bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key technologies of ecological restoration and analysis of slope stability of spontaneous combustion of slag dumps in gullies
Authors: Zhao Guozhen , LYU Yiqing , Wang Shuai , Liu Chao
Published: January 2021

There are potential safety hazards such as spontaneous combustion, high temperature explosion, rainfall-induced landslide, and others within slag dumps in gullies, which seriously endanger the lives and property of surrounding residents. In this paper, the slag dump on the north side of Yumen River in Ximing Mine was taken as the project background. Aimed at the existing problems of environmental pollution and slope stability of the spontaneous combustion of slag dumps in gullies, the key technology of fire extinguishing by shallow jet deep hole grouting and the technology of foreign soil spray seeding with multiple soil fixation measures were put forward. The safety factor of gangue hill slopes under natural conditions, earthquakes and rainstorms was calculated by Lizheng Slope Stability Analysis Software, and the displacement field and the stress field of dangerous sections were analyzed by MIDAS GTS NX, a finite element simulation software. The calculation and analysis results show that the slope of the slag dump is in a stable state under natural conditions. Under the working conditions during earthquakes and rainstorms, the safety factor of the slope of the slag dump is decreased obviously, but the slope is still in a basically stable state. After 2 years' follow-up monitoring, the ecological restoration effect of the slag dump is good and the slope is stable.
Analysis of the Shape of the T-wave in Congenital Long-QT Syndrome Type 3 by Geometric Morphometrics
Authors: Horigome Hitoshi , Ishikawa Yasuhiro , Takahashi Hirokazu , Yoshinaga Masao , Sumitomo Naokata
Published: January 2021

The characteristic shape of the T-wave in congenital long -QT syndrome type 3 (LQTS3) is considered a late-onset T-wave. We analyzed the difference in the shapes of T-waves between LQTS3 cases and normal subjects using generalized Procrustes analysis (GPA). The J and Q points of V5 in the ECGs of LQTS3 cases are shifted to the upper left compared to those of normal subjects. SdFmax is the point on the ECG where the second derivative is first maximized. The curvature of the T-wave takes the first maximum value at SdFmax where the T-wave has the smallest radius of curvature.The SdFmax in LQTS3 cases is shifted to the lower right compared to normal subjects. The interval from J to SdFmax of LQTS3 cases is expanded compared with that of normal subjects. As a result of principal component analysis (PCA) of the Procrustes mean shape of the T-wave landmarks, the second principal component (PC2) shows the shift in SdFmax to the lower right. These results can quantitatively explain why the T-wave of LQTS3 cases looks like a late-onset T-wave. Fitted to a multivariate logistic regression model, LQTS3 cases and normal subjects can be distinguished by the second independent component (IC2).
Down-expression of TaPIN1s Increases the Tiller Number and Grain Yield in Wheat
Authors: Yao Fu Quan , Li Xiao Hui , Wang He , Song Yu Ning , Li Zhong Qing , Li Xing Guo , Gao Xin-Qi , Zhang Xian Sheng , Bie Xiao Min
Published: January 2021

Background: Tiller number is a factor determining panicle number and grain yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Auxin plays an important role in the regulation of branch production. PIN-FORMED 1 (PIN1), an auxin efflux carrier, plays a role in the regulation of tiller number in rice (Oryza sativa); however, little is known on the roles of PIN1 in wheat. Results: Nine homologs of TaPIN1 genes were identified in wheat, of which TaPIN1-6 genes showed higher expression in the stem apex and young leaf in wheat, and the TaPIN1-6a protein was localized in the plasma membrane. The down-expression of TaPIN1s increased the tiller number in TaPIN1-RNA interference (TaPIN1-RNAi) transgenic wheat plants, indicating that auxin might mediate the axillary bud production. By contrast, the spikelet number, grain number per panicle, and the 1000-grain weight were decreased in the TaPIN1-RNAi transgenic wheat plants compared with those in the wild type. Conclusions: Phylogenetic analysis and expression patterns of nine TaPIN1 genes, and their protein structures and subcellular localization of TaPIN1-6a protein were analyzed. Down-regulated expression of TaPIN1 genes increased the tiller numbers of transgenic wheat lines. Our study suggests that TaPIN1s is required for the regulation of grain yield in wheat.
Serum S100 calcium-binding protein A4 as a novel predictive marker of acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia after surgery for lung cancer
Authors: Kagimoto Atsushi , Tsutani Yasuhiro , Kushitani Kei , Kambara Takahiro , Mimae Takahiro , Miyata Yoshihiro , Takeshima Yukio , Okada Morihito
Published: January 2021

Background

Acute exacerbation (AE) of interstitial pneumonia (IP) is the most fatal complication after lung resection for lung cancer. To improve the prognosis of lung cancer with IP, the risk factors of AE of IP after lung resection should be assessed. We examined the usefulness of S100 calcium-binding protein A4 (S100A4) in predicting AE of IP after lung resection for lung cancer.
Methods

This study included 162 patients with IP findings on preoperative high-resolution computed tomography scan who underwent curative-intent lung resection for primary lung cancer between April 2007 and March 2019. Serum samples were collected preoperatively. Resected lung tissue from 76 patients exhibited usual IP (UIP) pattern in resected lung were performed immunohistochemistry (IHC). Relationship between S100A4 and the incidence of AE of IP and short-term mortality was analyzed.
Results

The receiver operating characteristic area under the curve for serum S100A4 to predict postoperative AE of IP was 0.871 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.799–0.943; P < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 93.8% and a specificity of 75.3% at the cutoff value of 17.13 ng/mL. Multivariable analysis revealed that a high serum S100A4 level (> 17.13 ng/mL) was a significant risk factor for AE of IP (odds ratio, 30.85; 95% CI, 3.77–252.21; P = 0.001). A 1-year overall survival (OS) was significantly shorter in patients with high serum levels of S100A4 (75.3%) than in those with low serum levels (92.3%; P = 0.003). IHC staining revealed that fibroblasts, lymphocytes, and macrophages expressed S100A4 in the UIP area, and the stroma and fibrosis in the primary tumor expressed S100A4, whereas tumor cells did not.
Conclusions

Serum S100A4 had a high predictive value for postoperative AE of IP and short-term mortality after lung resection.
Association between Liver Enzymes and Dyslipidemia in Yemeni Patients with Type Two Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Dahman Lotfi S. Bin , Humam Mariam A. , Barahim Omer H. , Barahman Omer M. , Balfas Mohamed A.
Published: January 2021

Type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and is associated with dyslipidemia and liver function disorders. This study was conducted to assess the association between liver enzymes and elevated lipid profile in a sample of Yemeni patients with T2DM. A case-control study comprising 142 T2D patients and 142 healthy control subjects was carried out at the outpatient clinics of Ibn-Sina hospital, Mukalla, during the period from January to May 2020. Serum fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were analyzed using the Cobas Integra Plus 400 autoanalyzer. Also, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken from each participant. Independent sample T-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were used. T2D patients had significantly higher FBG (P= <0.0001), total cholesterol (P= <0.0001), LDL-C (P= <0.0001), and GGT (P= <0.0001) while, HDL-C was significantly lower in T2D patients (P= 0.021). In correlation analysis, serum GGT was positively associated with FBG (r= 0.216; P= <0.0001), total cholesterol (r= 0.196; P= 0.0001), triglyceride (r= 0.123; P= 0.038), and LDL-C (r= 0.209; P= <0.0001). Also, serum ALT was positively associated with FBG (r= 0.145, P= 0.014) and triglyceride (r= 0.172, P= 0.004). In conclusion, higher levels of ALT and GGT could be used as the predictive markers for NAFLD in T2D patients with hyperlipidemia. Thus, routine screening of liver enzymes and lipid profile in T2D patients is recommended for the early detection of liver abnormalities and diminish diabetes complications.
Whole-organism Transcriptomic Insight Into the Effects of Cytco, A Novel Nematotoxic Protein on the Pine Wood Nematode Bursaphelenchus Xylophilus 
Authors: Chen Ye , Zhou Xiang , Guo Kai , Chen Sha-Ni , Su Xiu
Published: January 2021

Background: The pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is a worldwide destructive pest on Pinus trees and lacks effective control measures. Screening nematotoxic protein toxins has been conducted to develop new strategies for nematode control. Results: The present study provided initial insights into the responses of B. xylophilus exposed to a nematocidal cytolytic-like protein (CytCo) based on the transcriptome profiling. A large set of differentially expressed genes (1266 DEGs) were found related to nematode development, reproduction, metabolism, motion, and immune system. In response to the toxic protein, B. xylophilus upregulated DEGs encoding cuticle collagens, transporters, and cytochrome P450. In addition, many DEGs related to cell death, lipid metabolism, major sperm proteins, proteinases/peptidases, phosphatases, kinases, virulence factors, and transthyretin-like proteins were downregulated. And Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that CytCo treatment significantly affecting DEGs functioning in muscle contraction, lipid localization, MAPK cascade. The pathway richness of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes showed that the DEGs were concentrated in lysosome and fatty acid degradation. The weight co-expression network analysis indicated that the hub genes affected by CytCo were associated with the nematode cuticular collagen. Conclusions: These results showed that the CytCo protein toxin could interference gene expression to produce multiple nematotoxic effects, providing initial insight into its control potential of pine wood nematode.
Prosocial Cartoons Exposure and Aggressive Behavior in Aggressive Boys: The Potential Mediating Role of Empathy
Authors: Zhang Qian , Cao Yi
Published: January 2021

Given that evidence for positive effects of cartoons has been relatively sparse, this article reports an experimental study concerning the effects of prosocial cartoons on aggressive behavior among aggressive boys (n = 160; Mage = 8.00, SD = 2.01), a population that has received relatively little attention in research literature. Boys were nominated by teachers as aggressive from three Chinese kindergartens and three primary schools. Cartoons were assessed as prosocial or nonprosocial via 100 experts, then half of them were randomly assigned to watch either prosocial cartoons or matched nonprosocial cartoons (a randomized controlled experiment). Boys in each condition watched the assigned one cartoon for 15 minutes per day and five different cartoons per week. Basic Empathy Scale (BES) and Competitive Reaction Time Task (CRTT) were employed to measure levels of empathy and aggressive behavior. Results showed that aggressive boys who watched prosocial cartoons reported higher levels of empathy but less aggressive behavior than those who watched nonprosocial cartoons. Specifically, ten-year-old boys reported higher levels of empathy and less aggressive behavior than six-year-old boys in the prosocial cartoon condition. The relationship between prosocial cartoons viewed and aggressive behavior was mediated by increased empathy (especially 10-year-old aggressive boys). The aggression reducing effect of prosocial cartoons indicated that training aggressive boys to be empathetic could decrease their aggression levels in educational practice.
Associations Between COVID-19 Isolation, PCR Test Status, and Reported Symptoms and PHQ-2 Scores
Authors: Seijo Chariz , Xu Yuqi , Nakamura Guy , Wihaib Rasheed , Muennig Peter
Published: January 2021

Objective: Increases in the incidence of mental illness is a concern during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fear of becoming ill may compound the stress of loneliness in isolation. Using a unique COVID-19 symptom reporting dataset, we examine whether quarantine status, test status, and reported symptoms are predictive of clinical depression, as measured by Patient Health Questionnaire-2 scores.Results: We find that those who test positive for COVID-19 are at six-fold risk of clinical depression, and may require clinical intervention.
Investigation of the Antimicrobial Activity and Hematological Pattern of Nano-Chitosan and its Developed Nano-Copper Composite
Authors: Ahmed Somia , Mohamed Hadeer , Al-Subaie Abeer , Al-Ohali Ahoud , Mahmoud Nesrine
Published: January 2021

Novel synthesized Chitosan-Copper oxide nanocomposite (Cs-CuO) was prepared using pomegranate peels extract as green precipitating agents to improve the biological activity of Cs-NP's which was synthesized through ionic gelation method. The characterization of biogenic nanoparticles Cs-NP's and Cs-CuO-NP's were investigated structurally, morphologically to determine the full descriptive features of those nanoparticles. Antimicrobial activity was tested for both Cs-NP's and Cs-CuO-NP's via Minimum inhibition concentration and zone analysis against fungus, gram positive and gram negative. The results of the antimicrobial test showed high sensitivity of Cs-CuO-NP's to all microorganisms that are tested in concentration less than 20 mg/ml while the sensitivity of Cs-NP's against all microorganisms under test started from a concentration of 20 mg/ml to 40 mg/ml except for the C.albicans species. Hematological activity was also tested in via measuring the RBCs, platelets count and clotting time against healthy, diabetic and hypercholesterolic blood samples. Measurement showed a decrease in RBCs and platelets count by adding Cs-NP’s or Cs-CuO-NP's to the three blood samples. Cs-NP’s success to decrease the clotting time for healthy and diabetic blood acting as a procoagulant agent, while adding biogenic CuO-NP’s to Cs-NP’s increased clotting time considering as an anticoagulant agent for hyperchloesterolic blood samples.
Re-Recognition of Garden Index as a Criterion for Evaluating the Quality of Femoral Neck Fracture Reduction: An Imaging Study Based on Cadaver Specimens
Authors: Cai Leyi , Li Wenjie , Zheng Wenhao , Wang Jianshun , Guo Xiaoshan , feng yongzeng
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate whether the Garden index can determine the rotational displacement of femoral neck fracture. MethodsTen healthy human femoral specimens were obtained. A 2.0 mm diameter Kirschner-wire was placed in the center of the femoral head. The osteotomy was perpendicular in the middle of the femoral neck. The distal osteotomy surface was indicated the angle of rotation (pronation and supination to 90°, every 10° was an interval). The X-ray of anterior-posterior and lateral view was taken at different angles according to the mark. The Garden index and other relevant data were analyzed with the PCAS system. Meanwhile, the change of the area of the femoral head fovea at different rotation angles was observed. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the Garden index in 0~30° at pronation and supination position (P>0.05). In range of 40°~90°, there was a statistical difference in the Garden index (P<0.05). With the increase of the pronation angle, the area of the femoral head fovea is gradually reduced; as the angle of the supination increases, the area of the femoral head fovea is gradually increased. ConclusionThe Garden Index cannot accurately determine the rotational displacement of the femoral neck fracture during the pronation or supination range of 0~30°. Changes in the area of the femoral head fovea can help determine the rotational displacement of the femoral neck fracture.Level of Evidence﻿Level V.
NTRK, RET, ROS1, and ALK Gene Fusion in HER2 Immunohistochemistry 2+ Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Shafei , Shi Xiaohua , Li Kaimi , Jiang Ying , Liu Yuanyuan , Zeng Xuan , Liang Zhiyong
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveHER2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) 2+ breast cancer patients need to determine the final HER2 status by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for selection of suitable treatment options. Although the HER2-positive cases can benefit from the anti-HER2 targeted therapy, it only made a small proportion of this group, so finding more targeted therapy methods is necessary. NTRK, RET, ROS1 and RET gene fusions have been fully investigated in non-small cell lung carcinoma and are subject to targeted therapy in clinical practice and trials. However, there are only few reports investigating these four fusion genes in breast cancer. Our study is designed to evaluate the four fusion genes in HER2 IHC 2+ breast cancer patients to find an alternative treatment option. MethodsOne hundred and seventy-seven tissue samples were included. IHC was employed to assess ALK and NTRK protein levels. FISH probes specific for HER2, ALK, NTRK1, NTRK2, NTRK3, ROS1 and RET were used. ResultsThe HER2-positivity rate of all HER2 IHC 2+ cases were 5.7%. The total fusion rate of the four oncogenes was 3.95% in HER2 IHC 2+ breast cancer patients. The fusion-positive patients were prone to be ER/PR/HER2 IHC triple negative (P=0.01) and were associated with poorly differentiated tumor (P=0.005). The NTRK, RET, ROS1, and ALK fusion rate was 0.56%, 1.13%, 1.13%, 1.13%, respectively. ConclusionsNRTK, RET, ROS1, and ALK fusion rearrangements were detected in triple-negative breast carcinoma patients which can provide patients with alternate treatment opportunities in clinical practice.
Prediction of the Prognosis of Somatoform Disorders Using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)
Authors: Sato Akiko , Itagaki Syuntaro , Matsumoto Takatomo , Ise Yoko , Yokokura Syunya , Wada Tomohiro , Hayashi Kaoru , Kakamu Takeyasu , Fukushima Tetsuhito , Nikaido Takuya , Konno Shinichi , Yabe Hirooki
Published: January 2021

Background: To elucidate the possibility of using the Minnesota Multifaceted Personality Inventory (MMPI) to predict the prognosis of somatoform disorders, which are often treatment-resistant, we investigated the prognosis of somatoform disorders predicted using the MMPI. Methods: During the period from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2017, 125 cases of somatoform disorder were diagnosed in the psychiatric department of Fukushima Medical University Hospital, among which, 67 were consultation-liaison psychiatry cases and 58 cases were only psychiatric cases. Clinical information, MMPI scores, and prognosis information were collected from medical records in each case, and then statistical analysis was performed.Results: The results showed that the unchanged group had significantly higher scores than the improved group on only the Hy scale. Receiver operating characteristic analysis of the Hy scale scores of the improved and unchanged group was then conducted to calculated a cutoff value. The cutoff point was 73.5 with a sensitivity of 0.557 and a specificity of 0.717. Conclusion: For patients diagnosed with somatoform disorder who had an MMPI Hy scale score higher than the cutoff value, improvement with conventional supportive psychotherapy or drug therapy was predicted to be difficult. Therefore, the cutoff point identified in this study appears to be an important index for selecting treatment for somatoform disorders.
Agricultural Convergence Clubs in Africa Countries: A Note
Authors: Ogundari Kolawole
Published: January 2021

The study investigates productivity club convergence to assess whether countries follow different African agriculture convergence trajectories. We employ cross country panel covering 1961-2012 across 48 countries with total factor productivity (TFP) as an indicator of agricultural productivity in the study. Empirical results show evidence of population divergence in agricultural TFP. Further analysis shows evidence of club convergence as countries follow different convergence trajectories. Specifically, the result identifies three different transition groups in the region's agricultural productivity convergence. Countries in the first and two groups show a convergence path, while countries in the third group exhibit a divergence path. A total of 16 and 28 countries in the sample converge into the first and second clubs. The implication of this is that efforts to intensify agricultural productivity might require club-specific attention. For instance, new agricultural technology diffusion might focus on countries within a specific club or group.
The Effect of Financial Development on Productivity, Corporate Tax, Foreign Reserve & Export Vector Autoregressive (Var) Model Approach Case Study on Ireland
Authors: Ararso Abraham Zewdu
Published: January 2021

The development financial sector plays indispensable role in accelerating economic growth and improving countries welfare system. Robust financial sector can keep the momentum of economic growth with providing substantial financial support and preserving macroeconomic balance. Given the importance of this sector, this research tried to evaluate the role of Irish financial development on productivity, corporate tax, foreign reserve and export. The research comprises a time period between 1980 until 2016 and used Vector autoregressive (VAR) model. Financial development consists of advancement both in financial institutions as well as in financial markets structure of Ireland. The estimation consists of granger causality test, impulse response estimation and variance decomposition along with VAR estimation result. VAR estimation revealed that financial development caused significant positive effect on Ireland export performance in the short run. Conversely, financial development doesn’t have significant effect on Ireland productivity level, foreign reserve, and corporate tax in the short run. The Granger causality test for the study variables indicates that corporate tax rate in Ireland can cause financial development in the short run, while the remaining variables can’t cause effect on financial development in the short run. The granger causality Wald tests also demonstrates that Irish financial development and productivity can unilaterally cause change in the level of Ireland export performance in the short run. The variance decomposition estimation revealed that financial development is strongly exogenous both in the short run and long run. This indicates that financial development is weak in predicting the fluctuation of productivity, foreign reserve, and corporate tax. Nevertheless, financial development is endogenous both in the short and long run in predicting the fluctuation of Ireland export.
The Link Between Plant-based Diet Indices With Biochemical Markers of Bone Turn Over, Inflammation and Insulin in Iranian Older Adults
Authors: Shahinfar Hossein , Amini Mohammad Reza , Payandeh Nastaran , Naghshi Sina , Sheikhhossein Fatemeh , Shab-Bidar Sakineh
Published: January 2021

Background: The association of plant base diets and biomarkers of bone, insulin, and inflammation is still unclear. Objectives: We investigated the associations between biomarkers of bone, insulin, and inflammation and three plant-based diet indices: an overall plant-based diet index (PDI); a healty plant-based diet index (hPDI); and an unhealthy plant-based diet index (uPDI).Methods: We included 178 elderly subjects who referred to health centers in Tehran. Blood and urine samples were collected to measure osteocalcin, The Human C-telopeptide of type Ⅰ collagen (u-CTX-I), highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) Parathyroid hormone (PTH), 25(OH) D and insulin resistance and sensitivity. We created an overall PDI, hPDI and uPDI from semi quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) data. Results: Dietary groups of Vegetables (r=0.15, P=0.03), nuts (r=0.16, P=0.03), dairy (r=0.25, P=0.001), eggs (r=0.27, P<0.001), red meat and animal products (r=0.25, P=0.001) were directly correlated with osteocalcin. Refined grains were also had positive association with serum insulin concentration (r=0.14, P=0.04). PTH levels are inversely associated with PDI score (β=-0.18, P=0.01). Also serum insulin concentration was negatively associated with PDI score (β=-0.10, P=0.04). Urine CTX-1 levels was significantly associated with hPDI score (β=-0.06, P=0.04). u-CTX-1 levels are inversely associated with uPDI score. This significance did not change with the adjustment of the confounders (β=-0.28, P<0.001). Conclusions: more adherence to PDI and hPDI and less in uPDI may have beneficial effect on biomarkers of bone, inflammation, and insulin thus preserving chronic diseases.
Use of Alcohol, Tobacco, Cannabis, and Other Substances During the First Wave of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic in Europe: a Survey on 36,000 European Substance Users
Authors: Manthey Jakob , Kilian Carolin , Carr Sinclair , Bartak Miroslav , Bloomfield Kim , Braddick Fleur , Gual Antoni , Neufeld Maria , O'Donnell Amy , Petruzelka Benjamin , Rogalewicz Vladimir , Rossow Ingeborg Margrete , Schulte Bernd , Rehm Jurgen
Published: January 2021

Background: SARS-CoV-2 reached Europe in early 2020 and disrupted the private and public life of its citizens, with potential implications for substance use. The objective of this study was to describe possible changes in substance use in the first months of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Europe. Methods: Data were obtained from a cross-sectional online survey of 36,538 adult substance users from 21 European countries conducted between April 24 and July 22 of 2020. Self-perceived changes in substance use were measured by asking respondents whether their use had decreased (slightly or substantially), increased (slightly or substantially), or not changed during the past month. The survey covered alcohol (frequency, quantity, and heavy episodic drinking occasions), tobacco, cannabis, and other illicit drug use. Sample weighted data were descriptively analysed and compared across substances. Results: Across all countries, use of all substances remained unchanged for around half of the respondents, while the remainder reported either a decrease or increase in their substance use. For alcohol use, overall, a larger proportion of respondents indicated a decrease than those reporting an increase. In contrast, more respondents reported increases in their tobacco and cannabis use during the previous month compared to those reporting decreased use. No distinct direction of change was reported for other substance use. Conclusions: Our findings suggest changes in use of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis during the initial months of the pandemic in several European countries. This study offers initial insights into changes in substance use. Other data sources, such as sales statistics, should be used to corroborate these preliminary findings.
Mapping Floods Risk and Assessing Flood Vulnerability for Settlement Areas
Authors: Thapa Pawan , Thapa Narayan
Published: January 2021

Background

The impact of flooding rises due to unplanned settlements, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. This study tries to address these issues by mapping flood risk places and assessing their impact on population and household.
Methods

This study used the dataset available in Google Earth Engine (GEE), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Central Bureau Statistics (CBS), Earth Data for preparing slope, drainage density, digital elevation model, rainfall, land use map, and soil map. These maps create using GEE and QGIS through overlay analysis that has two factors. The one is influence and other slopes, and it has provided high and low value according to its role on flooding.
Results

The risk assessment shows around twenty-four percent population is at higher risk, whereas more than three thousand settlements are prone to flooding. It depicts a significant increasing trend of floods in the Morang district.
Conclusion

This settlement risk map can help determine the flood safe and very high-risk areas in the Morang district. It will support residential places' planning by the local government, urban planners, and community people to reduce flooding risk.
Tannic Acid Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced H9C2 Cell Apoptosis by Suppressing ROS-Mediated ER Stress
Authors: Yang Yanping , Zhao Jieqiong , Gao Haibo , Wang Runze , Li Jinjing , Li Xiaoli , Niu Xiaolin , Lei Yonghong , Li Xue
Published: January 2021

Background: Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD), which is one of the features of multiple organ dysfunction in sepsis with extremely high mortality, is characterized by impaired myocardial compliance. To date, there are few effective treatment options to cure sepsis. Tannic acid (TA) is reportedly protective during sepsis. However, the underlying mechanisms by which TA protects against septic heart injury remains elusive. Methods: We investigated the potential effects and underlying mechanisms of TA in alleviating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced H9C2 cardiomyocyte cell apoptosis. H9C2 cells were treated with LPS (15 μg/mL), TA (10 μM) and TA+LPS. Control cells were treated with media only. Apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and Western blotting analysis. Additionally, laser confocal immunofluorescence analysis detected the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Western blot and RT-PCR were employed to detect ER stress-associated functional proteins. Results: The results demonstrated that TA reduced the degree of LPS-induced H9C2 cells injury, including the inhibition of ROS production and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-associated apoptosis. ER stress-associated functional proteins, including ATF6, PERK, IRE1, XBP1s, and CHOP were suppressed in response to TA treatment. Furthermore, the expression levels of ER stress-associated apoptotic proteins, including JNK, Bax, Cyt, Caspase3, Caspase12, and Caspase9 were reduced following treatment with TA. Additionally, the protective effects of TA on LPS-induced H9C2 cells were strengthened following treatment with the ROS inhibitor, N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), which demonstrated that ROS-mediated ER stress-associated apoptosis and TA decreased ROS-mediated ER stress-associated apoptosis. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that the protective effects of TA against LPS-induced H9C2 cells apoptosis may be associated with the amelioration of ROS-mediated ER stress. These findings may assist the development of potential novel therapeutic methods to inhibit the progression of myocardial cell injury. (TA alleviates LPS-induced H9C2 cell apoptosis.)
Identification of the Differentially Expressed Genes and Prognostic Associations in Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Data of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Gao Shuang , Li Fazhan , Zhao Minghai , Wu Wanqing , Fu Yuming , Tang Youcai , Zheng Pengyuan , Mi Yang
Published: January 2021

Background: Due to the lack of effective drugs, gastric cancer(GC) has a high mortality rate among other cancers, with a low 5-year survival rate and an inferior prognosis. Thus, screening of meaningful tumor biomarkers or therapeutic targets could play a vital role in the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and follow-up of GC. Methods: Gene expression profiles and comprehensive clinical information of 407 patients with GC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. GC-related single-cell RNA sequencing data from the GSE118916 dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened from transcriptomic data in GC and normal samples by R language. The DAVID database was also used to analyze the functions and pathways of DEGs. After combining differential genes with patient survival information, target genes were identified. The interaction of DEGs in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was also studied. Results: Our study identified a total of 209 differential genes, which might be positively related to GC. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis indicated numerous enrichment of DEGs in the extracellular matrix organization, extracellular structure organization, and muscle contraction. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in focal adhesion, protein digestion and absorption, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications. Further analysis showed the higher expression of Carboxypeptidase vitellogenic-like gene (CPVL) was related to the better prognosis of GC patients in both TCGA and the GEO database. FAM3 metabolism regulating signaling molecule D (FAM3D) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (OLR1) were significantly associated with GC patients’ prognosis only in the GEO database. Lastly, the PPI network shows the gene expression proteins that interact most closely with CPVL protein.Conclusion: Our study revealed that CPVL gene could be a promising target for the diagnosis and treatment of GC, which has a great significance for the future research on GC. In addition, we were the first to find a close relationship between FAM3D and GC.
The Effect of Smoking on Progression from Ductal Carcinoma In Situ to Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Takada Koji , Kashiwagi Shinichiro , Asano Yuka , Goto Wataru , Kouhashi Rika , Yabumoto Akimichi , Ishihara Sae , Morisaki Tamami , Shibutani Masatsune , Tanaka Hiroaki , Hirakawa Kosei , Ohira Masaichi
Published: January 2021

Background: If ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is diagnosed by histological examination such as core needle biopsy or vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB), invasion is often found by removing the entire tumor and performing pathological examination. According to a meta-analysis, the rate of invasion found by postoperative pathological examination is about 25%. Smoking is a risk factor for carcinogenesis in various carcinomas, including breast cancer. We examined the correlation between the risk of invasion found by postoperative pathology and smoking history in patients who were diagnosed with DCIS by preoperative biopsy.Methods: In this study, we examined 128 patients who were diagnosed with DCIS by preoperative biopsy. Before the biopsy, all patients were asked about the duration of smoking, number of cigarettes smoked per day, and whether they were currently smoking. The data were used to calculate each patient’s tobacco exposure based on pack-years. The statistical analyses included the Pearson’s chi-square test and logistic analysis. Multivariate analysis was performed on the risk factors for invasion diagnosed by postoperative pathological examination in all cases diagnosed with DCIS by preoperative biopsy.Results: Of all the patients included in this study, 107 (83.5%) never smoked, which represented the majority, while 8 patients (6.3%) smoked at diagnosis with DCIS, and 13 (10.2%) had quit smoking before diagnosis. Tobacco exposure was 10 or less pack-years for 11 patients (8.6%) and more than 10 pack-years for 10 patients (7.8%). Number of pack-years was not an independent factor (p=0.349, odds ratio [OR]=0.329), but current smoker status (p=0.006, OR=not calculable) was an independent factor with VAB (p=0.018, OR=0.327).Conclusions: This study suggests that tobacco components may have an influence on the progression from DCIS to invasive ductal carcinoma.
WITHDRAWN: Polymorphisms of Tumour necrosis factor-α-308 (rs 1800629) and gastric cancer susceptibility: A meta- analysis of associations studies with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Htet Norah Htet , Naing Cho , Tung Wong Siew , Win Thin Thin , Mak Joon Wah
Published: January 2021

Background: Gastric cancer is globally the fifth most common cancer. Several studies have assessed the relationship between tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a- 308) and the risk of gastric cancer. These individual genetic association studies showed inconclusive results. The objective of the present study was to synthesis evidence on the association between TNF-a-308 polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk by meta-analysis of data from eligible studies.Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of genetic association studies, according to the PLOS One checklist. We searched relevant case-control studies in health-related electronic databases. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale. The strength of association was calculated as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Pooled ORs and 95 % CIs were estimated using random-effects model or fixed effect model, based on between-study heterogeneity. We analysed the strength of association under four genetic models (allele, dominant, recessive and additive models). Subgroup analyses on ethnic groups, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) status, status of Helicobacter pylori infection and study quality were done for robustness of the estimates. Publication bias was detected by inspection of funnel plot asymmetry. To estimate the required information size, we performed trial sequential analysis (TSA) that classified the effect estimates as ‘firm evidence of effect’ or ‘potentially spurious evidence of effect’.Results: A total of 35 studies, comprising 11353 cases and 12827 controls were identified. Based on 28 studies that met HWE, there was overall significant association between TNF-α-308 polymorphisms and gastric cancer risk under the dominant model (OR 1.19, 95%CI 1.1-1.29, I2:37%), as well as Asians (OR 1.2, 95%CI 1.05-1.38, I2:53%) and Cassian subgroups (OR 1.19, 95%CI 1.07-1.31, I2:28%). Based on 13 high quality studies under the dominant model, overall significant association was also found (OR 1.38, 95%CI 1.07, 1.77). The TSA plot indicated the analyses was with the required information size. There was no publication bias. In the subgroup analysis by ethnic groups, the quality of studies impacted on the estimates. Conclusions: The findings suggest that TNF-α-308 gene polymorphism plays an important predisposing role for gastric carcinogenesis, and can serve as a useful screening marker.
Distinct Time Courses and Pathogenic Contributions of Alveolar Epithelial and Endothelial Injury in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome With COVID-19: Evidence From Circulating Biomarkers
Authors: Tojo Kentaro , Yamamoto Natsuhiro , Mihara Takahiro , Abe Miyo , Goto Takahisa
Published: January 2021

Background: In severe cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with alveolar tissue injury occurs. However, the time course and specific contributions of alveolar epithelial and endothelial injury to the pathogenesis of COVID-19 ARDS remain unclear.Methods: We evaluated the levels of a circulating alveolar epithelial injury marker (soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products: sRAGE) and an endothelial injury marker (angiopoietin-2: ANG-2), along with an alveolar permeability indicator (surfactant protein D: SP-D) in 107 serum samples from nine patients with ARDS and eight without ARDS, all with COVID-19, admitted to Yokohama City University Hospital from January to July 2020. We compared the initial levels of these markers between ARDS and non-ARDS patients, and analysed the temporal changes of these markers in ARDS patients. Results: All the initial levels of sRAGE (median: 2680 pg/mL, IQR:1522–5076 vs. median 701 pg/mL, IQR:344–1148.0, p=0.0152), ANG-2 (median: 699 pg/mL, IQR: 410-2501 vs. median: 231 pg/mL, IQR: 64-584, p=0.0464), and SP-D (median: 17542 pg/mL, IQR: 7423-22979 vs. 1771 pg/mL, IQR: 458-204, p=0.0274) were significantly higher in the ARDS patients than in the non-ARDS patients. The peak sRAGE level in the ARDS patients was observed at the very early phase of disease progression (median: day 1, IQR: day 1–3.5). However, the peaks of ANG-2 (median: day 4, IQR: day 2.5–6) and SPD (median: day 5, IQR: day 3–7.5) were observed at a later phase. Moreover, the ANG-2 level was significantly correlated with the arterial oxygenation (p=0.030) and the SPD level (p=0.002), but the sRAGE level was not. Conclusion: Evaluation of circulating markers confirms that COVID-19 ARDS is characterised by severe alveolar tissue injury. Our data indicate that the endothelial injury, which continues for a longer period than the epithelial injury, seems to be the main contributor to alveolar barrier disruption. Targeting the endothelial injury may, thus, be a promising approach to overcome ARDS with COVID-19.
Impaired Ventilation Is Not Independently Associated With 28-day Mortality in COVID-19 ARDS
Authors: Morales-Quinteros Luis , Neto Ary Serpa , Artigas Antonio , Blanch Lluis , Botta Michela , Kaufman David A , Schultz Marcus J , Tsonas Anissa , Paulus Frederick , Bos Lieuwe D
Published: January 2021

Background: Surrogates for impaired ventilation such as estimated dead-space fractions and the ventilatory ratio have been shown to be independently associated with an increased risk of mortality in the acute respiratory distress syndrome and small case series of COVID-19 related ARDS. Methods: Secondary analysis from the PRoVENT-COVID study. The PRoVENT-COVID is a national, multicentre, retrospective observational study done at 22 intensive care units in the Netherlands. Consecutive patients aged at least 18 years were eligible for participation if they had received invasive ventilation for COVID-19 at a participating ICU during the first month of the national outbreak in the Netherlands. The aim was to quantify the dynamics and determine the prognostic value of surrogate markers of impaired ventilation patients with COVID-19 related ARDS. Results: 927 consecutive patients admitted with COVID-19 related ARDS were included in this study. Surrogates of impaired ventilation such as the estimated dead space fraction (by Harris-Benedict and direct method) and ventilatory ratio were significantly higher in non-survivors than survivors at baseline and during the following days of mechanical ventilation (p <0.001). The end-tidal-to-arterial PCO2 ratio was lower in non-survivors than in survivors (p<0.001). As ARDS severity increased, mortality increased with successive tertiles of dead space fraction by Harris-Benedict and by direct estimation, and for the VR. The same trend was observed with decreased levels in the tertiles for the end-tidal-to-arterial PCO2 ratio. After adjustment for a base risk model that included chronic comorbidities and ventilation- and oxygenation-parameters, none of the surrogates of impaired ventilation measured at the start of ventilation or the following days were significantly associated with 28-day mortality.Conclusions: There is significant impairment of ventilation in the early course of COVID-19 related ARDS but quantification of this impairment does not add prognostic information when added to a baseline risk-model.
Inequalities in Stunting Prevalence Among Children Under Age 5 in Ghana Between 1998 and 2014
Authors: Adu Collins , Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Agbadi Pascal , Agbaglo Ebenezer , Tetteh Justice Kanor , Nutor Jerry John
Published: January 2021

BackgroundOver the years, Ghana has made significant improvements in the nutritional status of children, particularly concerning stunting. Though these improvements are commendable, there are concerns of inequalities in the prevalence of stunting among children under five. To this end, we examined the trends and inequalities in the determinants of stunting prevalence in children under five in Ghana, throughout 1998-2014.MethodsUsing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT) software, we analysed data from the 1998-2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys (GDHS). We approached the inequality analysis in two steps. First, we disaggregated stunting prevalence among children < 5 years by five equity stratifiers: wealth index, education, sex, residence, and region. Second, we measured the inequality through summary measures, namely Difference, Population Attributable Risk, Ratio, and Population Attributable Fraction. A 95% confidence interval was constructed for point estimates to measure statistical significance.ResultsConcerning economic status, only the simple summary measures (Difference [D], Ratio [R]) showed significant inequality in stunting. For instance, both D (23.40; 17.55-29.25) and R (2.43; 1.78-3.09) revealed substantial economic variation in stunting in 1998 and the same trend was noted across all the survey years. The complex summary measures, however, showed a significant but negative association. Both D (16.36; 12.13-20.60) and R (1.90; 1.51-2.28) revealed a positive significant disparity in favour of urban residents in 1998. The simple measures further indicated a significant disparity in stunting at the detriment of male children throughout the period studied. Finally, a significant disparity at the expense of children in the Northern Region was evident in 1998 (D=31.00; R=3.22), 2003 (D=37.21; R=3.17) and 2014 (D=22.73; R=3.19).ConclusionInequalities in stunting prevalence in Ghana is to the disadvantaged children of poorest wealth quintile, mothers with no formal education, male children, rural residents and the Northern Region of Ghana. We recommend the introduction and strengthening of equitable interventions focusing on nutrition on sub-populations in the country who suffer from a higher burden of stunting.
miR-129-5p inhibits clear cell renal cell carcinoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting SPN
Authors: Gao Bin , Wang Lijuan , Zhang Yubo , Zhang Na , Han Miaomiao , Liu Huancai , Sun Dongli , Xiao Xiaolong , Liu Yifei
Published: January 2021

Objective: Our study aims to investigate the mechanism of the miR-129-5p/SPN axis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), providing a novel direction for the targeted therapy of ccRCC. Methods: Bioinformatics methods were implemented to find the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with ccRCC from TCGA database. qRT-PCR was performed to detect miR-129-5p and SPN mRNA expression, while western bot was carried out for the detection of protein expression of SPN. Bioinformatics analysis was used to predict the binding sites of miR-129-5p on SPN 3’UTR, while dual-luciferase assay was conducted to verify their binding relationship. CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay and Transwell assay were employed to measure ccRCC cell proliferative ability, cell formation ability, cell migratory and invasive abilities. Flow cytometry was implemented to assess cell cycle and apoptosis. Results: miR-129-5p exhibited a significantly down-regulated expression level in ccRCC, while SPN showed a remarkably up-regulated expression level. Overexpressed miR-129-5p inhibited ccRCC cell proliferative, invasive and migratory capacities while induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and promoted cell apoptosis. Dual-luciferase assay confirmed that there was a binding relationship between miR-129-5p and SPN. Moreover, overexpressed miR-129-5p remarkably reduced SPN expression in cancer cells, weakened the promoting effect of SPN on cell proliferation, migration, invasion and cell cycle progress, and led to enhanced cell apoptotic activity.Conclusion: Our study proves the regulatory effect of the miR-129-5p/SPN axis in ccRCC, and provides a novel potential target for precise treatment of patients with ccRCC.