bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Prechop Technique in Phacoemulsification for Cataract Patients with Highly Liquefied Vitreous: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhao Jing , Li Zhouyue , Liu Yu , Han Xiaotong , Huang Shengsong
Published: July 2021

Background
Phacoemulsification using phaco-chop technique has many challenging features in cataract patients with highly liquefied vitreous. This study aimed to compare the intraoperative parameters and safety between prechop technique and traditional phaco-chop in phacoemulsification for these patients.
Methods
A total of 54 eyes of 54 patients with high myopia-related or post-vitrectomy cataract that underwent phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation were included in this retrospective study. Of them, 25 eyes that received manual prechop were included in the prechop group, and 29 eyes with best match of age, axial length and nuclear opalescence (NO) that received standardized phaco-chop were included as the control group. The intraoperative complications and surgery parameters were compared between groups.
Results
No surgical complications were observed in the prechop group, while 2 eyes of posterior capsular rupture and 1 eye with a broken ciliary zonule (10.3%) were found in the control group. There was no significant difference in phaco time, average energy, and cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) between groups (all P > 0.05), but for hard nuclear cataract with NO grading ≥ 5, prechop group had less phaco time (P = 0.008) and CDE (P = 0.029). The correlations between phaco time vs. NO (r = 0.762 vs. 0.581, both P < 0.005) and CDE vs. NO (r = 0.717 vs. 0.668, both P < 0.001) seemed to be weaker in the prechop group as compared to the control group.
Conclusions
The prechop technique which seemed to have less intraoperative complications, reduced phaco time and CDE compared to standardized phaco-chop might be a good alternative for cataract patients with highly liquefied or vitrectomized vitreous, especially those with hard nuclear cataract.
Dissemination and Characteristics of High-Level Erythromycin-Resistant Enterococcus Faecalis From Bulk Tank Milk of Dairy Companies in Korea
Authors: Lee Yu Jin , Kim Koeun , Lee Young Ju
Published: July 2021

Background: Enterococci are environmental pathogens that can cause bovine mastitis and macrolides are widely used for the treatment of bovine mastitis caused by staphylococci and streptococci/enterococci. The aim of this study was performed to compare the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of high-level erythromycin-resistant (HLER) Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) collected from bulk tank milk of four dairy companies (A, B, C, and D) in Korea. Results: Although isolates from company D showed the highest prevalence of E. faecalis, the prevalence of HLER E. faecalis in company A (73.1%) and C (57.0%) was significantly higher than company D (33.9%) (P < 0.05). A total of 149 HLER E. faecalis isolates showed high rates of resistance to tetracycline (93.3%), followed by doxycycline (70.0%), and chloramphenicol (48.3%). In the distribution of macrolides resistance genes, 147 (98.7%) isolates carried ermB gene alone, and two isolates carried both ermA and ermB genes. No isolates carried ermC, msrA, msrC, or mef genes. In the distribution of other resistance genes, 72 (48.3%) and 60 (40.3%) isolates carried both tetM and tetL genes, and tetM gene alone, respectively, and 38 (25.5%) isolates carried optrA gene. For aminoglycosides resistance genes, the prevalence of both aac(6′)Ie-aph(2″)-la and ant(6′)-Ia genes (43.0%) was the highest. Moreover, 104 (70.0%) isolates harbored Int-Tn gene carrying the Tn916/1545-like transposon. Although the distribution of ermB gene showed no significant difference between the dairy companies, the prevalence of other resistance genes and transposons showed a significant difference between the dairy companies (P < 0.05). Virulence genes, such as ace (99.3%), cad1 and efaA (each 98.7%), and gelE (83.9%), were also highly conserved in the 149 HLER E. faecalis isolates. Conclusions: Our results indicated that HLER E. faecalis isolates from bulk tank milk showed significant differences in phenotypic and genotypic characteristics between the dairy companies. In addition, the prevalence of resistance genes and virulence factors was also high in HLER E. faecalis isolates.
Four-channel sEMG for Elbow Load Recognition
Authors: Cai Jiabin , Song Junjun , Long Yuanqiang
Published: July 2021

In order to help patients after surgery to carry out reasonable rehabilitation training, avoid joint adhesions and movement disorders, the relationship between surface electromyograph (sEMG) signal changes and the size of the patient ' s joint force in the process of rehabilitation exercise was studied, hoping to use the relationship between them to redesign the control mode of the rehabilitation robot, and a method was proposed to identify the size of the elbow load based on wavelet packet. Firstly, s EMG signals of human elbow joint during stretching and bending under different loads were collected by 4-channel surface electromyography. Then, the wavelet packet decomposition method was used to obtain the feature vector composed of energy(E), variance(VAR) and mean absolute value(MAV) of wavelet packet coefficient. Finally, the improved support vector machine ( ISVM), BP neural network and RBF neural network were used for pattern recognition of three different forces. The experimental results show that the change of sEMG signal is indeed related to the size of joint force. It is feasible to identify the load of s EMG signal.
The Epidemiology and Management of 10,486 Children With Fractures in Shenzhen: Experience and Lessons to be Learnt
Authors: Qiu Xin , Deng Hansheng , Su Qiru , Zeng Shuaidan , Han Shuai , Li Shicheng , Cui Zhiwen , Zhu Tianfeng , Tang Gen , Xiong Zhu , Tang Shengping
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To explore and analyze the causes and related influencing factors of pediatric fractures, and provide theoretical basis for reducing the incidence and adverse effects of pediatric fractures.Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed the epidemiological characteristics of fractures in children aged ≤18 years old who were admitted to the our hospital between July 2015 and February 2020.Results: A total of 10486 pediatric patients were included in the study, of whom 6,961 (66.38%) were boys, and 3,525 (33.62%) were girls. For the fracture incidence, age group of the 3-6 years reached the peak. 5,584 (60.76%) children were operated upon within 12 h after admission. The top three types of fractures were the distal humerus (3,843 sites, 27.49%), distal ulna (1,740 sites, 12.44%), and distal radius (1,587 sites, 11.35%). The top three causes of injury were falls (7,106 cases, 82.10%), car accidents (650 cases, 65.72%), and pinch injuries (465 cases, 5.37%). Fractures predominantly occurred between July and November (4,664 cases, 48.87%) and on Saturdays and Sundays (3,172 cases, 33.24%). The highest number of hospital visits occurred between 20:00 and 00:00 (4,339 cases, 45.46%).Conclusion: We should strengthen preschool children health and safety education and increase protective measures. It is necessary to allocate medical resources in a targeted manner, to establish a closed-loop regional pediatric trauma treatment system centered on trauma centers that links together regional trauma centers, and to establish substantively operating comprehensive pediatric trauma treatment teams that follow a multidisciplinary treatment model.
Influence of Plant Roots On Slope Stabilization: A Geotechnical Investigation
Authors: Singh Thounaojam Joyraj , Ibotombi Soibam , Singh Maisnam Pradipchandra
Published: July 2021

Direct shear tests conducted on soil samples reveal that soils with plant roots show an increase in cohesive factor but increase in frictional angle is insignificant. Displacement and shear strength graphs, however, indicate that soil with plant roots can withstand more shear stresses. Among the three plant species selected for the present study, Chimonobambusa sp. has the highest shear strength increment, ∆C = 5.0 KN/m2 followed by Cymbopogon sp., and Pseudosasa japonica with 4.5KN/m2 and 1.0KN/m2 shear strength increments respectively. An increase in shear strength is also observed in the reinforced soils with increase in number of roots of these plant species. Cymbopogon sp. has higher root density near the surface but decreases with increasing depth and absent at 320mm depth, Pseudosasa japonica has the lowest root density but penetrates deeper up to 530mm while Chimonobambusa sp. penetrates deepest at 700mm with lateral branches extending up to 650mm. Cymbopogon sp., and Pseudosasa japonica may be useful as a bioengineering tool to mitigate soil erosion while Chimonobambusa sp. to mitigate both erosion and shallow landslides.
Germplasm Conservation of Economically Important Medicinal Plant Nyctanthes Arbor-Tristis L. Through Encapsulation Technique and Maintenance Under Slow Growth Condition
Authors: Mishra Awadhesh Kumar , Tiwari Kavindra Nath , Mishra Pallavi , Mishra Sunil Kumar , Tiwari Shailesh Kumar
Published: July 2021

An efficient encapsulation and germplasm conservation protocol were developed for Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. In this study the gel matrix containing three percent sodium alginate (SA) and 100 mM calcium chloride (CaCl2. 2H2O) was found best for the formation of encapsulated seeds from node explant of this economically valuable species. The viability of encapsulated seeds and shoot sprouting potential was optimized. Encapsulated seeds stored at 4ºC and 24 ºC maintained its viability up to 90 days and showed sprouting potential 42.89±6.04 and 33.53±7.15 percent respectively. Node explant maintain under slow growth condition up to 180 days on one-eighth (1/8th) strength MS medium supplemented with 0.5 percent sucrose found suitable to maintain high span viability percent (40.28±2.04) with average number of shoots/ node (1.61±0.28) and shoots length (1.12±0.32 cm) respectively. One-eighth (1/8th) strength MS medium supplemented with 0.5 percent sucrose and enriched with 0.5 mg/l abscisic acid (ABA) prolonged the viability up to 40.36±1.01 percent of explant. The best rooting response was achieved on half (½) strength MS medium enriched with 4 mg/l indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). The rooted plant shows 65 percent survivability in open field condition. The true-to-type clonal fidelity assessment of tissue culture recovered acclimated plants with start codon targeted (SCoT) primer profile shows same banding mobility patterns as with source parent mother plant. The maximum banding profile is monomorphic and consistent. Hence on this basis it confirmed the true-to-type clonal stability among them. The protocols display the novel method for conservation of this species under in-vitro condition and facilitate easy exchange of plant germplasm.
Occurrence, Distribution, Sources And Bioaccumulation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) of Multi Environmental Media In Estuaries And Coast of The Beibu Gulf, China: A Health Risk Assessment Through Seafood Consumption
Authors: Han Minwei , Liu Fang , Kang Yaru , Zhang Ruijie , Yu Kefu , Wang Yinghui , Wang Ruixuan
Published: July 2021

The coastal zone is the crucial transitional zone between the ocean and the land. Under the influence of global climate change and human activities, the coastal zone is suffering from huge environmental pressure. It is necessary to pay close attention to the pollution of PAHs to coastal ecological environment and the risk to human health. Taking the Beibu Gulf coastal zone as an example, we investigated the pollution status of PAHs in various environmental media. Results showed the total concentration of 16 PAHs (Σ16PAHs) in winter were significantly higher than that in summer. Compared with the coastal area, the pollution of PAHs in the estuarine area is more serious: the Σ16PAHs in estuarine waters (summer: 71.4 ± 9.58 ng/L; winter: 96.8 ± 24.7 ng/L) > coastal waters (summer: 50.4 ± 9.65 ng/L; winter: 91.7 ± 18.9 ng/L); estuarine sediment (146 ± 116 ng/g) > coastal zone (76.9 ± 108 ng/g). The source apportionment results indicated that spilled oil, biomass and coal burning were the main sources of PAHs in water, whereas the primary sources were spilled oil, fossil fuel burning and vehicle emissions in sedment. Shellfish showed the highest average PAHs concentration, followed by fish, shrimp, and crabs. The calculated bioaccumulation factor indicates that the seafood has a low bioaccumulation capacity for PAHs in the ambient environment. Human health risk assessment shows that accidental ingestion of PAHs through the consumption of seafood generally does not pose a health risk, but children should properly control the intake of shellfishes.
Direct Comparison Between Second-Generation Cryoballoon Ablation Versus Contact Force-Sensing Radiofrequency Ablation in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Study
Authors: Waranugraha Yoga , Rizal Ardian , Yuniadi Yoga
Published: July 2021

Background

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the main ablation approach for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). The superiority of the second-generation cryoballoon (2G-CB) ablation over contact force-sensing radiofrequency (CF-RF) ablation is unclear. Therefore, we sought to investigate the superiority of 2G-CB ablation over CF-RF ablation in paroxysmal AF patients.
Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted. We included 12 studies involving 1419 patients. The overall effects were quantified using pooled odds ratio (OR) or mean difference (MD) for categorical or continuous variables.
Results

Freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATAs) (OR = 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.68 to 1.15; p = 0.35), freedom from AF (OR = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.64 to 1.34; p = 0.7), and acute PVI (OR = 1.00; 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.00; p = 0.99) between 2G-CB ablation and CF-RF ablation were not different. The 2G-CB ablation took shorter procedure time (MD = -18.78 minutes; 95% CI = -27.72 to -9.85 minutes; p < 0.01) and relative similar fluoroscopy time (MD = 2.66 minutes; 95% CI = -0.52 to 5.83 minutes; p = 0.10). Phrenic nerve paralysis was higher in 2G-CB ablation group (OR = 7.25; 95% CI = 2.37 to 22.16; p = < 0.005).
Conclusion

The 2G-CB ablation was not superior to CF-RF ablation in paroxysmal AF in terms of acute PVI, freedom from ATAs, and freedom from AF. The 2G-CB ablation procedure can be performed faster than CF-RF ablation, although correlated with a higher phrenic nerve paralysis.
SARS-CoV-2 Detection Using Reverse Transcription Strand Invasion Based Amplification And A Portable Compact Size Instrument
Authors: Rosenstierne Maiken Worsøe , Joshi Shreya , Danielsen E. Thomas , Webb Helen , Luong Dac Mui , Bjerring Julie , Hindkær Julie , Jørgensen Lærke , Blauenfeldt Julie , Bojesen Ask , Holck Flemming , Lau Johnny , Bangsgaard Lars , Lind Jacob , Dragheim Mette , Jacobsen Mikkel , Elkær Robert , Clauwaert Steven , Christensen Kristina , Polacek Charlotta , Fomsgaard Anders , Ojalehto Tuomas , Tullila Antti , Brummer Mirko , Jensen Claus Antonio Juel , Jensen Frederikke Holm , Schneider Uffe Vest , Lisby Jan Gorm , Jørgensen Rikke Lind , Warthoe Thomas , Finding Ebbe , Warthoe Peter
Published: July 2021

Rapid nucleic-acid based tests that can be performed by non-professionals outside laboratory settings could help the containment of the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 virus and may potentially prevent further widespread lockdowns. Here, we present a novel compact portable detection instrument (the Egoo Health System) for extraction-free detection of SARS-CoV-2 using isothermal Reverse Transcription Strand Invasion Based Amplification (RT-SIBA). The SARS-CoV-2 RT-SIBA assay can be performed directly on crude oropharyngeal swabs without nucleic acid extraction with a reaction time of 30 minutes. The Egoo health system uses a capsule system, which is automatically sealed tight in the Egoo instrument after applying the sample, resulting in a closed system optimal for molecular isothermal amplification. The performance of the Egoo Health System is comparable to the PCR instrument with an analytical sensitivity of 25 viral RNA copies per SARS-CoV-2 RT-SIBA reaction and a clinical sensitivity and specificity between 87.0-98.4% and 96.6-98.2% respectively.
Physicochemical Characterization of Cattle Dung Fibre Under the Hydrothermal Process
Authors: Fasake Vinayak , Kaur Perminder Jit , Dashora Kavya
Published: July 2021

Cattle dung fibre is a lignocellulosic material abundant and sustainable non-wood source of polymeric components, which can be converted into high added-value products. Hydrothermal treatment of the fibre obtained from cow dung was explored using four different temperatures (120, 140, 160 and 180 ◦C) and incubation times (0 and 120 minutes) at a fixed material to water ratio (1:10). The present study resulted in the highest yield of 94% (w/w) that gradually decreased with temperature and incubation time. The physicochemical analysis revealed that hydrothermal treatment resulted in high cellulose, low lignin, and ash content (51.6%, 30.93%, and 6.3%, respectively) at 160◦C for 2 hr incubation time and was appropriate for pulp and paper production. The SEM and X-ray crystallography indicates the treatment resulted in separated fibrils and a porous structure. Both FTIR studies and chemical characterisation techniques were used to optimize the temperature and duration of hydrothermal treatment. Overall, the study presents the first report on the extraction of fibres from cow dung and their hydrothermal treatment. In perspective, it is possible to achieve the properties required for its industrial-scale conversion to eco-friendly papers by heating the fibre under controlled conditions.
ADAMTS-13-Regulated Nrf2 Signaling Inhibits Ferroptosis to Ameliorate Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Meng Xiaoyan , Huang Wenjing , Mo Weiwei , Shu Tingting , Yang Haoqiang , Ning Haibo
Published: July 2021

Background: ADAMTS-13 plays an important role in acute kidney injury (AKI), but the mechanism of cisplatin (CP) induced AKI remains unclear. Ferroptosis is increased in CP-induced AKI, and ADAMTS13 levels are associated with ferritin expression. In this article, we will explore the relationship between the three.Methods： After CP induction, mice were given 0.1 and 0.3nmol/kg ADAMTS-13, and then Scr and BUN were detected by the kits. The pathological changes of renal tissue were observed by staining with HE and PAS staining, and Western blot detected the expressions of KIM1 and NGAL in renal tissu. Perl's staining detected iron deposition in renal tissues, the kits detected iron levels, and western blot detected the expression of ferroptosis related proteins. Then the mechanism was further explored by adding ferroptosis inhibitors Ferrostatin 1 (Fer-1) and iron supplements Fe. The expression of Nrf2 pathway related proteins were detected by Western blot.Results: ADAMTS13 alleviated CP-induced ferroptosis in AKI mice with renal function impairment and tubular damage. Fer-1partially reversed CP-induced AKI, and Fe exacerbated this effect. ADAMTS13 alleviated CP-induced inflammatory response and oxidative stress in AKI mice, during which the Nrf2 signaling pathway was abnormal.Conclusion:ADAMTS-13-regulated Nrf2 signaling inhibits ferroptosis to ameliorate CP-induced AKI.
HPV E6/E7 mRNA In Situ Hybridization in Endocervical Adenocarcinoma: Implications for Prognosis and Diagnosis
Authors: Luo Rong-Zhen , Chen Shu-Lin , Li Mei , Li Yue , Yang Xia , Liu Li-Li
Published: July 2021

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) E6/E7 mRNA in situ hybridization (HPV E6/E7 RNAscope) appears to be a sensitive and specific technique in detecting transcriptionally active HPV. We aimed to examine the diagnostic utility of this technique in endocervical adenocarcinoma (ECA), to explore the prognostic factors for ECA patients and develop a clinically useful nomogram based on clinicopathological parameters to predict it.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 200 patients with ECA who had undergone surgery at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from 2010 and 2014. The diagnostic performance of HPV E6/E7 RNAscope were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A prognostic nomogram model including HPV E6/E7 RNAscope was generated based on multivariate Cox regression analysis, then we compared the predictive accuracy of the prognostic model with FIGO staging and treatment using concordance index (C-index), time-dependent ROC (tdROC), and decision curve analysis (DCA).Results: The sensitivity and specificity of HPV E6/E7 RNAscope for distinguishing HPV-associated adenocarcinoma (HPVA) from non-HPV-associated adenocarcinoma (NHPVA) in the whole cohort were 75.8% and 80%, respectively. According the univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis, age, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), lymph node involvement (LNI), and HPV E6/E7 RNAscope were valuable predictive factors for OS. These parameters were incorporated into the nomogram model (nomogram A) compared with FIGO stage and treatment. The C-index of nomogram A for predicting OS was 0.825, which was significantly higher than FIGO stage (C-index = 0.653, p=0.002) and treatment (C-index = 0.578, p < 0.001).Conclusions: HPV E6/E7 RNAscope is highly specific for ECA, and the 4-variable nomogram showed more accurate prognostic outcomes in patients with ECA.
Harnessing the Protein Corona towards Surface Design for Nanoparticle Tumor Delivery
Authors: Ma Shijiao , Xu Junjie , He Jinxin , Li Shuli , Zheng Haolan , Pang Bo , Wen Ying , Fang Qiaojun , Liu Weiquan , Tian Jiesheng
Published: July 2021

Background

Nanoparticles (NPs) decorated with functional ligands (e.g., antibodies) are promising candidates for cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, many studies have shown that chemically coupled targeting moieties on NPs lose their targeting capability in biological milieu because they are shielded or covered by a "protein corona". It is highly desirable to increase the proportion of targeting moieties on the surface of NP-corona complex for purposes of cancer therapy.
Results

We designed and implemented an alternative engineering strategy for targeted drug delivery by linking a recombinant affibody (RA) scaffold to magnetosomes (BMPs). Pre-adsorption of BMP-RA with anti-HER2 humanized mAb trastuzumab (TZ) resulted in formation of BMP-RA-TZ complex. Linking of TZ to BMP via glutaraldehyde (GA) produced BMP-GA-TZ, which was used as control. Both engineered BMPs contained large amounts of TZ (~ 0.2 mg per mg BMP); however, TZs in BMP-RA-TZ were oriented in a consistent manner with HER2 binding site (Fab) toward the outside, whereas TZs in BMP-GA-TZ were oriented randomly. Degree of HER2 binding to BMP-RA-TZ was > 3x higher than that to BMP-GA-TZ. Incubation of BMP-RA-TZ and BMP-GA-TZ with normal human plasma or IgG-supplemented plasma resulted in alteration of surface proteins because of corona formation. GA-TZ-containing BMPs, in comparison with RA-TZ-containing BMPs, had larger hydrated radii and more surface proteins. The TZ-containing BMPs all could be targeted to and internalized in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cell line SK-BR-3; however, their targeting efficiencies varied considerably: 50–75% for RA-TZ-containing BMPs, but only 9–19% for GA-TZ-containing BMPs. To simulate human body tumor environment, we incubated BMPs, plasma (100%), and cancer cells together. In this milieu, BMP-RA-TZ uptake efficiency of SK-BR-3 was nearly 80% (slightly lower than for direct interaction with BMP-RA-TZ), whereas BMP-GA-TZ uptake efficiency was < 17%.
Conclusion

Components of NP protein corona can be modified by linking RA scaffold to NP surface. Application of RA scaffold promoted an oriented arrangement of targeting ligands and reduced the shielding effect of corona proteins. This engineering strategy avoids reduction by corona formation of targeting capability in drug (NP) delivery.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Coagulating Agent From Plantain Peel Starch (Musa Paradisiaca), As Adjuvant in Water Treatment
Authors: Cortes-Perez Camilo , Pérez-Montalvo Leymer , Puello-Silva Jorge , Pasqualino Jorgelina , Lambis-Miranda Henry
Published: July 2021

Coagulation processes are widely used for water treatment, mainly with chemical coagulants. In this research, starch derived from a residue (plantain peel, Musa paradisiaca) was used as a starting point for a chemical modification. Through acetylation, its chemical structure was modified and characterized by Infrared Spectrophotometry, for its evaluation as a coadjuvant in coagulation operations to reduce the turbidity of raw water. Two experimental designs were developed to evaluate the incidence of modified starch as the main coagulant or in conjunction with a conventional coagulant (Al2(SO4)3), at different Al2(SO4)3 / acetylated starch ratios, in jar-test experiments. In the first experimental design, with the acetylated starch as the main coagulant, turbidity removal percentages reached 47.93% (average value, 41.18%). For the Al2(SO4)3 / acetylated starch coagulation process, 98.91% turbidity removal was reached in the second experimental design (average value, 97.16%). The incidence on turbidity in a jar-test of starch chemical substitution degree and the Al2(SO4)3 / Acetylated starch ratio was investigated using ANOVA analysis. There was a great incidence of the chemical substitution degree and the concentration of acetylated starch used, when modified starch was used as the main coagulant. For the second experimental design, the Al2(SO4)3 / Acetylated starch relationship had a greater incidence on the turbidity removal. Thus, modified starch obtained from plantain peel waste is a promising coadjuvant material for water coagulation processes.
Emergence of a putative novel SARS-CoV-2 P.X lineage harboring N234P and E471Q spike protein mutations in Southern Brazil
Authors: Silva Mariana Soares da , Gularte Juliana Schons , Demoliner Meriane , Hansen Alana Witt , Heldt Fágner Henrique , Filippi Micheli , Luckmann Cristiane Borba , Silveira Flávio , Pereira Vyctoria Malayhka de Abreu Góes , Vaucher Rodrigo de Almeida , Barboza Victor dos Santos , Giongo Janice Luehring , Rosa Raquel Borba , Rocha Evelise Tarouco da , Goulart Bruno Kilpp , Fernandes Fernanda dos Santos , Pinto Juliana Maciel , Bolzan Leandro Pergher , Duarte Marta Maria Medeiros Frescura , Weber Matheus Nunes , de Almeida Paula Rodrigues , Fleck Juliane Deise , Spilki Fernando Rosado
Published: July 2021

Novel SARS-CoV-2 lineages are constantly reported worldwide, raising concerns about transmissibility, virulence, immune response and vaccine/antigenic escape. Variants of concern (VOCs), as B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), P.1 (Gamma) and B.1.617.2 (Delta), caused epidemic outbreaks due their higher potential of transmissibility when compared with earlier waves of SARS-CoV-2 in 2019. B.1.1.28 lineage has been evolving in Brazil since February 2020 and originated P.1 (VOC), P.2 (VOI) and other P.Xs proposed as new variants. This lineage harbors specific defining mutations including two non-synonymous substitutions in the Spike (S) protein (D614G and V1176F). In this study, employing variant calling analysis on FASTQ reads and phylogenetic inference, we report a potentially new SARS-CoV-2 P.X variant. Variant calling mutational profile was investigated and presented additionally non-synonymous mutations when compared to B.1.1.28, including N234P and E471Q in S protein. Further studies are required to understand the spread of P.X variant and its potential effects on transmissibility and immune escape.
Nursing Care Case Report of Patient of COVID-19
Authors: Bilgin Saniye , Uysal Hilal
Published: July 2021

The functional health patterns model and nursing care process based on the nursing diagnosis of an individual with the diagnosis of COVID-19 were reviewed in this case report. An individual with the diagnosis of COVID-19 was evaluated in line with the functional health patterns (FHP) model, nursing diagnosis was made and a nursing care process was implemented in this case report. The data were collected by the researcher through observation and evaluation. N.B. was evaluated in line with the FHP nursing care model on 7 to 14 August 2020, and nursing procedures were implemented for these diagnoses and the results were evaluated.
Calculation of the Fine Structure Constant derived from Principle Theory.
Authors: Geilhaupt Manfred
Published: July 2021

Recently we have presented in a paper that the combination of two Principle Theories, General Relativity (GR) and Thermodynamics (TD), is able to derive the restmass (m) of an electron which (surprisingly) depends on the Sommerfeld Fine Structure Constant (FSC). In this paper we present a completed calculation of the FSC number (1/α=137.035999024(9)) from a GR+TD point of view.
The Healthy Female Microbiome Across Body Sites: Effect of Hormonal Contraceptives and the Menstrual Cycle
Authors: Krog Maria Christine , Hugerth Luisa W , Fransson Emma , Bashir Zahra , Andersen Anders Nyboe , Edfeldt Gabriella , Engstrand Lars , Nielsen Henriette Svarre , Schuppe-Koistinen Ina
Published: July 2021

Background: There is increasing evidence that the vaginal microbiome influences women’s health. V agina l dysbiosis with a low abundance of L actobacillus h as been connected to gynaecological and obstetric complications. However, the interplay between the vaginal microbiome and the microbiome in other body sites is not yet described. In addition, fluctuating endogenous sex hormones may exert an effect on microbiome composition and are markedly changed by hormonal contraception . This study includes a cohort of 160 healthy young Caucasian women using three different contraceptive regimens: non-hormonal methods, combined oral contraceptive (COC) or levonorgestrel intra-uterine system (LNG-IUS ) . The oral, vaginal, rectal and faecal microbiome s are characterized by shot gun sequencing during each phase of the menstrual cycle (menses, follicular and luteal phases). Results: The use of COC and LNG-IUS do not affect the microbiome composition or diversity . However , an increased diversity in the vaginal microbiome is observed during menses , followed by a subsequent expansion of Lactobacillus during the follicular and luteal phase s which correlate s with measured serum oestradiol levels (r = 0.11, p<0.001) . During menses 89 women (58%) ha ve a dysbiotic vaginal microbiome with less than 60% Lactobacillus spp . This decline s to 49 (32%) in the follicular phase (p = 1.3E-5) and 44 (29%) in the luteal phase (p = 4.6E-7) . During menses, bacterial richness and diversity in saliva reach its lowest while no difference is observed in the faecal microbiome . T he microbiome in different body sites is on average more similar within the same individual than between individuals , despite phase or hormonal treatment . Only the vagina present s a clear cluster structure with dominance of either Lactobacillus crispatus , Lactobacillus iners , Gardnerella vaginalis or Prevotella spp. Conclusions: The use of COC or LNG-IUS is not associated with changes of the healthy female microbiome except for increased stability in the vagina in LNG-IUS users . Body site is the main driver of the microbiome, including a clear difference between faecal and rectal samples. The menstrual cycle is a confounding factor for microbiome composition in both saliva and the vagina and should be considered when analysing the microbiome in women of reproductive age.
Elevated circASCC3 Suppresses Antitumor Immunity by Sponging miR-432-5p to Upregulate C5a in Non-small-cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Gao Jian , Zhang Ling-Xian , Ao Yong-Qiang , Jin Chun , Zhang Peng-Fei , Wang Hai-kun , Wang Shuai , Lin Miao , Jiang Jia-Hao , Ding Jian-Yong
Published: July 2021

Background: Tumor invasion and immune evasion are the main mechanisms underlying the progression of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In addition, abnormally expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) contribute to the malignant phenotype of NSCLC. Thus, further investigation of the mechanism of dysregulated circRNAs may provide new insight into the treatment of NSCLC.Methods: circRNA sequencing was used to explore the different expression profiles of circRNAs in 4 NSCLC tissues and paired normal tissues. Then, the expression of key circRNAs in NSCLC tissues and matched normal tissues was further evaluated via in situ hybridization and in cell lines using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Next, in vitro and in vivo models of NSCLC were employed to uncover the functions and mechanisms of key circRNAs in NSCLC progression and treatment.Results: circASCC3 (hsa_circ_0077495) was overexpressed in NSCLC tissues compared to paired normal tissues, and the upregulation of circASCC3 indicated a dismal prognosis in patients with NSCLC. Overexpressed circASCC3 enhanced the malignant phenotype of NSCLC cells in vitro and led to an immunosuppressive microenvironment in vivo. Mechanistically, circASCC3 sponged miR-432-5p to increase the expression of complement C5a, which induced the progression and dysfunctional immune status of NSCLC. Moreover, the combination of the C5aR inhibitor PMX-53 and anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) antibody achieved synergistic effects in NSCLC models overexpressing circASCC3.Conclusion: These results uncover the contributions of circASCC3 to NSCLC progression and immunosuppression and provide a potential strategy for overcoming resistance to anti-PD-1 therapy.
Frequency of Mountain Waves Over Kanto Area Revealed by Imaging Observations of OH Airglow
Authors: Ishii Satoshi , Tomikawa Yoshihiro , Okuda Masahiro , Suzuki Hidehiko
Published: July 2021

Imaging observations of OH airglow were conducted at Meiji University, Japan (IN, mE), from May 2018 to December 2019. Mountainous areas, including Mt. Fuji, are located to the west of the imager, and westerly winds are dominant in the lower atmosphere throughout the year. Mountain waves (MWs) are generated on the leeward sides of mountains and occasionally propagate to the upper atmosphere. However, during the observation period (about 1 year and 8 months), only four possible MW events were identified. Based on previous reports, this incidence is considerably lower than expected. There are two possible reasons for the low incidence of MW events: (1) The frequency of MW excitation is small in the lower layers of the atmosphere, and/or (2) MWs do not propagate easily to the upper mesosphere due to background wind conditions. This study verified the likelihood of the former case. Under over-mountain airflow conditions, wavy clouds are often generated on the leeward side. Since over-mountain airflow is essential for the excitation of MWs, the frequency of wavy clouds in the lower atmosphere can be regarded as a measure of the occurrence of MWs. The frequency and spatial distribution of MWs around Japan were investigated by detecting the wavy clouds from color images taken by the Himawari-8 geostationary meteorological satellite (GSM-8) for one year in 2018. The wavy clouds were detected on more than 70 days a year around the Tohoku region, but just 20 days a year around Mt. Fuji. This suggests that few MWs are generated around Mt. Fuji. The differences between these two regions were examined focusing on the relationship between the local topography and dominant horizontal wind fields in the lower atmosphere. Specifically, the findings showed that the angle between the dominant horizontal wind direction and the orientation of the mountain ridge is a good proxy of the occurrence of wavy clouds, i.e., excitation of MWs in mountainous areas. We have also applied this proxy to topography in other areas of the world to investigate areas where MWs would be occurring frequently. Finally, we discuss the likelihood of "MW hotspots" at various spatial scales in the world.
Is Diabetic Ketoacidosis A Good Predictor Of 5-Year Metabolic Control in Children with Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes?
Authors: Kowalczyk Emilia , Stypułkowska Aneta , Majewska Barbara , Domaradzka Małgorzata , Hoffmann Aleksandra , Buła Paulina , Szypowska Agnieszka
Published: July 2021

Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate whether the presence of DKA at diabetes diagnosis was associated with poorer metabolic control during a 5-year follow-up.Methods: The study included children treated due to newly diagnosed T1D complicated with DKA between 2010-2014 with a complete 5-year follow-up. In every case we performed individual matching for age, gender and BMI with a person without DKA (nDKA) on recognition. We collected data regarding treatment modality, HbA1C, total daily insulin dose, basal insulin and BMI-SDS.Results: 85 children at the median age of 7.93 years had DKA at diabetes diagnosis. The median pH was 7.19.Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) was used in 87% of participants in each group. No differences in HbA1C level (7,3%vs7,2%;p=.413) were noted after 5 years of disease duration. The severity of ketoacidosis exerted no significant effect on HbA1C. The method of insulin delivery at baseline was significantly associated with HbA1C levels after 5 years of observation, βCSII=-1.46,95%CI[-2.01 to -0.92],p<.001.Conclusions: The presence of DKA at diabetes diagnosis is not associated with deteriorated long-term metabolic control in children using modern technologies. The early implementation of CSII into diabetes treatment may change the effect of DKA and lead to a long-term HbA1C improvement.
Effect of Thermal Behavior on the Grain Morphology and Dimension of 80mm-Thick Ti6Al4V Plates Joined by Laser Melting Deposition
Authors: Lyu Feiyue , Hu Ke , Wang Leilei , Feng Yu , Zhan Xiaohong
Published: July 2021

Individually fabrication forged parts and then joining them together through Laser Melting Deposition (LMD) is a viable way for manufacturing large components. For investigating the effect of the grain morphology of LMD joint, two 80mm-thick Ti6Al4V plates are successfully manufactured using three different scanning speeds (10, 15, and 20 mm/s). It is essential for understanding the thermal behaviour of melt pool during LMD to improve process quality. This study focuses on the energy density of heat source and the direction of heat flux, analyzing the effect of thermal behavior on the grain morphology and dimension of deposition area, equiaxed crystal zone (EQZ) and the substrate. The macrostructure is evaluated in the different thermal condition and scanning speeds. An extremely fine equiaxed crystal was observed near the joint boundary with a high temperature gradient and cooling rate. The curve epitaxial growth of fine columnar crystal rather than along straight lines is induced by the direction of heat conduction near the joint boundary. However, the orientation angle of epitaxial growth of the coarse columnar crystal is the same as previous deposition layer at the center of deposition area. Given the effect of high heat accumulation and low temperature gradient during LMD, the dimension of columnar crystal is coarsen significantly at the center of deposition area.
A Pragmatic Study of Congratulation Strategies of Pakistani ESL Learners and British English Speakers
Authors: Malik Nazir Ahmed , Saleem Tahir , Aziz Asif
Published: July 2021

People usually express their feelings and emotions positively to others when they have happy occasions. However, the ways of expressing congratulation may vary because the expressive speech act “congratulations” is not the only way to express happiness and share others their happy news. The present study investigates the congratulation strategies of Pakistani ESL learners and British English speakers under the influence of social distance variable. For this purpose, 120 participants were recruited, and who were further divided into four different groups: 30 British English speakers, 30 Pakistani ESL learners in the elite class, 30 Pakistani ESL learners of the middle class, and 30 Pakistani ESL learners in the lower class. For data collection, a Discourse completion test (DCT) was used as a tool. The findings reveal that the most frequently used types of congratulation strategy are IFID followed by overlapped strategies (a combination of two), an offer of a good wish, expression of happiness, request for information, encouragement, expression of surprise, and suggestion of celebration, while other types of strategies are not used by the participants. The study reveals the existence of positive and negative pragmatic transfer in the use of congratulations by Pakistani ESL learners. The findings further show how the middle and lower class of Pakistani ESL learners use a more elaborated form of CRs as compared to Pakistani ESL learners of elite and British English speakers. The findings may help in understanding the pragmalinguistic and sociopragmatic aspects of Pakistani ESL learners as compared to British English speakers.
Studying the Effect of Curcumin on Hep3B Hepatocarcinoma in Molecular and Biology Research Laboratory at An-Najah National University
Authors: Baker Reem Abu , Menawi Wafaa , Raddad Aseel , Shurafa Haya
Published: July 2021

Liver cancer is the growth and spread of cells in the liver that are abnormal. In this research, we examined Curcumin's effects on the growth of Hep3B cells liver in Molecular and Biology Research Laboratory at An-Najah National University. Curcumin regarding several theoretical and practical studies starves cancer cells to death. The life cycle of Hep3B cell has been analyzed by MTS assay, which is used to assess cell proliferation, cell viability, cytotoxicity, and flow cytometry. Our results agreed that Curcumin could a potentially efficient medication in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, according to the findings of this study which confirms that curcumin treatment inhibited the growth of Hep3B. Thus, taking curcumin in our food is recommended.
Antibiotic Exposure Prevents Acquisition of Beneficial Metabolic Functions in the Preterm Infant Gut Microbiome
Authors: Xu Yanping , Milburn Olivia , Beiersdorfer Traci , Du Lizhong , Akinbi Henry , Haslam David
Published: July 2021

Background: Aberrations in the preterm microbiome following antibiotic therapy have been reported in previous studies. The objective of this study was to probe potential underlying mechanisms between this observation and susceptibility to adverse prematurity-related outcomes. Results: Metagenomic shotgun sequencing was performed on 132 fecal and 264 skin samples collected at 1 and 3 weeks of age from 68 infants born at <36 weeks postmenstrual age and birth weight <2000 g. After accounting for gestational age and maternal antibiotics, the distribution of organisms in all samples and the corresponding metabolic pathway abundance were compared between infants exposed to postnatal antibiotics and antibiotics-naïve infants. In antibiotic-naïve infants, gestational and postnatal age imparted similar trajectories on maturation of the microbial community and associated metabolic functional capacity, with postnatal age exerting greater contribution. Antibiotic exposure was associated with reversal in maturation trajectory from the first week to the third week of age (p< 0.001). Butyrate producing genera, including Clostridium and Blautia were significantly more abundant in antibiotic-naïve neonates at 3 weeks postnatal age. Correspondingly, metabolic pathways required for short chain fatty acid synthesis were significantly increased in the antibiotic-naïve infants, but not in antibiotic-exposed neonates, at three weeks after birth. Conclusions: Early brief antibiotic exposure markedly disrupts developmental trajectory of the neonatal microbiome and its corresponding functional capacity. Our findings may provide a mechanistic explanation for the known associations between antibiotic use and adverse outcomes in preterm infants.
Effect of Different Exercise Stressors on Soldier’s Psychophysiological Response and Marksmanship
Authors: Aguilera José Francisco Tornero , Gil-Cabrera Jaime , Regueros Agustín Curiel , Clemente-Suárez Vicente Javier
Published: July 2021

Background: Authors have proposed that depending on the type of fatigue, either central or peripherical, as well as previous training and experience, shooting impairment may occur in different gradients. However, the effects of different stressor stimuli on fine motor skills as shooting is yet not fully understood.Methods: The present research aimed to analyze the effect of endurance and resisted physical stressors on the psychophysiological response and pistol marksmanship of soldiers, and the possible differences by gender and weigh. Variables of heart rate, isometric hand strength, rated of perceived exertion and pistol marksmanship were analyzed in 86 soldiers in basal, endurance and resisted stress protocols moments.Results: Isometric hand strength, HR and RPE were significantly higher in both resisted and endurance physical stress protocols than in basal sample. Gender differences were seen, among strength, cardiovascular and RPE values. Also, soldiers with larger BMI presented significantly higher isometric hand strength and higher marksmanship in all moments evaluated. Conclusions: An endurance stress protocol produced a higher cardiovascular and perceived exertion than a resisted one, not affecting hand strength, shooting heart rate and marksmanship. Females presented lower hand strength marksmanship and higher rated of perceived exertion and heart rate during the endurance and resisted stress protocols than males. Overweight soldiers have higher heart rate during both protocols, higher hand strength and marksmanship, and similar hear rate while shooting than normoweight soldiers.
Die Ranunculaceae der Flora von Zentraleuropa: Ranunculus Sektion Batrachium
Authors: Wiegleb Gerhard
Published: July 2021

Die zentraleuropäischen Vertreter von Ranunculus Sektion Batrachium werden hinsichtlich ihrer Taxonomie, Morphologie und Ökologie behandelt. Ein Schlüssel ermöglicht die Bestimmung der 15 im Gebiet vorkommenden Arten.
Thermal expansion of minerals in the amphibole supergroup
Authors: Tribaudino Mario , Hovis Guy L. , Almer Christine , Leaman Amanda
Published: July 2021

We have investigated the thermal expansion of 15 naturally occurring chemically diverse amphiboles utilizing high-temperature X-ray powder diffraction. As done in the first paper of this series on pyroxenes, volume-temperature data were analyzed using the physical Kroll and empirical Fei thermal expansion models. As in pyroxenes, orthorhombic amphibole end-members expand more than monoclinic ones, which is related to the greater kinking of the chains of tetrahedra permitted by the Pnma symmetry. In the case of chemically similar phases, increased Al in octahedral cation sites decreases expansion. Although the ranges of thermal expansion coefficients for amphiboles and pyroxenes are similar, expansion patterns are not the same. Amphiboles exhibit higher expansion along a*, but lower along b, just the reverse of that observed in pyroxenes. An exception to this is the data for pargasite, which shows higher expansion along the b axis due to the presence of Al in tetrahedral sites. Current data will be useful in modeling reactions involving amphiboles in both metamorphic and igneous environments.
Рейтинг предприятий фармпромышленности по объему валовой прибыли за 2020 год
Authors: Романова Светлана
Published: July 2021

Одним из количественных критериев деловой активности в абсолютном выражении, по которому можно оценить результаты и эффективность основной производственной деятельности предприятий, является валовая прибыль. Рейтинг будет строиться не только на абсолютных показателях предприятий фармацевтической промышленности, таких как объемы валовой прибыли предприятий, но и на относительных или удельных – динамика изменения этих объемов. Рейтинг предприятий будет определяться с помощью одного из математических методов – метода суммы мест. Рейтинг проведен по данным государственной бухгалтерской отчетности 90 крупнейших предприятий фармацевтической промышленности. Необходимо отметить, что в рейтинге принимали участие только рентабельные предприятия отрасли.