bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Pre-Event Testing and Quarantine On Reducing The Risk of COVID-19 Epidemic Rebound: A Modelling Study
Authors: WONG Ngai Sze , LEE Shui Shan , MITCHELL Kate M. , Yeoh Eng-kiong , Wang Cheng
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND With the evolving growth of the COVID-19 epidemic, travel restriction policies would need to be adjusted accordingly. Prohibition of mass event may be relaxed for social and economic benefits when virus transmission stops but could bear the risk of epidemic rebound. Against the background of the varied SARS-CoV-2 prevalence internationally, we modelled the potential impacts of pre-event interventions on epidemic risk of holding a mass event when COVID-19 is under control. METHODS We developed a mathematical model of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Guangdong Province, China, where local virus transmission ceased to occur. A large-scale international trade fair was assumed to be held, with influx of people from overseas and rest of China over a short period of time, who participated for 2-week. Scenarios of pre-event intervention (none, quarantine arrangement and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for participants) were compared. The influence of contact pattern, SARS-CoV-2 prevalence outside the province and China, and testing coverage were examined in sensitivity analyses. RESULTS In basecase scenario (no event), the epidemic has been under control since March 2020. The event would lead to the detection of 1% more confirmed cases by 31 July when community contact rate increases to pre-epidemic level. In event scenario without additional interventions, there would be 599 (93%) more new infections comparing with basecase scenario. To avert new infections, quarantining all participants before the event would be the most effective strategy, followed by quarantining all overseas participants and testing all other participants, and testing all participants before the event and on day 7. However, testing strategy is likely to be affected by the SARS-CoV-2 prevalence outside the event province. CONCLUSIONS Pre-event interventions are effective for reducing the risk of epidemic rebound caused by an international large-scale event. Universal testing for participants is likely to be an effective and feasible intervention.
First record of genus Bionychiurus Pomorski 1996 (Collembola: Onychiuridae) from India.
Authors: Thunnisa Abu Muhsina , Sumithra Nallathambi , Narmatha Senthilkumar , Jyothi Manikkiri , Sanil Ravindranathanpillai
Published: February 2021

The new species of Bionychiurus Pomorski 1996 is described from India for the first time. The new species, Bionychiurus tamilensis sp.nov., possess a dorsal pso formula as 32/133/33343 and a ventral pso formula as 11/011/11121. The dorsal pso formula the new species shows similarilty to Bionychiurus changbaiensis, Bionychiurus normalis, and Bionychiurus oblongatus reported from China and Korea. Status of the new species was confirmed molecularly by sequencing the mitochondrial COI region. The new species is designated as Bionychiurus tamilensis sp nov. An identification key to the genus Bionychiurus is provided.
Predicting Lifestyle and Host From Positive Selection Data and Genome Properties in Oomycetes
Authors: Gómez-Pérez Daniel , Kemen Eric
Published: February 2021

Background: Host and niche shifts are a source of genomic and phenotypic diversi_cation as evidenced in parasitism. Most characteristic is core metabolism reduction as parasites adapt to a particular host, while the accessory genome often maintains a high degree of diversi_cation. However, selective pressures acting on the genome of such organisms are not fully understood. Results: Here, we developed a comparative genomic approach to study underlying adaptive trends in oomycetes, a eukaryotic phylum with a broad range of economically important plant and animal parasitic lifestyles. Our analysis reveals converging evolution on biological processes for oomycetes inhabiting similar niches. We _nd that certain functions, in particular carbohydrate metabolism, transport, and signaling, are important for host and environmental adaption in oomycetes. Discussion: Given the high correlation of lifestyle to genome properties in our oomycete dataset and the convergent evolution of fungal and oomycete genomes, we have developed a model that predicts plant pathogen lifestyles with high accuracy. Understanding how genomes and selective pressures correlate with lifestyle may be crucial to identify new emerging diseases and pandemic threats.
Fabrication and photosensitivity of ZnO/CdS/Silica nanopillars based photoresistor
Authors: Liu Jing , Xu Yuanze , Yi Futing
Published: February 2021

A kind of Zinc oxide (ZnO)/Cadmium sulfide (CdS)/Silica nanopillars structure is fabricated to photoresistor for the first time. The silica wafer with countless nanopillars is used as the substrate for photoresistor. CdS and ZnO film are deposited by frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering onto the silica nanopillars surface to form ZnO/CdS/Silica nanopillars structure. The ZnO nanowires also can grow on the CdS surface by the hydrothermal reaction to ZnO nanowires/CdS/Silica nanopillars structures. The X-ray diffraction curves show that the ZnO and CdS film both on the planar silica and nanopillar silica surface are well-crystallized. The ZnO film deposition can reduce the reflection and increase the absorption of the incoming light, especially for the light with a wavelength less than 350 nm. And the ZnO/CdS heterojunction structure can retard the recombination probability of the photon-generated carries and prolong the lifetime of the photon-generated carriers, which lending to a remarkable photocurrent improvement. The photosensitivity property testing results show that the ZnO nanowires/CdS/Silica nanopillars structure has the best photosensitivity response of 135 for the white light with 10 mW/cm2 illumination.
An empirical approach to the analysis of local and global climate and weather data and to the determination of CO2 sensitivities
Authors: Timm Wolf
Published: February 2021

Some freely available global temperature data sets which document the weather for a period of over 100 years, e.g. from NASA, from NOAA, additionally also local data e.g. for Germany (DWD) were analyzed in order to derive meaningful empirical long-term trends with suitable multi-annual averages. This is first demonstrated using global climate data with different approaches, whereby the results are to a high degree consistent. Analyzes of the German temperature and weather data and of climate data from other continents are carried out in a similar manner. For reliable forecasts it is important to determine the CO2 sensitivity as precisely as possible. A very simple method is to smooth out temperatures over 20 years at a time. If these values are plotted at intervals of 10 years over the associated (also averaged) CO2 content, the temperature database (since 1961) is condensed to 5 data points and a statement can be made about the quality of the linearity for the respective database. Both the NASA data and the NOAA data show an unusually good linearity with almost identical CO2 sensitivity (approx. 0.0105 K/ppm CO2). This indicates that the long-term trend in global temperature since around 1960 has been largely determined solely by greenhouse gases. If the regional weather data is used as a basis, there is also in many cases strict linearity with increasing CO2 content. The analysis of the regional data allows the conclusion that there is approximately a specific CO2 sensitivity for every region on earth with specific statistical uncertainties: For mean global land, it is 0.017 K, for Germany it is 0.022 K, and for Alaska even 0.028 K per ppm CO2 .
Highly Antibacterial Activity Against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized by Citrus maxima Peel Extract
Authors: Bui Thu Ha , Tran Ngoc Dai Nghia , Nguyen Phung Anh , Duong Nhat Linh , Nguyen Van Minh , Nguyen Dinh Hong Nguyet , Nguyen Phuong Thao , Dang-Bao Trung , Phan Hong Phuong , Tri Nguyen
Published: February 2021

A cost-effective and green technique was performed for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from a plant resource using Citrus maxima peel (CMP) extract as a reducing agent. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by UV-Vis Spectroscopy at the wavelength range of 400−500 nm. The optimized conditions for the AgNPs synthesis using CMP extract as a reducing agent were determined. At these conditions, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) results revealed the face-centered cubic structure of AgNPs had a highly crystalline with the particle size in a range of 10−20 nm. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) demonstrated the presence of flavonoid, terpenoid, phenolic, and glycosides in phytochemical compositions of CMP extract which can act as the reducing agents for AgNPs formation. The antibacterial effect of the AgNPs was evaluated against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by implementing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum batericidal concentration (MBC), and the zone of inhibition tests. The AgNPs exhibited effective antibacterial activity against bacteria with an average diameter of inhibition zones of 11.7 mm, the MIC of 8.27 µg/mL, and the MBC of the 16.54 µg/mL.
Quantify Wetland Bird Habitat Selection in Urban Environment
Authors: Lu Lin , XIONG HAO , Wang Yan-ting , Lan Gui-ying , Liu Wei-dong , Li Nian
Published: February 2021

Background: As the importance of wetlands is recognized by society, the awareness of protecting wetlands is gradually awakening. Wetland conservation actions have been taken around the world, which brought the upsurge of urban wetland construction. However, the lack of research on habitat selection of wetland species results in poor construction or restoration of wetlands habitat in cities. The aims of this work are: (1) to unveil main factors affect habitat selection for the egrets dwelling and foraging. (2) to quantify their preference of habitat factors natural and urban wetland at multi scale. Methods: Quadrat sampling are used to collect the data of habitat factor selection. Factor analysis and component analysis for the preference and the difference of habitat selection in natural and urban wetland.Results: Guarding and flushing distances of egret were longer in natural wetland than those in constructed wetland. Difference significance tests of egret perching habitat factors showed that the habitat factors as distance from disturbed area, vegetation density, vegetation coverage, slope, distance from water surface, were striking (P〈0.05). In natural wetland and constructed wetland, the differences of three habitat factors including distance from disturbed area, ground coverage and vegetation coverage were striking (P〈0.05). PCA (Principal Component Analysis) extracted two principal components—distance factor and vegetation factor. Vanderloeg and Scavia coefficient analysis results suggested that Egrets intended to inhabit at areas with gentle slope, dense vegetation, wide forest belt, short distance from water surface, long distance from disturbed area, and forest near a fork estuary. They preferred to selected farmlands, fishponds, rivers, and shallows as their foraging sites in natural wetland, while in artificial environment the requirement for distance from disturbed area and hiding cover were loosened. The shoals of artificial rivers and lakes in urban wetlands are their choice. Conclusion: This study suggest that distance and vegetation were two principal components for egrets dwelling habitat selection. The disturbance distance from human was the most limiting factor for egret habitat selection in urban wetlands.
A Time-Dependent Creep Constitutive Model of Deep Surrounding Rock Under Temperature-Stress Coupling
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Yin Zhixiang
Published: February 2021

In order to study the creep behavior of surrounding rock of Hengda coal mine in Fuxin under different temperature, the triaxial creep test of sandstone is carried out by MTS815.02 test system. Based on the Nishihara model, the model creep parameters are denormalized by introducing the relationship among damage variables, time and temperature. The improved variable parameter creep aging model is obtained. The creep parameters are identified by least squares method. The correctness of the creep model is verified by comparing the experimental data with the model curves. The results show that the instantaneous strain to the total strain ratio decreases first and then increases due to the compaction deformation of the internal voids under the initial stress level. The decrease of temperature effectively increases the rock bearing capacity and delays the creep damage time. The established variable-time aging creep model can not only describe the rock attenuation creep and stable creep deformation characteristics, but also makes up for the shortcomings of the traditional creep model that can not describe the accelerated creep characteristics. And it predict the development law of creep deformation well. The model is in good agreement with the test curve, which shows the correctness and rationality of the model. It has guiding significance for actual engineering support and prediction of long-term deformation of surrounding rock.
The Risk of Carotid Plaque Instability in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: It is Higher in Women with Hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Servadei Francesca , Anemona Lucia , Cardellini Marina , Scimeca Manuel , Montanaro Manuela , Rovella Valentina , Daniele Francesca Di , Giacobbi Erica , Legramante Jacopo Maria , Noce Annalisa , Bonfiglio Rita , Borboni Patrizia , Daniele Nicola Di , Ippoliti Arnaldo , Federici Massimo , Mauriello Alessandro
Published: February 2021

Background: Metabolic syndrome certainly favors growth of carotid plaque; however, it is uncertain if it determines plaque destabilization. Furthermore, it is likely that only some components of metabolic syndrome are associated with increased risk of plaque destabilization. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of different elements of metabolic syndrome, individually and in association, on carotid plaques destabilization. Methods: A total of 186 carotid endarterectomies from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were histologically analysed and correlated with major cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Metabolic syndrome, regardless of the cluster of its components, is not associated with a significant increase in risk of plaque destabilization, rather with the presence of stable plaques. The incidence of unstable plaques in patients with metabolic syndrome is quite low (43.9%), when compared with that seen in the presence of some risk factors, but significantly increases in the subgroup of female patients with hypertriglyceridemia, showing an odds ratio of 3.01 (CI 95% 0.25 - 36.30). Conclusions: Our data may help to identify patients with real increased risk of acute cerebrovascular diseases and may support the hypothesis that the control of hypertriglyceridemia should be a key point on prevention of carotid atherosclerotic plaque destabilization, especially in post-menopausal female patients. Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, carotid, histology, hypertriglyceridemia , post-menopause.
Benign Pleural Multicystic Mesothelioma: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Rezvani Alireza , Pishva SeyedehMaryam , Erfani Amirhossein , Monabati Ahmad , Ziaian Bizhan , Fallahi Mohammad Javad , Shahriarirad Reza
Published: February 2021

Background: Fewer than 200 benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma cases were reported worldwide till 2017, while its pleural involvement has rarely been reported. Case presentation: We report a 70-year-old man who presented with three months history of chronic cough. Surgical resection was performed, and the pathology confirmed benign multicystic pleural mesothelioma. The patient underwent right lateral thoracotomy, wedges resection of the right upper lobe, and parietal pleurectomy and was discharged with an uneventful postop course.Conclusion: Based on published literature to date, this is the second reported case of pleural involvement of this disease.
Early Venous Thromboembolism Is A Strong Prognostic Factor In Patients With Advanced Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Barrau Mathilde , Maoui Khawla , Roy Bertrand Le , Roblin Xavier , Mismetti Patrick , Phelip Jean-Marc , WILLIET Nicolas
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThere is still controversial data regarding prognostic value of Venous ThromboEmbolism (VTE) in advanced Pancreatic Ductal AdenoCarcinoma (PDAC) and thromboprophylaxis is poorly prescribed despite international recommendations.MethodsMedical charts of patients consecutively treated for advanced PDAC from 2010 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic Factors were identified using a multivariate Cox’s proportional hazard model. Early VTE was defined as VTE occurring within the third months from PDAC diagnosis.ResultsA total of 174 patients were included (median age: 67 years; males: 55.2%; performance status (PS) 0-1: 88.5%) with metastatic disease in 74.7%. At baseline, Khorana score was high (≥3) in the vast majority of cases (93.7%). The cumulative incidences of VTE were 12.4% (95% CI: 7.3-17.2) at 3 months, 20.4% (95% CI: 13.9-26.4) at 6 months and 28.1% (95% CI: 20.0-35.3) at 12 months. Early VTE was associated with shorter PFS (3.8 months vs. 7.1 months; HR=2.02; 95%CI: 1.21-3.37; p=0.006) and shorter OS (8.0 months vs. 14.1 months; HR=2.42; 95%CI: 1.37-4.30; p=0.002) compared to the remnant patients, independently of the other prognostic factors including PS, liver metastases, carcinomatosis, and chemotherapy regimen.ConclusionEarly VTE is a strong prognostic factor in advanced PDAC and occurs in about 1 in 10 patients.
An in-situ Reaction Route to Molecular Level Dispersed Bisimide and ZnO Nanorod Hybrids With Efficient Photo-Induced Charge Transfer
Authors: Lv Chunzheng , He Lirong , Tang Jiahong , Yang Feng , Zhang Chuhong
Published: February 2021

As an important photoconductive hybrid material, perylene/ZnO has attracted tremendous attention for photovoltaics related applications, but generally faces a great challenge to design molecular level dispersed perylenes/ZnO nanohybrids due to easy phase separation between perylenes and ZnO nanocrystals. In this work, we reported an in-situ reaction method to prepare molecular level dispersed H-aggregates of perylene bisimide/ZnO nanorod hybrids. Surface photovoltage and electric field induced surface photovoltage spectrum show that the photovoltage intensities of nanorod hybrids increased dramatically for 100 times compared with that of pristine perylene bisimide. The enhancement of photovoltage intensities resulting from two aspects: 1) the photo-generated electrons transfer from perylene bisimide to ZnO nanorod due to the electric field formed on the interface of perylene bisimide /ZnO; 2) the H-aggregates of perylene bisimide in ZnO nanorod composites, which is beneficial for photo-generated charge separation and transportation. The introduction of ordered self-assembly T-PTCDI/ZnO nanorod composites induces a significant improvement in incident photo-to-electron conversion efficiency. This work provides a novel mentality to boost photo-induced charge transfer efficiency, which brings new inspiration for the preparation of the highly efficient solar cell.
The Assessment of Risk Factors for Long-term Survival Outcome in ypN0 Patients With Rectal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Therapy and Radical Anterior Resection
Authors: Zeman Marcin , Czarnecki Marek , Chmielik Ewa , Idasiak Adam , Skałba Władysław , Strączyński Mirosław , Paul Piotr J. , Czarniecka Agnieszka
Published: February 2021

Background: The main negative prognostic factors in patients with rectal cancer after radical treatment include regional lymph node involvement, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, the mucinous component of the tumor and poor differentiation. However, some patients still develop cancer recurrence despite the absence of the above risk factors. The aim of the study was to assess clinicopathological factors influencing long-term oncologic outcomes in ypN0M0 rectal cancer patients after neoadjuvant therapy and radical anterior rectal resection.Methods: A retrospective survival analysis was performed on a group of 195 patients treated between 2008 and 2016. We assessed clinicopathological factors which included tumor regression grade, number of lymph nodes in the specimen, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and colorectal anastomotic leakage (AL).Results: In the univariate analysis, AL and CCI> 3 had a significant negative impact on disease-free survival (DFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS). After the division of ALs into early and late ALs, it was found that only patients with late ALs had a significantly worse survival. The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that CCI> 3 was a significant adverse risk factor for DFS (HR:5.78, 95%CI:2.15-15.51, p<0.001), DSS (HR:7.25, 95%CI:2.25-23.39, p<0.001), and OS (HR:3.9, 95%CI:1.72-8.85, p=0.001). Similarly, late ALs had a significant negative impact on the risk of DFS (HR:5.05, 95%CI:1.97-12.93, p<0.001), DSS (HR:10.84, 95%CI:3.44-34.18, p<0.001) and OS (HR:4.3, 95%CI:1.94-9.53, p<0.001).Conclusions: Late AL and CCI> 3 are the factors that may have an impact on long-term oncologic outcomes. The impact of lymph node yield on understaging was not demonstrated.
Wave Behaviors of Kundu–Mukherjee–Naskar Model Arising In Optical Fiber Communication Systems with Complex Structure
Authors: Rezazadeh Hadi , Kurt Ali , Tozar Ali , Tasbozan Orkun , Mirhosseini-Alizamini Seyed Mehdi
Published: February 2021

Rogue waves are very mysterious and extra ordinary waves. They appear suddenly even in a calm sea and are hard to be predicted. Although nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLS) provides a perspective, it alone can neither detect rogue waves nor provide a complete solution to problems. Therefore, some approximations are still mandatory for both obtaining an exact solution and predicting rogue waves. Such as Kundu-Mukherjee-Naskar (KMN) model which allows obtaining lump-soliton solutions considered as rogue waves. In this study the functional variable method is utilized to obtain the analytical solutions of KMN model that corresponds to the propagation of soliton dynamics in optical fiber communication system.
Effectiveness of XP-Endo Finisher and Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation on Intracanal Medicament Removal From Root Canals: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Jiani , Liu Tingjun , Guo Lihong
Published: February 2021

Background: XP-Endo finisher (XPF) and passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) are commonly used in intracanal medicament removal. The effectiveness of these two techniques needs to be compared, and evidence-based research should be conducted. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar up to December 20th, 2020. The outcomes of the included trials were pooled into the Cochrane Collaboration’s Review Manager 5.3 software. Cochrane’s risk-of-bias tool 2.0 was applied to assess the risk of bias.Results: Nine articles were included in this systematic review and processed for data extraction, and eight studies were identified for meta-analysis. In general, the use of PUI showed better medicament removal effectiveness than XPF (odds ratio [OR]: 3.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.96-4.86; P < 0.001). In subgroup analysis, when anatomical areas were focused on the apical third region of the canal, PUI was also significantly more effective than XPF (OR: 3.42; 95% CI, 1.32-8.84; P = 0.01). For trials using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) alone, PUI was also significantly more effective than XPF on intracanal medicaments removal (OR: 5.23; 95% CI, 2.79-9.82; P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between PUI and XPF when NaOCl and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were used in combination (OR: 1.51; 95% CI, 0.74-3.09; P = 0.26). In addition, for studies whose intracanal medicament periods were two weeks, the effectiveness of PUI was statistically better than the XPF (OR: 7.73; 95% CI, 3.71-16.07; P < 0.001). Nevertheless, for trials whose intracanal medicament time was one week or over two weeks, no differences between the XPF and PUI were found (OR: 1.54; 95% CI, 0.74-3.22; P = 0.25) (OR: 1.42; 95% CI, 0.44-4.61; P = 0.56). Conclusions: PUI might be superior over XPF techniques for removing intracanal medicaments from artificial standardized grooves and cavities in the root canal system. The anatomical areas, irrigation protocol, and intracanal medicaments time may influence the cleaning efficacy. More large-scale and high-quality trials are warranted to validate the conclusions.
Physiological and biochemical changes in tree seedlings in an urban forest soil contaminated with copper
Authors: Siqueira Matheus Casarini , Kanashiro Shoey , Domingos Marisa , Rinaldi Mirian Cilene Spasiani , Tavares Armando Reis
Published: February 2021

Context Soil pollution by heavy metals is a worldwide environmental concern. Owing to their proximity to anthropogenic emission sources, urban forest fragments are highly affected by the excessive input of heavy metals into the soil.Objectives This study aimed to assess the physiological and biochemical responses of two native Brazilian Atlantic Forest Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi (pioneer species) and Eugenia uniflora L. (non-pioneer species), when cultivated in soils contaminated with Cu. Methods Plants were cultivated in soils of an urban forest fragment contaminated with 0 (control), 60, 120, 180 or 240 mg Cu kg-1 soil. Growth variables, Cu content in plant tissues, translocation index, bioaccumulation factor, pigment contents, leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence were all measured to assess physiological alterations resulting from copper stress, while the enzymatic (superoxide dismutase) and nonenzymatic (ascorbic acid and glutathione) antioxidants were quantified to assess the biochemical responses of the species. Results Both species presented high uptake and accumulation of Cu in roots with low translocation rates to shoots; however, S. terebinthifolia showed higher Cu restriction in roots than E. uniflora. S. terebinthifolia and E. uniflora showed distinct responses in growth and leaf gas exchange. The species showed neither difference in enzymatic contents nor oxidative reduction. Conclusion The restriction of copper in roots appears to be the principal protective mechanism against copper phytotoxicity, preventing negative effects on the physiological and biochemical status of the species. S. terebinthifolia shows potential as a Cu phytostabilizer, while the E. uniflora has potential as a Cu phytoextractor.
Antibody response among COVID-19 patient with and without re-detectable positive RT-PCR results in convalescent phases
Authors: Peng Jing , Liu Zhi-Yong , YU Xiaojuan , Chen Xiao-Yan , Zhang Kai , Liu Yi , Su Ying-Ying , Sun Chang Qing
Published: February 2021

Objective: To analyze the dynamic of total, IgA, IgM and IgG antibody of the confirmed COVID-19 patients during convalescent phases to understand the kinetics of antibody response among recovered patients.Methods: From March 4 to April 29, 2020, a total of 143 recovered COVID-19 patients with clear date of illness onset available were enrolled in this study. Nasopharyngeal and anal swabs were collected for SARS-CoV-2 RNA testing. Blood samples were collected for antibodies testing. Results: A total of 275 blood samples up to 96 days after illness onset were collected from 143 recovered patients. High titers of total and IgG antibodies continued to persist for over 3 months, with 100% and 99.3% patients remaining positive for total and IgG antibody. IgM antibody declined rapidly with a median time to seronegative at 67 (95%CI: 59, 75) days after illness onset. Around 25% patients were seronegative for IgA antibody at month 3 after illness onset. No statistical significance difference was founded in the antibody kinetics between patients with and without re-detectable positive RT-PCR results during in convalescent phases. Conclusion: Similar high antibody titers of total and IgG antibody continued to persist for over 3 months among recovered COVID-19 patients with and without re-detectable positive RT-PCR results.
An effective multi-channel fault diagnosis approach for rotating machinery based on multi-variate generalized refined composite multi-scale sample entropy
Authors: Wang Zhenya , Chen Hui , Yao Ligang , Chen Xu , Qi Xiaoli , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2021

Fault diagnosis of critical rotating machinery components is necessary to ensure safe operation. However, the commonly used fault diagnosis methods for rotating machinery are generally based on the single-channel signal processing method, which is not suitable for processing multi-channel signals. Thus, to extract features and carry out the intelligent diagnosis of multi-channel signals, a novel method for rotating machinery fault diagnosis is proposed. Firstly, a novel non-linear dynamics technique, named the multi-variate generalized refined composite multi-scale sample entropy, is presented and applied to extract fusion entropy features of multi-channel signals. Secondly, a practical manifold learning known as supervised isometric mapping is introduced to map the high-dimensional fusion entropy features in a low-dimensional space. In a third step, the Harris hawks optimization-based support vector machine is utilized to achieve intelligent fault recognition. Finally, aiming to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method and present its advantages, it was applied to analyze the rotating machinery system bearing and gear data. The experimental results have shown that the method at hand can accurately identify various bearing and gear faults. Furthermore, in addition to being suitable for multi-channel signal fault diagnosis, it displayed higher recognition accuracy when compared with other multi-channel or single-channel methods.
Effect of Hydrophobic Silicon Substrate on the Ice Formation at Different Temperatures
Authors: Saayed Doaa , Foroutan Masumeh
Published: February 2021

In this work, we investigate the effect of silicon substrate and temperature on the ice formation through molecular dynamics simulations. It was found that silicon substrate accelerates the ice formation rate. Depending on the temperatures of the systems, the formation rate can be accelerate or decelerated. The obtained results showed that, as the temperature increased from the lowest temperature 100K to the highest temperature 220K, the number of water molecules transformed into ice decreased. We found that the hydrophobic property of silicon is not a barrier for approaching ice formation. The high correlation between Si and the hydrogen atoms of water molecules stimulated the ice formation on the surface of silicon and allowed the formation of amorphous ice directly on the surface of silicon. The temperature effect on ice formation was in distinguishing two different behaviors one from 100K to 180K and the second above 180K. These behaviors were related to the temperature of which amorphous ice is stable. The results of the average number of hydrogen bonds and their lifetime are in parallel with the results of the number density profiles that can best explain how silicon affects the ice formation. The coordination number of water molecules increased with the decrease of the temperature for silicon substrate which means that bigger ice clusters were found. The ice molecules, which were formed near the silicon substrate, are more recognized than that of the bulk. To better understand these effects, bulk systems were used as comparative systems.
Cost-Effectiveness of Stroke Unit Compared with Routine Treatment for Stroke Patients in Iran
Authors: Gholamhoseini Mohammad Tasavon , Zarein Mahdiye , Goodarzi Reza , Amiresmaili Mohammadreza , Mehrpour Masoud
Published: February 2021

Background: Two approaches including stroke unit and routine treatment, are used to address stroke patients. Although stroke unit is a new intervention in Iran and its effectiveness has been proven, but there is little information on its costs. It is necessary to utilize the results of the studies of economic evaluation in order to choose the better treatment option between two alternatives. Due to the lack of studies in this field in Iran, the current study was done to compare the cost-effectiveness of stroke unit and routine treatment. Methods: The present study investigated cost-effectiveness of stroke unit compared with routine treatment from health system perspective. Markov model incorporating three health states of independent, dependent and death for a time horizon of 10 years with a 3-month cycle length was applied. Direct medical and non-medical costs including pharmaceutical and hospital expenses, were calculated based on 2018 data. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were taken as the outcome measure. The analysis of cost-effectiveness and sensitivity for uncertain parameters was carried out using TreeAge 2020. Results: Stroke unit had more costs and QALYs gain in comparison with routine treatment with $1926 per QALY. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that stroke unit cost-effectiveness probability is 77 percent, in the threshold of willingness to pay three times GDP per capita. Conclusion: Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of stroke unit is far less than the threshold of willingness to pay, indicating the strategy is cost-effective. Therefore, implementing stroke unit in Iran health system leads to optimal use of resources.
Compared with Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio (MHR) and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR),Neutrophil to High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio (NHR) is more Valuable in the Inflammatory Process of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Fan Qingli , Liu Zhu , Wu Shizheng , Lei Yancheng
Published: February 2021

Background: Inflammatory response plays an important role in the pathologic process and prognosis of Parkinson's disease (PD).We investigated the relationship between the neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein ratio (NHR),neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR),and monocyte to high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) on the prediction of PD and its course and severity.Methods: Patients with Parkinson's disease were selected (n=101) and divided into three groups according to the onset cycle:<6 years (n=64),6-10 years (n=23) and > 10 years(n=14).And according to Hoehn and Yahr classification: 1~2.5 is the early stage (n=55);Grades 3~5 are divided into two groups (n=46).In addition, healthy subjects (n=97) matched with the above pd patients in the same period were selected as the control group.In this way, the influence of NHR, NLR, MHR and other indicators on corresponding groups is evaluated.Results: Neutrophils, NHR and NLR in PD group were significantly higher than those in control group. nevertheless, lymphocyte, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and hemoglobin were significantly lower than those in the control group. Multi-factor logistic regression analysis indicated that NHR (odds ratio (OR)=1.456,95%CI:1.007~2.104,P=0.046) and NLR(OR=1.663,95%CI:1.101~2.513,P=0.016) were risk factors for Parkinson's disease, while MHR had no significant correlation with Parkinson's disease. The AUC(area under the ROC curve) of PD predicted by NHR and NLR were 0.648(95%CI:0.572~0.724,P=0.0003) and 0.718 (95%CI:0.646~0.790,P<0.0001),respectively, and the critical values for optimal diagnosis were3.104×109/mmol and 1.939×109/mmol. Spearman analysis showed that NHR was significantly negatively correlated with the course of disease.Conclusions: In summary, NHR not only has strong predictive value for PD disease, but also is closely related to the course of disease. NHR levels may be better predictors of long-term clinical outcomes in PD patients than MHR and NLR.
ImmunoPET Imaging of Multiple Myeloma with [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-Nb1053
Authors: Wang Cheng , Chen Yumei , Hou Yun Nan , Liu Qiufang , Zhang Di , Zhao Haitao , Zhang You , An Shuxian , Li Lianghua , Hou Jian , Huang Gang , Liu Jianjun , Zhao Yong Juan , Wei Weijun
Published: February 2021

Purpose Multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable and its diagnosis relies heavily on bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. CD38 is a glycoprotein highly specific for MM. Antibody therapeutics (e.g., daratumumab) targeting CD38 have shown encouraging efficacy in treating MM, either as a monotherapy agent or in combination with other regimens. However, efficient stratification of patients who might benefit from daratumumab therapy and timely monitoring of the therapeutic responses are still clinical challenges. This work aims to devise a CD38-targeted imaging strategy and assess its value in diagnosing MMs. Methods By labeling a CD38-specific single domain antibody (Nb1053) with 68Ga (t1/2 = 1.1 h), we developed a CD38-targeted immuno-positron emission tomography (immunoPET) imaging probe [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-Nb1053. The probe was developed with good radiochemical yield (> 50%), excellent radiochemical purity (> 99%), and immunoreactivity (> 95%). The diagnostic accuracy of the probe was thoroughly investigated in preclinical MM models. Results ImmunoPET imaging with the probe specifically depicted all the subcutaneous and orthotopic MM lesions, outperforming the traditional 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET and the nonspecific [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-NbGFP immunoPET. More importantly, daratumumab preloading significantly reduced [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-Nb1053 uptake in the disseminated bone lesions, indicating the overlapping targeting epitopes of [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-Nb1053 with that of daratumumab. Furthermore, premedication with sodium maleate or fructose significantly decreased kidney retention of [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-Nb1053 and improved the diagnostic value of the probe in lymphoma models. Conclusion This work successfully developed a novel CD38-targeted immunoPET imaging approach that enabled precise visualization of CD38 and diagnosis of MMs. Upon clinical translation, [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-Nb1053 immunoPET may serve as a valuable CD38-targeted molecular imaging toolbox, facilitating early diagnosis of MM and precise assessment of the therapeutic responses.
Systematic analysis of the OSCA family members in Vigna radiata and their involvement in osmotic resistance
Authors: Yin Lili , Zhang Meiling , Wu Ruigang , Chen Xiaoliang , Liu Fei , Xing Baolong
Published: February 2021

Background

Mung bean (Vigna radiata) is a warm-season legume crop and belongs to papilionoid subfamily of the Fabaceae. China is the leading producer of mung bean in the world. It has significant economic and health benefits and is a promising species with broad adaptation and high tolerance to stress environments. The OSCA family members play an important role in the modulation of hypertonic stresses, such as drought and salinity. However, genome-wide analysis of the OSCA family in mung bean is lacking.
Results

We identified a total of 13 OSCA genes in the mung bean genome and named according to their homology with AtOSCAs. All the OACAs were phylogenetically splitted into four clades. Phylogenetic relationship and synteny analyses showed that the VrOSCAs in mung bean and soybean shared a relatively conserved evolutionary history. In addition, three duplicated VrOSCA gene pairs were identified and the duplicated VrOSCA shave mainly undergone purifying selection pressure during evolution. Protein domain, motif and transmembrane analysis indicated that most of the VrOSCAs shared similar structures with their homologs. The expression pattern showed that exception of VrOSCA2.1, the other 12VrOSCAs were up-regulated expression under treatment with ABA, PEG and NaCl, among which VrOSCA1.4 showed the largest increased expression levels. The duplicated genes VrOSCA2.1/VrOSCA2.2 showed divergence expression, which might experience functionalization during subsequent evolution. The expression profiles under ABA, PEG and NaCl stress revealed a functional divergence of VrOSCA genes, which agreed with the cis-acting elements analysis in the promoter of VrOSCA genes.
Conclusions

Collectively, the study provided a systematic analysis of the VrOSCA family in mung bean. Our results would lay an important foundation for functional and evolutionary analysis of VrOSCAs, and provide promising genes for further investigation of abiotic stress tolerance in mung bean.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Metabolic Syndrome in Chinese Middle-Aged and Elderly Population: A Nationally Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Xiong Yang , Zhang Yangchang , Wen Song , Qin Feng , Yuan Jiuhong
Published: February 2021

Background: Currently, China has an increasingly aging population. However, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in this high-risk population for metabolic diseases remains unknown. To investigate the age and gender specific prevalence and associated factors of MetS in Chinese middle-aged and elderly population, we did the study on it. Methods: Data were retrieved from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and subjected to descriptive statistics. Further, univariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the relevant factors, and then multivariate logistic regression was selected to construct the final model. Results: In present study, a total of 10,834 participants were included. The overall prevalence of MetS was 32.97% as defined by International Diabetes Federation and 29.75% under National Cholesterol Education Program - The Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. With aging, prevalence of MetS descended in males, while ascended in females. In the >70 years old group, the prevalence of MetS was three times higher in females than that in males (50.43% versus 16.03%). Across all age groups and sexes, the prevalence of MetS in urban areas was significantly higher than in rural areas. In addition, regardless of gender, the prevalence was highest for those living in the north region (28.41% for males & 51.74% for females) and lowest for those living in the southwest region (13.91% for males & 31.58% for females). Finally, two specific correlates, afternoon nap and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), were identified in present study (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of MetS varied in different age groups, sexes, living areas and regions and was associated with afternoon nap and BUN.
Prevalence and Factors Associated With Overweight or Obesity Among Primary and Secondary School Teachers In Moshi Municipality, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
Authors: George Johnston Mukiza , Mpogole Zuhura , Mgongo Melina , Mamseri Redempta , Leyaro Beatrice John , Mauka Wilhellmuss , Msuya Sia Emmanuel
Published: February 2021

Background: Overweight and obesity are global public health problems. Overweight or obesity is estimated to cause 4 million deaths, 3.9% of all Years of Potential Life Lost (YPLL) and 3.8% of all Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). Overweight or obesity also leads to conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. It has been shown that teachers have a greater occurrence of overweight or obesity than the general population. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight or obesity among primary and secondary school teachers and to assess factors associated with these problems in Moshi Municipality, Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania.Methods: This was a cross sectional study in which data was collected using a modified WHO-STEPS Survey tool. Data cleaning and analysis were conducted using STATA version 14.0. Frequency and percentage were used to summarize categorical data while mean/median with their respective measures of dispersion were used to summarize continuous data. The Modified Poisson regression model was used to determine factors associated with overweight or obesity among primary and secondary school teachers. The effect was estimated by Prevalence Ratio with 95% confidence intervals and P-value less than 5% considered to be statistically significant. Results: A total of 968 teachers were included in this study with median (IQR) age of 37, (32-48) years. Most of the participant were female (69.7%) about (51.6%) were secondary school teachers. Overall, the prevalence of overweight or obesity was 72.7%. Teachers who were 35+ years had a 27% (aPR: 1.27; 95%CI: 1.1 – 1.4; p<0.0001) greater prevalence of overweight or obesity than those below the age of 35. Female teachers had a 43% higher prevalence of overweight or obesity than male teachers (aPR: 1.43; 95%CI: 1.3 – 1.7; p<0.0001). Persons with a positive history of smoking had only 1% higher prevalence of overweight or obesity, however this was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The Prevalence of overweight or obesity was high, suggesting the need for early intervention with lifestyle changes among teachers in Moshi Municipal. There is an urgent need to design lifestyle interventions targeting overweight or obesity among teachers - especially female teachers and those aged 35+.
Reproductive tract microbiota of women in childbearing age shifts upon type of gynecological infections and phase in physiological cycle
Authors: Gao Yan , Cheng Lijuan , Xia Qing , Wang Hui , Xie Xiuzhen , Liu Yurong , Shang Heying , Liu Hongyan , Diao Yutao
Published: February 2021

Background: The association of the normal physiological cycle to the structural pattern of microbiota in reproductive tract of women at reproductive age has not been extensively explored. This study was undertaken to determine whether the vaginal microbes of women at childbearing age is different among groups defined by urogenital tract infections, childbearing history and menstrual cycle, respectively.Results: This was a multiple case-control study of women at childbearing age who were assigned to case or control groups according to their states of urogenital tract infections. The participants were also grouped by childbearing history and menstrual cycle. Samples of vaginal swabs were collected and stored at -70℃ until assayed. The V3-V4 regions of 16S rRNA genes were amplified using PCR and sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq platform. We tested the hypothesis of whether the relative abundance of microbial species in vaginal microbiota was different between women with different urogenital tract infections, childbearing history and menstrual cycle. We showed that the vaginal microbial richness(Alpha diversity measured by PD_whole tree) was decreased in normal women(without reproductive tract infections) than in those with bacterial vaginosis (BV), and decreased in pregnant women than in other groups of non-pregnancy. Similarly, women from groups of normal and in pregnancy had lower beta diversity on measure of unweighted_unifrac distance in comparison to those of uninfected and non-pregnant. The top 10 genus relative abundance, especially that Lactobacillus was the most dominant genus with the relative abundance of 71.55% among all samples, did not differ significantly between groups of childbearing history and menstrual cycle analyzed by ANOVA and nonparametric kruskal_wallis.Lactobacillus iners and Lactobacillus helveticus have the most abundance, totally account for 97.92% relative abundance of genus Lactobacillus. It is proposed that a higher L.helveticus/L.iners ratio is more likely to present in normal women than in the infected and in pregnant than in non-pregnant, although this comparison lacks statistical significance.Conclusions: The relative abundance of dominant bacterial taxa in vaginal microbial communities of women at childbearing age, characterized with 16S rRNA gene sequence and QIIME based analysis, were not different among groups of childbearing history and menstrual cycle. Women from groups of in pregnancy and without reproductive tract infections had lower alpha and beta diversity. The compositional ratio of the main lactobacillus species may shift depending on the normal physiological cycle and reproductive tract infections.