bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Residues, degradation behavior of cyproconazole in Sichuan pepper and its dietary risk assessment
Authors: Xu Feng , Ren Wenhao , Xu Duo , Qu Ying , Qi Juanfei , Yan Xiaobo
Published: April 2021

In this study, an efficient method was developed and validated to determine cyproconazole in Sichuan pepper samples using the QuEChERS procedure and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The average recoveries of the method were 96.2%-104.5% with the relative standard deviation (RSDs) below 7.6%, the limit of detection (LOD), and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) was 0.001 mg/kg and 0.02 mg/kg. The field trial results showed that cyproconazole in two Sichuan pepper matrices was rapidly dissipated with half-lives less than 8.8 days, which could be regarded as an easy degradation pesticide. The terminal residues of cyproconazole in Sichuan pepper samples were lower than the maximum residue limit (MRL) set by China (0.2 mg/kg registered on wheat). The calculated hazard quotient and acute hazard index lower than 100% illustrated that the use of cyproconazole, even at 1.5 times the highest recommended dose, does not pose any hazards to consumers.
Exogenous D-β-Hydroxybutyrate Lowers Blood Glucose by Decreasing the Availability of L-Alanine for Gluconeogenesis
Authors: Mota Adrian Soto , Norwitz Nicholas , Evans Rhys , Clarke Kieran
Published: April 2021

BackgroundInterventions that acutely increase blood ketone concentrations simultaneously lower blood glucose levels, although the explanation for this phenomenon is unknown. The hypoglycaemic effect of acute ketosis is greater in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in whom gluconeogenesis contributes significantly to their hyperglycaemia. One gluconeogenic substrate secreted by skeletal muscle at higher levels in people with T2D is L-alanine. Infusion of ketones lowers circulating L-alanine blood levels, so here we sought to determine whether supplementation with L-alanine would attenuate the hypoglycaemic effect of a ketone ester (KE) drink. MethodsThis crossover study involved two separate visits for 10 healthy human volunteers who fasted for 24 hours prior to the ingestion of 25 g of d-β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB) monoester (ΔG®). During one of the visits participants ingested 2 g of L-alanine. Blood L-alanine, L-glutamine, glucose, βHB, free fatty acids (FFA), lactate, and C-peptide were measured. FindingsThe KE drinks elevated blood βHB concentrations from negligible to 4.5 ± 1.24 mM/l, and lowered both glucose, from 4.97 to 3.77 ± 0.4 mM/l, and L-alanine from 0.56 to 0.41 ± 0.9 mM/l. L-alanine in the KE drink elevated blood L-Alanine to 0.56 ± mM/l, but had no significant effect on blood βHB, L-glutamine, FFA, lactate, or C-peptide concentrations. Preventing the KE-induced decrease in L-alanine by supplementing it significantly attenuated the glucose drop from mean 28% to 16% (p<0.001). (Illustrated in Figure 1).ConclusionsThe hypoglycaemic effect of acutely elevated βHB is, at least partially, due to βHB decreasing L-alanine availability as a substrate for gluconeogenesis.
Gastrointestinal Segments Influenced Fermentation End-Products, Microbiota and Microbial Abundances in Goats
Authors: Gebremariam Tsegay , Tan Zhiliang
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Carbohydrate diets altered fermentation end-products and microbial community in the gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) of goats. Gastrointestinal contents used to determine the impact of carbohydrate feeds on fermentation end-products and microbial community in goats.Methodology: in the study goats were assigned to one of the two treatments corn meal (CM) or Corn gluten (CG) in a randomized block design (400 g/kg DM each). Goats were slaughtered, GIT liquids were used to determine dissolved gasses, fatty acids and microbial community.Results: Goats fed CG increased molar acetate (P < 0.05), lowered butyrate and propionate in the fore and hindgut comparing to those goats received CM. Goats received CM had higher (P < 0.05) dH2 while lowered dH2S in the fore and hindgut than those goats fed with CG treatment. The fore and hindgut had higher (P < 0.01) 16S rRNA gene copies of bacteria, protozoa, methanogens and 18S rRNA gene copies fungi than in the ileum and cecum. Goats fed CG diet had higher (P < 0.05)16S rRNA gene copies of bacteria, protozoa, methanogens, and 18S rRNA gene copies of fungi than those goats fed with CM diet. Conclusion fore and hindguts improved dissolved gasses, fatty acids and microbial community comparing with in the ileum and cecum. Goats fed CM had improved the Methanobacterials order and Methanobrevibacter genus as compared with those goats fed CG. The study suggested that hindgut segments have a reasonable contribution as foregut to methane emissions from goats.
MiR-571 affects the development and progression of liver fibrosis by regulating the Notch3 pathway
Authors: Cong Shuo , Liu Yongmei , Li Yi , Chen Yu , Chen Rui , Zhang Baofang , Yu Lei , Hu Yaxin , Zhao Xueke , Mu Mao , Huang Zhi , Cheng Mingliang
Published: April 2021

Exploring the expression of miR-571 in patients with liver fibrosis and its role in the progression of liver fibrosis. A total of 74 patients with chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis accompanied by liver fibrosis in our institution from September to December 2018 were collected for study, and the expression of miR-571 in patients with different progressions of liver fibrosis was determined by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Set up Notch3 up group and Notch3 down regulated group, RT-PCR and Western blot were used to determine the effect of Notch signaling on the expression of fibrogenic α-SMA, collagen I. CCK-8, cell scratch assays, Transwell assays, flow cytometry were used to determine the effect of miR-571 on LX-2 proliferation, migration, apoptosis in human stem stellate cells, and RT-PCR, Western blot assays were performed to determine the effect of miR-571 on the Notch3 signaling pathway and the expression of profibrogenic factors. miR-571 is up-regulated in patients with liver fibrosis and is associated with the progression of liver fibrosis. Notch3 signaling pathway can promote the expression of fibroblast in human hepatic stellate cells; miR-571 can inhibit the apoptosis of human hepatic stellate cells, promote cell proliferation and migration; up regulation of miR-571 can promote the expression of Notch3 and Jagged 1; up regulation of miR-571 can also promote the expression of fibroblast. miR-571 can promote the activation of human stem stellate cells and the expression of fibroblasts through Notch 3 signaling pathway.
Translation and Adaptation of The EORTC QLQ-LC 29 for Use in Chinese Patients with Lung Cancer
Authors: Dai Wei , Wang Yaqin , Liu Yangjun , Wei Xing , Osman Ahmed M.Y. , Pompili Cecilia , Koller Michael , Wang Qifeng , Wang Yi , Ge Jun , Xie Tianpeng , Li Qiang
Published: April 2021

Background

The latest European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire-Lung Cancer 29 (QLQ-LC29) has been translated and validated in several languages but not yet in simplified Chinese. This study aimed to translate this questionnaire into simplified Chinese and adapt it for use in Chinese patients with lung cancer.
Methods

The translation and adaptation process followed the EORTC translation procedure, and consisted of eight steps, namely, translation consent, forward translations, reconciliation, back translations, a back translation report, proofreading, pilot testing, and finalisation. The pilot testing included 10 patients with lung cancer.
Results

We obtained the permission to perform the EORTC QLQ-LC29 translation work on November 17, 2020. Thereafter, it took 3 weeks to complete the forward translations, reconciled translation, and back translations. After several rounds of discussion with the EORTC Translation Unit, 19 items used the existing translations from the EORTC item library and 10 items were translated from scratch. The 10 patients included in the pilot testing phase had a median age of 64 years (range, 31–69 years); five were male; five had an educational level of high school or above, and six had undergone surgery. Eight items received comments from patients (six items by one patient alone and the other two items by three patients). No patient commented on the instructions or the format used for responses. After discussion with the EORTC Translation Unit, we modified the Chinese wording in item 50 to ensure that the meaning of “lifeless” was clear. No changes were made to the remaining items.
Conclusions

The simplified Chinese version of the EORTC QLQ-LC29 is now available on the EORTC website. This translation may contribute to the application of the EORTC QLQ-LC29 scale in both research and clinical practice in the Chinese population with lung cancer. Further evaluation of the psychometric properties of the translated EORTC QLQ-LC29 is warranted.
As a Useful Biomonitor of Toxic Trace Element Contamination in the Highly Urbanised Istanbul, Turkey; Mytilus Galloprovincialis
Authors: TÜRKOĞLU Semra , KAYA Gokce , YAMAN Mehmet
Published: April 2021

In this study, concentrations of toxic trace elements were determined by an ICP-MS device in the edible tissues of Mytilus galloprovincialis from the Marmara Sea, İstanbul-Turkey. Concentrations of As, Pb, Cd, Hg, Ni, and Zn were investigated in digestive gland, gills, and muscles tissues of the mussel.According to the results obtained in the study, As, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Zn in the digestive gland of M. galloprovincialis were above the permissible concentrations (mgkg-1), which were 0.672 for Cd, 6.870 for As, 0.788 for Pb, 1.990 for Ni and 42.6 for Zn. The results show that Cd and As mean concentrations in muscle of M. galloprovincialis were above the permissible legal limits. Furthermore, Cd and Ni mean concentrations in gills of M. galloprovincialis were above the permissible levels. Furthermore, it was observed that the highest value belonged to As in the digestive gland of mussels with 65.42% of Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake. At the same time, the lowest percentage belonged to Zn with 0.22% of PTWI in muscles and 0.313% of PTWI in gills of the mussels. Thus, it is recommended that As, Pb, Cd, Hg, Ni, and Zn concentrations in seafood samples, particularly in mussels, should be monitored periodically.
Managerial Perspectives on Integration of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Services into the Ghanaian Public Healthcare System: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Essel Maame Yaa Pomaa Nhyira , Amon Samuel , Agyemang Samuel Agyei , Aikins Moses
Published: April 2021

Background This study explores healthcare managers’ perspective of integration of CAM service into Ledzorkuku Krowor Municipal (LEKMA) Hospital in Ghana. Methods A questionnaire on CAM services integration was constructed and distributed to all 9 healthcare managers at the Ledzorkuku Krowor Municipal (LEKMA) Hospital.Results The level of integration of CAM services into the health care system was good. The overall self-reported depth of integration was found to be good (2.23), the self-reported extent of was 100% and perceived scope of integration was classified as excellent (90.1%). The drivers of integration process were made up of 7 (19.1%) of the elements of integration functions (47) assessed. Conclusion The drivers of integration were mainly the elements of integration functions of patient satisfaction, right of patients to use other services, interpersonal systems, monitoring and supervision systems, nature of working relationship among staff, reporting, and financial management.
Estimating Responders to Treatment Using Five Indices of Significant Individual Change
Authors: Hays Ron D. , Slaughter Mary E. , Spritzer Karen L. , Herman Patricia M.
Published: April 2021

Background: Identifying how many individuals significantly improve (“responders”) provides important supplementary information beyond group mean change about the effects of treatment options. This supplemental information can enhance interpretation of clinical trials and observation studies. This study provides a comparison of five ways of estimating the significance of individual change.Methods: Secondary analyses of the Impact Stratification Score (ISS) for chronic low back pain which was administered at two timepoints in two samples: 1) three months apart in an observational study of 1,680 patients undergoing chiropractic care; and 2) 6 weeks apart in a randomized trial of 720 active-duty military personnel with low back pain. The ISS is the sum of the PROMIS-29 v2.1 physical function, pain interference and pain intensity scores and has a possible range of 8 (least impact) to 50 (greatest impact). The five methods of evaluating individual change compared were: 1) standard deviation index; 2) standard error of measurement (SEM); 3) standard error of estimate; 4) standard error of prediction; and 5) reliable change index.Results: Internal consistency reliability of the ISS at baseline was 0.90 in Sample 1 and 0.92 in Sample 2. Effect size of change on the ISS was -0.16 in Sample 1 and -0.59 in Sample 2. The denominators for the five methods in Sample 1 (Sample 2) were 7.6 (8.4) for the standard deviation index, 2.4 (2.4) for the SEM, 2.3 (2.3) for the standard error of estimation, and 3.3 (3.4) for the standard error of prediction and the reliable change index. The amount of change on the ISS needed for significant individual change in both samples was about 15-16 for the standard deviation index, 5 for the SEM and for the standard error of estimation, and 7 for the standard error of prediction and reliable change index. The percentage of people classified as responders ranged from 1% (standard deviation index in Sample 1) to 57% (SEM and standard error of estimate in Sample 2).Conclusions: The standard error of prediction and reliable change index estimates of significant change are consistent with retrospective ratings of change of at least moderately better in prior research. These two are less likely than other methods to classify people as responders who have not actually gotten better.
One-pot synthesis of high-capacity silicon-lithium anodes via on-copper growth of a semi-conducting, porous polymer
Authors: Bojdys Michael , Huang Jieyang , Urbanski Anna , Martin Andréa , Kulkarni Ranjit , Amsalem Patrick , Exner Moritz , Müller Johannes , Burmeister David , Koch Norbert , Pinna Nicola , Uhlmann Petra
Published: April 2021

Silicon-based anodes with lithium ions as charge carriers have the highest predicted charge density of 3579 mA h g-1 (for Li15Si4) while being comparatively safe. Contemporary electrodes do not achieve these theoretical values largely because production paradigms remained unchanged since their inception and rely on the mixing of weakly coordinated, multiple components. In this paper, we present the one-pot synthesis of high-performance anodes that reach the theoretical capacity of the fully lithiated state of silicon. Here, a semi-conductive triazine-based graphdiyne polymer network is grown around silicon nanoparticles directly on the current collector, a copper sheet. The current collector (Cu) acts as the catalyst for the formation of a semi-conductive triazine-based graphdiyne polymer network that grows around the inorganic, active material (Si). In comparison to established electrode assemblies, this process (i) omits any steps related to curing, drying, and annealing, (ii) does away with binders and conductivity-enhancing additives that decrease volumetric and gravimetric capacity, and (iii) cancels out the detrimental effects on performance, chemical and physical stability of conventional, three-component anodes (Si, binder, carbon black). This is because, the porous, semi-conducting organic framework (i) adheres to the current collector on which it grows via cooperative van der Waals interactions, (ii) acts effectively as conductor for electrical charges and binder of silicon nanoparticles via conjugated, covalent bonds, and (iii) enables selective transport of mass and charge-carriers (electrolyte and Li-ions) through pores of defined size. As a result, the anode shows extraordinarily high capacity at the theoretical limit of fully lithiated silicon, excellent performances in terms of cycling (exceeding 70% capacity retention after 100 cycles), and high mechanical and thermal stability. These high-performance anodes pave the way for use in flexible, wearable electronics and in environmentally demanding applications.
Distribution of Oil, Grease and Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Coastal Water and Sediments of Suez Bay
Authors: Elmorsi Randa
Published: April 2021

Permanganate index (PI), oil and grease (O&G) and 17 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were tested in 13 sites of surface sediment and water samples collected from the western coast of Suez Bay (SB). PI and O&G in the SB coastal seawater ranged from 9.6 mg O2 L− 1 and 17.0 mg L− 1 to 16.0 mg O2 L− 1 and 37.0 mg L− 1, respectively. Petroleum aromatic hydrocarbon levels of water and sediment in the area offshore of SB have been determined by Gas Chromatography. The concentration ranged from 0.574 to 16873.2 ng g− 1 in sediment and 0.502 to 43.540 ng L− 1 in water. The observed data were compared with values reported in the literature. The possible source of pollution was also identified by using gas chromatographic analysis of the samples.
Event-Triggered Fixed-Time Control for Steer-by-Wire Systems With Prespecified Tracking Performance
Authors: Ma Bingxin , Luo Gang , Wang Yongfu
Published: April 2021

This paper addresses the event-triggered output feedback control problem for (steer-by-wire) SbW systems with uncertain nonlinearity and time-varying disturbance. First, a new framework of event-triggered control systems is proposed to eliminate the jumping phenomenon of event-based control input, and the trade-off between saving communication resources and attenuating jumping phenomenon can be removed. Then, the adaptive disturbance observer and fuzzy-based state observer are developed to estimate the external disturbanceand unavailable state of augmented SbW systems, respectively. Third, an event-triggered fixed-time control is developed for SbW systems to achieve prespecified tracking accuracy while saving communication resources of the controller area network (CAN). Furthermore, theoretical analysis based on Lyapunov stability theory is provided to verify the tracking error of SbW systems can converge to the prespecified neighborhood of the origin in fixed time regardless of the initial tracking error. Finally, simulations and experiments are given to evaluate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed methods.
Neuroinflammation-Induced Parvalbumin Interneuron and Oscillation Deficits Might Contribute to Neurobehavioral Abnormities in a Two-Hit Model of Depression
Authors: Wang Fei , Tong Jianhua , Gao Yuzhu , Wang Shixu , Ji Muhuo
Published: April 2021

Background: Depression is a common neuropsychiatric disorder that causes profound disability worldwide, yet the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a two-hit model of depression on glial activation, parvalbumin (PV) interneuron, oscillation activity, and behavior alternations, and whether chronic fluoxetine treatment can reverse these abnormalities. Methods: Male mice were submitted to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection, followed by a modified chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) protocol. Results: In our study, we showed that mice exposed to LPS and CUS exhibited reduced body weight, anhedonic-like behavior as well as cognitive and anxiety symptoms. These behavioral alternations were related to enhanced neuroinflammation, as reflected by significantly increased IL-1β and IL-6 levels and microglia activation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). In addition, mice exposed to LPS and CUS displayed significantly decreased PV expression and disturbance of theta and gamma oscillations in the PFC. However, chronic fluoxetine treatment reversed most of these abnormalities. Conclusion: Our study of this two-hit model of depression is clinically relevant and suggests the combination of different etiological and pathophysiological components of depression may provide with a more translational value.
25-hydroxyvitamin D effect on cancer colon: Is visceral obesity the link?
Authors: Aboelnaga Mohamed M. , Aboelnaga Engy Mossad , Nahed Abdullah , Shaer Mostafa El
Published: April 2021

Background: low 25-hydroxyvitamin have been identified in pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC) with survival affection. Visceral fat tissue predisposes to chronic inflammation and release of growth factors that mediate colonic neoplasia.Aim of the work: to evaluate effect of vitamin D status and visceral obesity on cancer colon and to report the possible link between vitamin D and visceral obesity in those patients. Patients & Methods: Our patients were distributed in two groups; group 1 included cancer colon cases (no= 60) and 2nd group included control cases (no= 40). Clinical, anthropometric and pathological data were collected. Calculation of body mass index, visceral adiposity index (VAI) and detection of Vitamin D (25 OHD) serum level were performed to compare between groups. Results: There were significant differences in VAI and level of 25 OHD between both groups(P=0.011). We found significant higher prevalence of vitamin d deficiency in patient’ group [32 (53.3%) versus control group 13 (32.5%)]. There was a significant lower mean of VAI in vitamin D deficient patients versus non deficient cases (P=0.024). A significant different means of VAI and Vitamin D in patients’ group with different TNM stages. As higher stages associated with lower level of Vitamin D (P=0.027) and higher VAI (P=0.031)Conclusion: The vitamin D may augment the inflammatory status in visceral obesity which reported to be involved in tumourgenesis of cancer colon. Vitamin D deficiency may be a mediator between obesity and cancer and associated with higher tumour stage.
Adaptive Deep Learning for Time-Varying Systems With Hidden Parameters: Predicting Changing Input Beam Distributions of Compact Particle Accelerators
Authors: Scheinker Alexander , Cropp Frederick , Paiagua Sergio , Filippetto Daniele
Published: April 2021

Machine learning (ML) tools are able to learn relationships between the inputs and outputs of large complex systems directly from data. However for time-varying systems, the predictive capabilities of ML tools degrade if the systems are no longer accurately represented by the data with which the ML models were trained. For complex systems, re-training is only possible if the changes are slow relative to the rate at which large numbers of new input-output training data can be non-invasively recorded. In this work, we present an approach to deep learning for time-varying systems which does not require re-training. Our approach is to include adaptive feedback in the architecture of deep generative convolutional neural networks (CNN). The feedback is based only on available system output measurements and is applied in the encoded low-dimensional dense layers of the encoder-decoder CNNs. Our approach is inspired by biological systems in which separate groups of neurons interact and are controlled and synchronized by external feedbacks. We demonstrate this approach by developing an inverse model of a complex charged particle accelerator system, mapping output beam measurements to input beam distributions, while both the accelerator components and the unknown input beam distribution vary rapidly with time. We demonstrate our methods on experimental measurements of the input and output beam distributions of the HiRES ultra-fast electron diffraction (UED) beam line at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Our method can be successfully used to aid both physics and ML-based surrogate online models to provide non-invasive beam diagnostics. We also demonstrate our method for automatically tracking the time varying quantum efficiency map of a particle accelerator’s photocathode.
Ovarian Cancer Cell-Derived Exosomal miR-205 Promotes M2 Macrophage Polarization and Ovarian Cancer Cell Metastasis By Activating The AKT/mTOR Signalling Pathway
Authors: He Liuqing , Chen Quan , Wu Di , Zhu Wei , Chen Qifeng , Wu Xiaoying
Published: April 2021

Background: Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant immune cells in the tumour environment and are considered to be similar to M2 macrophages, which facilitate cancer progression. Exosomes, as important mediators of cell-to-cell communication, can alter the phenotype of TAMs by transferring microRNAs (miRNAs) that influence targets and signalling pathways. However, the exact mechanisms by which cancer-derived exosomal miRNAs facilitate the development and metastasis of ovarian cancer (OC) remain unclear.Methods: In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were performed to examine the relationship between miR-205 and CD163 in OC. Exosome labelling experiments and qRT-PCR were used to detect the transfer of miR-205 from OC cells to macrophages. The effects of exosomal miR-205-induced macrophages on OC cell migration, invasion and EMT were assessed by in vitro assays in a co-culture model. Western blotting and qRT-PCR experiments were performed to investigate the role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis in M2 macrophage polarization induced by exosomal miR-205. An in vivo mouse tumour model was used to evaluate the effects of M2 macrophages induced by exosomal miR-205.Results: We found that miR-205 expression levels were associated with M2 macrophage infiltration in patients with OC. miR-205 could be transported from OC cells to macrophages via exosomes and altered the macrophage phenotype. Moreover, macrophages that received exosomal miR-205 further enhanced the invasion, migration and EMT of OC cells. Decreased PTEN levels caused by exosomal miR-205 could increase the activation of AKT and mTOR as well as the expression of several immunosuppressive factors. In contrast, inhibition of miR-205 or restoration of PTEN effectively decreased cancer-mediated M2-type polarization, improving the infiltration of inflammatory factors in the tumour environment. Exosomal miR-205 derived from OC cells was found to induce M2-type polarization of macrophages and promote cancer progression in vivo.Conclusions: These results suggest a novel mechanism by which exosomal miR-205 induces M2 macrophage polarization and facilitates OC progression by targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis. Targeting exosomal miR-205 may offer a potential diagnosis and treatment strategy for OC.
Electrocatalytic Performance of NiNH2BDC MOF Based Composites with rGO For Methanol Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Yaqoob Lubna , Noor Tayyaba , Iqbal Naseem , Nasir Habib , Mumtaz Asad
Published: April 2021

Present work comprehensively investigated the electrochemical response of Nickel-2 Aminoterephthalic acid metal organic framework (NiNH2BDC) and its reduced graphitic carbon (rGO) based hybrids for methanol (CH3OH) oxidation reaction (MOR) in an alkaline environment. In thorough analysis of solvothermally synthesized Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and its reduced graphitic carbon based hybrids, functional groups detection was performed by FTIR, morphological study by SEM, crystal structure analysis via XRD, and elemental analysis through XPS while electrochemical testing was accomplished by chronoamperometry (CA), cyclic voltametric method (CV), electrochemically active surface area (EASA), Tafel slope (b), Electron impedance spectroscopy (EIS), mass activity, and roughness factor. Among all the fabricated composites, NiNH2BDC MOF/5 wt % rGO hybrid by possessing auspicious current density (j) of 267.7 mA / cm2 at 0.699 V (vs Hg/HgO), a Tafel slope value of 60.8 mV.dec-1, EASA value of 15.7 cm2, and by exhibiting resistance of 13.26 Ω in a 3 M CH3OH / 1M NaOH solution displays grander electrocatalytic activity as compared to state-of-the-art platinum-based electrocatalysts.
Diversity of Endo and Exo-Bacteria Associated With Fungi Isolated From Plant Rhizospheres: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lupini Simone , Nguyen Hang N. , III Demosthenes Morales , House Geoffrey L. , Paudel Sachin , Chain Patrick S.G. , Rodrigues Debora F
Published: April 2021

Background: Over the past several years, the scientific community has described the diversity of microbial communities in a variety of soils associated with plants, but at present, little is known about the specific diversity of the soil fungal microbiome involving bacteria colonizing the surface of fungi (i.e., exo-bacteria) or existing within fungal hypha (i.e., endobacteria). This study aimed to collect, identify, and characterize several fungi and their associated (endo- and exo-) microbiome obtained from the rhizosphere of six different plants. Microcosm devices called fungal highway columns, containing one of four plant-based media as attractants, were placed in the rhizosphere of six different plants. The isolated fungi and their associated endo- and exo- bacteria were identified by sequencing of the ITS (fungi) or 16S (bacteria) rRNA regions, followed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) imaging.Results: Most of the fungi recovered are known plant pathogens, such as Fusarium, Pleosporales, and Cladosporium together with species associated with the soil, e.g. Kalmusia. The exo-bacteria recovered were previously described as plant promoters, such as Bacillus, Rhizobium, Acinetobacter or Ensifer. The interactions between fungi and exo-bacteria recovered from fungal highway columns were further investigated via confrontation assays. From the reconstruction of the potential co-occurring bacterial-fungal associations in the rhizosphere, we discovered that the most promiscuous exo-bacterium group (associated with diverse fungi) was Bacillus. From the study of the endobacterial community, emerged a core of shared endosymbionts with a potential implication in the nitrogen cycle.Conclusions: The present study demonstrated the importance of selecting and studying cultivable fungi and bacteria from the rhizosphere. Our findings demonstrated that at the rhizosphere level, the range of interactions between fungi and bacteria, both internal and external to the fungal hypha, could vary even among closely related species.
Effects of Concentrate Supplementation on the Organic Matter Intake, Rumen Fermentation and Bacterial Community of Grazing Simmental Heifers
Authors: Chen Hao , Wang Chunjie , Huasai Simujide , Chen Aorigele
Published: April 2021

Background: In grazing systems, supplementation is an effective way to improve ruminant performance. Little is known regarding how concentrate supplementation affects rumen fermentation and the bacterial community of grazing animals in the grasslands of northern China. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effects of concentrate supplementation on the organic matter intake, rumen fermentation and bacterial community of grazing Simmental heifers. Twenty-four 7-month-old heifers were randomly divided into a supplement group and a control group (n = 12 per group). The control group heifers were grazed on a Leymus chinensis-based pasture without any supplementation (CON), while those in the supplement group (SUP) were grazed on the same grassland but received a concentrate supplement.Results: Compared with the CON heifers, those in the SUP group had a greater (P < 0.05) total organic matter (OM) intake and digestibility. However, heifers from the CON group had a higher (P < 0.05) herbage OM intake than those from the SUP group. The total VFA and NH3-N concentrations were significantly higher in the SUP group than in the CON group; of these, propionate, butyrate, and isobutyrate were also significantly increased in the SUP group. Furthermore, the acetate/propionate ratio was significantly decreased in the SUP group. Compared with the CON heifers, those in the SUP group had a higher bacterial richness. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the two predominant bacteria at the phylum level, representing 54.32% and 38.59% of all sequences, respectively. Compared with the CON animals, the SUP animals showed significant (p < 0.05) increases in the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia, but supplementation did not affect the relative abundance of other bacteria at the phylum level. At the genus level, different diet treatments had an important effect on the relative abundance of the major genera (Fig. 3C). The relative abundance of the genus Butyrivibrio was greater (p < 0.05) in the SUP group than in the CON group. The relative abundances of the genera Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-010 and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-011 were higher (p < 0.05) in the CON group than in the SUP group.Conclusions: In conclusion, providing 1.28 kg of supplement (DM basis) is a nutritional management strategy that can be adopted to improve the rumen fermentation, organic matter intake and digestibility of grazing heifers. Furthermore, supplementation has significant effects on the microbial community in the rumen of heifers, which might contribute to the anatomic development of the rumen, and these findings will contribute to the direction of future research in grazing heifers.
The Differences Between Action of Inhaled Silica and Iron Nanoparticles in ApoE-knockout mice – Silica Nanoparticles Exacerbate Atherosclerosis Through Skewing Macrophage Polarization Towards M1 Phenotype
Authors: Stachyra Kamila , Wiśniewska Anna , Kiepura Anna , Kuś Katarzyna , Rolski Filip , Czepiel Klaudia , Chmura Łukasz , Majka Grzegorz , Surmiak Marcin , Suski Maciej , Olszanecki Rafał
Published: April 2021

Background: Exposure to airborne particulate matter, especially its organic part, is strongly related to the development of cardiovascular disorders including atherosclerosis. The role of inorganic part of air pollution in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action of two substantial components of inorganic part of airborne particulate matter (SiO2 and Fe2O3) in atherosclerosis. To do this, we used apolipoprotein E-knockout mice exposed to silica (SiNPs) and ferric oxide (FeNPs) nanoparticles in a whole body inhalation chamber for 16 weeks. To our knowledge, this is the first time when whole body exposure system was applied to examine the effects of silica and ferric oxide nanoparticles on atherosclerosis development in mouse model of atherosclerosis. Results: Inhaled silica nanoparticles augmented the atherosclerotic lesions and increased the percentage of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages in both the plaque and the peritoneum in apoE-/- mice. Exposure to ferric oxide nanoparticles did not enhance atherogenesis process, however, it caused significant changes in the atherosclerotic plaque composition (elevated content of CD68-positive macrophages and enlarged necrotic core accompanied by the decreased level of M1 macrophages). Both silica and iron oxide NPs altered the phenotype of T lymphocytes in the spleen by promoting polarization towards Th17 cells. Conclusions: Exposure to silica and ferric oxide nanoparticles exerts differential impact on atherosclerosis development. Silica nanoparticles enhance atherosclerosis, which is associated with increased level of M1 macrophages, while ferric oxide nanoparticles alter atherosclerotic plaque composition without influencing the size of the lesions.
Uncharted waters: Mesenchymal stem cell Treatment for Pediatric Refractory Rheumatic Diseases; A Single Center Case Series
Authors: Wong Stephen Chee-Yung , Medrano Leah C , Hoftman Alice D , Jones Olcay Y , McCurdy Deborah K
Published: April 2021

Background:With the advent of innovative therapies including biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors, children with rheumatic diseases are more likely to have improved outcomes. Yet, despite these advances, some children do not respond, or they, or their parents fear adverse events and seek other alternatives. Increasingly, there are private companies that offer mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) as an alternative and describe it as a more natural therapy for rheumatic diseases, often insinuating that there will be a cure. Mesenchymal stem cells have immunomodulatory properties, and transplantation of these stem cells have been used to successfully treat immunologic conditions like graft-versus-host disease. More recently, MSC research in adults with lupus has been encouraging, but the clinical trials are still underway and in most, mesenchymal stem cell therapy is not a standalone treatment. This retrospective case series will highlight three cases of children with refractory autoimmune disease whose parents sought out and received MSC therapy as a self-decision without first seeking medical advice from our specialty. In our cases, the three families felt that their children were improved and in two believed that their child was cured. Mesenchymal stem cells have the potential of beneficial immunomodulation and may be a powerful tool in the therapy of rheumatic disease, but well controlled clinical trials are necessary and should be designed and monitored by experts in childhood rheumatic disease. Case Presentation:Three children with three different rheumatic diseases; systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease and juvenile idiopathic arthritis were under the care of pediatric rheumatology at a large, tertiary-care, teaching institution. Multiple non-biologic and biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs failed to significantly decrease disease activity, and as a result, the families chose to undergo MSC therapy. After transplantation, all children improved per patient and parent report and tapered off conventional immunosuppressive drugs. No serious adverse events occurred in these three patients. Conclusion:The three cases presented in this study reflect comparable beneficial outcomes and minimal risks published in adult studies. These were not controlled studies, however, and benefit was reported rather than documented. These cases suggest that MSC transplantation may prove a promising adjunctive treatment option; however, further research, development of standardized infusion therapy protocols, and well-designed and monitored clinical trials are essential.
Life in the Wheat Litter: Effects of Future Climate on Microbiome and Function During the Early Phase of Decomposition
Authors: Wahdan Sara , Hossen Shakhawat , Tanunchai Benjawan , Sansupa Chakriya , Schädler Martin , Noll Matthias , Wu Yu-Ting , Buscot François , Purahong Witoon
Published: April 2021

Even though it is widely acknowledged that litter decomposition can be impacted by climate change, the feedback of the corresponding functional roles of decomposing microbes to climate change is understood to a lesser extent. Litter decomposition is linked to the corresponding functioning of the microbiome, but the feedback to climate change is so far scarcely studied. This study used a field experimental facility settled in Central Germany to analyze the effects of ambient climate vs. future climate, which is expected in 50 – 70 years, on mass loss and physicochemical parameters of wheat straw in agricultural cropland at the early phase of litter decomposition process. Additionally, the effects of climate change were assessed on microbial richness, community compositions, interactions and their functions (production of extracellular enzymes), as well as litter physicochemical factors shaping their colonization. The initial physicochemical properties of wheat litter did not change between both climate conditions, however, future climate significantly accelerated litter mass loss as compared with ambient one. Using MiSeq Illumina sequencing, we found that future climate significantly increased fungal richness and altered fungal communities over time, while bacterial communities were more resistant in wheat residues. Fungi corresponded to different physicochemical factors of litter under ambient (C, Ca2+ and pH) and future (C/N, N, P, K+, Ca2+ and pH) climate conditions. Moreover, a highly correlative interactions between richness of bacteria and fungi were detected under future climate. Furthermore, the co-occurrence network patterns among dominant microorganisms inhabiting wheat residues were strongly distinct between future and ambient climates. Activity of microbial β-glucosidase and N-acetylglucosaminidase in wheat straw were significantly higher under future climate. Such high enzymatic activities were coupled with a significant positive correlation between microbial (both bacteria and fungi) richness and community compositions with these two enzymatic activities only under future climate. Overall, we provide evidence that future climate significantly impacted the early-phase of wheat litter decomposition through direct effects on fungal communities and through indirect effects on microbial interactions and corresponding enzymes production.
Translation of the Tonsil and Adenoid Health Status Instrument to the Arabic Language
Authors: Haddad Ghassan , Barazi Randa
Published: April 2021

Background: Adenotonsillectomy is one of the most commonly performed pediatric surgeries worldwide. To date, no questionnaire assessing the quality of life of patients post-operatively exists in the Arabic language. Our objective is to translate the Tonsil and Adenoid Health Status Instrument from English to Arabic and evaluate its internal consistency. We then attempt to use the translated questionnaire to assess the change in quality of life of patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy. Methods: Translation of the English TAHSI was performed using the guidelines for cross-cultural translation of quality of life measures. The obtained version of the questionnaire in Arabic was used on 141 patients enrolled prospectively over 3 years to assess for validity and internal consistency. Patients were enrolled from the pediatric otolaryngology clinic at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. Results: Cronbach alpha coefficients for the pre-operative and post-operative translated questionnaires were 0.79 and 0.78 respectively, confirming adequate internal consistency. Mean total pre-operative score was 28.88 ± 10.80, significantly higher than the mean post-operative score of 5.00 ± 5.57 (p<0.0001) showing an improvement in quality of life after surgery. Conclusion: In this study we successfully translated the Tonsil and Adenoid Health Status Instrument from English to Arabic. The questionnaire obtained is the only available quality of life measurement tool in Arabic specific to adenotonsillectomy. It was used to show that adenotonsillectomy significantly improves the quality of life of patients.
Quantitative Reduction of Gut Microbiota-Derived Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Stool and Serum in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Zhong Chenyu , Dai Zhiwei , Chai Lingxiong , Wu Lingping , Li Jianhui , Guo Weiying , Zhang Jie , Zhang Qun , Xue Congping , Lin Haixue , Luo Qun , cai kedan
Published: April 2021

ObjectivesPrevious studies found the dysbiosis of intestinal microbiota in individuals with diabetic kidney disease (DKD),especially the decreased SCFA-producing bacteria. We aimed to investigate stool and serum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), gut microbiota-derived metabolites, in individuals with DKD and the correlations. MethodsA total of 30 participants with DKD, 30 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and 30 normal controls (NC) in HwaMei Hospital were recruited from 1/1/2018 to 12/31/2019. Participants with DKD were divided into low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (eGFR<60ml/min, n=14) and high eGFR (eGFR≥60ml/min, n=16) subgroups. Stool and serum were measured for SCFAs with gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry.ResultsThe group with DKD showed markedly lower levels of fecal acetate, propionate and butyrate versus NC group (P<0.05), and the lowest fecal total SCFAs concentration among the the groups. The group with DKD also had a lower serum caproate concentration than that with diabetes (P<0.05). In the univariate regression analysis, fecal and serum acetate correlated with eGFR in the group with DKD (OR= 1.013, P=0.072; OR=1.017, P=0.032). The correlation between serum total SCFAs and eGFR showed statistical significance (OR= 0.019, P=0.024) unadjusted and a borderline significance (OR= 1.024, P =0.063) when adjusted for Hb and LDL. The decrease in serum acetate and total SCFAs were found of borderline significant correlation in both subgroups (P=0.055, P=0.050). ConclusionThis study provides evidence that in individuals with DKD, serum and fecal SCFAs levels (fecal level in particular) were lowered, and there was a correlation between lower SCFAs and a worsened renal function.
Investigating the Medical Tourism Supply Chain in Shiraz, Iran: A Hybrid Grounded Theory and Rough DEMATEL Method
Authors: Haqbin Arash , Shojaei Payam , Ronaghi Mohammad Hossein , Fazelzadeh Omid
Published: April 2021

Background: This study sought to provide a comprehensive analysis of the medical tourism supply chain (MTSC) in Shiraz, Iran, to improve the city’s potential tourism market share in the post-COVID-19 future. In doing so, the study relied on a mixed research methodology. Primarily, interviews were conducted with 12 stakeholders involved in Shiraz’s MTSC, including general policymakers, managers of private/public healthcare providers, travel agency managers, and managers of medical tourism companies. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and were then analyzed according to the systematic approach of grounded theory (GT).Results: The results helped to configure a model that analyzed Shiraz’s MTSC, which included 6 main dimensions, 17 sub-dimensions, and 48 criteria. To detect any interrelationships among the criteria, the model was further analyzed quantitatively through the rough Decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method.Conclusion: Proposing a novel methodology in medical tourism research, the study could practically contribute to different stakeholders in the medical tourism industry in Shiraz.
Arsenic in Pteris vittata is localized to the cell wall in a water-soluble state
Authors: Sugawara Kazuki , Hayashi Hiroshi , Inoue Chihiro
Published: April 2021

Pteris vittata L., a hyperaccumulator of As, has great potential in environmental remediation. Localization analysis of As and Ca, K, S, and P in arsenic-exposed and unexposed P. vittata pinnae was performed using an electron probe micro analyzer. A comparison of section preparation methods revealed that the As in P. vittata is water-soluble and not tightly bound to the tissue. Further elemental mapping revealed that the localization of S was not consistent with that of As. Therefore, the formation of a complex of low-molecular-weight thiols and As, which is a common detoxification mechanism in plants, may be a limited in P. vittata. It was confirmed that As was localized around the cell wall when the cell was in a healthy state, and that the distribution of As expanded to the whole cell when the cell was damaged. These results suggest that P. vittata may retain As extracellularly to inhibit damage to healthy cells. However, in the periphery of pinnae, which is more susceptible to damage, As was distributed throughout the cell, eventually leading to browning.