bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safe and Efficient Molybdenum Disulfide Platform for Cooperative Imaging-Guided Photothermal-Selective Chemotherapy: A Preclinical Study
Authors: Li Xin , Kong Lingdan , Hu Wei , Zhang Changchang , Shi Xiangyang , Wang Xipeng , Xing Lingxi
Published: May 2021

Background
The striking imbalance between the ever-increasing amount of nanomedicines and low clinical translation of products has become the focus of intense debate. For clinical translation, the critical issue is to select the appropriate agents and combination regimen for targeted diseases, not to prepare increasingly complex nanoplatforms.
Methods
Herein, a safe and efficient platform, α-tocopheryl succinate (α-TOS) married 2D molybdenum disulfide, was devised by a facile method and applied for cooperative imaging-guided photothermal-selective chemotherapy of ovarian carcinoma.
Results
The photothermal efficiency (65.3%) of the platform under safe near-infrared irradiation is much higher than that of other photothermal materials reported elsewhere. Moreover, the covalently linked α-TOS renders platform with selective chemotherapy for cancer cells. Remarkably, with these excellent properties, the platform can be used to completely eliminate the solid tumor by safe photothermal therapy, and then kill the residual cancer cells by selective chemotherapy to prevent tumor recurrence. More significantly, barely side effects occurred in the whole treatment process. The excellent efficacy and safety benefits in vivo lead to the prominent survival rate of 100% over 91 days.
Conclusion
Overall, the safe and efficient platform might be a candidate of clinical nanomedicines for multimode theranostics. This study demonstrates an innovative thought in precise nanomedicine regarding the design of next generation of cancer theranostic protocol for potential clinical practice.
Relationship between serum lipid level and meibomian gland dysfunction subtype in Korea : A propensity score analysis
Authors: Ha Minji , Song Jiyun , Park Sunkyoung , Han Kyungdo , Hwang Ho Sik , Kim Hyun-Seung , Arita Reiko , Na Kyung-Sun
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To analyze the correlation between systemic lipid profile levels and each meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) subtype in Korea.Methods: The ophthalmic data of 95 eyes and the serum lipid profiles of 95 patients were reviewed. These factors were compared with those of the general population using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), which evaluated 2,924 subjects. Of these, 475 propensity score-matched normal controls were selected for comparison with the 95 MGD patients based on a 1:5 ratio. In addition, we analyzed the correlations between serum lipid profile levels and MGD subtypes in MGD patients.Results: The mean high-density lipoprotein (HDL) value of the MGD patients was significantly higher than that of the general population (P < 0.0001). However, the mean total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels of the MGD patients were not significantly different from those of the general population (TC: P = 0.3950, TG: P = 0.6331, LDL: P = 0.2079). In addition, no serum lipid levels statistically differed among the MGD subtypes (TC: P = 0.7650, HDL: P = 0.2480, LDL: P = 0.3430, TG: P = 0.7030).Conclusion: A statistically significant, but marginal, increase in HDL concentration was observed in the MGD group, although there was no difference in any serum lipid level among the MGD subtypes.
Construction of Novel Immune-Related LncRNA Signature and its Potential Prediction of Immune Status in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Deng Min , Lin Jia-Bao , Li Shao-Hua , Zhao Rong-Ce , Wei Wei , Guo Rong-Ping
Published: May 2021

Background: The accuracy of the existing biomarkers in predicting the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not satisfactory. It is necessary to explore biomarkers that can accurately predict the prognosis of HCC.Materials and methods: In this study, the original transcriptome data was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Immune-related long non-coding ribonucleic acids (irlncRNAs) were identified by co-expression analysis, and different expression irlncRNA (DEirlncRNA) pairs were distinguished by univariate analysis. Besides, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalized regression was modified. Next, the cut-off point was determined based on the area under the curve (AUC) and Akaike information criterion (AIC) values of the 5-year receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) to establish an optimal model for identifying high-risk and low-risk groups in HCC patients. The model was then reassessed in terms of clinicopathological features, survival rate, tumor-infiltrating immune cells, immunosuppressive markers, and chemotherapy efficacy.Results: A total of 1009 pairs of DEirlncRNA were recognized in this study, 30 of which were included in the Cox regression model for subsequent analysis. After regrouping according to the cut-off point, we can more effectively identify factors such as aggressive clinicopathological features, poor survival outcomes, specific tumor immune infiltration status, the high expression level of immunosuppressive biomarkers, and low sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs in HCC patients.Conclusions: The non-specific expression level signature involved in irlncRNAs shows a promising clinical value in predicting the prognosis of HCC patients.
Perceptions of Peer Contraceptive Use and its Influence on Contraceptive Method Use and Choice among Young Women and Men in Kenya: A Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Calhoun Lisa M. , Mirzoyants Anastasia , Thuku Sylvia , Benova Lenka , Delvaux Therese , Akker Thomas van den , McGuire Courtney , Onyango Bernard , Speizer Ilene S
Published: May 2021

Background
Prior research has established that an individual’s social environment may influence his or her reproductive behaviors, yet less is known about peer influence on contraceptive use among young people (ages 15–24). In Kenya, the site of this study, 15% of adolescents ages 15–19 have begun childbearing and 45% of sexually active young women report current use of a modern contraceptive method. This highlights the need to better understand what factors influence young people to use contraception. The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between the perception of peers’ use of contraceptives and contraceptive use and method choice among young men and women in Kenya.
Methods
This study utilizes a nationally representative sample of women and men aged 15–24 years from the 2018 and 2019 cross sectional Shujaaz State of the Kenyan Youth annual surveys. Among the sample of sexually experienced young people (59%), multivariable multinomial logistic regression was used to explore the association between the perception of peers’ use of contraceptives and the respondent’s contraceptive method choice: non-user, condom use or use of any other modern method. Results are presented separately for young men and young women.
Results
Our results show that sexually experienced young men and women who perceive that their peers are using contraceptives are more likely to report current use of modern contraception. Among women and men, the perception that their peers use contraceptives is associated with higher use of condoms compared to being a nonuser; they are also more likely to use condoms than another modern method of contraception. Young women are more likely to use another modern method (not including condoms) than be a nonuser when they perceive that their peers use contraceptives.
Conclusions
The results of this study highlight the important role of peer influence on young people’s contraceptive choices. These findings can be used to develop programs that encourage behavior change communication activities in Kenya that focus on providing information on the full range of contraceptive methods as well as normalizing contraceptive use among peer groups of sexually experienced young people.
Highly selective adsorption on WX2 (X=S, Se, Te) monolayer and effect of strain engineering: A DFT Study
Authors: Ren Jian
Published: May 2021

A model of SO2 molecule was established, and the adsorption of SO2 by intrinsic graphene was first studied by the first principles study. The calculation results show that the intrinsic WX2 (X = S, Se, Te) has a weak adsorption of SO2 and belongs to physical adsorption. Then compare the adsorption of SO2 by the WX2 systems doped with As and Ge, and calculated by first-principles: the doped WX2 has a stronger adsorption effect on SO2. From the perspective of the degree of change in the adsorption structure, single-doped Ge/WTe2 has stronger stability when adsorbing gas molecules; from the perspective of adsorption energy, charge density, band structure, and density of states diagrams, single-doped Ge/WTe2 has a greater effect on SO2 gas has better adsorption effect.
Synthesis of Paracrystalline Diamond
Authors: Sheng Howard , Tang Hu , Yuan Xiaohong , Cheng Yong , Fei Hongzhan , Liu Fuyang , Liang Tao , Zeng Zhidan , Ishii Takayuki , Wang Mingsheng , Katsura Tomoo , Gou Huiyang
Published: May 2021

Solids in nature can be generally classified into crystalline and non-crystalline states, depending on whether long-range lattice periodicity is present in the material. The differentiation of the two states, however, could face fundamental challenges if the degree of long-range order in crystals is significantly reduced. Here we report a unique paracrystalline state of diamond that is distinct from either crystalline or amorphous diamond. The paracrystalline diamond reported in this work, consisting of sub-nanometer-sized paracrystals that possess a well-defined crystalline medium-range order up to a few atomic shells, was synthesized in high-pressure high-temperature conditions (e.g., 30 GPa, 1600 K) employing fcc-C60 as a precursor. The structural characteristics of paracrystalline diamond was identified through a combination of X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission microscopy, and advanced molecular dynamics simulation. The formation of paracrystalline diamond is a result of densely distributed nucleation sites developed in compressed C60 as well as pronounced second-nearest-neighbor short-range order in amorphous diamond due to strong sp3 bonding. The discovery of paracrystalline diamond adds a new diamond form to the enriched carbon family, which exhibits distinguishing physical properties and can be furthered exploited to develop new materials. Furthermore, this work reveals the missing link in the length-scale between amorphous and crystalline states across the structural landscape, which has profound implications for recognizing complex structures arising from amorphous materials.
Construction of A High-Density Genetic Map And Detection of A Major QTL of Resistance To Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe Necator Sch.) In Caucasian Grapes (Vitis Vinifera L.)
Authors: Possamai Tyrone , Wiedemann-Merdinoglu Sabine , Merdinoglu Didier , Migliaro Daniele , De Mori Gloria , Cipriani Guido , Velasco Riccardo , Testolin Raffaele
Published: May 2021

BackgroundVitis vinifera L. is the most cultivated grapevine species worldwide. Erysiphe necator Sch., the causal agent of grape powdery mildew, is one of the main pathogens affecting viticulture. V. vinifera has little or no genetic resistance against E. necator and the grape industry is highly dependent on agrochemicals. Some Caucasian V. vinifera accessions have been reported to be resistant to E. necator and to have no genetic relationship to known sources of resistance to powdery mildew. The main purpose of this work was the study and mapping of the resistance to E. necator in the Caucasian grapes ‘Shavtsitska’ and ‘Tskhvedianis tetra’.ResultsThe Caucasian varieties ‘Shavtsitska’ and ‘Tskhvedianis tetra’ showed a strong partial resistance to E. necator which segregated in two cross populations: the resistant genotypes delayed and limited the pathogen mycelium growth, sporulation intensity and number of conidia generated. A total of 184 seedlings of ‘Shavtsitska’ x ‘Glera’ population were genotyped through the Genotyping by Sequencing (GBS) technology and two high-density linkage maps were developed for the cross parents. The QTL analysis revealed a major resistance locus, explaining up to 80.15% of the phenotypic variance, on ‘Shavtsitska’ linkage group 13, which was associated with a reduced pathogen infection as well as an enhanced plant necrotic response. The genotyping of 105 Caucasian accessions with SSR markers flanking the QTL revealed that the resistant haplotype of ‘Shavtsitska’ was shared by ‘Tskhvedianis tetra’ and a total of 24 Caucasian grape varieties, suggesting a widespread presence of this resistance in the surveyed germplasm. The uncovered QTL was mapped in the region where the Ren1 gene of resistance to E. necator, identified in the V. vinifera ‘Kishmish vatkana’ and related grapes of Central Asia, is located. The genetic analysis conducted revealed that the Caucasian grapes in this study exhibit a resistant haplotype different from that of Central Asian grape accessions.ConclusionsThe QTL isolated in ‘Shavtsitska’ and present in the Caucasian V. vinifera varieties could be a new candidate gene of resistance to E. necator to use in breeding programmes. It co-localizes with the Ren1 locus but shows a different haplotype from that of grapevines of Central Asia. We therefore consider this gene, named Ren1-2, a member of a cluster of R genes, of which the region is rich, and linked with, or possibly allelic, to the Ren1.
Experimental Study on Porosity, Permeability and Strength of Pervious Concrete
Authors: Li Leo Gu , Feng Jia-Jian , Xiao Bo-Feng , Chu Shao-Hua
Published: May 2021

Pervious concrete, which has pores to allow permeation of water and air, is being used as one of the solutions for combating the problems induced by urbanization. For the purpose of evaluating the main factors affecting the performance attributes of pervious concrete, a total of 24 pervious concrete groups with varied mortar volumes and water/cement ratios were made for porosity, water permeability and cube strength measurements. Based on the test results and regression analysis, it was found that interconnected porosity plays major role in the water permeability, while the open porosity and W/C ratio are together the key factors governing the cube strength.
Distribution of socioeconomic status and its association with type 2 diabetes mellitus in China rural area: Henan Rural Cohort study
Authors: Kang Ning , Liu Xiaotian , Liao Wei , Hu Ze , He Yaling , Wang Lulu , Dong Xiaokang , Wang Chongjian , Wang Xiaoqiong , Li Yuqian
Published: May 2021

Background

The measures of socioeconomic status (SES) differed across divergent researches and rare of them focused on rural population. This research, thus, presented a novel measure of SES among rural population and then estimated its association with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods

All participants were farmer and enrolled from the Henan Rural Cohort study. SES of individual was assessed by SES-score, a composite index derived from three SES-related indicators (education level, average monthly income, and marital status). Binary logistic regression was employed to examine the independent association between SES-score and T2DM as well as the combined effects of SES and age on T2DM. To detect the gender differences, all analyses were stratified by gender.
Results

Among 39259 rural participants, the means (SDs) SES-score of total population, men, and women were 3.47 (1.54), 3.72 (1.49), and 3.31 (1.57), respectively. The SES-score decreased with age and men always had a higher score than women. The prevalence of T2DM decreased with increasing SES-score among women (14.87–4.47%, P trend <0.001), while an inverse trend was observed among men (6.59–9.87%, P trend <0.001). Adjusted ORs (95%CIs) for prevalent T2DM, per unit increase, were 1.07 (1.03, 1.12) in men and 0.96 (0.93, 0.99) in women. Old men with high SES and old women with low SES were vulnerable to T2DM.
Conclusions

Men had a higher SES-score than women in rural areas, and this gap increased with age. The association between SES and T2DM was differed by gender.
Trail Registration:

The Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Register (Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699). Date of registration: 06 July, 2015. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375
Integrating earthquake early warning system and a smart robot for post-earthquake automated inspection and emergency response
Authors: Lin Tzu-Hsuan , Huang Jing-Ting , Putranto Alan
Published: May 2021

The natural hazard, mainly earthquake, has caused substantial economic losses and human life loss to many countries. Taiwan, which is located on the western Circum-Pacific seismic belt, has encountered the problem as mentioned earlier in Meishan, Hsinchu-Taichung, and Chi-Chi earthquakes a few years ago. In this study, the researchers propose a novel robot-event integrated system capable of doing the automated inspection and emergency response due to a significant earthquake. When the household’s earthquake warning receiving device picks up an alert, its built-in wireless communications system will send a signal to the robot. The robot commences inspection of the indoor area via real-time image recognition and tracking. It will approach them upon detecting fallen people, regulating their movements via a robot operating system (ROS) monitoring interface. The robot is designed to operate in a house that remains standing with acceptable damage in which the furniture might falling and injure the occupants after an earthquake hit. The indoor experiment conducted to verify the robot system and operation with a designed condition such as fallen and non-fallen people as a detected object. The robot tested to deliver food or medicine for fallen people while waiting for rescuers to arrive. Tests indicate that the proposed smart robot has prospective implementation to the real-world application with more research and development. The smart robot integrated with an earthquake early warning system has a promising approach to the temporary care of people affected by earthquakes.
The Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Critically Endangered Hangul (Cervus Hanglu Hanglu) and Its Comparison With the Other Red Deer
Authors: Yadav Prabhaker , Kumar Ajit , Yadav Neha , Gupta Sandeep Kumar
Published: May 2021

Background: Hangul (Cervus hanglu hanglu) or Kashmiri stag belongs to the family Cervidae and is only surviving red deer in the Indian subcontinent. Its complete mitogenome sequence is lacking in the open database for further phylogenetic inferences.Methods and results: We sequenced and characterized the first complete mitogenome of Hangul, which was 16,354 bp in length. It was compared with other red deer subspecies. We observed eight pairs of overlapping genes and 15 intergenic spacers in between the mitochondrial regions. Relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) for the 13 PCGs of Hangul was consisting of 3597 codons (excluding stop codons). We observed a highest frequency for leucine (11.75%) and the lowest for tryptophan amino acid (1.12%) in 13 PCGs of Hangul. All the tRNA genes showed a typical secondary cloverleaf arrangement, excluding tRNA-Ser in which dihydrouridine arm did not form a stable structure. Conclusions: The Bayesian inference phylogenetic tree indicated that Hangul clustered within the Tarim deer group (C. h. yarkandensis) and closed to C. e. hippelaphus, which formed the western clade. Besides, the subspecies of C. nippon and C. canadensis clustered together and formed an eastern clade. The finding was supported by the mean pairwise genetic distance based on both complete mitogenome and 13 PCGs. The comparative study of the Hangul mitogenome with other red deer provides crucial information for understanding the evolutionary relationships. It offers a valuable resource for conserving this critically endangered cervid with a limited distribution range.
Photodegradation of roxarsone in the aquatic environment: influencing factors, mechanisms and artificial neural network modeling
Authors: Meng Jizhong , Arong Arong , Yuan Shoujun , Wang Wei , Jin Juliang , Zhan Xinmin , Xiao Liwen , Hu Zhenhu
Published: May 2021

Roxarsone (ROX) is an organoarsenic feed additive, and can be discharged into aquatic environment. ROX can photodegrade into more toxic inorganic arsenics, causing arsenic pollution. However, the photodegradation behavior of ROX in aquatic environment is still unclear. To better understand ROX photodegradation behavior, this study investigated the ROX photodegradation mechanism and influencing factors, and modeled the photodegradation process. The results showed that ROX in the aquatic environment was degraded to inorganic As(III) and As(V) under light irradiation. The degradation efficiency was enhanced by 25 % with the increase of light intensity from 300 µW/cm2 to 800 µW/cm2 via indirect photolysis. The photodegradation was temperature dependence, but was only slightly affected by pH. Nitrate ion (NO3−) had an obvious influence, but sulfate, carbonate, and chlorate ions had a negligible effect on ROX degradation. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the solution inhibited the photodegradation. ROX photodegradation was mainly mediated by reactive oxygen species (in the form of single oxygen 1O2) generated through ROX self-sensitization under irradiation. Based on the data of factors affecting ROX photodegradation, ROX photodegradation model was built and trained by an artificial neural network (ANN), and the predicted degradation rate was in good agreement with the real values with a root mean square error of 1.008. This study improved the understanding of ROX photodegradation behavior and provided a basis for controlling the pollution from ROX photodegradation.
Maternal Support Systems in Buikwe District, Uganda: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Roed Marte Bodil , Engebretsen Ingunn Marie Stadskleiv , Mangeni Robert , Namata Irene
Published: May 2021

Background: Uganda is a country struggling with reducing the neonatal mortality rate of 20/1000 live births reported in 2018 and to fully implement Ugandan clinical guidelines (UCG) on care for mothers and newborns during pregnancy, delivery and post-partum. This study aimed at describing maternal support systems including women’s access to and use of maternal health care and home support systems. Methods: Maternal support systems were investigated using qualitative methods including participant observations, semi-structured interviews with key-informants and focus group discussions with mothers. Malterud’s Systematic text condensation (STC) was used for analysis and Nvivo software to structure the data. Results: Antenatal care was valued by mothers and they relied on professional health workers and traditional birth attendants (TBA’s) for basic maternal services. General discontentment with spousal and family contributions in the postnatal period, financial dependency and lack of autonomy in decision making on maternal issues prohibited women in receiving optimal help and support. Postnatal follow-ups were found unsatisfactory. Conclusions: Further focus on gender equity involving women’s right to own decision making in maternity issues, higher recognition of male involvement in maternity care and improved postnatal follow-ups are suggestions for improved neonatal outcomes in Buikwe district, Uganda.
Multivariate Process-Based Evaluation of CMIP6 Historical Simulations Over the Tropical Oceans
Authors: Nogueira Miguel
Published: May 2021

Significant biases have persisted throughout the latest phases of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP), with important implications for climate science and policy. Here the systematic errors in mean and variability of precipitation (P), total column water vapor (W) and sea surface temperature (SST) were analyzed over the tropical oceans for ten CMIP phase 6 (CMIP6) models. This is a particularly challenging region for climate simulations. A process-based error analysis was employed, grounded by state-of-the-art satellite observations and reanalysis datasets. The results revealed a generalized overestimation of P (up to + 1.5mm/day) and underestimation of P variability (up to -54%), largely due to issues in simulating the intensity and extension of deep convection. The P variability errors were further associated with uncertainties in precipitation sensitivity to SST and W, El-Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability, and atmospheric longwave and shortwave radiative interactions. The models showed both positive and negative W biases (up to 4.5mm), resulting from differences in water vapor feedback and tropical subsidence. Most models overestimated W variability (up to + 103%) due to misrepresentation of the water vapor feedback, tropical deep convection, and ENSO variability. Concerning SST, the biases were relatively low (below ±1.2K), but the variability was generally overestimated (up to + 110%). The SST errors showed multiple connections, including to water vapor and Bjerknes feedbacks, atmospheric radiative absorption and cooling, and ENSO. Overall, the present results support the importance of multivariate model evaluation frameworks, and the critical need for significant improvements in simulation of deep tropical convection and atmospheric-radiative interactions.
Physiological, morphological and phytochemical responses of ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi L.) populations to salt stress
Authors: Mirniyam Gita , Rahimmalek Mehdi , Arzani Ahmad , Yavari Parisa , Ehtemam Mohammad Hossein
Published: May 2021

Twenty-eight populations of ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi L.) were evaluated for morphological traits and oil yield in two consecutive years. Then, selected ajowan populations that revealed medium and high oil yield and higher seed weight in two years were selected for further studies. These were assessed for physiological traits, total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant capacity under four salt treatments control, 60, 90, and 120 mM NaCl. The essential oil composition was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) Thymol (32.7-54.29%), γ -terpinene (21.71–32.81%), and p-cymene (18.74–26.16%) were major components. The highest and lowest thymol were recorded for Qazvin (control) and Qazvin (Low salt concentration), respectively. Salt stress caused an increase in essential oil content of Esfahfo and Qazvin populations. The highest phenolic and flavonoid contents were found in Arak population grown in 60 mM NaCl (183.83 mg TAE g− 1 DW) and Yazd population grown in 90 mM NaCl (5.94 mg QE g− 1 DW). Moreover, Yazd population exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity based on DPPH (IC50 = 1566µg/mL) under 60 mM NaCl and the highest reducing power (0.69 nm) under 120 mM NaCl. Overall, the results revealed that low and moderate salt stress improves the phytochemicals of ajowan, being especially useful for pharmaceutical and food applications.
Simulation of Temperature Distribution And Heat Generation During Dissimilar Friction Stir Welding Of AA6061 Aluminum Alloy and Al-Mg2Si Composite
Authors: Sharghi Ebtesam , Farzadi Ali
Published: May 2021

During dissimilar friction stir welding (FSW) of Al-Mg2Si metal matrix composite and AA6061 aluminum alloy, the temperature field and heat generation were investigated using a 3-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model and FLUENT software. The simulations were conducted for rotational speeds of 720, 920 and 1120 rpm. The welding experiments were carried out to validate the simulation results. About 70 per cent of the heat generates at the interface between the shoulder and the workpiece. The maximum temperature was predicted on the advancing side (AS). The difference between the peak temperatures on the AS and the retreating side (RS) was about 115 K. The effect of the rotational speed on the peak temperature is significant. The temperature distribution in the cross-sections is asymmetric, which originates from different material velocities on the AS and RS. The peak temperature on the RS develops under the top surface, while the peak temperature on the AS develops on the surface.
The Relationship Between Physical Activity Level with Quality of Life and General Health among COVID-19 Recovered Individuals
Authors: Azmodeh Mahnaz , Hoseini Rastegar , Amiri Ehsan
Published: May 2021

Background: New coronavirus (COVID-19) has a major impact on the individual's physical activity level (PAL); The COVID-19 quarantine outbreak caused a decrease in the PAL. Accordingly, it might also affect the general health and quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between PAL with QoL and general health (GH) among COVID-19 recovered individuals (CRI).Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, using the multi-stage (Cluster) sampling techniques, 890 CRI (male (n = 438) and female (n = 452)) were volunteered from different COVID-19 testing centers in Kermanshah province. After filling out the consent form, the PAL, GH, and QoL questionnaires were completed and anthropometric parameters were measured. The PAL was assessed using the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ-SF), GH was assessed using the GHQ questionnaire and the QoL was measured by the QoL questionnaire (short-form-SF-12). The independent t-test was used to compare the mean of variables between men and women and the Pearson correlation coefficient test was used to evaluate the relationship between variables using SPSS software version 24 at a significant level of (P≤0.05). Results: The findings of the present study showed that men and women with COVID-19 had inadequate PAL (876.11±40.23;739.08±27.02), insufficient GH (50.13±3.1; 54.15±4.28), and poor QoL (22.02±2.28; 19.23±1.87), respectively. The results also showed that men had significantly higher PAL (P=0.035), GH (P=0.047), and QoL (P=0.023) compared to women. Also, the results show that increasing the PAL improves GH and QoL. Conclusions: Considering the prevalence of COVID-19 and its negative impact on GH and QoL, maintaining adequate PAL can be considered as one of the effective strategies for improving physical and GH, and immune systems, by observing the hygiene protocol.
Loop engineering of a thermostable GH10 xylanase to improve low-temperature catalytic performance for better synergistic biomass-degrading abilities
Authors: Wang Jun , You Shuai , Zha Ziqian , Li Jing , Zhang Wenxin , Bai Zhiyuan , Hu Yanghao , Wang Xue , Chen Yiwen , Chen Zhongli , Luo Huiying
Published: May 2021

Background

Xylanase can efficiently hydrolysis of hemicellulose, a barrier to the efficient saccharification of lignocellulose, into xylooligosaccharides and is widely used in the fields of feed, food and biomass utilization. High-temperature xylanase usually has low catalytic activity below 40°C, which limits its applications. Therefore, improving the properties of xylanases to enable synergistic degradation of lignocellulosic biomass with cellulase is of considerable significance in the field of bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass.
Results

In this study, a structure-based rational design strategy was applied to enhance the low-temperature catalytic performance of XYL10C_∆N (WT). Screening and comparison were performed amoung the WT and mutants. In comparison with WT, MF53/53SL + N207G exhibited higher specific activity (2.9-fold; 2090 vs. 710 U/mg) and catalytic efficiency (2.8-fold; 1530 vs. 550 mL/s·mg) at 40°C, as well as higher thermostability (with Tm and T50 increased by 7.7°C and 3.5°C, respectively). Meanwhile, comparing with cellulase-only treatment, the combination of MF53/53SL + N207G and cellulase increased the reducing sugar by 1.6-, 1.2-, and 1.4-folds for degradating corn stalk, wheat bran, and corn cob, with the highest degree of synergy of 1.9, 1.2, and 1.6, respectively.
Conclusions

This study provided a successful strategy to improve the catalytic properties of enzymes and identified loop2 is a key functional area that affects the low-temperature catalytic efficiency of GH10 xylanase. Several xylanase candidates for applications in feed and bioenergy applications were obtained. Synergistic degradation experiments elucidated a possible mechanism of cellulase inhibition by xylan during the hydrolysis of different types of biomass.
Study on Scanning Forming Methods of Machining Work-Piece Surface
Authors: Wang Xueteng , Niu Xinghua , Yu Zizhao
Published: May 2021

In the process of machine tool cutting, there are strict geometric relations among the cutting edge curve / tool surface, machine tool movement and workpiece surface, and the machine tool movement is also related to the type of tool. Firstly, the forming methods of cutting workpiece surface are analyzed and summarized from the geometric point of view, and the scanning forming method and its geometric expression are studied, and the research technical route of forming turning scanning forming is put forward. Then, the mathematical modeling and Simulation of forming turning are carried out according to the proposed technical route. Finally, taking the groove of the inner ring of the formed turning ball bearing as an example, the mathematical modeling of the design surface of the workpiece and the machined surface of the workpiece is carried out. The radial dimension changes of the workpiece caused by the cutting force and tool wear are analyzed, and the simulation of the machined surface of the workpiece is carried out.
Wildfires Impacts on Education and Healthcare: Paradise, California After the Camp Fire
Authors: Hamideh Sara , Sen Payel , Fischer Erica , Schulze Stefanie
Published: May 2021

The 2018 Camp Fire caused significant damages to the education and healthcare systems in the town of Paradise, CA. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative case study about disaster impacts and disparities, interdependencies, and recovery strategies of schools and hospitals in Paradise. Four major themes of findings emerged from the qualitative analysis of interviews with teachers, counselors, and administrators in Paradise education and healthcare systems and extensive archival research. First, complex and long-standing mental health challenges are the dominant impact on the educational system. Second, educational and healthcare impacts are shaped by social vulnerability. Third, educational and healthcare systems play a critical role for recovery of socially vulnerable groups due to the interconnectedness of community components. Fourth, adapting to new communication norms and technologies are effective for supporting educational and community recovery. Several specific recommendations are provided based on the findings for building back more resilient and equitable education and healthcare services.
Political Affiliation and Race Associated With Parents’ Intentions to Have a COVID-19 Vaccination but Not With History of Refusing to Vaccinate a Child: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Roess Amira A. , Adams Leah , Huddleston Kathi , Lawrence Grace N. , Wilson Alyssa N. , Oetjen Cheryl , Maibach Edward
Published: May 2021

Background: Parental attitudes about vaccinating themselves against COVID-19 may offer insights into their attitudes about vaccinating their children when the time comes. The objective was to identify parents with high COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy to prioritize for vaccine education interventions.Methods. We conducted multiple logistic regression on data from a nationally representative sample to estimate the association between socio-demographic factors and COVID-19 vaccine intention and history of refusal to vaccinate a child. Results. In the adjusted model, parents who were Black, female, Republican, and lower income had a significantly lower odds of COVID-19 vaccine intention (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]=0.47, 0.73, 2.59, 0.50, respectively). Only age was associated with previous vaccine refusal. Conclusions. The results highlight the politicization of the pandemic and the possibility of continued disparities in COVID-19 health outcomes among those unlikely to get COVID-19 vaccination. Overall, a high proportion of parents and children may ultimately go unvaccinated given that parents’ vaccine behavior is closely tied to that of their children. This is concerning given the role that younger adults and pediatric populations play in sustaining SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
A Zirconium Metal-Organic Framework with SOC Topological Net for Catalytic Peptide Bond Hydrolysis
Authors: Wang Sujing , Ly Hong Giang T , Wahiduzzaman Mohammad , Dovgaliuk Iurii , Tissot Antoine , Maurin Guillaume , Parac-Vogt Tatjana , Serre Christian
Published: May 2021

The discovery of nanozymes for selective fragmentation of proteins would boost the emerging areas of modern proteomics, however, the development of efficient and reusable artificial catalysts for peptide bond hydrolysis is challenging. Here we report the detailed catalytic properties of a microporous zirconium carboxylate metal-organic framework, MIP-201, in promoting peptide bond hydrolysis in a simple dipeptide, as well as in horse-heart myoglobin (Mb) protein that consists of 153 amino acids. We demonstrate that MIP-201 features an excellent catalytic activity and selectivity, a good tolerance toward reaction conditions covering a wide range of different pH values, and importantly, an exceptional recycling ability associated with easy regeneration process. Taking into account the excellent catalytic performance of MIP-201 and its other advantages such as 6-connected Zr6 cluster active sites, the green, scalable and cost-effective synthesis, and an outstanding chemical and architectural stability, our finding suggests that MIP-201 may be a promising and practical alternative to the current commercially available catalysts for peptide bond hydrolysis.
miR-338-3p inhibits HIF-1α to Attenuate Nucleus Pulposus Cell Proliferation and Promote Apoptosis Through the Hippo-YAP Pathway
Authors: Zhan Daolu , Liu Jian , Lin Mingxia , Chen Jian , Fang Yehan , Li Yibo , Wu Bin , Cai Wentao
Published: May 2021

The proliferation and apoptosis of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells (NPCs) play a crucial role in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). we aimed to discover the role of miRNA-induced IDD. We analyzed the miRNA expression of three NP tissues from IDD patients and three normal NP samples using the GEO2R tool, and The results revealed that miR-338-3p was upregulated in NPCs from IDD patients. miR-338-3p suppressed NPCs proliferation, and the related proteins PCNA and Ki-67 were downregulated, as demonstrated via western blotting. miR-338-3p promoted apoptosis. Furthermore, we predicted that HIF-1α was targeted by miR-338-3p, using the miRDB database, and this target was validated via dual luciferase assay. HIF-1α reversed miR-338-3p-induced NPCs proliferation and apoptosis. The Hippo-YAP pathway activation proteins YAP, CTGF, and PCNA were upregulated, unlike the inhibitory YAP phosphorylation. In conclusions, our results suggestive that miR-338-3p inhibited HIF-1α/ Hippo-YAP pathway to attenuate NPCs proliferation and apoptosis.
Development of an Inducible Secretory Expression Vector and Host System for High Yield Production of Recombinant Protein
Authors: Yoon Sunghyun , Seo Keun Seok , Park Nogi , Rutter Jaime , Thornton Justin A , Park Joo Youn
Published: May 2021

BackgroundEscherichia coli has been the most widely used recombinant protein expression system due to the availability of various protein expression vectors and ease of genetic manipulation. However, recombinant proteins expressed in E. coli are often contaminated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) highly toxic to humans and must be removed from FDA-approved biologics, a process which requires extensive and expensive procedures. Gram-positive bacteria possess a single layer of cytoplasmic membrane free of LPS which make it ideal for producing recombinant protein. However, a lack of inducible protein expression systems limits a large-scale protein production in Gram-positive bacteria.ResultsThe HptARS is a three-component regulatory system in Staphylococcus aureus which senses extracellular glucose-6-phosphate and activates the uhpT gene promoter to facilitate uptake of extracellular G6P. To construct an inducible and secretory protein expression vector system, the promoter of the uhpT gene and the N-terminal signal peptide sequence of the hlb gene was fused in-frame with a C-terminal 6x-histidine sequence. For constitutive expression, we generated S. aureus expression host strain lacking the uhpT gene which could not uptake extracellular G6P, resulting in constitutive activation of HptARS system. With this newly established expression vector system and host strain, we demonstrated large-scale production of biologically active and highly pure staphylococcal leukotoxin E. ConclusionExtracellular expression of recombinant protein in LPS-free bacteria has a tremendous advantage in industrial production of FDA-approved biologics. Our newly established inducible and secretory expression vector system and S. aureus host strain will be useful to produce recombinant proteins for vaccine applications and other industrial purposes.
Pregnancy Outcomes for Single Frozen-thawed Blastocyst Transfer of Day 5 and Day 6 With Different Quality: a Large Matched-cohort Study
Authors: Yu Qiong , He Hui , Ren Xinling , Hu Shifu , Jin Lei
Published: May 2021

Background: Whether the day of blastocyst expansion affects pregnancy outcomes in frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (FBT) cycles remains controversial. The conflicting results may be attributed to the potential confounders of FBT cycles between day 5 and day 6. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) of FBT cycles on day 5 versus day 6 accounting for the baseline comparability and determine the transfer order of FBT cycles.Methods: This was a retrospective match-cohort study, FBT cycles of day 5 and day 6 were matched by the general characteristics of patients, 2207 matched pairs of FBT cycles were included from January 2016 to December 2019 in our reproductive medicine center.Results: The CPR and LBR of day 5 blastocyst were significantly higher than day 6 with the same quality. In the FBT cycles with good quality, the CPR of day 5 and day 6 was 61.30%, 57.56% respectively (P=0.045), the LBR was 44.79%, 36.16% respectively (P<0.001). While in the FBT cycles with poor quality, the CPR of day 5 and day 6 was 48.61%, 40.89% respectively (P=0.006), the LBR was 31.71%, 25.74% respectively (P=0.019). The CPR of FBT cycles on day 6 with good quality was statistically higher than day 5 with poor quality (57.56% versus 48.61%, P=0.001). Maternal age, AMH, endometrial thickness, embryo quality and the day of blastocyst expansion was independently correlated with CPR and LBR. The FBT cycles of day 5 exhibited significantly higher CPR [adjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.246, 95% confidence intervals (Cl): 1.097-1.415, P=0.001] and LBR (adjusted OR=1.435, 95% Cl: 1.258-1.637, P<0.001) compared with day 6.Conclusions: The embryo quality should be the primary indicator in the FBT cycles. The blastocyst of day 5 should be preferred if the embryo quality of day 5 and day 6 is equal.Trial registration: Not applicable.
A Retrospective Case-control Study on a Triad of Risk Predictors Associated With Periodontitis; a Regression Analysis
Authors: MAHMOOD HINA , NAEEM SEHAR , SAEED UZMA , ZARA BATOOL
Published: May 2021

AIMS: This case-control study was conducted to analyze the association of periodontitis with risk predictors i.e. education status, brushing habits and past dental visits in systemically healthy patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1097 systemically healthy, non-tobacco using patients with age ≥18 years who reported to periodontology department were included. The demographic details and dental care pattern of the patients were extracted from the records of periodontology department and their frequencies were formulated. The association of three predicting factors i.e. education status, brushing habits and past dental visits was assessed on SPSS using binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 471(42.9%) patients were diagnosed with periodontitis. Higher frequency of periodontitis was observed in patients who were male and >50 years of age. Subjects with ≥ 12 years of education, regular brushing habits and regular past dental visits showed greater odds of being safe from periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS: A positive association between the study variables and periodontitis was observed, which will help the clinicians in prediction of periodontitis in systemically healthy, non-smoking individuals. It also indicates a need of tailor made dental educational and awareness programs for prevention and control of periodontitis in systemically healthy individuals.
Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy For Thyroid Nodules: Double-Edged Sword in Thyroid Cancer Treatment in China
Authors: Zhan Jing , Xie Bing-Luan , Chen Yu-Jun , Liu Ye-Huan , Lv Shi-Xu
Published: May 2021

Background: To compare the necessity between Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy and ultrasound examination in the diagnosis of different sizes of the thyroid nodules. Does the FNA biopsy have to do it all? Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed to 8352 thyroid patients who underwent thyroid operations between 2011 and 2016 in our hospital. Results: In FNA(+) group, the nodule was more smaller, the increment speed of the amount of operation increased more faster. In no FNA group, the increment speed decreased not obvious in nodules ≥10mm sub-group, but tremendous in both nodules 5mm-10mm sub-group and nodules ≤ 5mm sub-group no matter the nodules were malignant or benign. Over the six years, the total operation number increased, but operation of patients with nodules ≥10mm decreased slightly and operation of patients with nodules <10mm increased markedly especially in nodules ≤ 5mm sub-group. In no FNA group, to compare the malignancy or benign tumor after surgery between nodules 5mm-10mm sub-group and nodules ≥10mm sub-group, χ2=12.000，P=0.001, and between nodules ≤ 5mm sub-group and nodules ≥10mm sub-group, χ2=7.968，P=0.005, but between nodules 5mm-10mm sub-group and nodules ≤ 5mm sub-group, χ2=0.669，P=0.414. Further pairwise comparison showed, in nodules 5mm-10mm sub-group and nodules ≤ 5mm sub-group, the probability of benign tumor was greater than nodules ≥10mm sub-group. Conclusions: In thyroid nodules ≥10mm sub-group, there is no statistical difference between ultrasound diagnosis and biopsy. In nodules <10mm sub-groups, FNA biopsy has the great significance in the diagnosis to add more references for the subsequent treatment.
Optimal Oxygen Saturation Targets in Patients with Sepsis- Associated Encephalopathy: A Cohort Study from the MIMIC-IV Database
Authors: Zhao Lina , Wang Yunying , Ge Zengzheng , Zhu Huadong , Li Yi
Published: May 2021

Objectives: Patients with sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) in the intensive care unit (ICU) are treated with supplemental oxygen. However, few studies have investigated the impact of oxygenation status on the patient with SAE, and the optimal oxygenation status target remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the relationship between optimal oxygenation status and patients with SAE.Methods: This study is a retrospective cohort study. Patients were diagnosed with sepsis3.0 at the first ICU admission between 2008 and 2019 from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC IV). We use generalized additive models to estimate the optimal oxygen saturation targets in patients with SAE. Multivariate logistic analysis to further confirm it. Measurements and Main Results: A total of 6714 patients with SAE were included. The incidence of patients with SAE was 66.8%, and hospital mortality was 7.9%. SpO2≤92% was the independent risk factor of incidence in patients with SAE. The optimal range of SpO2 was 93%–97%, which can reduce the incidence of patients with SAE. The optimal range of SpO2 was 92%–96%, reducing the hospital mortality of patients with SAE.Conclusions: The optimal range of SpO2 was 93%–96% reduce the hospital mortality and incidence of patients with SAE. SAE patients need conservative oxygen therapy