bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ex Vivo Microsphiltration Profile of Plasmodium Falciparum Infected Red Blood Cells in Patients with Malaria in Kéniéroba, Mali: Exploring the Spleen in Vivo Retention Function
Authors: KEITA Bourama , Diakité Seidina , Guindo Agnes , Konaté Drissa , Traoré Karim , Sangaré Modibo , Diawara Sory , Sanogo Ibrahim , Diarra Bakaina , Diakité Mahamadou
Published: July 2021

Malaria pathophysiology is not still fully understood. The main mechanisms of malaria involve the synergistic interactions between host and parasite. Although, the role of the spleen has been mentioned in various clinical forms of malaria, a supportive clinical evidence is still needed. We conducted a pilot study to determine the impact of the spleen functional state in different clinical forms of malaria.
Ex vivo microsphiltration was used to assess the splenic function in patients received during routine consultation with mild malaria at the Kéniéroba health center, a ​​high malaria endemic area in Mali.
A total of 25 patients were enrolled for ex vivo microsphiltration. Spleen was non-palpable (Hackett stage 0) in two patients, palpable with deep inspiration (Hackett stage 1) in 22 patients and without deep inspiration (Hackett stage 2) in one patient, parasitaemia ranged from 5360 trophozoites/µl to 342720 trophozoites/µl with a mean parasitemia of 50774 trophozoites/µl ± 65540 trophozoites/µl. The mean hemoglobin level was 11.2g/dl ± 1.2 [8.7-13.4]. The retention rate of the infected red blood cell ranged from 11.11% to 94.44% with 65.4% ± 23.7% on average. A higher ex vivo retention rate of infected red blood cells was observed in patients with Hackett stage other than 0 (p= 0.03). This pilot study proved that it was feasible to use the ex vivo microsphiltration to explore the spleen filtering function in malaria patients.
Initial experience with the combination of atezolizumab and bevacizumab in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma progressing after tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy: A multicenter prospective observational study
Authors: Sugimoto Rie , Satoh Takeaki , Ueda Akihiro , Senju Takeshi , Tanaka Yuki , Yamashita Shinsaku , Koyanagi Toshimasa , Kurashige Tomoyuki , Higuchi Nobito , Nakamura Tsukasa , Tanaka Masatake , Ooho Aritsune , Uchimura Koutarou , Kuniyoshi Masami , Tada Seiya , Aratake Yoshifusa , Motomura Kenta , Kohjima Motoyuki
Published: July 2021

Background
There is no evidence for the efficacy of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab treatment in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma previously treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).
Methods
Twelve patients treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and previously treated with TKIs were enrolled in the study.
Results
The treatment lines ranged from second line to sixth line. HCC staging was Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B in four cases and BCLC stage C in eight cases. The overall response rate and disease control rate according to the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) were 18.1% and 54.4%, respectively. Progression-free survival was 2.7 months, indicating that early response to treatment may differ depending on the type of previous therapy. The side effects profile also differed from that observed in IMbrave150, a phase 3 trial of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, with many adverse events related to liver reserve.
Conclusions
The therapeutic effects and side effects differed from those previously reported during the treatment course of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab as first-line therapy.
Exploring The New Rehabilitation Model of Hearing Impaired Children from the Perspective of Family
Authors: Yu Mengxiao , Xie Haixia , Chen Qiwen , Yao Shengnan
Published: July 2021

The primary aim of the study was to obtain the views of parents on the role of family efficacy in children's rehabilitation stage through investigation. The secondary objective was to evaluate the important role of family factors in the rehabilitation of hearing-impaired children. The third objective was to explore the willingness of parents to accept online courses, parents' Union and personalized family therapy.This study included 480 parents of hearing-impaired children. The questionnaire was distributed and collected in December 2020. And the parents of hearing-impaired children in the stage of postoperative rehabilitation were selected as the research objects.Although the rehabilitation process of hearing-impaired children is affected by many factors, family factors play a dominant role. In the rehabilitation process of hearing-impaired children, parents need to spend a lot of money, time and energy. At the same time, for the effect of rehabilitation, most parents tend to ignore the mental health rehabilitation of hearing-impaired children, only pay attention to the rehabilitation of speech clarity, hearing ability, communication ability of children. Moreover, parents generally believe that the function of the family is mainly responsible for the children's daily life, and only a few families are responsible for the language rehabilitation and mental health of hearing-impaired children. Therefore, parents' understanding of family efficacy is not comprehensive enough. And through the survey, we can see that from the perspective of parents, parents' lack of professional knowledge, lack of self-confidence and time factors will affect children's rehabilitation process. For the measures we proposed, such as online courses, parents' Union, personalized family therapy mode, parents of hearing-impaired children generally have a high acceptance. It can be seen that these measures can promote family efficacy and improve the rehabilitation effect of hearing-impaired children to a certain extent.The rehabilitation of hearing-impaired children needs to extend from schools and rehabilitation institutions to families to form a more unified and comprehensive rehabilitation system,especially on children's psychological rehabilitation. The corresponding models and Countermeasures of hearing-impaired children's family participation in China are extremely insufficient.Based on this, this study puts forward hypothetical Countermeasures in the form of questionnaire, investigates the recognition of parents, explores the innovation of family participation mode of hearing-impaired children, and puts forward accurate countermeasures.
EEM-MAC: Enhanced Energy Efficient Mobility aware MAC protocol for Mobile Internet of Things
Authors: VC Diniesh , G Murugesan
Published: July 2021

Mobile wireless sensor networks (MWSNs) have become a foremost solution in many emerging applications both in industry and academia. Moreover, considering the mobile node in WSN is a challenging task to designing efficient communication protocols, specifically at a medium access control (MAC) layer. Most of the existing protocols consider only for static and slow mobility. To meet with future MIoT applications, in this paper we propose Enhanced Energy Efficient Mobility aware MAC (EMM-MAC) protocol. Our EMM-MAC protocol consists of 3 contributions i) static synchronization and mobility handling phase to support both environments, ii) By using queue length-based channel access priority for static nodes, and iii) the combined highest signal strength and node status-based channel access priority for mobile nodes without any control packet overhead. The simulation results verify that EMM-MAC yields a notable improvement in the average power consumption, packet latency, and packet delivery ratio performances against the well-known mobility-aware MAC protocols under different mobility models and environments.
Assessment of the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on The Education and Psychosocial Wellbeing of School-Going Children in Bududa District, Uganda
Authors: Batte Charles , Semulimi Andrew Weil , Mutebi Ronald Kasoma , Mukisa John , Olum Ronald , Bongomin Felix
Published: July 2021

Background: The coronavirus disease – 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused devastating effects across all sectors. The closure of schools negatively affected school going children globally. The present study sought to assess the effect of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and measures put in place to curb its spread on the psychosocial wellbeing of school going children in Bududa District, in Uganda. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which randomly enrolled school-going children from three conveniently selected sub-counties, Bukalasi, Bushiyi, and Bushika, in Bududa District, Uganda. Pretested standardised semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on education and psychosocial status of the participants. Results: A total of 210 participants were studied. Of this, 122 (53.3%) were male, 203 (96.7%) lived in rural settings, and 155 (73.8%) were staying with both parents. The median age of the participants was 12 (interquartile range: 9 -15) years. One hundred ninety one (90.9%) participants were in primary school. Overall, 154 (73.3%) were worried about not going back to school during the lock down, however, 109 (51.9%) were able to return to school after the easing of the lockdown. Eighty-five (40.5%) participants received reading material at home during lockdown with 64 (30.5%) of the participants accessing teachings through radio. Of the 210 participants, 174 (82.9%) felt worried about the future, 172 (81.9%) felt like they were going to die during lockdown, 141 (67.1%) felt lonely at times, and 129 (61.4%) felt sad or low sometimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. A quarter (54) of 210 participants faced abuse of which 42 (77.8%) faced physical abuse from parents. Of 31 participants who sought help, 19 (61.3%) went to their parents with none getting help from non-governmental organisations. Fifty (23.8%) participants were engaged in work; 33 (66%) were paid, 4 (8%) were forced to work, and 22 (44%) faced physical challenges at their jobs.Conclusion: There was a substantial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education and psychosocial wellbeing of school-going children in Bududa District. A comprehensive child psychological support service should be scaled up to provide support to school going children in vulnerable communities.
Agroforestry And Reforestation With The Gold Standard - Decision Analysis of A Voluntary Carbon Offset Label
Authors: Netter Leonie , Luedeling Eike , Whitney Cory
Published: July 2021

Voluntary standards help to ensure the quality of projects eligible for carbon offsetting, i.e. selling carbon certificates. However, in deciding on whether to adopt such standards the managers of carbon offset projects are faced with uncertainty regarding the costs and risks involved. Decision Analysis provides a helpful set of tools that can support such decisions by forecasting outcomes under different scenarios. We applied Decision Analysis methods to generate models for the decision to certify two projects in Costa Rica with the voluntary carbon offset label Gold Standard. We evaluated certifying an additional site of a partially certified reforestation project, as well as the initial certification of an agroforestry project. We calibrated and interviewed decision-makers and stakeholders of the certification projects to identify important parameters and translated these into a decision model. We ran the final decision model as a Monte Carlo simulation to project plausible ranges of decision outcomes, expressed as Net Present Values and annual cash flows. We identified critical uncertainties and research priorities by using the Expected Value of Perfect Information. The results indicate that certification of the two projects would result in a positive Net Present Value. The partially low return on investment of the certification, however, shows the need for projects to undergo thorough evaluation and generate customized strategies before participating in a voluntary carbon offset scheme. The Decision Analysis approaches we describe can help to improve the process of decision making under uncertainty and should be widely adopted for evaluating the potential impacts of certification.
Insights Into The Origin of Selectivity For [2+2] Cycloaddition Step Reaction Involved In The Mechanism of Enantioselective Reduction of Ketones With Borane Catalyzed By A B-Methoxy Oxazaborolidine Catalyst Derived From (–)-β-Pinene. A DFT And Combined Topological ELF, NCI And QTAIM Study
Authors: Kettouche Hichem Sadrik
Published: July 2021

Theoretical studies on [2+2] cycloaddition step involved in the Enantioselective Reduction of ketones with borane catalyzed by a B-MethoxyOxazaborolidine Catalyst Derived from Pinene has been performed by means of the Density Functional Theory method (DFT) at MPWB1K /6-31G (d,p). The formation of the M5a(S) complexes via transition state TSa(S) was the more favorable pathway among other [2+2]cycloaddition competing steps. The explanation of the formation of O-B and N-B through two-stage one-step mechanism was allowed by means of the electron localization function (ELF) topological analysis. NCI and QTAIM analysis of the two computed transition states TSa(S) and TSa(R) indicate that the difference between both in term of stability comes mainly from the orientation of the methanediyl group inside the pinene skeleton, which implies that CH-H…O interaction found at TSa(S) is the great factor that makes it more stable than TSa(R).
6-Minute Walking Test in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Clinical Associations and Prognostic Implications
Authors: Ferreira Maria Betânia , Saraiva Francisca A. , Fonseca Tomás , Costa Rita , Marinho António , Oliveira José Carlos , Carvalho Henrique Cyrne , Rodrigues Patrícia , Ferreira João Pedro
Published: July 2021

Background

The clinical associations and prognostic implications of the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is yet to be explored.
Aims

To identify the clinical features and prognostic implications associated with the 6MWT in patients with RA.
Methods

Cohort study including 387 RA patients who underwent 6MWT. Regression models (linear and logistic) were built to identify independent predictors of shorter 6MWT distance. Cox proportional models were used to study the association of 6MWT distance with cardiovascular outcomes.
Results

Patients were subdivided according to 6MWT tertiles: 126 patients walked > 405m, 129 walked 345-405m, and 132 walked < 345m. Older age (> 55 year), elevated waist circumference, NT-pro BNP > 125pg/mL, anemia, C-reactive protein ≥ 3mg/dL, and troponin T ≥ 14pg/mL were independent predictors of walking shorter distances. Patients walking less than 345m had higher risk of a subsequent cardiovascular hospitalisation or cardiovascular death compared with patients walking 345m or more (adjusted HR: 2.98, 95%CI: 1.37–6.51, p = 0.006).
Conclusions

Older age, abdominal obesity, anemia, cardiac dysfunction, and inflammation were associated with walking shorter distances in patients with RA. Walking less than 345m in the 6MWT was associated with a poor cardiovascular prognosis. The 6MWT is simple, reproducible and inexpensive, easily performed in routine practice, and provides important information regarding the patients´ status and outcomes, enabling the monitorization of the therapeutic optimization of the various domains of the RA.
Analyzing the Contribution of Crop Diversification in Improving Household Nutrition Security Among Wheat-dominated Rural Households in Sinana District, Bale Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.
Authors: Derso Dereje , Tolossa Degefa , Seyoum Abrham
Published: July 2021

The long-term impact of malnutrition on people’s lives, most notably in health, education, and productivity, highly affects the human capital. Agriculture directly contributes to nutrition security by enabling farm households to access micronutrient food by using their farm income. This study was intended to assess effect of crop diversification on household nutrition security and explores determinants of under-five child malnutrition among rural farm households of Sinana Woreda, Oromia regional state. Multi-stage sampling followed by a systematic random sampling technique was used to include study subjects. Structured questionnaire, focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interview was used to collect data. Anthropometric measurements were collected and converted into Z-scores by WHO Anthro version 3.2.2., 2011 software. Then exported to STATA and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Pearson Correlation coefficients was calculated to see the correlation of the nutrition security status indicators and crop diversification index. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was carried out to identify factors associated with child nutrition. The result revealed that the prevalence of malnutrition particularly, stunting was (23.81%), underweight (21.16%) and wasting (9.52%), respectively. The correlation coefficient indicates that crop diversification is negatively correlated with stunting and wasting and positively correlated with underweight and child dietary diversity score. Multivariate logistic regression model indicate that child nutritional status is strongly associated with age of household head, maternal and parental education, farm land size, TLU, availability of potable water, child sex, child dietary diversity, household access to toilet, total annual income, and household access to health services. In conclusion, policy and development interventions should target intensive agricultural production, development of rural infrastructure, education and awareness creation tools to provide households up to date nutritional knowledge and agricultural technologies to increase production and income, and thereby enhance household nutrition security.
Correspondences between parameters in a reaction-diffusion model and connexin functions during zebrafish stripe formation
Authors: Nakamasu Akiko
Published: July 2021

Different diffusivities among interacting substances actualize the potential instability of a system. When these elicited instabilities manifested as forms of spatial periodicity, they are called Turing patterns. Simulations using general reaction-diffusion (RD) models have demonstrated that pigment patterns on the body trunk of growing fish follow a Turing pattern. Laser ablation experiments performed on zebrafish revealed apparent interactions among pigment cells, which allowed for a three-components RD model to be derived. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for Turing pattern formation in this system had been remained unknown. A zebrafish mutant with a spotted pattern was found to have a defect in Connexin41.8 (Cx41.8) which, together with Cx39.4, exists in pigment cells and controls pattern formations. Here, molecular-level evidence derived from connexin analyses was linked to the interactions among pigment cells described in previous RD modeling. Channels on pigment cells were generalized as “gates,” and the effects of respective gates were deduced. The model used partial differential equations (PDEs) to enable numerical and mathematical analyses of characteristics observed in the experiments. Furthermore, the improved PDE model included nonlinear reaction terms, enabled the consideration of the behavior of components.
RIPs Interact with OsFH5 and Control the Rice Morphology by Affecting Stability of OsFH5
Authors: Chang Shuwei , Yang Litao , Liang Wanqi , Xie Qi , Huang Guoqiang , Wang Duoxiang , Zhu Wanwan , Zhang Dabing
Published: July 2021

E3 ubiquitin ligases have been more widely reported to mediate the degradation of target proteins. In our research, one SIAH type E3 ligase was identified, named RIP1, and there are five genes were found to be highly homologous to it, named RIP2 to RIP6 dividedly. Y2H and BiFC were carried out to prove the interaction between RIPs and OsFH5, moreover, homo- and hetero- oligomers can be formed among RIPs and they all can affect the localization of OsFH5. Degradation experiments showed that RIP1 is able to slow down the degradation rate of OsFH5, and also RIP5, RIP6. There was no obvious phenotype in both RIP1 overexpression and mutant transgenic lines, whereas in rips multi-knock out lines showed up similar defects to osfh5, such as, dwarf height; less smooth and rounder seeds; leaves width became wilder. Otherwise, rips also exhibit some special phenotypes, for instance, the angles between leaves and stems were appreciable enlarged; spiral crimped roots. In addition, microfilaments organization in rips appeared disordered than wild type. All above illustrate that RIPs influence morphology by interacting with OsFH5 and affecting its subcellular localization, stability or maybe involved in other pathways in rice.
Design and Implementation of A Contemporary Health Administration Program For Health Managers
Authors: Khalil Hanan , Liu Chaojie
Published: July 2021

Background While there are core competencies required in health administration programs, little has been known about how they are taught in health administration programs to support/change practices. This discussion paper describes an educational innovation to design a contemporary Master of Health Administration program to meet the current needs of health managers in Australia based on evidence-based practice.Method A detailed gap analysis of health managers educational needs was undertaken with various stakeholders to design a contemporary health managers’ program. Stakeholders surveyed in the course design included prospective students, international students’ agencies, prospective employers, Alumni evaluation, mapping of health managers courses in Australia and faculty feedback. An integrative pedagogical approach was used to implement the program into action. Results Various themes were emerged from the stakeholder consultations including the importance of basic knowledge of key subjects and the significance of learning new skills such as strategic planning and emotional intelligence in the workplace. The integrative pedagogical approach used is based on adult teaching principles, which were identified by Knowles. The subjects in the new course incorporate several knowledge-based presentations along with interactive activities, including use of general ability-based outcomes to define learning opportunities, case-based and problem-based learning, experiential learning, and comprehensive assessments.Conclusion The results of this intensive consultation led to the design of a contemporary Master of Health Administration Course that included eight core subjects and multiple options of specialisations for students to choose from. Examples of specialisations include aged care and ageing, health promotion, data for decision making, public health, international development and Health Strategy and decision making.
Experimental Comparison of Straight Flanging and Rotary Die Bending Based on Springback
Authors: Livatyali Haydar , Turan Salih Emrah , Birol Feriha , Türköz Mevlüt
Published: July 2021

Springback in sheet bending is a well-defined phenomenon; however, variation of springback is difficult to control causing quality problems in especially mass-produced goods such as home appliances. As an alternative to straight flanging, the rotary die bending process offers reduced springback as well as reduced geometric variation; however, there is little knowledge in the literature. The effects of process parameters on the springback behavior of straight flanging and rotary die bending as applied to home appliance side panels are investigated experimentally. For each flange bending method, effects of die radius, punch-die clearance, rolling direction, flange length, and material supplier on springback are tested on EN DC01 carbon and SAE 430 stainless steel sheets. A full factorial experimental design was applied to investigate the factor interactions as well as the main effects using ANOVA. In both methods, die radius was the most dominant factor on springback, clearance being the second, and the inevitable material property variations being the third one. Nevertheless, in rotary die bending, springback values were smaller with significantly less scatter compared to straight flanging. Consequently, rotary die bending is a much more preferable process especially in mass production performed with narrow profit margins.
Development and Large-Scale Validation of A Highly Accurate SARS-COV-2 Serological Test Using Regular Test Strips for Autonomous and Affordable Finger-Prick Sample Collection, Transportation, and Storage
Authors: Alvim Renata G.F. , Lima Tulio M. , Rodrigues Danielle A. S. , Marsili Federico F. , Bozza Vicente B. T. , Higa Luiza M. , Monteiro Fabio L. , Abreu Daniel P. B. , Leitão Isabela C. , Carvalho Renato S. , Galliez Rafael M. , Castineiras Terezinha M. P. P. , Travassos Leonardo H. , Nobrega Alberto , Tanuri Amilcar , Ferreira Orlando C. , Castilho Leda R. , Vale Andre M.
Published: July 2021

Accurate serological tests are essential tools to allow adequate monitoring and control of COVID-19 spread. Production of a low-cost and high-quality recombinant viral antigen can enable the development of reliable and affordable serological assays, which are urgently needed to facilitate epidemiological surveillance studies in low-income economies. Trimeric SARS-COV-2 spike (S) protein was produced in serum-free, suspension-adapted HEK293 cells. Highly purified S protein was used to develop an ELISA, named S-UFRJ test. It was standardized to work with different types of samples: (i) plasma or serum from venous blood samples; (ii) eluates from dried blood spots (DBS) obtained by collecting blood drops from a finger prick. We developed a cost-effective, scalable technology to produce S protein based on its stable expression in HEK293 cells. Using this recombinant antigen, we presented a workflow for test development in the setting of a pandemic, starting from limited amounts of samples up to reaching final validation with hundreds of samples. Test specificity was determined to be 98.6%, whereas sensitivity was 95% for samples collected 11 or more days after symptoms onset. A ROC analysis allowed optimizing the cut-off and confirming the high accuracy of the test. Endpoint titers were shown to correlate with virus neutralization assessed as PRNT90. There was excellent agreement between plasma and DBS samples, significantly simplifying sample collection, storing, and shipping. An overall cost estimate revealed that the final retail price could be in the range of one US dollar. The S-UFRJ assay developed herein meets the quality requirements of high sensitivity and specificity. The low cost and the use of mailable DBS samples allow for serological surveillance and follow-up of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination of populations regardless of geographical and socio-economic aspects. We hope the detailed guidelines for the development of an affordable and accurate anti-spike SARS-COV-2 ELISA, such as S-UFRJ described here, will stimulate governmental and non-governmental health agencies in other countries to engage in much-needed large-scale studies monitoring the spread and immunity to SARS-COV-2 infection.
Assessment The Burden of Recent Transmission of M. Tuberculosis Using WGS Analysis In Golmud City In China
Authors: Liu Chunfa , He Ping , Fan Jiale , Ma Aijing , He Wencong , Zhao Bing , Wang Shengfen , He Guangxue , Zhao Yanlin
Published: July 2021

Background: Whole genome based Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) surveillance is facilitated to tuberculosis control. The proportion of genotypic clusters in a population represents the recent transmission rate of Mtb.Methods: We did a population based study of culture-positive Mtb in Golmud, Qinghai, China. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to discriminate the apparent genetic clusters and resistant associated genes of Mtb, and the risk of genomically clustered Mtb was analyzed combined with epidemiological data. Results: A total of 133 cases of culture-positive tuberculosis were recorded between Jan 1, 2013 and Dec 31, 2018, 17 (13%, 17/133) cases of which were multidrug-resistant/rifampicin tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB). Patients who were previous treatment or were younger than 35 years had high risk of MDR/RR-TB. 62 (47%, 62/132) strains were in 23 genomic clusters that differed by 12 or fewer single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), indicating recent transmission. Patients who were Tibetan nationality, or those 35-44 years old were more likely to have recent transmission. 15 (65%, 15/23) patients with genotypic rifampin resistant tuberculosis have epidemiological link. Mutation of rifampicin resistance associated genes in rpoB Ser450Leu was showed lower cluster rate (42%, 5/12) compared with other mutations.Conclusions: Recent transmissions of Mtb strains, especially genotypic MDR/RR strains, drive the tuberculosis epidemic in Golmud, Qinghai, China.
Distinct Gut and Vaginal Microbiota Profile in Women with Recurrent Implantation Failure and Unexplained Infertility
Authors: Patel Nayna , Patel Nidhi , Patel Sejal , Nathani Neelam , Pandit Ramesh , Patel Molina , Patel Niket , Joshi Chaitanya , Parekh Bhavin
Published: July 2021

Background: Implantation failure limits the success rate of natural and in vitro fertilization (IVF)-assisted conceptions. Evidence suggests dysbiosis in the female reproductive tract impacts implantation failure. However, whether gut dysbiosis influences implantation failure and whether it accompanies reproductive tract dysbiosis remains unexplored.Method: We recruited 11fertile women as the controls, and a cohort of 20 women diagnosed with implantation-failure associated infertility, which included 10 women diagnosed with recurrent implantation failure (RIF), and 10 women diagnosed with unexplained infertility (UE). Using next-generation amplicon sequencing, we compared the diversity, structure, and composition of fecal and vaginal bacteria of the controls with that of the infertile cohort. While we sequenced fecal samples of all the participants (n=31), we could only sequence 8 vaginal samples in each group (n=24).Results: Compared with the controls, α-diversity of the gut bacteria, analysed by Chao 1 and Shannon indices, among the infertile groups declined (p < 0.05). β-diversity between the controls and infertile cohort, measured by both Bray-Curtis and Jaccard distances, differed significantly (p < 0.05). Taxa analysis of the gut bacteria revealed enrichment of Gram-positive bacteria, mainly of the phylum Firmicutes, in the RIF group. In contrast, Gram-negative bacteria were relatively more abundant in the UE group. Additionally, mucus-producing bacteria genera such as Prevotella and Sutterella declined in the infertile cohort (p < 0.05). Intriguingly, significant enrichment (p < 0.05) of the genus Hungatella, associated with trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) production, occurred in the infertile cohort. Vaginal microbiota was dominated by L. iners across the groups, with the UE group showing the highest levels. Of the three groups, the RIF group had the least diverse vaginal microbiota. Taxa analysis showed higher levels of anaerobic bacteria such as Leptotrichia, Snethia , and Prevotella in the controls.Conclusion: We posit that in the setting of the compromised gut mucosal barrier, the phyla Firmicutes generates TNF-α - driven systemic inflammation, leading to RIF, whereas an overload of Gram-negative bacteria induces IL-6-driven systemic inflammation, leading to UE. Additionally, Hungatella-induced elevation of TMAO levels causes platelet hypercoagulability, synergistically contributing to implantation failure. Finally, vaginal dysbiosis does not appear to co-occur with gut dysbiosis.
Morpholino-driven transcriptional blockade of Dkk-1 in experimental osteosarcoma inhibits bone damage and tumor expansion by multiple mechanisms.
Authors: Pan Simin , Cesarek Michael , Godoy Carla , Co Cynthia , Schindler Catherine , Padilla Kelbi , Poole Roy , Dabney Alan , Gregory Carl
Published: July 2021

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone malignancy. Chemotherapy plays an essential role in OS treatment, potentially doubling 5-year event-free survival if tumor necrosis can be stimulated, but long-term treatment results in detriment to health and quality of life. The canonical Wnt inhibitor Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) enhances OS survival in part through upregulation of aldehyde-dehydrogenase-1A1 (ALDH1A1) which neutralizes reactive oxygen species from nutritional stress and chemotherapeutic challenge. Dkk-1 also inhibits bone repair, exacerbating formation of osteolytic lesions caused by tumor infiltration. Therefore, targeting the expression of Dkk-1 in OS could reduce tumor burden and increase susceptibility to chemotherapeutics while restoring bone repair. Herein, we report that inhibiting Dkk-1 transcription by means of a vivo morpholino (DkkMo) reduced the expansion of experimental OS tumors, preserved bone volume and architecture, and stimulated tumor necrosis. This was observed in the presence or absence of doxorubicin (DRB), and as a single agent, inhibition of tumor expansion by DkkMo was equivalent to that achieved by DRB. DkkMo stimulated apoptotic and necrotic mechanisms in tumors and appeared to deplete the tumor stroma. These results indicate that administration of DkkMo with or without chemotherapeutics can substantially improve OS outcome with respect to tumor expansion and osteolytic corruption of bone.
E-Test or Agar Dilution for Metronidazole Susceptibility Testing of Helicobacter Pylori: Importance of the Prevalence of Metronidazole Resistance
Authors: Chen Jinnan , Huang Yu , Ding Zhaohui , Liang Xiao , Lu Hong
Published: July 2021

Background: A number of studies have shown that E-test overestimated the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) resistance compared to agar dilution.Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore whether E-test could be an alternative for agar dilution to detect the metronidazole susceptibility of H. pylori.Method: E-test and agar dilution were used to assess susceptibility of H. pylori to metronidazole, clarithromycin and levofloxacin in 281 clinical isolates obtained from China where resistance was high. Cohen kappa analysis, McNemar test, essential and categorical agreement analysis were performed for these two methods. Results: Overall, the result of E-test showed similar prevalence of resistance rate to all antibiotics compared with agar dilution. The essential agreement (EA) of E-test method and agar dilution in the evaluation susceptibility of H. pylori to clarithromycin and levofloxacin were moderate, with 89.0% and 79.7% respectively, but only 45.9% for metronidazole. Results showed categorical agreement (CA) between E-test and agar dilution were 100% for both clarithromycin and levofloxacin. As for metronidazole, the CA was 98.7%, no major error was identified, and rate of very major error was 1.8%.Conclusion: E-test can be an alternative method to detect the metronidazole susceptibility of H. pylori in regions where high-level resistance is common.
Antifungal Activity and the Mechanism of Ozone Against Spoilage Molds, Such as Gibberella Intermedia and Aspergillus Ochraceus Isolated From Freshly-Peeled Garlic
Authors: Ma Yuan , Yang Ping , Liu Xiaocui , Cao Lin , Xing Yage , Tan Jia , Xu Qinglian , Wang Xiaomin , Shui Yuru , Li Xuanlin , Xu Lin , Yang Shuang , Bi Xiufang , Yang Hua
Published: July 2021

The antibacterial effect and mechanism of ozone (O3) treatment on freshly-peeled garlic inoculated with Gibberella intermedia (G. intermedia) and Aspergillus ochraceus (A. ochraceus) in different conditions were studied in vivo. The results showed that the specific O3 concentration, treatment time, and humidity significantly affected the garlic's indexes. The optimal treatment conditions of garlic inoculated with both molds were 6 ppm, 15 min, and 90%, respectively. After treatment with those conditions, the incidence etc of garlic were significantly reduced during storage. Differential analysis was performed for the RNA-sequencing and gene expression of the molds subjected to O3 treatment, as well as the samples that were not. The results showed that O3 treatment inhibited the growth of G. intermedia and A. ochraceus. Consequently, 2754 and 2378 differentially expressed genes, 1456 and 1591 up-regulated genes, and 1298 and 787 down-regulated genes were screened, respectively, for these molds, affecting the catalytic activity and various other pathways.
Investigate the Double Peaks in Main Emission of UVB LEDs
Authors: Liu Tsung-Yen , Huang Shih-Ming , Lai Mu-Jen , Liu Rui-Sen , Kuan Chieh-Hsiung , Ray-Ming Lin
Published: July 2021

In this study we suppressed the parasitic emission caused by electron overflow found in typical UVB light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Furthermore, modulation of the p-layer structure and doping profile allowed us to decrease the relaxation time of the holes to reach conditions of quasi-charge neutrality in the UVB quantum well. Our UVB LED (sample A) exhibited a clear exciton emission, with its peak near 306 nm and a band-to-band emission at 303 nm. The relative intensity of the exciton emission of sample A decreased as a result of a thermal energy effect. At temperatures of up to 363 K, sample A displayed the exciton emission. Our corresponding UVC LED (sample B) exhibited only a Gaussian peak emission at a wavelength of approximately 272 nm.
Serotyping, Antimicrobial Resistance Profile and Virulence Genes of Salmonella Serovars Isolated from Human, Animals and Birds
Authors: Borah Probodh , Dutta Rupam , Das Leena , Hazarika Girin , Choudhary Mridusmita , Deka Naba Kumar , Malakar Dipika , Hussain Md Iftikar , Barkalita Luit Moni
Published: July 2021

The study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility, antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes of Salmonella isolates recovered from human and different species of animals and birds. Out of 88 (7.15%), 21 (23.86%) belonged to Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Weltevreden, 22 (25%) to serovar Enteritidis, 16 (18.2%) to serovar Typhi and 14 (15.9%) to serovar Newport, while 7 (7.95%) isolates were found to be untypable. Among the 88 isolates, 45.45% showed resistance to ampicillin, 61.36% to tetracycline, 61.18% to cefotaxime, 65.90% to gentamicin, 48.86% to trimethoprim, 11.36% to ceftriaxone, 10.22% to chloramphenicol, and 7.95% each to ciprofloxacin and cefepime. Most of the isolates were susceptible to a low MIC (≤ 0.25 µg/ml) of Cefepime, Cefotaxime, Ciprofloxacin, Ceftriaxone and Co-trimoxazole and a moderate MIC (0.5µg/ml − 4µg/ml) of Ampicillin, Tetracycline, Gentamicin and Chloramphenicol. The resistance genes, blaTEM, tetA and dfrA12 were most prevalent, irrespective of the host of origin of the isolates. While invA was used for molecular detection of Salmonella, other virulence genes, viz. sipA, sipB, sipC, stn and T2544 were also detected in all (100%) the Salmonella isolates. Total 69.32 % of tested samples were found to be contaminated with multi-drug resistant (MDR) Salmonella and various virulence genes were present among the isolated serovars. Another virulence-associated gene, T2544 (pagN) could also be found in all the isolates, irrespective of serovar or host of origin suggesting the possibility of using this gene as a marker for identification of pathogenic Salmonella isolates. This study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and surveillance for pathogenic salmonellae and their potential risks to both human and animal.
Anlotinib Is Active for the Patients Failed From the Prior Antiangiogenic Therapy: Anti-angiogenic Therapy Might Be Cross-line Used
Authors: Suo Jiaojiao , Sun Yu , Fu Yan , Xiu Weigang , Zhang Xuanwei , Wang Yan , Zhu Jiang
Published: July 2021

Objective The purpose of this study was to initially investigate whether previous antiangiogenic therapy (bevacizumab and endostar) affect the efficacy of anlotinib in patients with lung cancer (LC). Methods We retrospectively collected the clinical data of LC patients treated with anlotinib. They were divided into two groups, namely group A (anlotinib after failure of previous antiangiogenic drugs and group B (no prior use of antiangiogenic drugs). Use propensity score matching (PSM) to control the confounding factors between the groups.Results A total of 160 patients were included in the analysis. The median OS in group A and group B was 11.8 months vs. 16.1 months (P=0.120), and the median PFS was 3.1 months, 4.7 months, respectively (P=0.009). The ORR of the two groups was 9.6% vs. 10.4% (P=0.874), and the DCR was 71.1 % vs. 80.5% (P=0.165).After PSM (n=46), baseline characteristics were equitably comparable between the two groups. It was found that the median OS of the two groups was 14.6 months vs. 16.2 months (P=0.320), and the median PFS was 3.5 months vs. 4.5 months (P=0.040). The ORR of the two groups were 13.0%, 10.9% (P=0.748), and the DCR were 78.3%, 82.6% (P=0.599), respectively. These results provided further evidence that although PFS of group A was relatively shorter than that of group B, it may not affect patients’ OS.Conclusions Previous antiangiogenesis treatments may affect the PFS of patients who receive anlotinib later, but it might not affect the patient’s ORR and OS.
Post-depositional alteration of stable isotope signals by preferential degradation of algae-derived organic matter in reservoir sediments
Authors: Liu Xiaoqing , Wendt-Potthoff Katrin , Barth Johannes , Friese Kurt
Published: July 2021

Post-depositional degradation of organic matter (OM) in freshwater sediments is crucial for driving the biogeochemical dynamics and influencing the consequential carbon burial. This process also often causes diagenetic alterations on paleoenvironmental proxies. Yet, mechanisms behind the degradation of sedimentary OM and the depth-related variations in stable isotope ratios can only be explained in part. Degradation of sedimentary OM in two drinking water reservoirs with contrasting trophic states (eutrophic versus mesotrophic) and catchment land-use (agriculture versus forestry) were studied with a combination of typical chemical treatments to group sedimentary organic matter into four different biochemical fractions, i.e., carbohydrates, proteins, lignins and lipids. Our results show that the degradation of sedimentary OM was mainly driven by preferential degradation of aquatic proteins and carbohydrates. In a subsequent step, lipids seemed to be degraded. This process entails more pronounced reduction of sedimentary OM and associated depth variations in δ13C and δ15N in the eutrophic reservoir of agricultural catchment, when compared to the mesotrophic reservoir with a forest dominated catchment. Moreover, changes in the relative proportions of biochemical components in sedimentary OM have more pronounced impact on δ15N isotope values relative to the ones of δ13C. Our findings also suggest that algae-derived OM is primarily responsible for the post-depositional alterations of elemental and isotopic compositions of sedimentary OM. This may be of importance for estimates of carbon sinks in lakes and reservoirs.
New Generation of Electrochemical Sensor for Sub-Nanomolar Zn (II) Ion Detection Based on Nano- Sized Ion Imprinted Polymer and Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanaotube Composite Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Alizadeh Vali , Behnia Nasrin , Asgari Mehdi
Published: July 2021

A new selective and sensitive electrochemical sensor was prepared by film coating of Zinc (II) ion imprinted polymer (IIP) nanoparticle and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCN) composite on glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The prepared electrochemical sensor was applied for the sensitive determination of Zinc (II) ion by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) method. The GCE/IIP-MWCNT modified electrode showed improved electrochemical behavior as compared to bare GC electrode. An optimum procedure was used for the fixation of Zn(II)-8-hydroxyquinoline to styrene-ethylene dimethacrylate copolymer and the resultant IIP nanoparticles characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared ( FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of different experimental variables such as pH, deposition time, and deposition potential were optimized for electrochemical determinations. The resultant IIP showed a selective sorbent for Zinc (II) ion. Functionalized MWCNT was applied in construction of as prepared modified electrode, exhibits large surface area, enhanced electron transfer kinetics, and improved Zn (II) ion diffusion. Under the optimal conditions, the resulting calibration curve exhibited a linear response within a concentration range of 5×10-12 to 15×10-8 mol/L-1 with excellent detection limit 5×10-12mol/L-1. Finally, the method was successfully applied for the determination of zinc (II) ion in the real water samples, and the obtained results were verified by inductively coupled plasma (ICP).
Interfacial crystallization and supramolecular self-assembly of spider silk inspired protein at the water-air interface
Authors: Mohammadi Pezhman , Zemke Fabian , Wagermaier Wolfgang , Linder Markus B.
Published: July 2021

Abstract: Macromolecular assembly into complex morphologies and architectural shapes is an area of fundamental research and technological innovation. In this work, we investigate the self-assembly process of recombinantly produced protein inspired by spider silk (spidroin). To elucidate the first steps of the assembly process we looked into highly concentrated and viscous pendant droplets of this protein in air. We show how the protein self-assembles and crystallizes at the water-air interface into a relatively thick and highly elastic skin. Using time-resolved in-situ synchrotron x-ray scattering measurements during the drying process, we showed that the skin evolved to contain a high β-sheet amount over time. We also found that β-sheet formation strongly depended on protein concentration and relative humidity. These had a strong influence not only on the amount but also on the ordering of these structures during the β-sheet formation process. We also showed how the skin around pendant droplets can serve as a reservoir for attaining liquid-liquid phase separation and coacervation from the dilute protein solution. Essentially, this study shows a new assembly route which could be optimized for the synthesis of new materials from a dilute protein solution and determine the properties of the final products.
ULTRARAM™: a low-energy, high-endurance, compound-semiconductor memory on silicon
Authors: Hodgson Peter , Lane Dominic , Carrington Peter , Delli Evangelia , Beanland Richard , Hayne Manus
Published: July 2021

ULTRARAM™ is a non-volatile memory with the potential to achieve fast, ultra-low-energy electron storage in a floating gate accessed through a triple-barrier resonant tunnelling heterostructure. Here we report the implementation of ULTRARAM™ on a Si substrate; a vital step towards cost-effective mass production. Sample growth was carried out using molecular beam epitaxy, by first depositing an AlSb nucleation layer to seed the growth of a GaSb buffer layer, followed by the III-V memory epilayers. Fabricated single-cell memories show clear 0/1 logic-state contrast after ≤10-ms duration program/erase pulses of ~2.5 V, a remarkably fast switching speed for 10- and 20-µm devices. Furthermore, the combination of low voltage and small device capacitance per unit area results in a switching energy that is orders of magnitude lower than dynamic random access memory and flash, for a given cell size. Extended testing of the devices revealed retention in excess of 1000 years and degradation-free endurance of over 107 program/erase cycles, exceeding very recent results for similar devices on GaAs substrates.