bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomics Analysis of Formic Acid Stress Response in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
Authors: Zeng Lingjie , Huang Jinxiang , Feng Pixue , Zhao Xuemei , Si Zaiyong , Long Xiufeng , Cheng Qianwei , Yi Yi
Published: August 2021

Formic acid is a representative small molecule acid cell inhibitor in lignocellulosic hydrolysate, which can inhibit the growth of yeast cells in the process of alcohol fermentation. However, the mechanism of formic acid cytotoxicity remains largely unknown. This study aimed to study the cytotoxicity of formic acid stress to Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We evaluated the effects of formic acid on growth metabolism and cell morphology of yeast cells, and comprehensively and systematically analyzed the molecular mechanism of formic acid stress tolerance through transcriptome technology. The results showed that when the concentration of formic acid was 1.8 g/L, the growth of yeast cells was significantly inhibited, the cell surface was wrinkled, and the adhesion between cells was observed, and the cell wall and cell membrane of yeast were destroyed by changing the structure of proteins and carbohydrates, resulting in cell damage. Transcriptome sequencing results showed that formic acid stress inhibited protein biosynthesis, induced oxidative stress, resulted in autophagy, impaired intracellular ATP production and increased consumption, and then impaired normal physiological and metabolic functions of cells. Yeast cells provide sufficient ATP by accelerating glucose metabolism, enhancing electron transport and ATP synthesis more energy to resist formic acid stress, and reduce the expression of genes related to energy metabolism such as intracellular amino acids to achieve an energy-saving strategy, In addition, it can also induce sexual reproduction and spore formation to improve cell tolerance to formic acid. This study initially revealed the molecular response mechanism of S. cerevisiae under formic acid stress, and provided a scientific basis for further research on methods to improve the tolerance of cell inhibitors in lignocellulose hydrolysate.
Universe: the dynamics of the minimum and maximum expansion states
Authors: Petrakis Sócrates
Published: August 2021

Two hypotheses stand out in describing the evolution of the Universe. The predominant one predicts that the current expansion began at a certain instant and will not preserve any variation of energy that performs work; apparent flat Universe (Ω = 1) is advocated by relativistic calculations and observational data, with an end or thermal death at its maximum expansion (3D Space). The other hypothesis considers that the Universe is cyclical (always alternating phases of expansion and contraction). This proposal aims to demonstrate that both hypotheses can be correct by not being distinct, but complementary. Supported by the immutability of physical laws, analyses of concepts such as space, mass, energy, gravity, spin, and entropy define an exclusive presence of 1D Space in the minimum and maximum expansion states of the Universe. With our 3D Space Universe created and existing between these extreme states, a complete universal evolution is outlined. More objectively, all the exposed dynamics complements the usual relativity. The concept of complete rest energy (1D Space) was able to be applied, demonstrating that the evolution of the entire Universe is spatially dynamic in a perpetual time dimension, always recreating our Universe.
The Unmet Demand for Point-of-Care Ultrasound Among General Pediatricians: A Needs Assessment
Authors: McGinness Anelah , Lin-Martore Margaret , Addo Newton , Shaahinar Ashkon
Published: August 2021

Background: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a noninvasive bedside tool with many pediatric applications but is not currently a formal part of pediatric training and practice. Formal needs assessments of general pediatricians regarding POCUS training are lacking. We aimed to quantify the baseline ultrasound experience and training needs of general pediatricians and pediatric residents across different practice settings.Methods: In 2020, we sent an online survey to 485 current faculty, residents, and graduates from an urban pediatric academic medical center in Northern California. Pediatric subspecialists were excluded. Survey questions about baseline experience, comfort, and perceived usefulness of 20 common POCUS applications were developed by two POCUS experts using existing literature. Chi-squared analysis was used to compare residents versus attendings and to compare attendings practicing in inpatient versus outpatient versus mixed settings. Results: Response rate was 20% (98/485). Compared to attendings (n=73), residents (n=25) endorsed more exposure to POCUS in medical school (32% vs 5%, p=0.003) and residency (12% vs 5%, p=0.003). Respondents endorsed low comfort with POCUS (mean 1.3 out of 5 on Likert scale). Of 20 procedural and diagnostic applications, respondents identified abscess drainage, bladder catheterization, soft tissue, neck, advanced abdominal, and constipation as most useful. Overall, 50% of pediatricians (and 70% of pediatric residents) responded that there were opportunities to use POCUS multiple times a week or more in their clinical practice. Conclusions: There is an unmet demand for POCUS training among general pediatricians and trainees in our study. Our results could guide design of ultrasound curricula for general pediatricians.
Predicting Wetland Occurrence in the Arid to Semi—Arid 1 Interior of the Western Cape, South Africa, for Improved 2 Mapping and Management
Authors: Kotze Donovan Charles , Rivers-Moore Nick , Grenfell Michael , Job Nancy
Published: August 2021

As for drylands globally, there has been limited effort to map and characterize such wetlands in the Western Cape interior of South Africa. Thus, the study assessed how wetland occurrence and type in the arid to semi-arid interior of the Western Cape relate to key biophysical drivers, and, through predictive modelling, to contribute towards improved accuracy of the wetland map layer. Field-verified test areas were selected to represent the aridity gradient, rainfall seasonality, hydrogeomorphic (HGM) types and physiographic zones encompassed in the study area. The arid areas of the Karoo physiographic zones had: (1) a low (<1%) proportional area of wetland; (2) an almost complete absence of seepage slope wetlands; (3) ephemeral depressions, all non-vegetated; and (4) much of the wetland associated with valley bottoms confined within a channel. The less arid mountain zones had: (1) a much higher (>3%) proportional area of wetland; and (2) wetlands being predominantly hillslope seepages, but also including valley bottom wetlands. A spatial probability surface of wetland occurrence was generated based on the statistical relationship of verified wetland presence and absence data points with a range of catchment-scale predictor variables, including topographic metrics and hydrological/climatic variables. This layer was combined with raster images of most likely HGM type within the landscape to provide a final product of wetland occurrence, attributed by HGM type. Vulnerabilities of the wetlands were identified based on key attributes of the different wetland types, and recommendations were provided for refining the wetland map for the Western Cape.
Suppression of PNPase Alleviates Gestational Diabetes Mellitus-cardiovascular Injury through Up-regulating MicroRNA-26a and Down-regulating PTEN
Authors: Liu Li , Wu# Haiying , Cheng Xianghong
Published: August 2021

Objective: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is often accompanied by cardiovascular injury (CI), while the specific pathology remains largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Polynucleotide Phosphorylase (PNPase) in GDM-CI.Methods: GDM-CI rats were modeled by giving high-glucose and high-saturated fat compound feed, and PNPase and miR-26a expression in rats was determined. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were isolated, and cells were transfected with si-PNPase, miR-26a mimic, or si-PNPase + miR-26a inhibitor. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration of VSMCs were measured by CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, and scratch test. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to verify the targeting relationship between miR-26a and PTEN. RT-qPCR was implemented to detect the expression levels of miR-26a and PTEN among cells in each group.Results: GDM-CI increased PNPase expression and decreased miR-26a expression in cardiovascular tissues of GDM-CI rats. Silencing PNPase and miR-26a upregulation reduced VSMC apoptosis, and enhanced proliferation and migration abilities in GDM-CI. Treatment with miR-26a inhibitor reversed the alleviating effect of inhibiting PNPase expression on GDM-CI. There was a targeting relationship between miR-26a and PTEN, and miR-26a mimic inhibited the expression of PTEN. Suppressed PTEN was found to relieve the GDM-CI.Conclusion: This study suggests that suppression of PNPase alleviates GDM-CI through up-regulating miR-26a and down-regulating PTEN.
The Priorities of People with Mesothelioma: A Qualitative Study of Trial Participation and Treatment Decisions
Authors: Bibby Anna , Morley Anna J , Keenan Emma , Maskell Nick A , Gooberman-Hill Rachael
Published: August 2021

BackgroundTreatment options for mesothelioma are increasing, as are the number of clinical trials available to patients. However, little is known about patients’ and relatives’ priorities when making decisions about treatment and trial participation. MethodsFace to face, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with mesothelioma patients who were participating in the TILT trial (a randomised trial of intra-pleural immunotherapy) and their relatives. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. ResultsTwelve people were interviewed, comprising five mesothelioma patients and seven relatives. Four themes were identified relating to the experience of mesothelioma: physicality, quality of life, uncertainty and risk, and anxiety and the future. A further theme related to attitudes to research participation.Participants valued physical strength and were careful not to jeopardise this with potential side effects of medication. Quality of life was important and was often prioritised over survival. Participants found ambiguity challenging and sought certainty, potentially in response to the uncertainty surrounding their future. The desire for certainty impacted on risk perception; an important factor in decision-making. Relatives often advocated on behalf of patients and were more reluctant about research participation due to concern about potential risks.ConclusionThe study confirmed previous qualitative findings around physicality, uncertainty and relatives as advocates, building on these themes to highlight their influence on decision-making. Important findings for practice include the challenges associated with risk communication and the differing care needs of relatives.
Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals In Suspended Particulate Matter In A Typical Urban River of Northern China
Authors: Li Wenye , Wenqiang ZHANG , Baoqing SHAN , Baoping SUN , Xiaoping GUO , Zhenhan LI
Published: August 2021

Suspended particulate matter (SPM) is a major contamination source in urban rivers. In this work, the Beiyun River, northern China, was used as a case study to determine the characteristics of heavy metal spatial distribution in SPM, and to evaluate the potential ecological risks and identify heavy metal sources. The concentration of seven heavy metals and associated indicators (TC, TN, TP, and OM) were measured at 12 sites and analyzed by Pearson correlation (PC) and principal component analyses (PCA). The average concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb were 70.72, 27.88, 31.35, 115.70, 27.77, 0.23, and 29.62 mg/kg, respectively, and significant spatial differences occurred between some elements. Igeo values indicated the ranking of heavy metal pollution in SPM as As > Cd > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Ni. The Eir analysis demonstrated that the order of potential ecological risk of the seven metals was Cd > As > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cr > Zn. RI (potential ecological risk index) results confirmed high potential ecological risk in objective area. Of the measured heavy metals, Cd represented the highest pollution risk. Significant positive correlations were found between TC, TN, TP, and Cu. Three element pairs, Zn-Cd, Cr-Cu, and Cr-Ni, had strong correlations. Zn, Cu, and Ni were mainly introduced by human activities, and Cr was mainly from natural processes. This information on the concentration, risk, and sources of SPM in Beiyun River provides an important reference for reducing heavy metal pollution in SPM of a typical river in the Haihe River Basin.
Assessment of Municipal Solid Waste Landfilling Practices on the Ground Water Quality and Associated Health Risks: A Case Study of Mardan-Pakistan
Authors: Israr Muhammad , Nazneen Shahla , Raza Ali , Ali Neelum , Khan Hizbullah , Khan Sardar , Ali Jawad
Published: August 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of municipal solid waste (MSW) used as landfilling on the ground water quality and health effects on the community. The study was carried out in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province- Pakistan. To assess the impacts, 13 ground water samples were collected from Solid Waste Dumping Sites (SWDS) and 13 from Safe Sites (SS). Ground water was analyzed for pH, Turbidity, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Hardness (TH), Cl−, Ca+ 2, K+ 1, NO− 2, NO− 3, SO4 − 2; heavy metals such as Pb, Cr, Mn, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd, Fe; biological parameter such as Total Coliform. Waste sample collected from SWDS showed that food and garden waste were present highest percentage by weight (30.5%) followed by fines (17.3%). The two groups (SWDS and SS) differ significantly for the parameters like EC, TH, COD, Na, Ca, NO3− and SO4 − 2 Ni and TC. Samples collected from SWDS (84%) were found contaminated with TC ranged 2–22. It was analyzed that pH, EC, TDS, COD, TH, NO3−, SO4 − 2, NO2−, Ca+ 2, Na+, TC, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cd and TC were more in the sample collected from 70–130 feet than 140–200 feet. TC found in 70–80 feet depth was significantly different from rest of the groups. Similarly, significant difference regarding different parameters for various depths was found for K+ 1, Ca+ 2, NO2−, Pb, Cu and Fe. The results of the questionnaire survey revealed negative correlation between the diseases and distance from the landfilling sites and significant correlation was observed for typhoid, cholera skin allergies and gastro enteritis. The study confirmed that using MSW as a fill material has contaminated the ground water quality and leveling of land through MSW is not safe. Deep drilling is recommended for extraction of ground water in the contaminated area to minimize the associated health risks.
Indonesia Land Surface Temperature Variation during 2001 – 2020
Authors: Munawar Munawar , Prasetya Tofan Agung Eka , McNeil Rhysa , Jani Rohana , Buya Suhaimee
Published: August 2021

Indonesia, as the largest archipelago in the world, still depends on agriculture and fisheries activities. Climate change will affect agricultural yields and fish catches, so research on climate change is essential for Indonesia and neighboring countries. Land Surface Temperature (LST) is a critical indicator in climate science to measure the temperature of an area. This study examines the LST variation and seasonal pattern with 189 sub-regions covering 5 main islands of the Indonesia archipelago with 105 pixels (95 km) distance apart. The data was downloaded from NASA MODIS and covered a 20-year from 2001 to 2020. Overall, Indonesia has had a stable LST with a total average increase of 0.009oC (95% confidence interval: -0.041,0.059 oC).
Enhancing Monthly Lake Levels Forecasting Using Heuristic Regression Techniques with Periodicity Data Component: Application of Lake Michigan
Authors: DEMIR Vahdettin
Published: August 2021

This paper investigates the accuracy of three different techniques with periodicity component for estimation of monthly lake levels. The compared methods are Least Square Support Vector Regression (LSSVR) Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) and M5 Model Tree (M5-Tree). Data from Lake Michigan, located in the USA, is used in the analysis. In the first stage of the study, three different techniques were applied to forecast monthly lake-levels variations up to 8- mount ahead of time intervals. In the second stage, the influence of the periodicity component was applied (month number of the year, e.g., 1, 2, 3, …12) as an external sub-set in modeling monthly lake levels. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and coefficient of determination (R2) were utilized are used for evaluating the accuracy of models. In both stages, the comparison results indicate that the MARS model generally performs superior to the LSSVR, and M5-Tree models. Furthermore, it has been discovered that including periodicity as an input to the models improves their accuracy in projecting monthly lake levels.
Monitoring of Amoxicillin and Cephalexin Antibiotics in Municipal WWTPs during Covid-19 Outbreak- A Case Study in Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Samandari Mehri , Attar Hossein Movahedian , Ebrahimpour Karim , Mohammadi Farzaneh
Published: August 2021

Antibiotics are non-biodegradable drugs that used to inhibit the expansion and growth of microorganisms. The presence of antibiotics and their residues in the environments has resulted in an increased universal concern due to their contrary impacts on human healthiness and also the environment. Specially with the prevalence of Covid-19, the consumption of antibiotics to treat or prevent secondary infections have increased. Therefore, the presence of most prescribed antibiotics from ß-lactam class including amoxicillin and cephalexin were studied at two municipal WWTPs in Isfahan. Analytical method was extracted and then detected via HPLC/UV. Samples were collected from 2 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) on 13 sampling periods over 2 months on February and March 2020 during the outbreak of Covid-19. In WWTP A, the average concentration of amoxicillin in influent, effluent, and its removal efficiency was equal to 509.64 ± 161.97µg/l, 354.37 ± 201.41µg/l, 33.69 ± 30.22%, and the average concentration of cephalexin in influent, effluent, and its removal efficiency was 189.42 ± 176.06µg/l, 44.35 ± 43.72µg/l, 64.61 ± 26.52%, respectively. In WWTP B, the average concentration of amoxicillin in influent, effluent, and its removal efficiency was equal to 2134.82 ± 3031.53µg/l, 401.09 ± 205.86µg/l, 54.82 ± 33.29%, and the average concentration of cephalexin in influent, effluent, and its removal efficiency was183.69 ± 123.48µg/l, 40.64 ± 33.02µg/l, 72.89 ± 19.45, respectively. According to statistical points of view, the concentration of antibiotics in both WWTPs had significant differences and no critical correlation between removal efficiency of antibiotics with other principle wastewater parameters was observed.
Risk Factors for Lymph Node Metastasis and Surgical Scope in Patients With Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Single-Center Study in China
Authors: Bu Jianlong , Zhang Pinyi , Wu Xiaohong , Zhao Su , Pang Sainan , Ning Jinfeng , Xu Shidong
Published: August 2021

Background

It is difficult to determine the lymph node metastasis of patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) before surgery. The purpose of this study is to investigate risk factors of lymph node metastasis in early-stage NSCLC, thereby to identify the surgical indications for lymph node dissection in early-stage NSCLC.
Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of patients with tumor size ≤ 30mm who underwent radical resection of NSCLC. Binary logistic regression analysis was applied to predict risk factors for lymph node metastasis, and subject operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the independent risk factors.
Results

Overall, 44 patients (6.8%) with early-stage NSCLC had lymph node metastasis. Factors of tumor consolidation diameter (p < 0.001) and preoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level (p = 0.017) are independent risk factors lymph node metastasis in early-stage NSCLC. The ROC curve showed that the cut-off value of consolidation diameter was 16.5mm, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.825 (p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.780–0.870); the cut-off value of serum CEA level was 1.765µg/L, AUC = 0.661( p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.568–0.754). Moreover, 8 of 461 patients with tumor parenchyma ≤ 16.5mm had lymph node metastasis, and 36 of 189 patients with tumor parenchyma > 16.5mm had lymph node metastasis.
Conclusion

Tumor consolidation diameter and preoperative serum CEA are independent factors to predict early stage NSCLC. For patients with tumor parenchyma > 16.5mm, the probability of lymph node metastasis is higher and lobectomy plus lymph node dissection is recommended. For patients with tumor parenchyma ≤ 16.5mm, the probability of lymph node metastasis is lower and sublobectomy plus lymph node sampling is feasible.
Mental Health, Learning Behaviour and Perceived Fatigue Among University Students During the COVID-19 Outbreak: a Cross-sectional Multicentric Study in the UAE
Authors: Mosleh Sultan , Shudifat Raed , Dalky Heyam , Almalik Mona , Alnajar Malek
Published: August 2021

BackgroundThe rapid shift to online education due to COVID-19 quarantine challenged students’ ability to accept pure online learning without negative consequences for their physical, emotional and mental health. Some educational institutions introduced new strategies to reduce the psychosocial burden associated with online learning during home confinement. Thus, The primary aims were to determine the consequences of COVID-19 for the psychological well-being and fatigue levels of higher education students and to explore the effects of a new academic assessment approach in reducing home confinement stress.Method A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among students of 7 disciplines in all 16 higher colleges of technology in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Mental Well-being and Learning Behaviours Scale and the modified Copenhagen Burnout Inventory were used to evaluate students’ psychological well-being and fatigue levels. A t-test and ANOVA were performed to determine the differences in perceived psychological well-being and fatigue associated with students’ characteristics. Second, multiple linear regression models performed to identify the independent predictors of fatigue level. ResultsOne thousand four hundred students participated. The majority were female (78.5%) and aged from 21-25 years (58.1%). Around 14% of respondents were married with children. Nearly 40% were satisfied with the new assessment approach introduced during the COVID pandemic and 45.5% perceived it as having reduced their home confinement stress. The mean psychological distress score of 3.00 (SD ± 0.71) indicates a moderate impact of COVID-19 on psychological well-being. Students’ psychological distress was positively correlated with fatigue level (0.256, p<0.001) and negatively correlated with the perceived impact of the new assessment approach on student lifestyle (-0.133), physical health (-0.149) and coping with stress (-0.125). Male students experienced significantly lower fatigue and better psychological well-being than female students.ConclusionThe study reveals that new assessment approaches which emerged during home confinement reduced students’ perception of stress and of impaired lifestyle. However, students still had a considerable burden of psychological distress, requiring further preventive measures to maintain their psychological well-being during future outbreak events. Educational institutions should consider additional strategies to improve students’ preparedness for online teaching, which could help maintain their psychological well-being.
Effects of a School-Based Intervention On Levels of Anxiety and Depression: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial of The MindPower Program in Ten High Schools in Norway
Authors: Sælid Gry Anette , Czajkowski Nikolai , Aarø Leif Edvard , Andersen John Roger , Idsøe Thormod , Helleseter Miguel Delgado , Holte Arne
Published: August 2021

BackgroundThe previous decade has shown increased symptoms of depression and anxiety among adolescents. To promote mental health and reduce mental illness, the government of Norway has, as in other countries, pledged that all schools must incorporate life-skills education. We report results from an evaluation of MindPower, a modification of the Coping With Depression (CWD) course, delivered universally in the classroom to secondary high school students, aged 15-16 years, in one county in Norway. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of MindPower on symptoms of depression and anxiety.MethodsWe utilized a two-groups` delayed intervention design where 110 first year high school classes were randomized into one of two intervention groups (IG1 and IG2). IG1 participated in MindPower while IG2 served as a control group for four months until the intervention started also in this group. IG1 and IG2 responded to questionnaires before and after the eight weeks course, at the start of the first and the second booster session, and at the five months follow up. Questionnaires, including online versions of the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (SCL-8) and the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale (RADS-2:SF), were administered to 1673 out of a total of 2384 students. SCL-levels were also compared with those from a large population study (UngData).ResultsAccording to mixed model analyses, SCL-8 and RADS-2:SF showed significant baseline differences between IG1 and IG2. In IG1 and IG2, both SCL-8 and RADS-2:SF showed a small but significant increase in mean scores throughout the study period, with markedly lower mean scores among boys. The SCL-levels were first lower for both girls and boys and then after the completion of MindPower the SCL-levels, equal to the SCL-levels in UngData.ConclusionsNo effects of the intervention were found. This large universal school-based trial suffered from considerable drop-out of participants. Experiences from implementation and evaluation of universal mental health promotion and preventive school interventions are thoroughly discussed, including, preparation, resources, support, time, realistic expectations, teacher selection and training, implementation, and research designs and more. Several empirically based, practical advices are presented. Clinical Trial registration 27/08/2018. Registration number NCT03647826.
Characteristics and Sources of Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals in PM2.5 in Dalian: Important Role of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Li Zhansheng , Zhao Hongxia , Li Xintong , Bekele Tadiyose Girma
Published: August 2021

Environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) are an emerging class of environmental hazardous contaminants that extensively, stably exist in airborne particulate matter and pose harmful effects on human health. However, there was little research about the sources of EPFRs in actual atmospheric conditions. This study reported the occurrence, characteristics and sources of EPFRs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM2.5 collected in Dalian, China. The concentrations of PM2.5-bound EPFRs ranged from 1.13×1013 to 8.97×1015 spins/m3 (mean value: 1.14×1015 spins/m3). Carbon-centered radicals and carbon-centered radicals with adjacent oxygen atoms were detected. The concentration of ∑PAHs ranged from 1.09 to 76.24 ng/m3 and PAHs with high molecular weight (HMW) were predominant species in PM2.5. The correlation analysis and PMF result showed that coal and biomass combustion are the top contributors to EPFR, followed by vehicle emission. The secondary sources to EFPRs was negligible. The finding of present study provides an important evidence for further study on the formation mechanism of EPFRs in actual atmospheric to control the air pollution.
Identification of a Hypoxia - Related lncRNA Signature For The Prognosis of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: HUANG HUA , Xu Shanshan , Li Youran , Gu Yunfei , Ji Lijiang
Published: August 2021

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC), the commonly seen malignancy, ranks the 3rd place among the causes of cancer-associated mortality. As suggested by more and more studies, long coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been considered as prognostic biomarkers for CRC. But the significance of hypoxic lncRNAs in predicting CRC prognosis remains unclear.Methods: The gene expressed profiles for CRC cases were obtained based on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and applied to estimate the hypoxia score using a single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm. Overall survival (OS) of high- and low-hypoxia score group was analyzed by the Kaplan–Meier (KM) plot. To identify differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) between two hypoxia score groups, this study carried out differential expression analysis, and then further integrated with the DELs between controls and CRC patients to generate the hypoxia-related lncRNAs for CRC. Besides, prognostic lncRNAs were screened by the univariate Cox regression, which were later utilized for constructing the prognosis nomogram for CRC by adopting the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm. In addition, both accuracy and specificity of the constructed prognostic signature were detected through the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Moreover, our constructed prognosis signature also was validated in the internal testing test. This study operated gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) for exploring potential biological functions associated with the prognostic signature. Finally, the ceRNA network of the prognostic lncRNAs was constructed.Results: Among 2299 hypoxia-related lncRNAs of CRC in total, LINC00327, LINC00163, LINC00174, SYNPR-AS1, and MIR31HG were identified as prognostic lncRNAs by the univariate Cox regression, and adopted for constructing the prognosis signature for CRC. ROC analysis showed the predictive power and accuracy of the prognostic signature. Additionally, the GSEA revealed that ECM-receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt pathway, phagosome, and Hippo pathway were mostly associated with the high-risk group. 352 miRNAs-mRNAs pairs and 177 lncRNAs-miRNAs were predicted.Conclusion: To conclude , we identified 5 hypoxia-related lncRNAs to establish an accurate prognostic signature for CRC, providing important prognostic markers and therapeutic target.
The SMARTscreen Trial: A Randomised Controlled Trial Investigating The Efficacy of a GP-Endorsed Narrative SMS To Increase Participation in The Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
Authors: Wood Anna , Emery Jon David , Jenkins Mark , Chondros Patty , Campbell Tina , Wenkart Edweana , O'Reilly Clare , Cowie Tony , Dixon Ian , Toner Julie , Khalajzadeh Hourieh , Gutierrez Javiera Martinez , Govan Linda , Buckle Gemma , McIntosh Jennifer
Published: August 2021

Background: Increasing participation in the Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) is the most efficient and cost-effective way of reducing mortality associated with colorectal cancer by detecting and treating early-stage disease. Currently only 44% of Australians aged 50 -74 years complete the NBCSP. This efficacy trial aims to test whether this SMS intervention is an effective method for increasing participation in the NBCSP. Furthermore, a process evaluation will explore the barriers and facilitators to sending the SMS from general practice.Methods: We will recruit 20 general practices in the western region of Victoria, Australia to participate in a cluster randomised controlled trial. General practices will be randomly allocated with a 1:1 ratio to either a control or intervention group. Established general practice software will be used to identify patients aged 50 to 60 years old who are due to receive a NBCSP kit in the next month. The SMS intervention includes GP endorsement and links to narratives messages about the benefits of and instructions on how to complete the NBCSP kit. It will be sent from intervention general practices to eligible patients prior to receiving the NBCSP kit. We require 1400 eligible patients to provide 80% power with two-sided 5% significance level to detect a 10% increase in CRC screening participation in the intervention group compared to control group. Our primary outcome is the difference in the proportion of eligible patients who completed a faecal occult blood test (FOBT) between the intervention and control group for up to twelve months after the SMS was sent, as recorded in their electronic medical record (EMR). A process evaluation using interview data collected from general practice staff (GP, practice managers, nurses) and patients will explore the feasibility and acceptability of sending and receiving a SMS to prompt completing a NBCSP kit.Discussion: This efficacy trial will provide initial trial evidence of the utility of an SMS narrative intervention to increase participation in the NBCSP. The results will inform decisions about the need for and design of a larger, multi-state trial of this SMS intervention to determine its cost-effectiveness and future implementationTrial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12620001020976, 17th October 2020
Assessing the effect of climate change and financial development on agricultural production in ASEAN-4: The role of renewable energy, institutional quality and human capital as moderators
Authors: Chandio Abbas Ali , Shah Muhammad Ibrahim , Sethi Narayan , Mushtaq Zulqarnain
Published: August 2021

This study utilizes the data of ASEAN-4 nations, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand, to examine how climate change, renewable energy, human capital, institutional quality as well as financial development affect the agricultural production. Since shocks in one country can easily affect another country of this region, the second generation modelling techniques are utilized to prove the relationship among the variables of interest. Findings from the Westerlund (2007) cointegration test confirms long run relationship among the variables. The result from Cross-sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) model reveals that climate change negatively affects the agricultural production, renewable energy, human capital, institutional quality positively affects the agricultural production. Moreover, renewable energy use, human capital and intuitional quality moderates the effect of carbon emission on agricultural production. In addition, a U shaped relationship between financial development and agricultural production is discovered, suggesting that financial development can promote production in the agricultural sector only after reaching a certain threshold. Finally, some policy recommendations are provided for the ASEAN-4 countries.
Validity of Triply Labelled Water Analysis for Energy Expenditure Measurements in Mice
Authors: Wang Xing , Kong Dehuang , Dijk Gertjan van , Meijer Harro
Published: August 2021

The Doubly Labelled Water (DLW) method is widely used to determine energy expenditure. In this work, we demonstrate the addition of the third stable isotope, 17O, to turn it into Triply Labelled Water (TLW), using the three isotopes measurement of optical spectrometry. We performed TLW (2H, 18O and17O) measurements for the analysis of the CO2 production (rCO2) of mice on different diets for the first time. Triply highly enriched water was injected into mice, and the isotope enrichments of the distilled blood samples of one initial and two finals were measured by an Off-Axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy instrument. We evaluated the impact of different calculation protocols and the values of evaporative water loss fraction. We found that the dilution space and turnover rates of 17O and 18O were equal for the same mice group, and that values of rCO2 calculated based on 18O-2H, or on 17O-2H agreed very well. This increases the reliability and redundancy of the measurements and it lowers the uncertainty in the calculated rCO2 to 3% when taking the average of two DLW methods. However, the TLW method overestimated the rCO2 compared to the indirect calorimetry measurements that we also performed, much more for the mice on a high-fat diet than for low-fat. We hypothesize an extra loss or exchange mechanism with a high fractionation for 2H to explain this difference.
Double Arterial Cannulation Versus Right Axillary Artery Cannulation for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhang He , Xie Wei , Lu Yuzhou , Pan Tuo , Zhou Qing , Xue Yunxing , Wang Dongjin
Published: August 2021

Background: Cannulation strategy in surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) remains controversial. We aimed to retrospectively analyze the safety and efficacy of double arterial cannulation (DAC) compared with right axillary cannulation (RAC) for ATAAD.Methods: From January 2016 to December 2018, 431 ATAAD patients were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into DAC group (n=341) and RAC group (n=90). Propensity score matching analysis was performed to compare the early and mid-term outcomes between these two groups. To confirm the organ protection effect by DAC, intraoperative blood gas results and cardiopulmonary bypass parameters were compared between the two groups.Results: Demographics and preoperative comorbidities were comparable between two groups, while patients in DAC group were younger than RAC group (51.55±13.21 vs. 56.07±12.16 years, P＜0.001 ) . DAC had a higher incidence of limb malperfusion (18.2% vs. 10.0%, P=0.063) and lower incidence of coronary malperfusion (5.3% vs. 12.2%, P=0.019). No significant difference in cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp time was found between the two groups. The in-hospital mortality was 13.5% (58/431), while there was no difference between the two groups (13.5% vs. 13.3%; P=0.969). Patients who underwent DAC had higher incidence of postoperative stroke (5.9% vs. 0%, P=0.019) and lower incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) (24.7% vs. 40.3%; P=0.015). During a mean follow-up period of 31.8 (interquartile range, 25-45) months, the overall survival was 81.5% for DAC group and 78.0% for RAC group (P=0.560). Intraoperative blood gas results and cardiopulmonary bypass parameters showed that DAC group had more intraoperative urine output volume than RAC group (P=0.05), and the time of cooling (P=0.04) and rewarming (P=0.04) were shorter in DAC group.Conclusions: DAC will not increase the surgical risks compared to RAC, but could reduce the incidence of postoperative AKI which may be benefit for renal protection.
Hospital-System Functionality Quantification Based on Supply–Demand Relationship Under Earthquake
Authors: Hou Zonghao , Zhang Juan , Zhang Mingyuan , Li Gang
Published: August 2021

The post-earthquake functionality of hospital systems seriously affects the recovery time of a city, and it is important to quantify the hospital system functionality. This paper presents a method that takes into consideration the post-earthquake medical supply–demand relationship in order to quantify the initial functionality and instantaneous functionality loss of a hospital system under the conditions of an earthquake, which is different from the current quantitative method that takes into consideration only the internal factors of the hospital system. In this method, a geographic information system and an earthquake damage prediction model are first used to obtain the medical supply capacity before and after the earthquake and the medical demand after the earthquake. Based on the results of the post-earthquake medical demand and the distribution of the medical supply capacity, the substitution capacity of medical resources is then calculated. Finally, the substitution capacity of medical resources is used to evaluate the functionality of the hospital system before and after the earthquake. A hospital system of a city in eastern China is considered as an illustrative example, and the impact of changes in the medical supply and demand at different times of the day on the hospital system functionality are analyzed. The results obtained show that the changes in medical supply and demand not only affect the hospital system functionality, but also cause changes in the instantaneous functionality loss of the hospital system after the earthquake. The proposed method can be used to quantify the hospital system functionality and reflect the balance of the medical supply–demand relationship before and after the earthquake, and it can help decision makers in developing a disaster reduction strategy to improve the disaster resilience of the hospital system.
Biomonitoring of Bromine-Containing Trihalomethanes in the Pregnant Women: Urinary Levels and Association with Lifestyle Factors
Authors: Dehdashti Bahare , Feizi Awat , Amin Mohammad Mehdi , Bagheri Nasrin , Daniali Seyede Shahrbanoo , Kelishadi Roya
Published: August 2021

Trihalomethanes containing bromine (Br-THMs) are compounds formed from the reaction of organic and inorganic substances in drinking water with chlorine as a common disinfectant. Epidemiological evidence indicated various outcomes as a result of long-term exposure to these compounds. This study aims to investigate the concentration of urinary Br-THMs in a sample of third-trimester pregnant women and to determine its correlation with lifestyle factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 118 pregnant women in Isfahan, Iran. The third-trimester urine Br-THMs including dibromochloromethane (DBCM), bromodichloromethane (BDCM), and broomcorn (TBM) were measured using solid-phase micro-extraction gas chromatography. The distribution of urinary Br-THMs concentration was positively skewed then these variables were subjected to logarithmic transformation. Spearman ranks correlation coefficient, and two independent samples t-test were used to assess the association of urinary Br-THMs concentration with its demographic and lifestyle determinants.The findings showed that the mean (SD) concentrations of DBCM, BDCM, TBM and brominatede THMs were 14.76 (27.17), 10.25 (11.37), 4.96 (3.21) and 30.17 (40.80) ng/L, respectively. In addition, significant inverse correlation was found between the use of water storage tanks and Br-THMs (DBCM, BDCM, TBM and brominatede THMs, P-value = 0.005, 0.019, >0.001 and 0.007 < 0.05, respectively).In this study, among the quantitative and qualitative variables, the use of storage tanks had an inverse correlation with Br-THMs. In addition, the status of urinary concentration of Br-THMs in pregnant women was less than in the other countries in the same area. Improving water quality and using modern methods to eliminate disinfection by-products as well as improving lifestyle patterns are efficient methods to reduce exposure to these contaminants.
Research on Constant Force Polishing Control of Aero-engine Blade Based on Expanded State Observer
Authors: Zhang Wenhua , Dai Shijie , Zhao Yufeng , Mu Jiaheng , Hu Tianrong , Li Pengwei , Deng Riqing , Yan Lei
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a parallel control method based on the expanded state observer (ESO) for aero-engine blade robot polishing. Aiming to reduce the fluctuation of polishing force caused by environmental noise and modeling errors. First, calibrate six-dimensional force sensor according to the maximum acceleration of the end effector during the polishing process. Then, build the gravity compensation and zero drift compensation model. Besides, use this model to compensate measurement error of the six-dimensional force sensor. Finally, calculate the error between the expected polishing force and the actual feedback value and its derivative value. Use calculation results to design the control boundary layer. The polishing force controller is divided into two parallel control loops to design. When the switching value is in the control boundary layer. A nonlinear active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) loop is used. When the switching value is outside the control boundary layer. An ESO-based sliding mode control (SMC) loop is used. Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed parallel control method based on ESO has a fast response and high robustness compared with FuzzyPID, PID, and ADRC. It can effectively suppress the force fluctuation in the polishing process and significantly improve the surface processing quality of the aero-engine blade.
Hepatic Lipid Accumulation Induced by a High-fat Diet Is Regulated by Nrf2 Through Multiple Pathways
Authors: Qiu sheng , Liang Zerong , Wu Qinan , Wang Miao , Yang Mengliu , Chen Chen , zheng Hong ting , Zhu Zhiming , Li Ling , Yang Gangyi
Published: August 2021

BackgroundNuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is reportedly involved in hepatic lipid metabolism, but the results are contradictory and the underlying mechanism thus remains unclear. Herein we focused on elucidating the effects of Nrf2 on hepatic adipogenesis and on determining the possible underlying mechanism. We established a metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) model in high fat diet (HFD) fed Nrf2 knockout (Nrf2 KO) mice; further, a cell model of lipid accumulation was established using mouse primary hepatocytes (MPHs) treated with free fatty acids (FAs). Using these models, we investigated the relationship between Nrf2 and autophagy and its role in the development of MAFLD.ResultsWe observed that Nrf2 expression levels were up-regulated in patients with MAFLD and diet-induced obese mice. Nrf2 deficiency led to hepatic lipid accumulation in vivo and in vitro, in addition to, promoting lipogenesis mainly by increasing SREBP-1 activity. Moreover, Nrf2 deficiency attenuated autophagic flux and inhibited the fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes in vivo and in vitro. Weakened autophagy caused reduced lipolysis in the liver. Importantly, Chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR (ChIP-qPCR) and dual-luciferase assay results proved that Nrf2 bound to LAMP1 promoter and regulated its transcriptional activity. We accordingly report that Nrf2-LAMP1 interaction has an indispensable role in Nrf2-regulated hepatosteatosis. ConclusionsThese data collectively confirm that Nrf2 deficiency promotes hepatosteatosis by enhancing SREBP-1 activity and attenuating autophagy. To conclude, our data reveal a novel multi-pathway effect of Nrf2 on lipid metabolism in the liver, and we believe that multi-target intervention of Nrf2 signaling is a promising new strategy for the prevention and treatment of MAFLD.
Effect of Influent pH and Hydraulic Retention Time on Bioelectricity Generation in an Integrated Acidogenic Reactor and Microbial Fuel Cell Treating Rice Mill Wastewater
Authors: Raychaudhuri Aryama , Behera Manaswini
Published: August 2021

An innovative design approach was employed in the present study to enhance the electricity generation and wastewater treatment in a microbial fuel cell (MFC). A dual-chambered MFC with a ceramic separator was coupled with an acidogenic chamber. Acidogenic bioconversion of rice mill wastewater into volatile fatty acid (VFA) represents an interesting approach for wastewater valorization. The VFA containing effluent could be used as an effective substrate for bioelectricity generation in MFCs. A short hydraulic retention time (HRT) can be used for the two-stage anaerobic process (acidogenesis and electrogenesis), thus preventing the proliferation of methanogens. The effect of pH (5.5–7.5) and HRT (0.5 d–0.75 d) were investigated to understand the influence of operational parameters on the performance of the integrated system. The maximum VFA concentration of 1065.15 ± 5.08 mg COD/L was achieved at pH 7.5 and HRT 0.5 d. Under these operating conditions, the general activity of acid-forming microorganisms and exoelectrogens improved remarkably, and the power density obtained from the system was 4.72 ± 0.10 W/m3. The current research indicates excellent potential for simultaneous treatment and electricity production from rice mill wastewater. The use of low-cost, locally manufactured, and customized membranes and the two-stage treatment can pave the way for the practical application of this technology.