bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation of Ground Temperature along the Stratum Depth in Ice-rich Tundra
Authors: Liu Ziying , Yu Tianlai , Yan Ning , Gu Lipeng
Published: February 2020

The pile foundation in the permafrost region is in a negative temperature environment, so the concrete is affected by the negative temperature of the surrounding soil.It not only affects the formation of concrete strength, but also leads to engineering quality accidents in serious cases.Based on the actual measurement of temperature at different strata depths and the comprehensive consideration of surface temperature, terrestrial heat flux and other parameters, the law curve of temperature change along depth in Greater Khingan is established.The calculated results of the curve are consistent with the measured results of ground temperature.The results show that the variation trend of ground temperature along the strata depth at different monitoring sites is basically the same. From June to November, the ground temperature at different depths tends to be constant.From December to May, the ground temperature at any depth within the depth range of 0 to 5.5m follows the law of the cosine function.Below 5.5m, the earth temperature no longer varies with depth.The research results can be used as reference for pile foundation construction under negative temperature environment.
A Physical and Numerical Based Model for Early Prediction of Landslides Using Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Rabie Khaled , Singh Vinay , Vishal Vikram , Ansari Tariq , Singh T N
Published: February 2020

Landslides are a frequent and recurrent problem in hilly regions of India and predicting them is always a challenging task. In this paper, an attempt was made to deal with this problem using advanced physical and numerical modeling methods. Detailed understanding of the initial slope failures is very interesting, and challenging at the same time, in the design and development of wireless sensor network based on early warning of landslide monitoring. A small scale physical model was developed to assess the instability through a sensor network with variable rain fall intensity. This was achieved by increasing the simulated rain water flow intensity in different time spans (dry condition, at t=0 to t= 30 min, 0.5 mm/min at t=30 to t= 60 min, 0.75 mm/min at t=60 to t=91 min and 1 mm/min at t=91 to t= 120 min). The water level and movement in the slope was recorded by rainfall sensor, vibration sensor, soil moisture sensor and a digital camera. The following changes were observed during the slope failure: a) movement of small particles at top of the slope; b) initial failure of medium size soil particle; c) scouring of soil mass; d) whole slope collapse. The obtained results clearly indicated the superiority and effectiveness of the proposed system in providing a factor of safety for the progressive slope.
The Determination of HIV-1 RT Mutation Rate, Its Possible Allosteric Effects, and Its Implications on Drug Resistance
Authors: Yeo Joshua Yi , Goh Ghin Ray , Su Chinh Tran-To , Gan Samuel Ken-En
Published: February 2020

The high mutation rate of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) plays a major role in treatment resistance from the development of vaccines to long-lasting drugs. In addressing the crux of the issue, various attempts to estimate the mutation rate of HIV-1 resulted in a large range of 10-5 - 10-3 errors/bp/cycle due to the use of different types of investigation methods. In this review, we discuss the different assay methods, their findings on the mutation rates of HIV-1 and how the location of these mutations can be further analyzed for their potential allosteric effects to reveal potentially new inhibitors with different pharmacodynamics that can be used to circumvent fast occurring HIV drug resistance. Given that HIV is one of the fastest mutating viruses, it is a good model for comprehensive study of its mutations that can give rise to much horizontal understanding towards overall viral drug resistance as well as emerging viral diseases.
E-Cigarette Use Among University Students in Slovakia
Authors: Babjakova Jana , Weitzman Michael , Vondrova Diana , Filova Alexandra , Kollar Branislav , Stofko Juraj , Jurkovicova Jana , Argalasova Lubica
Published: February 2020

Young adults are more likely to have experimented with electronic cigarettes (EC) and underestimate their risks. The on-line survey adapted from American Survey on Tobacco and Alternative Tobacco Products included questions about the personal use of EC, perceptions about the harms and their role in disease causation, education and cessation training and practices related to classical cigarettes (CC), electronic cigarettes (EC) and alternative tobacco products (ATP). The questionnaire filled in 577 medical students (71.9% women) from Comenius University in Bratislava, the average age was 23±2yrs. The sample comprised of 486 (84.2%) Slovak and 91 (15.8%) foreign students; 385 were (66.7%) non-smokers, 111 (19.3%) ex-smokers and 81 (14 %) current smokers. EC currently use 13.5 % medical students, more males than females (22.2% vs 10.12%; OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.55−4.13), more foreign students than Slovak students (24.2% vs 11.52; OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.41−4.26), more smokers of classical cigarettes than non-smokers (46.9% vs 8.06%; OR 10.07, 95% CI 5.85−17.34). EC seems to be less harmful to 59.97 % students, mostly in the age groups ≤ 24 (61.76% vs 51.49%; OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.03−2.07), 41.25% of students consider EC to be less addictive, 55.6% think they do not get enough education on EC during their medical study. The results show the high consumption of tobacco products and the lack of knowledge and awareness among medical students.
Characterization of Osteoarthritis in a Medial Meniscectomy-Induced Animal Model Using Contrast-Enhanced X-Ray Microtomography
Authors: Sugasawa Takehito , Kuji Tomoaki , Aoki Kai , Yanazawa Koki , Takenouchi Akiko , Watanabe Makoto , Tome Yoshiya , Takeuchi Yoshinori , Aita Yuichi , Yahagi Naoya , Shishikura Yasuhiro , Ono Seikou , Yoshida Yasuko , Kawamai Yasushi , Takekoshi Kazuhiro
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to clarify degradation characteristics in each tissue of the knee complex of a medial meniscectomy (MMx)-induced knee osteoarthritis (KOA) animal model using classical methods and a new comprehensive evaluation method called contrast-enhanced X-ray micro-computed tomography (CEX-μCT), which was developed in the study. Surgical MMx was performed in the right knee joints of five male Wistar rats to induce KOA. At 4 wk post-surgery, the synovitis was evaluated using qPCR. Degradations of the articular cartilage of the tibial plateau were evaluated using classical methods and CEX-μCT. Evaluation of the synovitis demonstrated significantly increased expression levels of inflammation-associated marker genes in MMx-treated knees compared to that in sham-treated knees. Evaluation of the articular cartilage using classical methods showed that MMx fully induced degradation of the cartilage. Evaluation using CEX-μCT showed that local areas of the medial cartilage of the tibial plateau were significantly reduced in MMx-treated knees compared to that in sham-treated knees. On the other hand, total cartilage volumes were significantly increased in MMx-treated knees. Based on the findings of this study, the researchers in KOA research could be helped to select an optimal KOA model to discover new drugs.
A Topological Approach to Infinity in Physics
Authors: Tozzi Arturo , Peters James F.
Published: February 2020

Physical measurements might display range values extending towards infinite. The occurrence of infinity in physical equations, such as the black hole singularities, is a troublesome issue that causes many theories to break down when assessing extreme events. Different methods, such as re-normalization, have been proposed to avoid detrimental infinity. Here a novel technique is proposed, based on physical geometrical considerations and the Alexander Horned sphere, that permits to undermine infinity in physical equations. In this unconventional approach, a continuous monodimensional line becomes an assembly of countless bidimensional lines that superimpose in quantifiable knots and bifurcations.
Delivery of siRNA to Ewing Sarcoma Tumor Xenografted on Mice, Using Hydrogenated Detonation Nanodiamonds: Treatment Efficacy and Tissue Distribution
Authors: Claveau Sandra , Nehlig Emilie , Garcia-Argote Sébastien , Feuillastre Sophie , Pieters Grégory , Girard Hugues A. , Arnault Jean-Charles , Treussart François , Bertrand Jean-Rémi
Published: February 2020

Nanodiamonds of detonation origin are promising delivery agents of anti-cancer therapeutic compounds in a whole organism like mouse, owing to their versatile surface chemistry and ultra-small 5 nm average primary size compatible with natural elimination routes. However, to date, little is known about tissue distribution, elimination pathways and efficacy of nanodiamonds-based therapy in mice. In this report, we studied the capacity of cationic hydrogenated detonation nanodiamonds to carry active small interfering RNA (siRNA) in a mice model of Ewing sarcoma, a bone cancer of young adult due in the vast majority to the EWS-Fli1 junction oncogene. Replacing hydrogen gas by its radioactive analog tritium gas led to the formation of labeled nanodiamonds and allowed us to investigate their distribution throughout mouse organs and their excretion in urine and feces. We also demonstrated that siRNA directed against EWS-Fli1 inhibited this oncogene expression in tumor xenografted on mice. This work is a significant step to establish cationic hydrogenated detonation nanodiamond as an effective agent for in vivo delivery of active siRNA.
Calcium Channel Trafficking Blocker Gabapentin Bound to the α2δ-1 Subunit of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel: A Computational Structural Investigation
Authors: Li Wei
Published: February 2020

For voltage-gated Ca2+ channel (VGCC), its α2δ subunits are traditionally considered to be auxiliary subunits that regulates VGCC trafficking to the plasma membrane. The antiepileptic, antinociceptive and anxiolytic gabapentin (GBP) has previously been shown to bind the VGCC α2δ subunits with high affinity to disrupt VGCC trafficking. Yet, the interaction between GBP and α2δ still remains poorly understood from a structural point of view. For instance, it is not clear yet what the structural implication is of α2δ-1-bound GBP against VGCC trafficking. With a set of experimental data-driven structural analysis of the VGCC α2δ-1 and its ligand GBP, this article postulates for the first time that: 1), α2δ-1 bound GBP stabilizes the α2δ-1-GBP complex structure; 2), α2δ-1 bound GBP restrains the conformational flexibility of α2δ-1; 3), α2δ-1-bound GBP establishes an electrostatic axis consisting of Q535 (Gln535)-R241 (Arg241)-GBP (gabapentin)-D452 (Asp452), which constitutes an energetically favourable contribution towards the structural stability of the α2δ-1-GBP complex and helps restrains the conformational flexibility and local structural rigidification of α2δ-1; and 4), GBP-induced local conformational inflexibility and structural rigidification of α2δ-1 is one key step in the pharmacological disruption of VGCC trafficking by GBP.
Impact of General Anaesthesia - Guided by State Entropy (SE) and Response Entropy (RE) on Perioperative Stability in Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Patients. A Prospective Observational Randomized Monocentric Study
Authors: Dinu Anca Raluca , Rogobete Alexandru Florin , Popovici Sonia Elena , Bedreag Ovidiu Horea , Papurica Marius , Dumbuleu Corina Maria , Velovan Raluca Ramona , Toma Daiana , Georgescu Corina Maria , Trache Lavinia Ioana , Barsac Claudiu , Luca Loredana , Buzzi Bettina , Maghiar Andra , Sandesc Mihai Alexandru , Rimawi Samir , Vaduva Madalin Marian , Bratu Lavinia Melania , Luminosu Paul , Sandesc Dorel
Published: February 2020

Study background and aims: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most frequently performed interventions in departments of general surgery. One of the most important aims in achieving perioperative stability of these patients is diminishing the impact of general anesthesia on the hemodynamic stability and the optimization of anesthetic drug doses based on the individual clinical profile of each patient. The objective of this study is the evaluation of the impact monitoring the depth of anesthesia through Entropy (state entropy – SE and response entropy -RE) has on the hemodynamic stability and on the doses of volatile anesthetic. Material and Methods: This is a prospective, observational, randomized, monocentric study carried out between January 2019 and December 2019 in the Clinic of Anesthesia and Intensive Care from the “Pius Brînzeu” Emergency County Hospital in Timișoara, Romania. The patients included in the study were divided in two study groups; patients in Group A (target group) received multimodal monitoring that included monitoring of standard parameters and of Entropy (SE and RE), while patients in Group B (control group) only received standard monitoring. Anesthetic dose in group A were optimized to achieve a target entropy of 40-60. Results: 68 patients met the inclusion criteria and were allocated to one of the two study groups, Group A (N=43) and Group B (N=25). There were no statistically significant differences identified between the two groups for both demographical and clinical data (p>0.05). Statistically significant differences have been identified for the number of hypotensive episodes (p = 0.011, 95% CI 0.1851 to 0.7042) and for the number of episodes of bradycardia (p < 0.0001, 95% CI 0.3296 to 0.7923). Moreover, there was a significant difference in the Sevoflurane consumption between the two study groups (p = 0.0498, 95% CI -0.3942 to 0.9047). Conclusions: The implementation of the multimodal monitoring protocol that includes the standard parameters and the measurement of Entropy for determining the depth of anesthesia (SE and RE) lead to a considerable improvement in perioperative hemodynamic stability. Optimizing the doses of anesthetic drugs based on the individual clinical profile of each patient leads to a considerable decrease in drug consumption as well as to a lower incidence of hemodynamic side-effects.
The Association of Parental Interest in Entrepreneurship to the Entrepreneurial Interest of Spanish Youth
Authors: Luis-Rico Isabel , Escolar-Llamazares M. Camino , De la Torre-Cruz Tamara , Herrero Álvaro , Palmero-Cámara Carmen , Jiménez-Eguizábal Alfredo , Jiménez Alfredo
Published: February 2020

As entrepreneurial interest is believed to represent a causal factor increasing entrepreneurship, research has begun to explore how family systems affect youth entrepreneurial interests. In the present study, we attempt to identify different types of family influence on the entrepreneurial interests of young people. A questionnaire was used to obtain data from 1,633 Spanish youths, who were 15 to 18 years old, and another questionnaire was used to obtain data from 839 parents. Principal Component Analysis identified unique family types and revealed that they have differential associations to entrepreneurial interest among youths. These findings reaffirm the influence of family on the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the promotion of an entrepreneurial family cuture. This study further suggests that early attention should focus on the detection of entrepreneurial interest among youths so that actions can be implemented in the families of low-interest youths to incentivize an entrepreneurial family culture.
Global Positioning System Interferometric Reflectometry for Accurate Tide Gauge Measurement: Insights from South Beach, Oregon, United States
Authors: Ansari Kutubuddin , Bae Tae-Suk , Inyurt Samed
Published: February 2020

Global Positioning System (GPS) stations located along coastal areas have the ability to measure tide gauge (TG) records by reflected signal reception from the sea water surface. In this study we used the GPS signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) data from the SEPT station (44.63 ⁰N, 124.05 ⁰W) located at South Beach, Oregon, USA, to estimate the TG records using only a few measurements. First, we derived the TG record from a GPS station (GPS-TG) and used traditional TG data from the National Water Level Observation Network (NWLON) sentinel station (Station ID: 9435380) located in Oregon for validation purposes because it was closest to the SEPT station. Our results show that the GPS-TG and NWLON-TG correlate well with the correlation coefficient (CC) of 0.942 and the root mean square (RMS) of their residuals was about 12.90 cm. The corresponding TG prediction by autoregressive moving average (ARMA-TG) and singular spectrum analysis (SSA-TG) models are evaluated for their effectiveness over the station. The comparative analysis demonstrates that the GPS-TG has improved correlation with ARMA-TG (CC of ~0.981 CC, RMS of ~4.80 cm), and SSA-TG (CC of ~0.998 CC, RMS of ~ 0.88 cm) compared to the NWLON-TG (CC of ~0.942 CC, RMS of ~12.90 cm) values. We believe the outcomes from this study contribute to a better understanding of the numerical modeling of TG records as well as other measurements based on reflectometry techniques.
The Clinically Validated Viral Superinfection Therapy (SIT) Platform Technology May Mitigate Severe Cases of 2019-nCoV Infections
Authors: Kovesdi Imre , Ranst Marc Van , Bakacs Tibor
Published: February 2020

Stochastic simulations of early outbreak trajectories found that the basic reproduction number, R0, of the Wuhan new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is around 2.2, which indicates the potential for sustained human-to-human transmission. In fact, this transmission characteristic is a similar magnitude to severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the 1918 pandemic influenza. Cases have now spread to at least 4 continents, currently with 43,108 cases and 1,018 lives lost. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. There is no current evidence from random clinical trials (RCTs) to recommend any specific anti-nCoV treatment for patients with suspected or confirmed 2019-nCoV infection. In order to mitigate the impact of the 2019-nCoV outbreak, here we propose an innovative superinfection therapeutic (SIT) strategy, which could complement the development of prophylactic vaccines. SIT is based on clinical observations that unrelated viruses might interact in co-infected patients. During SIT, the patient benefit from superinfection with an apathogenic dsRNA virus such as the infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), which is a powerful activator of the interferon-dependent antiviral gene program. An attenuated vaccine strain of IBDV was already successfully administered to resolve acute and persistent infections induced by two completely different viruses, the hepatitis B (DNA) and C (RNA) viruses (HBV/HCV). Importantly, IBDV is also a potential prophylactic vaccine vector drug candidate, since a recombinant IBDV was previously generated that displays exogenous viral peptides from a replication-competent IBDV.
Ternary Fingerprints with Reference Odor for Fluctuation-Enhanced Sensing
Authors: Yu Xiaoyu , Kish Laszlo , Seguin Jean-Luc , King Maria
Published: February 2020

An improved method for Fluctuation Enhanced Sensing (FES) is introduced. We enhanced the old binary fingerprinting method, where the fingerprint bit values were ± 1, by introducing ternary fingerprints utilizing a reference odor. In the ternary method, the fingerprint bit values are -1, 0, and +1 where the 0 value stands for the situation where the slope of the spectrum is identical to that of the reference odor. The application of the reference odor spectrum makes the fingerprint relative to the reference. This feature increases the information entropy of the fingerprints. The method is briefly illustrated by sensing bacterial odor in cow manure isolates.
Fluctuation-Enhanced Sensing: Review of Practical Issues
Authors: Scandurra Graziella , Smulko Janusz , Kish Laszlo
Published: February 2020

We discuss some of the fundamental practical limitations of the Fluctuation-Enhanced Sensing of odors and gases. We address resolution, measurement speed, reproducibility, memory and other problems such as humidity. Various techniques and ideas are presented to overcome these problems. Circuit solutions are also discussed.
Rodents as Hosts of Pathogens and Related Zoonotic Disease Risk
Authors: Handi Dahmana , Granjon Laurent , Diagne Christophe , Davoust Bernard , Fenollar Florence , Mediannikov Oleg
Published: February 2020

Rodents are known to be reservoir hosts for at least 60 zoonotic diseases and are known to play an important role in their transmission and spreading in different ways. We sampled different rodent communities within and around human settlements in Northern Senegal, an area subjected to major environmental transformations associated with global changes. Herein, we conducted an epidemiological study on their bacterial communities.One hundred and seventy-one (171) invasive and native rodents were captured, 50 from outdoors trapping sites and 121 rodents from indoors habitats, consisting on 5 species. DNA of thirteen pathogens have been successfully screened on the rodent’s spleens. We found: 2.3% of positive spleens to Piroplasmida and amplified one which gives a potentially new species Candidatus “Theileria senegalensis”; 9.35% of Bartonella spp. and amplified 10, giving three genotypes. 3.5% of filariasis species; 18.12% of Anaplasmataceae species and amplified only 5, giving a new potential species Candidatus “Ehrlichia senegalensis”; 2.33 % of Hepatozoon spp.; 3.5% of Kinetoplastidae spp; and 15.2% of Borrelia spp. and amplified 8 belonging all to Borrelia crocidurae.Some of the species of pathogens carried by the rodents of our studied area may be unknown because most of those we have identified are new species. In one bacterial taxon, Anaplasma, a positive correlation between host body mass and infection was found. Overall, male and invasive rodents appeared less infected than female and native ones, respectively.
Examination of Demographic Characteristics of Drug and Corrosive Poisonings, Morbidity and Mortality in Children in terms of Emergency Department and Pediatric Surgery
Authors: Güney Cengiz , Coskun Abuzer
Published: February 2020

Background: Poisoning constitutes an important part of morbidity and mortality among environmental emergencies that can be prevented, frequent in childhood, requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed was to examine the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of drug and corrosive poisonings in terms of children. Materials and Methods: Between January 2010 and December 2018, 1678 patients between the ages of 1-16 who applied to the emergency department with drug and corrosive poisoning were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups as 1-5, 6-11 and over 12 years of age, and the substances with known pharmacological agents were divided into 10 groups. The Zargar Classification (7) was used to determine the degree of damage caused by corrosive substances in the esophagus. Results: The mean age of the patients was 8.32 ± 3.23 years (1-15 years). The girl/boy ratio of the cases was 1.18 / 1 and 54.3% were girls. 18.9% of the cases were under five years of age, 61% were between 6-11 years and 20% were older than 12 years. 94.6% of the patients were poisoned by drugs and 5.4% of them were poisoned due to non-drug reasons. Accidental poisoning was most commonly seen in children aged 6-11 and suicides were seen in children older than 12 years. It was found that 62.2% of the poisonings were accidental and 37.8% were suicidal. The most common causes of poisoning were analgesics and paracetamol exposure as a pharmacological agent. Mortality was found to be most common in 1-5 years age group and accidental poisonings. Accidental poisoning was common in girls and suicidal poisoning was common in boys. Grade 3 damage was found endoscopically in all of the mortalities due to corrosive substances. Conclusion: It was found that accidental poisoning was observed in children under five years of age, suicides were observed in children older than 12 years and the most important cause of mortality was due to corrosive substances. Cause-specific rapid diagnosis and treatment will contribute to the reduction of morbidity and mortality.
New Generalized the Hermite-Hadamard Inequality and Related Integral Inequalities Involving Katugampola Type Fractional Integrals
Authors: Almutairi Ohud , Kılıçman Adem
Published: February 2020

In this paper, a new identity for the generalized fractional integral is defined, through which new integral inequality for functions whose first derivatives in absolute value are convex. The new generalized Hermite-Hadamard inequality for generalized convex function on fractal sets involving Katugampola type fractional integral is established. We derive trapezoid and mid-point type inequalities connected to these generalized Hermite-Hadamard inequality.
Promoting positive maternal, newborn, and child health behaviors through a group-based health education and microfinance program: a prospective matched cohort study in western Kenya
Authors: Maldonado Lauren Yu-Lien , Songok Julia J. , Snelgrove John W. , Ochieng Christian B. , Chelagat Sheilah , Ikemeri Justus E. , Okwanyi Monica A , Cole Donald C. , Ruhl Laura Jane , Christoffersen-Deb Astrid
Published: February 2020

Background: We launched Chamas for Change (Chamas), a group-based health education and microfinance program for pregnant women and their infants, to address inequities contributing to high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality in western Kenya. In this prospective matched cohort study, we evaluated the association between Chamas participation and uptake of evidence-based, maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) behaviors.
Methods: We prospectively compared the uptake of MNCH behaviors between a cohort of Chamas participants and controls matched for age, parity, and prenatal care location. Between October-December 2012, government-sponsored community health volunteers (CHV) recruited pregnant women attending their first antenatal care (ANC) visits at health facilities in Busia County to participate in Chamas . Women enrolled in Chamas agreed to attend bi-monthly group health education and optional microfinance sessions for 12 months. We collected baseline sociodemographic data at study enrollment for each cohort. We used descriptive analyses and adjusted multivariable logistic regression models to compare outcomes across cohorts at 6-12 months postpartum, with α set to 0.05.
Results: Compared to controls (n=115), a significantly higher proportion of Chamas participants (n=211) delivered in a facility with a skilled birth attendant (84.4% vs. 50.4%, p<0.001), attended at least four ANC visits (64.0% vs. 37.4%, p<0·001), exclusively breastfed to six months (82.0% vs. 47.0%, p<0·001), and received a CHV home visit within 48 hours postpartum (75.8% vs. 38.3%, p<0·001). In our adjusted models, Chamas participants were nearly five times as likely as controls to deliver in a health facility (OR 5.07, 95% CI 2.74-9.36, p<0.001). Though not statistically significant, Chamas participants experienced a lower proportion of stillbirths (0.9% vs. 5.2%), miscarriages (5.2% vs. 7.8%), infant deaths (2.8% vs. 3.4%), and maternal deaths (0.9% vs. 1.7%) compared to controls. Our sensitivity analyses revealed no significant difference in the odds of facility delivery based on microfinance participation.
Conclusions: Chamas participation was associated with increased practice of evidence-based MNCH health behaviors among pregnant women in western Kenya. Our findings demonstrate this program’s potential to achieve population-level MNCH benefits; however, a larger study is needed to validate this observed effect.
Association between maternal sleep duration and quality, and the risk of preterm birth: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: wang ling , Jin Feng
Published: February 2020

Background : To assess the association of sleep duration and quality with the risk of preterm birth.
Methods : Relevant studies were retrieved from the PubMed and Web of Science databases up to September 30, 2018. The reference lists of the retrieved articles were reviewed. Random effects models were applied to estimate summarized relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
Results : Ten identified studies (nine cohort studies and one case-controlled study) examined the associations of sleep duration and quality with the risk of preterm birth. As compared with women with the longest sleep duration, the summary RR was 1.23 (95% CI = 1.01–1.50) for women with the shortest sleep duration, with moderate between-study heterogeneity ( I 2 = 57.4%). Additionally, as compared with women with good sleep quality, the summary RR was 1.54 (95% CI = 1.18–2.01) for women with poor sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index > 5), with high between-study heterogeneity ( I 2 = 76.7%). Funnel plots as well as the Egger’s and Begg’s tests revealed no evidence of publication bias.
Conclusions : This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that short sleep duration and poor sleep quality may be associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. Further subgroup analyses are warranted to test the robustness of these findings as well as to identify potential sources of heterogeneity.
Prevalence and factors associated with double and triple burden of malnutrition among mothers and children in Nepal: evidence from 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Sunuwar Dev Ram , Singh Devendra Raj , Pradhan Pranil Man Singh
Published: February 2020

Background: Malnutrition in mothers and children is a significant public health challenge in developing countries such as Nepal. Although undernutrition in children has been gradually decreasing, the coexistence of various forms of malnutrition in mothers and children has continued to rise globally. There is a gap in knowledge of the coexistence of such multiple burdens of malnutrition in the Nepalese context. The aims of this study were to explore the coexistence of various forms of malnutrition and associated factors among mother-child pairs residing in the same household.
Methods: A total sample of 2,261 mother-child pairs from the Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2016 were included in the study. Anthropometric measurements and hemoglobin levels of children and anthropometric measurements of their mothers were collected. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the factors associated with the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) and the triple burden of malnutrition (TBM).
Results: Prevalence of DBM and TBM was 6.60 % (95 % CI: 5.13-8.84) and 7.00 % (95 % CI: 5.42-8.99) respectively in the same households. In the adjusted multivariable logistic regression models, mothers with short stature (AOR=4.18, 95 % CI: 2.04-8.52), from the richest wealth quintile (AOR=2.46, 95 % CI: 1.17-5.15), aged over 35 years (AOR=3.08, 95 % CI: 1.20-7.86), and those who had achieved at least secondary level education (AOR=2.05, 95 % CI: 1.03-4.07) were more likely to suffer from the DBM. Similarly, mothers with short stature (AOR=5.01, 95 % CI: 2.45-10.24), from the richest wealth quintile(AOR=2.66, 95 % CI: 1.28-5.54), aged over 35 years (AOR=3.41, 95 % CI: 1.26-9.17), and those who had achieved at least secondary level education (AOR=2.05, 95 % CI: 1.00-4.18) were more likely to suffer from the TBM.
Conclusions: Overall, there is a low prevalence of double and triple burden of malnutrition among mother-child pairs in Nepal. Older mothers with short stature and those from richer wealth quintiles were more likely to suffer from double and triple burden of malnutrition.
LncRNA regulates tomato fruit cracking by coordinating gene expression via a hormone-redox-cell wall network
Authors: Xue Lingzi , Sun Mintao , Wu Zhen , Yu Lu , Yu Qinghui , Tang Yaping , Jiang Fangling
Published: February 2020

Background
Fruit cracking occurs easily under unsuitable environmental conditions and is one of the main types of damage that occurs in fruit production. It is widely accepted that plants have developed defence mechanisms and regulatory networks that respond to abiotic stress, which involves perceiving, integrating and responding to stress signals by modulating the expression of related genes. Fruit cracking is also a physiological disease caused by abiotic stress. It has been reported that a single or several genes may regulate fruit cracking. However, almost none of these reports have involved cracking regulatory networks.
Results
Here, RNA expression in 0 h, 8 h and 30 h saturated irrigation-treated fruits from two contrasting tomato genotypes, ‘LA1698’ (cracking-resistant, CR) and ‘LA2683’ (cracking-susceptible, CS), was analysed by mRNA and lncRNA sequencing. The GO pathways of the differentially expressed mRNAs were mainly enriched in the ‘hormone metabolic process’, ‘cell wall organization’, ‘oxidoreductase activity’ and ‘catalytic activity’ categories. According to the gene expression analysis, significantly differentially expressed genes included Solyc02g080530.3 ( Peroxide, POD ), Solyc01g008710.3 ( Mannan endo-1,4-beta-mannosidase, MAN ), Solyc08g077910.3 ( Expanded, EXP ), Solyc09g075330.3 ( Pectinesterase , PE ), Solyc07g055990.3 ( Xyloglucan endotransglucosylase-hydrolase 7, XTH7 ), Solyc12g011030.2 ( X yloglucan endotransglucosylase-hydrolase 9 , XTH9 ), Solyc10g080210.2 ( Polygalacturonase-2, PG2 ), Solyc08g081010.2 ( Gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, gamma-GCS ), Solyc09g008720.2 ( Ethylene receptor , ER ), Solyc11g042560.2 ( Ethylene-responsive transcription factor 4, ERF4 ) etc. In addition, the lncRNAs (XLOC_134491 and XLOC_036966) regulated the expression of their neighbouring genes, and genes related to tomato cracking were selected to construct a lncRNA-mRNA network influencing tomato cracking.
Conclusions
This study provides insight into the responsive network for water-induced cracking in tomato fruit. Specifically, lncRNAs regulate the hormone-redox-cell wall network, including plant hormone (auxin, ethylene) and ROS (H 2 O 2 ) signal transduction and many cell wall-related mRNAs (EXP, PG, XTH), as well as some lncRNAs ( XLOC_134491 and XLOC_104931, etc.).
Keywords
Tomato, LncRNA, mRNA, Transcriptome, Network, Fruit cracking
The Relationship Between Retroperitoneal Lymphadenectomy and Survival in Advanced Ovarian Cancer Patients
Authors: Fang Chenyan , Zhang Yingli , Zhao Lingqin , Chen Xi , Xia Liang , Zhang Ping
Published: February 2020

Background Systematic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy has been widely used in the surgical treatment of advanced ovarian cancer patients. Nevertheless, the corresponding therapeutic may not provide a survival benefit. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of systematic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in such patients. Methods Patients with advanced ovarian cancer (stage III-IV, according to the classification presented by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) who were admitted and treated in Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from January 2004 to December 2013 were enrolled and reviewed retrospectively. All patients were optimally or suboptimally debulked (absent or residual tumor <1 cm) and divided into two groups. Group A (no-lymphadenectomy group, n =170): patients did not undergo lymph node resection; lymph nodes resection or biopsy were selective. Group B (n=240): patients underwent systematic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. Results A total of 410 eligible patients were enrolled in the study. The patients’ median age was 51 years old (range, 28–72 years old). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 78% and 24% in the no-lymphadenectomy group and 76% and 26% in the lymphadenectomy group (P=0.385 and 0.214, respectively). Subsequently, there was no significant difference in 5-year OS and 2-year PFS between the two groups stratified to histological types (serous type or non-serous type), the clinical evaluation of negative lymph nodes or with macroscopic peritoneal metastasis beyond pelvic (IIIB-IV). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that systematic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy was not a significant factor influencing the patients’ survival. Patients in the lymphadenectomy group had a higher incidence of postoperative complications (incidence of infection treated with antibiotics was 21.7% vs. 12.9% [P=0.027]; incidence of lymph cysts was 20.8% vs. 2.4% [P < 0.001]). Conclusions Our study showed that systematic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy did not significantly improve survival in advanced ovarian cancer patients with residual tumor <1 cm or absent after cytoreductive surgery, and were associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications.
Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Lumpy skin disease virus from outbreaks in Uganda 2017-2018
Authors: Ochwo Sylvester , VanderWaal Kimberly , Ndekezi Christian , Nkamwesiga Joseph , Munsey Anna , Witto Sarah Gift , Nantima Noelina , Mayanja Franklin , Okurut Anna Rose Ademun , Atuhaire David Kalenzi , Mwiine Frank Norbert
Published: February 2020

Background: Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is an infectious viral disease of cattle caused by a Capripox virus. LSD has substantial economic implications, with infection resulting in permanent damage to the skin of affected animals which lowers their commercial value. In Uganda, LSD is endemic and cases of the disease are frequently reported to government authorities. This study was undertaken to molecularly characterize lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) strains that have been circulating in Uganda between 2017 and 2018. Secondly, the study aimed to determine the phylogenetic relatedness of Ugandan LSDV sequences with published sequences, available in GenBank. Results: A total of 7 blood samples and 16 skin nodule biopsies were screened for LSDV using PCR to confirm presence of LSDV nucleic acids. PCR positive samples were then characterized by amplifying the GPCR gene. These amplified genes were sequenced and phylogenetic trees were constructed. Out of the 23 samples analyzed, 15 were positive for LSDV by PCR (65.2%). The LSDV GPCR sequences analyzed contained the unique signatures of LSDV (A11, T12, T34, S99, and P199) which further confirmed their identity. Sequence comparison with vaccine strains revealed a 12bp deletion unique to Ugandan outbreak strains. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the LSDV sequences from this study clustered closely with sequences from neighboring East African countries and with LSDV strains from recent outbreaks in Europe. It was noted that the sequence diversity amongst LSDV strains from Africa was higher than diversity from Eurasia. Conclusion: The LSDV strains circulating in Uganda were closely related with sequences from neighboring African countries and from Eurasia. Comparison of the GPCR gene showed that outbreak strains differed from vaccine strains. This information is necessary to understand LSDV molecular epidemiology and to contribute knowledge towards the development of control strategies by the Government of Uganda.
What matters to me – A web-based preference elicitation tool for clients in long-term care: a user-centred design
Authors: Leersum Catharina Margaretha van , Moser Albine , Steenkiste Ben van , Reinartz Marion , Stoffers Esther , Wolf Judith R.L.M. , Weijden Trudy van der
Published: February 2020

Background: During the process of decision-making for long-term care, clients are often dependent on informal support and available information about quality ratings of care services. However, clients do not take ratings into account when considering preferred care, and need assistance to understand their preferences. A tool to elicit preferences for long-term care could be beneficial. Therefore, the aim of this qualitative descriptive study is to understand the user requirements and develop a web-based preference elicitation tool for clients in need of long-term care.
Methods: We applied a user-centred design in which end-users influence the development of the tool. The included end-users were clients, relatives, and healthcare professionals. Data collection took place between November 2017 and March 2018 by means of meetings with the development team consisting of four users, walkthrough interviews with 21 individual users, video-audio recordings, field notes, and observations during the use of the tool. Data were collected during three phases of iteration: Look and feel, Navigation, and Content. A deductive and inductive content analysis approach was used for data analysis.
Results: The layout was considered accessible and easy during the Look and feel phase, and users asked for neutral images. Users found navigation easy, and expressed the need for concise and shorter text blocks. Users reached consensus about the categories of preferences, wished to adjust the content with propositions about well-being, and discussed linguistic difficulties.
Conclusion: By incorporating the requirements of end-users, the user-centred design proved to be useful in progressing from the prototype to the finalized tool ‘What matters to me’. This tool may assist the elicitation of client’s preferences in their search for long-term care.
Biclique: An R package for Maximal Biclique Enumeration in Bipartite Graphs
Authors: Lu Yuping , Phillips Charles A. , Langston Michael A.
Published: February 2020

Objective Bipartite graphs are widely used to model relationships between pairs of heterogeneous data types. Maximal bicliques are foundational structures in such graphs, and their enumeration is an important task in systems biology, epidemiology and many other problem domains. Thus, there is a need for an efficient, general purpose, publicly available tool to enumerate maximal bicliques in bipartite graphs. The statistical programming language R is a logical choice for such a tool, but until now no R package has existed for this purpose. Our objective is to provide such a package, so that the research community can more easily perform this computationally demanding task. Results Biclique is an R package that takes as input a bipartite graph and produces a listing of all maximal bicliques in this graph. Input and output formats are straightforward, with examples provided both in this paper and in the package documentation. Biclique employs a state-of-the-art algorithm previously developed for basic research in functional genomics. This package, along with its source code and reference manual, are freely available from the CRAN public repository at https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/biclique/index.html .
Dysbiosis of saliva microbiome in patients with oral lichen planus
Authors: Yu FeiYan , Wang QianQian , Li Miao , Cheng Ya-Hsin , Cheng Yi-Shing Lisa , Zhou Yu , Yang Xi , Zhang Fang , Ge XueJun , Zhao Bin , Ren XiuYun
Published: February 2020

Background : Oral microbiota is not only important for maintaining oral health but also plays a role in oral diseases. However, studies regarding microbiome changes in oral lichen planus(OLP)are very limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the characteristic microbial profile in the saliva of OLP patients, with or without erosive lesions, and compare that with recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU), a common oral immunological disorder that also shows multiple erosive/ulcerative lesions. Methods : Whole saliva samples were collected from 20 patients with OLP (10 each for erosive (E) and non-erosive (NE) groups), 10 patients with RAU (U group), and 10 healthy controls (C). DNA was extracted from the saliva samples, and the 16S rDNA gene V4 hypervariable region was analyzed using Illumina sequencing. Results were assessed with alpha- and beta-diversity, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size, and the data was analyzed by Spearman’s rank correlation,Wilcoxon and Kruskal test. Results: We obtained 4949 operational taxonomic units from the V4 region in all saliva samples. Community composition analysis showed a clear decreased relative abundance of genera Streptococcus and Sphingomonas in saliva from RAU patients when compared to the other three groups. Relative abundance of Lautropia and Gemella were higher in E group,whereas relative abundance of Haemophilus and Neisseria were higher in NE group when compared to C group. Abiotrophia and Oribacterium were higher in OLP (combining E and NE groups), while Eikenella and Aggregatibacter were lower when compared to C group. There was statistically significance in α-diversity between E and RAU groups( p <0.05). Significant differences in β-diversity were detected in bacteria between E and C; NE and C; as well as E and NE groups. Conclusion： We found that salivary microbiome in OLP was significantly different from that found in RAU; and these changes may be related to the underlying disease process rather than presence of ulcerative/erosive lesions clinically. In addition, our findings in bacterial relative abundance in OLP were significantly different from the previously reported findings, which points to the need for further research in salivary microbiome of OLP.
Different effects of Wnt/β-catenin activation and PTH activation in adult and aged male mice metaphyseal fracture healing
Authors: Liu Daocheng , Qin Hao , Yang Jiazhi , Yang Lei , He Sihao , Chen Sixu , Bao Quanwei , Zhao Yufeng , zong zhaowen
Published: February 2020

Background: Fractures in older men are not uncommon and need to be healed as soon as possible to avoid related complications. Anti-osteoporotic drugs targeting Wnt/β-catenin and PTH (parathyroid hormone) to promote fracture healing have become an important direction in recent years. The study is to observe whether there is a difference in adult and aged situations by activating two signal paths.
Methods: A single cortical hole with a diameter of 0.6 mm was made in the femoral metaphysis of Catnb lox(ex3) mice and wild-type mice. The fracture healing effects of CA (Wnt/β-catenin activation) and PTH (activated by PTH (1–34) injections) were assessed by X-ray and CT imaging on days 7, 14, and 21 after fracture. The mRNA levels of β-catenin, PTH1R( Parathyroid hormone 1 receptor ), and RUNX2(Runt-related transcription factor 2) in the fracture defect area were detected using RT-PCR. Angiogenesis and osteoblasts were observed by immunohistochemistry and osteoclasts were observed by TRAP (Tartrate-resistant Acid Phosphatase).
Result: Adult CA mice and adult PTH mice showed slightly better fracture healing than adult wild-type (WT) mice, but there was no statistical difference. Aged CA mice showed better promotion of angiogenesis and osteoblasts and better fracture healing than aged PTH mice.
Conclusion: The application of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway drugs for fracture healing in elderly patients may bring better early effects than PTH signaling pathway drugs, but the long-term effects need to be observed.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of 2-(4-methylsulfonyl phenyl) indole derivatives: Multi-target compounds with dual antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities
Authors: Shaker Ahmed , Abdelall Eman K. A. , Abdellatif Khaled R. A. , Abdel-Rahman Hamdy M.
Published: February 2020

Three series of 2-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl) indole derivatives have been designed and synthesized. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial, COX inhibitory and anti-inflammatory activities. Compound 7g was identified to be the most potent antibacterial candidate against strains of MRSA , E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and A. baumannii , respectively with safe therapeutic dose. Compounds 7a-k, 8a-c and 9a-c showed good anti-inflammatory activity with high selectivity toward COX-2 in comparison with reference drugs indomethacin and celecoxib. Compounds 9a-c were found to release moderate amounts of NO to decrease the side effects associated with selective COX-2 inhibitors. A molecular modeling study for compounds 7b, 7h, and 7i into COX-2 active site correlated with results of in vitro COX-2 inhibition assays.