bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The flax genome reveals orbitide diversity
Authors: Song Ziliang , Burbridge Connor , Schneider David , Sharbel Timothy , Reaney Martin
Published: March 2022

Background: Ribosomally-synthesized cyclic peptides are widely found in plants and show useful bioactivities for humans. The identification of cyclic peptide sequences and their precursor proteins is facilitated by the growing number of sequenced genomes. While previous research largely focused on the chemical diversity of these peptides across various species, there is little attention to a broader range of potential peptides that are not chemically identified. Results: A pioneering study was initiated to explore the genetic diversity of linusorbs, a group of cyclic peptides uniquely occurring in cultivated flax (Linum usitatissimum). Phylogenetic analysis categorized the 5 known linusorb precursor proteins into two clades and one singleton. Preliminary tBLASTn search of the published flax genome using the whole protein sequence as query could only retrieve its homologues within the same clade. This limitation was overcome using a profile-based mining strategy. After genome reannotation, a hidden Markov Model (HMM)-based approach identified 58 repeats homologous to the linusorb-embedded repeats in 8 novel proteins, meaning that they likely share common ancestry with the linusorb-embedded repeats. Subsequently, we developed a customized profile composed of a random linusorb-like domain (LLD) flanked by 5 conserved sites and used it for string search of the proteome, which extracted 281 LLD-containing repeats (LLDRs) in 25 proteins. Comparative analysis of different repeat categories suggested that the 5 conserved flanking sites among the non-homologous repeats have undergone convergent evolution driven by functional selection. Conclusions: The profile-based mining approach is suitable for analyzing repetitive sequences. The 25 LLDR proteins identified herein represent the potential diversity of cyclic peptides within the flax genome and lay a foundation for further studies on the functions and evolution of these protein tandem repeats.
Five-Year Stability Of Posterior Corneal Surface After Small Incision Lenticule Extraction For High Myopia
Authors: Zhao Yu , Lin Xue , Chen Zhuoyi , Zhou Xingtao
Published: March 2022

Background: To study the 5-year changes in the posterior corneal surface after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for high myopia.Methods: Eighty eyes received SMILE was included in this prospective study. They were allocated into two groups based on the spherical equivalent: high myopia (40eyes, -7.49±0.70D) and moderate myopia (40eyes, -4.43±0.87D). Certain points of posterior corneal elevation (the central point (PCE), thinnest point (PTE), maximal point (PME), and in various corneal areas) were evaluated using a Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam; Oculus GmbH, Germany) preoperatively and at 6 months and 5 years after surgery. Results: All surgeries were completed uneventfully and no ectasia was developed throng the observation. The safety index and efficacy index were 1.14 and 1.03 in the high myopia group, and 1.16 and 1.06 in the moderate myopia group, respectively. Most of the calculated values in the high myopia group showed a slight increase at 6 months but decreased at 5 years. At 5 years postoperatively, the value of the PTE was significantly lower than at baseline in both groups (P≤0.047); a statistical difference was also revealed in the PME in the moderate group with slight changes (10.15±3.01μm vs. 11.60±4.33μm, P=0.002); no statistical significance was observed in other calculated values (P≥0.067). Similarly, no significant linear correlation was noted between changes in all values and the residual bed thickness either (P≥0.057).Conclusions: SMILE causes no protrusion in posterior corneal surface for correction of high myopia at the follow-up visit of 5 years.
Prevalence and associated factors for pterygium in a Chinese rural population with type 2 diabetes in a cross-sectional study: Jiangsu Diabetic Eye Disease Study (JDEDS)
Authors: Zhang Junfang , Qin Bai , Liu Bihong , Sun Dajun , Liang Congkai , Wang Shiyi , Yang Mei , Zhu Rongrong
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To investigate the pterygium prevalence and evaluate risk factors of pterygium in rural community-based type 2 diabetic (D2M) patients aged 50 years and above in Funing Country, Jiangsu Province, China. Methods A cross-sectional ophthalmic survey was conducted in type 2 diabetes mellitus (D2M) patients aged ≥50 years in Funing county, Jiangsu Province, China, which was named Jiangsu Diabetic Eye Disease Study (JDEDS). All participants underwent a comprehensive questionnaire and ocular examination. Pterygium was diagnosed by slit lamp examination. The risk factors associated with pterygium were evaluated with logistic regression models.Results The prevalence of pterygium was 22.37% (n= 427) and 95% confidence interval (CI): (20.50-24.24%) in D2M patients aged 50 years and above in JDEDS. The prevalence of pterygium was 18.32% (95% CI: 15.33~21.32%) in men and 24.43% (95% CI: 22.06~26.80%) in women. Women had a higher prevalence than men (p= 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed, for male participants with D2M, pterygium was independently associated with increasing age [ 70-79yrs: OR and 95% CI: 2.49(1.20~5.18), p=0.014; ≥80yrs: 4.84(2.04~11.47), p<0.001], while cigarette smoking was the protective factors, especially in current smoker [OR and 95% CI: 0.79(0.67~0.92); p=0.003]. For female participants with D2M, age [ 60-69yrs OR and 95% CI: 1.68(1.07~2.62), p=0.023; 70-79yrs: 2.62(1.69~4.06), p<0.001; ≥80yrs:3.24(1.70~5.90), p<0.001], hypertension [OR and 95%CI: 1.40(1.05~1.87), p=0.024], BMI 24-27.9 [OR and 95%CI: 1.20(1.00~1.44), p=0.047], higher HbA1c [ (5.6-7.9) % OR and 95%CI: 1.42(1.10~1.82), p=0.006; (8.0-9.9) %: 1.32(1.10~1.58), p=0.003] were risk factors. Conclusions D2M patients aged over 50 years has a high prevalence of pterygium in JDEDS. The pterygium prevalence is higher in female D2M participants. Diabetes and related factors may be risk factors of pterygium in female D2M patients. Further studies are needed to explore the gender difference in the pathogenesis of pterygium in D2M subjects.
LncRNA NDRG1 aggravates progression and EMT of osteosarcoma by sponging miR-96-5p through the PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhu Jie , Han Qixiu , Yu Lingfeng , Liu Ziying , Huang Jianhao , Zhu Yan , Zhu Hao , Fan Gentao , Tang Qikai , Qian Ji , Zhou Guangxin
Published: March 2022

Background
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone tumors in adolescents. Large numbers of studies have focused on the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that plays essential roles in the progression of osteosarcoma. Nevertheless, the functions and underlying mechanisms of LncRNA NDRG1 in osteosarcoma remain unknown.
Methods
By ways of RNA sequencing, lncRNAs which expressed differentially between osteosarcoma and adjacent tissues were identified. Through in vitro and in vivo functional experiments, the effect of LncRNA NDRG1 in osteosarcoma growth and metastasis were investigated. LncRNA NDRG1 specific binding with miR-96-5p was verified through bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assay. Regulation relationship between Lnc NDRG1 and miR-96-5p was further evaluated by the rescue experiments. Additionally, the changes in the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the PI3K/AKT pathway molecular markers were verified by Western blot.
Results
LncRNA NDRG1 was up-regulated in osteosarcoma cell lines and tissues and the expression of LncRNA NDRG1 was correlated with the overall survival of osteosarcoma patients. LncRNA NDRG1 aggravated the progression of osteosarcoma both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LncRNA NDRG1 was found to promote progression and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of osteosarcoma by sponging miR-96-5p through the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Conclusions
LncRNA NDRG1 aggravates the proliferation, metastasis and EMT of osteosarcoma by sponging miR-96-5p through the PI3K/AKT pathway. Therefore, LncRNA NDRG1 could act as a prognostic marker and a therapeutic target for osteosarcoma in the future.
Global assessment of three Rumex species reveals inconsistent climatic niche shifts across introduced ranges
Authors: Carlin Thomas , Bufford Jennifer L , Hulme Philip E , Godsoe William K
Published: March 2022

Climatic niche shifts occur when species occupy different climates in the introduced range than in their native range. Climatic niche shifts are known to occur across a range of taxa, however we do not currently understand whether climatic niche shifts can consistently be predicted across multiple introduced ranges. Using three congeneric weed species, we investigate whether climatic niche shifts in one introduced range are consistent in other ranges where the species has been introduced. We compared the climatic conditions occupied by Rumex conglomeratus , R. crispus , and R. obtusifolius between their native range (Eurasia) and three different introduced ranges (North America, Australia, New Zealand). We considered metrics of niche overlap, expansion, unfilling, pioneering, and similarity to determine whether climatic niche shifts were consistent across ranges and congeners. We found that the presence and direction of climatic niche shifts was inconsistent between introduced ranges for each species. Within an introduced range, however, niche shifts were qualitatively similar among species. North America and New Zealand experienced diverging niche expansion into drier and wetter climates respectively, whilst the niche was conserved in Australia. This work highlights how unique characteristics of an introduced range and local introduction history can drive different niche shifts, and that comparisons between only the native and one introduced range may misrepresent a species’ capacity for niche shifts. However, predictions of climatic niche shifts could be improved by comparing related species in the introduced range rather than relying on the occupied environments of the native range.
Mitochondrial transfer restores the proliferation of injured endometrial stromal cell
Authors: Chen Liang , Zhu Jue , Chen Yicheng , Zhu Miaohua , Wang Qiming , Zhang Jing
Published: March 2022

Background: The uterine endometrium is a tissue that needs sufficient energy to support its active physiological function, the damage of which is responsible for intrauterine adhesion. In this study, we investigated the evidence that mitochondrial transfer is involved in endometrial repair and explored the effects and possible mechanism of mitochondrial transfer.Methods: The study was approved by the regional ethics committee of Ningbo Women and Children’s Hospital (Date: 12/3/2021/No: EC2021-M004). Endometrial stromal cells were pretreated with hypoxia and cocultured with human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) in vitro. Confocal imaging was used to assess mitochondrial transfer between the cells. The proliferation and ATP production of endometrial stromal cells were detected to evaluate the physiological function of the cells.Results: We found that coculture of hUCB-MSCs and endometrial stromal cells partially restored the proliferation and ATP production of hypoxic cells. Mitochondrial transfer was observed from hUCB-MSCs to hypoxic endometrial stromal cells. This process can be blocked by hUCB-MSCs pretreated with carbenoxolone disodium (CBX), which can block TNT connection formation.Conclusions: The mitochondria of stem cells could be transferred completely into hypoxic endometrial stromal cells, partially restoring the proliferation of injured cells in vitro. This process is proactive.Trial registration: The study was approved by the regional ethics committee of the Ningbo women and Children’s Hospital (Date: 12/3/2021/No: EC2021-M004).
Enrolling People of Color to Evaluate a Practice Intervention: Lessons from the Shared Decision-Making for Atrial Fibrillation (SDM4AFib) Trial
Authors: Sivly Angela , Gorr Haeshik S. , Gravholt Derek , Branda Megan E. , Linzer Mark , Noseworthy Peter , Hargraves Ian , Kunneman Marleen , Doubeni Chyke A. , Suzuki Takeki , Brito Juan P. , Jackson Elizabeth A. , Burnett Bruce , Wambua Mike , Montori Victor M.
Published: March 2022

Background: Trial recruitment of Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) is key for interventions that interact with socioeconomic factors and cultural norms, preferences, and values. We report on our experience enrolling BIPOC participants into a multicenter trial of a shared decision-making intervention about anticoagulation to prevent strokes, in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: We enrolled patients with AF and their clinicians in 5 healthcare systems (three academic medical centers, an urban/suburban community medical center, and a safety-net inner-city medical center) located in three states (Minnesota, Alabama, and Mississippi) in the United States. Clinical encounters were randomized to usual care with or without a shared decision-making tool about anticoagulation. Analysis: We analyzed BIPOC patient enrollment by site, categorized reasons for non-enrollment, and examined how enrollment of BIPOC patients was promoted across sites.Results: Of 2247 patients assessed, 922 were enrolled of which 147 (16%) were BIPOC patients. In comparison to trial-eligible White participants, eligible Black participants more frequently did not enroll (102 (11%) vs. 185 (15%); p <.001). The rate of BIPOC patients enrollment varied substantially by site and was generally reflective of the population served at each participating site. Enrollment of BIPOC patients benefited most from including and prioritizing practices most likely to care for BIPOC patients, with lower yield from specific efforts to reach BIPOC clinic attendees and enrolling BIPOC patients first when possible. Conclusions: Enrollment from practices that have implemented policies that favor the care of BIPOC patients can contribute to generate trustworthy estimates of the effect of these interventions in clinical practice that are applicable to BIPOC populations. Best practices to optimize the enrollment of BIPOC participants into trials that examined complex and culturally sensitive interventions remain to be developed.Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02905032)
Calcium Peroxide Alleviates the Waterlogging Stress of Rapeseed by Improving the Rhizosphere Oxygen Environment in a Rice-rape Rotation Field
Authors: Wang Zhiyuan , Han Yongliang , Luo Shang , Rong Xiangmin , Song Haixing , Jiang Na , Yang Lan
Published: March 2022

Purpose
Waterlogging stress has a negative influence on agricultural production, particularly for rapeseed yield in a rice-rape rotation field. Calcium peroxide reacts with water to release oxygen, which can serve as an excellent supply.
Methods
In this field experiment, the conventional rape (Brassica napus L.) variety fengyou958 (FY958) and the early maturing rape variety xiangyou420 (XY420) were used to evaluate the effects of calcium peroxide on waterlogging resistance in a rice-rape rotation field. Waterlogging was imposed from the seedling to flowering stages, and three concentrations of calcium peroxide (0, C1 for the 0.594 kg plot− 1 and C2 for the 0.864 kg plot− 1) were added as basal fertilizer.
Results
Waterlogging decreased the yield of XY420 and FY958 rapeseed by 74.8% and 87.4%, respectively, while the leaf SPAD values decreased significantly by 17.2% and 21.5%. Treatment with calcium peroxide resulted in an increase of 151%-293% in the yield of rapeseed compared with the waterlogged plants. Moreover, calcium peroxide alleviated the peroxidation of leaves and decreased the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase by 14.2%-44.4% and 10.9%-19.5%. Compared with the waterlogged plants, the contents of abscisic acid and ethylene in the C2 leaves decreased by 37.3% and 33.4%, while the content of gibberellin increased significantly by 44.9%. The belowground parts of the plants were also significantly affected. The treatments with calcium peroxide reduced the activities of fermentation enzymes in the roots, which significantly reduced the accumulation of fermentation products by 25.0%-57.1% and 16.5%-29.4% for lactate and ethanol, respectively. This reduction was owing to the improved levels of oxygen in the root environment that were released by calcium peroxide.
Conclusions
The application of a suitable concentration of calcium peroxide enhanced the resistance of rapeseed to waterlogging stress, and this study provides a valid method to prevent damage from flooding in rice-rape rotation fields.
The biodegradation behavior of an eco-characteristic Bio-formulated polymer nanosheets and eco-efficacy assessment for promoting growth of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)
Authors: Mary T. Ruby Nirmala , Ramasamy Jayavel
Published: March 2022

The introduction of Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL), iron oxide nanoparticles, Plant extracts from Mentha spicata L., Vitex negundo L., and Eucalyptus globulus M., in chitosan biopolymer matrix has created a significant contribution for the development of Bio-formulated polymer nanosheets. The migration test performed for the formulated Bio-nanosheets have satisfactory results with very less amount of residue get migrated that revealed a suitable material for packaging application. The developed bio-formulated polymer nanosheets achieved an excellent biodegradation activity of about 80-93% through the acceleration of soil microbial flora. The SEM and EDAX analysis confirmed the surface degradability variation observed for 5 weeks. The present study is focused on the application of biodegraded soil for promoting the Eggplant growth (Solanum melongena L.) and its eco-efficacy evaluated by enhancing the development of an eco-characteristic active bio-nanomaterials which resulted a positive impact in packaging and agricultural sectors.
The Impact of Green Credit Policy on Inefficient Investment of New Energy Enterprises —— Based on the Dual Perspectives of Resource Allocation and Debt Governance
Authors: Meng Lu , Xu Zhe
Published: March 2022

Based on the perspectives of resource allocation and debt governance, this paper considers a sample of new energy companies from 2008 to 2019 and uses Richardson’s expected investment model to empirically test the relationship between green credit policies and inefficient investment by new energy companies. There is a significant negative relationship between the intensity of green credit policy and the inefficient investment of enterprises, which can both restrain overinvestment and alleviate underinvestment. Through the analysis of the intermediary mechanism, it is found that the green credit policy can optimize the corporate debt maturity structure and reduce agency costs, but the intermediary effect of the debt maturity structure is manifested in the aggravation of overinvestment, and the intermediary effect of agency costs is manifested in a reduction in underinvestment and then inefficient investment. The heterogeneity analysis results show that the resource allocation effect of green credit is more significant in the sample of nonstate-owned enterprises, and the debt governance effect is more significant in the sample of state-owned enterprises.
Circadian Rhythm Promotes the Biomass and Amylose Hyperaccumulation by Mixotrophic Cultivation of Marine Microalga Platymonas Helgolandica
Authors: Shi Qianwen , Chen Cheng , He Tingwei , Fan Jianhua
Published: March 2022

BackgroundMicroalgal starch can be exploitedfor bioenergy, food, and bioplastics. Production of starch by green algae has been concerned for many years. Currently commonly used methods such as nutrient stress will affect cell growth, thereby inhibiting the production efficiency andquality of starchproduction. Simpler and more efficient control strategies need to be developed.ResultWe proposed a novel regulation method to promote the growth and starch accumulation by a new isolated Chlorophyta Platymonas helgolandica. By adding exogenous glucose and controlling the appropriate circadian light and dark time, the highest dry weight accumulation 6.53 g·L-1 (Light: Dark = 12:12) can be achieved, and the highest starch concentration could reach 3.88 g·L-1 (Light: Dark = 6:18). The highest production rate was 0.40 g·L-1·d-1 after 9 days of production. And this method helps to improve the ability to produce amylose, with the highest accumulation of 39.79% DW amylose. We also discussed the possible mechanism of this phenomenon through revealing changes in the mRNA levels of key genes.ConclusionThis study provides a new idea to regulate the production of amylose by green algae. For the first time, it is proposed to combine organic carbonsource addition and circadian rhythm regulation to increase the starchproduction frommarine green alga. A new starch-producing microalga has been developed that can efficiently utilize organic matter and grow without photosynthesis.
Immunoinducible carbon dots-incorporated hydrogel as photothermal-derived antigen depot to trigger robust antitumor immune response
Authors: Liu Suwan , Liu Jingjin , Wu Yunchao , Wang Haoran , Xu Xiao , Li Qianzhe , Yang Mengyu , Gong Aihua , Zhang Miaomiao , Du Fengyi
Published: March 2022

Photothermal therapy (PTT) causes immunogenic tumor cell death (ICD), while fails to elicit a strong anti-tumor immune response partially due to its inherent immunosuppressive microenvironment and low antigen presentation. To address these issues, we developed an immunoinducible carbon dots-incorporated hydrogels (iCD@Gel) through a dynamic covalent Schiff base reaction using mannose modifed aluminum-doped carbon dots (M/A-CDs) as cross-linking agent. The M/A-CDs not only possessed superior photothermal conversion efficiency, but also served as nanocarrier to load CpG ODNs for inducing the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) via manose receptor-mediated targeting delivery. Upon intratumoral injection, the as-prepared iCD@Gel induced immunogentic tumor cell death and damage-related molecular patterns (DAMPs) release via photothermal ablation under 808 nm NIR irradiation. Subsequently, the iCD@Gel synergized with the DAMPs to significantly promote the maturation and antigen cross-presentation of DCs. Taken together, this work provides a promising strategy to develop nanoparticle-based therapetuic hydrogel for tumor immunotherapy.
What does medical research on Ramadan intermittent fasting tell us? Bibliographic mapping analysis of seven decades (1952–2021) and future directions
Authors: Obaideen Khaled , Shihab Katia Abu , Madkour Mohamed , Faris MoezAlIslam
Published: March 2022

There is a large body of research focused on various aspects related to Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) and human health and disease. This study aimed to quantify the bibliometric parameters of RIF medical research over the past seven decades and explore these parameters qualitatively via text mining analysis. We used the Scopus search engine to identify published articles related to RIF from inception to December 31, 2021. All types of research articles were included. Scientometric and bibliometric parameters were determined using Excel, Biblioshiny, and VOSviewer. The Scopus search returned 1916 relevant articles. Most citations pertained to publications from the last two decades, and most publications were original research articles. These publications had received around 27,000 citations, and the 20 most prolific publishing journals had an h-index of 112.25. More than one-third of all medical publications were in open-access journals. There was a 13-fold increase in medical research on RIF over the past few decades. We identified the 10 most prolific publishing countries, institutes, journals, and authors. This is the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of medical research related to RIF. The research gaps identified will inform future research directions and foster collaborative research activities.
Effect of Variation of Martensite with a Constant Carbon Content on Mechanical Behavior and Sliding Wear of Dual Phase Steels
Authors: Zamani Mehran , Ghasemi Hamid M. , Mirzadeh Hamed
Published: March 2022

In a dual phase (DP) steel, an increase in the martensite volume fraction leads to a decrease in its carbon content, and hence, elucidating the effect of martensite content on the mechanical and tribological behaviors is not possible. For the first time, the present work dealt with this subject by maintaining a constant amount of carbon in different volume fractions of martensite. Tribological properties was evaluated via a pin on disk sliding tribometer. The study of wear tracks and debris revealed oxidative wear as the dominant wear mechanism. Increasing normal load from 10 to 30 N resulted in a decrease in the specific wear rate, which was related to the high work-hardening capacity. This resulted in higher surface hardness, accommodating the formation of a more durable tribofilm on the surface, and a lower coefficient of friction. However, the increase in normal load from 30 N to 60 N resulted in an increase in the specific wear rate and reduction of oxide coverage on the sliding surface due to high surface stresses. The worn debris in the running-in and steady-state stages were mainly identified as metallic and Fe3O4 oxide, respectively.
MALDI-TOF MS-based evaluation for azole-susceptibility testing of Aspergillus fumigatus over reference broth microdilution method
Authors: Araújo Eduardo , Gusmão Norma , Silva Teresinha , Pape Patrice Le , Lima-Neto Reginaldo Gonçalves
Published: March 2022

INTRODUCTION: Azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus constitutes an emergency health problem, and the rapid and reliable characterization of this pathogen is essential to guide the appropriate antifungal therapy, techniques based on mass spectrometry, in these cases, could reduce the time of diagnosis in comparison to traditional methods used in hospital routine, with this we intend to establish a protocol to determine the antifungal susceptibility by MALDI TOF MS of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates and correlated with the CLSI guideline. METHODS: Sixteen Aspergillus fumigatus stored at the URM Culture Collection (Brazil) and another at Nantes University (France) were evaluated by the microdilution method in reference broth against itraconazole and voriconazole and the MALDI-TOF MS was used to identify the minimum concentration of change of the protein profile after exposure to the antifungal, the spectra obtained against each concentration were applied to generate composite correlation index (CCI) matrices for each filamentous isolate individually and used to generate heat maps and virtual gel. RESULTS: In this work, the minimum inhibitory concentration by CLSI and the minimum profile change concentration by MALDI-TOF, showed an agreement of 88.2% and 82.4% for itraconazole and voriconazole, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MALDI-TOF MS is able to determine the cutoff point of susceptibility for Aspergillus fumigatus and allows to predict the best choice of antifungal for patients with invasive aspergillosis.
The Microwave Assisted Reclamation of the Phenolic Cured Butyl Rubber
Authors: Dust Hosein Amoli Vatan , Movahed Saeed Ostad
Published: March 2022

The cured rubber made bladder is used for curing the green tire because, it is thermally stable, and has low gas permeability. The bladder is made with the cured butyl rubber as a base rubber under a phenolic curing system. To save the resources and also the environmental protection, it should be de-crosslink to gum rubber. Several waste bladder rubber compounds prepared with different de-crosslinking agents in formulation. Subsequently, the prepared compounds irradiated in a microwave oven. The de-crosslinking parameters including the sol fraction and de-crosslinking % measured using traditional rubber swollen tests. It revealed that the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) graphs were suitable evidences to prove the existence of the phenolic resin in the structure of the used waste bladder butyl rubber powder. Efficient de-crosslinking observed for all studied de-crosslinking agents. It was evidenced by the SEM micrographs and also, the measured crosslink densities of the reclaimed rubbers. The highest and the lowest de-crosslinking %’s belonged to the compounds with DPDS and DCBS in formulation, respectively. Based on the obtained de-crosslinking parameters, the DPDS selected as a suitable de-crosslinking agent for the used waste bladder butyl rubber. In accordance with Horikx analysis, the microwave irradiation broke down the crosslinks and rubber main chains simultaneously. The increasing in microwave irradiation temperature had positive effect on the de-crosslinking process but it had equal effect on crosslink and main chain scission.
Application of Logistic Differential Equation Models in Early Warning of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Yang Tianlong , Wang Yao , Yao Laishun , Guo Xiaohao , Hannah Mikah Ngwanguong , Liu Chan , Rui Jia , Zhao Zeyu , Huang Jiefeng , Liu Weikang , Deng Bin , Luo Li , Li Zhuoyang , Li Peihua , Zhu Yuanzhao , Liu Xingchun , Xu Jingwen , Yang Meng , Zhao Qinglong , Su Yanhua , Chen Tianmu
Published: March 2022

Background: There is still a relatively serious disease burden of infectious diseases and the warning time for different infectious diseases before implementation of interventions is important. The logistic differential equation models can be used for predicting early warning of infectious diseases, the aim of this study is to compare the disease fitting effect of the logistic differential equation (LDE) model and the generalised logistic differential equation (GLDE) model, using the two models to calculate the early warning signals of different types of infectious diseases and to solve for disease early warning schedules throughout the year. Methods: Collecting the incidence of 22 infectious diseases in Jilin Province, China. The LDE and GLDE models were used to calculate the recommended warning week (RWW), the epidemic acceleration week (EAW) and warning removed week (WRW) for acute infectious diseases with seasonality, respectively. Results: Five diseases were selected for analysis based on screening principles: hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), shigellosis, mumps, Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), and scarlet fever. The GLDE model fitted the above diseases better (0.80 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.94, P < 0. 005) than the LDE model. The estimated warning durations (per year) of the LDE model for the above diseases were: weeks 12-23 and 40-50; weeks 20-36; weeks 15-24 and 43-52; weeks 26-34; and weeks 16-25 and 41-50. While the durations of early warning (per year) estimated by the GLDE model were: weeks 7-24 and 36-51; weeks 13-37; weeks 11-26 and 39-54; weeks 23-35; and weeks 12-26 and 40-50. Conclusions: Compared to the LDE model, the GLDE model provides a better fit to the actual disease incidence data. The RWW appeared to be earlier when estimated with the GLDE model than the LDE model. In addition, the WRW estimated with the GLDE model were more lagged and had a longer warning time.
Theoretical study on thermal decomposition mechanism of 1-nitroso-2-naphthol
Authors: Xiaohua FAN , yixiu Gan , Miaowen Tan , wenhe wang
Published: March 2022

1-nitroso-2-naphthol has thermal instability of thermal decomposition, spontaneous combustion and even explosion. Its thermal decomposition characteristics were tested by synchronous thermal analyzer (TGA/DSC); The activation energy of the thermal decomposition process was calculated by Kissinger method; The infrared absorption characteristic spectra of the gas products produced in the thermal decomposition process were measured by TGA/DSC-FTIR, and the thermal decomposition reaction process was speculated. The results show that the initial temperature (Tonset) of TGA exothermic decomposition of 1-nitroso-2 naphthol is between 129.01-155.69℃, and the faster the heating rate(β), the higher the Tonset, but the faster the thermal decomposition rate, the greater the heat release and the worse the thermal stability. The activation energy (E) of the thermal decomposition process is 83.323 kJ/mol calculated by Kissinger method. The dynamic test results of TGA/DSC-FTIR show that the main reaction of 1-nitroso-2 naphthol during heating is intermolecular dehydration to form ether, and the secondary reaction is decomposition into aliphatic nitro compounds, carbonyl compounds and amines. Sodium hydroxide will reduce the thermal stability of 1-nitroso-2 naphthol. After adding sodium hydroxide, the thermal decomposition process of 1-nitroso-2 naphthol has changed. The main reaction is that 1-nitroso-2-naphthol reacts with sodium hydroxide to produce sodium nitrophenol, which is further decomposed into aliphatic nitro compounds.
Neutral Theory: Applicability and Neutrality of Clinical Study Endpoints Where a Disease-Specific Instrument is Available
Authors: Jandhyala Ravi
Published: March 2022

Background:
Disease scoring tools/constructs are designed to accurately measure disease status and severity but are limited by the indicators included and how they are operationalised. Neutral Theory describes the ideal construct that includes all relevant indicators – the Neutral List – and, therefore, provides complete accuracy, or Neutrality. To explore the potential of the theory, indicators from several disease-specific severity scores (DSSs) were assessed as surrogates for the Neutral List.
Methods:
Medline (PubMed) searches were undertaken for 6,804 rare diseases/conditions, listed on the Orphanet database as of 18-Jan-21, to identify those with a single, validated DSS and at least five studies assessing disease severity. The indicators included in each DSS were compared against those utilised in the respective clinical studies and the sensitivity/specificity calculated. The sum of the sensitivity/specificity represented the Neutrality score.
Results:
Ten diseases/conditions met the inclusion criteria: achalasia; Behcet’s syndrome; Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease; Fournier's gangrene; Guillain-Barré syndrome; atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome; palmoplantar psoriasis; Prader-Willi syndrome; systemic lupus erythematosus; and systemic sclerosis. The total number of indicators in the DSSs ranged from 3‒28 and for all diseases/conditions, additional indicators of disease severity were assessed in the clinical studies (1‒36 additional). The Neutrality of the studies across all 10 diseases/conditions varied widely, with achalasia, Fournier’s gangrene, palmoplantar psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis the only diseases with at least one study achieving a maximum Neutrality score of 2. None of the studies for Behcet’s syndrome, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome achieved a Neutrality score > 1.50. Overall, the rate of false negatives increased and the rate of false positives decreased with increasing disease prevalence.
Conclusions:
Across studies of all included diseases/conditions, there was considerable variability in the accuracy or Neutrality of disease severity assessment. Neutral Theory has the potential to improve endpoint definitions and study design and its utility should be explored.
Temporal-Spatial Low Shear Stress Induces Heterogeneity of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Budding in Zebrafish
Authors: Cui Yuliang , Shi Wenpeng , Zhang Kun , Hou Zhengjun , Wang Yanyun , Yan Wenhua , Ma Qinfeng , He Shicheng , Huang Junli , Lu Chenfei , Wang Yeqi , Wang Guixue , Qiu Juhui
Published: March 2022

Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) originate from endothelial cells (ECs) localized on the ventral site of the dorsal aorta (DA), and hemodynamic parameters may suffer sharp changes in DA at HSPCs development stage for intersegmental vessel formation. However, the temporal-spatial shear stress parameters and biomechanics mechanisms of HSPC budding remain unknown. Here, we found that the hematopoietic endothelium (HE) in the aorta-gonad-mesonephros was heterogeneous; that is, HEs were mainly distributed at the ventral side of the vascular bifurcation in zebrafish embryos, which was found to show low shear stress (LSS) through numerical simulation analysis. Furthermore, HSPCs localized in the posterior somite of aorta-gonad-mesonephros with slow velocity. On the temporal scale, there was a slow velocity and LSS during HE budding from 36 hours post-fertilization and decreased shear stress with drug expanded HSPC numbers. Mechanistically, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and macrophage chemotaxis were significantly increased in HEs by RNA-seq. After treatment with an MMP13 inhibitor, HSPCs were significantly reduced in both the aorta-gonad-mesonephros and caudal hematopoietic tissue in embryos. Our results show that HSPC budding is heterogeneous, and the mechanism is that physiological LSS controls the emergence of HSPCs by promoting the accumulation of macrophages and subsequent MMP expression.
Assessment Of Farmers’ Perception Towards Soil And Water Conservation Measures At Bako Tibe District, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Gonde Getu Emiru , Kitila Getahun
Published: March 2022

In Ethiopia, Soil erosion is one of the very chronic environmental problems. It needs attention to carried out conservation measures to tackle the problem and conservation of the environmental resource is the most crucial activities. However, the study on the farmer’s perception towards soil and water conservation measures has not been well investigated in the Bako Tibe district, western Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was undertaken to assess farmer’s perception towards soil and water conservation measures in the study area. The major source of data was a formal household survey. The data was collected by field observation, administer questionnaire, semi structured interview and focus group discussions. The household survey data have been collected and analyzed by utilizing the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20.0 Software. The study revealed that farmers of the study area perceived soil erosion as a problem constraining crop production and have knowledge of soil and water conservation measures. The majority of farmers in the study area have the willingness in adoption and conservation of the Soil and Water Conservation. This shows the sustainability of the soil and water conservation in the study area. And also, the farmers stated that they benefited in reducing soil erosion, increase soil fertility, increase crop production and also forage for livestock. The most of farmers of the study area were interested in adoption and conservation of the soil and water conservation structures and majority of them understood the benefits of the conservation in soil erosion control and improve the soil fertility.
Effect of Deficit of budget balance on Private Investment in CEMAC?
Authors: Armand Gilbert Noula , Nguekam Orfé Chouafi , Miamo Clovis , Ongo Emmanuel , AHMED Ali Salim NGNEMADOM
Published: March 2022

This paper aims to determine the impact of the deficit of budget balance on private investment in CEMAC over the period 1984-2019. To this end, the PMG model and the regime-switching model were mobilized to check the linear or non-linear relationship that may exist between the variables involved. At the end of the PMG estimate, it appears that the negative and significant effects of the deficit of budget balance on private investment are not isolated, but depend heavily on its interaction with long-term domestic public debt. Given the non-linear nature of the relationship between deficit of budget balance and private investment, using Hansen's (1999) regime-switching model revealed that there are thresholds for which deficit of budget balance has positive and significant effects on private investment in each CEMAC country. By ricochet, maintaining a sustainable level, the private sector would become the real incubator of the development process in the states.
Effect of Methanolic Extract of Phoenix dactylifera L. Seeds (PDS) on Blood Glucose levels of Normoglycemic and Dexamethasone induced Diabetic Rabbits
Authors: Abdullah Ahlam , Al-bokai Nuha
Published: March 2022

Background: The seeds of the date palm have also been shown to have nutritional and therapeutic properties. Plants are the source of many pharmaceutical compounds, so herbal treatments are attractive. In folk medicine, date seeds are commonly used to treat diabetes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate anti-diabetic potential of the methanolic extract of date palm seed (PDS) in dexamethasone (DMTZ) -induced diabetic rabbits.Materials and Methods: The intraperitoneal injection of Dexamethasone (DMTZ) (150 mg/kg), experimental diabetes was induced in 42 male rabbits. The rabbits were divided into seven groups and administered the following treatments orally for 30 days: normal control (no treatment), placebo group, diabetic (no treatment), diabetic with PDS extract (200 mg/kg/day, P.O), diabetic with PDS extract (400 mg/kg/day, P.O), diabetic with PDS extract (400 mg/kg/day, P.O) with insulin (2UI/ kg B.Wt.), and diabetic with insulin (2UI/ kg B.Wt.). Histopathological examination of the pancreas was performed. The results are expressed as mean ± SD and variations of some animals were compared in the using of one-way ANOVA. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. Statistical evaluation was performed using Microsoft Excel, and SPSS software version.Results: The methanolic PDS extract has been shown to have a significant anti-diabetic effect (P ≤ 0.05). This effect may be due to the presence of flavonoids, saponins and fatty acids in the extract, which could function through different mechanisms. Furthermore, pancreas tissue regeneration was histologically clean. However, further research is needed to isolate and elucidate the bioactive compound(s) responsible for its anti-diabetic properties, as well as its molecular mechanism of action.Conclusion: This study suggests the anti-diabetic potential of date palm seed extract, which might be due to its hypoglycemic properties.
Remote care and triage of obstetric patients with COVID-19 in the community: operational considerations
Authors: Bircher Charles , Wilkes Matt , Zahradka Nicole , Wells Emily , Prosser-Snelling Edward
Published: March 2022

Background
During the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, routine antenatal care was disrupted, and pregnant women positive for COVID-19 were at increased risk of caesarean section or neonatal unit admission for their baby. Virtual care and telehealth can reduce barriers to care and improve maternity outcomes, and adoption has been encouraged by health authorities in the United Kingdom.
Methods
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals Trust deployed a flexible maternity virtual ward (MVW) service using the Current Health platform to care for pregnant women during the pandemic. Patients were monitored either intermittently with finger pulse oximetry or continuously with a wearable device. We outline the MVW technology, intervention and staffing model, triage criteria and patient feedback, as an example of an operational model for other institutions.
Results
Between October 2021 and February 2022, 429 patients were referred, of which 228 were admitted to the MVW. Total bed-days was 1,182, mean length of stay was 6 days (SD 2.3, range 1–14 days). Fifteen (6.6%) required hospital admission and one (0.4%) critical care. There were no deaths. Feedback alluded to feelings of increased safety, comfort, and ease with the technology.
Conclusions
The MVW offered a safety net to pregnant women positive for COVID-19. It provided reassurance for staff, while relieving pressures on infrastructure. When setting up similar services in future, attention should be given to identifying clinical champions, triage criteria, technology and alarm selection, and establishing flexible escalation pathways that can adapt to changing patterns of disease.
Investigation Genomic Landscapes, Molecular Mechanisms, and Extracellular Vesicles MiRNAs in Astrocyte and Oligodendrocyte Derived Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Jafari Ehsan Asghari , Arabi Maryam , Bereimipour Ahmad
Published: March 2022

Motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord begin to die off in Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease that can be fatal. Molecular pathways in neurological disease, especially ALS, remain a challenge in the medical sciences. In this disease, a disorder in both astrocytes and oligodendrocytes can cause the disease to progress. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms and find key elements between these two cells in ALS with a bioinformatics perspective. In this study, using integrated and continuous bioinformatics analytics by various tools and databases, we investigated genes, protein products, and miRNAs between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The obtained data were involved in the Cellular senescence, actin cytoskeleton, cell cycle signaling pathways. Then, after careful evaluation of the information, TP53, MDM2, KRAS, PTPRC, and GSK proteins were candidates, which are regulated by hsa-miR-564, hsa-miR-496-5p, hsa-miR-324-5p, hsa-miR-296-5p, and hsa-miR-4258-3p miRNAs. Finally, the four genes had a more robust and better relationship in this study between astrocyte and oligodendrocyte derived ALS.
Does the US Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Affect Green Innovation?
Authors: RAHMAN MD AZIZUR , AHMAD RUBI , ISMAIL IZLIN
Published: March 2022

The U.S. Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a regional market-based regulatory scheme for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the electric power sector in ten northeastern states. It promotes energy efficiency, renewable energy, direct energy bill assistance to citizens, and technological innovation. Conventionally, green innovation has been one of the most effective tools for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency, energy transitions, and renewable energy. Thus, this study measures the impact of the implementation of RGGI on the firms’ green innovation initiatives. We used 20 years of panel data from the Fortune 500 list of the United States' largest companies. Based on DID, a benchmark regression, the RGGI has a significant adverse effect on the green innovation of Fortune 500 companies, and we verified these findings with multiple robustness tests. As we investigated how energy-intensive industries were affected by RGGI, we found that it slowed down green innovation, but it was not statistically significant. This study provides a novel perspective on how the RGGI influences green innovation in firms and how different types of sectors respond to the policy. In terms of policy, we believe that a well-covered and differentiated legislation that fosters green innovation while being realistic about the policy's goal and the firm's environmental attitude, like emissions reduction through green innovation, is essential.