bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
"I’m Still Here, But No One Hears You": A Qualitative Study of Young Women’s Experiences of Persistent Distress Post Maudsley and Family-Based Therapy for Adolescent Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Conti Janet Elizabeth , Joyce Caroline , Natoli Simone , Skeoch Kelsey , Hay Phillipa
Published: June 2021

Background: Maudsley and Family-Based Therapies (MFT/FBT) are the current treatment of choice for adolescent AN based on positive outcomes that include weight restoration in around two-thirds of adolescents. Nevertheless around a quarter drop-out from treatment, particularly in the earlier phases, and a notable proportion of treated adolescents are reported to experience ongoing psychological distress during and post-treatment. This study explores the under-researched experiences of these adolescents. Method: Fourteen participants from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom were interviewed about their experiences of MFT/FBT. An inductive thematic analysis of interview transcript data generated key themes related to their experiences, identity negotiations and the discursive materials these used to construct these. Results: The participants identified working as a family unit as key to their recovery, highlighting the importance of family therapy interventions for adolescent AN. However, they perceived an almost exclusive focus on weight restoration in the first phase of MFT/FBT was associated with experiences that included a relative neglect of their psychological distress and a loss of voice. Key within these experiences were processes whereby the adolescent engaged in identity negotiation and (re)claiming of their voice and implicit in their family standing with them in the treatment was that their life was worth saving. What was noted as most helpful was when therapists advocated and took into consideration their unique needs and preferences and tailored treatment interventions to these. Conclusions: There is a need to develop and research treatments that address, from the outset of treatment, the adolescents’ psychological distress (including as experienced in the context of their weight restoration). This should be with priority accorded to the adolescent’s voice and identity negotiations, as they and their families take steps to address the physical crisis of AN and in doing so, support more holistic and durable recovery.
Reactive Oxygen Species Limit Intestinal Mucosa-Bacteria Homeostasis in Vitro
Authors: Luchan Joshua , Choi Christian , Carrier Rebecca L.
Published: June 2021

The gut microbiome and its interactions with epithelial and immune cells have wide-ranging effects on many aspects of human health. Thus, in vitro models that enable highly controlled studies of these interactions are of value, yet critical parameters enabling long term homeostasis between bacteria and mammalian cultures have not been established. In this study, we developed a model incorporating epithelial and immune cells as well as different bacterial species (B. fragilis, E. coli, L. rhamnosus, or R. gnavus) over a 50 hour culture period. Interestingly, both obligate and facultative anaerobes grew to similar extents in aerobic culture environments in co-culture with epithelial and immune cells, potentially due to measured microaerobic oxygen levels near the epithelial apical surface. It was demonstrated that bacteria elicited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and that these species heavily contribute to observed epithelial barrier damage in these static cultures. Introduction of a ROS scavenger significantly mitigated ROS-mediated damage, improving cell monolayer integrity and reducing lipid peroxidation, although not to control (bacteria-free culture) levels. These results indicate that monitoring and mitigating ROS concentrations can enable longer term bacteria-intestinal epithelial cultures, but also highlight the significance of additional factors that impact homeostasis in mammalian cell-bacteria systems.
Low-Dose Dual-Source Computed Tomography for Evaluating Persistent Truncus Arteriosus Associated with Cardiovascular Anomalies: Comparison with Transthoracic Echocardiography
Authors: Tang Si-shi , Wang Qi-ling , Shi Ke , Guo Ying-kun , Jiang Li , Wang Jin , Li Yuan , Yang Zhi-gang
Published: June 2021

BackgroundTo assess the morphological features of persistent truncus arteriosus (PTA) on low-dose dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) and compare its diagnostic value for associated cardiovascular anomalies with that of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).Methods:Twenty-four PTA patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. The types of PTA, diameters of the truncus artery (TA), main pulmonary artery (MPA), right pulmonary artery (RPA), left pulmonary artery (LPA), and ventricular septal defect (VSD) on DSCT were recorded. Besides, all associated cardiovascular abnormalities were assessed. The diagnostic performance of DSCT and TTE for associated anomalies were compared. The effective doses of DSCT were calculated.Results:Four types were found: type A1(n=13/24, 54.17%), type A2(n=7/24, 29.16%), type A3（n=3/24, 12.50%）and type A4(n=1/24,4.17%). The mean diameter of VSD, TA, MPA, RPA, and LPA was 1.47±0.56cm, 3.92±1.56cm, 2.27±1.65cm, 1.48±0.74cm and 1.38±0.66cm, respectively. 78 associated cardiovascular anomalies were confirmed. The most common associated abnormalities were VSD (100%), right-sided aortic arch (33.33%) and aortopulmonary collateral vessels (29.17%). Although TTE was better at diagnosing intracardiac anomalies (accuracy:99.17% vs. 95%; sensitivity: 97.06% vs. 88.24%; specificity: 100% vs. 97.67%), DSCT had an advantage in diagnosing the associated cardiovascular abnormalities (accuracy: 98.61% vs. 96.07%; sensitivity: 94.87% vs. 82.05%; specificity: 99.44% vs. 99.15%). The estimated mean effective doses was 0.98±0.37mSv (＜1mSv). Conclusions:Low-dose DSCT could accurately confirm the morphological features of PTA. Compared to TTE, low-dose DSCT is a better diagnostic tool for associated cardiovascular abnormalities. Combining with TTE will be beneficial to provide more accurate information for clinical interventions.
Development of a Powerful Synthetic Hybrid Promoter to Improve the Cellulase System of Trichoderma Reesei for Efficient Saccharification of Corncob Residues
Authors: Wang Yifan , Liu Ruiyan , Liu Hong , Li Xihai , Shen Linjing , Zhang Weican , Song Xin , Liu Weifeng , Liu Xiangmei , Zhong Yaohua
Published: June 2021

Background: The filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei is a widely used workhorse for cellulase production in industry due to its prominent secretion capacity of extracellular cellulolytic enzymes. However, some key components are not always sufficient in this cellulase cocktail, making the conversion of cellulose-based biomass costly on the industrial scale. Development of strong and efficient promoters would enable cellulase cocktail to be optimized for bioconversion of biomass.Results: In this study, a synthetic hybrid promoter was constructed and applied to optimize the cellulolytic system of T. reesei for efficient saccharification towards corncob residues. Firstly, a promoter library was established by sequence truncation based on the strong constitutive promoter Pcdna1. The strongest promoter amongst them was Pcdna1-3, exhibiting a 1.4-fold higher activity than that of the native cdna1 promoter. Meanwhile, the activation region (-821 to -622 bp upstream of the translation initiation codon ATG and devoid of the Cre1-binding sites) of the strong inducible promoter Pcbh1 was cloned and identified to be an amplifier in initiating gene expression. Finally, this activation region was fused to the strongest promoter Pcdna1-3, generating the novel synthetic hybrid promoter Pcc. This engineered promoter Pcc drove strong gene expression by displaying 1.6- and 1.8-fold stronger fluorescence intensity than Pcbh1 and Pcdna1 under the inducible condition using egfp as the reporter gene, respectively. Furthermore, Pcc was applied to overexpress the Aspergillus niger β-glucosidase BGLA coding gene bglA and the native endoglucanase EG2 coding gene eg2, achieving a 43.5-fold BGL activity and 1.2-fold EG activity increase, respectively. Ultimately, to overcome the defects of the native cellulase system in T. reesei, the bglA and eg2 were co-overexpressed under the control of Pcc promoter. The bglA-eg2 double expression strain QPEB70 exhibited a 178% increase in total cellulase activity, whose cellulase system displayed 2.3- and 2.4-fold higher saccharification efficiency towards acid-pretreated and delignified corncob residues than the parental strain, respectively.Conclusions: The synthetic hybrid promoter Pcc was generated and employed to improve the cellulase system of T. reesei by expressing specific components. Therefore, construction of synthetic hybrid promoters would allow particular cellulase genes to be expressed at desired levels, which is a viable strategy to optimize the cellulolytic enzyme system for efficient biomass bioconversion.
The Implications of Hyperoxia, Type 1 Diabetes, and Sex on Cardiovascular Physiology in Mice
Authors: Bojkovic Katarina , Rodgers Jennifer Leigh , Vichare Riddhi , Nandi Asmita , Mansour Hussein , Saleem Faizan , Abidin Zain Ul , Vanthenapalli Sahit , Cheng Feng , Panguluri Siva Kumar
Published: June 2021

BackgroundOxygen supplementation, although a cornerstone of emergency and cardiovascular medicine, often results in hyperoxia, a condition characterized by excessive tissue oxygen which results in adverse cardiac remodeling and subsequent injurious effects to physiological function. Cardiac remodeling is further influenced by various risk factors, including pre-existing conditions and sex. Thus, the purpose of this experiment was to investigate cardiac remodeling in Type I Diabetic (Akita) mice subjected to hyperoxic treatment. MethodsMale and female Akita and wild-type (WT) mice were divided into four groups based on gender and treatment, and were then subjected to either FiO2 > 90% (hyperoxia) for 72 h in an airtight chamber or normal air (normoxia). Physical, functional, and electrophysiological parameters were then evaluated. Finally, we employed correlational analysis and Multi-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) which determined hyperoxia to have the greatest statistical influence on cardiac pathophysiology, followed by sex, and finally genotype.ResultsOverall, we demonstrated that Akita mice experience distinct challenges from wild type (WT) mice. Specifically, Akita males at both normoxia and hyperoxia showed significant decreases in body and heart weights, prolonged PR, QRS, and QTc intervals, and reduced %EF and %FS at normoxia compared to WT controls. Moreover, we found Akita males largely resemble female mice (both WT and Akita) with regards to the parameters studied. ConclusionsTaken together, our data suggest that Type I diabetic patients may have distinct cardiac pathophysiology under hyperoxia compared to uncomplicated patients, with males being at high risk. These findings can be used to enhance the provision of care in ICU patients with Type I diabetes as a comorbid condition.
Expression of Wnt10b, β-catenin, Rankl and Runx2 in the Periodontal Tissues During Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Rats
Authors: Wang He , Chen SiYan , Zhang Miaomiao , Ji Kaixin , Zhang Minjie , Zhang Man , Li Yi , Zhang Yanyun
Published: June 2021

Objectiveto investigate the expression of Wnt10b, Rankl, β-catenin and Runx2 mRNA in periodontal tissues during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) in rats; Materials and methods36 healthy male SD rats were selected and divided into six groups randomly according to the time of the force applied (0 hour, 12 hours, 24 hours, 5 days, 7 days, 14 days), with 6 rats in each group. 0hour group served as the control group. Except for control group, an orthodontic force of 50g was applied to the upper-left first molar with a nickel-titanium tension spring. The expression of Wnt10b, Rankl, β-catenin and Runx2 during OTM were detected by Real-time PCR (RT-PCR). ResultsCompared with the control group, Wnt10b mRNA expression in the pressure side was inhibited at the initial stage, and then increased, reached peak at day 5. A strong expression of Rankl mRNA in the pressure side can be seen from 12 hours to 14 days. The expression level was consistently higher than control group, and it peaked at day 7. The initial expression of β-catenin and Runx2 mRNA in the periodontal tissues of the experimental groups were small in the tension side, but still higher than the control group. The expression increased gradually with the extension of time, and reached the peak at day 7 after force treatment. ConclusionWnt10b, β-catenin, Rankl and Runx2 are related to periodontal tissues remodeling during OTM in rats; Wnt10b/β-catenin signaling pathways participate in periodontal tissue remodeling during OTM.
Production of High Amylose and Resistant Starch Rice Through Targeted Mutagenesis of Starch Branching Enzyme Iib by Crispr/cas9
Authors: Wang Hsi-Chao , Hsu Yu-Chia , Wu Yong-Pei , Yeh Su-Ying , Ku Maurice S. B.
Published: June 2021

Rice is the staple food for half of the world’s population. Starch accounts for 80-90% of the total mass of rice seeds, and rice starch is low in resistant starch (RS) with a high glycemic index (GI). RS has gained important since it is beneficial in preventing various diseases. Starch branching enzyme IIb (SBEIIb) plays a key role in the amylopectin synthesis pathway in the endosperm of cereals. Down-regulation of SBEIIb in several important crops has led to high amylose, high RS and low GI starch. In this study, we mutated OsSBEIIb in the japonica rice cultivar TNG82 through CRISPR/Cas9 and investigated the molecular and physicochemical modifications in OsSBEIIb mutant lines, e.g., gene expression, enzyme activity, apparent amylose content (AAC), RS and GI. As expected, the levels of modification in these starch related traits in heterozygous mutant lines were about half as those of homozygous mutant lines. Gene expression and enzyme activity of OsSBEIIb were down-regulated significantly while AAC and RS contents increased progressively from 17.4% and 0.5% in WT, respectively, to as high as 25.0% and 7.5% in heterozygous mutant lines and 36.0% and 12.0% in homozygous mutant lines. Consequently, with increased RS and decreased rate of reducing sugar production, GI progressively decreased in heterozygous and homozygous mutant rice endosperms by 11% and 28%, respectively. Our results demonstrate that it has huge potential for precise and efficient generation of high RS and low GI rice through CRISPR/Cas9 to provide a more suitable source of starch for type II diabetes.
Phosphoproteomics of Cold Stress-Responsive Mechanisms in Rhododendron Chrysanthum
Authors: liu yunbo , Zhang Ziyao , Fan Hang , Tan Yun , Zhou Xiaofu , Xu Hongwei
Published: June 2021

Background: As an alpine plants，Rhododendron chrysanthum (R. chrysanthum) has evolved cold resistance mechanisms and become a valuable plant resource with the responsive mechanism of cold stress. Results: In my study, we adopt the phosphoproteomic and proteomic analysis combining with physiological measurement to illustrate the responsive mechanism of R. chrysanthum seedling under cold (4℃) stress. After chilling for 12 h, 350 significantly changed proteins and 274 significantly changed phosphoproteins were detected. COG analysis showed that significantly changed proteins and phosphoproteins were mainly involved in signal transduction and energy production and conversion under cold stress. The results indicated photosynthesis was inhibited under cold stress, but cold induced calcium-mediated signaling, reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis and other transcription regulation factors could protect plants from destruction caused by cold stress. Conclusions: These data constitute a cold stress-responsive metabolic atlas in R. chrysanthum, which will springboard further investigations into the complex molecular mechanisms of plant cold adaptation.
Clinical Efficacy of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 (SGLT2) Inhibitor in Cardiovascular Outcomes Among Patients with and Without Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lee Mei-Chuan , Hua Yi-Ming , Yang Chun-Ting , Chang Wei-Ting , Kuo Fang-Hsiu , Tang Hsin-Ju , Toh Han Siong , Yu Tsung , Strong Carol , Chang Hung-Yu , Liao Chia-Te
Published: June 2021

BackgroundHeart failure (HF) has become a healthcare challenge worldwide. Recently, certain trials on sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor showed benefits for patients with HF. This study aimed to systematically review the literature and investigate the clinical efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors in cardiovascular events among patients with and without HF. Methods We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in PubMed, Cochrane databases, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov registry form inception to October 2020. Dichotomous variables were pooled using a random-effects model and presented with a risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup meta-analyses were carried out by high/low SGLT2/SGLT1 selectivity and individual SGLT2 inhibitor.ResultsA total of 10 RCTs comprised of 52,607 patients were eligible for the analyses. SGLT2 inhibitors reduced the risk of total cardiovascular death or hospitalization for HF (RR 0.79, [95% CI: 0.74 to 0.84]; p < 0.01, I2 = 31%). Apart from stroke, SGLT2 inhibitors contributed to a risk reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, RR 0.93, [95% CI: 0.88 to 0.99]; p = 0.03, I2 = 0), all-cause mortality (RR 0.92, [95% CI: 0.85 to 0.99]; p = 0.03, I2 = 0), cardiovascular death (RR 0.91, [95% CI: 0.83 to 0.99]; p = 0.03, I2 = 0), hospitalization for HF (RR 0.72, [95% CI: 0.66 to 0.79]; p < 0.01, I2 = 0), and myocardial infarction (RR 0.89, [95% CI: 0.80 to 0.99]; p = 0.03, I2 = 0). For HF patients, SGLT2 inhibitors had more clinical benefits in terms of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular death, while advantages were observed in MACE and myocardial infarction for non-HF patients. Furthermore, SGLT2 inhibitors with low SGLT2/SGLT1 selectivity have better efficacy for hospitalization of HF, compared with high-selectivity inhibitors (RR 0.51 [95% CI: 0.35-0.75] versus 0.73 [95% CI: 0.66-0.81] for HF patients). ConclusionsSGLT2 inhibitors significantly mitigate hospitalization for HF. Between HF and non-HF populations, this regimen reduce mortality for HF patients and improve MACE and myocardial infarction for non-HF patients. The SGLT2 inhibitor, mixed with the effect of SGLT1 inhibitors, may lead to a lower risk of hospitalization for HF.
Interleukin Receptor Antagonist Inhibits Matastatic Potential by Down-Regulating CXCL12/CXCR4 Signaling Axis in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ma Jiachi , Liang Wanqing , Qiang Yaosheng , Li Lei , Du Jun , Pan Chengwu , Chen Bangling , Zhang Chengsong , Chen Yuzhong , Wang Qingkang
Published: June 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the co-operative role of CXCR4/ CXCL12 axis and IL-1Ra in metastatic processes mechanism by interactions between colorectal cancer cells and stromal cells in their microenvironment. Methods: Expression of IL-1a, CXCL12 and CXCR4 mRNA and proteins were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot. The effect of secreted level of CXCL12 by IL-1Ra on fibroblasts was measured by ELISA. CXCL12 regulate metastatic potential of colorectal cancer was evaluated by proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis assays, respectively, in which invasion and angiogenesis assays used an in vitro system consisting of co-cultured colorectal cells and stromal cells. Results: IL-1a was expressed in high liver metastatic colorectal cancer cell lines (HT-29 and WiDr). The colorectal cancer cell-derived IL-1a and rIL-1a significantly promoted CXCL12 expression by fibroblasts, and this enhancing effect can be significantly inhibited by IL-1Ra (P<0.01). CXCL12 not only enhanced the migration and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), but also significantly enhanced angiogenesis (P<0.01). Furthermore, the high liver-metastatic colorectal cancer cell line (HT-29), which secretes IL-1a, significantly enhanced angiogenesis compared to the low liver-metastatic cell line (CaCo-2), which does not produce IL-1a (P<0.01). On the contrary, IL-1Ra can significantly inhibit migration, proliferation and angiogenesis (P<0.01). Conclusion: Autocrine IL-1a and paracrine CXCL12 co-enhances the metastatic potential of colorectal cancer cells; IL-1Ra can inhibit the metastatic potential of colorectal cancer cells via decrease IL-1a/CXCR4/CXCL12 signaling pathways.
Efficacy and Safety of Semaglutide in Glycemic Control and Body Weight Management Among Obese Type 2 Diabetes Patients Initiated or Switched to Semaglutide From Other GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Authors: Okamoto Aki , Yokokawa Hirohide , Nagamine Tomoko , Fukuda Hiroshi , Hisaoka Teruhiko , Naito Toshio
Published: June 2021

Background: Evidence of the efficacy and safety of semaglutide among patients with type 2 diabetes who were initiated on or were switched to semaglutide from other GLP-1 RAs remains limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of switching to semaglutide from other GLP-1 RAs.Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated patients with type 2 diabetes who were initiated on or were switched to semaglutide due to poor diabetes control with other GLP-1 RAs or other medications, or obesity. HbA1c, body weight, serum creatinine, serum uric acid, parameters of lipid metabolism, and parameters of liver function were measured before and 6 months after administration of semaglutide.Results: A total of 50 patients were registered: 21 men and 29 women, aged 51.3 years. Mean body mass index was 32.2 kg/m2, and serum C-peptide was 2.7mg/mL. After switching to semaglutide (n=43), HbA1c and body weight significantly decreased from 6.72 % to 6.22 % and from 86.5 kg to 82.7 kg, respectively. The same findings were observed in semaglutide-naïve patients (n=7). Serum uric acid, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio decreased significantly as well, whereas serum creatinine did not change significantly. Conclusion: Semaglutide showed excellent efficacy, even in patients switched from other GLP-1 RAs. Semaglutide appears to be a promising agent for blood glucose and body weight control in obese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and could be more potent in treating type 2 diabetes than existing GLP-1 RAs.
The Pedigree Analysis of EGFR p.V1010M Germline Mutation in a Family with a Family History of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Li Na , Huang Depei , Liu Chunyi , Xiong Lan , She Xueke , Shen Xudong , Zhang Hushan , Jiang Youfan
Published: June 2021

Background: The causes of tumor can be divided into genetic factors and environmental factors, but previous studies have shown that genetic factors contribute less to lung cancer. EGFR is the most common driver gene in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but most variations are found as somatic variations. In this study, we reported a pedigree of EGFR p.V1010M germline mutation for the first time, and explored the correlation between V1010M and NSCLC disease occurrence. Furthermore, the effect of the V1010M on the treatment of EGFR-TKIs was investigated through the treatment of the proband with simultaneous somatic mutation of EGFR p.L858R.Methods: The families were screened by NGS and Sanger sequencing, and the pedigree was drawn to investigate the relationship between EGFR p.V1010M and the occurrence of NSCLC disease. Schrodinger software was used to predict the structural function of mutant amino acid sequence proteins.Results: A total of 10 blood samples were collected from four generations of the family members, many of whom suffered from lung cancer. And 6 carriers of EGFR p.V1010M were detected. Pedigree analysis showed that there was still no evidence of correlation between EGFR p.V1010M and disease occurrence. Meanwhile, the proband detected the somatic mutation of EGFR p.L858R, and the response after the treatment of gifitinib was SD, which turned to PD 4 months later. Schrodinger software showed that the 1010th amino acid valine was located near the C terminal, and the variation to methionine had little effect on the structure of EGFR dimer.Conclusion: This study is the first report of a pedigree with EGFR p.V1010M germline mutation, which might be a pathogenic mutation and associated with EGFR-TKIs resistance in NSCLC.
VEDAS: An Efficient GPU Alternative for Store and Query of Large RDF Data Sets
Authors: Makpaisit Pisit , chantrapornchai chantana
Published: June 2021

Resource Description Framework (RDF) is commonly used as a standard for data interchange on the web. The collection of RDF data sets can form a large graph which consume time to query. It is known that modern Graphic Processing Units (GPUs) can be employed to execute parallel programs in order to speedup the running time. In this paper, we propose a novel RDF data representation along with the query processing algorithm that is suitable for GPU processing. Since the main challenges of GPU architecture are the limited memory sizes, the memory transfer latency, and the vast number of GPU cores. Our system is designed to strengthen the use of GPU cores and reduce the effect of memory transfer. We propose a representation consists of indices and column-based RDF ID data that can save GPU memory requirement. The indices and pre-upload filtering technique are then applied to reduce the data transfer between host and GPU memory. We add the index swapping process to facilitate the sort and join the data with the given variable and add the pre-upload step to reduce the size of results’ storage, and the data transfer time. The experimental results show that our representation is about 35% smaller that the traditional NT format and 40% less compared to that of gStore. The query processing time can be speedup ranging from 1.95 to 397.03 when compared with RDF3X and gStore processing time with WatDiv testsuite. It achieves speedup 578.57 and 62.97 for LUBM benchmark when compared to RDF-3X and gStore. The analysis shows the query cases which can gain benefits from our approach.
Ghana’s Nuclear Power and Its Role in Climate Change
Authors: Dawood A.M.A. , Darko Emmanuel O. , Glover Eric T.
Published: June 2021

The Ghana Nuclear Power Agenda is a programme laid out by the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission in collaboration with the government of Ghana to guide and facilitate the installation of Ghana’s first ever nuclear power plant. The nuclear power plant is expected to generate between 1000 and 12800 MW of electricity from its very first and final installations in a span of 20 years. Ghana's Third National Communication (TNC) Report to the UNFCCC indicates 59 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MtCO2e) emission in 2011. Between 1991 and 2011, Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions grew by 20% as energy intensity of the economy rose alongside with a growing demand in industry, transport and households. If nothing is done to curtail GHG emission from fossil-source power plants, the looming catastrophe of the changing climate will occur faster than we imagine. On the basis of this, advocacy for nuclear power has been intensified in Ghana. Nuclear power is not only environmentally friendly (zero-to-low carbon emission), it is efficient and sustainable source of energy. It offers current and future energy needs without burdening future generations with a broken environment. Using Monte Carlo’s model, the current study estimates a cumulative increase (35%) in CO2 emission between 2016 and 2026 without nuclear power in Ghana’s energy mix. With the inclusion of nuclear power in the country’s energy mix by 2029, the model estimates CO2 emission cut by 12.5% between 2029 and 2039. Thus, given the same period of time, the rate of emission of CO2 was found to be more than twice its reduction.
How Often Should Dead-Reckoned Animal Movement Paths be Corrected for Drift?
Authors: gunner Richard Michael , Holton Mark D , Scantlebury Mike D , Hopkins Phil , Shepard Emily LC , Fell Adam J , Garde Baptiste , Quintana Flavio , Gómez-Laich Agustina , Yoda Ken , Yamamoto Takashi , English Holly , Ferreira Sam , Govender Danny , Viljoen Pauli , Bruns Angela , Schalkwyk O. Louis van , Cole Nik C , Tatayah Vikash , Börger Luca , Redcliffe James , Bell Stephen H , Marks Nikki J , Bennett Nigel C , Tonini Mariano H , Williams Hannah J , Duarte Carlos M , Rooyen Martin C van , Bertelsen Mads F , Tambling Craig J , Wilson Rory P
Published: June 2021

BackgroundUnderstanding what animals do in time and space is important for a range of ecological questions, however accurate estimates of how animals use space is challenging. Within the use of animal-attached tags, radio telemetry (including the Global Positioning System (GPS)) is typically used to verify an animal’s location periodically. Straight lines are typically drawn between these ‘Verified Positions’ (VPs) so the interpolation of space-use is limited by the temporal- and spatial resolution of the system’s measurement. As such, parameters such as route-taken and distance travelled can be poorly represented when using VP systems alone. Dead-reckoning has been suggested as a technique to improve the accuracy and resolution of reconstructed movement paths, whilst maximising battery life of VP systems. This typically involves deriving travel vectors from motion sensor systems and periodically correcting path dimensions for drift with simultaneously deployed VP systems. How often paths should be corrected for drift, however, has remained unclear.Methods & ResultsHere, we review the utility of dead-reckoning across four contrasting model species using different forms of locomotion (the African lion Panthera leo, the Red-tailed tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda, the Magellanic penguin Spheniscus magellanicus, and the Imperial cormorant Leucocarbo atriceps). Simulations were performed to examine the extent of dead-reckoning error, relative to VPs, as a function of Verified Position correction (VP correction) rate and the effect of this on estimates of distance moved. Dead-reckoning error was greatest for animals travelling within air and water. We demonstrate how sources of measurement error can arise within VP-corrected dead-reckoned tracks and propose advancements to this procedure to maximise dead-reckoning accuracy.ConclusionsWe review the utility of VP-corrected dead-reckoning according to movement type and consider a range of ecological questions that would benefit from dead-reckoning, primarily concerning animal-barrier interactions and foraging strategies.
Comparative Study of the Functional Outcomes of Combined Medial-lateral Approach Arthrolysis With or Without External Fixation for Severe Elbow Stiffness
Authors: Xiao Dan , Gong Maoqi , chen Chen , Zha Yejun , Li Ting , Ji Shangwei , Hua Kehan , Sun Weitong , Jiang Xieyuan
Published: June 2021

Background: To evaluate and compare the functional outcomes of combined medial-lateral approach open arthrolysis with and without hinged external fixation. Methods: We retrospectively collected and analysed the clinical data of patients with severe elbow stiffness who were treated in our center from January 2018 to January 2019. All of them were treated with combined medial-lateral approach arthrolysis. There were 20 patients who had the hinged external fixation placed and 29 patients without the placement of the external fixation. Their baseline characteristics and functional outcomes were evaluated and compared. Results: The average follow-up time was 28.4±3.7 months. There were no significant differences in the ROM of the elbow, MEPS, VAS, DASH, or complications between the two groups. The operation time and cost of the patients without external fixation were significantly lower than patients with external fixation. Conclusion: Combined medial-lateral approach open elbow arthrolysis without external fixation is a safe and effective way to treat elbow stiffness. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III; Retrospective Cohort Comparison; Treatment Study.
Gut Microbiota of Ostrinia Nubilalis Larvae Degrade Maize Cellulose
Authors: Li Junfeng , Chen Sifan , Tao Xuxiong , Shao Tao
Published: June 2021

BackgroundWhile most insects rely on gut bacteria to digest cellulose and produce sugars or fatty acids that are then available to the host, this has been disputed in Lepidopteran larvae due to their simple gut morphology and rapid digestive throughput. The European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), is a devastating pest that feeds the lignocellulose-rich tissues of maize plants. However, the potential role of ECB gut microbes in degrading maize cellulose remains unexplored. Here, we investigate the gut microbiota of ECB fed with different diets and the potential function of their gut bacteria in maize lignocellulose degradation.ResultsThe diversity and composition of gut bacterial communities varied dramatically between the ECB larva fed with artificial diets (ECB-D) and maize plants (ECB-M). Draft genomes of the bacterial isolates from ECB-D and ECB-M show that the principal degraders of cellulose mainly belonged to Firmicutes or Proteobacteria and were primarily found in the midgut. The bacterial isolates contained genes encoding various carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZyme). Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed significant breakdown of lignocellulose in maize treated by the two bacterial isolates for nine days in vitro. Cellulose content in maize particles treated with BI-M were significantly lower than those treated with BI-D or the control (Kruskal–Wallis test: Χ2 = 6.72, df = 2; P = 0.0259). Metabolomic analyses reveal that maize particles treated by two bacterial isolates generate distinctive metabolomic profiles, with enrichment for different monosaccharides and amino acids.ConclusionThe results indicated that the diet of the host impacts the composition and the function of its gut microbiota, and that ECB exploits specific gut microbes to digest maize lignocellulose with distinctive products. Our study provides valuable microbiota resources for lignocellulose bioconversion.
Direct in Vitro Organogenesis From Sprouted Seeds of a Highly Economical and Ecological Valued Tree, Korean Pine
Authors: Liang Yan , Bai Xue , Xu Xin , Xu Hongguo , Wang Jing , Pan Peng
Published: June 2021

The de novo organogenesis system for Korean pine of this economically and ecologically coniferous species was success fully established using sprouted seeds as the original explants. After 30 days of incubation, 92.67% of explants produced direct shoots on Gupta and Durzan(DCR) medium containing 2 mg · L −1 kinetin (KT) in combination 0.5 mg · L −1 thidiazuron (TDZ) with a maximum of about 15 shoots per explant respectively. We also confirmed the organogenic regeneration pattern by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation. For shoot elongation and growth after 60 days of culture, we obtained the highest mean length of 34.99 mm from DCR basal media supplemented with 6-benzyladenine (6-BA; 0.2 mg · L −1 ), 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA; 0.1 mg · L −1 ), and activated charcoal (AC; 1 g · L −1 ). The highest rooting percentages of 20.74-21.48% were observed within two months in the 1/2 DCR medium (major elements halved) enriched with 0.05 mg·L −1 NAA and 0.5 or 1 mg · L −1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). Rooted plants showed a survival rate of 90.28% in perlite: peat: vermiculite = 1:1:1 after acclimatization. This protocol is a successful and efficient biotechnological approach to the micropropagation of Korean pine, and these data will be helpful to the clonal propagation and conservation of Korean pine.
The Mobility of Income-related Inequality in Food Preferences Among Chinese Adults: a Population-based Longitudinal Study
Authors: Xu Yongjian , Zhou Yiting , Zhu Siyu , Pramono Andi , Liu Liying , Zhu Liang
Published: June 2021

Background:This study aimed to investigate the income-related inequality of food preference and its mobility in the long run, and to quantify the determinants’ contributions of socioeconomic inequality mobility in food preference in China.Methods:The data were sourced from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) conducted in 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015, respectively. A study sample of 3940 adults were included for analysis. Five preselected questions were used to construct a summary food preference index. Cross-sectional and longitudinal concentration indices were used to measure the income-related inequality in food preference at a certain time and for a period, respectively. Health-related income mobility index was used to measure the gap between cross-sectional and longitudinal income-related health inequality concentration indices. Decomposition analysis was used to decompose income mobility index into its determinants.Results:The mean scores of food preference increased from 17.641 in 2006 to 18.881 in 2015. The richest people had the highest mean scores of food preference compared to other income groups in each year. Age, gender, income, education, and dietary knowledge score were positively associated with healthy food preference. The concentration indices of food preference score on income in each year were all positive, indicating that there was pro-rich inequality in food preference score with the rich having higher preference scores in each period. The income mobility index of food preference was -0.1426 after 4 periods, indicating that the degree of pro-rich inequality in food preference was larger than that at the baseline in the long run. Decomposition analysis showed that being married and living in Western China made healthy food preference more concentrated among the rich in the long run. Whereas increasing age and dietary knowledge contributed to making healthy food preference behavior less concentrated among the rich in the long run.Conclusions:The cross-sectional measure of food preference score inequality was underestimated in the long run. Our study suggests that people with decreased income could be taken as targeted population in future public intervention measures, and narrowing the regional gap between Eastern and Western China could be strengthened in future Chinese policies.
Protocol for Chinese Herbal Medicines Decoction Treatment of Angina Pectoris: a Systematic Review With Bayesian Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Li Nan , Pang Wentai , Yang Fengwen , Pang Bo , Jin Xinyao , Wang Keyi , Zheng Wenke , Zhang Junhua
Published: June 2021

Background Angina pectoris (AP) is the primary symptom of coronary heart disease. Evidence has shown Chinese herbal medicines can bring benefits to patients suffering from AP. There are many kinds of herbal medicines. However, the difference between them has not been systematically analysed. It is uncertain which one is better. For comparison and ranking, a systematic review and network meta-analysis is needed. Methods We will search for the following 6 electronic databases: China Biological Medicine DataBase(CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), WanFang Database, PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library, from inception to May 2021. Randomized controlled trials, which aim to assess the efficacy and safety of 5 kinds of Chinese herbal medicine for AP will be included. The outcomes include reduction of AP, improvement of the electrocardiogram and adverse events. The study screening and data extraction will be presented by 2 researchers. The risk of bias will be assessed according to the Cochrane handbook. A Bayesian network meta-analysis will be performed to compare the efficacy of 5 Chinese herbal medicines. Surface under the cumulative rank curve value will be calculated to rank the efficacy of each herbal medicine.DiscussionOur protocol will be expected that the results of this study will provide evidence for Clinical Practice Guideline, clinical decisions, and development of proprietary Chinese medicines.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO registration number: CRD42019146185.
A Novel Ultrasound-guided With Needle Visualization Pericardiocentesis Via Subcostal Approach
Authors: Adi Osman , Shamsudin Nurul Shaliza , Fong Chan Pei , Baherin Muhammad Faiz , Ahmad Azma Haryaty
Published: June 2021

Cardiac tamponade is a condition when fluids or blood fill the pericardial space resulting in compression of the heart and subsequently compromising hemodynamic status of the patient. It is a potentially fatal medical or traumatic emergency that requires rapid recognition and immediate treatment. Formerly, blind or surgical techniques were used to aspirate the pericardial fluid and they were associated with plenty of risks and complications. In the recent era, medical technology development has enabled us to perform the procedure safely with the assistance of ultrasound devices. The ultrasound-guided procedure is not only proven to be effective and safe, but it also has very minimal drawbacks and complications. In the literature, there are many ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis procedures performed with different approaches at different regions. They include subcostal, parasternal, and para-apical approaches and phased array echocardiography transducers are typically preferred for the procedures. We report a case of cardiac tamponade presented with hemodynamic compromise. Ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis was carried out using in-plane technique with high frequency linear ultrasound transducer at the subcostal region as lifesaving procedure. This particular technique provided full visualization of needle trajectory throughout the procedure. It was successfully completed with no complications and patient’s hemodynamic status improved post-procedure. This article highlights the novel use of in-plane method with high frequency linear transducer at subcostal area as a safe option for pericardiocentesis in patients with cardiac tamponade.
Elevating PKM2 Expression Indicates a Biomarker of Poor Prognosis in Patients With Liver Cancer
Authors: Lv Chaoxiang , Zhang Qiqi , Li Yuanguo , Li Entao , Li Fangxu , Wang Tiecheng , Zhu Dandan
Published: June 2021

M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase (PKM2) plays an important role in reprogramming of cell metabolism which is a hall-marker of tumorigenesis. PKM2 expression altering is closely related to cancer metabolism and tumor growth. In the present study, we analyzed the role of PKM2 expression in liver cancer in order to clarify its potential application value in the diagnosis and prognosis of liver cancer patients. In cancerous liver tissues, the PKM2 expression was significantly higher than normal tissues. High PKM2 expressing was related to patient’s age, gender, histological type, grade, stage, T classification and poor survival. Patients with Higher PKM2 expression had a shorter OS (P = 0.0013) and RFS (P = 0.027). ROC and Multivariate Cox analysis showed that high PKM2expression was a risk factor for patients’ poor prognosis. GSEA identified mitotic spindle, PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, notch signaling, apoptosis, G2M checkpoint and Wnt/β- Cantenin signaling were enriched with high PKM2 expression phenotype. These findings suggested PKM2 expression has potential as a predictive biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with liver cancer.
GLP-1(9-36), a GLP-1 cleavage product, protects against oxidative stress and apoptosis through PI3K/Akt/NOS pathway in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts
Authors: Nuamnaichati Narawat , Parichatikanond Warisara , Mangmool Supachoke
Published: June 2021

GLP-1(7–36), a major active form of GLP-1 hormone, is rapidly cleaved by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 to generate a truncated metabolite, GLP-1(9–36) which has a low affinity for GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R). GLP-1(7–36) has been shown to have protective effects on cardiovascular system through GLP-1R-dependent way. Nevertheless, the cardioprotective effects of GLP-1(9–36) have not fully understood. The present study investigated the effects of GLP-1(9–36), including its underlying mechanisms against oxidative stress and apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. Here, we reported that GLP-1(9–36) protects H9c2 cardiomyoblasts from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress by promoting the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase-1, catalase, and heme oxygenase-1. In addition, treatment with GLP-1(9–36) suppressed H2O2-induced apoptosis by attenuating caspase-3 activity and upregulating proapoptotic proteins, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. These protective effects of GLP-1(9–36) are attenuated by blockade of PI3K-mediated Akt phosphorylation and prevention of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-induced NO production. Collectively, GLP-1(9–36) represents the potential therapeutic target for prevention of oxidative stress and apoptosis in the heart.
Qualitative Research to Inform Economic Modelling: Older People’s Views on Implementing the Nice Falls Prevention Guideline in English Community Context.
Authors: Kwon Joseph , Lee Yujin , Young Tracey , Squires Hazel , Harris Janet
Published: June 2021

Background: High prevalence of falls among older persons makes falls prevention a public health priority. Yet community-based falls prevention face complexity in implementation and any commissioning strategy should be subject to rigorous economic evaluation to ensure cost-effective use of scarce healthcare resources. The study aims to capture the subjective views of older people in Sheffield on implementing the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline on community-based falls prevention and explore how the qualitative data can be used to inform commissioning strategies and the conceptual modelling of falls prevention economic evaluation. Methods: Focus group and interview participants (n=27) were recruited from Sheffield, England, and comprised falls prevention service users and eligible non-users of varying falls risks. Topics concerned key components of the NICE-recommended falls prevention pathway, including falls risk screening, multifactorial risk assessment and treatment uptake and adherence. Views on other topics concerning falls were also invited. Framework analysis was applied for data analysis, involving data familiarisation, identifying themes, indexing, charting and mapping and interpretation. The qualitative data were mapped to three frameworks: (1) facilitators and barriers to implementing the NICE-recommended pathway and contextual factors; (2) intervention-related causal mechanisms for formulating commissioning strategies spanning context, priority setting, need, supply and demand; and (3) methodological and evaluative challenges for public health economic modelling. Results: Two cross-component factors were identified: health motives of older persons; and professional competence. Participants highlighted the need for intersectoral approaches and prioritising the vulnerable groups. The local commissioning strategy should consider the socioeconomic, linguistic, geographical, legal and cultural contexts, priority setting challenges, supply-side mechanisms spanning provider, organisation, funding and policy (including intersectoral) and health and non-health demand motives. Methodological and evaluative challenges identified included: incorporating wider costs and effects; considering dynamic complexity in ageing process; considering social determinants of health; and conducting equity analyses. Conclusions: Holistic qualitative research can inform how commissioned falls prevention pathways can be feasible and effective. Qualitative data can inform commissioning strategies and conceptual modelling for economic evaluation of falls prevention and other geriatric interventions. This would improve the structural validity of quantitative models used to inform geriatric public health policies.