bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Strategic Environment, Public Trust, and Entrepreneurial Orientation on Competitive Advantage and Company Performance (Studies on Batik Companies in Tuban)
Authors: Supiyanto Yudi , Astuty Henny Sri , Yusuf M.
Published: June 2021

This study has the following objectives: Specifically, this researcher aims to prove and analyze whether:Strategic Environment, Public Trust, and Entrepreneurial Orientation influenced  on Competitive Advantage and Company Performance. The population is batik SMEs belonging to the Tuban batik center totaling 84 SMEs batik and samples using the snowball sampling method and the number of samples are 84. To retrieve data using the questionnaire method and data analysis using path analysis. The results showed the following findings: 1. The strategic environment has a significant effect on competitive advantage 2. Public trust has a significant effect on the competitive 3. Entrepreneurial orientation has a significant effect on the competitive advantage 4. Strategic environment, public trust, and entrepreneurial orientation simultaneously have a significant positive effect on competitive advantage, 5. The strategic environment has a significant effect on the performance of batik companies, 6. Public trust has a significant effect on the performance of batik companies,7. Entrepreneurial orientation has a significant effect on the performance of batik companies, 8. Competitive advantage has no significant effect on the performance of batik companies, 9. The strategic environment, public trust, and entrepreneurial orientation and excellence simultaneously have a significant effect on the performance.
Controlling of the electrical system through photonic structre via the principle of filtering
Authors: Swain KP , Mondal Subhra Rani , Nayak M.R , Ramachandran Manikandan , Palai Gopinath
Published: June 2021

The control of the electrical system through a one-dimensional photonic crystal structure is realized in this paper. Here, the electrical system deals with the single-phase induction motor, where the photonic structure is manipulated with the silicon-based monochromatic optical filter. Further, the physics and mathematics of the proposed filter deal with the reflectance characteristics and plane wave expansion method respectively. Moreover, the principle of speed control in the induction motor relies on the simulation outcomes of the photonic filters which communicate the motor through a visible link using a microcontroller along with a ZCD (zero crossing detector) which decides the firing angle of the triggering circuit. Both, Matlab Simulink and physical implementation shows the nitty-gritty of the system which can easily be implemented in real-life application.
Nitrosative stress parameters and the level of oxidized DNA bases in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Borisovs Vitalijs , Bodrenko Jevgenijs , Kalnina Jolanta , Sjakste Nikolajs
Published: June 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease with various factors affecting its etiology. Overproduction of nitric oxide and subsequent lesions of biopolymers are some of the possible causes of the disease. This study aimed to measure the most relevant nitrosative and oxidative stress biomarkers and the level of modified DNA bases in patients with MS. Each parameter was assayed in 25 patients with MS and 25 healthy controls. This study involved detecting blood plasma and serum nitric oxide metabolites by chemiluminescence detector Sievers NOA-280i, malondialdehyde (MDA) measurements with thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) assay, detection of oxidized purines and pyrimidines with the enzyme-modified comet assay. Statistical analysis of the results was performed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and unpaired t test for the comparison of less than three data sets. DNA single-strand breaks, levels of modified purines and pyrimidines, as well as nitrite and nitrate levels in plasma and serum samples, were significantly higher in patients with MS than in healthy controls. On the contrary, MDA levels appeared to be lower in patients with MS.
Low-carbon Innovation, Economic Growth and CO2 Emission: Evidence from a Dynamic Spatial Panel Approach in China
Authors: Zhang Caijiang , Zhou Yu , Li Zhangwen
Published: June 2021

Low-carbon technology innovation plays an essential role in carbon emission reduction worldwide. This study investigates how low-carbon innovation affects carbon emissions by the Dynamic Spatial Durbin Model based on the panel data of 30 Chinses provinces from 2007 to 2017. The empirical results show that: Firstly, low-carbon innovation decreases carbon emissions from local and neighbor, the decreasing effects are significant mainly in the short term. Secondly, the results of the heterogeneity test indicate that the weakening effect of low-carbon innovation in central regions is consistent with the national results. The weakening effects are shown in long-term indirect and short-term direct in eastern regions. Thirdly, there is an inverted-U curve between economic development and carbon emissions, confirming the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. However, the inflection point is insurmountable under the current level of technology in China. Finally, The results also show the “Pollution Paradise” effect.
Unique Transcriptome And Gene Expression Analysis of Flag Leaves of A Super-Hybrid Rice WFYT025
Authors: Cheng Qin , Huang Shiying , Wang Peng , Liu Shilei , Wu Guangliang , Li Yue , Lin Lan , Wang Yanning , Zhong Qi , Huang Tao , Yang Mengmeng , He Xinyue , He Haohua , Bian Jianmin
Published: June 2021

Background: The health and physiology of flag leaves are closely related to rice yield, and flag leaves play an important role in providing photosynthetic products during grain filling, many breeding studies have tried to improve the performance of flag leaves. However, there are few studies on the heterosis of rice flag leaves up to now. Results: Thus, the present research is focused on the flag leaves heterosis of a widely used late-cropping indica super hybrid rice combination WFYT025 in China using a high-throughput next-generation RNA-seq strategy under different environment with two stages, trying to find some genes related to photosynthesis, transpiration, and development of seeds. Mid-parent heterosis (MPH) and higher parent heterosis (HPH) were estimated for the heterosis of flag leaf. Under the environment of middle rice, the number of genes up-regulated in CHT025, WFB and WFYT025 were 892,1,273 and 819, down-regulated in CHT025, WFB and WFYT025 were 616,1934 and 2196, respectively. Among the SDGhps on the first day after flowering, 10.9% had a dominant effect, 41.81% had a partial dominant effect, 22.07% had an additive effect and the remaining 25.22% had an over-dominant effect. Meanwhile, on the tenth day after flowering, there were 491 genes, accounting for 27.16%, showed over-dominance; 222 genes, accounting for 12.28%, showed dominance; 760 genes, accounting for 42.04%, showed partial dominance; and 335 genes, accounting for 18.52%, showed additive effect. Conclusion: The co-expressed gene sets via weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were identified, and total of 5,000 highly expressed genes were divided into 24 co-expression groups. In the two stages, we found 9 identical transcription factors. Except for 5 reported TFs, the other 4 TFs may play an important role in grain number and photosynthesis heterosis.
Comparison of the Disturbance of Soil Physical Quality Indices Between Different Underground Mining Stages in Semi-Arid Regions of Western China
Authors: Yang Dejun , Zhengfu BIAN
Published: June 2021

Based on soil sampling, lab experiment and support resistance monitoring, the disturbance of soil physical quality indices between different underground mining stages of No 52303 working face was studied in semi-arid region of western China. Soil sampling was conducted in same locations before and after mining in 2014. This study proved that soil water content, soil cohesion and soil porosity were greatly decreased, while bulk density and dry density were increased by coal mining. In comparison, coal mining had slight effect on organic matter, internal fraction angle, and D1 and D2 percent. Underground pressure monitoring showed that P1 during stage 2 was significantly greater than that during stage 1, indicating the large difference of pressure characteristics in tail areas of working face between two stages. Both soil water content and soil cohesion were decreased during two stages in two sites. Soil cohesion was strongly correlated to soil water content, and D1 and D2 percent in 2013 and 2014. Coal mining subsidence increased the cumulative probability to reach the same value of soil water content and soil cohesion. The cover depth produced different elastic and plastic zone widths between sites by theoretical model calculation, consistent with the support resistances in tail areas of working face. Higher pressure might cause a more serious destructive rock-soil body and a larger groundwater level decrease. The dryer and more serious erosive soil column induced by coal mining is a non negligible matter for the semi-arid region.
Unilateral Combined Stereotactic Radiofrequency Pallidotomy And Thalamotomy For Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease’. A Prospective Observational Study With 24-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Elkazaz Mohamed Khaled , Khedr Ali Salah , Fattah Maha Abd El
Published: June 2021

Study Design: Prospective study Objective: To report efficacy of unilateral combined stereotactic radiofrequency pallidotomy and thalamotomy for Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.Methods: Between June 2017 to December 2019, 62 patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease underwent stereotactic radiofrequency pallidotomy and thalamotomy. Pre-operatively clinical assessment using the UPDRS and Hoen and Yahr scale for PD. Post-operatively clinical assessment using the UPDRS and Hoen and Yahr scale for PD, complications in 1,6,12 and 24 months.Results: 60 patients completed two-year follow-up and fulfilled our criteria were recruited. The mean age was 57.47±9.90. The average UPDRS off motor assessment results showed reduction after 1 month from 60.16 to 30.88 and at 24-month follow-up was 41.6. The average Yahr and Hoen scale 3.63 to 1.19 after 1-month and 24 months was 1.87. The average UPDRS constancy of tremors improved after 1-month from 3.53 to 0.75. Improvement in constancy of tremors reached 75% of cases after 24-month with average 1.62. the average UPDRS rigidity score improved at 1-month follow-up from 3.31 to 1.21. Total improvement of rigidity reached 63% after 24-month. 2 patients had post-operative thalamic hematoma presented with hemiplegia, which was conservatively managed, and improved after 1-month with little deficit. 51.6% had gait imbalance at 6-month follow-up. 22.5% showed dysarthria immediately while 12.9% totally resolved after 1-month follow-up. No recorded cases of infection, CSF leaks or cognitive dysfunction. Conclusion: Our data suggest that Unilateral combined stereotactic radiofrequency pallidotomy and thalamotomy for Idiopathic PD is effective procedure.
Effects Of Acclimation, Population, And Sex On Behavioral Thermoregulation, CTMax, Symptoms Of Heat Stress, And Gene Expression of Melanoplus Differentialis, A Generalist Grasshopper - Does Temporal Thermal Heterogeneity Prepare Populations For A Warming World?
Authors: Preston Devin , Johnson Steven G
Published: June 2021

Insects thermoregulate using both canalized and plastic mechanisms. Populations of insects utilize these mechanisms to different extents, and while it is posited that the degree of thermal fluctuation a population experiences can determine the optimal combination of mechanisms to utilize, this is still being elucidated. We used three populations of the generalist grasshopper, Melanoplus differentialis (Thomas, 1856), from sites experiencing different degrees of thermal heterogeneity to test for correlations between thermal heterogeneity and 1) behavioral thermoregulation, 2) upper temperature tolerance, 3) the ability to thermally acclimate, and 4) gene expression. We found that 1) behavioral thermoregulation did not differ among sites, 2) CTMax of males, but not females, was higher at more thermally heterogeneous sites, 3) there was acclimation in some of the tested traits, but thermally heterogeneous sites did not always have the most plastic individuals, and 4) there were differences in gene expression among sites, but these differences were not between the most and least thermally heterogeneous sites. We concluded that thermal heterogeneity may play a selective role in some, but not all, of the measured thermoregulatory traits and their plasticity.
Hematological, Biochemical and Biometric Changes in Clarias Gariepinus Exposed to Antipsychotic Drug Chlorpromazine
Authors: Okpe Martins Nnamdi , Eze Christabel Chukwuebuka , Ezinwa Hope Chinwe , Aletan Uduak , Kelle Henrietta Ijeoma , Chukwu Maureen N , Okpanachi Martin Abdubala , Aguzie Oscar Ifeanyi , Nwani Christopher Didigwu
Published: June 2021

Chlorpromazine (CPZ) is a neuroleptic and antipsychotic medication for individuals suffering from schizophrenia and other medical conditions. This study investigated the effects of CPZ on the hematological, biochemical, and biometric characteristics in juvenile Clarias gariepinus. The fish were exposed to 0.53, 1.06 and 2.11 mgl−1 CPZ for 15 days after which they were withdrawn from the toxicant and allowed to recover for 5 days. Blood were sampled from the fish on day 1, 5, 10, 15 and during the 5-day recovering for hematological and biochemical analysis and thereafter, the fish were sacrificed for the morphometric analysis. While the values of the white blood cells significantly increased in the exposed fish, the hemoglobin, erythrocytes and packed cell volume decreased. Compared with the control, there were no significant differences in the values of the blood derivatives in the exposed fish. The values of protein and glucose reduced but that of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly elevated. Though there was no significant difference in the condition factor, a significant increase in hepatosomatic index occurred on day-15 at 5.28 mg/L CPZ. After the 5-day withdrawal from the drug, most of the studied parameters returned to the control values. The present study indicated that CPZ is toxic to fish and should be used with utmost care to guard against toxicological effect on non-target organisms.
ILRC : A Hybrid Biomarker Discovering Algorithm Based on Improved L1 Regularization and Clustering in Microarray Data
Authors: Yu Kun , Xie Weidong , Wang Linjie , Li Wei
Published: June 2021

Background: Finding significant genes or proteins from gene chip data for disease diagnosis and drug development is an important task, and the challenge comes from the curse of the data dimension. It is of great significance to use machine learning methods to find important features from the data and build an accurate classification model. Results: The proposed Mehtod has proved superior to the published advanced hybrid feature selection method and traditional feature selection method on different public microarray data sets. In addition, the results on the cleft lip and palate data set with known biomarkers provided by the cooperative hospital show that compared with other methods, our method can preferentially select these biomarkers. Method: In this paper, a feature selection algorithm ILRC based on clustering and improved L1 regularization is proposed. In this method, the features are first clustered, and the redundant features in the sub-clusters are deleted. Then all the remaining features are iteratively evaluated using ILR, and the final result is output according to the cumulative weight reordering. Conclusion: The proposed method can effectively remove redundant features. The algorithm’s output has high stability and classification accuracy and can potentially select potential biomarkers.
The Network Regulation of Yiqi Jiedu Formulae Against Cerebral Ischemia Based on Central-periphery Inflammation System
Authors: Yang Ruocong , Zhao tingting , Liu Liming , Li Shaojing
Published: June 2021

Background:Connections between inflammation and gene-network regulation are suggested important in understanding the therapeutic target of stroke and in illuminating underlying mechanism. However, studies on the establishment of network relating with inflammation during stroke process are still in their early stages. Results:Herein, Message RNA chips were used to scan whole genome of stroke-model rats. We selected the inflammation genes from the whole mRNA expression results. And after a series of analysis, we tried to establish a central-peripheral inflammation network on MCAO rice which then be used as disease background network for our further study. As for the background network, we found and verified some key node genes (also named as hub-genes), which are joint in several inflammation and immune related pathways. While mapping genes from treatment group to the background network, we found the promising target genes of Yiqi Jiedu formulae, a traditional chinese prescription used in clinic for stroke, which might give an explanation to the common characteristic about TCM treatment called PK-PD inconsistent. Conclusions:The mRNA network-based analysis provides a foundation for elucidating inflammation-disease associations, a rather promising insight into the inflammation progress during stroke and a novel strategy to reveal the underlying mechanism of TCM.
Efficacy and Safety of Prophylactic Intrathecal Normal Saline for Prevention of Post Dural Puncture Headache among Women Undergoing Cesarean Section under Spinal Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Abate Semagn , Ahmed Siraj , Anbese Getachew Mergia
Published: June 2021

Background: Post-Dural Puncture Headache is the commonest complication of spinal anesthesia. Body of evidence revealed that Conservative management failed to show significant benefit and epidural needle and catheter techniques didn’t provide conclusive evidence. On the other hand, intrathecal injection of normal saline is a simple technique and cost-effective in a resource-limited setup but it is not well examined on its effectiveness and safety profiles.Methods and materials: After Obtaining Ethical clearance from IRB, 152 mothers scheduled for cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were allocated randomly into two groups. Data analysis was done with SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics were run to see the overall distribution of the study subjects. Unpaired student’s T-test for continuous symmetric data and Mann-Whitney U test for non-normally distributed data were used. Categorical data were analyzed with Chi-square and fisher’s exact test where appropriate. A generalized estimating equation model was used to investigate the interaction of repeated measurements of NRS pain scores of PDPH. Result: The overall incidence of PDPH was 29.6% while the proportion of patients who experienced PDPH was the highest among patients with control as compared to intervention( 36.8% vs 22%) respectively. The GEE model revealed that the NRS pain score was 0.7, 0.4, and 0.2 unit higher at 12, 24, and 48 respectively in control as compared to the interventionConclusion: prophylactic intrathecal normal saline could be an option in a resource-limited setup where the appropriate spinal needle is not accessible and management of moderate and severe PDPH is not feasibleRegistration: The protocol was registered prospectively in Clinical Trials.gov (NCT04393766).
A Case–Control Study of Tackle-Based Concussion Risk Factors in The National Rugby League
Authors: Gardner Andrew J , Iverson Grant , Edwards Suzi , Tucker Ross
Published: June 2021

Background
The tackle is the in-game activity carrying the greatest risk for concussion in Rugby. A recent evaluation of tackle characteristics in Rugby Union precipitated a rule modification to reduce head impact risk during tackles. This study aims to replicate the work conducted in Rugby Union by examining the association between tackle characteristics and head injury events in professional Rugby League.
Methods
We reviewed and coded 446 tackles resulting in a head injury assessment (HIA) and 5,694 tackles that did not result in a head injury from two National Rugby League (NRL) seasons. Tackle height, body position of players, and contact area on an opponent’s body were evaluated, with the propensity of each situation to cause an HIA calculated as HIAs per 1000 events.
Results
The propensity for tacklers to sustain a head injury was 0.99 HIAs per 1000 tackles, 1.74-fold greater than for the ball carrier (0.57 HIAs per 1,000 tackles). There was a 3.2-fold higher risk for an HIA when the tackler was upright compared to bent-at-the-waist. The greatest risk of a tackler HIA occurred when head contact was very low (knee, boot) or high (head and elbow). HIAs were most common following head-to-head impacts. The lowest propensity for tackler HIA was found when the tackler’s head was in proximity with the ball carrier’s torso.
Conclusions
The result of this study replicated the findings in professional rugby union. This has implications for the injury prevention initiatives implemented to reduce HIA risk because the majority of injuries are sustained by the player initiating the action.
Effects of Early Sub-Therapeutic Antibiotic Administration and its Subsequent Withdrawal on Body Composition, Gut Microbiota and Metabolite Profiles in a Pig Model
Authors: Hou Lei , Cao Shuting , Qiu Yueqin , Xiong Yunxia , Xiao Hao , Wen Xiaolu , Yang Xuefen , Gao Kaiguo , Wang Li , Jiang Zongyong
Published: June 2021

Background: Antibiotic exposure in early life has shown to be a significant risk factor for later fat accumulation in human. However, whether early sub-therapeutic antibiotic (STA) exposure affects body composition and its mechanisms remains unclear. The present study used a combination of comparative slaughter method, microbiota, and metabolomics measurement to investigate the effects of early STA administration and its subsequent withdrawal on body composition, colonic microbiota and metabolite profiles in a pig model. The piglets were fed the same basal starter diet added with STA (STA) or without STA (CON) for two weeks during the administration period, and then all piglets were switched to the same nursery diet without STA during the withdrawal period until they reached approximately 25 kg body weight. Results: Results showed that STA did not significantly improve piglet growth performance during the administration period and the withdrawal period. Piglets treated with the STA had a lower body water deposition (g/d) during the withdrawal period, and tended to have increased body lipid deposition (g/d) during the withdrawal period and the whole period than CON group. It was found that STA was initially effective in decreasing the abundance of pathogenic bacteria during the administration period, such as Alloprevotella, Bacteroides, Solobacterium, and Sutterella. However, they could not continue the effect during the withdrawal period, leading to the rebound of pathogenic bacteria such as Alloprevotella and the increase of the abundance of other pathogenic bacteria like Oscillibacter. Remarkably, STA treatment decreased the abundance of Blautia that play a potential protective role against obesity either during the administration period or the withdrawal period. Metabolomic analysis indicated that STA mainly altered amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and carbohydrate metabolism during the two periods. Furthermore, Spearman's correlation analysis showed that the gut microbiota was highly correlated with microbial metabolites changes. Conclusion: These results suggest that STA administration may alter tissue deposition through reshaping the gut microbiota and their metabolite profiles.
The Effect of Different Levels of Protein Supplementation in Rations on Feed Consumption, Milk Yield and Milk Composition in Anatolian Buffaloes of Different Ages [Bubalus Bubalis (Iinnaeus, 1758)].
Authors: DEĞİRMENCİOĞLU Taşkın
Published: June 2021

BackgroundIn this study, it was aimed to determine the optimal crude protein level in the ration for milk production and milk composition in milk buffaloes of different ages.Materials, Methods & Results A total of 20 Anatolian buffaloes were used as animal material.Buffalo cows were tested in the early lactation period (lactation period; 65-80 days).Water buffaloes are divided into four groups as young and adult; First, second groups (those who gave birth to the first), third and fourth groups (those who gave birth to the second and more).5 compartments are allocated for each group.In the trial, buffalo cows with two different trial rations R1; (17.82% CP) and R2; (19.18% CP) were fed.Especially during the experiment, the total DM consumption of adult buffaloes in group 4 and group 3 increased when compared with young buffaloes (p <0.05). As a result of the research, the milk yield values determined in milk buffaloes fed with the R2 ration were found to be higher than the values found in milk buffaloes fed with the R1 ration (6.34-5.64kg / day) (p <0.05).However, the effect of R1 and R2 rations on milk production was similar in young buffaloes (4.22-4.36 kg / day) (p> 0.05).
Frozen Vein Wrapping for Chronic Nerve Constriction Injury Reduces Sciatic Nerve Allodynia in a Rat Model
Authors: Mukai Michiaki , Uchida Kentaro , Hirosawa Naoya , Murakami Kenichi , Inoue Gen , Miyagi Masayuki , Shiga Yasuhiro , Inage Kazuhide , Sekiguchi Hiroyuki , Orita Sumihisa , Suzuki Takane , Matsuura Yusuke , Takaso Masashi , Ohtori Seiji
Published: June 2021

BackgroundAutologous vein wrapping (VW) is used in the treatment of recurrent chronic constriction neuropathy and traumatic peripheral nerve injury. However, use of autologous veins is limited by the inability to obtain longer veins of sufficient length for larger sites. Frozen allograft tissue has several advantages, including its availability for large grafts, avoidance of donor-site morbidity, and shorter operation time. Here, we investigated the effect of frozen vein wrapping (FVW) in Wistar rats as a model of sciatic nerve injury. MethodsThe rats were grouped by treatment as (i) untreated after chronic constriction injury surgery (CCI; control group), (ii) treated with vein wrapping using freshly isolated vein (VW), and (iii) treated with vein wrapping using frozen vein (FVW). Mechanical allodynia was assessed with von Frey filaments on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14. ResultsThe response of heme oxygenase-1 gene, Hmox-1, expression to VW and FVW was assessed by RT-PCR. Both VW and FVW significantly increased withdrawal threshold levels compared to the untreated control group on POD 1, 3, and 5. Both VW and FVW also showed increased HO-1 expression compared to the CCI group. ConclusionsOur results suggest that FVW may be a suitable therapeutic optionas a source of large grafts.
The Quantity of G-Quadruplex in Bacterial Genome affects G-Quadruplex Ligand Sensitivity in Hypertension associated Tongue Coating Microbiota
Authors: Zhang Shiqin , Liu Yangong , Zhou Jiang , Cui Qinghua , Chen Feng , Xu Ming
Published: June 2021

Background Recently, more and more attention has been paid to the role of oral microbiota in hypertension. It was reported that the disorder of tongue coating microbiota would significantly increase systolic blood pressure, yet the characteristics of tongue coating microbiota of hypertensives remain unknown. Microbiota is regulated by genes, G-quadruplex (G4) is a secondary structure of nucleic acid, which plays an important role in the regulation of microbial biologic features. there are many G4 ligands in oral administration, but how G4 ligands affect the bacterial biological phenotype needs further exploration. Results We used metagenomics for analysis of 58 subjects including 23 healthy subjects and 35 hypertensives, and bioinformatics technology for detecting G4 characteristic sequences, finally verified by biological and chemical experiments. We found that Actinomyces decreased significantly in the hypertension group with the highest average maximum putative G-quadruplex forming sequences (PQS) and GC quantity. We also screened out two species with significantly different abundance between two groups, Actinomyces odontolyticus and Acinetobacter baumannii. A. odontolyticus had higher GC% and frequency of PQS per 1000bp in the genome, which led to differential inhibition of bacterial growth, metabolism, biofilm formation by G4 ligand, sanguinarine. Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS) was found to be involved in these biological phenomena, we found that sanguinarine could bind and stabilize the G4 structure related to MFS and further inhibited the expression of MFS.ConclusionsDifferent quantities of G4 sequences in the bacterial genome affect G4 ligand sensitivity in hypertension-associated tongue coating species, A. odontolyticus and A. baumannii. G4 ligand (sanguinarine) can bind and stabilize the G4 characteristic sequence of the MFS gene to inhibit the expression, and then inhibit the growth, biofilm formation and metabolism. This study provides a theoretical basis for the selection of G4 based drugs in the oral cavity.
The Association of Sleep Duration with Visual Impairment in Middle-aged and Elderly Adults: The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Baseline
Authors: Sun Mengsha , Bo Qiyu , Lu Bing , Sun Xiaodong , zhou minwen
Published: June 2021

Background

Sleep disorders may heighten the risk of visual impairment to further impact health outcomes. Little is known regarding the association of visual impairment with sleep disorders in China. Our objective was to examine the association of visual impairment with sleep disorders.
Methods

This cross-sectional study used the data from 13264 respondents to the 2011 survey of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, a nationally representative survey of adults aged 45 years or older. Visual impairment (VI) and sleep duration were examined using self-reported questionnaires. Respondents were identified as having VI if they reported blindness or partial blindness. With regards to sleep duration, participants were categorized into three groups: 1) those reporting short sleep duration (≤ 6 hours/night), 2) those reporting long sleep duration (> 8 hours/night), and 3) those reporting 6 to 8 hours of sleep per night (used as the reference group). Weighted multilevel logistic regression models, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, and medical history, were used.
Results

Of 13,264 respondents, 6,880 (51.9%) were women. The mean, standard deviation (SD) age was 59.39 (9.71) years. A total of 842 (6.3%) of respondents reported VI. The prevalence of short and long sleep duration was significantly higher among respondents with VI than those without VI (P < 0.001). The associations also persisted after stratifying the sample by age or sex. Multilevel logistic regression models showed that compared with 6–8 h/night of sleep, sleep duration of ≤ 6h/night was associated with a 1.19-fold (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–1.40) higher VI risk, and sleep duration of > 8 h/night was associated with a 1.36-fold (95% CI = 1.05–1.75) higher VI risk. Higher risk of VI was associated with short (odds ratio [OR] = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.04–1.73) and long (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.04–2.44) sleep durations in middle-aged respondents, as well as short sleep duration (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.05–1.55) in elderly respondents. However, the association between VI and long sleep duration (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 0.97–1.84) was absent in elderly respondents.
Conclusion

In this study, both short and long sleep durations were associated with VI. More comprehensive and integrated health care and rehabilitation systems covering vision and sleep are needed to address age-related VI.
Optimization of Culture Conditions in a Bioreactor for the Production of Biomass and Metabolites of the Macromycete Lentinula Edodes
Authors: Chegwin-Angarita Carolina , Bello-Forero Robinson A. , Serrato-Bermúdez Juan C.
Published: June 2021

Lentinula edodes is an edible mushroom known for its medicinal properties attributed to different secondary metabolites. In this article, the effect of glucose concentration, aeration and agitation on the production of biomass and intrametabolites in submerged fermentation was evaluated. By means of a Box-Behnken design, these variables were optimized to obtain a multifunctional biomass. It was determined that both glucose concentration and agitation had a significant effect on the response variables (biomass, sterols and polysaccharides). Under the evaluated conditions, the values of the variables that optimize biomass production were 1.2 vvm, 60 rpm and 21.97 g / L of glucose. Subsequently, the sterols and total carbohydrates extracted from the biomass were quantified through a spectrophotometric analysis. To optimize these two response variables, similar values are required for aeration (1.2 vvm) and agitation (60 rpm), while the glucose concentration was 16.32 g / L and 19.6 g / L for sterols and total polysaccharides respectively.
New Modeling of AgFeNi2S4-Graphene-TiO2 Ternary Nanocomposite Synthesized Via the Pechini Method for the Enhanced Electrophotocatalytic Reduction of CO2
Authors: Otgonbayar Zambaga , Oh Won-Chun
Published: June 2021

For reduction of CO2 into hydrocarbon fuels, an AgFeNi2S4-Graphene-TiO2 ternary nanocomposite material was synthesized via the Pechini method. The Pechini method is based on a chelating agent which, together with ethylene glycol (C2H6O2) and citric acid (C6H8O7) as a chelating cation, can affect the structure and stability of the nanocomposite. The catalytic activity of the photocatalyst for photocatalytic and electrochemical CO2 evolution into hydrocarbon fuels was tested. The methanol yield under UV light was 8.679 %, 6.349 %, and 4.136 %, and the methanol yields under visible light was 6.291 %, 4.738 %, and 2.339 %, respectively. The stability and reusability of the photocatalyst remained high after a 4-cycle recycling test without a decrease in yield of the final photocatalytic CO2 reduction product. The enhanced photoreduction of CO2 through the as-prepared ternary photocatalyst can be ascribed to the catalyst's conformation and low recombination rate. In electrochemical CO2 reduction, the Faraday efficiency is the main parameter that defines the performance of the working electrode and the evolution of methanol. The Faraday efficiency of AFNSGT ternary nanocomposite was 44.25 %; this is an increase in the value of the Faraday efficiency, which proves that the design of the new nanocomposite successfully increases the activity of the working electrode and has a positive effect on the electrochemical reduction of CO2. The photocatalytic and electrochemical CO2 reduction data show that the preparation method, morphological state, and charge carrier properties of the photocatalyst are important for the catalytic activity and efficiency of the methanol evolution pathway. This study provides a strategy for fabrication of a new ternary nanocomposite based on 2D-structured graphene, TiO2, and a quaternary nanocomposite.
Effect of SiCw Whiskers on the indentation thermal shock resistance of ZrB2-MoSi2 Composites
Authors: Paul Tanay Rudra , Mondal Manas Kumar , Mallik Manab
Published: June 2021

A comparative evaluation of the thermal shock resistance (TSR) of ZrB2-20 MoSi2-20 SiCw (ZMSw20) and ZrB2-20 MoSi2 − 5SiCw (ZMSw5) composites were studied using the indentation quench method. High-dense ZrB2 based composites were prepared by multi-stage spark plasma sintering at 1700°C. The results show that the ZMSw20 composite expressed superior crack shielding and TSR under quenching circumstances. The critical temperature differential ΔTc of ZMSw20 ceramic (ΔTc= 800°C) was higher than that of ZMSw5 ceramic (ΔTc=600°C). The significant enhancement in TSR was imposed residual stresses that improved the resistance to crack progression during thermal shock. Furthermore, an increment in silicon carbide content reduces the crack growth, and increases the TSR of the composites.
Thermal Conductive Networks Constructed by Sialon Fibers in-Situ Synthesized in Barium Aluminosilicate Glass-Ceramic
Authors: Sun Shaojie , Wang Xinyu , Zhou Junjie , Zhang Siqi , Ge Kongyu , Yang Hua , Zhang Tao , Xiong Li , Qin Chunlin , Wen Guangwu , Xia Long
Published: June 2021

The application of ceramic materials is limited due to the complicated preparation process and intrinsic brittleness. In this work, a pressureless manufacturing route that enables the formation of barium aluminosilicate (BAS) glass-ceramic consisting of internal β-Sialon fibers with enhanced thermal conductivity is developed. By adjusting the carbon source content, composites with different Sialon contents can be easily fabricated. The thermal conductivity of the sample with 3.5 wt.% is improved to 5.845 W/m ∙ K with the Sialon content of 26 wt.% in the composite, which is 112.64 % higher than that of the pure BAS matrix. The theoretical models suggest that the enhanced thermal conductivity is mainly ascribed to the thermal conduction network constructed by Sialon fibers. This work provides a method with industrial application prosperity to fabricate the high temperature ceramic matrix composite of different sizes and complex shapes.
Spectral Matching of Three-Component Seismic Ground Accelerations for Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Mangkoesoebroto Sindur , Zulkifli Ediansjah , Yasa Adi P.
Published: June 2021

The aim of the paper is to introduce a new procedure of three-component spectral matching of seismic ground acceleration records. The procedure is straightforward, yet it is general. In principle, the procedure involves varying of both the Fourier amplitude and the phase spectra so that the modified records’ spectra agree with a target. The matching can be performed against either a target Fourier or response spectra. In the former the solution is exact, while in the latter it becomes approximate. A target spectrum representative of three directions should be provided. In the example several three-component records were matched against two target spectra. Good convergence was achieved in velocity and displacement records so that no baseline correction was necessary. The couplings among the components were preserved.
Mapping Research Evidence on Children With Atopic Dermatitis and Quality of Life in Sub-saharan Africa: a Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Kelbore Abraham Getachew , Enbiale Wendemagegn , Mosam Anisa , Wyk Jacqueline M. van
Published: June 2021

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, debilitating disease affecting children worldwide. Several studies have explored the disease causes a significant problem leading to a diminished quality of life, for the affected children but systematic evaluation of such studies in Africa is yet to be reported. Therefore, this scoping review aims to map research evidence on children with AD and their quality of life (QoL) in sub-Saharan Africa.Methods: The scoping review will follow the Arksey and O’Mally methodological framework. The electronic databases to be searched will include: PubMed, EBSCOhost (Academic search complete, CINAHL PsycINFO, and Health Sources), Scopus, and Google Scholar for published literature between 2000 and 2021. Only literature written in English will be included. The search strategy for the databases will include keywords, Medical Subject Headings terms and Boolean operators. The reference list of the included sources of evidence, and the WHO website will also be consulted for evidence relating to QoL of children with AD in Sab-Saharan Africa (SSA). Following title searching, two independent reviewers will conduct screening of abstracts and full text articles. Eligibility criteria will guide the screenings. This review will include studies conducted in SSA, publication focusing on quality of life and associated factors of AD in children. Data will be extracted from the included studies, analyzed qualitatively; NVIVO software V.11 will be usedand the emerging themes reported narratively. The mixed-method appraisal tool (MMAT) will be employed for quality appraisal of included studies.Discussion: We look forward to findings of several studies that describe the QoL and associated factors among children with AD and that report on using different diagnostic criteria, severity scaling and QoL measuring scale tools used to ascertain the presence of AD, scale severity of AD and impact of AD on quality of life among children. The study findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal, peer presentations, and presentations at relevant conferences.
Prognostic Value of Systemic Inflammatory Markers and the Nutrition Status in Thymic Epithelial Tumors with Complete Resection
Authors: Sakane Tadashi , Okuda Katsuhiro , Matsui Takuya , Oda Risa , Tatematsu Tsutomu , Yokota Keisuke , Nakanishi Ryoichi
Published: June 2021

BackgroundRecent studies have shown that several systemic inflammatory markers and the nutrition status, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI), are useful prognostic factors in several malignant tumors. The present study explored the prognostic value of the NLR, MLR, PLR, and PNI in thymic epithelial tumor (TET) patients who underwent complete resection.MethodsA total of 158 TET patients who underwent complete resection were involved in the analysis. Their NLR, MLR, PLR, and PNI values were obtained from a blood examination within one month before the initiation of treatment. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to determine the optimal cut-off values. ResultsThe enrolled patients were stratified by cut-offs of 4.35 for the NLR, 0.22 for the MLR, 130.18 for the PLR, and 44.02 for the PNI. A univariate analysis revealed that high-grade malignant TET, including type B2 and B3 thymoma, thymic carcinoma, and thymic neuroendocrine tumor; an advanced Masaoka stage; a high NLR; a high MLR; and a low PNI were significant predictors of a poor disease-free survival (DFS). A multivariate analysis confirmed that an advanced Masaoka stage (HR = 5.5557, P = 0.0007) and a high MLR (HR = 3.3371, P = 0.0264) were independent predictors of a poor DFS.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that the pretreatment MLR was an independent predictor of the DFS in patients with TETs who underwent complete resection.
Differential Effects of WRAP53 Transcript Variants on the Biological Behaviours of Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhu Yan , Sun Wenjie , Jiang Xueping , Bai Rui , Luo Yuan , Gao Yanping , Li Shuying , Huang Zhengrong , Gong Yan , Xie Conghua
Published: June 2021

Background: The WD40-encoding RNA antisense to p53 (WRAP53) gene, an antisense gene of TP53, has 3 different transcriptional start sites that yield 3 transcript variants. One of these variants WRAP53-1β encodes a WD repeat-containing protein WRAP53β, whereas WRAP53-1α is a noncoding RNA that regulates p53 mRNA levels. These variants are involved in the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, how the different transcript variants regulate NSCLC cell behaviours is to be elucidated.Methods: Wild-type p53 NSCLC A549 cells and p53-mutated H1975 cells were transfected with WRAP53-1α and WRAP53-1β siRNAs, and their behaviours were examined colony formation, cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle, wound healing, and cell invasion assays.Results: WRAP53-1α knockdown increased the mRNA and protein levels of p53, whereas depletion of WRAP53-1β had no effect on p53 expression. WRAP53-1α knockdown suppressed colony formation and proliferation of A549 cells, but had the opposite effects on H1975 cells. However, WRAP53-1β knockdown promoted A549 cell growth. Depletion of WRAP53-1α and WRAP53-1β promoted apoptosis in A549 but not H1975 cells. WRAP53-1α knockdown increased the proportion of A549 but not H1975 cells at the G0/G1 phase. However, WRAP53-1β knockdown decreased the proportion of cells at the G0/G1 phase in A549 cells. Depletion of WRAP53-1α suppressed A549 cell migration and invasion, and promoted H1975 cell migration and invasion. However, depletion of WRAP53-1β had the opposite effects.Conclusions: The 2 WRAP53 transcript variants exerted opposite functions in NSCLC cells and regulated NSCLC cell behaviours in a p53-dependent manner.
RNA Sequencing of Blood in Coronary Artery Disease: Involvement of Regulatory T Cell Imbalance
Authors: McCaffrey Timothy , Toma Ian , Yang Zhaoquing , Katz Richard , Reiner Jonathan , Mazhari Ramesh , Shah Palak , Tackett Michael , Jones Dan , Jepson Tisha , Falk Zachary , Wargodsky Richard , Shtakalo Dmitry , Antonets Denis , Ertle Justin , Kim Ju H. , Lai Yinglei , Arslan Zeynep , Aledort Emily , Alfaraidy Maha , Laurent Georges St.
Published: June 2021

RATIONALE: Cardiovascular disease had a global prevalence of 523 million cases and 18.6 million deaths in 2019. The current standard for diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD) is coronary angiography. Surprisingly, despite well-established clinical indications, up to 40% of the one million invasive cardiac catheterizations return a result of ‘no blockage’. OBJECTIVE: The present studies employed RNA sequencing of whole blood to identify an RNA signature in patients presenting with a clinical suspicion of CAD.METHODS AND RESULTS: Whole blood RNA was depleted of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and analyzed by single-molecule sequencing of RNA (RNAseq) to identify transcripts associated with CAD (TRACs) in a discovery group of 96 patients presenting for elective coronary catheterization. The resulting transcript counts were compared between groups to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Surprisingly, 98% of DEGs/TRACs were down-regulated ~1.7-fold in patients with mild to severe CAD (>20% stenosis). The TRACs were independent of comorbid risk factors for CAD, such as gender, hypertension, and smoking. Bioinformatic analysis identified an enrichment in transcripts such as FoxP1, ICOSLG, IKZF4/Eos, SMYD3, TRIM28, and TCF3/E2A that are likely markers of regulatory T cells (Treg), consistent with known reductions in Tregs in CAD. A validation cohort of 80 patients confirmed the overall pattern (92% down-regulation) and supported many of the Treg-related changes. TRACs were enriched for transcripts associated with stress granules, which sequester RNAs, and ciliary and synaptic transcripts, possibly consistent with changes in the immune synapse of developing T cells.CONCLUSIONS: These studies identify a novel mRNA signature of a Treg-like defect in CAD patients and provides a blueprint for a diagnostic test for CAD. The pattern of changes is consistent with stress-related changes in the maturation of T and Treg cells, possibly due to changes in the immune synapse.
Ultralong free-standing single crystal perovskite microwires with extremely low dark current
Authors: Geng Xiangshun , Feng Qi-Xin , Tian He , Chen Weijian , Wen Xiaoming , Jia Baohua , Wang Chaolun , Wu Xing , Dun Guan-Hua , Ren Jun , Deng Ningqin , Wang Fangwei , Yan Zhaoyi , Zhang Hainan , Li Cheng , Yang Yi , Xie Dan , Ren Tian-Ling
Published: June 2021

Super long perovskite microwires (PMWs) are in a great demand in many fields such as low-loss microcables and integrated optical waveguide. Despite decades of research into PMWs, single crystal PMWs with several centimeters long have not been obtained. Here, ultralong (up to 7.6 centimeters) monoclinic crystal structure CH3NH3PbI3·DMF PMWs have been synthesized. The high-quality microwire exhibits long carrier lifetime of 1775.7 ns. The as-prepared free-standing PMWs can be integrated to any arbitrary substrate and 808 nm near-infrared photodetectors have been successfully demonstrated. The fabricated device shows a high light on/off ratio of 1.79×106 and an extremely low dark current of 2.5 fA at 1 V bias. This work provides a strategy for the solution growth of ultralong microwires.