bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptome Analyses Revealed Adaptive-Responses in Livers of Mice Treated With Hua-Feng-Dan and Its “Guide Drug” Yaomu
Authors: Liu Jia-Jia , Zhang Ya , Xu Shang-Fu , Zhang Feng , Shi Jing-Shan , Liu Jie
Published: January 2021

BackgroundHua-Feng-Dan is a patent Chinese medicine for stroke recovery and is effective against Parkinson’s disease models with modulatory effects on gut microbiota, but its effects on hepatic gene expression are unknown. This study used RNA-Seq to profile hepatic gene expression by Hua-Feng-Dan and its “Guide Drug” Yaomu.MethodsMice received orally Hua-Feng-Dan 1.2 g/kg, Yaomu 0.1-0.3 g/kg, or vehicle for 7 days. Liver pathology was examined, and total RNA was isolated for RNA-Seq. The bioinformatics, including GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, two-dimensional clustering, Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA), and Illumina BaseSpace Correlation Engine were used to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs). qPCR was performed to verify selected genes.ResultsHua-Feng-Dan and Yaomu did not produce liver toxicity as evidenced by histopathology and serum ALT and AST. GO Enrichment revealed Hua-Feng-Dan affected lipid homeostasis, protein folding and cell adhesion. KEGG showed activated cholesterol metabolism, bile secretion and PPAR signaling pathways. DEGs were identified by DESeq2 with p < 0.05 compared to controls. Hua-Feng-Dan produced 806 DEGs, Yaomu-0.1 had 235, and Yaomu-0.3 had 92 DEGs. qPCR on selected genes largely verified RNA-Seq results. IPA upstream regulator analysis revealed activation of MAPK and adaptive responses. Yaomu-0.1 had similar effects, but Yaomu-0.3 had little effects. Hua-Feng-Dan-induced DEGs were highly correlated with the GEO database of chemical-induced adaptive transcriptome changes in the liver. ConclusionHua-Feng-Dan at clinical dose did not produce liver pathological changes but induced metabolic and signaling pathway activations. Low dose of its Guide Drug Yaomu produced similar changes to a lesser extent, but high dose of Yaomu had little effects. The effects of Hua-Feng-Dan on liver transcriptome changes may produce adaptive responses to program the liver to produce beneficial or detrimental (over-dosed) pharmacological effects.
Remifentanil Protects PC-12 Cells From OGD Damage by Up-Regulating miR-124
Authors: Zhang Hongyan , Xu Suyan , Chi Fabin , Li Guofeng , Zhou Yujie , Li Chenghai , Wang Aifeng
Published: January 2021

The purpose of the study was to clarify the function and mechanism of Remifentanil, in PC-12 cells stimulated by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). An OGD environment was constructed to induce PC-12 cells, and Remifentanil (0-2.5 μM) was used to pre-treat cells; cell viability was determined by CCK-8 assay; cell apoptosis was tested via flow cytometry; knock down of miR-124 was achieved by constructing an miR-124 inhibitor and cell transfection; miR-124 expression and the transfection efficiency were tested via quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR); Western blot was used to detect the expression of Bax/Bcl-2 / cleaved-caspase 3 / cleaved-caspase 9 apoptosis protein, as well as p62/LC3-I/LC3-II and JAK2/mTOR protein. Cell viability was not affected by the low concentration of Remifentanil, but was inhibited by the high concentration of Remifentanil. OGD induction reduced cell viability, enhanced apoptosis and autophagy, and activated the JAK2/mTOR pathway. The above processes were reversed by Remifentanil, alleviating the influences of OGD stimulation on PC-12 cells. Meanwhile, miR-124 was positively regulated by Remifentanil, and miR-124 silencing reversed the effects of Remifentanil on cell viability, apoptosis, autophagy and the JAK2/mTOR pathway. In conclusion, Remifentanil protected PC-12 cells from OGD damage, which was mediated by up-regulation of miR-124 and activation of the JAK2/mTOR pathway.
Effect of Blastocyst Morphology and Developmental Speed on Transfer Strategy for Grade “C” Blastocyst in Vitrified-Warmed Cycles
Authors: He Yuxia , Chen Shiping , Liu Jianqiao , Kang Xiangjin , Liu Haiying
Published: January 2021

Background: High-quality single blastocyst transfer (SBT) is increasingly recommended to patients because of its acceptable pregnancy outcomes and significantly reduced multiple pregnancy rate compared to double blastocyst transfer (DBT). However, there is no consensus on whether this transfer strategy is also suitable for poor-quality blastocysts. Moreover, the effect of the development speed of poor-quality blastocysts on pregnancy outcomes has been controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effects of blastocyst development speed and morphology on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes during the frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle of poor-quality blastocysts and to ultimately provide references for clinical transfer strategies.Methods: A total of 2,038 FET cycles of poor-quality blastocysts were analyzed from January 2014 to December 2019 and divided based on the blastocyst development speed and number of embryos transferred: the D5-SBT (n=476), D5-DBT (n=365), D6-SBT (n=730), and D6-DBT (n=467) groups. The SBT group was further divided based on embryo morphology: D5-AC/BC (n=407), D5-CA/CB (n=69), D6-AC/BC (n=580), and D6-CA /CB (n=150).Results: When blastocysts reach the same development speed, the live birth and multiple pregnancy rates of DBT were significantly higher than those of SBT. Moreover, there was no statistical difference in the rates of early miscarriage and live birth between the AC/BC and CA/CB groups. When patients in the SBT group were stratified by blastocyst development speed, the rates of clinical pregnancy (42.44% vs. 20.82%) and live birth (32.35% vs. 14.25%) of D5-SBT group were significantly higher than those of D6-SBT group. Furthermore, for blastocysts in the same morphology group (AC/BC or CA/CA group), the rates of clinical pregnancy and live birth in the D5 group were also significantly higher than those of D6 group. Conclusion: For poor-quality D5 blastocysts, SBT can be recommended to patients because of acceptable pregnancy outcomes and significantly reduced multiple pregnancy rate compared with DBT. For poor-quality D6, the DBT strategy is recommended to patients to improve pregnancy outcomes. When blastocysts reach the same development speed, the transfer strategy of selecting blastocyst with inner cell mass “C” or blastocyst with trophectoderm “C” does not affect the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes.
Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Isoforms ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 are Essential for Myogenic Differentiation
Authors: Rihani Laura , Franzmeier Sophie , Wu Wei , Schlegel Jürgen
Published: January 2021

Background Satellite cells (SC) constitute the stem cell population of skeletal muscle tissue and are determinants for myogenesis. Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) enzymatic activity correlates with myogenic properties of SCs and, recently, we could show co-localization of its isoforms ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 in SCs of human skeletal muscle. ALDH1 is not only the pacemaker enzyme in retinoic acid signaling and differentiation, but also protecting cell maintenance against oxidative stress products. However, the molecular mechanism of ALDH1 in SC activation and regulation of myogenesis has not yet been characterized. In regard of ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A1 expression in myogenesis human RH30 and murine C2C12 myoblast cell lines were investigated using Western Blot, Immunofluorescence and Aldefluor Assay. Results Here, we show, that isoforms ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 are pivotal factors in the process of myogenic differentiation, since ALDH1A1 knock-out and ALDH1A3 knock-out, respectively, impaired differentiation potential. Recombinant re-expression of ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3, respectively, in corresponding ALDH1-isoform knock-out cells recovered their differentiation potential. Most interestingly, the chemical inhibition of enzymatic activity by disulfiram leads to ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 protein upregulation and subsequent myogenic differentiation. Conclusion Our findings indicate that ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 proteins are important for myogenic differentiation and, therefore, seem to be essential activators and regulators of SCs.
Dual Antibacterial Effect Of In-situ Electrospun Curcumin Composite Nanofibers To Sterilize Drug-resistant Bacteria
Authors: Liu Chun-Li , Zhang Jun , Yang Jun , Bai Xiao-Han , Cao Zhi-Kai , Yang Chen , Ramakrishna Seeram , Yang Da-Peng , Long Yun-Ze
Published: January 2021

Bacterial infection especially caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria still endangers human life. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can effectively kill bacteria, and nanofiber-based PDT can effectively reduce damages to normal tissues. However, current photosensitizers coated on the surface of fibers would release to the wound causing some side effects. And nanofibers prepared by traditional method exhibiting poor adhesion on wound, which severely reduces the PDT effect due to its short-range effect. Herein, core-shell curcumin composite nanofibers are prepared by in-situ electrospinning method via a self-made portable electrospinning device. The obtained composite nanofibers show superior adhesiveness on different biological surface than that of traditional preparation method. Upon 808nm irradiation, these composite nanofibers effectively produced singlet oxygen (1O2) without curcumin fall off. After these composite nanofibers contaminated with drug-resistant bacteria, they exhibit dual antibacterial behaviors and efficiently kill the drug-resistant bacteria. These dual antibacterial nanofiber membranes with excellent adhesiveness may benefit the applications of wound infection as antibacterial dressing.
Hsa_circ_001659 Serves as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: He Baoyu , Chao Wei , Huang Zhizhuo , Zeng Jianchao , Yang Jie , Luo Delan , Huang Shishun , Pan Hongli , Hao Yujun
Published: January 2021

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is prevalent worldwide and novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are needed to improve precision medicine. Circulating circular RNAs (circRNAs) are currently being considered as emerging tumor biomarkers. Methods: Candidate circRNA was selected by integrating analysis of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database using GEO2R program. The expression data of serum circ_001659 were obtained from the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Receiver operating characteristic curves were applied to evaluate the clinical applications of circ_001659. Finally, biological functions and potential mechanisms of circ_001659 in tumor progression were investigated in CRC progression. Results: The results showed that the diagnostic performance of serum circ_001659 were excellent for CRC detection. The predictive values and likelihood ratios were satisfactory for the diagnosis of CRC, including patients in early-stage disease or patients with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-negative status. Serum levels of circ_001659 declined significantly 3 months after surgery in both preoperative CEA-positive and CEA-negative patients. Functionally, circ_001659 influenced tumor cell metastasis via regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cytoskeleton organization. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that circ_001659 could be a useful serum biomarker for CRC diagnosis and prognosis. Targeting circ_001659 and its pathway may be meaningful for treating patients with CRC.
ETV6-NTRK3 is Associated With Trisomy 8 and Sensitive to TRK Inhibitor in Hematologic Malignancy: Case Report of a Refractory AML and Review of the Literature
Authors: Zhang Ling , Wen Lijun , Wang Zheng , Zeng Zhao , Xu Yi , Pan Jinlan , Xue Shengli , Chen Suning , Wu Depei , Yang Xiaofei , Sun Aining
Published: January 2021

Background: The ETV6-NTRK3 fusion transcript has been found to recurrently identified in both solid tumors and leukemias. It has attracted a lot of interest for the clinical targeted therapy and genetic features in ETV6-NTRK3 positive solid tumors. While the t(12;15)(p13;q25)/ETV6-NTRK3 is a rare genetic aberration in hematologic malignancies at a low frequency of ≤1%. An accumulation of reported cases would be needed to discuss clinical and cytogenetic characteristics of the important entity. Therefore, it is useful to report every case for clinical implication of prognosis or therapy. Case presentation: We report the case of a previously healthy 30-year-old female, who was diagnosed as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and presented with chemoresistance and short survival. The patient was treated with four cycles of chemotherapy but failed to achieve remission. Then the patient underwent a salvage haploidentical stem cell transplantation. Unfortunately, she worsened within 1 month and died of the refractory leukemia 35 days after transplantation. ETV6-NTRK3 rearrangement was revealed by RNA sequencing but the chromosomal translocation t(12;15)(p13;q25) was cryptic by conventional karyotype analysis. We review the literature and find that the ETV6-NTRK3 fusion transcript is associated with cryptic karyotype, trisomy 8, aggressive and poor prognosis in hematologic malignancy. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of ETV6-NTRK3 positive hematologic malignancies are different from those of solid tumors. Nevertheless, tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) inhibitor has powerful anti-tumor activity in patients with TRK fusion–driven cancers, regardless of the tumor type. Conclusions: We demonstrated that TRK inhibitor larotrectinib is an effective treatment on the primary bone marrow (BM) cells derived from the patient described here with ETV6-NTRK3 positive AML. Our report stresses the importance of screening for ETV6-NTRK3 fusion transcript in newly diagnosed leukemias and clinical treatment of TRK inhibitor in hematologic malignancies.
Electron Guiding in Macroscopic Borosilicate Capillaries With Large Bending Angles
Authors: Nguyen Hai-Dang , Wulfkühler Jan-Philipp , Heisig Jörg , Tajmar Martin
Published: January 2021

This work presents experiments about the transmission of electrons with an energy of around 15 keV with beam currents up to 20 µA through macroscopic glass capillaries. A systematic study was conducted to experimentally investigate the transmission of electrons through borosilicate glass capillaries with curve angles of 90°, 180°, 270° and 360° for the first time. The focus of the work was to identify the conditions under which the injected electron current is transmitted through the capillary. It was also shown that the transmission process in the macroscopic capillaries can be optically observed by cathodoluminescence – the interaction of electrons with the capillary surface causes locally a blue glow. Different distinctive “glow states” were observed and are found to correlate with different states of electron transmission.
Distinguishing Adenocarcinomas From Granulomas in The CT Scan of The Chest: Performance Degradation Evaluation in The Automatic Segmentation Framework
Authors: Tavakoli Mahsa Bank , Orooji Mahdi , Teimouri Mehdi , Shahabifar Ramita
Published: January 2021

Objective: The most common histopathologic malignant and benign nod- ules are Adenocarcinoma and Granuloma, respectively, which have di_erent standards of care. In this paper, we propose an automatic framework for the diagnosis of the Adenocarcinomas and the Granulomas in the CT scans of the chest from a private dataset. We use the radiomic features of the nodules and the attached vessel tortuos- ity for the diagnosis. The private dataset includes 22 CTs for each nodule type, i.e., adenocarcinoma and granuloma. The dataset contains the CTs of the non-smoker pa- tients who are between 30 and 60 years old. To automatically segment the delineated nodule area and the attached vessels area, we apply a morphological-based approach. For distinguishing the malignancy of the segmented nodule, two texture features of the nodule, the curvature Mean and the number of the attached vessels are extracted. Results: We compare our framework with the state-of-the-art feature selec- tion methods for di_erentiating Adenocarcinomas from Granulomas. These methods employ only the shape features of the nodule, the texture features of the nodule, or the torsion features of the attached vessels along with the radiomic features of the nodule. The accuracy of our framework is improved by considering the four selected features.
The Impact of Greenfield Investment on Domestic Entrepreneurship
Authors: Ha Son Tung , Chu Tuan Vu , Nguyen Thi Tuyet Mai , Nguyen Thi Hoai Dung , Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh
Published: January 2021

The FDI-entrepreneurship nexus has received growing attention over the last decade. However, the empirical findings on their relationship have been inconsistent at best. This study seeks to examine how the inflows of Greenfield investment influence entrepreneurship of the host country. Using panel data from 110 countries during the period 2001-2018, we find that growing level of Greenfield investment brings detrimental impact on the level of total and opportunity-driven entrepreneurial activities in the host countries while the impact on necessity-driven entrepreneurship have been mixed. The results regarding the impact of Greenfield investment on total entrepreneurial activities and opportunity-based entrepreneurial activities are robust across different econometric settings, different time span and different categories of control variables.
18F-FDG PETCT and 68Ga-DOTA PETCT Mismatch With in Vivo Histopathological Characterization of Low Grade Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Tumor
Authors: Queiroz Marcello Moro , Lopes Carlos Diego Holanda , Salgues Alessandra Corte Real , Barbosa Felipe de Galiza , Abe Emerson Shigueaki , Silveira Thales Parenti , Machado Marcel Cerqueira Cesar , Capareli Fernanda Cunha
Published: January 2021

BackgroundPancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) is a subgroup of neuroendocrine tumor (NET) that has unique biology and natural history. The histological classification has a major role in the management of this pathology, but in recent years Gallium 68 dotatate (68Ga-DOTA) scanning is at the center of a discussion about how these imaging technologies can modify clinical management of neuroendocrine tumors and how their results are correlated to Ki67 index.MethodWe hereby describe a case of a patient that investigated an unspecific stable pancreatic nodule suspected of high-grade NET after evaluation with 68Ga-DOTATOC positron emission tomography - computed tomography (PETCT) and 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PETCT. ResultsThe images corroborate the hypothesis of high-grade NET based on the standard uptake value (SUV) described in both image exams (16.4 in 18FDG PETCT and 9.2 in 68Ga-DOTATOC PETCT). After surgery, the histopathological analyses revealed a localized grade 2 well differentiated NET, Ki-67 of 4.7, evidencing a rare case of mismatch between the functional image and the in vivo characterization of the neoplasm.ConclusionFunctional imaging of neuroendocrine tumors with different modalities of PETCT is a well-described strategy for evaluating PNET and can dictate conducts in some cases. However, histopathological analysis is crucial to confirm the grade and prognosis related to this disease. Besides the rarity of this case, our patient presented a mismatch between imaging and histopathological analysis, with the former one allowing active surveillance based on a low-grade neuroendocrine tumor.
Different Dietary Protein Sources in Low-Protein Diets Induces Changes in Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, Fecal Microbiota and Metabolites of Weaned Piglets
Authors: Zhang Lianhua , Piao Xiangshu
Published: January 2021

Background: The inclusion of high-quality proteins and the protein restriction are commonly used in swine production. Our study was conducted to evaluate the effects of hydrolyzed wheat protein (HWP), fermented soybean meal (FSBM), and enzyme-treated soybean meal (ESBM) in low-protein diets on antioxidant capacity, immunity, fecal microbiota and metabolites of weaned piglets.Methods: A total of 144 weaned piglets were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments with 6 replications of 8 piglets per pen. The experiment was divided into phase 1 ( days 0-14) and phase 2 (days 15-28). The dietary treatments contained 15.90% HWP, 15.80% FSBM, and 15.10% ESBM in phase 1, and 7.90% HWP, 7.80% FSBM, and 7.50% ESBM in phase 2, respectively.Results: The ADG of piglets in the ESBM group was higher (P < 0.05) than HWP and FSBM during days 1-28. Compared with HWP and FSBM, piglets in ESBM had higher (P < 0.05) serum levels of FRAP and SOD on days 14, as well as higher (P < 0.05) serum FRAP level on days 28. Piglets in ESBM had lower (P < 0.05) serum levels of DAO and IL-1β than HWP on day 28. ESBM significantly increased the abundance of Bacteroidetes, Oscillospiraceae and Christensenellaceae and decreased the Clostridiaceae abundance in the feces compared with HWP and FSBM. The PICRUSt analysis revealed that the number of gene tags involved in valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation and lysine degradation in ESBM were lower (P < 0.05) than HWP and FSBM. Piglets in ESBM had higher (P < 0.05) fecal butyrate content compared with FSBM, and ESBM tended to decrease (P = 0.076) fecal cadaverine level.Conclusions: Overall, ESBM had advantages over HWP and FSBM in improving antioxidant capacity, immunity, and fecal microbiota and metabolites of weaned piglets.
A New Geometry Definition and Generation Method For a Face Gear Meshed With a Spur Pinion
Authors: Peng Xianlong
Published: January 2021

The conventional tooth surface of a face gear is difficult to manufacture, and the cutter is not uniform even though the parameters of its mating pinion slightly change. Based on the analysis of the features of the tooth surface, a new developable ruled surface approach is proposed that defines the tooth flank of the face gear, for which the most important feature is that it could be generated by a straight-edged cutter. This study presents mathematical models of the cutter and the new tooth surface and the corresponding deviation, correction and generation method for this surface, which are investigated through numerical examples. The manufacturing process is simulated by VERICUT software, and the results demonstrate that even when the principle deviation is added to the machined deviation, the absolute deviation is on the microscale. The meshing and contact simulation shows that the new surface could obtain good meshing performance when the number of face gear teeth is greater than three times the number of pinion teeth. This research provides a new method for manufacturing face gears.
A Novel Circular RNA circTADA2A Promotes Proliferation And Metastasis Of Ovarian Cancer Through Sponging miR-203
Authors: Wang Aihong , Jin Canhui , Wang Ying , Yu Juanjuan , Wang Ruifang , Tian Xiaoyu
Published: January 2021

BackgroundCircular RNAs (circRNAs), a new type of non-coding RNA, have been demonstrated to play critical roles in the progression of various of malignant cancers. In the present study, we identified a circRNA termed as circTADA2A which was hypothesized that may be significantly up-regulated in OC tissues and cell lines.ResultsThe results revealed that ectopic expression of circTADA2A promoted the cell proliferation, migration, invasion and colony formation ability of OC cells. Constantly, silencing of circTADA2A inhibited those of OC cells. Furthermore, we identified that circTADA2A was able to target miR-203 in OC cell. MiR-203 was able to reverse the oncogenic effect of circTADA2A on proliferation, migration and metastasis of OC cells through targeting SMAD1.ConclusionsWe reported that circTADA2A served as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to sponge miR-203 and blocked its regulation of SMAD1. These findings provide insights into OC progression and also potential new targets for diagnose or treatment of OC.
Feasibility of a Birth-cohort In Pakistan: Evidence For Better Lives Study
Authors: Anwer Yasmeen , Abbasi Fahad , Dar Ariba , Hafeez Abdullah , Hafeez Assad , Sikander Siham
Published: January 2021

BackgroundEvidence for Better Lives Study (EBLS) is an endeavour to establish a global birth cohort with participants from resource poor settings across the globe. It aims to investigate mediators and moderators of child development and wellbeing; it envisages informing policy and practice change to promote child health and wellbeing globally. Pakistan is one of the resource poor settings taking part in this global birth cohort; we report the feasibility of establishing such a birth cohort in Pakistan.MethodFrom March 2019 to July 2019, 153 third trimester pregnant women were identified, using community health worker registers, and approached for baseline demographics and a number of maternal wellbeing, mental health, support related information and stress related biomarkers in a peri-urban area of Islamabad Capital Territory. From October 2019 to December 2019, we re-contacted and followed 121 between 8-24 weeks postnatal period. All interviews were done after consent and data was collected electronically. Results150 (98%) third trimester pregnant women consented and were interviewed, 111 (74%) provided bio-samples and 121 (80.6%) were followed up postnatally. Their mean age and years of schooling was 27.29 (5.18) and 7.77 (4.79) respectively. Majority (82.3%) of the participants were housewives. Nearly a tenth were first time mothers while 63% of women reported current pregnancy to have been unplanned. Overall wellbeing and mental health were reported to be poor (WHO-5 mean scores 49.41 (32.20) & PHQ-9 mean scores 8.23 (7.0)). About 22% of women reported four or more adverse childhood experiences; 12.2% reported intimate partner violence during their current pregnancy. During the postnatal follow up visits, 58% of the women reported breastfeeding their infants. ConclusionThe study demonstrated Pakistan site could identify, approach, interview and follow up women and children postnatally, with a high response rates for both the follow up visits and bio-samples. Thus, a larger scale pregnancy birth cohort study in Pakistan is feasible to conduct.
Allometric Equations For Ethiopian Acacia Species 
Authors: Aneseyee Abreham Berta , Soromessa Teshome , Elias Eyasu , Feyisa Gudina Legese
Published: January 2021

Background: Allometric equations are used to estimate biomass and carbon stock of forest. In Ethiopia, despite the presence of large flora diversity, only a few site-specific allometric equations are developed so far. This study was conducted in the Omo-Gibe woodland of south-western Ethiopia to develop an allometric equation to estimate the Above-ground Biomass (AGB) of the four Acacia species (Acacia polyacantha, Acacia seyal, Acacia etbaica and Acacia tortilis). Fifty-four (54) acacia trees were sampled and measured within 35 temporarily established square plots. In each plot, dendrometric variables were measured to derive the models based on combinations of Diameter Breast Height (DBH), height, and wood density as predictor variables. Model performance was evaluated using goodness-of-fit statistics. The biomass was compared using four allometric biomass models that have been widely used in the tropics.Result: The model containing DBH alone was more accurate to estimate AGB compared to the use of multiple predictor variables. This study, therefore, substantiated the importance of site-specific allometric equations in estimating AGB of Acacia woodlands. This is because a site-specific allometric equation recognizes the environmental factors, vegetation types and management practices. Conclusion: The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of allometric equations and an accurate estimate of AGB of Acacia woodlands in Ethiopia and similar ecosystems elsewhere.
An Early Detection of Acute Compartment Syndrome in Fastened Zip-Tie Rat Model Using Dynamic Phosphorous-31 Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy at 9.4 Tesla
Authors: Ohta Hiroki , Vo Nhat-Minh Van , Hata Junichi , Terawaki Koshiro , Shirakawa Takako , Okano Hirotaka James
Published: January 2021

IntroductionAcute compartment syndrome (ACS) leads to a series of health problems, limb salvage, disability, and even death. In vivo phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) provides a unique non-invasive method to assess skeletal muscle metabolisms such as inorganic phosphate (Pi), phosphocreatine (PCr), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The study aims to assess the ability of dynamic 31P-MRS in the early detection of muscular damage in ACS.Materials & MethodsThe study induced the fastened zip-tie model of ACS on normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 6). The spectra were acquired in Bruker 9.4-Tesla preclinical scanner using 1H/31P surface coil. 31P-MRS spectra and blood samples were obtained at time 0 (pre-ischemic phase) and every 15 minutes during the compression (120 minutes) and the reperfusion phase (90 minutes). 31P-MRS spectra findings were compared with plasma creatine phosphokinase (CPK).ResultsPCr/(Pi + PCr) ratio significantly decreased after muscle was compressed (P < 0.05). In contrast to this, CPK did not change significantly (P > 0.05). Both intracellular pH and arterial pH decreased over time. However, intracellular declined significantly (P < 0.05) at 60 minutes of ischemic state, and at 5 minutes and 60 minutes of reperfusion, while arterial pH slightly changed. After 30 minutes of ischemic, phosphomonoesters (PME) peak was detected, which was not seen at the pre-ischemic phase. It gradually increased and reached its highest peak at 120 minutes. At reperfusion state, 31P-MRS spectra and pH did not fully recover to their pre-ischemic state, and PME peak disappeared. There was a correlation between T2-weighted images and CPK from blood tests (R2 = 0.1996, P < 0.05).ConclusionsDynamic 31P-MRS technique is more clearly and rapidly detect the bioenergetic and mitochondrial functions change than blood test in a fastened zip-tie rat model of ACS. This technique is a promising non-invasive method to detect the early ischemic muscular damage in ACS.
Flue Vaccination does not Protect Against COVID-19 Infection; A Cross-Sectional Study.
Authors: Abbasi Mohammad Hossein , Rimaz Shahnaz , Esmaeili Sara , Faiz Seyed Hamid Reza , Riahi Taghi , Ansarin Melika , Aghakhani Kamran
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Vaccination is likely to be the final solution to stop the COVID-19 pandemic which has been considered as a global public health emergency. Influenza and corona viruses have previously demonstrated antigenic cross-reactivity.Methods:This cross-sectional study was aimed to evaluate the transmission rate and the severity of corona virus infection among health care workers with history of previous influenza vaccination. Subjects of the study were asked about their demographics, influenza vaccination history prior to pandemic, infection with Covid-19 and the severity parameters of the disease.Results:Influenza vaccination has no correlation in the prevalence ofCovid-19 infection rate nor in the severity of the disease process among those who received flu vaccines and those who were not vaccinated. Vaccinated and unvaccinated subjects were equal in terms of sex, age and comorbidities.Asthma has not demonstrated to contribute to the severity of the disease. Conclusion:Influenza vaccination, regardless of the evidence on its antigenic cross reactivity with corona virus, is not associated with lesser involvement by or any contribution to the severity of the 2019 novel SARS-COV2 disease.
Ferritin and LDH as Predictors of Mortality in COVID-19 Infection, Bosnia and Herzegovina Single-center Study
Authors: Jusufovic Vahid , Umihanic Sekib , Alibegovic Ervin , Piljic Dilista , Mujkanovic Amer , Bijedic Asja , Tulumovic Emir , Stratton Richard
Published: January 2021

Background Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, several inflammatory markers have been investigated as possible predictors of survival. Ferritin and from recently LDH have emerged as a possible marker that could serve to this purpose, with different cut-off levels than standard. Furthermore, serum elevations of these markers were reported in other viral infections such as dengue fever; while it has not been reported in MERS and SARS outbreaks and possibly making a biochemical distinction between COVID-19 and other similar diseases. The aim of this research was to establish independent admission levels of ferritin and LDH that predict lethal outcome more accurately. Methods In this prospective cohort study all the patients were hospitalized at UKC, B&H (n=137), between 28th of March and 1st of August 2020. The criteria for hospitalization was based on MEWS score, and all the inflammatory markers were evaluated in the first 72 hours of admission. Cut-off values of serum ferritin levels were set at 1500 ng/mL and LDH 350 U/L. Results Patients with serum ferritin levels >1500 ng/mL had 7.304 OR (CI95% 1.956-27.277; p=0.003) higher for lethal outcome than the group with <1500 ng/mL. Also, patients with levels of LDH >350 U/I had 5.560 (CI95% 2.480-12.468; p<0.001) higher OR of lethal outcome than patients with LDH <350 U/L. With the significant statistical difference between group means for both ferritin and LDH (p<0.001).Discussion Serum levels of ferritin >1500 ng/ml and LDH >350 U/L increase OR of lethal outcome. The levels of these inflammatory markers indicate the degree of inflammatory response and severity of the disaese as well as the possible outcome of the disease. Together these two markers could be used as predictors in clinical settings and treatment planning of patients with COVID-19.Conclusion: Together these two markers could be used as predictors in clinical settings and treatment planning of patients with COVID-19.
Dynamics of the COVID-19 epidemic in Ireland under mitigation
Authors: Cazelles Bernard , Yen Benjamin Nguyen Van , Champagne Clara , Comiskey Catherine
Published: January 2021

Background: In Ireland and across the European Union, cases of COVID-19 continue to rise with recent increases in reported cases following a period of stability. Public health interventions continue in their attempts to control the epidemic in spite of a lack of information on the scale of silent transmission. Methods: To tackle this challenge and the non-stationary aspect of the epidemic we used a modified SEIR stochastic model with time-varying parameters, following Brownian process. This model is coupled with Bayesian inference (PMCMC) for parameter estimation and used mainly confirmed reported hospitalized cases. Results: Mitigation measures provided an 80% reduction in transmission between March and May 2020. By end of October our estimated seroprevalence rate was 1.1% (95% CI: 0.5%–2.8%) far from herd immunity. We estimated that the proportion of asymptomatic transmission was approximately 40% but with large uncertainty (95% CI: 14%–73%). Finally we demonstrate that the available observed confirmed cases are not reliable for any analysis owing to the fact that their reporting rate has greatly evolved. Conclusion: We provide the first estimations of the dynamics of the COVID-19 epidemic in Ireland and its key parameters. We also quantify the effects of mitigation measures on the virus transmission before, during and after mitigation. Our results demonstrate that Ireland has significantly reduced transmission by employing mitigation measures, physical distancing and lockdown. This has to date avoided the saturation of healthcare infrastructures, flattened the epidemic curve and likely reduced mortality. However, as mitigation measures change silent transmission remain an ongoing challenge.
Adherence to TB Treatment Remains Low during Continuation Phase among Adult Patients in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gashu kassahun Dessie , Gelaye Kassahun Alemu , Tilahun Binyam
Published: January 2021

Background: Adherence to Tuberculosis (TB) treatment remained a challenge for TB treatment programs. However, paucity of evidences specifically during continuation phase where the treatment is mainly patient-centered. This study aimed to determine the level and determinants of adherence to TB treatment among adult patients during continuation phase.Methods: We deployed a facility-based cross-sectional study design supplemented with lived experiences and perspectives of focal care providers. The study population included all adult (≥18 years) TB patients enrolled in the continuation treatment phase and TB focal care providers (for key-informant interviews). The study included 307 participants from 22 health facilities. Nine TB focal care providers were purposively selected for key-informant interviews. A shorter form, 11-item ARMS (adherence to refill and medication scale) was used for measuring adherence. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with patient adherence. The audio data was transcribed, coded and categorized into themes using OpenCode software. The interpretation and analysis were conducted using thematic analysis.Results: Among 307 participants, 197 (64.2%) [95% CI (58.6% - 69.4%)] were adhere to TB treatment. A multi-variable analysis shown that secondary education (AOR = 4.138, 95% CI; 1.594-10.74); good provider-patient relationship (AOR=1.863, 95% CI; 1.014-3.423); good knowledge on TB treatment (AOR=1.845, 95% CI; 1.012-3.362) and middle family wealth (AOR= 2.646, 95% CI; 1.360-5.148) have shown significant association with adherence. Many patients mentioned that forgetfulness, traveling away from home without pills, and feeling sick were major reasons for non-adherence to TB treatment. Conclusions: The study indicated that patients’ adherence to TB treatment remains low during continuation phase. The patient’s education level, knowledge, family wealth, and provider-patient relationship were found positively associated with patient adherence. Forgetfulness, traveling away, and feeling sick were major reasons for non-adherence to TB treatment. Interventional studies are needed on those factors to improve patient adherence to TB treatment during continuation phase.
Analysis of Financial Performance and Environmental Sustainability of Coldwater Inland Fisheries in Sikkim Himalaya
Authors: Chettri Kul Bahadur , Kundu Ruma
Published: January 2021

This paper analyses the financial performances in terms of productivity and profitability indices and environmental sustainability with regards to Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) through the application of the Gordon-Schaefer Model for the coldwater Primary Fishermen Cooperative Society (PFCS). For this purpose, data has been collected from the secondary sources for the periods 2013-14 to 2018-19. The panel data analysis was carried out to derived the results using the method of ordinary least squares. The study found that PFCS such as Sribadam, Maneybong-Sopakha and Mangshilla have performed better in financial management but there is a probability of thread of sustainability in the future because in some of the periods their actual yield surpasses the MSY. On the other hand, PFCS like Rimbik, Chujachen and Dalep have not been able to bring their financial performances up to the mark because they were more concerned for sustainability. Excessive extraction of fishes from the water bodies for higher profit motive may lead to less availability for the coming generations. The study suggests that in aquaculture or fish farming, there should maintain an equilibrium between financial benefits and environmental sustainability and the resource should be utilised on a sustainable basis.
Extreme Ecological Niche Differences Lead to Extreme Postzygotic Ecological Isolation: A Case of Hybridization Between Carnivorous and Herbivorous Cyprinidae Fishes
Authors: Gu Haoran , Wang Yuanfu , Wang Haoyu , He You , Deng Sihong , He Xingheng , Wu Yi , Xing Kaiyan , Gao Xue , He Xuefu , Wang Zhijian
Published: January 2021

Background: Postzygote isolation is an important part of species isolation, especially for fish, and it can be divided into two aspects: genetic isolation and ecological isolation. With the increase in parental genetic distance, the intensity of genetic isolation between them also increases. Will the increase in parental ecological niche differences also lead to the increase in ecological isolation intensity between them? This question is difficult to answer based on the current literature due to the lack of hybridization cases of extreme ecological niche parents.Results: Cyprinidae fish parents (Schizothorax wangchiachii and Percocypris pingi) with extreme ecological niches (herbivorous and carnivorous) and their F1 hybrids were used as research objects. Fish and periphytic algae were selected as food corresponding to different parental resources. The foraging-related traits of these hybrids are generally the same between parents; however, the intermediate foraging traits of hybrids did not result in intermediate foraging performance for parental resources, and these hybrids could hardly forage for parental resources. The poor foraging performance of these hybrids for parental resources was caused not only by the decline in the foraging ability of these hybrids but, more importantly, by the decrease in foraging activity. Interestingly, these hybrids initially showed a high interest in foraging small fishes; however, after the first successful capture, these hybrids had difficulty ingesting fish and spit them out, which led to the subsequent decrease in foraging activity. We designed a series of experiments to explore the mechanism of the fish spitting of these hybrids, excluding the taste and the size of prey, and found that the decrease in their pharyngeal tooth puncture ability may be the reason. Conclusions: This study was the first to demonstrate that these parents with extreme niche differences will produce extreme postzygotic ecological isolation for parental resources. The poor foraging performance of these hybrids for parental resources is mainly due to the decrease in foraging activity. Interestingly, these hybrids have obvious fish-spitting behaviour, which is a typical example of the contradiction between intermediate traits and parental resources.
Charlson Comorbidity Index Is Predictive of Postoperative Clinical Outcome After Single Level Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery: a Single-center Study
Authors: Shinohara Kensuke , Ugawa Ryo , Arataki Shinya , Nakahara Shinnosuke , Takeuchi Kazuhiro
Published: January 2021

Background. In several previous studies Charlson comorbidity Index (CCI) score was associated with postoperative complications, mortality and re-admission. There are few reports about the influence of CCI score on postoperative clinical outcome. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of comorbidities as calculated with CCI on postoperative clinical outcomes after PLIF.Methods. 366 patients who underwent an elective primary single level PLIF were included. Postoperative clinical outcome was evaluated with the Japanese Orthopaedic Association lumbar score (JOA score). The correlation coefficient between the CCI score and postoperative improvement in JOA score was investigated. Patients were divided into three groups according to their CCI score (0, 1 and 2+). JOA improvement rate, length of stay (LOS) and direct cost were compared between each group. Postoperative complications were also investigated.Results. There was a weak negative relationship between CCI score and JOA improvement rate (r = -0.20). LOS and direct cost had almost no correlation with CCI score. The JOA improvement rate of Group 0 and Group 1 was significantly higher than Group 2+. LOS and direct cost were also significantly different etween Group 0 and Group 2+. There were 14 postoperative complications. Adverse postoperative complications were equivalently distributed in each group, and not associated with the number of comorbidities.Conclusions. A higher CCI score leads to a poor postoperative outcome. The recovery rate of patients with two or more comorbidities was significantly higher than in patients without comorbidities. However, the CCI score did not influence LOS and increased direct costs. The surgeon must take into consideration the patient’s comorbidities when planning a surgical intervention in order to achieve a good clinical outcome.
Evaluation of Sleep Disorder in Orthopaedic Trauma Patients: a Retrospective Analysis of 1129 Cases
Authors: Yang Hai , Liu Yi-jia , Ye Jia-lu , Zhao Li-hong , Li Ling-li , Hou Xiao-ling
Published: January 2021

Background In the ward of trauma center, It’s not unusual that the patients have sleep disorder, especially in the acute injury patients. Meanwhile, there is substantial evidence that sleep disorder is a predictor of depression and the important features of posttraumatic stess disorder.Methods From April 2018 to July 2019, all orthopaedic trauma patients were included in the retrospective study. Patients with mental impairment and craniocerebral injury were excluded from the study. Basic demographic data were collected. Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI) was used to evaluate sleep quality, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate physical pain, Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI) was used to evaluate sleep quality, Barthel Index (BI) was used to evaluate activities of daily living(ADL) and Injury Severity Score (ISS) classification in medical records were collected. Univariate linear regression analysis and multivariate linear regression analysis were used to identify independently related factors.Results The average PSQI score was 6.3 (±4.0). Five hundred eighty-one (51.4%) patients had a PSQI score more than 5, indicating the presence of sleep disorder. The PSQI score was more than 10 in one hundred seventy-four (15.4%) patients. Univariate statistical analysis showed that age, gender, education, ADL (activities of daily living), and ISS classification were associated with increased PSQI scores. Marital status and pain were not associated with increased PSQI scores. When we used multivariate analysis to control for confounding variables, the gender, ADL, and ISS classification remained independently associated with PSQI (P =0.002, <0.000, and 0.002, respectively).Conclusions In our study, the sleep disorder is both common (51.4% PSQI >5) and serious (15.4% PSQI >10) in patients who suffered from traumatic orthopaedic injury. The following factors are closed associated with sleep disorder: gender, ADL and ISS classification. Besides, age and education level have independently impact on sleep quality. Unexpectedly, we find the VAS of pain was not independently associated with seriousness of sleep quality. This is inconsistent with the results reported in some literature.