bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Impacts of Climate Changes on the Distribution of Aloe vera Species in Ethiopia
Authors: Hussein Abdulbasit , Workeneh Sintayehu
Published: September 2021

Climate change is considered to be one of the most significant challenges to global biodiversity in the 21st century and remains the greatest challenge to biodiversity conservation in the future. Consequently, understanding the effects of climate change on biodiversity can enhance conservation efforts. The use of niche modeling to predict changes in the suitable distribution of species under climate change scenarios is becoming a hot topic of biological conservation. Thus, this study investigated the impacts of climate changes on the distribution of Aloe vera species of concern in Ethiopia. Occurrence data were obtained from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF; www.gbif.org/ (1 March 2021)) and specimen collection of the Ethiopian biodiversity institute. Maxent models were used to predict the potential suitable distribution of the Aloe vera species under different climate change scenarios in the present day (the 2020s) 2050s, and 2070s in Ethiopia. In the modeling process, the Akaike information criterion (AIC) was used to choose the best combination of feature type and regularization multiplier. Variables relating to temperature and precipitation were more important variables in predicting Aloe vera species distribution in the optimal model. The predicted suitable distribution areas of Aloe vera were different for the different periods under different climate change scenarios. The suitable distribution area is predicted to become more fragmented in the future. Results reveal the climate conditions suffer the distribution of Aloe vera in Ethiopia and the likely changes to its distribution pattern in the future and Aloe vera are under great threat of extinction from climate changes, providing a scientific basis for the sustainable management, protection, and restoration of the suitable habitat of this economically important vegetation in the context of changing climate condition. Therefore, increased forest protection to prevent further forest cover losses will be key for the Aloe vera species conservation.
ALK Rearrangement-Associated Renal Cell Carcinoma Morphologically Mimicking Mucinous Tubular And Spindle Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Kai Keita , Tobu Shohei , Kido Shinichi , Mikami Shuji , Takeuchi Kengo , Dobashi Akito , Togashi Yuki , Noguchi Mitsuru , Aishima Shinichi
Published: September 2021

Background: Anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearrangement-associated renal cell carcinoma (ALK-RCC) is a very rare tumor and no single case report of ALK-RCC that mimics mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) has been reported.Case presentation: A 42-year-old Japanese woman was admitted to our hospital for the treatment of a left renal tumor measuring approximately 5 × 4 cm in diameter. She underwent a laparoscopic left nephrectomy. Histologically, the tumor formed tubular or focally papillary structures with a small amount of spindle-shaped tumor cells against the background of prominent extracellular mucin. Although the tumor cells were negative for immunohistochemistry (IHC) of alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) and lymph node metastasis was presented (these are atypical findings for MTSCC), we initially diagnosed the tumor as MTSCC based on its morphological characteristics with mucin deposition. However, an additional IHC analysis revealed that the tumor cells were diffusely positive for ALK-IHC. In addition, TPM3 exon 8 – ALK exon 20 fusion gene was detected by RNA sequencing. The tumor was thus correctly diagnosed as ALK rearrangement-associated renal cell carcinoma (ALK-RCC). Conclusions: Since the use of molecular targeted therapy with an ALK inhibitor for ALK-RCC is promising, the correct pathological diagnosis of ALK-RCC is quite important. We strongly recommend that ALK-IHC be routinely performed for renal tumors with negative AMACR staining that mimic MTSCC.
Seed storage protein variation in Indian barley using 2-D diagonal gel electrophoresis approach
Authors: Sharma Jitendra Kumar , Sihmar Monika , Santal Anita Rani , Singh Nater Pal
Published: September 2021

Barley is the fourth most important cereal, which is used as feed and fodder. It is also used as raw material in the brewing industry and is rich in soluble dietary fiber. Thus, it has economic as well as health benefits. The present study studied seed storage protein characterization of malt, feed, two row, six row, salinity tolerant and susceptible Indian barley genotypes. The polymorphic bands in feed and malt barley were 59% and 54%; in two and six-row barley 35% and 59%; and in salt-tolerant and susceptible barley 38% and 59%. The salt-tolerant lines DL 88 and NB 1were exhibited five interlinked polypeptides, while NDB 1173, NB 3, and RD 2552 exhibited four, two, and one interlinked disulfide linkage, respectively. Whereas, in the case of salt susceptible lines Alfa 93, NB 2, K 508, BH 393 and K 551 a total of six each in Alfa 93 and K 551 barley lines, while in K 508 BH 393 barley lines, two disulfide-linked polypeptides were found. The current study portrayed a simple and economical procedure to characterize the seed protein by gel electrophoresis. Characterization of seed storage proteins by banding pattern analysis using one dimensional SDS-PAGE is the simple molecular technique to evaluate the barley lines with particular traits such as salinity tolerance ability, malt or feed quality, and others. The unique protein bands can also be used as a marker to identify the lines.
Impact of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Addicts' People in Ahvaz City; Iran
Authors: Saki Fatemh , Mohamadian Hashem , GhorbanyJavadpour Fataneh , Cheraghi Maria
Published: September 2021

Backgrounds: Quality of life related to oral health impact profile-14 (OHIP-14) is one of the important dimensions of quality of life. Since using narcotics or stimulants increases the incidence of periodontal diseases, we aimed to determine impact of Oral health-related quality of life in narcotic or stimulant addicts who referred to maintenance methadone therapy (MMT) centers in Ahvaz City, Iran.Methods: It was descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study which has conducted on 187 narcotic and stimulant addicts who referred to MMT centers in Ahvaz city; 2020. The data collection tools included the demographic variables and the standard OHIP-14 questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and LMS test were run at the significance level of less than 0.05. Results: The mean and standard deviation of the participants' age was 36.03 ± 8.98 years. The quality-of-life scores related to oral health were 34.89 ± 6.50 totally as well as 37.37 and 33.96 in narcotic and stimulant addicts, respectively. The total quality of life related to OHIP-14 did not have a significant relationship with variables of age, life companions, level of education, number of children, economic status, employment status, insurance status, underlying disease, toothbrush use status, last dentist visit, and number of missing teeth (P> 0.05). However, a significant difference was found between the quality of life related to oral health based on the type of substance used (narcotic or stimulant), so that the mean quality of life related to oral health was higher in narcotic addicts than stimulant users (P <0.05). Conclusion: The quality of life related to OHIP-14 was more unfavorable in stimulant users than narcotic users. So, policy makers and authorities are required to focus their interventions and research programs to improve health-related quality of life in addicts, especially stimulant users.
Psychometric Properties of Nepali Translated Version of Preschool Anxiety Scale (Parent) Among Preschool Children in Nepal
Authors: Maharjan Sabina , Rana Mita , Neupane Bidusha , Rijal Sujan , Shakya Suraj , Pradhan Pramesh Man , Ojha Saroj Prasad , Gautam Kamal
Published: September 2021

Background

The Preschool Anxiety Scale (PAS) is a 28- item measure designed to assess anxiety symptoms in pre-schoolers aged 3 to 6 years. The aim of this study is to assess the psychometric properties of the Nepali translated version of the Preschool Anxiety Scale -Parent version, together with evidence on the reliability and cross-informant agreement among parents.
Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 680 mothers among seven conveniently selected private schools in Kathmandu.
Results

Age groups and gender differences across PAS scales were found statistically significant in mother’s reports. Exploratory factor analyses results suggest that the items of the PAS- Nepalese version do not reflect the five categories in anxiety in a clear way. This is particularly in separation anxiety, social phobia, and obsessive-compulsion. In confirmatory factor analysis, 28 items showed a poor fit of the five-factor original model for the data. However, removing three items (25 item version) through the five-factor model indicated a better fit. Internal consistency measured by Cronbach’s alpha for the PAS-Parent version scale was of good range (0.87). Cronbach’s alpha of the subscales: generalized anxiety (0.63), social phobia (0.67), physical injury fears (0.75), and Separation anxiety (0.63) were in fair range; while it was in poor range for the Obsessive-Compulsive subscale (0.567). Cross informant agreement on the ratings of anxiety symptoms of children by the fathers and mothers was low, as reflected by a weak positive correlation.
Conclusion

Nepalese version of the PAS demonstrated fair psychometric properties, supporting its utility in screening and assessing a broad range of anxiety symptoms in Nepalese pre-schoolers.
Effectiveness of Community-based Substance Use Prevention Program Among Adolescents - Using Social Cognitive Theory
Authors: Fathian-Dastgerdi Zohreh , Eslami Ahmad-Ali , Ghofranipour Fazlolah , Mostafavi Firoozeh
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThis study aims to assess a tailored community-based intervention protocol for preventing substance use in Iranian adolescents based on social cognitive theory. MethodsAn ecological approach, Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnership(MAPP), was used to develop an intervention for preventing substance use among 180 adolescences (14-18 years old) participating in the study in Iran, through six main steps. Outcomes were analyzed 6, 18, and 24 months later by the SPSS.23. RM-ANOVA, ANCOVA, and Pearson correlation tests were used for data analysis.ResultsAlmost more than 40% of the adolescents from Qhahjavarestan county participated in this study in 4 stages measurement. Substance use behavior explainers, including positive outcome expectancies (p<0.001, F=25), negative outcomes expectancies (p<0.001, F=31.2), and self-efficacy (p<0.001, F=12.3), were significantly promoted in the intervention group at three stages (6, 18, and 24 months after intervention). The program demonstrated insignificant reductions in cigarette, alcohol, and drug use at the initial users, but the incidence of new cases of cigarette using (p<0.001, F=9.93) and alcohol drinking (p<0.07, F=2.9) in the intervention group was reduced at 6 and 18 months after the intervention.Conclusion﻿Our results support the effectiveness of a community-based educational program based on social cognitive theory to reduce the incidence of new cases of drug users among adolescents. More effective educational interventions with a greater focus on self-efficacy and social support may be warranted.
Adenosine inhibits TNFα-induced MMP-3 Production in MH7A RA Synoviocytes via A2A Receptor Signaling
Authors: Konishi Hiroe , Kanou Shun-En , Yukimatsu Rika , Inui Mizuki , Sato Motoya , Yamamoto Naruto , Nakano Masayoshi , Koshiba Masahiro
Published: September 2021

BackgroundAdenosine is the effector molecule mediating the antirheumatic effects of methotrexate, but the contributions of synoviocyte adenosine receptors (AdoRs) are unknown. Matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) is released by fibroblast-like synoviocytes in response to inflammatory signaling, and serum MMP-3 is elevated during active rheumatoid arthritis. To elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of methotrexate, we investigated the effects of A2A AdoR activation and inhibition on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFa)-induced MMP-3 release by MH7A human rheumatoid synovial cells.MethodsCultured MH7A cells were treated with 25 pg/ml TNFa or vehicle for 24 h in the presence or absence of the selective A2A AdoR agonist HENECA (10, 50, or 100 nM), and MMP-3 release was measured in the culture supernatant. In other experiments, cells were treated with TNFa plus the cAMP analog dbcAMP or pretreated with the A2A AdoR antagonist ZM241385 prior to TNFa with or without HENECA. Activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway was evaluated by western blotting of phosphorylated signaling proteins. Treatment group means were compared by independent samples t-tests.ResultsMH7A cells constitutively expressed membrane-associated A2A AdoRs, and HENECA enhanced intracellular cAMP, indicating that these receptors are functionally coupled to adenylyl cyclase. Stimulation with TNFa markedly enhanced release of MMP-3 from MH7A cells, whereas HENECA partially and dose-dependently inhibited TNFa-evoked MMP-3 release. Similarly, dbcAMP partially inhibited TNFa-induced MMP-3 release. Pretreatment with ZM241385 reversed the inhibitory effects of HENECA. Further, TNFa induced p38 MAPK and ATF-2 phosphorylation, whereas HENECA suppressed p38 MAPK and ATF-2 phosphorylation.ConclusionsAdenosine signaling via A2A AdoRs, adenylyl cyclase, and cAMP reduces (although does not completely block) TNFa-induced MMP-3 production, by interfering with p38 MAPK/ATF-2 activity. Activation of A2A AdoR pathway and suppression of MMP-3 release may explain the antirheumatic effects of methotrexate.
Assessing the need for resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) for management of non-compressible hemorrhage at a Canadian urban trauma centre: a retrospective chart review.
Authors: Purssell Elizabeth , Patrick Sean , Haegert Joseph , Ivkov Vesna , Taylor John
Published: September 2021

Background

Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a less invasive alternative to resuscitative thoracotomy (RT) for life threatening, infra-diaphragmatic, non-compressible hemorrhage from trauma. Existing evidence surrounding the efficacy of REBOA is conflicting; nevertheless, expert consensus suggests that REBOA should be considered in select trauma patients. There has been a paucity of studies that evaluate the potential utility of REBOA in the Canadian setting. The study objective was to evaluate the percentage of trauma patients presenting to a Level 1 Canadian trauma centre that would have met criteria for REBOA.
Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients recorded in the British Columbia Trauma Registry who warranted a trauma team activation (TTA) at our institution. We identified REBOA candidates using pre-defined criteria based on published guidelines. Each TTA case was screened by a reviewer, and then each Potential Candidate was reviewed by a panel of trauma physicians for determination of final candidacy.
Results

Fourteen patients were classified as Likely REBOA Candidates (2.2% of TTAs, median age 46.1 years, 64.3% female). These patients had a median Injury Severity Score of 31.5 (IQR 26.8). The main sources of hemorrhage in these patients were from abdominal injuries (71.4%) and pelvic fractures (42.9%).
Conclusion

The percentage of patients who met criteria for REBOA is similar to that of RTs performed at our Canadian institution. While REBOA would be performed infrequently, it is a less-invasive alternative to RT, which could be a potentially life-saving procedure in a small group of the most severely injured trauma patients.
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Against Pregnant Women And Unfavourable Birth Upshot in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Authors: AGBANA Richard Dele , Owoseni Joseph Sina , Akintimoye Johnson O
Published: September 2021

Background

Intimate partner violence is a typical phenomenon in Nigerian families. About 86% of women accepted that a man is legitimized in beating or being violent again his wife. Around 35–65% of families were affected by their intimates. Women always suffer sexual, physical, economic and emotional, social violence from their intimate partners. It always remains either for family secrecy, cultural norms, or, because of dread, stigma and the community's hesitance on the domestic affair and social shame. The objective of this research is to examine the relationship and association between intimate partner violence against pregnant women and unfavourable birth results.
Methods

A clinical-based and unparalleled case-control study was conducted in four government hospitals in Ekiti State, Nigeria. An aggregate of 644 (284 cases and 360 controls) research participants were taken. In the main, systematic sampling was utilized to choose the cases and controls. Ethical clearance was acquired all through the research period.
Results

Consequently, out of the total 644 mothers interviewed women, 429 (66.6%) had encountered intimate partner violence during the pregnancy period. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that pregnant women exposed to intimate partner violence were multiple times bound to encounter low birth weight (AOR = 2.9; CI 95% (1.398, 6.587)) and preterm birth (AOR = 2.7; CI 95% (3.198–4.017)). It was discovered that women, who were exposed to physical violence during pregnancy were multiple times bound to experience low birth weight (AOR = 4.563; CI 95% (2.685, 8.684)) and preterm birth (AOR = 6.1; CI 95%: (4.01, 7.154)). (AOR = 4.563; 95% CI (2.685, 8.684
Conclusion

It was discovered that the danger of low birth weight and preterm birth would be on the increase when there is an exposure of pregnant women to various forms of intimate partner violence and certain physical violence in pregnancy. Subsequently, various efforts must be put in place in addressing maternal and infant healthcare needs to incorporate issues of violence against pregnant women in Ekiti State and Nigeria at large.
Reactions of Some Varieties of Pearlmillet, Pennisetum glaucum (Linn.) R. Br. emend Stuntz. to Rice Moth, Corcyra cephalonica Staint
Authors: Sharma Anita , Kumawat K.C. , Khinchi S.K.
Published: September 2021

Ten varieties of pearlmillet (RHB-173, RHB-177, MPMH-17, HHB-67, Pro Agro-9450, Pro Agro-9001, Pioneer 86 m 86, Pioneer 86 m 84, Pioneer 86 m 38 and Raj-171.) were evaluated for reaction to Corcyra cephalonica Staint. in the laboratory conditions. The adult emergence (F1), weight losses and susceptibility index in these varieties were ranged from 9.33-32.00, 10.44-31.69% and 2.77-6.82, respectively, the minimum in Pioneer 86 m 86 and maximum in Raj-171; other varieties were in the middle order. The seed damage recorded in different varieties ranged from 23.67-75.84%, the minimum in Pioneer 86 m 86 (23.67%), Pro Agro-9450 (25.55%) and Pro Agro-9001 (28.33%), these treatments were found at par each other. The Raj-171 was found to be badly infested (75.84% grain damage) which differed significantly over other varieties. The developmental period of the pest varied from 50.88-80.61 days in different varieties, minimum being in Raj-171 and maximum in Pioneer 86 m 86.
Platelet is the Early Predictor of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasiaa in Very Premature Infants: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , Ma Yan , Wang Shenghui , Dong Wenbin , Lei Xiaoping
Published: September 2021

Background: A previous study showed that the lungs are involved in the biogenesis of platelets (PLTs). Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the association between bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a chronic lung disease, and PLT parameters in very premature infants.Methods: The study subjects were premature infants with a gestational age of < 30 weeks and birth weight of < 1500 g in a preterm birth cohort study recruited between January 1, 2015, and August 31, 2019. BPD was defined as the need for oxygen supplementation more than 28 days after birth. The PLT count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and plateletcrit (PCT) level were compared between BPD and non-BPD infants. A generalized estimating equation model was used to adjust for confounding factors. A forward stepwise logistic regression model was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for thrombocytopenia in the BPD group.Results: The final study subjects were 134 very premature infants, namely, 64 infants with BPD and 70 infants without BPD. The BPD infants had lower PLT counts (F=25.39, P=0.00) and PCT levels (F=41.16, P=0.00) than the non-BPD infants. However, the MPV (F=37.65, P=0.00) and PDW (F=28.43, P=0.00) were higher in the BPD group. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the BPD infants had a higher risk of thrombocytopenia than the non-BPD infants (adjusted OR 3.18, 95% CI 1.21, 8.35), and the risk of BPD was increased in very premature infants with a PLT count ≤ 177*109/l (OR 4.74, 95% CI 1.93–11.62) at the end of the second week.Conclusions: Abnormal PLT parameters were observed in BPD infants, and a PLT count ≤ 177*109/l was an early predictor for BPD in very premature infants.
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square
Authors: Gu Cece , Olszewski Timothy , Niswender Kevin , Vaezi Michael , Silver Heidi
Published: September 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
A Pure NanoICG-Based Homogeneous Lipiodol Formulation: Toward Precise Surgical Navigation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Long-Term Transcatheter Arterial Embolization
Authors: Zhang Yang , Cheng Hongwei , Chen Hu , Xu Peiyao , Ren En , Jiang Yonghe , Li Dengfeng , Gao Xing , Zheng Yating , He Pan , Lin Huirong , Chen Biaoqi , Lin Gan , Chen Aizheng , Chu Chengchao , Mao Jingsong , Liu Gang
Published: September 2021

Purpose To surmount the critical issues of clinical hepatectomy and achieve a precise surgical navigation of hepatocellular carcinoma after long-term transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE).Methods A facile and green pure-nanomedicine formulation technology was developed to construct carrier-free indocyanine green nanoparticles (nanoICG). The nanoICG was dispersed into lipiodol via a super-stable homogeneous lipiodol formulation technology (SHIFT nanoICG) for TAE combined with near-infrared fluorescence-guided precise hepatectomy.Results We demonstrate that SHIFT nanoICG integrates excellent anti-photobleaching capacity, great optical imaging properties, and specific tumoral deposition to recognize tumor regions, featuring sufficient physical stability for fluorescence-guided precise hepatectomy. Importantly, SHIFT nanoICG is capable of visualizing all lesions in rabbit-bearing VX2 orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma models, even the tiny focus to 0.6 × 0.4 mm.Conclusion Our findings indicate that SHIFT nanoICG provides a promising avenue to address the clinical issue of hepatectomy and has excellent potential for a translational pipeline.
Characterization of NADP-dependent L-arginine dehydrogenase as a novel amino acid dehydrogenase and its application to an L-arginine assay
Authors: Ohshima Toshihisa , Ohmori Taketo , Tanaka Masaki
Published: September 2021

Purpose: The primary aim of this study was the purification and characterization of an NADP-dependent L arginine dehydrogenase (L-ArgDH, EC 1.4.1.25) as a novel amino acid dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas veronii. We then applied the enzyme to an L-arginine assay. Methods: An L-ArgDH gene from P. veronii JCM11942 was amplified by PCR using primers based on the N and C-terminal sequences inferred from a putative L-ArgDH gene (PverR02_12350) found in the P. veronii genome. The L-ArgDH activity of the product expressed in Escherichia coli was confirmed, after which the enzyme was purified, characterized, and applied to an L-Arg microassay. Results: The P. veroniiJCM11942 gene was expressed in E. coli, and the gene product exhibited strong NADP dependent L-ArgDH activity. The crude enzyme was unstable but was stabilized by the presence of 10% glycerol under neutral pH conditions. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity through a single Ni-chelate affinity chromatography step and consisted of a homodimeric protein with a molecular mass of about 65 kDa. The enzyme selectively catalyzed L-arginine oxidation in the presence of NADP, with maximal activity at pH 9.5. The apparent Km values for L-arginine and NADP were 2.5 and 0.21 mM, respectively. A simple colorimetric microassay for L-arginine was achieved using the enzyme. Conclusions: The L-ArgDH gene from P. veronii JCM 11942 was successively expressed in E. coli. The product exhibited NADP-dependent L-ArgDH dehydrogenase activity, and the enzyme was purified and characterized as a novel amino acid dehydrogenase. Furthermore, a simple colorimetric assay for L-arginine using L-ArgDH was achieved. Conflict of interest: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
A Tool (SPOLERC) to Guide the Evaluation of Phosphorus Leaching for Agricultural Soil by Using Soil Phosphorus Leaching Change Point in the Lake Xingkai Basin, China
Authors: Xie Zijian , Zhang Fan , Ye Chun , Wang Hao , Wei Weiwei , Li Chunhua , Shi Xiaogang
Published: September 2021

BackgroundAs the key factor of soil P leaching risk assessment, soil P leaching change point (CP) has been widely reported. However, there was no report have clearly described the calculation method of soil P leaching CP value and its automation calculation. Additionally, there was no effective risk grading method performed on the classification of soil P leaching evaluation.ResultsThis study has optimized the calculation process of soil P leaching CP value under two different models. Subsequently, based on the Python programming language, a computation tool named SPOLERC (Soil Phosphorus Leaching Risk Calculator) was developed for soil P leaching risk assessment. SPOLERC not only embedded the calculation process of soil P leaching CP value, but also introduced the single factor index (SFI) method to grade the soil P leaching risk level. Considering the relationships between soil Olsen-P and leachable P fitted by using SPOLERC in paddy land soils and arid agricultural land soils in the Lake Xingkai basin, results have shown that there is a good linear fitting relationship between soil Olsen-P and leachable P; and the CP values were 59.63 and 35.35 mg Olsen-P kg-1 in paddy land soils and arid agricultural land soils, respectively. Additionally, 32.7%, 21.8%, and 3.64% of arid agricultural soil samples are at low risk, medium risk, and high risk of P leaching, and 40.6% of paddy land soil samples are at low risk. ConclusionsThe SPOLERC can accurately fit the split-line model relationship between soil Olsen-P and leachable P, and greatly improve the calculating efficiency for soil P leaching CP value. Additionally, the obtained CP value can be used for soil P leaching risk assessment, which can provide support for the quantitative study of soil P leaching loss and the control technology of soil P leaching loss.
Changes of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance T1 and ECV Values in Healthy Adults of Different Gender and Age
Authors: Huang Shumei , Zhang Meng , Yu Kanghui , Ma Xiaofen , Li Chunlong , Lan Zhihong , Feng Yin , Lin Shiqi , Jiang Guihua , Wu Yunfan
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThe correlation between T1 and ECV value and myocardial fibrosis has been confirmed. In healthy adult, many disease may change T1 and ECV value. The purpose of this reseach is to clarify the T1 mapping and extracellular volume (ECV) value of healthy adults in 3 Tesla (T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and to study the relationship between the values with age and gender.MethodsWe recruited 87 healthy adult subjects (mean age 38 ± 11 years; 61% were females) for cardiac magnetic resonance examination at 3T MRI. The left ventricular function parameters were obtained from functional imaging. T1 mapping was performed using an improved Look-Locker reversal recovery sequence after motion correction. ResultsUnder 3T field strength, T1 value of the myocardium of healthy adults was 1,261 ± 52, and the ECV value was 28.3% ± 2.9%. T1 value and ECV values of female myocardium were higher than those of males (1,274 ± 56 vs. 1,241 ± 40, P = 0.003; 29.6% ± 2.6% vs. 26.2% ± 2.1%, P < 0.001). Only gender (Beta = 0.311, P = 0.003) was independently related to the native T1 mapping of left ventricular myocardium, while gender (Beta = 0.572, P < 0.001) and age (Beta = 0.501, P = 0.003) were related to the ECV value of left ventricular myocardium. T1 value (P = 0.002) and ECV value (P = 0.013) increased significantly from the base to the apex. There were significant differences in the T1 and ECV value between each segment (P < 0.001) in the base of the left ventricle. Significant differences were observed between the middle segments of T1 value (P = 0.001) but not between the middle of the ECV value of each segment (P = 0.068). Lastly, there was no statistical difference between each segment in the apical of the T1 (P = 0.756) and ECV value (P = 0.344).ConclusionsUnder 3T MRI, the T1 value of the myocardium of healthy adults was 1,261 ± 52, and the ECV value was 28.3% ± 2.9%. T1 and ECV values of females were significantly higher than those of males. The ECV values of males increased with age, while T1 value in males and T1 and ECV values in females had no significant relationship with age.
Fine-Tuned Convolutional Neural Network for Different Cardiac View Classification
Authors: P Santosh Kumar B , Haq Mohd Anul , P Sreenivasulu , D Siva , alazzam Malik bader , Alassery Fawaz , Karupusamy Sathishkumar
Published: September 2021

In echocardiography, an electrocardiogram is conventionally utilized in the chronological arrangement of diverse cardiac views for measuring critical measurements. Cardiac view classification plays a significant role in the identification anddiagnosis of cardiac disease. Early detection of cardiac disease can be cured or treated, and medical experts accomplish this. Computational techniques classify the views without any assistance from medical experts. The process of learning and training faces issues in feature selection, training and classification. Considering these drawbacks, an effective rank-based deep convolutional neural network (R-DCNN) for the proficient feature selection and classification of diverse views of ultrasound images (US). Significant features in the US image are retrieved using rank-based feature selectionand used to classify views. R-DCNN attains 96.7% classification accuracy, and classification results are compared with the existing techniques. From the observation of the classification performance, the R-DCNN outperforms the existing state-of-art classification techniques.
Identification of Potential miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network in Denervated Muscular Atrophy by Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Liu Yuhang , Zhang Yongming , Liu Bin , Wei Zhijian
Published: September 2021

Background

Muscle atrophy caused by long-term denervation leads to the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, resulting in a poor recovery of functional muscles and decreasing quality of life. Increasing differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of denervated muscle atrophy. However, there is still insufficient evidence to explain the role of miRNAs and their target genes in skeletal muscle atrophy. Therefore, an integrative exploration of the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in denervated muscle atrophy is necessary.
Results

A total of 21 (16 upregulated and 5 downregulated) DEMs were screened out in the GSE81914 dataset. Med1 was predicted and verified to be significantly upregulated, which may affect the process of denervated muscle atrophy by regulating mir-146b and mir-1949. 59 target genes were then predicted by submitting candidate DEMs to the miRNet database. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that target genes of DEMs were mainly enriched in the apoptotic process and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Through the PPI network construction, key modules and hub genes were obtained and potentially modulated by mir-29b, mir-132, and mir-133a. According to the qRT-PCR results, among the hub genes, Ctgf was significantly increased, which was consistent with the decreased mir-133a in denervated muscle atrophy.
Conclusions

In the study, a potential miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was firstly constructed in denervated muscle atrophy. Two potential miRNA–mRNA pathways (miR-29b-COL1A1 and mir-133a-Ctgf) may provide new insight into the pathogenesis and treatment of denervated muscle atrophy.
The Promoted Generation of Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neurons from Neural Progenitor Cells on Three-dimensional Graphene foam Scaffold
Authors: Jiang Ziyun , Yang Lingyan , Zhou Linhong , Xiao Miao , Ma Sancheng , Jin Wei , Cheng Guosheng
Published: September 2021

Background: An early substantial loss of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) is a common property of Alzheimer’s disease and the generation of functional BFCNs is related to learning and memory deficits. As a biocompatible and conductive scaffold for growth of neural stem cells, three-dimensional graphene foam (3D-GF) supports applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Although its effects on differentiation have been demonstrated, the effect of 3D-GF scaffold on the generation of BFCNs still remains unknown. Methods: In this study, we used 3D-GF as a culture substrate for neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and demonstrated that this scaffold material promotes the differentiation of BFCNs while maintaining excellent cell viability and proliferation. Results: Immunofluorescence analysis, RT-PCR, western blotting and ELISA revealed that the efficiency of BFCN differentiation on 3D-GF was significantly greater than that on tissue culture polystyrene substrates. Furthermore, a cell adhesion study suggested that 3D-GF scaffold enhances the expression of adhesion proteins including vinculin, integrin and N-cadherin. These findings indicate that 3D-GF scaffold materials are excellent candidates for the differentiation of BFCNs from NPCs. Conclusion: These results suggest new opportunities for the application of 3D-GF scaffold as a neural scaffold for Alzheimer’s disease therapies based on NPCs. Trial registration: Not applicable.
The effects of Steel Plate Shear Wall on Residual Capacity of Reinforced Concrete Frame under Sequence Earthquakes by Incremental Dynamic Analysis
Authors: Rouhi Hamze , Gholhaki Majid
Published: September 2021

The residual capacity of a damaged structure after the main earthquake is equal to the smallest spectral acceleration of the first mode, which causes local or general failure during the aftershock. In this research, the effect of steel plate shear wall on residual capacity of the reinforced concrete frame under seismic sequence has been investigated. Based on this, four systems of 4, 8, 12, and 24 stories, which represent short, intermediate, tall, are modeled in finite element software and subject to three sets of single and real seismic sequence, taking into account the damage, the effects of mainshock earthquakes have been analyzed under aftershock earthquakes nonlinear increment dynamic analysis (IDA). The analysis showed that in the real seismic sequence, the residual capacity of a reinforced concrete frame with steel plate shear wall in short and intermediate structures on average 3.6 times and tall structures up to 4.25 times compared to the residual capacity of the reinforced concrete frame without steel plate shear wall. Also, in the real seismic sequence, the residual capacity of the structure decreased with increasing the height of short to intermediate structures and intermediate to tall structures, so that this capacity reduction decreased by an average of 70% in reinforced concrete frame with and without steel plate shear wall.
Femoral Intertrochanteric Fracture and All-Cause Mortality Risk in Aged Osteoporosis Patients
Authors: Li Xinping , zhang ping , zhu shiwen , Yang Ming-hui , wu xinbao , jiang xieyuan
Published: September 2021

Introduction：Clinicians pay attention to the risk factors of all-cause mortality after hip fracture, and expect to make intervention and choice. With the progress of diagnosis and treatment mode and technology, the composition and influence degree of risk factors changed in some extent. Materials and methods：This is a single-center prospective cohort study based on the real world, under the co management of orthopedics and geriatrics, 363 patients aged ≥65 years with femoral intertrochanteric fracture were enrolled and were followed up for 2-3 years; 52 patients were lost to follow up. Age, genders, body mass index (BMI), history of comorbidities, hip Bone Mineral Density (BMD), fracture history, 25(OH)D level, hemoglobin level, anti osteoporosis treatment were risk factors to be tested. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to the analyzed impact of factors on all-cause mortality.Results (1) Most of the dead patients were older, with more complications and without anti osteoporosis medication; gender, pre-fracture history, BMI, total hip BMD, hemoglobin, 25(OH)D had no difference between the dead and the living patients. (2) Elderly patients with Intertrochanteric fracture can benefit from the early treatment of Zoledronic Acid (≤3days). Conclusions: Under the co management of orthopedics and geriatrics, to Chinese patients with Femoral Intertrochanteric fracture, Doctors should pay more attention to their age and chronic diseases, and give anti osteoporosis treatment if allowed.
Integrative analysis of transcriptomic profiles reveals shared gene signatures of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythromatosus
Authors: Tyagi Neetu , Gupta Dinesh
Published: September 2021

Background

Autoimmune diseases develop when a person’s immune system starts developing immune response against its own healthy cells, tissues, or any other cell constituents. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Systemic Lupus Erythromatosus (SLE) are the two most common systemic inflammatory autoimmune diseases, sharing various clinical as well as pathological signatures. Although multiple studies have been conducted to date, very little is known about molecular pathogenesis and overlapping molecular signatures of the two diseases. Motivated to explore the common molecular disease features, we conducted a meta-analysis of the publicly available microarray gene expression datasets of RA and SLE.
Methods

Common and unique gene signatures of RA and SLE were identified based on analysis of microarray gene-expression datasets. Hub genes were identified by performing network analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks of the identified genes. Gene ontology functional enrichment and integrative pathway analysis was also performed to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms in the diseases.
Results

Intriguingly, out of the identified signature genes, 9 are upregulated and 24 are downregulated. Many of the common gene signatures identified in this study provide clues to the shared pathological mechanisms of RA and SLE. Amongst the identified signatures, MMP8, NFIL3, B4GALT5, HIST1H1C, NMT2, PTGDS and DUSP14, are the robust gene signatures shared by all the RA and SLE datasets. Functional analysis revealed that the common signatures are involved in the pathways such as mTOR signaling pathways, virus infection-related pathways, bone remodeling, activation of matrix metalloproteinase pathway, immune and inflammatory response-related pathways.
Conclusions

The common gene signatures and related pathways identified in this study substantiate the shared pathological mechanism involved in both diseases. Furthermore, our analysis of multi-cohort and multiple microarray datasets allow discovery of novel leads for clinical diagnosis and potential novel drug targets.
DFT insights into the electronic structure, mechanical behaviour, lattice dynamics and defect processes in the first Sc-based MAX phase Sc2SnC
Authors: Hadi M. A. , Christopoulos S.-R. G. , Chroneos A. , Naqib S. H. , Islam A. K.M.A.
Published: September 2021

The ceramic and metallic properties of the MAX phases make them attractive for numerous technological applications. The very recent experimental synthesis of the first scandium (Sc) based MAX phase Sc2SnC is an important addition to the MAX phase family as it further expands the diversity of physical characteristics of this family. Here we employ density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the structural, electronic, mechanical, lattice dynamical properties of Sc2SnC including defect processes to compare with those of existing M2SnC phases. The calculated structural properties are in good agreement with the experimental values. The new phase Sc2SnC is structurally, mechanically and dynamically stable. Sc2SnC is metallic with a mixture of covalent and ionic character. The covalency of Sc2SnC including M2SnC is mostly controlled by the effective valence. Sc2SnC in M2SnC family ranks second in the scale of deformability, softness and machinability. The elastic anisotropy level in Sc2SnC is moderate compared to the other M2SnC phases. Like other members of the M2SnC family, Sc2SnC has the potential to be etched into 2D MXenes and has the potential to be a thermal barrier coating (TBC) material. The hardness and melting point of Sc2SnC, including M2SnC, follows the trend of bulk modulus.
Red Meat Intake and Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Categorical and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen WeiWei , Liu Ke , Su Qing , Sang Xinxian , Hu Yihan , Zhuang Yaxuan , He Zhixing , Huang Lin , Mao Yingying , Ye Ding
Published: September 2021

Objective: Findings from previous observational studies on the association between red meat intake and risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are inconsistent. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the impact of red meat intake on the incidence of RA by meta-analysis.Methods: PubMed and Web of Science were searched for eligible observational studies regarding the association between red meat intake and the risk of RA until June 30, 2021. Risk estimates with corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were pooled. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis were performed to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias test were also carried out.Results: A total of eleven studies were selected, involving 4 cohort studies with 5 203 identified cases from 349 776 individuals and 7 case-control studies with 3 762 cases and 6 856 controls. The pooled risk estimate of RA risk was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.77 to 1.15) for ever versus non/occasional red meat intake, while high dose of red meat intake increased the risk of RA (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.50) in the categorical meta-analysis. Dose-response meta-analysis suggested a non-linear dose-response relationship between red meat intake and RA (P=0.028). Red meat intake was found to be a risk factor of RA when the dose ranged from 96 to 166 g/day.Conclusion: High dose of red meat intake could increase the risk of RA. Mechanistic studies are warranted to clarify the aetiologic pathways through which high dose of red meat intake may promote RA.
Kinetic Energy Climatology and Effective Resolution for the ERA5 Reanalysis
Authors: Bolgiani Pedro , Calvo-Sancho Carlos , Díaz-Fernández Javier , Quitián-Hernández Lara , Sastre Mariano , Santos-Muñoz Daniel , Farrán José Ignacio , González-Alemán Juan José , Valero Francisco , Martín María Luisa
Published: September 2021

ERA5 represents the state of the art for atmospheric reanalyses and is widely used in meteorological and climatological research. In this work, this dataset is evaluated using the wind kinetic energy spectrum. Seasonal climatologies are generated for 30º latitudinal bands in the Northern Hemisphere (periodic domain) and over the North Atlantic area (limited-area domain). The spectra are also assessed to determine the effective resolution of the reanalysis. The results present notable differences between the latitudinal domains, indicating that ERA5 is properly capturing the synoptic conditions. The seasonal variability is adequate too, being winter the most energetic, and summer the least energetic season. The limited area domain results introduce a larger energy density and range. Despite the good results for the synoptic scales, the reanalysis' spectra are not able to properly reproduce the dissipation rates at mesoscale. This is a source of uncertainties which needs to be taken into account when using the dataset. Finally, a cyclone tropical transition is presented as a case study. The spectrum generated shows a clear difference in energy density at every wavelength, as expected for a highly-energetic status of the atmosphere.
Dynamical-Statistical Hybrid Seasonal Prediction of Tropical Cyclone Track Density Over Western North Pacific
Authors: Zhang Daquan , Chen Lijuan
Published: September 2021

Compared with total account of basin-wide tropical cyclones (TC) genesis, the prevailing tracks of TC activity and its potential of landfalling is more important for disaster prevention. Despite its relatively lower predictability, a statistical-dynamical hybrid prediction model was developed based on the knowledge of the physical mechanism between western North Pacific (WNP) TC activity and related large-scale environmental fields from July to September. The leading modes of spatial-temporal variation of WNP TC tracks density its climatological peak season (July to September) was extracted using empirical orthogonal function (EOF) decomposition. The interannual variation of leading EOF modes of WNP TC track density was predicted using multiple linear regressions (MLR) method based on predictors selected by correlation analysis of both observational and Beijing Climate Center climate system model version 1.1 (BCC_CSM1.1) hindcast data. The predicted spatial distribution of WNP TC tracks density was obtained through weighted composite of forecasting EOF modes according to its variance explained respectively. Results of one-year-out cross validation indicates that forecast model well captures the interannual variation of WNP TC prevailing moving tracks, especially in South China Sea (SCS) and southeastern quadrant of WNP. The prediction skill enhanced with decreased forecast lead time, with anomaly correlation coefficient (ACC) of northern SCS and southeast quadrant of WNP reaches 0.6 for the period 1991-2020 with one month forecast lead time. Forecast assessment based on different ENSO phases indicate that source of predictability of WNP TC tracks was mainly originate from ENSO events, especially strong El Niño events.