bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the difference in depths and variation in slope steepness of the Sunda Trench, Indonesia, east Indian Ocean
Authors: Lemenkova Polina
Published: December 2020

The paper discusses geomorphology of the Sunda Trench, an oceanic trench located in eastern Indian Ocean along the Sumatra and Java Islands of the Indonesian archipelago. In particular, it analysis the difference in depths and variation in slope steepness between the two segments of the trench: the southern Java transect (coordinates 108.8°E 10.10°S to 113.0°E 10.75°S) and the northern Sumatra transect (97.5°E 1.1°S to 101.0°E 5.5°S). The thematic maps and geomorphological modelling were plotted using Generic Mapping Tools (GMT). The materials include high-resolution data on topography, geology and geophysics: GEBCO 15 arc-minute resolution grid, EGM2008 2.5 minute Earth Gravitation Model of 2008, GlobSed global 5‐arc‐minute total sediment thickness and vector geological datasets. In addition to the GEBCO-based bathymetric data, geological, topographic and geophysical maps, the results include enlarged transects for the Java and Sumatra segments, their slope gradients and cross-section profiles, derived from the bathymetric GEBCO dataset. The geomorphology framework of the Sunda Trench is largely controlled by the subduction of the Australian plate underneath the Sunda microplate. The geological processes take place in basin of the Indian Ocean at different stages of its evolution and influence the nature of the submarine geomorphology and geometric shape of the trench. Sunda Trench is seismically active part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. A large number of the catastrophic earthquakes are recorded around the trench. The histograms shows variation in depths along the segments of the Sumatra and Java. The Java segment has a bell-shaped data distribution in contrast to the Sumatra with bimodal pattern. The Java segment has the most repetitive depths at -2,500 to -5,200 m. The Sumatra transect has two peaks: 1) a classic bell-shaped peak at depths -4,500 m to -5,500 m; 2) shelf area with a peak from 0 to -1,750 m. The data at middle depths (-1,750 to -4,500 m) have a frequency <300 samples. The most frequent bathymetry for the Sumatra segment corresponds to the -4,750 m to -5,000 m (2,151 samples). Comparing to the Sumatra segment, the Java segment is deeper. For the depths >-6,000 m, there are only 138 samples for the Sumatra while 547 samples for Java. Furthermore, Java segment has more symmetrical geometric shape while Sumatra segment is asymmetric, one-sided. The Sumatra segment has a steepness of 57.86° on its eastern side (facing Sumatra Island) and a contrasting 14.58° on the western part. The Java segment has a steepness of 64.34° on its northern side (facing Java Island) and 24.95° on the southern part (facing Indian Ocean). The paper contributes to the studies of the submarine geomorphology in Indonesia.
Die gemachten Gäste. Die Bergsteigerdörfer und ihr Bild von den Reisenden
Authors: Weiand Ruth
Published: December 2020

The Austrian Alpine Association created the brand of Mountaineering Villages to promote a sustainable development of tourism and protect the entire mountain range. The idea of the Mountaineering Villages is the result of the cooperation of alpine associations with local tourist organisations and communities, with hoteliers and committed members of the population. In its policy, the initiative Mountaineering Villages outlines ideas about the ideal guest. It connects the tourists through publications, forms, structures and everyday practices to the villages. The article asks how this relationship develops and what ideas about the guests are created.
Ayahuasca Ethno-tourism and its Impact on the Indigenous Shuar Community (Ecuador) and Western Participants
Authors: Salibová Dima
Published: December 2020

An indigenous Shuar community in Ecuador have been hosting tourists seeking retreats that feature traditional medicinal plants such as ayahuasca and tobacco. The community has provided individual ceremonies with the plants, or more complex rites such as Natemamu. Natemamu is a rite that is comprised of repetitive ceremonies lasting ten to twelve days, which involves drinking large quantities of Ayahuasca. The author primarily focuses on: 1) the commodification of the Shuar Natemamu rite as a product that is offered on the global market; and 2) the impacts of this commercial trade on the hosts and visitors. This article is based on data collected by means of participant observation, interviews, and audio-visual documentations. The findings imply that the introduction of western tourists to the Shuar community and its rites has contributed to processual changes to the rite and to ideational and material changes on both sides. Furthermore, the findings suggest that while the tourists experienced more ideational changes, the impact on Shuars was more material. This seems to be in accordance with the respective expectations of the encounter of both groups.
Correlation of Neuroendocrine Differentiation with Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Khalil Khesar Hussein , Al-Hassawi Bashar , Abdo Jasim
Published: December 2020

Neuroendocrine differentiation has been mentioned in many cancers of non-neuroendocrinal organs, involving the gastrointestinal tract. In contrast, the correlation of focally diffused neuroendocrine differentiation in colorectal adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia has not been somewhat reported. The objective of this research is to study the relationship between neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia and neuroendocrine differentiation in colorectal adenocarcinoma and to find the correlation of neuroendocrine differentiation and VEGF expression with clinicopathological parameters of colorectal adenocarcinoma. Methods employed in the current study were including eighty-one patients with colorectal cancer. Formalin fixed paraffin embedded blocks were sectioned and stained with immunohistochemical markers; Chromogranin A and VEGF; and processed automatically according to protocols supplied by the antibody manufacturer. Results show that neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia in the mucosa nearby tumor comprised (42%) and it was associated with neuroendocrine differentiation. Neuroendocrine differentiation and vascular endothelial growth factor were positive in 48.1% and 63% respectively. Neuroendocrine differentiation did not show a relation with clinicopathological parameters with the exception of tumor that metastasizes to other tissues and organs. The association of VEGF with the same factors had significant impact with tumor stage, degree of local invasion and lymph node metastasis. Other histological changes revealed that only desmoplastic reaction had significant difference in relation to neuroendocrine differentiation. This study reached the conclusion that neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia is positively correlated with neuroendocrine differentiation and it has strong linkage in pathogenesis of colorectal adenocarcinoma. Neuroendocrine differentiation and VEGF expression are greatly correlated with progression and invasion of tumor to other tissues and organs, and this can be represented as an important parameter for poor prognosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma.
Molecular Typing of Two Suspected Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Isolates in Baghdad
Authors: Bayram Duha , Ali Hayder Zuhair
Published: December 2020

Leishmaniasis is a group of parasitic diseases caused by Leishmania spp., an endemic infectious agent in developing countries, including Iraq. Diagnosis of cutaneous lesion by stained smears, serology or histopathology are inaccurate and unable to detect the species of Leishmania. Here, two molecular typing methods were examined to identify the promastigotes of suspected cutaneous leishmaniasis samples, on a species level. The first was species-specific B6-PCR and the second was ITS1-PCR followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using restriction enzyme HaeIII. DNA was extracted from in vitro promastigote culture followed by amplification of kDNA by B6 or amplification and digestion of LITSR/L5.8S. PCR produced bands of ~359 bp and ~450 bp for B6 and ITS1, respectively. Digestion of ITS1 by RFLP revealed two distinct bands of ~150 bp and ~300 bp size. The results reviled that the two isolates belong to cutaneous Leishmaniasis, specifically Leishmania tropica. In conclusion, the confirmation of the studied methods will improve rapid and accurate diagnosis of Leishmania species of the most prevalent Iraqi strain of cutaneous leishmaniasis, L. tropica.
Synthesis of Bimetallic Au–Pt / TiO2 Catalysts as an Efficient Catalyst for the Photodegradation of Crystal Violet Dye
Authors: Mousa Souad Abd , Tareq Sanaa , Muhammed Eman A. , Kadhim Mohammed. S.
Published: December 2020

Bimetallic Au –Pt catalysts supporting TiO2 were synthesised using two methods; sol immobilization and impregnation methods. The prepared catalyst underwent a thermal treatment process at 400◦ C, while the reduction reaction under the same condition was done and the obtained catalysts were identified with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). It has been found that the prepared catalysts have a dimension around 2.5 nm and the particles have uniform orders leading to high dispersion of platinum molecules .The prepared catalysts have been examined as efficient photocatalysts to degrade the Crystal violet dye under UV-light. The optimum values of Bimetallic Au –Pt catalysts supporting TiO2 have been found (0.05g of the catalyst prepared in sol immobilization method, 0.07 g of the synthesised in impregnation procedure. The impact of pH on the degradation reaction was tested; it has been found that pH 10 is the best media for the reaction. The effect of temperature has been discussed when various temperatures were used, and the heat of photoreaction Ea was estimated from the Arrhenius relationship, it has been concluded that the reaction is independent of temperature as the activation energy was very small (Ea= 22 kJ/ mole). The thermodynamic functions; entropy, enthalpy and the free energy have been figured out. It has been found that the positive values of enthalpy ∆H# refer to endothermic reaction, moreover, it has been demonstrated that the photoreaction is an endergonic one according to the calculated values of the free energy of activation. It has been noticed that when temperature increases, it promotes the production of free radicals, but it has been noticed that exceeding the temperature more than the used range causes reducing the percentage of degradation of crystal violet, the reason is due to the limitation conditions of adsorption process at higher temperature on the surface of the catalyst.
Continuous On-Line Tar Measurements for Gasification Process Monitoring using Fluorescence Excitation-Emission Matrices at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Mahdi Shaimaa Salih
Published: December 2020

Biomass has been extensively investigated, because of its presence as clean energy source. Tars and particulates formation problems are still the major challenges in development especially in the implementation of gasification technologies into nowadays energy supply systems. Laser Induced Fluorescence spectroscopy (LIF) method is incorporated for determining aromatic and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) produced at high temperature gasification technology. The effect of tars deposition when the gases are cooled has been highly reduced by introducing a new concept of measurement cell. The samples of PAH components have been prepared with the standard constrictions of measured PAHs by using gas chromatograph (GC). OPO laser with tuning rang of (200 to 2400) nm and peak energy of 2.2 mJ were used to excite the tar compounds, which have fluorescence properties in the range of ultraviolet| blue spectral range. The measurements have been evaluated by incorporating the Excitation-Emission Matrices (EEM), presented as time consuming method for tar monitoring.
Performance Evaluation of Mobility Models over UDP Traffic Pattern for MANET Using NS-2
Authors: Albu-Salih Alaa , Al – Abbas Gesoon
Published: December 2020

The current study presents the simulative study and evaluation of MANET mobility models over UDP traffic pattern to determine the effects of this traffic pattern on mobility models in MANET which is implemented in NS-2.35 according to various performance metri (Throughput, AED (Average End-2-end Delay), drop packets, NRL (Normalize Routing Load) and PDF (Packet Delivery Fraction)) with various parameters such as different velocities, different environment areas, different number of nodes,  different traffic rates, different traffic sources, different pause times and different simulation times .  A routing protocol.…was exploited AODV(Adhoc On demand Distance Vector) and RWP (Random Waypoint), GMM (Gauss Markov Model), RPGM (Reference Point Group Model) and MGM (Manhattan Grid Model) mobility models above CBR traffic sources. The results of Reference Point Group Model simulation illuminate that routing protocol performance is best with RPG mobility model than other models.
Load Distribution Between Right and Left Foot by Using Podata Postural Stabilometric Footplate in Undergraduate Students of Pakistan
Authors: Hashim Adnan , Ahmad Ashfaq , Hanif Asif , Sarmad Samia , Sharif Faiza
Published: December 2020

Objective: The objective was to assess the load distribution between right and left foot by using PODATA Postural Stabilometric footplate in undergraduate students of Pakistan.Study design: Cross sectional study.Place and Duration: This study was conducted from the different medical institutes of Pakistan.Methodology: Ethical committee's clearance was acquired from the University of Lahore before this research's ritualistic starting point. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 145 undergraduate students having age years. For data collection, empowerment from patients was started by taking compile agreement from the university's management. Informed consent was taken from the study participants. All questions in the questionnaire were validated through previous literature. Questionnaires were provided and abstracted to the respondents as a pamphlet. After collection, data was saved in a secure place to avoid any biases.Results: Out of 145 students, 115(75.9%) students were females, and 30(24.1%) students were males, 76 students had normal body weight, The mean weight on the right foot was 2.29 ± 0.92 kg by accessor 1, 2.29 ± 0.93 kg by accessor 2 & the mean weight on the left foot was 0.57 ± 0.33 kg by Accessor 1, 0.57 ± 0.34 kg by Accessor 2; hence, there is a significant difference in weight on right & left foot by accessor 1 & accessor 2 during open eyes as the p-value was significant. (value <0.00001**).Conclusion: It was concluded that the load distribution is not the same as the right foot and the left foot. The right foot is dominant; changing the accessor doesn't matter the foot's dominancy, and if someone has right-hand dominance, it's not necessarily that their right foot Will be dominant. Their left foot can also be dominant. Load distribution between foot also depends on the total body weight.
WITHDRAWN: Bioengineering of Neem Colloidal Nano-Emulsion Formulation With Adjuvant for Better Surface Adhesion and Long Term Activity in Insect Control
Authors: Iqbal Nusrat , Hazra Dipak , Purkait Aloke , Kumar Natish , Kumar Jitendra
Published: December 2020

Although safe and eco-friendly botanical pesticides have been intensively promoted to combat pest attacks in agriculture, but their stability and activities remain an issue for their wide acceptability as sustained and effective approaches. The purpose of this work was to develop stable neem oil based nano-emulsion (NE) formulation with enhanced activity employing suitable bio-inspired adjuvant. So, Neem NEs (with and without) natural adjuvant (lemongrass oil and Prosopis juliflora) were prepared and different parameters dictating kinetic stability, acidity/alkalinity, viscosity, droplet size, zeta potential, surface tension, stability and compatibility were monitored using Viscometer, Zetasizer, Surface Tensiometer, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Nano-emulsion biosynthesis optimization studies suggested that slightly acidic (5.9-6.5) NE is kinetically stable with no phase separation; creaming or crystallization may be due to botanical adjuvant (lemongrass oil). Findings proved that Prosopis juliflora, acted as bio-polymeric adjuvant to stabilize NE by increasing Brownian motion and weakening the attractive forces with smaller droplets (25-50nm), low zeta potential (-30mV) and poly-dispersive index (<0.3). Botanical adjuvant based NE with optimum viscosity (98.8cPs) can give long term storage stability and improved adhesiveness and wetting with reduced surface tension and contact angle. FT-IR analysis assured azadirachtin’s stability and compatibility with adjuvant. With negligible degradation (1.42%) and higher half-life (t1/2) of 492.95 days, natural adjuvant based NE is substantially stable formulation may be due to presence of glycosidic and phenolics compounds. Neem 20NE (with adjuvant) remarkably exhibited insecticidal activity (91.24%) against whitefly (Bemisia tabaci G.) in brinjal (Solanum melongena) as evidenced by in-vivo assay. Results thus obtained suggest, this bio-pesticide formulation may be used as safer alternative to chemical pesticides to minimize pesticide residue problems and natural adjuvant as key input in stability and efficacy enhancement of pesticides for crop protection in organic agriculture and Integrated Pest Management also.
Bacterial and Fungal Bloodstream Infections in Pediatric Liver and Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Møller Dina , Sørensen Søren , Wareham Neval , Rezahosseini Omid , Knudsen Andreas , Knudsen Jenny , Rasmussen Allan , Nielsen Susanne
Published: December 2020

Background Bacterial and fungal bloodstream infections (BSI) are common after pediatric liver and kidney transplantations and associated with morbidity and mortality. However, knowledge about incidence rates, pathogen composition, and resistance patterns is limited. We aimed to describe the pattern of bacterial and fungal BSI in a cohort of pediatric liver and kidney transplant recipients.Methods A prospective study of 85 pediatric liver and kidney transplant recipients transplanted from 2010 to 2017 with a total of 390 person-years of follow-up. Clinical characteristics and BSI were retrieved from national registries assuring nationwide follow-up for at least one year. BSI incidence rates and pathogen composition were investigated and stratified by the time post-transplantation and type of transplanted organ. Results A total of 29 BSI were observed within the first 5 years post-transplantation with 16 different pathogens. The overall incidence rate of first BSI was 1.91 per 100 recipients per month (95% CI, 1.1-3.1) in the first-year post-transplantation. The most common pathogens were Enterococcus faecium, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The pathogen composition depended on the transplanted organ with a higher proportion of BSI with Enterobacterales in kidney transplant recipients than in liver transplant recipients (67% vs. 20%, P = 0.03), while multiple pathogens were detected in the liver transplant recipients.Conclusions BSI were common in pediatric liver and kidney transplant recipients and the pathogen composition differed between liver and kidney transplant recipients. Guidelines for empiric antibiotic therapy should consider the type of transplanted organ as well as the local resistance patterns.
Ethical aspects of legal abortion from the viewpoint of pregnant women referring to the forensic medicine center in Iran
Authors: Valiani Mahboubeh , Montazery Gita , Sabzghabaee Ali Mohammad , Hamdavipour Somayeh
Published: December 2020

Background: Abortion has always been one of the most challenging issues in societies. Women's decision for having a legal abortion has always been influenced by factors such as their spouse, family, society, culture and religious beliefs. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the ethical aspects of legal abortion from pregnant women's viewpoints, referring to Iran's forensic medicine center. Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical study conducted in 2019. The research samples consisted of pregnant women referring to forensic medicine in Isfahan for obtaining legal abortion permission. Using a convenience sampling method, 229 subjects were selected. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: In the present study, the highest and lowest mean score of ethical aspects belonged to the variables of autonomy (36.20±3.01) and justice (17.24±2.45), respectively. The mean scores of the ethical aspects of legal abortion were not significantly different between mothers with a wanted or unwanted pregnancy. Conclusion: women's autonomy in having a legal abortion had the highest score, while the lowest score belonged to justice in legal abortion.
Tunable graphene phononic crystal
Authors: Kirchhof Jan , Weinel Kristina , Heeg Sebastian , Deinhart Victor , Kovalchuk Sviatoslav , Höflich Katja , Bolotin Kirill
Published: December 2020

In the field of phononics, periodic patterning controls vibrations and thereby the flow of heat and sound in matter. Bandgaps arising in such phononic crystals realize low-dissipation vibrational modes and enable applications towards mechanical qubits, efficient waveguides, and state-of-the-art sensing. Here, we combine phononics and two-dimensional materials and explore the possibility of manipulating phononic crystals via applied mechanical pressure. To this end, we fabricate the thinnest possible phononic crystal from monolayer graphene and simulate its vibrational properties. We find a bandgap in the MHz regime, within which we localize a defect mode with a small effective mass of 0.72 ag = 0.002 mphysical. Finally, we take advantage of graphene’s flexibility and mechanically tune a finite size phononic crystal. Under electrostatic pressure up to 30 kPa, we observe an upshift in frequency of the entire phononic system by more than 350%. At the same time, the defect mode stays within the bandgap and remains localized, suggesting a high-quality, dynamically tunable mechanical system.
Clinical Utility of Follow-up Urinary Gram-Stain for Pyelonephritis: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Abe Masafumi , Ueda Takeshi , Yoshikawa Satoshi , Saegusa Kazusa
Published: December 2020

Background: The effectiveness of antibiotic therapy for the treatment of pyelonephritis is typically evaluated by the clinical course and results of urine culture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of follow-up urinary gram-stain. Methods: We analyzed the results of hospitalized pyelonephritis patients treated in our department during the last 6.5 years. We investigated whether follow-up urinary gram-stain within 48 hours after initiating antibiotic treatment can help predict resistance to antibiotics at an early stage. Results: 271 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 84.1 years old, and 204 of them (72%) were female. the diagnostic accuracy of using follow-up gram-stain to predict the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria was as follows: sensitivity: 41%, specificity: 82%, positive likelihood ratio: 2.32, and negative likelihood ratio: 0.71. It was also shown that the presence of elongated cells can help predict resistant bacteria more accurately. Conclusions: Follow-up urinary gram-stain is considered useful on treating patients with pyelonephritis as it facilitates evaluation of antibiotic effectiveness at an early stage.
Modeling and Reviewing Study to the COVID-19 Epidemic in PR China
Authors: Wang Mingzhao , Xie Juanying , Xu Shengquan
Published: December 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
A novel design of a contractible, tubular continuum manipulator
Authors: Xing Zhiguang , Wang Pengyuan , Zhao Jianwen
Published: December 2020

Continuum manipulators have advantages in narrow space detections and operations than the rigid-body robots. In this paper, we novel designed a continuum manipulator with contractible/extensive abilities that give the manipulator bigger workspace, more agile and flexible motion than those without these. The robotic system is composed of the continuum deforming body, driving tendons, and a actuating mechanism. A prototype of the robotic system was made to evaluate the motion ability of the proposed design.
Use of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy to Explore Metacognitive Ability and Academic Score
Authors: Zhang Xueyan , He Chunni , Wang Duolao , Li Xiaomei
Published: December 2020

Background: Previous studies have reported the important roles of the precuneus in mediating metacognition and the prefrontal cortex in decision-making tasks. However, the underlying mechanisms of metacognition are still not fully elucidated. Long echo time proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to further explore the neurocognitive correlates of metacognition. Methods: Metacognition was based on a self-report questionnaire of nursing students. Magnetic resonance (MR) spectra were recorded from bilateral precuneus and medial prefrontal cortex. Results: Significant positive correlation was discovered between total metacognitive score and academic score (p = 0.007). Precuneus N-acetyl aspartate/creatine plus phosphocreatine (NAA/Cr+PCr) ratios were corresponded to metacognitive ability. Moreover, the correlation between precuneus NAA/Cr+PCr ratios and metacognitive ability was established for the right precuneus and not left precuneus. Furthermore, linear regression suggested that for every increase in the right precuneus NAA/Cr+PCr ratios, there is a predicted decrease in total metacognitive score (p = 0.020). Conclusions: These findings further indicated that the right precuneal region plays an important role in metacognition and learning.
Analysis of Age Invariant Face Recognition using QSVM-PCA
Authors: DHAMIJA ASHUTOSH , DUBEY R.B
Published: December 2020

Forage, face recognition is one of the most demanding field challenges, since aging affects the shape and structure of the face. Age invariant face recognition (AIFR) is a relatively new area in face recognition studies, which in real-world implementations recently gained considerable interest due to its huge potential and relevance. The AIFR, however, is still evolving and evolving, providing substantial potential for further study and progress inaccuracy. Major issues with the AIFR involve major variations in appearance, texture, and facial features and discrepancies in position and illumination. These problems restrict the AIFR systems developed and intensify identity recognition tasks. To address this problem, a new technique Quadratic Support Vector Machine- Principal Component Analysis (QSVM-PCA) is introduced. Experimental results suggest that our QSVM-PCA achieved better results especially when the age range is larger than other existing techniques of face-aging datasets of FGNET. The maximum accuracy achieved by demonstrated methodology is 98.87%.
Prognostic and Clinicopathological Insights of Phosphodiesterase 9A Gene As Novel Biomarker in Human Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Susmi Tasmina Ferdous , Rahman Atikur , Khan Md. Moshiur Rahman , Yasmin Farzana , Islam Md. Shariful , Nasif Omaima , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Hossain Mohammad Uzzal
Published: December 2020

Background: PDE9A (Phosphodiesterase 9A) plays an important role in proliferation of cells, their differentiation and apoptosis via intracellular cGMP (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) signaling. The expression pattern of PDE9A is associated with diverse tumors and carcinomas. Therefore, PDE9A could be a prospective candidate as a therapeutic target in different types of carcinoma. The study presented here was designed to carry out the prognostic value as a biomarker of PDE9A in Colorectal cancer (CRC). The present study integrated several cancer databases with in-silico techniques to evaluate the cancer prognosis of CRC. Results: The analyses suggested that the expression of PDE9A was significantly down-regulated in CRC tissues than in normal tissues. Moreover, methylation in the DNA promoter region might also manipulate PDE9A gene expression. The Kaplan–Meier curves indicated that high level of expression of PDE9A gene was associated to higher survival in OS, RFS, and DSS in CRC patients. PDE9A demonstrated the highest positive correlation for rectal cancer recurrence with a marker gene CEACAM7. Furtheremore, PDE9A shared consolidated pathways with MAPK14 to induce survival autophagy in CRC cells and showed interaction with GUCY1A2 to drive CRPC. Conclusions: Overall, the prognostic value of PDE9A gene could be used as a potential tumor biomarker for CRC.
Double-thin-shell Approach to Deriving Total Electron Content From GNSS Signals and Implications for Ionospheric Dynamics Near the Magnetic Equator
Authors: Maruyama Takashi , Hozumi Kornyanat , Ma Guanyi , Supnithi Pornchai , Wan Qingtao
Published: December 2020

A new technique was developed to estimate the ionospheric total electron content (TEC) from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellite signals. The vertically distributed electron density was parameterized by two thin-shell layers (double-shell approach). The spatiotemporal variation of TEC (strictly speaking, partial electron content) associated with each shell was approximated by the functional fitting of spherical surface harmonics. The major improvements over the conventional single-shell approach were as follows: (1) the precise estimation of TEC was achieved; (2) the estimated TEC was less dependent on the choice of shell height; and (3) the equatorial anomaly was captured more correctly. Furthermore, higher and lower shells exhibited a different pattern of local time vs latitude variation, providing information on the ionosphere--thermosphere dynamics.
Three Prognostic Biomarkers Correlate With Immunotherapy Response in Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: guo ya , Zhang Yin Bin , Li Yi , Su Wang Hui , He Shan , Pan Shu Pei , Xu Kun , Kou Wei Hua
Published: December 2020

Background: There are currently no satisfactory biomarkers to predict prognosis and evaluate the benefit of immunotherapy in bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) patients. This study aimed to develop a predictive signature that could accurately predict prognosis and evaluate the response to immunotherapy in BLCA. Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the GEPIA and Oncomine databases, and the common genes between the two database were selected using a Venn diagram. In addition, gene ontology enrichment and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were performed. We further identified the prognosis-related hub genes using the survival R package and confirmed in three online databases (PROGgenesV2, PrognoScan, and OSblca). Moreover, the correlation between prognosis-related hub genes and clinical characteristics was analyzed. Finally, comprehensive bioinformatics analysis was carried out to investigate the association between the three genes and immunity. Results: A total of 750 and 1881 DEGs were identified from GEPIA and Oncomine, respectively, and 69 common DEGs were selected. The most significantly enriched term among the 69 common DEGs was “mitotic cell cycle”, and 11 hub genes were detected by PPI analysis. Moreover, three prognosis-related hub genes, AURKA, BIRC5, and CKS1B, were identified, and which were associated with clinical characteristics, in particular, histological subtypes and TP53 mutation status. Furthermore, our results showed that the expression levels of the three genes were positively correlated with CD8+ T cells and tumor mutation burden (TMB), and with PD-L1, which had higher expression in responders to immunotherapy and in the C2 (IFN-gamma dominant) subtype. Drug–gene interaction network analysis demonstrated that these genes and related drugs could be used to help develop new targets for BLCA immunotherapy. Conclusions: Our study suggested that three key genes in BLCA were correlated with poor prognosis and immune cell infiltration, especially that of CD8+ T cells. The responses of these prognosis-related genes to immunotherapy in BLCA may be associated with CD8+ T cells, TMB, and PD-L1 expression. These key genes and their related drugs may help to develop new targets for BLCA immunotherapy.
Carbapenem Resistance Profiles of Pathogenic Escherichia coli in Uganda
Authors: Ssekatawa Kenneth , Byarugaba Denis K , Nakavuma Jesca L. , Kato Charles Drago , Ejobi Francis , Tweyongyere Robert , Wampande Eddie M.
Published: December 2020

Background: Escherichia coli has been implicated as one of the main etiological agents of diarrhea, urinary tract infections, meningitis and septicemia worldwide. The ability to cause diseases is potentiated by presence of virulence factors. The virulence factors influence the capacity of E. coli to infect and colonize different body systems. Thus, pathogenic E. coli are grouped into DEC strains that are mainly clustered in phylogenetic group B1 and A; ExPEC belonging to A, B2 and D. Coexistence of virulence and beta-lactamase encoding genes complicates treatment outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed at presenting the CR profiles among pathogenic E. coli. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study involving use of archived E. coli clinical isolates collected in 2019 from four Ugandan tertiary hospitals. The isolates were subjected to antibiotics sensitivity assays to determine phenotypic resistance. Four sets of multiplex PCR were performed to detect CR genes, DEC pathotypes virulent genes, ExPEC PAI and the E. coli phylogenetic groups. Results: Antibiotic susceptibility revealed that all the 421 E. coli isolates used were MDR as they exhibited 100% resistance to more than one of the first-line antibiotics. The study registered phenotypic and genotypic CR prevalence of 22.8% and 33.0% respectively. The most predominant gene was blaOXA-48 with genotypic frequency of 33.0%, then blaVIM(21.0%), blaIMP(16.5%), blaKPC(14.8%) and blaNDM(14.8%). Spearman’s correlation revealed that presence of CR genes was highly associated with phenotypic resistance. Furthermore, of 421 MDR E. coli isolates, 19.7% harboured DEC virulent genes, where EPEC recorded significantly higher prevalence (10.8%) followed by S-ETEC(3.1%), STEC(2.9%), EIEC (2.0%) and L-ETEC(2.0%). Genetic analysis characterized 46.1% of the isolates as ExPEC and only PAI IV536(33.0%) and PAI IICFT073(13.1%) were detected. Phylogenetic group B2 was predominantly detected (41.1%), followed by A(30.2%), B1(21.6%), and D(7.1%). Furthermore, 38.6% and 23.1% of the DEC and ExPEC respectively expressed phenotypic resistance.Conclusion: Our results exhibited significant level of CR carriage among the MDR DEC and ExPEC clinical isolates belonging to phylogenetic groups B1 and B2 respectively. Virulence and CR genetic factors are mainly located on mobile elements. Thus, constitutes a great threat to the healthcare system as it promotes horizontal gene transfer.
Cerebral Hemodynamics and Intracranial Compliance Impairment In Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Brasil Sérgio , TACCONE Fabio Silvio , WAHYS Sâmia Yasin , Tomazini Bruno , ANNONI Filippo , FONSECA Sérgio , BASSI Estevão , LUCENA Bruno , Nogueira Ricardo de Carvalho , DE-LIMA-OLIVEIRA Marcelo , BOR-SENG-SHU Edson , Paiva Wellingson , Turgeon Alexis Fournier , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Malbouisson Luiz Marcelo Sá
Published: December 2020

Introduction: One of the possible mechanisms by which the new coronavirus (SARS-Cov2) could induce brain damage is the impairment of cerebrovascular hemodynamics (CVH) and intracranial compliance (ICC), due to the elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP). The main objective of this study was to assess the presence of CVH and ICC alterations in patients with COVID-19 and evaluate their association with short-term clinical outcome. Methods: 50 consecutive critically ill COVID-19 patients were studied with transcranial Doppler (TCD) and a non-invasive monitoring of ICC. Subjects were included on ICU admission; CVH was evaluated using mean flow velocities in the middle cerebral arteries (mCBFV), pulsatility index (PI) and estimated cerebral perfusion pressure (eCPP), while ICC using the P2/P1 ratio of estimated ICP curve (B4C device). The primary composite outcome was unsuccessful weaning from respiratory support or death at day 7.Results: On the first assessment (n= 50), only P2/P1 (1.20 [1.00-1.28] vs. 1.00 [0.88-1.16]; p=0.03) and eICP (14 [11-25] vs. 11 [7-15] mmHg; p=0.01) were significantly higher among patients with UO than others. Patients with UO had a significantly higher CVH/ICC score (9 [8-12] vs. 6 [5-7]; p<0.001) than those with favorable outcome; the area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) for CVH/ICC score to predict UO was 0.86 (95% CIs 0.75-0.97); a score > 8.5 had 63 (46-77)% sensitivity and 87 (62-97)% specificity to predict UO. For those patients undergoing a second assessment (n=29) after a median of 11 (5-31) days, all measured variables were similar between the two time-points. No differences in the measured variables between ICU non-survivors (n=30) and survivors were observed.Conclusions: ICCI and CVH disturbances are often present in COVID-19 severe illness and could accurately predict early poor outcome.
Predictors of failure with high-flow nasal oxygen therapy in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure: a multicentre observational study
Authors: Artigas Ricard Mellado , Mujica Luis Eduardo , Ruiz Magda Liliana , Ferreyro Bruno Leonel , Angriman Federico , Arruti Egoitz , Torres Antoni , Barbeta Enric , Villar Jesús , Ferrando Carlos
Published: December 2020

Purpose

We aimed to describe the use of high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) in patients with COVID-19 acute respiratory failure and factors associated with a shift to invasive mechanical ventilation.
Methods

This is a multicentre, observational study from a prospectively collected database of consecutive COVID-19 patients admitted to 36 Spanish and Andorran intensive care units (ICUs) who received HFNO on ICU admission during a 22-week period (March 12-August 13, 2020). Outcomes of interest were factors on the day of ICU admission associated with the need for endotracheal intubation. We used multivariable logistic regression and mixed effects models. A predictive model for endotracheal intubation in patients treated with HFNO was derived and internally validated.
Results

From a total of 259 patients initially treated with HFNO, 140 patients (54%) required invasive mechanical ventilation. Baseline non-respiratory Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score [odds ratio (OR) 1.78; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41–2.35], and the ROX index calculated as the ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to inspired oxygen fraction divided by respiratory rate (OR 0.53; 95% CI: 0.37–0.72), and pH (OR 0.47; 95% CI: 0.24–0.86) were associated with intubation. Hospital site explained 1% of the variability in the likelihood of intubation after initial treatment with HFNO. A predictive model including non-respiratory SOFA score and the ROX index showed excellent performance (AUC 0.88, 95%CI 0.80–0.96).
Conclusions

Among adult critically ill patients with COVID-19 initially treated with HFNO, the SOFA score and the ROX index may help to identify patients with higher likelihood of intubation.
Comparing Patients´ Emotional Experience In Icu with General Wards: A Case Control Study
Authors: Trujillo Alejandra Fernández , Cartié Helena Vallverdú , Maestre Begoña Roman , Zubiri Julián Berrade , García Mar Galisteo
Published: December 2020

Background

Comparing emotional experiences between patients in ICU and general wards, exploring aspects of patients' relationships with healthcare staff using the Patient Evaluation of Emotional Care during Hospitalisation (PEECH) questionnaire.
Methods

A project to humanise the ICU had previously been undertaken, heeding the recommendations set out in the Humanisation in Intensive Care Units Best Practices. Based on a preliminary study, an alpha risk of 0.05 and a beta risk of 0.20 was obtained in a two-tailed test. 252 general patients and 252 ICU patients needed to detect a difference equal to or greater than 0.2 units on the PEECH scale. A common standard deviation of 0.8 units was used. 513 questionnaires were collected, 253 from ICU and 260 from patients on general wards.
Results

Significantly higher scores were achieved by the ICU on sub-scales level of security 2.83 in ICU v. 2.62 on general wards (p < 0.001); level of personal value 2.79 v. 2.57 (p < 0.001); level of knowing 2.64 v. 2.55 (p = 0.035). Not significative differences were found on sub-scale level of connection with mean score of 1.66 v. 1.46 (p = 0.033).
Conclusion

Significant differences were found on all sub-scales, with the ICU scoring higher than the general wards. On the contrary, no shortcomings were identified for level of security, level of knowing in the care process or level of personal value. The level of connection with staff was not perceived in terms of continuous and coordinated care. Efforts should be made for patients to know the staff caring for them, especially in short stays.
Whole-genome characterization of Rosa chinensis AP2/ERF transcription factors and analysis of negative regulator RcDREB2B in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wei Li , Geng Ziwen , Cuiping Zhang , Kuiling Wang , Xinqiang Jiang
Published: December 2020

Background: Rose (Rosa chinensis) is a traditional famous flower with valuable ornamental characteristics. However, drought stress restricts its growth and development, leading to an abnormal phenotype. One of the main transcription factor (TF) protein groups in the plant kingdom are the APETALA2/ethylene-responsive factor (AP2/ERF) proteins and are potentially involved in the growth and stress responses of various plants. Results: Our investigation mainly focused on exploring the genome of rose and thereby we discovered 135 apparent AP2/ERF TFs. Phylogenic analyses revealed that RcAP2/ERF genes are categorized into DREB, Soloist, AP2, and ERF subfamilies, and are further classified these into 17 groups, with the same as Malus domestica and Arabidopsis thaliana. The analysis of the gene structure revealed that the introns ranged from 0 to 9 in number. Pattern examination demonstrated that the RcAP2/ERF predominantly consists of typical AP2 domains, of which the 2nd motif is the most ubiquitous. Distributions of cis-acting elements indicated that members of the AP2/ERF family are frequently involved in growth and development, phytohormone and stress response in rose species. Also, the distribution mapping of the rose chromosomes indicated that AP2/ERF class genes are dispersed among all seven chromosomes. Additionally, we isolated a novel DREB A2 subgroup gene and named it RcDREB2B. Subsequently, the RcDREB2B transcript accumulation was repressed under the mild and severe drought stress in the root samples of rose. RcDREB2B was targeted to the nucleus and exhibited transactivation in yeast cells. The overexpression of RcDREB2B was found to promote sensitivity to a higher salt concentration, ABA, and PEG at the germination and post-germination stages. Twelve putative osmotic and ABA-related genes were impaired in RcDREB2B-overexpressing plants. Conclusions: The results provide comprehensive information regarding the gene structure, phylogenic, and distribution of the rose AP2/ERF family and bring insight into the complex transcriptional gene regulation of RcAP2/ERF. Findings in this study would also contribute to further understanding of the RcDREB2B gene in rose.
III Congresso Sul Mineiro de Nutrição “Alimentação e Sustentabilidade: do Campo à Mesa”
Authors: Vidigal Fernanda de Carvalho , Azeredo Eveline Monteiro Cordeiro de , Marques Débora Vasconcelos Bastos , Paula Bruno Martins Dala
Published: December 2020

Editorial

Caro(a) Leitor(a),

Nos dias 26, 27 e 28 de novembro de 2020, aconteceu o III Congresso Sul de Mineiro de Nutrição (III SULMINUTRI), 100% on-line. O SULMINUTRI é uma parceria entre a Universidade Federal de Alfenas e o Centro Universitário do Sul de Minas. O tema proposto para a terceira edição, “Alimentação e Sustentabilidade: do Campo à Mesa”, foi motivado pelo intenso impacto ambiental gerado pela crescente concessão de novas licenças para o uso de agrotóxicos e, também, pelo elevado índice de contaminação dos alimentos e recursos naturais por resíduos de pesticidas, metais e outros contaminantes. O evento contribuiu significativamente com a formação crítica e ética dos discentes e profissionais de Cursos de Nutrição e áreas afins, complementando e enriquecendo o processo de aprendizagem.

O ano de 2020 tem sido de muitos desafios, em especial devido à pandemia da COVID-19. Tivemos que nos reinventar e nos adaptar para oferecer um evento de qualidade, de forma inclusiva e acessível.

Mesmo diante de tantos desafios, 2020 é para nós, da Faculdade de Nutrição da UNIFAL-MG, um ano muito especial em que comemoramos 20 anos de curso. Gostaria de registrar as inúmeras conquistas que foram alcançadas ao longo desses anos, diante da dedicação e empenho de todo o corpo docente, técnico e dos nossos alunos e ex-alunos. Destaco duas conquistas recentes que foi a aprovação e abertura das primeiras turmas da especialização lato sensu em Tecnologia e Qualidade na Produção de Alimentos da UNIFAL-MG e o Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nutrição e Longevidade (nível mestrado) da UNIFAL-MG.

Aproveitamos a oportunidade para antecipar também as comemorações do curso de Nutrição do UNIS, nosso parceiro neste evento, que completará 20 anos no próximo ano.  Dentre as atividades do III SULMINUTRI, tivemos uma mesa redonda para celebrar os 20 anos dos cursos de Nutrição da UNIFAL-MG e do UNIS.

Em nome da Comissão Organizadora gostaria de dar as boas-vindas. Boa leitura!

 Fernanda de Carvalho Vidigal - Coordenadora do III SULMINUTRI 2020