bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precise Control of Single-phenanthrene Junction’s Conductance
Authors: Al-Jobory Alaa , Al-Meshal Abdelkareem , Mijbil Zainelabideen Yousif
Published: July 2021

The electronic transmission of fifteen potential configurations of single-phenanthrene junction has been theoretically investigated. The structures include para-para, para-meta, and meta-meta combined with phenyl pendant group and substituted nitrogen atom. The results show that the para-meta, which offers a tunable antiresonance in the HOMO-LUMO gap, is the most suitable for synthesizing nano-device. The antiresonance is susceptible (unsusceptible) to the heteromotif location at site four (five). Hence, our paper presents the appropriate hetero-motif conditions—type and location— to synthesize molecular devices with the desired electronic conductance. The study also deepen the understanding of the molecular conductance by demonstrating the active and inactive sites to create and tune antiresonances. It finally introduces the essential impact of connectivity, quantum interference, and aromaticity in controlling the conductance of single-phenanthrene junction.
Plasma endothelin-1 and circulating endothelial progenitor cell levels after cardiopulmonary bypass in children with congenital heart diseases: a preliminary study
Authors: Rangel-López Angélica , Paniagua-Medina María Eugenia , González-Cabello Héctor Jaime , López-Romero Ricardo , Arriaga-Pizano Lourdes , Lozano-Ramírez Miguel , Pérez-Barragan Juan José , López-Sánchez Dulce María , Mata-Rocha Minerva , Carrillo-Montes Guadalupe , Márquez-González Horacio , Paniagua-Sierra Ramón , Mejía-Aranguré Juan Manuel
Published: July 2021

There are very few data on analytical biomarker levels in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) before and after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. We conducted a preliminary study in the Pediatric Hospital of Medical Center IMSS Mexico, to evaluate plasma levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CPEC) before and after correction surgery. 56 patients were included: 41 with CHD that required CPB and 15 controls with surgery other than CPB, which were stratified by age (infants, preschool-age-children, and school-age-children). Samples of peripheral blood were taken 24h before and 48h after surgery, cytokine levels (TNF/IL-1β/IL-6/IL-8/IL-10 and IL-12p70) and brachial-artery-flow-mediated dilation (BAFMD) were explored too. Demographic and clinical data were collected. BAFMD was evaluated by-Doppler-ultrasound, the percentage (%) and absolute number (N) of CPEC [CEC and EPC], ET-1 and cytokines concentrations were measured by flow-cytometry, radioimmunoassay and a Bead-Array-cytometric-system, respectively. The% and N of CEC[CD34 + / CD146 + / VEGFR2 + / CD133−] increased in infants versus their control group; and EPC[CD34 + / CD146 + / VEGFR2 + / CD133 +] were higher in the control group of infants versus patients. ET-1 levels were higher in patients than in controls (p = 0.002). N-CEC showed differences between 24 and 48 hours; BAFMD in CPB-preschool at 24H and 48H showed a significant difference. Higher levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were detected in CPB-school-age at 48H. This pilot study observed a significant increase in the levels of CEC and ET-1. To validate these data, subsequent studies should increase the sample size.
Analysis of Diversity And Identification of SSR, SCoT, And ITAP Informative Amplicons For Grain Fe And Zn Content In Wheat Genotypes
Authors: Badakhshan Hedieh , Nosratifar Rozhin
Published: July 2021

Biofortification provides a promising method of solving microelement malnutrition in developing countries. For this purpose, a study was conducted to understand the grain Fe and Zn content variation in seventy prevalent Iranian wheat genotypes across three consecutive years, to assess genetic diversity, and to identify informative amplicons for high grain Fe and Zn content using three simple sequence repeat (SSR), start codon targeted (SCoT) polymorphism, and intron targeted amplified polymorphism (ITAP) markers. Grain Fe and Zn content was highly variable each year with high heritability. Despite the highly significant effect of year-genotype interaction, some stable genotypes were ranked highly all the three years for grain Fe and Zn content. The grain Fe and Zn contents were positively correlated in the second and third years. High genetic diversity was detected among the wheat genotypes using three different marker systems. A number of informative SSR, SCoT, and ITAP amplicons for high grain Fe and Zn were identified overall or in individual years. A few informative amplicons were common and stable for grain Fe and Zn content in the different years. The SSR alleles located on 3A, 4A, 4B, and 6B chromosomes were positively correlated with high Fe and Zn content, indicating that co-location of genes affected Fe and Zn content. Identification of informative alleles and amplicons for high grain Fe and Zn content could contribute to the development of sequence-based markers and improve the selection of genotypes with high micronutrient content.
Prevalence of minority Human Immunodeficiency virus multi-drug resistant mutations among patients failing a Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor based regimen in Uganda
Authors: Nankya Immaculate Lillian , Nabulime Eva , Kyeyune Fred , Kityo Cissy Mutuluza , Quinones Miguel Mateu
Published: July 2021

Objective

To determine the prevalence of multi-drug resistant variants among patients failing on a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) based regimen with a detectable viral load ≥ 1000 copies/ml among patients harboring HIV subtype A, C and D.
Methods

Samples were obtained from patients who were failing on an NRTI based regimen. Sanger based sequencing was performed as part of the standard of care. Mutation analysis was performed using the Stanford HIV drug Resistance database. A subset of these patient samples was further analyzed using the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology and analysis of the drug resistance mutations was performed at the 20% and 1% cut off
Results

Analysis of the Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) coding region revealed that the K101 and the Y181 mutations were more predominant among subtype C than subtype A and D. Although Thymidine analog mutations (TAMs) were prevalent in all subtypes, our analyses showed that these mutations occurred in significantly less proportions among subtype C infections when compared with the subtype A and D counterparts. Furthermore, the Q151M mutation complex which involves mutations in multiple domains was significantly more prominent among patients harboring subtype C variants. Analysis using NGS revealed that minority drug resistant mutations that confer multi-drug resistance (MDR) were present even in patients who exhibited a susceptible genotype based on the Sanger sequencing technique.
Conclusion

Although HIV-1 MDR variants occur in all subtypes, their predominance is subtype specific with TAMs being significantly more predominant among subtype A and D while the Q151M complex being significantly more predominant among patients harboring subtype C viruses. Even in patients with a susceptible genotype based on Sanger technology, minority variants are present and their evolution to full blown MDR occurs over time such that by the time they are detectable, cross resistance to other drugs has occurred in some cases.
Responses of Spatiotemporal Vegetative Land Cover To Meteorological Changes in Bangladesh
Authors: Fattah Md. Abdul , Morshed Syed Riad
Published: July 2021

Quantifying the response of vegetation cover change (VCC) to climatic variables is a gap that is mandatory for the conservation and rehabilitation of natural landscape to ensure sustainability. This study aims to assess the response of VCC to temperature and rainfall change in Bangladesh. We used (i) Landsat images to analyze VCC using image classification method, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) (ii) temperature and rainfall statistics to investigate the spatiotemporal variations (SV) of meteorological factors, urban lands, VCC in all the 64 districts of Bangladesh during 1990-2018 and examined their correlation. To quantify the impact of urbanization on VCC, two regression models were built between growing-season NDVI (GNDVI) and urban land proportion (PLU). Results show that the SV of precipitation, temperature, GNDVI, and PUL varied greatly among the districts. GNDVI was found closely related to climatic variables and less sensitive to climatic factor changes. There has been found a significant correlation between the trend of GNDVI and GP while the negative correlation between GNDVI trend and GT, ΔPUL. Strong sensitivity of GNDVI change to GP was calculated in the range of precipitation 2200-3000mm and GNDVI to GT change in the range of temperature 300C-310C. Besides, urban expansion was found mostly responsible for VCC in the study area.
Detection of ESBL and MBL Antibiotic Resistance Genes in 100 Clinical Isolates of Escherichia Coli by Multiplex PCR
Authors: Petroudi bahman Ghadami , Shokri Rahman , Esmaeili Davoud
Published: July 2021

Bckground: Increasing use of beta-lactam antimicrobials in the treatment of bacterial infections has increased resistance against them. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the patterns of antibiotic susceptibility to beta-lactam antibiotics and to investigate the presence of beta-lactamase and Metallo-beta-lactamase genes blaKPC, blaTEM, blaAmpc, blaIND, blaSIM, and blaGIM in clinical specimens of Escherichia coli.Methods: In this study, 100 urine samples were collected from different wards of hospitals and treatment centers in the west of Tehran province, and 100 strains of Escherichia coli were confirmed by biochemical tests. In the next step, a susceptibility test was performed on 3 selected antibiotics. Then, using the Combine Disk Test method, ESBL and MBL strains were identified. Finally, using the multiplex PCR method, the strains producing KPC, TEM, Ampc, IND, GIM, and SIM enzymes were identified.Results: In this study, the highest resistance of strains to cefotaxime was observed. n = 52 (52%) and their highest sensitivity to imipenem was seen n = 95 (95%). Also, n = 53 (53%) of the samples had ESBL genes. Also, 41 isolates (77%) of the studied strains contained the blaTEM gene, 12 isolates (23%) of the strains contained the blaAmpc gene and 20 isolates (38%) of the strains contained blakpc gene. Also, n= 19 (19%) of the samples had MBL genes. Also, 4 isolates (21%) of the strains contained the IND gene, 4 isolates (21%) of the strains contained the GIM gene, 7 isolates (37%) contained the SIM gene.Conclusion: Due to the high percentage of resistance to third-generation cephalosporins, careful antibiogram testing before antibiotic administration in infections caused by ESBL and MBL-producing organisms is an unavoidable necessity. Therefore, by quickly and correctly identifying the pattern of antibiotic resistance, the physician will be able to select the appropriate antibiotic therapy and prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Does ethnicity influence dementia, stroke and mortality risk? Evidence from the UK Biobank
Authors: Bonnechère Bruno , Liu Jun , Thomson Alexander , Amin Najaf , Duijn Cornelia van
Published: July 2021

The number of people with dementia and stroke, which are heritable diseases, is increasing worldwide. There is increasing evidence that there are clinically relevant genetic differences across ethnicities. This study aims to quantify risk factors of dementia, stroke, and mortality in Asian and black participants compared to whites. 272,660 participants from the UKBiobank were included in the final analysis, among whom the vast majority are white (97.80%), followed by Asian (1.35%), and black (0.84%) participants. After adjusting for risk factors, black participants have an increased risk of dementia and stroke compared to whites participants, while Asians did not. The risk of mortality is not different in blacks and white participants but Asians have a decreased risk. This study highlights the difference in the risk of dementia and stroke in black people living in the UK compared to white people.
Changes in Freezing Rain Occurrence Over Eastern Canada Using Convection-Permitting Climate Simulations
Authors: Marinier Sébastien , Thériault Julie M. , Ikeda Kyoko
Published: July 2021

Freezing precipitation have major consequences for ground and air transportation, the health of citizens, and power networks. Previous studies using coarse resolution climate models have shown a northward migration of freezing rain in the future. Increased model resolution can better define local topography leading to improved representation of conditions that are favorable for freezing rain. The goal of this study is to examine the climatology and characteristics of future freezing rain events using very-high resolution climate models. Historical and pseudo-global warming simulations with a 4-km horizontal resolution were used and compared with available observations. Simulations revealed a northerly shift of freezing rain occurrence, and an increase in the winter. Freezing rain was still shown to occur in the Saint-Lawrence River Valley in a warmer climate, primarily due to stronger wind channeling. Up to 50% of the future freezing rain events also occurred in the historical simulation within 12 h of each other. In northern Maine, they are typically shorter than 6 h in current climate and longer than 6 h in warmer conditions due to the timing of low-pressure systems. The occurrence of freezing rain also locally increases slightly north of Québec City in a warmer climate because of freezing rain that is produced by warm rain processes. Overall, the study shows that high-resolution, regional climate simulations are needed to study freezing rain events in warmer climate conditions, because high resolutions better define the atmospheric conditions aloft and near the surface that strongly influence these events.
Diverse Psychotropic Substances Detected in Drug and Paraphernalia Samples Submitted to Drug Checking Services in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 2019-April 2020
Authors: Scarfone Kristy , Maghsoudi Nazlee , McDonald Karen , Stefan Cristiana , Beriault Daniel R , Wong Ernest , Evert Mark , Hopkins Shaun , Leslie Peter , Watson Tara Marie , Werb Dan
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThe opioid overdose crisis has generated innovative harm reduction and drug market monitoring strategies. In Toronto, Ontario, Canada, a multi-site drug checking service (DCS) pilot project was launched in October 2019. The project provides people who use drugs with information on the chemical composition of their substances, thereby increasing their capacity to make more informed decisions about their drug use and avoid overdose. DCS also provides real-time market monitoring to identify trends in the unregulated drug supply. MethodsSample data were obtained through analyses of drug and used paraphernalia samples submitted anonymously and free of charge to DCS in downtown Toronto from October 10, 2019 to April 9, 2020, representing the first six months of DCS implementation. Analyses were conducted in clinical laboratories using ultra high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS), and liquid chromatography or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS, GC-MS) techniques. ResultsOverall, 555 samples were submitted, with 49% (271) of samples that were found to contain high-potency opioids, of which 87% (235) also contained stimulants. Benzodiazepines or related drugs were also found in 21% (116) of all samples, and synthetic cannabinoids in 1% (7) of all samples. Negative effects (including overdose) were reported for 12% (69) of samples submitted for analysis.ConclusionsToronto’s DCS identified a range of high-potency opioids with stimulants, benzodiazepines and related drugs, and a synthetic cannabinoid, AMB-FUBINACA. This information can inform a range of evidence-informed overdose prevention efforts.
Evaluation of Haemodynamics and Morphology of Carotid Artery in Nonarteritic Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Li Jiali , Chen Binghao , Liu Shanshan , Chen Ting
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To compare haemodynamics and morphological changes of carotid artery in patients with unilateral non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) with their contralateral side.
Methods

Twenty-six patients with unilateral NAION were included in this retrospective study. Colour Doppler imaging (CDI) was used to measure the haemodynamics and morphological changes of carotid artery, including blood flow velocities of common carotid artery (CCA) as well as the diameter of CCA, internal carotid artery (ICA), external carotid artery (ECA) and the thickness of carotid artery plaque. A paired-sample t test was performed to analyze those carotid artery hemodynamics and morphological changes between the affected eye and the unaffected contralateral eye. Subgroup analysis of the blood flow velocities of CCA was performed by dividing patients into two groups according to the presence/ absence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension or hyperlipidaemia.
Results

The average blood flow velocity of CCA in the affected eyes was 0.45 ± 0.13m/s, greater than that in the unaffected eyes (0.41 ± 0.15m/s) (p = 0.003; t=-3.321). Subgroup analysis found this significant bilateral difference was still existed in groups of diabetes mellitus, non-diabetes mellitus, and hypertension except for groups of non-hypertension, hyperlipidamemia, and non-hyperlipidaemia. The thickness of carotid artery plaque was 0.75 ± 1.33mm in the affected eyes, insignificantly differed from that in the unaffected eyes (0.55 ± 0.77mm) (p = 0.4). There were no difference in the diameters of the CCA, ICA, and ECA between the affected and unaffected eyes (p = 0.862, 0.758, and 0.72, respectively).
Conclusions

Increased CCA blood flow velocity might be associated with the development of NAION. Further study on larger scale are needed to confirm our findings.
Diaphragmatic Excursion is Correlated With the Improvement in Exercise Tolerance After Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Shiraishi Masashi , Higashimoto Yuji , Sugiya Ryuji , Mizusawa Hiroki , Takeda Yu , Fujita Shuhei , Nishiyama Osamu , Kudo Shintarou , Kimura Tamotsu , Chiba Yasutaka , Fukuda Kanji , Tohda Yuji , Matsumoto Hisako
Published: July 2021

Background: In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the maximum level of diaphragm excursion (DEmax) is correlated with dynamic lung hyperinflation and exercise tolerance. This study aims to clarify the utility of DEmax to predict the improvement in exercise tolerance after pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients with COPD.Methods: This was a prospective cohort study. Sixty-two patients with stable COPD participated in an outpatient PR programme from April 2018 to February 2021, and 50 completed the programme. Six-minute walk distance (6MWD) was used to evaluate exercise tolerance, and ultrasonography was used to measure DEmax. Responders to PR in exercise capacity were defined as patients with an increase >30 m in 6MWD. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the cut-off point of DEmax to predict responses to PR.Results: Baseline levels of forced expiratory volume in one second (%FEV1), 6MWD, maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax), DEmax and quadriceps muscle strength (QMS) were significantly higher, and peak dyspnoea of modified Borg (mBorg) scale was lower in responders (n = 30) than in non-responders (n = 20) to PR (p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, DEmax was significantly correlated with an increase of >30 m in 6MWD. The area under the ROC curve of DEmax to predict responders was 0.915, with a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 95% at a cut-off point of 44.9 mm of DEmax.Conclusion: DEmax well predicted the improvement in exercise tolerance after PR in patients with COPD.
Analysis of the Prognosis Related Genes in HER2+ Breast Cancer Based on Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis
Authors: WENG Yujie , JIA RONG , LI ZHONGXIAN , LIANG WEI , JI YUCHENG , LIANG YING , NING PENGFEI
Published: July 2021

Background: Breast cancer is one of the malignant tumors that threaten women's health, with HER2+ breast cancer being more aggressive. In this study, bioinformatics methods were used to find potential key genes in HER2 + for diagnosis and treatment.Methods: Datasets of HER2+ breast cancer and normal tissue samples retrieved from TCGA databases were subjected to DEGs analysis using R software. Then WGCNA is constructed for DEGs. The key gene co-expression modules were then subjected to GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses, as well as construction of PPI networks using the STRING database for identifying key genes. Finally, key genes were further validated by survival analysis, protein expression, and COX regression models.Results: We identified 2063 DEGs and 4 gene co-expression modules. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these key co-expression modules were mainly associated with extracellular matrix organization, extracellular matrix structural constituent and neuroactive ligand−receptor interaction. PPI network visualization identified 100 key genes, 3 of which were not present in the other subtypes of breast cancer. UTS2 DRD4 and GLP1R are key genes specific to the HER2+ subtype. Survival analysis showed that UTS2 are prognosis-related key genes in HER2+ breast cancer. Finally, UTS2 combined with clinical data to construct Cox regression model.Conclusions: Combined with the two screening methods, 3 key genes closely related to HER2 + breast cancer were identified. UTS2 is a new potential key gene and may become a new therapeutic target for HER2 + breast cancer.
WITHDRAWN: The Effect of Mobile Health Intervention on Adherence to a Healthy Lifestyle in Patients with Cardiac Syndrome X (CSX)
Authors: Malekzadeh Soraya , Chong Mei Chan , Tang Li Yoong , Omidi Negar
Published: July 2021

Background:
Cardiac syndrome X (CSX) is regarded as a form of ischemic heart disease with functional coronary microvascular abnormalities. This abnormal functioning of coronary microvasculature, often associated with endothelial dysfunction, results in a reduced coronary blood flow reserve. The incidence of CSX in patients undergoing invasive diagnostics for coronary heart disease was approximately 20–30%. Moreover, about 60–70% of CSX patients are female. The CSX symptoms are often debilitating and sufferers have a poor quality of life, with costly demand for healthcare services.
METHODS
The quasi-experimental survey was conducted in a teaching hospital. In this study, 100 Iranian outpatients who were referred to the heart clinic were recruited by randomized sampling. CSX patients were asked to fill out the demographic characteristics form and questionnaires in pre-test then after the period of intervention has been performed the post-test.
Results:
The independent t-test for continuous variable and chi - square test for categorical variables were used. There was no significant difference between two groups for all demographic of intervention and control groups, and RM-Manova was done for main research variables. The result revealed that score of knowledge on CSX risk factors was significantly higher in the experimental group (mean = 20.96) & (SD = 1.77), compared with the control group (mean = 16.32) & (SD = 3.12).
Conclusion
The mobile health messaging intervention significantly is useful for CSX Patients. The educational programs and Lifestyle modification represent a highly effective and low-cost intervention in order to improve the adherence to a healthy lifestyle among cardiac patients.
Identification and Profiling of Conserved MicroRNAs in Different Developmental Stages of Crown Imperial (Fritillaria Imperialis L.) using High-throughput Sequencing
Authors: Teshniz Fereshteh Ahmadi , Shiran Behrouz , Mousavi-Fard Sadegh , Fallahi Hossein , Đeri Bojana Banović
Published: July 2021

Novel strategies for improvement of plants’ ornamental and other properties relay on miRNA control of differential plant gene expression modulation. Still, in response to the same abiotic stresses, some conserved miRNA families show different expression patterns in different plant species. In parallel, the use of deep sequencing technologies reveals new levels of complexity of regulatory networks in plants through identification of new miRNAs. These are two major reasons why more studies are needed before envisioned new strategies may take their course in practical application domain. This research revealed 21 conserved miRNAs, matching 15 miRNA families, in Fritilaria imperialis. Among identified conserved miRNA families in crown imperial, miR166, miR169 and miR396 families were the most abundant ones. The expression of seven conserved miRNAs (Fim-miR156b, Fim-miR159, Fim-miR166a-5p, Fim-miR169d-5p, Fim-miR171c, Fim-miR393 and Fim-miR396e-3p) was further investigated in different tissues and three developmental stages, suggesting different roles these miRNAs have in growth and development of crown imperial. Gained knowledge from this research can open the door to find efficient ways to secure crown imperial survival, preservation and utilization and if proven useful may be applied in other plant species as well.
Characterization And Diversity of The Uterine Microbiota In Simmental And Simbrah Cows By Sequencing The V4 Region of The Gen rRNA-16s During An FTAI Protocol.
Authors: Luna Emiliano Zapata , Vega Ruben Cervantes
Published: July 2021

New generation sequencing techniques allow us to characterize the bacterial populations present in any organ or area. The knowledge of the uterine microbiota in bovines has grown in recent years as it has been shown that it influences fertility, however, there are very few studies in beef cattle. This work aims to contribute by generating information in beef cows, characterizing the uterine microbiome, determined by the sequencing of the hypervariate regions of gen 16S rRNA in samples obtained by the cytobrush technique in open cows prior to and during a standard synchronization, using an intravaginal device of progesterone, plus benzoate of estradiol and prostaglandins. The relative abundance in group I and II were very similar; Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. Group III was Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Fusobacteria, and Group IV, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Fusobacteria. The taxonomic composition in utero decreases throughout the synchronization protocol. There are internal and external factors that alter bacterial populations such as health status, hormones, pregnancy, medication administration, among others. To establish whether bacterial abundance has an influence on fertility, more robust studies are needed.
Effect of Preoperative Hydronephrosis on Ureteral Stenosis after Flexible Ureteroscopy: A Propensity Scores Matching Analysis
Authors: Shen Yuefan , Xiang Anping , Shao Sihi
Published: July 2021

OBJECTIVES: Ureteral stenosis is a serious complication after flexible ureteroscopy. Other studies have confirmed that stone impaction and intraoperative ureteral injury are important factors causing stricture, and how to predict the occurrence of stricture before surgery may be an important topic. This study retrospectively studied the influence of preoperative hydronephrosis degree on ureteral stenosis after flexible ureteroscopy to explore whether preoperative hydronephrosis degree could predict postoperative ureteral stenosis. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients who received flexible ureteroscopy in our hospital for upper ureteral calculi from January 2015 to June 2018. The postoperative follow-up was performed for 36 months, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. According to the degree of hydronephrosis, the patients were divided into mild hydronephrosis group and moderate and severe hydronephrosis group. Preoperative clinical baseline data of the patients were adjusted by propensity matching score, and differences in intraoperative mucosal injury, operative time, incidence of postoperative ureteral stricture, and SFR 1 month after surgery were statistically analyzed. Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test were used to compare the differences in the cumulative incidence of ureteral stenosis between the two groups. Cox regression analysis was used to compare the hazard ratio of ureteral stenosis between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 447 patients with 469 sides surgery were included, including 349 sides in the mild hydronephrosis group and 120 sides in the moderate and severe hydronephrosis group. 30 sides in 29 patients developed ureteral stenosis. The stenosis rate before propensity matching analysis was 6.4%, and 8% after propensity matching analysis. However, the SFR and operation time were not statistically consistent. Kaplan-Meier showed a significant difference in the cumulative incidence of ureteral stenosis between the two groups.CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative patients with moderate to severe hydronephrosis are more likely to have intraoperative mucosal injury, and the incidence of ureteral stricture is higher after flexible ureteroscopy. Preoperative hydronephrosis is an important predictor of ureteral stricture. Preoperative hydronephrosis is an important predictor of ureteral stricture.
Household Food Security During The COVID-19 Pandemic in Urban and Semi-Urban Areas in Indonesia.
Authors: Syafiq Ahmad , Fikawati Sandra , Gemily Syilga Cahya
Published: July 2021

Background
One of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic was the weakening of the community's economic condition. The weak economy of the community will have an impact on household food security. This study aims to determine food security in the COVID-19 pandemic situation and the impact of the pandemic on food security in urban and semi-urban areas.
Methods
A cross-sectional study with a total sample of 517 people who live in urban (Jakarta) and semi-urban (Depok) areas. The research data was collected online and purposively through Posyandu cadres who have access to family/community. Data analysis used the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression.
Results
There were 65.0% of households had food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the multivariate analysis showed that family income during the COVID-19 pandemic (AOR = 4.2; 95%CI = 2.7–6.7), the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (AOR = 2.6; 95%CI = 1.6–4.1), and the age of the respondent (AOR = 1.7; 95%CI = 1.1–2.5) was significantly related to household food security after being controlled by husband's work status during the pandemic.
Conclusions
The COVID-19 pandemic has an impact on employment and income which then decreasing the level of household food security.
Optimization of 3D controlled ELM-free state with recovered global confinement for tokamak fusion plasmas
Authors: Kim SangKyeun , Shousha Ricardo , Hahn SangHee , Nelson Andrew , Wai Josiah , Yang SeongMoo , Park Jong-Kyu , Nazikian Raffi , Jeon YoungMu , In YongKyoon , Lee Jaehyun , Kim JaeWook , Lee ChanYoung , Na Yong-Su , Kolemen Egemen
Published: July 2021

Mitigation of deleterious heat flux from edge-localized modes (ELMs) on fusion reactors is often attempted with 3D perturbations of the confining magnetic fields. However, the established technique of resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) also degrades plasma performance, complicating implementation on future fusion reactors. In this paper, we introduce an adaptive real-time control scheme as a viable approach to simultaneously achieve both ELM-free states and recovered high-confinement (βN~1.91$ and HN~0.9), demonstrating successful handling of a volatile complex system through adaptive measures. We show that, by exploiting a salient hysteresis process to adaptively minimize the RMP strength, stable ELM suppression can be achieved while actively encouraging confinement recovery. This is made possible by a self-organized transport response in the plasma edge which reinforces the confinement improvement through a widening of the ion pedestal and promotes control stability, in contrast to the deteriorating effect on performance observed in standard RMP experiments. These results establish the real-time approach as an up-and-coming solution towards an optimized ELM-free state, which is an important step for the operation of ITER and reactor-grade tokamak plasmas. Notably, the real-time adaptive control scheme introduced here provides a path towards economic fusion reactors by maximizing the fusion gain while minimizing damage to machine components.
Glucocorticoid promotes osteoblast viability by activating autophagy via the SGK1/FOXO3a signal pathway
Authors: Yu Xianghua , Xu Xiaoming , Zhang Shengxiang
Published: July 2021

Background: Autophagy is important for cellular survival under numerous stimuli. Previous studies have demonstrated that endogenous glucocorticoids (GCs) could induce autophagy, contribute to bone metabolism and development under physiological condition, but the precise mechanisms involved are unknown. Methods: Mouse embryonic osteoblastic precursor cells, MC3T3-E1 cells, were treated with low dose of GCs (10-8M dexamethasone, Dex) and/or autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA) for different time periods. Gene interference with serum- and glucocorticoid induced kinase-1 (SGK1) was performed before above stimulations. After that, CCK-8 assay was performed to determine cell viability and the flow cytometry was performed to detect the apoptosis rates of the osteoblast cells. The expressions of SGK1, phosphorylated-FOXO3a (p-FOXO3a)/FOXO3 and autophagy-related proteins were detected with the western blotting. Results: A low dose (10-8M) of Dex induced a significant time-dependent increase in the expression and activation of SGK1 in MC3T3-E1 cells，accompanied by an increase in cell viability and decrease in cell apoptosis. 3-MA significantly inhibited the viability-promoting effect of Dex. Moreover, we found that Dex increased LC3II and Beclin-1 levels and decreased SQSTM/p62 levelin a time-dependent manner, which could be attenuated by pretreatment with 3-MA. Transfection of MC3T3-E1 cells exposed to Dex with shRNA-SGK1 resulted in a significant reduction in cell viability, and an increase in apoptosis. 3-MA further aggravated the effects of SGK1 inhibition on cell viability and apoptosis. Knocking down SGK1 before Dex exposure significantly downregulated p-FOXO3a/FOXO3, suppressed LC3II and Beclin-1 levels and increased SQSTM/p62 levels in MC3T3-E1 cells, which could be amplifies by 3-MA. Conclusions: A low dose of GCs increased osteoblast viability by activating autophagy via SGK1/FOXO3a pathway.
Spatial Covariant Management of Thermodynamics Contributes to Protein Fold Function through Quality Assurance
Authors: Angles Frederic , Wang Chao , Balch William
Published: July 2021

Although the impact of genome variation on the thermodynamic properties of the protein fold has been studied in vitro, it remains a challenge to assign these relationships across the entire polypeptide sequence in vivo. Using the Gaussian process regression-based principle of Spatial CoVariance (SCV), we globally assign on a residue-by-residue the biological thermodynamic properties contributing to the functional fold in the cell using CFTR as an example. We demonstrate the existence of a thermodynamically sensitive region of the CFTR fold involving the interface between NBD1 and ICL4 that contributes to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) export. At the cell surface a new set of residues contribute uniquely to the management of channel function. These results support a general 'quality assurance' (QA) view of global protein fold management as an SCV principle describing the differential pre- and post-ER residue interactions contributing to compartmentalization of the energetics of the protein fold for function.
Adaptive Neural Backstepping Control of Nonlinear Fractional-Order Systems with Input Quantization
Authors: Cheng Chao , Wang Huanqing , Shen Haikuo , Liu Peter Xiaoping
Published: July 2021

This article addresses the tracking control problem of uncertain fractional-order nonlinear systems in the presence of input quantization and external disturbance by combining with radial basis function(RBF) neural networks(NNs), fractional-order disturbance observer(FODO) and backstepping method. The unknown nonlinearities of fractional-order systems is approximated by RBF NNs. The design of hysteretic quantizer achieves quantification of input signal and avoids chattering. The FODO is utilized to evaluate the external disturbance exist in fractional-order systems. According to fractioanlorder Lyapunov stability analysis, the bounds of all the signals in the closedloop system is proved. The effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed by the simulation results.
Insights into the mechnisms of the differential abilities of two N2O reducers, Pseudomonas sp., isolated from paddy soil
Authors: Liu Chunmei , Sheng Rong , Chen Xing , Liu Yi , Wei Wenxue
Published: July 2021

Microbial reduction of nitrous oxide (N 2 O) in soil plays an important role in mitigating N 2 O emission, and it is the only known biological process for N 2 O sink. However, it is not clear about the mechnisms of differential N 2 O reducing function of N 2 O reducers. In this study, the N 2 O reducing activities and nosZ gene transcript abundance of two N 2 O reducers named P. veronii DM15 (DM15) and P. frederiksbergensis DM22 (DM22) were determined under varied temperature and oxygen concentration conditions, as well as the whole genomes were sequenced by Illumina sequencing. The results showed that DM15 generally exhibited significantly higher abilities in N 2 O reduction than DM22 in regardless of low or high temperature and aerobic or anaerobic conditions. Coincidently, DM15 expressed significantly more nosZ gene transcripts under above environments. Genomic analysis further revealed that DM15 possessed about 30% more transcription related genes than DM22 and the nos cluster of the former contained a transcriptional regulator gene of dnr which not found in that of the later. Additionally, the nos genes of DM15 possessed obviously higher expression potentials (CAI value). In conclusion, the transcriptional regulation of nos gene region would be a crucial factor in determining the differences of N 2 O reducing abilities of the two N 2 O reducing isolates.
Role of Exosomal microRNAs and lncRNAs in the Follicular Fluid of Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Ye Tianmin , Lin Suxia , Ding Shufang , Cao Dandan , Luo Longdan , Yeung William Shubiu
Published: July 2021

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex class of endocrine disorders with insulin resistance, compensatory hyperinsulinaemia and obesity. However, the pathogenesis and therapies of PCOS have not been fully elucidated. Exosomal miRNAs have the potential to serve as biomarkers and therapies for a wide range of medical conditions. In this study, we isolated exosomes from follicular fluid collected from 5 PCOS patients and 5 non-PCOS patients. miRNA cDNA library sequencing identified 124 miRNAs that were significantly upregulated nearly twofold, while 33 miRNAs were significantly downregulated nearly twofold in PCOS follicular fluid exosomes. These miRNA target genes were mainly involved in metabolic pathways, pathways in cancer, the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway, the MAPK signalling pathway, endocytosis, the Ras signalling pathway, the Hippo signalling pathway, and cellular senescence. According to the previously reported exosomal lncRNA data of PCOS follicular fluid, a miRNA and lncRNA coexpression network developed from data from starBase strictly screened 29 differentially expressed miRNAs. This network also helped to identify miRNA signatures associated with metabolic processes in PCOS. Collectively, these results demonstrate the potential pathogenesis of PCOS, and follicular fluid exosomal miRNAs may be efficient targets for the diagnosis and treatment of PCOS in long-term clinical studies.
Improved Feasibility of Joint Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analyses Performance for Complex Scenario of Accidental Radioactivity Release into the Calm Atmosphere
Authors: Pecha Petr , Kárný Miroslav
Published: July 2021

During several hours of the calm meteorological situation, a relatively significant level of radioactivity can be accumulated around the source. At the second stage, the calm situation is assumed to terminate and convective movement of the air induced by wind immediately starts. Random realisations of the input atmospheric dispersion model parameters for the CALM scenario are generated using LHS (Latin Hypercube Sampling) scheme. The resultant complex random radiological trajectories passing through both calm and convective stages of the release scenario represent inevitable prerequisite for prospective uncertainty analysis (UA) and sensitivity analysis (SA). Novel concept of Approximate Based (AB) solution approximates non-Gaussian sum of individual puffs at the end of the calm period by only one Gaussian “superpuff” distribution. Substantial acceleration of generation of sufficiently large number of random realisation makes further UA and SA feasible. Both procedures come from common mapping of the pairs of matrix random dependant output fields and vector of random input parameters realisations. Examples of 2-D random trajectories of deposited 137Cs are presented. Global sensitivity analysis utilising random sampling methods is outlined.
BcMF27, A Pectin Methylesterase Gene, Regulates Pollen Development and Pollen Tube Growth in Brassica Campestris
Authors: Yue Xiaoyan , Cao Jiashu
Published: July 2021

Functional pollen grains are an essential ingredient of successful reproduction in flowering plants and are protected by outer walls. Pectin methylesterases (PMEs) modify pectin, a structural component of pollen intine. However, there are few studies on PMEs. Artificial microRNA (amiRNA) and overexpression technology was performed to investigate the function of pollen-specific PME gene, BcMF27, in pollen development. Knockdown of BcMF27 led to pollen wall collapse, 20% of which unknown material adhered to. Wall-collapsed pollen had abnormally thick intine outside of the germinal furrows. A portion of the cytoplasm was degraded in the remaining pollen with unknown material on the wall, in addition to a thick intine. Overexpression of BcMF27 resulted in 66.67% pollen wall disruption, causing an abnormally thick intine. In addition, functional interruption of BcMF27 gave rise to pollen tubes twisted in vitro. Taken together, BcMF27 contributes to the intine morphogenesis during pollen development and stabilizes pollen tube elongation. This research can promote knowledge of PMEs function and the molecular mechanism in pollen wall construction.
The Protective Effect of Epimysium Preservation and FTY720 on Functional Gracilis Transfer: Experimental Rabbit Study
Authors: chen Jianping , Li Zhenpeng , Jiang An , Gu Fanbin , Fang Jintao , Qin Bengang , Wang Honggang , Yang Jiantao , Gu Liqiang
Published: July 2021

Background Free functional gracilis transfer (FFGT) is one of the most important methods for the treatment of total brachial plexus avulsion. However, postoperative adhesion and fibrosis of the transferred muscle compromise the effectiveness. This study is to investigate whether intact epimysium and FTY720 could reduce adhesion and fibrosis following FFGT in rabbits.Methods A total of 60 New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups: Group 1 was set as control, and orthotopic gracilis transfer models were established in Group 2-4, with different interventions: epimysium resection (Group 2), epimysium preservation (Group 3) and epimysium preservation combined with FTY720 treatment (Group 4). After that, at each time points (1, 3, 7, 14, and 56 days postoperatively), three rabbits in each group were selected to harvest their gracilis and adjacent muscles for histological analysis including hematoxylin & eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and anti-transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) immuno-histochemical staining. Additionally, the thickness of extragracilis adhesion band by ultrasonography were also assessed at days 56.Results All of HE, Masson and TGF-β1 stains confirmed that there were least inflammatory cell infiltration, adhesion and fibrosis of the transferred gracilis in Group 4 than those in Groups 2 and 3. At the 56 days postoperatively, the thickness of the adhesion band of gracilis was lightest in group 4 than that in Groups 2 and 3. Conclusions For the functional gracilis transfer, epimysium preservation and FTY720 could relieve the inflammatory response between gracilis and adjacent muscles, reduce the fibrosis and adhesion.
Optimal Targeted Temperature in Targeted Temperature Management without Automated Devices Using a Temperature Feedback System: A Prospective, Multicenter Observational Study (KoCARC Registry)
Authors: Kong Taeyoung , You Je Sung , Lee Hye Sun , Jeon Soyoung , Park Yoo Seok , Chung Sung Phil
Published: July 2021

Background: Targeted temperature management (TTM) at 32ºC–36ºC improves patient outcomes following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). TTM using automated temperature management devices with feedback systems (TFDs) is recommended, but the equipment is often unavailable. This study aimed to investigate therapeutic relations between targeted temperatures and TFDs on the outcomes of OHCA patients with TTM. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify the optimal targeted temperature in TTM without TFD with regards to neurological outcomes in OHCA patients. Methods: This prospective multicenter study analyzed nontraumatic OHCA registry data between October 2015 and June 2020 from 62 institutions. Patients were classified into four groups based on targeted temperatures and TFD implementation: TTM at 36ºC with TFD (36TFD), TTM at 33ºC with TFD (33TFD), TTM at 36°C without TFD (36NTFD), and TTM at 33°C without TFD (33TNFD). Clinical outcomes were neurological status at discharge. Results: A total of 938 patients were included in the analysis. A significant interaction was found between targeted temperatures and TFD use on neurological outcomes (P=0.032). There was an independent association between the 33NTFD patients with the least favorable neurological outcomes among the four groups after adjustment for covariates. However, no significant differences were observed in neurological outcomes among the 36TFD, 33TFD, and 36NTFD groups after adjusting for covariates. Compared to 33NTFD patients, 36NTFD patients exhibited significantly higher adjusted ORs for favorable neurological status (OR: 4.28, 95% CI: 1.50–12.16, P<0.01). Conclusions: In OHCA patients receiving TTM without TFDs, the adjusted predicted probability of favorable neurological outcomes at hospital discharge was greater for TTM at 36°C than that at 33°C. The 36NTFD group displayed similar therapeutic effect as the TFD groups. This suggests that a TTM of 36°C rather than 33°C is associated with more favorable neurological outcomes if TFDs are unavailable.