bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Capital Flight Affect Macroeconomic Performance in Nigeria?
Authors: Ogundipe Adebayo Tunbosun , Danladi Jonathan D , Falaye Motunrayo Helen , Oyinemi Ferdinard Y
Published: September 2021

This Study examined the effect of capital flight on macroeconomic performance in Nigeria for the period 1981 to 2019. It also ascertained the determinants of capital flight in Nigeria for the period 1981 to 2019. The error correction model was used for this study because the unit root test revealed all variables were stationary at first difference. This study utilized secondary data obtained from the World Bank dataset. The findings showed that external debt in the current period and the first lag, external debt in the current period, foreign direct investment in the current period, current account balance in the current period, interest rate in the current period and reserves in the first lag are significant determinants of capital flight in Nigeria. Also, the study revealed that capital flight negatively affects economic growth and investment in Nigeria. The study therefore recommends amongst others that external debt and foreign direct investment should be used for productive purposes such that capital flight as a result of inflow of funds from abroad is impossible and that stable exchange rate policies should be adopted to avoid devaluation which is a determinant of capital flight in Nigeria.
Social Determinants of Malnutrition in Chilean Children Aged Under Five
Authors: Alvear-Vega Sandra , Vargas-Garrido Héctor
Published: September 2021

Background: This study aimed to ascertain the Social Determinants (SDs) of malnutrition (over and undernutrition) of Chilean children aged under five.Methods: The study was carried out using a sample of children from zero to five years old (n = 1,270,485; 52.2% female) from the National Socioeconomic Characterization Survey (CASEN) 2017. A multinomial logistic regression model was used, where the "child nutritional status" dependent variable assumed three possible values: normal nutrition, overnutrition, and undernutrition, while taking those variables reported in previous literature as control variables.Results: The model, by default, set normal nutrition as the reference group, Count R2 = 0.81. Results show a higher likelihood of both overnutrition and undernutrition among male children from the lowest quintiles, with native ethnic backgrounds, reporting health problems, having public health insurance, and who attend kindergarten. Additionally, higher probabilities of undernutrition in younger than two and living in the north of the country, while overnutrition is more likely in the south.Conclusions: Socioeconomic variables are fundamentally related to both over and undernutrition; the current single schema program to prevent malnutrition should consider SDs such as ethnicity and geographical location, among others; moreover, successful nutritional programs—which focused on the lowest quintiles, need to be expanded to other vulnerable groups and pay more attention to overnutrition.
Effect of Mobile Phone Emissions on HD- EEG Signals and Preventive Measures
Authors: Dwivedi Rekha , Singh Singh Shakti , Rana Sunita , Jakhar Dharmendra , Kaur Kirandeep , Poddar Ajay , Tripathi Manjari
Published: September 2021

Background: Mobile Phones and other wi-fi devices have become an integral part of our life. Now that we have so much dependency on technology, it’s become almost impossible to extricate ourselves from this. Considering the widespread use of these devices and the public’s concerns for health and safety, it is important to find out the possible harm caused by these Radiofrequency Radiations (RFR) emitted by Mobile Phones and other wi-fi devices, ways to protect ourselves from this harm and use of technology responsibly. Many renowned agencies and researchers have completed and published several studies detailing out possible health risks associated with the exposure to Radiofrequency Radiations emitted from these devices. World Health Organization/ International Agency for Research on Cancer had classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as Group-2B, possibly carcinogen in 20111.The present study has analyzed the effect of Mobile Phone Radiations exposure on human brain activity in healthy human volunteers and the efficacy of one of the products named Envirochip which claims to reverse the impact on Brain waves when it is fixed on the Mobile Phone being used.Result: A total of 30 healthy participants were enrolled in this study, out of which, data of 29 subjects was analyzed as data of one subject was removed due to noise in the recorded data. The experiment was designed to take the EEG data with six different conditions (baseline/normal data without any device, baseline data when Mobile Phone was kept near head of the subject, date while Mobile Phone was ringing (with and without Envirochip) and data when a call was made on the Mobile Phone (with and without Envirochip). Electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded for 80 minutes with five minutes interval between each condition for each subject. Cleaned data was extracted from the Net station tool and power spectrum analysis was done Conclusion: There was increased activity in the alpha, beta, theta and gamma bands of EEG during Radiofrequency exposure from Mobile Phones. Fixing the Envirochip on Mobile Phone showed statistically significant improvement in the effects of the Mobile Radiations on EEG brain activity in the alpha and theta bands. However, changes observed in gamma and beta bands were not significant statistically. P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Behavior of Aluminum Alloys 2024 and 6061 in Rainwater
Authors: mahdi sahib Mohammed , Mohammed Saraa M.
Published: September 2021

In the present work the electrochemical resistance spectroscopy behavior of aluminum alloy 2024 and 6061 in rainwater, was studied before and after solution heat treatment at room temperature (25 ° C). If the resistance decreases, the corrosion becomes faster, and vice versa. The equivalent circuits was of type Constant Phase Element (CPE) and the highest resistance value gets for alloy 2024 aged at 250 ° C for 2 hours, and the highest resistance value was for alloy 6061 aged at 250 ° C for 1 hour. As for the values ​​of capacitance, the highest amplitude value was for alloy 2024 aged at 300 ° C for two hours, and the highest value gets for capacity for alloy 6061 aged at 150 ° C for two hours.
Durable and High-efficiency Casein-derived Phosphorus-nitrogen-rich Flame Retardants for Cotton Fabrics
Authors: Xu Fang , Zhang Guangxian , Wang Peng , Dai Fangyin
Published: September 2021

A casein derivative (CADP) was synthesized using casein, which is bifunctional containing both –P=O(O-NH4+)2 reactive groups and -P(=O)-O-C- groups, and the durable flame-retardant cotton fabrics were successfully prepared by CADP. The –P=O(O-NH4+)2 reactive groups allowed CADP to be firmly grafted onto cellulose. The –P(=O)-O-C- groups made flame-retardant cotton fabrics more resistant to soaping and improved its durability. The modification by 40% CADP increased the limited oxygen index value (LOI) of cotton fabric from 17.4% to 41.6%, which maintained at 26.4% after 50 cycles of home machine washes. The results of TG, TG-FTIR and SEM indicated that CADP increased the condensed components and decreased the flammable gaseous compounds, resulting the positive effect on char formation of cellulose. The whiteness and tensile strength of cotton fabrics were retained well after modification, and the treated cotton fabrics didn’t have skin irritation.
Signaling Climate Resilience to Municipal Bond Markets: Does Membership in Adaptation-Focused Voluntary Clubs Affect Bond Rating?
Authors: Ko Inhwan , Prakash Aseem
Published: September 2021

This paper examines whether U.S. cities’ membership in voluntary climate clubs improves the municipal bond ratings issued by S&P, Moody’s, and Fitch. We suggest that only clubs focused on climate adaptation could help cities signal their resilience to climate risks and their ability to service their municipal bonds. Yet, club membership is only a signal of intent. By itself, it does not offer concrete evidence that cities have adopted adaptation policies or enhanced their resilience to climate risks. We examine three climate clubs: ICELI, whose membership obligations cover climate and other environmental issues; the C40 club, whose scope covers both climate mitigation and adaptation; and the 100 Resilient Cities (100RC) program, which focuses on adaptation only. Employing a two-way fixed effects model for a panel of 80 U.S. cities from 1995 to 2018, we find that 100RC membership leads to a small improvement in bond ratings. This has important policy implications: assurances about implementing adaptation policy, as opposed to evidence about how adaptation reduces climate risks, could have spillover effects on municipal finance. In such cases, climate adaptation could have tangible implications for city-level finances.
Thioredoxin Reductase 3 Suppression Promotes Colitis and Carcinogenesis via Activating Pyroptosis and Necrosis
Authors: Liu Qi , Du Pengyue , Zhu Yue , Zhang Xintong , Cai Jingzeng , Zhang Ziwei
Published: September 2021

Background
Txnrd3 as selenoprotein play key roles in antioxidant process and sperm maturation. Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are becoming significantly increasing disease worldwide in recent years which are proved relative to diet especially selenium intake.
Methods
In the present study, 8-week-old C57BL/6N male Txnrd3-/-, Txnrd3-/+, Txnrd3+/+ mice weight 25-30g were randomly chosen and each group 30 mice. Feed 3.5% DSS drinking water and normal water continuously for 7 days. Mouse colon cancer cells (CT26) were cultured in vitro to establish Txnrd3 overexpressed/knocked-down model by cell transfection technology. Morphology and ultrastructure, calcium levels, ROS level, cell death were observed and detected in vivo and vitro.
Results
Ulcerative colitis was more severe, morphological and ultrastructural lesions were extremely significant in Txnrd3-/- mice based on the fact that expression of NLRP3, Caspase1, RIPK3, MLKL related to pyroptosis and necrosis pathway was significantly increased. Overexpression of Txnrd3 could lead to increased oxidative stress through intracellular calcium outflow induced oxidative stress increase. Followed by necrosis and pyroptosis pathway activation and further inhibit the growth and proliferation of colon cancer cells.
Conclusion
Txnrd3 overexpression leads to intracellular calcium outflow, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and increased ROS, which eventually leads to necrosis and focal death of colon cancer cells, while Txnrd3-/- mice depth of the crypt deeper, weakened intestinal secretion and immune function. And aggravate the occurrence of ulcerative colitis. The present study lays a foundation for the prevention and treatment of ulcerative colitis and colon carcinoma in clinic treatment.
Administration of Mucuna Beans (Mucuna Pruriences (L.) DC. Var. Utilis) Improves Cognition and Neuropathology of 3×Tg-AD Mice
Authors: Konishi Fumiko , Furusho Tadasu , Soeda Yoshiyuki , Yamauchi Jun , Kobayashi Shoko , Ito Masatoshi , Araki Takuma , Kogore Sarasa , Takashima Akihiko , Takekoshi Susumu
Published: September 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of extracellular amyloid-beta peptides (Aβ) resulting in senile plaques and intracellular hyperphosphorylated tau protein resulting in neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Mucuna beans (Mucuna pruriences (L.) DC. var. utilis) are unique plants containing 3%–9% L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA). Here we investigated the effect of the administration of Mucuna beans on AD prevention by feeding triple-transgenic mice (3×Tg-AD mice) with a diet containing Mucuna beans for 13 months. The levels of Aβ oligomers and detergent-insoluble phosphorylated tau decreased in the brain of mice fed with Mucuna beans (Mucuna group) compared to those of the Control group. Aβ accumulation and phosphorylated tau accumulation in the brain in the Mucuna group were also reduced. In addition, administration of Mucuna beans improved cognitive function. These results suggest that administration of Mucuna beans may have a preventive effect on AD development in 3×Tg-AD mice.
Sex Differences In Impact of Sarcopenia On Falls In Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Won Chang Won , Soh Yunsoo
Published: September 2021

Background: Falls are one of the most serious health problems among older adults. Sarcopenia is characterized by a decrease in muscle mass, strength, and physical function. Due to potentially age-related conditions, both falls and sarcopenia have common risk factors. However, the association between sarcopenia and falls is controversial.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we used data from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study; 2,323 community-dwelling older adults (1,111 men and 1,212 women) aged 70–84 years were recruited in this cross-sectional study. To evaluate sarcopenia, the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) diagnostic algorithm was used. We compared the faller and non-faller groups. Unadjusted and fully adjusted logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between sarcopenia and falls.Results: A total of 239 (24.1%) women in the faller group had a history of falls in the past year, which was statistically higher than that in men (176, 15.8%). In the fully adjusted model, handgrip strength (odds ratio [OR]=1.508, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.028–2.211), short physical performance battery (OR=2.068, 95% CI=1.308–3.271), and 4-m walking speed (OR=3.499, 95% CI=2.044–5.991) were significantly lower in the male faller group. However, the female faller group only showed a significantly low appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (OR=1.419, 95% CI=1.058–1.903) in the fully adjusted model.Conclusions: This large cohort study aimed to identify the incidence of sarcopenia in older Korean population using the AWGS diagnostic algorithm and its correlation with falls. The incidence of falls did not increase in the sarcopenia group. Among the sarcopenia components, sex differences affect the a history of falls. Therefore, when studying the risk of falls in old age, sex differences should be considered.
Plectin Promotes Melanoma Tumor Formation by Regulation of Src Activity
Authors: Mizuta Kana , Matsubara Takuma , Goto Akino , Addison William N. , Nakatomi Mitsushiro , Matsuo Kou , Tada-Shigeyama Yukiyo , Honda Hiromi , Yoshioka Izumi , Kokabu Shoichiro
Published: September 2021

Melanoma is malignant cancer characterized by high proliferation and aggressive metastasis. To address efficient treatment for melanoma, we should understand the molecular mechanisms for a proto-oncogene Src, which is highly activated and promotes cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and metastasis in melanoma. We recently identified plectin as the Src binding protein and regulates Src activity in osteoclasts. Plectin, a cytoskeleton regulatory protein, is focused as the candidates of biomarker of certain tumors because of higher expression and the candidate of anti-tumor reagents such as ruthenium pyridinecarbothioamide although the molecular mechanisms how plectin works in melanoma is unclear. In this study, we examined the pathological role in melanoma tumor formation. Depletion of plectin induced low density and sparce tumor formation by melanoma cells in vivo. In vitro experiment revealed that plectin deficient melanomas reduced cell proliferation and suppressed cell-to-cell adhesion. Because Src activity was reduced in plectin deficient melanomas, we examined the relationship between plectin and Src signaling. Src overexpression that restored Src activity rescued cell proliferation and cell-to-cell adhesion of plectin deficient melanomas. These results suggest that plectin is required for tumor formation by promoting cell proliferation and cell-to-cell adhesion via Src signaling activity in melanoma.
Effective Suppression of Hypoxia Induced Angiogenesis by Synergism of Simvastatin and Metformin via Inhibiting ET-1-ETBR-Hif1α Signaling Axis
Authors: Liu Jie , Wang Huxia , Zhang Miao , Li Yazhao , Wang Ruiqi , Chen He , Wang Bo , Gao Xiaoqian , Song Shaoran , Wang Jichang , Wang Yaochun , Li Juan , Liu Peijun
Published: September 2021

Background: Hypoxic stress accelerates metabolic reprogramming to promote malignant progression, which contains huge and interesting drug targets for cancer therapy. According to recently reports and our previously researches, simvastatin (SVA) or metformin (MET), two metabolic relevant drugs, play an important role in inhibiting tumor growth, angiogenesis, improvement hypoxic microenvironment. However, the signal networks of hypoxia induced metabolic reprogramming is enormous and intricacy, blocking a signal target can’t play an effective role in antitumor, whether combination of SVA and MET could exert a more effective antitumor effect is not clear.Methods: The antitumor effect of synergism of SVA and MET were detected in mouse models, breast cancer patient-derived organoid (PDO) and multiple tumor cell lines compared with untreated, SVA or MET alone. Transcriptome sequencing were performed for exploring the possible mechanisms. Inhibition of endothelin 1 (ET-1) induced Hif1α by synergism of SVA and MET were contrasted with bosentan, an ETBR antagonist.Results: Our results show that synergism of SVA and MET can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and promote apoptosis, alleviate hypoxia, decrease angiogenesis and increase vessel normalization within tumor than use of SVA or MET alone. RNA-sequencing result implies that just synergism of SVA and MET can inhibit EDN1 expression, which encodes endothelin 1, an important regulator of angiogenesis and hypoxia-related pathway, but not in use of SVA or MET alone. More specifically, synergism of SVA and MET suppresses the ET-1 induced Hif1α expression by inhibiting ET-1-ETBR signaling pathway and increasing PHD2 expression. In addition, the antitumor effect of synergism of SVA and MET is more efficient than bosentan in tumor cells and breast cancer PDO by inhibiting ET-1-ETBR-Hif1α signaling axis.Conclusions: Thus, our data show that synergism of SVA and MET can be a viable therapy for antitumor.
Involvement of lncRNA IL21-AS1 in Interleukin-2 and T Follicular Regulatory Cell Activation in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Hao He , Nakayamada Shingo , Ohkubo Naoaki , Yamagata Kaoru , Zhang Mingzeng , Shan Yu , Iwata Shigeru , Zhang Tong , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: September 2021

Background
The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs62324212, located in IL21 antisense RNA 1 (IL21-AS1), has been identified as a genetic risk variant associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We aimed to probe the characteristics of IL21-AS1 and explore its clinical relevance focusing T helper subsets and disease activity in patients with SLE.
Methods
rs62324212 genotyping was determined using allelic discrimination by quantitative PCR. Gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and cell surface markers in CD4+ T cells were analyzed using PCR and flow cytometry. The association among IL21-AS1, CD4+ T cell subsets and SLE disease activity were accessed.
Results
Ensembl Genome Browser analysis revealed that rs62324212 (C > A) was located in the predicting enhancer region of IL21-AS1. IL21-AS1 was expressed in the nucleus of CD4+ T and B cells, but its expression was decreased in patients with SLE. IL21-AS1 expression was positively correlated with mRNA levels of IL-2 but not IL-21, and it was associated with the proportion of activated T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells. Furthermore, we observed a significant negative correlation between IL21-AS1 expression and disease activity in patients with SLE (n = 53, p < 0.05).
Conclusion
IL21-AS1 has an effect on disease activity through an impairment of IL-2-mediated activation of Tfr cell in SLE. Thus, targeting the IL21-AS1 may provide therapeutic approaches for SLE.
Prevalence of Resistance Genes to Biocides in Antibiotic-Resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Clinical Isolates
Authors: Khademi Farzad , Habibzadeh Shahram , Vaez Hamid , Arzanlou Mohsen , Safarirad Somayeh , Bazghandi Seyed Ali , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: September 2021

Background: Biocides are frequently used as preservative, disinfectant and sterilizer against many microorganisms in hospitals, industry and home. However, the resistance rate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) strains to biocides is increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of four frequently used biocides against P. aeruginosa and to determine the prevalence of genes involved in biocide resistance. Methods: A total of 76 clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa strains were used in the present study. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of four biocides, i.e. chlorhexidine digluconate, benzalkonium chloride, triclosan and formaldehyde, against P. aeruginosa strains were determined using agar dilution method. In addition, the prevalence of biocide resistance genes was determined using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method.Results: In the present study, the highest MIC90 value was observed for benzalkonium chloride (MIC90=1024 μg/mL), followed by formaldehyde (MIC90=512 μg/mL), triclosan (MIC90=512 μg/mL) and chlorhexidine digluconate (MIC90=64 μg/mL). Furthermore, the prevalence of qacEΔ1, qacE, qacG, fabV, cepA and fabI genes were 73.7% (n=56), 26.3% (n=20), 11.8% (n=9), 84.2% (n=64), 81.5% (n=62) and 0% (n=0), respectively. A significant association was observed between the presence of biocide resistance genes and MICs (p<0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant association between the presence of biocide resistance genes and antibiotic resistance (p>0.05), except for levofloxacin and norfloxacin antibiotics and qacE and qacG genes (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our results revealed that chlorhexidine digluconate is the most effective biocide against P. aeruginosa isolates in Ardabil hospitals. However, we recommend continuous monitoring of the antimicrobial activity of biocides and the prevalence of biocide-associated resistance genes for a better prevention of microorganism dissemination and infection control in hospitals.
A 12-chemokine Gene Signature Is Associated With an Enhanced Cancer-immunity Cycle and Is Relevant for Precision Immunotherapy
Authors: Li Xingchen , Wan Zhiyi , Liu Xiu , Ou Kai , Yang Lin
Published: September 2021

Background: Advances in the understanding of checkpoint blockade immunotherapy have suggested that boosting the cancer-immunity cycle (CIC) can help induce regression of tumors. However, good efficacy only occurs in a subset of patients. Predictive biomarkers that can reflect the tumor microenvironment (TME) and CIC may have great potential. More recently, the presence of intratumoral tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) has also been correlated with clinical benefit in patients.Methods: In this study, we comprehensively measured the immunogram scores (IGSs) for the CIC and explored the associations between immunological and mutational features and a 12-chemokine metagene TLS signature in data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Three immunotherapy datasets were further applied for validation.Results: In the TCGA dataset, we observed that the 12-chemokine TLS signature score was positively associated with a boosted CIC, as represented by increased tumor mutational burden (TMB) and neoantigen burden (TNB), enriched immune cell infiltration, and elevated cytolytic activity and checkpoint expression. Specifically, in bladder cancer and melanoma, a high 12-chemokine TLS signature score was found to potentially reflect an expanded CIC phenotype characterized by high TNB and an immune-inflamed feature. The predictive and prognostic value of the 12-chemokine TLS signature was further validated in several immunotherapy datasets.Conclusion: The score of a 12-chemokine metagene signature may serve as a pancancer marker of the immune-active phenotype. The 12-chemokine TLS signature showed promise as a predictive and prognostic biomarker for ICB efficacy, especially in melanoma and bladder cancer.
Application of Rapid Rehabilitation Concept in Enhanced Recovery After Cesarean Section in Patients With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: a Systematic Review
Authors: Jian Aiwen , Yang Qiuhong
Published: September 2021

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as all cases of diabetes observed during gestation, including pre-gestational diabetes and true GDM with its first onset during pregnancy. A rising number of parturient are diagnosed with GDM due to increased maternal weight, creating a serious global health concern. In order to improve maternal health and reduce childhood mortality, rapid rehabilitation approaches for postpartum recovery are of significant importance. However, most guidelines regarding this area remains extremely limited with poor quality, Methods: All the references included in this work were either in English or in Chinese, enrolled via systematic selection from database PubMed, Web of Science (WOS) and CNKI. “Gestational diabetes mellitus”, “rehabilitation”, “cesarean”, “neonatal diabetes mellitus” etc. were selected as keywords during the search. No restriction was placed on publish date, quality or the setting of the studies.Results: A total of 666 literatures were found in the initial selection. After sorting out 130 duplications, 536 articles had titles and abstracts read, among which 70 were thoroughly read. The contents of the articles include maternal-neonatal complications of GDM, maternal health managements in antenatal period, during labor and postpartum period, providing descriptions of maternal and neonatal outcomes after GDM patients receiving the interventions.Conclusions: The application of rapid rehabilitation concept in enhanced recovery of cesarean section in pregnant women with GDM during perioperative period can significantly reduce the risk of multiple maternal-neonatal complications. However, the studies focusing on the discovery of new rapid rehabilitation approaches are still inadequate.
The Associations of Serum Valine with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Xiong Yong-lan , Therriault Joseph , Ren Shu-jiang , Jing Xiao-jun , Zhang Hua
Published: September 2021

The introduction of metabolomics makes it possible to study the characteristic changes of peripheral metabolism in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent studies have found that the levels of valine are related to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD, but its characteristics in MCI and AD need to be further clarified. A total of 786 participants from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative-1 (ADNI-1) cohort were selected to evaluate the relationships between serum valine and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers, brain structure (magnetic resonance imaging, MRI), cerebral glucose metabolism (18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography, FDG-PET), and cognitive declines, through different cognitive subgroups. We found that (1) serum valine was decreased in patients with AD compared with cognitive normal (CN) and stable MCI (sMCI), and in progressive MCI (pMCI) compared with CN; (2) serum valine was negatively correlated with CSF total tau (t-tau) and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) in pMCI; (3) serum valine significantly predicted conversion from MCI to AD; (4) serum valine was related to the rate of change of cerebral glucose metabolism during the follow-up period in pMCI. We speculated serum valine may be a peripheral biomarker of pMCI and AD, and its level predicts the progression of MCI to AD. Our study may help to reveal the metabolic changes during AD disease trajectory and its relationship to clinical phenotype.
The Optimal Allocation Policy Via Multi-Label Tagging for Translation Tasks of China’s Imperial Maritime Customs Archives
Authors: CHEN LILAN , Chen Yongsheng
Published: September 2021

How to recruit, test and train the adaptive archive allocation system users, and how to assign the archive translation tasks to all available system users according to the optimal matching principle are still a problem that needs to be solved. With the help of proper names and terms in China’s Imperial Maritime Customs archives, this paper aims to solve the problem. When the corresponding translation, domain or attributes of a proper name or term is known, it will be easier for some archive translation tasks to be completed, and the adaptive archive allocation system will also improve the efficiency of archive translation task allocation and the quality of archive translation tasks. These related domains or attributes are different labels of these archives. To put it simply, multi-label classification means that the same instance can have multiple labels or be labeled into multiple categories, which is called multi-label classification. With the multi-label classification, archives can be classified into different categories, such as the trade archives, preventive archives, personnel archives, etc. The system users are divided into different professional domains by some tests, for instance, system users who are good at economic knowledge and users who have higher language skills. With these labels, the adaptive archive allocation system can make the optimal match between the archives and system users, so as to improve the efficiency and quality of archive translation tasks. In this paper, through multi-label classification, the adaptive archive allocation system can realize the optimal allocation of archive translation tasks to the system users. The optimal allocation is realized through the construction of optimization control model, and verifies that the adaptive archive allocation system can improve the performance of task allocation over time without the participation of task issuers.
Does Good National Governance Boost COVID-19 Vaccination? Cross-Country Evidence
Authors: Aida Takeshi , Shoji Masahiro
Published: September 2021

BackgroundAs herd immunity by universal vaccination is essential to end the COVID-19 pandemic, the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access (COVAX) facility has been established to provide developing countries with subsidized vaccines. However, a critical issue is that the developing countries also need to effectively deploy vaccines to citizens. Although this argument suggests positive effects of good national governance on vaccination coverage, to the best of our knowledge, there is no such evidence. The goal of this study was to examine the association between the national governance index and vaccination coverage, particularly among developing countries.MethodsUsing cross-country data, an ordinary least squares regression was conducted to examine the association between the national governance index and two outcome variables on vaccination—the number of days until the administration of the first dose in the country since December 2019 and the number of doses per 100 citizens as of the end of July 2021. The results were compared between the model including all countries and the model including only non-OECD countries. We also examined the influence of governance on the selection of vaccine manufacturers.ResultsA one standard deviation increase in the national governance index was associated with 9.1 days (95%CI: -15.76, -2.43) earlier administration of vaccines in the country, and a 12.1 dose increase (95%CI: 4.76, 19.34) per 100 citizens. Results also showed that these associations were larger in the non-OECD sample and indicated the role of governance in the type of vaccine that is predominantly administered in the country.ConclusionThe provision of subsidized vaccines alone is not sufficient to control the spread of infection in developing countries; logistical and administrative support should also be offered, especially in countries with low governance indices.Trial registrationNot applicable.
Trimetazidine Topical Delivery Prevents Carrageenan Induced Retinal Damage and Glucose Induced Lens Opacification by Decreasing Drop of Protein Level
Authors: Swain Rakesh , Nandi Souvik , Sahoo Rudra Narayan , Mohapatra Sujata , Mallick Subrata
Published: September 2021

Carrageenan induced oxidative stress develops retinal damage and increases lipid peroxidation. Glycation of the lens proteins increases modified proteins and may affect the lens structural integrity and opacification, after increasing glucose concentration in the lens. Trimetazidine (TZ) has been reported to have cytoprotective anti-ischaemic activity after systemic administration in an animal model. Trimetazidine ophthalmic film formulation has been prepared using HPMC as the hydrogel-forming polymer. The cytoprotective role of trimetazidine has been studied on carrageenan-induced retinal damage of rat eye by histologicaland Malondialdehyde (MDA) assay applying sterilized film formulation. Trimetazidine solution was used in combination with a high concentration of glucose solution (55 mM) for examining the protective effect from cataract formation. Formulation showed controlled and extended ophthalmic permeation of the drug for about 5 h. Damage of retinal cells in the ganglionic layer has been decreased significantly in the trimetazidinetreated group. Drug treated control group also showed significant disappearance of pyknotic cells. The addition of trimetazidine to the glucose medium practically retarded the lens opacification by reducing the over-production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in increased sugar concentration. Presence of trimetazidine probably decreased the drop of protein level in lens under stressed condition and greater preventive effect has been noticed with TZ concentration of 240 µg/ml rather than 120 µg/ml. Trimetazidine ophthalmic film formulation could prevent retinal damage and cataract formation.
Compressive Behavior of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Polypropylene Composites Under High Strain Rate: Insights From Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Mishra Brijesh , Sharma Sumit
Published: September 2021

Since the discovery of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), these have received a lot of attention because of their unusual mechanical electrical properties. Strain rate is one of the key factors that play a vital role in enhancing the mechanical properties of nanocomposites. In this study, (4, 4) armchair single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) was employed with the polymer matrix as polypropylene (PP). The influence of compressive strain rate on SWCNT/PP nanocomposites was evaluated using MD simulations, and mechanical properties have been predicted. Stone-Wales (SW) and vacancy defects, were integrated on the SWCNT. The maximum Young’s modulus (E) of 81.501 GPa was found for the pristine SWCNT/PP composite for a strain rate of 1010 s-1. The least value of E was 45.073GPa for 6% SW defective/PP composite for a strain rate of 108 s-1. While the 6% vacancy defective CNT/PP composite showed the lowest value of E as 39.57GPa for strain rate 108 s-1. It was found that the mechanical properties of SWCNT/PP nanocomposites decrease with the increase in percent defect. It was also seen that the mechanical properties were enhanced with the increment in the applied strain rate. The results obtained from this study could be useful for the researchers designing PP-based materials for compression loading to be used for biomedical applications.
Mycoremediation of the Azo dye Acid Red 14 by Wickerhamomyces Anomalus: Physicochemical Characterization, Equilibrium, and Kinetics Studies
Authors: Danouche Mohammed , Arroussi Hicham El , Ghachtouli Naima El
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the potential application, and the involved mechanism in the biosorption of Acid Red14 (AR14) by the biomass of Wickerhamomyces anomalus. Kinetics and biosorption isotherms were first examined. Then, the physicochemical characterization of cells-AR14 interactions was determined using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential, zero-point charge, and contact angle measurements. Finally, the Plackett-Burman and the Box-Behnken designs were used respectively to identify the most influential factors on the biosorption process and their optimization. The pseudo-second-order and the intra-particle diffusion models best fit the experimental data. Furthermore, the Langmuir model was the appropriate isotherm to explain the biosorption system, suggesting the involvement of chemisorption on a monolayer of homogeneous sites. Biomass characterizations supported these theoretical predictions. A change in the transmittance of the functional groups present was noticed after AR14-biosorption, the analysis of the zeta potential confirms the presence of anionic groups, and the contact angle measurement indicates a significant variation of the electron donor and acceptor character. Hence, it can be concluded that both chemical and electrostatic interactions of AR14 onto the macromolecular structures composing the cell surface. The most influential factors on biosorption efficiency were dye and biomass concentration, and the pH of the medium. Optimal biosorption was achieved at pH 3-4, with AR14 concentrations around 50 - 75 mg L-1 and a biomass concentration at 1.25 g L-1. These results suggest that W. anomalus might be exploited as an effective, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly biosorbent.
Signals of Climate Change and Spatio-temporal Analysis of Climate Extremes in the Homogeneous Climatic Zones of Pakistan During 1962-2019
Authors: Khan Firdos , Ali Shaukat , Mayer Christoph , Ullah Hamd , Muhammad Sher
Published: September 2021

This study investigates contemporary climate change and spatio-temporal analysis of climate extremes in Pakistan (divided into five homogenous climate zones) using observed data, categorized between 1962–1990 and 1991–2019. The results show that on the average, the changes in temperature and precipitation are significant at 5 % significance level throughout Pakistan in most of the seasons. The spatio-temporal trend analysis of consecutive dry days (CDD) shows an increasing trend during 1991–2019 except in zone 4 indicating throughout decreasing trend. PRCPTOT (annual total wet-day precipitation), R10 (number of heavy precipitation days), R20 (number of very heavy precipitation days) and R25mm (extremely heavy precipitation days) are significantly decreasing (increasing) during 1962–1990 (1991–2019) in North Pakistan. Summer days (SU25) increased across the country, except in zone 4 with a decrease. TX10p (Cool days) decreased across the country except an increase in zone 1 and zone 2 during 1962–1990. TX90p (Warm days) has an increasing trend during 1991–2019 except zone 5 and decreasing trend during 1962–1990 except zone 2 and 5. The Mann-Kendal test indicates increasing precipitation (DJF) and decreasing maximum and minimum temperature (JJA) in the Karakoram region during 1962–1990. The decadal analysis suggests decreasing precipitation during 1991–2019 and increasing temperature (maximum and minimum) during 2010–2019 which is in line with the recently confirmed slight mass loss of glaciers against Karakoram Anomaly.
How Circulating Cancer Cells Disguise: the Role of Platelets
Authors: Schott Dorothea Sonja , Pizon Monika , Schill Erika , Pachmann Katharina
Published: September 2021

Solid tumors are notorious for their ability to form lethal metastases, sometimes several decades following initial cancer diagnosis. Development of distant metastases is a result of the primary tumor shedding cells that travel via lymphatics and the blood to distant sites where they can form metastases. Platelets are known to specifically enhance tumor cells’ survival in the bloodstream by as yet poorly understood mechanisms. To study the interplay of platelets with circulating tumor cells, we implemented our published approach to label both circulating epithelial tumor cells and platelets. Blood samples were collected avoiding fixation from patients with non-metastatic cancer diagnoses and processed at 4 time points following blood collection. Circulating epithelial tumor cells were undetectable directly after blood collection but became visible after overnight storage at room temperature presumably due to release of platelets from the tumor cells. Our results suggest that platelets play a key role in masking circulating tumor cells. Masking may explain the difficulties in detection of these cells and prevention of their elimination by the immune system. Our unmasking approach detects sufficient numbers of circulating tumor cells to monitor the effect on blood tumor cells of different therapeutic measures, thus contributing to improved systemic therapies for cancer.
A three lncRNA set: AC009975.1, POTEH-AS1 and AL390243.1 as nodal efficacy biomarker of neoadjuvant therapy for HER-2 positive breast cancer
Authors: Bi Zhao , Zhang Yue , Song Xing-Guo , Chen Peng , Qiu Peng-Fei , Xie Li , Wang Yong-Sheng , Song Xian-Rang
Published: September 2021

Background and purpose
LncRNAs have been found to play regulatory role in the chemoresistance after neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) of breast cancers. The breast pathological complete response (pCR) was different from the axillary nodal pCR (apCR) after NAT. And this difference was most significant in HER-2 positive (HER2+) subtype. The aim was to explore whether lncRNA expression in primary tumor had nodal predicting value for HER2 + breast cancer who received NAT.
Methods
Total RNA was extracted from 103 HER2 + breast cancer tissues before NAT, as well as from 48 pairs of cancers and para-cancers tissues which did not receive NAT. LncRNAs were selected by microarray, validated by qPCR, and analyzed combined with related clinical factors to illuminate its potential as nodal efficacy biomarkers of NAT.
Results
Our results demonstrated that three lncRNA set: lncRNA- AL390243.1, POTEH-AS1, and lncRNA-AC009975.1 were significantly up-regulated in non-apCR tissues, the AUC value was 0.789 (95%CI: 0.703–0.876). Combined with clinical factors and genomics, the multivariate analysis showed that the expression of lncRNA-AL390243.1 (OR 5.143; 95% CI: 1.570-16.847), tumor type (OR 0.144; 95% CI: 0.024–0.855) and nodal stage (OR 0.507; 95% CI: 0.289–0.888) were indicated as independent predictors for apCR after NAT in HER2 + patients (all p < 0.05). These three predictors were used to create a predictive nomogram. The AUC value was 0.859 (95%CI: 0.790–0.929). The calibration curve showed a satisfactory fit between predictive and actual observation based on internal validation with a bootstrap resampling frequency of 1000. Patients with higher level of lncRNA-AL390243.1 expression had a worse survival, especially in disease-free survival. The expression of lncRNA-AL390243.1 was significantly higher in nodal positive subgroup than in nodal negative subgroup (p = 0.0271).
Conclusion
The expression of LncRNA-AC009975.1, POTEH-AS1, and lncRNA-AL390243.1 were upregulated in non-apCR tissues and acted as a new potential biomarker for the nodal efficacy prediction of NAT.
Comparative Safety of Multiple Doses of Erythropoietin for the Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zheng Qingyong , Duan Dan , Xu Jianguo , Wang Xing , Ge Yonggui , Luo Xiaofeng
Published: September 2021

Background: Although many studies have shown that erythropoietin plays an important role in the prognosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients, the effective dose of erythropoietin has not been clearly defined. Our aim was to systematically elucidate the safety and efficacy of erythropoietin administration regimens in TBI patients.Methods: Data search included PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE and ClinicalTrials.gov for articles published before December, 2020, updated to June 2021. Network meta-analysis was performed when sufficient comparable evidence was available, and CINeMA tool was used to evaluated the quality of our evidence.Results: A total of 6 RCTs involving 981 patients were included in the network meta-analysis. All studies assessed the effect of erythropoietin on mortality. Erythropoietin reduced the mortality rate in patients with TBI, and the risk of death decreased with increasing dose, but the difference was not statistically significant (odd ratio of 12,000u vs Placebo=0.98, 95%CI, 0.03-40.34; odd ratio of group 30,000u vs Placebo=0.56, 95%CI, 0.06-5.88; odd ratio of 40,000u vs Placebo=0.35, 95%CI, 0.01-9.43; odd ratio of 70,000u vs Placebo=0.29, 95%CI, 0.01-9.26; odd ratio of group 80,000u vs Placebo=0.22, 95%CI, 0.00-7.45). Three studies involving 739 patients showed that erythropoietin did not increase the incidence of deep vein thrombosis in patients with TBI. However, the risk tended to rise as the dose increases. Two studies demonstrated that erythropoietin did not increase the incidence of pulmonary embolism. The evidential quality of all the results of the evidence ranged from low to medium.Conclusion: Although the efficacy of erythropoietin was not statistically demonstrated, we found a trend in the association of erythropoietin dose with reduced mortality and increased embolic events in TBI patients. We are looking forward to more high-quality original studies focusing on the dose and timing of erythropoietin for the treatment of TBI, in order to obtain stronger evidence on the optimal erythropoietin dose.Study Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42021272500).
Optimizing Phosphorus Application Rate and the Mixed Inoculation of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Phosphate-solubilizing Bacteria Can Improve the Phosphatase Activity and Organic Acid Content in Alfalfa Soil
Authors: Xiaoxia An , Liu Junying , Liu Xuanshuai , Ma Chunhui , Zhang Qianbing
Published: September 2021

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an important high-quality legume forage, and phosphorus is an important nutrient element for high-quality and high-yield of alfalfa. This study assessed the effects bacteria and phosphorus (P) use efficiency of alfalfa soil under different P applications. In this experiment, a two-factor complete randomized block design was used. Four bacterial treatments were as follows: Funneliformis mosseae (Fm), Bacillus megaterium (Bm), double inoculation (Fm × Bm) and no inoculation bacteria (CK). There are four levels of phosphorus treatment, namely: phosphorus application 0 (P0), 50 (P1), 100 (P2), 150 mgkg-1 (P3). There were 16 treatments in total, and each treatment was repeated 6 times. The results showed that the effects of single inoculation and mixed inoculation were significantly higher than those of noninoculation (P < 0.05). With the increase in phosphorus application, each index increased first and then decreased. The alkaline phosphatase activity (AKP) and organic matter (SOM) content in soi lincreased with the increase of cutting times, and the content of organic matter in rhizosphere soil was higher than that in non-rhizosphere soil. Principal component analysis (PCA) shows that the top three treatments were J3P2 > J3P1 > J3P3. Therefore, when (P2O5) was 100 mgkg-1, the mixed inoculation of Fm × Bm could improve the phosphatase activity in alfalfa soil, promote the secretion of organic acids in rhizosphere soil and then improve the content of soil fertility.