bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers and prevalence of cardiometabolic syndrome among people living with HIV/AIDS, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a hospital-based, observational study.
Authors: Woldu Minyahil , Minzi Omary , Shibeshi Workineh , Shewamare Aster , Engidawork Ephrem
Published: March 2021

Background
Although marked improvements in life expectancy have been observed with the rapid expansion of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), Cardiometabolic Syndrome (CMetS) is becoming a serious challenge for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The present study aimed in determining biomarkers and prevalence of CMetS in PLWHA.
Methods
A hospital-based, observational study was carried out between January 2019 & February 2020 among HIV infected adults (n = 288). Binary logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for the association between the outcomes against the predictor variables.
Results
The current study revealed that the prevalence of CMetS was 28.5% (82/288) using the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)-2005 definition; and it was 43.5% (126/288) using the International Diabetes Federation (IDF)-2005. Male gender was less likely to be associated with CMetS (OR = .086, C.I. 0.025–0.292, p < 0.001) using the NCEP-2005 definition. Individuals with longer duration on ART have an increased odds of CMetS using both the NCEP-2005 (OR = 1.024, C.I. 1.005–1.043, p = 0.014) and the IDF-2005 (OR = 1.251, C.I. 1.061–1.472, p = 0.007) definitions. The age at which ART initiated yet have an impact on the outcomes of CMetS (NCEP-2005: OR = 1.27, C.I. 1.031–1.564, p = 0.025), indicating that individuals who started ART treatment at older age are more likely to have CMetS than their younger counterparts. The study further verified that, individuals with increased waist-grid (central adiposity) were more likely to have CMetS using both the NCEP-2005 (OR = 1.21, C.I. 1.029–1.418, p = 0.021) and the IDF-2005 (OR = 1.730 C.I. 1.454–2.058, p < 0.001) definitions. PLWHA with increased in DBP (OR = 1.164, C.I.1.080–1.254, p < 0.001), Triglyceride (OR = 1.027, C.I. 0.015–0.039, p < 0.001), and low density lipoproteins (OR = 1.075, C.I. 0.020–0.134, p = 0.007) were more likely to have CMetS using the NCEP-2005 definition. PLWHA without comorbidity were less likely to have CMetS (NCEP-2005: OR = 0.086, C.I. 0.025–0.292, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
The prevalence of CMetS in the study area was high. Risk factors associated with CMetS were waist circumference, gender, duration on ART; ART initiated age, waist-grid, and comorbidity. Biomarkers that were more likely contributed to the prevalence of CMetS include triglyceride, low density lipoproteins, and systolic blood pressure.
Design and synthesis of novel pyrazole-benzofuran hybrids: in vitro α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, kinetic and molecular modeling study
Authors: Azimi Fateme , Azizian Homa , Najafi Mohammad , khodarahmi Ghadamali , hassanzadeh Motahareh , Saghaei Lotfollah , Ghasemi Jahan B. , Sadeghi-aliabadi Hojjat , Faramarzi Mohammad Ali , Larijani Bagher , Hassanzadeh Farshid , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: March 2021

In this work, new derivatives of biphenyl pyrazole-benzofuran hybrids designed, synthesized and evaluated in vitro through enzymatic assay for inhibitory effect against α-glucosidase activity. Newly identified inhibitors were found to be four to eighteen folds more active with IC50 values in the range of 40.6 ± 0.2–164.3 ± 1.8 µM, as compared to the standard drug acarbose (IC50 = 750.0 ± 10.0 µM). Limited Structure-activity relationship was established. A kinetic binding study indicated that most active compound 8e acted as the competitive inhibitors of α-glucosidase with Ki = 38 µM. Molecular docking has also been performed to find the interaction modes responsible for the desired inhibitory activity. As expected, all pharmacophoric features used in the design of the hybrid, are involved in the interaction with the active site of the enzyme. In addition, molecular dynamic simulations showed compound 8e oriented vertically into the active site from mouth to the bottom and stabilized the enzyme domains by interacting with the interface of domain A and domain B and the back side of the active site while acarbose formed non-binding interaction with the residue belong to the domain A of the enzyme.
Predictors of Glycemic Control Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in North West Ethiopia: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Shita Nigusie Gashaye , Iyasu Ashagrie Sharew
Published: March 2021

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with hyperglycemia for a long period of time are significant causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Studying the predictors of glycemic control help to minimize deaths and the development of acute and chronic diabetes complication. Hence, the aim of this study is to asses’ predictors of glycemic control among patients with Type 2 diabetes in Ethiopia.
Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted among Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients enrolled between December 2011 and December 2012 at Debre Markos and Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital. A total of 191 T2DM patients was included in the study who meets the eligibility criteria. Generalized linear mixed model was employed.
Results

The prevalence of good glycemic control among type 2 diabetes patients was 58.4% where as 23.25% of variation was explained in the fitted model due to adding the random effects. The significance predictors of glycemic control among patients with Type 2 diabetes at 95% confidence level were reside in rural(0.454, 0.614)), patients age 38–50, 51–59 and 60–66 years(1.267,1.776), (1.057,1.476) and (1.004, 1.403), respectively, Proteinuria positive(1.211,1.546), diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 (1.101, 1.522), systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 (1.352, 1.895), creatinine (0.415, 0.660), duration per visit (0.913, 0.987), duration since diagnosis (0.985, 0.998), weight 78–88(0.603, 0.881).
Conclusion

Level of glycemic control among type 2 diabetes patients was poor. Resident, age, weight, duration of T2DM since diagnosis, duration of type 2 DM per visit, follow up time, protein urea, diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure and creatinine were significant predictors of glycemic control among type 2 DM patients. During diabetic patients follow up, clinicians should give appropriate attention to these significant variables for good glycemic control since it is the main goal of diabetes management.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Benzohydrazide Derivative as a Corrosion Protector for Magnesium Alloy in 3%Nacl
Authors: KALIYAPERUMAL RAJA , - T.KASILINGAM
Published: March 2021

Inhibition action of 4-Chloro-N(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzilidene) benzohydrazide on the corrosion of magnesium alloy in alkaline medium was investigated by weight-loss technique, Nyquist spectra, Tafel plot, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive x-ray analysis. Tafel curves of magnesium alloy showed both anodic and cathodic process suppressed. Nyquist plots, scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive x-ray analysis studies provide the confirmatory evidence for the protection of magnesium alloy by the studied inhibitor.
Machine Learning Methods for Predicting Conversion from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer's Disease. A Systematic Review.
Authors: Grueso Sergio , Viejo-Sobera Raquel
Published: March 2021

Background: Increase in life-span in our society is a double-edged sword that entails a growing number of patients with neurocognitive disorders, Alzheimer’s disease being the most prevalent. Advances in medical imaging and computational power, enable new methods for early detection of neurocognitive disorders with the goal of preventing or reducing cognitive decline. Computer-aided image analysis and early detection of changes in cognition is a promising approach for patients with mild cognitive impairment, sometimes a prodromal stage of Alzheimer’s disease.Methods: We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines of studies where Machine Learning was applied to neuroimaging data in order to predict the progression from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer’s disease. After removing duplicates, we screened 159 studies and selected 47 for a qualitative analysis. Results: Most studies used Magnetic Resonance Image and Positron Emission Tomography data but also Magnetoencephalography. The datasets were mainly extracted from the Alzheimer’s disease Neuroimage Initiative (ADNI) database with some exceptions. Regarding the algorithms used, the most common were support vector machines, but more complex models such as Deep Learning, combined with multimodal and multidimensional data (neuroimaging, clinical, cognitive, biological, and behavioral) achieved the best performance. Conclusions: Although performance of the different models still has room for improvement, the results are promising and this methodology has a great potential as a support tool for clinicians and healthcare professionals.
Exploring the relationship between depression and different multimorbidity patterns among older people covered by long-term care insurance in Shanghai, China
Authors: Li Cancan , Peng Wenjia , Li Mengying , Li Xinghui , Yang Tingting , Yan Huosheng , Wang Zijing , Jia Xianjie , Hu Zhi , Wang Ying
Published: March 2021

Background: Depression is common in patients with multimorbidity, but little is known about the relationship between depression and multimorbidity. The purpose of our research was to investigate multimorbidity patterns and their association with depression in a sample of older people covered by long-term care insurance in Shanghai, China.Method: This was a population-based cross-sectional study, and participants included older people covered by long-term care insurance in Shanghai. We collected information on chronic conditions using a self-reported medical history, and we used the 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale to evaluate depressive symptoms. Patterns of multimorbidity were identified with exploratory factor analysis, using oblimin rotation. Logistic regression was used to estimate the relationship between multimorbidity patterns and depressive symptoms.Results: Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease (CVD), and cataract showed strong associations with depression when co-occurring with other conditions. Three patterns of multimorbidity were identified: a musculoskeletal pattern, cardiometabolic pattern, and degenerative disease pattern. Among these, the cardiometabolic (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.223; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.102, 1.357) and degenerative disease (AOR 1.185; 95% CI 1.071, 1.311) patterns were associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms.Conclusion: Two of three multimorbidity patterns were found to be associated with depression. Physical and psychological dimensions require greater attention in the care of older adults who are covered by long-term care insurance.
Examining The Objectivity of Scoring and Evaluation of Simulation Training
Authors: Murai Yasuo , Sato Shun , Tsukiyama Atsushi , Kubota Asami , Matano Fumihiro , Mizunari Takayuki , Morita Akio
Published: March 2021

Objective: The increase in minimally invasive surgery and endovascular procedures has led to a decrease in surgical experience. This may adversely affect both surgical training and postoperative management. Since it poses no risk to a patient, simulation training may be a solution these problems. COVID-19 requires social distancing which has created a negative impact on the simulation educational environment. To date, there is only limited research examining whether skills are evaluated objectively and equally in simulation training, especially in microsurgery. The purpose of this study was to analyze the objectivity and equality of simulation evaluation results conducted in a contest format.Methods: A nationwide recruitment process was conducted to select study participants. Participants were recruited from a pool of qualified physicians with less than 10 years’ experience. In this study, the simulation procedure consisted of incising a 1 mm thick artificial blood vessel and suturing it with a 10-0 thread using a surgical microscope. To evaluate the simulation procedures, a scoring chart was developed with a maximum of 5 points each for eight different evaluation criteria. Five neurosurgical supervisors from different hospitals were asked to use this scoring chart to grade the simulation proceduresResults: Initially, we planned to have the neurosurgical supervisors score the simulation procedure by direct observation. However, due to COVID-19 some study participants were unable to attend. Thus requiring some simulation procedures to be scored by video review. A total of 14 trainees participated in the study. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient among the scorers was 0.99, indicating a strong correlation. There was no statistically significant difference between the scores from the video review and direct observation judgments. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between the scores for some criteria. For the eight criteria, individual scorers assigned scores in a consistent pattern. However, this pattern differed between scorers indicating that some scorers were more lenient than others.Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that both video review and direct observation methods are useful and highly objective techniques evaluate simulation procedures. Despite differences in score assignment patterns between individual scorers.
Pediatric Diagnostic Reference Levels for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Cardiac Catheterization in Japan
Authors: Ishibashi Toru , Takei Yasutaka , Kato Mamoru , Yamashita Yukari , Tsukamoto Atsuko , Matsumoto Kazuma , Sakamoto Hajime , Masuda Takanori , Miyazaki Osamu
Published: March 2021

To propose Japanese national DRLs for air-kerma at the reference point (Ka,r), air-kerma area product (PKA), fluoroscopy time (FT), and number of cine images (CI) for four age groups. We posted a nationwide questionnaire to 132 facilities. Questions focused on identifying the procedure, age, weight, height, Ka,r, PKA, FT, and CI during diagnostic and therapeutic pediatric cardiac catheterization. For diagnostic cardiac angiography, the 75th percentile values were as follows; Ka,r: 103, 127, 194, and 351 mGy; PKA: 7.0, 12.3, 14.3, and 47.2 Gy.cm2; FT: 36.8, 30.7, 33.4, and 35.7 min; and CI: 2018, 2313, 2408, and 2016 images for less than one year, 1–5 years, 6–10 years, and 11–15 years respectively. For therapeutic cardiac angiography, the 75th percentile values were as follows: Ka,r: 146, 209, 130, and 501 mGy; PKA: 7.54, 16.0, 8.35, and 46.0 Gy.cm2; FT: 56.5, 52.0, 49.4, and 52.0 min; and CI: 4075, 4514, 3576, and 5984 images for less than one year, 1–5 years, 6–10 years, and 11–15 years respectively. Our survey of diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac catheterization in Japanese pediatric patients showed that all age-based Japanese 75th percentiles for the Ka,r, PKA, FT, and CI were higher than in other surveys. Based on the result of our study, it is necessary to establish DRLs for pediatric cardiac catheterization examinations in Japan, in order to optimize the safety of pediatric protocols for diagnostic and therapeutic cardiac catheterization.
The Effect of Micro RNA-34a and carboplatin combination on the inducing apoptosis of Breast Cancer Cell line
Authors: Eslamkhah Sajjad , Alizadeh Nazila , Safaei Sahar , Amini Mohammad , Mokhtarzadeh ahad , Baghbanzadeh Amir , baradaran Behzad
Published: March 2021

Aim: Breast cancer (BC) has been classified among the main causes of death owing to females' cancer. Carboplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapeutic drug that is an important treatment option for BC. But high and frequent doses of carboplatin usually reducing the reaction of cancer cells to medication. There is an immediate need to establish methods for increasing the carboplatin susceptibility to BC cells. For instance, micro RNAs (miRNAs) such as MiR34a demonstrate significant potential. Considering that, this research was planned to explore the better clinical effect and underlying mechanism of miR-34a as a possible tumor inhibitor and drug resistance regulator in compound with carboplatin chemotherapy drug in the cell lines of BC in humans. Methods: MCF-7 cell line was transfected with miR-34a to perform functional analyses. Subsequently, the MTT assay was applied to assess cell viability. Cell viability and cell death associated gene expression amounts including Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, MDR1, P53, and mir34-a, were examined through real-time quantitative PCR. Results: Findings showed that miR-34a upregulation significantly decreased MCF7 cell viability in comparison with control group. Furthermore, separate treatment of cells with miR-34a mimics and carboplatin could significantly increase Bax, Caspase-3, P53, and decrease in Bcl-2 mRNA expression levels evaluated to the non-treated group. Moreover, by reduction in expression levels of the MDR1 gene, BC cells' reaction to carboplatin has increased via miR-34a. Conclusion: In line with the findings, it could be inferred that miR-34a may improve the responsiveness of breast cancer cells to carboplatin chemotherapy with downregulation of MDR1.
Impact of Labor Induction at 39 Weeks Gestation Compared with Expectant Management on Maternal and Perinatal Morbidity among a Cohort of Low-risk Women
Authors: Burn Sabrina C. , Yao Ruofan , Diaz Maria , Rossi Jordan , Contag Stephen
Published: March 2021

Objective: To determine rates of maternal and perinatal outcomes after induction of labor (IOL) at 39 weeks compared with expectant management.Methods: Cohort study of low risk women delivered between 39-42 weeks from 2015 to 2018. We excluded births with fetal abnormalities, previous cesarean, multiple pregnancies or those with spontaneous onset of labor (SOL) or indicated delivery at 39 weeks. Data was abstracted from National Center for Health Statistics birth files. Relative risks (aRR) were estimated with multivariable log-binomial regression. Main Outcome Measures: Maternal outcomes: chorioamnionitis (Triple I), blood transfusion, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, uterine rupture, cesarean delivery and cesarean hysterectomy. Fetal and infant outcomes: fetal death, 5-minute Apgar ≤3, prolonged ventilation, seizures, ICU admission, and death within 28 days. Results: There were 15,900,956 births, with 8,540,063 after exclusions. The IOL group included 1,177,790 births excluding women with diabetes or hypertensive disease. There were 3,835,185 births after 39 weeks excluding women with diabetes or chronic hypertension. With IOL at 39 weeks the risk for blood transfusion (p-value < 0.01; aRR 0.78; 95% CI [0.75-0.82]), Triple I (p-value < 0.01; aRR 0.71; 95% CI [0.70-0.73]) and cesarean delivery (p-value <0.01; aRR 0.87; 95% CI [0.87-0.88]) were lower, albeit increased risk of cesarean hysterectomy (p-value <0.01; aRR 1.23; 95% CI [1.07-1.41]). Neonates had a lower risk for 5-minute Apgar ≤3 (p-value < 0.01; aRR 0.68; 95% CI [0.66-0.71]), prolonged ventilation (p-value < 0.01; aRR 0.84; 95% CI [0.81-0.87]), NICU admission (p-value < 0.01; aRR 0.86; 95% CI [0.85-0.87]), and neonatal seizures (p-value <0.01; aRR 0.85; 95% CI [0.76-0.96]). There was no difference in risk for neonatal death 0.99% (p-value 0.99; aRR 1.00; 95%CI [0.99-1.00]), or fetal death (p-value 0.78; aRR 1.0002; 95%CI [0.99-1.002]. This benefit was greater compared with each subsequent week.Conclusions: Induction of labor at 39 weeks of gestation in a low risk cohort is associated a lower risk of cesarean delivery, transfusions and infection, as well as lower neonatal morbidity, without difference in fetal or neonatal death. This appears to be associated with increased risk for cesarean hysterectomy.
ACE2 peptide fragment interacts with several sites on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1
Authors: Kuznetsov Aleksei , Arukuusk Piret , Härk Heleri Heike , Juronen Erkki , Langel Ülo , Ustav Mart , Jarv Jaak
Published: March 2021

The influence of the peptide QAKTFLDKFNHEAEDLFYQ on the kinetics of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) was studied to model the interaction of the virus with its host cell. This peptide corresponds to the sequence 24–42 of the ACE2 α1 domain, which is the binding site for the S1 protein. The on-rate and off-rate of S1-ACE2 complex formation were measured in the presence of various peptide concentrations using Bio-Layer Interferometry (BLI). The formation of the S1-ACE2 complex was inhibited when the S1 protein was preincubated with the peptide, however, no significant inhibitory effect was observed in the absence of preincubation. Dissociation kinetics revealed that the peptide remained bound to the S1-ACE2 complex and stabilized this complex. This suggestion was confirmed by computational mapping of the S1 protein surface for peptide binding that revealed two additional sites, located at some distance from the receptor binding domain of S1. These additional binding sites may affect the interaction between the peptide, the S1 protein, and ACE2.
Direct Identification of Two Regimes of Metal Particle Combustion using Condense-luminescence
Authors: Tran Quan , Pantoya Michelle L. , Altman Igor
Published: March 2021

Experiments were designed to investigate two regimes of metal particle combustion: fast and slow burning regimes. Stress-altering aluminum particles had been shown to produce a distinctly faster burning rate compared to untreated aluminum particles. The root cause for the differences in burning rate had been unclear. In this study, stress-altered and untreated aluminum particles were reacted as dispersed powder in a closed bomb calorimeter designed to monitor the transient temperature changes resulting from energy release upon combustion. The product residue was analyzed for size and species concentration. Results showed metastable γ-alumina that is associated with nano-oxide formation was in substantially higher concentration for stress-altered particle reactions that produced greater energy transfer rates. The increased energy transfer rate corresponded to higher radiant energy emission owing to condensation of nano-oxide particles. This study justifies condense-luminescence as a means for increasing the energy release rate of aluminum particles. By strategically altering metal fuels to control a formation of nano-oxide particles upon combustion, appreciable increases in the radiant energy flux can transform energy release rates.
Antibacterial Activity and Mechanism of Plant Flavonoids to Gram-positive Bacteria Predicted from their Lipophilicities
Authors: Yuan Ganjun , Guan Yingying , Yi Houqin , Lai Shan , Sun Yifei , Cao Seng
Published: March 2021

Antimicrobial resistance seriously threatened human health, and new antimicrobial agents are desperately needed. As one of the largest classes of plant secondary metabolite, flavonoids can be widely found in various parts of the plant, and their antibacterial activities have been increasingly paid attention to. Based on the physicochemical parameters and antibacterial activities of sixty-six flavonoids reported, two regression equations between their ACD⁄LogP or LogD7.40 and their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to gram-positive bacteria were established with the correlation coefficients above 0.93, and then were verified by another sixty-eight flavonoids reported. From these two equations, the MICs of most flavonoids against gram-positive bacteria could be roughly calculated from their ACD⁄LogP or LogD7.40, and their minimum values were respectively predicted as approximately 1.7 or 3.0 μM, more likely fall into the range from 0.9 to 3.4 μM, or from 1.5 to 6.0 μM, respectively. Simultaneously, both tendentiously concave regression curves indicated that the lipophilicity is a key factor for flavonoids against gram-positive. Combined with the literature analyses, the results also suggested that the cell membrane is the main site of flavonoids acting on gram-positive bacteria, and which likely involves the damage of phospholipid bilayers, the inhibition of the respiratory chain or the ATP synthesis, or some others.
LINC01213 promotes prostate cancer cell progression through miR-597/ BCL2L1 axis
Authors: Zhao Xian , Xu Xiaojing , Wang Qiong , Wu Xiaofei
Published: March 2021

Background: Majority of cancer related deaths in males are attributed to prostate cancer (PRAD) throughout the world. Recently, the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the pathogenesis of cancer has been widely explored. In this study, we investigated the role of lncRNA LINC01213 (LINC01213) in tumorigenesis of prostate cancer (PRAD).Methods: PRAD and adjacent tissue samples were collected from cancer patients. Survival rate among these patients was compared by Kaplan–Meier analysis. PRAD cells viability was estimated by CCK-8 method while AnnexinV/PI cytometry assay was used to determine the percent of apoptotic cells. qRT-PCR and western blot assay were used to determine the mRNA and protein expressions, respectively. Interaction between LINC01213 and corresponding miRNA as well as between miRNA and mRNA was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. PRAD cells were also injected subcutaneously in nude mice to support in vitro findings.Results: It was observed that LINC01213 was highly expressed in PRAD samples and cell lines. Down-regulation of LINC01213 in PRAD cells decreased cell viability and inhibited proliferation. Luciferase reporter gene assay and RNA pull-down confirmed that LINC01213 targeted miR-597-3p. Increased expression of miR-597-3p resulted in decreased BCL2L2 expression in vitro. Inhibitory effects of miR-597-3p on PRAD cells’ survival and growth were diminished after LINC01213 overexpression which was also associated with alteration in the protein expression of BCL-xL, BCL-2 as well as caspase 3 and caspase 9.Conclusion: Taken together, our findings suggest that LINC01213 plays its role in PRAD tumorigenesis through miR-597-3p/ BCL2L2 dependent pathway with associated modulation of genes involved in cell survival and apoptosis.
Identification of GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR Transcription Factor Family Involved in Leaf Growth Regulation in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Zhang Bin , Tong Yanan , Luo Kangsheng , Zhai Zhaodong , Liu Xue , Shi Zhenying , Zhang Dechun , Li Dayong
Published: March 2021

Background: GROWTH-REGULATING FACTORs (GRFs), a type of plant-specific transcription factors, play important roles in regulating plant growth and development. Although GRF gene family has been identified in various plant species, a genome-wide analysis of GRF gene family in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) has not been reported yet. Results: Here we identified 15 members of GRF genes in lettuce and performed comprehensive analysis of them, including chromosomal locations, gene structures, and conserved motifs. Through phylogenic analysis between GRF genes in Arabidopsis and rice, we divided LsaGRFs into six groups. Specifically, the N-terminal of LsaGRF5 showed transcriptional activity, LsaGRF5 probably functioned as a transcriptional factor in cell nucleus. Meanwhile, 14 LsaGRF genes were predicted to be the target of Lsa-miR396 except of LsaGRF9 using free energies of duplex structures. LsaGRF5 could be cleaved by Lsa-miR396 at speciﬁc binding site between the 9th and 10th nucleotides. Furthermore, overexpression of LsaGRF5 in lettuce exhibited larger leaves, while smaller leaves were observed in LsaMIR396a overexpression lines, in which LsaGRF5 was down-regulated. Conclusions: These results in lettuce provide insight into the molecular mechanism of GRF gene family in regulating leaf growth and development and foundational information for genetic improvement of the lettuce variations specialized in leaf character.
Title: The complete chloroplast genome of Onobrychis gaubae (Fabaceae-Papilionoideae): comparative analysis with related IR-lacking clade species
Authors: Moghaddam Mahtab , Ohta Atsushi , Shimizu Motoki , Terauchi Ryohei , Kazempour-Osaloo Shahrokh
Published: March 2021

Plastid genome sequences provide valuable markers for surveying the evolutionary relationships and population genetics of plant species. In the present study, the complete plastid genome of Onobrychis gaubae, endemic to Iran, was sequenced using Illumina paired-end sequencing and was compared with previously known genomes of the IRLC species of legumes. The O. gaubae plastid genome was 123,645 bp in length and included a large single-copy (LSC) region of 81,034 bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 13,788 bp and one copy of the inverted repeat (IRb) of 28,823 bp. The genome encoded 110 genes, including 76 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes and four ribosome RNA (rRNA) genes and possessed 89 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 28 repeated structures with the highest proportion in the LSC. Comparative analysis of the chloroplast genomes across IRLC revealed three hotspot genes (ycf1, ycf2, clpP) which could be used as molecular markers for resolving phylogenetic relationships and species identification. IRLC plastid genomes also showed multiple gene losses and inversions. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that O. gaubae is closely related to Hedysarum. The complete O. gaubae genome is a valuable resource for investigating evolution of Onobrychis species and can be used to identify related species.
Audiobooks from terminally ill parent for their children – a qualitative evaluation
Authors: Cuhls Henning , Hesse Michaela , Ates Gülay , Radbruch Lukas
Published: March 2021

Background Improving the quality of life is one of the main objectives of palliative care. Biographical approaches are often used in combination with leaving a legacy in a range of different interventions such as Dignity Therapy or Life Review. This study presents an evaluation of audiobook biographies for palliative care patients with young children. Methods Young parents diagnosed with a life-limiting disease could participate and create an audiobook for their young children. The audiobook itself was recorded over several days and edited by qualified radio journalists. After providing informed consent participants were interviewed twice over the course of the intervention regarding expectations, concerns, motivation, and experiences. Interviews and notes were transcribed verbatim and were analyzed using content analysis. Results The data were collected from February 2017 till September 2020. Fifty-four patients with ninety-six children at a mean age of seven years were included and created an audiobook. The main theme of all interviews were the children. Within this field identified main topics were legacy, motivation, usage, benefit, aims, difficulties and worries in descending order. All patients would recommend the intervention.Conclusion Creating an audiobook as a legacy to their children seemed to help the diseased parents to cope with their limited life span.
Interleukin 6 as a Marker of Severe Bacterial Infection in Children with Sickle Cell Disease and Fever: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Rincón-López Elena María , Gómez María Luisa Navarro , Matos Teresa Hernández-Sampelayo , Aguilera-Alonso David , Moreno Eva Dueñas , Saavedra-Lozano Jesús , García Begoña Santiago , Sebastián María del Mar Santos , Morín Marina García , Bieler Cristina Beléndez , Romero Jorge Lorente , de Julián Elena Cela , Group F-DREP Study
Published: March 2021

BackgroundEtiological diagnosis of fever in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) is often challenging. The aim of this study was to analyze the pattern of inflammatory biomarkers in SCD febrile children and controls, in order to determine predictors of severe bacterial infection (SBI).MethodsA prospective, case-control study of febrile and steady-state SCD children was carried out during 3 years. Clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters, including 10 serum proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17a, IFN-γ and TNF-α) and comparisons among study subgroups were analyzed.ResultsA total of 137 patients (79 cases and 58 controls) were included in the study; 78.5% males, median age 4.1 (1.7-7.5) years. Four cases were diagnosed with SBI, 41 viral infection (VI) and 33 no proven infection (NPI). IL-6 was significantly higher in patients with SBI than in patients with VI or NPI (163 vs 0.7 vs 0.7 pg/ml, p < 0.001), and undetectable in all controls. The rest of the cytokines analyzed did not show any significant difference. The optimal cut-off value of IL-6 for the diagnosis of SBI was 125 pg/mL, with high PPV and NPV (PPV of 100% for a prevalence of 5, 10 and 15% and NPV of 98.7%, 97.3% and 95.8% for those prevalences, respectively).ConclusionWe found that IL-6 (with a cut-off value of 125 pg/ml) was an optimal marker for SBI in this cohort of febrile SCD children, with high PPV and NPV. Therefore, given its rapid elevation, IL-6 may be useful to early discriminate SCD children at risk of SBI, in order to guide their management.
Multi-tiered Analyses of Honey Bees That Resist or Succumb to Parasitic Mites and Viruses
Authors: Weaver Daniel B. , Cantarel Brandi L. , Elsik Christine , Lopez Dawn L. , Evans Jay
Published: March 2021

Background Varroa destructor mites, and the numerous viruses they vector to their honey bee hosts, are among the most serious threats to honey bee populations, causing mortality and morbidity to both the individual honey bee and colony, the negative effects of which convey to the pollination services provided by honey bees worldwide. Here we use a combination of targeted assays and deep RNA sequencing to determine host and microbial changes in resistant and susceptible honey bee lineages. We focus on three study sets. The first involves field sampling of sympatric western bees, some derived from resistant stock and some from stock susceptible to mites. The second experiment contrasts three colonies more deeply, two from susceptible stock from the southeastern U.S. and one from mite-resistant bee stock from Eastern Texas. Finally, to decouple the effects of mites from those of the viruses they vector, we experimentally expose honey bees to DWV in the laboratory, measuring viral growth and host responses. Results We find strong differences between resistant and susceptible bees in terms of both viral loads and bee gene expression. Interestingly, lineages of bees with naturally low levels of the mite-vectored Deformed wing virus, also carried lower levels of viruses not vectored by mites. By mapping gene expression results against current ontologies and other studies, we describe the impacts of mite parasitism, as well as viruses on bee health against two genetic backgrounds. We identify numerous genes and processes seen in other studies of stress and disease in honey bee colonies, though we find novel genes and new patterns of expression too. Conclusions We provide evidence that honey bees surviving in the face of parasitic mites do so through their abilities to resist the presence of devastating viruses vectored by these mites. By revealing responses to viral infection and mite parasitism in different lineages, our data identify candidate proteins for the evolution of mite tolerance and virus resistance.
miR-187 Modulates Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress in Myocardial Infarction Mice via Negatively Regulating DYRK2
Authors: Zhu Fen , Yu Zhili , Li Dongsheng
Published: March 2021

Background: Myocardial infarction is a serious representation of cardiovescular disease, however, ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury is an unpredictable complication of cardiovascular surgeries.Methods: MiR-187 or DYRK2 was inhibited or overexpressed in cardiomyocytes H/R models by pretreatment with miR-187 mimic or inhibitor or DYRK2 inhibitor to confirm the function of miR-187 in H/R. A myocardium I/R mouse model was established using miR-187 transgenic mice. Circulating levels of miR-187 or DYRK2 was detected by quantitative realtime PCR and protein expression was detected by western blotting. The cell viability in all groups was determined by MTT assay and the apoptosis ratio was detected by flow cytometry after staining with Annexin V-FITC. The effect of miR-187 on cellular ROS generation was examined by DCFH-DA. The level of lipid peroxidation and SOD expression were determined by MDA and SOD assay. Results: The findings indicated that miR-187 may be a possible regulator in the protective effect of H/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, cellular oxidative stress and leaded to DYRK2 suppression at a posttranscriptional level. Moreover, the improvement of miR-187 on H/R-induced cardiomyocyte injury contributed to the obstruction of DYRK2 expression. In addition, these results identified DYRK2 as the functional downstream target of miR-187 regulated myocardial infarction and oxidative stress. Conclusions: These present work provided the first insight into the function of miR-187 in successfully protect cardiomyocyte both in vivo and in vitro, and such a protective effect were mediated through the regulation of DYRK2 expression. Trial registration: Not Applicable.
Conformal Fabrication of an Electrospun Nanofiber Mat on a 3d Ear Cartilage-shaped Hydrogel Collector Based on Hydrogel-Assisted Electrospinning
Authors: Song Jin Yeong , Ryu Hyun Il , Lee Jeong Myeong , Bae Seong Hwan , Lee Jae Woo , Yi Changryul Claud , Park Sang Min
Published: March 2021

Electrospinning is a common and versatile process to produce nanofibers and deposit them on a collector as a two-dimensional nanofiber mat or a three-dimensional (3D) macroscopic arrangement. However, 3D electroconductive collectors with complex geometries, including protruded, curved, and recessed regions, generally caused hampering of a conformal deposition and incomplete covering of electrospun nanofibers. In this study, we suggested a conformal fabrication of an electrospun nanofiber mat on a 3D ear cartilage-shaped hydrogel collector based on hydrogel-assisted electrospinning. To relieve the influence of the complex geometries, we flattened the protruded parts of the 3D ear cartilage-shaped hydrogel collector by exploiting the flexibility of the hydrogel. We found that the suggested fabrication technique could significantly decrease an unevenly focused electric field, caused by the complex geometries of the 3D collector, by alleviating the standard deviation by more than 70% through numerical simulation. Furthermore, it was experimentally confirmed that an electrospun nanofiber mat conformally covered the flattened hydrogel collector with a uniform thickness, which was not achieved with the original hydrogel collector. Given that this study established the conformal electrospinning technique on 3D electroconductive collectors, it will contribute to various studies related to electrospinning, including tissue engineering, drug/cell delivery, environmental filter, and clothing.
EEG based Automated Detection of Six Different Eye-Movement Conditions for Implementation in Personal Assistive Application
Authors: Paul Avishek , Chakraborty Abhishek , Sadhukhan Deboleena , Pal Saurabh , MITRA MADHUCHHANDA
Published: March 2021

Contemporary human-machine-interfaces (HMIs) employ a wide range of human expressions to provide assistive support to the elderly and disabled population. Based on the disability type, expressions conveyed in terms of eye movements are often found to provide the most efficient way of communication. Nowadays, standard Electroencephalogram (EEG) based arrangements, used to analyze neurological states are also being adopted for the detection of eye movements. Although, a majority of the EEG-based state-of-the-arts researches either detects eye-movements in a lesser direction or uses a higher feature dimension with limited classification accuracy. In this study, a robust, simple and automated algorithm is proposed that uses the analysis of the EEG signal to classify six different types of eye movement. The algorithm uses discrete wavelet transform (DWT) on the EEG signals acquired from six different leads to eliminate a wide range of noise and artefacts. Then, two features per lead are extracted from the reconstructed wavelet coefficients and combined to form a binary feature map. Finally, a unique feature obtained from the calculated weighted sum of the binary map is used to classify six types of eye movements via a threshold-based technique. The algorithm presents high average accuracy (Acc), sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp) of 95.85%, 95.83% and 95.83% respectively, using a single feature value only. Compared to other state-of-the-art methods, the adopted simple methodologies and the obtained results indicate the immense potential of the proposed algorithm to be implemented in personal assistive applications.
Multi-Feature Driven Active Contour Segmentation Model for Infrared Image With Intensity Inhomogeneity
Authors: Huang Qinyan , Zhou Weiwen , Wan Minjie , Chen Xin , Ren Kan , Chen Qian , Gu Guohua
Published: March 2021

Active contour model (ACM) is one of the most widely used image segmentation tools at present, but the existing methods only utilize single feature information of image to minimize the energy function, which is easy to cause false segmentations in infrared (IR) images. In this paper, we propose a multi-feature driven active contour segmentation model to handle IR images with intensity inhomogeneity. Firstly, an especially-designed signed pressure force (SPF) function is constructed by combining the global information calculated by global average gray information and the local multi-feature information calculated by local entropy, local standard deviation and gradient information. Then, we draw upon adaptive weight coefficient computed by local range to incorporate the afore-mentioned global term and local term. Next, the SPF function is substituted into the level set formulation (LSF) for further evolution. Finally, the LSF converges after a finite number of iterations and the IR image segmentation result is obtained from the corresponding convergence result. Experimental results demonstrate that the presented method outperforms typical models in terms of precision rate and overlapping rate in IR test images.
Analytical Solutions and Collision Stability Analysis of Solitary Waves in a Pre-compressed One-dimensional Granular Crystal
Authors: Liu Zhi-Guo , Zhang Jinliang , Wang Yue-Sheng , Huang Guoliang
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the governing equation in a pre-compressed one-dimensional granular crystal, which was previously discussed by Nesterenko [J. Appl. Mech. Phys. 24, 733 (1983)], is solved analytically. Multiple solitary wave solutions are obtained by using the homogeneous balance principle and Hirota’s bilinear method. We analyze the difference between the original system and the KdV system and examine the collision of solitary waves in some special parameters. The dynamic behavior and stability of the double solitary waves are also studied. We find that the opposite collision between single solitary waves may be stable and thus generate a stable double solitary wave. It is concluded that the collision is a special stable double solitary wave solution. We further propose a possible way to determine the stability of multiple solitary waves qualitatively.
On Optimal Number of Cognitive Radios Considering Co-site Electromagnetic Compatibility
Authors: Liao Mingxue
Published: March 2021

Cognitive radio is becoming one of the most important techniques for high utility of spectrum holes. If the holes available to cognitive users are abundant over a certain time, it is a worth consideration to increase network throughputs by orthogonal multiplexing as many as spectrum holes. A multi-transceiver configuration is one of the possible solutions for this purpose. With such a schema, all transceivers within a cognitive user work in a concurrent or parallel mode, by which the throughput of the network can be increased. However, co-site working cognitive radios may incur electromagnetic interference between each other. When more cognitive radios are equipped, much electromagnetic interference may be incurred. Based on an electromagnetic compatibility probability analysis, this paper proposes a novel method to decide how many cognitive radios can be installed for one cognitive user at most. We make a strict deduction on electromagnetic compatibility probability with various parameters of cognitive radios. Simulations are performed and the results show that the electromagnetic compatibility of the simulated cognitive radio system meet the deducted probability very well.
Duplicated Network Meta-analysis: a Case Study and Recommendations for Change
Authors: Fisher David , Burdett Sarah , Vale Claire , White Ian , Tierney Jayne
Published: March 2021

BackgroundResearch overlap and duplication is a recognised problem in the context of both pairwise and network systematic reviews. We carried out a systematic review to identify and examine duplicated Network Meta-Analyses (NMAs) in a specific disease setting where several novel therapies have recently emerged: hormone-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer (mHSPC).MethodsMEDLINE and EMBASE were systematically searched for indirect or mixed treatment comparisons or network meta-analyses of systemic treatments in the mHSPC setting, with a time-to-event outcome reported on the hazard-ratio scale. Eligibility decisions were made, and data extraction performed, by two independent reviewers.ResultsA total of 13 eligible reviews were identified, analysing between 3 and 8 randomised comparisons, and comprising between 1,773 and 7,844 individual patients. Although the included trials and treatments showed a high degree of overlap, we observed considerable variation between identified reviews in terms of review aims, eligibility criteria and included data, statistical methodology, reporting and inference. Furthermore, crucial methodological details and specific source data were often unclear.Conclusions and RecommendationsVariation across duplicated NMAs, together with reporting inadequacies, may compromise identification of best-performing treatments. We recommend that review protocols be published in advance, with greater clarity regarding the unique aims or scope of the project. Source data and results should be clearly and completely presented to allow unbiased interpretation. Review authors should be fully knowledgeable of their subject, both in terms of relevant studies and of other reviews with potential for overlap or duplication; and should re-evaluate their knowledge throughout the research process, particularly in fast-moving fields.
Digit Preference and Biased Conclusions in Cardiac Arrest Studies
Authors: Lapostolle Frédéric , Schneider Elodie , Agostinucci Jean-Marc , Nadiras Pierre , Martineau Laurence , Metzger Jacques , Bertrand Philippe , Petrovic Tomislav , Vianu Isabelle , Adnet Frédéric
Published: March 2021

IntroductionIn cardiac arrest (CA), time is directly predictive of patient prognosis. The increase in mortality resulting from delayed cardiopulmonary resuscitation has been quantified minute by minute. Times reported in such a situation could reflect a bias referred to as “digit preference”. This phenomenon leads to privilege certain numerical values (like 2, 5, or 10) over others (like 13). We investigated this bias in times reported during cardiac arrest management in a national register. MethodsWe analyzed data from the French National Electronic Registry of Cardiac Arrests. All the data, including the twelve times corresponding to the main steps of the management of cardiac arrest are prospectively reported by the emergency physician who managed the patients in prehospital settings. The frequency of times as multiples of 15 (0, 15, 30, and 45) was our primary end-point.Results 47,211 times related to 6,131 cardiac arrests were analyzed. The most overrepresented numbers were: 0, with 3,737 occurrences (8% vs 2% expected, p<0,0001) and 30, with 2,807 occurrences (6% vs 2% expected, p<0,0001). Times as multiples of 5 and 10 were overrepresented (52% vs 20% and 10% expected, p<0,0001).ConclusionProspectively collected time were considerably influenced by digit preference phenomenon. Studies that are not based on automatic recording of times as well as studies that have not evaluated and considered this bias should be interpretated with caution.