bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidisciplinary surgical treatment of clear-cell renal carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus level III and IV: our experience during the past decade
Authors:   Department of Urology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia, Hudolin Tvrtko ,   University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia, Ferenčak Vladimir , Penezić Luka , Zekulić Toni , Kuliš Tomislav , Marić Marjan , Pavlović Oliver , El-Saleh Ahmad , Knežević Nikola , Goluža Eleonora , Biočina Bojan , Kaštelan Željko
Published: January 2021

Patients with non-metastatic, stage T3 clear-cell renal cell cancer present a clinical challenge for urologists. The extent of tumor thrombus in inferior vena cava is the primary determinant of surgical procedure complexity. Level III and IV thrombi require the use of cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic arrest. Careful preoperative planning and a multidisciplinary approach are mandatory. In this paper, we report outcomes of 12 patients who were surgically treated in our center. The 29 months overall survival for all patients was 69%, while three patients died during follow-up. Of nine surviving patients, six are currently disease-free, whereas three had disease progression. Our study showed that carefully selected patients with clear-cell renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava tumor thrombus level III and IV could be successfully treated with an aggressive surgical approach.
Computed tomography-guided bone lesion biopsy, our experience in 2018 and 2019
Authors:   Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia, Krešić Elvira , Alduk Ana-Marija , Prutki Maja , Karlak Ivan , Bolanča-Čulo Karolina , Čavka Mislav
Published: January 2021

To present our results from 2018 and 2019 and to present the clinical data of the accuracy and clinical usefulness of computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy for diagnosing suspicious bone lesion. The retrospective study included 98 consecutive patients who underwent CT-guided bone lesion biopsy from January 2018 to December 2019. The localization of the bone lesions, the adequacy of the sample for histopathological analysis, histopathological results, and the procedure’s complications were analyzed. The specimens collected from 76 patients/lesions (77.6%) were considered appropriate for diagnosis. Histological analysis of bone samples showed 52 (68.4%) metastatic lesions. The most common primary tumor origins were breast carcinoma 28 (53.8%) and lung carcinoma six (11.5%). In three patients (4%), the infection was confirmed. No tumor cells were found in 17 (22.4%) patients. There were no post-procedural complications. CT-guided bone lesion biopsy is a safe and effective method for diagnosing suspicious bone lesions that has a great effect in clinical practice without any significant complications.
Correlation between Work Load and Work Period with Blood Pressure among Workers of PT. X
Authors: Widajati Noeroel , Rizkiawati Nur Laili
Published: January 2021

Industry that uses technology nowadays, beside having positive impacts, also having negative impacts such as adverse effects on workers and work environment. Every person who works will have workload and responsibility on their work. This will affect health of the workers, including their blood pressure. The purpose of this study was to study the relationship between work load and work period with blood pressure among workers in ship construction company, PT. X. This study was an observational descriptive study, using cross sectional design. Total population involved 41 individuals, taken from the respondents who met the inclusion criteria. Data collection included pulse and blood pressure measurements. Data analysis used in this study was Pearson and Spearman correlation tests. The result showed that there was a level of correlation between blood pressure and age (0.478), blood pressure and work period (0.432), blood pressure and work load (0.448). The conclusions of this study was that blood pressure related to age, nutritional status, work period, work load and noise intensity. PT X needs to pay attention to the health of the workers, such as blood pressure examination, and provide socialization on nutritious foods that are appropriate to the work performed.
CD11c−MHC2low Macrophages Are a New Inflammatory and Dynamic Subset in Murine Adipose Tissue
Authors: Wetzels Suzan , Bijnen Mitchell , Wijnands Erwin , van de Gaar José , Tan Andika , Coort Susan , Biessen Erik A. L. , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Wouters Kristiaan
Published: January 2021

Background:

The prevalence of obesity is rising and leads to increased morbidity and mortality. Adipose tissue inflammation, due to accumulation and activation of adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs), is a key driver of this phenomenon. Macrophages are heterogeneous cells, adapting quickly to the microenvironment, resulting in so-called M1 or M2 macrophages. In this study, we describe the dynamics and inflammatory properties of a newly identified ATM subset in obese mice.

Methods:

LDLR−/− mice received a high fat diet (HFD) for 5 weeks or 16 weeks to induce obesity. Adipose tissues were isolated and immune cell subsets were analyzed with flow cytometry or microarray analysis. Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) using CD45.1 and CD45.2 LDLR−/− mice was performed to determine ATM origin.

Results:

Upon HFD, there is a massive increase of ATM subsets in the adipose tissue. CD11c−M2 ATMs could be subdivided based on their MHC2 expression into CD11c−MHC2high ATMs and previously unidentified CD11c−MHC2low ATMs. CD11c−MHC2low ATMs accumulated very rapidly after 10 days of HFD, after which they increased even further with prolonged HFD. Microarray data showed that CD11c−MHC2low ATMs resembled CD11c−MHC2high ATMs in the steady state, but became more inflammatory during development of obesity. In vitro stimulation of bone marrow-derived macrophages with palmitate, abundantly present in HFD, resulted in the induction of the CD11c−MHC2low phenotype.

Conclusions:

Among M2 macrophages, a novel pro-inflammatory subset of macrophages was found based on their low level of MHC2 expression. This subset may play a role in the development of adipose tissue inflammation.
Allosteric Modulation of GPCRs of Class A by Cholesterol
Authors: Jakubík Jan , El-Fakahany Esam E.
Published: January 2021

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are membrane proteins that convey extracellular signals to the cellular milieu. They represent a target for more than 30 % of currently marketed drugs. Here we review the effects of membrane cholesterol on the function of GPCRs of Class A. We review both the specific effects of cholesterol mediated via its direct high-affinity binding to the receptor and non-specific effects mediated by cholesterol-induced changes in the properties of the membrane. Cholesterol binds to many GPCRs at both canonical and non-canonical binding sites. It allosterically affects ligand binding to and activation of GPCRs. Also, it changes the oligomerization state of GPCRs. In this review, we consider a perspective of the potential for the development of new therapies that are targeted at manipulating the level of membrane cholesterol or modulating cholesterol binding sites on to GPCRs.
Nanoindentation Test Conducted on Single Scan Tracks for the Development of New Multi-Principal Element Alloys
Authors: Cattano Giulio , Lorusso Massimo , Calignano Flaviana , Grande Marco Actis , Manfredi Diego , Lombardi Mariangela , Fino Paolo
Published: January 2021

Urgent environmental challenges and emerging additive manufacturing (AM) technologies push research towards more performant and new materials. In the field of metallurgy, high entropy alloys (HEAs) have recently represented a topic of intense research because of their promising properties, such as high temperature strength and stability. Moreover, this class of multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) have opened up researcher community to unexplored compositional spaces, making prosper literature of high-throughput methodologies and tools for rapidly screening large number of alloys. However, none of the methods has been aimed to design new MPEAs for AM process known as selective laser melting (SLM) so far. Here we conducted nanoindentation testing on single scan tracks of elemental powder blends and pre-alloyed powders after ball milling of AlTiCuNb and AlTiVNb. Results show that nanoindentation can represent an effective technique to gain information about phase evolution during laser scanning, contributing to accelerate the development of new MPEAs.
Effects of Heating and Cooling of Injection Mold Cavity Surface and Melt Flow Control on Properties of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Semi-Aromatic Polyamide Molded Products
Authors: Murata Yasuhiko , Kanno Ryota
Published: January 2021

Fiber reinforced thermoplastics (FRTP), which is reinforced with glass or carbon fibers, are used to improve the mechanical strength of injection-molded products. However, FRTP has problems such as the formation of weld lines, the deterioration of the appearance due to the exposure of fibers on the molded product surface, and the deterioration of the strength of molded products due to the fiber orientation in the molded products. We have designed and fabricated an injection mold capable of melt flow control and induction heating and cooling that has the functions of both heating and cooling the injection mold as well as the function of controlling the melt flow direction using a movable core pin. In this study, the above-mentioned mold was used for the molding of carbon fiber reinforced semi-aromatic polyamide. As a result, we found that increasing the heating temperature of the mold and increasing melt flow control volume contribute to the prevention of the generation of a weld line and the exposure of fibers on the molded product surface, as well as to the formation of a flat surface and increased bending strength. The relationships of these results with the carbon fiber orientation in the molded products and the crystallization of semi-aromatic polyamide were also examined in this study.
Biomass and Lipid Productivity by Two Algal Strains of Chlorella Sorokiniana Grown in Hydrolysate of Water Hyacinth
Authors: Dahiya Swati , Chowdhury Raja , Tao Wendong , Kumar Pradeep
Published: January 2021

Hydrolysate prepared from water hyacinth biomass, containing a considerable amount of solubilised carbohydrate and nutrients, was utilised as a medium for the cultivation of two strains of Chlorella sorokiniana. These strains were isolated from an oxidation pond using two different media, i.e., BG-11 and Knop's media maintained at pH-9. Different light intensities, light-dark cycles, and various concentrations of external carbon sources (monosaccharides and inorganic carbon) were used to optimise the microalgal growth. It was observed that in the presence of organic carbon (glucose), biomass productivity increased significantly (~300 mgL-1day-1) as compared to that in the presence of only inorganic carbon (~100 mgL-1day-1). For the accumulation of stress products (lipids and carbohydrates), the microalgal strains were transferred to nutrient-amended media (N-amended and P-amended). The combined effects of glucose, inorganic carbon, and a 12h:12h light-dark cycle proved to be optimum for biomass productivity. For Chlorella sp. isolated from BG-11, maximum carbohydrate content (22%) was found in the P-amended medium, whereas high lipid content (17.3%) was estimated in the N-amended medium. However, for Chlorella sp. isolated from Knop's medium, both the lipid (17%) and carbohydrate accumulation (12.3%) were found maximum in the N- amended medium. Kinetic modelling of the lipid profile revealed that kinetic coefficients obtained for strain isolated from BG-11 media were statistically significant from each other.
Assessment of Future Autonomous Vehicle Market Leadership in the US
Authors: Dourado José Diamantino de Almeida , Jones Cleveland Maximino , Afonso Herlander Costa Alegre da Gama , Botelho Lívia de Moraes Mariano
Published: January 2021

Scientific and technological advances in telecommunications and onboard electronics, and advances in sustainability standards, dictated major changes to various industrial sectors, including the automotive industry, where hard and soft approaches to manufacturing are vying for market dominance. This work presents a prospective analysis of the autonomous vehicle (AV) market, analyzing three of the main US AV technology firms, Tesla, Waymo and Apple. Their designs and solutions are compared, and prospective scenarios were constructed based on an analysis of their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT). The results suggest that Tesla currently exhibits the greatest market leadership in the group studied. However, it was concluded that in the medium term, Waymo would surpass Tesla and assume market leadership. In the long run, it was concluded that Apple will overcome its rivals and dominate this market.
Responses of Runoff and Soil Loss to Rainfall Regimes and Soil Conservation Measures on Cultivated Slopes in a Hilly Region, Northern China
Authors: Fang Haiyan
Published: January 2021

Cultivated land plays an important role in water and soil loss in the earth-rocky mountainous region, northern China, however, its responses to soil control measures and rainfall characteristics are still not fully understood. In this study, 85 erosive rainfall events in 2011-2019 were grouped into three types, and the responses of runoff and soil loss on five cultivated plots with different slopes in the upstream catchment of the Miyun Reservoir to soil conservation measures and rainfall regimes were evaluated. Results found that event-averaged runoff depths and soil loss rates on the five plots ranged from 7.05 mm to 0.03 mm and from 300.51 t km-2 to 0.37 t km-2 respectively, depending on rainfall regimes, soil conservation measures, and slope gradients. The high occurring frequency (i.e., 72.94%) rainfall regime A with short rainfall duration (RD), low rainfall amount (P), and high mean rainfall intensity (Im) yielded lower runoff depth and higher soil loss rate. Rainfall regime B with longer RD, and higher P and Im, however, produced higher rainfall depth and lower soil loss rate. Terraced plot had the highest runoff and soil loss reduction efficiencies of over 96.03%. Contour tillage had comparable sediment reduction efficiency to that of the terraced plot on gentle slopes (gradient less than 11.0%), while its runoff reduction efficiency was less than 13.11%. This study implies that in the Miyun Reservoir catchment and similar regions in the world, contour tillage should be promoted on gentle slopes, and terrace construction should be given enough attention since it can greatly reduce water quantity and cause water shortage in downstream catchments.
Once/Day Provision of Essential Amino Acid Enriched Meal Replacement Improves Body Composition and Physical Function in Obese Elderly
Authors: Coker Melynda , Ladd Kaylee , Barati Zeinab , Murphy Carl , Bateman Terry , Newcomer Bradley , Wolfe Robert , Coker Robert
Published: January 2021

We have previously demonstrated that the acute ingestion of essential amino acids may augment net protein balance in the elderly. Using a double blind, randomized controlled trial, our objective was to compare an experimental meal replacement enriched with essential amino acids (EMR) compared to a commercial meal replacement (Optifast®) provided once/day (q.d.) for four weeks on body composition and physical function in older, obese participants. Twenty-seven individuals (69±5 yrs; body mass index of 32±4 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to EMR (n=13) or Optifast® (n=15) supplementation. Measurements of body composition, skeletal muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), intrahepatic lipid and physical function were completed pre- and post-supplementation. Body mass, fat mass, and visceral fat mass were reduced with EMR but not altered with Optifast®. Thigh muscle CSA increased ( 4.1 ± 1.9 cm2, P = 0.03) with EMR but not Optifast®. There was a significant increase in the distance covered during the six-minute walk test with EMR ( 21±26 m) but no change in Optifast® ( 22±54 m). Improvements in body composition and physical function support the efficacious use of EMR-based meal replacements in the obese elderly.
New Recommendation for Subjective Video Quality Assessment Methods for Recognition Tasks
Authors: Leszczuk Mikołaj , Janowski Lucjan
Published: January 2021

It was once thought that high QoS (Quality of Service) performance solves recurrent problems of low-quality multimedia services. Since then, solutions have been proposed to ensure a high level of QoE (Quality of Experience). In this document, the authors attempt to outline their understanding of an accurate meaning of quality of multimedia services. Starting from QoS and passing through generalised QoE, the authors focus on aspects of subjective and objective quality modelling and optimisation of visual performance for TRV (Target Recognition Video) applications (such as video surveillance), outlining the path of ITU-T standardisation in this area. The authors revised the ITU-T Recommendation P.912 to reflect improved subjective test techniques developed since this Recommendation was approved. The authors also attempt to predict at least some existing errors of reasoning, which are likely to become evident for the industry in the next decade.
The Change P82L in the Rift Valley Fever Virus NSs Protein Confers Attenuation in Mice Not Related with a Type-I IFN Antagonistic Phenotype
Authors: Borrego Belén , Moreno Sandra , de la Losa Nuria , Weber Friedemann , Brun Alejandro
Published: January 2021

Rift valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne bunyavirus that causes an important disease in ruminants, with great economic losses. The infection can be also transmitted to humans; therefore it is considered a major threat to both human and animal health. In a previous work, we described a novel RVFV variant selected in cell culture in the presence of the antiviral agent favipiravir that was highly attenuated in vivo. This variant displayed 24 amino acid substitutions in different viral proteins when compared to its parental viral strain, two of them located in the NSs protein that is known to be the major virulence factor of RVFV. By means of a reverse genetics system, in this work we have analyzed the effect that one of these substitutions, P82L, has in viral attenuation in vivo. Rescued viruses carrying this single amino acid change were clearly attenuated in BALB/c mice while their growth in an IFN-competent cell line as well as the production of IFN-β did not seem to be affected. However, the pattern of nuclear NSs accumulation was modified in cells infected with the mutant viruses. These results unveil a new RVFV virulence marker highlighting the multiple ways of NSs protein to modulate viral infectivity.
Suitability of Bronchoscopic Biopsy Tissue Samples for Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Murakami Shuji , Yokose Tomoyuki , Nemoto Daiji , Suzuki Masaki , Usui Ryou , Nakahara Yoshiro , Kondo Tetsuro , Kato Terufumi , Saito Haruhiro
Published: January 2021

A sufficient amount of tissue sample is required to perform next-generation sequencing (NGS) with a high success rate, but the majority of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are diagnosed with small biopsy specimens. Biopsy samples were collected from 184 patients with bronchoscopically diagnosed NSCLC. The tissue surface area, tumor cell count, and tumor content rate of each biopsy sample were evaluated. The impact of the cut-off criteria for the tissue surface area (≥ 1 mm2) and tumor content rate (≥ 30%) on the success rate of Oncomine Dx Target Test (ODxTT) was evaluated. The mean tissue surface area of the transbronchial biopsies was 1.23 ± 0.85 mm2 when small endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS) was used, 2.16 ± 1.49 mm2 with large EBUS-GS, and 1.81 ± 0.75 mm2 with endobronchial biopsy (EBB). The proportion of samples with a tissue surface area of ≥ 1 mm2 was 48.8% for small EBUS-GS, 79.2% for large EBUS-GS, and 78.6% for EBB. Sixty-nine patients underwent ODxTT. The success rate of DNA sequencing was 84.1% and that of RNA sequencing was 92.7% over all patients. The success rate of DNA (RNA) sequencing was 57.1% (71.4%) for small EBUS-GS (n = 14), 93.4% (96.9%) for large EBUS-GS (n = 32), 62.5% (100%) for EBB (n = 8), and 100% (100%) for endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) (n = 15). Regardless of the device used, a tissue surface area of ≥ 1 mm2 is adequate for samples to be tested with NGS.
Variation of Patulin Levels in Citrus Fruits from Central Cities of Punjab and Northern Cities of Pakistan, and Estimation of Dietary Intake
Authors: Iqbal Shahzad
Published: January 2021

The research aims to discover the natural occurrence of patulin (PAT) in selected citrus fruits from the central cities of Punjab and Pakistan's Northern cities. Total 2970 samples of twelve citrus fruits; kinnow, orange, grapefruits, bitter orange, mausami, red blood, pineapple, sweet orange, rough lime, sweet lime, kagzi lime and lemon were examined using liquid chromatography fitted with UV detector. The limit of detection (LOD) and quantification limit was 0.04 and 0.12 µg/kg, respectively. The results have shown that 56% of samples of citrus fruits from Punjab's central cities, Pakistan, were discovered to be infected from PAT. The elevated amounts of PAT ranging from 0.04 to 1150 µg/kg were found in citrus fruit samples from Multan cities. Furthermore, 31.7% of samples of citrus fruits from Northern cities of Pakistan were discovered to be infected with PAT, and the elevated amounts were found ranging from 0.04-320 µg/kg from Swat city. About 22.1% of samples of citrus fruits have levels of PAT greater than the suggested limits established by the European Union (EU). PAT's dietary intake levels ranged from 0.10-1.11 µg/kg bw/day from the central cities of Punjab, Pakistan, and 0.13-1.93 µg/kg bw/day were documented from Northern cities of Pakistan
Gambaran Kesepian pada Remaja Pelaku Self Harm
Authors: Lubis Irma Rosalinda , Yudhaningrum Lupi
Published: January 2021

Kesepian adalah situasi yang tidak menyenangkan yang dialami seseorang karena memiliki hubungan emosional dan sosial yang kurang dengan orang lain. Semua orang dapat merasakan kesepian, tidak memandang usia, jenis kelamin, ataupun status sosial ekonomi. Masyarakat memiliki pemikiran bahwa orang dengan usia yang tua atau lanjut lebih sering mengalami kesepian. Akan tetapi ternyata, orang dengan usia remaja lebih sering mengalami kesepian dibandingkan orang dengan usia yang tua atau lanjut.

 

Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk melihat gambaran kesepian pada remaja yang merupakan pelaku self harm. Batasan penelitian ini adalah diantara sekian banyak permasalahan yang dihadapi oleh remaja, peneliti akan membatasi permasalahan pada perilaku self harm dan melihat bagaimana gambaran kesepian pada remaja yang melakukannya.

 

Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan tipe studi kasus. Data yang dianalisis adalah hasil wawancara dan observasi dengan dua orang partisipan berusia remaja. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dari tiga tema kesepian yang kemukakan oleh Weiss yaitu family loneliness, romantic loneliness, dan social loneliness, kedua partisipan remaja yang mengalami self harm memiliki perasaan kesepian pada ketiga tema tersebut, dan tema family loneliness memiliki peran yang paling besar pada diri remaja.

 

Kata Kunci      : Kesepian, Remaja, Self Harm.
Food Insecurity in a Low-Income, Predominantly African American Cohort Following the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dubowitz Tamara , Dastidar Madhumita Ghosh , Troxel Wendy M. , Beckman Robin , Nugroho Alvin , Siddiqi Sameer , Cantor Jonathan , Baird Matthew , Richardson Andrea S. , Hunter Gerald P. , Mendoza-Graf Alexandra , Collins Rebecca L.
Published: January 2021

Objectives. To examine the impact of COVID-19 shutdowns on food insecurity among a predominantly African American cohort residing in low-income racially isolated neighborhoods.

Methods. Residents of 2 low-income African American food desert neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, were surveyed from March 23 to May 22, 2020, drawing on a longitudinal cohort (n = 605) previously followed from 2011 to 2018. We examined longitudinal trends in food insecurity from 2011 to 2020 and compared them with national trends. We also assessed use of food assistance in our sample in 2018 versus 2020.

Results. From 2018 to 2020, food insecurity increased from 20.7% to 36.9% (t = 7.63; P < .001) after steady declines since 2011. As a result of COVID-19, the United States has experienced a 60% increase in food insecurity, whereas this sample showed a nearly 80% increase, widening a preexisting disparity. Participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (52.2%) and food bank use (35.9%) did not change significantly during the early weeks of the pandemic.

Conclusions. Longitudinal data highlight profound inequities that have been exacerbated by COVID-19. Existing policies appear inadequate to address the widening gap.
Reproductive biology and diet composition of Rhynchobatus laevis (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) (Rhinopristiformes:Rhinidae) from the northern Indian Ocean
Authors: Purushottama G. B. , Raje S. G. , - Thakurdas , Akhilesh K. V. , Kizhakudan Shoba Joe , Zacharia P. U.
Published: January 2021

Large sized batoids particularly wedgefishes are highly vulnerable to fishing and yet very few studies have been published on their biology. The reproductive biology and feeding habit of the Rhynchobatus laevis (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) collected off the north-west coast of India, Arabian Sea, northern Indian Ocean is presented. A total of 328 individuals, in the size range from 44.0 to 290 cm total length (TL), 300 to 94000 g total weight (TW) were used for the study. The length-weight relationships were significantly different between the sexes (p<0.001). Co-efficients ‘a’ and ‘b’ of the length-weight relationship were estimated as 0.009412 and 2.830218 (r2 =0.979) for females and 0.004032 and 3.031303 (r2 =0.974) for males, respectively. The length-at-maturity (Lm) for females and males was estimated to be 190.0 and 140.0 cm TL, respectively. Number of embryos ranged from 4 to 10 and the size at birth was estimated to range between 44.0 and 50.0 cm TL. Overall sex ratio favoured females (Female:Male = 1.73:1). There was no significant correlation between maternal TL and no. of embryos produced. Dietary analysis of stomach contents (%IRI) revealed that R. laevis fed primarily on teleosts (83.4%) and crustaceans (15.1%). This study provides the detailed biological observation on size, sex composition, lengthat-maturity (Lm), length-weight relationship and diet of R. laevis from northern Indian Ocean which can be used as essential inputs to formulate effective management plans and conservation strategies for this species in the region.
Blue carbon stock of the seagrass meadows of Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay off Coromandel Coast, south India
Authors: Kaladharan P. , Zacharia P.U. , Thirumalaiselvan S. , Anasukoya A. , Ratheesh Lavanya , Sikkander Batcha S. M.
Published: January 2021

Blue carbon stock of the seagrass meadows of Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay, off Coromandel Coast, south India, were computed from the organic carbon content and dry bulk densities of sediment core taken from the seagrass meadows of these two ecosystems. The Gulf of Mannar (GoM) and Palk Bay (PB) harbour 13 seagrass species dominated by Cymodocea serrulata and Syringodium isoetifolium. The soil carbon density of both GoM and PB were higher in subsurface cores. The blue carbon stock of seagrass meadows of the GoM was estimated as 0.001782 Tg and that of PB as 0.043996 Tg. The estimated value of blue carbon stored in seagrass meadows of GoM was 17820 US$ and that of PB was 43,99,682 US$. The results of this study are discussed in the light of climate change mitigation, emphasising the need to conserve these underwater meadows.
Condensing Solvent Processes: In Search of the Production Function
Authors: van Dorp J. J.
Published: January 2021

The heavy-oil- and bitumen-recovery process by injection of a pure condensing solvent in a solvent vapor chamber provides an alternative to steam-based recovery techniques such as steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). Because of the lower operating temperature between 40 and 80°C, the process uses a much lower energy budget than a steam process and thus results in significantly reduced greenhouse-gas emissions. This paper describes the route to a successful production function with the physical processes at play and using analytical tools. Physical relationships are derived for the solvent/bitumen (S/B) ratio, the bitumen drainage from the roof of the solvent vapor chamber, and for bitumen extraction from both sides of the solvent chamber by the draining condensed solvent. The fast diffusion of bitumen into this narrow liquid solvent zone is likely subtly enhanced by transverse dispersion. The speed of bitumen extraction from the roof of the solvent vapor chamber is constrained by the gas/oil capillary pressure. Extraction from the side of the chamber is approximately three times faster by the action of the thin gravity-draining liquid solvent film. Several equations are provided to enable creation of a heat balance for this condensing solvent process.

Laboratory and field observations are matched, including the rates, the heat balance, and the S/B ratio. The model can explain constrained production performance by identifying the rate-limiting steps (e.g., when insufficient solvent condenses). The model predicts high solvent holdup during the rise of the solvent chamber. A method to estimate this solvent liquid saturation is provided. The S/B ratio depends on injector-wellbore heat losses, the (high) liquid saturation in the rising solvent chamber, and the process properties (operating temperature), reservoir properties (heat capacity, porosity, and oil saturation), and solvent properties (density and latent heat). In the existing body of literature, no satisfactory analytical model was available; this new approach helps to constrain production performance and to estimate solvent and heat requirements. The methods in this paper can be used in the future for subsurface project design and performance predictions.
A global analysis of CNVs in Chinese indigenous fine-wool sheep populations using whole-genome resequencing
Authors: Yuan Chao , Lu Zengkui , Guo Tingting , Yue Yaojing , Wang Xijun , Wang Tianxiang , Zhang Yajun , Hou Fujun , Niu Chune , Sun Xiaopin , Zhao Hongchang , Zhu Shaohua , Liu Jianbin , Yang Bohui
Published: January 2021

Background Copy number variation (CNV) is an important source of genetic variation that has a significant influence on phenotypic diversity, economically important traits and the evolution of livestock species. In this study, the genome-wide CNV distribution characteristics of 32 fine-wool sheep from three breeds were analyzed using resequencing.Results A total of 1,747,604 CNVs were detected in this study, and 7,228 CNV regions (CNVR) were obtained after merging overlapping CNVs; these regions accounted for 2.17% of the sheep reference genome. The average length of the CNVRs was 4,307.17 bp. “Deletion” events took place more frequently than “duplication” or “both” events. The CNVRs obtained overlapped with previously reported sheep CNVRs to variable extents (4.39%–55.46%). Functional enrichment analysis showed that the CNVR-harboring genes were mainly involved in sensory perception systems, nutrient metabolism processes, and growth and development processes. Furthermore, 1,855 of the CNVRs were associated with 166 quantitative trait loci (QTL), including milk QTLs, carcass QTLs, and health-related QTLs, among others. In addition, the 32 fine-wool sheep were divided into horned and polled groups to analyze for the selective sweep of CNVRs, and it was found that the relaxin family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2) gene was strongly influenced by selection.Conclusions In summary, we constructed a genomic CNV map for Chinese indigenous fine-wool sheep using resequencing, thereby providing a valuable genetic variation resource for sheep genome research, which will contribute to the study of complex traits in sheep.
Low pH Hypromellose (Taffix™) nasal powder spray reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection rate post mass-gathering event at a highly endemic community: An observational prospective open label user survey
Authors: Shmuel Klang , Barbara Mann , Dalia Megiddo , Tair Lapidot , Yaakov Naparstek
Published: January 2021

Introduction: The city of Bney Brak, Israel, (population 210,000 mostly ultra-orthodox Jews) tops Israel list of COVID-19 infection rate and mortality. In mid-September before the Jewish New Year (an intensive two day gathering for prayers) PCR positivity rates were 17.6% and those climbed to 28.1% two weeks later Taffix - is an innovative nasal powder inhaler that creates a protective gel layer over the nasal mucosa and effectively blocks viruses from infecting the nasal cells. Taffix is approved for use in Europe and Israel. In vitro studies demonstrated that Taffix blocks viruses (including SARS- CoV-2) from infecting human cells (<99% ). It is well established that the nose is the main gateway of SARS- CoV-2 to the body. Taffix™ was developed as an additional virus protective tool beyond the currently recommended preventive measures. Methods: In a prospective users survey, 243 members of a Jewish ultra-orthodox synagogue community in Bney Brak that participated in the two days holidays prayers (7 hours spent daily in the synagogue) were followed up for the following 14 days to measure the effect of Taffix in this potentially “super spread” ( post mass gathering) event . 83 collected and used Taffix throughout Rosh Hashana prayers and for the following two weeks (intention to treat group, ITT) . 81 of them used it regularly as instructed ( per protocol, PP) while two used it rarely if at all. The remaining 160 did not use Taffix . Results: At the end of the two weeks follow up - in the ITT population, 2/83 (2.4%) of the Taffix users and 16/160 (10%) of the Taffix non users were infected. The odds ratio for SARS-CoV-2 infection in Taffix users were 0.22 (0.05-0.99, Mid P exact =0.028), a reduction of 78% (95%CI 1%-95%) in odds of infection. No side effects were reported. Conclusion: We suggest that Taffix can be an additional powerful tool against COVID19 spread. To our knowledge this is the first time that any measure to prevent infection in SARS-CoV-2 virus, beyond the use of masks. was proven effective.
Effects of Uric Acid Lowering Therapy in Patients With Essential Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Gruszka Krystian , Drożdż Tomasz , Wojciechowska Wiktoria , Jankowski Piotr , Terlecki Michał , Bijak Magdalena , Hering Dagmara , Bilo Grzegorz , Rajzer Marek
Published: January 2021

Background Asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AHU) is defined as elevated serum uric acid (UA) concentration without symptoms. This study aimed to determine the effects of AHU treatment with allopurinol on selected hypertension mediated organ damage (HMOD) indices in patients with uncomplicated essential arterial hypertension (AH). MethodsPatients aged 30-70 years with AHU and essential hypertension grade 1-2 with adequate blood pressure (BP) control, without previous urate lowering therapy (ULT) were divided into two groups: a) receiving allopurinol (ULT group) and b) age-and sex matched patients without ULT (control group). Both groups received UA-lowering diet. BP (office, 24 hour and central), echocardiographic parameters, pulse-wave velocity, carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and lab tests (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured at baseline and at 6 months follow-up.ResultsOut of 100 participants 87 completed the study (44 ULT patients and 43 controls). At 6 months follow-up, there was a significantly greater reduction in serum UA concentration in the ULT group than in the control group (464±68.8 µmol/l vs 314±55.6 µmol/l, p<0.0001). Patients receiving allopurinol had significant reductions in office systolic (137±11.8 mmHg vs 134±9.3 mmHg; p=0.025) and diastolic BP (83±9.9 mmHg vs 79±8.7 mmHg, p=0.017), central systolic BP (56±8.9 mmHg vs 51±12.9 mmHg, p=0.046), pulse pressure (43±10.4 mmHg vs 39±11.2 mmHg, p=0.017), IMT (0.773±0.121 mm vs 0.752±0.13 mm, p=0.044), left atrium volume index (40±13.5 ml/m2 vs 38±12.3 ml/m2, p=0.044), and hs-CRP level (3.36±2.73 mg/l vs 2.74±1.91 mg/l, p=0.028) compared to controls. The decrease in UA concentration was significantly related to the reduction in IMT (R=0.37, p<0.001), central SBP (R=0.26, p=0.015) and hs-CRP concentration (R=0.30, p=0.004). Multivariate regression analysis revealed the independent relationship between reduction in IMT and UA lowering (R=0.3234, R2=0.0722, p<0.026).ConclusionsIn patients with AH and asymptomatic hyperuricemia treatment with allopurinol leads to further improvement in BP control and reduction in HMOD intensity, in particular IMT. The decrease in hs-CRP concentration associated with ULT may have a beneficial effect on patient long-term prognosis.
Inter-chromosomal K-mer Distances
Authors: Kafri Alon , Chor Benny , Horn David
Published: January 2021

BackgroundInversion Symmetry is a generalization of the second Chargaff rule, stating that the count of a string of k nucleotides on a single chromosomal strand equals the count of its inverse (reverse-complement) k-mer. It holds for many species, both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, for ranges of k which may vary from 7 to 10 as chromosomal lengths vary from 2Mbp to 200 Mbp. Building on this formalism we introduce the concept of k-mer distances between chromosomes. We formulate two distance measures, D1 and D2, where the first takes into account k-mers appearing on single strands of the two chromosomes, whereas the second takes into account both strands.ResultsWe first define the various distance measures and summarize their properties. We also define distances that rely on existence of synteny blocks between chromosomes of different strains. Studying E Coli and Salmonella strains, we evaluate the different distance measures, and find correlations between synteny distances and k-mer distances, thus establishing the usefulness of the latter as measures of evolutional proximity of chromosomes. Applying our measures to human genomes, we find that chromosomes 5 and 6 are the closest ones on the k-mer distance evolutional scale.ConclusionsThe novel distances carry information about evolutional proximity and provide useful tools for future studies. The finding of proximity between human chromosomes 5 and 6 is an examples of a novel insight provided by these tools.
GINS1/2/3/4 Upregulation Predicts Poor Prognosis in Human Sarcoma
Authors: Wu Gen , Chen Ziyuan , Wu Tong , Zhou Jian , Tian Qunyan , Wu Ren , Dou Pengcheng , Jie Shuo , Wang Wanchun
Published: January 2021

Background: GINS family was reported to be highly expressed in many tumors. However, the association of GINS family with human sarcoma remained unknown. This study was undertaken to explore the expression and prognostic value of GINS family in human sarcoma.Methods: In terms of the expression levels of mRNA for GINS family members, a particular contrast in various cancers, especially human sarcoma, was conducted through ONCOMINE and GEPIA and CCLE databases. Kaplan-Meier Plotter was used to identify the prognostic value of GINS family in sarcoma.Results: We discovered that the mRNA expression levels of GINS1, GINS2, GINS3, and GINS4 were all higher in the majority of tumor tissues than in normal samples, of course, including sarcoma. Through the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), all the four members (GINS1, GINS2, GINS3, GINS4) expression were observed in high levels in sarcoma cell lines. In Gene Expression Profiling Analysis (GEPIA) and Kaplan-Meier Plotter, our results indicated that the poor overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and relapse free survival (RFS) were tightly associated with the increased expression of GINS genes. Conclusion: The four GINS family members are all the prognostic biomarkers for the prognosis of human sarcoma.
Quality of Maternal and Newborn Health Care in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Biadgo Abera , Legesse Aynalem , Seifu Abiy , Singh Kavita , Mulissa Zewdie , Magge Hema , Kiflie Abiyou , Bitewulign Befikadu , Abate Mehiret , Alemu Haregeweyni
Published: January 2021

Background: Despite reports of universal access to and modest utilization of maternal and newborn health services in Ethiopia, mothers and newborns continue to die from preventable causes. Studies indicate this could be due to poor quality of care provided in health systems. Evidences show that high quality health care prevents more than half of all maternal deaths. In Ethiopia, there is limited knowledge surrounding the status of the quality of maternal and newborn health care in health facilities. This study aims to assess the quality of maternal and neonatal health care provision at the health facility level in four regions in Ethiopia.Methodology: This study employed a facility-based cross-sectional study design. It included 32 health facilities which were part of the facilities for prototyping maternal and neonatal health quality improvement interventions. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, key informant interviews and record reviews. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA for analysis. Descriptive analysis results are presented in texts, tables and graphs. Quality of maternal and neonatal health care was measured by input, process and outputs components. The components were developed by computing scores using standards used to measure the three components of the quality of maternal and neonatal health care.Result: The study was done in a total of 32 health facilities: 5 hospitals and 27 health centers in four regions. The study revealed that the average value of the quality of the maternal and neonatal health care input component among health facilities was 62%, while the quality of the process component was 43%. The quality of the maternal and neonatal health output component was 48%. According to the standard cut-off point for MNH quality of care, only 5 (15.6%), 3 (9.3%) and 3 (10.7%) of health facilities met the expected input, process and output maternal and neonatal health care quality standards, respectively.Conclusion: This study revealed that the majority of health facilities did not meet the national MNH quality of care standards. Focus should be directed towards improving the input, process and output standards of the maternal and neonatal health care quality, with the strongest focus on process improvement.
Prognostic Effect of lncRNA SNHG7 On Cancer Outcome: A Meta and Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: zhang yunyuan , Tian Qingwu , Huang Shifeng , Wang Qing , Wu Hongmei , Dong Qian , chen xian
Published: January 2021

Background: New evidence from clinical and fundamental researches suggests that SNHG7 is involved in the occurrence and development of carcinomas. And the increase levels of SNHG7 are associated with poor prognosis in various kinds of tumors. However, the small sample size was the limitation for the prognostic value of SNHG7 in clinical application. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to conduct a qualitative analysis to explore the prognostic value of SNHG7 in various cancers. Methods: Articles related to the SNHG7 as a prognostic biomarker for cancer patients, were comprehensive searched in several electronic databases. The enrolled articles were qualified via the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology checklists. Additionally, an online database based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was further used to validate our results.Results: We analyzed 2418 cancer patients that met the specified criteria. The present research indicated that an elevated SNHG7 expression level was significantly associated with unfavorable overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.45, 95% CI: 2.12–2.85, p <0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that high expression levels of SNHG7 were also significantly associated with unfavorable OS in digestive system cancer (HR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.90–2.80, p <0.001) and non-digestive system cancer (HR = 2.67, 95% CI: 2.12–3.37, p <0.001). Additionally, increased SNHG7 expression was found to be associated with tumor stage and progression (III/IV vs. I/II: HR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.57–1.98, p <0.001). Furthermore, elevated SNHG7 expression significantly predicted lymph node metastasis (LNM) (HR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.74–2.26, p <0.001) and distant metastasis (DM) (HR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.88–3.30, p <0.001) respectively. No significant heterogeneity was observed among these studies. SNHG7 was significantly upregulated in four cancers and the elevated expression of SNHG7 predicted shorter OS in four malignancies and worse DFS in five malignancies based on the validation using the GEPIA cohort.Conclusions: The present analysis suggests that elevated SNHG7 is significantly associated with unfavorable OS, tumor progression, LNM and DM in various carcinomas, and may be used as a promising biomarker to guide therapy for cancer patients.
Identification and Evolution Analysis of the JAZ Gene Family in Maize
Authors: Han Yang , Luthe Dawn
Published: January 2021

Background: Jasmonates (JAs) are important for plants to coordinate growth, reproduction, and defense responses. In JA signaling, jasmonate ZIM-domain (JAZ) proteins serve as master regulators at the initial stage of herbivores attacks. Although discovered in many plant species, little in-depth characterization of JAZ gene expression has been reported in the agronomically important crop, maize (Zea mays L.). Results: In this study 16 JAZ genes from the maize genome were identified and classified. Phylogenetic analyses were performed from maize, rice, sorghum, Brachypodium, and Arabidopsis using deduced protein sequences, total six clades were proposed and conservation was observed in each group, such as similar gene exon/intron structures. Synteny analysis across four monocots indicated these JAZ gene families had a common ancestor, and duplication events in maize genome may drive the expansion of JAZ gene family, including genome-wide duplication (GWD), transposon, and/or tandem duplication. Strong purifying selection acted on all JAZ genes except those in group 4, which were under neutral selection. Further, we cloned three paralogous JAZ gene pairs from two maize inbreds differing in JA levels and insect resistance, and gene polymorphisms were observed between two inbreds.Conclusions: Here we analyzed the composition and evolution of JAZ genes in maize with three other monocot plants. Extensive phylogenetic and synteny analysis revealed the expansion and selection fate of maize JAZ. This is the first study comparing the difference between two inbreds, and we propose genotype-specific JAZ gene expression might be present in maize plants. Since genetic redundancy in JAZ gene family hampers our understanding of their role in response to specific elicitors, we hope this research could be pertinent to elucidating the defensive responses in plants.