bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dark Matter of the Transcription Factor Binding Site Motif Universe
Authors: Aptekmann Ariel A. , Bulavka Denys , Nadra Alejandro D. , Sánchez Ignacio E.
Published: February 2021

Background: We study the limits imposed by transcription factor specificity on the maximum size of a genetic regulatory network. Results: Most regular expressions for natural transcription factor binding site motifs are separated in sequence space by only one to three motif-discriminating positions. This mild specificity requirement puts the number of transcription factors that can coexist with minimal crosstalk on the order of ten thousand, which would fully utilize the space of DNA subsequences. An expanded alphabet with modified bases can further raise this limit by several orders of magnitude, at the expense of sequence space usage. Conclusions: Based on this analysis, thousands of transcription factor binding site motifs may await discovery.
Dermal secretion physiology in Metastriata ticks; thermoregulation in the lone star tick Amblyomma americanum
Authors: Maldonado-Ruiz L. Paulina , Davis Brianna N. , Park Jessica J. , Park Yoonseong
Published: February 2021

Ticks are blood feeding ectoparasites that transmit a wide range of pathogens. The lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum, is one of the most widely distributed ticks in the Midwest and Eastern United States. Lone star ticks, like most three-host ixodid ticks, can survive in harsh environments for extended periods without consuming a blood meal. Physiological mechanisms that allow them to survive during hot and dry season include thermal tolerance and water homeostasis. Large quantity of dermal fluid secretions induced by mechanical stimulation of tick legs has been described in metastriate ticks including Amblyomma. We hypothesize that a function of tick dermal secretion is similar to the sweating in large homeothermal animals. In this study, we found that a contact with a heat probe at 45oC can trigger dermal secretion. We demonstrated that dermal secretion plays a role in evaporative cooling when ticks are exposed to high temperature. We observed that direct contact to a heat probe for 5 seconds at ~ 52oC caused an exhaustive dermal secretion with ~ 4% loss of body weight and resulted in the lethality in 24-hour, indicating that the secretion is associated with significant costs of water loss. We identified type II dermal glands having paired two cells forming large glandular structures. The secretion is triggered by an injection of serotonin and the serotonin-mediated secretion was suppressed by a pretreatment of Ouabain, a Na/K-ATPase blocker, implying that the secretion is controlled by serotonin and the downstream Na/K-ATPase.
Wood Ants: Important Components of the Forest "Immunity System"
Authors: Trigos-Peral Gema , Juhász Orsolya , Kiss Péter János , Módra Gábor , Tenyér Anna , Maák István
Published: February 2021

Climate change is one of the major threats to biodiversity, but its impact varies among the species. Bark beetles (Ips spp.), as well as other wood-boring pests of European forests, show escalating numbers in response to the changes driven by climate change and seriously affect the survival of the forests through the massive killing of trees. Many methods were developed to control these wood-boring beetles, however, their implementation can be detrimental for other forest specialists. Ants are widely used for biological pest-control, so in our study, we aimed to test the effect of F. polyctena on the control of the wood-boring beetles. The results show that the proportion of infested trees is significantly reduced by the increase of the number of F. polyctena nests, with a strong effect on Ips species. We also show that the boring beetle community is shaped by different biotic and abiotic factors, including the presence of F. polyctena nests. However, the boring beetle infestation was not related to the latitude, altitude and age of the forests. Based on our results, we assert the effectiveness of the red wood ants as biological pest control and the importance of their conservation to keep the health of the forests.
Stress state inferred from b-value and focal mechanism distributions in the aftershock area of the 2005 West Off Fukuoka Prefecture earthquake
Authors: Chiba Keita
Published: February 2021

The spatiotemporal stress states in the aftershock region of the 2005 west off Fukuoka prefecture earthquake are examined via an analysis of the b -values and focal mechanism solutions. The aftershocks are aligned roughly NW–SE, with the southeastern part of the aftershock region believed to correspond to Kego Fault, which extends beneath the Fukuoka metropolitan area. This study reveals depth-dependent b -values in the focal region, where the b -values ( b = 0.7–1.4) are generally higher above the mainshock depth (9.5 km) and lower ( b = 0.5–1.0) at greater depths. The shallower region possesses a significant temporal increase in b -values, whereas a lateral b -value heterogeneity is observed in the deeper region. The b -values ( b ~ 1.0) near the mainshock are relatively high, whereas the northwestern and southeastern edges of the deep region have lower b -values ( b = 0.5–0.7). On the other hand, many of the focal mechanisms for the M ≥ 3.5 events are located in the low b -value area of the deep region. The stress-tensor inversion results reveal a change in stress state from strike-slip to strike-slip/normal faulting . These findings imply that the stress state remains high and/or slightly decreased in the northwestern and southeastern parts of the deep region. These results and the findings of previous research on this earthquake sequence suggest that the likelihood of future large earthquakes along the southeastern part of the aftershock region should be considered relatively high.
Digital PCR (dPCR) and qPCR Mediated Determination of Transgene Copy Number in the Forage Legume White Clover (Trifolium Repens).
Authors: Narancio Rafael , John Ulrik , Mason John , Giraldo Paula , Spangenberg German
Published: February 2021

Obtaining data on transgene copy number is an integral step in the generation of transgenic plants. Techniques such as Southern blot, segregation analysis, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) have routinely been used for this task, in a range of species. More recently, use of Digital PCR (dPCR) has become prevalent, with a measurement accuracy higher than qPCR reported. Here, the relative merits of qPCR and dPCR for transgene copy number estimation in white clover were investigated. Furthermore, given that single copy reference genes are desirable for estimating gene copy number by relative quantification, and that no single-copy genes have been reported in this species, a search and evaluation of suitable reference genes in white clover was undertaken. Results demonstrated a higher accuracy of dPCR relative to qPCR for copy number estimation in white clover. Two genes, Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), and an ATP-dependent protease, identified as single-copy genes, were used as references for copy number estimation by relative quantification. Identification of single-copy genes in white clover will enable the application of relative quantification for copy number estimation of other genes or transgenes in the species. The results generated here validate the use of dPCR as a reliable strategy for transgene copy number estimation in white clover, and provide resources for future copy number studies in this species.
18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in Primary Prostate Cancer: Using tPSA to Detect Distant Metastasis and Incorporating SUVmax to Characterize Primary Prostate Cancer and Distant Metastasis
Authors: Wang Zhuonan , Zheng Anqi , Dong Weixuan , Liu Xiang , Yuan Wang , Gao Fan , Duan Xiaoyi
Published: February 2021

PurposeTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) for primary prostate cancer (PCa) distant metastasis in 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT, and the potential mediation role of tPSA level on the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of different metastasis stages.MethodsRetrospective analysis was performed on 101 patients admitted consecutively between March 2019 and June 2020 with biopsy proven PCa who were referred for PET/CT. The diagnostic performance of tPSA to detect distant metastasis was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and logistic regression analyses. SUVmax was compared across different metastatic stages with either low or high tPSA level using analysis of variance (ANOVA). A path analysis was conducted to evaluate the mediating effect of tPSA level on the relation between SUVmax of primary PCa and SUVmax of metastatic foci.ResultsAt a value of 29.01, the prediction tPSA demonstrated a sensitivity of 57.14% and a specificity of 73.68% for detecting distant metastasis with an area under the curve of 0.656 (P = 0.004). The prediction tPSA level was the only significant predictive variable in a logistic regression model (P = 0.008, odds ratio = 3.273). SUVmax was significantly different between primary prostate tissue with metastasis and metastasis foci only when tPSA ≥ 29.01 (P = 0.001). In addition, for those with metastasis foci, SUVmax was significantly higher in those with tPSA ≥ 29.01 than those with tPSA < 29.01 (P = 0.034). Both tPSA and SUVmax associated with risk of metastasis (P = 0.008, P = 0.014), and tPSA was found to have a partial mediating effect on SUVmax of primary PCa and metastases foci (P < 0.05). ConclusionA prediction tPSA level of 29.01 can help predict the distant metastases in primary PCa. The incorporation of 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT in PCa evaluation may better characterize the metastasis lesions.
Angiotensin 1 Peptide Conjugated CdSe/ZnS Quantum Dots Induce Cardiac-Specific Hydrogen Sulfide Production to Mitigate Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Wang Qing , Min Jie , Xue Xiaofei , Yu Yue , Wang Pei , Wang Jun , Jiang Qixia , Zhang Pengfei , Xiao Jian
Published: February 2021

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is protective in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R). However, venous injection of NaHS and local injection of adenovirus with cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) plasmids was used to increase H2S concentration presented low-efficiency and side-effect. In this study, we explored a cardiac-specific approach to increase the local expression of H2S, the efficacy in I/R, and the underlying mechanism. Angiotensin 1 (AT1) conjugated nanocarrier (CdSe/ZnS quantum dots) carrying cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) plasmid targeted myocardium was constructed and injected intravenously into the I/R animal model. The nanocarrier location was confirmed. The expression levels of CSE in different organs was also compared. The efficacy of nanocarrier was investigated in vivo and in vitro. In vivo fluorescence imaging system showed that the nanocarrier mostly enriched in the heart. Western blot demonstrated that CSE expression in the heart was higher in the AT1 group than the control group. There was no difference in other organs. Experiments in vitro showed that the nanocarrier had a high transfection efficiency. The CSE expression was also increased in the CSE group than the vector group. The IR rat was injected with the nanocarrier which decreased the infarct size and increased the ejection fraction. Cell viability and LDH concentration were also reduced in vitro at the same time. Key markers of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) including CHOP, GRP78, eIF2a expression level and mitophagy (Parkin, NIX, ATG) were all decreased in the CSE group. The rat was injected with an adenovirus vector carrying the CHOP gene which reversed the reduced mitophagy by CSE. In summary, the nanocarrier carrying CSE plasmid targeted myocardium with AT1 peptide can reduce the I/R without affecting other tissue. It inhibits ERS and mitophagy via the CHOP/GRP78/eIF2a signaling pathway.
Streptomyces Grisecoloratus Sp. Nov., a New Bacterium Isolated From Soil in Cotton Fields in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Xing Li , Xia Ying-Ying , Zhang Qiao-Yan , Xia Zhan Feng , Wan Chuan-Xing , Zhang Li Li , Luo Xiao-Xia
Published: February 2021

A novel bacterium of the Streptomyces genus, designated TRM S81-3T, was isolated from soil in cotton fields of Xinjiang, China. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain TRM S81-3T ismost closely related to Streptomyces naganishii NBRC 12892T (98.96% sequence similarity); however, the average nucleotide identity (ANI) between strains TRM S81-3T and S. naganishii NBRC 12892T is relatively low (86.26%). Strain TRM S81-3T possesses LL-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic cell-wall diamino acid, MK-9(H4), MK-9(H6), and MK-9(H10) as the major menaquinones, and polar lipids including DPG, PE, PC, PI, PME, NPG and PL. The major fatty acids are iso-C16:0, anteiso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:1 ω9c, anteiso-C17:0, iso-C15:0, and C14:0. The genomic DNA G+C content is 72.1%. Based on the evidence from this polyphasic study, strain TRM S81-3T represents a novel species of Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces grisecoloratus is proposed. The type strain is TRM S81-3T (=CCTCC AA 2020002T=LMG 31942T).
Analysis of Immune Response of Chicken Primary Cells by Infection With Korean IBV Strain
Authors: Lee Rangyeon , Jung Ji Seung , Yeo Ji-in , Kwon Hyuk Moo , Park Jeongho
Published: February 2021

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), an avian coronavirus, is highly contagious, which develops acute pathogenesis in multiple organs. Frequent recombination of spike (S) glycoprotein leads to vaccine strategies insignificant. To understand IBV pathogenesis, we analyzed genetic distance of the Korean IBV isolate to different coronaviruses, including SARS-Cov2. For comprehensive information of the immune responses during IBV infection, we infected primary chicken embryonic kidney cells and performed transcriptome analysis. We observed functional pathways for innate immunity are associated and confirmed mRNA expressions of element genes that coordinate early immune responses. Immune profile of the host cell may assist vaccine development.
Evaluation of DIBH and VMAT in Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Left-sided Breast Cancers After Breast-conserving Surgery: a Planning Study
Authors: Tang Liuwei , Ishikawa Yojiro , Ito Kengo , Yamamoto Takaya , Umezawa Rei , Jingu Keiichi
Published: February 2021

Background This paper aims to compare dosimetric parameters of the organs at risk (OARs) among three different radiotherapy (RT) modalities in left breast cancer patients after breast-conserving surgery (BCS). Methods Eleven patients with left breast cancer after BCS were enrolled and underwent CT simulation in the free breathing (FB) and deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) position. Three-dimensional radiotherapy (3DCRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans were generated for each patient in the DIBH position. A 3DCRT plan was also created in the FB position. Dose-volume histogram (DVH) was used to analyze each evaluation index of OARs. The principal outcome was heart dose, left anterior descending coronary artery (LADCA) dose and left lung dose.Results For the 3D-CRT plans, significant dose reductions were demonstrated in all evaluation parameters to heart, LADCA and left lung dose in the DIBH position compared with the FB position (p < 0.05). In DIBH position, significant dose reductions were founded in heart and LADCA in VMAT plan compared to 3DCRT plan (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between 3DCRT and VMAT plan for the left lung dose in DIBH position.Conclusion DIBH and VMAT could reduce dosimetric parameters of the OARs in left breast cancer patients after BCS. RT plans for left breast cancer after BCS can be optimized by DIBH and VMAT techniques to minimize radiation-induced toxicity
Body Mass Index, Subjective Body Shape, and Suicidal Ideation Among Community-Dwelling Korean Adults
Authors: Yong Chae Eun , Kim Young Bum , Lyu Jiyoung
Published: February 2021

Background: Studies examining the combination of objective and subjective body shape and its association with suicidal ideation have not been well investigated among different age groups. Therefore, this study was aimed to examine the above association among Korean adults, stratified by developmental stages. Methods: Using a nationally representative data from the 2017 Korean Community Health Survey, 222,037 participants aged 19 or over were included in this study. A dependent variable was measured as having a suicidal ideation or not (1=yes, 0=no). With body mass index (BMI) and subjective body shape measures, seven categories were created (1=underweight-skinny, 2=underweight-normal/fat, 3=healthyweight-skinny, 4=healthyweight-normal, 5=healthyweight-fat, 6=overweight-skinny/normal, 7=overweight-fat). A multivariate logistic regression was conducted in each age group. Results: Adjusted for covariates, overweight-fat (OR=1.183, p<.01) young-aged adults, underweight-skinny (OR=1.322, p<.05) middle-aged adults, and healthyweight-fat (OR=1.193, p<.05) older adults were more likely to have suicidal ideation than healthyweight-normal counterparts. Conclusions: Results suggest that the association between the combination of objective and subjective body shape and suicidal ideation is different by developmental stages. Therefore, this difference should be considered when developing suicide prevention interventions by developmental stages.
The Effect of Helicobacter Pylori Eradication On Prognosis Of Postoperative Early Gastric Cancer: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Wang Liang , Wang Jinfeng , Li Sha , Bai Fei , Xie Hailong , Shan Hanguo , Liu Zhuo , Ma Tiexiang , Tang Xiayu , Tang Haibing , Qin Ang , Lei Sanlin , Zuo Chaohui
Published: February 2021

Objective: To investigate the effect of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication on the prognosis of postoperative early gastric cancer (EGC).Methods: This is a retrospective study based on data from 6 hospitals. We identified patients with EGC who underwent curative gastrectomy from January 2010 to December 2016. All of the patients were tested for H. pylori. Patients were divided into two groups, the successful H. pylori eradication group (Group A) and the non-H. pylori eradication group (Group B), for calculating the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of each group.Result: Non-H. pylori eradication were statistically significant independent risk factors of overall survival (hazard ratio (HR), 1.760; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.067-2.902; P=0.027) and disease-free survival (HR, 1.728; 95% CI, 1.077-2.772; P=0.023).Conclusion: Eradication treatment for H. pylori can prevent the recurrence of postoperative early gastric cancer.
Prophylactic role of ivermectin in SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers
Authors: Behera Priyamadhaba , Patro Binod Kumar , Padhy Biswa Mohan , Mohapatra Prasanta Raghab , Bal Shakti Kumar , Chandanshive Pradnya Dilip , Mohanty Rashmi Ranjan , Ravikumar  , Singh Arvind Kumar , Singh Sudipta Ranjan , Pentapati Siva Santosh Kumar , Nair Jyolsna , Batmanabane Gitanjali
Published: February 2021

Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) are vulnerable to getting infected withSARS-CoV-2. Preventing HCWs from getting infected is a priority to maintain healthcare services. The therapeutic and preventive role of ivermectin in COVID-19 is being investigated. Based on promising results of in vitro studies of oral ivermectin, this study was conducted with the aim to demonstrate the prophylactic role of oral ivermectin in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infectionamong HCWs at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar.Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted at AIIMS Bhubaneswar, which provides both COVID and Non-COVID care since March 2020. All employees and students of the institute who provided written informed consent participated in the study.Uptake of two-doses of oral ivermectin (300 μg/kg at a gap of 72 hours) was considered as exposure. The primary outcome of the study was COVID-19 infection in the following month of ivermectin consumption diagnosed by RTPCR as per Government of India testing criteria guidelines.The log-binomial model was used to estimate adjusted relative risk, and the Kaplan-Meier failure plot was used to estimate the probability of COVID-19 infection with follow-up time.Results Of 3892 employees, 3532 (90.8%) participated in the study. The ivermectin uptake was 62.5% and 5.3% for two-doses and single-dose, respectively. Participants who took ivermectin prophylaxis had a lower risk of getting symptoms suggestive of SARS-CoV-2 infection(6% vs 15%). HCWs who had taken two-doses of oral ivermectin have a significantly lower risk of contracting COVID-19 disease during the following month (ARR 0.17; 95% CI, 0.12-0.23). Females had a lower risk of contracting COVID-19 than males (ARR 0.70 95% CI, 0.52-0.93). The absolute risk reduction of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 9.7%. Only 1.8% of the participants reported adverse events, which were mild and self-limiting.Conclusion and relevance Two-doses of oral ivermectin (300 μg/kg given 72 hours apart) as chemoprophylaxis among HCWs reduces the risk of COVID-19 infection by 83% in the following month. Safe, effective, and low-cost chemoprophylaxis have relevance in the containment of pandemic alongside vaccine.
Pulsatile therapy for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Choi Mansoo , Jeong Kiwan , Byeon Junseop , Jang Jihun , Ahn Namyoung
Published: February 2021

Although photovoltaics employing hybrid perovskite halides have continuously been breaking world- records of power conversion efficiency (PCE) and expectations for their industrialization are rapidly rising, long-term stability issue that has greatly hampered the commercialization of perovskite solar cells has not been resolved yet. Ion instability and trapped charges were suggested as a fundamental reason for perovskite device degradation. Here, we report a pulsatile therapy relieving the accumulation of both trapped charges and ions in the perovskite solar cell device during the middle of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for reviving the device and prolonging its device lifetime. In the technique, reverse biases are repeatedly applied for a very short time to eliminate the charges accumulated and re-distribute the ions migrated during power harvesting without any pause of operation. Intriguingly, the therapy is not only delaying irreversible degradation, but also, restoring the degraded power right after a short reverse bias. In-situ photoluminescence (PL) and photocurrent (PC) measurements for the working device were done while applying the pulsatile therapy for studying the underlying physics. Time evolving PL intensity and PC not only revealed the steady increase of PL intensity during the therapy indicating the reduction of non-radiative recombination, but also strikingly showed the restoration of degraded PL intensity and PC right after a short reverse bias suggesting the device healing. In the long-term test, we observed outstanding improvement of device stability and total harvesting power. A model considering trap-assisted recombination has also been developed to explain the efficacy of the therapy based on defect formation during MPPT operation and defect healing by the pulsatile therapy. The unique technique will open up new possibility to commercialize perovskite materials into a real market.
The association between excess weight and body composition measurements in a pediatric population – a cross sectional study.
Authors: Kostopoulou Eirini , Avgeri Aikaterini , Skiadopoulos Spyros , Dimitriou Gabriel , Giannakopoulos Ioannis
Published: February 2021

Aims of the study: The prevalence of childhood obesity in Greece is among the highest in Europe. Body composition may be used as a screening tool to identify children with excess weight and those at risk for developing metabolic complications. The aim of the study was to provide data on body composition indices from a large Greek pediatric population and investigate the possible association between these indices and obesity.Methods: 1453 schoolchildren, 51.2% males, aged 10-12 years old, were recruited from the third in size city in Greece. Anthropometric and body composition indices, including weight, height, body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), FM%, fat mass index (FMI), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), SMM%, skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and muscle-to-fat ratio (MFR), were assessed.Results: i) The rates of overweight and obesity were 25.9% (Males: 24.4%, females: 27.5%) and 12.6% (males: 13.4%, females: 11.7%), respectively. ii) Males had significantly higher SMM, SMM% and MFR, and lower FM% compared to females. iii) No differences were observed in body composition between younger (10-11-year-old) and older (11-12-year-old) children. iv) Higher FM, FM%, FMI, SMM, SMI and lower SMM% and MFR values were found in children with overweight or obesity.Conclusions: A direct association between excess weight and body composition measurements, such as FM, FM%, FMI, SMM, SMM%, SMI and MFR, was found in a large pediatric school-population. These body composition analysis measurements may potentially serve as a useful screening-tool with both research and clinical applications in assessing obesity, but also for predicting obesity-related complications.
Design, Implementation, Comparison, and Performance analysis between Analog Butterworth and Chebyshev-I Low Pass Filter Using Approximation, Python and Proteus
Authors: Rabbi Navid Fazle
Published: February 2021

Filters are broadly used in signal processing and communication systems in noise reduction. Butterworth, Chebyshev-I Analog Low Pass Filters are developed and implemented in this paper. The filters are manually calculated using approximations and verified using Python Programming Language. Filters are also simulated in Proteus 8 Professional and implemented in the Hardware Lab using the necessary components. This paper also denotes the comparison and performance analysis of filters using Manual Computations, Hardware, and Software.
Lack of association between angiotensin blockade and severity of influenza: a nationwide case-control study
Authors: Dong Yaa-Hui , Wu Jo-Hsuan , Wang Jiun-Ling , Chen Ho-Min , Caffrey James L. , Chang Chia-Hsuin , Lin Jou-Wei
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may modulate ACE2 level and the risk of viral infections. However, studies of the risk of the severity of influenza associated with ACEIs or ARBs in the real-world settings were limited and the findings are conflicting.
Methods

This case-control study evaluated the risk of developing severe influenza disease associated with ACEIs and ARBs in hypertension patients hospitalized for influenza from a population-based Taiwanese database. Logistic regression models were conducted to estimate ORs and 95% CIs associated with ACEIs or ARBs within 30 days before hospitalization.
Results

We included 1,369 cases (severe influenza patients) and 4,107 matched controls (non-severe influenza patients). ORs for any use of ACEIs and ARBs were 1.15 (95% CI, 0.93–1.42) and 0.97 (0.84–1.12) versus nonuse. Similarly, no significant association was observed for monotherapy with ACEIs (1.47; 0.95–2.29) or ARBs (0·76; 0.53–1.10) versus nonuse. Combination therapy between calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and either ACEIs (1.57; 0.91–2.70) or ARBs (1.23; 0·93-1.62) were not significantly different from CCBs alone.
Conclusions

Our findings did not suggest an association between ACEIs and/or ARBs and the severity of influenza. Stable patients should maintain their anti-hypertensive regimens in the influenza epidemic era.
Effects of various transition metals on the thermal oxidative stabilization of polyacrylonitrile nanofibers
Authors: Lee Jung-Hun , Li Siying , Yoo Ji-Beom , Kim Young Jun
Published: February 2021

In this paper, the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers and PAN nanofibers bonded with different transition metal (Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu) acetates were successfully prepared and their thermal oxidative stabilization process were analysed by Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The structural evolution of process was characterized by examining the FTIR spectral peaks generated at four different thermal oxidative stabilization temperatures. Based on the thermal oxidative stabilization rates obtained from each transition metal, Co-PAN and Cu-PAN are the only effective precursors for the thermal oxidative stabilization process and, according to differential scanning calorimetry, Co-PAN is the most effective and suitable precursor for the PAN with different transition metals. Although Co-PAN increased the exothermic reaction (ΔH) by approximately 140%, it alleviates the heat release rate (ΔH/ΔT) by approximately 44%.
Can Farm Mechanization Enhance Small Farmers’ Income? A Lesson learnt of Lower Shivalik hills of Indian Himalayan Region
Authors: ROY PINAKI , Hansra BS , Burman R Roy , Bhattacharyya Sangeeta , Parray Roaf A , Roy T N , Mukherjee Anirban
Published: February 2021

Indian farming is fraught with small land holdings, and farm mechanization's economic viability has remained a debatable issue at the core of Indian agriculture's technology growth. The authors attempted to determine the socio-agro-economic impact of seed cum fertiliser drill and zero tillage through Difference In Difference(DID) method with ex-ante (before application) and ex-post (after application) approach. Results depicted labour costs were reduced by almost 80% and seed savings were reduced by 20%. The seed cum fertiliser drill and zero tillage adopters saved a sum of Rs. 3764.10 and Rs. 4047.54 from 1 ha of land, respectively. An effort was also made to quantify the additional economic benefit by using the Apparently Unrelated Regression (SUR) model to apply selected forms of machinery to different varieties. Seed cum fertiliser drill and zero tillage results have been found to increase yield by 13.39 quintals and 6.0 quintals per ha respectively and decrease the seed rate by 27.71 kg/ha and 24.20 kg /ha, respectively, for the HD 2967 wheat variety. The growth of the agricultural mechanisation sector is hindered by machine cost, the widespread existence of resource poor farmers, and inaccessibility of agricultural technology. In addition, few suggestions on critical aspects were made on the basis of the application of technology in different states to implement suitable policies for the additional financial advantage of farmers.
Socio-economic inequality in functional disability and impairments with focus on Instrumental Activity of Daily Living: A Study on Older Adults in India
Authors: Patel Ratna , Srivast Shobhit , Kumar Pradeep , CHAUHAN SHEKHAR , Govindu Mani Deep , Simon David Jean
Published: February 2021

Background
Studies have examined functional disability among older adults by combining Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). This study adds another dimension to ADL and IADL by combining various impairments such as hearing, vision, walking, chewing, speaking, and memory loss among older adults. This study examines functional disability among older adults in India as measured by ADL, IADL, along with various impairments.
Methods
This study utilized data from Building a Knowledge Base on Population Aging in India (BKPAI), a national-level survey and conducted across seven states of India. The study utilized three outcome variables, namely, ADL, IADL, and Impairments. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were used along with multivariate analysis to fulfill the objectives of the study. The concentration index was calculated for ADL, IADL, and impairments, and further, decomposition analysis was carried out for IADL.
Results
The results observed that nearly 7.5 percent of older adults reported ADL, more than half (56.8%) reported IADL, and nearly three-fourths (72.6%) reported impairments. Overall, ADL, IADL, and impairments were higher among older adults aged 80 + years, older adults with poor self-rated health, and those suffering from chronic diseases. Educational status and wealth explained most of the socio-economic inequality in the prevalence of IADL among older adults.
Conclusion
It is recommended that the government advise older adults to adopt health-promoting approaches, which may be useful. Further, there is a pressing need to deliver quality care to older adults suffering from chronic conditions.
Using Path Analysis to Test Theory of Change: A Quantitative Process Evaluation of the MapSan Trial
Authors: Bick Sarah , Buxton Helen , Chase Rachel P , Ross Ian , Adriano Zaida , Capone Drew , Knee Jackie , Brown Joe , Nalá Rassul , Cumming Oliver , Dreibelbis Robert
Published: February 2021

BackgroundAlthough theory-driven evaluations should have empirical components, few evaluations of public health interventions quantitatively test the causal model made explicit in the theory of change (ToC). In the context of a shared sanitation trial (MapSan) in Maputo, Mozambique, we report findings of a quantitative process evaluation assessing intervention implementation, participant response and impacts on hypothesised intermediary outcomes on the pathway to trial health outcomes. We examine the utility of path analysis in testing intervention theory using process indicators from the intervention’s ToC. MethodsProcess data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of intervention and control compounds of the MapSan trial >24-months post-intervention, sampling adult residents and compound leaders. Indicators of implementation fidelity (dose received, reach) and participant response (participant behaviours, intermediary outcomes) were compared between trial arms. The intervention’s ToC (formalised post-intervention) was converted to an initial structural model with multiple alternative pathways. Path analysis was conducted through linear structural equation modelling (SEM) and generalised SEM (probit model), using a model trimming process and grouped analysis to identify the most parsimonious models that explained variation in outcomes, and incorporating contextual factors of respondents and compounds. ResultsAmong study compounds, the MapSan intervention was implemented with high fidelity, and with a strong participant response in intervention compounds: improvements were made to intermediary outcomes related to sanitation ‘quality’ – latrine cleanliness, maintenance and privacy – but not to handwashing (presence of soap or soap residue). These outcomes varied by type of intervention: single-cabin latrines or multiple-cabin blocks (designed for >20 users). Path analysis suggested that changes in intermediary outcomes were likely driven by direct effects of intervention facilities, with little contribution from hygiene promotion activities nor core ToC elements expected to mediate change: a compound sanitation committee and maintenance fund. A distinct structural model for two compound size subgroups (≤20 members vs. >20 members) explained differences by intervention type, and other contextual factors influenced specific model parameters. ConclusionsWhile process evaluation found that the MapSan intervention achieved sufficient fidelity and participant response, the path analysis approach applied to test the ToC added to understanding of possible ‘mechanisms of change’, and has value in disentangling complex intervention pathways.
Observation of Natural Course Characteristics of Bietti Crystalline Dystrophy by Fundus Fluorescein Angiography
Authors: Zhang Shengjuan , Wang Lifei , Liu Zhiqiang , Sun Huijing , Li Qian , Xing Chen , Xiao Zhe , Peng Xiaoyan
Published: February 2021

Background: Bietti crystalline dystrophy (BCD) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder that causes progressive vision loss. Here, 12 patients were followed up for 1–5 years with fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) to clarify BCD disease development and its classification. Methods: FFA images were collected for 12 patients with BCD who visited our clinic twice or more in 5 years. Peripheral venous blood was collected to identify a pathogenic gene related to the clinical phenotype.Results: FFA images identified two BCD types. Type 1 showed retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) atrophy at the macular area, followed by choriocapillaris atrophy, then RPE atrophy appeared at the peripheral retina. Type 2 showed RPE atrophy at the posterior pole and peripheral retina, followed by choriocapillaris atrophy around the macula and along the superior and inferior vascular arcades and optic disc nasal side. Then the posterior and peripheral lesions of type 1 and type 2 were extended to the mid-periphery; at last, all the RPE and choriocapillars atrophied, exposed choroid great vessels, but the macular RPE atrophy of type 2 can existed for a long time. Conclusions: The two different BCD development types provide a better understanding of the phenotype and the progression of the disease for a precise prognosis and prediction of pathogenesis.
Significance of Preoperative Peripheral Blood Neutrophil-lymphocyte Ratio in Predicting Postoperative Survival in Patients with Multiple Myeloma Bone Disease
Authors: Xu Ziyu , Yao Xingchen , Shi Xiangjun , Du Xinru
Published: February 2021

Background: By observing the change characteristics of NLR at different stages after operation, to make a preliminary analysis of the effect of operation on the immune status of MM patients and study the prognostic value of peripheral blood NLR in predicting the treatment of multiple myeloma bone disease (MMBD).Method: The clinical data of 82 MMBD patients who underwent operations in our hospital were collected, which to analyze the effect of preoperative peripheral blood NLR on the prognosis of MMBD patients; Peripheral blood lymphocyte percentage was taken as the major observation indicator to analyze the change characteristics of the immune status of MM patients.Results: Data showed that the NLR cut-off values of the NLR≥3 group and NLR≥4 group were significantly correlated with POS. The POS of NLR≥3 patients (14.86±14.28) was significantly shorter than that of NLR＜3 patients (32.68±21.76). The lymphocyte percentage 1 week after operation (19.329±9.083) was significantly lower than that before operation (25.723±11.016). Survival analysis showed that postoperative chemotherapy and preoperative peripheral blood NLR were independent risk factors for POS.Conclusions: NLR was significant for the prediction of the POS of MMBD patients treated with operation, and MMBD patients with high preoperative NLR (NLR≥3) had a poorer prognosis and shorter POS. The immune status of MMBD patients was at a normal low level, and significantly declined after operation.Trial registration: The conducted study contains a retrospective analysis of medical records of our hospital database. Beijing Chao-yang Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee classifies this as a retrospective audit. The ethics approval and consent was given for the conducted retrospective data analysis.
HighAltitudeOmicsDB: An integrated resource for High-Altitude associated genes and proteins, interacting networks and semantic-similarities.
Authors: Khurana Pankaj , Varshney Rajeev
Published: February 2021

Millions of people worldwide visit, live, or work in the hypoxic environment encountered at high altitudes and it is important to understand the biomolecular responses to this stress. This would help design mitigation strategies for High Altitude Illnesses (HAIs). Inspite of a number of studies spanned over 100 years, complex mechanisms controlling acclimatization to hypoxia remain largely unknown. Some biomolecules, though, have been proposed as potential diagnostic, therapeutic and predictive markers for HA stress. HighAltitudeOmicsDB is a unique resource that provides a comprehensive, curated, user- friendly and detailed compilation of various genes/proteins which have been experimentally validated to be associated with various HA conditions; their Protein Protein Interactions (PPI) and Gene Ontology (GO) semantic similarities. For each database entry, HighAltitudeOmicsDB stores the level of regulation (up/down-regulation), fold change, control (low landers or high landers), duration and altitude of exposure, tissue of expression, source organism, level of hypoxia, experimental validation, place/country of study, ethnicity, geographical location, link to respective publication etc.Tthe database also collates information on disease and drug association, Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway associations. The web resource is a unique server platform which constructs PPI networks and extracts GO semantic similarities among the interactors. These unique features help to offer mechanistic insights in disease pathology. Hence, HighAltitudeOmicsDB is a unique platform for researchers working in this area to explore, fetch, compare and analyze HA associated gens/proteins, their PPI networks and GO semantic similarities. The database is available at http://www.altitudeomicsdb.in
Identification of evolutionarily stable functional and immunogenic sites across the SARS-CoV-2 proteome and the greater coronavirus family
Authors: Wang Chen , Konecki Daniel M. , Marciano David C. , Govindarajan Harikumar , Williams Amanda M. , Wastuwidyaningtyas Brigitta , Bourquard Thomas , Katsonis Panagiotis , Lichtarge Olivier
Published: February 2021

Since the first recognized case of COVID-19, more than 100 million people have been infected worldwide. Global efforts in drug and vaccine development to fight the disease have yielded vaccines and drug candidates to cure COVID-19. However, the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants threatens the continued efficacy of these treatments. In order to address this, we interrogate the evolutionary history of the entire SARS-CoV-2 proteome to identify evolutionarily conserved functional sites that can inform the search for treatments with broader coverage across the coronavirus family. Combining this information with the mutations observed in the current COVID-19 outbreak, we systematically and comprehensively define evolutionarily stable sites that may provide useful drug and vaccine targets and which are less likely to be compromised by the emergence of new virus strains. Several experimentally-validated effective drugs interact with these proposed target sites. In addition, the same evolutionary information can prioritize cross reactive antigens that are useful in directing multi-epitope vaccine strategies to illicit broadly neutralizing immune responses to the betacoronavirus family. Although the results are focused on SARS-CoV-2, these approaches stem from evolutionary principles that are agnostic to the organism or infective agent.
Influência do traumatismo dentário na qualidade de vida de crianças de 8 a 10 anos do município de Patos – PB, Brasil
Authors: Delfino dos Santos Jéssica Fernanda , De Medeiros Silva Larissa Rafaela , Souza Elaine Roberta Leite de , Alves Natália Magalhães , De Almeida Pinto Sarmento Tássia Cristina
Published: February 2021

Introdução: O traumatismo dentário é consequência de injúrias ao órgão dental que ocorrem ocasionalmente. A etiologia principal são quedas e acometem principalmente os incisivos centrais superiores, ocasionando fratura em esmalte e dentina, tendo como maiores vítimas indivíduos na primeira década de vida. Os traumas dentários são capazes de causar grandes impactos psicológicos e sociais, que influenciam diretamente na qualidade de vida do indivíduo. Objetivo: Avaliar a influência do traumatismo dentário na qualidade de vida de crianças de 8 a 10 anos de idade, que frequentam escolas públicas situadas no município de Patos–PB, Brasil. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo observacional, quantitativo, analítico e de corte transversal, com amostra aleatória e representativa, totalizando 384 crianças. Os dados foram coletados mediante aplicação do questionário CPQ8-10, sendo após realizado exame clínico por pesquisadores calibrados (Kappa intraexaminadores, 0,91; Kappa interexaminadores, 0,84). Os resultados foram tabulados em um banco de dados e calculados através do programa SPSS (statical package for social sciences) versão 8.0. Resultados: A ocorrência de trauma foi predominante no sexo masculino, tendo acometido mais o grupo dos dentes incisivos. O tipo de trauma mais frequente foi a fratura de esmalte e verificou-se associação estatística do trauma dental com a idade (p=0,042). Houve impacto dos traumatismos dentários na qualidade de vida (p=0,011). Conclusão: Diante da elevada prevalência dos traumatismos dentário, observou-se impacto na qualidade de vida das crianças, necessitando assim de mais estudos que avaliem essa associação para que estratégias preventivas possam ser adotadas.
Endodontia regenerativa em dentes permanentes com rizogênese incompleta
Authors: Costa Daniela Pereira , Almeida Leticia Neves , Azevedo Leticia Reis , Alves Jeane de Fatima Correia Silva
Published: February 2021

O tratamento endodôntico radical em dentes com ápices maduros, a apicificação em dentes com ápices imaturos e a exodontia são modalidades terapêuticas utilizadas nos casos de necrose pulpar. A endodontia regenerativa é uma alternativa para tratamento endodôntico de dentes com necrose pulpar e rizogênese incompleta. O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar protocolos existentes e revisar as condutas clínicas associadas as terapias regenerativas, por meio de revisão da literatura do tipo descritiva. Foi realizada seleção de artigos científicos a partir das bases de dados Pubmed (National Center for Biotechnology Information) e Scielo (Scientific Eletronic Library Online) no período de 2014 a 2019. O principal benefício da técnica é possibilitar a reconstituição do tecido pulpar. A maioria dos autores empregam técnicas de revascularização pulpar. A utilização de métodos regenerativos foi observado em estudos in vitro e in vivo, utilizando modelos animais. Entretanto, muitos autores usam o termo endodontia regenerativa para se referir a revascularização. A revascularização é um procedimento regenerativo que permite a continuidade de desenvolvimento radicular. As técnicas de regeneração pulpar utilizam o conceito de engenharia tecidual para criar alternativas de restabelecer a vitalidade do elemento dentário. No entanto, muitas pesquisas são necessárias para avaliação e comparação de resultados obtidos, clinicamente, sobre essas novas terapias que envolvem os conceitos de endodontia regenerativa.
Cimentos biocerâmicos reparadores fabricados e/ou disponíveis no Brasil: uma revisão de literatura e análise bibliométrica sobre suas propriedades biológicas
Authors: Figueirêdo Júnior Ernani Canuto , Torres Renata Correia Sotero Dália , Missias Eucaé Miranda , Pereira Jozinete Vieira , Albuquerque Mônica Soares de
Published: February 2021

O agregado trióxido mineral (MTA) é um material hidráulico bioativo considerado padrão-ouro para vários procedimentos clínicos em Endodontia. Entretanto, alguns componentes de sua formulação original oferecem desvantagens. Sendo assim, novos cimentos hidráulicos indicados para finalidades reparadoras ou seladoras têm surgido no mercado visando contornar essas características desfavoráveis presentes nos materiais baseados na formulação original do MTA. Dentro desse contexto, o presente trabalho consiste em uma revisão de literatura e análise bibliométrica acerca dos cimentos biocerâmicos reparadores fabricados no Brasil, com ênfase nas evidências disponíveis acerca dos parâmetros biológicos desses cimentos. Além disso, também são apresentados alguns aspectos conceituais e gerais acerca desses produtos. Assim, a amostra de estudos incluídos na análise bibliométrica e na revisão de literatura correspondeu a um total de quatro artigos, os quais abrangiam investigações através de metodologias in vitro de avaliação de citotoxicidade e da morfologia e adesão celular sobre substratos confeccionados com os materiais testados, além de análises in vivo da biocompatibilidade tecidual. Os dados dos artigos avaliados no presente estudo evidenciaram resultados promissores em relação às propriedades biológicas de alguns dos cimentos avaliados (MTA HP Repair® e Bio-C Repair®). Entretanto, para um desses cimentos (PBS HD® Cimmo) sugere-se a realização de estudos adicionais voltadas para a investigação de suas propriedades biológicas.