bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning modeling techniques for forecasting the trophic level in a restored South Mediterranean lagoon using Chlorophyll-α
Authors: Hadid Nadia Ben , Goyet Catherine , Chaar Hatem , Maiz Naceur Ben , Guglielmi Veronique , Shili Abdessalem
Published: March 2021

An Artificial Neural Network (ANN), a Machine Learning (ML) modeling approach is proposed to predict the ecological state of the North Lagoon of Tunis, a shallow restored Mediterranean coastal ecosystem. A Nonlinear Auto Regressive with exogenous input (NARX) neural network model was fitted to predict Chlorophyll- a (Chl- a ) concentrations in the North Lagoon of Tunis as an eutrophication indicator. The modeling is based on approximately three decades of monitoring water quality data (from January 1989 to April 2018) to train, validate and test the NARX model. The most relevant predictor variables used in this model were those having a high permutation importance ranking with Random Forest (RF) model, which simplified the structure of the network, resulting in a more accurate and efficient procedure. Those predictor variables are secchi depth, and dissolved oxygen. Various model scenarios with different NARX architectures were tested for Chl- a prediction. To verify the model performances, the trained models were applied to field monitoring data. Results indicated that the developed NARX model can predict Chl- a concentrations in the North Lagoon of Tunis with high accuracy (R= 0.79; MSE= 0.31). In addition, results showed that the NARX model generally performed better than multivariate linear regression (MVLR). This approach could provide a quick assessment of Chl- a variations for lagoon management and eco-restoration.
Synthesis and physical properties of biodegradable nanocomposites fabricated using acrylic acid-grafted poly(butylene carbonate-co-terephthalate) and organically-modified layered zinc phenylphosphonate
Authors: Lee Yi-Fang , Wu Tzong-Ming
Published: March 2021

A set of novel biocompatible aliphatic-aromatic nanocomposites, including numerous acrylic acid-grafted poly(butylene carbonate-co-terephthalate) (g-PBCT) and organically-modified layered zinc phenylphosphonate (m-PPZn), were successfully synthesized via polycondensation and transesterification. A primary covalent linkage was produced between the biocompatible polymer and the inorganic reinforcements. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectra demonstrated the successful grafting of acrylic acid into the PBCT (g-PBCT). Both wide-angle X-ray diffraction data and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed that the g-PBCT polymer matrix was intercalated into the interlayer spacing of the m-PPZn and was chemically interacted with the m-PPZn. The addition of m-PPZn in the g-PBCT matrix significantly improved its storage modulus. A slight increase in thermal stability was observed in all the g-PBCT/m-PPZn composites. Both results are attributed to the presence of covalent bond between g-PBCT and m-PPZn.
Sleep EEG characteristics associated with total sleep time misperception in young adults
Authors: Xu Biyun , Cai Qinghao , Mai Runru , Liang Hailong , Huang Jiayu , Yang Zhimin
Published: March 2021

Backgroud: Power spectral analysis (PSA) is one of the most commonly-used EEG markers of cortical hyperarousal which help to understand subjective-objective sleep discrepancy (SOD). Age is associated with decreased sleep EEG activity. Currently, PSA of young adults are limited. Thus, this study aimed to examine the correlation of spectral EEG power with total sleep time misperception in young patients. Methods : Forty-seven young adults were recruited and underwent a polysomnography recording in a sleep laboratory. The clinical records and self-report questionnaires of all patients were collected, who were categorized into the GS (n=10), insomnias with a low mismatch (IWLM, n=19) and participants with a high mismatch (IWHM, n=18) subgroups. Power spectral analysis was performed during the first 6 hours of sleep. Results : The IWLM group showed increased absolute beta power in central-frontal area and relative beta power in frontal areas compared to the GS group. In addition, IWHM patients exhibited higher absolute and relative beta power in the central area compared to the GS group. The absolute and relative beta/delta ratios in frontal area in the IWHM and IWLM groups were higher than those in the GS group. The IWHM group also showed higher absolute and relative beta/delta ratios in the central area compared with the GS group. No significant difference in the above parameters was observed between the IWHM and IWLM groups. Moreover, the SOD of TST was negatively correlated with the relative delta power (r=0.289, p=0.049), beta power (r=0.373, p=0.010), beta/delta ratio(r= 0.314, p=0.032), and the absolute beta/delta ratio (r=0.314, p=0.032) in central area. Conclusions: Young IWHM and IWLM patients showed increased beta EEG power compared to GS, suggesting that there exists increased cortical activity in these patients. Also, the beta/delta ratio was negatively correlated with the SOD in patients with IWHM and IWLM.
Dispensing Antiretrovirals During Covid-19 Lockdown: Pathways to Health System Resilience in Uganda
Authors: Zakumumpa Henry , Tumwine Christopher , Milliam Kiconco , Spicer Neil
Published: March 2021

INTRODUCTIONAlthough there is an emerging evidence base on the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on access to health services in low-and middle-income countries, the related notion of health system resilience has received little empirical attention. The objective of this study was to explore health system resilience at the sub-national level in Uganda with regard to strategies for dispensing of antiretrovirals during Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.METHODSWe conducted a qualitative case-study of eight districts from Eastern Uganda (Mbale, Sironko, Manafwa, Bulambuli, Bududa) and Western Uganda (Kabarole, Kyegegwa, Kyenjonjo) purposively selected due to having a relatively high HIV burden. Between June and September 2020, we conducted key informant interviews with district health team leaders (n=9), with ART clinic managers (n=36), representatives of PEPFAR implementing organizations (n=6) and six focus group discussions with recipients of HIV/AIDS care (48 participants). Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic approach.RESULTSFive broad strategies for distributing antiretrovirals during ‘lockdown’ emerged in our analysis: accelerating home-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) deliveries,; extending multi-month dispensing from three to six months for stable patients; leveraging the Community Drug Distribution Points (CDDPs) model for ART refill pick-ups at outreach sites in the community; an increased reliance on health information systems, including geospatial technologies, to support ART refill distribution in unmapped rural settings. District health teams reported benefiting from the Covid-19 outbreak response funding to deliver ART refills to homesteads in rural communities.CONCLUSIONAlthough Covid-19 ‘lockdown’ undoubtedly impeded access to facility-based HIV services, it unraveled new possibilities and innovations in the distribution of antiretrovirals in the predominantly rural settings of our case-study districts. Further research is recommended to evaluate the potential of home-based deliveries as an alternative differentiated ART delivery model in Uganda and other countries with a high HIV burden.
Constructing Carbon-Coated Fe3O4 Hierarchical Microstructures with a Porous Structure and their Excellent Cr(VI) Ion Removal Properties
Authors: wu xiaoping , Cheng Lin , Song Chang-Sheng , Zhang Yi-Zhe , Shi Xiao-Jing , Li Xiao-Yun , Lin Ping , Wang Shun-Li , Wang Peng , Xu Ling-Bo , Jin Li , Cui Can
Published: March 2021

Here, a facile solvothermal method coupled with an annealing strategy is developed to synthesize Fe3O4/carbon (Fe3O4@C) magnetic composite microstructures with different morphologies, including flower-like, hollow spheres and egg-like. Owing to the unique multi-porous and hollow structure, the as-prepared hierarchical Fe3O4@C hollow microspheres composite exhibit appealing performance as an absorbent of Cr(VI) ions in aqueous solution, delivering a high capacity of ca.197.2mg/g. Furthermore, the magnetic Fe3O4 ‘‘core’’ in composite hierarchical microstructures makes them easy to separate from aqueous systems by magnetic separation, the layer of carbon effectively prevents agglomerations of magnetic nanoparticles and expands their range of applications. The excellent Cr(VI) ions adsorbent activities of the Fe3O4@C magnetic composite microstructures would have a potential adsorbing material application in environmental purification.
Insights Into Heat Response Mechanisms in Clematis Species: Physiological Analysis, Expression Profiles and Function Verification
Authors: Zhang Hao , Jiang Changhua , Wang Rui , Zhang Long , Gai Ruonan , Peng Siyuan , Zhang Yi , Mao Chanjuan , Lou Yuxia , Mo Jianbin , Feng Shucheng , Ming Feng
Published: March 2021

Clematis species are commonly grown in western and Japanese gardens. Heat stress can inhibit many physiological processes mediating plant growth and development. The mechanism regulating responses to heat has been well characterized in Arabidopsis thaliana and some crops, but not in horticultural plants, including Clematis species. In this study, we found that Clematis alpina ‘Stolwijk Gold’ was heat-sensitive whereas Clematis vitalba and Clematis viticella ‘Polish Spirit’ were heat-tolerant based on the physiological analyses in heat stress. Transcriptomic profiling identified a set of heat tolerance-related genes (HTGs). Consistent with the observed phenotype in heat stress, 41.43% of the differentially expressed HTGs between heat treatment and control were down-regulated in heat-sensitive cultivar Stolwijk Gold, but only 9.80% and 20.79% of the differentially expressed HTGs in heat resistant C. vitalba and Polish Spirit, respectively. Co-expression network, protein–protein interaction network and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the genes encoding heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) and heat shock proteins (HSPs) played an essential role in Clematis resistance to heat stress. Ultimately, we proposed that two clades of HSFs may have diverse functions in regulating heat resistance from C. vitalba and CvHSFA2-2 could endow different host with high temperature resistance. This study provides first insights into the diversity of the heat response mechanisms among Clematis species.
Microarray-Based Analysis of the Complements in Kidney Reveals a Therapeutic Target in Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Liu Tao , Yang Mingyue , Xia Ying , Jiang Chuan , Li Chenxu , Jiang Zhenyu , Wang Xiaosong
Published: March 2021

Background: To screen abnormal pathways and complement components in the kidney of lupus nephritis (LN), and determine a local C3 related therapeutic target in LN.Methods: KEGG and GO enrichment assay were used to analyze the kidney microarray data of LN patients and NZB/W mice. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays were used to measure renal expression of complement-related proteins and TGFβ1. Cytokines were measured using RT-qPCR and ELISA. Results: We screened the local pathogenic pathways shared by LN patients and NZB/W mice in the kidney and selected the complement activation pathway for further study. We found greater expression of C1QA, C1QB, C3，C3AR1 and C5AR1 at the mRNA and protein levels. C3 is a key factor of the disease and the downstream of C1 is inhibited in the kidney. There were significant correlations between the expression of TGFβ1 and C3 in LN. In addition, our analysis of the primary cell-cultures indicated that TGFβ1 promoted the expression of C3 and that a TGFβ1 antagonist decreased the levels of C3 and C3AR in LN. TGFβ1 inhibition significantly inhibited the deposition of complement-related factors in the kidneys of NZB/W mice.Conclusions: At the onset of LN, there was significant renal up-regulation of C3 and other complement pathway-related factors in the kidneys of human and NZB/W mice. C3 may lead to albuminuria and participate in the pathogenesis of LN. TGFβ1 promotes C3 synthesis, and TGFβ1 inhibition may block the progression of LN by inhibiting the synthesis of C3 and other complement components.
Cerebral function imaging of acupuncture treatment for stroke: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Yihao , Shi Jing , Huang Gan , Huang Zhilin , Feng Sifeng , Luo Chunhong , Dai Anhong , Zhang Xuelian , Yang Guangzhi , Zhao Xiaoqing , Wang Min
Published: March 2021

Background: Stroke is one of the most common causes of death and is the main cause of persistent and acquired disability in adults worldwide. Acupuncture is recommended as an alternative and complementary strategy for stroke treatment by the World Health Organization as it can significantly improve patients' quality of life. However, the central nervous system (CNS) mechanism of acupuncture treatment of stroke is unclear. The aim of this study is explore the effective pathway and action mechanism of acupuncture treatment for stroke on the CNS.Methods: The following databases will be searched by electronic methods: PubMed; Medline; Embase; Cochrane Library; Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure; VIP Database; Wan-fang Data; Chinese Biomedical Database. All of them will be retrieved from the establishment date of the electronic database to December 2020, all included studies will be evaluated risk of bias by the Cochrane Handbook. Spatial coordinates of the Montreal Neurological Institute of activated brain regions will be the primary outcome. The systematic review will be conducted with the use of SDM v5.141 software for voxel meta-analysis in this study.Results: This study will obtain the correlation between the activated brain regions of acupuncture treatment for stroke.Conclusion: This study will explore the effective pathway and action mechanism of acupuncture, and provide a reliable scientific basis for the treatment of stroke by acupuncture.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021231329.
Functionally Selective Signaling and Broad Metabolic Benefits by Novel Insulin Receptor Partial Agonists
Authors: Wu Margaret , Carballo-Jane Ester , Zhou Haihong , Zafian Peter , Dai Ge , Liu Mindy , Lao Julie , Kelly Terri , Gorski Judith , Pissarnitski Dmitri , Kekec Ahmet , Chen Ying , Previs Stephen , Scapin Giovanna , Gomez-Llorente Yacob , Hollingsworth Scott , Yan Lin , Feng Danqing , Huo Pei , Walford Geoffrey , Erion Mark , Kelley David , Lin Songnian , Mu James
Published: March 2021

Since its debut a century ago, insulin therapies have saved many lives and are now routinely used by patients with diabetes to manage hyperglycemia. Exemplary early studies of insulin molecular pathways led to the realization of the critical roles of signaling transduction in mediating its pleiotropic actions. Multiple insulin analogs have been developed in the last few decades primarily focused on improving the time action profile without affecting ligand-receptor interaction or functional selectivity in downstream signaling. As a result, inherent liabilities of injectable insulins continue to limit insulin’s true therapeutic potential. For example, fear of hypoglycemia often leads to underdosing and inadequate glycemic control and, as a consequence, continued risk of diabetic complications. Efforts to develop hepatic targeted basal insulin analogs lead to reduced effect on skeletal muscle and lower hypoglycemic risk but failed to adequately suppress lipolysis. To achieve both functional selectivity and a more desirable pharmacological profile, we evaluated a series of covalent insulin dimers that act in cellular assays as insulin receptor partial agonists (IRPA). Structural studies revealed distinct insulin receptor interactions compared to insulin analogs. Furthermore, IRPAs were shown to induce biased signaling in cellular assays that supports the potential for reduced mitogenic and atherosclerotic activities compared to regular insulin. In vivo, IRPAs exhibit tissue preferential action that attenuates stimulation of skeletal muscle glucose uptake while retaining hepatic and adipose actions to regulate glucose production and lipolysis, respectively. These attributes are expected to significantly reduce the hypoglycemic risk while achieving similar glycemic control and less body weight gain relative to comparator insulin analogs in animal models. Furthermore, IRPA lessens receptor internalization resulting in a slower clearance and long duration of action across species, an optimal feature for a basal insulin. In summary, IRPA possesses the desired molecular features that are required to reduce the hypoglycemic risk while maintaining the broad metabolic benefits of insulin therapy and as such represents a potential transformative therapy for patients with diabetes.
The microRNA prediction models as ancillary diagnosis biomarkers for urothelial carcinoma in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Li An-Lun , Chou Che-Yi , Chen Chien-Lung , Wu Kun-Lin , Lin Shih-Chieh , Chen Chi-Ching , Shu Kuo-Hsiung , Chen Hung-Chun , Wang Ming-Chang , Chang Chia-Chu , Hsu Bang-Gee , Wu Mai-Szu , Huang Chiu-Ching , Ma Nianhan
Published: March 2021

Background: Urothelial carcinoma is a common urological cancer in patients with chronic kidney disease in Taiwan. However, urinary cystoscopy is an invasive procedure and urine cytology showed low sensitivity for low-grade tumor. High accuracy with noninvasive diagnostic tools for UC is needed for patients with CKD. Methods: A total of 272 urine and 138 plasma samples to detect the miRNA expression levels for establishing UC signatures from patients with CKD. 17 candidate miRNAs of urine and plasma were selected by the PCR array, and a single qRT-PCR assay was used to confirm the results. The website of a smRNA-seq analysis of the clinical specimens was compared to survival status. The miRNA prediction models were produced for predicting UC by multiple logistic regression.Results: Urinary miR-1274a and miR-30a-5p expression levels were significantly lower but miR-19a-5p expression levels were higher in UC when compared with CKD. In plasma samples, miR-155-5p, miR-19b-1-5p, miR-378 and miR-636 showed significantly lower expression in UC compared to those with CKD. The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that lower expression of miR-19a, miR-19b, miR-636 and miR-378, and higher expression of miR-708-5p were associated with poor prognosis in patients with bladder cancer. In addition, we produced classifiers for predicting UC by multiple logistic regression. The urine signature was developed with four miRNAs, and the AUC was 0.8211. Eight miRNA expression levels from both urine and plasma samples were examined, and the AUC was 0.8595.Conclusion: Two miRNA classifiers could improve the drawbacks of current UC biomarker screenings for patients with CKD.
Increasing Buffering Capacity Alters Rumen Microbiota Composition and Enhances Rumen Fermentation Characteristics of High-Concentrate Fed Hanwoo Steers
Authors: Ramos Sonny , Kim Seon Ho , Jeong Chang Dae , Mamuad Lovelia L. , Son A-rang , Kang Seung Ha , Cho Yong Il , Kim Tae Gyu , Lee Jin Sung , Cho Kwang Keun , Lee Sung Sill , Lee Sang Suk
Published: March 2021

Background: Rumen bacterial community is mainly affected by the type of diet consumed by the host animals. High concentrate diet increases the abundance of lactic acid producers and utilizers due to high level of non-structural carbohydrates thus reducing the number of fiber-degrading bacteria because of drastic decrease in pH. Dietary buffers are essential in regulating rumen pH through the compounds responsible in resisting drastic decrease in pH once cattle were fed with high-concentrate diet. However, no study has evaluated the effects of buffering capacity and efficiency in alleviating chronic acidosis in rumen. Ruminal metataxonomic and fermentation characteristics analyses were conducted to evaluate the effect of different buffering capacities on in vitro and in vivo experiments in high-concentrate fed Hanwoo steers. Results: Results revealed that BC0.9% and BC0.5% had similar and significant effect (P < 0.05) on in vitro ruminal fermentation at 3 to 24 h incubation. Both BC0.9% and BC0.5% had significantly highest (P < 0.05) buffering capacity, pH, and ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) than BC0.3% and CON at 24 h of incubation. Individual and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) were significantly lowest in CON. Increasing buffering capacity concentration showed linear effect on pH at 6 to 24 h while total gas and NH3-N at 3 and 12 h. Phylum Bacteroidetes dominated all treatments but a higher abundance of Firmicutes in BC0.5% than others. Ruminoccocus bromii and Succiniclasticum ruminis were dominant in BC0.5% and Bacteroides massiliensis in BC0.3%. The normalized data of relative abundance of observed OTUs’ representative families have grouped the CON with BC0.3% in the same cluster, whereas BC0.5% and BC0.9% were clustered separately which indicates the effect of varying buffering capacity of buffer agents. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) on unweighted UniFrac distances revealed close similarity of bacterial community structures within and between treatments and control, in which BC0.9% and BC0.3% groups showed dispersed community distribution. Conclusion: Our findings showed that increasing buffering capacity enhances rumen fermentation parameters and affects rumen microbiome by altering bacterial community through distinct structure between high and low buffering capacity, thus an important factor contributed to the prevention of ruminal acidosis during a high-concentrate diet.
Ultra-stable all-solid-state sodium-metal batteries enabled by perfluoropolyether-based electrolytes
Authors: WANG Xiaoen , Zhang Cheng , Sawczyk Michal , Yuan Qinghong , Chen Fangfang , Mendes Tiago , Howlett Patrick , Fu Changkui , Searles Debra , Kral Petr , Hawker Craig , Whittaker Andrew , Forsyth Maria
Published: March 2021

Rechargeable batteries paired with sodium (Na)-metal anodes are considered as one of the most promising high energy and low-cost energy storage systems. However, the use of highly reactive Na metal and the formation of Na dendrites during battery operation have caused significant safety concerns, especially when highly flammable liquid electrolytes are used. Herein, we design and develop a solvent-free solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) based on a perfluoropolyether (PFPE) terminated polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based block copolymer for safe and stable all-solid-state Na-metal batteries. Compared with traditional poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) or PEG SPEs, our results suggest that block copolymer design allows for the formation of self-assembled microstructures leading to high storage modulus at elevated temperatures with the PEG domains providing transport channels even at high salt concentration (EO/Na+ = 8:2). Moreover, it is demonstrated that the incorporation of PFPE segments enhances the Na+ transference number of the electrolyte to 0.46 at 80 oC. Finally, the proposed SPE exhibits highly stable symmetric cell cycling performance with high current density (0.5 mA cm-2 and 1.0 mAh cm-2, up to 1300 hours). The assembled all-solid-state Na-metal batteries with Na3V2(PO4)3 cathode demonstrate outstanding rate performance, high capacity retention and long-term charge/discharge stability (CE = 99.91%) after more than 900 cycles.
Contributing Factors to Implementation Gaps in Rehabilitation Services in South Africa: Perspectives from health facility-level Rehabilitation Clinician-Managers
Authors: Magaqa Qhayiya
Published: March 2021

Previous studies have examined health policy implementation globally. However, few studies have examined policy implementation as it relates to rehabilitation services. This study aimed to report on the factors which may be contributing to policy implementation gaps in rehabilitation services in a rural district of South Africa. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with rehabilitation providers who have both clinical and managerial duties in health facilities. The framework method was used to guide analysis. Findings suggest that gaps between rehabilitation policy and the available services may be attributable to a lack of systems hardware and the presence of maladaptive systems software. Additionally, the limited ability of rehabilitation managers to exercise their power to plan and organise rehabilitation services constrained policy implementation. The implications of this work point to the need to better include rehabilitation managers in priority setting and resource allocation processes at the level of the health facility.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of autophagy genes in cucumber
Authors: Han Yuehua , Yang Yue , Wang Yu , Elsheery Nabil Ibrahim , Ding Guohua
Published: March 2021

Background

Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved physiological and developmental process in eukaryotes. In this process, damaged proteins in cells are degraded and cytoplasmic materials recycled. When plants are exposure to stress conditions or their growth and development are blocked, autophagy is induced to maintain the cell homeostasis by degrading long-lived proteins in the cells and organelles that function abnormally due to aging or damage. Cell autophagy has multiple functions in plants, it involved in growth and development, senescence, and responses to biotic and abiotic stress. So far, thirty three autophagy genes (ATG) have been found in rice, and more than 30 autophagy-related genes have been found in Arabidopsis, tobacco and corn, respectively. Four autophagy genes induced by salicylic acid were found in cucumber, but a little still unknown about all of autophagy genes in cucumber genome. Our experiment fully explored the ATG gene family of cucumber genome based on bioinformatics methods and identified 20 CsATG genes. We systematically analyzed the structure, conserved motifs, expression and phylogeny relationship of these ATG genes, which lays the foundation for exploring the function of the genes.
Results

A total of 20 putative ATG genes were identified in the cucumber genome. Gene duplication analysis showed that both fragmented and tandem duplication played vital roles in the amplification of cucumber ATG gene family. Gene expression analysis showed that 16 CsATG genes were induced by the salicylic acid (SA) treatment, and 16 CsATG genes were down-regulated by Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment. Under high salinity stress, 10 CsATG genes were induced in roots. Under drought stress, 16 CsATG genes were induced in roots. Under carbon starvation stress, all of 20 CsATG genes were induced to express in leaves, suggesting that cell autophagy has a potential role in nutritional starvation tolerance.
Conclusion

Our results clearly have deepened our understanding of the characteristics and functions of cucumber ATG gene, and also found some new gene resources that can be used for the future development of cucumber and other crop varieties, which can resist stress.
Periodontitis-mediated Conversion of CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells into Proinflammatory Interleukin 17-producing T Helper Cells
Authors: Liu Hongrui , Li Dongfang , Li Minqi
Published: March 2021

Background: Among CD4+ T helper (Th) cells, Th17-Treg imbalance is a major pathogenesis of Chronic periodontitis (CP). Treg cells are often considered to play a protective role but they may have plasticity. This study aimed to clarify the regulatory role of Th17-Treg balance in periodontitis and further reveal Treg plasticity.Methods: An experimental periodontitis model was established by ligation of a silk thread and local injection of Pg-LPS. Inflammatory factors in serum and gingival tissues were measured by ELISA and RT-PCR. The degree of alveolar bone absorption was evaluated by micro-CT and histomorphological analysis. Quantities of Treg and Th17 cell and their related gene expression levels were examined. Furthermore, after magnetic bead-sorting spleen Treg cells, their characteristic genes and Th17 cell-related factors were explored at the mRNA level.Results: Inflammatory cytokines in serum and gingival tissue increased significantly in experimental periodontitis, which revealed obvious crestal bone loss around maxillary second molars. Consistently, we found increased secretion of RANKL by osteoblasts, thereby promoting the formation of osteoclasts and enhancing their activity in periodontitis. Further analysis showed that the number of Th17 cells and expression of related genes increased more significantly than Treg cells, demonstrating Treg-Th17 imbalance in periodontitis. Flow cytometry showed that the proportions of Treg cells in the blood and spleen of the periodontitis group was lower than those of the control group. Furthermore, Treg cell-related gene Foxp3 was downregulated and their expression of Th17 cell-related genes Rorc and IL-17A were increased. Conclusions: These results provided evidence that periodontitis may lead to Treg-Th17 conversion, although its mechanisms requires further study.
Sustained Microglial Activation in the Area Postrema of Collagen-induced Arthritis Mice: a Potential Pathway Linking Arthritis and the Brain
Authors: Matsushita Takayuki , Otani Kazuhiro , Oto Yohsuke , Takahashi Yukari , Kurosaka Daitaro , Kato Fusao
Published: March 2021

Background. Neuropsychological symptoms are common complications among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), while it is largely unexplored how RA pathology spread to brain protected by blood-brain barrier (BBB). The sensory circumventricular organs (sCVOs) (brain regions lacking a blood–brain barrier) is the brain site that peripheral inflammatory signals, such as blood cytokines and chemokines, can directly access and modulate cell activities in the brain parenchyma. To determine whether microglia, resident immune cells in neuronal tissue, in the sCVOs can function as an interface between peripheral inflammation and brain under the autoimmune-arthritis conditions, we analyzed microglia in the sCVOs of a mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).Methods. Microglial number and morphology were analyzed in the sCVOs of CIA and control mice (controls were administrated Freund’s adjuvant [FA] and/or saline). Immunostaining for ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1 was performed at various disease phases: “pre-onset” (post-immunization day [PID] 21), ”establishment” (PID 35), and “chronic” (PID 56 and 84). Quantitative analyses on microglial number and morphology were performed, with principal component analysis used to classify microglia. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) mRNA expression in microglia was also analyzed by multiple fluorescent in situ hybridization.Results. In the area postrema (AP), one of the sCVOs located in the medulla, microglia significantly increased in density (CIA, n = 15; FA, n = 6; saline: n = 10) with changes in morphology during the establishment and chronic phases. In other sCVOs (subfornical organs [SFO] and organum vasculosum laminae terminalis [OVLT]), microglial changes were not significant. In the AP microglia, non-subjective clustering classification of cell morphology (CIA, 1,256 cells; saline, 852 cells) showed that the proportion of microglia in a highly activated form was increased in the CIA group. Also, the density of IL-1β-positive microglia, a hallmark of functional activation, increased in the AP. These microglial changes in the AP persisted until the chronic phase.Conclusions. Our findings indicate that an increase and activation of microglia is sustained in the AP during chronic arthritis. This suggests that there is a direct physiological pathway linking peripheral arthritis to the brain through the AP.
Top-100 Most-cited Articles on Esophageal Cancer: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Ni Wenjie , Sun Li-li , Fang Tong
Published: March 2021

Background A citation classic is a highly cited work in a field and regarded as an influential contribution to the field’s advancements and literature. Analyzing citation classics and top articles promotes the recognition of research trends within a field. We present the results of the first analysis to identify the 100 most frequently cited research studies on esophageal cancer or esophagogastric junction cancer using the bibliometric analysis method. Method We searched the Web of Science on September 24, 2020. Articles were listed in descending order by the total number of citations, and the top-100 most-cited original articles on esophageal cancer or esophagogastric junction cancer were extracted and evaluated. Results The top-100 citation classics in esophageal cancer were published from 1981 to 2018. A significant increase was found in the number of citation classics from the early 1990s to the late 2000s, which was paralleled by an increase in randomized controlled trials focusing on the clinical treatment of tumors. The medians of the total and annual citations in our analysis were 444.50 (interquartile range [IQR] 346.25-684.50) and 30.08 (IQR 19.10-56.60), respectively. The majority of articles were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology (n=26), originated in the United States (n=38) and focused on clinical therapies (n=59). The median impact factor of the journals was 27.603 (IQR 9.727-32.956). Conclusion Our analysis provides a historical perspective on the scientific progress of esophageal cancer and contributes to the recognition of important advances in this specialty.
Correlational research on facial and clinical characteristics of adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Wang Yanrong , Chang Shaohua , Ma Xiaomin , Li Jiying , Zhang Ruixia , fang jianqun
Published: March 2021

We examined the relationship between facial morphological features and clinical characteristics of adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The enrolled study sample comprised 40 adolescents diagnosed with OCD using the Obsessive Compulsive Inventory Child Version (OCI-CV) and 38 healthy controls (HCs). Facial photos, 21 facial diameters, and nine facial angles were collected using image software. In males, lower lip red height was significantly lower in OCD patients than in HCs (P < 0.05); no significant differences were observed in other facial indicators (all P > 0.05). In females, the nasolabial angle was smaller in OCD patients than in HCs (P < 0.05); no significant differences were observed in other facial indicators (all P > 0.05). The difference in lower lip red height between the OCD group and HC group was positively correlated with mental neutralization symptoms (r = 0.401, P < 0.05). Our findings highlight the relationship between facial and clinical characteristics in OCD patients.
A Nationwide Survey of Tabanidae Fauna of Cameroon
Authors: Sevidzem Silas Lendzele , Armel KOUMBA Aubin , Yao-Acapovi Geneviève Lydie L. , MAVOUNGOU Jacques François
Published: March 2021

Background: Tabanid flies are a neglected group of haematophagous dipterans, yet contains 4400 species, regrouped under 144 genera. They are mechanical vectors of important pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and protozoa of humans, domesticated and wild animals. As it is over 50 years since publication of a preliminary nationwide record of tabanids of Cameroon identified 84 species, updated information is provided.Objective: To provide current data on the species composition, abundance and distribution of Tabanidae of Cameroon in the 5 main agro-ecological zones (AEZs).Methods: From 2015-2017, a systematic entomological prospection using Nzi, Vavoua, Biconical and Sevi traps (N=106) was conducted in 604 trap-points over 11,448 traps days, in the 5 main AEZs of Cameroon.Results: A total of 25,280 tabanid specimens were collected, identifying 25 species with 8 not previously documented in Cameroon, including: Tabanus Latipes Macquart, 1838 (1 ♀), Tabanus ricardae Surcouf, 1906 (1 ♀), Tabanus fasciatus Fabricus, 1775 (32 ♀♀, 6♂♂), Haematopota pluvialis Linnaeus, 1758 (18 ♀♀), Haematopota decora Walker, 1850 (19 ♀♀, 3 ♂♂), Haematopota nigripennis Austen, 1914 (18 ♀♀), C. distinctipennis Austen, 1906 (47 ♀♀, 5 ♂♂) and Ancala fasciata Fabricus, 1977 (34 ♀♀, 7 ♂♂). The distribution maps of the newly identified tabanids differed between AEZs, with most from the Guinean savanna. The highest Tabanidae apparent density (ADT) was recorded in the Sudan savanna region and the mean apparent densities of species with type-localities was statistically significantly different (Student t-test=2.519, df=24, P=0.019). The highest species diversity was found in the rain forest.Conclusions: This study increased the list of Tabanidae recorded in Cameroon from 84 species in the preliminary record to 92 species, with most of the newly identified species occurring in the Guinean savanna AEZ. The high diversity and abundance of Tabanidae in the livestock/wildlife interface areas of the rain forests and Sudan savanna AEZs respectively, suggests risk of mechanical transmission risk of pathogens. Investigations of the microbiota within the Tabanidae in the different AEZs to define their role as disease vectors are proposed.
Purification and partial characterization of a thermostable peroxidase isoenzyme from Vigna sp seedlings
Authors: Mbassi Yves Mann Elate Lea , Bebandoue Marie Solange Evehe , Mbacham Wilfred Fon , Muluh John Payne
Published: March 2021

A peroxidase isoenzyme (named A6 in a previous study) was purified from radicles of a Vigna species by a combination of gel filtration on Sephadex G-100, heat treatment, CM-cellulose chromatography and DEAE-cellulose chromatography. It has been successfully separated from other anionic isoperoxidases expressed in the same tissue. It has a molecular weight of about 41 kDa and exhibits a great activity toward the oxidation of O-dianisidine, ABTS, TMB, DAB and OPD at optimum pH (pH 3 for ABTS, pH 4 for OPD and pH 6 for the others) and toward the reduction of H2O2. Its very acid optimum pH for the oxidation of ABTS is not a characteristic of other peroxidases except African oil palm tree peroxidase. Apparent Km values for these substrates were respectively 3.50 mM, 0.12 mM, 1.81 mM, 0.05 mM, 17.22 mM and 2.53 mM; catalytic efficiencies were 5.12×104 mM-1.min-1, 2.22×106 mM-1.min-1, 1.59×105 mM-1.min-1, 1.82×105 mM-1.min-1, 3.17×105 mM-1.min-1and 1.79×106 mM-1.min-1. It has an optimum temperature of activity around 60°C, and its heat inactivation fit to the first-order kinetics, with half-lives of 3.06 weeks, 13.5 hours, 15 min and 3.5 min at 50°C, 70°C, 80°C and 90°C respectively. The calculated activation energy (E) for its thermal inactivation was found to be 221.5 KJ/mol at pH8. This peroxidase isoenzyme is stable for 4 months at room temperature, loosing only 5% of its initial activity over this period. Mg2+ inhibits the activity of the enzyme. The Ca2+ ions greatly increase the stability of this peroxidase at 80°C, while Mn2+ and Zn2+ reduce it. The enzyme is inhibited by sodium azide at concentrations above 1 µM with an IC50 value around 10 µM. This inhibition, in addition to the RZ value (A403nm/A280nm) evaluated at 2.4 confirms the presence at the active site of the enzyme of a heme group common to class III peroxidases. The unusual catalytic and thermal characteristics of A6 could make it a potent tool in several biotechnological applications, especially as part of kit for enzyme immunoassays and clinical diagnosis.
Tratamento interdisciplinar de fratura mandibular em criança politraumatizada
Authors: Pomponi Ana Caroline Digiere , Kasaya Marcus Vinicius Satoru , Pereira Renato Alves , Santos João Felipe , Santos Pâmela Letícia , Gulinelli Jessica Lemos
Published: March 2021

Introdução: As fraturas faciais pediátricas possuem menor incidência e fatores como a presença dos germes dos dentários e o crescimento crânio faciais em desenvolvimento exigem maior atenção do cirurgião bucomaxilofacial. Objetivo: relatar caso clínico de fratura mandibular múltipla em paciente pediátrico e evidenciar a importância do atendimento multidisciplinar no tratamento do paciente politraumatizado. Caso Clínico: Paciente do gênero feminino, cinco anos, vítima de acidente automobilístico com trauma facial e cranioencefálico foi admitida no pronto socorro. Após diagnóstico e tratamento do trauma cranioencefálico (drenagem cirúrgica de hematoma extra-dural) a paciente foi abordada pela equipe de cirurgia buco maxilo facial para a realização de osteossíntese das fraturas de sínfise à direita, corpo mandibular esquerdo e do processo alveolar em região dos elementos dentários 73 e 83. Devido à idade da paciente, possivelmente não colaborativa no pós-operatório e a complexidade da fratura dentoalveolar na região anterior mandibular, optou-se pela remoção da tábua óssea vestibular que continha os dentes anteriores inferiores decíduos e a exodontia do elemento 31 não erupcionado que impossibilitava seu reposicionamento adequado. Uma prótese parcial removível provisória foi confeccionada para a reabilitação protética. Após 6 meses de proservação foi realizada a remoção dos materiais de síntese e a paciente encontra-se em bom estado geral, sem queixas álgicas e/ou sinais de infecção. Conclusão: O tratamento das fraturas em crianças pode ser realizado com uma boa previsibilidade de sucesso, por meio da fixação com placas e parafusos de titânio, sendo que as mesmas devem ser removidas em um segundo procedimento cirúrgico.
Emprego do Laser de baixa intensidade no pós-operatório de exodontia de terceiros molares
Authors: Hartmann Atuá Rodrigo , Pereira Key Fabiano Souza , Gaetti Jardim Ellen Cristina , Zafalon Edilson José , De Freitas Boscaine Evelyn , Silva Julio Cesar Leite da
Published: March 2021

Esse estudo split mouth, duplo cego, randomizado teve como proposta avaliar o uso do Laser de baixa intensidade no pós-operatório de pacientes submetidos a exodontias de terceiros molares inclusos. Os participantes receberam a mesma terapêutica farmacológica e técnica cirúrgica. Dez voluntários, com idade entre 16 e 26 anos, sem doenças locais ou sistêmicas, com terceiros molares inferiores inclusos bilateralmente, com disposição similar e extração indicada, foram submetidos a cirurgias para sua remoção.  Em um grupo foi utilizado Laser vermelho 660nm após anestesia e sutura, com uma dose de 3J por 30 segundos nas faces vestibular e lingual da região operada, e no pós-operatório mediato entre 24 e 72h. O Laser infravermelho 808nm, com uma dose de 3J por 30 segundos também foi utilizado nos linfonodos logo após a cirurgia e no pós-operatório entre 24 e 72 horas, já no grupo controle o Laser não foi aplicado. Após análise estatística, realizada por meio do teste t-student pareado, os resultados mostraram diferença significativa entre os lados experimentais, mostrando melhora na dor pós-operatória, na diminuição de edema e na limitação da abertura bucal, no lado onde o Laser foi aplicado. O Laser de baixa intensidade mostrou-se eficiente no pós-operatório de exodontia de terceiros molares inferiores inclusos.
Análise da pertinência do teatro do oprimido para a extensão universitária: perspectivas de jovens residentes em Crato, Ceará
Authors: TORRES Geovane Gesteira Sales , SILVA Caio Ricardo da , CRUZ Regina Pimentel , BEZERRA Maria Isabel de Sousa , NASCIMENTO Diego Coelho do
Published: March 2021

Esse artigo tem por objetivo avaliar a pertinência da metodologia Teatro do Oprimido para a promoção de ações de extensão universitária em contextos periférico-urbanos por meio da análise dos discursos dos jovens participantes das ações de extensão do Laurbs no bairro Alto da Penha, em Crato - CE. Mediante isso, realizou-se uma pesquisa exploratória, cuja coleta dos dados se deu a partir de um questionário semiestruturado aplicado com jovens residentes na comunidade. O tratamento dos dados qualitativos se deu por meio da técnica análise de conteúdo, já os quantitativos foram tratados com base na estatística descritiva. Os resultados apontam que os participantes enxergam a pertinência do Teatro do Oprimido, avaliando-o positivamente. Conclui-se que metodologias lúdicas como o Teatro do Oprimido são importantes para impactar positivamente a consciência dos jovens sobre o seu território e os seus papéis nele, provocando, assim, o despertar à participação social e cidadania.
Genetic diversity among tropical maize inbred lines as revealed by SSR markers
Authors: Sin Maizura Abu , Saleh Ghizan , Abdullah Nur Ashikin Psyquay , Kashiani Pedram
Published: March 2021

Genetic diversity and phenotypic superiority are important attributes of parental inbred lines for use in hybrid breeding programs. In this study, genetic diversity among 30 maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines comprising of 28 introductions from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), one from Indonesia and a locally developed, were evaluated using 100 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, as early screening for potential parents of hybrid varieties. All markers were polymorphic, with a total of 550 unique alleles detected on the 100 loci from the 30 inbred lines. Allelic richness ranged from 2 to 13 per locus, with an average of 5.50 alleles (na). Number of effective alleles (ne) was 3.75 per locus, indicating their high effectiveness in revealing diversity among inbred lines. Average polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.624, with values ranging from 0.178 to 0.874, indicating high informativeness of the markers. High gene diversity was observed on Chromosomes 8 and 4, with high number of effective alleles, indicating their potential usefulness for QTL analysis. The UPGMA dendrogram constructed identified four heterotic groups within a similarity index of 0.350, indicating that these markers were able to group the inbred lines. The three-dimensional PCoA plot also supports the dendrogram grouping, indicating that these two methods complement each other. Inbred lines in different heterotic groups have originated from different backgrounds and population sources. Information on genetic diversity among the maize inbred lines are useful in developing strategies exploiting heterosis in breeding programs
Effect of nicosulfuron on chlorophyll content of marandu-grass cultivated in crop-forest-livestock integration systems
Authors: Ferreira Evander Alves , Santos Marcia Vitória , Silva Leandro Diego da , Cruz Priscila Júnia Rodrigues da , Silveira Raul Ribeiro , Freitas Igor Costa de , Frazão Leidivan Almeida , Azevedo Alcinei Místico de , Pereira Gustavo Antônio Mendes , Braz Thiago Gomes dos Santos
Published: March 2021

The aim of this work was to study the effect of sub-doses of herbicide nicosulfuron on the levels of chlorophyll and growth of marandu-grass in an forest-livestock integration system. The treatments consisted of eucalyptus consortium with sorghum (BRS 655 hybrid) and forage Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu (marandu-grass) at 12×2 and 12×3 m spacings in agroforestry systems, in addition to sorghum + marandu-grass and marandu-grass in monoculture. The doses of nicosulfuron applied at the marandu-grass were 0, 15 and 30 g ha-1. At 30 and 120 days after the application of nicosulfuron, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b were measured usinf a portable chlorophyll meter, with six measurements per plant. Afterwards, the total chlorophyll content and chlorophyll a/b were calculated. We also measured the mass of the total dry matter of marandu-grass and growth rate of the culture. Marandu-grass plants cultivated in monoculture showed higher quantities of chlorophyll and the highest growth rates. The levels of chlorophyll a, b and chlorophyll a/b and the growth rate of marandu grass were similar between systems integrated with eucalyptus (12x2 and 12x3 m). The increase of herbicide dose negatively influenced on chlorophyll content in marandu-grass in all treatments evaluated. The use of nicosulfuron in doses of 25 and 50 g L-1 reduced the growth rate of marandu grass only when grown in monoculture