet Misganaw Mola , Chauhan Nitin Mahendra
Published: March 2022

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a potentially life-threatening liver infection. It also possesses a serious global public health concern. Increasing perception and awareness about HBV helps in reducing the disease burden. However, very little is known about knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) towards HBV infection among university community. Hence, the study is aimed in determining the KAP towards HBV among Tepi campus community. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Tepi campus, Mizan Tepi University, Ethiopia. A total number of 1426 Tepi campus community were selected by simple random sampling. KAP of was assessed using a structured questionnaire. Data were processed in Epi-data 4.6 and exported to STATA 14 and Amos. Structural equation modeling was employed to estimate the relationship among variables. The total response rate was reported to be 100% (1426/1426). Out of the 1426 respondents, 50.60%, 68.79% and 65.68% were within the poor knowledge, attitude and practice respectively. In structural equation modeling, residence, income and educational level were not associated with mean score. As such, KAP about HBV among Tepi campus community was found to be very poor. In the end, proactive and sustainable efforts are needed among communities to reduce the disease burden caused by HBV.
Identification of Potential miRNAs-mRNAs Regulatory Network From CHB to HCC Based on Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Kang Xindan , Shu Xin , Hao Fangbin , Bai Li
Published: March 2022

Background: A hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in China. Altered expression of miRNAs has been observed in tumors. Our study aimed to identify potential microRNAs (miRNA)-messenger RNAs (mRNAs) regulatory pathways contributing to the pathogenesis of HBV-related HCC.Methods: Microarray GSE67882 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. GEO2R was used to conduct differential expression analysis. Functional enrichment of differentially-expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) and pathway analyses of HCC were revealed. Target genes of DE-miRNAs were predicted by miRTarBase. Furthermore, miRNA-gene networks were constructed. The prognostic roles of screened differentially-expressed miRNAs in HCC were further evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier plotter database. Results: A total of 24 upregulated and 21 downregulated DE-miRNAs were accessed. EGFR, MYC and MDM2 may be key targets involved in the occurrence and development of HBV-related HCC whereas hsa-miR-21 and hsa-let-7f-1 may be two potential regulators involved in the occurrence and development of HBV-related HCC. Conclusions: In this study, potential miRNA-mRNA regulatory pathways were identified and screened and hsa-miR-21 and hsa-let-7f-1 may play a significant role in the underlying pathogenesis from chronic hepatitis B (CHB) to HBV-related HCC.
Identification of RRM2 as Novel Potential Sero-Diagnostic Marker for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhai Xiuming , Zhou Dandan , Dong Zihe , Zhang Ruixue
Published: March 2022

Background. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the cardinal trigger of cancer-related death worldwide. Most cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage using current tumor markers. Here, our study intended to identify the potential biomarkers to NSCLC diagnosis. Material/Methods. Four independent datasets (GSE18842, GSE19188, GSE30219 and GSE40791) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus. In order to explore the hub genes, various bioinformatics tools including the DAVID, STRING, GEPIA database, and R, Cytoscape software were used to analyze the dataset. Serum levels of RRM2 were verified by ELISA. The levels of CEA, CYFRA21-1, NSE and ProGRP were analyzed by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: A total of 258 genes were co-expression, of which 91 were up-regulated and 167 were down-regulated. A PPI network was constructed and 10 hub genes were screened, including RRM2, CDK1, UBE2C, MAD2L1, BUB1B, CCNA2, KIF20A, BUB1, KIF11, and CCNB2. The results of ELISA analysis showed that RRM2 is not only significantly up-regulated in NSCLC patient compared with the healthy control, but also the serum RRM2 level of NSCLC patient is related to distant metastasis, TNM stage and histological type (P < 0.05), but not to tumor size, lymph node metastasis (P > 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the combined detection of RRM2, CEA and NSE has the highest efficacy in diagnosing NSCLC. Conclusions. The comprehensive analysis showed that RRM2 could be used as a potential biomarker for diagnosis of NSCLC.
Age Group Prediction with Panoramic Radiomorphometric Parameters Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Lee Yeon-Hee , Won Jong Hyun , Auh Q-Schick , Noh Yung-Kyun
Published: March 2022

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of 18 radiomorphological parameters of panoramic radiographs based on age, and to estimate the age group of people with permanent dentition in a non-invasive, comprehensive, and accurate manner using five machine learning algorithms.Methods: For the study population (209 men and 262 women; mean age, 32.12±18.71 years), 471 digital panoramic radiographs of Korean individuals were applied. The participants were divided into three groups (with a 20-year age gap) and six groups (with a 10-year age gap), and each age group was estimated using the following five machine learning models: a linear discriminant analysis (LDA), logistic regression, kernelized support vector machines, multilayer perceptron, and extreme gradient boosting. Finally, a Fisher discriminant analysis was used to visualize the data configuration. Results: In the prediction of the three age-group classification, the areas under the curve (AUCs) obtained for classifying young ages (10–19 y) ranged from 0.85 to 0.88 for five different machine learning models. The AUC values of the older age group (50–69 y) ranged from 0.82 to 0.88, and those of adults (20–49 y) were approximately 0.73. In the six age-group classification, the best scores were also found in age groups 1 (10–19 y) and 6 (60–69 y), with mean AUCs ranging from 0.85 to 0.87 and 80 to 0.90, respectively. A feature analysis based on LDA weights showed that the L-Pulp Area was important for discriminating young ages (10–49 y), and L-Crown, U-Crown, L-Implant, U-Implant, and Periodontitis were used as predictors for discriminating older ages (50–69 y). Conclusion: We established acceptable linear and nonlinear machine learning models for a dental age group estimation using multiple maxillary and mandibular radiomorphometric parameters.