bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Addiction Detection Application Playing Free Fire Games Based on Android Using Tsukamoto's Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Basri Hasan , Rosid Mochamad Alfan
Published: August 2021

Online games that have a battle royal genre nowadays are very much the inantantnya. One of them is Free Fire which has been downloaded by more than 100 million people. The high number indicates that a person's high interest in playing online games can have a negative impact on one of them. For that, there is an app that can detect how much fun a person has in playing Free Fire games. By utilizing the fuzzy logic method tsukamoto allows it to detect the level of addiction of a person which is an android-based application. By utilizing the data owned by each player as an input variable that will produce output in the form of an addiction level percentage. Utilization of fuzzy tsukamoto method is expected to provide the right conclusions and in accordance with the expected.
Increasing The Ability To Recognize Number Symbols Through The Activities Of Playing Snakes And Stairs For Children Of Group A In Tk Aisyiyah Busthanul Athfal 6 Candi
Authors: Hardani Retno Nur , Rocmah Luluk Iffatur
Published: August 2021

This research is motivated by the lack of ability of group A children in Kindergarten Aisyiyah Busthanul Athfal 6 Candi in recognizing the symbol of numbers. Based on a preliminary study in Kindergarten Aisyiyah Busthanul Athfal 6 Temple found that 70.59% of 17 Kindergarten A children were still wrong in recognizing good symbols when asked to say by sorting number cards, dancing lines according to the number of drawings, counting many marbles and pasting numbers right. These problems are caused by the introduction of non-matching number symbols, and non-concrete learning media (using worksheets). The solution provided is the introduction of the number symbol by playing snakes and ladders with steps to recognize the symbol number. This research is a classroom action research (CAR) that uses Kemmis and Mc. Taggart. The subject of the action was the children of group A "Kindergarten Aisyiyah Busthanul Athfal 6 Candi, totaling 17 children, each with 13 boys and 4 girls. In this study using three stages, namely pre cycle, cycle I, and cycle II. The results of this study that have been carried out to improve the ability to recognize child group A symbols in Aisyiyah Busthanul Athfal 6 Kindergarten Temple show that the ability to recognize child number symbols from pre-cycle, cycle I, and cycle II has increased. In the pre-cycle completeness the overall value of group A was 29.41%, the first cycle completeness the overall value of group A was 52.94%, and in the second cycle the completeness value of group A was 82.35%. This proves that there is an increase in the ability to recognize child number symbols after a study using a snake ladder game in learning material.
Web-Based E-Catalog Application for Kenongo Batik SMEs Tulangan Sidoarjo
Authors: Samtidar  , Rosid M. Alfan
Published: August 2021

Sidoarjo is one area that deserves to be put forward. The culture of batik and textile creation is interesting to explore further. With current technological developments, making data, information and matters related to information systems is very fast to be obtained and distributed to various layers of society, various circles, and various social layers. The purpose of this study was to find out how to design and build a website-based e-catalog as a medium of information for Batik Sari Kenongo. The research method used by the author in designing a website-based e-catalog as a collection of information media at Batik Sari Kenongo includes two methods, namely data collection methods and data collection methods. system development method. The result of this research with the existence of an e-catalog information system at Batik Sari Kenongo is that it is easy and fast for visitors to get information on Batik Sari Kenongo and with the implementation of the e-catalog, it is expected to be able to attract visitors to come to Batik Sari Kenongo. The conclusion of this study is that it is easy and fast for visitors to get information on Batik Sari Kenongo. With the implementation of the e-catalog, it is hoped that it will attract visitors to come to Batik Sari Kenongo.
A framework and pilot tool for the risk-based prioritization and grouping of nano-enabled consumer products
Authors: Rycroft Taylor , Larkin Sabrina , Ganin Alexander , Thomas Treye , Matheson Joanna , Van Grack Tessa , Chen Xinrong , Plourde Kenton , Kennedy Alan , Linkov Igor
Published: August 2021

The use of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in consumer products has expanded rapidly, revealing both innovative improvements over conventional materials, and the potential for novel risks to human health and the environment. As the number of new nano-enabled products and the volume of toxicity data on ENMs continues to grow, regulatory agencies like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) – a small, independent federal agency responsible for protecting consumers from unreasonable risks associated with product use – will require the ability to screen and group a diverse array of nano-enabled consumer products based on their potential risks to consumers. Such prioritization would allow efficient allocation of limited resources for subsequent testing and evaluation of high-risk products and materials. To enable this grouping and prioritization for further testing, we developed a framework that establishes a prioritization score by evaluating a nano-enabled product's potential hazard and exposure, as well as additional consideration of regulatory importance. We integrate the framework into a pilot version software tool and, using a hypothetical case study, we demonstrate that the tool can effectively rank nano-enabled consumer products and can be adjusted for use by agencies with different priorities. The proposed decision-analytical framework and pilot-version tool presented here could enable a regulatory agency like the CPSC to triage reported safety concerns more effectively and allocate limited resources more efficiently.
Discriminating intra-parasequence stratigraphic units from two-dimensional quantitative parameters
Authors: Isla Manuel F. , Schwarz Ernesto , Veiga Gonzalo D. , Zuazo Jerónimo J. , Remirez Mariano N.
Published: August 2021

The intra-parasequence scale is still relatively unexplored territory in high-resolution sequence stratigraphy. The analysis of internal genetic units of parasequences has commonly been simplified to the definition of bedsets. Such simplification is insufficient to cover the complexity involved in the building of individual parasequences. Different types of intra-parasequence units have been previously identified and characterized in successive wave-dominated shoreface–shelf parasequences in the Lower Cretaceous Pilmatué Member of the Agrio Formation in central Neuquén Basin. Sedimentary and stratigraphic attributes such as the number of intra-parasequence units, their thickness, the proportions of facies associations in the regressive interval, the lateral extent of bounding surfaces, the degree of deepening recorded across these boundaries, and the type and lateral extent of associated transgressive deposits are quantitatively analyzed in this paper. Based on the analysis of these quantified attributes, three different scales of genetic units in parasequences are identified. 1) Bedset complexes are 10–40 m thick, basin to upper-shoreface successions, bounded by 5 to 16 km-long surfaces with a degree of deepening of one to three facies belts. These stratigraphic units represent the highest hierarchy of intra-parasequence stratigraphic units, and the vertical stacking of two or three of them typically forms an individual parasequence. 2) Bedsets are 2–20 m thick, offshore to upper-shoreface successions, bounded by up to 10 km long surfaces with a degree of deepening of zero to one facies belt. Two or three bedsets stack vertically build a bedset complex. 3) Sub-bedsets are 0.5–5 m thick, offshore transition to upper-shoreface successions, bounded by 0.5 to 2 km long surfaces with a degree of deepening of zero to one facies belt. Two or three sub-bedsets commonly stack to form bedsets. The proposed methodology indicates that the combination of thickness with the proportion of facies associations in the regressive interval of stratigraphic units can be used to discriminate between bedsets and sub-bedsets, whereas for higher ranks (bedsets and bedset complexes) the degree of deepening, lateral extent of bounding surfaces, and the characteristics of associated shell-bed deposits become more effective. Finally, the results for the Pilmatué Member are compared with other ancient and Holocene examples to improve understanding of the high-frequency evolution of wave-dominated shoreface–shelf systems.
COVID-19 and Female Learners in South Sudan: The impact of school closures in Juba, Rumbek, Kapoeta, Torit and Pibor
Authors:   Institute of Social and Policy Research
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting closure of South Sudan’s schools in March 2020 exacerbated many of the challenges female learners face in pursuing an education. Research conducted for this paper found that increased poverty, domestic care work, early and forced marriage, and teenage pregnancy would make it difficult for female learners to return to schools when they reopened in May 2021. The paper, written by the Institute of Social and Policy Research, sets out how greater financial and material support to female learners and their schools; more inclusive school environments for mothers and married or pregnant learners; and improved availability of services for learners experiencing gender-based violence, early and forced marriage or pregnancy are necessary to adequately support female learners to continue their education.
Social Norms Structuring Masculinities, Gender Roles, and Stereotypes: Iraqi men and boys’ common misconceptions about women and girls’ participation and empowerment
Authors: Dietrich Luisa , Skakun Zorica , Khaleel Rohlat , Peute Tim
Published: August 2021

The limited participation of Iraqi women in community decision-making in Kirkuk and Diyala is the result of various intertwined factors. This study explores emerging opportunities for social transformation in the context of sedimented layers of male privilege and the questioning of restrictive gender norms in the two governorates. With this report, Oxfam and its partners aim to dismantle barriers to women’s active participation, which is currently constrained by stereotypes and restrictive ideas about gender. Among the promising pathways for change are awareness-raising activities with male allies, alongside other longer-term efforts advancing transformative change in attitudes, practices, and behaviors.
The Deceleration of Radio/Light Transmission; A Collision Mechanism Dependent Radio Signal Emission, Transmission, and Reception
Authors: Zhang Jing
Published: August 2021

The fast and slow fading of radio signal transmissions or laser beam itself and its spare light confirm the presence of two kinds of collisions --- electron-photon and photon-photon collision. Photon transmissions of radio signals are either consecutive dense photon groups in slow fading process or widespread group pattern in fast fading form. The photon transmission shapes are irregular and dynamical changes. The radio frequency shift and the wavelength reduction by the calculation demonstrate decelerations of radio/light transmission speeds due to the gradual reduced distance between two consecutive photon groups along the transmission pathway. Photons from radio signals are able to affect electron movements in radio signal receiving process and electrons able to kick photons into space during radio signal emission. The pattern of free electron movement under the influence of local electromagnetic force in antenna is consistent with the randomly dynamic changes of radio signal in space. The fast fading is due to the collision of consecutive photon groups of signals in slow fading with free photons in space. The shape changes of radio signal peaks suggest photons able to remain in transmission photon groups after photon-photon collision, leading to deceleration transmissions in slow fading. The mathematical equation for the relationship between light/radio transmission speeds before and after photons collisions is established. The equation is confirmed by the calculations of well-known difference of light transmission speeds in different media. The gravities from Earth and Sun play little role during light/radio transmission.
Efficient Management Strategy of Malaria Patients in China: A Decision-Tree Modelling Approach
Authors: Li Gang , Zhang Donglan , Chen Zhuo , Feng Da , Cai Xinyan , Chen Xiaoyu , Tang Shangfeng , Feng Zhanchun
Published: August 2021

Background: Early accurate diagnosis and risk assessment for malaria are crucial for improving patients’ terminal prognosis, and preventing them from progressing to severe or critical state. This study aims to describe the accuracy of the initial diagnosis of malaria cases with different characteristics, as well as the factors that affect the accuracy in the context of the agenda for a world free of malaria.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 494 patients admitted to hospitals with a diagnosis of malaria from January 2014 through December 2016. Descriptive statistics were calculated and decision tree analysis was performed to predict the probability of patients who may be misdiagnosed.Results: Of the 494 patients included in this study, the proportions of patients seeking care in county-level, prefecture-level, and provincial-level hospitals were 27.5% (n=136), 26.3% (n=130), and 8.3% (n=41), respectively; the proportions of patients seeking care in clinic, township health center, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were 25.9% (n=128), 4.1% (n=20), and 7.9% (n=39), respectively. Nearly 60% of malaria patients were misdiagnosed on their first visit, and 18.8% of patients had complications. The median time from onset to the first visit was 2 days (IQR: 0 - 3 days), and the median time from the first visit to diagnosis was 3 days (IQR: 0 - 4 days). The decision tree classification of malaria patients being misdiagnosed consisted of six categorical variables: healthcare facilities for the initial diagnosis, time interval between onset and initial diagnosis, region, residence type, insurance status, and age.Conclusion: Insufficient diagnostic capacity of healthcare facilities with lower administrative levels for the first visit was the most important risk factor in misdiagnosing patients. Researchers and clinicians should consider strengthening the primary care facilities, time interval between onset and initial diagnosis, administrated residence, and health insurance status to reduce diagnostic errors.
An analysis of the interaction between industrial structure protection, ecological resources and environmental pollution externalities based on PSR model
Authors: Wang dechun
Published: August 2021

Taking the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin in Hubei Province as the research area, based on the "pressure state response" framework model, the evaluation index system of landscape ecological security in the basin is constructed, and its spatiotemporal change process and characteristics are discussed. The results show that the comprehensive index of landscape ecological security in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River is gradually rising, and the area above the middle and high security level accounts for 52% of the total area of the study area. The high safety areas in the basin are mainly concentrated in the areas with good vegetation coverage, such as natural reserves and forestry development areas, whose distribution pattern is opposite to the risk distribution pattern of geomorphic disasters such as landslides, debris flows and soil erosion.
Pure somatic pathogenic variation profiles for patients with serrated polyposis syndrome
Authors: Hidaka Misaki , Iwaizumi Moriya , Taniguchi Terumi , Baba Satoshi , Osawa Satoshi , Sugimoto Ken , Maekawa Masato
Published: August 2021

Background

The serrated pathway is a distinct genetic/epigenetic mechanism of the adenoma-carcinoma sequence in colorectal carcinogenesis. Although many groups have reported the genetic-phenotypic correlation of serrated lesions (SLs), previous studies regarding the serrated pathway were conducted on patients with SLs that have heterogeneous germline genetic backgrounds. We aimed to compare pure somatic genetic profiles among SLs within identical patients with SPS as a homogenous germline background.
Methods

We analysed SLs from one patient with SPS (Case #1) and compared DNA variant profiles using targeted DNA multigene panels via NGS among the patient’s hyperplastic polyp (HP), three sessile serrated lesions (SSLs), and one traditional serrated adenoma (TSA), in addition to leucocytes as a germline variant, and separately analysed three SSLs and one tubular adenoma (TA) within another patient with SPS (Case #2).
Results

In two patients, no germline pathogenic variant was observed, and a known pathogenic variant of BRAF (c.1799T > A, p.Val600Glu) was observed in one TSA and one SSL in Case #1, while three SSLs exhibited the BRAF variant in Case #2. Further, the genetic profile of TA is consistent with the adenoma-carcinoma sequence pathway profile and distinct from that of the other SLs within the same patient with SPS.
Conclusions

These findings of pure somatic genetic variant profiles among SLs with identical germline genetic background support the previous results analysed among SLs with heterogeneous germline genetic backgrounds.
Combined Therapy of Bilateral Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Ocular Occlusion Improves Visual Function in Adults with Amblyopia, a Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Castillo-Astorga Raul , Valle-Batalla Lucia Del , Mariman Juan Jose , Plaza Ivan , Juricic Maria de los Angeles , Maldonado Pedro Esteban , Vogel Marlene , Flores Romulo Fuentes
Published: August 2021

Amblyopia is the interocular visual acuity difference of two lines or more with best correction in both eyes. Ocular occlusion therapy depends on neuroplasticity, and thus is effective in children but not in adult with later diagnoses. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is suggested to increase neuroplasticity. To determine if combined therapy of bilateral tDCS and ocular occlusion improves visual function in adults with amblyopia, we conducted a double blind randomized, controlled pilot trial in volunteers with amblyopia (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05016830). While applying ocular occlusion and performing a reading task, participants received sham bilateral tDCS or bilateral tDCS. Visual function and visual evoked potential were evaluated immediately after. 12 volunteers with amblyopia were randomized, 2 were excluded after misdiagnosis confirmation. A significant increase in visual acuity was observed after stimulation in the bilateral group (n = 5) versus the sham group (n = 5) along with a significant increase in visual evoked potentials amplitude in the amblyopic eye response. No significant changes were observed in stereopsis and contrast sensitivity. No volunteer reported any harm derived from the intervention. Our results suggest that bilateral tDCS might improve visual acuity in amblyopic adults through increasing neuroplasticity, which allows the therapeutic effect of ocular occlusion.
Novel Compound Heterozygous Variants of DYNC2H1 Causing The Short Rib-Polydactyly Syndrome, Type III With Situs Inversus Totalis in a Fetus
Authors: Cheng Chen , Zhao Sheng , Feng Qian , Chen Xinlin
Published: August 2021

Background

Short-rib thoracic dysplasia 3 with or without polydactyly (SRTD3) is an autosomal recessive disorder. SRTD3 presents clinically with the narrow thorax, short ribs, shortened tubular bones, and acetabular roof abnormalities. Clinical signs of SRTD3 vary among individuals. Mutations of DYNC2H1 were reported to cause SRTD3.
Methods

We performed a detailed clinical prenatal sonographic characterization of the fetus with SRTD3. Whole-exome sequencing was used to identify causative variants in the trio family. The identified variants were validated by Sanger sequencing and mass spectrometry in the families. Multiple computational tools were used to predict the harmfulness of the two variants.
Results

We presented with the prenatal sonographic image of the fetus with SRTD3, including abnormal rib curvature, narrow thorax, bilateral hypoplastic lungs, bilateral polydactyly, syndactyly and fetal visceral situs inversus with mirror-image dextrocardia. We revealed novel compound variants of DYNC2H1 (NM_001080463.1: c.11504T > G (p.Ile3835Arg) and c.2106 + 3A > T). Various statistical methods predicted that the variants would cause harmful effects on genes or gene products.
Conclusion

It is the first time that fetal SRTD3 with situs inversus totalis in a Chinese family. Our study not only revealed two novel compound heterozygous Dynein Cytoplasmic 2 Heavy Chain 1 (DYNC2H1) variants, expanding the genetic spectrum of SRTD3 but also raising the new phenotype. Our study helps add experience to further our expertise in prenatal counseling for SRTD3.
Efficacy of flumethrin pour on against Haematobia exigua infesting cattle under field conditions
Authors: Anbarasi Periyasamy , Ponnudurai Gurusamy , Senthilvel Kandasamy , Sukumar Kuppannan , Sriniva Palani
Published: August 2021

The efficacy of flumethrin 1% pour-on (1% w/v, Flumitas) was evaluated against Haematobia exigua on cattle farms in Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu from November 2019 to February 2020. In this study, five farms, which had fly menace, selected randomly were divided as treatment (F1, F2, F3 and F4) and control (Fc) groups. Flies collected from the farms were identified as Haematobia exigua and a mean pre-treatment intensity was 195.56 ± 14.07. In the treatment groups (F1,F2,F3 and F4) flumethrin 1% pour on was applied to the back of cattle at the rate of 1 ml/10 kg body weight and fly intensity was recorded for a period of 2 months. The fly intensity reduced to zero within 30 minutes of application and the same trend continued till 28 DPT in F2 and F3, while it was effective 35 DPT in F1 and F4. A highly significant difference in the mean H. exigua fly counts between control and treatment group (P < 0.0001) was observed.
Carriage of Streptococcus Pneumoniae In Unvaccinated Toddlers At The Time of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Implementation Into The National Immunization Program In Poland
Authors: Wróbel-Pawelczyk Izabela , Ronkiewicz Patrycja , Wanke-Rytt Monika , Rykowska Dominika , Górska-Kot Aneta , Włodkowska Katarzyna , Topczewska-Cabanek Agnieszka , Jackowska Teresa , Chruszcz Joanna , Marchut Walentyna , Mastalerz-Migas Agnieszka , Korzeniewski Krzysztof , Skoczyńska Anna , Trzciński Krzysztof
Published: August 2021

We investigated pneumococcal carriage among unvaccinated children under five years of age at the time of conjugate polysaccharide vaccine (PCV) introduction into the national immunization program (NIP). Paired nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) and saliva samples collected between 2016 and 2020 from n=394 children were tested with conventional culture and using qPCR. The carriage rate detected by culture was 25.4% (97 of 394), by qPCR 39.1% (155 of 394), and 40.1% (158 of 394) overall. The risk of carriage was significantly elevated among day care center attendees, and during autumn/winter months. Among strains cultured, the most common serotypes were: 23A, 6B, 15BC, 10A, 11A. The coverage of PCV10 and PCV13 was 23.2% (23 of 99) and 26.3% (26 of 99), respectively. Application of qPCR lead to detection of 168 serotype carriage events, with serogroups 15, 6, 9 and serotype 23A most commonly detected. Although the highest number of carriers was identified by testing NPS with qPCR, saliva significantly contributed to the overall number of detected carriers. Co-carriage of multiple serotypes was detected in 25.3% (40 of 158) of carriers. Results of this study represent a baseline for the future surveillance of effects of pneumococcal vaccines in NIP in Poland.
Caffeine Increases Performance and Leads to a Cardioprotective Effect During Intense Exercise in Cyclists: a Randomized, Double-blind, Crossover, Placebo-controlled Study
Authors: Sampaio-Jorge Felipe , Morales Anderson Pontes , de Paula Rafael Pereira , Barth Thiago , Ribeiro Beatriz Gonçalves
Published: August 2021

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of different caffeine dietary strategies to compare the impact on athletic performance and cardiac autonomic response. The order of the supplementation was randomly assigned: placebo(4-day)-placebo(acute)/PP, placebo(4-day)-caffeine(acute)/PC and caffeine(4-day)-caffeine(acute)/CC. Fourteen male recreationally-trained cyclists ingested capsules containing either placebo or caffeine (6 mg∙kg − 1) for 4 days. On day 5 (acute), capsules containing placebo or caffeine (6 mg∙kg − 1) were ingested 60 min before completing a 16km time-trial. CC and PC showed improvements in time (CC vs PP, Δ -39.3 s and PC vs PP, Δ -43.4 s; p = 0.00; ƞ2=0.33) and in output power (CC vs PP, Δ 5.55 w and PC vs PP, Δ 6.17 w; p = 0.00; ƞ2=0.30). At the final of the time-trial, CC and PC exhibited greater parasympathetic modulation (vagal tone) when compared to the PP condition (p < 0.00; ƞ2=0.92). Our study provided evidence that acute caffeine intake (6 mg∙kg − 1) increased performance and demonstrated a relevant cardioprotective effect, through increased vagal tone.
An Efficient Chemical-Defined Condition for Generation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Jinhong Xu , Shi Fang , Naweng Wang , Bo Li , Yongheng Huang , Qi Fan , Jingyi Shi , Huihui Liu , zhicheng shao
Published: August 2021

Background: Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) hold great potential in disease modeling, drug screening and cell therapy. However, efficiency and costs of hiPSCs preparation still need to be improved.Methods: We screened the compounds that target signaling pathways, epigenetic modifications or metabolic-process regulation to replace the growth factors. After small molecules treatment, TRA-1-60 staining was performed to quantify the efficiency of somatic cell reprogramming. Next, small molecule cocktail induced ESCs or iPSCs were examined with pluripotent markers expression. Finally, Genome-wide gene expression profile was then analyzed by RNA-seq to illustrate the mechanism of human somatic cell reprogramming. Result: Here, we found that a dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase inhibitor ID-8 robustly enhanced human somatic cell reprogramming by upregulation of PDK4 and activation of glycolysis. Furthermore, we identified a novel growth-factor-free hiPSC generation system using small molecules ID-8/Kartogenin (IK). Finally, we developed IK medium combined with Low-dose bFGF to support the long-term expansion of human pluripotent stem cells. IK-iPSCs showed pluripotency and normal karyotype. Conclusions: Our studies may provide a novel growth-factor-free culture system to facilitate the generation of hiPSCs for multiple application in regenerative medicine.
Preventive Effect of Lactobacillus Plantarum HFY15 on Oxidative Damage and Acute Liver Injury Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) in Mice
Authors: Long Xingyao , Wang Pan , Zhou Yujing , Wang Qiang , Ren Lixuan , Tan Fang , Zhao Xin
Published: August 2021

BackgroundCarbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a widely used hepatic toxin that causes acute liver injury through pathological mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. In this experiment, mice were treated with Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) HFY15, silymarin, and Lactobacillus delbruechii subsp. bulgaricus (LDSB) for two weeks, and intraperitoneal injection of CCl4-induced acute liver injury to study the preventive effect of LP-HFY on CCl4-induced acute liver injury, especially in oxidative damage. ResultsThe survival rate of LP-HFY15 in artificial gastric juice is 92.1%, and the growth efficiency in bile salt is 78.8%. Animal experiments show that LP-HFY15 reduces the liver index of mice, reduces the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), the content of triglycerides (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the serum of mice. LP-HFY15 also increased the antioxidant genes, such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase (HO-1), NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), and increases the activity of superoxide dismutation (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) in the serum and gene level. At the same time, LP-HFY15 reduced the levels of cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in the serum and liver, increased antiapoptosis gene B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) expression in the liver of mice, and inhibit the expression of proapoptotic genes Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) and Caspase-3. ConclusionsCompared with LDSB, LP-HFY15 has a greater alleviating effect on the liver injury caused by CCl4. These findings demonstrate that LP-HFY15 has great potential and research value in the future as a food supplement for preventing acute liver damage.
An Approach to Cellular Tropism of SARS-Cov-2 Through Protein-Protein Interaction and Enrichment Analysis
Authors: Ortega-Bernal Daniel , Zarate Selene , Cárdenas Maria de los Ángeles , Bojalil Rafael
Published: August 2021

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a primarily pulmonary disease that can affect several organs, directly or indirectly. To date, there are many questions about the different pathological mechanisms. Here, we generate an approach to identify the cellular-level tropism of SARS-CoV-2 using human proteomics, virus-host interactions, and enrichment analysis. Through a network-based approach, the molecular context was visualized and analyzed. This procedure was also performed for SARS-CoV-1. We obtained proteomes and interactomes from 145 different cells corresponding to 57 different tissues. Not all cells had proteins such as ACE2 or TMPRSS2 (among others), so they were discarded. Of the remaining cells, a gradient of susceptibility to infection was observed. In addition, proteins associated with the coagulation cascade that can be directly or indirectly sequestered by viral proteins were identified. We have identified 55 potential cells that can be "cracked" with different susceptibilities. One of the main results being pneumocytes, as well as heart, kidney, liver, or small intestine. We also report how the coagulation cascade can be affected by SASR-CoV-2 infection. These results help us to explain the molecular context and provide elements for possible treatments in the current situation.
Encoding In Social Context Enhances And Biases Long-Term Recognition Memory: Behavioral And Electrophysiological Evidence
Authors: Schindler Sebastian , Vormbrock Ria , Kissler Johanna
Published: August 2021

Encoding often occurs in social contexts, yet research has hardly addressed their role in verbal memory. In three experiments, we investigated the behavioral and neural effects of encoding context on memory for positive, negative, and neutral adjectives, contrasting a social-feedback group (N=24) with an explicit verbal-learning (N=24) and a levels-of-processing group (N=24). Participants in the social-feedback group were not aware of a recognition session one week later, but their memory was better than the explicit learning or the levels-of-processing groups’. However, they also exhibited the strongest response bias, particularly for positive words. Brain event-related potentials (ERPs) revealed largest early negativities (EPN) and late positivities (LPP) in the social-feedback group. Only in the subsequent slow-wave did the explicit learning group show higher amplitudes than the other two groups, suggesting reliance on strategic rather than automatic processes. Still, context-driven incidental encoding outweighed explicit instructions, specifying a decisive role of social factors in memory.
DNA Damage and Repair and Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 55 Case- Control Studies
Authors: Wu Hui-Chen , Kehm Rebecca , Santella Regina M. , Brenner David , Terry Mary Beth
Published: August 2021

DNA repair phenotype can be measured in blood and may be a potential biomarker of cancer risk. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies of DNA repair phenotype and cancer through March 2021. We used random-effects models to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) of cancer risk for those with the lowest DNA repair capacity compared with those with the highest capacity. We included 55 case-control studies that evaluated 12 different cancers using 10 different DNA repair assays. The pooled OR of cancer risk (all cancer types combined) was 2.92 (95% Confidence Interval (CI)= 2.49, 3.43) for the lowest DNA repair. Lower DNA repair was associated with all studied cancer types, and pooled ORs (95% CI) ranged from 2.02 (1.43, 2.85) for skin cancer to 7.60 (3.26, 17.72) for hepatocellular carcinoma. All assays, except the homologous recombination repair, showed statistically significant associations with cancers. The effect size ranged from 1.90 (1.00, 3.60) for ETOP-induced double strand break assay to 5.06 (3.67, 6.99) for γ-H2AX. The consistency and strength of the associations supports the use of these phenotypic biomarkers; however large-scale prospective studies will be important for understanding the use of this biomarker related to age and screening initiation.
Unilaterally Disrupted Structural and Functional Connectivity of The Fronto-Iimbic System In Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
Authors: Cao Jibin , Cui Lingling , Yin Zhiyang , Chen Boyu , Liu Hu , Chang Miao , Li Chao , Fan Guoguang
Published: August 2021

Background: Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is rare and can either be associated with normal or defective olfactory sensation, classified as normosmic IHH (nIHH) or Kallmann’s syndrome (KS), respectively. We do not yet understand the central processing pathways in the olfactory system, especially regarding these disorders. We aimed to compare the resting-state structural and functional connectivity (FC) of olfactory neural pathways in patients with nIHH and KS.Methods: A total of 50 males were studied: 13 nIHH patients, 12 KS patients, and 25 healthy controls (HCs). All subjects underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans. Structural and functional connectivity data analyses were then performed.Results: The results indicated that fractional anisotropy (FA) was significantly decreased in the right uncinate fasciculus (UF) in the KS group. The olfactory cortex FC values of the right gyrus rectus and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in the KS group were decreased compared with those in the HC group and increased compared with those in the nIHH group (nIHH< KS <HC). Moreover, there were significant negative correlations between right UF FA and olfactory cortex FC to both the gyrus rectus and OFC within the nIHH and HC groups.Conclusion: We have reported significant structural and functional disruptions unilaterally at the right junction of the fronto-limbic system in KS patients. The results may indicate that a specific structural-functional asymmetry exists in the olfactory cortex pathways in KS patients.
Collagen Fibers-based Self-assembled 3D Spheroids Alleviate Thioacetamide-induced Liver Cirrhosis in Rats
Authors: Wu Yu Chiuan , Wu Guan Xuan , Chen Kuan Wei , Shiu Li-Yen , Kumar Satheesh , Liu Guei-Sheung , Kuo Shyh Ming
Published: August 2021

Cirrhosis refers to irreversible liver damage where healthy tissue is replaced by scar tissue which impairs liver function. There is no cure and current treatments only prevent further liver damage; thus novel therapeutic options are urgently needed. Here, we report a new approach that enables the formation of the self-assembled 3D spheroids of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and murine hepatocytes (AML12) via reconstituted collagen fibers. Compared with the spheroids formed in the commercially available EZSHERE dish, the collagen fiber-based ADSC/hepatocyte spheroids offer a notable benefit in structure formation and paracrine factor secretion. To test regenerative capability of the collagen fiber-based 3D ADSC/hepatocyte spheroids, a rat model of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver cirrhosis was employed. The transplantation of the collagen fiber-based 3D ADSC/hepatocyte spheroids show an improvement in liver function and ameliorates pathological liver cirrhosis in TAA-treated rats. In summary, our data show collagen fiber-based self-assembled 3D ADSC/hepatocyte spheroids to possess excellent regenerative capacity in response to TAA-induced liver injury, promising an alternative therapeutic strategy for liver cirrhosis.
The Effects of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy on Biochemical and Hematological Parameters in Short Term; Retrospective Review of Laboratory and Radiological Findings
Authors: Akyol Hüseyin , Erok Berrin
Published: August 2021

Obesity, with its many associated diseases, is the fastest growing public health problem worldwide. Obesity related chronic inflammation is the main pathophysiological basis in many obesty related comorbidities. In obesity, hypertrophic growth of adipose tissue is associated with the stimulation of the secretion of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (2, 3). Continued release of inflammatory mediators leads to chronic inflammation.Inflammatory markers such as neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet / lymphocyte ratio (PLR), which are used as diagnostic and prognostic factors in infectious diseases, have been shown to play an important role in the prognostic evaluations in many diseases. The aim of this study is to retrospectively investigate the changes in these obesty related biochemical and hematological parameters 6 months after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). In addition we also retrospectively reviewed the findings of abdominal ultrasonography (US) examinations in all patients and computed tomography (CT) findings in patients who had been performed, in terms of postoperative complications. In our study, the improvements in inflamatory markers in addition to glucose and lipid profiles have been showed with a possitive correlation parallel to the change in BMI.
Polygenic Risk Score Effectively Predicts Risk of Depression Onset in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Upadhya Suraj , Liu Hongliang , Luo Sheng , Lutz Michael W. , Chiba-Falek Ornit
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Depression is a common, though heterogenous, comorbidity in late-onset Alzheimer’s Disease (LOAD) patients. In addition, individuals with depression are at greater risk to develop LOAD. In previous work, we demonstrated shared genetic etiology between depression and LOAD. Collectively, this evidence suggested interactions between depression and LOAD. However, the underpinning genetic heterogeneity of depression co-occurrence with LOAD is largely unknown.Methods: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) genome wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics were used to create polygenic risk scores (PRS). The Religious Orders Society and Rush Memory and Aging Project (ROSMAP) and National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) datasets were utilized to assess the PRS performance in predicting depression onset in LOAD patients.Results: The developed PRS showed marginal results in standalone models for predicting depression onset in both ROSMAP (AUC=0.540) and NACC (AUC=0.534). Full models, with baseline age, sex, education, and APOEε4 allele count, showed improved prediction of depression onset (ROSMAP AUC: 0.606, NACC AUC: 0.583). In time-to-event analysis, standalone PRS models showed significant effects in ROSMAP (P=0.0051), but not in NACC cohort. Full models showed significant performance in predicting depression in LOAD for both datasets (P<0.001 for all).Discussion: This study provided new insights into the genetic factors contributing to depression onset in LOAD and advanced our knowledge of the genetics underlying the heterogeneity of depression in LOAD. The developed PRS accurately predicted LOAD patients with depressive symptoms, thus, has clinical implications including, diagnosis of LOAD patients at high-risk to develop depression for early anti-depressant treatment.
Natural Dye Extracted from Dalbergia cochinchinensis Residue with Water Fastness, Mildew Resistance and Permeability Properties for Wood Staining
Authors: Zhu Tao , Ren Kai , Sheng Jiale , Zhang Qiulong , Li Jian , Lin Jinguo
Published: August 2021

Wood dyed with extracts from Dalbergia cohinchinensis residues as natural dye (ND) exhibited desirable color appearance and anti-UV property while the potential property of the ND dyed wood has not been exploited with respect to the water fastness, mildew resistance along with the penetrability of the ND on wood blocks dyeing. The present study was aimed at exploring these aspects for multifunction assessment of the ND dyed wood. The results showed that the ΔE* (4.58) and color intensity reduction (PR:14.01%) of the ND dyed wood declined slightly after washed treatment by comparison with that of acid red (ΔE*:32.82; RP:76.14%) and reactive red (ΔE*:26.85; RP:66.52%) dyed wood indicative of its preferable waster fastness due to the surface hydrophobicity improvement. In addition, the ND ameliorated the mildew resistance against Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma viride infection. Interestingly, the wood blocks inner can be completely impregnated with ND under atmospheric pressure dyeing process without any pretreatment and auxiliary adding. The extracts utilization scenario was proved to perforce greatly promising for industrial application in terms of multifunctional ND dyed wood preparation.
Sec6 modulates PP2A phosphatase activity through alteration of the binding affinity of PP2A in A and C subunits
Authors: Tanaka Toshiaki , Iino Mitsuyoshi , Goto Kaoru
Published: August 2021

Dephosphorylation of the activated the regulator of a-fetoprotein (Raf)-MAP/ERK kinase (MEK)-the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)-p90 ribosomal protein 6 kinase (RSK) cascade plays an essential role in regulating the magnitude and duration of kinase activation and the nature of the physiological response. The protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), which is one of the major serine/threonine phosphatases, plays a pivotal role in various signaling pathways including cell cycle, metabolism, migration, and cell death. The impairment of PP2A activity is associated with various diseases including neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune diseases, type II diabetes, and tumors. However, little is known about how cells control the assembly of PP2A subunits and stabilize PP2A phosphatase activity. In the present study, we demonstrate that Sec6 regulates PP2A phosphatase activity by modulating the binding affinity of the A and C subunits of PP2A, thereby modulating the phosphorylation of p90RSK at Thr359 and Ser380, glycogen synthase kinase 3b (GSK3b) at Ser9, and the expression of zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), vimentin, and zonula occludens 3 (ZO-3).
A new model of two-sown regime for oat forage production in an alpine region of northern China
Authors: Hou Longyu , Bai Wenming , Zhang Qiangqiang , Liu Yahong , Sun Hailian , Luo Yingluo , Song Shihuan , Zhang Wen-Hao
Published: August 2021

Demand for high forage production and quality of oat (Avena sativa L., A nuda L.) by animal husbandry has increased in recent years, especially in the cold regions of northern China, because these regions are the traditional animal husbandry base. To maximize high quality of forage production, we developed a new model of two-sown regime for oat forage during a single growing season in an alpine region of Hulun Buir, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, using two early-matured oat species, Avena sativa (cv. Qinghai444, winner oat cultivar) and A. nuda (cv. Huazao2, spring oat cultivar). The key technologies and corresponding mechanisms in the first spring-sown and the second summer-sown were studied by measuring agronomic characteristics and forage quality and production. Furthermore, forage production and quality, resources use efficiency, and economic benefits were compared and quantified between two-sown regime and traditional one-sown regime across three consecutive years (2017–2019). We found that 1) the first sowing in spring was done when the thawing depth of soil at 10–13 cm occurred, and the forage yield was mainly achieved by an increase in plant height; 2) The second sowing after harvesting the first sowing oat forage was made in summer under no-tillage treatment, with the yield being mainly due to an increase in tiller density by increasing seeding rate; 3) Compared to traditional one-sown regime, dry weight yield, crude protein yield and relative feed value were significantly increased by 53.6%, 48.9% and 70.6% across three experimental years of 2017–2019, respectively. These results clearly demonstrate that the two-sown regime of oat is an effectively way in improving forage production and quality as well as increasing benefits in an alpine region of northern China.
Prevalence of symptom-defined gastroesophageal reflux disease among general population of Herat, Afghanistan - A cross sectional study
Authors: Neyazi Ahmad , Jain Samarvir , Kaur Ekjot , Bhullar Khushman Kaur , Afzali Habibah , Noormohammadi Morteza , Momand Sabera , Mehmood Qasim
Published: August 2021

Background: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive ailment that is characterized by the regurgitation of stomach contents back into the esophagus. This cross-sectional study aims to estimate the prevalence of symptom-defined GERD and their correlation with age and BMI among the general population of Herat city, Afghanistan.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the general population of Herat city of Afghanistan from March 1st, 2021 to March 25th, 2021. A respective sample of 400 adults participated in this study. Different variables were collected using a questionnaire developed. Data were evaluated in the IBM SPSS program.Results: 61.8% of the participants were aged between 18 to 34 years old. 59.3% of the participant's body mass index (BMI) was found to be normal and healthy. 50.5% of the participants were male and 41.3% of the participants responded that they have digestive problems. 42.5% of the participants had heartburn, 31.5% of the participants responded that they usually experience stomach acid coming up. 32.5% of the participants said that they have chest pain while 36.8% of the participants responded that they have indigestion problems.Conclusion: The result of this study shows that the prevalence of symptoms-defined GERD among the general population of Herat province of Afghanistan is higher than in many countries in the world. A significant association was found between heartburn and chest pain with the age groups. Also, a significant association was found between the indigestion symptoms of GERD and the BMI of the participants.