bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiences of Women Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology in GhanA: A Qualitative Study
Authors: JONATHAN JUSTICE , Anaman-Tagbor Judith , Asare Lily , Osarfo Bernice , Attivor Rita , Bonsu Afia , Fialor Elizabeth , Tarkang Elvis
Published: January 2021

Objective: The study aimed to explore the experiences of women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technologies namely; Invitro Fertilization and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection at the Finney Hospital and Fertility Centre, New Bortianor, Ghana. Method: A qualitative research design was employed to analyse and describe the experiences of the women seeking Assisted Reproductive Technologies. Fifteen women were invited and interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The responses were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis. Results: Three themes emerged from the study: the women’s experiences, challenges and the roles and contributions of significant others. The women were anxious, stressed-up, exhausted and financially burdened. Spouses and health professionals played significant roles by providing social, emotional and financial support for these women. Significant others such as spouses and close relatives were supportive and provided encouragement to the women. Conclusion: The experiences of women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technologies are multi-dimensional. Thus psychosocial intervention as part of ART services with health insurance cover may be client-centered and more appropriate for these group of women.
Responsiveness and Minimal Clinically Important Difference of the Five Times Sit-To-Stand Test in Patients with Stroke
Authors: Agustín Rodrigo Martín San , Crisostomo Mª José , Sánchez-Martínez Mª Piedad , Medina-Mirapeix Francesc
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to analyze the responsiveness of the 5STS test among stroke patients and to estimate the MCIDs for different severity levels of community ambulation and stages of recovery. The 5STS and comparator instruments [gait speed and Functional Ambulatory Category (FAC)] were evaluated at baseline. These measures were repeated at 4 (Stage 1) and 8 weeks (Stage 2), together with the Global Rating of Change (GROC). The MCIDs were calculated with two anchor-based methods using the GROC as the external criterion. Responsiveness to change for the 5STS was estimated analyzing the correlation with changes in the two comparator instruments and their capacity to discriminate improvement. For the 5STS test, while the MCIDs of the limited community ambulators were similar in the two stages (around 3 s), those of the household ambulators decreased from 1.9 s to 0.72 s. Spearman's rho coefficients showed an acceptable correlation between changes in 5STS and changes for both the FAC and gait speed changes in both stages of recovery. Our study revealed that the 5STS is responsive to functional changes in patients with stroke and that their degree of severity and stage of recovery influence the MCID values of the 5STS.
Important Synthesis Parameters That Affecting Crystallization of Zeolite T: A Review
Authors: Patuwan Siti Z. , Arshad Sazmal E.
Published: January 2021

Synthesis of zeolite T with a variety of desired characteristics necessitate extensive work in the formulation and practical experiments either by conventional hydrothermal methods or aided with different approaches and synthesis techniques such as secondary growth or microwave irradiation. The objectives of this review are to adduce the potential work in zeolite T (Offretite-Erionite) synthesis evaluating determining factors affecting the synthesis and quality of the zeolite T crystals. Attention is given to the extensive studies that interconnect with other significant findings.
Newcastle Disease Virus Induced Pathologies Severely Affect the Exocrine and Endocrine Functions of the Pancreas in Chickens
Authors: Rehman Zaib Ur , Ren Shanhui , Butt Salman Latif , Manzoor Zahid , Iqbal Javid , Anwar Muhammad Naveed , Sun Yingjie , Qiu Xusheng , Tan Lei , Liao Ying , Song Cuiping , Liu Weiwei , Meng Chunchun , Ding Chan
Published: January 2021

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) causes a highly contagious and devastating disease in poultry, Newcastle disease (ND). ND causes heavy economic losses to the global poultry industry by decreasing the growth rate, decrease egg productions, mortality, and morbidity. Although, significant advances have been made in the vaccine development, but outbreaks are reported in vaccinated birds leading to overall decreased growth rate. In this study, we report the damage caused by the NDV infection in the pancreatic tissues of vaccinated as well as specific pathogen free chickens. The histopathological examination of the pancreas showed sever damage in the form of partial depletion of zymogen granules, acinar cell vacuolization, necrosis, and apoptosis, congestion in the large and small vessels, sloughing of epithelial cells of pancreatic duct, and mild perivascular edema. Increased plasma levels of corticosterone, somatostatin, were observed in NDV infected chicks at 3 and 5-day post infection (DPI). Slight decrease in the plasma concentrations of the insulin were noticed at 5 DPI. Significant changes were not observed in the plasma levels of glucagon. Furthermore, NDV infection has decreases the activity and mRNA expression of amylase, lipase, and trypsin from the pancreas. Taken together, our findings highlight that NDV induces extensive tissue damage in pancreas, decrease the activity and expression of pancreatic enzymes and increase plasma corticosterone and somatostatin.
OxCGRT-Based Evaluation of Anti-COVID-19 Measures Taken by Japanese Prefectures
Authors: Kumagai Shinya ,   Nagoya Institute of Technology Gokiso, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8555, Japan, Aoyama Tomomi , Ino Eri , Watanabe Kenji
Published: January 2021

Particularly in the early stages of infection spread in spring 2020, mass infection to COVID-19 occurred mainly in densely populated areas. In order to control the spread of the disease while minimizing its impact on economic activities, response and awareness-raising were required not only at the national level but also at the prefectural level. In this study, we attempted to compare and verify the characteristics of the decision-making process and the effectiveness of the prefectural response by quantitatively evaluating the changes in the measures taken by each prefecture in Japan over time.
The Novel Coronavirus Pandemic and the State of the Epidemic in Kobe, Japan
Authors: Nakanishi Noriko ,   Department of Infectious Diseases, Kobe Institute of Health 4-6-5 Minatojima-nakamachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0046, Japan, Iijima Yoshio
Published: January 2021

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, occurred in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and quickly spread to both the developed and developing countries. The virus will continue to infect humans and animals symptomatically or asymptomatically, and humans will be expected to coexist with SARS-CoV-2 by preventing infections and its spread. In this paper, we report on the occurrence of the COVID-19 epidemic in Japan, including the city of Kobe.
The use of “empirical evidence?” in the spanish criminal legislative process from 1992-1995 to the present
Authors: Rodríguez Ferrández Samuel
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the introductory texts of the various Organic Laws that have shaped the text of our current Criminal Code over the last 25 years. Recourse to these introductory texts (whether they are Explanations of Reasons or Preambles, as we shall see below) is obligatory -at least as a first source of information- if we wish to know which have been throughout this period the reasons given by the different criminal legislators for undertaking the multiple reforms that have been approved and came into force. As a methodological alternative, we could have resorted to the reports that the different governments have been sending to Parliament to justify the initial bills of all the Organic Laws analysed, in order to appreciate a perhaps more “pure” version of the reasons of the legislative promoter; however, apart from the fact that the information contained in both types of justification-explanation text usually coincides in essence, that of the Organic Laws offers more up-to-date information that is in line with the final text of the approved regulation and, above all, it is much easier to access it, without having to make an individual request for the documentation attached to each bill to the “Office of Documentation, Library and Archives” of the Congress of Deputies
High oil accumulation in tuber of yellow nutsedge compared to purple nutsedge is associated with more abundant expression of genes involved in fatty acid synthesis and triacylglycerol storage
Authors: Ji Hongying , Liu Dantong , Yang Zhenle
Published: January 2021

Background: Yellow nutsedge is a unique plant species that can accumulate up to 35% oil of tuber dry weight, perhaps the highest level observed in the tuber tissues of plant kingdom. To gain insight into the molecular mechanism that leads to high oil accumulation in yellow nutsedge, gene expression profiles of oil production pathways involved carbon metabolism, fatty acid synthesis, triacylglycerol synthesis, and triacylglycerol storage during tuber development were compared with purple nutsedge, the closest relative of yellow nutsedge that is poor in oil accumulation. Results: Compared with purple nutsedge, high oil accumulation in yellow nutsedge was associated with significant up-regulation of specific key enzymes of plastidial Rubisco bypass as well as malate and pyruvate metabolism, almost all fatty acid synthesis enzymes, and seed-like oil-body proteins. However, overall transcripts for carbon metabolism toward carbon precursor for fatty acid synthesis were comparable and for triacylglycerol synthesis were similar in both species. Two seed-like master transcription factors ABI3 and WRI1 were found to display similar transcript patterns but were expressed at 6.5- and 14.3-fold higher levels in yellow nutsedge than in purple nutsedge, respectively. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed that ABI3 was in strong transcriptional coordination with WRI1 and other key oil-related genes. Conclusions: These results implied that pyruvate availability and fatty acid synthesis in plastid, along with triacylglycerol storage in oil bodies, rather than triacylglycerol synthesis in endoplasmic reticulum, are the major factors responsible for high oil production in tuber of yellow nutsedge, and ABI3 most likely plays a critical role in regulating oil accumulation. This study is of significance with regard to understanding the molecular mechanism controlling carbon partitioning toward oil production in oil-rich tuber and provides a valuable reference for enhancing oil accumulation in non-seed tissues of crops through genetic breeding or metabolic engineering.
Construction and validation of a novel eight-gene risk score to predict the progression and prognosis of bladder cancer
Authors: Wang Ruiliang , Zheng Zongtai , Mao Shiyu , Zhang Wentao , Liu Ji , Li Cheng , Liu Shenghua , Yao Xudong
Published: January 2021

Background: The progression from non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) to muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) increases the risk of death. It is therefore important to find new relevant molecular models that will allow for effective prediction of the progression of bladder cancer (BC).Methods: Using RNA-Sequence data of 49 BC patients in our center and weighted gene co-expression network analysis methods, a co-expression network of genes was developed from which three key modules with prognostic value were selected using Univariate Cox regression in The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA). Subsequently, an eight-gene risk score was established using the Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox model. Results: A novel eight-gene risk score was closely related to the malignant clinical features of BC and could predict the prognosis of patients in the training dataset (TCGA) and two validation sets (GSE3289 and GSE13507). Further, a nomogram for predicting the overall survival of patients was designed. The nomogram showed good calibration with clinical value through decision curve analysis. Lastly, we found that the mRNA and protein expression level of the eight genes were found to be differentially expressed in cell lines and tissue.Conclusions: In our study, we established a novel eight-gene risk score which could predict the progression and prognoses of BC patients.
Cardiac Tyrosine Hydroxylase Activation and Mb-Comt in Dyskinetic Monkeys
Authors: Cuenca-Bermejo Lorena , Almela Pilar , Gallo-Soljancic Pablo , Yuste José , Pablos Vicente de , Bautista-Hernández Victor , Fernández-Villalba Emiliano , Laorden María-Luisa , Herrero María-Trinidad
Published: January 2021

The impact of age-associated disorders is increasing as the life expectancy of the population increments. Cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, have the highest social and economic burden and increasing evidence show interrelations between them. Particularly, dysfunction of the cardiovascular nervous system is part of the dysautonomic symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, although more studies are needed to elucidate the role of cardiac function on it. We analyzed the dopaminergic system in the nigrostriatal pathway of Parkinsonian and dyskinetic monkeys and the expression of some key proteins in the metabolism and synthesis of catecholamines in the heart: total and phosphorylated (phospho) tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and membrane (MB) and soluble (S) isoforms of catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT). The dopaminergic system was significantly depleted in all MPTP-intoxicated monkeys. MPTP- and MPTP+L-DOPA-treated animals also showed a decrease in total TH expression in both right (RV) and left ventricle (LV). We found a significant increase of phospho-TH in both groups (MPTP and MPTP+L-DOPA) in the LV, while this increase was only observed in MPTP-treated monkeys in the RV. MB-COMT analysis showed a very significant increase of this isoform in the LV of MPTP- and MPTP+L-DOPA-treated animals, with no significant differences in S-COMT levels. These data suggest that MB-COMT is the main isoform implicated in the cardiac noradrenergic changes observed after MPTP treatment, suggesting an increase in NA metabolism. Moreover, the increase of TH activity indicates that cardiac noradrenergic neurons still respond despite MPTP treatment.
Two-dimensional spatiotemporal Fourier transform with femtosecond pulses for on-chip devices
Authors: Wang Yulong , Min Changjun , Zhang Yuquan , Yuan Xiaocong
Published: January 2021

On-chip manipulation of the spatiotemporal characteristics of optical signals is important in the transmission and processing of information. However, the simultaneous modulation of on-chip optical pulses, both spatially at the nano-scale and temporally over ultra-fast intervals, is challenging. Here, we propose a two-dimensional spatiotemporal Fourier transform (FT) method for on-chip control of the propagation of femtosecond optical pulses and verify this method employing surface plasmon polariton (SPP) pulses on metal surface. By varying space- and frequency-dependent parameters, we demonstrate that the traditional SPP focal spot may be bent into a ring shape, and that the direction of propagation of a curved SPP-Airy beam may be reversed at certain moments to create an S-shaped path. Compared with conventional spatial modulation of SPPs, this method offers potentially a variety of extraordinary effects in SPP modulation especially associated with the temporal domain, thereby providing a new platform for on-chip spatiotemporal manipulation of optical pulses with applications including ultrafast on-chip photonic information processing, ultrafast pulse/beam shaping, and optical computing.
Clinical Presentations and Outcomes in Transplant Patients With COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Abbas Kirellos , Shah Jaffer , El-Sahat Nahla , Ali Fatmaelzahraa , Mostafa Esraa , Khattab Ebrahem , Sherif Hadeer , Djedid Selma Klouche , Elmamoun Yousra , Abdhalim Nada , Gayed Ramy , Amin Mostafa , Lama Nitu , Alahmar Majd , Mohamed Zeinab , Dabbous Shrouk , Phuong Nguyen , Brown Ashlyn , Varney Joseph , Huy Nguyen
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Transplant patients are a vulnerable group due to their immunocompromised status. Understanding how COVID-19 can present in this group is clinically important. Therefore, we conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on clinical features and management of transplant patients with COVID-19.Methods: Five databases were searched in May 2020 to include all relevant studies reporting clinical features or outcomes of COVID-19 infection in transplant patients. Data on clinical presentation, outcomes, lab values, imaging, and drug regimen were extracted. CMA software was used for meta-analysis. Protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020189458).Results: A total of 49 studies were finally included for analysis. Patients mainly complained from fever with event rate 74.40 % (95% CI= 69.4-78.8), cough 61.10% (95% CI= 55.8-66), and dyspnea 46.60% (95% CI= 69.4-78.8). Blood urea nitrogen 78.90% (95% CI= 54.7-92), ESR 78.10% (95% CI=52.3-92.1), and D-dimer 74.10% (95 % CI= 53-87.9) were the most elevated observed laboratory values. Ground glass opacities (GGO) were observed with event rate 68.10% (95% CI= 20.4-94.9). For treatment, immunosuppressants were used in 88.80% (95% CI= 77.6-94.8) of patients, followed by antibiotics and antiviral drugs 68.40% (95% CI= 52.4-80.9), 66.80% (95% CI = 45-83.2), respectively. Mechanical ventilation was used in 26.30% (95% CI=21-32.4) patients while 33.7% (95% CI= 20.7-49.9) intubated. Rejection occurred in 11% (95% CI= 4.4-25) of the patients. Finally, 18.20% (95% CI= 12.6-25.7) died. Conclusion: Clinical characteristics and management in transplant COVID patients suggest the similar course in non-transplant. Fever, cough, dyspnoea, elevated blood urea nitrogen level, elevated CRP, elevated d-dimer, GGO, and consolidation were found to be the most frequent abnormalities. No direct, comparative analysis with non-transplant COVID population limited our results; however, numerous studies that examined the infected general population found similar, less augmented findings. Most of the included sample were kidney transplant patients; therefore, more studies are needed to address other types of COVID-19 infected transplant patients.
Does Socio-economic Inequality Exist in Micro-nutrients Deficiency among Children Aged 6-59 Months in India? Evidence from National Family Health Survey 2005-06 and 2015-16
Authors: Srivast Shobhit , Kumar Shubham
Published: January 2021

Background: The decadal change in Vitamin A and iron supplement deficiency changed at significant levels but still a matter of issue in India. The deficiency of Vitamin-A decreased from 81.9% to 40.5%, and iron supplement deficiency decreased form 95.3% to 73.9% from 2005-06 to 2015-16 among children aged 6-59 months in India. The present study determines the socio-economic inequalities in Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and Iron deficiency (ID) among children aged 6-59 months in India and to estimate the change in the percent contribution of different socio-economic correlates for such inequality from 2005-06 to 2015-16.Methods: Data from National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 2005-06 and 2015-16 was used for the analysis. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression analysis was used to carve out the results. Moreover, Wagstaff decomposition analysis was used to carry out socio-economic inequality analysis.Results: It was revealed that Vitamin A deficiency was reduced from 85.5% to 42.1% whereas ID was reduced from 95.3% to 73.9% from 2005-06 to 2015-16 respectively. Child’s age, mother’s educational status, birth order, breastfeeding status, place of residence and empowered action group (EAG) status of states were the factors which were significantly associated with Vitamin A deficiency and Iron deficiency among children. Moreover, it was found Vitamin A deficiency and Iron deficiency got more concentrated among children from lower socio-economic strata. A major contribution for explaining the gap for socio-economic status (SES) related inequality was explained by mother’s education, household wealth status, empowered action group status of states for both Vitamin A deficiency and Iron deficiency among children under five years in India.Conclusion: Schemes like the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) would play a significant role in reducing SES related gap for micro-nutrient deficiency among children in India. Proper implementation of ICDS will be enough for reducing the gap between rich and poor children regarding micro-nutrient deficiency.
Endovascular Therapy of Severe Non-Variceal Gastrointestinal Bleeding – One Decade Experience.
Authors: Vorčák Martin , Sýkora Ján , Ďuriček Martin , Bánovčin Peter , Grendár Marian , Zeleňák Kamil
Published: January 2021

Introduction Severe non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding is a life-threatening condition with complicated treatment if endoscopic rescue fails. In that case, transcatheter arterial embolization is recommended to stop the bleeding. The technical and clinical effects of this technique were analyzed in this group of patients, as well as its complication rate and 30-day mortality.Method Patient data of the one-decade period (from 2010 to 2019) were analyzed retrospectively. Twenty-seven patients (18 men and nine women, median age 61 years) treated by endovascular embolization in our institution with clinically significant gastrointestinal hemorrhage after unsuccessful or impossible endoscopic treatment were identified.Results The source of bleeding was found in 88% of patients, but embolization was performed in 96% of them. The technical success rate in the sample was 100%, and the clinical favorable outcome rate was 88.5%. The bleeding recurrence occurred in eight cases, five of whom had technically successful re-embolization in four cases. The incidence of recurrent bleeding was significantly higher in patients with two or more comorbidities with (p = 0.043). There was one serious complication (4%) in the group and minor difficulties occurred in 18% of patients; 30-day mortality reached 22%. Mortality was significantly higher in the group of patients with re-bleeding (p = 0.044).Discussion Our documented results in common are in the established rank of previously published results, which range from 62-100% for technical success, 52-94% for the clinical favorable outcome, 9-66% for re-bleeding and 4-46% for 30-day mortality.Conclusion Transcatheter arterial embolization is a safe mini-invasive method with high technical and clinical success in patients with endoscopically untreatable gastrointestinal bleeding. It is also suitable for high-risk cases. Mortality (to a significant extent) typically depends on the re-bleeding presence and the patient's comorbidity.
Non-Equilibrium Carrier Transport in Strongly Coupled Quantum Dot Solids and Heterostructures
Authors: Liu Mengxia , Verma Sachin Dev , Zhang Zhilong , Sung Jooyoung , Rao Akshay
Published: January 2021

Understanding and controlling carrier dynamics in colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solids is crucial for unlocking their full potential for optoelectronic applications. The recent development of solution-processing methods to incorporate CQDs into high-mobility semiconducting matrices opens new routes to control simultaneously electronic coupling and packing uniformity in CQD solids. However, the fundamental nature of carrier transport in such systems remains elusive. Here we report the direct visualisation of carrier propagation in metal-halide exchanged PbS CQD solids and quantum-dot-in-perovskite (QDiP) heterostructures via transient absorption microscopy. We reveal three distinct transport regimes: an initial band-like transport persisting over hundreds of femtoseconds, an Auger-assisted sub-diffusive transport before thermal equilibrium is achieved, and a final hopping regime at longer times. The band-like transport was observed to correlate strongly with the extent of carrier delocalisation and the degree of energetic disorder. By tailoring the perovskite content in heterostructures, we obtained a band-like transport length of 90 nm at room temperature and an equivalent diffusivity of up to 106 cm2 s-1 – which is four orders of magnitude higher than the steady-state values obtained for PbS CQD solids. These findings not only shed light on the non-equilibrium dynamics in CQD solids and their influence on carrier transport, but also introduce promising strategies to harness non-equilibrium transport phenomena for more efficient optoelectronic devices.
Protein Function Prediction with Deep Neural Learning
Authors: Zhao Zihao , Zhang Hongwei , Hu Minglei , Yang Ning , Wang Hui , Wang Chao , Jiao Jun , Gu Lichuan
Published: January 2021

Background: The function of protein is directly related to its structure, and plays a pivotal role in the entire life process. The protein interaction network controls almost all biological cell processes while fulfilling most of the biological functions. In fact, protein function prediction can be regarded as a multi-label classification problem to fill the gap between a huge number of protein sequences and known functions. It is not only a key issue in related research fields, but also a long-standing challenge. Protein function prediction with Deep Neural Network (DNN) almost study data set with small scale proteins based on Gene Ontology (GO). They usually dig relationships between protein features and function tags. It still needs further study for large-scale protein to find useful prediction approaches.Methods: This paper proposed a protein function prediction approach with DNN which used Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (GOA), Intuitionistic Fuzzy c-Means (IFCM), Kernel Principal Component Analysis (KPCA) and DNN (IGP-DNN). The features in protein function modules were extracted by combining GOA and IFCM. The KPCA was used to reduce the dimensions of features in protein properties. Both features were integrated to enrich the features information and the integrated features were input into the DNN model. The protein function modules were classified to predict function by computing in hiding level of DNN.Results and conclusion: IGP-DNN combines the advantages of IFCM-GOA and DNN. The combination of IFCM and GOA not only avoids falling into local optimal when extracting function module feature and reduces the over-sensitivity of IFCM for clustering center, but also improves the precision of the protein function module feature extraction. This paper proposes a protein function prediction approach based on DNN. In the model, protein features are composed of the protein function module features that are extracted by using IFCM-GOA and the protein property features that are reduced dimensions by using KPCA to address the noise sensitivity and the other problems during predicting protein function.
Cytoplasmic Expression of DCLK1-S, a Novel DCLK1 Isoform, Is Associated with Tumor Aggressiveness and Worse Disease-Specific Survival in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kalantari Elham , Ghods Roya , Zanjani Leili Saeednejad , Rahimi Mandana , Eini Leila , Razmi Mahdieh , Asadi-Lari Mohsen , Madjd Zahra
Published: January 2021

Isoform-specific function of doublecortin-like kinase 1(DCLK1) has highlighted key role of the DCLK1-S (short isoform) in maintenance, progression, and invasion of tumor. Therefore, this study was designed to produce an anti-DCLK1-S polyclonal antibody in order to specifically evaluate expression pattern and clinical significance of DCLK1-S in a well-deﬁned tissue microarray (TMA) series of colorectal tissues including 348 colorectal cancer (CRC) and 51 adjacent normal tissues during a follow-up period of 108 months. Expression of DCLK1-S was significantly higher in CRC samples compared to adjacent normal samples (P < 0.001). Cytoplasmic expression of DCLK1-S was significantly higher in the tumors at advanced stage of the cancer and with poorer differentiation (P<0.001, P= 0.02). The patients with CRC whose tumors showed higher cytoplasmic expression of DCLK1-S had worse disease-specific survival (DSS) (log-rank test, P = 0.03) and 5-year DSS rates (P= 0.01). Additionally, an improved prognostic value was observed in the patients with CRC with high DCLK1-S expression vs. its moderate expression (HR: 2.70, 95% CI: 0.98-7.38; p =0.04) by multivariate analysis. Our findings strongly supported that high cytoplasmic expression of DCLK1-S compared to its moderate expression could be considered as an independent prognostic factor influencing DSS. Taken together, DCLK1-S can be a promising prognostic candidate and targeted-therapeutic indicator for effective treatment of CRC.
Ultraviolet Radiation Protection Potentials of Methylene Blue for Human Skin and Coral Reef Health
Authors: Xiong Zheng-Mei , Mao Xiaojing , Trappio Mason , Arya Chanda , Kordi Jasmin El , Cao Kan
Published: January 2021

Methylene blue (MB) is a century-old medicine, a laboratory dye, and recently shown as a premier antioxidant that combats ROS-induced cellular aging in human skins. Given MB’s molecular structure and light absorption properties, we hypothesize that MB has the potential to be considered as a sunscreen active for UV radiation protection. In this study, we tested the effects of MB on UVB ray-induced DNA double strand breaks in primary human keratinocytes. We found that MB treatment reduced DNA damages caused by UVB irradiation and subsequent cell death. Next, we compared MB with Oxybenzone, which is the most commonly used chemical active ingredient in sunscreens but recently proven to be hazardous to aquatic ecosystems, in particular to coral reefs. At the same concentrations, MB showed similar broad-spectrum UV light absorption ability as Oxybenzone but significantly outperformed Oxybenzone in the prevention of UVB-induced DNA damage and the clearance of UVA-induced cellular ROS. Furthermore, unlike Oxybenzone, MB-containing seawater did not affect the growth of the coral species Xenia umbellata. Altogether, our study suggests that MB has the potential to be a coral reef-friendly sunscreen active ingredient that can provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB.
Effect of RGO-Y2O3 and RGO-Y2O3:Cr3+ Nano Composite Sensor for Dopamine
Authors: Shashikumar J , Patil Bheenama , SWAMY B E KUMARA , Nagabhushana H , Sharma S , Lalitha P
Published: January 2021

The RGO-Y2O3 and RGO-Y2O3: Cr3+ (5 mol %) nanocomposite (NC) synthesized a simple hydrothermal technique. The structure and morphology of the synthesized NCs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Y2O3:Cr3+ display spherical shaped particles. Conversely, the surface of the RGO displays a wrinkly texture connecting with the existence of flexible and ultrathin graphene sheets. The photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra showed series of sharp peaks at 490, 591, and 687 nm which corresponding to 4F9/2→6H15/2, 4F9/2→6H13/2, and 4F9/2→6H11/2 transitions and lies in the blue, orange, and red region. The prepared NCs were used for the preparation of modified carbon paste electrodes (MCPE) in the electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA) at pH 7.4. Both modified electrodes provide a good electrocatalytic activity for the voltametric detection of DA. Doping is an effective method to improve the conductivity of Y2O3:Cr3+ and developed a method for the sensor used in analytical applications.
Integrated Analysis Identifies Key lncRNA-mRNA Network in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Hu Rou-Mu , Song Tao , Liu Zheng , Yin Xiandong , Yang Xinchun
Published: January 2021

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmias, is associated with the risk of stroke and pronounced morbidity and mortality. The application of biomarkers in the management of AF has been grown as an interesting topic. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to participate in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases by regulating mRNA networks. Results: In this study, we firstly used two AF cohorts to identify circulating lncRNAs and mRNAs with potential diagnostic prediction value. The expression of 8,164 lncRNAs and 14,508 mRNAs were quantified in these two cohorts with lncRNA microarray. By using a stringent threshold (P < 0.01, fold change > 2.0 or < 0.5), we identified 10 lncRNAs and 7 mRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in AF in both cohorts. To further explore the function of these significantly dysregulated lncRNA and mRNA, we performed co-expression analysis by using RNA-seq data of 429 atrial appendage tissue samples. Interestingly, we found a significant lncRNA-mRNA network for 5 lncRNAs (AC109460.1, AL031123.1, MIAT, PTPRG-AS1 and ZNF815P) and 4 mRNAs (D2HGDH, SPNS1, KCND2 and TNFAIP8L3) with Pearson correlation r > 0.3 (all P < 10-8). Moreover, in silico analysis showed that the lncRNA MIAT and PTPRG-AS1 may serve as miRNA sponges to regulate D2HGDH, SPNS1, KCND2 and TNFAIP8L3.Conclusions: Our study suggested that the circulating lncRNA-mRNA network of MIAT and PTPRG-AS1 play an important role in AF and may be considerable diagnostic biomarkers. These results may contribute to the precise diagnosis and early detection of this disease.
Metapopulation of Ellobium Chinense Through The Late-Middle and Late Pleistocene Expansions: Four Covariate COI Hotspots Linked to G-Quadruplex Conformation
Authors: Shin Cho Rong , Choi Eun Hwa , Kim Gyeongmin , Baek Su Youn , Park Bia , Hwang Jihye , Jun Jumin , Kil Hyun Jong , Oh Hyunkyung , Lee Kyungjin , Kim Sa Heung , Lee Jongrak , Suh Seung Jik , Park Dong-min , Suk Ho Young , Lee Yong Seok , Lee Young Sup , Hwang Ui Wook
Published: January 2021

The land snail Ellobium chinense (Pulmonata, Ellobiida, Ellobiidae), which inhabits the salt marshes along the coastal areas of northwestern Pacific, is an endangered species on the IUCN Red List. Over recent decades, the population size of E. chinense has consistently decreased due to environmental interference caused by natural disasters and human activities. Here, we provide the first assessment of the genetic diversity and population genetic structures of northwestern Pacific E. chinense. The results analyzed with COI and microsatellites revealed that E. chinense population exhibit metapopulation characteristics, retaining under the influence of the Kuroshio warm currents through expansion of the Late-Middle and Late Pleistocene. We also found four phylogenetic groups, regardless of geographical distributions, which were easily distinguishable by four unidirectional and stepwise adenine-to-guanine transitions in COI (sites 207-282-354-420: A-A-A-A, A-A-G-A, G-A-G-A, and G-G-G-G). Additionally, the four COI hotspots were robustly connected with a high degree of covariance between them. We discuss the role of these covariate guanines which link to form four consecutive G-quadruplexes, and their possible beneficial effects under positive selection pressure.
Small-scale topographic irregularities on Phobos: Image and numerical analyses for MMX mission
Authors: Takemura Tomohiro , Miyamoto Hideaki , Hemmi Ryodo , Niihara Takafumi , Michel Patrick
Published: January 2021

The mothership of the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) will perform the first landing and sampling on the surface of Phobos. For the safe landing, the 2.1 m-wide mothership of the MMX should find a smooth surface with at most 40 cm topographic irregularity, however, whose abundance or even existence is not guaranteed based on current knowledge. We studied the highest resolution images of Phobos for possible topographic irregularities in terms of boulder (positive relief feature) and crater distributions. We find that the spatial number densities of positive relief features and craters can vary significantly; one region has 249/km 2 confirmed positive relief features (and 2,804/km 2 including candidates) and 342/km 2 confirmed craters (1,510/km 2 including candidates) as major negative features. These numbers contrast to another region, where only 46/km 2 positive relief features (260/km 2 including candidates) and 268/km 2 craters (526/km 2 includi ng candidates) exist, indicating that the surface irregularities vary significantly over the entire surface. We extrapolate the size-frequency distributions of positive relief features to evaluate the surface roughness below the image resolution limit. We find that the probabilities that topographic irregularities are <40 cm for the areas of 4 × 4 m and 20 × 20 m are > 65 % and <1 % for boulder-rich areas and >94 % and >41 % for boulder-poor areas, respectively, even for the worst-case estimates. The estimated probabilities largely increase when we reduce the assumed number of positive relief features, which are more realistic cases. These indicate high probabilities of finding a smooth enough place to land on Phobos' surface safely.
Rev-erbα Mediates Steatosis in Alcoholic Fatty Liver Through Regulating Autophagy
Authors: Qing xue , Xu Lei , Wu fei mei , Zhou Wen yi , Yang fa jun , huang cheng , Xu Tao , Li jun , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2021

AFL is a liver disease caused by long-term excessive drinking, it is characterized by steatosis. Understanding the regulatory mechanism of steatosis is crucial for the treatment of AFL. Rev-erbα has been implicated in regulation of lipid metabolism. However, the role and the underlying mechanisms of Rev-erbα in AFL remains unknown. In this study, the antagonists or agonists of Rev-erbα as well as Rev-erbα shRNA were applied in vitro and vivo. Triglyceride and lipid droplets accumulation were measured by using TG kit and ORO staining. Lipid synthesis related factor Srebp1c and lipid β-oxidation regulatory factor Pparα were measured by using Western blot, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry analysis. Autophagy activity was measured by western blot and electron microscope, and lysosomal probe was used to labeled lysosomal acidity. We observed that the expression of Rev-erbα was significantly increased in vivo and vitro, and Rev-erbα activation mediated steatosis in L-02 cells. then, inhibition/down-expression of Rev-erbα improved the triglyceride and lipid droplets accumulation and the abnormal expression of Pparα and Srebp1c through enhancing the autophagy activity. Furthermore, down-expression of Rev-erbα up-regulated the nuclear expression of Bmal1, which regulated the autophagy activity in vitro. Collectively, these findings indicate that Rev-erbα induces liver steatosis and leads to the progression of AFL. Our study reveals a novel steatosis regulatorymechanism in AFL and suggest that Rev-erbα might be a potential therapeutic target for AFL.
The Prognostic Value of A Preoperative Lymphocyte Count and C-Reactive Protein Ratio In Osteosarcoma
Authors: Ji Shu-Yu , Tang Hai-Jun , Luo Xiao-Ting , Liang Wei-Feng , Huang Xian-Ying , Liao Shi-Jie , Feng Wen-Yu , Wei Qing-Jun , Liu Yun , He Ju-Liang
Published: January 2021

Background: Systemic inflammatory response and nutritional status are closely related to tumor development, and both have been recognized as predictors of tumors. Our study investigated the effect on the prognosis of osteosarcoma by analyzing the ratio of lymphocytes to C-reactive protein (LCR) before surgery.Methods: Patients who were diagnosed with osteosarcoma and underwent surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from 2012 to 2019 were included in this retrospective study. The albumin (g/L) +5 × total lymphocyte count (PNI), neutrophil/lymphocyte count (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte count (PLR) and platelet × neutrophil/lymphocyte count (SII) were calculated from preoperative peripheral white blood cells, C-reactive protein and serum albumin. The optimal cutoff values of LCR, PNI, NLR, PLR and SII were determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. According to the Optimal cutoff values, LCR, PNI, NLR, PLR and SII were divided into high and low groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare the overall survival (OS) between the high and low LCR groups. Univariate analysis was used to determine the influence of age, gender, tumor size, Enneking stage and neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the prognosis of osteosarcoma.The independent predictors of OS were determined by Cox multivariate analysis.Results: The optimal cutoff values for LCR, PNI, NLR, PLR and SII were 0.093, 48.4, 1.23, 157.03 and 314.27, respectively. A low preoperative LCR was significantly correlated with tumor metastasis, stage, NLR, PLR and SII. However, a low preoperative PNI was significantly associated with tumor metastasis, stage, and PLR.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that the postoperative OS was significantly correlated with preoperative LCR and PNI (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed that Enneking stage, metastasis and preoperative LCR, PNI, NLR, PLR and SII were important factors affecting OS (P < 0.05). For multivariate analysis, the results revealed that the preoperative LCR (HR, 0.401; 95% CI, 0.199-0.807; P = 0.01) and Enneking stage (HR, 2.717; 95%CI, 1.067-6.919; P = 0.036) is an independent prognostic factor affecting the postoperative OS of osteosarcoma.Conclusions: The high preoperative LCR is strongly associated with longer survival time in patients with osteosarcoma. Enneking stage and preoperative LCR may be important parameters for the prognosis of osteosarcoma.
Interleukin-1 Blockade With RPH-104 in Patients With Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Study Design and Rationale.
Authors: Samsonov Mikhail , Bogin Vlad , Tassel Benjamin Van , Abbate Antonio
Published: January 2021

BackgroundMyocardial injury of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) initiates an intense inflammatory response that contributes to further damage and is a predictor of increased risk of death or heart failure (HF). Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a key mediator of local and systemic inflammatory response to myocardial damage. We postulate that the use of the drug RPH-104, which selectively binds and inactivates both α and β isoforms of IL-1 will lead to a decrease in the severity of the inflammatory response which will be reflected by decrease in the concentration of hsCRP, as well as the rate of fatal outcomes, frequency of new cases of HF, changes in levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and changes in structural and functional echocardiographic parameters. MethodsThis is a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study in which 102 patients with STEMI will receive a single administration of RPH-104 80 mg, RPH-104 160 mg or placebo (1:1:1). The primary endpoint will be hsCRP area under curve (AUC) from Day 1 until Day 14. Secondary endpoints will include hsCRP AUC from Day 1 until Day 28, rate of fatal outcomes, hospitalizations due to HF and other cardiac and non-cardiac reasons during 12-month follow-up period, frequency of new cases of HF, changes in levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP, NT-pro-BNP), changes in structural and functional echocardiographic parameters during 12-month follow-up period compared to baseline. The study started in October 2020 and is anticipated to end in 2Q 2022.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04463251. Registered on July 9, 2020.
Tendon-to-Bone Healing after Repairing Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff tear with a Triple-Loaded Single-row Method in Young Patients
Authors: He He Bei , Hu Yong , Wang Min Cong , Zhu Hui Feng , Meng Yue , Pan Cheng-Long , Wang Tao , Yang Chun Yang , Wang Min , Ou-Yang Jian Feng
Published: January 2021

Background: Arthroscopic repair has been recommended for young patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tear (RCT), but the healing rates raise concern. The SCOI (Southern California Orthopedic Institute) row has been developed over three decades of experience, which reported an excellent clinical outcome. However, studies that focus purely on a younger patient population remains limited in number. The current study aims to discuss the initial tendon-to-bone healing after repairing full-thickness RCT with SCOI row method in young cohort.Methods: Patients younger than 55 years who had a full-thickness RCT and underwent an arthroscopic repair with SCOI row method were reviewed. Clinical outcome were assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-operatively. Visual analog scale (VAS), University of California at Angeles (UCLA) scale and Constant-Murley score were completed to assess pain and function. Active range of motion was also examined, including abduction and flexion of the involved shoulder. Preoperative MRI was performed to assess the condition of torn tendon, while postoperative MRIs in 3 and 6 months post-operatively were carried out to assess the tendon-to-bone healing. Repeated measurement ANOVA and chi-square test were used where applicable.Results: 89 patients (57 males and 32 females) who met the criteria were including in the study, with a mean age of 44.14 ± 8.638 years. Compared with baseline, clinical outcome was significantly improved in 3 and 6 months post operation, supported by improvement in VAS, UCLA score and Constant-Murley score, as well as range of motions. Greater improvement was also noted in 6-month postoperative assessment than 3-month postoperative assessment. Three- and six-month postoperative MRI demonstrated an intact repair in all shoulders, and regeneration of the footprint, which supported the manifestation of tendon-to-bone healing. The mean thickness of regeneration tissue was 7.35±0.76mm when measured in 3-month postoperative MRI, and 7.75±0.79mm in 6-month MRI, which showed statistical difference (P=0.002). The total satisfactory rate reached 93.3%.Conclusion: Arthroscopic primary rotator cuff repair of fullthickness RCT with SCOI row method in patients aged younger than 55 years provides excellent clinical outcomes and rapid regeneration of footprint.
Groundwater Quality Evaluation for Irrigation Suitable Using Geostatistical Algorithms
Authors: Gharbia Abdalkarim S. , Gharbia Salem S. , Zákányi Balázs , Tóth Márton , Szucs Peter
Published: January 2021

The groundwater is the primary source for irrigation and other purposes in the Gaza Strip. The low irrigational water quality effects on the soil quality, which interrupts the growth of plants impacting agricultural yield and can cause risk to human health. Thus, it is essential to evaluate the water quality for irrigation uses. Therefore, it is a need to understand irrigation water quality better. This study mainly focuses on the assessment of the suitability of water for irrigation. Water quality indices, known as sodium adsorption ratio, exchangeable sodium per cent (SSP or %Na), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), Kelly’s rate (KR), permeability index (PI), chloroalkaline indices (CAI1 and CAI2), potential salinity (PS), magnesium hazard (MH), total dissolved solids (TDS) and total hardness (TH), have been calculated for several wells. The majority of the wells are falling under the wrong category of water for irrigation purposes.
An Evaluation of a School-based Multicomponent Behavioural Intervention for Overweight and Obese Children Living in Deprived Urban Areas
Authors: Kloek Gitte C , Jongert Martien WA , de Vries Sanne I
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveThis study evaluated the effect of an after-school group-based medium-intensity multicomponent behavioural intervention programme for children aged 8-12 years with overweight or obesity on body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS). In accordance with standardized protocols body weight and height were measured in 195 participants (88 boys, 107 girls) at baseline and at the end of the programme. A total of 166 children derived from a school-based monitoring system served as control group. Multivariate regression analyses examined the effect of the intervention and the independent factors associated with better outcomes in the intervention group.ResultsAnalysis of covariance showed a significant intervention effect on BMI SDS in favour of the intervention group (b-coefficient -0.13 ± 0.03; p< 0.01) compared with the control group. Change in BMI SDS between baseline and follow-up in the intervention group was associated with baseline age (b-coefficient 0.03 ± 0.02; p= 0.04) but was independent from gender, ethnicity, baseline BMI SDS, time between baseline and follow-up, school year and attendance rate.