bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theme Park Water Slides: A New Mechanism of Causing 61B2.3 Pelvic Ring Injuries
Authors: Shaath M. Kareem , Avilucea Frank R. , Garrett Christopher H. , Munro Mark , Langford Joshua R. , Haidukewych George H.
Published: July 2021

Case:

We present a series of 3 pelvic ring injuries that occurred on 1 high-speed water slide at a theme park in Orlando, FL. This is the first time this injury has been reported at a water park in the United States. All patients underwent surgical management and had an excellent outcome.

Conclusion:

Pelvic ring injuries usually occur because of high-energy mechanisms, but unique mechanisms of injuries are possible. We aim to draw attention to this unique mechanism of injury because serious injury may occur to riders. Water parks should use the information presented in this study to develop and refine safety requirements for patrons.
МОТИВАЦИЯ ПЕРСОНАЛА – СТРАТЕГИЧЕСКИЙ ФАКТОР ЭФФЕКТИВНОЙ СИСТЕМЫ УПРАВЛЕНИЯ ВУЗОМ
Authors: БУЛАХ Г.
Published: July 2021

В связи с повышением требований к качеству подготовки выпускника содержание деятельности вуза значительно расширяется. В рамках стратегического управления учебным заведением вопросы мотивации персонала должны становиться приоритетными. Повышение заинтересованности в результатах труда и результативности труда персонала становится одним из важнейших вопросов стратегического управления вузом. Система управления вузом должна быть способна решать задачи мотивирования, одновременно удовлетворять фундаментальные потребности человека в творческом развитии и приобретении нового опыта. При этом особый интерес представляет изучение потребностей в достижении успеха и влияние мотива достижения на поведение человека, а также разработка предложений по усилению мотивации персонала.
СУЩНОСТЬ ИНВЕСТИЦИЙ И ИХ ЗНАЧЕНИЕ ДЛЯ РАЗВИТИЯ НАЦИОНАЛЬНОЙ ЭКОНОМИКИ
Authors: МИРВАТ А.
Published: July 2021

В данной статье рассматривается процесс привлечения инвестиций как важного механизма решения проблем социально-экономического развития страны, выделяются проблемы привлечения иностранных инвестиций, анализируются механизмы и способы привлечения иностранных инвестиций в национальную экономику. Также представлена поэтапная классификация целей инвестирования, форм инвестиций и мер на уровне государственного управления для их привлечения.
INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES’ OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS EFFECTIVENESS OF INNOVATIVE ACTIVITY: ACHIEVEMENTS, PROBLEMS
Authors: Fedasenka V.
Published: July 2021

The article is devoted to the investigation of the effectiveness of the industrial enterprises’ innovative activity. The reasons of low effectiveness of production upgrade in the field based on analysis of indicators which characterize dynamics, directions and results of innovative activity are discovered.
FEATURES OF PRICING IN ONLINE TRADING
Authors: Drozdovich L.
Published: July 2021

The article is devoted to the main trends and mechanisms of pricing in the digital economy. Basic approaches to the pricing process, pricing methods in the context of the development of electronic commerce and the overall value of the proposal was determined, and the features of pricing strategies and their modifications were identified taking into account the information factor of the value of benefits.
Detection and Quantification of SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain Neutralization by a Sensitive Competitive ELISA Assay
Authors: Shalash Ahmed O. , Azuar Armira , Madge Harrison Y. R. , Modhiran Naphak , Amarilla Alberto A. , Liang Benjamin , Khromykh Alexander , Watterson Daniel , Young Paul R. , Toth Istvan , Skwarczynski Mariusz
Published: July 2021

This protocol describes an ELISA-based procedure for accurate measurement of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-receptor binding domain (RBD) neutralization efficacy by murine immune serum. The procedure requires a small amount of S-protein/RBD and angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2). A high-throughput, simple ELISA technique is employed. Plate-coated-RBDs are allowed to interact with the serum, then soluble ACE2 is added, followed by secondary antibodies and substrate. The key steps in this procedure include: 1) serum heat treatment to prevent non-specific interactions, 2) proper use of blank controls to detect side reactions and eliminate secondary antibody cross-reactivity, 3) the addition of an optimal amount of saturating ACE2 to maximize sensitivity and prevent non-competitive co-occurrence of RBD-ACE2 binding and neutralization, and 4) mechanistically derived neutralization calculation using a calibration curve. Even manually, the protocol can be completed in 16 hours for >30 serum samples; this includes the 7.5 hours of incubation time. This automatable, high-throughput, competitive ELISA assay can screen a large number of sera, and does not require sterile conditions or special containment measures, as live viruses are not employed. In comparison to the ‘gold standard’ assays (virus neutralization titers (VNT) or plaque reduction neutralization titers (PRNT)), which are laborious, time-consuming and require special containment measures due to their use of live viruses. This simple, alternative neutralization efficacy assay can be a great asset for initial vaccine development stages. The assay successfully passed conventional validation parameters (sensitivity, specificity, precision, and accuracy) and results with moderately neutralizing murine sera correlated with VNT assay results (R2=0.975, n=25), demonstrating high sensitivity.
Expect The Unexpected: A Qualitative Study of The Ripple Effects of Children’s Mental Health Services Implementation Efforts
Authors: Pullmann Michael D. , Dorsey Shannon , Duong Mylien T. , Lyon Aaron R. , Muse Ian , Corbin Cathy M. , Davis Chayna J. , Thorp Kristin , Sweeney Millie , Lewis Cara C. , Powell Byron J.
Published: July 2021

Background: Strategies to implement evidence-based interventions (EBIs) in children’s mental health services have complex direct and indirect causal impacts on multiple outcomes. Ripple effects as outcomes that are caused by EBI implementation efforts and are indirect, unplanned, unanticipated, and/or more salient to stakeholders other than to researchers and implementers. The purpose of the current paper is to provide a compilation of possible ripple effects associated with EBI implementation strategies in children’s mental health services, to be used for treatment development, implementation planning, research, and quality improvement.Methods: Participants were identified via expert nomination and snowball sampling. Online surveys were completed by 81 participants representing one of five roles: providers of mental health services to children or youth, researchers, policy makers, caregiver, and youth. Participants brainstormed possible ripple effects. A partially directed conventional content analysis with consensus decision making was used to code ripple effects. Results: Four hundred and four unique responses were coded into 66 ripple effects and 14 categories. Example categories include general knowledge, skills, attitudes, and confidence about using EBI’s; general job-related ripple effects; EBI treatment adherence, fidelity, and alignment; gaming the system; equity and stigma; shifting roles, role clarity, and task shifting; economic costs and benefits; EBI treatment availability, access, participation, attendance, barriers, and facilitators; clinical process and treatment quality; client engagement, therapeutic alliance, and client satisfaction; clinical organization structure, relationships in the organization, process, and functioning; youth client and caregiver outcomes; and use of EBI strategies and insights in one’s own life.Conclusions: This research advances the field by providing implementers, researchers, funders, policy makers, and consumers with a “menu” of potential ripple effects for consideration when evaluating the full balance of any implementation effort. It can be a practical tool to ensure compliance with the guidance of experts from Quality Improvement/Quality Assurance, Complexity Science, Diffusion of Innovation Theory, and the Medical Research Council. Future phases will match potential ripple effects with the most salient implementation strategies for each participant role.Trial Registration: None.
A Newly Developed Dispersive Interaction Approach, DFT-D3, To The Three-Dimensional Topological Host Material Sb2Te3
Authors: Shukla Nishant , Chetri Pawan , Ahmed Gazi A.
Published: July 2021

Antimony Telluride (Sb2Te3), a topological insulator is a layered semiconductor material with hexagonal unit cell similar to graphene. The characteristic presence of their conducting edges or surfaces with self-induced protection, promise for remarkable future applications. In this exertion based on the first principle approach, the structural and electronic properties of Sb2Te3 compound have been investigated for both without and with spin orbit coupling (SOC). Lattice structure, band structure, total density of states (TDOS), partial density of states (PDOS), energy bands of surface states are determined within Quantum Espresso simulation package. Furthermore, dispersive interactions, induced due to the presence of van-der-Waals forces have also been taken care of. The newly developed method of DFT-D3 has been incorporated for accurate predictions of band gap and lattice parameters. A proficient model, The Slab Model, has been used to observe the presence of single Dirac cone on the surface. To our knowledge, our theoretical investigations are valid and are found to be congruous with the observed data.
Role of Single Nucleotide Fibronectin Polymorphisms in Pathogenesis of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Kosik Katarzyna , Gryczka Katarzyna , Sowińska Anna , Seremak-Mrozikiewicz Agnieszka , Abu-Amara Jasmine A. , Al-Saad Salwan R. , Karbowski Lukasz M. , Kurzawińska Grażyna , Szymankiewicz-Bręborowicz Marta , Drews Krzysztof , Szpecht Dawid
Published: July 2021

Background Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease that mainly affects premature newborns. Many different factors, increasingly genetic, are involved in the pathogenesis of BPD. Fibronectin is a multi-domain glycoprotein present in nearly all vertebrate tissues and organs. Material and methods The study included 108 infants born between 24 and 32 weeks of gestation. BPD was diagnosed based on the National Institutes of Health Consensus definition. The 5 FN1 gene polymorphisms assessed in the study were the following: rs3796123; rs1968510; rs10202709; rs6725958; and rs35343655.Results BPD developed in 30 (38.5%) out of the 108 preterm infants. Incidence of BPD was higher in infants with lower APGAR scores, low gestational age, and low birthweight. Investigation did not confirm any significant prevelance for BPD development in any genotypes and alleles of FN1. Conclusion Further studies should be performed to confirm the role of genetic factors in etiology and pathogenesis of BPD.
Determinants of Time-to-recovery from Hypertension using a Comparison of Various Parametric Shared Frailty Models: In Case of Felege Hiwot Refral Hospital.
Authors: Mulu Nigist , Kindu Yeshambel , Kassie Abay
Published: July 2021

Background: Hypertension is a major public health problem that is responsible for morbidity and mortality. In Ethiopia hypertension is becoming a double burden due to urbanization. The study aimed to identify factors that affect time-to-recovery from hypertension at Felege Hiwot Referral Hospital. Retrospective study design was used at FHRH. Methods: The data was collected in patient’s chart from September 2016 to January 2018. Kaplan-Meier survival estimate and Log-Rank test were used to compare the survival time. The AFT and parametric shared frailty models were employed to identify factors associated with the recovery time of hypertension patients. All the fitted models were compared by using AIC and BIC. Results: Eighty one percent of sampled patients were recovered to normal condition and nineteen percent of patients were censored observations. The median survival time of hypertensive patients to attain normal condition was 13 months. Weibull- inverse Gaussian shared frailty model was found to be the best model for predicting recovery time of hypertension patients. The unobserved heterogeneity in residences as estimated by the Weibull-Inverse Gaussian shared frailty model was θ=0.385 (p-value=0.00). Conclusion: The final model showed that age, systolic blood pressure, related disease, creantine, blood urea nitrogen and the interaction between blood urea nitrogen and age were the determinants factors of recovery status of patients at 5% level of significance. The result showed that patients creantine >1.5 Mg/dl compared to creantine ≤1.5 Mg/dl and SBP were prolonged the recovery time of patients whereas patients having kidney disease, other disease and had no any disease compared to diabetic patients and the interaction BUN and age were shorten recovery status of hypertension patients.
The First Feline Immunodeficiency Virus in Siberian Tigers (Panthera Tigris Altaica) from China
Authors: Liu Enqi , Ma Liying , Huang Shuping , You Dan , Guo Lijun , Xu Haitao , Liu Dan , Chai Hongliang , Wang Yajun
Published: July 2021

Research on feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) from tigers is scant throughout the world. In this study, 320 captive Siberian tigers were tested for FIV by nested PCR, and three Siberian tigers were FIV-positive. This is the first time FIV has been detected in Siberian tigers in China. The phylogenetic analysis of three FIV genes, gag-p26, pol-RT, and pol-RNAse, revealed that the Siberian tiger FIV had the minimum genetic divergence, the closest genetic relationship and the highest amino acid similarity with subtype A FIV strains from domestic cats, suggesting that the Siberian tiger FIV may have been transmitted by stray cats.
Screening of Foliar Reagent Reduces Cadmium Accumulation in Wheat Grains
Authors: Xia Shenglan , Wang Jie , Chen Zanming , Lan Hai , Shen Zhenguo , Shi Liang , Chen Yahua
Published: July 2021

Cadmium (Cd) in agricultural soils can be taken up by wheat and transferred into the grains, risking human health. In this study, we tested the effects of nineteen foliar treatments alone, and also combined treatments on the Cd concentration of grains in pot/field experiments, and the field experiment, respectively. In addition, we tested the better growth period for foliar application to inhibit Cd accumulation in wheat grains. Foliar application of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), Sodium selenite (Se) and Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) can significantly reduce Cd concentration of wheat grains, with 49.2%, 29.6%, and 28.8% decreased respectively in the field. Foliar application of EDTA, Se, Zinc sulphate (Zn), Ascorbic acid (ASA), Sodium silicate (Si) and Ammonium molybdate (Mo) can significantly reduce Cd concentration of wheat grains in different treatments, with 32.3%, 32.0%, 27.7%, 27.7%, 26.3% and 25.9% decreased respectively in the pot. Thus, foliar application of 2 mM EDTA and 2 mM Se exerted excellent effects in controlling the Cd accumulation of wheat grains for both in pot and field experiment. We were concerned about the transfer of different aboveground tissues to the grain, foliar application with 0.1 mM Se or 2 mM EDTA significantly reduced Cd concentrations in grains both in grain filling stage and heading + grain-filling stage. Spraying at the filling stage of wheat has a better effect than at the heading stage for reducing the cadmium content in grains. In addition, the relationship between Cd concentration of grains and husks were significantly positive, while the relationship between Cd concentration of grains and flag leaves was significantly negative. Cd content in wheat grains decreased may be due to the Cd accumulation of flag leaves and the decrease of Cd transport from flag leaves and husks to the grains, which in turn reduces the transport of Cd to the grains.
Targeting G-quadruplexes in the rhinovirus genome by Pyridostatin inhibits uncoating and highlights a critical role for sodium ions.
Authors: Real-Hohn Antonio , Groznica Martin , Kontaxis Georg , Zhu Rong , Chaves Otávio , Vazquez Leonardo , Hinterdorfer Peter , Blaas Dieter , Kowalski Heinrich
Published: July 2021

The ~ 2.4 µm long rhinovirus ss(+)RNA genome consists of roughly 7,200 nucleotides. It is tightly folded to fit into the ~ 22 nm diameter void in the protein capsid. In addition to previously predicted secondary structural elements in the RNA, using the QGRS mapper, we revealed the presence of multiple quadruplex forming G-rich sequences (QGRS) in the RV-A, B, and C clades, with four of them being exquisitely conserved. The biophysical analyses of ribooligonucleotides corresponding to selected QGRS demonstrate G-quadruplex (GQ) formation in each instance and resulted in discovering another example of an unconventional, two-layer zero-nucleotide loop RNA GQ stable at physiological conditions. By exploiting the temperature-dependent viral breathing to allow diffusion of small compounds into the virion, we demonstrate that the GQ-binding compounds PhenDC3 and pyridostatin (PDS) uniquely interfere with viral uncoating. Remarkably, this inhibition was entirely prevented in the presence of K+ but not Na+, despite the higher GQ stabilising effect of K+. Based on virus thermostability studies combined with ultrastructural imaging of isolated viral RNA, we propose a mechanism where Na+ keeps the encapsidated genome loose, allowing its penetration by PDS to promote the transition of QGRS sequestered in alternative metastable structures into GQs. The resulting conformational change then materialises in a severely compromised RNA release from the proteinaceous shell. Targeting extracellularly circulating RVs with GQ-stabilisers might thus become a novel way of combating the common cold.
Extreme Winds Flip Influence of Fuels and Topography on Megafire Burn Severity in Mesic Conifer Forests Under Record Fuel Aridity
Authors: Evers Cody , Busby Sebastian , Nielsen-Pincus Max , Holz Andrés
Published: July 2021

The coupling of unusually hot and dry weather have led to global increases in the occurrence of megafires. Despite the conventional wisdom that extreme heat and aridity overwhelm the controls on burn severity patterns (i.e., vegetation mortality), we hypothesize that wind is the main driver of megafire events in temperate mesic forests with climate-restricted fire regimes, yet that fuels and topography remain important influences on burn severity patterns. The infrequent occurrence of large high-severity wildfire in these forests means that contemporary empirical data (e.g., remote sensing) from past megafires are largely missing. During the extraordinary 2020 fire season, ca. 0.8 million ha burned in the North American Pacific Northwest (PNW) over two weeks under record-breaking fuel aridity and winds, representing the first modern example of megafires that characterize disturbance regimes west of the region’s Cascade Mountains. Considering increasing concern and uncertainty surrounding the drivers of megafire events in temperate mesic forests, our objective was to understand the relative influence of, and potential interactions between, weather, fuels, and topography on high-severity (> 75% tree mortality) fire probability among five synchronous megafires in the western Cascade Mountains. To assess the influence of several potential drivers of high-severity fire and whether these relationships varied with land use and ownership, we developed remotely sensed fire extent and burn severity maps for two periods of the explosive 2020 PNW fire season: (1) during extreme winds and (2) after the extreme winds subsided. The area burned during the windstorm accounted for 90% of the total fire sizes and saw a 2.5-times greater proportion of high-severity fire than during the period without winds. Our results suggest that wind is the major driver of megafires in forests with climate-limited fire regimes, yet that fuels and topography shape burn severity patterns even under extreme fuel aridity and winds. The relative influence of topography on burn severity outweighed fuels during the windstorm, while fuels outweighed the influence of topography after winds subsided. Early-seral forests primarily concentrated on private lands, burned more severely than their older and taller counterparts, regardless of topography, over the entire megafire event. Meanwhile, mature stands burned severely only under extreme winds and especially on steeper slopes. Although climate change and land-use legacies may prime mesic temperate forests to burn more frequently and at higher severities than historically observed, and especially among early-seral forests, our work suggests that future high-severity megafires are only likely to occur during coinciding periods of heat, fuel aridity, and extreme winds.
3D Printed Composite Model of Pelvic Osteochondroma and Nerve Roots
Authors: Fox Olivia , Kanawati Andrew
Published: July 2021

Purpose: 3D-printing has become increasingly utilized in the preoperative planning of clinical orthopaedics, orthopaedic trauma and other disciplines over the past decade. Surgical treatment of bone tumours within the pelvis is challenging due to the complex 3D bone structure geometry, as well as the proximity of vital structures such as blood vessels, nerve roots, sciatic and femoral nerves and the bladder and/or rectum. Methods: We present the first case where a composite bone and nerve model of the lower lumbar spine, pelvis and accompanying nerve roots was created using 3D-printing. The bony pelvis and spine was created using CT, whereas the nerve roots were printed in an elastic material with the aid of MRI. 3D-printed model created an accurate reconstruction of the pelvic tumour and traversing nerves for preoperative planning and allowed for efficient and safe surgery. Pelvic tumour surgery is inherently dangerous due to the delicate nature of the surrounding anatomy. Results: The composite model enabled the surgeon to very carefully navigate the anatomy with a focused resection and extreme care knowing the exact proximity of the L3 and L4 nerve roots. Conclusion: The patient had complete resection of this tumour, no neurological complication and full resolution of his symptoms due to careful, preoperative planning with the use of the composite 3D model.
Using Data from Satellite Telemetry and Nesting Beach Monitoring to Improve Estimates of Marine Turtle Clutch Frequency
Authors: Santos Armando J B , Vieira Daniel H. G. , Bellini Claudio , Corso Gilberto , Ceriani Simona , Fuentes Mariana M. P. B.
Published: July 2021

Population abundance data is often used to define species’ conservation status. Abundance of marine turtles is typically determined using information from nesting beach monitoring such as clutch frequency and remigration interval of nesting females. However, studies have shown that clutch frequency determined solely from nesting beach monitoring data can be underestimated. To obtain reliable estimates of clutch frequency for hawksbill turtles in northeastern Brazil (-6.273356 S., -35.036271 W), the region with the highest nesting density in the South Atlantic, data from beach monitoring and satellite telemetry were combined from 2014 to 2019. Beach monitoring data indicated the date of first nesting event, whilst state space modelling of satellite telemetry data indicated the departure date of turtles, allowing calculations of residence length at breeding site and therefore estimation of clutch frequency based on internesting intervals. Nesting females were estimated to nest up to six times within the nesting season and had an average clutch frequency of 4.7 nests per female. This estimate is almost twice larger than previous estimates based only on beach monitoring. The new estimates of clutch frequency will allow for more reliable population abundance estimates for this critically endangered population. Further, to guide future estimates of marine turtle clutch frequency methods to estimate clutch frequency were compared and their advantages and biases were discussed. Our approach and findings highlight the need for reconsideration of how clutch frequency is commonly determined for marine turtle populations and the use of beach monitoring data and satellite telemetry for estimations of clutch frequency.
Metabolomic Characterization of Acute Ischemic Stroke Facilitates Metabolomic Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Qi Biao , Zhang Yanyu , Zhang Yuhao , Fei Guoqiang , lin Ling , Li Qiuping
Published: July 2021

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is characterized by a sudden blockage of one of the main arteries supplying blood to the brain, leading to insufficient oxygen and nutrients for brain cells to function properly. Unfortunately, metabolic alterations in the biofluids with AIS are still not well understood. In this study, we performed high-throughput target metabolic analysis on 44 serum samples, including 22 from AIS patients and 22 from healthy controls. Multiple reaction monitoring analysis of 180 common metabolites revealed a total of 29 metabolites changed significantly (VIP>1, P <0.05). Multivariate statistical analysis unraveled a strikingly separation between AIS patients and healthy controls. Comparing AIS with Control group, the contents of argininosuccinic acid, beta-D-glucosamine, glycerophosphocholine, L-abrine, and L-pipecolic acid were down-regulated in AIS patients. 29 out of 112 detected metabolites, enriched in aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, lysine degradation, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis metabolic pathways. Collectively, these results will provide a sensitive, feasible diagnostic prospect for AIS patients.
Inhibition of MUS81 by siRNA Reverses Resistance to Cisplatin in Human Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Bourton Emma , Zahir Sheba Adam , Plowman Piers , Al-Ali Hussein , Foster Helen , Parris Christopher Noel
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Drugs that induce DNA interstrand crosslinks form the mainstay of anticancer treatments for different cancers. These drugs are used to treat ovarian cancer which is the most prevalent gynaecological cancer. Five-year survival rates are approximately 40% and the development of drug resistant disease is an important factor in treatment failure. Methods: In this study a comprehensive evaluation of the expression and function of the site-specific endonuclease MUS81 was conducted. Using quantitative real time PCR analysis and imaging flow cytometry we determined the mRNA and protein expression of MUS81 in three ovarian cancer cell lines and two immortalised human fibroblast cell lines which had been made resistant to cisplatin by chronic exposure. siRNA knockdown of MUS81 was employed to determine the effect on overall cell survival which was assessed using clonogenic assays. Results: In the five cisplatin-resistant cell lines we observed increased MUS81 mRNA expression. In addition MUS81 protein expression in the form of discrete nuclear foci in cells was observed in all cell lines following cisplatin exposure, there being significantly more foci in cisplatin resistant cell lines. siRNA knockdown of MUS81 significantly reduced both mRNA and protein levels in two cell lines (SK-OV-3 and MRC5-SV1 – wild-type and resistant) and critically re-sensitised cisplatin resistant cells to wild-type level, determined by clonogenic assay. Conclusion: MUS81 is central to the development of cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer cell lines. Inhibition of MUS81 restored drug sensitivity to the cells. MUS81 may be a useful therapeutic target to overcome drug resistance in ovarian and other cancers.
The Impact of Religious Practices on Depression and Anxiety Among Moroccan Cancer Patients
Authors: Fahd Elkhalloufi , boutayeb Saber , Alaoui Youssef Lamrani , Eljaouhari Mounia , Errihani Hassan , Az-zahra Zakkouri Fatima
Published: July 2021

Background: Many researchers have associated between religiosity with a lower level in depression and anxiety among patients with chronic diseases and especially in cancer patients.The aim of this study is to examine the association between spirituality and depression among Moroccan cancer patients. Another aim resides in to examining the association between spirituality and anxiety among Moroccan cancer patients.Methods: 1054 cases were included. Cancer profile, socio demographic and spiritual characteristics were considered. The data were firstly analyzed using the validated HADS scale arabic version. The statistical significance was tested using Chi-square test. The Odds ratios were also computed for the likelihood of being in depression and/or anxiety.Results: The results obtained revealed that the performance of religious practices such as reading Quran, doing Roquia , and the consideration of cancer as a divine test are factors that significantly decrease the risk of having depression and/or anxiety. However women wearing the “hijab” have three times higher chances of having anxiety compared to other women that do not wear the “hijab”. Patients considering cancer as a divine punishment have significantly higher odds of having anxiety and/or depression. Regarding charity, pilgrimage, visit of “marabouts”, use of medicinal plants and fasting are found to be insignificant predictors of depression and anxiety.Conclusions: The current evidence indicates that religiosity is important to patients facing cancer. Religiosity is not just protective in nature, but it can also be therapeutic. Praying, reading or listening to the Quran, as well as considering cancer as a divine test have been shown to reduce the level of depression and anxiety . In conclusion, the spiritual aspect plays an important role in the quality of life of cancer patients.
Genetic Progress in 53 Years of the Peach Breeding Program of Embrapa: Canning Genotypes
Authors: Nardino Maicon , Corrêa Elisia Rodrigues , Raseira Maria do Carmo Bassols , Real Isadora Moreira da Luz , Barros Willian Silva , Franzon Rodrigo Cezar
Published: July 2021

Peach is a traditional crop in the south of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, where 30 to 53 million cans of peaches in syrup are produced annually. All the raw material produced in the region consists of fruits originating from the peach breeding program of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Temperate Agriculture), which started even before Embrapa at the Experimental Station of Pelotas, Ministry of Agriculture. The objective was to estimate the genetic progress in phenological traits and production of canning peach resulting from the peach breeding program of Embrapa Temperate Agriculture in 53 years. We divided the data records considered in the estimation of genetic progress into two periods, 1964-1984 and 1985-2017, totaling 53 years. The following traits: maturing period, cycle, number of fruits, fruit weight, yield, and soluble solids content were evaluated. We initially tabulated data and analyzed descriptive statistics. Subsequently, we conducted analysis of mixed models and obtained the estimates of genetic progress through meta-analysis. Genetic gain for earliness, shortening the cycle from flowering to maturation, and genetic gain for fruit yield were observed.
Salivary Protein NlSP7 of The Brown Planthopper Functions As An Effector for Mediating Tricin Metabolism in Rice Plants
Authors: Gong Gu , Yuan Long-Yu , Li Yi-Feng , Xiao Hang-Xiang , Li Yan-Fang , Zhang Yang , Wu Wei-Jian , Zhang Zhen-Fei
Published: July 2021

The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, is an important pest that affects rice (Oryza sativa) production in Asia. The flavone tricin (5,7,4ʹ-trihydroxy-3ʹ,5ʹ-dimethoxy flavone) is a valuable secondary metabolite commonly found in rice plants that can defend rice plants against infestation by BPH. BPH damage can reduce the metabolic level of tricin in rice. Our preliminary transcriptome research results showed that BPH salivary protein 7, NlSP7, is highly responsive to tricin stimuli. However, the function of NlSP7 in mediating the interaction between the rice plant and the BPH is unknown. In this study, we cloned the NlSP7 gene in N. lugens and found that its mRNA level was greater in the presence of high tricin content than low tricin content, regardless of whether the BPHs were fed a rice plant diet or an artificial diet containing 100 mg/L tricin. Knocking down NlSP7 resulted in BPH individuals spending more time in the non-penetration and pathway phase, and less time feeding on the phloem of rice plants. These changes decreased BPH food intake, feeding behavior, and fitness, as well as the tricin content of the rice plants. These findings demonstrate that the salivary protein NlSP7 of BPH functions as an effector for tricin metabolism in rice.
A novel epigenetic marker, TET2, is identified in the intractable epileptic brain and regulates ABCB1 in the blood-brain barrier
Authors: Kong Fancheng , Lang Li-Qin , Jie-Hu  , Zhang Xia-Ling , Zhong Ming-Kang , Ma Chun-Lai
Published: July 2021

BackgroundDrug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) is a chronic condition derived from spontaneous changes and regulatory effects in the epileptic brain. DNA methylation, an inheritable but reversible epigenetic change, may participate in this complicated regulatory network. As demethylation factors, ten-eleven translocation (TET) family members have become a focus in recent studies of neurological disorders. Thus, we aimed to unravel their role in DRE and their function related to the possible refractory factor ABCB1 in a blood-brain barrier (BBB) model.MethodsWe quantified and localized TET1, TET2 and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) in the temporal lobe cortex of DRE patients (n = 27) and traumatic brain haemorrhage controls (n = 10) by immunochemical staining. TET2 and ABCB1 expression patterns were determined in the temporal cortex and isolated brain capillaries of DRE patients using immunohistological detection and Western blot analysis, respectively. A BBB model constructed with hCMEC/D3 cells was used to verify the demethylation and regulatory effects of TET2 on ABCB1.ResultsTET2 expression was significantly increased in the temporal cortical tissue of DRE patients with or without hippocampal sclerosis (HS) compared to control patients, while TET1 and 5-hmC showed differences in expression. We also discovered that the vascular endothelium of DRE patients has a strong affinity for TET2. ABCB1 and TET2 have identical densities in the DRE temporal cortex, and they both have evidently higher expression in the vascular endothelium from the neocortex of DRE patients. In the BBB, TET2 depletion can cause attenuated expression and function of ABCB1, as well as a pattern of higher methylation in CpG islands of the ABCB1 promoter.ConclusionsThrough a cohort study performed on the temporal cortex and brain vessels of DRE patients, we identified a novel epigenetic marker, TET2. Data from experiments in a BBB model suggest that TET2 has a specific regulatory effect on ABCB1, which may serve as a potential mechanism and target in DRE and requires further research.
What is The Impact of CSN5 on The Prognosis of Digestive System Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Guo Yonghua , Gao Meng , Yao Ye , Li Jinghua , Chen Xi , Wang Xingxing , Chen Zhang , Yuan Yufeng , Ma Weijie
Published: July 2021

Background: Despite the understanding of COP9 signalosome subunit 5 (CSN5) in tumor genesis, there is no conclusive evidence on CSN5 value to predict digestive system tumor patients' survival and prognosis. The article was performed to evaluate the impact of CSN5 expression levels on survival consequence and clinicopathological parameters of digestive system neoplasm patients.Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted through four databases. We utilized Hazard Ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) to evaluate the prognostic value of CSN5 in overall survival (OS) and recurrence free survival (RFS). We estimated the connection between CSN5 and clinicopathological parameters based on Odds Ratio (OR) with a corresponding 95% CI. Results: The meta-analysis contained 22 studies, involving 2,193 patients diagnosed with digestive system tumor. High CSN5 expression level was indicated to predict poorer OS (HR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.71–3.03; p < 0.00001). Additionally, high CSN5 was correlated with worse invasion depth (OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.25-0.96, p = 0.04), positive lymphatic metastasis (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.16-0.47, p = 0.00001), positive distant metastasis (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.13-0.76, p = 0.01) and poorer differentiation degree (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.19-0.60, p = 0.0003). However, we could not find a correlation between CSN5 expression and age, gender, tumor stage, tumor size or vascular invasion. Furthermore, no significant publication bias was detected.Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrated that the overexpression of CSN5 level could foresee poorer OS in digestive system cancer patients. Additionally, CSN5 level was related to tumor invasion depth, lymphatic metastasis, distant metastasis and differentiation degree.
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

Background: 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.
Facile synthesis of a high purity α-MnO2 nanorod for rapid degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: wang shumin , Guan Ao , Wang Jiahan , Fu Xiaofang , Guo Xiang , Tian Yuan , Wang Kaixuan , Cao Wenping
Published: July 2021

Manganese dioxide (α-MnO2) nanorods with diameters of about 5-15 nm and lengths of 100-150 nm were synthesized by a simple co-precipitation method. XRD, TEM, HRTEM, SAED and XPS were used to analyze the crystallographic information, microstructure and chemical bonding of the as-prepared sample. The α-MnO2 nanorod exhibited a high efficiency and rapid removal rate of rhodamine B (RhB), which reached about 97.5% within 10 min when pH=4 (and pH=6.6) and 97.7% within 50 min when pH = 9 in the presence of H2O2. The results also indicated that a lower pH value is conducive to the movement of the characteristic peak and the attenuation of the intensity of the characteristic peak of RhB dye. Then a possible catalytic mechanism was revealed. Moreover, the α-MnO2 nanorod exhibits an excellent recyclability and catalytic stability. This research indicates that α-MnO2 nanorods have a potential application in practical dye pollutant treatment.
WITHDRAWN: Lumbrokinase regulates endoplasmic reticulum stress through IRE1 signaling to improve neurological deficits in ischemic stroke
Authors: Wang Yi-Hsin , Liao Jiuan-Miaw , Chen Ke-Min , Su Hsing-Hui , Liu Pei-Hsun , Chen Yi-Hung , Tsai Chin-Feng , Huang Shiang-Suo
Published: July 2021

Background
Ischemic stroke is characterized by the loss of cerebral blood flow, which frequently leads to neurological deficits. Therefore, minimizing post-stroke functional disability is an important research topic. The fibrinogen-depleting agent lumbrokinase has been used to improve myocardial perfusion in symptomatic stable angina and to prevent secondary ischemic stroke. In this study, we aimed to clarify the neuroprotection of lumbrokinase on ischemic stroke and whether improve neurological dysfunction. We explored the neuroprotection and the underlying mechanisms of lumbrokinase in C57BL/6 mice subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion.
Results
Lumbrokinase at 1 mg/kg significantly attenuated the infarct volume and improved the neurological dysfunction. Lumbrokinase dramatically decreased the expressions of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) transmembrane receptor protein inositol-requiring enzyme-1 (IRE1) and its downstream transcription factor, X-box binding protein-1, caspase-12, and nuclear factor kappa B activity. Moreover, lumbrokinase significantly inhibited apoptosis and autophagy and decreased the expression levels of the NOD-like receptor 3 inflammasome, caspase-1, and interleukin-1β compared with the vehicle treatment.
Conclusions
We suggest that post-stroke treatment with lumbrokinase protects against ischemic stroke by regulating ER stress through the IRE1 signaling pathways to inhibit apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammatory responses.
Low Skeletal Muscle Index and Myosteatosis as Predictors of Mortality in Critically Ill Surgical Patients
Authors: Giani Marco , Rezoagli Emanuele , Grassi Alice , Porta Marco , Riva Luca , Famularo Simone , Barbaro Alessandro , Bernasconi Davide Paolo , Ippolito Davide , Bellani Giacomo , Braga Marco , Foti Giuseppe , Gianotti Luca , Giani Alessandro
Published: July 2021

Background
Low muscle mass and other specific body composition indexes, assessed by computed tomography (CT), are associated with adverse outcomes after elective surgery, such as an increased risk of postoperative complications and higher mortality. However, limited information is available about the role of these indexes on short- and long-term outcomes in surgical patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of the study was to assess the association of body composition indexes with 90-days mortality in this specific patient cohort.
Methods
We performed a retrospective study including adult surgical patients admitted to the ICU between 2014 and 2018 who underwent a CT scan at the time of admission. Total Muscle Area (TMA), Total Fat Area (TFA), Visceral fat area (VFA) and Intramuscular fat area (IMFA) were measured. Skeletal Muscle Index (TMA/m2), MyoSteatosis (IMFA/TMA), Sarcopenic Obesity (VFA/TMA) were then calculated. We analyzed the impact of these indexes on mortality.
Results
204 patients were included. Overall 90-day mortality was 28%. Log rank test and cox multivariate analysis on 90-day mortality showed a significant association of low SMI and myosteatosis with 90-days mortality. Myosteatosis was also significantly associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation and increased ICU length of stay.
Conclusions
Specific body composition indexes may predict mortality in surgical patients admitted to the ICU. Low skeletal muscle index and myosteatosis were independently associated with increased 90-day mortality.
Increased Serum AXL Is Associated With Knee Osteoarthritis Severity
Authors: Zhenghai Shao
Published: July 2021

Objective: Serum AXL expression and clinical significance in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods: 183 patients with knee osteoarthritis were selected and divided based on the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) score into KL 0 subgroups (n = 42), KL I-II subgroups (n = 90), and KL III-IV subgroups (n = 51). Healthy volunteers (n= 170) in our hospital were selected as the control group. AXL level in serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The correlation between serum AXL with severity and clinical indicators of osteoarthritis was analyzed. Results: The level of serum AXL was significantly higher in the osteoarthritis group than that in the control group (P<0.05). In the osteoarthritis patients, serum AXL level was increased with the increase of KL score. Serum AXL level was positively correlated with age, body mass index (BMI), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum C-reactive protein (CRP), cartilage oligomeric protein (COMP), matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels. The cut-off value for serum AXL was determined as 33.375 ng/mL by receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis. Conclusion: The level of serum AXL in patients with osteoarthritis is abnormally high, which is closely related to the severity of osteoarthritis.
Rapid Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia on Lower Respiratory Tract Specimens
Authors: De Pace Vanessa , Caligiuri Patrizia , Ricucci Valentina , Nigro Nicola , Galano Barbara , Visconti Valeria , Rin Giorgio Da , Bruzzone Bianca
Published: July 2021

Background: The ongoing pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 requires the availability of accurate and rapid diagnostic tests, especially in some clinical settings like emergency and intensive care units. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performances of rapid PCR kit Vivalytic SARS-CoV-2 in lower respiratory tract (LRT) specimens.Methods: A consecutive sample of LRT specimens (bronchoalveolar lavage and bronchoaspirates) was collected from Intensive Care Units of San Martino Hospital (Genoa, Italy) between November 2020 and January 2021. All samples were tested in RT-PCR by using Allplex™ SARS-CoV-2 assay (Seegene Inc., South Korea). Based on RT-PCR results, specimens were categorized into negative, positive with high viral load [cycle threshold (Ct) ≤30] and positive with low viral load (Ct of 31–35). A quota 1:1:1 sampling was used to achieve a sample size of 75. Then, all specimens were tested in the rapid PCR assay Vivalytic SARS-CoV-2 (Bosch Healthcare Solutions GmbH, Germany). The diagnostic performance of the rapid PCR against RT-PCR was assessed through calculation of accuracy, Cohen’s κ, sensitivity, specificity and expected positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values.Results: The overall diagnostic accuracy of the Vivalytic SARS-CoV-2 was 97.3% (95% CI: 90.9–99.3%) with an excellent Cohen’s κ of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.72–1). The sensitivity and specificity were 96% (95% CI: 86.5–98.9%) and 100% (95% CI: 86.7–100%), respectively. Samples with high viral loads had a sensitivity of 100% (Table 1). The distributions of E gene Ct values were similar (Wilcoxon’s test: P=0.070) with medians of 35 (IQR: 25–36) and 35 (IQR: 25–35), respectively (Figure 1). NPV and PPV was 92.6% and 100%, respectively.Conclusions: This study shows Vivalytic SARS-CoV-2 can be used following the sample liquefaction on LRT specimens. It’s a feasible and highly accurate molecular procedure especially in high viral load samples. This assay allows having a result in about 40 min and therefore may accelerate the clinical decision making in urgent/emergency situations.