bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coordination of Actors in The Application of Child-Friendly City in Sidoarjo District
Authors: Rodiyah Isnaini , Sanggito Roro Tantiko Dariyatun Nur
Published: October 2021

This study aims to analyze and describe the Coordination of Actors in the Implementation of Child Friendly Cities in Sidoarjo Regency. This type of research is descriptive research with a qualitative approach, the research location is at the Office of Women's Empowerment, Child Protection and Family Planning. the research informant is the Head of the Fulfillment of Children's Rights. Types of primary and secondary data using data collection techniques through observation, interviews and documentation as well as literature study. The technical analysis of data uses an interactive model by Miles and Hubermen, namely by data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions or verification. The results of the study indicate that the coordination of actors in implementing child-friendly programs is carried out through planning meetings, implementing activities in accordance with the roles and functions of each actor..
Pemilahan Volatilitas Harga Daging Sapi Menggunakan Metode Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition
Authors: Hasanah Fitria , Wijayanto Hari , Sumertajaya I Made
Published: October 2021

English
Staple food prices include the major determinants of households food security and general inflation. Beef is a basic food which its price is controlled by the Government of Indonesia. This study aims to identify the determinants beef price volatility using the Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD) method. The data was a weekly series of Januari 2006–Desember 2018 obtained from the Ministry of Trade. EEMD extracts data into a number of Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) that are independent which are then used to forecast beef prices with the ARIMA model. EEMD produced 6 IMFs and one residual. The residual contributed 99.85% to beef price volatility. This means that the long-term trend of beef prices is determined by the residual trends. The EEMD results indicate that the high beef price volatility in certain periods is mainly due to high demand during the Ramadhan month and Idul Fitri, import quota policy, and changes in exchange rates and petroleum prices. The IMF and residual based ARIMA forecasting model obtained MAPE value of 0.42% but with contradicting directions. The Government may use the import quota as a policy instrument for stabilizing the beef price.

Indonesian
Harga pangan pokok termasuk faktor penentu utama ketahanan pangan rumah tangga dan inflasi umum. Daging sapi adalah salah satu bahan pangan pokok yang harganya dikendalikan Pemerintah Indonesia. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengidentifikasi faktor penentu volatilitas harga daging sapi dengan metode Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition (EEMD). EEMD menguraikan data menjadi sejumlah Intrinsic Mode Function (IMF) yang saling bebas yang selanjutnya digunakan untuk melakukan peramalan harga daging sapi dengan model ARIMA. Data yang digunakan adalah harga daging sapi mingguan Januari 2006–Desember 2018 yang diperoleh dari Kementerian Perdagangan. EEMD menghasilkan 6 IMF dan satu sisaan. Sisaan IMF memberikan kontribusi sebesar 99,85% terhadap pergerakan harga daging sapi. Artinya bahwa tren jangka panjang harga daging sapi ditentukan oleh tren sisaan. Berdasarkan hasil EEMD, volatilitas harga daging sapi yang tinggi pada periode-periode tertentu dipengaruhi oleh beberapa faktor terutama tingginya permintaan selama bulan Ramadhan dan Idul Fitri dan kebijakan kuota impor, serta perubahan nilai tukar rupiah dan harga BBM. Model peramalan ARIMA yang diduga berdasarkan IMF dan sisaan IMF menghasilkan nilai MAPE sebesar 0,42%, namun arah perubahannya tidak bersesuaian. Disarankan agar pemerintah menggunakan kuota impor sebagai salah satu instrumen kebijakan stabilisasi harga daging sapi.
Deep-insight visible neural network (DI-VNN) for improving interpretability of a non-image deep learning model by data-driven ontology
Authors: Sufriyana Herdiantri , Wu Yu Wei , Su Emily Chia-Yu
Published: October 2021

We aimed to provide a framework that organizes internal properties of a convolutional neural network (CNN) model using non-image data to be interpretable by human. The interface was represented as ontology map and network respectively by dimensional reduction and hierarchical clustering techniques. The applicability is to implement a prediction model either to classify categorical or to estimate numerical outcome, including but not limited to that using data from electronic health records. This pipeline harnesses invention of CNN algorithms for non-image data while improving the depth of interpretability by data-driven ontology. However, the DI-VNN is only for exploration beyond its predictive ability, which requires further explanatory studies, and needs a human user with specific competences in medicine, statistics, and machine learning to explore the DI-VNN with high confidence. The key stages consisted of data preprocessing, differential analysis, feature mapping, network architecture construction, model training and validation, and exploratory analysis.
The Efficacy and Acceptability of Exposure Therapy for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Haomiao , Huang Tengyue , Tan Shiyu , Xie Siyu , Cheng Qisheng , Xiang Yajie , Zhou Xinyu
Published: October 2021

BackgroundPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among children and adolescents who have experienced traumatic events. Exposure therapy (ET) has been shown to be effective in treating PTSD in adults. However, it remains uncertain in children and adolescents. AimsTo evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of ET in children and adolescents with PTSD.MethodWe searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ProQuest, LILACS, international trial registries, and others for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessed ET in children and adolescents (aged ≤ 18 years) with PTSD up to August 31, 2020. The primary outcomes were efficacy (the endpoint score from PTSD symptom severity rating scales) and acceptability (all-cause discontinuation), secondary outcomes included efficacy at follow-up (score from PTSD scales at the longest point of follow-up), depressive symptoms (end-point score on depressive symptom severity rating scales) and quality of life/social functioning (end-point score on quality of life/social functioning rating scales).This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020150859).ResultA total of six RCTs including 278 patients assessed ET. The results showed that ET was statistically more efficacious than control groups (standardized mean differences [SMD]: −0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.91 to −0.03). In subgroup analysis, exposure therapy was more efficacious for patients with single type of trauma (SMD: −1.04, 95%CI: −1.43 to −0.65), and the intervention using prolonged exposure therapy (PE) (SMD: −1.04, 95%CI: −1.43 to −0.65) was superior. Results for secondary outcomes of efficacy at follow-up (SMD: −0.64, 95%CI: −1.17 to −0.10) and depressive symptoms (SMD: −0.58, 95%CI: −0.93 to −0.22) were similar to the findings for efficacy outcome. No statistically significant effects for acceptability and quality of life/social functioning were found.ConclusionET showed superiority in efficacy at post-treatment/follow-up and depressive symptoms improvement in children and adolescents with PTSD. Patients with single type of trauma may benefit more from ET. Moreover, PE could be a better choice.
The Topographic Representation of Time and its Link With Temporal Context and Perception
Authors: Kulashekhar Shrikanth , Maass Sarah , Rijn Hedderik van , Bueti Domenica
Published: October 2021

Neuronal tuning and topography are mechanisms widely used in the brain to represent sensory information and also abstract features like time. In humans, temporal topography has been shown in a wide circuit of brain regions. However, it is unclear whether chronotopic maps are specific to vision, whether they map time in an absolute or relative fashion, to what extent they reflect objective or subjective time and whether they are influenced by temporal context. Here we asked human participants to reproduce the durations of sounds in two, partially overlapping, temporal contexts while we record high-spatial resolution fMRI. Both model-based and data driven analyses show the presence of auditory chronomaps in the auditory parabelt, intraparietal sulcus, and in supplementary motor area. Most importantly, when the same physical duration is presented in different temporal contexts, and thus perceived differently, different neuronal units respond to it. Those units are also spatially shifted according to the relative position of the perceived duration within each context. Finally, the pattern of activity is more similar within rather than across contexts suggesting their pivotal role in shaping the maps. These results highlight two important properties of chronomaps: their flexibility of representation and their dependency on the context.
Associations between plasma concentrations of lenvatinib and angiopoietin and clinical responses to lenvatinib therapy in Japanese patients with thyroid cancer
Authors: Kumagai Maho , Nagahama Mitsuji , Akamine Yumiko , Ozeki Tomoko , Suzuki Akifumi , Sugino Kiminori , Ito Koichi , Miura Masatomo
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships among plasma concentrations (C0) of lenvatinib, angiopoietin (Ang)-1 and Ang-2, and clinical responses to lenvatinib therapy in thyroid cancer patients. The median change rates of Ang-1 and Ang-2 at 1 month after treatment from baseline in all patients were − 15.3% and − 48.4%, respectively. However, the change of Ang-1 and Ang-2 at 1 month from baseline did not correlate with lenvatinib C0. In patients with partial response (PR) and stable disease to lenvatinib, Ang-2 at 1 month were significantly lower than Ang-2 at baseline (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively), but were not significantly lower in patients with progressive disease. The area under the ROC for PR prediction was 0.667, giving the best sensitivity (69.2%) and specificity (73.9%) at a threshold of the change rate of Ang-2 of -49.83%. In patients who continued treatment with lenvatinib for 1 year, Ang-2 at 1 month and 1 year were significantly lower than those at baseline (each P < 0.001). The change of Ang-2 at 1 month after treatment from baseline rather than simply the Ang-2 level at baseline may be important as a biomarker of the inhibitory effect of angiogenesis by lenvatinib.
Burden of Meningococcal Disease in the United Kingdom During the Period 2008 to 2017 – A Secondary Database Analysis
Authors: Guedes Sandra , Bricout Hélène , Langevin Edith , Tong Sabine , Bertrand-Gerentes Isabelle
Published: October 2021

BackgroundInvasive meningococcal disease (IMD) causes high fatality in untreated patients alongside long-term sequelae in 20% survivors. For a comprehensive assessment of disease burden, an analysis of these sequelae is required. This study aims to investigate the burden of disease between 2008 and 2017 including a description of the sequelae, through the analysis of data collected from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) linked with data from the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), and Office for National Statistics (ONS) mortality registry data.MethodsThis was a 10-year retrospective observational cohort study designed to describe the incidence, case-fatality rate (CFR) and occurrence of sequelae due to meningococcal disease, in the UK between 2007 and 2017 using data from the UK CPRD-HES-ONS. Cases were identified and matched on age, gender, date of diagnosis of IMD and followed-up-time with a control group without IMD. Demographics, clinical characteristics, mortality, and IMD-related sequelae were examined for IMD cases and compared with matched controls for a more comprehensive burden of disease assessment.ResultsThe study analysed 640 IMD patients with majority of the cases diagnosed (76.9%) in a hospital setting. Age-group analysis showed a decrease in the incidence rate of IMD in patients aged <1 year (30.4 – 7.5%) and an increase in those >50 years (10.4 – 27.8%). CFR was slightly higher among females, toddlers, and adults >50 years. No significant change in CFR was observed over study period. Case-control study showed a higher number of IMD sequelae among cases compared to age- and gender-matched controls, especially in those ≥ 50 years.ConclusionThe study showed that, despite a relatively low incidence rate, IMD is responsible for a high CFR, namely in older age groups and by a high number of IMD sequelae. The study showed that leveraging data from existing databases can be used to complement surveillance data in truly assessing the burden of IMD. Despite the availability of routine vaccination programs, IMD still poses a significant burden in the healthcare system of the UK. Optimization of vaccination programs may be required to reduce the disease burden.
Quantitative Proteomics Analysis Revealed the Potential Role of lncRNA Ftx in Promoting Aortic Dissection Progression
Authors: Sun Xiangfei , Zhang Junyong , Li Qingbao , Zhao Qi , Chen Rui , Jia Ruzhen
Published: October 2021

Objective: The destruction of vascular endothelial function is an important mechanism for the formation of aortic dissection. Here, we aim to investigate the role of lncRNA Ftx in the biological functions of vascular endothelial cells, as well as the key proteins it regulates, to further explore the potential regulatory role of Ftx on the function of vascular endothelial cells in the pathogenesis of aortic dissection.Experimental Design: The expression of lncRNA Ftx was measured in aortic dissection tissues（n＝12）and age- and sex-matched patients with hypertension tissues（n＝12）. Loss and Gain-of-Function cell Models was constructed using the lentivirus mediated Ftx/Sh-Ftx transfection in HUVECs. The quantitative proteomics was performed to profile the differentially expressed proteins in cell models and further defined the crucial molecules and pathways involved in the carcinogenesis process of lncRNA Ftx. Cell experiments was conducted for valuable proteins to verify the regulatory effect by Ftx.Results: The results of clinical specimen examination showed that LncRNA Ftx was significantly over-expressed in aortic dissection tissue compared with normal aortic tissue. A total of 4348 proteins were quantified by protein mass spectrometry, which are involved in various biological processes and related signaling pathways including cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell functional changes and cell metabolism. Interestingly,CBX1, is a protein associated with proliferation and apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells,was up-regulated in the absence of LncRNA Ftx and down-regulated in the overexpression of LncRNA Ftx, which was further verified in HUVECs. Conclusion: This study showed that the intervention of LncRNA Ftx expression in vascular endothelial cells can regulate multiple biological processes such as cell proliferation and apoptosis, thus affecting the progression of aortic dissection. In this process, LncRNA Ftx may have a negative regulation effect on CBX1. which provided a new perspective for the mechanism of gastric cancer progression, and thus identified potential therapeutic targets for gastric cancer.
Combined Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy and Immunotherapy Versus Transarterial Chemoembolisation in Locally Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Chiang Chi-Leung , Chiu Keith Wan-Hang , Lee Francis Ann-Shing , Kong Feng-Ming Spring , Chan Albert Chi-Yan
Published: October 2021

Immunotherapy has achieved modest clinical activity in HCC patients. Propensity score matching analysis was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of combined stereotactic SBRT-IO versus TACE in patients with locally advanced HCC in a tertiary centre of Hong KongPatients with locally advanced HCC who were medically inoperable for, refractory to, or refused to curative surgical interventions were eligible. The primary outcome was PFS; the secondary outcomes were OS, ORR as per mRECIST version 1.1, and TRAEs. Matching pair analysis was performed to compare the clinical outcomes.A total of 226 patients were eligible. 16 patients in the SBRT-IO group were matched with 48 patients treated with TACE. The median tumour size was 10 cm (range: 2.9-19.6 cm) and 20.3% of the patients had portal vein invasion. The 12-month and 24-month PFS were significantly better in the SBRT-IO group (93.3% vs 16.7% and 77.8% vs 2.1%, respectively, p<0.001); the 12-month and 24-month OS were also better in the SBRT-IO arm (93.8% vs 31.3% and 80.4% vs 8.3%, respectively, p<0.001). The ORR was 87.5% (CR: 50%, PR: 37.5%) in SBRT-IO arm compared to 16.7% (CR: 2.4%, PR: 14.3%) in those receiving TACE alone (p<0.001). There were fewer ≥ grade 3 TRAE (60.4% vs 18.8%, p=0.004) and treatment discontinuations (25% vs 12.5%, p=0.295) due to adverse events in the SBRT-IO arm.SBRT-IO had significant superior survival and less treatment toxicity than TACE in patients with locally advanced HCC. Our results provide rationale for studying this combination therapy in prospective randomised trials.
Environmental and Economic Impact of Cloudburst Triggered Debris Flows and Flash Floods in the Himalaya: A Case Study
Authors: Sati Vishwambhar Prasad , Dubey Saurabh Kumar
Published: October 2021

This paper examines the environmental and economic impact of cloudburst triggered debris flows and flash floods in the Himalaya. A case study of four villages affected by cloudburst calamity was conducted. Data were gathered by a household-level survey of affected villages and households. The authors visited the affected villages immediately after the cloudburst calamity and interviewed the head of all affected households. A total of 143 households were surveyed. First, the damage of houses, cowsheds, bridges, trees (forests and fruits) dislocation, degradation of total land along the streams and arable land in and around the villages were measured with the help of the head of households (environmental impact). The volume of debris, boulders, pebbles, gravels and mud was measured. Economic valuation of all losses was noted (economic impact). This study finds out that a large area of all villages was severely affected by cloudburst triggered debris flow and flash flood, because, they are located in a severely vulnerable landscape. This study reveals that Nirakot village needs to be rehabilitated entirely and in other villages all households, which are severely affected need to be rehabilitated as soon as possible to escape from the future cloudburst catastrophe.
Deoxynivalenol damages the intestinal barrier and flora of the broiler chickens
Authors: wan shuangxiu , Sun Na , Li Hongquan , Khan Ajab , Zheng Xiaozhong , Sun Yaogui , Fan Ruiwen
Published: October 2021

BackgroundIn livestock feed industry, feed and feed raw materials are extremely susceptible to mycotoxin contamination. Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the main risk factors of mycotoxin contamination in broiler feed and feedstuff, however, there are still few knowledges about tihs. Hence, the purpose of this study was to explore that the toxicity effect of DON on the intestinal barrier of broiler chickens and the microecological balance of the flora.ResultsIn our present study, we compared the pathological scores of the small intestines of broilers on the 5th, 7th and 10th day, and chose the 7th day to analyze the small intestine histomorphology, tight junctions and cecal flora of the broilers. The results showed the damage to the small intestine worsened over time, the small intestinal villi of broilers were breakaged, the tight junctions of the small intestine were destroyed, the cecal flora was unbalanced, and the growth performance of broilers was reduced on the 7th day.ConclusionsDON could damage the functional and structural completeness of intestinal tract, disorder the Intestinal flora, and finally lead to declined broiler’s performance. Our study provided a basis for the prevention and treatment of DON in broiler production.
Bioinformatics-based Identification of the Mechanism Whereby Astragalus Membranaceus Inhibits Inflammation and Autophagy in Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Liu Ting , Qiao Xiaomei , Kong Kaili , Wang XiaoXia , Li Rui , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: October 2021

Background. Lupus nephritis (LN) is an autoimmune disease, and effective treatment can improve the prognosis of patients. Several studies have demonstrated that Astragalus membranaceus can effectively suppress the progression of LN, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism whereby Astragalus membranaceus exerts this therapeutic effect against LN. Method. Astragalus targets and LN-related targets were obtained from the TCMSP database and WGCNA analysis, respectively. Then we obtain the compound targets and constructed the protein interaction network of the compound targets. The top 10 core targets were identified. And We have validated it. We performed GO and KEGG enrichment analyses on the compound targets to identify the functional and genomic pathways enriched among these targets. Molecular docking of Astragalus membranaceus with the core targets was performed . Result. We identified 214 AM targets and 102 LN-related targets. Among them, we obtained 10 core targets, IL-1β, EGF, CCND1, CASP3, STAT1, PTGS2, and PPARγ were found to have high diagnostic values for LN. In the validation dataset GSE99339, all the core targets were significantly expressed, except for EGF deletion. The results of the KEGG enrichment analysis showed that 7 out of 23 valid targets were significantly enriched in the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (p=1.14E-05). The molecular-docking results showed that AM with IL-1β, CASP3, STAT1, and PPARγ had good binding properties. Conclusion. The therapeutic effect of AM against LN might be related to suppression of inflammation and autophagy, and the bioinformatics-based results presented here provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of AM in LN.
A Novel Prediction Model for Long-Term SARS-CoV-2 RNA Shedding in Non-death Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lei Xiaoli , Wang Junli , Kou Lijie , Yang Zhigang
Published: October 2021

Background: Because of the lack of compelling evidence for predicting the duration of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA shedding, the purpose of this retrospective study was to establish a predictive model for long-term SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding in non-death hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19).Methods: 97 non-death hospitalized patients with COVID-19 admitted to two hospitals in Henan province of China from February 3, 2020 to March 31, 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the high risk factors associated with long-term SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding and a predictive model was established and represented by a nomogram. Its performance was assessed with discrimination and calibration.Results: 97 patients were divided into the long-term (>21 days) group (n = 27, 27.8%) and the short-term (≤ 21 days) group (n = 70, 72.2%) based on their viral shedding duration. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that time from illness onset to diagnosis (OR 1.224, 95% CI 1.070-1.400, P = 0.003) and interstitial opacity in chest computerized tomography(CT) scan (OR 6.516, 95% CI 2.041-20.798, P = 0.002) were independent risk factors for long-term SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding. A prediction model, which is presented with a nomogram, was established by incorporating the two risk factors. The goodness-of-fit statistics for the nomogram was not statistically significant (χ2 = 8.292; P = 0.406), and its area under the receiver operator characteristic curve was 0.834 (95% CI 0.731- 0.936; P < 0.001).Conclusion: The established model has a good predictive performance on the long-term viral RNA shedding in non-death hospitalized patients with COVID-19, but it still needs further validation by independent data set of large samples in the future.
Allelic Variations in 5' UTR of TaAFP-B Effecting the Seed Dormancy and Other Agronomic Traits in Transgenic Wheat
Authors: Yumei Feng , Yang Han , Bing Han , Yang Yan , Xing Yanping
Published: October 2021

BackgroundTaAFP (Triticum aestivum L. ABA insensitive five binding protein) is the homology of AFP of Arabidopsis thaliana which was a negative regulator in ABA signaling and regulated embryo germination and seed dormancy. TaABI5 (Triticum aestivum L. ABA insensitive five) gene was seed-specific, and accumulated during wheat grain maturation and dormancy acquisition, which played an important role in seed dormancy. In our previous study, two allelic variants of TaAFP were identified on chromosome 2BS in common wheat, and designated as TaAFP-B1a and TaAFP-B1b. Sequence analysis showed a 4-bp insertion in the 5’UTR region of TaAFP-B1a compared with TaAFP-B1b, which affected the mRNA transcription level, mRNA decay, translation levels of GUS and tdTomatoER, GUS activity, and was significantly associated with seed dormancy in common wheat. ResultsThe results of transgenic wheats showed that: the genotypes of average GI values, plant height, grain weight of hundred and rough of second and third stem node are all significantly more in pUbi-TaAFP-BaS transformed wheat plants than in pUbi-TaAFP-BbS transformed ones, but transcript expression level. ConclusionAbove all dates indicated that the 4-bp insertion in the 5'UTR of TaAFP-B decreased the transcript expression level of TaAFP-B and the PHS resistance, and increased the plant height, grain weight of hundred and lodging resistance in this system of over expression transgenic wheat.
Favipiravir and Ivermectin Showed in Vitro Synergistic Antiviral Activity against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Jitobaom Kunlakanya , Boonarkart Chompunuch , Manopwisedjaroen Suwimon , Punyadee Nuntaya , Borwornpinyo Suparerk , Thitithanyanont Arunee , Avirutnan Panisadee , Auewarakul Prasert
Published: October 2021

Despite the urgent need for effective antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 to mitigate the catastrophic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still no proven effective and widely available antivirals for COVID-19 treatment. Favipiravir and Ivermectin are among common repurposed drugs, which have been provisionally used in some countries. There have been clinical trials with mixed results, and therefore, it is still inconclusive whether they are effective or should be dismissed. It is plausible that the lack of clear-cut clinical benefits was due to the finding of only marginal levels of in vivo antiviral activity. An obvious way to improve the activity of antivirals is to use them in synergistic combinations. Here we show that Favipiravir and Ivermectin had the synergistic effects against SARS-CoV-2 in Vero cells. The combination may provide better efficacy in COVID-19 treatment. In addition, we found that Favipiravir had an additive effect with Niclosamide, another repurposed anti-parasitic drug with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity. However, the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of Favipiravir was drastically reduced when tested in Calu-3 cells. This suggested that this cell type might not be able to metabolize Favipiravir into its active form, and that this deficiency in some cell types may affect in vivo efficacy of this drug.
Molecular Barcoding of Melissa Officinalis L. (Badranjboye) in Iran and Identification of Adulteration in Its Medicinal Services
Authors: Koohdar Fahimeh , Sheidai Masoud
Published: October 2021

Medication plants are an important source of disease treatment in many countries. Today, quality control of the products of medicinal plants is a major task. Customer health may be at risk due to fraud and misconduct in the sales associates ' sales centres. Melissa officinalis (Badranjboye) is an important medicinal plant in Iran used for several diseases. In Iran, the species of Dracocephalum, Hymencrater, Nepeta and Stachys are mistakenly sold under the name of badranjboye in the selling centers of medicinal plants that have different pharmaceuticals properties. To avoid this mistake, we will follow the following goals in this research: 1 - Check the cheating and identification of badranjboye in the Iran market of medicinal plants and 2 - Provision of molecular barcode for the medicinal species of Melissa officinalis. We compared the plant samples sold (leaf) and reference species with morphological properties, odor, and molecular sequences and performed various molecular analyzes, such as sequencing, genetic distance determination, and phylogenetic tree construction. The reports indicated that internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and psbA–trnH intergenic spacer (psbA–trnH) sequences are an efficient molecular marker to produce barcode gap and differentiating Melissa officinalis from other species.
The effectiveness and influencing factors of the ‘Y’ line technique in reducing the leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Jin Wenshu , Sun Huaqiang , Duan Xudong , Gu Yange , zhao zhang , Yan Xinfeng
Published: October 2021

Objective: To introduce a surgical technique (the ‘Y’ line technique) which is to control the leg length discrepancy (LLD) after total hip arthroplasty.Methods: A total of 350 patients were selected; 134 patients who were used the ‘Y’ line technique to control lower limb length were included in Group A and 166 patients treated with free hand methods to control lower limb length were included in Group B. 50 patients who were taken standard anteroposterior X-ray of bilateral hips preoperatively and used the ‘Y’ line technique during the operation were included in Group C. Results: The postoperative LLD of the three groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001). There were significant differences statistically in comparison between any two groups (P<0.01). Severe unequal length rates of the lower extremities (LLD > 10 mm) were 5.97% (8/134) in Group A, 14.3% (24/166) in Group B and 0% (0/50) in Group C – the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). There were significant differences between Group A and Group B, Group B and Group C (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between Group A and Group C (P = 0.078).Conclusion: The ‘Y’ line technique, which does not increase the operation time, can effectively reduce postoperative LLD. Insufficient internal rotation of the healthy lower extremity and the low projection position in the preoperative anteroposterior X-ray of bilateral hips were important factors affecting the accuracy of the ‘Y’ line technique.
Amending Soil With Biochar From Available Agricultural Wastes to Improve Sustainability of Cotton Production in Mali
Authors: Mowrer Jake , Dembele Ginette , Strzelec Andrea , Thapa Binita
Published: October 2021

Improving the sustainability of cotton production in Mali can be achieved by returning organic matter and nutrients to degraded soils. Amendment with biochar prepared from locally available feedstocks has been suggested as a pathway to sustainability. A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate the effect of biochar prepared from two feedstocks readily available in Mali, cotton field residue and rice hulls, on cotton plants grown to six weeks. A composted municipal biosolid was included for comparison with the more carbon-stable biochars. Four soils of contrasting properties were included in the study. Plants were measured for shoot height and mass, root length and mass, whole plant tissue nutrients, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization in roots. Shoot height was often improved by amendment in all soils. Root mass was improved by amendment only in the soil with the greatest clay content. Nitrogen (N) uptake was significantly depressed, and phosphorus (P) uptake was increased under biochar and compost amendment in the most coarsely textured soil. No effect on N and P uptake was observed in the soil with the greatest clay content. Ridge regression analysis showed that AMF root colonization was positively related to the P content of the amendments (1.411*Pamend), negatively related to soil P (-0.486*Psoil) and positively related to both soil pH (2.153*pH) and clay content (1.129*clay%). Results indicate that degraded soils may be restored through amendment with biochar created from locally available feedstock to improve sustainability of cotton production. Soil properties will determine the degree of benefit.
FDA-Approved Excipient N,N-Dimethylacetamide Attenuates Inflammatory Bowel Disease in In-Vitro and In-Vivo Models
Authors: Koya Jagadish , Shen Tong , Lu Geming , Gauthier Alex , Mantell Lin , Ashby Charles , Reznik Sandra
Published: October 2021

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects almost 7 million people worldwide and is increasing in incidence. While the precise pathogenesis of IBD remains unknown, the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines play a central role. We have previously found that N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA), a widely used non-toxic drug excipient, suppresses cytokine and chemokine secretion in vitro and prevents inflammation-induced preterm birth in vivo. Using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), we tested whether DMA attenuates cytokine and chemokine secretion from LPS- or TNFa-stimulated human intestinal epithelial cells and human monocytes and HMGB1 release from RAW 264.7 cells. To test our hypothesis that the mechanism of DMA’s effects in in-vitro and in-vivo models of IBD is inhibition of the NF-kB pathway, we used western blotting to track levels of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) inhibitory molecule I kappa B alpha (IkBa) in THP-1 human monocytes in the absence or presence of DMA. Finally, we induced colitis in C57Bl/6 mice with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and then tested whether daily i.p injections of DMA at 2.1 g/kg/day attenuates clinical and histopathologic signs of colitis. DMA attenuated cytokine and chemokine release from human intestinal epithelial cells and human monocytes and HMGB1 release from RAW 264.7 cells. Importantly, DMA prevented degradation of IkBa in THP-1 cells, thereby suggesting one mechanism for DMA’s effects. Finally, we show here, for the first time, that DMA attenuates clinical and histologic features of DSS-induced colitis. Based on these data, DMA should be further explored in preclinical and clinical trials for its potential as novel drug therapy for IBD.
Reconstruction of Tsunami Occurrence on Okushiri Island, Southwestern Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Urabe Atsushi , Kase Yoshihiro , Kawakami Gentaro , Nishina Kenji , Takashimizu Yasuhiro , Miyazawa Hiroyuki , Hirano Fumika
Published: October 2021

The eastern margin of the Japan Sea is located along an active convergent boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. Okushiri Island, which is situated off the southwest coast of Hokkaido, is located in an active tectonic zone where many active submarine faults are distributed. Studying the records of past tsunamis on Okushiri Island is important for reconstructing the history and frequency of fault activity in this region, as well as the history of tsunamis in the northern part of the eastern margin of the Japan Sea. Five tsunami deposit horizons have been identified previously on Okushiri Island, including that of the 1741 tsunami, which are interbedded in the coastal lowlands and Holocene terraces. However, these known tsunami deposits date back only ~3,000 years. A much longer record of tsunami occurrence is required to consider the frequency of submarine fault activity. In this study, we cored from 7 to 25 m depth in the Wasabiyachi lowland on the southern part of Okushiri Island, where previous studies have confirmed the presence of multiple tsunami deposits on peat layer surfaces. The results indicate that the Wasabiyachi lowland comprises an area that was obstructed by coastal barriers between the lowland and the coast at ~8.5 ka and consists of muddy sediment and peat layers formed in lagoons and floodplains, respectively. In addition, event deposits and 15 tsunami horizons were observed among the turbidites and peat layers, dating back as far as 3,000 years. Combined with previous findings, Okushiri Island has sustained 20 tsunami events between ~7.5 ka and the present. These findings are critical for investigating the activities of submarine faults off the southwestern coast of Hokkaido, as well as for determining tsunami risks along the coast of the Japan Sea between North Tohoku and Hokkaido.
Association Between Vertebral Segmental Artery Occlusion and Kummell Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study Based On MRA
Authors: Zhan Sizheng , Zhang Tianyu , Xie Wenyong , Xue Feng , Zhang Dianying , Jiang Baoguo
Published: October 2021

Purpose

We designed a prospective cohort study based on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) to identify whether the degree of Kummell disease (KD) vertebral artery occlusion is more severe than that of simple vertebral compression fractures.
Methods

We enrolled elderly patients with VCFs who met the established criteria from January 2019. MRA was used to determine the degree of vertebral artery occlusion. We defined the lesion segmental occlusion rate (LSOR) as the sum of the ischemic values of the bilateral vertebral segmental arteries (0 means expedite, 1 means stenosis, 2 means occlusion; range from 0–4). The average LSOR is the sum of LSORs divided by the number of vertebrae. Follow-up outcomes included VAS and ODI scores after surgery. X-rays were re-examined at 1 year after surgery to determine whether the vertebral body had recollapsed.
Results

25 cases of KD segments and 37 cases of non-KD segments were included. The average LSOR in KD segments was significantly higher than that in non-KD segments (1.44 vs 0.32, P<0.01). The recollapse rate of the KD segments after one year was significantly higher than that in non-KD segments (56% vs 27%, P=0.03). In non-KD segments, 57.1% of segments with a high LSOR (1–2) recollapsed, and 20% of segments with a low LSOR (0) recollapsed (P=0.045)
Conclusions

The degree of artery occlusion in the KD segment is more serious than that in the non-KD segment. KD segments or non-KD segments with a high degree of artery occlusion will have a higher recollapse rate.
Oral Hygiene Practices and their Socio-demographic Correlates among Adults in Burkina Faso: Results from the First National Survey
Authors: Diendéré Jeoffray , Ouattara Seydou , Kaboré Jean , Traoré Ibrahim , Zeba Augustin Nawidimbasba , Kouanda Séni
Published: October 2021

Background: Socio-demographic parameters are the driving determinants for oral hygiene practices. This purpose aims to describe oral hygiene practices and associated socio-demographic factors in Burkinabè population, using the first nationally-representative data.Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study included 4677 adults through multistage cluster sampling performed during the first WHO STEPS survey conducted in 2013 in Burkina Faso. The practices we considered were the frequencies of tooth cleaning, the fluoridated toothpaste use and a dentist visit within the last six months. Sociodemographic variables and oral hygiene practices were described and the first ones were used as the explanatory variables for the seconds in the multivariable analyses. Results: Individuals who cleaned teeth at least once a day represented 82.8% and at least twice a day 31.4%; those who used fluoridated toothpaste were 25.6% and 2.1% have visited a dentist. With the highest odds-ratio, only being educated was a favorable factor for each of oral hygiene practices. Living in an urban area or being younger adults were favorable factors to the daily repetitive tooth cleaning or the use of a fluoridated paste. Female gender applied more to a daily repetitive cleaning, as well as to the dentist visit.Conclusion: Cleaning teeth at least once a day was common among Burkinabè while cleaning at least twice a day, the use of fluoridated paste or dentist visiting were infrequent. Education was the key favorable determinant for healthy oral hygiene practices and improving oral health literacy interventions through basic health education should be promoted.
Energy Evolution and Water Immersion-Induced Weakening Mechanism in the Sandstone Roof of Coal Mines
Authors: Liu Wenjie , Yang Ke , Zhang Shuai , Zhang Zhainan , Xu Rijie
Published: October 2021

The instability of underground spaces in abandoned coal mines with water-immersed rocks is one of the main hazards hindering the geothermal energy utilization and ecological restoration of post-mining areas. This study conducted graded cyclic loading-unloading tests of five groups of sandstone samples with different water contents. The evolution laws of input, elastic, dissipated, damping, and plastic energies were explored in detail, taking into account the damping effect. The normalized plastic energy was used to characterize the damage evolution of sandstone samples, which failure modes were analyzed from both macroscopic and microscopic perspectives. The X-ray diffraction technique and scanning electron microscopy were used to reveal the softening mechanism of sandstone's strength and elastic energy storage limit. The results showed that the graded cyclic loading's input, elastic, and dissipated energies increased gradually. The elastic energy share first increased and then stabilized, while dissipated energy share variation had the opposite trend. In each cycle, the input energy was primarily stored in the form of elastic energy, while the dissipated energy was mainly used to overcome the damping of sandstone. When the normalized number of cycles approached unity, the plastic energy share sharply increased, while that of the dampening energy featured an abrupt drop. Such change indicated an inevitable instability failure of the water-bearing sandstone. As the water content increased, the pore water exhibited more substantial lubrication, water-wedging, and dissolution effects on mineral particles. As a result, the latter obtained a round form, and the elastic energy storage limit of the sandstone decreased. When the water content was increased, the damage factor of sandstone after the same number of cycles increased at a relatively higher rate, and there was a transition of failure mode from brittle to ductile.
MicroRNA miR-99b-5p Targets mTOR/AR axis, Induces Autophagy, and Inhibits Prostate Cancer Cell Proliferation
Authors: Niture Suryakant , Tricoli Lucas , Qi Qi , Gadi Sashi , Hayes Kala , Kumar Deepak
Published: October 2021

BackgroundMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the small non-coding regulatory RNA molecules involved in gene regulation via base-pairing with complementary sequences in mRNAs. The dysregulation of specific miRNAs, such as miR-99b-5p (miR-99b), is associated with prostate cancer (PCa) progression. However, the mechanistic role of miR-99b in PCa remains to be determined. In this study, we aimed to investigate the functional and clinical significance of miR-99b in PCa.MethodsThe expression of miR-99b and its downstream targets mTOR/AR in the PCa samples were analyzed by RT/qPCR. The effects of miR-99b overexpression/inhibition on PCa cell survival/proliferation, spheroid formation, and cell migration were examined by specific assays. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to determine the binding of miR-99b to 3’ UTR of the mTOR gene. The effect of miR-99b on the expression of mTOR, AR, and PSA proteins, as well as on AKT/mTOR signaling, autophagy, and neuroendocrine differentiation markers, was analyzed by western blotting. The expression of miR-99b, mTOR, AR, PSA in AR-negative PC3 and AR-positive LNCaP cells was analyzed by RT/qPCR. The effect of miR-99b on global gene expression in PC3 cells was analyzed by RNA-seq. ResultsThe expression of miR-99b was downregulated in tumor samples from PCa patients, whereas the expression of mTOR and AR was upregulated. In PCa cell lines, overexpression of miR-99b inhibited cell proliferation and cell colony/spheroid formation; induced apoptosis, and increased sensitivity towards docetaxel (DTX). In contrast, inhibition of miR-99b by miR-99b inhibitor resulted in increased cell growth in PCa cells. Mechanistically, miR-99b inhibited the expression of the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) gene by binding to its 3’ untranslated region (UTR) and induced autophagy. Furthermore, miR-99b inhibited androgen receptor (AR) activity in LNCaP cells and induced apoptosis. Activation of AR signaling by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) downregulated miR-99b expression and promoted cell PCa cell growth/survival, whereas inactivation of mTOR by rapamycin or AR by enzalutamide deceased miR-99b mediated PCa cell growth. ConclusionsOur data suggests that miR-99b functions as a tumor suppressor by targeting the mTOR/AR axis in PCa cells, implicating miR-99b as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for PCa management.
WITHDRAWN: Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Bacterial Meningitis Among Patients in Quetta, Pakistan
Authors: Ali Syeda Ayesha , Taj Muhammad Kamran , Ali Syeda Hafsa
Published: October 2021

Bacterial meningitis (BM) is lethal infectious disease that persists as substantial cause of morbidity and mortality. The antimicrobial drug resistances in BM pathogens possess a major threat in the community, while escalating challenges for clinicians. We for the first time elucidate incidence rate of BM and its drug resistance among the population of Quetta, Balochistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted (form January 2018 to March 2021) among meningitis patients admitted at Government Hospitals in Quetta. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimen was collected and processed for microbiological and cytological analysis. Bacterial isolates were identified and confirmed using phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene. We found 35.9% (321/894) confirmed cases of BM among the population of Quetta, Balochistan. The identified bacterial isolates comprised of Streptococcus pneumonia 14.7% (130/894), Staphylococcus aureus 6.9% (61/894), Neisseria meningitidis 5.7% (51/894). Haemophilus influenza 2.5% (22/894), Escherichia coli 4.5% (40/894), and Klebsiella pneumoniae 1.9% (17/894). A surge in male patients 20.8% (186/894) was identified as compare to female patients 15.1% (135/894). Extreme age groups such as Infants (age range: 1month- 1year) and adults (age range: 61years- 99years) with low immunity were critically affected with BM. Clinical parameters such as abnormal CSF appearance, pH, high WBCs in BM patients with endocarditis as underlying disease were significantly at elevated risk of fatal outcome. 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis confirmed evolutionary similarity of isolated strains with prevailing pathogenic strains in Asia. Furthermore, age was identified as significant risk factors for clinical outcomes. Majority of the identified BM patients belonged to rural areas with limited healthcare facilities and paramedics’ staff. High fatality rate demonstrates increased antibiotic resistance among BM isolates, thereby stimulating its devastation among underdeveloped region. Timely detection and intensive treatment of BM may improve critical outcomes in patients