bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting Self-determined and Informed use of Personal Health Records (PHR) among Older Adults: Assessment of Attitudes Towards the PHR and Requirements for an eLearning Platform
Authors: Perotti Luis , Heimann-Steinert Anika
Published: February 2021

BackgroundIntegration and implementation of Personal Health Records (PHR) in the healthcare system offers the opportunity for improved care for patients. Older adults, who often face a larger number of chronic diseases, could particularly benefit from a transparent and improved healthcare process. However, confident and self-determined use of a PHR requires a high degree of digital and content-related competence. At the same time, older adults may have little experience of using digital technology. This study aimed to assess the attitudes of older adults towards the PHR and their requirements for development of an eLearning platform designed to enable older adults to use the PHR. MethodsTo answer the research questions, semi-structured interviews with older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) were conducted. A focus group was also set up, consisting of older adults. Sociodemographic data, previous knowledge about the PHR and willingness to use technology were additionally collected by using standardized validated questionnaires and self-developed questionnaires. ResultsWhile previous knowledge about the PHR was relatively low within the study population, general attitudes towards the PHR were mostly positive. The study participants mainly expressed hope for improved care, such as better communication and avoidance of duplicate examinations. At the same time, the potentially large amount of data in the system, as well as possible incomprehensibility of the content, were mentioned as concerning factors. In terms of requirements for the eLearning platform, usability was the aspect most frequently mentioned by the participants. The subjects emphasized that the platform should consider the requirements of older adults in particular. In terms of content, help with the use of the PHR and information about its general conception, as well as access authorization, were named. ConclusionWhile the general attitude of older adults towards the PHR was relatively positive, there is a high demand for an eLearning platform enabling the target group to successfully use the PHR. Such a platform could facilitate implementation of the PHR and help older adults to actively participate in their healthcare. During development, the specific needs of the target group should be considered to ensure accessibility and usability.
KPNA4 Serves as A Biomarker For Pancreatic Adnenocarcinoma KPNA4 Serves as A Promising Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker For Human Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhou Yuqian , Zhu HongYi , Chu Yi , Luo Min , Li WenYu , Lvy Liang , Huo JiRong
Published: February 2021

Objectives: Growing evidence suggests that aberrant expression of Karyopherin alpha (KPNA) has been involved in the tumor progression of various cancer types. However, the differential expression patterns and prognostic value of the seven KPNA subtypes remain to be investigated. Hence the transcriptional and survival data of KPNAs in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) were analyzed.Methods: Transcriptional and survival data related to KPNA expression in patients with PAAD were derived through ONCOMINE, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2, and Human protein atlas databases. The DNA alteration for KPNAs came from The Cancer Genome Atlas and c-BioPortal. The prognostic value analysis was performed with Kaplan–Meier Plotter. Gene functional enrichment analyses were conducted in database LinkedOmics and Metascape.Results: The mRNA expression levels of KPNA1-4, 6,7 were found significantly upregulated in pancreatic cancer tissues than in normal pancreas tissues, whereas the aberrant expression level of KPNA5 was no more significant in the former than in the latter. KPNA1, 4, and 7 were associated with tumor stage or grade of PAAD. Nevertheless, the obvious association with clinical outcomes was identified only in the aberrant expression of KPNA4. Further gene functional exploration about KPNA4 displayed KPNA4 strongly associated with adherens junction and tumor metastasis in PAAD. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that KPNA4 might be a potential diagnostic and a new biomarker of prognosis for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Career Choice Regret During COVID-19 Among Healthcare Students and Professionals in Mainland China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yang Guoyi , Wang Ling , Wang Jia , Geng Zixian , Liu Huixin , Xu Tao
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe COVID-19 epidemic affected the career choice of healthcare professionals and students. To explore career choice regret of healthcare professionals and students during COVID-19 outbreak and its affected factors.MethodsConvenience sample of nurses, doctors, and medical students were recruited from hospitals and universities nationwide. The data collected including demographic information, professional value before and after the COVID-19 outbreak, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and career choice regret level by an online questionnaire. Multinominal logistic regression was employed to explore the factors associated with career choice regret.ResultsIn total, 9322 participants of convenience sampling were enrolled in, including 5786 nurses, 1664 doctors, and 1872 medical students. 6.7% participants had career choice regret. Multinominal logistic regression analysis showed, compared to participants with no regret, that as levels of resilience increased, the odds of experiencing career choice regret decreased (OR=0.951,P＜0.001), while participants with lower professional value evaluation after the COVID-19 outbreak had higher probability to experience career choice regret(OR=1.552,P＜0.001). Medical students were more likely to regret than nurses (OR=1.654,P=0.002), participants whose career/major choice was according to their personal ideal had higher risk of experience career choice regret (OR=1.592,P＜0.001), while participants who were very afraid of the coronavirus had higher risk to experience career choice regret then participants with no fear at all(OR=1.997,P=0.004).As for the medical students, results indicated that medical students major in nursing and undergraduates had higher risk to experience career choice regret compared to medical students major in clinical medicine and postgraduate (Master or PhD), with an odds ratios of 2.645 and 6.851 respectively.ConclusionsA minority of healthcare professionals and medical students regretted their career choices during the COVID-19 outbreak. Enhance personal psychological resilience and professional value would helpful to reduce career choice regret among healthcare professionals and students during pandemic.
Effect of Exergaming on Wellbeing of Residents in A Nursing Home: A Single Blinded Intervention Study
Authors: Willems Hannah , Gunst Marlies , Demeyere Isabelle , Schoenmakers Birgitte
Published: February 2021

Background

To improve quality of life in nursing homes, meaningful activities and social contact are indispensable. Exergames can play a role addressing these needs.
Methods

In a randomized single blinded controlled intervention study, we investigated the effect of playing exergames on general well-being, fun and on social interaction.
Results

Eighteen residents took part in the intervention group and 17 in the control group. The median mental well-being score of the intervention group increased from 42/50 to 45. The median sleep score of the intervention increased from 23/30 to 28. The median pain score of the intervention group improved from18/20 to 20. The median score on subjective cognition increased from 24/30 to 26 while the mean scores on the objective assessment decreased from 1.8/2 to 1.7. Coaches gave an average fun score of 8.9/10 and an average intensity of exercise score of 11.6/20. Residents and coaches appreciated the social contact. Coaches reported a high feasibility (average of 4.1/5) but a low accessibility and a high intensity of supervision.
Conclusions

Exergaming is a feasibly complement to the usual activities. Future research should focus on vulnerable groups and aim to develop a study in an implementation design.
Can Humans Become More Random?
Authors: Wong Sook Mun , Merholz Garance , Maoz Uri
Published: February 2021

The human ability for random-sequence generation (RSG) is limited but improves in a competitive game environment with feedback. However, it remains unclear whether RSG during games can improve when explicitly informing people that they must be as random as possible to win the game nor is it known whether any such improvement transfers to outside the game environment. To investigate this, we designed a pre/post intervention paradigm around a rock-paper-scissors game followed by a questionnaire. During the game we manipulated participants’ level of awareness of the computer’s strategy; they were either (a) not informed of the computer’s algorithm or (b) explicitly informed that the computer used patterns in their choice history to beat them, so they must be maximally random to win. Using a novel comparison metric, our results demonstrate that human RSG can reach levels statistically indistinguishable from computer pseudo-random generators in a competitive-game setting. However, our results also suggest that human RSG cannot be further improved by explicitly informing participants that they need to be random to win. In addition, the higher RSG in the game setting does not transfer outside the game environment. Furthermore, we found that the underrepresentation of long repetitions of short patterns explains about a third of the variability in human RSG and discuss what might make up the remaining two thirds of RSG variability. Finally, we discuss our results in the context of the “Network-Modulation Model” and we ponder their potential relation to findings in the neuroscience of volition.
Inhibition of lipid metabolism exerts antitumor effects on rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Miyagaki Satoshi , Kikuchi Ken , Mori Jun , Lopaschuk Gary D. , Iehara Tomoko , Hosoi Hajime
Published: February 2021

Background and aims: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) exhibits tumor-specific energy metabolic changes that include the Warburg effect. Since targeting cancer metabolism is a promising therapeutic approach, we examined the antitumor effects of suppressing lipid metabolism in RMS.Methods: We suppressed lipid metabolism in RMS cells in vitro by administering an inhibitor of malonyl-CoA decarboxylase, which increases malonyl CoA and decreases fatty acid oxidation. In vivo studies involved injection of human Rh30 cells into the gastrocnemius muscle of 6-week-old female nude mice, which were divided into two groups: normal chow diet group (NCD) and low-fat diet group (LFD).Results: Suppression of lipid metabolism in RMS cells decreased cell proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest. Metabolomic analysis showed an increase in glycolysis and inactivation of the pentose phosphate pathway. Immunoblotting analysis revealed upregulated expression of LC3A/B-II, an autophagy marker, due to increased phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a nutrient sensor. Inhibition of both lipid metabolism and autophagy suppressed tumor proliferation and increased apoptosis. Moreover, mice fed a LFD for 21-days showed reduced tumor growth compared to NCD-fed mice. Conclusion: Suppression of lipid metabolism disrupted the equilibrium of the cancer-specific metabolism in RMS, resulting in a tumor growth-inhibitory effect. Therefore, the development of treatments focusing on the lipid dependence of RMS is highly promising.
Comparison of Depressive Symptoms and its Influencing Factors among the Elderly in Urban and Rural Areas: Based on a Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in China
Authors: Liu Haixia , Fan Xiaojing , Luo Huanyuan , Zhou Zhongliang , Shen Chi , Hu Naibao , Zhai Xiangming
Published: February 2021

Background: The imbalance between urban and rural areas leads to heterogeneous loci of depression in urban and rural elderly and affects the depressive symptoms of elderly by changing the social environment. Depression amongst the elderly population is a worldwide public health problem, especially in China. Affected by the urban-rural dual structure, depressive symptoms of the elderly in urban and rural areas are different.Methods: Based on the data of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2018y, 7690 elderly people aged ≥ 60 years were included in the final analysis. Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10) were used to measure the depressive symptoms, and the generalized linear model (GLM) and binary logistic regression were employed to assess the association between urban and rural source and depression.Results: Depressive symptoms of the elderly in urban and rural areas were significantly different (P<0.001). GLM showed that the risk of depression in the rural elderly is 1.52 times (OR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.32 to 1.76) that of the urban elderly. The result of logistic regression showed that the influencing factors of depression in urban and rural areas were different. Gender, education level, life satisfaction, chronic disease and social activities were influencing factors of depression among the urban elderly. But for the rural elderly, influencing factors of depression were gender, education level, minorities, self-reported health status, life satisfaction, sleep duration (≤5h), chronic disease, social activities and income (except for pension). Conclusions: The results of our study indicated that targeted and precise intervention strategies to prevent depression should be proposed for the urban and rural elderly respectively.
The Emerging Epidemic of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Asia and Iran by 2035: A Modeling Study
Authors: Olfatifar Meysam , Zali Mohammad Reza , Pourhoseingholi Mohamad Amin , Balaii Hedieh , Ghavami Shaghayegh Baradaran , Ivanchuk Maria , Ivanchuk Pavlo , Nazari Saeed hashemi , shahrokh Shabnam , Sabour Siamak , Khodakarim Soheila , Aghdaei Hamid Asadzadeh , Rohani Pejman , Mehralian Gholamhossein
Published: February 2021

Background: The projection studies are imperative to optimize the future need for health care systems and proper response to the public health problems such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: To accomplish this, we established an illness-death model based on available data to project the future prevalence of IBD in Asia regions and Iran separately from 2017 to 2035. We applied two deterministic and stochastic approaches. Results: For 2035 compared to 2020, we projected a 2.5-fold increase in prevalent cases for Iran with 69 thousand cases, a 2.3-fold increment for North Africa and the Middle East with 220 thousand cases, quadrupling of the prevalence for India with 2.2 million cases, a 1.5-fold increment for East Asia region with 4.5 million cases and a 1.6-fold increase in prevalence for High‐income Asia‐Pacific and Southeast Asia regions with 183 and 199 thousand cases respectively. Conclusions: Our results showed an emerging epidemic for the prevalence of IBD in Asia regions or/and countries. Hence, we suggest the need for emergency action to control this increasing trend in Asia and Iran.
Health-related Physical Fitness in Older Adult Europeans: The IN COMMON SPORT Study
Authors: Cancela Jose M , Mollinedo-Cardalda Irimia , Ferreira Manuela , Bezerra Pedro
Published: February 2021

Background This comparative descriptive study analysed the physical fitness and the anthropometric data of senior citizens participating in "IN COMMON SPORTS" project, in accordance with their place of residence. MethodsA total of 418 participants divided into two groups: Eastern European Group (EEG) and Southern European Group (SEG). Each participants' anthropometric characteristics (body mass index, body fat and waist hip ratio) and fitness (Senior Fitness Test and Hand grip) were studied. Results The Subjects from the SEG showed significantly lower anthropometric values than those from the EEG. The SEG subjects presented significant differences in physical fitness, with best values for upper and lower limb strength and aerobic resistance, while those from the EEG presented significantly better values for lower limb flexibility. Conclusion Senior citizens aged 60+ years present differences in physical fitness in accordance with their country of residence; the Southern Europeans having the best physical fitness.
Tomato Endurance to Tuta Absoluta Is Mediated by Reinforcement of Leaf Barriers and Induction of Chemical Reaction 
Authors: D'Esposito Daniela , Manzo Daniele , Ricciardi Alessandro , Garonna Antonio , De Natale Antonino , Frusciante Luigi , Pennacchio Francesco , Ercolano Maria
Published: February 2021

Background: The leaf miner, Tuta absoluta, is a destructive pest of tomato that causes important losses worldwide. Breeding of resistant/tolerant tomato cultivars could be an effective strategy for T. absoluta management but, despite the economic importance of tomato, very limited information is available about its response to this treat. To elucidate the defense mechanisms to herbivore feeding a comparative analysis was performed between a tolerant and susceptible cultivated tomato at both morphological and transcriptome level to highlight constitutive leaf barriers, molecular and biochemical mechanisms to counter the effect of T. absoluta attack. Results: The tolerant genotype showed an enhanced constitutive barrier due to the higher density of trichomes and increased inducible reactions upon mild infestation thanks to the activation/repression of key transcription factors regulating genes involved in cuticle formation and cell wall strength as well as of antinutritive enzymes, and genes involved in the production of chemical toxins and bioactive secondary metabolites. Conclusions: Overall, our findings suggest that tomato resilience to the leaf miner is achieved by a combined strategy between constitutive and induced defense system. A well-orchestrated modulation of plant transcription regulation ensures a trade-off between defense needs and fitness costs. Our finding can be further exploited for developing T. absoluta tolerant cultivars, acting as important component of integrated pest management strategy for more sustainable production.
Non-homogeneous Heating induces Scale-free Correlations and Slow time Scales in a Granular-like Velocity Field
Authors: Plati Andrea , Puglisi Andrea
Published: February 2021

We consider a velocity field with linear viscous interactions defined on a one dimensional lattice. Brownian baths with different parameters can be coupled to the boundary sites and to the bulk sites, determining different kinds of non-equilibrium steady states or free-cooling dynamics. Analytical results for spatial and temporal correlations are provided by analytical diagonalisation of the system’s equations in the infinite size limit. We demonstrate that spatial correlations are scale-free and timescales become exceedingly long when the system is driven only at the boundaries. On the contrary, in the case a bath is coupled to the bulk sites too, an exponential correlation decay is found with a finite characteristic length. This is also true in the free cooling regime, but in this case the correlation length grows diffusively in time. We discuss the crucial role of non-homogeneous energy injection for long-range correlations and slow timescales , proposing an analogy between this simplified dynamical model and recent experiments with dense vibro-fluidized granular materials. Several generalizations and connections with the statistical physics of active matter are also suggested.
The Phytochemical analysis, Metabolic profiling, Anti-bacterial and Anti-oxidant activity of Nepeta cataria
Authors: . Ali Nadeem , . Bashir Ahmad , Imran Muhammad , . Aisha Tabassum , . Lyle E Craker
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Nepeta cataria is a naturally growing plant in the regions of Pakistan, in English name is Catnip mint and the local name is Badranj boya. This plant has immense pharmacological and medical importance. It is used in herbal and traditional medicine as an antipathogenic agent. However detailed phytochemical analyses in a wide spectrum of solvents and their antimicrobial analysis against both Gram-positive and negative limited studied. Objectives: This study aimed to identify phytochemicals, metabolome, antimicrobial potential, and antioxidant analysis of Nepeta cataria (Pakistani plant). Methods: Plant collection, identification, cleaning, and grinding were performed followed by extract preparation in five solvents i.e. methanol, ethanol, water, acetone, and hexane. Qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed by general biochemical tests. . GC/MS was used to identify metabolic compounds in all extracts. Antibacterial analysis for both gram-positive and negative bacteria was performed by Kirby’s Disc method, 96 well test, and Resazurin test. The antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH assay. Results: Kirby disk diffusion method results indicated that Nepeta cataria extracts in different solvents maximum inhibition percentage against tested bacteria was 250-1000 µg/ml. Resazurin method inhibition against bacterial strains was 6.25-100 µl/ml. The Phytochemical analysis for Phenolic Compounds, Flavonoids, Terpenoids, Cardiac Glycosides, Free Anthraquinones, Combined Anthraquinones, Tannins, Alkaloids, and DPPH was positive in the different extracts. The ORAC was 133759.021um/100ml in concentration. GC/MS analysis of methanolic extract (71 identified + 48 unknown),ethanol-based extract ( 80 known + 31unknown), water-based extract ( 28 known + 11 unknown ), acetone-based extract ( 13 known + 9 unknown) , hexane based extract (11 known + 8 unmatched) phytochemicals were detected. Conclusion: Current study concludes the remarkable antibacterial and antioxidant potential of Nepeta cataria extracts.
Viral Oncogenesis in Tumors of the Central Nervous System: Reality or Random Association? A Retrospective Study on Archived Material
Authors: Arsene Dorel Eugen , Milanesi Elena , Dobre Maria
Published: February 2021

Background: Central nervous system (CNS) tumors have devastating effects. They are recurrent, with dismal prognosis (gliomas) or life-threatening by compression effect (meningiomas). The etiology is still debatable, and over the last decade the hypothesis that human viruses may be implicated in these tumors has been proposed. Our aim was to examine the presence of eleven viruses in the most frequent CNS primary tumors. Methods: We assessed by PCR the viral presence in archived, paraffin embedded tumor tissues from 114 patients with glioma and meningioma and in the brain tissue from 40 controls lacking tumor pathology. We focused on candidate neuro-oncogenic types (herpesviridae and polyomaviruses) and on human papillomavirus (HPV). Results: HPV presence, for which an involvement in these tumors was hardly investigated, was found to be associated with both tumor categories compared with controls (glioma, p=0.032; meningioma, p=0.032), whereas the presence of the neuro-oncogenic viruses was found in a negligible number of both categories, suggesting a lack of association with the tumor presence. Moreover, our study revealed a positive correlation between HPV presence and glioma malignancy, and a negative correlation with meningioma grading.Conclusions: Our results suggest that the presence of HPV seems to be significantly associated with primary tumors of the CNS and its coverings.
GIS-Based Weights-of-Evidence Model for Landslide Susceptibility Mapping and Assessment in the Hillslopes of Bujumbura, Burundi
Authors: Kubwimana Désiré , Brahim Lahsen Ait , Abdelouafi Abdellah
Published: February 2021

The aim of this research is the modelling of landslide susceptibility in the hillslopes of Bujumbura using the Weights-of-Evidence model, a probabilistic data modelling approach relevant for predicting future landslides at a regional scale. Initially, characteristics and spatial mapping of different landslides type were identified (fall, flow, slide, complex) by thorough interpretation of high-resolution remote sensing data (mountainous areas with difficult access) and intensive fieldwork. Subsequently, the main landslides controlling factors were selected (lithology, fault density, land use, drainage density, slope aspect, curvature, slope angle, and elevation) using in-depth field knowledge and relevant literature. A landslide inventory map with a total of 569 landslide sites was constructed using the data from various sources. Out of those 569 landslide sites, 285 (50.1%) of the data taken before the 2000s was used for training and the remaining 284 (49.9%) sites (post-2000 events) were used for the accuracy assessment purpose. Thereafter, a prediction map of future landslides was generated with an accuracy of 73.7%. The main geo-environmental landslides factors retained are the high density of drainage networks, the lithology often made with weathered gneiss, the high fault density, the steep topography and the convex slope curvature. The landslide susceptibility map validated was reclassified into very high, high, moderate, low and very low zones. The established susceptibility map will allow with the interaction of the real terrain to locate roads, dwellings, urban extension areas, dams located in high landslides risk zones. These infrastructures will require intervention to address their vulnerability with new facilities, slope stabilization, creation of bypass roads, etc. The susceptibility map produced will be a powerful decision-making tool for drawing up appropriate development plans. Such an approach will make it possible to mitigate the socio-economic impacts due to slope instabilities.
Phlebotomine Sand Fly Survey in the Republic of Moldova: Species Composition, Distribution and Host Preferences
Authors: Sulesco Tatiana , Kasap Ozge Erisoz , Halada Petr , Oguz Gizem , Rusnac Dimian , Marketa Gresova , Alten Bulent , Volf Petr , Dvorak Vit
Published: February 2021

Background: Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodiae) in the Republic of Moldova have been understudied for decades. Our study provides a first update on their occurrence, species composition and bloodmeal sources after fifty years.Methods: During 5 seasons (2013-2017), 58 localities from 20 regions were surveyed for presence of sand flies using CDC light traps and manual aspirators. Species identification was done by a combination of morphological and molecular approaches (DNA barcoding, MALDI-TOF MS protein profiling). In engorged females, host blood was identified by three molecular techniques (RFLP, cytb sequencing and MALDI-TOF peptide mass mapping). Population structure of most abundant species was studied by cox1 haplotyping, phylogenetic analyses of ITS2 and cox1 genetic markers were used to resolve relationships of other detected species.Results: In total, 780 sand flies were collected at 30 (51.7%) localities from 12 regions of Moldova. Three species were identified by an integrative morphological and molecular approach: Phlebotomus papatasi, P. perfiliewi and Adlerius sp., the first being the most abundant and widespread, markedly anthropophilic based of bloodmeal analyses and occurring also indoor, showing low structuring of population with only 5 haplotypes of cox1 detected. Distinct morphological and molecular characters of Adlerius sp. specimens suggest presence of yet undescribed species.Conclusions: Our study revealed a presence of stable sand fly population of three species in Moldova that pose a nuisance by biting as well as potential thread of pathogen transmission and shall be further studied.
Evaluation of The Anti-Newcastle Disease Vaccine Serum (ANDVS) on Canine Distemper
Authors: Arbabi Mohammad , Sarchahi Ali Asghar , Mohebalian Hadi
Published: February 2021

Distemper is a contagious, highly lethal, and almost incurable viral disease in dogs and other terrestrial carnivores. This study aimed to treat distemper in dogs with a novel method. Two healthy 10 and 12- month male dogs of mixed breed and weighed 31 and 33 Kg were prepared. A 1000-dose vial of Newcastle disease vaccine (Lasota strain) was then diluted in 6 ml normal saline and 3 ml of it was injected into the cephalic vein of each dog. Eleven hours later, the dogs were anesthetized and 20% of their blood volume was collected. Blood sera were separated and used as anti- Newcastle disease vaccine serum (ANDVS) to treat dogs suspected to have canine distemper. Dogs whose distemper was finally diagnosed by RT-PCR were grouped in the following seven treatment groups: 1- ANDVS; 2- ANDVS+ Cotrimoxazole; 3- ANDVS+ Penicillin-Gentamicin; 4- ANDVS+ Cefazolin-Amikacin; 5- Cotrimoxazole; 6- Penicillin-Gentamycin; 7- Cefazolin-Amikacin. Then the mortality rate of dogs, correlation between distemper and sex, breed, and age, and effects of distemper on hematological factors and vital signs were evaluated. The recovery rate in the ANDVS+ Cotrimoxazole and the ANDVS+ Cefazolin-Amikacin groups were higher than the ANDVS group (P<0.05). There was also a significant difference between the mortality rate in distemper positive and negative dogs. It is concluded that although ANDVS alone has no effect on the treatment of distemper, along with some antibiotics such as cotrimoxazole or cefazolin+ amikacin significantly improved the recovery rate compared to antibiotics used alone.
Map Based Cloning of a Dominant Rust Resistance Gene and Mapping of its Duplicated Paralogues in Cultivated Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Mondal Suvendu , Shafi K. Mohamed , Raizada Avi , Kesvad Devyanee S. , Bhat Pallavi , Hui Song , Sowdhamini Ramanathan , Badigannavar Anand M.
Published: February 2021

Understanding the mechanism and nature of resistance genes in crop plants is essential for its use in new breeding techniques. Previously, a dominant rust resistance gene was fine-mapped within a 1.2 cM interval in chromosome A03 of groundnut. Here, the rust resistance gene, VG9514-Rgene was isolated through map based cloning. Sequencing of the gene from resistant and susceptible plants revealed non-synonymous mutations in the TIR, NBS and LRR region of R-protein. Genetic mapping of these SNPs-based markers confirmed the position of VG9514-Rgene in between FRS 72 and SSR_GO340445 markers in chromosome A03. Homology searching identified four homologous R-genes in groundnut genome. Of them, Arahy.R8KUIR, Arahy.T6DCA5 and Arahy.ZZ0VZ9 are paralogues. These paralogous genes had several small InDels. Mapping of these InDels-based markers revealed tandem duplication of these paralogous R-genes at distal portion of chromosome A03. Ka/Ks calculation revealed that this unique VG9514-Rgene had undergone positive selection. Homology based structure modelling of this R-protein revealed a typical consensus three dimensional folding of TIR-NBS-LRR protein. Non-synonymous mutations in susceptible version of R-protein were mapped in this protein model and found E268Q mutation in hhGRExE motif, Y309F in RNBS-A motif and I579T in MHD motif of NB-ARC domain are probable candidates for loss of function.
Genetic analysis of sucrose concentration in soybean seeds using a historical soybean genomic panel
Authors: Ficht Alexandra , Bruce Robert W. , Torkamaneh Davoud , Grainger Christopher , Eskandari Milad , Rajcan Istvan
Published: February 2021

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) is a crop of global importance for both human and animal consumption, which was domesticated in China more than 6000 years ago. A concern about losing genetic diversity as a result of decades of breeding has been expressed by soybean researchers. In order to develop new cultivars, it is critical for breeders to understand the genetic variability present for traits of interest in their program germplasm. Sucrose concentration is becoming an increasingly important trait for the production of soy-food products. The objective of this study was to use a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify putative QTL for sucrose concentration in soybean seed. A GWAS panel consisting of 266 historic and current soybean accessions was genotyped with 76k genotype-by-sequencing (GBS) SNP data and phenotyped in four field locations in Ontario (Canada) from 2015 to 2017. Seven putative QTL were identified on chromosomes 1, 6, 8, 9, 10, 13 and 14. A key gene related to sucrose synthase (Glyma.06g182700) was found to be associated with the QTL found on chromosome 6. This information will facilitate efforts to increase the available genetic variability for sucrose concentration in soybean breeding programs and develop new and improved high-sucrose soybean cultivars suitable for the soy-food industry.
The Long-Term Outcome of Cyberknife Therapy for Head and Neck Paraganglioma: Management Suggestion From a Single Center Experience
Authors: Hong Sukwoo , Kagawa Kenji , Sato Kengo , Ichi Shunsuke
Published: February 2021

IntroductionTo analyze the long-term follow-up data of CyberKnife treatment (CKT) for head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGs). MethodsPatients who received CKT to HNPGs from 2010 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. ResultsA total of 34 HNPGs from 29 patients were identified. The mean age was 50 (± 16) years old, and 15 patients (52%) were female. Previous operation was done in 15 patients (55%). Four cases (14%) were functional in hormone production. According to Fisch classification, one case (3%) was B, 12 (42%) were C, 14 (48%) were D, and two cases (7%) were out of classification. The median prescribed dose covered 95% of the planning target volume was 2500 (IQR 2100 – 2600) cGy and the median target volume was 10 (IQR 5.8 – 21.3) cm3. The local control rate was 97%. The median progression-free survival was 66 (IQR 27.5 – 95.0) months and 93.8%, and 91.7% were free of tumor progression at five, and seven years respectively. During the follow-up, one case (3%) resulted in permanent facial nerve palsy (CTCAE 1, House-Brackmann grade II), and another case (3%) resulted in asymptomatic cerebellar radiation necrosis. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed no previous surgical history (OR 10.3, 95% CI 1.5 – 69.3, p = 0.02) was a positive predictor of symptom improvement. We devised a treatment flow-chart based on our finding. ConclusionsCKT for HNPGs was an effective treatment with little side effect over the long term and should be considered the first-line therapy for symptomatic nonfunctional HNPGs for better symptom control.
Post-COVID-19 Symptom Burden: What is Long-COVID and How Should We Manage It?
Authors: Sykes Dominic Lee , Holdsworth Luke , Jawad Nadia , Gunasekera Pumali , Morice Alyn H , Crooks Michael G
Published: February 2021

The enduring impact of COVID-19 on patients has been examined in recent studies, leading to the description of Long-COVID. We report the lasting symptom burden of COVID-19 patients from the first wave of the pandemic. All patients with COVID-19 pneumonia discharged from a large teaching hospital trust were offered follow-up. We assessed symptom burden at follow-up using a standardised data collection technique during virtual outpatient clinic appointments. Eighty-six percent of patients reported at least one residual symptom at follow-up. No patients had persistent radiographic abnormalities. The presence of symptoms at follow-up was not associated with the severity of the acute COVID-19 illness. Females were significantly more likely to report residual symptoms including anxiety (p=0.001), fatigue (p=0.004), and myalgia (p=0.022). The presence of long-lasting symptoms is common in COVID-19 patients. We suggest that the phenomenon of Long-COVID may not be directly attributable to the effect of SARS-CoV-2, and believe the biopsychosocial effects of COVID-19 may play a greater role in its aetiology.
WITHDRAWN: Modification of Natural Leather Properties via Grafting Polymerization of Glycidyl Methacrylate Monomer
Authors: Hussein Nadia , Alatawi Raedah A.S. , Albalawi Marzough A. , Al-Sayed Hanan M. A. , Bukhari Abeer Abdulaziz H. , Faridi U , Elsayed Nadia H.
Published: February 2021

Chrome tanned leather was grafted by poly (glycidyl methacrylate) (L-g-PGMA) via emulsion polymerization technique and the grafting yield 26%. Epoxy content of the grafted leather samples was 69.4 mmol/100gm. The obtained L-g-PGMA samples were impregnated in different dibutyl amine solutions using amine/ epoxy molar ratio ranging from 0.5 up to 2.5. The obtained samples were assessed through varying nitrogen analysis, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravemetric analysis (TGA) analysis and scanning electron microscope. It was found that the nitrogen content of the treated leather samples increases by increasing the dibutyl amine concentration up to amine/ epoxy molar ratio of 2 after which it decreases. The water absorption, tensile strength and elongation (%) as well as hardness of the modified leather samples were studied and compared with the unmodified one. The colour strength values of dyed leather samples with acid dye were found to increase by grafting or by increasing the amine/epoxy molar ratio up to a value of 1.0 after which it decreases. On the contrary, the colour strength value of dyed leather sample with reactive dye sharply decreases after grafting with poly (glycidyl methacrylate). Samples grafted with glycidyl methacrylate and treated with dibutylacrylate amine exhibit increased colour strength which is directly related to the nitrogen content of the sample.
Identification of Prognostic Biomarkers of Ewing Sarcoma using Bioinformatics Analysis and Experiments
Authors: Zhang Jun , He Mingwei , Feng Wenyu , Liu Yun , Luo Xiaoting , Xie Tianyu , He Juliang , Ma Jie , Wei Qingjun
Published: February 2021

Background. Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is the second most familiar bone or soft-tissue sarcoma, making the identification of EWS biomarkers critically important. This study aimed to explore and validate potential prognostic biomarkers in EWS by bioinformatics analysis and experiments. Methods The microarray dataset GSE119546 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between EWS cells treated with and without Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) inhibitors were analyzed using R package limma. Next, we performed gene enrichment analysis and constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The expression level of the top18 hub genes and the overall survival (OS) in patients with sarcoma were validated using the Oncomine and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis 2 (GEPIA2) databases. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of Bystin Like (BYSL), Nucleolar Protein 11 (NOL11), and P21-activated protein kinase-interacting protein 1 (PAK1IP1) was detected by RT-PCR in the EWS cell line (A-673), and the protein expression in EWS tissue was verified by immunohistochemistry (IHC).Results Our study identified 343 DEGs, which were associated with various cancer-related functions and pathways. A total of three DEGs, including BYSL, NOL11, and PAK1IP1, were identified as hub genes with prognostic values using GEPAI2 and Oncomine. Finally, RT-PCR results showed the mRNA expression level of BYSL, NOL11, and PAK1IP1 in A-673 cells was higher than that in human mesenchymal stem cells. IHC staining revealed a positive expression ratio of NOL11, BYSL, and PAK1IP1 was 63.6% (14/22), 31.9% (7/22), and 0% (0/22), respectively. Cox regression analysis confirmed NOL11 was a significant prognostic factor for OS. Conclusions. Our findings revealed that NOL11 may be a potential biomarker for EWS prognosis and treatment.
Identifying of selective agonists targeting LXRβ from terpene compounds of Alismatis Rhizoma
Authors: Lin Chuanjiong , Li Jianzong , Wu Chuanfang , Bao Jinku
Published: February 2021

Hyperlipidemia is thought as an important contributor to coronary disease, diabetes and fatty liver. Liver X receptors β (LXRβ) was considered as a validated target for hyperlipidemia therapy due to its role in regulating cholesterol homeostasis and immunity. However, many current drugs applied in clinic are not selectively targeting LXRβ and they can also activate LXRα which activate SREBP-1c worked as activator of lipogenic genes. Therefore, exploiting agonists selectively targeting LXRβ are urgent. Here, computational tools were used to screen potential agonists selectively targeting LXRβ from 112 terpenes of Alismatis Rhizoma. Firstly, structural analysis between selective and nonselective agonists were used to explore key residues of selective binding with LXRβ. Our data indicated that Phe271, Ser278, Met312, His435, Trp457 were important to compounds binding with LXRβ, suggesting that engaging ligand interaction with these residues may provide directions for development of ligands with improved selective profiles. Then, ADMET analysis, molecular docking, MD simulations and calculation of binding free energy and its decomposition were executed to screen the agonists whose bioactivity were favorable from 112 terpenes of Alismatis Rhizoma. We found that two triterpenes 16-hydroxy-alisol B 23-acetate and Alisol M 23-acetate showed favorable ADMET properties and high binding affinity against LXRβ. These compounds could be considered as promising selective agonists targeting LXRβ. Our work provides an alternative strategy for screening agonists selectively targeting LXRβ from Alismatis Rhizoma for hyperlipidemia disease treatment.
Effect of Calcination Temperature on Physical properties of Ni0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 Ferrite nanoparticles
Authors: pendyala sivakumar , Yadav G.k.Sivasankara
Published: February 2021

The influence of Calcination temperature on the physical properties of Ni0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 ferrite nanoparticles were investigated. These ferrite nanoparticles have been synthesized by sol-gel auto combustion method using citric acid as fuel agent at different calcination temperatures (4000C, 5000C and 6000C). The Morphological investigation, average crystallite size and microstructure of the material were examined by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and FTIR spectra. The Effects of calcination temperature on the dielectric and magnetic properties were calculated by using LCR meter and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The XRD result shows a single-phase cubic spinel structure with average crystallite size increases from 27 to 29.5 nm, with an increase of temperature. The highest saturation magnetization was found at a calcination temperature 6000C with value 80.39 emu/g, and the value coercive field (Hc) was inverse with the crystallite size.
In vitro conservation and genetic diversity of threatened species of Melocactus (Cactaceae)
Authors: Torres-Silva Gabriela , Schnadelbach Alessandra Selbach , Bezerra Hédina Basile , Lima-Brito Alone , Resende Sheila Votória
Published: February 2021

The high endemism, the natural habitat degradation, and the over-collection for ornamental purposes have led some species such as Melocactus paucispinus and M. glaucescens to be threatened with extinction. The use of in vitro conservation techniques, such as slow growth storage, promotes the preservation of genetic diversity with integrity. The goal of this study was to establish a strategy for in vitro conservation of apical segments of the cladode of M. paucispinus and M. glaucescens and evaluate the genetic diversity of individuals from in vitro germinated plants. For such purpose, different concentrations of the plant regulator ancymidol and the osmotic agent sucrose on the inhibition of the in vitro growth were tested, and the genetic diversity of M. paucispinus and M. glaucescens individuals stored in vitro was evaluated. Sucrose showed higher efficiency in the reduction of growth than ancymidol for both species. However, due to the reduction in survival percentage, the use of sucrose over 75 g L− 1 in the in vitro conservation of both species for 360 days is not recommended. In the genetic diversity analysis, 76.92% of polymorphic loci (P), expected heterozygosity (He) = 0.276 and Shannon index (S) = 0.414 were observed for M. paucispinus. For M. glaucescens, the observed values were P = 95.38%, He = 0.228 and S = 0.369. These values observed here were higher than those previously found for the natural populations of these species, which demonstrated that this in vitro collection showed genetic diversity and can be used in management and reintroduction programs of these species.
Evaluation of a Temperature-Induced Chitosanase Bacterial Cell Surface Display System for the Efficient Production of Chitooligosaccharides
Authors: Li Qianqian , Wang Tuantuan , Ye Yangzhi , Guan Shimin , Cai Baoguo , Zhang Shuo , Rong Shao-feng
Published: February 2021

Objective To establish a temperature-induced chitosanase bacterial cell surface display system to produce chitooligosaccharides (COSs) efficiently for industrial applications. Results Temperature-inducible chitosanase CSN46A bacterial surface display systems containing one or two copies of ice nucleation protein (InaQ-N) as anchoring motifs were successfully constructed on the basis of Escherichia coli and named as InaQ-N-CSN46A and 2InaQ-N-CSN46A. The specific enzyme activity of 2InaQ-N-CSN46A reached 886.33±0.81 U/g cell dry weight, which was 45.6% higher than that of InaQ-N-CSN46A. However, few proteins were detected in 2InaQ-N-CSN46A hydrolysis system. Therefore, 2InaQ-N-CSN46A had higher hydrolysis efficiency and stability than InaQ-N-CSN46A. GPC revealed that under the optimum enzymatic hydrolysis temperature, the final products were mainly chitobiose and chitotriose. Chitopentaose accumulated (77.62%) when the hydrolysis temperature reached 60 ℃. FTIR and NMR analysis demonstrated that the structures of the two hydrolysis products were consistent with those of COSs.Conclusions In this study, chitosanase was expressed on the surfaces of E. coli by increasing induction temperature, and chitosan was hydrolysed directly without enzyme purification steps. This study provided a novel strategy for industrial COSs production.
One Patient Diagnosed With Primary Refractory Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma Successfully Salvaged With BCL2 Inhibitor Followed by anti-CD19 CAR-T Suffered From a Secondary Onset of Severely CRS
Authors: Zhang Yuanfeng , Sun Shuxiang , An Licai , Wang Yanming , Chu Xiaoxia , Liu Xiaoqian , Liu Yinghui
Published: February 2021

Background Treatment of relapsed/refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) eligible for transplantation is limited by the efficacy of salvage therapy. Chimeric antigen receptor modified T cell (CAR-T) therapy has achieved the highest response rate of salvage therapy for relapsed/refractory aggressive B cell lymphoma. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and cytopenia are main side effects of CAR-T therapy. Case presentation A 61 years old Chinese male diagnosed as DLBCL was treated with rituximab combined with chemotherapy, unfortunately, he was resistant to first-line chemotherapy and other regimens. Due to high expression of BCL2 protein and amplification of BCL2 by next sequence generation, BCL2 inhibitor combined with low intensity chemotherapy was given to him as a bridge to anti-19 CAR-T therapy. Although escalation of dose from 100mg per day to 400mg in one week, he had no tumor lysis syndrome and achieved partial response. He suffered persist pancytopenia after CAR T-cells infusion, moreover, a severely secondary CRS on 54th day was observed and responded well to steroid.Discussion and conclusions BCL2 inhibitor may have a role in frontline or salvage therapy of DLBCL, especially for those with high BCL2 protein expression, mechanism of which should be still investigated. CAR-T therapy revolutionized the salvage of primary refractory DLBCL, but we should focus on persist cytopenia and severe CRS, and we reported the latest secondary CRS till now.