bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flavored Tobacco Sales Prohibition (2009) and Noncigarette Tobacco Products in Retail Stores (2017), New York City
Authors: Farley Shannon M. , Sisti Julia , Jasek John , Schroth Kevin R. J.
Published: March 2020

Objectives. To assess explicit- (products clearly labeled flavored) and emergent concept- (products implying flavoring but not clearly labeled) flavored tobacco product availability following New York City’s flavor restriction.

Methods. We examined explicit- and concept-flavored tobacco product availability, with 2017 New York City Retailer Advertising of Tobacco Survey data (n = 1557 retailers). We assessed associations between block group–level demographic characteristics and product availability by using logistic regression.

Results. Most retailers sold explicit-flavored (70.9%) or concept-flavored (69.3%) products. The proportion of non-Hispanic Black neighborhood residents predicted explicit- and concept-flavored product availability, as did having a high school within a retailer’s block group for concept-flavored products.

Conclusions. Explicit- and concept-flavored other tobacco products persisted throughout New York City, despite 2009 legislation restricting sales.

Public Health Implications. Making local sales restrictions or federal production bans inclusive of all explicit and concept flavors would reduce retailer and industry evasion opportunities and protect the health of youths and others.
Harvesting on a State-Dependent Time Delay Model
Authors: Xie Ruijun , Zhang Xin , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we propose and analyze a cooperation model with harvesting and state-dependent delay, which is assumed to be an increasing function of the population density with lower and upper bound. The main purpose of this article is to obtain the dynamics of our model analytically by controlling the harvesting. We present results on positivity and boundedness of all populations. Criteria for the existence of all equilibria and uniqueness of a positive equilibrium are given by controlling the harvesting. Finally, the global exponentially asymptotical stability criteria of model is obtained by the improved Hanalay inequality.
Countermovement in Organic Agriculture
Authors: Marc-Antoine Larrivee
Published: March 2020

Organic agriculture is an ideology built on general principles that have evolved over time. In Canada, the organic practices are regulated through the Organic Product Regulations, 2009, that enforce the Canadian Organic Standards (2015) on products under Federal jurisdiction. Contrary to what the policies suggest, organic producers are not a homogenous group and therefore, the conception of what is organic and what should be the regulations, if there should be any, differs. The conventionalization debate within the movement, as well as the concept of Organic 3.0, address important questions regarding sustainability, minimum requirements, recognized agricultural techniques, the certification process and social responsibility. Academic and grey literature suggests that those questions arise because of a gap between the organic principles and the minimum requirements of organic policies. To identify this hypothetical gap within the Canadian context, I will be using Polanyi’s concept, the countermovement.
What People Say: Application of Rural Definitions and Descriptors of Community in Ingersoll, Ontario
Authors: Neil Stoop
Published: March 2020

A definition of rural is necessary to develop, implement, and evaluate policy, as well as to inform research. Definitions of rural are often sorted into four broad categories: descriptive, sociocultural, rural as a locality, and rural as a social representation. Within these categories various definitions exist, each with strengths and weaknesses. Researchers and policy makers debate the effectiveness and appropriateness of rural definitions in various situations. This research initiative seeks to understand how rural is used and defined by residents of Ingersoll, Ontario and explore the implications of this understanding for local development, public policy, and research. Ingersoll is the smallest still growing census agglomeration in Ontario with a population of 12,577. Based on this population, Ingersoll does not qualify as either census rural nor rural small town. Citizens of Ingersoll will be surveyed to understand how they describe their community and relate their community to the concept of rural. The survey results will be compared to common definitions of rural found in academic literature and government policy and programming.
Using Green Infrastructure (GI), i.e., nature’s goods and services In a Land Use Planning Framework for Resilient Rural Communities
Authors: Paul Kraehling
Published: March 2020

The discussion will highlight results of recent PhD research examining the use of nature/natural systems by rural leaders in furthering their individual community interests for conditions of health/wellness, resiliency and sustainability. The research was completed using a qualitative mixed methods case study approach within a diversity of municipality settings across southern Ontario. The research examines how community planning with a diversity of GI elements is being implemented, e.g. strategic plans, plans for landscape scaled storm water management, tree planting systems, wildlife area enhancements. A further examination is made on the utility of a holistic planning model combining community greygreen infrastructures in a foundational framework for rural places. Many of the problems facing rural communities such as socio-economic challenges and climate change impacts can be addressed using the untapped natural asset features that are found within all rural areas.
Status of Mental Health in Rural LGBTQ+ Youth
Authors: Stephanie Gariscsak
Published: March 2020

On average, individuals who identify under the LGBTQ+ spectrum experience lower levels of mental health in comparison to their heterosexual counterparts (Tjepkema, 2008). This being said, knowledge on the current status of LGBTQ+ youth residing in rural communities is significantly lacking (Ross et al., 2016). The goal of this research project was to explore the lived experience of LGBTQ+ youth residing in rural communities. Methods for this study included partnering with community organization Reach Out Centre For Kids (ROCK) in order to facilitate a body mapping work-shop with LGBTQ+ rural youth. Body mapping was used to give youth a platform to discuss their experiences with mental health. The completion of this research will contribute to bridging the current gap of youth perspectives in literature surrounding LGBTQ+ rural youth mental health. This study was approved by the research an Ethics board of the University of Guelph.
Reporting Back: Precarious Employment
Authors: Valencia Gaspard
Published: March 2020

This presentation reports back on insights into precarious employment from key informants (professionals working first hand with those who have experienced or are experiencing rural precarious employment). Topics covered include pervasiveness of rural precarious employment, impacts, mitigation strategies, and current supports that help rural people who are precariously employed manage their employment situation or escape it.
Paving Paradise? Measuring Farmland Loss in Southern Ontario
Authors: Sara Epp  , Emma Drake
Published: March 2020

Farmland in Ontario is under immense pressure fromdevelopment associated with population growth andurbanization. In many communities, farmland is sacrificedfor residential subdivisions, commercial developments andaggregate operations, among others. While protectionistpolicies such as the Greenbelt Act appear to stop somedevelopment, farmland continues to be lost to non-farmland uses and a policy failure is assumed. Thispresentation will explore the results of a project thatmeasured the amount of farmland lost to non-farm landuses through official plan amendments. This methodologywas applied to 15 counties and regions in southern Ontario and provides accurate andtimely data regarding farmland loss and an assessment on the strength of the GreenbeltAct. This presentation will discuss thisground-breakingdata and presentrecommendations regarding planning for agricultural in Ontario.
Biomarker Significance of Serum CXCL8, CXCL10 and CXCL16 in Breast Tumors of Iraqi Patients
Authors: Khalaf Aseel F , Al-naqqash Munawar A , Alawn Nada A , Ad'hiah Ali H
Published: March 2020

The biomarker significance of three chemokines (CXCL8, CXCL10 and CXCL16) was evaluated in sera of 45 breast cancer (BC) and 28 benign breast lesion (BBL) patients, as well as 20 control women. Clinical stage and tumor expression of estrogen (ER), progesterone (PgR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) receptors were considered in this evaluation. The results demonstrated that CXCL8, CXCL10 and CXCL16 showed a significant increased median in BC and BBL patients compared to control (CXCL8: 47.3 and 25.7 vs. 15.0; CXCL10: 37.6 and 30.7 vs. 13.1; CXCL16; 27.9 and 25.2 vs. 19.2 pg/ml, respectively). The increased levels of CXCL8 and CXCL16 were more pronounced in triple-negative and HER-2 positive patients, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that CXCL8 was a significant predictor of BC, and such prediction was more depicted in triple-negative patients. The receiver operating characteristic analysis also revealed that CXCL8 recorded an area under curve of 0.998 in BC patients. In conclusion, CXCL8 is a potential biomarker for BC, especially when ER, PgR and HER-2 expression is considered. In this context, the predictive significance of CXCL8 in influencing BC progression is suggested in triple-negative patients.
Natural Products of Lactococcus Overcome Nosocomial Infection in Some of Baghdad Hospitals in Iraq
Authors: Dari Wissam Adnan
Published: March 2020

Nosocomial infections (NIs) are hospital-acquired associated infections, and also contracted due to the infections or toxins that exist in some location, like hospital. Therefore in our study, 4 Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates were obtained from dairy product (Lactobacillus brevis, L. acidophilus, Lactococcus raffinolactis and Lactococcus lactis) and were tested for Bacteriocin production to select Lactococcus lactis among them. Cell free supernatant (CFS), Lipid and partial purification of protein La. Lactis had high inhibitory effect against test pathogens (E. coli, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus). 30 isolates that diagnosed by Vitec, were isolated from (3) hospitals in Baghdad/ Iraq. The results showed that the bacteriocin exhibited higher inhibition activity against the microorganisms (that isolated from hospitals), so we recommended that La. lactis is a good natural agent candidate that could be inhibitor to microorganism isolated from hospitals, so it is a good factor to decrease nosocomial infections.
Mixed Micelles of Binary Mixtures of Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfate and Tween 80 Surfactants in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Hakeem Sammer
Published: March 2020

In the present work, the surface properties of mixed binary surfactants containing sodium dodecylbenzene sulfate (SDBS) and Tween 80 (TW80) surfactants in aqueous solutions were studied at temperature 293 K using surface tension measurements. The critical micelle concentration (cmc) magnitude for both individual surfactants and their mixtures were established the obtained results revealed  that the magnitude of cmc of the mixtures are less than the magnitude of individual surfactants and decrease with the increase in Tween 80 percent in solution which indicate the nonideal  mixing of the two surfactants. The values of molecular interaction parameters  and the mole fraction of surfactants in the micelle (X1) were calculated on the basis of Rubingh’s model and showed that the interaction parameter is always negative but at 0.9 mole fraction of TW80 surfactant (α1) is positive
Solving Linear Volterra – Fredholm Integral Equation of the Second Type Using Linear Programming Method
Authors: Mustafaf Muna Mansoor
Published: March 2020

In this paper, a new technique is offered for solving three types of linear integral equations of the 2nd kind including Volterra-Fredholm integral equations (LVFIE) (as a general case), Volterra integral equations (LVIE) and Fredholm integral equations (LFIE) (as special cases). The new technique depends on approximating the solution to a polynomial of degree  and therefore reducing the problem to a linear programming problem(LPP), which will be solved to find the approximate solution of LVFIE. Moreover, quadrature methods including trapezoidal rule (TR), Simpson 1/3 rule (SR), Boole rule (BR), and Romberg integration formula (RI) are used to approximate the integrals that exist in LVFIE. Also, a comparison between those methods is produced. Finally, for more explanation, an algorithm is proposed and applied for testing examples to illustrate the effectiveness of the new technique.
­­Assessment of Viral RNA in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Using RNA-seq
Authors: Yin Qinyan , Strong Michael J , Zhuang Yan , Flemington Erik K , Kaminski Naftali , de Andrade Joao , Lasky Joseph A
Published: March 2020

Background Numerous publications suggest an association between herpes virus infection and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). These reports have employed immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and/or PCR, which are susceptible to specificity artifacts. Methods We investigated the possible association between IPF and viral RNA expression using next-generation sequencing, which has the potential to provide a high degree of both sensitivity and specificity. We quantified viral RNA expression for 740 viruses in 28 IPF patient lung biopsy samples and 20 age-matched controls. Key RNA-seq results were confirmed using Real-time RT-PCR for select viruses (EBV, HCV, herpesvirus saimiri and HERV-K). Results We identified sporadic low-level evidence of viral infections in our lung tissue specimens, but did not find a statistical difference for expression of any virus, including EBV, herpesvirus saimiri and HERV-K, between IPF and control lungs. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first publication that employs RNA-seq to assess whether viral infections are linked to the pathogenesis of IPF. Our results do not address the role of viral infection in acute exacerbations of IPF, however, this analysis patently did not support an association between herpes virus detection and IPF.
Loss-of-function mutations in KEAP1 drive lung cancer progression via KEAP1/NRF2 pathway activation
Authors: Gong Meiling , Li Yan , Ye Xiao-Ping , Zhang Linlin , Wang Zhifang , Xu Xiaowen , Shen Yejing , Zheng Cui-Xia
Published: March 2020

Background and Purpose: Targeted therapy and immunotherapy have led to dramatic change in the treatment of lung cancer, however, the overall 5-year survival rate of lung cancer patients is still suboptimal. It is important to exploit new potential of molecularly targeted therapies. High-frequency somatic mutations in KEAP1/NRF2 (27.9%) have been identified in lung squamous cell carcinoma. In this research, we explored the role of KEAP1 somatic mutations in the development of LSCC and whether a nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(NRF2) inhibitor be potential to targetlung cancer carrying KEAP1/NRF2 mutations. Methods: Lung cancer cell lines A549 and H460 with loss-of-function mutations in KEAP1 stably transfected with wild-type (WT) KEAP1 or somatic mutations in KEAP1 were used to investigate the functions of somatic mutations in KEAP1 . Flow cytometry, plate clone formation experiments, and scratch tests were used to examine reactive oxygen species, proliferation, and migration of these cell lines. Results: The expression of NRF2 and its target genes increased , and tumor cell proliferation, migration, and tumor growth were accelerated in A549 and H460 cells stably transfected with KEAP1 mutants compared to control cells with a loss-of-function KEAP1 mutation and stably transfected with WT KEAP1 in both in vitro and in vivo studies. The proliferation of A549 cell line trasfected with the R320Q KEAP1 mutant was Inhibited more apparent than that of the A549 cell line trasfected with WT KEAP1 after treatment with NRF2 inhibitor ML385. Conclusion : Somatic mutations of KEAP1 identified from patients with LSCC likely promote tumorigenesis mediated by activation of the KEAP1/NRF2 antioxidant stress response pathway. NRF2 inhibition with ML385 could inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells with KEAP1 mutation.
A new anatomic zone division within the cervical spinal canal
Authors: Kong Chao , Liu Li , Liu Yadong , Chen Xueming , Yuan Xin , Gao Yan , Guan Yun
Published: March 2020

Background: Detailed anatomical information is important for identifying the origin and anatomic basis of symptoms in cervical spondylosis patients, but very little quantitative data have been reported. This study characterized the morphologic features of cervical spinal nerve rootlets and defined different zones at cervical spinal canal to provide an anatomic basis for studying cervical spondylosis.
Methods: Ten cervical spines from C2 to T1 were obtained for the present study. We defined three zones from midline to lateral part (zone I, II and III) and two zones from cranial to caudal (zone P and zone IP) on the coronal plane within the cervical spinal canal. Quantitative anatomy of the zones at different cervical segments were measured including: 1) horizontal widths of zone I, II and III; 2) Length of the cervical spinal cord segment at the ventral rootlets (LV); 3) The pedicle height (PH, zone P) and the inter-pedicle height (IPH, zone IP); 4) The distance between the superior margin of pedicle and the exit of the uppermost ventral nerve rootlet (PN).
Results: There was a trend that the horizontal widths of zone I gradually decrease from C4 to C8 but without significant differences (P=0.98). The value of zone II at C4 was significantly less than that at other levels (P=0.008). The value of zone III increases from C4 to C8, and the values at C7 and C8 were significantly higher than those at C4, C5 and C6 (P=0.032). PHs and IPHs were not significantly different between different levels (P1=0.365; P2=0.240). The values of LV at C4 and C8 were smaller than those of C5, C6 and C7 (P=0.001). The value of PN showed an increasing trend. At C4, the uppermost ventral rootlet was at about the same height as C3 pedicle, while C8 uppermost ventral rootlet was at the same level as the inferior part of C6 pedicle. Ventral intradural intersegmental connections were found in three intersegments (two specimens) out of 20 intersegments (15%).
Conclusions: The current definition of anatomic zones may be useful for an accurate diagnosis of cervical spondylosis and a safe and effective anterior decompression surgery.
Internet addiction mediates the association between cyber victimization and psychological and physical symptoms：moderation by physical exercise
Authors: Lin Ling , Liu Jianbo , Cao Xiaolan , Wen Siying , Xu Jianchang , Xue Zhenpeng , Lu Jianping
Published: March 2020

Background: The potential mechanisms underlying cyber victimization and the resulting psychological and physical symptoms remain unclear. Thus, the present study investigated whether Internet addiction mediates the association between peer victimization (e.g., cyberbullying) and psychological and physical symptoms. Furthermore, it was assessed whether physical exercise moderates the hypothetical mediation.Methods: 1,854 students from 11 middle and high schools in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, were sampled for this study. Psychological and physical symptoms were assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF, while Internet addiction was evaluated using the Internet addiction test by Young. Cyber victimization was measured using a single question. In addition, this study examined whether Internet addiction mediated the association between cyber victimization and both psychological and physical symptoms. Additional work was conducted to test if physical exercise played a moderating role in the mediation hypothesized above. Mediation and moderation were analyzed using PROCESS macro for SPSS.Results: Regression analysis showed that both cyber victimization (β = -0.102, p < 0.05) and Internet addiction (β = -0.278, p < 0.05) significantly predicted psychological and physical symptoms and demographic variables were controlled. Further mediation analysis suggested that Internet addiction mediated the relationship between cyber victimization and psychological and physical symptoms. The 95% CI (confidence interval) of the direct effect was (-4.283, -1.696) and the indirect effect (­–1.904, -0.820), respectively, excluding zero. Finally, moderation analysis indicated that physical exercise moderated the relationship between Internet addiction and psychological and physical symptoms (p = 0.047).Conclusions: Internet addiction plays a mediating role in the association between cyber victimization and both psychological and physical symptoms, Thus, addressing Internet addiction among cyberbullying victims is worthwhile. Furthermore, physical exercise alleviates negative impacts on health and should thus be promoted.
Genome-Wide association Study Identifies Candidate Genes Related to Oleic acid content of Soybean Seed
Authors: Wang Pi-wu , Di Qin , Liu Xiao-Yi
Published: March 2020

Background: Soybeans [Glycine max (L.) Merr] originated in China and has been cultivated for more than 3000 years. Soybean oil is a complex mixture of five fatty acids (palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic). Soybean oil with high oleic acid content is desirable because this monounsaturated fatty acid improves the oxidative stability of the oil. To investigate the genetic architecture of oleic acid in soybean seed. 260 Soybean germplasms from Northeast China were collected as the natural population. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted in a panel of 260 germplasm resources.Results: Phenotypic identification result showed that the content of oleic acid varied from 8.2% to 35.0%. 2,311,337 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were obtained. GWAS analysis showed that there were many genes related to oleic acid content with contribution rate 7%. The candidate genes Glyma.11G229600.1 on chromosome 11 and Glyma.04G102900.1 on chromosome 4 were detected in a 2-year long GWAS. The candidate gene Glyma.11G229600.1 showed a positive correlation with the oleic acid content, and the correlation coefficient was 0.980, while Glyma.04G102900.1 showed a negative correlation with the oleic acid content. The correlation coefficient was -0.964.Conclusions: Glyma.04G102900.1 on chromosome 4 and Glyma.11G229600.1 on chromosome 11 were detected in both anaylsis (2018 and 2019). Glyma.04G102900.1 and Glyma.11G229600.1 are new key candidate genes related to oleic acid in soybean seeds.These results will be useful for High-oleic soybean breeding.
Prevalence and Genotype distribution of Human Papillomavirus Infection in Different Anatomical Sites among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Farahmand Mohammad , Monavari Seyed Hamidreza , Tavakoli Ahmad
Published: March 2020

Background: Homosexual men or men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection because of their high-risk sexual behaviors. In this large study, a meta-analytic approach was used to systematically analyze the literature to elucidate the prevalence and genotype distribution of anal, penile, oral, and urethral HPV infection among MSM in the world.Methods: To carry out this systematic review, five electronic databases were searched for relevant studies published from January 2012 through to November 2019, and pertinent data were collected from the eligible articles. The pooled HPV prevalences were calculated for each anatomical region using random-effect model weighted by the inverse variance method. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify the probable sources of heterogeneity. The meta-analysis was performed using the “Metaprop” function in the R package Meta.Results: The overall pooled prevalence of anal, penile, oral, and urethral HPV infection among MSM were 78.11 % (95% CI: 75.50%-80.52%), 36.26% (95% CI: 29.13%–44.05%), 17.33% (95% CI: 13.65%–21.75%), and 15.40% (95% CI: 7.86%–27.97%), respectively. Stratified analyses showed that the prevalences of HPV were significantly higher in HIV-positive than HIV-negative MSM. The most frequent HPV high-risk type detected in the anus, penis, and oral cavity was HPV-16 (20.32%, 4.96%, and 3.16%, respectively). Conclusion: HPV infection is on the dramatic rise in MSM because of high-risk sexual behaviors, strongly suggesting the increased risk of developing HPV-related diseases and malignancies in this population. Among different sexual orientations, male homosexuality is associated with the highest risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections.
Numerical simulation and experimental study of blade pitch effect on Darrieus straight-bladed wind turbine with high solidity: A case study under realistic conditions
Authors: Soultanzadeh Milad Babadi , Moradi Alireza
Published: March 2020

Numerical and experimental studies were performed to examined the influence of pitch angle on the aerodynamic performance of a small Darrieus straight blade vertical axis wind turbine with high solidity and pitch regulation system under a realistic condition. By comparing experimental and numerical results, numerical results were validated. The power coefficient was measured and calculated at different tip speed ratios and for two pitch angles 0 and 5. The results revealed that 5 degrees increase in the pitch angle led to 25% elevation in the maximum value of the power coefficient (performance coefficient). Also, the numerical results showed higher accuracy at lower tip speed ratios for both pitch angles. After numerical method validation, numerical method employed to calculate the coefficient of performance and coefficient of torque function of Azimuth position as well as the flow field in the rotor affected zone and lateral distance. According to the numerical results, vorticity generation increased by the rise in the pitch angle at a constant tip speed ratio; the maximum performance coefficient occurred at a lower tip speed ratio with elevation in the pitch angle; finally, the increment in the pitch angle led to lower velocity profile in lateral distances of the rotor.
Early solid diet supplementation influences proteomic of rumen epithelium in goat kids
Authors: Zhuang Yimin , Cui Kai , Huang Wenqin , Han Yong , Diao Qiyu , Zhang Naifeng
Published: March 2020

Background: Rumen is an important organ for nutrient absorption and metabolism in goats, and its constant development is a prerequisite for the healthy growth of goat kids. Previous studies have shown that the intake of solid feed in early life can significantly promote the development of rumen tissue morphology and metabolic function in young ruminants. However, the expressed proteome in rumen epithelium of goats supplemented solid diet is still limited. In this study, 24 pairs of twin goats were randomly divided into milk replacer group (MR) and milk replacer with supplemented solid diets group (SS) using proteomic analysis based on ITRAQ technique, which allow to further analyze potential biological mechanism. Results: Significant increased papilla length and width, epithelium thickness as well as muscle layers thickness were observed in SS group. A total of 6003 differentially expressed proteins were detected in the SS group compared to the MR group by analyzing the rumen protein expression of six biological replicates, of which 251 proteins were up-regulated and 750 proteins were down-regulated. According to Gene Ontology, the differential expressed proteins (DEPs) were significantly enriched in functions related to cell development and biosynthesis. The networks of KEGG pathways demonstrated that most of the 30 significantly enriched pathways involved in cellular metabolism, signal transduction and immunity. Conclusions: The supplementation of solid feed promoted the growth of rumen epithelial cells, improved the rumen's immune function, and activated lipid metabolism. Our findings provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying rumen developmental differences in goat kids caused by solid feed.
Effect of AgpP-P phytase supplementation on productivity, nutrient availability, veterinary-sanitary assessment of meat and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens
Authors: Bulmakova Daria Sergeevna , Smolentsev Sergey Yuryevich , Suleimanova Aliya Damirovna , Hadieva Guzel Fanisovna , Lutfullin Marat Tafkilevich , Mardanova Ayslu Mirkasymovna , Sharipova Margarita Rashidovna
Published: March 2020

Background The major storage form of phosphorus in plant-derived feed is presents by insoluble phytates and not digested by animals. Microbial enzymes phytases are able to hydrolyze phytates and are widely used as feed additives in animal nutrition to improving the utilization of phytate-phosphorus in diets and reducing manure phosphorus excretion to the environment. However, no single phytase can perform effectively under various conditions of digestive systems and dietary compositions. That's why there is a constant search and development of new effective feed phytases preparations. The objective of this study was to study the effect of AgpP-P phytase supplementation on productivity, nutrient availability, veterinary-sanitary assessment of meat and serum biochemical parameters of Hubboard broilers. Results Results showed that phytase supplementation increased body weight and absolute weigh gain in broilers, while reducing the total amount of feed consumed by birds (P < 0.05). Phytase improved the availability and absorption of organic nutrients, calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P). However, no differences were observed for nitrogen (N) (P < 0.05). Phytase supplementation increased Ca and P contents, total protein (TP) level and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, and reduced urea level, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities in serum, respectively (P < 0.05). The meat of phytase-fed broilers meets Russian State Standards (GOST) for fresh good-quality meat based on organoleptic, physicochemical and bacterioscopic characteristics. Conclusions The results of present study demonstrated that addition of AgpP-P phytase to the diet of broiler chickens has a positive effect on the nutrient availability and productivity of birds, while reducing the total amount of feed consumed by chickens. Biochemical parameters in serum remained within the physiological norm. The meat of phytase-fed broilers met the Russian State Standards (GOST) for fresh good-quality meat. Thus, it is shown that AgpP-P phytase has the potential for use as a feed additive in poultry farming.
Piper sarmentosum extract alleviates inflammatory responses and improves barrier function in porcine intestinal epithelial (IPEC-J2) cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
Authors: Wang Dingfa , Zhou Luli , Hanlin zhou , Hou Guanyu
Published: March 2020

Background: In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of Piper sarmentosum extract (PSE) in the IPEC-J2 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Meanwhile, we also tested the metabolomics profile of cells treated by LPS and PSE. Method: IPEC-J2 cells (6×105 cell/well) were seeded on 6-well plates, and cells were divided into three treatments (control, LPS treatment and LPS + PSE-NB treatment). Each treatment was conducted in five replicates. After incubation for 24 h, cells in LPS + PSE-NB treatment were treated by media containing PSE-NB at 10 ug/ml (cells in control and LPS treatments were treated by complete medium). Cells were culture for 24 h, and cells in LPS treatment and LPS + PSE-NB treatment then were treated by media contain 1 μg/ml of LPS (cells in control was treated by complete medium) for another 24 h. After treatment, cells were used for gene expression assays, protein expression assays and metabolomics analysis.Results: We demonstrated that LPS stimulation significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α (P < 0.05) compared with the control in the IPEC-J2 cells. Piper sarmentosum extract with n-butanol (PSE-NB) pre-treatment with 10 ug/mL before LPS stimulation significantly decreased the expression of IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α compared with LPS treatment (P < 0.05). We found that PSE-NB improved the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins (ZO1 and Occludin) and NHE3 that were reduced by LPS stimulation (P < 0.05). Moreover, PSE-NB alleviated LPS-induced protein expression of p65 and p-p65 (P < 0.05) and inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway. Metabolic pathway analysis indicated that PSE-NB exert anti-inflammatory activity mainly through affecting tryptophan metabolism. Its metabolic product, melatonin, has anti-inflammatory properties by inhibition of NF-κB activation, which consistent with our results regarding to anti-inflammatory activity of PSE-NB on inflammatory signaling pathway. Conclusion: These results suggested that PSE-NB might attenuate LPS-induced inflammatory responses in the IPEC-J2 cells by regulating inflammatory NF-κB signaling pathway and intracellular metabolic pattern.
Elimination of marginal and partial placenta previa from clinical perspective: is it rational?
Authors: Bi Shilei , Zhang Lizi , Wang Zhijian , Chen Jingsi , Tang Jingman , Gong Jingjin , Xie Sushan , Tan Hu , Lin Lin , Ren Luwen , Zeng Shanshan , Huang Lijun , Chen Dunjin , Du Lili , Wang Shaoshuai
Published: March 2020

Background We aimed to evaluate the difference between the effects of three categories of classifications of placenta previa (PP) on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods This study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University and Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, between January 2009 and 2018. The three categories of PP were the four-classification (low-lying, marginal, partial, and complete PP), three-classification (low-lying, “marpartial,” and complete PP), and two-classification (low-lying PP and PP) methods. We performed multivariate analysis to determine the effects of these classifications on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Results There were 4490 singleton pregnancies complicated with PP, of which 466, 1233, 140, and 2651 were low-lying, marginal, partial, and complete PP, respectively. As per the four-classification method, compared with women with low-lying PP, women with complete PP had a risk of placenta accrete spectrum, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), hemorrhagic shock, severe PPH, blood transfusion, hysterectomy, puerperal infection, preterm labor, NICU admission, and low birth weight. There was no difference in maternal and perinatal outcomes between marginal and partial PP, except for increased chances of preterm labor and low birth weight in partial PP. In the two-classification method, PP was the risk factor for most of the adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Conclusions Complete and low-lying PP were associated with the highest and lowest risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes, respectively, whereas clinically similar outcomes were observed between marginal and partial PP. The three-classification method may be practical from the ultrasound and clinical perspective.
The Effect of COVID-19 Stress on Sexual Compulsivity Symptom:The Mediating Role of Perceived Social Support
Authors: Jianjun Deng , Tsingan Li. , Jiali Wang , Limei Teng
Published: March 2020

Introduction Previous studies have revealed that the life event stress were associated with people’s psychology and behaviors, and impacted individuals’ sexual behaviors especially. However, few study have investigated the effect and mechanism of the emergency COVID-19 on psychosexual behaviors during the COVID-19 outbreak in China. Thus, this primary objective of the research was to explore the links between COVID-19 stressing and sexual compulsive symptom, and perceived social support.Methods This study used a cross-design, 3219 undergraduate students were recruited online to complete all questionnaires. Results The obtained results conﬁrmed that COVID-19-stressing was correlated with perceive social support and sexual compulsive symptom, and perceived social support mediated the relation between COVID-19-stressing and sexual compulsive symptom; and gender moderated the link of COVID-19-stressing and perceive social support. In addition, in the case of the individuals’ sexual compulsive symptom, the regression analyses showed that COVID-19-stressing and perceive social support were significantly predicted. Conclusions Thus, the findings extends previous knowledge and provide highlighted ideas, indicating that the COVID-19 not only affected individuals’ physical health, but also impacted their psychological behaviors and intention, such as sexual compulsive symptom. Moreover, the findings revealed that compared to the female, the male students would promoted higher perceived social support when COVID-19-stressing is boosting.Policy Implication It is important that individuals’ sexual psychology were cared via professional consulting during people are isolation for the emergent infection.
Pig or Mouse for Microbiome Studies? Longitudinal Establishment of Human Fecal Bacterial Communities in Germ-Free Porcine and Murine Models
Authors: Aluthge Nirosh D. , Tom Wesley A. , Bartenslager Alison C. , Burkey Thomas E. , Miller Phillip S. , Heath Kelly D. , Kreikemeier-Bower Craig , Kittana Hatem , Schmaltz Robert J. , Ramer-Tait Amanda E. , Fernando Samodha Charaka
Published: March 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Protective experience of diabetic patients with 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China
Authors: Lihua Ma , Jianguo Cheng , Kaipeng Zhuang , Juan Li , Tao Zhang
Published: March 2020

Background Since December 2019, more than 77,665 patients have been diagnosed with 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia (NCIP) in Wuhan, Hubei Province. According to previously published data, most of the critical and deceased patients are middle-aged and elderly patients with complications related to multiple chronic diseases. Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases. On January 29, The Lancet reported that 41 patients were infected by 2019-nCoV, and 8 patients were complicated with diabetes, accounting for 20% 1 . It has been suggested that diabetic patients are likely more susceptible to 2019-nCoV.At present, there is no effective treatment method or vaccine for NCIP. The prognosis of patients mainly depends on their immune system. However, diabetic patients with NCIP have higher requirements for treatment and nursing due to their complicated condition.To summarize the protective experience and provide a basis for hospital and patient care, we reviewed the protective mechanisms and effects in 12 diabetic patients with 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China. Methods During nursing care, strict isolation and protection were emphasized, which included in-hospital isolation and protection, ward disinfection and isolation, ward environment layout, self-protection of medical staff, specimen collection and transportation; disease condition monitoring included blood glucose management, nutrition support, basic nursing, medication care, psychological support and discharge instructions. One patient died of complications due to gastrointestinal haemorrhage, and the other 11 patients were cured and discharged. Discussion Strict isolation, protection and disease monitoring are prerequisites for reducing complications and improving the cure rate of 2019-nCoV.
Positive RT-PCR Test Results in Discharged COVID-19 Patients: Reinfection or Residual?
Authors: tao jiejie , Hu Zhishan , Liu Jinjin , Pang Peipei , Fu Gangze , Qian Andan , Chen Shuangli , Lin Liaoyi , Cao Guoquan , Sun Houzhang , Yang Yunjun , Wang Meihao
Published: March 2020

Background: The coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease. Moreover, 14% of the discharged patients tested virus positive again. However, the underlying clinical mechanisms are still under investigation. Case presentation: The current study summarized the clinical course, radiological features and laboratory test results of two COVID-19 patients who tested positive again during the quarantine after hospital discharge. We found that while all symptoms were relieved, their lesions in lungs were not fully recovered, and both of them had slight coughs. In addition, when the lesions were further recovered and the cough symptoms were further remitted, they tested virus negative again. Conclusions: These results implied that the positive result is unlikely caused by the reinfection from others or the remained virus. Rather, it may derive from the remained virus transferred from the lower respiratory tract to the throat or nose with coughs. Accordingly, we proposed some suggestions regarding the discharge management. This study enhances our knowledge of the progress of COVID-19 and benefit the control of this disease.
An Analysis on the Clinical Features of MHD Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Single Center Study
Authors: li cheng , Yonglong Min , Can Tu , Dongdong Mao , Sheng Wan , Haifeng Liu , Fei Xiong
Published: March 2020

Background: In this study, we aimed to find out the features of the maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients infected with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Blood Purification Center of Wuhan No.1 Hospital, Hubei Province, China, and provide evidences for clinical treatment.Methods: We collected the data of all the MHD patients in this hemodialysis center by February 20, 2020, including those infected with COVID-19. These patients were divided into three groups: the control group (537 cases), confirmed group (66 cases) and suspected group (24 cases). We compared the relevant data of the three groups and analyzed the factors that may affect the possibility of catching COVID-19.Results: 1. By February 20, 2020, there were 627 MHD patients in the Hemodialysis Center of Wuhan No.1 Hospital. The prevalence rate of the COVID-19 was 14.35% (90/627, including 66 confirmed cases and 24 suspected cases); the fatality rate 13.33% (12/90, including 12 death cases); the mortality rate 1.91% (12/627).2. The comparison between the three groups revealed the following results: weekly hemodialysis duration (WHD), ultrafiltration volume (UFV) and ultrafiltration rate (UFR) of the confirmed group were obviously lower than those of the control and suspected groups (P＜0.05); the neutrophil ratio (N%), neutrophil (N#), monocyte (M#) and total carbon dioxide (TCO2) were significantly higher than those of the control group while the lymphocyte ratio (L%) was much lower (P＜0.05).3. The lung CT scans found three common features: bilateral abnormalities (81.54%), multiple abnormalities (84.62%) and patchy opacity (61.54%).4. The binary logstic regression analysis showed that diabetes (OR=5.404,95% CI 1.950～14.976, P=0.001) and hypertension (OR=3.099,95% CI 1.380～6.963, P=0.006) are independent risk factors for MHD patients to be infected with COVID-19; WHD (OR=0.846,95% CI 0.737～0.970, P=0.017), UFR (OR=0.012,95% CI 0.002～0.058, P＜0.001) and serum ferritin (SF, OR=0.823,95% CI 0.748～0.906, P＜0.001) are independent protective factors.Conclusion: MHD patients with diabetes or hypertension are more likely to be infected with COVID-19. In clinical treatment, hemodialysis duration, UFR and SF levels should be controlled appropriately to reduce the risk of infection.
LncRNA HULC regulates hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation, apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the miR-372/CXCR4 axis
Authors: Liu Hao , Zhou Xiaoli , Yang Jiayao , Shi Zhaohong
Published: March 2020

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a lethal malignancy and a major public health concern worldwide. Considering the public health risk posed by HCC, it is necessary to elucidate the mechanisms underlying liver cancer progression in order to identify more therapeutic targets. In this study, we will elucidate the role of LncRNA HULC in regulating HCC cell proliferation, apoptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via the miR-372/CXCR4 axis. Material and MethodsTarget genes were predicted using the online TargetScan database. Cell models of gene over-expression and silencing were established by transfection, and the mRNA and protein expression levels were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis were measured by the CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, respectively. In situ protein expression in tissues was examined by immunohistochemical staining. Results HULC and CXCR4 were upregulated and miR-372 was downregulated in HCC tissue and cells. TargetScan prediction and dual luciferase assay revealed that miR-372 can target HULC or CXCR4. Furthermore, HULC and CXCR4 enhanced the viability of HCC cells, whereas miR-372 had the opposite effect. Consistent with this, HULC and CXCR4 increased the proliferation of these cells and miR-372 showed an inhibitory effect. Furthermore, HULC and CXCR4 blocked apoptosis in liver cancer cells and miR-372 facilitated the same. Finally, HULC and CXCR4 promoted EMT, as indicated by E-cadherin downregulation and Vimentin upregulation, whereas miR-372 had the opposite effects. Conclusion HULC upregulates CXCR4 in HCC cells by inhibiting miR-372, which in turn promotes the proliferation, inhibits the apoptosis and accelerates the EMT of HCC cells.
Density and sound velocity of liquid Fe-S alloys at Earth's outer core P-T conditions
Authors: Fu Jie , Cao Lingzhi , Duan Xiangmei , Belonoshko Anatoly B.
Published: March 2020

Pressure-temperature-volume (P-T-V) data on liquid iron-sulfur (Fe-S) alloys at the Earth's outer core conditions (~136 to 330 GPa, ~4000 to 7000 K) have been obtained by first-principles molecular dynamics simulations. We developed a thermal equation of state (EoS) composed of Murnaghan and Mie-Grüneisen-Debye expressions for liquid Fe-S alloys. The density and sound velocity are calculated and compared with Preliminary Reference Earth Model (PREM) to constrain the S concentration in the outer core. Since the temperature at the inner core boundary (TICB) has not been measured precisely (4850~7100 K), we deduce that the S concentration ranges from 10~14 wt% assuming S is the only light element. Our results also show that Fe-S alloys cannot satisfy the seismological density and sound velocity simultaneously and thus S element is not the only light element. Considering the geophysical and geochemical constraints, we propose that the outer core contains no more than 3.5 wt% S, 2.5 wt% O, or 3.8 wt% Si. In addition, the developed thermal EoS can be utilized to calculate the thermal properties of liquid Fe-S alloys, which may serve as the fundamental parameters to model the Earth's outer core.