bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the abiotic factor on Schleichera oleosa chlorophyll level
Authors: Rahmah Azizatur , Rahmawati Diah Lailil
Published: November 2021

Chlorophyll in Schleichera oleosa is important to observe because S.oleosa is a tree plant that is often found on the road as a green plant. This role requires sufficient chlorophyll to maximize plant function for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is supported by environmental factors. There are several environmental factors needed to maximize photosynthesis, namely altitude, humidity, ambient temperature, and light intensity. This study wanted to determine the effect of altitude, air humidity, ambient temperature, light intensity with chlorophyll content in S. oleose in several places. Altitude is measured using GPS. Measurement of air temperature and wind speed were measured using the Altimeter sights ler application version 2.0. Light intensity is measured using a lux meter. Soil moisture and soil pH were measured using a soil tester. Chlorophyll levels were measured using a spectrophotometer with a wavelength of 665 and 649, chlorophyll was calculated using the Wintermans and De Mots formula (1965). The results showed that chlorophyll content increased with increasing altitude. At the highest altitude of 833.6 m asl, the chlorophyll content is 53,770 with an ambient temperature of 270C which decreases at an altitude of 833.6 m asl.
Клинический случай: ультразвуковая диагностика при врожденном монобластном лейкозе у ребенка первого года
Authors:   Irkutsk State Regional Child Clinical Hospital, Barakin A.O. , Umnova S.Yu. ,   Irkutsk State Regional Child Clinical Hospital
Published: November 2021

Congenital leucosis is an extremely rare disease registered in 4.3-8.6 children among 1,000,000 newborns. Congenital leucosis is usually registered in children during 3 first days or 3 initial months of life. The disease is characterised by rapid clinical progression, oftentimes fulminant clinical manifestations and aggressive development. The clinical case described presents the changes revealed via ultrasound imaging of a 10-months-old child with congenital leucosis with rapid and aggressive progression.
Association between psychological risk factors and ischaemic heart disease in the open population of a large industrial centre of Eastern Siberia
Authors:   Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Peskovets R.D. , Shtarik S.Yu. ,   Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University
Published: November 2021

Aim of study. To study gender-based association of high anxiety and depression with ischaemic heart disease exemplified by open population of the city of Krasnoyarsk. Material and methods. A representative sample formed from unoccupied population permanently residing in the city of Krasnoyarsk aged 25-64. Psychometric testing was performed via the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the prevalence of ischaemic heart disease was determined based on conventional epidemiological criteria. Results. High values of age-adjusted prevalence of anxiety and depression in the studied sample amounted to 40.1% and 35.0% respectively with no association with the gender. Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) was registered in 10.6% of the patients (15.8% male and 8.6% female subjects, p=0.092). Statistically significant association between IHD and high anxiety (OR=2.39; 95% CI 1.19-4.8; p=0.013) and depression (OR=2.1; 95% CI 1.1-4.1; p=0.031). Gender-discrete analysis has shown analogical associations of IHD with anxiety (OR=4.41; 95% CI 1.57-12.38; р=0.004) and depression (OR=2.91; 95% CI 1.20-7.10; р=0.027) in the female group. Analysis has shown absence of interrelation between the studied risk factors and IHD in the male group of patients. Conclusion. The factor of gender defines association between high anxiety and depression scores according to the HADS in open population of the city of Krasnoyarsk.
Dynamics of renal parenchymal thickness in hydronephrosis patients before and after surgery
Authors:   Krasnoyarsk Interdistrict Clinical Hospital No. 20 named after I. S. Berzon, Konova A.V.
Published: November 2021

Aim of study. To reveal changes in renal parenchymal thickness in hydronephrosis patients before and after surgery depending on the patient’s age. Materials and methods. Archived medical histories of 350 patients after surgery for congenital hydronephrosis within 1990-2020 were studied. The age of patients at the moment of surgery varied from one month to 18 years. The dynamics of change in the parenchymal layer thickness of the impaired kidney was evaluated based on ultrasound protocols of kidney scanning before and after the surgery. Results. The maximum decrease in renal parenchyma before surgery was noted in the group of patients aged 15-18 years: 46.00% and 59.68% on the poles and in the lower third, respectively. The minimum decrease was registered in patients aged 0-3 months: 24.43% on the poles and 49.06% in the middle third of the kidney. The best renal parenchyma restoration after surgery was registered in group 1: 94.04% on the poles and 87.74% in the middle third. Low percentages of parenchymal regeneration were observed in the 7th age group: 69.11% and 61.52%, respectively. The values of loss and restoration of parenchyma in each age group were statistically reliable at p≤0.001. Conclusion. Patients operated at the age before 3 months were observed to have the minimum decrease in the thickness of the renal parenchymal layer before surgery with maximum values associated with restoration of renal parenchyma after surgical correction. The probability of complete equivalence of parenchymal thickness of the operated kidney to the healthy one reliably declines with increasing age at the moment of operation.
The use of whatsapp as a practice tool in a virtual community in an early childhood and elementary school education
Authors: Tenório Nelson Nunes , Sartori Rejane , Strozzi Cristiane Resquiti Paulino , Calvi Gabriel Coutinho , Cost Andréia de Cássia Goncalves
Published: November 2021

The community of practice (CoP) is based on the interaction among its participants, which encourages them to participate in a permanent dialogue for dissemination and sharing of knowledge. In this context, the research aims to analyze the sharing of organizational culture through the creation and use of a virtual CoP in a private elementary school that used the WhatsApp application. Therefore, the methodology used is a case study, with qualitative-quantitative objectives. Qualitative because it presents an analysis of the individual's participation in the CoP and quantitative because a questionnaire was applied after the involvement of the items in the CoP to verify if there was the sharing of knowledge. The results show that the sharing of information was managed productively through the domain of elements, participation, and commitment on the part of the persons that participated in the CoP.
THE CORRELATION OF MOTHER'S AGE AT MARRIAGE AND MOTHER'S WORK STATUS WITH EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING
Authors: Juhaidah Lina
Published: November 2021

The best nutrition for babies is breast milk. Breast milk should be given exclusively without any additions in the first six months. According to previous research, a woman’s age at marriage will affect the practice of exclusive breastfeeding to their babies, as young mothers are often not ready to have and care for babies. The work status of mothers also has a large impact on exclusive breastfeeding practices. The goal of this study was to discover the correlation between age at marriage and the work status of mothers with exclusive breastfeeding practices. This research was an observational study with the subjects being 94 mothers of children aged 0-5 years in Ngringinrejo Village, Kalitidu District, Bojonegoro Regency from 3 July to 9 August, 2019. This study used data from the professional placement activity or Praktik Kerja Lapangan (PKL) conducted by the students of the public health study program of Airlangga University. The outcome of this research showed that there was no meaningful relationship between the age of marriage of mothers and practices of exclusive breastfeeding (p-value = 0.973) and there is also no statistical relationship between the work status of mothers and exclusive breastfeeding practices (p-value = 0.276). However, it was discovered that mothers who gave exclusive breastfeeding were mostly not working, and mothers who did not breastfeed exclusively were mostly in employment. The conclusion of this research is the absence of a correlation between age at marriage and the work status of mothers with exclusive breastfeeding.
COVID-19 Algılanan Stres ve Tehdidinin, Çalışanların İş Yaşam Dengesi ve Motivasyonu Üzerindeki Etkisi
Authors: YILMAZ Büşra , SAĞLAM Mehmet
Published: November 2021

Amaç: Bu çalışmada COVID-19’un yarattığı stres ve tehdit algısının, çalışanların iş yaşam dengesi ve motivasyonu üzerindeki etkisinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Tasarım/Yöntem: Araştırmada basit tesadüfî örnekleme yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Veri analizleri için SPSS 22.0 ve LISREL 8.7 istatistik paket programlarından yararlanılmıştır Google Forms’ta tasarlanan online anket yöntemi ile 390 katılımcıya ulaşılmıştır. Bulgular: Araştırma sonucunda algılanan stres ve tehdidin, çalışanların iş yaşam dengesi ve motivasyonunu anlamlı bir şekilde etkilediği saptanmıştır. Stresin iş yaşam dengesi ve motivasyon alt boyutlarının tümü üzerinde pozitif yönlü etkisi olduğu, tehdidin ise iş yaşam dengesi alt boyutlarının tümü üzerinde negatif, motivasyon alt boyutlarında ise sadece yönetsel motive araçları üzerinde negatif yönlü etkisi olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Sınırlılıklar: Çalışmanın 15 Nisan 2021-13 Haziran 2021 tarihleri aralığında yürütülmesi ve veri analizinin 390 katılımcı üzerinden gerçekleştirilmesi çalışmanın zaman ve kapsam sınırını oluşturmaktadır. Özgünlük/Değer: COVID-19 salgını hakkında çalışmalar yapılmasına karşın algılanan stresin ve tehdidin, çalışanların iş yaşam dengesi ve motivasyonuna etkisinin incelenerek işletmelerin çalışanlara yönelik stratejilere katkı sağlayabilecek sonuçlara ulaşılması, araştırmanın özgün değerini oluşturmaktadır.
Crust Biometry of Hydrolithon Boreale (Rhodophyta: Hydrolithaceae) on Leave of Posidonia Oceanica Along a Mediterranean Coast Fed by Siliciclastic-Carbonate
Authors: Mutlu Erhan , Karaca Doğukan , Duman Güler Sıla , Şahin Ahmet , Özvarol Yaşar , Olguner Cansu
Published: November 2021

A study was conducted to estimate biometry of an epiphytic micro-calcareous red algae, Hydrolithon boreale found on leaves of a Mediterranean meadow, Posidonia oceanica along the entire Turkish coast of the Mediterranean Sea in time (winter and summer 2019) and space (regions, and bottom type and depth). Percent occurrence of the epiphyte was lower in winter (25%), particularly found in a small bay in the west than summer (44%), entirely along the coast. The epiphyte grew up to 5 mm in diameter, 0.35 mm in thickness of the crust size, and was populated up to 1006 ind/m2 in summer owing to the increased utilization of the carbonate by the epiphyte with the increased water temperature. The size was contrasted to the density (abundance and biomass) in space. The biometry was significantly dependent on the siliciclastic-carbonate deposition as inferred from SiO2 of the water in relation the leaf area index (LAI) of P. oceanica. Therefore, this deposition induced specimens growing in size, followed by the reduced density in relation to N-based nutrient of the water. Further major environmental parameters which negatively affected the biometry were pH and total suspended matter of the water, analogous to the turbidity. Of the trace elements, Ni was negatively correlated with the biometry whereas the LAI was however positively correlated with all the anthropogenic-sourced trace elements (V, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) in the leaves. Of the bottom types, the calcite rock had higher density than the other soft bottoms in contrast to the size of the epiphyte.
Heavy Metal Accumulation in Cockscomb (Celosia Argentea Linn) Grown in Soil Amended With Chicken Manure
Authors: Oguntade Oladele Abdulahi , Yisa Nosiru Monday , Olagunju Solomon Oladimeji , Sosanya Olufemi Sunday , Joda Abiodun Oladipupo , Adewusi Kayode Matthew , Olayiwola Richard Oluseyi
Published: November 2021

Heavy metals such as Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu) and Manganese (Mn) in chicken manure can contaminate soil and bioaccumulate in edible tissues of plant to cause food chain contamination. This study investigated the influence of chicken manure on heavy metal load of soil and accumulation in tissues of Celosia argentea. Air-dried chicken manure from battery cages (conventional chicken manure-CCM) and free range birds (local chicken manure-LCM) were used for the pot culture. Chicken manure was applied as amendment at the rate of 0, 4, 6, 8 and 10 t ha-1 in 5 kg soil. Treatments were replicated trice in a Completely Randomized Design. Results showed that soil metal pollution increased with rates of amendment. Metal pollution indices; contamination factor, degree of contamination, elemental pollution index, pollution load index and total contamination factor were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in soil amended with CCM than LCM. Bioaccumulation coefficients (BAC), bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and transfer factor (TF) of metals were higher in tissues of celosia grown with CCM than LCM. Furthermore, above 4 t ha-1, growth and yield were not significantly influenced by amendment rates. Mobility of metals from soil to tissues of celosia increased in the order Cu > Mn > Cd. Chicken manure above 4 t ha-1 potent health risks of Cu exposure to consumers of celosia.
Upregulation of SHMT2 Promotes Tumor Growth and Poor Prognosis of Breast Cancer through Activating VEGF and MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xie Shuang-Yan , Shi Dingbo , Lin Fei , Cheng Xiao-Yu , Cheng Tong-chao , Ouyang Yi , Xia Wen , Guo Ling , Lin Huan-Xin
Published: November 2021

Background: Serine hydroxymethyltransferase 2 (SHMT2) is a key enzyme in Serine/glycine metabolism. SHMT2 is very important for tumor cell growth and proliferation as well as metabolism. Here, we investigated the regulatory effects of SHMT2 on breast cancers growth and identified the underlying mechanisms of functions.Methods: We detected the expression of SHMT2 in breast cancer cells and tissues by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.We investigated the functional and molecular mechanisms by which SHMT2 downregulation or overexpression regulates the growth and apoptosis of breast cancer cells in vivo and in vitro. Results: We found SHMT2 was highly expressed in BRCA cell lines and tumor tissues. Strong SHMT2 expression showed a positive correlation with the poor prognoses of patients with breast cancers. SHMT2 knockdown by shRNA significantly inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in vitro, and whereas SHMT2 overexpression promoted tumor growthin in subcutaneous xenograft model. RNA-seq revealed that high expression of SHMT2 not only promoted serine metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation and proteasome independent degradation pathways. It also activated the cell survival signaling pathway and antagonized the apoptosis pathway. The observed molecular regulation of cell growth was accompanied by the activited of the MAPK, VEGF pathways and suppressed of the mitochondrial mediated apoptosis pathway that was mediated by the SHMT2 up-regulation. Conclusions: These results indicate that SHMT2 plays a critical role in regulating breast cancers growth and could serve as a therapeutic target for breast cancer therapy.
Pilot Study to Determine Prevalence of CYP2B6*6,CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 in Breast Cancer Patients Versus Normal Healthy Controls Among Three Major Ethnic Groups in Singapore
Authors: Soon Gaik-Hong , Koo Seok Hwee , Tan Pei Ting , Lee Lawrence Soon-U , Tham Chee Kian , Hartman Mikael , Tan Su-Ming
Published: November 2021

Background: Breast cancer is the top cancer suffered by women worldwide and has been identified to be the greatest killer for women living in Singapore. Unfortunately, most of breast cancer cases were detected only at later stage of disease development. This has crippled the effort of breast cancer therapy. As early detection of breast cancer could greatly improve the outcome of breast cancer therapy, it is of utmost importance to identify relevant biomarkers at the primitive stage of breast cancer development before the transformation of normal breast cells into cancerous cells. These biomarkers provide important clues leading to an efficient and targeted treatment approach in breast cancer preventive care.Methods: 455 breast cancer patients were consented to join this study. Buccal swabs were collected for genotyping on CYP2B6*6, CYP2C19 *2 & CYP2C19*3. The genotyping data were then compared to data collected from healthy individuals. Clinical data were collected from patient notes and analysed. All the statistical analyses were done using SPSS statistical software, version 19.0. Chi-square or Fisher’s Exact test were performed to examine the difference between subject’s characteristics for categorical variables and One-Way Anova was performed to assess age difference across alleles of CYP2B6*6, CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3. Binary logistics regression was performed to identify demographic factors associated with breast cancer.Results: We reported thatCYP2B6*6 could be a risk factor leading to earlier onset of breast cancer among Indian population with OR found to be 1.69 (95% C.I.= 0.549-5.191, p=0.359). In the case of CYP2C19*2, OR is 1.57 for Malay (95% C.I. = 0.696-3.522, p=0.278); 1.15 for Chinese population (95% C.I. =0.862-1.545, p=0.335) and 1.03 for Indian (95% C.I. =0.301-3.496, p=0.968). CYP2C19*3 OR in Chinese population is 1.34 (95% C.I. =0.830-2.155, p=0.231) and 0.77 (95% C.I. =0.172-3.394, p=0.724) for Malay population. No CYP2C19*3 was detected in both cohorts of Indian patients and healthy controls. Conclusions: CYP2B6*6 and CYP2C19*2 polymorphisms may confer a risk for breast cancer development in Singaporean breast cancer patients. This is an exploratory study to identify potential breast cancer susceptibility gene polymorphisms, a bigger sample size study could be done to corroborate these findings in future studies.
Protein Targeting to Starch Synthase 1, a Functional Protein of Starch Biosynthesis in Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.)
Authors: Sharma Vinita , Fandade Vikas , Kumar Prashant , Parveen Afsana , Madhawan Akansha , Bathla Manik , Mishra Ankita , Sharma Himanshu , Rishi Vikas , Satbhai Santosh , Roy Joy
Published: November 2021

In cereal endosperm, native starch comprising amylose and amylopectin is synthesized by the coordinated activities of several pathway enzymes. Amylose in starch influences its physio-chemical properties resulting in several human health benefits. The Granule-Bound Starch Synthase I (GBSSI) is the most abundant starch-associated protein. GBSSI lacks dedicated Carbohydrate-binding module (CBM). Previously, Protein Targeting Starch Synthase 1 (PTST1) was identified as a crucial protein for the localization of GBSSI to the starch granules in Arabidopsis. The function of its homologous protein in the wheat endosperm is not known. In this study, TaPTST1, an AtPTST1 homolog, containing a CBM and a coiled-coil domain was identified in wheat. Protein-coding nucleotide sequence of TaPTST1 from Indian wheat variety ‘C 306’ was cloned and characterized. Homology modelling and molecular docking suggested the potential interaction of TaPTST1 with glucans and GBSSI. The TaPTST1 expression was higher in wheat grain than the other tissues, suggesting a grain-specific function. In vitro binding assays demonstrated different binding affinities of TaPTST1 for native starch, amylose, and amylopectin. Furthermore, the immunoaffinity pull-down assay revealed that TaPTST1 directly interacts with GBSSI, and the interaction is mediated by a coiled-coil domain. The direct protein-protein interaction was further confirmed by bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay (BiFC) in planta. Based on our findings we postulate a functional role for TaPTST1 in starch metabolism by targeting GBSSI to starch granules in wheat endosperm.
Tissue Paper-based Composite Separator Using Nano-SiO2 Hybrid Crosslinked Polymer Electrolyte as Coating Layer For Lithium Ion Battery With Superior Security and Cycle Stability
Authors: Zeng Xinyu , Liu Yu , He Rulei , Li Tongyuan , Hu Yuqin , Wang Cheng , Xu Jing , Wang Luoxin , Wang Hua
Published: November 2021

With the development of energy-storage devices, separator is encountered by several challenges including adequate safety, higher current density and superior stability. Tissue paper, composed of packed cellulose fibers, possesses lower production cost, more easily accessibility, superior wettability and outstanding thermostability, thus being prospective as a substrate of high performance separator. To address structure collapse phenomenon occurred in conventional coating layer after long term electrolyte swelling, nano-SiO2 hybrid crosslinked network was constructed on tissue paper through chemical reactions between polymer poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) and hyperbranched polyethyleneimine (PEI) in this work. The influences of crosslinking degree on physical properties and electrochemical performance were studied thoroughly. It can be found that when the crosslinking ratio of PVDF-HFP and PEI fixed at 10:1, the crosslinked composite separator displays excellent electrolyte uptake and wettability, superior ionic conductivity, better interfacial compatibility as well as higher Li+ transference number (0.56), thus offering battery with prominent rate capabilities. Besides, this crosslinked composite separator exhibits satisfying dimensional stability even treated at 250 oC, better flame retardancy, enhanced mechanical behavior, wider electrochemical window and outstanding cycle stability. Accordingly, tissue paper-based crosslinked composite separator can meet higher requirements put forward by high power lithium ion battery.
Long Noncoding RNA CTBP1-AS Regulates Ovarian Granulosa Cells Proliferation and Autophagy and Participates in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Sun Kaixuan , Xiu Yinling , Song Jianbo , Yu Yuexin
Published: November 2021

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the expression of long noncoding RNA CTBP1-AS in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and its effects on the proliferation and autophagy of ovarian granulosa cells. MethodsReal-time polymerase chain reaction assay was used to analyze the expression levels of CTBP1-AS in peripheral blood leukocytes of 40 PCOS patients and 40 non-PCOS women and the CTBP1-AS expression in ovarian granulosa cells and transfect ovarian granulosa cells with pcDNA3.1-CTBP1-AS and si-CTBP1-AS, respectively. Consequently, the CCK-8 kit was used to analyze the effect of CTBP1-AS on the proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells. Moreover, Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins LC3II/I and P62. ResultThe CTBP1-AS expression in the peripheral blood of PCOS patients was higher compared with non-PCOS patients (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the CTBP1-AS expression of ovarian granulosa cells in PCOS patients was higher compared with non-PCOS patients (P < 0.05). Consequently, CTBP1-AS overexpression in ovarian granulosa cells promotes the proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells and autophagy levels (P < 0.05). The CTBP1-AS expression interference in ovarian granulosa cells can inhibit the proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells and autophagy levels (P < 0.05). Conclusion﻿The CTBP1-AS expression in peripheral blood and ovarian granulosa cells of PCOS patients significantly increased, and CTBP1-AS could promote the proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells and the level of autophagy.
Protocol for Exploring Effective Clinical Governance Strategies in South Africa’s Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga Provinces
Authors: Chitha Wezile W. , Mnyaka Onke R. , Hongoro Danleen J. , Godlimpi Lizo , Swartbooi Buyiswa , Williams Natasha , Pahlana Siphokazi , Masemola Maphoko A. , Mokobane Godfrey , Mulamu Murendeni , Mabophe Kuhle , Mashao Teboho , Maake Kedibone , Bodzo Paidamoyo MP. , Essel Vivien , Mabunda Sikhumbuzo A.
Published: November 2021

Background: Hospitals are an integral part of the national health system. They provide a hub for health services that cannot be provided in the primary care setting, provide facilities for advanced investigation, diagnosis, and treatment, and constitute the platform for training and development of health professionals. However, when inspections were done at public sector facilities in preparation for the implementation of the NHI, the lowest average performance score was in leadership and corporate governance. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of clinical governance interventions in selected public hospitals in South Africa’s Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga provinces. Methods: This will be a cluster randomised study where there will be two intervention sites (a tertiary hospital and a regional hospital) and control sites (non-intervention central and regional hospitals). The intervention will comprise a focused implementation of clinical governance protocols (through training and coaching of hospital management and frontline health workers). There will be a pre-intervention baseline assessment; an assessment immediately at the end of the 12 months long intervention and an assessment at 36 months post-intervention. This builds on existing policy initiatives, quality improvement initiatives and tools. Information will be sourced through six sub-studies – three qualitative and three quantitative. Ethical clearance with reference number: 040/21 has been granted by the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Walter Sisulu University. Approvals to access the research sites with refence numbers: EC_202106_019 and MP_202106_009 have been granted by the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga Provincial Health Research Committees respectively.Discussion: There is a need for a deeper understanding of how tertiary and regional hospitals operate, how these hospitals ensure provision of safe high-quality patient-centred clinical care and factors enabling them or hindering them from achieving higher performance. In addition, it is necessary to explore if the performance of the hospitals improves where there is a focused implementation of clinical governance protocols.
Hybrid Deep-Learning Model to Detect Botnet Attacks over Internet of Things Environments
Authors: Alzahrani Mohammed Y. , Bamhdi Alwi M
Published: November 2021

In recent years, the use of the internet of things (IoT) has increased dramatically, and cybersecurity concerns have grown in tandem. Cybersecurity has become a major challenge for institutions and companies of all sizes, with the spread of threats growing in number and developing at a rapid pace. Artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity can to a large extent help face the challenge, since it provides a powerful framework and coordinates that allow organisations to stay one step ahead of sophisticated cyber threats. AI provides real-time feedback, helping rollover daily alerts to be investigated and analysed, effective decisions to be made and enabling quick responses. AI-based capabilities make attack detection, security and mitigation more accurate for intelligence gathering and analysis, and they enable proactive protective countermeasures to be taken to overwhelm attacks. In this study, we propose a robust system specifically to help detect botnet attacks of IoT devices. This was done by innovatively combining the model of a convolutional neural network with a long short-term memory algorithm mechanism to detect two common and serious IoT attacks (BASHLITE and Mirai) on four types of security camera. The data sets, which contained normal malicious network packets, were collected from real-time lab-connected camera devices in IoT environments. The results of the experiment showed that the proposed system achieved optimal performance, according to evaluation metrics. The proposed system gave the following weighted average results for detecting the botnet on the Provision PT-737E camera: camera precision: 88%, recall: 87% and F1 score: 83%. The results of system for classifying botnet attacks and normal packets on the Provision PT-838 camera were 89% for recall, 85% for F1 score and 94%, precision. The intelligent security system using the advanced deep learning model was successful for detecting botnet attacks that infected camera devices connected to IoT applications.
Piezo1 Promoted Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression and EMT Through Activating TGF-β Signaling by Recruiting Rab5c
Authors: Li Yiming , Xu Cong , Sun Bo , Zhong Fangjing , Cao Momo , Yang Lianyue
Published: November 2021

Background
Piezo1 plays critical roles in vascular development during early embryogenesis. However, the function of Piezo1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain elusive. This study aimed to explore the function and mechanisms of Piezo1 in HCC.
Methods
qRT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses were used to determine Piezo1 expression in HCC samples and cell lines. The clinical significance of Piezo1 was assessed in two independent study cohorts containing 280 patients with HCC. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to explore the signaling pathway of Piezo1. A series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were used to determine the role and molecular mechanism of Piezo1 in HCC progression.
Results
Piezo1 expression was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. High Piezo1 expression was closely correlated with aggressive clinicopathological features, poor clinical outcomes of HCC patients. Moreover, knockdown of Piezo1 in HCCLM3 and Hep3B cells significantly inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC cells in vitro, and tumor growth, EMT and metastasis in vivo. Further mechanism study indicated that these phenotypic and function changes were mediated by TGF-β signaling pathway. Finally, we proved that Piezo1 exerted its tumor promotion effect by recruiting Rab5c to activating TGF-β signaling pathway.
Conclusions
We proved Piezo1 promotes progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via TGF-β signaling, which may serve as a novel prognostic predictor and the potential therapeutic target for HCC patients.
Quantitative tests revealing hydrogen enhanced dislocation motion in α-iron
Authors: Huang Long-Chao , Chen Dengke , Xie De-Gang , Li Suzhi , Zhu Ting , Raabe Dierk , Ma Evan , Li Ju , Shan Zhi-Wei
Published: November 2021

Hydrogen embrittlement jeopardizes the use of high-strength steels as critical load-bearing components in energy, transportation, and infrastructure applications. However, our understanding of hydrogen embrittlement mechanism is still obstructed by the uncertain knowledge of how hydrogen affects dislocation motion, due to the lack of quantitative experimental evidence. Here, by studying the well-controlled, cyclic, bow-out movements of individual screw dislocations, the key to plastic deformation in α-iron, we find that the critical stress for initiating dislocation motion in a 2 Pa electron-beam-excited H2 atmosphere is 27~43% lower than that under vacuum conditions, proving that hydrogen lubricates screw dislocation motion. Moreover, we find that aside from vacuum degassing, dislocation motion facilitates the de-trapping of hydrogen, allowing the dislocation to regain its hydrogen-free behavior. Atomistic simulations reveal that the observed hydrogen-enhanced dislocation motion arises from the hydrogen-reduced kink nucleation barrier. These findings at individual dislocation level can help hydrogen embrittlement modelling in steels.
Identification and Validation a Costimulatory Molecule Gene Signature to Predict the Prognosis and Immunotherapy Response for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Hu Yinan , Liu Jingyi , Yu Jiahao , Yang Fangfang , Zhang Miao , Liu Yansheng , Ma Shuoyi , Zhou Xia , Wang Jingbo , Han Ying
Published: November 2021

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Costimulatory molecules have been proven to be the foundation of immunotherapy. However, the potential roles of costimulatory molecule genes (CMGs) in HCC remain unclear. Our study is aimed to develop a costimulatory molecule-related gene signature that could evaluate the prognosis of HCC patients.Methods: Based on The Cancer Gene Atlas (TCGA) database, univariate Cox regression analysis was applied in CMGs to identify prognosis-related CMGs. Consensus clustering analysis was performed to stratify HCC patients into different subtypes and compared them in OS. Subsequently, the LASSO Cox regression analysis was performed to construct the CMGs-related prognostic signature and Kaplan–Meier survival curves as well as ROC curve were used to validate the predictive capability. Then we explored the correlations of the risk signature with tumor-infiltrating immune cells, tumor mutation burden (TMB) and response to immunotherapy. The expression levels of prognosis-related CMGs were validated in HCC using qRT-PCR method.Results: All HCC patients were classified into two clusters based on 11 CMGs with prognosis values and cluster 2 correlated with a poorer prognosis. Next, a prognostic signature of six CMGs was constructed, which was an independent risk factor for HCC patients. Patients with low-risk score were associated with better prognosis. The correlation analysis showed that the risk signature could predict the infiltration of immune cells and immune status of the immune microenvironment in HCC. The qRT-PCR indicated six CMGs with significantly differential expression in HCC tissues and normal tissues.Conclusion: In conclusion, our CMGs-related risk signature could be used as a prediction tool in survival assessment and immunotherapy for HCC patients.
Performance and the Optimal Cut-Off Value of First-Trimester Fasting Plasma Glucose To Identify Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Study From Southern China
Authors: Tong Jia-Ning , Wu Lin-Lin , Chen Yi-Xuan , Guan Xiao-Nian , Liu Kan , Yin Ai-Qi , Zhang Hua-Fan , Niu Jian-Min
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Previous studies have suggested that first-trimester fasting plasma glucose (FPG) is associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and is a predictor of GDM. The aim of the present study was to explore whether first-trimester FPG levels can be used as a screening and diagnostic test for GDM in pregnant women.
Methods

This retrospective study included pregnant women who had their first-trimester FPG recorded at 9-13+6 weeks and underwent screening for GDM using the 2-hour 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between 24th and 28th gestational weeks. The cut-off values were calculated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.
Results

The medical records of 28,030 pregnant women were analysed, and 4,669 (16.66%) of them were diagnosed with GDM. The mean first-trimester FPG was 4.62 ± 0.37 mmol/L. The total trend in the optimal cut-off value of first-trimester FPG in pregnant women was 4.735 mmol/L, with a sensitivity of 49%, a specificity of 67.6% and AUC of 0.608 (95% CI: 0.598-0.617, p༜0.001). Moreover, as the maternal age increased, the optimal cut-off values increased, respectively. The results suggest that first-trimester FPG can be considered a marker for identifying pregnant women with GDM.
Conclusion

The level of first-trimester FPG increased slightly with maternal age and, as maternal age increased, the optimal cut-off values increased, especially after age 30. The first-trimester FPG should be considered a screening marker when diagnosing GDM in pregnant women.
Metabolic Reprogramming Promotes Metastasis of Acidosis-Adapted Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells Via AMPK/YAP/MMP1 Axis
Authors: Chen Siyuan , Ning Bo , Song Jinwen , Yang Zihan , Zhou Li , Chen Zhiji , Mao Linhong , Liu Hongtao , Wang Qingliang , He Song , Zhou Zhihang
Published: November 2021

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers. Acidic microenvironment, namely acidosis, is closely related to cancer development and progression, but the regulatory mechanism remains to be elucidated.
Methods

We generated acidosis-adapted PDAC cells (PANC-1 and SW1990) by continuously culturing under pH 6.5 medium. Metabonomic assay (LC-MS and LC-MS) was used to detect the metabolites. Transcriptomic microarray was applied to reveal the gene expression profile. The in vivo metastatic potential was assessed by tail vein injection. Wound healing assay and transwell assay were applied to evaluate cell migration and invasion capacity. CCK8 and colony formation were performed to determine cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to test cell cycle and apoptosis.
Results

These acidosis-adapted PDAC cells had stronger invasion and migration ability, accompanied by increased EMT markers expression. In addition, the proliferation rate of acidosis-adapted PDAC cells increased while apoptosis decreased under acidic medium. Metabonomic analysis showed that the glycolysis and AMP was decreased, and ATP was increased in acidosis-adapted cells. The metabolic shift led to the inactivation of AMPK. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes in acid-adapted cells were enriched in extracellular matrix modification, Hippo signaling and others. MMP1, a matrix metalloproteinase, was the most upregulated gene in acidosis-adapted cells, mediated by the YAP/TAZ pathway. Knockdown of MMP1 significantly reduced invasion and metastasis capacity of acidosis-adapted cells. The AMPK activator MK8722 could reduce both YAP and MMP1 level in acidosis-adapted PDAC cells.
Conclusion

Altogether, the present study showed that the metabolic reprogramming towards elevated ATP production promotes invasion and metastasis of acidosis-adapted PDAC cells via depressing AMPK/Hippo signaling, thus upregulating MMP1.
Rheolytic Thrombectomy Using AngioJet ZelanteDVT Catheter or Solent Omni Catheter for Treatment of Patients with Proximal Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Gong Maofeng , Fu Guanqi , Liu Zhengli , Zhou Yangyi , Kong Jie , Zhao Boxiang , Lou Wensheng , Gu Jianping , He Xu
Published: November 2021

Purpose The present study aimed to investigate the preliminary safety and efficacy of rheolytic thrombectomy (RT) using AngioJet ZelanteDVT catheter or Solent Omni catheter for acute proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT).Material and Methods We conducted a retrospective review of 40 patients who treated by AngioJet RT divided into ZelanteDVT group (n=17) and Solent group (n=23) from January 2019 to January 2021. Data of demographics, clinical characteristic, technical success, clinical success, complications, and early follow-up were analysed.Results No significant differences regarding demographics were detected (all p >.05). The technical success rates were both 100%. ZelanteDVT group had a shorter duration time of RT and a higher primary RT success than those of Solent group (all p <.05), and percentage of adjunctive CDT was 29.4% in ZelanteDVT group, significantly lower than that was 79.3% in Solent group (p =.010). The successful outcome for ZelanteDVT group and Solent group were 100% (17/17) and 95.7% (22/23), both high in the two groups (p >.05). Except for transient macroscopic hemoglobinuria occurred in all patients at the first 24 hours post-RT, none suffered other procedure-related adverse events or major complications in both groups. Minor complications presented as bleeding events occurred in 21.7% (5/23) patients of Solent group, and one (5.9%) patient in Zelante DVT group (p >.05). At 6-month, the frequency of PTS was 5.9% (1/17) in ZelanteDVT group compared with 17.4% (4/ 23) in Solent group (p >.05).Conclusion Both catheters are safe and effective for the management of patients with proximal DVT, leading to improved clinical outcomes with low complication. Zelante-DVT catheter offered more powerful thrombectomy over Solent catheter, allowing for faster extraction of the DVT with shorter run time and lower adjunctive CDT.
Analyses of the First 410 days of COVID-19 Trend and Mortality in Africa: Interpretation, Implications and Recommendations
Authors: Adeniji Adeloye , Omolaoye Temidayo S , Plessis Stefan S , Okosun Kazeem , Gunst Colette
Published: November 2021

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), also referred to as COVID-19 initially spread from Europe to Africa. On the 14th of February 2020, the African continent reported its first COVID-19 case in Egypt. Other African countries such as Algeria, Nigeria, and Senegal subsequently reported their first cases a few weeks later. The spread and the resulting mortality from COVID-19 has been disproportionate over the African continent.
Aim

In this study, we look into the trend and progression of COVID-19, in terms of morbidity (number of confirmed cases) and mortality, over a specified period within a designated geographic area. Review of this data enabled the identification of unique characteristics of this pandemic in the five designated regions of the African continent.
Method

We analyzed the mortality that resulted from COVID-19 infection and the trend of spread during the time period (3 January 2020 -31 March 2021). We further use the data to explore and forecast COVID-19 trends in these African countries using time series analysis and centre moving averages (CMA) in Microsoft Excel statistical package.
Results

In Northern Africa, Egypt had the highest number of cumulative cases and deaths (cases: 201432 and deaths: 11956) by the 31st of March 2021. For the other four regions of the African continent Nigeria (cases: 162762 and deaths: 2056) in West Africa; Ethiopia (cases: 204521 and deaths: 2841) in the Eastern region; Cameroon (cases: 47669) and deaths: 721) in Central Africa. And South Africa (cases: 1546735 and deaths: 52788) in the Southern region reported the highest cumulative cases and deaths at the same point in time. Based on these results, comparative forecasts were made in terms of the expected period and fatality of subsequent waves of COVID 19.
Conclusion

While there should be caution in interpreting data from the African continent, the reported findings could lend itself to productive scientific inquiry and interpretations. Africa need to consider various implementable approaches to managing this pandemic without creating another epidemic due to neglect of other components of her health priorities. Implications were inferred and recommendations were made in the interest of the continent and global community of Nations.
Impact of Tree Litter Identity, Litter Diversity and Habitat Quality on Litter Decomposition Rates in Tropical Moist Evergreen Forest.
Authors: Aydagnehum Seyoum Getaneh , Honnay Olivier , Desie Ellen , Helsen Kenny , Couck Lisa , Shibru Simon , Muys Bart
Published: November 2021

Background: Attempts to restore degraded highlands by tree planting are common in East Africa. However, up till now, little attention has been given to effects of tree species choice on litter decomposition and nutrient recycling. Method: In this study, three indigenous and two exotic tree species were selected for a litter decomposition study. The objective was to identify optimal tree species combinations and tree diversity levels for the restoration of degraded land via enhanced litter turnover. Litterbags were installed in June 2019 into potential restoration sites (disturbed natural forest and forest plantation) and compared to intact natural forest. The tested tree leaf litters included five monospecific litters, ten mixtures of three species and one mixture of five species. Standard green and rooibos tea were used for comparison. A total of 1033 litters were retrieved for weight loss analysis after one, three, six, and twelve months of incubation. Results: The finding indicates a significant effect of both litter quality and litter diversity on litter decomposition. The nitrogen-fixing native tree Millettia ferruginea showed a comparable decomposition rate as the fast decomposing green tea. The exotic conifer Cupressus lusitanica and the native recalcitrant Syzygium guineense have even a lower decomposition rate than the slowly decomposing rooibos tea. A significant correlation was observed between litter mass loss and initial leaf litter chemical composition. Moreover, we found positive non-additive effects for litter mixtures including nutrient-rich and negative non-additive effects for litter mixtures including poor leaf litters respectively. Conclusion: These findings suggest that both litter quality and litter diversity play an important role in decomposition processes and therefore in the restoration of degraded tropical moist evergreen forest.
Psychometric Properties of the Romanian Version of Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale for Breast Self-examination
Authors: Stefanut Adelina Mihaela , Vintilă Mona , Sârbescu Paul
Published: November 2021

Background: This study set out to translate Champion’s Health Belief Model Scale and to test its properties on a Romanian sample. Methods: The study included 502 participants. The structural validity, convergent validity, criterion validity and reliability were evaluated for the Romanian version. Results: The exploratory factor analysis highlighted six factors. The confirmatory factor analysis upheld the correctness of the six-subscale model as presenting a good fit for the 34-item version. Convergent validity was supported by the fact that the constructs included in the model correlated significantly with similar constructs evaluated using other questionnaires. In terms of criterion validity, those women who perceived fewer barriers and more cues to action and had greater self-efficacy practiced more frequent breast self-examination. α Cronbach coefficients ranged between 0.74 and 0.87 and test-retest correlation coefficients for the six subscales fell between 0.47 and 0.69. Conclusions: The Romanian version of the Champion Health Belief Model Scale is valid and reliable tool.
(Mis)measuring Men’s Involvement in Global Health: The Case of Expectant Fathers in Dakar, Senegal
Authors: Powis Richard
Published: November 2021

Background

In 2018, USAID published a report based on Demographic and Health Surveys data on the relationship between men’s involvement and women and children’s health outcomes. Based on the data collected, USAID’s analysis implies that Senegalese men are not involved in women and children’s health.
Methods

Twenty-two months of ethnographic research from 2012 to 2018. Research participants included 32 pregnant women and 27 expectant partners recruited from three maternity wards by convenience sampling, plus chief physicians, nurses, midwives, employees of the Ministry of Health and Social Action, and employees of nongovernmental organizations in the health sector. Research methods included participant observation, semi-structured interviews, free-list and pile sort exercises, and various visual ethnographic methods. Data were evaluated using rhetorical, textual, and cultural domain analysis.
Results

This research demonstrates that expectant fathers are involved in prenatal care in ways that USAID does not track through DHS.
Conclusion

Context independent reporting on men’s involvement is potentially harmful and obstructive to improving maternal and child health when the problem that is targeted is not a problem at all. State and non-state organizations investing in men’s involvement campaigns would save money and resources by amplifying men’s strengths (an asset-based model) rather than seek to educate them toward Eurocentric conceptions of fatherhood and masculine care (a deficit-based model).