bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Butyrate and Forskolin Augment Host Defense, Barrier Function, and Disease Resistance Without Eliciting Inflammation
Authors: Robinson Kelsy , Yang Qing , Li Hong , Zhang Long , Aylward Bridget , Arsenault Ryan J. , Zhang Guolong
Published: October 2021

Host defense peptides (HDPs) are an integral part of the innate immune system with both antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities. Induction of endogenous HDP synthesis is being actively explored as an antibiotic-alternative approach to disease control and prevention. Butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, and forskolin, a phytochemical, have been shown separately to induce HDP gene expression in human cells. Here, we investigated the ability of butyrate and forskolin to induce the expressions of chicken HDP genes and the genes involved in barrier function such as mucin 2 and claudin 1 both in vitro and in vivo. We further evaluated their efficacy in protecting chickens from Clostridium perfringens-induced necrotic enteritis. Additionally, we profiled the transcriptome and global phosphorylation of chicken HD11 macrophage cells in response to butyrate and forskolin using RNA sequencing and a kinome peptide array, respectively. Our results showed a strong synergy between butyrate and forskolin in inducing the expressions of several, but not all, HDP genes. Importantly, dietary supplementation of butyrate and a forskolin-containing plant extract resulted in significant alleviation of intestinal lesions and the C. perfringens colonization in a synergistic manner in a chicken model of necrotic enteritis. RNA sequencing revealed a preferential increase in HDP and barrier function genes with no induction of proinflammatory cytokines in response to butyrate and forskolin. The antiinflammatory and barrier protective properties of butyrate and forskolin were further confirmed by the kinome peptide array. Moreover, we demonstrated an involvement of inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER)-mediated negative feedback in HDP induction by butyrate and forskolin. Overall, these results highlight a potential for developing butyrate and forskolin, two natural products, as novel antibiotic alternatives to enhance intestinal health and disease resistance in poultry and other animals.
Musk Tongxin Dripping Pills for treating Ticagrelor in Patients After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Echocardiography Combined with Untargeted Metabolomics
Authors: Nan Lyu , Peng Lai , Jinxia Zhao , Mengzhe Guo , Jun Liang , Haibo Wang , Houfa Geng
Published: October 2021

Objectives: As current clinical practice guidelines, ticagrelor is the suggested therapeutic scheme to prevent adverse cardiovascular events in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) treatment. However, this therapeutic strategy still fails, and around 30% patients display inadequate antiplatelet responses. Musk Tongxin Dripping Pill (MTDP) in Chinese hospital was usually considered as the combination with ticagrelor to improve the treatment effect. Unfortunately, the mechanism has not been elucidated.

Methods: The untargeted metabolomic method was introduced based on liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS) coupled with STI for the research of the drug combination mechanism between ticagrelor and MTDP. 28 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of AMI were selectively collected, who were then divided into two different dosage regimen groups, and the serum samples were collected for the untargeted metabolomics assay. Then the differential metabolites were associated with blood biochemical indicators.

Results: The GLS values in both groups increased after treatment and those in the ticagrelor and MTDP combination group after treatment were higher than those in the ticagrelor group (p < 0.05), suggesting that the combination medication has better therapeutic effect on patients with myocardial infarction. From metabolomics analysis, the species of metabolites changed in two groups before and after treatment. Moreover, 93 differential metabolites changed in the drug combination group compared with the ticagrelor group after treatment (p < 0.05), which mainly related to changes in fatty acid metabolism pathways. Then the differential metabolites were found to be related with blood biochemical indicators, such as lipid, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

Conclusion: This work will provide a possible mechanism of the drug combination interaction between ticagrelor and MTDP from two angles of echocardiography and metabonomics. Several potential metabolic pathways were also found to have a relationship with MTDP, which will provide a new perspective in clinical medication.
Daily Stress and Behavioral Problems in Chinese Children: The Moderating Roles of Family Functioning and the Classroom Environment
Authors: Wu Lili , Ding Fangyuan , Hu Tianqiang , Cheng Gang , Chen Xiaoyu
Published: October 2021

Grounded in the stress-coping model, our study examined family functioning and the classroom environment as protective factors in the relationship between daily stress and behavioral problems in Chinese children. The participants were 1,450 children (51.7% male,Mage= 10.91 years,SD= 0.96) in the fourth, fifth, and sixth grades at five schools. The children completed the questionnaires measuring daily stress, family functioning, and the classroom environment. Additionally, their parents rated their behavioral problems. The latent moderated structural (LMS) equation approach was used to test moderator effects. After controlling for sex and grade, our results indicate that daily stress positively predicted the children’s behavioral problems. Both family functioning and the classroom environment moderated the relationship between daily stress and behavioral problems. Further assessment of latent interaction effects indicate that buffering effects on behavioral problems were most prominent in conditions involving low stress. In sum, families and schools should not ignore children’s minor stressors, as interventions involving family functioning and favorable classroom environments may help to reduce behavioral problems in children who report low levels of daily stress.
Assessment of Environmental and Occupational Risk Factors for the Mitigation and Containment of a COVID-19 Outbreak in a Meat Processing Plant
Authors: Walshe Nicola , Fennelly Mehael , Hellebust Stig , Wenger John , Sodeau John , Prentice Michael , Grice Charlene , Jordan Vincent , Comerford John , Downey Vicky , Perrotta Carla , Mulcahy Grace , Sammin Donal
Published: October 2021

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, meat processing plants have been vulnerable to outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Transmission of the virus is difficult to control in these settings because of a combination of factors including environmental conditions and the specific nature of the work. This paper describes a retrospective outbreak investigation in a meat processing plant, a description of the measures taken to prevent or contain further outbreaks, and insights on how those with specific knowledge of the working environment of these plants can collaborate with public health authorities to ensure optimal outbreak control. The plant experienced 111 confirmed positive asymptomatic cases in total with an estimated attack rate of 38% during a five-week period. 4 weeks after the first case, mass screening of all workers was conducted by the public health authorities. Thirty-two workers tested positive, of which 16 (50%) worked in one particular area of the plant, the boning hall (n = 60). The research team prepared and carried out semi-structured interviews with the plant personnel who were charged with COVID control within the plant. They carried out assessments of operational risk factors and also undertook air quality monitoring in the boning hall and abattoir. The air quality measurements in the boning hall showed a gradual build-up of carbon dioxide and aerosol particles over the course of a work shift, confirming that this poorly ventilated area of the plant had an environment that was highly favorable for aerosol transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Assessment of operational conditions incorporated visual surveys of the plant during the working day. Prior to and during the first 2 weeks of the outbreak, multiple measures were introduced into the plant by management, including physical distancing, provision of educational material to workers, visitor restrictions, and environmental monitoring. After the implementation of these measures and their progressive refinement by plant management, the factory had no further linked cases (clusters) or outbreaks for the following 198 days. The tailored approach to risk mitigation adopted in this meat processing plant shows that generic risk mitigation measures, as recommended by public health authorities, can be successfully adapted and optimized by designated plant emergency response teams.
Tile Drainage Increases Total Runoff and Phosphorus Export During Wet Years in the Western Lake Erie Basin
Authors: Miller Samuel A. , Lyon Steve W.
Published: October 2021

Artificial subsurface (tile) drainage is used in many agricultural areas where soils have naturally poor drainage to increase crop yield and field trafficability. Studies at the field scale indicate that tile drains disproportionately export large soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) and nitrate loads to downstream waterbodies relative to other surface and subsurface runoff pathways, but knowledge gaps remain understanding the impact of tile drainage to nutrient export at watershed scales. The Western Lake Erie Basin is susceptible to summertime eutrophic conditions driven by non-point source nutrient pollution due to a shallow mean water depth and land use dominated by agriculture. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of tile drainage on downstream discharge, nutrient concentrations, and nutrient loads for 16 watersheds that drain to the Western Lake Erie Basin. Daily discharge and nutrient concentrations were summarized annually and during the main nutrient loading period (March–July) for 2 years representing normal nutrient loading period precipitation (2018) and above normal precipitation (2019). Results indicate positive correlations between watershed tile drainage percentage and runoff metrics during 2019, but no relationship during 2018. Additionally, SRP concentration and load were positively correlated to watershed tile drainage percentage in 2019, but not in 2018. Watershed tile drainage percentage was correlated with nitrate concentration and load for both years. The SRP concentration-discharge relationships suggested relatively weak, chemodynamic behavior, implying a slight enriching effect where SRP concentrations were greater at higher stream discharge conditions during both years. In contrast, nitrate concentration-discharge relationships suggested strong, enriching chemodynamic behavior during 2018, but chemostatic behavior during 2019. The difference in SRP and nitrate export patterns in the 2 years analyzed highlights the importance of implementing appropriate best management practices that target specific nutrients and treat primary delivery pathways to effectively improve downstream aquatic health conditions.
Plant-Eating Nematodes and the Key to Fighting Them
Authors: Darling Elisabeth , Quintanilla-Tornel Marisol , Chung Henry
Published: October 2021

Plant roots interact with many bacteria, fungi, and microscopic organisms within the soil that can impact how well the plants grow. Some of these microscopic organisms are animals called nematodes, and they are an especially important part of the life in the soil. Nematodes can be good, bad, and neutral for plants. Some scientists called nematologists study nematodes and how to prevent the bad ones from damaging important crops, like carrots. Nematologists and other scientists partner up to help farmers manage these pests and grow healthy crops.
Learning-Based Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control
Authors: Mirwald Jonas , Ultsch Johannes , de Castro Ricardo , Brembeck Jonathan
Published: October 2021

Traffic congestion and the occurrence of traffic accidents are problems that can be mitigated by applying cooperative adaptive cruise control (CACC). In this work, we used deep reinforcement learning for CACC and assessed its potential to outperform model-based methods. The trade-off between distance-error minimization and energy consumption minimization whilst still ensuring operational safety was investigated. Alongside a string stability condition, robustness against burst errors in communication also was incorporated, and the effect of preview information was assessed. The controllers were trained using the proximal policy optimization algorithm. A validation by comparison with a model-based controller was performed. The performance of the trained controllers was verified with respect to the mean energy consumption and the root mean squared distance error. In our evaluation scenarios, the learning-based controllers reduced energy consumption in comparison to the model-based controller by 17.9% on average.
Double-Layer Agar (DLA) Modifications for the First Step of the Phage-Antibiotic Synergy (PAS) Identification
Authors: Stachurska Xymena , Roszak Marta , Jabłońska Joanna , Mizielińska Małgorzata , Nawrotek Paweł
Published: October 2021

The research carried out so far for phage-antibiotic synergy (PAS) differs as regards the technique of modifying the double-layer agar (DLA) method to show the PAS effect on Petri plates, which may contribute to non-uniform research results. Therefore, there is a need to unify the method to effectively detect the PAS effect, at its most basic in vitro test. In this study, bacteriophage T45 and 43 antibiotics belonging to different antibiotic classes were used. Seven different DLA method modifications were tested, in terms of antibiotic addition placement and presence or absence of the base agar. The overall number of phage plaques per plate mainly depended on the antibiotic used. Differences in plaque quantity depended on the type of the DLA method modification. The largest total number of plaques was obtained by the addition of an antibiotic to a bottom agar with the presence of a top agar. This indicates that even though an antibiotic could manifest the PAS effect by a standard disk method, it would be worth examining if the effect is equally satisfactory when applying antibiotics directly into the agar, with regards to using the same bacteriophage and bacterial host.
High-Pressure Processing of Kale: Effects on the Extractability, In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Carotenoids & Vitamin E and the Lipophilic Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Schmidt Mario , Hopfhauer Sofia , Schwarzenbolz Uwe , Böhm Volker
Published: October 2021

High pressure processing (HPP) represents a non-thermal preservation technique for the gentle treatment of food products. Information about the impact of HPP on lipophilic food ingredients (e.g., carotenoids, vitamin E) is still limited in more complex matrices such as kale. Both the variation of pressure levels (200–600 MPa) and different holding times (5–40 min) served as HPP parameters. Whereas a slightly decreasing solvent extractability mostly correlated with increasing pressure regimes; the extension of holding times resulted in elevated extract concentrations, particularly at high-pressures up to 600 MPa. Surprisingly, slightly increasing bioaccessibility correlated with both elevated pressures and extended holding times, indicating matrix-dependent processes during in vitro digestion, compared to results of extractability. Moreover, the verification of syringe filters for digest filtration resulted in the highest relative recoveries using cellulose acetate and polyvinylidene difluoride membranes. The α-tocopherol equivalent antioxidant capacity (αTEAC) and oxygen radical antioxidant capacity (ORAC) assays of treated kale samples, chopped larger in size, showed increased antioxidant capacities, regarding elevated pressures and extended holding times. Consequently, one may conclude that HPP was confirmed as a gentle treatment technique for lipophilic micronutrients in kale. Nevertheless, it was indicated that sample pre-treatments could affect HP-related processes in food matrices prior to and possibly after HPP.
The Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping of Rice Plant and the Components of Its Extract Confirmed the Anti-Inflammatory and Platelet Aggregation Effects In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Park Jae-Ryoung , Jan Rahmatullah , Park Seul-Gi , Handoyo Tri , Lee Gang-Seob , Yun Sopheap , Jang Yoon-Hee , Du Xiao-Xuan , Lee Taeho , Kwon Yong-Sham , Kim Doh Hoon , Seok Young-Mi , Bae Jong-Sup , Kim Kyung-Min
Published: October 2021

Unpredictable climate change might cause serious lack of food in the world. Therefore, in the present world, it is urgent to prepare countermeasures to solve problems in terms of human survival. In this research, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were analyzed when rice attacked by white backed planthopper (WBPH) were analyzed using 120 Cheongcheong/Nagdong double haploid lines. Moreover, from the detected QTLs, WBPH resistance-related genes were screened in large candidate genes. Among them, OsCM, a major gene in the synthesis of Cochlioquinone-9 (cq-9), was screened. OsCM has high homology with the sequence of chorismate mutase, and exists in various functional and structural forms in plants that produce aromatic amino acids. It also induces resistance to biotic stress through the synthesis of secondary metabolites in plants. The WBPH resistance was improved in rice overexpressed through map-based cloning of the WBPH resistance-related gene OsCM, which was finally detected by QTL mapping. In addition, cq-9 increased the survival rate of caecal ligation puncture (CLP)-surgery mice by 60%. Moreover, the aorta of rat treated with cq-9 was effective in vasodilation response and significantly reduced the aggregation of rat platelets induced by collagen treatment. A cq-9, which is strongly associated with resistance to WBPH in rice, is also associated with positive effect of CLP surgery mice survival rate, vasodilation, and significantly reduced rat platelet aggregation induced by collagen treatment. Therefore, cq-9 presents research possibilities as a substance in a new paradigm that can act on both Plant-Insect in response to the present unpredictable future.
Immune Response in Crayfish Is Species-Specific and Exhibits Changes along Invasion Range of a Successful Invader
Authors: Dragičević Paula , Grbin Dorotea , Maguire Ivana , Blažević Sofia Ana , Abramović Lucija , Tarandek Anita , Hudina Sandra
Published: October 2021

Immunity is an important component of invasion success since it enables invaders’ adaptation to conditions of the novel environment as they expand their range. Immune response of invaders may vary along the invasion range due to encountered parasites/microbial communities, conditions of the local environment, and ecological processes that arise during the range expansion. Here, we analyzed changes in the immune response along the invasion range of one of the most successful aquatic invaders, the signal crayfish, in the recently invaded Korana River, Croatia. We used several standard immune parameters (encapsulation response, hemocyte count, phenoloxidaze activity, and total prophenoloxidaze) to: i) compare immune response of the signal crayfish along its invasion range, and between species (comparison with co-occurring native narrow-clawed crayfish), and ii) analyze effects of specific predictors (water temperature, crayfish abundance, and body condition) on crayfish immune response changes. Immune response displayed species-specificity, differed significantly along the signal crayfish invasion range, and was mostly affected by water temperature and population abundance. Specific immune parameters showed density-dependent variation corresponding to increased investment in them during range expansion. Obtained results offer baseline insights for elucidating the role of immunocompetence in the invasion success of an invertebrate freshwater invader.
Zinc-Dependent Oligomerization of Thermus thermophilus Trigger Factor Chaperone
Authors: Zhu Haojie , Matsusaki Motonori , Sugawara Taiga , Ishimori Koichiro , Saio Tomohide
Published: October 2021

Thermus thermophilus trigger factor (TtTF) is a zinc-dependent molecular chaperone whose folding-arrest activity is regulated by Zn2+. However, little is known about the mechanism of zinc-dependent regulation of the TtTF activity. Here we exploit in vitro biophysical experiments to investigate zinc-binding, the oligomeric state, the secondary structure, and the thermal stability of TtTF in the absence and presence of Zn2+. The data show that full-length TtTF binds Zn2+, but the isolated domains and tandem domains of TtTF do not bind to Zn2+. Furthermore, circular dichroism (CD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra suggested that Zn2+-binding induces the partial structural changes of TtTF, and size exclusion chromatography-multi-angle light scattering (SEC-MALS) showed that Zn2+ promotes TtTF oligomerization. Given the previous work showing that the activity regulation of E. coli trigger factor is accompanied by oligomerization, the data suggest that TtTF exploits zinc ions to induce the structural change coupled with the oligomerization to assemble the client-binding site, thereby effectively preventing proteins from misfolding in the thermal environment.
Cardiorenal Syndrome: New Pathways and Novel Biomarkers
Authors: Gembillo Guido , Visconti Luca , Giusti Maria , Siligato Rossella , Gallo Alessia , Santoro Domenico , Mattina Alessandro
Published: October 2021

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a multi-organ disease characterized by the complex interaction between heart and kidney during acute or chronic injury. The pathogenesis of CRS involves metabolic, hemodynamic, neurohormonal, and inflammatory mechanisms, and atherosclerotic degeneration. In the process of better understanding the bi-directional pathophysiological aspects of CRS, the need to find precise and easy-to-use markers has also evolved. Based on the new pathophysiological standpoints and an overall vision of the CRS, the literature on renal, cardiac, metabolic, oxidative, and vascular circulating biomarkers was evaluated. Though the effectiveness of different extensively applied biomarkers remains controversial, evidence for several indicators, particularly when combined, has increased in recent years. From new aspects of classic biomarkers to microRNAs, this review aimed at a 360-degree analysis of the pathways that balance the kidney and the heart physiologies. In this delicate system, different markers and their combination can shed light on the diagnosis, risk, and prognosis of CRS.
The Essential Role of Stathmin in Myoblast C2C12 for Vertical Vibration-Induced Myotube Formation
Authors: Lin Yi-Hsiung , Chou Liang-Yin , Chou Hsin-Chiao , Chen Chung-Hwan , Kang Lin , Cheng Tsung-Lin , Wang Chau-Zen
Published: October 2021

Vertical vibration (VV) is a type of whole body vibration, which induces muscle contraction through vibration to improve muscle strength and bone density. However, the mechanism of VV on muscle cell myotube formation is still unclear. In the current study, we aim to clarify the mechanism involved in VV’s stimulation of myotube formation. In order to identify the molecules regulated by VV, we performed proteomics analysis including 2D electrophoresis combined with MALDI-TOF/TOF Mass. Stathmin was identified as a high potential molecule responding to VV stimulation, and we found that under VV stimulation, the expression of stathmin gene and protein increased in a time-dependent manner. In addition, we also confirmed that the increase of stathmin stimulated by VV is mediated through the PI3K/Akt pathway. Furthermore, stathmin siRNA significantly down-regulated the expression of myogenic regulatory factor (MRF) MyoD, decorin, and type I collagen (Col-I), and down-regulated the cellular process regulators such as FGF7, TGFBr1 and PAK3. Taken together, our results confirm that under the stimulation of VV, PI3K/Akt and stathmin would be activated, as well as the up-regulation of MRFs, such as FGF7, TGFBr1 and PAK3 to initiate myogenesis. It also showed that the response of MRF to VV stimulation was significantly related to stathmin expression, which also confirmed the importance of stathmin in the entire myotube formation process. This study may provide evidence of stathmin as a biological indicator of VV to increase muscle strength.
The Pseudo-Symmetric N-benzyl Hydroxyethylamine Core in a New Series of Heteroarylcarboxyamide HIV-1 Pr Inhibitors: Synthesis, Molecular Modeling and Biological Evaluation
Authors: D’Orsi Rosarita , Funicello Maria , Laurita Teresa , Lupattelli Paolo , Berti Federico , Chiummiento Lucia
Published: October 2021

Here, we report the synthesis, enzyme inhibition and structure–activity relationship studies of a new potent class of HIV-1 protease inhibitors, which contain a pseudo-symmetric hydroxyethylamine core and heteroarylcarboxyamide moieties. The simple synthetic pathway furnished nine compounds in a few steps with high yields. The compounds were designed taking into account our previous results on other series of inhibitors with different substituents at P’ and P’’ and different ways of linking them to the inhibitor core. Potent inhibitory activity was obtained with nanomolar IC50 values measured with a standard fluorimetric test in 100 mM MES buffer, pH 5.5, containing 400 mM NaCl, 1 mM EDTA, 1 mM DTT and 1 mg/ml BSA. Compounds 9a–c, containing the indole ring in P1, exhibited an HIV-1 protease inhibitory activity more powerful than darunavir in the same assay. To obtain molecular insight into the binding properties of these compounds, docking analysis was performed, and their binding properties were also compared.
A Mini Review of Recent Findings in Cellulose-, Polymer- and Graphene-Based Membranes for Fluoride Removal from Drinking Water
Authors: Tolkou Athanasia K. , Meez Elie , Kyzas George Z. , Torretta Vincenzo , Collivignarelli Maria Cristina , Caccamo Francesca Maria , Deliyanni Eleni A. , Katsoyiannis Ioannis A.
Published: October 2021

Effective fluoride removal from water is a persistent global concern both for drinking water and wastewater treatment. According to World Health Organization (WHO), standards for the maximum contaminant level in drinking water cannot be higher than 1.5 mg F− L−1 since affects the skeletal and nervous systems of humans. Various technologies have been developed to decrease fluoride concentration from waters, such as adsorption, coagulation, precipitation and membrane separation. Membrane technology has been found to be a very effective technology, significantly reducing fluoride to desired standards levels; however, it has received less attention than other technologies because it is a costly process. This review aims to discuss the recent studies using modified membranes for fluoride removal. Emphasis is given on cellulose-, polymer- and graphene-based membranes and is further discussing the modification of membranes with several metals that have been developed in the last years. It was observed that the main focus of the total publications has been on the use of polymer-based membranes. Most of the membranes applied for defluoridation exhibit greater efficiency at pH values close to that of drinking water (i.e., 6–8), and maximum treatment capacity was obtained with the use of a cellulose modified membrane Fe-Al-Mn@chitosan with a permeate flux of 2000 L m−2 h−1, following the carbon-based amyloid fibril nano-ZrO2 composites (CAF-Zr) 1750 L m−2. A technical-economic comparison study of NF and RO is also referred, concluding that NF membrane is slightly less expensive.
Predictive Ability of the Estimate of Fat Mass to Detect Early-Onset Metabolic Syndrome in Prepubertal Children with Obesity
Authors: Calcaterra Valeria , Verduci Elvira , De Silvestri Annalisa , Magenes Vittoria Carlotta , Siccardo Francesca , Schneider Laura , Vizzuso Sara , Bosetti Alessandra , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo
Published: October 2021

Body mass index (BMI), usually used as a body fatness marker, does not accurately discriminate between amounts of lean and fat mass, crucial factors in determining metabolic syndrome (MS) risk. We assessed the predictive ability of the estimate of FM (eFM) calculated using the following formula: FM = weight − exp(0.3073 × height2 − 10.0155 ×d-growth-standards/standards/body-mass-index-for-age-bmi-for-age weight− 1 + 0.004571 × weight − 0.9180 × ln(age) + 0.6488 × age0.5 + 0.04723×male + 2.8055) (exp = exponential function, score 1 if child was of black (BA), south Asian (SA), other Asian (AO), or other (other) ethnic origin and score 0 if not, ln = natural logarithmic transformation, male = 1, female = 0), to detect MS in 185 prepubertal obese children compared to other adiposity parameters. The eFM, BMI, waist circumference (WC), body shape index (ABSI), tri-ponderal mass index, and conicity index (C-Index) were calculated. Patients were classified as having MS if they met ≥ 3/5 of the following criteria: WC ≥ 95th percentile; triglycerides ≥ 95th percentile; HDL-cholesterol ≤ 5th percentile; blood pressure ≥ 95th percentile; fasting blood glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL; and/or HOMA-IR ≥ 97.5th percentile. MS occurred in 18.9% of obese subjects (p < 0.001), with a higher prevalence in females vs. males (p = 0.005). The eFM was correlated with BMI, WC, ABSI, and Con-I (p < 0.001). Higher eFM values were present in the MS vs. non-MS group (p < 0.001); the eFM was higher in patients with hypertension and insulin resistance (p < 0.01). The eFM shows a good predictive ability for MS. Additional to BMI, the identification of new parameters determinable with simple anthropometric measures and with a good ability for the early detection of MS, such as the eFM, may be useful in clinical practice, particularly when instrumentation to estimate the body composition is not available.
Identify Key Determinants of Contraceptive Use for Sexually Active Young People: A Hybrid Ensemble of Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Liu Zongchao , Lin Zhi , Cao Wenzhen , Li Rui , Liu Lilong , Wu Hanbin , Tang Kun
Published: October 2021

Sexually active young people face an increasing public health burden of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases due to improper contraception. However, environmental and social factors related to young people’s contraception remain unclear. To identify the key factors, we applied ensemble machine learning methods to the data of 12,280 heterosexual Chinese college students who reported sexual intercourse experience in the National College Student Survey on Sexual and Reproductive Health in 2020 (NCSS-SRH 2020). In the order of variable importance, convenient access to contraceptives, certain attitudes towards sex, sexual health knowledge level, being an only-child, and purchasing a bachelor’s or master’s degree were positively associated with a high frequency of contraceptive use. In contrast, smoking, free access to contraceptives, a specific attitude towards marriage, and negotiation with a sexual partner were negatively associated with a higher frequency of contraceptive use. Our analysis provides insights into young people’s contraceptive use under a typically conservative culture of sexuality. Compared to previous studies, we thoroughly investigated internal and external factors that might impact young people’s decision on contraception while having sex. Under a conservative culture of sexuality, the effects of the external factors on young people’s contraception may outweigh those of the internal factors.
Functional Screenings Identify Regulatory Variants Associated with Breast Cancer Susceptibility
Authors: Ren Naixia , Li Yingying , Xiong Yulong , Li Panfeng , Ren Yutian , Huang Qilai
Published: October 2021

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified more than 2000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with breast cancer susceptibility, most of which are located in the non-coding region. However, the causal SNPs functioning as gene regulatory elements still remain largely undisclosed. Here, we applied a Dinucleotide Parallel Reporter sequencing (DiR-seq) assay to evaluate 288 breast cancer risk SNPs in nine different breast cancer cell lines. Further multi-omics analysis with the ATAC-seq (Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin using sequencing), DNase-seq (DNase I hypersensitive sites sequencing) and histone modification ChIP-seq (Chromatin Immunoprecipitation sequencing) nominated seven functional SNPs in breast cancer cells. Functional investigations show that rs4808611 affects breast cancer progression by altering the gene expression of NR2F6. For the other site, rs2236007, the alteration promotes the binding of the suppressive transcription factor EGR1 and results in the downregulation of PAX9 expression. The downregulated expression of PAX9 causes cancer malignancies and is associated with the poor prognosis of breast cancer patients. Our findings contribute to defining the functional risk SNPs and the related genes for breast cancer risk prediction.
Adversarial Hiding Deception Strategy and Network Optimization Method for Heterogeneous Network Defense
Authors: Wang Chen , Zeng Chengyi , Liu Hongfu , Chen Jing
Published: October 2021

Heterogeneous networks are powerful tools for describing different types of entities and relationships and are more relevant models of complex networks. The study of heterogeneous network defense is of great practical significance for protecting useful networks such as military combat networks and critical infrastructure networks. However, a large amount of current research on complex network defense focuses on homogeneous networks under complete information conditions, which often ignore the real conditions such as incomplete information and heterogeneous networks. In this paper, we propose firstly a new adversarial hiding deception strategy for heterogeneous network defense under incomplete information conditions. Secondly, we propose an adversarial hiding deception network optimization method based on a genetic algorithm and design node importance index and a fitness function, which take into account the graph structure information and information about the type of nodes. Finally, we conduct comparison experiments for different defense strategies, and the results show that the proposed strategy and network optimization method are effective at hiding the critical nodes and inducing the attacker to attack the non-important nodes. The generated adversarial hiding deception network has a similar graph structure to the real network.
The Effects of Filter Capacitors on Cable Ripple at Different Sections of the Wind Farm Based Multi-Terminal DC System
Authors: Rong Xiaoyun , Shek Jonathan K. H. , Macpherson D. Ewen , Mawby Phil
Published: October 2021

In most DC power systems, power electronic devices can introduce ripple content into the DC grid, where large input ripple currents on the DC link can have a negative influence. Under these circumstances, DC side filters play an important role in the reduction of ripple content. In this paper, based on a full detailed closed loop model of the entire offshore wind farm multi-terminal DC network, the effect of filter capacitors connected at different sections of the system on the limitation of the AC ripple content, particularly in the DC cables, is studied. In contrast to other work on HVDC for offshore wind, where simplified or equivalent circuits are mainly used while concentrating on the power and control system, this study can be regarded as the specific study of filter capacitors operating within a detailed system model. Utilising the advantages of PLECS, which is a highly effective tool in the simulation of power electronic circuits, no small-signal or simplified equivalent models are used in the system, and the entire study is based on detailed and accurate models of the semiconductor elements and transformers, which help to provide more realistic simulation results and a better understanding of the system. Another novel point in this paper is a new concept, relative losses, which is proposed to simplify extensively the calculation of losses in this research. Finally, the size of the filter capacitors at different sections of the system under different situations is suggested.
Performance of Ice Generation System Using Supercooled Water with a Directed Evaporating Method
Authors: Chen Mingbiao , Fu Dekun , Song Wenji , Feng Ziping
Published: October 2021

Ice slurry is widely used in the field of ice storage air conditioning, district cooling, seafood preservation, and milk processing. Ice generation using supercooled water is efficient, and the system structure is compact. However, a secondary refrigerant cycle is usually used in order to control the wall temperature and to prevent the “ice blocking” problem. Therefore, an ice generation system using supercooled water with a directed evaporating method is proposed and fabricated in order to improve the system performance, which is tested in the experiment. Then, two calculation methods are used to study the performance of entire ice generation system. We concluded that: (1) The system could run steady without “ice blocking” in the condition where the supercooled water temperature was higher than 271.7 K and the velocity was more than 2.1 m/s. The entire system COP could reach 1.6 when the condenser temperature was about 319 K. (2) The system COP could be improved by about 20% if the compressor output power was based on the theoretical refrigerant cycle. The system COP could reach about 2.5 if the proportion of extra power was 3% and the condenser temperature was 308 K. (3) The system COP with a directed evaporating method was about 14% higher than that with an indirected evaporating method. (4) An orthogonal test was built to quantify the influence of different critical parameters. The influence of factors on the system COP were as follows: condenser temperature > water flow > adiabatic compressibility > refrigerant. This work provided a good look at the performance of an ice generation system using supercooled water with a directed evaporating method. It can play an important role in guiding the design of a system of ice generation using supercooled water.
Stakeholders’ Perceptions on Agricultural Land-Use Change, and Associated Factors, in Nigeria
Authors: Ihemezie Eberechukwu Johnpaul , Dallimer Martin
Published: October 2021

Agricultural Land-Use Change (ALUC) is a major driver of global environmental change, not least via its direct impact on the sustainability and resilience of the rural economy. Its drivers are complex and have remained contentious, necessitating further empirical study. This study aims to derive context-specific evidence on the driving factors and effects of ALUC from different stakeholders’ perceptions. We carried out household surveys and participatory rural appraisal across Benue State, Nigeria. ALUC has economic, social, ecological, and institutional implications for farmers and on agricultural productivity. Farmers perceived that the main factors driving ALUC were land conflict, government land-use policies and infrastructural development. Stakeholders’ perceptions revealed that although the factors driving ALUC are diverse in nature, they are somewhat embedded within the broader issue of land-use conflict, which has led to cropland abandonment, clearing of forest vegetation, soil degradation, changes from large scale to subsistence farming, and farmers’ eventual loss of interest in agriculture. This suggest that the drivers and implications of ALUC go beyond simple changes to the extent of land used for agriculture, but also incorporates other regional socio-ecological changes. Our study highlights the importance of stakeholders’ perceptions in understanding complex socio-ecological issues if we are to provide clear direction into areas where policy interventions are most needed.
Influence of Polypropylene, Carbon and Hybrid Coated Fiber on the Interfacial Microstructure Development of Cementitious Composites
Authors: Monazami Maryam , Gupta Rishi
Published: October 2021

Concrete is the most used construction material in the world; however, its deficiency in shrinkage and low tensile resistance is undeniable. Used as secondary reinforcement, fibers can modify concrete properties in various ways. Carbon-fiber-reinforced concrete is highly suitable to maintain longevity of infrastructure where corrosion of steel can shorten the useful service life of the structure while polypropylene fibers can mostly improve the shrinkage of concrete. However, the biggest challenge with fiber-reinforced concrete is the appearance of the poorly structured interfacial transition zone around the fibers. In this study, environmentally friendly and low-cost attempts were made to coat fibers with fly ash to enhance the structure of mortar around the fibers. Coated carbon and polypropylene fibers were used in mortar in single and hybrid forms to investigate the efficiency of fiber coating methods on mechanical and durability properties of fiber-reinforced cement mortar. A minimal dosage of 0.25% and 0.5% (by volume) PAN-based carbon fiber and polypropylene fiber was added to mortar to make low-cost mixes. Compressive, tensile and three-point bending tests were done after 14 and 28 days of curing, and the results were analyzed. The results showed higher compressive strength in coated fiber-reinforced samples and comparable results in tensile strength, flexural strength, and toughness parameters. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) photos and Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis approved the efficacy of the coating methods.
Effects of Freeze–Thaw Cycles on Water Migration, Microstructure and Protein Oxidation in Cuttlefish
Authors: Lv Ying , Xie Jing
Published: October 2021

This study was conducted to analyze the effects of multiple freeze–thaw (F-T) cycles on microstructural disruption, water migration, protein oxidation and textural properties of cuttlefish. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) showed an increase in the proportion of free water in cuttlefish flesh. It was also observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) that multiple F-T cycles increased the gap between muscle fibers and disrupted the original intact and compact structure. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy, Ca2+ATPase content, sulfhydryl content and free amino acid content indirectly prove that multiple F-T cycles can lead to the destruction of the a-helical structure of cuttlefish myofibril protein and the content of irregular curls increased, protein aggregation and degradation, and tryptophan oxidation. In addition, after repeated freezing and thawing, the water holding capacity, whiteness value, elasticity and chewiness of cuttlefish flesh decreased, the total volatile base nitrogen content increased. It can be concluded that the freeze–thaw cycles are very harmful to the quality of the frozen foods, so it is important to keep the temperature stable in the low-temperature food logistics.
Effects of Milk or Soy Milk Combined with Mild Resistance Exercise on the Muscle Mass and Muscle Strength in Very Old Nursing Home Residents with Sarcopenia
Authors: Chiang Feng-YI , Chen Jiun-Rong , Lee Wei-Ju , Yang Suh-Ching
Published: October 2021

Background and aims: Sarcopenia is recognized as a major public health issue, because it is prevalent in the elderly, especially those who live in long-term care facilities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of milk or soy milk combined with resistance exercise on the muscle mass and muscle strength of individual elderly nursing home residents with sarcopenia. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial (clincaltrials.gov as NCT05035121) that recruited very old (>75 years) subjects with sarcopenia in a nursing home (Su-Ao and Yuanshan Branches, Taipei Veterans General Hospital) from June to December 2017. Thirty-five elderly (84.9 ± 6.1 years old) subjects were recruited and divided into three groups: control (n = 12), milk supplemented (n = 12), and soy milk supplemented (n = 11). All participants joined a mild resistance exercise training program three times a week (30 min/time). Moreover, elderly subjects in the milk and soy milk groups drank 200 mL of milk or soy milk for breakfast and as a snack after exercise. Results: After 12 weeks, compared to the baseline, calf circumferences had significantly increased in the control and soy milk groups (p = 0.0362 and p = 0.0197, respectively). Hand grip strength had significantly improved in the milk and soy milk groups (p = 0.0407 and p = 0.0096, respectively). In addition, there was no difference among the three groups. Conclusions: Mild resistance exercise combined with milk or soy milk improved the calf circumference and hand grip strength in very old nursing home residents with sarcopenia.
Immunomodulatory Potential of the Industrialized Houttuynia cordata Fermentation Product In Vitro and in Wistar Rats
Authors: Utaiwat Suppawit , Senawong Gulsiri , Khongsukwiwat Kanoknan , Woranam Khanutsanan , Sattayasai Jintana , Senawong Thanaset
Published: October 2021

Houttuynia cordata fermentation products (HCFPs) are produced and widely used as dietary supplements for health and immune support. However, the effect on immune function for these products has not been clearly demonstrated. In this study, soluble fractions of the selected HCFP were used for determination of the immunomodulatory potential, both in vitro and in animal models. Viability and proliferation of rat splenocytes and phagocytic activity of human neutrophils were evaluated. Studies on immunomodulatory effects, including hematological parameters, mitogen-driven lymphocyte proliferation and hemagglutination, were performed in both healthy and immunosuppressed rats. Soluble fraction of the selected HCFP significantly enhanced phagocytic activity of human neutrophils and tended to stimulate splenocyte viability and proliferation. There was no morbidity or mortality for administration of a 14-day regimen of the selected HCFP in both male and female rats. The healthy rats treated with HCFP gained body weight less than the control group, suggesting a reduction in calorie intake. Moreover, low dose of HCFP caused an increased B cell proliferation in ex-vivo, which was related to the increased antibody titer against SRBC in immunosuppressed rats. Our results indicate that the selected HCFP enhances the phagocytic activity of the neutrophils and augments the antibody production in immunosuppressed rats.
Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes among Maternity Waiting Home Users and Non-Users in Rural Rwanda
Authors: Tayebwa Edwin , Kalisa Richard , Ndibaza Amedee Fidele , Cornelissen Lisa , Teeselink Eefje Klein , Kim Young-Mi , van Dillen Jeroen , Stekelenburg Jelle
Published: October 2021

Most maternal and perinatal deaths could be prevented through timely access to skilled birth attendants. Women should access appropriate obstetric care during pregnancy, labor, and puerperium. Maternity waiting homes (MWHs) permit access to emergency obstetric care when labor starts. This study compared maternal and perinatal outcomes among MWH users and non-users through a retrospective cohort study. Data were collected through obstetric chart reviews and analyzed using STATA version 15. Of the 8144 deliveries reported between 2015 and 2019, 1305 women had high-risk pregnancies and were included in the study. MWH users had more spontaneous vaginal deliveries compared to non-users (38.6% versus 16.8%) and less cesarean sections (57.7% versus 76.7%). Maternal morbidities such as postpartum hemorrhage occurred less frequently among users than non-users (2.13% versus 5.64%). Four women died among non-users while there was no death among users. Non-users had more stillbirths than users (7.68% versus 0.91%). The MWH may have contributed to the observed differences in outcomes. However, many women with high risk pregnancies did not use the MWH, indicating a probable gap in awareness, usefulness, or their inability to stay due to other responsibilities at home. Use of MWHs at scale could improve maternal and perinatal outcomes in Rwanda.