bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brucellosis in camel and human: Seroprevalence and associated risk factors in Amibara district of Afar region, Ethiopia
Authors: Gutema Fekadu , Amenu Prof Kebede , Chalchisa Adugna , Mamo Prof Gezahegn
Published: December 2021

Background: Brucellosis is an important neglected zoonotic disease caused by infection with bacteria of the genus Brucella affecting different mammalian species including man. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of brucellosis in camels and human and its associated risk factors in Amibara district of Afar region, North east Ethiopia from October 2019 to May 2020Result: A total of 250 camel and 120 human sera were serially tested using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), and Complement Fixation Test (CFT). The overall seroprevalence of camel brucellosis in the current study was 7.6% (95% CI: 4.9-11.56) using RBPT and 3.2% (95% CI: 1.63-6.2) by combined RBPT and CFT. In Human twelve (10%) of the collected sera were positive by RBPT among which only four of them (3.33%) were positive by CFT. The risk factors analysis indicated that, age, body condition, number of parity and abortion history were significantly associated with brucella seropositivity in camel(P≤0.05). In human, occupation and non-protective handling of dystocia cases showed apparent association with brucella seropositivity.Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that, brucellosis is a common health problem in camel and human in Amibara district of Afar region. The public health importance of this disease is associated with raw milk consumption and close contact with the animals having history of recent abortion. Therefore, controlling the risk factors, establishing brucella diagnostic service in human clinics and hospitals, continuous social training with feedback assessments and overall implementing of One Health approach framework to attain optimal health for people and domestic animals in area are recommended to safeguard the health of society.
Textile Monopole Sensors for Breast Cancer Detection
Authors: Elsheakh Dalia Mohamed N M K , Alsherif Soha A. , Eldamak Angie R.
Published: December 2021

This paper investigate different available breast cancer imaging methods, particularly microwave imaging techniques (MI). The building block of a radar-based microwave imaging system using a flexible antenna element that could be integrated in a clothing item. It could be accessible to women everywhere easily and at an affordable price which will help them with early breast cancer detection. Two different flexible monopole antennas on a cotton substrate are designed for radar-based microwave imaging. The ultra-wideband (UWB) fully textile sensor shaped as rectangular and circular monopole antenna for breast cancer detection (BCD) are designed. The antenna operates at impedance bandwidth \(\le\)-10dB in the operating band extend from 2.5 to 9 GHz with an overall footprint of 50 × 50 mm2. Simulated detection and bending capacity then proceeded to fabricate a breast phantom and a tumor sample with parameters that mimic these of the human breast’s healthy and malignant tissue. Measurements highly match with the simulation results as well as the performance of antenna before and after subjected to washing is measured and compared. Moreover, simulations of antenna in proximity to breast model with and without tumor are also conducted. Finally the specific absorption rate (SAR) is also calculated to insure that the developed textile sensor is safe to be deployed on-body. The proposed work demonstrates the potential to develop wearable microwave imaging system using fully textile antennas.
PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signalling Inhibitor Chrysophanol Ameliorates Neurobehavioural and Neurochemical Defects in Propionic Acid-induced Experimental Model of Autism in Adult Rats
Authors: Sharma Aarti , Bhalla Sonalika , Mehan Sidharth
Published: December 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder marked by social and communication deficits as well as repetitive behaviour. Several studies have found that overactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathways during brain development plays a significant role in autism pathogenesis. Overexpression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway causes neurological disorders by increasing cell death, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. Chrysophanol, also known as chrysophanic acid, is a naturally occurring chemical obtained from the plant Rheum palmatum. This study aimed to examine the neuroprotective effect of CPH on neurobehavioral, molecular, neurochemical, and gross pathological alterations in ICV-PPA induced experimental model of autism in adult rats. The effects of ICV-PPA on PI3K/AKT/mTOR downregulation in the brain were studied in autism-like rats. Furthermore, we investigated how CPH affected myelin basic protein (MBP) levels in rat brain homogenate and apoptotic biomarkers such as caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 levels in rat brain homogenate and blood plasma samples. Rats were tested for behavioural abnormalities such as neuromuscular dysfunction using an actophotometer, motor coordination using a beam crossing task (BCT), depressive behaviour using a forced swim test (FST), cognitive deficiency, and memory consolidation using a Morris water maze (MWM) task. In PPA-treated rats, prolonged oral CPH administration from day 12 to day 44 of the experimental schedule reduces autistic-like symptoms. Furthermore, in rat brain homogenates, blood plasma, and CSF samples, cellular, molecular, and cell death markers, neuroinflammatory cytokines, neurotransmitter levels, and oxidative stress indicators were investigated. The recent findings imply that CPH also restores abnormal neurochemical levels and may prevent autism-like gross pathological alterations, such as demyelination volume, in the rat brain.
Trial Control of Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Isolated From Broiler Chicken Using Iron Oxide Chitosan Nanocomposite
Authors: Nasef Soad A. , Ayoub Mervat A. , Selim Karim M. , elmasry Dalia M. A.
Published: December 2021

A severe outbreak of Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) recorded in (30) chicken flocks at different districts in Sharqia Governorate during 2019 that showed high mortalities (30%) and severe immunosuppression. Attempts to control (IBD) by antiviral iron oxide chitosan nanocomposite (characterized nano-size 35.1±5 nm with a stable state, zeta potentials16.8 ± 10.9, the PDI. 0.91 and iron concentration in nanocomposite is 2625 mg/L,).Eighty Baladi broiler chicks at the age of 21 days were divided into 4 groups. Group A (as the negative control group), group B (as the positive control group), group C (as the nanocomposite treatment group), and group D (only received nanocomposite). The used treatment was iron oxide chitosan nanocomposite with the concentration of (1 mg/ 100ml) IC50 orally administered for 3 days post infection.The virus shedding showed marked significant decrease (P<0.05) in group C compared to group B was 0.5 to 1 log 10 compared to group B was 3 to 6.4 log 10.Histopathological lesions of bursa, spleen, thymus, liver, and kidney in group C after 6 days PI showed hyper activity of lymphoid population compared to chicks infected group which revealed necrosis and depletion of lymphoid elements of the bursa, thymus, and spleen with blood vessels had marked congestion and hemorrhages in parenchyma.Base on this study, iron oxide chitosan nanocomposite showed an antiviral activity that could significantly reduce viral shedding, and could decrease pathological changes in lymphoid organs which is considered to be better protection for solving health problems in infected chicks.
Structure and dynamics of pathway activation by the Toll immunoreceptor from the viral mosquito vector Aedes aegypti
Authors: Gangloff Monique , Saucereau Yoann , Wilson Thomas , Tang Matthew , Moncrieffe Martin , Hardwick Steven , Chirgadze Dimitri , Soares Sandro , Marcaida Maria , Gay Nicholas J.
Published: December 2021

A. aegypti has evolved to become an efficient vector for arboviruses such as Dengue but the mechanisms of host-pathogen immune tolerance are unknown. Toll receptors and Spaetzle (Spz) ligands have undergone duplication raising the possibility of neofunctionalization and mutualism to develop between arboviruses and mosquitoes. Here we present cryo-EM structures and biophysical characterisation of low affinity Toll5A-Spz1C complexes that display transient but specific interactions. Binding of the first ligand alters receptor-receptor interactions and promotes asymmetric contacts in the vicinity of the Z-loop in Toll5A. This conformation then restricts binding of a second ligand, while temporarily bridging the C-termini that promote signalling. Increased receptor concentrations promote inactivating head-to-head receptor assemblies. Furthermore, the transcriptional signature of Spz1C differs from other Spz cytokines in the control of genes involved in innate immunity, lipid metabolism and tissue regeneration. Given the remarkable DENV-induced expression patterns of these proteins, our data rationalises how Spz1C upregulation might promote antimicrobial defence in the midgut, and Toll5A upregulation, viral tolerance in the salivary glands.
Comparison of Different Methods For Effective Manual Chest Compression In Dental Chairs, During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): A Manikin Study
Authors: Hitosugi Takashi , Awata Norimasa , Miki Yoichiro , Tsukamoto Masanori , Yokoyama Takeshi
Published: December 2021

During cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), almost commercially dental chairs lack sufficient stability to perform effective manual chest compression (MCC). In our previous study, our technique that stabilizing stool can significantly reduce vertical displacement in a dental chair’s backrest. This study demonstrates that the efficacy of different methods for stabilizing 3 types of dental chair with a flat or a severely curved backrest exterior for effective MCC. Vertical displacement of the dental chair’s backrest was recorded. The data was captured with three different stool positions (no stool, under MCC, under shoulders). Reduction ratios were calculated to evaluate the effectiveness of the stool positions. In all types of dental chair, the technique significantly reduced the vertical displacements of the backrest. The reduction ratio varied nearly 40% under the area for MCC and 65% under the shoulder with a severely curved backrest exterior. With a flat shape of dental chair, these ratios were around 90% versus without a stool. The technique is a firm support and reduce the displacement of any type of dental chair’s backrest for effective MCC.
Neflamapimod Induces Vasodilation in Resistance Mesenteric Arteries by Inhibiting p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Alpha (MAPKα) and Heat-Shock Protein 27 (Hsp27) Phosphorylation
Authors: Pandey Ajay K. , Zerin Farzana , Menon Sreelakshmi N. , Nguyen Khue P. , Vo Tran , Daniel Morgan L. , Hafez Sherif , Alam Md. Ashraful , Hasan Raquibul
Published: December 2021

Neflamapimod, a selective inhibitor of p38 MAPKα, is under clinical investigation for its efficacy in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). Here, we investigated if neflamapimod-mediated acute inhibition of p38 MAPKα could induce vasodilation in resistance-size rat mesenteric arteries. Our pressure myography data demonstrated that neflamapimod produced a dose-dependent vasodilation in mesenteric arteries. Our Western blotting data revealed that acute neflamapimod treatment significantly reduced the phosphorylation of p38 MAPKα and its downstream target heat-shock protein 27 (Hsp27) that is involved in cytoskeletal reorganization and smooth muscle contraction. Likewise, non-selective inhibition of p38 MAPK by SB203580 attenuated p38 MAPKα and Hsp27 phosphorylation, and induced vasodilation. Endothelium denudation or pharmacological inhibition of endothelium-derived vasodilators such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI2) had no effect on such vasodilation. Neflamapimod-evoked vasorelaxation remained unaltered by the inhibition of smooth muscle cell K+ channels. Altogether, our data for the first time demonstrates that in resistance mesenteric arteries, neflamapimod inhibits p38 MAPKα and phosphorylation of its downstream actin-associated protein Hsp27, leading to vasodilation. This novel finding may be clinically significant and is likely to improve systemic blood pressure and cognitive deficits in AD and DLB patients for which neflamapimod is being investigated.
Relationship Between Sedentary Behavior and Depression Among Japanese Medical Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Cross-sectional Online Survey
Authors: Tashiro Tsubasa , Maeda Noriaki , Tsutsumi Shogo , Komiya Makoto , Arima Satoshi , Mizuta Rami , Fukui Kazuki , Nishikawa Yuichi , Urabe Yukio
Published: December 2021

Background: Sedentary behavior, particularly prevalent during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has been shown to lead to depression. In medical students, this could negatively affect the provision of healthcare. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between sedentary behavior and depression in Japanese medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from July 30 to August 30, 2021, using anonymous questionnaire system to assess respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity, sedentary behavior among 1000 Japanese university students. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2). The data of 484 respondents (48.4%) were included in a stepwise analysis, where we set the difference between medical and non-medical students as Model 1 and that between medical students with and without depression as Model 2.Results: In Model 1, medical students were less physically active (p<0.001), had longer sedentary time (p<0.001), and had higher PHQ-2 scores (p=0.048) than non-medical students. Moreover, Model 2 showed that longer sedentary time (OR=1.001, p=0.036) and screen time for leisure (OR=1.003, p=0.002) were associated with depression among medical students.Conclusions: Based on these results, it is evident that reducing Japanese medical students’ sedentary time and leisure screen time can help combat depression during COVID-19 pandemic; thus, these results can guide the development of appropriate interventions to prevent and treat depression.
Flame Retardancy and Mechanical Properties of Chitosan and DOPO with Different Mass Ratios in Epoxy Resin
Authors: Wang Junjie , Wang Xinyu , Zhou Chenyu , Pan Zhiquan , Zhou Hong
Published: December 2021

This work focused on the effects of chitosan (CS) and 9,10-dihydro-9-oxo-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) on the flammable propertied of epoxy resin matrix. The EP composites were fabricated by direct mixing method through a general curing method. The influence of CS, DOPO and CS / DOPO on the resin was investigated through cone calorimetry tests (CC), UL-94 vertical burning, limiting oxygen index (LOI), thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetric analyzer-Fourier infrared combined system (TG-FTIR). The char residues of modified EPs after CC tests were investigated by FTIR, EDX and XPS. Under the 10% addition of CS / DOPO in EP, with the mass ratio of CS and DOPO of 1 : 1, 1 : 2, 1 : 3, 2 : 1 and 3 : 1, the flame retardancy properties of EPs all increased, but only if EP/10% CS1/DOPO2 and EP/10% CS2/DOPO1 achieved a V-0 rating and their values of LOI were 33.7% and 32.5%, respectively. Compared with EP, the peak heat release rate, peak smoke produce rate and total heat release of EP/10% CS1/DOPO2 and EP/10% CS2/DOPO1 decreased, especially, total smoke release decreased by 61.9% and 71.0%, the char residuals amount increased by 84.3% and 41.6%, and the average CO2 yield decreased by 55.4% and 55.0%, respectively. It is worth nothing that the mechanical properties increased, especially the flexural strength increased by 36.0% and 38.4%, respectively. The results indicated that DOPO and CS had important synergistic effects for simultaneous increase both the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of EP composites.
Comprehensive Analysis of Plastid Gene Expression During Fruit Development and Ripening of Kiwifruit
Authors: Chen Qiqi , Shen Pan , Bock Ralph , Li Shengchun , Zhang Jiang
Published: December 2021

A serious limitation in the application of plastid biotechnology is the low-level expression of transgene in non-green plastids like chromoplasts compared with photosynthetically active chloroplasts. Unlike other fruits, not all chloroplasts are transformed into chromoplast during ripening of red-fleshed kiwifruit ( Actinidia chinensis vs Hongyang) fruits, which may make kiwifruit as an ideal horticultural plant for oral vaccine production by plastid engineering. To identify cis -elements potentially triggering high-level transgene expression in edible tissues of the ‘Hongyang’ kiwifruit, here we report a comprehensive analysis of kiwifruit plastid gene transcription in the green leaves and fruits at three different developing stages. While transcripts of a few photosynthesis-related genes and most genetic system genes were substantially upregulated in green fruits compared with leaves, nearly all plastid genes were significantly downregulated at the RNA level during fruit development. Expression of a few genes remained unchanged, including psbA , the gene encoding the D1 polypeptide of photosystem II. However, PsbA protein accumulation decreased continuously during chloroplast-to-chromoplast differentiation. Analysis of post-transcriptional steps in mRNA maturation, including intron splicing and RNA editing, revealed that splicing and editing may contribute to regulating plastid gene expression. Altogether, 40 RNA editing sites were verified, and five of them were newly discovered. Taken together, this study has generated a valuable resource for the analysis of plastid gene expression, and provides cis -elements for future efforts to engineer the plastid genome of kiwifruit.
The Experiences of Family Caregivers in Response to a Dementia Diagnosis Disclosure
Authors: Chen Miao-Chuan , Lin Hung-Ru
Published: December 2021

Background: Dementia is a serious disease that can lead to disability because it impacts the individual’s memory, cognition, behavior, and capacity to perform activities of daily living. While most people prefer to receive a full diagnostic disclosure, the actual care requirements of family caregivers, based on their perspectives, are often unknown. The primary aim of this study was to explore the experiences of family caregivers in response to a dementia diagnosis disclosure and analyze the care needs of caregivers.Methods: A qualitative study conducted in accordance with COREQ guidelines. The grounded theory approach was undertaken in 20 family caregivers of patients with dementia, who were selected using purposive sampling. Data were analysed using the constant comparative method.Results: Diagnostic disclosure: Start the long road of care challenges was identified as the core category of this study, which was defined as describing the experiences of family caregivers of patients with dementia after first being informed of the patients’ diagnosis, which activates their willpower to progress against the disease. Five major categories describing the experiences of family caregivers following a dementia diagnosis was developed: ‘deciding to seek medical attention,’ ‘the moment of disclosure,’ ‘conveying information,’ ‘maintaining the patients’ functioning,’ and ‘receiving support and living well with dementia.’ Subcategories within each major category also emerged.Conclusions: Clear diagnostic disclosure is important for ensuring that positive developments can occur in response to disclosure. Healthcare professionals must develop strategies to prevent disclosure from triggering overreactive emotions from patients with cognitive impairments, assist them in understanding their illness in a tactful manner, and ensure that they understand how to cooperate in any subsequent care plans.
Economical D-Lactic Acid Production From Agricultural Residues By Membrane Integrated Continuous Fermentation Coupled With B Vitamin Supplementation
Authors: Ma Kedong , Cui Yubo , Zhao Ke , Yang Yuxuang , Wang Yidan , Hu Guquan , He Mingxiong
Published: December 2021

Background: D-lactic acid played an important role in the establishment of PLA as a substitute for petrochemical plastics. But, so far, the D-lactic acid production was limited in only pilot scale, which was definitely unable to meet the fast growing market demand. To achieve industrial scale D-lactic acid production, the cost-associated problems such as high-cost feedstock, expensive nutrient sources and fermentation technology need to be resolved to establish an economical fermentation process.Results: In the present study, the combined effect of B vitamin supplementation and membrane integrated continuous fermentation on D-lactic acid production from agricultural lignocellulosic biomass by Lactobacillus delbrueckii was investigated. The results indicated the specific addition of vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B5 could reduce the yeast extract (YE) addition from 10 g/l to 3 g/l without obvious influence on fermentation efficiency. By employing cell recycling system in 350 h continuous fermentation with B vitamin supplementation, YE addition was further reduced to 0.5 g/l, which resulted in nutrient source cost reduction of 86%. A maximum D-lactate productivity of 18.56 g/l/h and optical purity of 99.5% were achieved and higher than most recent reports. Conclusion: These findings suggested the novel fermentation strategy proposed could effectively reduce the production cost and improve fermentation efficiency, thus exhibiting great potential in promoting industrial scale D-lactic acid production from lignocellulosic biomass.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Neuroendoscopic Surgery for Severe Ventricular Thalamic Hemorrhage
Authors: Zhou He Ping , Jiang Cha Zheng , Lei Wang , Min Chen , Chao Zhang Qing , Jian Tang
Published: December 2021

Objective To summarize and analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of neuroendoscopic surgery in the treatment of patients with severe ventricular thalamic hemorrhage. Methods Eight-three patients with severe ventricular thalamic hemorrhage were treated in the Neurosurgery Department of Anqing Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University from July 2019 to August 2021. Of the 83 patients, 41 underwent neuroendoscopic surgery and 42 underwent simple extraventricular drainage. The hospital stay, GCS scores on the 1st and 14th days postoperatively, the incidence of intracranial infections, and the clearance of postoperative hematomas were compared and analyzed between the two groups. The patients were followed up to 6 months. The prognosis was evaluated by the activity of daily living (ADL) score. A head CT or MRI was obtained to determine whether there was hydrocephalus, cerebral infarction, or other related complications. Results The postoperative hospital stay was 17.42±1.53 days, the GCS score was 6.56±0.21 points on day 1 and 10.83±0.36 points on day 14, intracranial infections occurred in three patients (7.31%) and the hematoma clearance rate was 83.6±5.18% in the neuroendoscopy group, all of which were significantly better than the simple extraventricular drainage group (P < 0.05). After 6 months of follow-up, 28 patients (68.29%) had a good prognosis, 5 patients (12.19%) died, and 4 patients(9.75%)had hydrocephalus in the neuroendoscopy group. In the extraventricular drainage group, the prognosis was good in 15 patients (35.71%), death in 12 patients (28.57%), and hydrocephalus in 17 patients (40.47%). The follow-up results showed that the good prognosis, mortality, and incidence of hydrocephalus in the neuroendoscopy group were significantly better than the extraventricular drainage group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Compared with traditional ventricular-puncture drainage, simultaneous endoscopic sinus surgery for severe ventricular thalamic hemorrhage had a higher hematoma clearance rate, fewer intracranial infections, and hydrocephalus, which together improve the clinical prognosis, and is thus recommended for clinical use.
Anti-angiogenic Therapy for Advanced Primary Pulmonary Lymphoepithelioma-like Carcinoma: a Retrospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Bao Hejing , Ma LingZhen , Yu Mengge , Lin Xiaoli , Zhao Chengzhu , Zhang Baishen , Zhang Juan , Peng Guibao , Lin Xiaotong , Fang Yinhua , Bao Hehong , Ma Shudong
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Primary pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (PPLELC) is a rare subtype of primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Currently, there is still lack of research data on anti-angiogenic therapy of advanced PPLELC. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of anti-angiogenic therapy combined with chemotherapy compared with traditional chemotherapy for these patients.Methods: Advanced PPLELC patients admitted to six grade A hospitals from January 2013 to January 2021 were selected. The patients received anti-angiogenic therapy combined with chemotherapy(AT group) or chemotherapy (CT group)alone.Results: A total of 65 patients were enrolled in this study, including 31 patients in the AT group treated with anti-angiogenic therapy combined with chemotherapy, and 34 patients in the CT group treated with chemotherapy alone. As of October 1, 2021, the median progression-free survival in the AT group was 11.2 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.9-16.5], The median progression-free survival in the CT group was 7.0 months [95%CI, 5.1-8.9][Hazard Ratio (HR), 0.49; 95%CI, 0.29-0.83; P=0.008]. The 1-year PFS rates were 41.9% and 17.6%, respectively. The ORR of two groups were 45.2% (95% CI, 0.27 to 0.64), 38.2% (95% CI, 0.21 to 0.56), (P = 0.571). The DCR of two groups were 93.5% (95% CI, 0.84 to 1.03), 88.2% (95% CI, 0.77 to 1.00), (P = 0.756).Conclusions: Among patients with advanced PPLELC, the progression free survival of patients with anti-angiogenic therapy combined with chemotherapy is better than that of patients with chemotherapy alone. Anti-angiogenic therapy combined with chemotherapy is an optional treatment scheme.
Cellulose-g-tetraethylenepentamine Dual-function Imprinted Polymers Selectively and Effectively Adsorb and Remove 4-Nitrophenol and Cr(VI)
Authors: Lang Daning , Xu Xia , Wu Ronglan , WANG WEI , Shi Ming , Jia Ke , Chen Shifei , Wang Jide
Published: December 2021

A cellulosic material could efficiently and selectively adsorb organic and inorganic contaminants from aqueous solutions without interference from competing adsorption sites. In this study, cellulose-graft-tetraethylenepentamin molecular imprinted polymer (C-TEPA-MIP) was synthesized by using 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) as the template. The C-TEPA-MIP adsorbent could adsorb 4-NP and Cr(VI) simultaneously and selectively, without being affected by the competitive adsorption sites of each of these pollutants. The adsorption of 4-NP was predominantly due to the imprinted sites of 4-NP in C-TEPA-MIP that were located inside of the adsorbent, whereas that of Cr(VI) was primarily due to the amine groups of TEPA found on the surface of the adsorbent. Compared with the non-imprint polymer synthesized without the template, C-TEPA-MIP showed higher selectivity for both 4-NP and Cr(VI) in unitary and binary systems. In addition, C-TEPA-MIP exhibited good stability and recyclability for 4-NP, which makes it a promising candidate material for applications concerning wastewater treatment.
Genetic Relationships and Genome Selection Signatures Between Soybean Cultivars from Brazil and United States After Decades of Breeding
Authors: Santos João Vitor Maldonado dos , Sant’Ana Gustavo Cesar , Wysmierski Philip Traldi , Todeschini Matheus Henrique , Garcia Alexandre , Meda Anderson Rotter
Published: December 2021

Soybeans are one of the most important crops worldwide. Brazil and the United States (US) are the world’s two biggest producers of this legume. The increase of publicly available DNA sequencing data as well as high-density genotyping data of multiple soybean germplasms has made it possible to understand the genetic relationships and identify genomics regions that underwent selection pressure during soy domestication and breeding. In this study, we analyzed the genetic relationships between Brazilian (N=235) and US soybean cultivars (N=675) released in different decades, and screened for genomic signatures between Brazilian and US cultivars. The population structure analysis demonstrated that the Brazilian germplasm has a narrower genetic base than the US germplasm. The US cultivars was grouped according to the maturity groups, while Brazilian cultivars were separated according to decades of releases. We found 73 SNPs that differentiate Brazilian and US soybean germplasm. Maturity-associated SNPs showed high allelic frequency differences between Brazil and US accessions. Other important loci were identified separating cultivars released before and after 1996 in Brazil. Our data showed important genomic regions under selection during decades of soybean breeding in Brazil and the US that should be targeted to adapt lines from different origins in these countries.
Computational Screening of Isolated Compounds From Goniothalamus Species to Identify Potential Inhibitors for Dengue Virus
Authors: Abdullah Nor Nadirah , Imran Syahrul , Wai Lam Kok , Ismail Nor Hadiani
Published: December 2021

In this study, a set of 234 chemical constituents reported from Goniothalamus species were docked against envelope (E), NS2B/NS3, NS5 methyltransferase, and NS5 RdRp dengue virus (DENV) protein. As the result, compounds 95, 96, 97, 100, 149, 155, and 187 were identified as potential dengue protease inhibitors based on minimal docking energy values and multiple interactions with binding sites. The results from in-silico Lipinski’ rule and ADMET analysis showed that compound 149 was predicted as the most potential compound that fulfills the drug-likeness properties. Ligand 149 was found to be able to fit in well and remain stable in the binding site of proteins envelope, NS2B/NS3, NS5 methyltransferase and NS5 RdRp. The results from molecular dynamic simulations indicate that the ligand-protein complex of 149 in NS5 methyltransferase showed the most preferable, successfully interacted within the active sites and were able to reach convergence within 100 ns.
Power-Based Estimation of Cutting Forces During Turning of Aluminium Biomass Ash Particulate Composite
Authors: Emefe Emmanuella , Ozoegwu Chigbogu , Edelugo Sylvester
Published: December 2021

Aluminum-Biomass Ash Particulate Composite is a reinforced composite material of aluminum and biomass ash particles. The composite offers significant mechanical properties advantage and low-cost advantage because of the use of waste as the reinforcement material and as a result, it is gaining increased industrial attention because of the many advantages they offer over conventional Aluminium Matrix Composites. These materials are mostly accessed on the basis of their mechanical, microstructural and chemical properties with very limited interest on their machinability relative to the base material. The specific cutting force coefficients and cutting forces of the composite were estimated during CNC turning operations and the effects of reinforcement on the machinability responses were studied. In this work, power-based force estimation approach was adopted for this purpose for the first time. This approach is less expensive compared to the dynamometric approach since it relies on adapting existing equipment developed for other purposes. This was done by measuring the electric power of the direct-drive motors of the CNC machine during the turning process and the power measurements were analyzed to obtain the force coefficients. The cutting force components were observed to decrease as the percentage rice husk ash (RHA) reinforcement increased. This agrees with known results for the composite based on the dynamometric approach. Since the cutting force components decrease with increase in reinforcement, it can be deduced that increasing RHA in the Aluminium might reduce friction at the tool-chip interface and extend tool life, in other words, improving machinability. The composite therefore promises to be more cost effective than the base material in machinability terms.
Opposite Direction for Seasonal Variation of Aflatoxin M1 in Bulk Milk and Aflatoxin B1 in Rations: Results From a Prospective Study in Selected Dairy Farms of Qazvin Province, Iran
Authors: Gholampour-Aghdami Ravel , Mohebbi-Fani Mehdi , Omidi Arash , Rasooli Aria , Ansari-Lari Maryam Maryam
Published: December 2021

The presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in 24h bulk milk and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in concurrent total mixed rations (TMR) and feed ingredients were assessed in 12 large dairy operations. The bulk milk was sampled on days 1, 15 and 30 during winter and summer (n=72). Total mixed rations (n=48) and feed ingredients (n=230) were sampled two times with a 30-day interval. Aflatoxin was measured using direct competitive ELISA kits with detection limits of 1-81 ngkg−1 for milk and 1.25-101.25 ngkg−1 for feeds. Aflatoxin M1 was identified in all milk samples (100%), ranging from 2.03 to >81 ngkg−1, with a median of 70 ngkg−1 and averaging 61.25±28.91 ngkg−1 in winter and 54.20±25.51 ngkg−1 in summer (P=0.279). Contaminations <81 ngkg−1 (below the Iranian standard of 100 ngkg-1) were detected in 76% (n=55/72) of samples. Contaminations >81 ngkg−1 were detected in 24% (n=17/72) of samples and were more frequent in winter than in summer (42% vs. 6%). Sixty-nine percent of the winter milk samples (n=25/36) had contaminations above the median (70 ngkg−1). A reverse result was detected in summer. The chance of contaminations above median was higher in winter than in summer (OR=5.33, P=0.007). All TMR and ingredient samples had higher AFB1 contaminations in summer (P<0.05). Six TMR samples had non-detectable (<1.25 ngkg-1) values (5 in winter) and 7 samples had levels >101.25 ngkg-1 (all in summer). The chance of TMR contamination above the median (716 ngkg-1) was 5.57 times higher in summer than in winter (P=0.002). Seventy percent of the TMR samples had contaminations above the median in summer. Elevated levels of AFB1 of rations in summer (1375.50±905.02 vs. 537.05±558.79; P<0.002) did not result in elevation of AFM1 in milk, probably due to reduced AFB1 metabolism in the liver and lower dry matter intakes caused by heat stress. The AFB1 content of grain mix succeeded by corn silage, wet beet pulp, dry beet pulp and alfalfa hay were correlated with TMR contamination. Ration AFB1 and milk AFM1 were not correlated. Based on the results, a great majority of milk produced in the studied farms could have AFM1 contaminations below the Iranian standard limit (100 ngkg-1). Contaminations below 50 ngkg-1 appear to be achievable and affordable. Intensifying the controlling measures in summer, when the feed contaminations are elevated, may reduce the overall milk contamination.
WITHDRAWN: Hypoxia Enhanced Glioblastoma Resistance to Erastin-Induced Ferroptosis by Up-Regulating GPX4 via PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α Axis
Authors: Sun Shicheng , Guo Changfa , Pang Bo , Gao Taihong , Su Xiangsheng , He Dong , Zhang Rui , Pang Qi
Published: December 2021

Background
Glioblastoma is the deadliest type of primary brain tumor with a high rate of recurrence and treatment resistance. Hypoxia contributed much to radiotherapy resistance and chemoresistance of cancer. Ferroptosis is a nonapoptotic, oxidative cell death and identified as a potential anticancer mechanism in recent years. Erastin acts as a ferroptosis activator and shows a potential role in tumor treatment but the relationship between hypoxia and erastin resistance in glioblastoma has not been explained. This study aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of hypoxia in erastin-induced ferroptosis in glioblastoma.
Methods
Cell proliferation and viability were determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, flow cytometry, TUNEL assays, and clone formation assay. Lipid peroxides level was analyzed by Malondialdehyde (MDA) assay and flow cytometry using C11-BODIPY dye. The correlation between HIF-1α and GPX4 expression was detected in data from the TCGA database and was determined by ChIP-qPCR assay and luciferase reporter assay. Subcutaneous xenograft and orthotopic xenograft models were established to test our findings in vivo.
Results
Hypoxia for at least 16 hours significantly suppressed erastin-induced ferroptosis by up-regulating glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression in U87 and U251 cells. Hypoxia promotes GPX4 expression via enhancing the PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α pathway. Mechanistically, HIF-1α directly bound to the GPX4 gene promoter region and promoted GPX4 transcription. AKT inhibitor MK-2206 and HIF-1α inhibitor PX-478 could significantly reverse the effect. Besides, under normoxia, PX-478 could induce a higher lipid peroxidation level by decreasing GPX4 expression in U87 and U251 cells but cannot induced cell death directly, and it could significantly enhance the tumor cell killing effect of erastin. In vivo, combination of PX-478 and erastin had a coordinated intensification effect on anticancer activity uncovered by subcutaneous xenograft and orthotopic xenograft mouse models.
Conclusions
Hypoxia enhanced glioblastoma resistance to erastin-induced ferroptosis by activating PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α pathway and promoting GPX4 expression in a transcriptional regulation way. Combination therapy of PX-478 and erastin may be a potential strategy against glioblastoma.
Performance of Abbreviated Protocols Versus Unenhanced MRI in Detecting Occult Breast Lesions of Mammography in Patients with Dense Breasts
Authors: Zhao Suhong , Chen Peipei , Shao Guangrui , Li Baijie , Zhang Huikun , Xiao Juan
Published: December 2021

Objective: To assess the diagnostic ability of abbreviated protocols of MRI (AP-MRI) compared with unenhanced MRI (UE-MRI) in mammographically occult cancers in patients with dense breast tissue.Materials and Methods: The retrospective analysis consisted of 102 patients without positive findings on mammography who received preoperative MRI full diagnostic protocols (FDP) between January 2015 and December 2018. Two breast radiologists read the UE, AP, and FDP. The interpretation times were recorded. The comparisons of the sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve of each MRI protocol, and the sensitivity of these protocols in each subgroup of different size tumors used the Chi-square test. The paired sample t-test was used for evaluating the difference of reading time of the three protocols.Results: Among 102 women, there were 68 cancers and two benign lesions in 64 patients and 38 patients had benign or negative findings. Both readers found the sensitivity and specificity of AP and UE-MRI were similar (p>0.05), whereas compared with FDP, UE had lower sensitivity (Reader 1/Reader 2: p=0.023, 0.004). For different lesion size groups, one of the readers found that AP and FDP had higher sensitivities than UE-MRI for detecting the lesions ≤10 mm in diameter (p=0.041, p=0.023). Compared with FDP, the average reading time of UE-MRI and AP was remarkably reduced (p < 0.001).Conclusion: AP-MRI had more advantages than UE-MRI to detect mammographically occult cancers, especially for breast tumors ≤10 mm in diameter.
Egocentric Network Characteristics of People Who Inject Drugs in the Chicago Metro Area and Associations with Hepatitis C Virus and Injection Risk Behavior
Authors: Mackesy-Amiti Mary Ellen , Falk Joshua , Latkin Carl , Kaufmann Maggie , Williams Leslie , Boodram Basmattee
Published: December 2021

Background
Hepatitis C (HCV) infection has been rising in the suburban and rural United States, mainly via injection-based transmission. Injection and sexual networks are recognized as an important element in fostering and preventing risky behavior, however the role of social support networks has received somewhat less attention.
Methods
Using baseline data from an ongoing longitudinal study, we examined the composition and structure of injection drug use (IDU), sex, and social support networks of young people who inject drugs (aged 18-30) and their injection network members. Lasso logistic regression was used to select a subset of network characteristics that were potentially important predictors of injection risk behaviors and HCV exposure.
Results
Several measures of IDU, sexual and support network structure and composition were found to be associated with HCV exposure, receptive syringe sharing (RSS), and ancillary equipment sharing. Gender and sexual relationships were important factors for all risk behaviors. Support network characteristics were also important, notably including a protective effect of majority Hispanic support networks for RSS and HCV exposure. Both IDU network residence heterogeneity and support network geography were associated with injection equipment sharing.
Conclusions
The associations of IDU and support network geography with equipment sharing highlight the need to extend harm reduction efforts beyond urban areas. Greater understanding of support network influences on risk behavior may provide important insights to strengthen the benefits of harm reduction. In considering the probability of HCV transmission, it is important to consider setting and network structures that promote propagation of risk.
The Vibration Study of A Sandwich Conical Shell With A Saturated FGP Core
Authors: Esfahani Mohsen Nasr , Hashemian Mohammad , Aghadavoudi Farshid
Published: December 2021

This paper is provided to analyze the free vibration of a sandwich truncated conical shell with a saturated functionally graded porous (FGP) core and two same homogenous isotropic face sheets. The mechanical behavior of the saturated FGP is assumed based on Biot’s theory, the shell is modeled via the first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT), and the governing equations and boundary conditions are derived utilizing Hamilton’s principle. Three different porosity distribution patterns are studied including one homogenous uniform distribution pattern and two non-homogenous symmetric ones. The porosity parameters in mentioned distribution patterns are regulated to make them the same in the shell’s mass. The equations of motion are solved exactly in the circumferential direction via proper sinusoidal and cosinusoidal functions, and a numerical solution is provided in the meridional direction utilizing the differential quadrature method (DQM). The precision of the model is approved and the influences of several parameters such as circumferential wave number, the thickness of the FGP core, porosity parameter, porosity distribution pattern, the compressibility of the pore fluid, and boundary conditions on the shell’s natural frequencies are investigated. It is shown that the highest natural frequencies usually can be achieved when the larger pores are located close to the shell’s middle surface and in each vibrational mode, there is a special value of the porosity parameter which leads to the lowest natural frequencies. It is deduced that in most cases, natural frequencies decrease by increasing the thickness of the FGP core. In addition, reducing the compressibility of the porefluid a small growth in the natural frequencies can be seen.
Parent-Adolescent Discussion on Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues and Its Associated Factors Among Parents in Sawla Town, Gofa Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Malango Nigatu Teferi , Hegena Tadele Yohannes , Assefa Netsanet Abera
Published: December 2021

Background: Parent-adolescent discussion on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues leads to increased awareness on reproductive health matters and reduces risky behaviors among adolescents and also is the base to reduce depraved reproductive health outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess parent-adolescent discussion on SRH issues and its associated factors in Sawla town, Southern Ethiopia, 2020. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among parents in Sawla town from March to April 2020. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select 697 study subjects. Data were entered in to Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 21 for analysis. Variables with p-value less than 0.25 in bivariate analysis were entered into multiple logistic regression models to test for association with the dependent variable at 95 % confidence level (CI). P-value less than 0.05 and 95 % CI for adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were used to declare the significance of the associations with the outcome variable.Results: Of the total participants, 168 (25.7%) respondents had reported discussion about at least two components of SRH issues in the last six months prior to the study. Multiple logistic regression model revealed that parents who attended primary education (AOR 3, 95% CI: 1.10, 7.70), secondary education (AOR 9, 95% CI: 3.87, 20.64) and diploma and above (AOR 22.33, 95% CI: 9.49, 32.56), monthly income of above 2000 Ethiopian Birr (AOR 2.40, 95% CI: 1.30, 4.55), good knowledge (AOR 2, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.50)and positive attitude (AOR 4, 95% CI: 1.57, 10) towards SRH issues were statically significant with parent to adolescent discussion.Conclusion: The occurrence of parent-adolescent SRH discussion is low in Sawla town. Educational status, average monthly income, knowledge and attitude on SRH issues were major factors affecting parent-adolescent discussion on SRH issues. Continuous capacity building on SRH issues for parents to increase the level of parental knowledge and attitude about SRH issues and sustainable advocacy should be provided about the importance of parent to adolescent discussion. Moreover, it is important to support and scale up the adult learning program to decrease the level of illiteracy.
Genetic-Quantitative Uni- and Bi-Trait Analysis for Growth Traits in the Colombian Creole Breed Blanco Orejinegro (BON)
Authors: Londoño-Gil Marisol , Flórez Juan Carlos Rincón , López-Herrera Albeiro , Gonzalez-Herrera Luis Gabriel
Published: December 2021

The Blanco Orejinegro (BON) is a Colombian creole cattle breed that is not genetically well characterized for growth traits. The aim of this work was to estimate genetic parameters for birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), yearling weight (YW), daily weight gain between birth and weaning (DWG), time to reach 120 kg of live weight (T120), and time to reach 60% of adult weight (T60%), and establish the selection criteria for growth traits in the BON population of Colombia. Genealogical and phenotypic information for BW, WW, YW, DWG, T120, and T60% traits of BON animals from 14 Colombian herds were used. These traits were analyzed with the AIREML method in a uni- and bi-trait animal model including the maternal effect for BW, WW, DWG, and T120. The direct heritability estimates values were 0.22 ± 0.059 (BW), 0.20 ± 0.057 (WW), 0.20 ± 0.153 (YW), 0.17 ± 0.07 (DWG), 0.26 (T120), and 0.44 ± 0.03 (T60%). The maternal heritability estimates values were 0.14 ± 0.040 (BW), 0.15 ± 0.039 (WW), 0.25 ± 0.06 (DWG), and 0.16 (T120). The direct genetic correlations were high (>|0.60|) among all the traits, except between T60% with BW, WW, YW, and DWG (ranged from -0.02 to -0.51), all in a favorable direction. The results showed that there is genetic variation in the growth traits associated with the additive genetic effect and they might respond to selection processes. Furthermore, genetic gains would improve through selection, especially for YW and T60% when WW is used as criterion.