bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competing Effects of Vegetation on Summer Temperature in North Korea
Authors: Oh Jieun , Lee Eungul
Published: December 2021

Vegetation reduction could affect regional climate by perturbing the surface energy and moisture balances via changes in albedo and evapotranspiration. However, it is unknown whether vegetation effects on climate occur in North Korea, where a severe reduction in forest cover has been observed. This study aimed to identify the biogeophysical processes in vegetation and climate interactions in North Korea, using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and climate reanalysis data over the period 1982‒2015. As per the NDVI regression trend results, the highest rates of decreasing NDVI were detected in the western region of North Korea during summer. Based on the detrended correlation analysis of NDVI with surface energy variables at each grid point, including solar radiation, sensible and latent heat fluxes, Bowen ratio, and temperature, we identified a cooling effect of vegetation in the western region (with lower NDVI and lower elevation), but a warming effect of vegetation in the northern region (with higher NDVI and higher elevation). The different biogeophysical effects were induced by the increasing and decreasing Bowen ratio with increasing vegetation in the northern and western regions, respectively. In the western region of North Korea, where large-scale human-induced forest loss has been observed, the increasing summer temperature caused by the decreasing cooling effect of vegetation would be up to 1.5 ℃ by the end of this century, if the current rate of deforestation continues. Thus, we urgently suggest that sustainable management and restoration of forests are needed in North Korea, which is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change now and in the future.
Screening And Genome Sequencing of a di-n-butyl Phthalate Degrading Bacterium J2 Isolated From Peanut Field Soil
Authors: Wang Mingqing , Yu Lina , Sun Jie , Bi Jie , Song Yu , Yang Weiqiang , Jiang Cheng , Shi Chengren , Gong Kuijie , Wang Mei , Yao Qiang , Dong Yanjie
Published: December 2021

Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) is commonly used plasticizers in agricultural plastic films, and is a priority pollutant due to its toxicity to human health. A newly isolated strain J2, which used DBP as its sole carbon source, was screened from peanut filed soil by continuous enrichment cultivation. Based on morphological, physiological characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis (GenBank accession No. OK598965), it was identified as Priestia sp. J2. The research results revealed the optimal conditions for DBP degradation as 35 oC and pH 8.0. The strain could effectively degrade 97.6% DBP within 5 days. Substrate tests showed that strain J2 could utilize shorter side-chained PAEs, but could not utilize long-chained PAEs. The whole genome comprises a complete chromosome of 5,067,299 bp and four plasmids of 147,924 bp, 75,940 bp, 11,604 bp, 11,333 bp (GenBank accession No. CP086208-CP086212). This genome harbors 5,585 predicted protein-encoding genes, 130 tRNA genes, and 42 rRNA genes. Gene annotation analyses showed a DBP-degrading gene contained an open reading frame of 930 bp, and the enzyme was named Est-J2-1. The amino acid sequence of the Est-J2-1 exhibited no significant homology with those of reported DBP-degrading enzymes, suggesting the enzyme is a novel enzyme. The gene of Est-J2-1 was found to be located on the chromosome. This study provided strain resource for DBP removal from farmland and other environments.
Impact of The COVID-19 Pandemic on the Malaria Burden in Northern Ghana: Analysis of Routine Surveillance Data
Authors: Heuschen Anna-Katharina , Abdul-Mumin Alhassan , Adokiya Martin Nyaaba , Lu Guangyu , Jahn Albrecht , Razum Oliver , Winkler Volker , Müller Olaf
Published: December 2021

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic and its collateral damage severely impact health systems globally and risk to worsen the malaria situation in endemic countries. Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Ghana. This study aims to analyze routine surveillance data to assess possible effects on the malaria burden in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Northern Region of Ghana. Methods: Monthly routine data from the District Health Information Management System II (DHIMS2) of the Northern Region of Ghana were analyzed. Overall outpatient department visits and malaria incidence rates from the years 2015 to 2019 were compared to the corresponding data of the year 2020. Results: Compared to the corresponding periods of the years 2015 to 2019, overall visits and malaria incidence in pediatric and adult outpatient departments in northern Ghana decreased in March and April 2020, when major movement and social restrictions were implemented in response to the pandemic. Incidence slightly rebounded afterwards in 2020 but stayed below the average of the previous years. Data from inpatient departments showed a similar but more pronounced trend when compared to outpatient departments. In pregnant women, however, malaria incidence in outpatient departments increased after the first COVID-19 wave. Discussion: The findings from this study show that the COVID-19 pandemic affects the malaria burden in health facilities of Ghana, with declines in in- and outpatient rates. Pregnant women may experience reduced access to intermittent preventive malaria treatment and insecticide treated nets, resulting in subsequent higher malaria morbidity. Further data from other African countries, particularly on community-based studies, are needed to fully determine the impact of the pandemic on the malaria situation.
Gut Metabolites Predict Clostridioides Difficile Recurrence
Authors: Dawkins Jennifer J , Allegretti Jessica R , Gibson Travis E , McClure Emma , Delaney Mary , Bry Lynn , Gerber Georg K
Published: December 2021

Background Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the most common hospital acquired infection in the U.S., with recurrence rates >15%. Although primary CDI has been extensively linked to gut microbial dysbiosis, less is known about the factors that promote or mitigate recurrence. Moreover, previous studies have not shown that microbial abundances in the gut measured by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing alone can accurately predict CDI recurrence. Results We conducted a prospective, longitudinal study of 53 non-immunocompromised participants with primary CDI. Stool sample collection began pre-CDI antibiotic treatment at the time of diagnosis, and continued up to eight weeks post-antibiotic treatment, with weekly or twice weekly collections. Samples were analyzed using: (1) 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, (2) liquid chromatography/mass-spectrometry metabolomics measuring 1387 annotated metabolites, and (3) short-chain fatty acid profiling. The amplicon sequencing data showed significantly delayed recovery of microbial diversity in recurrent participants, and depletion of key anaerobic taxa at multiple time-points, including Clostridium cluster XIVa and IV taxa. The metabolomic data also showed delayed recovery in recurrent participants, and moreover mapped to pathways suggesting distinct functional abnormalities in the microbiome or host, such as decreased microbial deconjugation activity, lowered levels of endocannabinoids, and elevated markers of host cell damage. Further, using predictive statistical/machine learning models, we demonstrated that the metabolomic data, but not the other data sources, can accurately predict future recurrence at one week (AUC 0.77 [0.71, 0.86; 95% interval]) and two weeks (AUC 0.77 [0.69, 0.85; 95% interval]) post-treatment for primary CDI. Conclusions The prospective, longitudinal and multi-omic nature of our CDI recurrence study allowed us to uncover previously unrecognized dynamics in the microbiome and host presaging recurrence, and, in particular, to elucidate changes in the understudied gut metabolome. Moreover, we demonstrated that a small set of metabolites can accurately predict future recurrence. Our findings have implications for development of diagnostic tests and treatments that could ultimately short-circuit the cycle of CDI recurrence, by providing candidate metabolic biomarkers for diagnostics development, as well as offering insights into the complex microbial and metabolic alterations that are protective or permissive for recurrence.
The Effect of 5A Self-management Program on Medication Adherence of Epileptic Patients in During the COVID – 19 Pandemic
Authors: Moosavimoghadam Seyede Fateme , Dehghani Ali , Akbar Rasool Eslami
Published: December 2021

Background: Adherence to medication adherence plays a vital role in controlling the problems and complications of epilepsy. During the COVID – 19 pandemic and limitations of face-to-face education, the use of distance education can play an important role in providing education to patients. Therefore, the aim of this study is the effect of model 5A self-management training on medication adherence in epileptic patients.Methods: In this single-blind randomized controlled trial, 56 epilepsy patients referred to Shiraz Namazi Hospital were divided into intervention and control groups using random allocation. Thereafter, 5A self - management training sessions were virtually held in 5 sessions in WhatsApp application for intervention group. The data collection tool was Morisky medication adherence scale at two stages of before and two months after intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 21 software.Results: The results of Wilcoxon test showed that in intervention group, the mean drug adherence in patients after intervention significantly increased compared to before intervention (p = 0.005). But in control group, this was not significant (p = 0.909). According to results of Mann-Whitney test, there was no significant difference between intervention and control groups before intervention (p = 0.632). However, by passing two months from intervention, a significant difference was found between intervention and control groups (p = 0.041).Conclusion: Based on results, the implementation of Model 5A can be effective on medication adherence in epilepsy patients. This program can be considered as a suitable method in epileptic patients in during COVID – 19 pandemic.
The Influence of Carbon Emission Disclosure On Enterprise Value Under Ownership Heterogeneity: Evidence From The Heavy Polluting Corporations
Authors: Yuan Liang , Chen Yuying , He Weijun , Kong Yang , Wu Xia , Degefu Dagmawi Mulugeta , Ramsey Thomas Stephen
Published: December 2021

China has put forward the goals of “Emission Peak” and “Carbon Neutrality”. Therefore, whether the restriction of carbon information disclosure could promote the transformation and upgrading of heavily polluting corporations to raise their value and realize the “double carbon” goal is a problem worthy of in-depth study. This article analyzed the impact of carbon information disclosure on the enterprise value of heavily polluting corporations based on the perspective of ownership structure heterogeneity. The paper discussed the moderating effect of carbon information disclosure on enterprise value taking into account government environmental regulations, media evaluation, and corporate image management based on the Gatekeeper Theory. This article found that carbon information disclosure and enterprise value have a “U-shaped” relationship in the short term and a positive correlation in the long term. The government environmental regulation, media evaluation, and corporate image management produced different moderating effects under the difference in ownership structure. Government environmental regulations, media evaluation, and corporate image management made significant moderating effects on state-owned corporations in the short term, while they have no significant moderating effect in the long term. The results also showed that there were no significant effects on private corporations. In order to push heavily polluting corporations to implement environmental protection measures, government and corporations are necessary to promote the long-term mechanism of sustainable cleaner production.
The Willingness of Malaysian Parents To Vaccinate Their Children Below 12 Years Old Against COVID-19 – A Large Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ng Diana-Leh-Ching , Gan Gin-Gin , Chai Chee-Shee , Anuar Nur Adila Bt , Sindeh Woweham , Chua Wei-Jing , Said Asri B , Tan Seng-Beng
Published: December 2021

Background:The administration of a new drug such as the COVID-19 vaccine in children could be a major concern for their parents. This study aims to assess the willingness of Malaysian parents to vaccinate their children < 12 years old against COVID-19. Methods:An online cross-sectional study was conducted nationwide in Malaysia from 29th August 2021 to 17th October 2021. Parents with children < 12 years old were recruited by the snowball sampling method. Results:Of the 4,438 survey responses received, 3,528 (79.5%) parents were included in the analysis. Of these parents, 2,598 (73.6%) were willing, 486 (13.8%) were not willing, and 444 (12.6%) were still undecided to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Those who were single parent [odds ratio (OR): 2.0, 95% confidence internal (CI): 1.32 – 3.04, p = 0.001], had secondary or lower education (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.21 – 1.96, p < 0.001), worked as healthcare worker (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.34 – 2.26, p < 0.001), had significant contact with COVID-19 (OR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.09 – 1.63, p = 0.006), and already received COVID-19 vaccine (OR: 15.4, 95% CI: 9.76 – 24.33, p < 0.001) were significantly more willing to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. The common reasons given by parents who were willing to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 include vaccination could protect their children (99.4%), the vaccination could protect other family members (99.3%), and the vaccine was effective (98.2%). The common reasons given by parents who were not willing to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 include the uncertainty towards the new vaccine (96.1%), worry about the vaccine contents (93.2%), limited information about the vaccine from the doctors (82.3%), and believed the vaccine was unsafe (79.8%)Conclusions:Nearly three-quarters of Malaysian parents were willing to vaccinate their children < 12 years old against COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccination history of the parents was the strongest independent predictor for their willingness to vaccinate their children. Future health education should target parents at risk of vaccine refusal or hesitation, focus to address the common reasons for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine, and highlight the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine.
LAA and CoCl2 Pretreated Exosomes Enhance Chondrogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cell
Authors: Barlian Anggraini , Amsar Rizka Musdalifah , Prawitasari Salindri , Wijaya Christofora Hanny , Ana Ika Dewi , Hidajah Atik Choirul , Notobroto Hari Basuki , Wungu Triati Dewi Kencana
Published: December 2021

BackgroundCells produce extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes and microvesicles, which are used for intracellular communication. Cell-free therapies could be enhanced by using mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes. Preconditioning parental cells affects the properties of their exosomes. This study aimed to investigate the role of L-ascorbic acid (LAA) and CoCl2 in the exosomes produced by human Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ MSC) and its potential to induce chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells was also studied.. MethodThe cells were obtained from umbilical cords and characterized based on mesenchymal stem cell criteria. The cells were cultured in a serum-free medium containing LAA and CoCl2. Exosomes produced by the cells were isolated and their morphology observed with Transmission Electron Microscopy. The presence of CD 63 was confirmed using ELISA. The particle size distribution and exosome concentration were analyzed with Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA). The ability of exosomes to induce stem cell differentiation into chondrocytes was investigated using the Alcian blue assay and immunocytochemistry.ResultsStem cells were successfully isolated from the human umbilical cord. The cells can differentiate into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteocytes. Flowcytometry analysis showed the specific surface marker of mesenchymal stem cells. Exosomes isolated from pretreatment cells showed round-shaped morphology and confirmed the presence of CD 63. NTA analysis revealed that pretreatment of cells with LAA increases exosome yields. LAA supplementation in cell medium under hypoxic conditions induced by CoCl2 produces exosomes that can induce the chondrogeic differentiation of stem cells, confirmed by the presence of glycosaminoglycan and collagen type 2.ConclusionExosomes produced by preconditioning hWJ-MSC with LAA in hypoxic conditions have the potential to enhance human Wharton Jelly stem cell differentiation into chondrocytes.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics Induced by Nonlocal Competition in a Diffusion Predator-Prey System with Habitat Complexity
Authors: Yang Ruizhi , Nie Chenxuan , Jin Dan
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we study a delayed diffusive predator-prey model with nonlocal competition in prey and habitat complexity. The local stability of coexisting equilibrium are studied by analyzing the eigenvalue spectrum. Time delay inducing Hopf bifurcation is investigated by using time delay as bifurcation parameter. We give some conditions for determining the bifurcation direction and the stability of the bifurcating periodic solution by utilizing the normal form method and center manifold theorem. Our results suggest that only nonlocal competition and diffusion together can induce stably spatial inhomogeneous bifurcating periodic solutions.
Efficacy and Safety of Chemoradiation Therapy Using One- Shot Cisplatin via Hepatic Arterial Infusion for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Major Macrovascular Invasion: a Single-arm Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Naruto Kensuke , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Kodama Kenichiro , Ogawa Yutaro , Amioka Kei , Yoshikawa Yuki , Kikukawa Chihiro , Suehiro Yousuke , Yamaoka Kenji , Ando Yuwa , Kosaka Yumi , Uchikawa Shinsuke , Nakahara Takashi , Murakami Eisuke , Ohno Atsushi , Uchida Takuro , Yamauchi Masami , Okamoto Wataru , Takahashi Shoichi , Imamura Michio , Chosa Keigo , Awai Kazuo , Kubo Katsumaro , Nagata Yasushi , Chayama Kazuaki , Aikata Hiroshi
Published: December 2021

Background: Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and macrovascular invasion (MVI) who receive systemic chemotherapy have a poor prognosis. This study aimed to determine if one-shot cisplatin (CDDP) chemotherapy via hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) combined with radiation therapy (RT) prior to systemic chemotherapy could improve the outcomes of these patients. Methods: This study consisted of 32 HCC patients with the following eligibility criteria: (i) portal vein invasion 3/4 and/or hepatic vein invasion 2/3; (ii) received one-shot CDDP via HAI; (iii) received RT for MVI, (iv) a Child-Pugh score ≤7; and (v) an Eastern Clinical Oncology Group Performance Status score of 0 or 1. To determine the therapeutic effect, we collect the information of patients’ characteristics and took contrast-enhanced computed tomography at the start of the therapy and every 2 to 4 months after the therapy initiated. We evaluated the overall response of the tumor and tumor thrombosis according to modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. We assessed the patient’s data statistically by the Mann-Whitney U-test, fisher’s exact test, and evaluated overall survival and progress-free survival by log-ranked test, and analyzed the predictive factors by as appropriate. Results: The overall response rate at the first evaluation performed a median of 1.4 weeks after HAI was 16% of the main intrahepatic tumor and 59% of the MVI. The best responses were the same as those of the first-time responses. The duration of median survival was 8.6 months, and for progression-free survival of the main intrahepatic tumor was 3.2 months. The predictive factor of overall survival was the relative tumor volume in the liver and the first therapeutic response of MVI. There were no severe adverse events or radiation-induced hepatic complications. Conclusions: One-shot CDDP via HAI and RT were well tolerated and showed immediate and favorable control of MVI. Thus, this combination shows potential as a bridging therapy to systemic chemotherapy.
A Putatively New Family of Alphaproteobacterial Chloromethane Degraders from a Deciduous Forest Soil Revealed by Stable Isotope Probing and Metagenomics
Authors: Kröber Eileen , Kanukollu Saranya , Wende Sonja , Bringel Francoise , Kolb Steffen
Published: December 2021

Background: Chloromethane (CH3 Cl) is the most abundant halogenated organic compound in the atmosphere and substantially responsible for the destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer. Since anthropogenic CH 3 Cl sources have become negligible with the application of the Montreal Protocol (1987), natural sources, such as vegetation and soils, have increased proportionally in the global budget. CH3 Cl-degrading methylotrophs occurring in soils might be an important and overlooked sink.Results & Conclusions: The objective of our study was to link the biotic CH3 Cl sink with the identity of active microorganisms and their biochemical pathways for CH3 Cl degradation in a deciduous forest soil. When tested in laboratory microcosms, biological CH3 Cl consumption occurred in leaf litter, senescent leaves, and organic and mineral soil horizons. Highest consumption rates, around 2 mmol CH3 Cl g -1 dry weight h -1 , were measured in organic soil and senescent leaves, suggesting that top soil layers are active (micro-)biological CH 3 Cl degradation compartments of forest ecosystems. The DNA of these [13C]-CH3 Cl-degrading microbial communities was labelled using stable isotope probing (SIP), and the corresponding taxa and their metabolic pathways studied using high-throughput metagenomics sequencing analysis. [ 13C]-labelled Metagenome-Assembled Genome closely related to the family Beijerinckiaceae may represent a new methylotroph family of Alphaproteobacteria, which is found in metagenome databases of forest soils samples worldwide. Gene markers of the only known pathway for aerobic CH3 Cl degradation, via the methyltransferase system encoded by the CH3 Cl utilisation genes (cmu), were undetected in the DNA-SIP metagenome data, suggesting that biological CH3 Cl sink in this deciduous forest soil operates by a cmu-independent metabolism.
Synergistic Effect of PARP Inhibitor and BRD4 Inhibitor in Multiple Models of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Huang Han Yu , Liu Chen , You Xin Li , Li Xi , Sun Yang chao , Chen Gang
Published: December 2021

Background: Ovarian cancer has the highest fatality rate among patients with gynaecological tumours. Current therapies including poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors have limitations due to the frequent recurrence of ovarian cancer after treatment and resistance to therapy.Methods: In this study, we used multiple models with different genetic backgrounds to investigate the potential synergism effect and mechanism between the bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) inhibitor AZD5153 and the PARP inhibitor Olaparib. The models were two-dimensional (2D) and 3D cell lines, patient-derived organoids (PDO) and patient-derived xenografts (PDX). Results: Cotreatment with Olaparib and AZD5153 exhibited marked synergistic effects, and significantly attenuated cell viability, whereas it increased DNA replication fork instability, chromosomal breakage and apoptosis compared to treatment with either drug alone. Mechanistically, the tumor upregulates PTEN after Olaparib treatment to make its DNA and chromosome more stable and therefore induces Olaparib resistance. AZD5153 can downregulate PTEN to reverse Olaparib resistance and thus increase joint lethal effect with Olaparib.Conclusion: This study reveals that AZD5153 can downregulate PTEN to reverse Olaparib resistance and thus increase joint lethal effect on DNA replication fork instability, chromosomal breakage, and apoptosis with Olaparib.
Extended Fractional Singular Kalman Filter
Authors: Nosrati Komeil , Belikov Juri , Tepljakov Aleksei , Petlenkov Eduard
Published: December 2021

Effective and accurate state estimation is a staple of modern modeling. On the other hand, nonlinear fractional-order singular (FOS) systems are an attractive modeling tool as well since they can provide accurate descriptions of systems with complex dynamics. Consequently, developing accurate state estimation methods for such systems is highly relevant since it provides vital information about the system including related memory effects and long interconnection properties with constraint elements. However, missing features in transforming structures such as violation of constraints in non-singular versions of such systems may affect the performance of the estimation result. This paper proposes the state estimation algorithm design for the original and non-transformed stochastic nonlinear FOS system. We introduce a deterministic data-fitting based framework which helps us to take steps directly towards Kalman filter (KF) derivation of the system, called extended fractional singular KF (EFSKF). Using stochastic reasoning, we demonstrate how to construct recursive form of the filter. Analysis of the filter shows how the proposed algorithm reduces to the nominal nonlinear filters when the system is in its usual state-space form making said algorithm highly flexible. Finally, simulation results verify that the estimation of nonlinear states can be accomplished with the proposed EFSKF algorithm with a reasonable performance.
Health Seeking Behavioural Practices of the Elderly in Rural Community of Ekiti State, South-western Nigeria
Authors: ADEWOYE Kayode Rasaq , AREMU Shuaib Kayode , Ekpo David Sylvanus , AKANBI Sikiru Adekunle , Ibrahim Tayo
Published: December 2021

BackgroundThe ageing process increases the risks of contracting a disease among elderly people. Health-seeking behaviour is poor among the aged in sub-Saharan countries like Nigeria, escalating the burden of Non-communicable diseases and the cost of healthcare which further impact the utilization of Orthodox medicine. This study aims to assess the healthcare-seeking behavioural practices and associated factors among elderly people in Ido-Ekiti.MethodA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted amongst 420 elderly respondents in Ido-Ekiti. An interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and results were presented in form of tables and bar charts. Chi-square tests were used to test for associations. All data analysis was done at a 5% level of significance.ResultsThe age range of respondents was between 65-95 years with a mean age of 73.88 +/- 6.84 years and 64.0% within the age range 65-75 years. About 63.3% of the respondents have had an episode of illness in the last year preceding the study and only 35.3% consulted a doctor for treatment (Good Health seeking behaviour), however, 57.9% admitted utilizing any of the following; self-medication, consult spiritualist, use of herbal medicine (poor health-seeking behaviour). The factors statistically significantly associated with respondents’ health-seeking behavioural practices are employment status(p<0.001), educational level (p<0.002), cost of health care, access to the health facility, length of time before consultation, beliefs, and lack of support from relations(p<001). ConclusionThis study shows the majority of elderlies had poor health-seeking behaviour due to educational and .economic factors. Making the free or subsidized cost of health care for the elderly in rural communities and the provision of monthly financial support to the aged by the government will promote and encourage good health-seeking behaviour of old people.
Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Resistance to Treatment of Kawasaki Disease in Cyprus.
Authors: Koliou Maria G , Aristidou Athina , Mazeri Stella , Georgiou Elena , Agathocleous Maria , Kousparou Marianna , Elia Avraam , Jossif Antonis
Published: December 2021

Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is one of the most common vasculitides of early childhood and the first cause of acquired heart disease in developed countries. There are no previous studies on KD in Cyprus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of KD in Cyprus, risk factors for resistance to treatment and the development of cardiac complications. Lastly, the Kobayashi and Egami scoring systems were evaluated in our population.Methods: This is a retrospective multicenter study of pediatric patients with KD hospitalized between January 2000 and-December 2019. The data were collected from medical records. Results: A total of 136 patients with KD were included in the study. 83% of patients were <5 years of age and 10% were <6 months. Median duration of fever before treatment was 6 days. 108/129 patients responded to initial treatment with IVIG. Thirty patients (22%) developed coronary artery lesions. Serum sodium ≤133mmol/L, albumin ≤ 3.2 g/dl, ALT≥ 80 U/L and neutrophils percentage≥ 80% at diagnosis, were identified as risk factors for resistance to IVIG. The Kobayashi and Egami scoring systems had low sensitivity of 57% and 62% respectively and a medium specificity of 76% and 76% respectively in predicting IVIG resistance.Conclusion: Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of KD in Cyprus population were similar to those reported in the literature. Although the majority of cases received appropriate treatment in time, cardiac complications still occurred. The Kobayashi and Egami scoring systems cannot be used in our population in order to predict responsiveness to IVIG.
Monovalent Copper Ions Inhibit Enzymatic Systems
Authors: Saphier Magal , Moshkovich Lea , Popov Stanislav , Shotland Yoram , Silberstein Eldad , Saphier Oshra
Published: December 2021

The effect of monovalent copper ions on enzymatic systems has hardly been studied to date; this is due to the low stability of monovalent copper ions in aqueous solutions, which led to the assumption that their concentration is negligible in biological systems. However, in an anaerobic atmosphere, and in the presence of a ligand that stabilizes the monovalent copper ions over the divalent copper ions, high and stable concentrations of monovalent copper ions can be reached. Moreover, the cell cytoplasm has a substantial concentration of potential stabilizers that can explain significant concentrations of monovalent copper ions in the cytoplasm. This study demonstrates the effect of monovalent and divalent copper ions on DNA polymerase, ligaseT4 DNA, the restriction enzymes EcoP15I and EcoR I, acid phosphatase, and α and βamylase enzymes. These systems were chosen because they can be monitored under conditions necessary for maintaining a stable concentration of monovalent copper ions, and since they exhibit a wide range of dependency on ATP. Previous studies indicated that ATP interacts with monovalent and divalent copper ions and stabilizing monovalent copper ions over divalent copper ions. The results showed that monovalent copper ions dramatically inhibit DNA polymerase and acid phosphatase, inhibit ligaseT4 DNA and the restriction enzyme EcoP15I, moderately inhibit α and β amylase, and have no effect on the restriction enzyme EcoR I. From the results presented in this work, it can be concluded that the mechanism is not one of oxidative stress, even though monovalent copper ions generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Molecular oxygen in the medium, which is supposed to increase the oxidative stress, impairs the inhibitory effect of monovalent and divalent copper ions, and the kinetics of the inhibition is not suitable for the ROS mechanism.ATP forms a complex with copper ions (di and monovalent ions, where the latter is more stable) in which the metal ion is bound both to the nitrogen base and to the oxygen charged on the phosphate groups, forming an unusually distorted complex. The results of this study indicate that these complexes have the ability to inhibit enzymatic systems that are dependent on ATP.This finding can provide an explanation for the strong antimicrobial activity of monovalent copper ions, suggesting that rapid and lethal metabolic damage is the main mechanism of monovalent copper ions’ antimicrobial effect.
Pathogenesis of Aquatic Bird Bornavirus in Muscovy Ducks
Authors: Iverson Melanie , Leacy Alexander , Pham Phuc H. , Che Sunoh , Brouwer Emily , Nagy Eva , Lillie Brandon N. , Susta Leonardo
Published: December 2021

Aquatic bird bornavirus (ABBV), a type of avian bornavirus, has been associated with inflammation of the central and peripheral nervous systems and neurological disease in wild waterfowl in North America and Europe. The potential of ABBV to infect and cause lesions in commercial waterfowl species is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the ability of ABBV to infect and cause disease in day-old Muscovy ducks (n = 174), selected as a representative domestic waterfowl. Ducklings became infected with ABBV through both intracranial and intramuscular infection routes: upon intramuscular infection, the virus spread centripetally to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), while intracranial infection led to virus spread to the spinal cord, kidneys, proventriculus, and gonads (centrifugal spread). Infected birds developed both encephalitis and myelitis by 4 weeks post infection (wpi), which progressively subsided by 8 and 12 wpi. Despite development of microscopic lesions, clinical signs were not observed. Only five birds had choanal and/or cloacal swabs positive for ABBV, suggesting a moderate potential of Muscovy ducks to shed the virus. This is the first study to document the pathogenesis of ABBV in poultry species, and confirms the ability of ABBV to infect commercial waterfowl.
Ultrastructure and Function of Setae of a Planktonic Diatom, Chaetoceros Coarctatus
Authors: Owari Yuka , Nakamura Fumi , Oaki Yuya , Tsuda Hiroyuki , Shimode Shinji , Imai Hiroaki
Published: December 2021

Silica frustules of most planktonic diatoms have many shallow holes in which the length (L) is smaller than the width (W). The present study focuses on a silicic ultrastructure of the setae of a planktonic diatom having deep (L/W > 1) holes. Here, we characterized nanoholes on the silica walls of hollow setae of a colony of Chaetoceros coarctatus. Basically, tetragonal poroid arrangements with and without a costa pattern are observed on the inner and outer surfaces, respectively, for three kinds of curving hollow setae. Deep nanoholes ∼90 nm wide are elongated from 150 to 1500 nm (L/W ∼17) with an increase in the wall thickness of the polygonal tubes of the setae. The inside poroid array, with a period of 190 nm in the extension direction of setae, is lined by parallel plates of the costae. However, the poroid arrangement on the outer surface is disordered, with several holes obstructed with increasing wall thickness of the posterior terminal setae. According to the movement of a colony in a fluid microchannel, the thick curving terminal setae is suggested to involve attitude control and mechanical protection. Using an optical simulation, the patterned deep through-holes on the intercalary setae were inferred to contribute anti-reflection of blue light for the promotion of photosynthesis in seawater.
Neoadjuvant chemo-free combination of camrelizumab and apatinib for locally advanced resectable oral squamous cell carcinoma – A pilot study
Authors: Ju Wu-tong , Xia Rong-hui , Zhu Dong-wang , Dou Sheng-jin , Zhu Guo-pei , Dong Min-jun , Wang Li-zhen , Sun Qi , Zhao Tong-chao , Zhou Zhi-hang , Liang Si-yuan , Huang Ying-ying , Tang Yong , Wu Si-cheng , Xia Jing , Chen Shiqing , Bai Yuezong , Li Jiang , Zhu Qi , Zhong Lai-ping
Published: December 2021

Novel neoadjuvant therapy regimens are needed to improve the outcomes of patients with locally advanced resectable oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We conducted a prospective, open-label, single-arm trial (n = 21, NCT04393506) to determine the safety and feasibility of neoadjuvant camrelizumab (an anti-PD-1 antibody) plus apatinib (a VEGFR inhibitor) for locally advanced resectable OSCC. The primary endpoints were safety and major pathological response (MPR). Neoadjuvant camrelizumab plus apatinib was well-tolerated and the MPR rate was 40% (8/20), meeting the primary endpoint. All five patients with CPS ˃ 10 had MPR. Additionally, patients achieving MPR showed more CD4+ T cell infiltration and a higher CD8+/FoxP3+ ratio than those without MPR (p < 0.05), and decreased CD31 and ɑ-SMA expression were observed after neoadjuvant therapy. Our findings demonstrate that neoadjuvant therapy with a chemo-free combination of camrelizumab and apatinib is safe and yields a promising MPR rate, supporting further trials.
Limited Genetic Diversity and High Differentiation in Angelica Dahurica Resulted by Domestication: Insights to Breeding and Conservation
Authors: Huang Rong , Liu Yinrong , Chen Jianling , Lu Zuyu , Wang Jiajia , He Wei , Chao Zhi , Tian Enwei
Published: December 2021

Background： Angelica dahurica, belonging to the Apiaceae family, whose dry root is a famous traditional Chinese medicine named as “Bai zhi”. There are two cultivars (A. dahurica cv. ‘Hangbaizhi’ and A. dahurica cv. ‘Qibaizhi’), which have been domesticated for thousands of years. Long term artificial selection has led to great changes in root phenotypes of the two cultivars, and also decreased their adaptability to environment. We proposed hypothesis that the cultivars may lose some genetic diversity and highly differentiate from wild A. dahurica during the domestication process. However, few studies have been carried out on how domestication affects the genetic variation of this species. Here, we accessed the levels of genetic variation and differentiation within and between wild A. dahurica and its cultivars using 12 SSR markers. Results: The results revealed that the genetic diversity of the cultivars was much lower than that of wild A. dahurica, and A. dahurica cv. ‘Qibaizhi’ had lower genetic diversity compared to A. dahurica cv. ‘Hangbaizhi’. AMOVA analysis showed significant genetic diﬀerentiation between the wild and cultivated A. dahurica, and between A. dahurica cv. ‘Hangbaizhi’ and A. dahurica cv. ‘Qibaizhi’. The results of Bayesian, UPGMA, NJ and PcoA clustering analysis indicated that all 15 populations were assigned to two genetic clusters corresponding to the wild and cultivated resources. Bayesian clustering analysis further divided the cultivated resources into two sub-clusters corresponding to the two cultivars. Conclusions：Our study suggests that domestication process is likely the major factor resulting in the loss of genetic diversity in cultivated A. dahurica and significant genetic differentiation from the wild resources due to founder effect and/or artificially directional selections. This large-scale analysis of population genetics could provide valuable information for genetic resources conservation and breeding programs of Angelica dahurica.
Monitoring of Kidney Functions, Electrolytes and Volemia Analyzed by Application Example of Artificial Intelligence in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Tasić Danijela , Đorđević Katarina , Galović Slobodanka , Furudžić Draško , Dimitrijević Zorica , Radenković Sonja
Published: December 2021

Basal renal function is a predictor of response to diuretic therapy and marker of poor prognosis. Simultaneous changes in renal function, sodium, potassium values and their interdependence are key parameters in addition to volemia for the assessment of cardiorenal balance. In our paper, an analysis of volemia, electrolytes, and renal function in heart failure was performed using an algorithm based on the ANFIS (Adoptive Neural Fuzzy Inference System), an intelligent approach to renal and heart function monitoring. The study included 90 subjects who were divided into two groups: clinical (n-80) and control (n-10). The base is composed of parameters B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), sodium (Na), potassium (K), ejection fraction (EF), EPI creatinine-cystatin C formula and ANFIS expert system combined in neural network and fuzzy logic network. The results showed that the overall trend of data verification in the network with NT-proBNP, Na and K that we formed is approximately 15%, with which subjects can be classified according to the severity of hypervolemia, electrolyte disturbance and renal function. NT-proBNP (pg/mL) had the most influence on the EPI creatinine-cystatin C formula. Serum sodium (Na) has the most influence on the ejection fraction (EF).
2D Heat Transfer Simulation of an Injection Mold: Comparison Between ANSYS Workbench and ANSYS Mechanical APDL
Authors: Silva Hugo Miguel , Rodrigues Hugo Luís , Noversa João Tiago , Fernandes Leandro , Pontes António José
Published: December 2021

The fabrication of conformal cooling channels (CCC's) has become easier and more affordable due to recent developments in additive manufacturing. The use of CCC's allows better cooling performance than the conventional (straight drilled) channels, in the injection molding process. The main reason for this is that the CCC's can follow the paths of the molded geometry, whereas the conventional channels made by conventional machining techniques are not able to do so. CCCs can help to reduce thermal strains and warpage by reducing cycle time and allowing for a more uniform temperature distribution. CCC, on the other hand, has a more complicated design procedure than traditional channels. Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) simulations) are crucial to achieve an effective and cost-efficient design. This article focuses the comparison of two ANSYS modules, for results validation. The relative error between ANSYS Workbench and ANSYS Mechanical APDL varied from close to 0 to below 1 %, in the case of maximum temperature Tmax, and between 1.5 to 5.5 approximately, for the average temperature Tavg. It can be concluded that, for the most refined mesh studied, the results are close by the two modules. Therefore, the ANSYS module to work on should be used based on the purpose of the work, as well as the complexity of the CAD geometry.
Family Planning Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Among Rohingya Women Living in Refugee Camps in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Azad Md. Abul Kalam , Zakaria Muhammad , Nachrin Tania , Das Madhab Chandra , Cheng Feng , Xu Junfang
Published: December 2021

Background: Considering more than 720,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh, unplanned pregnancy, and serious complications of pregnancy among refugees, this study aims to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of family planning (FP) and associated factors among the Rohingya women living in the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Methods: Four hundred Rohingya women were investigated, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire, which included socio-demographic characteristics, awareness of contraceptive methods, knowledge, attitudes and practices on FP. Linear regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of outcome variables. Results: Of the Rohingya refugee women, 60% were unaware that there is no physical harm in adopting a permanent method of birth control. Half of them lack proper knowledge of whether a girl was eligible for marriage before the age of 18. More than two-thirds think family planning methods should not be used without the husband’s permission. Besides, 40% were ashamed and afraid to discuss family planning matters with their husbands, considering it as a sin. Of them, 58% had the opinion that a couple should continue bearing children until a son is born. Linear regression analyses demonstrated that Racidong in Myanmar as the region of residence, being professional, number of children, physician/nurse being the source of FP knowledge, having FP interventions in the camp, participating in a FP program, visiting a health facility, and talking with a health care provider on FP were significantly associated with Rohingya women’s better KAP of FP. Conclusions: The study showed that Rohingya refugee women are a marginalized population in family planning and the comprehensive FP-KAP capability was low. Contraceptives among the Rohingyas are unpopular, mainly due to a lack of education and family planning awareness. In addition, family planning initiatives among Rohingya refugees were limited by some traditional cultural and religious beliefs. Therefore, strengthening FP interventions and increasing the accessibility to essential health services and education are indispensable in order to improve maternal health among refugees.
Prognosis and Quality of Life Analysis After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy and Primary Surgery for Low-lying Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Can Patients Benefit From Neoadjuvant Therapy?
Authors: Guo Yaoyu , Hu Bang , Peng Hui , Lin Hongcheng , Chen Yongcheng , Zou Qi , Su Dan , Zhang Di , Ren Donglin
Published: December 2021

BackgroundNeoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) is a widely accepted regimen for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). This compared the long-term prognosis and postoperative quality of life (QoL) between patients with low-lying LARC receiving nCRT and primary surgery.MethodPatients underwent nCRT or primary surgery for low-lying LARC between 2010 and 2016 were identified. Five-year local recurrence (LR) and disease free survival (DFS) were compared between groups. Quality of life (QoL) of patients who were disease-free was investigated using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL questionnaire core-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and QLQ-Colorectal Cancer module (CR29).ResultsA total of 304 patients were included in this study. Differences in 5-year LR and DFS between groups showed no statistical significance. In terms of QoL, apart from less stoma care problem, nCRT patients showed unsatisfactory social function and worse symptoms including diarrhoea, financial difficulties, buttock pain, fecal incontinence, embarrassment and impotence compared with primary surgery group. Intergroup analysis indicated that the QoL of patients receiving nCRT with preserved sphincter was relatively inferior compared with other subgroups, as reflected in higher symptom scores including financial difficulties and those related to low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) such as diarrhea, stool frequency, flatulence and fecal incontinence.ConclusionFor patients with low-lying LARC, nCRT has no advantage in terms of 5-year survival and QoL. NCRT with sphincter preserving surgery should be conducted meticulously considering its limited benefits for patients.
Towards Intelligent Monitoring System in Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing: A Surface Anomaly Detector on a Small Dataset
Authors: Li Yuxing , Mu Haocheng , Polden Joseph , Li Huijun , Wang Lei , Xia Chunyang , Pan Zengxi
Published: December 2021

Rapid developments in artificial intelligence and image processing have presented many new opportunities for defect detection in manufacturing processes. In this work, an intelligent image processing system has been developed to monitor inter-layer deposition quality during a Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) process. Information produced from this system is to be used in conjunction with other quality monitoring systems to verify the quality of fabricated components. It is tailored to identify the presence of defects relating to lack-of-fusion and voids immediately after the deposition of a given layer. The image processing system is built upon the YOLOv3 architecture and through moderate changes on anchor settings, achieves 53% precision on surface anomaly detection and 100% accuracy in identifying the fabricated components’ location, providing a prerequisite for high precision assessment of welding quality. The work presented in this paper presents an inter-layer vision-based defect monitoring system in WAAM and serves to highlight the feasibility of developing such intelligent computer vision systems for monitoring the WAAM process for defects.