bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Use by Backyard Food Animal Producers in Ecuador: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Waters William F. , Baca Martin , Graham Jay P. , Butzin-Dozier Zachary , Vinueza Lenin
Published: May 2021

Background: Antimicrobials are widely used throughout the world in food animal production for controlling and preventing disease and for promoting growth. But this trend also has the potential for promoting antimicrobial resistance, which represents a threat to human, animal, and environmental health. The use of antimicrobials and the potential effects of antimicrobial dependence has often been associated with large-scale food animal production. But rural households also engage in small-scale agricultural production, often operating literally in backyards. While some small-scale producers use veterinary antimicrobials, most do not. This paper examines knowledge and attitudes to understand alternative practices. Methods: Qualitative field research was based on four focus group discussions (FGDs) with backyard food animal producers in six communities near Quito, Ecuador and two FGDs with veterinarians. FGDs were supplemented by structured observations and key informant interviews. They were recorded with digital audio devices and transcriptions were analyzed independently by two researchers using a three-stage coding procedure. Open coding identifies underlying concepts, while axial coding develops categories and properties, and selective coding integrates the information in order to identify the key dimensions of the collective qualitative data.Results: The qualitative data analysis shows that first, backyard food animal producers use few purchased inputs, including antimicrobials for keeping small numbers of animals and poultry for predominantly non-commercial household consumption and they use traditional veterinary remedies at little or no cost. Second, indigenous households and other small-scale producers in the Ecuadorian highlands and other parts of the Andean region retain traditional views of human productive activity as a component of the physical and spiritual environment. Conclusions: Backyard food animal producers in the Ecuadorian highlands implement complex household survival strategies based on both economic calculations and sociocultural underpinnings that shape perceptions, attitudes, and practices. They use traditional veterinary remedies in lieu of antimicrobials in most cases because limited production of food animals in small spaces allows them to contribute to a predictable household food supply, while at the same time conforming to traditional concepts of human and environmental health.
Implementation of Social Needs Screening in Primary Care: A Qualitative Study Using the Health Equity Implementation Framework
Authors: Drake Connor , Batchelder Heather , Lian Tyler , Cannady Meagan , Weinberger Morris , Eisenson Howard , Esmaili Emily , Lewinski Allison , Zullig Leah L. , Haley Amber , Edelman David , Shea Christopher M.
Published: May 2021

Background: Screening in primary care for unmet individual social needs (e.g., housing instability, food insecurity, unemployment, social isolation) is critical to addressing the deleterious effects on patients’ health outcomes. Evidence is needed regarding approaches to implementing such screening in routine clinical encounters to enhance social care integration. To our knowledge, this is the first study to apply an implementation science framework to identify implementation factors and best practices.Methods: Guided by the Health Equity Implementation Framework (HEIF), we collected qualitative data from providers and patients to evaluate barriers and facilitators to implementing the Protocol for Responding to and Assessing Patients’ Assets, Risks, and Experiences (PRAPARE), a standardized social needs screening and response protocol, in a federally qualified health center. Eligible patients (n = 2,192) who received the PRAPARE as a standard of care at three of the center’s clinics (Adult Medicine, Family Medicine, and Pediatrics) were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. We also obtained front-line clinician perspectives in a semi-structured focus group. We used HEIF domains to inform a directed content analysis.Results: Patients and clinicians (i.e., case managers) reported implementation barriers and facilitators across multiple levels (e.g., clinical encounters, patient and provider factors, inner context, outer context, and societal influence). Implementation barriers included structural and policy level determinants related to resource availability, discrimination, and administrative burden. Facilitators included evidence-based clinical techniques for shared decision making (e.g., motivational interviewing), team-based staffing models, and beliefs related to alignment of the PRAPARE with patient-centered care. We found high levels of patient acceptability and opportunities for adaptation to increase equitable adoption and reach.Conclusion: Our results provide practical insight into the implementation of the PRAPARE or similar social needs screening and response protocols in primary care. Our findings highlight the dynamic relationship between barriers and facilitators to implementation at the individual encounter, organizational, community, and societal levels. Future research should focus on developing discrete implementation strategies to promote social needs screening and response, and associated multisector care coordination to improve health outcomes and equity for vulnerable and marginalized patient populations.
The effects of Dynamic® taping on vertical jumps in adolescent volleyball players with low medial longitudinal arch: a cross sectional study
Authors: Ercan Dilek Hande , Kafa Nihan , Güzel Nevin Atalay , Akarçeşme Cengiz
Published: May 2021

Background: Taping is one of the conservative intervention methods used by health professionals for a long time to provide mechanical support for the musculoskeletal system. However, there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate its effect on Dynamic® taping. The purpose of this study to investigate how Dynamic® taping affected vertical jump and medial longitudinal arch (MLA) height in adolescent volleyball players with a low MLA. Methods: In the study, 23 female athletes participated with the mean age of 15.22±1.54 years. On the first day, athletes who were evaluated without a tape and they received Dynamic® taping the next day. Then they were re-evaluated with the taping on. All athletes jumped on eight different surfaces, first with shoes and then barefoot (without shoes). The distance of navicular drop was evaluated with the navicular drop test and vertical jump height was measured with the device VERT® (Mayfonk Athletic, USA). For the statistical analysis, the software SPSS version 22.0 for IBM (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Il, USA) and dependent groups student’s t-test was used. P-value accepted as 0.05 and cases where P < .05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The distance of navicular drop both in the right and left feet decreased in a statistically significant (P < .05) extent following Dynamic® taping. Comparing the vertical jump heights on eight different types of floor surface, before and after taping, with and without shoes, it was found that there was no statistically significant difference for all cases (P > .05). Conclusions: This was the first study to investigate the effectsg of Dynamic® taping on vertical jump and MLA height in adolescent volleyball players with low MLA height. As a result of the study, it was found that Dynamic® taping did not have a statistically significant effect on the vertical jump height, but it decreased navicular drop distance at statistically significant levels. Dynamic® tape application can be used as an easy-to-apply practical treatment agent to support the MLA in asymptomatic adolescent athletes with an increasing navicular drop. Trial registration: Before starting the study, approval from Gazi University Ethics Commission dated 20/11/2018 and numbered 14574941-050.99- 153747 was obtained.
No Additional Benefit of Eliminating Transfer Cancellations Using Cleavage-stage Transfers for Patients With Few Zygotes: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Dirican Enver Kerem , Olgan Safak , Sakinci Mehmet , Caglar Mete
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This retrospective cohort study determined the relative efficacy of blastocyst and cleavage-stage transfers in patients with differing numbers of zygotes.
Methods

A total of 1116 women whose embryo transfers were planned independently of patient characteristics were included. Cleavage-stage (D3) and blastocyst-stage (D5) transfer outcomes were analyzed per number of zygotes. The D5 group included transfer cancellations as the intention-to-treat population. The effect of the embryo transfer date on the clinical outcomes (clinical pregnancy and implantation rates) was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.
Results

Among the patients, 584 and 532 underwent D3 and D5 embryo transfers, respectively. The clinical pregnancy rates were significantly higher in D5 patients with ≥ 6 zygotes (25.7% vs 48.3%). The multivariate logistic regression analysis for clinical pregnancy did not show significant differences between the blastocyst and cleavage-stage transfers in patients with ≤ 5 zygotes (0.874). Compared to the cleavage-stage, blastocyst-stage transfers for patients with ≥ 6 zygotes resulted in a three-fold increase in clinical pregnancy rates (3.122).
Conclusion

Blastocyst transfers were not inferior to cleavage-stage embryo transfers among patients with few zygotes and were preferable for patients with several zygotes.
Adjuvant chemotherapy for peritoneal cytology-positive stage IA endometrial cancer
Authors: Kanno Motoko , Yunokawa Mayu , Nakabayashi Makoto , Omi Makiko , Sugiyama Yuko , Takeshima Nobuhiro , Kanao Hiroyuki , Ikki Ai , Mizusaki Megumi , Nishimura Mai , Okamoto Kouta , Tanaka Yuji , Fusegi Atsushi , Netsu Sachiho , Kurita Tomoko , Aoki Yoichi , Tanigawa Terumi , Matoda Maki , Okamoto Sansiro , Nomura Hidetaka , Omatsu Kohei , Utsugi Kuniko , Shimizu Yusuke
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aimed at evaluating the influence of positive peritoneal cytology (PPC) on the prognosis of patients with stage IA endometrial cancer, and the usefulness of adjuvant chemotherapy in their treatment.
Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with stage I A endometrial cancer admitted in our hospital between 2005 and 2015.
Results

Among 989 patients with stage IA endometrial cancer who underwent peritoneal cytology, 135 (13.7 %) had PPC. In multivariate analysis, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, grade 2 cancer, type II cancer, muscle invasion, and PPC were extracted as independent risk factors for recurrence in stage IA patients. In addition, type II cancer was identified as an independent risk factor in stage IA patients with PPC. There was no significant difference in the 5-year relapse-free survival rate in stage IA patients with PPC who received adjuvant chemotherapy when compared those who did not receive chemotherapy (p = 0.78). Similarly, the difference in the 5–year recurrence free survival rate between the two groups was not significant in patients with type II cancers (p = 0.11). However, the baseline risk of 5-year relapse-free survival without chemotherapy in stage IA patients with PPC and type II was very low (66.7%).
Conclusions

PPC was an independent risk factor for recurrence in stage IA endometrial cancer. Adjuvant chemotherapy did not influence the relapse-free survival rate in patients with stage IA endometrial cancer with PPC. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate adjuvant chemotherapy for early endometrial cancer patients with risk factors for recurrence, especially those with multiple factors.
Coating Matching Recommendation Based on Improved Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation and Collaborative Filtering Algorithm
Authors: Xin Yuan , Henan Bu , Jianmin Niu , Wenjuan Yu , Honggen Zhou , Xingyu Ji , Pengfei Ye
Published: May 2021

Coating matching design is one of the important parts of ship coating process design. The selection of coating matching is influenced by various factors such as marine corrosive environment, anti-corrosion period and working conditions. There are also differences in the coating performance requirements for different ship types and different coating parts. At present, the design of coating matching in shipyards depends on the experience of technologist, which is not conducive to the scientific management of ship painting process and the macro control of ship construction cost. Therefore, this paper proposes a hybrid algorithm of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation and collaborative filtering based on user label improvement (IFCE-CF). User interest labels and hierarchical analysis are used to calculate the combined weights, and collaborative filtering algorithm based on matrix decomposition is used to achieve personalized recommendations for coating matching. Historical coating process data of a shipyard between 2010 and 2020 were selected to verify the recommendation ability of the method in the paper. The results show that using the coating matching intelligent recommendation algorithm proposed in this paper, Root Mean Square Error < 1.02 and Mean Absolute Error < 0.79, the prediction accuracy is significantly better than other research methods, which proves the effectiveness of the method.
Image Fusion Algorithm in Integrated Space-Ground-Sea Wireless Networks of B5G
Authors: Yu Xiaobing , Cui Yingliu , Wang Xin , jinjin Zhang
Published: May 2021

In recent years, in Space-Ground-Sea Wireless Networks, the rapid development of image recognition also promotes the development of images fusion. For example, the content of single-mode medical image is very single, and the fused image contains more image information, which provides a more reliable basis for diagnosis. However, in wireless communication and medical image processing, the image fusion effect is poor and the efficiency is low. To solve this problem, a image fusion algorithm based on fast finite shear wave transform and convolutional neural network is proposed for wireless communication. Firstly, the source image is decomposed by fast finite shear wave transform (FFST); secondly, the convolution neural network is improved to reduce the dimension of convolution layer from two steps, and the number of iterations and the optimal weight of convolution neural network are determined by experiments; finally, the image is fused by the inverse process of fast finite shear wave transform. The experimental results show that the algorithm has a very good effect in both objective indicators and subjective vision, and it is also very feasible in wireless communication.
Association of Phase Angle and Sarcopenia in Chronic Msculoskeletal Pain Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Tsuji Hironori , Tetsunaga Tomoko , Tetsunaga Tomonori , Misawa Haruo , Hamada Masanori , Katayama Yoshimi , Yamane Kentaro , Oda Yoshiaki , Takao Shinichiro , Kajiki Yuya , Takei Yoshitaka , Nishida Keiichiro , Senda Masuo , Ozaki Toshifumi
Published: May 2021

In chronic musculoskeletal pain patients, early prevention and detection for musculoskeletal dysfunction (i.e., sarcopenia) is an issue of significant clinical interest. Phase angle, which can be measured through bioelectrical impedance analysis, can detect sarcopenia; however, the evidence on chronic musculoskeletal pain patients is limited. This study aimed to assess the relationship between phase angle and sarcopenia in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. A total of 190 patients (51 men, 139 women; mean age: 67.2 years) with chronic　musculoskeletal pain were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Sarcopenia was diagnosed using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia Criteria 2019. A total of 51 patients (26.7%) including 10 men (19.6%) and 41 women (29.5%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Phase angle, sarcopenia-related factors, age, and BMI differed significantly in patients with and without sarcopenia. On multiple logistic regression analysis, the prevalence of sarcopenia was observed to be significantly correlated with phase angle and BMI. The areas under the curve exhibited high accuracy in discriminating sarcopenia in men and moderate accuracy in both genders and in women. We conclude that phase angle may be a useful tool for detecting sarcopenia in the patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Flood Forecasting in the Sparsely Gauged Jhelum River Basin of Greater Himalayas Using Integrated Hydrological and Hydraulic Modelling Approach
Authors: Parvaze Sabah , Khan Junaid Nazir , Kumar Rohitashw , Allaie Saqib Parvaze
Published: May 2021

Flood forecasting using hydrological and hydraulic models is an efficient non-structural flood management option. For real-time flood forecasting in the data scarce Jhelum basin, the present study evaluated the capability of MIKE 11 Nedbor-Afstromings Model (NAM), hydrodynamic (HD) and flood forecasting (FF) models to forecast streamflow of four principal gauging stations of river Jhelum (Sangam, Ram Munshi Bagh, Asham and Baramulla). European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) model-forecasted precipitation and temperature data was used to increase the forecast lead time to 7 days. The forecast results were assessed by calculating coefficient of determination (R2), Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) and various error indices. Integration of the MIKE 11 NAM and HD modules improved the results of MIKE 11 NAM significantly. Values of R2 improved by 8–15% while that of NSE improved by 8–14% at various stations by using integrated model. MIKE 11 FF with ECMWF input was used to simulate the streamflow with lead times of 1to 10-days. The forecast results were efficient for lead times up to 7-days with R2 and NSE values 0.8 and 0.7, respectively. Peak error for 7-days forecast was 19.1% and the peak time error was 1.2 h. The developed model can be used for short to medium range flood forecasting for the data scarce, snow dominated Jhelum basin and can apply to similar basins around the globe as a component of the early flood warning system.
Integrative Small RNA and Transcriptome Analysis Provides Insight Into Key Role of Mir408 Towards Drought Tolerance Response in Cowpea
Authors: Mishra Sagarika , Sahu Gyanasri , Shaw Birendra Prasad
Published: May 2021

Cowpea, a highly nutritious legume crop exhibits high resilience to heat and drought stress. Small RNA and transcriptome sequencing was performed in an elite high-yield Indian cultivar, Pusa Komal. Overall, 233 conserved and 10 novel drought-responsive miRNAs, and around 2995/497 drought-responsive genes were observed in libraries generated from leaf/root tissues of cowpea. Using 5’ RLM-RACE approach, NAC29, auxin response factor 8, copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase, scarecrow-like protein 6, mitochondrial substrate carrier family protein B, and laccase 12 were identified as cleaved targets of differentially expressed miRNAs such as miR167, miR171m, miR398c, miR408, miR1514, novel_792, and novel_796 in cowpea. Moreover, the potential role of differentially up-regulated miR408 in cowpea was exploited by the generation of transgenic cowpea lines overexpressing amiR408a-3p. The transgenic OX-amiR408 cowpea lines displayed enhanced drought and salinity tolerance as compared to control plants and maintained higher relative water content, chlorophyll, and proline content, and lower cellular H2O2 content under drought stress. The SEM analysis revealed reduced stomatal aperture and higher trichome density in transgenic OX-amiR408 lines. Furthermore, genes related to trichome development, transparent testa glabra 1 (TTG1), and glabrous inflorescence stems (GIS3) showed ~1.45-fold change in transgenic lines. Selected DGE for GO enriched terms for biological processes like lipid metabolic processes, hydrogen peroxide catabolic process, and response to oxidative stress, such as LAC3, LAC12, GDSL esterase/lipase CPRD49 and peroxidase 25 were altered in transgenic OX-amiR408 lines.
Further Probing the Mechanisms Driving Projected Subtropical Decreases of Extreme Precipitation Intensity.
Authors: Mpanza Thabo Msawenkosi Agrippa , Tandon Neil
Published: May 2021

Regional projections of extreme precipitation intensity (EPI) are strongly influenced by regional projections of “extreme ascent,” i.e. ascending air during periods of extreme precipitation. Earlier studies have performed analysis suggesting that long-term changes in eddy length scale and vertical stability are key factors influencing extreme ascent projections, but these mechanisms have yet to be confirmed with controlled model experiments. In this study, we perform such controlled experiments using a cloud-resolving model (CRM). The selected CRM domains are two locations over the subtropical South Atlantic Ocean where global climate models consistently project weakening of extreme ascent with accordingly decreased EPI. At each study location, three pairs of 20-year maximum precipitation events are simulated with the CRM, with each pair consisting of an event during the historical period (1981-2000) and an event during the future period (2081-2100), with large-scale forcings for the three pairs derived from three different members of an initial condition ensemble of the Canadian Earth System Model version 2 (CanESM2). These experiments reveal that, in both study locations, weakening of differential cyclonic vorticity advection (dCVA) is a key driver of projected decreases in extreme ascent and EPI. Weakening of dCVA is expected in accordance with hydrostatic balance because, as temperatures warm, the pressure spacing between geopotential surfaces increases. Although there is evidence that the CRM is more sensitive to dCVA changes than CanESM2, such a dCVA mechanism may nonetheless be important to consider for EPI changes in the real world.
Interstitial collagenase MMP-1 and EMMPRIN in cell lines transformed with HPV16 and HPV18, and clinical specimens of cervical squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Timoshenko Olga S. , Solovyeva Nina I. , Kugaevskaya Elena V. , Gureeva Tatiana A.
Published: May 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to elucidate the features of expression of the inducer of expression of matrix metalloproteinases – EMMPRIN (EMN) and matrix metalloproteinase - MMP-1 in cell lines transformed with HPV16 and HPV18, and clinical samples of squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix uteri (SCC), as factors of tumor invasion.Material and methods: The study was carried out using RT-PCR and immunohistochemical studies (IHC).Results: The data obtained indicate that the expression of mRNA EMN and MMP-1 occurs in all cell lines. No direct correlation was found between the expression of EMN and MMP-1. Expression of mRNA of both EMN and MMP-1 in the HPV18 cell lines was more pronounced than in HPV16. The expression of MMP-1 in tumor tissue of SCC, as a rule, was significantly higher than in normal tissue, according to densitometry data by 5-7 times. The high MMP-1 mRNA expression was found in 90% of tumor samples. Expression of EMN mRNA was found in tumor and normal tissues. In most tumor samples, expression was at or below normal tissue level, and an increase in expression was detected in only isolated cases of SCC. ﻿Conclusion: The obtained data are important for understanding the process of tumor development and may have prognostic value. MMP-1 can serve as a marker of the invasive potential of SCC.
PFKFB4 Interference Regulates Mitochondrial Membrane Fusion and Affects Glioma Proliferation and Apoptosis
Authors: zhao kai , Yu Chaojun , Luo Ji , Huang Minhao , Wen Qian , Zhao Ninghui
Published: May 2021

Background: Fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 4 (PFKFB4) is a key enzyme in glucose metabolism, and its differential expression is closely related to the occurrence and development of tumors. However, the related molecular mechanisms in glioblastoma(GBM) remain unclear. Methods: Firstly, the expression of PFKFB4 in normal and GBM tissues was analyzed by bioinformatics in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and the relationship between PFKFB4 and survival was analyzed. Then detected the expression of PFKFB4 in tissues and cells of glioma. After PFKFB4 Interference, observed the proliferation by CCK8 and EDU, apoptosis of U87 cells by flow cytometry. the content of ATP and mitochondrial membrane function were detected. The possible interaction mechanism between PFKFB4 and mitochondria was analyzed by bioinformatics and verified by qPCR and Western blotting(WB). Finally, the experiment of subcutaneous tumor formation in nude mice was verified.Results: Our study found that PFKFB4 is highly expressed in glioma tissues and cell lines. High expression levels are associated with a poor prognosis. In addition, PFKFB4 inhibition attenuates the proliferation and mitochondrial function of cancer cells promotes apoptosis, and can also reduce ATP levels. Further studies showed that PFKFB4 affects the metabolic reprogramming of gliomas by regulating mitochondrial membrane fusion, Regulating the protein expression of mitofusin 1(MFN1), mitofusin 2(MFN2), opticatrophy-1(OPA1). Animal studies verify these results.Conclusion: PFKFB4 may be a potential therapeutic target for glioma.
New Imaging and Clinical Manifestations of NDMSBA Disorder Caused by a Novel Homozygous Missense Variant of PLAA
Authors: Dehghani Ali , Razmara Ehsan , Rasoulinezhad Maryam , Bitarafan Fatemeh , Tavasoli Ali Reza , Garshasbi Masoud
Published: May 2021

Background: Phospholipase A-2-activating protein (PLAP) has essential roles in biological pathways. Neurodevelopmental disorder with progressive microcephaly, spasticity, and brain anomalies (NDMSBA) is a complex neurodevelopmental disease caused by defects in the PLAA gene (MIM: 603873). Herein, we aimed to detect the potential genetic factors contributing to the NDMSBA phenotype in a 2.5-year-old affected male in an Iranian consanguineous family.Methods: After meticulously performing neuroimaging and clinical examinations, due to heterogeneity of neurodevelopmental diseases, the proband was subjected to paired-end whole-exome sequencing (WES). The candidate variant was confirmed by Sanger sequencing and different in silico predictions were used to show the pathogenicity of the variant. Results: The brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed lissencephaly, polymicrogyria, severe subcortical, deep and deep white matter signal abnormalities, thinning of the corpus callosum, and severe vermis atrophy. Interestingly, we detected a novel homozygous missense variant, NM_001031689.3:c.2264A>G;p.(Asp755Gly) in the PLAA gene. To the best of our knowledge, this variant is the second one identified within the PUL domain (PLAP, Ufd3p, and Lub1p) of PLAP and also the sixth reported variant throughout the PLAA gene. In silico analyses underscored the pathogenicity of the variant. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated severe cerebral and cerebellar white matter signal abnormalities, hypertelorism, strabismus, and drooling in the proband as the novel manifestation of NDMSBA that in turn caused by a novel likely pathogenic missense variant. Further studies are required to confirm how this variant contributes to NDMSBA.
Longitudinal blood cell transcriptomic profiling and in vitro temporal proteomics provides novel insights into metabolic reprogramming and host-immune responses against Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus
Authors: Neogi Ujjwal , Elaldi Nazif , Appelberg Sofia , Ambikan Anoop , Kennedy Emma , Dowall Stuart , Bagci Binnur , Gupta Soham , Rodriguez Jimmy , Akusjärvi Sara Svensson , Monteil Vanessa , Vegvari Akos , Banerjea Akhil , Weber Friedemann , Hewson Roger , Mirazimi Ali
Published: May 2021

The pathogenesis and host-viral interactions of the Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus (CCHFV) are convoluted and is not well evaluated. To understand the host immune responses against CCHFV, we have performed a global transcriptomic analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from a longitudinal cohort of CCHF patients who survived the infection and temporal untargeted proteomics analysis of CCHFV infected Huh7 cells. Our results indicate that during the acute phase of CCHFV infection, the host's metabolic reprogramming towards central carbon metabolism including glycolysis and glutaminolysis occurs that favours the virus replication as blocking these pathways in vitro inhibits CCHFV cellular replication. Furthermore, CCHFV replication was inhibited by blocking Akt with MK-2206 suggesting a regulatory role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways. We also show activation of key interferon stimulating genes during infection, suggesting a role for type I and II interferon-mediated antiviral mechanisms. Targeting immune-metabolic pathways could be attractive therapeutic intervention for CCHFV.
Transcription of macromolecular N degrading genes provides a window into organic nitrogen decomposition in soil
Authors: Sieradzki Ella Tali , Nuccio Erin Elaine , Pett-Ridge Jennifer , Firestone Mary K
Published: May 2021

Background: Nitrogen (N) is commonly limiting in soil in part because most N is present in macromolecular organic compounds and not directly available to plants. Using extracellular enzymes, the soil microbial community present near roots (rhizosphere) is largely responsible for transforming organic substrates, which yields nitrogen in forms that are plant-available. Microbial genetic potential (genes) and the cycling of inorganic nitrogen pools have been extensively documented and widely explored in rhizospere soil. But there is scarce information on microbial gene expression for macromolecular nitrogen decomposition and how it relates in space and time to life stages of plant roots. Here we use a suite of time-resolved metatranscriptomes from rhizosphere and bulk soil to follow bacterial and fungal extracellular protease and chitinase expression during rhizosphere aging. We also explore the effect of adding plant root litter as a distinct source of macromolecular carbon and nitrogen. Results: Expression of extracellular proteases in rhizosphere soil increased with plant growth in the absence of litter, whereas chitinase ( chit1 ) was highly upregulated in the detritusphere. Structural groups of proteases were dominated by serineproteases, despite the higher abundance of metalloproteases previously observed in soil and aquatic systems. Extracellular proteases of Betaprotebacteria were more highly expressed in the rhizosphere, whereas those of Deltaroteobacteria and Fungi responded strongly to the presence of litter. We identified distinct functional guilds of taxa specializing in decomposition of proteins in the rhizosphere, detritusphere and in the vicinity of aging roots. We also identify a sub-guild that appears to specialize in protein decomposition in the presence of growing roots as well as litter that increases its activity in aging rhizosphere soil, which may be particularly N limited. Taxonomic membership of these guilds partially overlapped with functional guilds identified by carbon decomposing enzymes, making up multifunctional guilds. Conclusions: We found organic N decomposers have distinct spatiotemporal preferences that are selected during plant growth. Rhizosphere microbes which could potentially benefit plants by degrading macromolecular nitrogen were not comparatively active in bulk soil, even in the presence of root litter, implying that they are enhanced near plant roots and less competitive in bulk soils.
Lung Function In Discharged Patients After Coronavirus Infection (SARS, MERS, COVID-19): A Systemic Review And Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cui Yan Li , Cheng Wen-Wen , Mou Zhi-Wei , Xiao Duan , Shan Sha-Rui , Chen Zhuo-Ming
Published: May 2021

Background: To date, coronaviruses have caused three pandemics. Fewer studies concentrated on the prognosis of lung function.Objective: To summarize the lung function of the discharged after coronavirus infection.Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Two authors independently screened articles and extracted data. On average, predicted values and damage rates of seven lung function indices were pooled by single-arm meta-analysis. And, in severe/critical vs. non-severe/critical and one-year follow-up, they were pooled by two-arm meta-analysis. The source of high heterogeneity was explored by meta-regression or subgroup analysis. Results: Of the 7798 articles identified, 34 studies were included. On average, the pooled predicted values of the seven indices were within normal except for DLCO (79.2, 95% CI (76.2－82.2 )). Damage of lung function indices accounted for 6.2－35.2% of the discharged with DLCO most, and 83－100% of the damage was mild. Meta-regression showed that different viruses, countries, disease settings, and measurement times were not the source of high heterogeneities. In severe/critical illness vs. non-severe/critical, predicted values of seven indices were significantly lower (largest gap in DLCO (WMD -11.60, 95% CI -14.23－-8.98)). However, damage rates got rises only in DLCO (RR 1.74, 95% CI 1.46－2.07) and TLC, having no differences in the other indices. In one-year follow-up, predicted values were significantly improved in the severe/critical subgroup, while having no change in the non-severe/critical subgroup. Damage rates got no improvement in all indices.Interpretation: A single predicted value or damage rate can't give a clear description of lung function after coronavirus infection, and the trends of the two are sometimes inconsistent. We suggest more prospective cohort or follow-up studies in the future to lessen the influence of differences in lung function measurements across studies.Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42020192843)
Exogenous Application of Sodium Hydrosulfide Suppresses Bacterial Wilt And Regulates The Soil Microecology
Authors: Li Chunli , Yu Jun , Li Zongping , Yang Jinpeng , Chen Shouwen , Yang Yong , Yang Chunlei , Hu Yun
Published: May 2021

The role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in regulating the pathogenic bacteria has been well documented. However, whether exogenous H2S addition inhibits the pathogens in soil is not understood, and whether H2S can suppress the plant disease caused by pathogen R. Solanacearum is not clear. In the present study, different concentrations of H2S donor NaHS were applied to the tobacco field to explore the interrelation among NaHS, tobacco baterial wilt, soil physicochemical properties and microbial community. In order to decipher the disease suppression mechanism from the perspective of soil microecology. Application of NaHS significantly reduced the disease incidence and disease index of TBW, increased soil pH, alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), available phosphorus (AP) and organic matter (OM). NaHS addition also changed soil microbial community composition and structure. Furthermore, NaHS addition significantly reduced the abundance of Ralstonia and Fusarium, and increas pathogenic ed beneficial microorganisms Solirubrobacter, Rhodococcus, Rhizobium, Pseudomonas, Paenibacillus, Microvirga, Lysobacter, Haliangium, Granulicella, Flavobacterium, Bacillus, Trichoderma and Aspergillus at the genus level. Our findings suggested that exogenous application of NaHS significantly suppressed TBW caused by R. Solanacearum through regulated soil microecology. This study revealed the potential of NaHS in control of bacterial wilt.
Identification of differentially expressed genes and hub genes of human hosts with tuberculosis through an integrated bioinformatics strategy
Authors: Yue Peng , Dong Yan , Xu Xin , Zhang Yu , Kong Jing , Chen Jingjing , Fan Yuxin , Liu Meixiao , He Yuan , Cao Wenjing , Wen Shiyuan , Li Binxue , Luo Lisha , Chen Taigui , Li Lianbao , Wang Feng , Zhou Guozhong , Luo Suyi , Liu Aihua , Bao Fukai
Published: May 2021

Background: Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Until now, molecular mechanisms underlying the occurrence, development and prognosis of tuberculosis have not been fully characterized. The aim of the study was to identify hub genes involved in tuberculosis.Methods: We used four microarray datasets (GSE51029, GSE52819, GSE54992, and GSE65517) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and GEO2R software to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between samples from humans infected with M. tuberculosis and a healthy control group (using cutoffs of LogFC > 1 and p value < 0.05). DEGs shared by the four microarray datasets were further identified. Next, we carried out functional enrichment analysis using the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG); Then, the host hub genes with a relatively high number of connections to other DEGs, were identified by Cytoscape. Other bioinformatics methods are also performed, including protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and construction of miRNA–hub gene networks and transcription factors (TF)–hub gene networks. Finally, the expression of the host hub genes was verified using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT–PCR).Results: A total of 46 DEGs were identified. GO analysis showed that the biological functions of DEGs were mainly in immune response regulation, cytokine/chemokine activity, and receptor ligand activity. DEGs were significantly enriched in membrane rafts, the mitochondrial outer membrane, cytoplasmic vesicle cavities, and nuclear chromatin. KEGG enrichment analysis showed involvement of the genes in the NOD-like receptor and toll-like receptor signaling pathways. Five highly differentially expressed hub genes – STAT1, TLR7, CXCL8, CCR2, and CCL20 – were identified. Finally, based on NetworkAnalyst's database, we constructed miRNA–hub gene networks and TF–hub gene networks.Conclusions: In summary, bioinformatics analyses were used to identify DEGs to find potential biomarkers that may be associated with tuberculosis. This study provides a set of candidate DEGs and five important hub genes that can be potential for the early detection, prognostic determination, risk assessment, and targeted therapy of tuberculosis.
A Scale to Assess Factors Influencing Treatment Initiation in Patients With Anorexia Nervosa. Development and Evaluation of the FABIANA-Checklist.
Authors: Reuter Laurence , Kästner Denise , Schmidt Justine , Weigel Angelika , Voderholzer Ulrich , Seidel Marion , Schwennen Bianca , Fehrs Helge , Löwe Bernd , Gumz Antje
Published: May 2021

BackgroundA long duration of untreated illness (DUI) is an unfavorable prognostic factor in anorexia nervosa and often associated with chronic illness progression. The FABIANA- checklist, developed using a qualitative multi-informant approach, includes factors influencing treatment initiation which are potentially modifiable and are mentioned as being relevant by patients with AN. The study focusses on the development and evaluation of the FABIANA-Checklist and aims at providing descriptive data on DUI in a German sample.MethodsAfter cognitive pretest and revision, dimensionality of the 18-item version of the FABIANA-checklist was tested by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). For item validation we assessed support from social environment (FSozU), support in the health care system (PACIC-5A), illness perception and coping (BIPQ).ResultsWe included a sample of female patients (N=75), aged >14 years ( M = 21.4 years) with AN. Average BMI was 15.5 kg/m 2 , age of onset was 19.2 years and average DUI was 2.25 years. PCA yielded six components explaining 62.64% of the total variance. Overall internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach’s α= .76) and construct validity was satisfactory for 14 items. Two consistent components emerged: primary care perceived as supportive and competent (23.33%) and emotional and practical support from relatives (9.98%). With regard to the other components, the heterogeneity of the items led to unsatisfactory internal consistency, single item loading and partly ambiguous interpretability. Analysis on item level indicated that practical and emotional support from the social environment seems to be particularly important for treatment initiation.ConclusionsThe FABIANA-checklist is a valid instrument to assess factors involved in the process of treatment initiation of patients with AN. Psychometrics and dimensionality testing suggests that experienced emotional and practical support from the primary health care system and close relatives are strongly involved factors. Nevertheless, the results point out that a differentiated consideration on item level is useful. To quantify the relative importance of the factors assessed and to derive recommendations on early-intervention approaches, the predictive effect of the FABIANA-items on the DUI will be determined in a subsequent study which will further include the perspective of relatives and primary caregivers in addition to the patient perspective.Trial registrationClinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT03713541: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03713541
Improved structure and enhanced the insecticidal activity of Sip1Aa protein by adding disulfide bonds
Authors: Wang Lin , Wang Jing , Ding Ming-Yue , Gao Ji-Guo , Liu Rong-mei , Li Hai-Tao
Published: May 2021

Sip1Aa is an insecticidal protein of Bacillus thuringiensis at the secretory stage. It has a strong toxic effect on the members of order Coleoptera. To date, there are few available studies on Sip1Aa protein and the inclusion body problem is serious, and this raises the importance to conduct further studies on Sip1Aa protein. Disulfide bonds, as the only covalent bond on protein side chains, play an important role in the stability and function of the proteins. The tertiary structure of Sip1Aa protein was analyzed by homologous modeling and other bioinformatics methods to predict the conserved domain of Sip1Aa protein. Cysteine used to replace these amino acids by site-directed mutation. Consequently, we were able to successfully construct Sip149-251, Sip153-248, Sip158-243, and Sip178-314. These were exposed to ultraviolet radiation, and we found that Sip153-248 and Sip158-243 were the most stable, followed by Sip149-251 and Sip178-314 when compared with Sip1Aa. After the mutant strain was transferred into Escherichia coli BL21, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to detect the inducible expression products. Approximately 37.6 kDa of proteins that were highly expressed in E. coli. We found no significant change in the insecticidal activity.
Bulging Distortion of Austenitic Stainless Steel Sheet on the Partially Penetrated Side of Non-Penetration Lap Laser Welding Joint
Authors: Yao Chengwu , Liu Enze , Ni Jiaming , Nie Binying
Published: May 2021

Non-penetration laser welding of lap joints in austenitic stainless steel sheets is commonly preferred in fields where the surface quality is of utmost importance. However, the application of non-penetration welded austenitic stainless steel parts is limited owing to the micro bulging distortion that occurs on the back surface of the partial penetration side. In this study, non-penetration lap laser welding experiments, were conducted on galvanized and SUS304 austenitic stainless steel plates using a fiber laser, to investigate the mechanism of bulging distortion. A comparative experiment of DC01 galvanized steel-Q235 carbon steel lap laser welding was carried out, and the deflection and distortion profile of partially penetrated side of the sheets were measured using a non-contact laser interferometer. In addition, the cold-rolled SUS304 was subjected to heat holding at different temperatures and water quenching after bending to characterize its microstructure under tensile and compressive stress. The results show that, during the heating stage of the thermal cycle of laser lap welding, the partial penetration side of the SUS304 steel sheet generates compressive stress, which extrudes the material in the heat-affected zone to the outside of the back of the SUS304 steel sheet, thereby forming a bulge. The findings of these experiments can be of great value for controlling the distortion of the partial penetrated side of austenitic stainless steel sheet during laser non-penetration lap welding.
Scientific Collaboration Network Analysis: A Brazilian Computer Science Graduate Programs Case
Authors: Costa Aurélio Ribeiro , Nunes Vanessa Tavares , Ralha Célia Ghedini
Published: May 2021

Scientific collaboration networks can present different views of researchers’ interaction. The analysis of these networks allows research transparency focusing on the understanding of how science evolves in different contexts. In this article, we present a scientific collaboration network analysis using social network metrics as average degree, connected components, betweenness and closeness centralities applied to five Brazilian Computer Science graduate programs. An online artifact built upon the design science research paradigm, namely SCI-synergy, was developed to ease the analysis involving publication data available on the Digital Bibliography & Library Project (DBLP) from the graduate program members allied to the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), the State University of São Paulo (USP), the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), the Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM), and the University of Brasília (UnB). The objective is to analyze the scientific collaboration network of each program focusing on the researchers’ collaboration to understand patterns considering intra- and inter-program relationships. The analysis covers two database updates of 2019 and 2021. Results show that intra-program relationships are not always bigger among the highest-ranked programs in CAPES. Nevertheless, UFMG presents a greater total of cooperation among the five programs indicating research leadership and good inter-program collaboration patterns. We advocate that the collaboration network analysis using an online artifact can be useful to understand patterns of all the Brazilian Computer Science graduate programs to discover new research perspectives to be improved, avoided or even applied to other contexts.
Identification of Whole Blood C Ircular RNA Expression Profiles and Potential Regulatory Roles in Children with Human A denovirus Pneumonia
Authors: Yang Diyuan , Sun Ke , Huang Feng , Fan Huifeng , Shi Tingting , Chen Xinxin , Lu Gen
Published: May 2021

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) causes infections predominantly in infants and young children, and severe HAdVs pneumonia results in high lethality rate in children. CircRNAs are novel identified long non-coding RNAs and play important roles in gene regulation and pathogenesis of disease. To elucidate the roles of circRNAs in HAdVs pneumonia, we analyzed the circRNAs profiles of healthy children and children with HAdVs pneumonia including mild and severe cases, and identified 139 significant upregulated circRNAs in children with HAdVs pneumonia vs healthy controls, and 18 significant upregulated circRNAs in children with severe HAdVs pneumonia vs mild HAdVs pneumonia. In particular, hsa_circ_0002171 was found differently expressed in both groups, which may be taken as diagnostic biomarkers for HAdVs pneumonia and severe HAdVs pneumonia. To identify the underlying mechanisms of circRNAs in HAdVs pneumonia, we analyzed the transcriptome of children with HAdVs pneumonia and established circRNA-mRNA regulatory network. Enrichment of the differentially expressed (DE) target mRNAs demonstrated that DE genes between healthy controls vs HAdVs pneumonia were mainly involved in RNA splicing, while DE genes between children with mild and severe HAdVs pneumonia were mainly from the regulation of lymphocyte activation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis suggested that hsa_circ_0002171 had significant value in HAdVs pneumonia and severe cases diagnosis. Taken together, profile of circRNA expression was altered in children with HAdVs pneumonia and severe cases. These results demonstrate that hsa_circ_0002171 as a potential diagnostic biomarker of HAdVs pneumonia and severe cases and may be a novel therapeutic target.