bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composition and Thrombolytic Susceptibility of Ex Vivo Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Hendley Samuel A. , Dimov Alexey , Bhargava Aarushi , Snoddy Erin , Mansour Daniel , Afifi Rana O. , Wool Geoffrey D. , Zha Yuanyuan , Sammet Steffen , Lu Zheng Feng , Ahmed Osmanuddin , Paul Jonathan D , Bader Kenneth B
Published: July 2021

Venous thromboembolism is a significant source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Catheter-directed thrombolytics is the primary treatment used to relieve critical obstructions, though its efficacy varies based on the thrombus composition. Non-responsive portions of the specimen often remain in situ, which prohibits mechanistic investigation of lytic resistance or the development of diagnostic indicators for treatment outcomes. In this study, thrombus samples extracted from venous thromboembolism patients were analyzed ex vivo to determine their histological structure, lytic susceptibility, and imaging characteristics. A wide range of thrombus morphologies were observed, with a dependence on age and etymology of the specimen. The lytic inhibitor PAI-1 was present in samples, and may contribute to the lytic resistance of venous thrombi. Finally, a correlation was observed between the lytic response of the sample and its magnetic microstructure assessed with a quantitative MRI sequence. These findings highlight the myriad of changes in venous thrombi that may promote lytic resistance, and imaging metrics that correlate with treatment outcomes.
Seismic Behavior of RC Moment Resisting Structures with Concrete Shear Wall under Mainshock-aftershock Seismic Sequences
Authors: Soureshjani Omid Karimzade , Massumi Ali
Published: July 2021

A structure may subject to several aftershocks after a mainshock. In many seismic design provisions, the effect of the seismic sequences is not directly considered or underestimated. This paper studies the seismic behavior of RC moment-resisting structures with concrete shear wall under seismic sequences. Two three-dimensional structures of short and medium height were designed and analyzed. The former models were studied under a group of real mainshock-aftershock seismic sequences. The models were loaded and designed according to the fourth edition of the Iranian seismic code of standard no. 2800 and ACI-318 respectively. Furthermore, the non-linear dynamic time-history finite element analysis of models was performed via the explicit method. The parameters of maximum displacement, inter-story drift ratio, residual displacement, and finally the effect of the ratio of aftershock acceleration to mainshock acceleration were investigated and assessed. Due to the high lateral stiffness of shear walls, parallel with the complete elastic behavior, aftershocks cause no growth in inter-story drift ratio and relative displacement in the short structure model. In contrast, compared to the structure under the solely mainshock, the medium height structure model under seismic sequences showed significant growth in the amount of relative displacement (even more than 50% growth), inter-story drift ratio, plastic strain, and residual displacement (almost 30% growth). Furthermore, unlike the moment-resisting frame structures, models showed no significant growth in the drift ratio with the height. Assessments indicated that the ratio of aftershock to mainshock acceleration is a determinative parameter in structural behavior under seismic sequences.
Hypertension Outcomes of Adrenalectomy for Unilateral Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Hartmann Igor , Hruska Frantisek , Vaclavik Jan , Frysak Zdenek , Nesvadbova Marika , Tudos Zbynek , Ctvrtlik Filip , Benesova Klara
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To evaluate laboratory and clinical results after unilateral adrenalectomy in patients with primary aldosteronism (PHA).Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed using data from patients who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomy for PHA, between January 2008 and December 2019. Surgical indications were based on adrenal venous sampling without ACTH stimulation. Analyses included patient demographics; preoperative clinical, pharmacological, laboratory, and radiological data; and postoperative results assessed after a median of 4 months. Antihypertensive drug use was quantified by estimating the daily defined dose (DDD) of antihypertensive medication, thus enabling standardised comparison of dosage between the drug classes. Statistical assessments included univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: This study enrolled 87 patients. The patients were taking 5.4 DDD of antihypertensive medication before surgery, and 3.0 DDD after surgery. In 45 cases (52%), the aldosterone-to-renin ratio normalized after surgery (“laboratory cured”), while 21 patients (24%) required no antihypertensive drugs after surgery (“clinically cured”). Among the 66 patients who were not clinically cured, 51 (77%) had a reduction of their DDD. Thus, surgery had a positive effect on hypertension control in 72 cases (83% of all enrolled patients). Multivariable logistic regression showed that clinical cure of hypertension was independently associated with female gender, absence of diabetes mellitus, and DDD < 4.Conclusion: A majority of patients undergoing unilateral adrenalectomy for PHA achieved markedly improved hypertension control, despite almost halving their antihypertensive medication. About a quarter of patients were cured and able to cease using all antihypertensive drugs.
Dissecting the Molecular Response of Human Escs to Iron-Mediated Oxidative Stress by Genetic Silencing of FTH1 Gene
Authors: Scaramuzzino Luana , Lucchino Valeria , Scalise Stefania , Conte Michela Lo , Zannino Clara , Sacco Alessandro , Biamonte Flavia , Parrotta Elvira Immacolata , Costanzo Francesco Saverio , Cuda Giovanni
Published: July 2021

Background: Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are pluripotent cells with indefinite self-renewal ability and differentiation properties. As such, to function properly and maintain genomic stability, ESCs need to be endowed with an efficient repair system as well as effective redox homeostasis. In this study, we investigated and characterized different aspects involved in ESCs response to iron accumulation following stable knockdown of ferritin heavy chain (FTH1) gene, encoding for a major iron storage protein with ferroxidase activity. Methods: stable FTH1 knockdown of H9-hES cell line was achieved with the use of shRNA lentiviral particles. Upon FTH1 silencing, we speculated whether hESCs still retained their pluripotency capability were first monitored for their capability the pluripotent status,FTH1 stable knock-down ESCs were obtained using lentiviral vector plasmids. The effect of FTH1 silencing on hESCs pluripotency was evaluated through alkaline phosphatase (AP) staining, immunofluorescence and embryoid bodies (EBs) formation assay. Western blotting and qRT-PCR analysis were performed to assess the involvement of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived-2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) in the antioxidant response. ROS levels and mitochondrial functionality were explored by flow cytometry. Seahorse Analyzer was used to evaluate metabolic and bioenergetic profiles. Results: Our findings clearly show that FTH1 silencing in hESCs does not correlate with increased ROS production nor with redox status strengthening the concept that hESCs are extremely resistant and, to certain extent, even refractory to the pattern of results produced in other cell lines. Collectively, our results demonstrate that FTH1 silencing is accompanied by a significant activation of the nuclear factor (erythroid-derived-2)-like 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway and pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) which crosstalk in driving hESCs antioxidant cascade events able to antagonize the effects of FTH1 silencing.Conclusion: to our knowledge, this is the first evidence of a crosstalk between FTH1 silencing and Nrf2 pathway activation in hESCs, casting a new light on how human ESCs perform under oxidative stress conditions. Our findings go beyond previous reports, showing how the Nrf2 pathway, in combination with PPP activation, regulates the molecular signature underlying ESCs defence mechanisms against oxidative stress mediated by FTH1 downregulation.
Integrated Production and Maintenance Control Policies for Failure-prone Manufacturing Systems Producing Perishable Products
Authors: Kaddachi Rawia , Gharbi Ali , Kenné Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2021

The problem of integrated production and maintenance control of unreliable manufacturing systems evolving in a stochastic and dynamic environment is studied in this paper. The considered system is subject to degradation and the produced products are perishable with random shelf-lives. The literature of operations management for perishable products reports a correlation between the shelf-life of the product and the machine degradation. In fact, the latter results in shelf-lives reduction. Ignoring this correlation effect may result in inaccurate values of the shelf-lives and inefficient control policies. The objective of this paper is to develop a joint production and maintenance control policy that minimizes the total cost composed of backlog, inventory holding, disposal and maintenance costs. The proposed parametrized joint control policy combines a multi hedging point policy and an age-based preventive maintenance policy. The optimization of the parameters of the proposed joint control policy is obtained using a simulation-based optimization approach and sensitivity analyses are provided to confirm its robustness. The obtained results show that the correlation between machine degradation and shelf-life reduction has a major influence on the control parameters and that preventive maintenance interventions can lead to increasing the shelf-life of products and minimizing the total cost. The proposed joint control policy is then compared to three other polices for a wide range of system and cost data. The obtained results show that the proposed joint control policy outperforms the other polices in terms of total incurred costs.
Long-acting granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in primary prophylaxis of early infection in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Ding Xinjing , Ding Jianghua , Gu Hong , Zhong Chuanxiang
Published: July 2021

Purpose
This study sought to compare the efficacy of prophylactic long-acting and standard granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on febrile neutropenia, early infections, and treatment delay in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma receiving the therapeutic regimen of bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (BLD).
Methods
A prospective study with 68 consecutive patients with multiple myeloma was conducted in three regional hospitals. Participants were randomly treated with the BLD regimen in combination with prophylactic long-acting G-CSF (treatment group) or standard G-CSF (control group). The primary endpoints were the incidence rates of febrile neutropenia, early infection, and treatment delays. The secondary endpoint was clinical outcomes.
Results
Thirty-three patients were assigned to the treatment group and thirty-five patients were assigned to the control group. The incidence of febrile neutropenia was 6.1% and 17.1% in the treatment and control groups, respectively (p = 0.297). However, the rates of early infection and treatment delay were markedly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (6.1% vs. 25.7% and 9.1% vs. 31.4%; p < 0.05). Notably, all early infections occurred during the first four cycles of BLD therapy, and the most common type of infection was pneumonia. No significant difference in clinical efficacy was found between the two groups. All participants achieved at least partial remission.
Conclusions
Prophylactic administration of domestic long-acting G-CSF markedly reduced the rates of early infection and treatment delay as compared with standard G-CSF in patients newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Notably, all early infections occurred during the first four cycles of BLD therapy. As such, it seems appropriate to administer long-acting G-CSF with the aim of primary prophylaxis of early infection, particularly within the first four courses of chemotherapy in the setting of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.
Small Peptide Targeting ANP32A as a Novel Strategy For Acute Myeloid Leukemia Therapy
Authors: Wang Manman , Guo Hao , Zhang Xuechun , Wang Xiyang , Tao Hu , Zhang Tan , Peng Min , Zhang Min , Huang Zan
Published: July 2021

Background: Clinic therapy of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unsatisfactory that urges for development of novel strategy. Recent studies identified ANP32A as a novel biomarker of unfavorable outcome of leukemia, which promoted leukemogenesis by increasing H3 acetylation and the expression of lipid metabolism genes. It is of great significance to investigate whether targeting ANP32A is a novel strategy for leukemia therapy. Results: To target ANP32A, we identified a peptide that competed with ANP32A to bind to histone 3 (termed as H3-binding peptide, H3BP). Disrupting ANP32A and H3 interaction by the overexpression of H3BP-GFP fusion protein mimicked the effect of ANP32A knockdown, impaired H3 acetylation on multiple locus of target genes, reduced proliferation, and caused apoptosis in leukemia cells. Furthermore, a synthesized membrane-penetrating peptide TAT-H3BP effectively entered into leukemia cells and reproduced such effect. In vivo, TAT-H3BP showed potent efficacy against leukemia: Intra-tumor injection of TAT-H3BP significantly reduced the volume of subcutaneous tumors in nude mice and recipient mice engrafted with TAT-H3BP-pretreated 6133/MPL W515L cells exhibited ameliorated leukemia burden and prolonged survival. Noticeably, TAT-H3BP efficiently suppressed proliferation and colony-forming unit of human primary AML cells without affecting normal cord blood cells.Conclusions: Intervening the physical interaction of ANP32A with H3 impairs the oncogenicity of ANP32A and may be a promising therapeutic strategy against AML.
Therapeutic Effects of CXCL9-overexpressing Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Liver Fibrosis in Rats
Authors: Li Yang , Ye Xueshuai , Zhang Xueqian , Cai Ziqi , Shen Li , Zhang Mengya , Zhang Wentao , Cai Jianhui
Published: July 2021

Background: Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) transplantation have become a promising treatment for liver fibrosis. However, UC-MSCs have limited anti-fibrosis ability, and their homing ability of UC-MSCs to the injured liver sites appears to be poor. In this study, we aimed to determining if overexpression of CXCL9 could have the synergistic anti-fibrosis effect with UC-MSCs, and whether it can promote the homing ability of UC-MSCs.Methods: Overexpression of CXCL9 in UC-MSCs (CXCL9-UC-MSCs) was attained by transfection of naive UC-MSCs with the lenti-CXCL9-mCherry. The impact of transplanted CXCL9-UC-MSCs on both repairing of liver fibrosis and homing was evaluated and compared with lenti-mCherry empty vector transfected UC-MSCs (control UC-MSCs).Results: After puromycin screening, UC-MSCs could stably express CXCL9 without affecting the stem and differentiation ability of UC-MSCs. In addition, biochemical analysis showed that the liver function of CXCL9-UC-MSCs was significantly increased in comparison with that of control UC-MSCs (P < 0.05). Futhermore, histopathology after 4 weeks of cell therapy demonstrated that the content of collagen fibers decreased obviously, the pseudo-lobules almost disappeared, and the morphology of hepatic lobules was basically normal. Frozen sections were performed 24 hours and 4 weeks after the cell injection. It can be seen that the fluorescence expression of the CXCL9-UC-MSCs group was significantly higher than that of the control UC-MSCs group, which proved that CXCL9-UC-MSCs have a stronger chemotactic ability, and can stay longer than control UC-MSCs in the injured liver.Conclusion: Overexpression of CXCL9 improves the efficacy of UC-MSC therapy for liver fibrosis repair, thereby promoting the homing and staying of UC-MSCs to injured hepatic sites in a rat model of liver fibrosis.
Ephaptic Coupling in Hybrid Neuronal Model
Authors: Cunha Gabriel Moreno , Corso Gilberto , Miranda José Garcia Vivas , Lima Gustavo Zampier Dos Santos
Published: July 2021

In recent decades, there has been growing interest in the impact of electric fields generated in the brain. Transmembrane ionic currents originate electric fields in the extracellular space and are capable of affecting nearby neurons, a phenomenon called ephaptic neuronal communication. In the present work, the Quadratic Integrate-and-Trigger model (QIF-E) underwent an adjustment/improvement to include the ephaptic coupling behavior between neurons and their results are compared to the empirical results. In this way, the analysis tools are employed according to the neuronal activity regime: (i) for the subthreshold regime, the circular statistic is used to describe the phase differences between the input stimulus signal and the modeled membrane response; (ii) in the suprathreshold regime, the Population Vector and the Spike Field Coherence are employed to estimate phase preferences and the coupling intensity between the input stimulus and the Action Potentials. The results observed are i) in the subthreshold regime the values of the phase differences change with distinct frequencies of an input stimulus; ii) in the supra-threshold regime the preferential phase of Action Potentials changes for different frequencies. In addition, we explore other parameters of the model, such as noise and membrane characteristic-time, in order to understand different types of neurons and extracellular environment related to ephaptic communication. Such results are consistent with results observed in empirical experiments based on ephaptic coupling behavior. In addition, the QIF-E model allows further studies on the physiological importance of ephaptic coupling in the brain, and its simplicity can open a door to simulating ephaptic coupling in neuron networks and evaluating the impact of ephaptic communication in such scenarios.
Intraspinal Sparganosis Diagnosed by Metagenomics Next Generation Sequencing：An Uncommon Infection
Authors: Wang Rongming , Hu Bobin , Jiang Jianning , Su Minghua
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we report a case of lumbago with lower limb fatigue. After a series of biochemical, immunological, imaging, and pathological examinations, the patient was diagnosed with intraspinal sparganosis based on metagenomics next generation sequencing. Due to the length of infection, the presence of multiple complex lesions, and the high risk of surgical treatment with poor prognosis, we did not advocate surgical treatment, but chose to administer a high dose and long course of praziquantel treatment for this case.
Prospective Associations Between Alcohol Consumption and Psychological Well-being in Midlife
Authors: Grønkjær Marie , Wimmelmann Cathrine Lawaetz , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Flensborg-Madsen Trine
Published: July 2021

Background: Alcohol consumption potentially influences psychological well-being in beneficial and harmful ways, but prospective studies on the association show mixed results. Our main purpose was to examine prospective associations between alcohol consumption and psychological well-being in middle-aged men and women. Methods: The study sample included 4,148 middle-aged individuals (80% men) from the Copenhagen Aging and Midlife Biobank who reported their alcohol consumption (average weekly consumption and frequency of binge drinking) at baseline in 2004 or 2006 and reported their psychological well-being (satisfaction with life and vitality) at follow-up in 2009–2011. Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, social relations, and morbidity.Results: For satisfaction with life at follow-up, lower scores were observed in men and women who were alcohol abstinent at baseline as well as in men with heavy alcohol consumption compared with moderate alcohol consumption at baseline. Moreover, men with moderate frequency of binge drinking (1–3 times/month) at baseline had higher satisfaction with life scores at follow-up than men with less and more frequent binge drinking. In relation to vitality at follow-up, alcohol abstinence at baseline in men and women and heavy alcohol consumption at baseline in men were associated with lower scores compared with moderate alcohol consumption. Conclusions: Alcohol abstinence seems to be prospectively associated with adverse psychological well-being in men and women, while heavy alcohol consumption seems to be prospectively associated with adverse psychological well-being in men. Finally, an inverse u-shaped prospective association between binge drinking and life satisfaction was observed in men.
Amplification, copy number variation, expression and association of non-synonymous SNP of bovine beta-defensin 129 gene with distinct fertility of cattle bull
Authors: Solanki Subhash , Kashyap Poonam ,   Ashutosh vats1, Kumar Vijay , Pukhrambam Martina , De Sachinandan , Kumar Rakesh , Datta* Tirtha Kumar
Published: July 2021

Background: The male reproductive specific class-A β-defensins are adsorbed on sperm surface and enrich sperm functioning thus considered vital for maintaining male fertility. The primate DEFB129 play role in sperm maturation, motility, and fertilization but its contribution to bovine fertility is still unexplored.Method: RLM-RACE and RT-qPCR approaches were used to characterize and expression analysis of Indian cattle BBD129 gene. The polymorphism analysis of the BBD129 gene was done by PCR, sequencing, and absolute RT-qPCR on sperm gDNA from distinct fertility cattle bulls. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to understand the structural and functional implications of SNP on BBD129 protein.Results: The complete coding sequence of the BBD129 gene consists of 582 bp mRNA including UTRs and conserves all beta-defensin-like characteristics. Sequencing results revealed two conserved non-synonymous T169G (rs378737321, S57A) and A329G (rs383285978, N110S) SNPs in the functional protein-coding exon. Based on SNP position and linkage, BBD129 gene haplotypes were categorized into four groups: TA haplotype (169T & 329A), GA haplotype (T169G polymorphism), TG haplotype (A329G polymorphism), and GG haplotype (when T169G & A329G polymorphisms present together). The frequencies distributions of BBD129 haplotypes in the high fertile group (n=105 clones) were: TA (71.42%), GA (1.90%), TG (2.8%), and GG (24.76%), while in the low fertile group of bulls, the frequencies distributions of observed BBD129 haplotypes (n=149 clones) were: TA (36.24%), GA (0%), TG (2.68%), and GG (61.07%). The distributions of TA haplotype were majorly distributed in bulls with a high conception rate (P=0.5256) while double mutated GG haplotype was significantly more abundant in bulls with a lower conception rate (P=0.0001). BBD129 exist as a single-copy gene in the bovine genome and found higher expression in the corpus-epididymis region. Bioinformatic analyses found nsSNPs as neutral and non-deleterious but their structural-distorter could result in altered mRNA secondary structure, protein conformations decreased protein stability, and compromised biological functionalities. The polymorphisms resulted in altered O-glycosylations (deletion S57A and insertion N110S) and an increase in phosphorylations (52T-Threonine and 110S-Serine) post-translational-modifications.Conclusion: BBD129 gene polymorphism could be associated with the fertility performance of cattle bulls.
Establishing Analytical Validity of BeadChip Array Genotype Data by Comparison to Whole-Genome Sequence and Standard Benchmark Datasets
Authors: Cherukuri Praveen F , Soe Melissa M. , Condon David E. , Bartaria Shubhi , Meis Kaitlynn , Gu Shaopeng , Frost Frederick G. , Fricke Lindsay M. , Lubieniecki Krzysztof P. , Lubieniecka Joanna M. , Pyatt Robert E. , Hajek Catherine , Boerkoel Cornelius F. , Carmichael Lynn
Published: July 2021

Background Clinical use of genotype data requires high positive predictive value (PPV) and thorough understanding of the genotyping platform characteristics. BeadChip arrays, such as the Global Screening Array (GSA), potentially offer a high-throughput, low-cost clinical screen for known variants. We hypothesize that quality assessment and comparison to whole-genome sequence and benchmark data establish the analytical validity of GSA genotyping.Methods To test this hypothesis, we selected 263 samples from Coriell, generated GSA genotypes in triplicate, generated whole genome sequence (rWGS) genotypes, assessed the quality of each set of genotypes, and compared each set of genotypes to each other and to the 1000 Genomes Phase 3 (1KG) genotypes, a performance benchmark. For 59 genes (MAP59), we also performed theoretical and empirical evaluation of variants deemed medically actionable predispositions.Results Quality analyses detected sample contamination and increased assay failure along the chip margins. Comparison to benchmark data demonstrated that > 82% of the GSA assays had a PPV of 1. GSA assays targeting transitions, genomic regions of high complexity, and common variants performed better than those targeting transversions, regions of low complexity, and rare variants. Comparison of GSA data to rWGS and 1KG data showed >99.3% concordance across all measured parameters. GSA detection of variation within the MAP59 genes was 3/261 consistent with predictions from prior studies.Conclusion We establish the analytical validity of GSA assays using quality analytics and comparison to benchmark and rWGS data. GSA assays meet the standards of a clinical screen although assays interrogating rare variants, transversions, and variants within low-complexity regions require careful evaluation.
Non-Contact Ultrasonic Inspection by Gas-Coupled Laser Acoustic Detection (GCLAD)
Authors: Gulino Michelangelo-Santo , Bruzzi Mara , Caron James , Vangi Dario
Published: July 2021

Gas-Coupled Laser Acoustic Detection (GCLAD) is an ultrasonic, non-contact detection technique that has been recently proven to be applicable to the inspection of mechanical components. GCLAD response raises as the intersection length between the probe laser beam and the acoustic wavefront propagating in the air increases; such feature differentiates the GCLAD device from other optical detection instruments, making it a line detection system rather than a point detector. During the inspection of structures mainly extending in two dimensions, the capability to evidence presence of defects in whichever point over a line would enable moving the emitter and the detector along a single direction: this translates in the possibility to decrease the overall required time for interrogation of components compared to point detectors, as well as generating simpler automated monitoring layouts. Based on this assumption, the present study highlights the possibility of employing the GCLAD device as a line inspection tool. To this end, preliminary concepts are provided allowing maximization of the GCLAD response for the non-destructive testing of components which predominantly extend in two dimensions. Afterwards, the GCLAD device is employed in pulse-echo mode for the detection of artificial defects machined on a 12 mm-thick steel plate: the GCLAD probe laser beam is inclined to be perpendicular to the propagation direction of the airborne ultrasound, generated by surface acoustic waves (SAWs) in the solid which are first reflected by the defect flanks and subsequently refracted in the air. Numerical results are provided highlighting the SAW reflection patterns, originated by 3 mm deep surface and subsurface defects, that the GCLAD should interpret. The subsequent experimental campaign highlights that the GCLAD device can identify echoes associated with surface and subsurface defects, located in eight different positions on the plate. B-scan of the component ultimately demonstrates the GCLAD performance in accomplishing the inspection task.
Integrated Quantitative Neuro-transcriptome Analysis of Several Brain Areas in Human Trisomy 21
Authors: Rodriguez-Ortiz Alejandra , Montoya-Villegas Julio Cesar , Garcia-Vallejo Felipe , Mina-Paz Yecid
Published: July 2021

Background
Although Down syndrome (DS) is a trisomy of chromosome 21 being the most frequent human chromosomal disorder mainly associated with variables dysfunctions.
Objective
In this context, we aimed to analyze and compare the disruption of transcriptome of several brain areas from individuals with DS and euploid controls as a new approach to consider a global systemic differential disruption of gene expression beyond of chromosome 21.
Methods
We used data from a DNA microarray experiment with ID GSE59630 previously deposited in the GEO DataSet of NCBI database. The array contained log2 values of 17,537 human genes expressed in several aeras of human brain. We calculated the differential gene expression (Z-ratio) of all genes.
Results
We found several differences in gene expression along the DS brain transcriptome, not only in the genes located at chromosome 21 but in other chromosomes. Moreover, we registered the lowest Z-ratio correlation between the age ranks of 16–22 weeks of gestation and 39–42 years (R 2 = 0.06) and the highest Z-ratio correlation between the age ranks of 30–39 years and 40–42 years (R 2 = 0.89). The analysis per brain areas showed that the hippocampus and the cerebellar cortex had the most different gene expression pattern when compared to the brain as a whole.
Conclusions
Our results support the hypothesis of a systemic imbalance of brain protein homeostasis, or proteostasis network of cognitive and neuroplasticity process as new model to explain the important effect on the neurophenotype of trisomy that occur not only in loci of chromosome 21 but also in genes located in other chromosomes.
Occurrence, Compositional Profiles and Health Risks of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) in Leachate and Groundwater in and around Dumpsites in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Olujimi Olanrewaju , Adegbite Kabirat , Sojinu Samuel , Daso Adegbenro , Oyebanji Funmilola , Oluwadare Idowu , Oyediran Femi , AROWOLO TOYIN AYODELE
Published: July 2021

Groundwater from the communities adjoining Abule Egba (ABE), Epe (EPE), Ikorodu (IKR), Olushosun (OSH) and Solous (SOL) dumpsites in Lagos State, Nigeria were collected and analyzed for Polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Water samples were extracted using liquid-liquid extraction followed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy analysis using already validated standard method. PBDEs concentrations ranged from 7.1 ± 10.1 (IKR) to 78 ± 109 µgL-1 (ABE) for BDE 28; 5.4 ± 0.3 (OSH) to 31.5 ± 27.3 µgL-1 (ABE) for BDE 47; 17 ± 24 (ABE) to 183 ± 226 µgL-1 for BDE 100; 11.7 ± 16.5 (ABE) to 174 ± 217 µgL-1(EPE) for BDE 99; 117 ± 166 (ABE) to 2034 ± 2819 µg L-1 (EPE) for BDE 183; 296 ± 392 (IKR) to 4283 ± 1278 µg L-1 (EPE) for BDE 209. BDE 153 and BDE 154 were not detected in all the water samples while BDE 28 was only detected in ABE and IKR water samples. The BDE 209 was the most dominant congener in all the water samples. The cumulative HI values for children through ingestion route ranged from 4.95 E+00 (SOL) to 4.53 E+01 (EPE) while in adult, it ranged from 4.25 E+00 (SOL) to 3.88 E+01 (EPE). This study confirmed the presence of PBDEs at elevated concentration in groundwater. Since there is no regular supply of pipe-borne water in the study area, residents consume the contaminated groundwater and may therefore be exposed to endocrine disrupting chemicals. Government should provide pie-borne water for the populace and discourage people from living close to the dumpsites.
Optical Signature of Bipolaron in Monolayer Transition Metal Dichalcogenides: All Coupling Approach
Authors: Nguepnang Valère , Sadem Christian Kenfack , Kenfack-Jiotsa Aurelien , Fobasso Florette , Sun Yong
Published: July 2021

We studied the optical signature of bipolaron and its effects on the bandgap modulation in the single-layer Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs) under magnetic field. Using the Huybrecht method, we derived the ground state energies in the modified zero Landau levels for all Fröhlich coupling constants. We take into account both intrinsic longitudinal optical phonon modes and surface optical phonon modes induced by the polar substrate. We observed that the higher the coupling strength, the stronger is the magnetic field effect. The highest amplitude of the bandgap modulation is obtained for the MoS2 monolayer and the lowest with the WSe2 monolayer. We also found that the bipolaron is stable in TMDs. It is seen that the optical absorption presents the threshold values and respectively increases for WSe2, MoSe2, WS2 and MoS2.
The Impact of Freezing Temperature and Pretreatment Protocol on Solid Phase HR-MAS-MRS Metabolomes of Colorectal Cancer Tissue
Authors: Liu Hui , Wang Yu , Han Yue-qiang , Yang Guang-yu , Wang Lu , Peng Jin , Liang Hua-ping , Huang He , Deng Peng-chi , Lu Charles Damien , jiang hua
Published: July 2021

Background: To explore the best pretreatment method of colorectal cancer tissue samples for metabolomics research based on solid-phase nuclear magnetic resonance. Method: Taking mucosal tissues of colorectal cancer and divide it into 5 groups of 0.2cm*0.2cm*0.2cm. Pretreatment was performed as follows: I. Liquid nitrogen storage; II. Transfer to the -80℃ refrigerator after storing in liquid nitrogen for 10 minutes; III. Transfer to the -80℃ refrigerator after storing in liquid nitrogen for 20 minutes; IV. Transfer to the -80℃ refrigerator after storing in liquid nitrogen for 30 minutes; V. -80℃ refrigerator storage. The interval between tumor sample separation to pretreatment is less than 30 minutes. The tissue sample testing process is carried out on Bruker AVII-600 Spectrometer equipped with a high-resolution probe having a 1H/13C magical angle rotation. The tissue samples were put into the NMR which run at a speed of 5000Hz for 10 minutes. NMR signals were collected and analyzed by Fourier transform, partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLS-DA). Corresponding metabolites and metabolic pathways were found in Human Metabolome Database (HMDB) according to the ppms with variable importance of projection (VIP) ＞1. Results: The content of pelargonic acid, stearic acid, D-Ribose, heptadecanoic acid, pyruvic acid, succinate, sarcosine, glycine, creatine, and L-lactate in liquid nitrogen storage group were significantly lower than the other groups (P<0.05), the content of glycerophosphocholine in liquid nitrogen storage group was lower than the other groups (P=0.055). Pyruvic, succinate and L-lactate are participating in glucose metabolism. Glycerophosphocholine, sarcosine, glycine and creatine are participating in choline phospholipid metabolism. This indicated that the glucose and choline phospholipid metabolism levels of the liquid nitrogen group were significantly lower than those of the other 4 groups. Conclusion: Liquid nitrogen storage can slow down the glucose and choline phospholipid metabolism process of colorectal cancer tissue samples in vitro; liquid nitrogen can preserve tissue sample’s metabolic state in the body. It is therefore the better way to store tissue sample than the other methods. clinical trial registry website: http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx. Trial number: ChiCTR1900024640
Risk of lung cancer among women in relation to lifetime history of tobacco smoking: A population-based case-control study in France (the WELCA study)
Authors: Rusmaully Jennifer , Tvardik Nastassia , Martin Diane , Billmann Régine , Cénée Sylvie , Antoine Martine , Blons Hélène , Laurent-Puig Pierre , Trédaniel Jean , Wislez Marie , Stücker Isabelle , Guénel Pascal , Radoï Loredana
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

This study aims to provide new insights on the role of smoking patterns and cigarette dependence in female lung cancer, and to examine differences by histological subtype.
METHODS

We conducted a population-based case-control study in the great Paris area among women including 716 incident cases diagnosed between 2014 and 2017 and 757 age-matched controls. Detailed data on smoking history was collected during in-person interviews to assess intensity and duration of tobacco smoking, time since cessation, smoking habits (depth of smoke inhalation, use of filter, type of tobacco, and type of cigarettes) and Fagerström test for cigarette dependence. The comprehensive smoking index (CSI), a score modelling the combined effects of intensity, duration and time since quitting smoking was determined for each subject. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and their confidence intervals (95%CI) of lung cancer associated with smoking variables.
RESULTS

Lung cancer risk increased linearly with intensity and duration of tobacco smoking while it decreased with time since cessation, to reach the risk in never-smokers after 20 years of abstinence. The combined effect of intensity and duration of tobacco smoking was more than multiplicative (p-interaction 0.012). The OR in the highest vs the lowest quartile of CSI was 12.64 (95%CI 8.50; 18.80) (p-trend < 0.001). The risk of small cell or squamous cell carcinomas increased with the CSI more sharply than the risk of adenocarcinomas. Deep smoke inhalation, dark vs blond tobacco, conventional vs light cigarettes, and unfiltered vs filtered cigarettes, as well as having mixed smoking habits, were found to be independent risk factors. Having high cigarette addiction behaviours also increased the risk after adjusting for CSI.
CONCLUSION

This study provides additional insights on the effects of tobacco smoking patterns on lung cancer risk among women.
Using public playgrounds during COVID-19 pandemic: A Survey of Parental Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs
Authors: Andisi Vahid Farshchi , Taghadosi Camellia , Boroujeni Sara Borjian , Bakhtiari Hadi , Rose Sarah , Taghizadeh Niloofar
Published: July 2021

Background: The possibility of COVID-19 transmission by environmental surfaces such as playground equipment has been previously suggested. The objective of this study was to investigate how the parents' Knowledge and beliefs regarding using public playgrounds contribute to asymptomatic community transmission of the virus. Methods: An online survey questionnaire was designed through SurveyMonkey (Palo Alto, California, USA), including 18 closed-ended and one open-ended question. Albertans having at least one non-school-aged child were invited to participate via a link placed on social media platforms. The initial survey was sent out in December 2020, and the survey period continued for 3 weeks. The survey results were summarized, graphed, and reported using SurveyMonkey.Results: A total of 162 anonymous responses were included in this study. Overall, the dimensions evaluated have demonstrated remarkable levels of compliance with the current public health measures among parents (Average score 6.1/9.0 (68%)). However, most respondents believed a more stringent health measure is needed to improve public playground safety during this pandemic, such as regular cleaning and sanitizing the equipment, capacity restrictions, sanitizer available at playgrounds, etc. While the majority of respondents were aware of the possibility of COVID-19 transmission through public playgrounds, there were some indications of inappropriate use of playgrounds; a few parents used playgrounds even after the child was diagnosed with Covid-19 infection or identified as a close contact of someone who is confirmed as having COVID-19 by a health care provider.Conclusions: Our study highlights the current lack of screening and risk assessments of public playgrounds that may contribute to an increase in a variety of pathogens, including COVID-19, that cause a range of health outcomes.
Selected ‘Starter Kit’ energy system modelling data for South Korea (#CCG)
Authors: Cannone Carla , Allington Lucy , Pappis Ioannis , Barron Karla Cervantes , Usher Will , Pye Steve , Brown Edward , Howells Mark , Walker Miriam Zachau , Ahsan Aniq , Charbonnier Flora , Halloran Claire , Hirmer Stephanie , Taliotis Constantinos , Sundin Caroline , Sridha Vignesh , Ramos Eunice , Brinkerink Maarten , Deane Paul , Gritsevskyi Andrii , Moura Gustavo , Rouget Arnaud , Wogan David , Barcelona Edito , Rogner Holger , Cronin Jen
Published: July 2021

Energy system modelling can be used to assess the implications of different scenarios and support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to energy system modelling, causing delays. Therefore, this article provides data that can be used to create a simple zero order energy system model for South Korea, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organizations, journal articles, and existing modelling studies. This means that the dataset can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. These data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and two stylized scenarios (Fossil Future and Least Cost) for 2020–2050. The assumptions used and results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.
Egység a sokszínűségben
Authors: Mészáros Ádám
Published: July 2021

K. Nagy, E. & Simándi, Sz. (Ed.) (2019). Értékek a neveléstudományban. Válogatás a Pedagógiai Szakbizottság tagjainak a munkáiból. Magyar Tudományos Akadémia Miskolci Területi Bizottsága. Eger: Líceum kiadó.
Pozitív szemléletek – változatos gyakorlatok
Authors: Farkas Pálma
Published: July 2021

Endrődy Orsolya, Svraka Bernadett és F. Lassú Zsuzsa (2020, szerk.). Sokszínű pedagógia – Inkluzív nevelés és multikulturális szemléletmód a pedagógiai gyakorlatban. Budapest: ELTE Eötvös Kiadó.
Identifying critical source areas of nonpoint source pollution in a watershed with SWAT–ECM and AHP methods
Authors: Wu Qiang , Yu Hui
Published: July 2021

Identification of critical source areas (CSAs) is pivotal for the management of nonpoint source (NPS) pollution of watersheds. Most studies focus on source (S) factors and ignore the driving (D) factors of such pollution. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model and the export coefficient method (ECM) were incorporated to quantify the S factors of ammonia nitrogen (NH4-N) and total phosphorus (TP) as NPS pollution. Specifically, S factors coupled with D factors, including precipitation, slope, soil and land use, were regarded as multi-factors. Moreover, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) method was adopted to determine the respective weights of multi-factors after overlaying the factor maps to identify the CSAs. These CSAs accounted for 23.86% of the total area, and generated 54.94% of NH4-N and 42.59% of the TP loads. In contrast with single and multi-factors, we found that using multi-factors having differing weights was more accurate for identifying CSAs. Our study results indicate this approach is reasonable for CSAs' identification in watersheds, and it can provide insights into different pollution sources and migration, thus providing a sounder basis for future decision-making.
Reaching those left behind: knowledge gaps, challenges, and approaches to achieving SDG 6 in high-income countries
Authors: Mattos Kaitlin J. , Mulhern Riley , Naughton Colleen C. , Anthonj Carmen , Brown Joe , Brocklehurst Clarissa , Brooks Cecelia , Desclos April , Escobedo Garcia Nataly E. , Gibson Jacqueline MacDonald , Linden Karl G. , Lindsay Christopher A. , Newby Jennifer , Sinclair Ryan , Smith Alan
Published: July 2021

Even as progress has been made in extending access to safe water and sanitation under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), substantial disparities in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services persist in high-income countries around the world. These gaps in service occur disproportionately among historically marginalized, rural, informal, and Indigenous communities. This paper synthesizes results from a side session convened at the 2020 University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Water and Health conference focused on knowledge gaps, challenges, and approaches to achieve SDG 6 among marginalized communities in high-income countries. We provide approaches and next steps to advance sustainable WASH services in communities that have often been overlooked.
Exploratory assessment of challenges and issues with private water operators in rural water supply and service delivery: a case study of the Karamoja region, Uganda
Authors: Dektar Benbella , McConnell Scott , Kasekende Allan
Published: July 2021

This exploratory assessment was conducted in the Karamoja region of North Eastern Uganda. The aim was to analyse the contextual shortfalls that undermine the effectiveness and sustainability of private operators (PO) in water supply. POs had limited capacity to manage affairs of the water supply systems (WSS). Specifically, their skills were lacking to manage the electromechanical components of the systems, meter reading, and they exhibited poor customer care skills. Intermittent power supplies rendered the WSS unreliable. Solar systems were reported to have erratic frequencies and output which also ultimately resulted in inconsistent water supply. However, the POs hardly pursued corrective measures. The weak enforcement of regulatory policies propagated non-uniformity in tariff implementation approaches across districts contributing to lower willingness to pay. The POs’ focus on profits presents a unique challenge as they attempt to minimise energy expenses in a bid to widen profit margins. We conclude that the limited technical and managerial capacity of POs in running water supply systems is a critical cause of unsatisfactory service delivery to water users. Finally, the weak water governance and regulatory policy enforcement and the non-adherence to water tariff plans not only affect PO economies of scale but also hamper efficient service delivery.
Implications of COD analysis use in the peracetic acid-based wastewater treatment
Authors: Leite Luan de Souza , Tango Mariana Daniel , Filho José Antônio Zanetoni , Hoffmann Maria Teresa , Daniel Luiz Antonio
Published: July 2021

Peracetic acid (PAA) stands out as a safe and environmental-friendly oxidant and disinfectant which has been effectively used in wastewater treatment. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is a very popular analysis in wastewater treatment; however, the interference of residual PAA on the COD measurement is still unknown. In this context, this study investigated the implications of applying the COD analysis in PAA-based treatment. Each 1 mg·L−1 of PAA increased the COD concentration around 13.5 mg O2·L−1. Residual PAA and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were efficiently neutralized by sodium metabisulfite (SMBS) at the optimal SMBS/PAA ratio of 10.2:1 in a wide pH range (5 to 9). The effect of PAA addition on the COD concentration was evaluated in different water matrices (potassium hydrogen phthalate and wastewater solutions). The COD results with the SMBS addition at optimal SMBS/PAA ratio were lower than the ones without it. It may happen due to the neutralization of residual H2O2/PAA and the complexity of the water matrices which can interfere in the COD results. This study discussed the impact of the residual H2O2/PAA neutralization before the COD analysis, and this investigation can be used as a practical guideline for the correct COD measurement in PAA-based treatment.