bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APLICAÇÃO DE DANOS MECÂNICOS E SEUS EFEITOS NA QUALIDADE DE PRODUTOS HORTÍCOLAS, SAFRAS 2018/2019
Authors: Nicolas Constante Guedert  , Ariel de Oliveira Mello  , Igor Ramos Lima  , Kauê Ramos Lima  , Patrick Constante Guedert  , Fernando Cerbaro Palhano  , Bruna Miranda Costa  , Thamiris Longaretti Marcelo  , Juliano Santos de Oliveira  , Eduardo Seibert
Published: February 2021

Os danos mecânicos estão entre as principais causas de perdas pós-colheita. O trabalho avaliou as alterações causadas por danos mecânicos por impacto, corte, abrasão em caquis ‘Kyoto’. Os caquis foram armazenados a 0oC por 60 dias. Amostras para análises foram retiradas a intervalos de 15 dias para análises de: perda de massa fresca (%), firmeza da polpa (N), conteúdo de suco (%), sólidos solúveis (ºBrix) e acidez titulável (%). O tratamento por queda causou maior perda de massa fresca e acidez aos 60 dias e perda de firmeza aos 15 dias, demonstrando grande potencial em reduzir a qualidade pós- colheita de caquis ‘Kyoto’.
IDENTIFICAÇÃO DE IMUNOMARCADORES HEPÁTICOS EM TILÁPIAS-DO-NILO ALIMENTADAS COM PROBIÓTICO
Authors: Pedro Henrique Sousa Ferro  , Rafael de Souza Pacheco  , Fabiana Moreira  , Jaqueline Inês Alves de Andrade  , Adolfo Jatobá  , Delano Dias Schleder
Published: February 2021

Este trabalho teve por objetivo quantificar a intensidade de marcadores celulares no tecido hepático de tilápias-do-nilo alimentadas com e sem adição do probiótico Lactobacillus plantarum. Os alevinos foram cultivados em sistema de recirculação e alimentados duas vezes ao dia. Após 30 dias de alimentação, os tratamentos com adição de L. plantarum apresentaram maior ganho de peso, comparado ao grupo controle. A intensidade da imunomarcação para os hormônios IGF-1 e Leptina foram significativamente menores nos tratamentos com relação ao grupo controle. Os resultados mostram que o probiótico reduziu os níveis hormonais, porém não afetou os níveis dos receptores no tecido hepático.
DESENVOLVIMENTO DE UM SISTEMA PARA UM CONSULTÓRIO ODONTOLÓGICO
Authors: Eduarda Quadros Leonardo  , Gabriela Fernandes Kupinski  , Matheus Lorenzato Braga
Published: February 2021

Realizou-se este projeto objetivando a criação de um sistema para um consultórioodontológico, visando facilitar o controle e gerenciamento dos dados, no que tange ocadastro dos pacientes, ao agendamento de consultas e às finanças. Pretendeu-secom o sistema, substituir o controle manual, sujeito ao risco de extravio ou perda porum mal armazenamento. Este foi efetivado baseado em entrevistas com oprofissional de odontologia, compreendendo suas necessidades. Na fase de testes,o sistema foi avaliado como “bom” e “excelente” em 100% dos itens. Assim,compreende-se que o intuito do projeto atendeu plenamente seus objetivos.
APITEC
Authors: Nathalia Helen Machado Coêlho  , Isadora Cristina Lima de Oliveira  , Sandra Vieira
Published: February 2021

O presente tra balho consiste n a criação de um sistema de gerenciamento de ap apiá rios,desenvolvido como resultado de uma pesquisa tecno tecnoló gica durante o trabalho deconclusão do curso de Té cnico em Infor Informá tica do Instituto Federal Catarinense – Campus Avançado Sombrio. O sistema foi desenvolvido para otimizar e informatizaras té cnicas de trabalho dos apicultores e sup rir suas necessidades tecno tecnoló gicasgicas, vistoque muitos apicultores da região não dispõem de ferramentas digitais que os auxiliemno gerenciamento dos dados referentes as atividades de produção produção, fazendo com queesses dados coletado coletados sejam anotados apenas em f ichas de papel papel.
ACERVO DE MINERAIS E ROCHAS COMO INSTRUMENTO DE ENSINO:
Authors: Emilly Karine Ferreira  , Allan Charlles Mendes de Sousa  , Gisele Canal Masiero  , Marcos Boher  , Bruno José Dani Rinaldi  , Gabriela Frizzo Patricio  , Eliandro Gonçalves Molotov
Published: February 2021

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo criar uma “Litoteca” - acervo catalogado deminerais e fragmentos de rochas - para ser utilizada em aulas das disciplinas quededicam-se ao estudo de ciências da terra, ministradas no Curso Técnico emAgropecuária Integrado ao Ensino Médio no Instituto Federal Catarinense, CampusVideira.O trabalho reunião 40 fragmentos rochosos, classificados de acordo comsuas características morfológicas e químicas. O material produzido poderá serutilizado em aulas das disciplinas de Geografia, química, solos, Uso e Manejo dosolo e Ciências, que por sua vez são ministradas no Instituto Federal CatarinenseCampus Videira. Poderá ainda ser acessível à comunidade, servido comoferramenta de comunicação entre a escola e o publico externo.
ADIÇÃO DE TAURINA EM DIETAS DE TILÁPIA-DO-NILO (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Marcos Tirone Kruger  , Maiara Vilvert  , Giulia Beatrice Ferreira  , Laura Rafaela Da Silva  , Jaqueline Inês Alves de Andrade  , Adolfo Jatobá
Published: February 2021

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar propriedades física e microbiológicas dediferentes dietas. As três dietas foram produzidas na Nutricol: dieta comercial; umcom substituição da farinha de peixe (FP) por farelo de soja; e com substituiçãoinclusão da taurina mais substituição da FP. As dietas foram avaliadas quanto a suaexpansão dos pellets, desintegração, flutuabilidade e contagem microbiológica. Ataurina reduziu a flutuabilidade e aumentou o custo das dietas, assim como adietasem farinha de peixe apresentou menor contagem de contagem bacteriana. Concluiseque o uso de taurina na dieta e retirada da farinha de peixe interfere as dietas.
INFLUÊNCIA DE DIFERENTES FREQUENCIAS ALIMENTARES DO PROBIÓTICO ( Lactobacillus spp.) NO SISTEMA HEMATO-IMUNOLÓGICO DO LAMBARI DO RABO AMARELO
Authors: Pamela Cristina Stolf  , Marina de Oliveira Pereira  , Julio Cesar Rodhermel  , Emanuel Fernando Rodrigues  , Laura Rafaela Da Silva  , Adolfo Jatobá
Published: February 2021

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos nos parâmetros hematológicos eimunológicos de Astyanax bimaculatus alimentados com diferentes frequências naoferta de probiótico. Foram usados um total de 100 animais, foram divididos em 20caixas e 5 tratamentos: 0% (controle), 25%, 50%, 75% e 100% da oferta deprobiótico, em triplicata. Peixes alimentos com 100% de frequência, apresentarammaior números de leucócitos totais, linfócitos e monócitos circulantes que o controle.Trombóticos, eritrócitos e parâmetros hematimétricos e imunológicos não divergiramentre tratamentos. Todos os tratamentos probióticos apresentaram maior contagemde LAB em comparação ao grupo controle. A frequência do fornecimento deprobióticos interfere no perfil hematológico.
Validation of the Arabic version of the EORTC Colorectal (CR29) module in Moroccan colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Alami Yacir El , Bachri Houda , Essangri Hajar , Benamer Said , Benkabbou Amine , Mohsine Raouf , Majbar Mohammed Anass , Souadka Amine
Published: February 2021

Purpose: Quality of life outcomes are a focal endpoint of cancer treatment strategies which can be evaluated through patient-related outcome measures (PROMs). We aim to validate the Moroccan Arabic version of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire for Colorectal cancer patients (EORTC QLQ CR-29).Methods: Following translation to Moroccan Arabic, the QLQ CR-29 was administered to patients treated for colorectal cancer (CRC) in the national institute of oncology. Psychometric properties were tested by measuring Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for reliability and Intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC) to examine test-retest reproducibility. The multitrait-scaling analysis was performed to demonstrate the validity of the instrument and the ability to discriminate between different patient groups was tested using known-groups comparison.Results: In total, 221 patients were included in our study and 34 patients completed the questionnaire twice. The urinary Frequency scale and Stool Frequency scale had good internal consistency with alpha Cronbach coefficients of 0,79 and 0,83 respectively, whereas the coefficient was moderately lower for the Blood and Mucus in Stool scale (0,61) and the Body Image scale (0,67). The ICCs ranged from 0,88 to 1 indicating good to excellent reproducibility. In multitrait scaling analyses, the criterion for item convergent and divergent validity was satisfactory. The known-group comparison showed statistically significant differences between patients according to age, gender, stoma status, tumor location, and radiotherapy. Conclusion: The Moroccan Arabic version of the EORTC QLQ-CR29 is a valid and reliable tool and can be used for research and clinical purposes in Moroccan CRC patients.
Consequences of the emergency response to COVID-19: a whole health care system review in a single city in the United Kingdom
Authors: Tankel Jeremy , Ratcliffe David , Smith Martin , Mullarkey Andrew , Marsden Zoe , Pover Jennifer , Bennett Paula , Green Darren
Published: February 2021

Background: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom included large scale changes to healthcare delivery, without fully understanding the potential for unexpected effects caused by change. The aim was “to ascertain the characteristics of patients, uncertainty over diagnosis, or features of the emergency response to the pandemic that could be modified to mitigate against future excess deaths”.Methods: Review of the entire pathway of care of patients whose death was registered in Salford during the 8 week period of the first wave (primary care, secondary care, 111 and 999 calls)) to create a single record of healthcare prior to death. An expert panel judged avoidability of death against the National Mortality Case Record Review Programme scale methodology and identification of themes using a structured judgement review format.Results: There were 522 deaths including 197 in hospital, and 190 in care homes. 51% of patients were female, 81% Caucasian, age 79±9 years. Dementia was present in 35%, COVID-19 was cause of death in 44%.Healthcare contact prior to death was most frequently with primary care (81% of patients). 46 patients (9%) had healthcare appointments cancelled (median 1 cancellation, range 1-9).Fewer than half of NHS 111 calls were answered during this period. 18% of deaths contained themes consistent with some degree of avoidability. In people aged ≥75 years who lived at home this was 53%, in care home residents 29% and learning disability patients 44% (n=9). Common themes were; delays in patients presenting to care providers (10%), delays in testing (17%), avoidable exposure to COVID-19 (26%), delays in provider response (5%), and sub-optimal care (11%). For avoidability scores of 2 or 3 (indicating more than 50% chance of avoidability), 44% of cases had >2 themes. Conclusions:The initial emergency response had unforeseen consequences resulting in late presentation, sub-optimal assessments, and delays in receiving care. Death in more vulnerable groups was quantitatively more likely to display avoidability themes.
Intravenous lidocaine Increases the Efficacy of Propofol Anesthesia for Gastroscope Implanted:A Randomised, Double-blind, Controlled Study
Authors: Shi Fu , Chen Jie , Ren Guang , Du Rong , Wang Xiang
Published: February 2021

Backgroud: Gastroscope insertion is a distressing experience and propofol use for sedation can result in inhibition of circulation and respiration. Intravenous (IV) infusion of lidocaine has been shown to reduce propofol requirements during surgery.The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of IV lidocaine on the median effective dose (ED50) of propofol and other outcomes after surgery. Method: Ninety adult patients undergoing analgesic gastroscopy were randomly divided into two groups (45 cases in each). The lidocaine group was slowly injected with 1% lidocaine at 1.5mg/kg while the saline group was given the same volume of saline before propofol induction. Motion and cough reaction were regarded as the judgment index of gastroscope implanted. The dose-response curves were made in the two groups when implanted gastroscope according to the formula of Y=Ymin+(Ymax-Ymin)/[1+10 log(ED50-X)*m ]. The primary outcome were the ED50 and requirement of propofol. Secondary outcomes were:intraoperative hemodynamic parameters,adverse reaction,awakening time,post-operative pain and fatigue. Results: Compared with the group S, the dose-response curve showing percentage of gastroscope implanted after propofol anesthesia in the L group shifted to the left. Intravenous infusion of lidocaine decreased the ED50 of propofol (group S 1.80mg/kg, group L 1.56mg/kg).Compared with group S, induction, additional requirement and total dose of propofol anesthesia, and incidence of bucking were significantly reduced in group L (P<0.05). Post-operative fatigue scores in group L were lower than that in group S (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Intravenous lidocaine could reduce the consumption of propofol anesthesia and reduce adverse reaction in patients undergoing painless gastroscopy. Trials registration: ChiCTR2000038542. Data of registration: Sep 23th, 2020.
Vaccination Against Influenza Among Lebanese Health Care Workers in the Era of Coronavirus Disease 2019 
Authors: Youssef Dalal , Abass Linda Abou , Youssef Janet , Berry Atika
Published: February 2021

Background: Health care workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of influenza infection. Hence, the rationale for immunization to protect them and their patients particularly during the co-circulation of influenza and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aims to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices among HCWs towards the influenza vaccine and to identify the determinants of their willingness to vaccinate. Methods: Using an online survey, a cross-sectional study, was conducted in Lebanon between 14th and 28th October 2020 among HCWs. Descriptive statistics were reported using frequency and percentages for categorical variables. Multivariable logistic regression was carried out to identify the factors associated with influenza vaccine uptake. Adjusted odds ratio and their 95% confidence intervals were reported. Results: A total of 560 HCWs participated in the survey of which 72.9% were females. The majority were nurses (63.2%), married (66.1%) and aged between 30-49 years (53.9%). Nearly half of them had a good level of knowledge (≥80%). As perceived by HCWs, the availability of a sufficient quantity of vaccine will be the biggest challenge. Benefits of vaccination in enhancing patient safety, and avoiding co-infection by influenza and COVID-19 were well-acknowledged by HCWs. 32.1% of HCWs have received the influenza vaccine during the last year and 80.2% were willing to vaccinate for the current year. The influenza uptake was higher among HCWs who have received influenza vaccine in the past season (OR = 6.812, CI (3.045-15.239)), having a fair health status (OR = 3.117, CI (1.345-7.220)), good knowledge (OR=3.305, CI (1.155-9.457)), positive attitude (OR=2.305, CI (0.921-5.571)), low perception of barriers (OR= 4.130, CI (1.827-9.334)) and high perception of benefits (OR=6.264, CI (2.919-13.442) and was lower in single and divorced (OR=0.527, CI (0.284-0.978)). ConclusionAddressing misconceptions unveiled in this study through adapted training, along with economic interventions are needed to improve influenza vaccination coverage among HCWs.
Repeated venipuncture as a reason of aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm of vascular access﻿
Authors: Tahiri Laura Leci , Tahiri Afrim , Saracini Harieta Zherka
Published: February 2021

The most complications of the vascular access are: thrombosis, aneurysm, infection. Aneurysms can be either true, containing all layers of a venous wall, or false (pseudoaneurysm), lined by fibrous tissue and thrombosis. Aneurysm dilatation is one of the major complications of vascular access. The incidence increased with the duration of the usage, repeated puncture at the same or nearby site, and increased intraluminal pressure of the graft. We present an uncommon case in which aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm of the native fistula is caused by puncture, in both sides. Repeated punctures at the same site, may progressively weaken the venous wall resulting in dilation of the outflow vein. A 68- year-old Albanian women had been in a hemodialysis program for 4 years, using a left brachiocephalic fistula. The inflow artery, outflow vein, and the deep veins were examined in detail. During the study period the patient have had three surgeries, for aneurysm of hemodialysis access on one hand, and for pseudoanurysm of hemodialysis access on the other hand. But, even that the patient survived and everything went well. The idea of our paper was that in patients we have predisposition for the formation of aneurysm and pseudoaneursym, the medical staff have more frequent meetings, so that such cases are treated more specifically, with more frequent visits to vascular surgeon, with more frequent measurements of draining vein diameter and flow of vascular access. The K/DOQI guidelines recommend a regular program of monitoring and surveillance of the vascular access. Color Doppler ultrasound s considered a valuable tool in the preoperative evaluation and in the follow-up.
Hypoxia-Related Gene FUT11 Promoted Pancreatic Cancer Progression Via Maintaining The Stabilization of PDK1
Authors: Cao Wenpeng , Zeng Zhirui , Pan Runsang , He Zhiwei , Wu Hao , Zhang Xiangyan , Chen Hui , Nie Yingjie , Lei Shan , Yu Zijiang
Published: February 2021

Background: Hypoxia participated in the occurrence and development of pancreatic cancer (PC). However, genes associated with hypoxia respond and their regulated mechanism in PC cells were unclear. The current research was aimed to illuminate the role and hypoxia regulated mechanism of fucosyltransferase 11 (FUT11) in the progression of PC.Methods: After predicting FUT11 as a key hypoxia associated gene in PC using bioinformatics analysis. The expression of FUT11 in PC using quantitative real-time fluorescent PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry. The effects of FUT11 on PC cells proliferation, migration and invasion under normoxia and hypoxia were detected using Cell Counting Kit 8, 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine assay, colony formation assay and transwell assay. Spleen capsule injected liver metastasis and subcutaneously injected model were performed to confirm the effects of FUT11 in vivo. Furthermore, western blot, luciferase assay and immunoprecipitation were performed to explore the regulated relationship among FUT11, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) in PC.Results: FUT11 was markedly increased of PC cells in hypoxia, up-regulated in the PC clinical tissues, and predicted a poor outcome. Inhibition of FUT11 reduced PC cell growth and mobility of PC cells under normoxia and hypoxia conditions in vitro, and growth and mobility in vivo. FUT11 bind with PDK1 and regulated the expression PDK1 under normoxia and hypoxia. FUT11 knockdown significantly increased the degradation rate of PDK1 under hypoxia, while treatment with MG132 can relieve the degradation of PDK1 induced by FUT11 knockdown. Overexpression of PDK1 in PC cells under hypoxia conditions reversed the suppressiv impacts of FUT11 knockdown on PC cell growth and mobility. In addition, HIF1α bound to the enhancer of FUT11 and increased its expression, as well as co-expressing with FUT11 in PC tissues. Furthermore, overexpress of FUT11 partially rescued the suppressiv effects of HIF1α knockdown on PC cell growth and mobility in hypoxia conditions.Conclusion: Our data further implicate that hypoxia-induced FUT11 in PC contributes to proliferation and metastasis by maintaining the stability of PDK1, and suggest FUT11 maybe a novel and effective target for treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Effects of Noisy Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation on Standing Balance – No Evidence for Stochastic Resonance in Young Healthy Adults
Authors: Assländer Lorenz , Giboin Louis-Solal , Gruber Markus , Schniepp Roman , Wühr Max
Published: February 2021

Noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) at imperceptible levels has been shown to reduce body sway. This improvement was commonly attributed to the mechanism of stochastic resonance (SR). However, it has never been explicitly tested whether nGVS-induced effects on body sway consistently follow a SR-like bell-shaped performance curve with optimal improvements at intermediate noise intensities. To test this, body sway in 21 young healthy participants was measured during varying nGVS amplitudes while standing with eyes closed in 3 conditions (quiet stance, sway referencing, sinusoidal platform tilts). Presence of SR-compatible response dynamics in each trial was assessed (1) by a goodness-of-fit analysis using an established SR-curve model and (2) by ratings from 3 human experts. In accordance to theory, we found reductions of body sway at one nGVS amplitude in most trials (75-95%). However, only few trials exhibited SR-compatible bell-shaped performance curves with increasing noise amplitudes (10-33%). Instead, body sway measures rather fluctuated randomly across nGVS amplitudes. This implies that, at least in young healthy adults, nGVS effects on body sway are incompatible with SR. Thus, previously reported reductions of body sway at particular nGVS intensities more likely result from inherent variations of the performance metric or by other yet unknown mechanisms.
Knowledge and Response of Rural Women in Nigeria to COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Okonofua Friday , Ntoimo Lorretta Favour , Yaya Sanni , Igboin Brian , Ekwo Chioma , Imongan Wilson
Published: February 2021

BackgroundNigeria has experienced COVID-19 pandemic as in nearly 200 countries around the world. The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge, risk perceptions, and preventive practices among rural women in Edo State, Nigeria to identify the social circumstances under which women respond to COVID-19 in the community. MethodThe study design was cross-sectional and consisted of face-to-face interviews with 1,411 women in 20 rural communities in Edo state, south-south Nigeria using a structured questionnaire. Questions consisted of socio-demographic characteristics, the knowledge of COVID-19, its symptoms and prevention method, and the women’s compliance with the prevention guidelines recommended by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control. Some of the questions and formats were adapted from the survey tool and guidance for monitoring knowledge, risk perceptions and preventive behavior by the WHO Regional Office for Europe. The data were analyzed with univariate, bivariate and multivariable statistical techniques.ResultsThe results showed relatively high knowledge of COVID-19 but low perceptions of risk, and inadequate self-reported compliance with the recommendations for prevention, use of face mask, and handwashing. The most prominent determinants of lack of knowledge of COVID-19, the symptoms, and preventive measures; perception of COVID-19 as no health threat; and poor preventive behavior include less exposure to the media, being in a polygynous and consensual marriage, illiterate, age, and not having a mobile phone.ConclusionsWe conclude that although rural women in Nigeria have relatively high knowledge, low-risk perception and adoption of preventive measures for COVID-19 are grossly inadequate. These deficits are attributable to illiteracy, poor access to information, and the pervading poverty in rural communities. Appropriate policies and programs that address these challenges will prevent COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences in rural Nigeria.
ICT Adoption and Environmental Sustainability: Thresholds From the Lower and Lower-Middle-Income Countries
Authors: AMARI Mouna , JARBOUI Anis
Published: February 2021

This paper aims to study the relationship between ICT readiness, use, and intensity, and environmental sustainability factors in the lower and middle lower-income countries from 2012-2018. ICT readiness, use, and intensity are measured with the impact of ICT on access to basic services, phone penetration, and internet penetration, while CO2 emissions per capita, fossil fuel energy consumption, and methane emissions are used as indicators for air pollution. To achieve this goal, the system two steps GMM estimation was performed which thresholds are computed contingent on the validity of tested hypotheses. The results demonstrate that increasing ICT readiness, use, and intensity in lower and lower-middle-income countries enhance environmental sustainability by decreasing CO2 emissions and energy consumption.
Heavy Metals in Liver, Kidney, Brain and Muscle Slender-Billed Gull (Chroicocephalus Genei) From the Chahnimeh Water Reservoirs Sistan and Coast Oman Sea (Iran)
Authors: Behrooz Reza Dahmardeh , Burger Joanna
Published: February 2021

The concentrations of four heavy metals nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were determined in liver, kidney, muscle and brain tissues of 20 slender-billed gulls (Chroicocephalus genei) from the Chahnimeh water reservoirs of Sistan and the Oman Sea coast of Iran. There were significant differences between nickel Ni, Cd, Pb and Zn concentrations observed in the liver and brains of birds from the Oman Sea coast than in liver and brains of gulls from the Chahnimeh water reservoirs (P < 0.05). Higher levels of Pb, Cd and Zn were found in the brain and liver of gulls than in the kidney and muscles tissues. There were significant gender differences in heavy metals in liver and brain tissue. In gulls from the coast of Oman Sea, all four elements (Cd, Pb, Ni and Zn) were positively correlated with levels in all organs, and except for muscle, the elements were positively correlated with the other elements in the other tissue (except Ni in brain). Thus, the pathways and sources of entry for the elements are similar, and the pathways for accumulation of these elements, and the reactions of different organs of the body to these elements, are very similar. Also, 40% of gulls in Oman Sea coast had levels of lead in the brain that were above the adverse effects levels, Ni concentrations in liver of slender-billed gull in Oman Sea coast (100 %) and Chahnimeh water reservoirs (90 %) were above toxic levels, and 80% of Ni concentration in kidneys in gulls from the Oman Sea coast and Chahnimeh water reservoirs were higher than the toxicity levels.
Radiomics and gene expression profile to characterize the disease and predict outcome in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Kirienko Margarita , Sollini Martina , Corbetta Marinella , Voulaz Emanuele , Gozzi Noemi , Interlenghi Matteo , Gallivanone Francesca , Castiglioni Isabella , Asselta Rosanna , Duga Stefano , Soldà Giulia , Chiti Arturo
Published: February 2021

Objectives The objectives of our study were to assess the association of radiomic and genomic data with histology and patient outcome in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods In this retrospective single-centre observational study, we selected 151 surgically treated patients with adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma who performed baseline [18F]-FDG PET/CT. A subgroup of patients with cancer tissue samples at the Institutional Biobank (n=74/151) was included in the genomic analysis. Features were extracted from both PET and CT images using an in-house tool. The genomic analysis included detection of genetic variants, fusion transcripts, and gene expression. Generalized linear model (GLM) and machine learning (ML) algorithms were used to predict histology and tumour recurrence.Results Standardized Uptake Value (SUV) and kurtosis (among the PET and CT radiomic features, respectively), and the expression of TP63, EPHA10, FBN2, and IL1RAP were associated with the histotype. No correlation was found between radiomic features/genomic data and relapse using GLM. The ML approach identified several radiomic/genomic rules to predict the histotype successfully. The ML approach showed a modest ability of PET radiomic features to predict relapse, while it identified a robust gene expression signature able to predict patient relapse correctly. The best-performing ML radiogenomic rule in predicting the outcome resulted in an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.87.Conclusions: Radiogenomic data provided clinically relevant information in NCSCL patients, regarding the histotype, aggressiveness, and progression. Gene expression may provide additional valuable information to guide patient management. The application of ML allows to increase the efficacy of radiogenomic analysis and provide novel insights into cancer biology.
Solid-state cultivation of Aspergillus niger–Trichoderma reesei from sugarcane bagasse with vinasse in bench packed-bed column bioreactor
Authors: Rocha Laura Macedo , Campanhol Beatriz Silva , Bastos Reinaldo Gaspar
Published: February 2021

Solid-state cultivation (SSC) is microbial growth on solid supports under limited water conditions. Citric acid, one of the products obtained by SSC, is a microbial aerobic metabolic product with various industrial applications. Several wastes from agro-industries are used in SSC, such as sugarcane bagasse and vinasse. As xylanolytic enzymes of inoculum breakdown the lignocellulosic material (bagasse), mixed fungal cultures or co-cultures are used in these SSC. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effect of inoculum (Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma reesei consortium) in the production of citric acid from sugarcane bagasse impregnated with vinasse using bench packed bed reactors (PBR). The results show the importance of T. reesei in inoculum with A. niger at a ratio of 50:50 and 25:75, suggesting the use of solid support due to the complementation of the hydrolytic enzymes. The highest concentration of approximately 1000 mg L− 1 of citric acid yield for 100 mm of bed height in 48 and 72 h, with the maximum yield from glucose to citric acid (2.2 mg citric acid mg glucose−1). kLa indicates that maintaining solid moisture and liquid film thickness is important to keep the oxygen transfer in SSC.
De Broglie – Bohm Theorem in an underlying structure of Space and Spacetime
Authors: Yasmineh Salim
Published: February 2021

The concept of simultaneity is relative in special relativity whereas, it seems to have a definite meaning in quantum mechanics. On the other hand, theory and experiments in quantum mechanics have revealed the existence of non-local causal relations. We propose to use the invariant space-time interval introduced by special relativity as a benchmark for constructing a spacetime framework presenting a notion of an invariant time. We suggest that a physical system creates a non-local field within the spacetime framework and that the wavefunction of the physical system is an ontological entity that represents this non-local field. We propose to explain measurement and entanglement by using de Broglie Bohm theory in the context of the constructed spacetime framework.
Agricultural Management Practices Influence the Soil Enzyme Activity and Bacterial Community Structure in Tea Plantations
Authors: Chen Yu-Pei , Tsai Chai-Fang , Rekha PD , Ghate Sudeep , Huang Hsi-Yuan , Hsu Yi-Han , Liaw Li-Ling , Young Chiu-Chung
Published: February 2021

Background

The soil quality and health of the tea plantations are dependent on the agriculture management practices, and long-term chemical fertilizer use is implicated in soil decline. Hence, several sustainable practices are used to improve and maintain the soil quality. Here, in this study, changes in soil properties, enzymatic activity, and dysbiosis in bacterial community composition were compared using three agricultural management practices, namely conventional (CA), sustainable (SA) and transformational agriculture (TA) in the tea plantation during 2016 and 2017 period. Soil samples at two-months intervals were collected and analyzed.
Results

The results of the enzyme activities revealed that acid phosphatase, arylsulfatase, β-glucosidase, and urease activities differed considerably among the soils representing the three management practices. Combining the redundancy and multiple regression analysis, the change in the arylsulfatase activity was explained by soil pH as a significant predictor in the SA soils. The soil bacterial community was predominated by the phyla Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Bacteroidetes in the soil throughout the sampling period. Higher Alpha diversity scores indicated increased bacterial abundance and diversity in the SA soils. A significant relationship between bacterial richness indices (SOBS, Chao and ACE) and soil pH, K and P was observed in the SA soils. The diversity indices namely Shannon and Simpson also showed variations, suggesting the shift in the diversity of less abundant and more common species. Furthermore, the agricultural management practices, soil pH fluctuation and the extractable elements had a greater influence on bacterial structure than that of temporal change.
Conclusions

Based on the cross-over analysis of bacterial composition, enzymatic activity and the soil properties, the relationship between bacterial composition and biologically-driven ecological processes can identified as indicators of sustainability for the tea plantation.
Genome Wide Identification, Classification and Functional Characterization of IQD Gene Family in Diploid and Tetraploid Cotton (Gossypium)
Authors: Rehman Abdul , Peng Zhen , Li Hongge , Qin Guangyong , Jia Yinhua , Pan Zhaoe , He Shoupu , Qayyum Abdul , Du Xiongming
Published: February 2021

AimsCalmodulin (CaM) is considered as the most significant Ca+ signaling messenger that mediate various biochemical and physiological reactions. Whereas the calcium level can by provoked by extracellular or intracellular stimuli. CaM is activated by calcium binding proteins (CaMBPs) to regulate physiology of the cell. IQ domain (IQD) proteins are plant specific CML/CaM calcium binding which are characterized by domains of 67 amino acids. MethodsHerein, we accomplished a genome wide comparison and analysis of IQD gene family with in two diploid and tetraploid cotton species. Conserved motifs, gene structure, chromosomal map, evolutionary tree, Ka/Ks distribution, promotor analysis, venn diagram for orthologues genes, and collinearity analysis within genome and between genomes of IQD gene family in four cotton species were performed first time. Expression analysis was performed in four species of cotton from SRA database of NCBI.Results293 nonredundant IQD genes were identified from G. arboreum (A2), G. raimondii (D5), G. barbadense (AD2) and G. hirsutum (AD1) and clustered in the reference genomes from cotton functional genomics database. 50, 50, 94, and 99 IQD genes were detected from G. arboreum, G. raimondii, G. barbadense and G. hirsutum respectively. IQD gene family in four species of cotton elucidated the role of allopolyploid and hybridization during evolutionary cascade of allotetraploid cotton. Comparatively, existence of more orthologous genes in cotton species than Arabidopsis, advocated that polyploidization produced new cotton specific orthologous gene clusters. Duplication of gene events depicts that IQD gene family of cotton evolution was under strong purifying selection. G. hirsutum exhibited high level synteny. Expression analysis revealed that GarIQD18, GarIQD25 and GarIQD50 exhibited up regulated expression trend in ovule and fiber in G. arboreum. GarIQD25 also exhibited high expression in stem, root and flower. In G. raimondii, GraIQD03 demonstrated upregulation expression across stem, ovule, fiber and seed. GbaIQD11 and GbaIQD62 exhibited upregulation fiber development in G. barbadense. GhiIQD69 recognized as main candidate genes for plant parts, floral tissues, fiber and ovule development. Promotor analysis identified cis-regulatory elements which are involved in plant defense and stress response mechanisms. ConclusionsOverwhelmingly, present study paves the way to better understand the evolution of cotton IQD genes and lays a foundation for future investigation of IQD genes in improving abiotic stress tolerance in cotton.
Bile Extracellular Vesicles from End-stage Liver Disease Patients Show Altered microRNA Content
Authors: Nakashiki Suguru , Miuma Satoshi , Mishima Hiroyuki , Masumoto Hiroshi , Hidaka Masaaki , Soyama Akihiko , Kanda Yasuko , Fukushima Masanori , Haraguchi Masafumi , Sasaki Ryu , Miyaaki Hisamitsu , Ichikawa Tatsuki , Takatsuki Mitsuhisa , Eguchi Susumu , Yoshiura Koh-ichiro , Nakao Kazuhiko
Published: February 2021

Background: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have recently attracted attention as novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic tools. Several reports have correlated blood EVs with liver diseases. However, blood EVs do not reflect the liver state as it contains other systemically circulating EVs. Therefore, we focused on bile EVs, which are secreted directly from the liver, for identification of potential biomarkers of liver failure.Methods: Bile samples were collected from liver transplant recipients (n = 21) diagnosed with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) and donors (normal liver, NL; n = 18) during transplantation. Bile EVs were extracted using ultracentrifugation.Results: Nanoparticle tracking analysis showed that bile EV concentration was significantly higher in recipients than in donors. Among recipients, bile EV concentration was remarkably higher in those with hepatocellular carcinoma. Next-generation sequencing revealed 461 and 465 types of microRNAs (miRNAs) in donor and recipient bile EVs, respectively, with no significant difference in diversity between the groups. Among 43 high-expression miRNAs, the expression of 86.0% of the miRNAs was higher in the bile EVs of recipients than in those of donors. Quantitative PCR validation showed that the levels of miR-17, miR-92a, miR-25, miR-423, and miR-451a significantly increased in bile EVs of recipients. Levels of miR-17 were remarkably higher in recipients with alcoholic ESLD. Conclusions: Secretion of EVs into the bile and their miRNA content increase in the ESLD state. Additionally, miRNA levels in bile EVs are not correlated with those in serum EVs. Bile EVs could be promising novel biomarkers for liver diseases.
An Analytical Approach for Analyzing Film Growth by Pulsed Laser Deposition. Analysis of the Influence of Parameters
Authors: Pankratov Evgeny L.
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we consider an analytical approach for analyzing film growth by pulsed laser deposition. The influence of the parameters of the growth process on the growth of films is investigated.
Barriers and Facilitators on the HIV Care Continuum: a Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Kim Gwang Suk , Kim Youngin , Park Minkyung , Lee SangA , Lee Youngjin , Shim Mi-So
Published: February 2021

Background: As the life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLHIV) increases with the advancements in antiretroviral treatment, the continuity of long-term therapy and health care for PLHIV has gained more importance. However, the estimated proportion of PLHIV who have access to treatment or who are virally suppressed is unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is necessary to build strategies to improve treatment continuity by identifying the barriers and facilitators that affect the HIV care continuum. To enable this, we will conduct a scoping review to explore the barriers and facilitators on the care continuum for PLHIV.Methods: Based on the scoping review framework, the research questions will identify the factors affecting the care continuum of PLHIV, supported by a literature search we will conduct on the databases of MEDLINE, EBSCO Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, and Cochrane library. Additionally, we will review guidelines and policies on HIV care published by organizations related to HIV infection to ascertain the barriers and facilitators in the continuity of care. Four researchers will screen articles for inclusion and subsequently build a charting form and collate the data to provide results.Discussion: The results of this scoping review will provide comprehensive evidence for influencing factors to be considered in the care continuum of PLHIV. Importantly, the results will provide insight for health care providers and researchers to develop interventions and research the continuity in caring for PLHIV.
1.5-W 520 nm Continuous-wave Output from a 50μm/0.22NA Fiber-Coupled Laser Diode Module
Authors: Lou Bojie , Ding Bing , Miao Zhangwang , Zhao Pengfei , Yu Haijuan , Lin Xuechun
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a high brightness fiber-coupled module with a central wavelength of 520nm is simulated and designed by ray-tracing software ZEMAX, and then is experimentally implemented. Three 1-w continuous-wave green LD single emitters based on TO-9-package are successively collimated, spatially combined, and focused into an optical fiber with a core diameter of 50 μm and a numerical aperture of 0.22. The final output power of 1.53w is obtained, corresponding to an optical-optical conversion efficiency of 51% and an electro-optical conversion efficiency of 10%, and the tolerance between the simulation and the experimental result is analyzed and explained.
Active Manipulation of Fano Resonance at Visible and Near-Infrared Wavelengths in Metal Plasmonic Nanodevices Using Graphene
Authors: Wan Yuan , Lyu Jing , Zhang Xinyu , Meng Zhaozhong
Published: February 2021

Active manipulation of Fano resonance at visible and near-IR wavelengths in metal nanodevices is one of the important challenges for applications such as chemical and biological sensing. Here, we theoretically research an active manipulation of Fano resonance at visible and near-IR wavelengths in gold plasmonic nanodevices with graphene. The surface plasmon resonance of the gold plasmonic nanodevice with graphene has three resonance peaks, and this can be explained by the distribution of the electric field in the nanodevice. The Fano resonance wavelength of the gold plasmonic nanodevice with graphene has a significant blue-shift compared with the gold nanodevices without graphene. Moreover, the Fano resonance dependens on the length and position of Au nanorods and the environment refractive index. The figure of merit of the gold nanodevice with graphene can be as high as 41.3, which makes the system suitable for high sensitivity applications. Finally, we actively manipulate the absorption spectrum and the reflected light phase through changing the Fermi energy of graphene. These results suggest an original method for the design of an actively manipulated Fano resonance nanodevice.
Urban Development Types in Cities: An Indian Perspective
Authors: Sankalp Sovan , Sahoo Sanat Nalini
Published: February 2021

This research outlines the estimation of comprehensive urban development intensity (CDI) and comprehensive eco-environment stresses (CES) along with a comparative evaluation of CDI and CES in the form of a coupling degree (CD) model. A statistical analysis of twelve Indian cities was considered to gather data, which would help generalize the correlation between urban density and environmental stress. The Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) identifies land urbanization ratio (LUR), i.e., percentage of impervious area concerning entire area and COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) (CODI) discharge per unit area as the principal sub-indices representing CDI and CES respectively for further analysis. In the year 2017, r-value of 0.872 was estimated between CDI and CES using Karl Pearson coefficient of correlation methodology. It was also observed, except Guwahati and Surat, all other cities were loaded with the highest level of urbanization with an immediate effect on proportional intensifying environmental stress. The CD classifications of cities showed most of the cities were designated as high (H) class of urbanization. This research's output showed the environmental status of each city with its growing urbanization and demanded to interrupt the trend of environmental degradation. Such kind of classification of CDI, CES and CD will be beneficial for researchers and urban planners in dealing with cities that will be dwelling as metropolitan territories in days to come.
Human Amnion-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improved the Reproductive Function of Age-Related Diminished Ovarian Reserve in Mice Through Ampk/Foxo3a Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Hanwen , Jiang Chunyan , Cao Meng , La Boya , Ning Song , Zhou Jing , Yan Zhengjie , Li Chuyu , Cui Yugui , Ma Xiang , Wang Meilian , Chen Li , Zhang Yuexin , Wu Huimin , Liu Jiayin , Qin Lianju
Published: February 2021

BackgroundAge-related diminished ovarian reserve (AR-DOR) reduced the quality of oocytes, resulting in decreased female fertility. Aging is tightly related to abnormal distribution and function of mitochondria, while mitophagy is a major process to maintain normal quality and quantity of mitochondria in cells, especially in oocytes which containing a large number of mitochondria to meet the demand of energy production during oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development. Ampk/FoxO3a signaling is crucial in the regulation of mitophagy. It is reported Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can improve ovarian function. Here we aim to explore if human amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) are effective in improving ovarian function in AR-DOR mice and whether Ampk/FoxO3a signaling is involved. MethodsThe AR-DOR model mice were established by 32-week-old mice with 3-8 litters, significantly low serum sex hormone levels and follicle counts. The old mice were divided into 5 treatment groups: normal saline (NS, control), 1% human serum albumin (HSA, resolver), low-dose (LD, 5.0×106cells/kg), middle-dose (MD, 7.5×106cells/kg) and high-dose (HD, 10.0×106cells/kg). The prepared hAMSCs were injected through tail vein. Serum sex hormone level, follicle counts, fertilization rate, gestation rate, little size, apoptosis of granulosa and stromal cells, expression level of Sod2, Ampk, and ratio of phosphorylated FoxO3a to total FoxO3a in ovaries were examined. ResultsOur results show that after hAMSC transplantation, the ovarian function in AR-DOR mice was significantly improved, meanwhile the apoptosis of granulosa and stromal cells in the ovaries was significantly repressed, the expression level of Ampk and the ratio of phosphorylated FoxO3a to total FoxO3a both were significantly increased, meanwhile increased Sod2 expression was also observed.Conclusion﻿Our results demonstrate hAMSCs transplantation via tail-injection can improve ovarian function of AR-DOR mice through Ampk/FoxO3a signaling pathway.