bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel model with nutrition-related parameters for predicting overall survival of cancer patients
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhang Kangping , Li Xiangrui , Zhang Xi , Song Mengmeng , Liu Tong , Song Chunhua , Rocco Barazzoni , Wang Kunhua , Xu Hongxia , Fu Zhenming , Shi Hanping
Published: April 2021

Background Increasing evidence indicates that nutritional status could influence the survival of cancer patients. This study aims to develop and validate a nomogram with nutrition-related parameters for predicting the overall survival of cancer patients.Patients and Methods 8,749 patients from the multicentre cohort study in China were included as the primary cohort to develop the nomogram, and 696 of these patients were recruited as a validation cohort. Patients nutritional status were assessed using the PG-SGA. LASSO regression models and Cox regression analysis were used for factor selection and nomogram development. The nomogram was then evaluated for its effectiveness in discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness by the C-index, calibration curves, and Decision Curve Analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to compare the survival rate.Results Seven independent prognostic factors were identified and integrated into the nomogram. The C-index was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.72 to 0.74) and 0.77 (95% CI, 0.74 to 0.81) for the primary cohort and validation cohort, which were both higher than 0.59 (95% CI, 0.58 to 0.61) of the TNM staging system. DCA demonstrated that the nomogram was higher than the TNM staging system and the TNM staging system combined with PG-SGA. Significantly median overall survival differences were found by stratifying patients into different risk groups (score <18.5 and ≥18.5) for each TNM category (all Ps < 0.001).Conclusion Our study screened out seven independent prognostic factors and successfully generated an easy-to-use nomogram, validated and shown a better predictive validity for the overall survival of cancer patients.
Enhancing Microalgae Cultivation using Biowastes as Growth Media for High Added-Value Co-Products Generation
Authors: Amouri Mohammed , Kaidi Fayrouz , Ounnar Amel , Aziza Majda
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to study a new growth media using cheese whey and drainage water from agriculture for indigenous microalgae cultivation for value-added product generation. In this context, four combinations are studied beside the BG11 as reference, where BG11/Cheese whey (60/40, %v/v), drainage water 100%, drainage water/Cheese whey (60/40, % v/v), and Cheese whey 100 % have been used. Moreover, investigated parameters are biomass dry weight, pH variation, total chlorophyll and carotenoid content. Results showed that used growth media have a significant impact on microaglae culture, particularly in terms of cells growth, pigment content and pH variation. Moreover, the mixture BG11/Cheese whey (60/40, %v/v) shows the best impact for total chlorophylls and carotenoids content. Likewise, the mixture cheese whey/drainage water (60/40, %v/v) presents a positive effect on pigments content. The use of cheese whey and drainage water lead to enhance the biomass and pigment production. This study showed that using agro-industrial C-rich wastes and drainage water enhanced microalgae biomass and pigment content, thus contributing to pollution abatement. This will contribute to both reducing the cost of production and resources recycling.
Prognostic risk factors for patients with hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome caused by pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Authors: Du Xiaofei , Liu Zhenli , Yu Haibin , Wang Yu , zou Zhengsheng , Wei Hongshan , Liang Jing , Yang Daokun , Liu Yali , Zhang Jing , Pan Calvin Q.
Published: April 2021

Background Pyrrolizidine alkaloids induced hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (PA-HSOS) often occurs after consuming herbs and a dietary supplement containing the plant Tu-San-Qi. Limited data exists to identify patients with fatal outcomes for early interventions. We aimed to analyze the predictors for 3-month survival. Methods We retrospectively enrolled PA-HSOS patients in 5 hospitals and extracted data from the onset of PA-HSOS to 36 months. Outcome measurements were 3-month and 36-month survival rates, baseline prognostic predictors for survival, and the effects of anticoagulant therapy. Results Among 49 enrollees, the median age was 60 and 49% male. At the onset of PA-HSOS, patients with Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class of A, B, or C were 8.2% (4/49), 42.8% (21/49), and 49.0% (24/49), respectively. None of them received a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt or a liver transplant. The 3-month and 36-month survival rates were 86% and 75%, respectively. Compared to the CTP class A or B, class C at baseline independently predicted lower survival rates at both 3 and 36 months. However, anticoagulation therapy treatment within the first three months independently predicted significantly higher survival rates at both time-points. The greatest benefit of anticoagulants (HR=2.54) was in patients with CTP class C compared with the survival rates with those without treatment (93% vs. 40%, p=0.009). There were no bleeding complications reported in patients treated with the anticoagulant. Conclusion We observed a 3-month survival rate of 86% in PA-HSOS patients, CTP class C and receiving anticoagulant therapy were the independent predictors associated with the survival.
Prioritization of hydroelectric power plant earth dam safety procedures: a multicriteria approach
Authors: Ribas Jose Roberto , Severo Juliana Crenitte Ribas , Felix Leticia Gonçalves , Perpetuo Kim Parente Currlin
Published: April 2021

The number of procedures focused on dam safety is very large, mainly due to the rules established by different regulatory bodies, the guidelines that are part of the recommended best practices for engineering works, and the common sense and conservatism present in dam operation and maintenance because of the large socioeconomic and environmental impacts that any incident with a dam can cause. In practice, the vulnerability of a dam is inversely proportional to the improvement of safety procedures, such as monitoring and sensing, and the staff's capacity to interpret the information in timely fashion. Therefore, establishing priorities for these procedures is essential for the plant management to define the scheduling and detailing of inspections and monitoring, as well as training needs. The MCDA model described here was specified based on regulations and practical public domain guidelines. The subjective estimation of preferences was done by the staff of a hydroelectric plant located in central Brazil. It employed the Simos method combined with a procedure adopted to convert the scores to the format of paired comparisons. The weights for dam safety procedures were obtained using the fuzzy AHP method. The method allowed obtaining the classification of safety procedures according to their priorities, and thus provided the plant management with elements to better schedule monitoring and staff training.
Experimental Study on the Compressive Strength and AE Characteristics of High-temperature Treated and LN2 Cooled Sandstone
Authors: Ding Rui , Sun Qiang , Jia Hailiang , Tang Liyun , Li Delu
Published: April 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Global mismatches between crop distributions and climate suitability
Authors: Mahaut Lucie , Pironon Samuel , Barnagaud Jean Yves , Bretagnolle François , Khoury Colin , Mehrabi Zia , Milla Ruben , Phillips Charlotte , Renard Delphine , Rieseberg Loren , Violle Cyrille
Published: April 2021

The selection of new crops and the migration of crop areas are two key strategies for agriculture to cope with climate change and ensure food security in the coming years. However, both rely on the assumption that climate is a major factor determining crop distributions worldwide. Here, we show that the current global distributions of nine of twelve major crops strongly diverge from their modelled climatic suitability for yields, after controlling for technology, agricultural management and soil conditions. Comparing the climatic niches of crops and their wild progenitors reveals that climate suitability is higher outside the native climatic range for six of these nine crops while all of them are farmed predominantly in their native ranges. These results show that agricultural strategies coping with climate change will be unsuccessful unless they fully consider the social, cultural, and ecological factors underpinning crop distributions.
The challenges in control COVID-19 in Injibera, Awi Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.
Authors: Amsalu Alemayehu
Published: April 2021

Background

In the globe, on April 2021, 130 million coronavirus cases, around 2.8 million were deaths, 102 million were recovered and 105.2 million were closed cases of COVID-19 reported. On April 2021, the world population were 7.9 billion of which United Nations estimates were 1.65% COVID-19 cases included the Ethiopia in report. The main objective of the study was identify the challenges of in control COVID-19.
Methods

The cross-sectional study design was used November to February 2021 in Injibera from Ethiopia. The total 385 samples using simple random sampling were interviewed. The chi-square test of association and ordinal logistic regression was applied to identify the effect of predictor variables on challenges in control COVID-19.
Results

Out of 385 respondents 277(71.95%) high challenges in control COVID-19 in Injibera. There was a significant relationship with social media and challenges of in control virus (p-value = 0.047). The variables considered social media, housing status and influence were significant relationship with challenges of in control virus (p-value < 5%). Facebook users were the responsible causes of challenges in control COVID-19 (p-value = 0.023). The more social media followed, decreased the occurrence of challenges in control virus. In addition, a unit increase rented, the challenges in control virus decreased by 0.60 times (p-value = 0.009).
Conclusion

Winning against the coronavirus together with world couldn’t be a marathon. COVID-19 couldn’t be won without collective global and local effort. It would also need serious thinking, discipline and war against the only virus. COVID-19 war needs in control, the globe should be faced free, coordination and discover scientific methods together.
A Study of SARS-COV-2 Outbreaks in US Federal Prisons: the Linkage Between Staff, Inmate, and Community Transmission
Authors: Towers Sherry , Wallace Danielle , Walker Jason , Eason John M. , Nelson Jake R. , Grubesic Tony H.
Published: April 2021

BackgroundSince the novel coronavirus SARS-COV-2 was first identified to be circulating in the US on January 20, 2020, some of the worst outbreaks have occurred within state and federal prisons. The vulnerability of inmate populations, and the additional threats posed to the health of prison staff and the people they contact in surrounding communities underline the need to better understand the dynamics of transmission in the inter-linked inmate/staff/community sub-populations to better inform optimal control of SARS-COV-2.MethodsWe examined SARS-CoV-2 case data from 101 non-administrative federal prisons between 5/18/2020 to 01/31/2021 and examined the per capita size of outbreaks in staff and inmates compared to outbreaks in the communities in the counties surrounding the prisons during the summer and winter waves of the SARS-COV-2 pandemic. We also examined the impact of decarceration, comparing inmate, staff and community SARS-COV-2 outbreak sizes during the winter wave to the summer wave.ResultsFor both the summer and winter waves we found significant inter-correlations between per capita rates in the outbreaks among inmates, staff, and the community.Over-all during the pandemic, per capita rates were significantly higher in inmates than in both the staff and community (paired Student’s t-test p=0.03 and p<0.001, respectively). Per capita rates of inmate outbreaks depended significantly on security level, ranked from lowest to highest: High, Minimum, Medium, and Low security (population standardized Negative Binomial factor regression p=0.02).Federal prisons decreased the number of inmates by a relative factor of 96% comparing the winter to summer wave (one SD range [90%,102%]). Prisons with relative decarceration below the mean had significantly lower ratio of winter to summer per capita rates in inmates, and also in the surrounding counties (two-sided Student’s t-test p=0.04 and p=0.02, respectively). To our knowledge, this is the first analysis to examine the impact of decarceration on community rates of SARS-COV-2 transmission. ConclusionsWe found significant evidence of community/staff/inmate inter-linkage of SARS-COV-2 transmission. Decarceration ameliorates both prison and community SARS-COV-2 per capita rates. Further study is warranted to determine which control measures aimed at inmates and/or staff are most efficacious at preventing or controlling outbreaks.
Differences in the concentration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies as a result of post-covid or/and post-vaccination immunization
Authors: Tretyn Andrzej , Szczepanek Joanna , Skorupa Monika , Jarkiewicz-Tretyn Joanna , Sandomierz Dorota , Dejewska Joanna , Ciechanowska Karolina , Jarkiewicz-Tretyn Aleksander , Koper Wojciech , Pałgan Krzysztof
Published: April 2021

At the end of 2020, population-based vaccination programs with new generation mRNA-based vaccines began almost all over the world. The aim of the study was to evaluate the titer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies against the S1 subunit of the "spike protein" as a marker of the humoral response in 477 patients and the concentration of gamma interferon as an indicator of cellular response in 28 individuals. In our studies, we used the serological enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. IgG were measured in weeks 2 and 3 after the first dose and 1–5 weeks after the second dose of mRNA vaccine in seropositive and seronegative individuals, as well as in symptomatic and asymptomatic convalescents. High levels of antibodies are observed in 98% of our vaccinated cohort, and the presence of protective T cells was confirmed in all the studied groups. The humoral immune response is diversified and is visible as early as 2–3 weeks after the first dose of mRNA vaccine. The level of protection increased significantly after the second dose, with the increase being much greater in pre-vaccine healthy subjects and not much in convalescents.
Pathogenicity of Seneca Valley virus in Pigs and Detection in Culicoides from an Infected Pig Farm
Authors: Zhang Jinyong , Li Chenghui , Meng Yuan , Xie Yubiao , Shi Ning , Zhang He , Yu Chengdong , Nan Fulong , Xie Changzhan , Ha Zhuo , Han Jicheng , Li Zhuoxin , Li Qiuxuan , Wang Peng , Gao Xu , Jin Ningyi , Lu Huijun
Published: April 2021

Background: Porcine vesicular disease is caused by the Seneca Valley virus (SVV), it is a novel Picornaviridae, which is prevalent in several countries. However, the pathogenicity of SVV on 5-6 week old pigs and the transmission routes of SVV remain unknown.Methods: This research mainly focuses on the pathogenicity of the CH-GX-01-2019 strain and the possible vector of SVV. In this study, 5-6 week old pigs infected with SVV (CH-GX-01-2019) and its clinical symptoms (including rectal temperatures and other clinical symptoms) were monitored, qRT-PCR were used to detect the viremia and virus distribution. Neutralization antibody assay was set up during this research. Mosquitoes and Culicoides were collected from pigsties after pigs challenge with SVV, and SVV detection within mosquitoes and Culicoides was done via RT-PCR.Results: The challenged pigs presented with low fevers and mild lethargy on 5-8 days post infection (dpi). The viremia lasted more than 14 days. SVV was detected in almost all tissues on the 14th day following the challenge, and it was significantly higher in the hoofs (vesicles) and lymph nodes in comparison with other tissues. Neutralizing antibodies were also detected and could persist for more than 28 days, in addition neutralizing antibody titers ranged from 1:128 to 1:512. Mosquitoes and Culicoides were collected from the pigsty environments following SVV infection. Although SVV was not detected in the mosquitoes, it was present in the Culicoides, however SVV could not be isolated from the positive Culicoides. Conclusions: Our work has enriched the knowledge relating to SVV pathogenicity and possible transmission routes, which may lay the foundation for further research into the prevention and control of this virus.
Ecological and hydrological considerations for climber weed control in freshwater forested wetland restoration project on the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Franco Laura Aguirre , Moreno-Casasola Patricia , Cisneros Roberto Lindig , Pérez-Salicrup Diego
Published: April 2021

Two herbaceous Ipomoea climbers grow over trees planted to restore a freshwater forested wetland in the Gulf of Mexico, causing high tree mortality and limiting restoration success. To better control these species, we evaluated their potential for biomass accumulation and regeneration following removal. We simulated the tree-climber relationship in a field experiment by varying light conditions and trellis availability, and by cutting aerial biomass. We also considered the spatial variability of the wetland’s flood level. Ipomoea tiliacea accumulated more biomass at low flood levels, while Ipomoea indica accumulated more biomass at higher flood levels. Despite this, I. tiliacea accumulated more biomass over the entire flood level gradient and the highest flood levels seem to prevent regeneration in both species. There was no vine seed germination, so for both species, regeneration relied on shoot production. I. tiliacea increased its growth more than I. indica when trellises were available, even under shade. It means that that restoration conditions favor I. tiliacea, which makes its management specially challenging. We recommend characterizing hydrology of the site under restoration to design more effective Ipomoea control strategies. Future efforts to restore this forested freshwater wetland should select areas with the highest flood levels, where I. tiliacea growth is limited, ensuring that the trees to be planted can withstand the flood levels. Removal should be avoided during the dry season, when low flood levels favor regeneration in both species.
Evolutionary Analysis of the Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein-Related Lipid Transfer Domain and Its Response to Salt Stress In Vitis Vinifera
Authors: He Honghong , Gou Huiming , Zhou Qi , Cao Xuejing , Wang Ping , Lu Shixiong , Liang Guoping , Ma Zonghuan , Chen Baihong , Mao Juan
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to enhance the understanding of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein-related lipid transfer (START) domain in Vitis vinifera. A total of 23 members of the VvSTARD gene family were found, which could be divided into five groups. The analyses of the gene codon preference, selective pressure, and tandem replication events of the VvSTARD, AtSTARD, and OsSTARD genomes indicated that tandem replication events occured in grapes, Arabidopsis, and rice genomes. Eight lipid transporter proteins were found in the tertiary structure of the STARD gene family in grapes. The analysis of the expression profiles of the three species microarrays showed that the expression sites of the STARD gene and the response to abiotic stress in the same subgroup had similar characteristics. In addition, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to analyze the expression of the STARD gene family in grape leaves in response to different hormones and abiotic stresses, and the obtained results were the same as those predicted by the cis-elements and the expression profiles. Furthermore, 35S:STARD5:EGFP was successfully constructed to verify the subcellular prediction results, and the results showed that STARD5 was located in the nucleus. Through the identification of salt tolerance of transgenic tomato, STARD5 was found to regulate the salt stress of plants. Collectively, these data indicated that the VvSTARD gene family plays an important role in response to salt stress.
Effects of Regulated Deficit Irrigation On Yield and Quality of Isatis Indigotica in a Cold and Arid Environment
Authors: Wang Yucai , Zhang Hengjia , Li Fuqiang , Xiao Rang , Deng Haoliang , Wang Zeyi , Huang Caixia , Ba Yuchun , Lei Lian , Zhang Changlong
Published: April 2021

Field experiments were conducted to study the effects of regulated deficit irrigation on net photosynthetic rate, yield, water use and quality of Isatis indigotica under mulched drip irrigation in Hexi oasis region, which can theoretically guide researches on efficient water saving of Isatis indigotica planting. In 2016 and 2017, the experiments of regulated deficit irrigation of Isatis indigotica were carried out at Yimin Irrigation Experimental Station, Minle County, of Gansu Province, China. Except for sufficient irrigation at seedling and maturity of fleshy roots, Isatis indigotica in vegetative stage and fleshy root growth stage were subjected to mild, moderate and severe water deficit respectively, and their photosynthetic physiological indexes, yield and water use were measured. The results showed that the moderate and severe water deficits in vegetative and fleshy root growth stage significantly decreased the net photosynthetic rate and the amounts of dry matter accumulation of Isatis indigotica leaves (P<0.05), and with the increase of water deficit degree, the decrease of the net photosynthetic rate was greater; while the difference between mild water deficit and control group was not significant (P>0.05). The yield and water use efficiency of Isatis indigotica subjected to mild water deficit in vegetative and fleshy root growth stage marked the highest, reaching 8,239.56 kg/hm2 and 8,390.80 kg/hm2, 24.11 kg/hm2 and 23.62 kg/hm2·mm, respectively; other water deficit treatments were reduced, which was significantly different from the control group (P<0.05). Mild and moderate water deficit could increase the content of effective components ((R, S) - Goitrin, indirubin and indigo), and improve the quality of Isatis indigotica, but severe water deficit was not conducive to the accumulation of effective components. Therefore, the optimal water regulation treatment of Isatis indigotica is the mild water regulation deficit in vegetative and fleshy root growth stage, which can reduce the water consumption of Isatis indigotica and effectively improve the quality and its water use efficiency without reducing its yield.
Significance of the Prostate Central Gland and Total Gland Volume Ratio in the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer Patients in the PSA Gray Zone
Authors: Guo Zhuifeng , Yang Fan , Lu Xuwei , Wu Jiawen , He Chang , Han Conghui
Published: April 2021

Objective: To explore the significance of the prostate central gland to total gland volume ratio in the diagnosis of PSA 4-10ng/ml prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Method: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who had undergone prostate biopsy in our hospital from July 2015 to December 2020.The anteroposterior, transverse and axial diameters of the prostate and the central prostate gland were measured using multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI). The differences in PSA, f/tPSA, PSAD and PVc/PV between the PCa group and the non-PCa group were compared. ROC curves for PCa and clinically significant PCa (csPCa) diagnosis were drawn according to PSA, f/tPSA, PSAD and PVc/PV respectively. Corresponding PSA was used as the reference standard for comparison.Results: There was no statistically significant difference in PSA and f/tPSA between the two groups (P>0.05), while there were statistically significant differences in PSAD and PVc/PV between the two groups (P<0.05). By comparing the AUC values of the ROC curve for any PCa or csPCa, the AUC value of PVc/PV was 0.876 and 0.933, and PSAD was 0.705 and 0.790. This is significantly different from that of the PSA curve (P<0.05), whereas f/tPSA was 0.589 and 0.692 showing no significant difference from the PSA curve (P>0.05).Conclusion: Low volume ratio of central prostate gland PVc/PV has a higher incidence of PCa and csPCa, which can be used as an important reference index for the diagnosis of PCa in PSA 4-10 ng/ml patients.
Molecular Imaging of Myogenic Stem/Progenitor Cells With [18F]-FHBG PET/CT System in SCID Mice Model of Post-Infarction Heart.
Authors: Wargocka-Matuszewska Weronika , Fiedorowicz Katarzyna , Rugowska Anna , Bednarowicz Karolina , Zimna Agnieszka , Cheda Łukasz , Hamankiewicz Paulina , Kilian Krzysztof , Fiedorowicz Michał , Drabik Monika , Rozwadowska Natalia , Rogulski Zbigniew , Kurpisz Maciej
Published: April 2021

Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that stem cells can promote the regeneration of damaged tissues, but therapeutic protocols need better quality control to confirm the location and number of transplanted cells. This study describes in vivo imaging while assessing reporter gene expression by its binding to a radiolabelled molecule to the respective receptor expressed in target cells. Five mice underwent human skeletal-derived stem/progenitor cell (huSkMDS/PC EF1-HSV-TK) intracardial transplantation after induction of myocardial infarction (MI). The metabolic parameters of control and post-infarction stem progenitor cell-implanted mice were monitored using 2-deoxy-18F-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]-FDG) before and after double promotor/reporter probe imaging with 9-(4-18F-fluoro-3-[hydroxymethyl]butyl)guanine ([18F]-FHBG) using positron emission tomography (PET) combined with computed tomography (CT). Standardized uptake values (SUVs) were then calculated based on set regions of interest (ROIs). Experimental animals were euthanized after magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Molecular [18F]-FHBG imaging of myogenic stem/progenitor cells in control and post-infarction mice confirmed the survival and proliferation of transplanted cells, as shown by an increased or stable signal from the PET apparatus throughout the 5 weeks of monitoring. huSkMDS/PC EF1-HSV-TK transplantation improved cardiac metabolic ([18F]-FDG with PET) and haemodynamic (MRI) parameters. In vivo PET/CT and MRI revealed that the precise use of a promotor/reporter probe incorporated into stem/progenitor cells may improve non-invasive monitoring of targeted cellular therapy in the cardiovascular system.
Title Page Title: The role of DNA methylation in the accumulation of iridoid glycosides in Rehmannia glutinosa
Authors: Dong Tianyu , Wei Xiaoyan , Qi Qianting , Chen Peilei , Zhou Yanqing , Liu Yongkang , Lu Cuihong , Duan Hongying
Published: April 2021

Background: Epigenetic regulation plays a significant role in the accumulation of plant secondary metabolites. The terpenoids are the most abundant in the secondary metabolites of plants, iridoid glycosides belong to monoterpenoids which is one of the main medicinal components of R.glutinosa. At present, study on iridoid glycosides mainly focuses on its pharmacology, accumulation and distribution, while the mechanism of its biosynthesis and the relationship between DNA methylation and plant terpene biosynthesis are seldom reports. Results: The research showed that the expression of DXS, DXR, 10HGO, G10H, GPPS and accumulation of iridoid glycosides increased at first and then decreased with the maturity of R.glutinosa, and under different concentrations of 5-azaC, the expression of DXS, DXR, 10HGO, G10H, GPPS and the accumulation of total iridoid glycosides were promoted, the promotion effect of low concentration (15μM-50μM) was more significant, the content of genomic DNA 5mC decreased significantly, the DNA methylation status of R.glutinosa genomes was also changed. DNA demethylation promoted gene expression and increased the accumulation of iridoid glycosides, but excessive demethylation inhibited gene expression and decreased the accumulation of iridoid glycosides. Conclusion: The analysis of DNA methylation, gene expression, and accumulation of iridoid glycoside provides insights into accumulation of terpenoids in R.glutinosa and lays a foundation for future studies on the effects of epigenetics on the synthesis of secondary metabolites.
Triglyceride to HDL-Cholesterol Ratio and the Incident Risk of Ischemic Heart Disease Among Koreans Without Diabetes: A Prospective Study Using National Health Insurance Data
Authors: Park Byoungjin , Jung Dong-Hyuk , Lee Hye Sun , Lee Yong-Jae
Published: April 2021

Background

Early insulin resistance without diabetes can cause cardiovascular disease, which is a public health challenge. This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal effects of the triglyceride to high-density lipid (HDL)-cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C), which could reflect insulin resistance from the beginning, on the incident risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD).
Methods

We assessed 16,455 individuals (8,426 men and 8,029 women) without diabetes in a community-dwelling Korean cohort using National Health Insurance data. Participants were classified based on the TG/HDL-C quartiles. Using multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression models, we prospectively examined the hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for IHD over 50 months after baseline enrolment.
Results

During the follow-up period, 321 (2.0%) participants developed IHD. After adjusting for potential confounding variables, the HRs of IHD for TG/HDL-C quartiles were 1.00, 1.61 (95% CI, 1.05–2.48), 1.85 (95% CI, 1.21–2.81), and 2.29 (95% CI, 1.50–3.51), respectively. Compared with men, women showed higher HRs for the risk of incident IHD in the fourth quartile [HR (95% CI) = 2.98 [1.50–5.88] and 1.80 [1.02–3.17], respectively). Compared with metabolic syndrome, TG/HDL-C had a more powerful predictive value for IHD.
Conclusions

In Koreans without diabetes, an increased TG/HDL-C precedes future IHD. Additionally, sex differences may merit serious consideration when interpreting TG/HDL-C for assessing cardiovascular risks in clinical practice.
Design of Electro-optic Mach-zehnder Interferometer Based All-optical Binary Half Adder and Half Subtractor
Authors: kaur sehajpal , Singh Maninder Lal , . Priyanka , Singh Mandeep
Published: April 2021

By exploiting the phenomena of optical switching, different logic functions for all-optical digital signal processing has been projected. This paper presents the application of optical switching to design of all-optical half adder and half subtractor by Mach-Zehnder interferometer. All-Optical half adder and half subtractor are designed with the optimized structure of 2 × 2 Mach-Zehnder interferometer switch by electro-optic effect in lithium niobate. Numerical simulations of the proposed structure have been conducted to verify the suitability of the designed structure using Opti-BPM software. The implementation of proposed structures is simulated in MATLAB software along with the mathematical description. It is interesting to analyze that the proposed structures are useful to generate combinational and sequential logic circuits in high-speed optical signal processing and switching network.
Impacts of Climate Change on River Flows in the Upper Indus Basin and Its Subbasins
Authors: Baig Sohaib , Sayama Takahiro , Yamada Masafumi
Published: April 2021

The upper Indus river basin (UIB) has a cold climate and generates vital runoff annually. This runoff is very important for sustainable water supply and agriculture in the region. Runoff in UIB consists of rainfall, snow and glacier melt. Winter precipitation in the basin is essential for the replenishment of glaciers which is the most dominant runoff source. Climate change may alter the runoff generation in the basin and affect the availability of water for consumption. This study employs a hydrologic model and a fine resolution MRI-AGCM (0.1875°) to quantify the impacts of climate change on river flows in UIB and its sub-basins. The simulations of river flows have shown satisfactory results when compared with observed ones. Furthermore, simulated snow-cover is compared with estimated snow-cover by MODIS and has shown good agreement. According to simulation results glaciers alone contribute two-third in the annual river flows at UIB while rainfall and snow contributes 19 and 11% respectively. Future (2075-2099) temperature will increase in every season across the UIB, highest increase is projected to take place in September-October with approximately 8 °C. While, on annual basis the temperature will increase by 5 °C. Likewise, precipitation will increase every month across UIB, specifically the increase in July-August period is very significant. Albeit the precipitation increase is highly variable on spatial scale i.e. decreasing/increasing at same time in different regions. This variable behavior of future precipitation will result in verities of hydrographs in UIB and its sub-basins. Overall in UIB the annual river flows will decrease by 16% with significant seasonal variations. Summer flows will decrease and spring flows will increase because of glacier retreat and higher precipitation. Sub-basins’ response is mixed with increasing and decreasing because of different topography, climate and other factors. These changes necessitate a more holistic approach in mitigating the changes in the water availability.
Description and Evaluation of a French Grief-Workshop for Children and Adolescents Bereaved of a Sibling or Parent
Authors: Ridley Ashley , Revet Alexis , Raynaud Jean-Philippe , Bui Eric , Suc Agnès
Published: April 2021

Background: Childhood bereavement is common, and is associated with elevated symptoms of grief with distress and impairment. However, few developmentally appropriate interventions to support grieving children are available to date. We developed an innovative 4-session group intervention to support grieving families and evaluated its feasibility and acceptability. Methods: The workshop consists of four sessions over four months, open to children bereaved of a sibling or parent, and co-facilitated by two mental health professionals. After an intake assessment, children were placed into closed groups according to age and relation to the deceased. The session content was balanced between creative activities and grief-related discussions. Overall satisfaction was evaluated in March-April of 2020 by an 8-question online survey of children and parents having participated between 2011 and 2019. Freeform commentaries were analysed using thematic synthesis process. Results: Of the 230 emails sent in March 2020, 46 children and 81 parents agreed to participate (55% response rate). The families reported an overall high level of satisfaction regarding the intervention that was rated as good to excellent. A majority of respondents considered their participation in the workshop helpful and in accordance with their expectations. Most would recommend the workshop to a friend, and would participate again in the group if needed. The group intervention helped reduce social isolation, facilitated grief expression, and supported the creation of a sense of community among bereaved families. Conclusions: Encouraging community and mutual support among grieving families is fundamental in bereavement care. Our 4-session workshop held over 4 months and led by mental health professionals aimed to help reduce social isolation and foster coping skills through artistic creation and group discussion. Our results highlight the potential need for family bereavement support over a longer period and a provision of a variety of services. Our intervention model is feasible for families, and further studies examining its efficacy are warranted.
Bioinformatics Analysis and Identification of Genes and Pathways in Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cao Jing , Liu Zhaoya , Liu Jie , Li Chan , Zhang Guogang , Shi Ruizheng
Published: April 2021

BackgroundIschemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) is considered to be the common cause of heart failure, which has high prevalence and mortality. This study aimed to investigate the different expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways in the pathogenesis of ICM using bioinformatics analysis.MethodsThe control and ICM datasets GSE116250，GSE46224 and GSE5406 were collected from the gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. DEGs were identified using limma package of R software and co-expressed genes were identified with Venn diagrams. Then, the gene otology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed to explored the biological functions and signaling pathways. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were assembled with Cytoscape software to identify hub genes related to the pathogenesis of ICM.ResultsA total of 844 DEGs were screened from GSE116250, of which 447 up-regulated and 397 down-regulated genes respectively. A total of 99 DEGs were singled out from GSE46224, of which 58 up-regulated and 41 down-regulated genes respectively. 30 DEGs were screened from GSE5406, including 10 genes with up-regulated expression and 20 genes with down-regulated expression. 5 up-regulated and 3 down-regulated co-expressed DEGs were intersected in three datasets. GO and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that DEGs mainly enriched in collagen fibril organization, protein digestion and absorption, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway and other related pathways. Collagen alpha-1(III) chain (COL3A1), collagen alpha-2(I) chain (COL1A2) and lumican (LUM) are the three hub genes in all three datasets through PPI network analysis. The expression of 5 DEGs (SERPINA3, FCN3, COL3A1, HBB, MXRA5) in heart tissues by qRT-PCR results were consistent with our GEO analysis, while expression of 3 DEGs (ASPN, LUM, COL1A2) were opposite with GEO analysis.ConclusionsThese findings from this bioinformatics network analysis investigated key hub genes, which contributed to better understand the mechanism and new therapeutic targets of ICM.
Simultaneous Production of Bioethanol and Bioelectricity in a Membrane Less Single Chambered Yeast Fuel Cell by Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and Pichia Fermentans
Authors: Shrivastava Akansha , Pal Mamta , Sharma Rakesh Kumar
Published: April 2021

Production of bioethanol and bioelectricity is a promising approach through microbial electrochemical technology. Sugars are metabolized by yeast to produces ethanol, CO2 and energy. Surplus electrons produced during the fermentation can be transferred through the circuit to generate electricity in a Microbial fuel cell (MFC). In the present study, a membrane less single chambered microbial fuel cell was developed for simultaneous production of bioethanol and bioelectricity. Pichia fermentans along with a well-known ethanol producing yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was allowed to ferment glucose. S. cerevisiae demonstrated maximum open circuit voltage (OCV) 0.287 ± 0.009 V and power density 4.473 mW m− 2 on 15th day, with a maximum ethanol yield of 5.6% (v/v) on 12th day. P. fermentans demonstrated a maximum OCV of 0.318 ± 0.0039 V and power density of 8.299 mW m− 2 on 15th day with ethanol yield of 4.7 % (v/v) on 12th day. Coulombic efficiency (CE) increased gradually from 0.002–0.471 % and 0.012–0.089 % in the case of S. cerevisiae and P. fermentans, respectively, during 15 days of experiment. Thus, the result indicated that Single chambered fuel cell can be explored for its potential applications for ethanol production along with clean energy generation.
Flood Hazards and Farm Based Agricultural Production Risks Management Practices in Flood Prone Areas in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Dilshad , Afzal Muhammad
Published: April 2021

Climate induced disasters more specifically the floods have caused severe damages to agriculture sector in Pakistan. These climatic risks have constrained farming community to adopt numerous risk management strategies to overcoming such risks. This research work attempted to examine the association of risk management tools with farmer’s perception of risk, risk averse attitude and various socioeconomic factors. The study employed the sample data of 398 farmers from flood prone two districts of Punjab, Pakistan. To investigate the association of dependent and independent variables this study used the multivariate probit model. Results of the study illustrated as heavy rains and floods consider not significant source of risk for large farmers in the study area while for small farmer these indicated as high risks as most of small farmers were more risk averse. Estimates of multivariate probit model interpreted as age of farmer, heavy rains risk perception and landholding size were positively relationship with risk management tool of depletion of assets. Farmers education, off-farm income, age and risk averse attitude of farmer were positive whereas experience of farming were negatively linked with reduction of consumption. Furthermore, experience of farming, risk averse attitude, heavy rains and floods risk perception were positively association with diversification adoption. Flood prone farming community of the study area is more vulnerable to these climatic risks and also relying traditional strategies for risk management. There is need of some specific agriculture base measure such as crop insurance, extending formal credit and flood base measure as pre-flood warning system, flood rescue management and post flood rehabilitation to overcome these climatic risks.
Performance Analysis and Design Optimization of Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
Authors: math praveen
Published: April 2021

Shell and Tube heat exchangers are having special importance in boilers, oil coolers, condensers, pre-heaters. They are also widely used in process applications as well as the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. The robustness and medium weighted shape of Shell and Tube heat exchangers make them well suited for high pressure operations. The aim of this study is to experiment, validate and to provide design suggestion to optimize the shell and tube heat exchanger (STHE). The heat exchanger is made of acrylic material with 2 baffles and 7 tubes made of stainless steel. Hot fluid flows inside the tube and cold fluid flows over the tube in the shell. 4 K-type thermocouples were used to read the hot and cold fluids inlet and outlet temperatures. Experiments were carried out for various combinations of hot and cold water flow rates with different hot water inlet temperatures. The flow conditions are limited to the lab size model of the experimental setup. A commercial CFD code was used to study the thermal and hydraulic flow field inside the shell and tubes. CFD methodology is developed to appropriately represent the flow physics and the procedure is validated with the experimental results. Turbulent flow in tube side is observed for all flow conditions, while the shell side has laminar flow except for extreme hot water temperatures. Hence transition k-kl-omega model was used to predict the flow better for transition cases. Realizable k- epsilon model with non-equilibrium wall function was used for turbulent cases. Temperature and velocity profiles are examined in detail and observed that the flow remains almost uniform to the tubes thus limiting heat transfer. Approximately 2/3 rd of the shell side flow does not surround the tubes due to biased flow contributing to reduced overall heat transfer and increased pressure loss. On the basis of these findings an attempt has been made to enhance the heat transfer by inducing turbulence in the shel l side flow. The two baffles were rotated in opposite direction to each other to achieve more circulation in the shell side flow and provide more contact with tube surface. Various positions of the baffles were simulated and studied using CFD analysis and th e results are summarized with respect to heat transfer and pressure loss.
Relay Protection of Multilevel Differential Distribution Network Based on Feeder Segment Switch
Authors: Wang Qingjie
Published: April 2021

In order to solve the problems existing in the traditional relay protection methods, such as poor relay safety and large fault location error of distribution network, this paper proposes a multilevel differential relay protection method based on feeder segment switch. The configuration principle and the selection principle of multilevel range are determined, and the objective function of multilevel difference distribution network feeder segment switch configuration is set. After considering the target of economic benefit, the main feeder of distribution network is segmented and a contact switch is set at the end of the feeder. The equivalent topology of multilevel differential distribution network is analyzed to make the power supply at the first end of the line connected with the substation, which is regarded as the ideal voltage source. Considering the jurisdiction index of the switch, greedy algorithm is adopted to optimize the switch configuration of feeder segment. This paper analyzes the protection misoperation of multilevel differential distribution network and the sensitivity of feeder segment switch to realize the relay protection of multilevel differential distribution network. The experimental results show that the proposed method has higher safety and lower fault location accuracy, and is feasible to some extent.
Redundant Data High Efficiency Compression Based on Distributed Parallel Algorithm
Authors: Gong Jianhu
Published: April 2021

In order to improve the optimal storage capacity of redundant data in serial hybrid network cascade database, a high efficiency compression algorithm for redundant data in serial hybrid network cascade database based on distributed parallel algorithm is proposed. The distributed storage structure model of redundant data of serial mixed network cascade database is constructed, the association feature extraction of redundant data of serial mixed network cascade database is carried out by using distributed hybrid feature mining method, the dimension reduction of redundant data of serial mixed network cascade database is carried out by combining with feature transformation method, the automatic location allocation of redundant data of serial mixed network cascade database is carried out by using high-order spectrum decomposition method, and the high-efficiency energy compression output model of redundant data of serial mixed network cascade database is constructed. The simulation results show that this method has good losslessness for redundant data compression of serial mixed network cascaded database and good fidelity of data output.
An Eco-Friendly Approach to Low-Temperature and Near-Neutral Bleaching of Cotton Knitted Fabrics Using Glycerol Triacetate as an Activator
Authors: Zhou Yu , Zheng Guolin , Zhang Jinfang , Wang Qiang , Zhou Man , Yu Yuanyuan , Wang Ping
Published: April 2021

Near-neutral bleaching of cotton fabrics at low temperature is of great importance for saving energy and ecological friendliness in textile industry. In this work, glycerol triacetate (GT) was investigated as an activator of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for low temperature bleaching of cotton knitted fabrics, and satisfactory whiteness was obtained. The bleaching properties of H2O2/GT system for cotton was assessed by the CIE whiteness index, H2O2 decomposition rate, concentration of generated peracetic acid (PAA) and bursting strength. Possible factors affecting the performance of H2O2/GT bleaching system were discussed in detail. Adding only 10 mmol/L GT to the hydrogen peroxide solution (60 mmol/L) to bleach cotton knitted fabrics at 60 ℃ for 60 min, the WI was significantly increased from 52.09 to 68.92. By using benzenepentacarboxylic acid as a fluorescent probe for hydroxyl radical (HO·) detection, it was found that GT could clearly promote HO· generation and the concentration of HO· closely related to the WI of cotton fabric. Furthermore, the bleaching mechanism of H2O2/GT system to cotton was proposed by exploring the relationship between WI and HO· concentration. As a bleach activator, GT has more economical benefits and better solubility in water than that of TAED. The H2O2/GT system may provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach as alternative to conventional alkaline high-temperature bleaching of cotton.