bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence, Trend And Determinants of Adolescent Childbearing In Burundi: A Multilevel Analysis of The 1987 To 2016-17 Burundi Demographic And Health Surveys Data.
Authors: NIBARUTA Jean Claude , ELKHOUDRI Noureddine , TURMAN Jack Edward , GUENNOUNI Morad , ELMADANI Saad
Published: August 2021

Background: Very little is known about factors influencing adolescent childbearing despite an upward trend in adolescent childbearing prevalence in Burundi, and its perceived implications on the rapid population growth and ill-health of young mothers and their babies. To adress this gap, this study aimed to examine the prevalence, trends and determinants of adolescent childbearing in Burundi.Methods Secondary analyses of the 1987, 2010 and 2016-17 Burundi Demographic and Health Surveys (BDHS) data were conducted using STATA. Weighted samples of 731 (1987 BDHS), 2359 (2010 BDHS) and 3859 (2016-17BDHS) adolescent girls aged 15-19 years old were used for descriptive and trend analyses. Both bivariable and multivariable two-level logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the main factors associated with adolescent childbearing using only the 2016-17 BDHS data.Results The prevalence of adolescent childbearing increased from 5.9 % in 1987 to 8.3% in 2016/17. Factors such as adolescent girls aged 18-19 years old (aOR =5.85, 95% CI: 3.54 - 9.65, p<0.001), adolescent illiteracy (aOR=4.18, 95% CI: 1.88 - 9.30, p<0.001), living in poor communities (aOR=2.19, 95% CI: 1.03 - 4.64, p= 0.042), early marriage (aOR = 9.28, 95% CI: 3.11 - 27.65, p< 0.001), lack of knowledge of any contraceptive methods (aOR = 5.33, 95% CI: 1.48 - 19.16, p= 0.010), and non-use of modern contraceptive methods (aOR = 24.48, 95% CI: 9.80 - 61.14), p< 0.001) were associated with higher odds of adolescent childbearing. While factors such as living in the richest household index (aOR= 0.52, 95% IC: 0.45 - 0.87, p=0.00), living in West region (aOR= 0.26, 95%CI: 0.08 - 0.86, p= 0.027) or in South region (aOR= 0.31, 95% CI: 0.10 - 0.96, p= 0.041) were associated with lower odds of adolescent childbearing.Conclusion Our study found an upward trend in adolescent childbearing prevalence and there were significant variations in the odds of adolescent childbearing by some individual and community-level factors. School-and community-based intervention programs aimed at promoting girls’ education, improving socioeconomic status, knowledge and utilization of contraceptives and prevention of early marriage among adolescent girls is crucial to reduce adolescent childbearing in Burundi.
Life Expectancy at Birth in Iran and Asia: A Six-Decade Comparative Trend Analysis
Authors: Salehi Masoud , Aziz-Mohammdlooha Mehdi , Masaebi Fatemeh , Zayeri Farid
Published: August 2021

Background: Life expectancy is one the key indicators for investigating the overall health status of a population. Thus, analyzing the trend of this demographic summary measure is of great importance for planning health and social services in different societies. In this study, we aimed to model the long-term trend of life expectancy at birth in Iran and also compare the pattern of life expectancy in Iran with the whole population across Asia over the past six decades.Methods: The annual life expectancy at birth data sets were extracted for Iran and total Asia between 1960 and 2020 from the database provided by the Our World in Data website. The trend analysis was performed using the joinpoint regression model. Results: During the study period, Iranians and Asians have, respectively, experienced about 32 and 28.6 year increase in life expectancy. In addition, the obtained results from the joinpoint analysis showed that, despite the noticeable decline in life expectancy during the Iran-Iraq war, the average annual percent change of life expectancy in Iranian people was about 0.1 higher than total Asian population (0.9% vs. 0.8%).Conclusions: Despite protracted wars, poverty and social inequality in some parts of Asia, life expectancy has drastically increased in this continent during the last decades. However, life expectancy in Iranians and Asians is still much lower than those who live in wealthier parts of the world. To elevate life expectancy to a higher level, the policy makers in Asian countries should put more efforts into improving the standards of living and access to health facilities in their societies.
The miR528-D3 module regulates plant height in rice by modulating the gibberellin and abscisic acid metabolisms
Authors: Liu Xing , Zhao Juan , Wang Mei , Xie Lingjuan , Wu Zhengxin , Yu Jiuming , Wang Yuchen , Zhang Zhiqiao , Jia Yufang , Liu Qingpo
Published: August 2021

Background

Plant height, as one of the important agronomic traits of rice, is closely related to yield. In recent years, plant height-related genes have been characterized and identified, among which the D3 gene is one of the target genes of miR528, and regulates rice plant height and tillering mainly by affecting strigolactone (SL) signal transduction. However, it remains unknown whether the miR528 and D3 interaction functions in controlling plant height, and the underlying regulatory mechanism in rice.
Results

In this study, we found that the plant height, internode length, and cell length of internodes of d3 mutants and miR528-overexpressing (OE-miR528) lines were greatly shorter than WT, D3-overexpressing (OE-D3), and miR528 target mimicry (OE-MIM528) transgenic plants. Knockout of D3 gene (d3 mutants) or miR528-overexpressing (OE-miR528) triggers a substantial reduction of gibberellin (GA) content, but a significant increase of abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation than in WT. The d3 and OE-miR528 transgenic plants were much more sensitive to GA, but less sensitive to ABA than WT. Moreover, the expression level of GA biosynthesis-related key genes, including OsCPS1, OsCPS2, OsKO2 and OsKAO was remarkably higher in OE-D3 plants, while the NECD2 expression, a key gene involved in ABA biosynthesis, was significantly higher in d3 mutants than in WT and OE-D3 plants.
Conclusion

The results indicate that the miR528-D3 module negatively regulates plant height in rice by modulating the GA and ABA homeostasis, thereby further affecting the elongation of internodes, and resulting in lower plant height, which adds a new regulatory role to the D3-mediated plant height controlling in rice.
Mutational Landscape of Paired Primary and Synchronous Metastatic Lymph Node in Chemotherapy Naive Gallbladder Cancer
Authors: Fan Boqiang , Xu Xianfeng , Wang Xuehao
Published: August 2021

Background: Comprehensive genomic analysis of paired primary tumors and their metastatic lesions may provide new insights into the biology of metastatic processes and therefore guide the development of novel strategies for intervention. To date, our knowledge of the genetic divergence and phylogenetic relationships in gallbladder cancer (GBC) is limited.Methods:We performed whole exome sequencing (WES) for 5 patients with primary tumor, metastatic lymph node (LNM) and corresponding normal tissue. Mutations, mutation signatures and copy number variations were analyzed with state-of-art bioinformatics methods. Phylogenetic tree was also generated to infer metastatic pattern. Results:Five driver mutations were detected in these patients. Among which, TP53 was the only shared mutation between primary tumor and LNM. Although tumor mutational burden was comparable between primary tumor and LNM, higher mutation burden was observed in LNM of one patient. Copy number variations (CNVs) burden was higher in LNM than their primary tumor. Phylogenetic analysis indicated both linear and parallel progression of metastasis exist in these patients. TP53 mutation and CNVs were homogenously between primary tumor and LNM.Conclusions:High consistence of genetic landscape were shown between primary tumor and LNM in GBC. However, heterogenicity still exist between primary tumor and LNM in particular patients in term of driver mutation, TMB and CNV burden. Phylogenetic analysis indicated both Linear and parallel progression of metastasis were exist among these patients.
Propagation of Vortex Hermite-Cosh-Gaussian Beams in a Gradient-Index Medium
Authors: Lazrek M. , Hricha Z. , Belafhal A.
Published: August 2021

Based on the Huygens–Fresnel integral, the propagation equation for a vortex Hermite-cosh-Gaussian beams (vHChGB) in gradient-index medium (GIM) is derived. From the obtained expression, the evolution of the intensity and the phase distributions of a vHChGB through a GIM are numerically demonstrated as a function of the gradient-index parameter β under the change of incident beam parameters. The results show that the characteristics of the output beam evolve periodically versus the propagation distance, and the period of evolution slows down when β is increased. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the self-repeating properties of the intensity pattern and the phase distribution for the propagated vHChGB are altered by the incident beam parameters. The results obtained may be beneficial for applications in fiber communications and beam shaping.
Synthesis and characterization of novel porous La2Zr2O7 ceramic with ultralow thermal conductivity and excellent photocatalytic property
Authors: Xu Baosehng , LIU Debao , GENG Liyan , ZHOU Feifei , QU Lijie , WANG Yiguang , XU Baosheng , AI Shigang
Published: August 2021

A novel porous La2Zr2O7 ceramic prepared by combining a sol-gel template method and high-temperature calcination process. The structural evolution and crystallisation behaviour of the samples were systematically characterized using SEM, XRD, TEM and Raman spectroscopy. The results indicated that the as-prepared porous La2Zr2O7 ceramic had a typical nanoparticles assembling and mesoporous structure with single-phase pyrochlore crystal structure. Meanwhile, the as-prepared porous La2Zr2O7 ceramic presented an ultralow room temperature thermal conductivity of 0.07 W/(m·K), high specific surface areas of 325.17 m2/g and a relatively high compressive strength of 11.95 MPa. What’s more, the as-prepared porous La2Zr2O7 ceramic possessed ideal photocatalytic activity owing to the unique 3-D porous structure, high crystallinity and large surface area. These reported studies are proposing some new insight to improve porous rare-earth zirconates ceramic for thermal insulation and dye degradation applications.
Effects of Change in 6-Minute Walking Distance on Hospital Readmissions and Emergency Department Visits in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Seo Yong-Gon , Oh SuKi , Jang MiJa , Kim Ho-Young , Chang Sung-A , Park In-Kyung , Sung Jidong , Jeong Dong-Seop
Published: August 2021

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease and its prognostic factor includes reduction of 6-min walking distance (6MWD). Thus, the study aimed to confirm the correlation between different change rate of 6MWD and hospital readmission and emergency department (ED) visits in patients with PAH. 139 patients were divided into three groups according to change rate of 6MWD; group 1 (≥15%, n = 54), group 2 (15%<change≥0%, n = 47)), group 3 (<0%, n = 38). The hospital readmission, ED visits, and hospital visits were compared between the three groups. A significant difference in hospital readmission was observed between the groups (P = 0.0113), with group 1 showing higher frequency of hospital readmissions than group 2 (P = 0.0261). A significant difference in the hospital visits was observed between the three groups (P = 0.0024). A positive correlation was observed between hospital readmission (r = 0.21861, P = 0.0097) and hospital visit (r = 0.35877, P < 0.0001). A weak negative correlation was observed between the ED visit and change rate in 6MWD (r = −0.25299, P = 0.0027).This study showed that the positive change rate in 6MWD may relate to the reduction in the ED visits in patients with PAH.
Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility and virulence gene profiles of Arcobacter species isolated from human stool samples, foods of animal origin, ready-to-eat salad mixes and environmental water
Authors: Uljanovas Dainius , Gölz Greta , Brückner Vanessa , Grineviciene Audrone , Tamuleviciene Egle , Alter Thomas , Malakauskas Mindaugas
Published: August 2021

Background
Members of the genus Arcobacter are considered as emerging zoonotic food and waterborne pathogens that cause gastroenteritis and bacteremia in humans. However, the potential risk that Arcobacter species pose to public health remains unassessed in various countries, including Baltic states. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility and presence of putative virulence genes of Arcobacter isolates recovered from humans, food products and environmental water in Lithuania.
Results
A total of 1862 samples were collected and examined from 2018 to 2020 in the city of Kaunas. Overall, 11.2% (n = 208) of the samples were positive for the presence of Arcobacter spp. The highest prevalence was detected in chicken meat (36%), followed by environmental water (28.1%), raw cow milk (25%), ready-to-eat salad mixes (7.1%) and human stool (1.7%). A. butzleri was the most frequently isolated species (n = 192; 92.3%), followed by A. cryaerophilus (n = 16; 7.7%). Arcobacter spp. antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed unimodally distributed aggregated minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for gentamicin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin and erythromycin. However, a bimodal distribution for azithromycin was found with 96.2% of determined MICs above the epidemiological cut-off value (ECOFF) defined for C. jejuni (0.25 µg/ml). Majority of the Arcobacter isolates (n = 187; 89.9%) showed high susceptibility to ciprofloxacin with MICs below or equal to the ECOFF value of 0.5 µg/ml. The putative virulence genes cadF (100%), ciaB (100%), cj1349 (99%), tlyA (99%), mviN (97.9%) and pldA (95.8%) were the predominant genes detected among A. butzleri isolates. In contrast, the mviN and ciaB genes were present in all, whereas cj1349 (12.5%), tlyA (25%) and hecA (12.5%) were only detected in few A. cryaerophilus isolates.
Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that food products and environmental water in Lithuania are frequently contaminated with Arcobacter spp. that carry multiple putative virulence genes. Furthermore, A. butzleri were isolated from 1.7% of inpatients. Fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides were found to be more effective against Arcobacter in comparison to other antimicrobial agents. However, further studies are needed to determine the pathogenic mechanisms and factors that facilitate the spread of Arcobacter infections.
Achieving Ultrahigh Power Factor In n-type Ag2Se Thin Films By Carrier Engineering
Authors: ZHENG Zhuang-hao , NIU Jun-yu , CHEN Tian-bao , Chen Yuexing , LI Fu , LUO Jing-ting , LIANG Guang-xing , CHEN Shuo , MA Hong-li , ZHANG Xiang-hua , FAN Ping
Published: August 2021

Ag2Se is a promising n-type material which has been proposed for thermoelectric (TE) application. Achieving high TE power factor for Ag2Se thin film to use in micro and wearable electronic systems has recently attracted great attention. In present work, Ag2Se thin films were prepared via a simple co-evaporation method, which provides an effective way for adjusting its composition. By selective modification of Ag content, the carrier concentration is optimized, leading to a PF of 6.27 μWcm-1K-2. Furthermore, the carrier mobility increased while carrier concentration is maintained after performing an annealing process, thus contributes to relatively high Seebeck coefficient and decent electrical conductivity for Ag2.05Se film annealed at 423 K. As a result, a record-high power factor of 20.51 μWcm-1K-2 at 393 K is achieved, which is the best result of the Ag2Se thin film prepared by evaporation method. This work has opened the way for environmentally friendly room-temperature thermoelectricity.
Transcriptional profiling of gametogenesis in the green seaweed Ulva mutabilis identifies an RWP‐RK transcription factors linked to reproduction
Authors: Liu Xiaojie , Blomme Jonas , Bogaert Kenny , D’hondt Sofie , Wichard Thomas , De Clerck Olivier
Published: August 2021

Background

The molecular mechanism underlying sexual reproduction in land plants is well understood in model plants and is a target for crop improvement. However, unlike land plants, the genetic basis involved in triggering reproduction and gamete formation remains elusive in most seaweeds, which are increasingly viewed as an alternative source of functional food and feedstock for energy applications.
Results

Gametogenesis of Ulva mutabilis, a model organism for green seaweeds, is studied. We analyze transcriptome dynamics at different time points during gametogenesis following induction of reproduction by fragmentation and removal of sporulation inhibitors. Analyses demonstrate that 45% of the genes in the genome are differentially expressed during gametogenesis. We identified several transcription factors that potentially play a key role in the early gametogenesis of Ulva given the function of their homologs in higher plants and microalgae. In particular, the detailed expression pattern of an evolutionary conserved transcription factor containing an RWP-RK domain suggests a key role during Ulva gametogenesis.
Conclusions

Transcriptomic analyses of gametogenesis in the green seaweed Ulva highlight the importance of a conserved RWP-RK transcription factor in induction of sexual reproduction. The identification of putative master regulators of gametogenesis provides a starting point for further functional characterization.
Response of Root Development and Nutrient Uptake of Two Chinese Cultivars of Hybrid Rice to N and P Fertilization in Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Yang Guotao , Nabi Farhan , Sajid Sumbal , Kaleri Abdul Rasheed , Jakhar Ali Murad , Cheng Liang , Raspor Martin , Muhammad Noor , Ahmed Awais , Hakeem Abdul , Ma Jun , Hu Yungao
Published: August 2021

Chemical fertilization helped modern agriculture in enhancing grain yield to overcome food security. The response of chemical fertilization for higher hybrid rice production is highly dependent on optimal fertilization management in paddy fields. To assess such responses, the current research examined the yield, root growth, and expression of related genes responsible for stress metabolism of N and P in two hybrid-rice cultivars Deyou4727 (D47) and Yixiangyou2115 (Y21). The experiment followed four N (N0, N60, N120, and N180 kg/ha) and P (P0, P60, P90, and P120 kg/ha) fertilizer levels. The D47 was more sensitive toward nitrogen application, which resulted in comparatively higher biomass and yield, while Y21 was more sensitive toward phosphorus application. The grain yield was more sensitive to nitrogen application in D47 but not in Y21. Our findings were corroborated by gene expression studies of glutamine synthetase OsGS1;1 and OsGS1;2 and phosphate starvation-related genes PHR1 and SPX, which also concluded D47 response sensitivity towards N application and Y21 response sensitivity toward P application. In the case of root numbers, D47 was less sensitive in low nitrogen application N0-N60, but the overall nutrient response difference was significantly higher due to the deep rooting system as compare to Y21. The higher yield, low N and P uptake, and versatile root growth of D47 make it suitable to reduce unproductive usage of N and P from paddy fields, improving hybrid rice productivity, and environmental safety in the Sichuan basin area of China.
CircRNA-miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Liu Liyuan , Wu Shan , Jiang Dan , Qu Yuliang , Wang Hongxia , Zhang Yanting , Xie Xiaoliang , Zhou Haijin , Xu Guangxian
Published: August 2021

Background: Abnormal expression of Circular RNAs (circRNAs) occurs in the occurrence and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of tumors. We combined bioinformatics and laboratory-validated methods to search for key circRNAs and possible potential mechanisms. Methods: Colorectal cancer tissues and normal paracancerous tissues were detected by microarray analysis and qRT-PCR validation, and differentially expressed circRNAs were screened and identified. The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network (cirReNET) was constructed, Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were used to ascertain the functions of circRNAs in CRCs. In addition, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of hub genes which acquired by string and plugin app CytoHubba in cytoscape was established. Validation of expression of hub genes was identified by GEPIA database. Results: 564 differentially expressed circRNAs which include 207 up-regulated and 357 down-regulated circRNAs were detected. The top 3 up-regulated circRNAs (hsa_circRNA_100833, hsa_circRNA_103828, hsa_circRNA_103831) and the top 3 down-regulated circRNAs (hsa_circRNA_103752, hsa_circRNA_071106, hsa_circRNA_102293) in chip analysis were chosen to be verified in 33 pairs of CRCs by qRT-PCR. The cirReNET include of 6 circRNAs, 19 miRNAs and 210 mRNA. And the targeted mRNAs were associated with cellular metabolic process, cell cycle and glandular epithelial cell differentiation and so on. 12 and 10 target hub genes were shown separately in upregulated circRNA-downregulated miRNA-upregulated mRNA (UcDiUm-RNA) group and downregulated circRNA-upregulated miRNA-downregulated mRNA (DcUiDm-RNA) group. Finally, we may have predicted and discovered several critical circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes (cirReAXEs) which may play important roles in colorectal cancer. Conclusion: We constructed a cirReNET including 6 candidate circRNAs, which were crucial in CRCs, may become potential diagnostic markers and predictive indicators of CRCs, and we may provide a research direction for the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer.
Application of the WRF Model Rainfall Product for the Localized Flood Hazard Modelling in a Data-Scarce Environment
Authors: Umer Yakob M , Jetten Victor G , Ettema Janneke , Lombardo Luigi
Published: August 2021

Urban flood hazard model needs rainfall with high spatial and temporal resolutions for flood hazard analysis to accurately simulate flood dynamics in complex urban environments. However, in many developing countries, such high-quality data is scarce. Data that exist are also spatially biased towards airports and urban areas in general, where these locations may not represent flood-prone areas. One way to gain insight into the rainfall data and its spatial patterns is through numerical weather prediction models. As their performance improves, these might serve as alternative rainfall data sources for producing optimal design storms required for flood hazard modelling in data-scarce areas. To gain such insight, we developed WRF design storms based on the spatial distribution of high-intensity rainfall events simulated at high spatial and temporal resolutions. Firstly, three known events (i.e., 25 June 2012, 13 April 2016, and 16 April 2016) that caused the flood hazard in the study area are simulated using the WRF model. Secondly, the potential gridcell-events that are able to trigger the localized flood hazard in the catchment are selected and translated to the WRF design storm form using a quantile expression. Finally, three different WRF design storms per event are constructed: Lower, median, and upper quantiles. The results are compared with the design storms of 2 and 10-year return periods constructed based on the alternating-block method to evaluate differences from a flood hazard assessment point of view. The method is tested in the case of Kampala city, Uganda. The comparison of the design storms indicates that WRF design storms properties are in good agreement with the alternating block design storms. Mainly, the differences between the produced flood characteristics (e.g., hydrographs and the number of flood gird cells) when using WRFLs versus 2-year and WRFUs versus 10-year alternating block storms are very minimal. The calculated aggregated performance statistics (F scores) for the simulated flood extent of WRF design storms benchmarked with the alternating block storms also produced a higher score of 0.9 for both WRF lower quantiles versus 2-year and WRF upper quantile versus 10-year alternating block storm. The result suggested that the WRF design storms can be considered an added value for flood hazard assessment as they are closer to real systems causing rainfall. However, more research is needed on which area can be considered as a representative area in the catchment.
Long-term Performance of Warm-season Turfgrass Species under Municipal Irrigation Frequency Restrictions
Authors: Hejl Reagan W. , Wherley Benjamin G. , Fontanier Charles H.
Published: August 2021

Landscape irrigation frequency restrictions are commonly imposed by water purveyors and municipalities to curtail domestic water use and to ensure adequate water supplies for growing populations during times of drought. Currently, published data are lacking concerning irrigation frequency requirements necessary for sustaining acceptable levels of turfgrass quality of commonly used warm-season turfgrass species. The objective of this 3-year field study was to determine comparative turfgrass quality of drought-resistant cultivars of four warm-season lawn species in the south–central United States under irrigation frequency regimes of 0, 1, 2, 4, and 8× monthly. Turfgrasses used in the study were based on previously reported drought resistance and included ‘Riley’s Super Sport’ (Celebration®) bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.], ‘Palisades’ zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.), ‘Floratam’ st. augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze], and ‘SeaStar’ seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz). During each growing season, slightly reduced irrigation volumes and bypassed events resulted from the 8× monthly treatment (34.95 cm, 38.13 cm, and 27.33 cm) compared with the 4× monthly treatment (35.36 cm, 40.84 cm, and 28.70 cm) in years 1, 2, and 3, respectively. For the once weekly treatment, the average fraction of reference evapotranspiration (ETo) supplied by effective rainfall and irrigation during the summer months was 1.22, 0.67, and 0.83 in years 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and was generally adequate to support acceptable turfgrass quality of all warm-season turfgrasses evaluated. Under the less than weekly irrigation frequency, st. augustinegrass and seashore paspalum generally fell to below acceptable quality levels because the average fraction of ETo supplied by effective rainfall and irrigation during the summer months of years 2 and 3 was 0.51, 0.39, and 0.26 for the 2× monthly, 1× monthly, and unirrigated treatments, respectively. Bermudagrass generally outperformed all other species under the most restrictive irrigation frequencies and also did not differ statistically from zoysiagrass. These results show that as irrigation frequency is restricted to less than once per week, species selection becomes an important consideration.
The effect of fluorine on reaction-rim growth dynamics in the ternary CaO-MgO-SiO2 system
Authors: Franke Mees Gijsbert , Joachim-Mrosko Bastian
Published: August 2021

Growth of reaction rims is mainly controlled by a change in physical parameters such as pressure and temperature, a change in the chemical composition of the system, and/or by the presence of volatiles. In particular, the effect of volatiles other than water on reaction-rim growth remains poorly understood. To accurately model metamorphic and metasomatic processes, a quantification of the effect of volatiles on reaction-rim growth dynamics is necessary but hitherto missing.

In this study, reaction rims were experimentally grown in a series of piston-cylinder experiments in the ternary CaO-MgO-SiO2 system at 1000 °C and 1.5 GPa with 0–10 wt% F for 20 min. In the fluorine-free system, a rim sequence of wollastonite (Wo) | merwinite (Mer) | diopside (Di) | forsterite (Fo) | periclase (Per) formed, complying with the stable phase configuration at water-saturated conditions. As soon as 0.1 wt% F was introduced into the system, humite group minerals (HGMs) and monticellite (Mtc) appeared, resulting in the multilayer rim sequence Wo | Mer | Mtc | Fo + HGMs | Per. In experiments with fluorine concentrations ≥0.5 wt%, cuspidine (Csp) appears in the layer sequence and represents the major fluorine sink. Our data show that the addition of fluorine may stabilize the fluorine-bearing phases cuspidine and HGMs to higher temperatures, which is in agreement with previous studies (Grützner et al. 2017). However, the appearance of the nominally anhydrous minerals (NAMs) monticellite and åkermanite (Ak) at this P-T condition suggests that the addition of fluorine may also affect the stability of nominally fluorine-free minerals. This may be explained by the effect of fluorine on the Gibbs free energies of fluorine-bearing phases, which in turn affects the relative Gibbs free energies and thus the stabilities of all phases. An increase in absolute rim thickness from 11.8(21) to 105.6(22) µm (1σ standard deviations in parentheses) in fluorine free and 10 wt% F experiments, respectively, suggests that fluorine enhances absolute component mobilities and thus results in faster rim growth rates. Additionally, due to the presence of fluorine, a change in relative component mobilities results in microstructural changes such as a phase segregation of diopside and cuspidine at high-fluorine (≥3 wt% F) concentrations.

These results not only imply that reaction rims may be used as a tool to infer the amount of fluorine present during metamorphic reactions but also that we need to consider the role of fluorine for a correct interpretation of the P-T-t history of metamorphic and metasomatic rocks.
First find of merrillite, Ca3(PO4)2, in a terrestrial environment as an inclusion in lower-mantle diamond
Authors: Kaminsky Felix V. , Zedgenizov Dmitry A.
Published: August 2021

Merrillite, ideally Ca18Na2Mg2(PO4)14 (Dana No: 38.03.04.04; Strunz No: 08.AC.45), an analog to synthetic tricalcium phosphate β-Ca3(PO4)2, was identified as an inclusion in lower-mantle diamonds from the Rio Soriso area, Brazil. It was associated with former bridgmanite, CaSi- and CaTi-perovskites, and ferropericlase. This is the first report of merrillite in a terrestrial environment; previously, it was known only in meteorites and lunar rocks. The compositions of merrillite vary in different localities; the Rio Soriso sample was enriched in SO3 (2.03 wt%). Merrillite from lower-mantle diamonds may be a retrograde phase of the tuite [γ-Ca3(PO4)2]. Owing to their crystal structures, both merrillite and tuite may be important potential hosts for rare earth elements (REE) and large ion lithophile elements (LILE), including Sr and Ba, in the deep Earth. The find of merrillite suggests a larger variety of mineral species in the lower mantle than previously assumed.
Heavy metals in water and surface sediments of the Fenghe River Basin, China: assessment and source analysis
Authors: Luo Pingping , Xu Chengyi , Kang Shuxin , Huo Aidi , Lyu Jiqiang , Zhou Meimei , Nover Daniel
Published: August 2021

This paper combines environmental science, inorganic chemistry, water quality monitoring and other disciplines to analyze and assess the heavy metals in the water bodies and sediments of the Fenghe River Basin (FRB) in Shaanxi Province, and reveal their sources. The Water Quality Index (WQI), Nemero Index (Pn), Geological Accumulation Index (I-geo) and Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI) are used to assess heavy metals in water and sediments. Pearson correlation analysis (CA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (PCA) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) models are used to study the relationship and source of heavy metals. The results show that most of the residual heavy metals in the water are below the corresponding environmental quality standards for surface water. Most of the heavy metals in the sediment exceed the background value of the soil. The factors or sources of heavy metals in water and sediment are revealed in detail through PMF models. The main sources of pollution in the region are urban construction and transportation, the electronics industry, machinery manufacturing and tourism. In water, the average contribution rates of these four sources to heavy metals were 36.8%, 11.7%, 9.4% and 42.0%, and in sediments were 8.0%, 29.2%, 23.9% and 38.9%. Therefore, these sectors should be given sufficient attention.
Neutrophil Granule Proteins Inhibit Amyloid Beta Aggregation and Neurotoxicity
Authors: Kasus-Jacobi Anne , Washburn Jennifer L. , Land Craig A. , Pereira Heloise Anne
Published: August 2021

Background:

A role for neutrophils in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is
emerging. We previously showed that the neutrophil granule proteins cationic antimicrobial protein of
37 kDa (CAP37), cathepsin G (CG), and neutrophil elastase (NE) directly bind the amyloid-beta peptide
Aβ1-42, a central player in AD pathogenesis. CAP37, CG, and NE are serine proteases that can
cleave Aβ1-42 at different sites and with different catalytic activities.

Objective:

In this study, we compared the effects of these three proteins on Aβ1-42 fibrillation and neurotoxicity.

Methods:

Using mass spectrometry and in vitro aggregation assay, we found that NE and CG efficiently
cleave Aβ1-42. This cleavage correlates well with the inhibition of Aβ1-42 aggregation into fibrils.
In contrast, CAP37 did not efficiently cleave Aβ1-42, but was still able to inhibit its fibrillation,
most likely through a quenching effect. Inhibition of Aβ1-42 aggregation by NE and CG neutralized its
toxicity measured in cultured neurons. In contrast, inhibition of Aβ1-42 aggregation by CAP37 did not
inhibit its neurotoxicity.

Results:

We found that a peptide derived from CAP37 could mimic the quenching and inhibition of
Aβ1-42 aggregation effects of the full-length protein. Additionally, this peptide was able to inhibit the
neurotoxicity of the most toxic Aβ1-42 aggregate, an effect that was not found with the full-length
CAP37.

Conclusion:

These results shed light on the mechanisms of action of neutrophil granule proteins with
regard to inhibition of Aβ1-42 aggregation and neurotoxicity and open up a possible strategy for the
discovery of new disease-modifying drugs for AD.
The Relationship of Anxiety with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Narrative Review
Authors: Patel Palak , Masurkar Arjun V.
Published: August 2021

Background:

There is an increased effort to better understand neuropsychiatric symptoms
of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) as an important feature of symptomatic burden as well as potential modifiable
factors of the disease process. Anxiety is one of the most common neuropsychiatric symptoms in
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). A growing body of work has emerged that addresses the epidemiology and
biological correlations of anxiety in AD.

Methods:

Here, we review human studies in research and clinical cohorts that examined anxiety in
AD. We focused on work related to prevalence across AD stages, correlation with established biomarkers,
relationship with AD neuropathology and genetic risk factors, and impact on progression.

Results:

Anxiety is prominent in the early stages and increases across the spectrum of functional
stages. Biomarker relationships are strongest at the level of FDG-PET and amyloid measured via PET
or cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Neuropathologically, anxiety emerges with early Braak stage tau pathology.
The presence of the apolipoprotein E e4 allele is associated with increased anxiety at all
stages, most notably at mild cognitive impairment. Anxiety portended a faster progression at all predementia
stages.

Conclusion:

This body of work suggests a close biological relationship between anxiety and AD that
begins in early stages and influences functional decline. As such, we discuss future work that would
improve our understanding of this relationship and test the validity of anxiolytic treatment as disease
modifying therapy for AD.
The Role of D2-like Dopaminergic Receptor in Dopamine-mediated Modulation
of Th17-cells in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Melnikov Mikhail , Sviridova Anastasiya , Rogovskii Vladimir , Kudrin Vladimir , Murugin Vladimir , Boyko Alexey , Pashenkov Mikhail
Published: August 2021

Background:

Dopamine is one of the main mediators capable regulate the neuroimmune
interaction and is involved in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis.

Methods:

34 relapsing-remitting MS patients and 23 healthy subjects were examined. To assess the
effect of dopamine on Th17-cells, CD4+ T-cells were cultured in the presence of dopamine and antagonist
or agonist of D1- or D2-like dopaminergic receptors and stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28-
microbeads. The levels of cytokines in supernatants were assessed by ELISA.

Results:

Production of interleukin-17 (IL-17), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), granulocyte-colony stimulating
factor (GM-CSF), and IL-21 by CD4+ T-cells as well as dopamine were comparable between the
groups. Dopamine suppressed cytokine secretion by activated СD4+ T-cells in both groups. Blockade
of D1-like dopaminergic receptor with a specific antagonist SCH23390 did not affect dopaminemediated
cytokine suppression. In contrast, blockade of D2-like dopaminergic receptor by sulpiride
decreased dopamine's inhibitory effect on IL-17 secretion in both groups and GM-CSF and IL-21
production in MS patients. Blockade of D1-like dopaminergic receptor directly inhibited IL-17, IFN-
γ, GM-CSF in both groups and IL-21 production in healthy subjects, while blockade of D2-like dopaminergic
receptor had no effect on cytokine secretion. Finally, activation of D2-like dopaminergic
receptor with a specific agonist quinpirole decreased cytokine production in both groups.

Conclusion:

These data suggest an inhibitory role of dopamine on Th17-cells in MS, which could
be mediated by the activation of the D2-like dopaminergic receptor.
Optimal Dose of Erenumab for Preventive Treatment of Episodic Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Yanbo , Chen Mingjia , Wu Da , Sun Yue , Jiang Fan , Chen Zhouqing , Wang Zhong
Published: August 2021

Background:

Erenumab is a novel monoclonal calcitonin gene-related peptide
receptor antibody that is used for the preventive treatment of migraine.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the overall safety, efficacy, and dose-response
relationship of erenumab in patients with episodic migraine and patients with prior migraine
treatment failures.

Objectives :

To evaluate overall safety and efficacy and dose-response relationship of erenumab in patients with episodic migraine and patients with prior migraine treatment failures.

Methods:

We searched randomized clinical trials on PUBMED, EMBASE database, and
Cochrane Library database. A pair-wise meta-analysis and Bayesian network analysis were
performed.

Results:

For efficacy outcomes, the network meta-analysis suggests that in comparison to
erenumab 70 mg, participants who received erenumab 140 mg reported a significant decrease
in monthly acute Migraine-Specific Medication Days (MSMD) and 50% increase in response
rate, and erenumab was most likely to be ranked first for Monthly Migraine Days (MMD),
MSMD, and 50% response rate. For safety outcomes, the network meta-analysis has found no
significant difference between the 70 mg group and the 140 mg group measured by adverse
events and serious adverse events. In the 140 mg erenumab group, a significant decreased in
MMD and MSMD and 50% and 75% increased in response rate were reported in patients with
≥ 2 treatment failures compared to placebo. For safety outcomes, no significant difference was
found between the 140 mg erenumab group and the placebo group.

Conclusion:

Erenumab was effective in patients with episodic migraine. A total of 140 mg
erenumab was associated with better efficacy outcomes without any increased risk for
developing adverse events compared to 70 mg erenumab. Furthermore, 140 mg erenumab was
effective in patients with prior migraine treatment failures.
Airway Fibroblast Secretory Products Enhance Cell Migration
Authors: Jaulin Nundisa , Idrus Ruszymah Hj , Saim Aminuddin , Wan-Ibrahim Wan Izlina , Abdul-Rahman Puteri Shafinaz , Lokanathan Yogeswaran
Published: August 2021

Background:

The nasal fibroblast secretome, which includes various cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, promotes cell migration. Currently, the proteomics of Airway Fibroblast (AF) Conditioned Medium (AFCM) are being actively studied.

Objective:

This study was aimed at profiling and identifying the AF secreted proteins that can enhance wound healing of the airway epithelium and predict the potential pathway involved.

Methods:

Airway Epithelial Cells (AECs) and AFs were isolated from redundant human nasal turbinate and cultured. AFCM was collected by culturing the AFs either with serum-free airway epithelium basal medium (AECM) or with serum-free F12:DMEM (FDCM). For evaluating cell migration, the AECs were supplemented with airway epithelium medium and defined keratinocyte medium (1:1; AEDK; control), or with AEDK supplemented with 20% AECM or 20% FDCM. The mass spectrometry sample was prepared by protein precipitation, followed by gel electrophoresis and in-gel digestion.

Results :

AECM promoted better cell migration compared to the FDCM and the control medium. Bioinformatics analysis identified a total of 121, and 92 proteins from AECM and FDCM, respectively: 109 and 82 were identified as secreted proteins, respectively. STRING® analysis predicted that 23 proteins from the AECM and 16 proteins from the FDCM are involved in wound healing.

Conclusion:

Conditioned medium promotes wound healing by enhancing cell migration, and we successfully identified various secretory proteins in a conditioned medium that play important roles in wound healing.
Method Development and Validation for the Determination of Linezolid
Drug in Human Plasma by Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid
Chromatography
Authors: Missoum Amina , Aboul-Enein Hassan Y. , Hamza Kahina , Malki Fatiha , Hamdi Abderrezak
Published: August 2021

Objective:

Linezolid is a significant antibiotic used against severe infections initiated
by multi-resistant bacterial pathogens.

Method:

The aim of this study is to develop and validate a simple, selective and accurate highperformance
liquid chromatographic HPLC method for the analysis of linezolid LZD.

Method:

Linezolid extraction from plasma is obtained using methanol. Chromatographic separation
is achieved isocratically on a C18 column [Zorbax C18, 5 μm particle size, 150 mm˟ 4.6 mm]
making use of a mobile phase of acetonitrile / 0.05 M phosphate buffer, pH = 4.5 (30: 70 v/v) at a
flow rate of 1.2 mL/min with photodiode array detector DAD, at a wavelength of 256 nm.

Results :

The retention time of linezolid was 2.5 min. The analytical method was linear (r2 >
0.998) over the calibration range of 0.30 to 50.0 μg/mL. The extraction recoveries of linezolid
range from 71.03 to 91.93 %. The limit of quantification and the limit of detection were 0.112 μg
and 0.037 μg, respectively. The RSDs for intraday and interday assays were < 7.77 and 4.32 %,
respectively. The intraday and interday accuracies were in the range 80.6-112 % and 77.44-
104.85 %, respectively.

Conclusion:

The applied method is precise, accurate and appropriate for pharmacokinetic studies
and therapeutic drug monitoring of linezolid in routine clinical practice.
An Update on Root Canal Preparation Techniques and How to Avoid Procedural Errors in Endodontics
Authors: El-Kishawi Mohamed , Khalaf Khaled
Published: August 2021

Background:

Effective root canal treatment involves cleaning and shaping root canals using a range of instrumentation procedures and techniques. The aim of this review was to provide an update on root canal hand instrumentation techniques and how to overcome iatrogenic errors.

Methods:

A comprehensive search was carried out using multiple databases, PubMed, Medline, Google scholar, and Scopus, to identify relevant studies addressing the objective of this study and to summarize the current evidence to readers. Keywords,i.e., endodontics, root canal preparation, hand instrumentation, techniques and procedural errors, as well as, MeSH terms,i.e. “endodontics”, “instrumentation”, “root canal preparation” were used to conduct our comprehensive search.

Results:

The hybrid technique is a commonly-used approach that combines the benefits of both the crown-down and step-back techniques and was reported to be one of the best techniques to produce an optimal root canal preparation outcome. Hand-instrument manipulation using the balanced forced technique is also favoured as it rapidly and safely permits removal of canal contents allowing irrigants and medications to reach deep inside canal spaces.

Conclusion:

The use of hand files is still recommended for initial canal negotiation and preparation and is essential for the correction of procedural errors. This study provided an update on several hand instrumentation techniques commonly used in endodontics. The correct and safe application of these techniques can prevent iatrogenic procedural errors from occurring which optimizes the quality of treatment outcome.
Value Orientations of Modern Kazakhstanis
Authors: Adilova Elnur , Aimaganbetova Olga , Kassymova Laura , Sadvakassova Zuhra , Ryskulova Madina , Sagnayeva Tolkyn
Published: August 2021

Background & Objective:

Values are a good indicator for tracking social and individual changes due to historical, social and personal events. Therefore, it is important to explore the values of modern Kazakhstanis and determine the dialectical relationship of integrity, stability, and dynamics in the invariance of the system of value orientations during socio-economic, political, religious, aesthetic, and cultural-historical changes in post-Soviet society. Comprehending the problem of transformation and transmission of values will allow us to consider the underlying psychological processes influencing the formation of personal values. This research aimed to study the value orientations of modern Kazakhstanis of the post-Soviet period in the context of gender and age factors.

Methods:

The study involved 305 respondents, of which 192 were women and 113 were men, while the age of 202 respondents ranged from 18 to 25 years, and that of 103 respondents ranged from 50 to 65 years. For the study of value orientations, the “Modified Questionnaire of Values” (PVQ-R) by S. Schwartz was used.

Results:

In the system of value orientations of Kazakhstanis, an internal conflict can be traced between personal and social focus, and between self-determination and self-affirmation. Two generations are differentiated by the following values: the value of Achievement, Social complexity, and Control of fate. The two sexes are differentiated by values such as Social cynicism, Control of fate, Stimulation, Personal Security, Modesty, Universalism-Tolerance, Benevolence-Care and Benevolence-Sense of duty.

Conclusion:

Despite the late deep transformations of Kazakhstani society, the value orientations of modern Kazakhstanis tend to preserve the basic value component, which is a mechanism of transferring the stable elements of the value system of a highly collective culture from generation to generation. The value orientations of Kazakhstani people of both young and older generations are realized through mechanisms of growth and development, and self-defense.