bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein Complexes Detection Based on Node Local Properties and Gene Expression On PPI Weighted Networks
Authors: Yu Yang , Kong Dezhou
Published: March 2021

Background Identifying protein complexes from protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks is a crucial task, and many related algorithms have been developed to solve this issue. These algorithms usually consider a node’s direct neighbors and ignore resource allocation and second-order neighbors. The effective use of such information is crucial to protein complex detection.Results To overcome this deficiency, this paper proposes a new protein complex identification method based on node-local topological properties and gene expression information on a new weighted PPI network, named NLPGE-WPN (joint node-local topological properties and gene expression information on weighted PPI network). First, based on the resource allocation of the PPI network and gene expression, a new weight metric is designed to describe the interaction between proteins. Second, our method constructs a series of dense complex cores based on density and network diameter constraints; the final complexes are recognized by expanding the second-order neighbor nodes of core complexes. Experimental results demonstrate that this algorithm has improved the performances of precision and f-measure, which is more valid in identifying protein complexes．Conclusions This identification method is simple and can accurately identify more complexes by integrating node-local properties and gene expression on PPI weighted networks.
A comprehensive study of volatile organic compounds from the actual emission of Chinese cooking
Authors: Sun Chengyi , Zhao Liyun , Chen Xue , Nie Lei , Shi Aijun , Bai Huahua , Li Guoao
Published: March 2021

China’s current perspective for big cities were filled with great population, great number of restaurants, growing gaseous pollutants and great pollution. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were main components of catering industry gaseous pollutants. In this study, we collected and analyzed VOCs from Home cooking (HC), Sichuan and Hunan cuisine (S&H), Shandong cuisine (SD), Anhui cuisine (AH), Beijing cuisine (BJ) and Barbecue (BBQ). The result showed that BBQ gave the highest VOCs concentration (6287.61 µg•m− 3), followed by HC (1806.11 ± 2401.85 µg•m− 3), SD (2238.55 ± 2413.53 µg•m− 3), AH (1745.89 µg•m− 3), S&H (1373.58 ± 1457.45 µg•m− 3) and BJ (288.81 µg•m− 3). The abundance of alkane was higher among BBQ, Anhui Cuisine and HC with the proportion from 33–71%. SD contained higher halohydrocarbons proportion (33%). BJ characterized by high-oxygenated volatile organic compounds proportion (50%). The ozone formation potential (OFP) of BBQ was much greater than other cuisines. The degree of stench pollution from cooking VOCs of HC was 17.51 ± 16.95, followed by S&H (15.77 ± 16.85), SD (15.12 ± 14.17), AH (16.29), BBQ (2.58) and BJ (1.81). Benzene had highest life cancer risk (LCR) in SD (2.11⋅10− 5 ± 3.12⋅10− 5), following HC (4.50⋅10− 6 ± 3.83⋅10− 6) and S&H (4.08⋅10− 6 ± 4.49⋅10− 6). Acrolein had a high hazard index (HI) in HC (789.81 ± 768.77), following AH (728.78), S&H (689.89 ± 776.07), SD (664.29 ± 648.77), BBQ (65.93) and BJ (62.84).
Understanding the Context of Healthcare Utilisation for Children Under-five with Diarrhea in the DRC: Based on Andersen Behavioural Model
Authors: Zou Siyu , Qi Xinran , He Qiwei , Wang Zhicheng , Marshall Keiko , Bhura Maria , Takesue Rie , Tang Kun
Published: March 2021

Background

Diarrhea is one of the leading causes of death among children under five years old in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Despite positive effects on prognosis, there is limited literature about the healthcare-seeking behaviours of children with diarrhoea, especially in the DRC. This study used the Andersen Behavioural Model, a theoretical framework, which was commonly adopted to study healthcare utilisation, to investigate and predict factors associated with the use of healthcare to treat diarrhoea in the DRC.
Methods

Using structural equation modelling (SEM), we tested both direct and indirect relationships among four latent variables: predisposing traits, enabling resources access, health needs, and health services use. Guided by the Andersen Behavioural Model, the Confirmatory Factor Analysis model was also modified based on the DRC context.
Results

The modified model had the goodness of fit index (GFI) of 0.959 and RMSEA of 0.060 (95% CI: 0. 058, 0.061). Health needs (especially diarrhoea) had the largest positive direct effect on healthcare utilisation (standardized regression coefficient [β] = 0.79, P < 0.001), followed by “enabling resources” (β = 0.033, P < 0.001). Health needs also emerged as a mediator for the negative effect of predisposing traits on utilisation (indirect effect, β= -0.021; P < 0.001). Aside from predisposing traits, the proposed relationships (enabling resources access, health needs) were positively associated with healthcare utilisation.
Discussion

Results demonstrated that mothers with higher educational attainment, from wealthier households, and living in environments conducive to seeking health services were more likely to have positive healthcare utilisation behaviours when treating their children’s diarrhoea. Efforts are needed to strengthen and improve the caregivers’ awareness of children’s disease status, as well as communication between the healthcare system and the community. This will contribute to raising awareness of child diarrhoeal illness and their subsequent use of the healthcare system.
Analysis of The Cells Isolated From Epithelial Cell Rests of Malassez Through Single-cell Limiting Dilution
Authors: Islam Syed Taufiqul , Kurashige Yoshihito , Bolortsetseg Dembereldorj , Minowa Erika , Okada Yunosuke , Sakakibara Sayaka , Abiko Yoshihiro , Saitoh Masato
Published: March 2021

The epithelial cell rests of Malassez (ERM) play a pivotal role in preventing ankylosis between the alveolar bone and the tooth. Although several functions of ERM has been reported, the mechanism behind preventing dentoalveolar ankylosis remains unclear. In this study, 18 clones were isolated from ERM (CRUDE) using the single-cell limiting dilution method. Among them, ERM-2 and -3, which exhibited the highest and lowest proliferation rates, respectively, were selected. ERM-2, ERM-3, and CRUDE ERM were stained with epithelial markers, including cytokeratin-wide and cytokeratin-19, via immunofluorescence. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed increased expression levels of p75 (ameloblast marker), amelogenin, and sfrp5 (inner enamel epithelial cell marker) in the ERM-2 cells. Alternatively, ameloblastin and ck-14 (outer enamel epithelial cell marker) were highly expressed in ERM-3 cells. The mineralization of human periodontal ligament fibroblast (HPDLF) was inhibited when co-cultured with ERM-2, ERM-3, and CRUDE ERM cells. The addition of an anti-amelogenin antibody restored the mineralization of HPDLF cells. Transplanted rat molar cultured in ERM-2 (high amelogenin secretive clone) cell-derived supernatant resulted in significantly smaller bone formation than those cultured in the CRUDE ERM and ERM-3 cell-derived supernatants. These findings indicate that amelogenin produced by ERM cells might be involved in preventing dentoalveolar ankylosis.
PAX8 lineage-driven T cell-engaging antibody for the treatment of high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Lee Emily , Nguyen Andrew Anh , Szvetecz Sarah , Polli Ryan , Grauel Angelo , Chen Jayson , Judge Joyce , Jaiswal Smita , Maeda Rie , Voedisch Bernd , Piksa Mateusz , Japutra Chietrara , Sadhasivam Lingheswar , Wang Yiqin , Carrion Ana , Isim Sinan , Liang Jinsheng , Nicholson Thomas , Lei Hong , Qing Fang , Steinkrauss Michelle , Walker Dana , Wagner Joel , Cremasco Viviana , Wang Hui Qin , Galli Giorgio G , Granda Brian , Mansfield Keith , Simmons Quincey , Jordan Nicole Vincent
Published: March 2021

High-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOC) represent the most common of the ovarian malignancies. Due to the frequency of late-stage diagnosis and high rates of recurrence following standard of care treatments, novel therapies are needed to promote durable responses. We investigated the anti-tumor activity of CD3 T cell-engaging bispecific antibodies (TCBs) directed against the PAX8 lineage-driven HGSOC tumor antigen LYPD1 and demonstrated that anti-LYPD1 TCBs induce T cell activation and promote in vivo tumor growth inhibition in LYPD1-expressing HGSOC. To selectively target LYPD1-expressing tumor cells with high expression while sparing cells with low expression, we coupled bivalent low-affinity anti-LYPD1 Fabs with the anti-CD3 SP34 scFv. In contrast to the monovalent anti-LYPD1 high-affinity TCB (VHP354), the bivalent low-affinity anti-LYPD1 TCB (QZC131) demonstrated antigen density-dependent selectivity and showed tolerability in cynomolgus monkeys at the maximum dose tested of 3 mpk. Collectively, these data demonstrate that bivalent TCBs directed against LYPD1 have compelling efficacy and safety profiles supportive of consideration for treatment of high-grade serous ovarian cancers.
Significant Increase of HBV Infection in HIV Infected Patients With Disease Progression in China Based on Two MSM HIV Infected Cohorts
Authors: Zhu Zhiqiang , Liang Qi , Jiang Taiyi , Jiao Yanmei , Zhang Yu
Published: March 2021

The date about the condition of HBV co infection with the disease progress of HIV is limited. To investigate whether the incidence of HBV co-infection is significantly higher in HIV patients with disease progression in China, we compared rates of HBV co-infection in HIV patients based on an acute and a chronic HIV infected cohort. Significance was assessed with Chi-square. HBV infection is diagnosed by the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen. The HBsAg positive rate increased from 6.18% in acute HIV infection to 11.44% in chronic HIV infection. Thirty-four acute HIV patients had been tested for HBV in their chronic phase, four of them had HBV -specific antigens and/or specific antibodies changes. The number of Hepatitis B virus-specific antibodies decreased from acute phase to chronic phase in four patients and two patients’ HBsAg changed from negative to positive. There is an increased prevalence of HBV infection in HIV patients with the disease progression in China.
Properties Investigation of Epoxidized Sunflower Oil as Bioplasticizer for Poly (Lactic Acid)
Authors: BOUTI Mohamed , IRINISLIMANE Ratiba , Belhaneche-Bensemra Naima
Published: March 2021

This study aims to improve the ductility of poly (lactic acid) (PLA). For that purpose, bioblends based on PLA and epoxidized vegetable oils (EVO) as bioplasticizers were prepared. Commercial sunflower oil was epoxidized and epoxidized sunflower oil (ESO) was used as plasticizer for PLA. To investigate ESO potential as plasticizer for PLA, its plasticizing effect was compared with commercial epoxidized soya bean oil (ESBO). The plasticizers (ESO or ESBO) were respectively compounded with PLA at 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt%. Mechanical (tensile and Shore D hardness), thermal (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)) and morphological properties (optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)) were characterized. The results showed that the addition of ESO or ESBO to PLA decreased tensile strength and tensile modulus compared to neat PLA but increased elongation at break for which an optimum (9.02%, 15.55% and 33.67% for ESBO, ESO5.5% and ESO6.5% respectively) was reached at a content of 20 wt% of plasticizer. The structures of the obtained plasticized PLA were confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. DSC showed a clear decrease in the glass transition temperature of PLA and SEM analysis proved successful modification on the PLA brittle morphology with addition of EVO. On the other hand, TGA results revealed significant increase in the thermal stability. Based on the results of this study, ESO exhibited promising results regarding
The Spatial Predicting of COVID-19 Incidence and Its Mortality Based On OLS and GWR Models in Iran
Authors: Ghanbari Abolfazl , Baradaran Behzad , Ahmadi Hamed , Ahmadi Maryam
Published: March 2021

Background: Within six months of the COVID-19 outbreak, 350279 people were infected, and 20125 people died of COVID-19 in Iran. There is an urgent need to find the most accurate effective indicators on this disease's outbreak in order to control and predict. Methods: We examined the effect of 36 demographic, economic, environmental, health infrastructure, social, and topographic independent variables on the COVID-19 infection and mortality rates using the ordinary least squares (OLS) model in ArcGIS 10.5. Regarding adjusted R-squared>0/7, we selected 20 variables for COVID-19 infection rate and 16 variables for the mortality rate. The collinearity problem between the selected variables resolved after using the variance inflation factor (VIF). Then, we performed the OLS and geographically weighted regression (GWR) models in ArcGIS 10.5.Results: Having a large number of men, having a large population, lack of specialist doctors, lack of hospital, having a large urban population, having a large number of people aged 65 and over or older individuals, and high natural mortality rate had the most prominent impact on the COVID-19 infection increasing rate. Also, lack of ICU beds, low number of insured people, lack of subspecialist physicians, and lack of hospital beds had the most prominent impact on increasing of COVID-19 mortality. Then the variables with VIF above 7.5 were removed and finally, high incoming immigrants rate and lack of nurses were identified as two independent variables to predict COVID-19 infection rate. In addition, high incoming immigrants rate and high number of doctor consultation were recognized as two variables to predict mortality rate due to COVID-19. The results of the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and adj.R2 showed that both models were appropriate for these analyses.Conclusions: Based on our results, there would be a considerable increase in COVID-19 infection in Kerman, Esfahan, and Kermanshah provinces. In addition, there would be a remarkable decrease in COVID-19 infection in Khuzestan, Lorestan, Azarbayjan Shargi, and Tehran provinces. Regarding COVID-19 mortality, there would be a substantial rise in Fars and Khorasan Razavi provinces. Moreover, our analyses predicted a considerable diminish in COVID-19 mortality in Tehran, Ardebil, Zanjan, Gilan, Golestan, Lorestan, Khuzestan, Bushehr, and Hormozgan provinces.
Can The Function of The Tubarial Glands Be Evaluated Using 99mTc-pertechnetate SPECT/CT, 18F-FDG PET/CT, and 11C-Methionine PET/CT?
Authors: Matsusaka Yohji , Yamane Tomohiko , Fukushima Kenji , Seto Akira , Matsunari Ichiro , Kuji Ichiei
Published: March 2021

Background The tubarial glands (TGs) are recently reported as newly found salivary gland structures that can be organs at risk predominantly localized in the tori tubarius in the nasopharynx using prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PSMA PET/CT). The aims of this study were to analyze uptake in the TGs compared with that in the other salivary glands and palatine tonsils using 99mTc-pertechnetate SPECT/CT, 18F-FDG PET/CT, and 11C-methionine PET/CT, and to confirm whether these three imaging modalities are useful in evaluating the physiological function of the TGs. Twelve and 130 patients, who underwent 99mTc-pertechnetate SPECT/CT and 18F-FDG/11C-methionine PET/CT, respectively, were retrospectively included. 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake in the tori tubarius was visually assessed and semiquantitatively compared with that in the background, parotid salivary glands (PSGs), submandibular salivary glands (SmSGs), and sublingual salivary glands (SlSGs). Correlations of 18F-FDG and 11C-methionine uptakes in the tori tubarius with those in the other three salivary glands and palatine tonsils were analyzed. Results 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake in the tori tubarius was invisible and was not significantly higher than that in the background. Both 18F-FDG and 11C-methionine uptakes in the tori tubarius were correlated with that in the palatine tonsils (r = 0.56, p < 0.0001; r = 0.48, p < 0.0001, respectively). 18F-FDG uptake in the tori tubarius was not positively correlated with that in the PSGs, SmSGs, and SlSGs (r = –0.19, p = 0.03; r = –0.02, p = 0.81; r = 0.12, p = 0.17, respectively). 11C-methionine uptake in the tori tubarius was correlated with that in the SmSGs and SlSGs (r = 0.24, p = 0.01; r = 0.32, p < 0.01, respectively), but not with that in the PSGs (r = 0.16, p = 0.08). Conclusions The TGs were undetectable on 99mTc-pertechnetate SPECT/CT. Both 18F-FDG and 11C-methionine uptakes in the tori tubarius were clearly affected by that in the palatine tonsils and was little related to that in the other salivary glands. Therefore, it seems difficult to evaluate the physiological function of the TGs as salivary glands using 99mTc-pertechnetate SPECT/CT, 18F-FDG PET/CT, and 11C-methionine PET/CT imaging.
Biochar Promotes Methane Production During Anaerobic Digestion of Organic Waste
Authors: Xiao Leilei , Lichtfouse Eric , Kumar Senthil , Wang Quan , Liu Fanghua
Published: March 2021

Climate change and energy demand are calling more sustainable fuels such as biomethane produced by anaerobic digestion of organic waste. Biochar addition to waste is presumed to enhance the efficiency of methane production, yet individual reports disclose contradictory results. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of 27 selected publications containing 156 paired measurements of control and biochar-amended treatments to assess the impact of biochar on methanogenic performance. Results show that biochar promotes biomethane production substantially with a high Hedge's d value of 5.7 ± 1.04, yet sporadic publications report a methane decline. Methanogenic performance is statistically controlled by feedstock type, pyrolysis temperature and biochar concentration, but not controlled by pH, size, surface area and methanogen species. Our findings should help to tune the parameters of anaerobic digestion with biochar to optimize biomethane productions.
LncRNA HOTAIR promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis by sponging miR-214-3p in HPV16 positive cervical cancer cells
Authors: Zhou Yu , Wang Yuqing , Lin Mingying , Wu Daiqian , Zhao Min
Published: March 2021

Background
Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies all around the world. The mechanisms of cervical carcinoma formation remain under close scrutiny. The long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) and microRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in controlling gene expression and promoting the development and progression of cervical cancer by acting as competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA). However, the roles of lncRNA associated with ceRNAs in cervical carcinogenesis remains unknown. In this study, the expression of LncRNA HOTAIR was investigated in HPV16 positive cervical cancer cells, the candidate miRNAs and target genes were identified to clarify putative ceRNAs of HOTAIR/miRNA in cervical cancer cells.
Methods
The proliferate ability of cells was measured by CCK8 and EdU incorporation assays and cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of HOTAIR, miR-214-3p, HPV16 E7 mRNA were detected by qRT-PCR. As for searching for the interaction between miR-214-3p and HOTAIR, the binding sites for miR-214-3p on HOTAIR was predicted by starbase v2.0 database, then dual-luciferase assay was used to verify the binding sites. In addition, Gene Ontology (GO) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of target genes of miR-214-3p were performed with bioinformatics analysis. For potential signaling pathway regulated by miR-214-3p, we conducted pathway enrichment analysis by KEGG analysis and obtained key pathways in cervical cancer cells.
Results
Our results showed that the expression of HOTAIR was up-regulated, while that of miR-214-3p was down-regulated in HPV16-positive cervical cancer cells. The expression status of HPV16 E7 played an important role in regulating the expression of HOTAIR or miR-214-3p in cervical cancer cells. LncRNA HOTAIR knockdown could significantly inhibited cell proliferate ability and promote cellular apoptosis, whereas the inhibition of miR-214-3p expression partially reversed such results. Bioinformatics analysis identified 1451 genes as target genes of miR-214-3p. The Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG Pathway enrichment analysis showed that these target genes were mainly related to regulation of cell communication, protein binding, enzyme binding and transferase activity, and Wnt ligand biogenesis. Pathway enrichment analysis results showed that the predicted target genes were significantly enriched in Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Finally, our results confirmed that miR-214-3p could significantly inhibit β-catenin expression in HPV16 positive cancer cells by qPCR and WB analysis.
Conclusion
HOTAIR could act as a ceRNA through binding to miR-214-3p, promote cell proliferation and inhibit the apoptosis of HPV16 positive cervical cancer. HOTAIR/miR-214-3p/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway might play important roles related with HPV16 positive cervical cancer. Our results provided a new perspective for identifying novel biomarkers for cervical cancer.
Characterization and Functional Evaluation of Surface Texture of Micro Eccentric Shaft Based on Multi-index
Authors: Cheng Minghui , Jiao Li , Yan Pei , Niu Zhongke , Qiu Tianyang , Wang Xibin , Zhang Baorong
Published: March 2021

Micro eccentric shaft has important application in many high-tech fields because of its small specific gravity, material and energy saving. The surface texture generated during processing has an indispensable influence on the surface integrity and the final functional capability. However, due to the micro scale and weak rigidity, it is difficult to characterize the surface texture and evaluate the functionality by traditional quantitative parameters. In order to comprehensively realize the surface texture characterization and functional analysis, a mathematical model is established to analyze the surface texture machined with different cutting tools. AnchorThe machining deformation of the micro eccentric shaft machined during turn-milling with different cutting tools is compensated. Then the surface microscopic profile and functional performance of the surface texture are analyzed by amplitude distribution function (ADF) and bearing area curve (BAC), and the surface texture is also evaluated by fractal dimension, which can avoid the effect of scale and resolution. Furthermore, power spectrum density (PSD) is utilized to analyze the relationship between the process dynamic state and geometrical specification of the surface texture. It is shown that the microscopic height distribution of surface machined by flat end milling cutter tends to be more random and there are more microscopic geometric features than that of the ball end milling cutter. The machined surface obtained by the flat end milling cutter has better load bearing, wear resistance and liquid retention capability.
The psychological effects of perceived threat, national identity and self-esteem on the well-being of Qatari youth during the blockade
Authors: Amin Azzam , McCashin Darragh , Abdelrahman Mohamed , Al-Adwan Duaa , Hasan Youssef
Published: March 2021

Background

In 2017, the unprecedented blockade of Qatar by neighboring Gulf states caused a plethora of effects on the country at a psychological, socio-political, and identity level. This paper sought to examine the resulting psychological effects of this blockade in Qatar but with a focus on the younger population.
Methods

Using self-report questionnaire data from Qatari secondary school students (n = 1410), a multiple regression model investigated the predictive effects of youth self-esteem, national identity, and perceived threat on the well-being of students.
Results

The model predicted 23.9% of the variance in the overall dataset. The results indicated that the model was a significant predictor of well-being, F (3, 1406) = 148.35, p = .000. While self-esteem significantly contributed to the model (B = .473, p = .000), as did perceived threat (B = − .058, p = 0.013); Qatari identity did not display a significant predictive effect (B = .040, p = .089).
Conclusions

In the context of the conflict, perceived threat and self-esteem play a crucial role in predicting youth wellbeing.
Decrease of extracellular volume triggers exercise-induced bronchoconstriction to protect the body from water loss
Authors: Yu Li , Zhou Yun
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction describes the narrowing of the airway that occurs during or immediately after exercise. People with Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction are very sensitive to both low temperatures and dry air, the physiological mechanism of Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction is not very clear. This study aims to investigate the physiological mechanisms of Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction in view of the body self-protection response. Methods: The values of the extracellular volume of 23 Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction alone compared with the values of 23 healthy adults by comparing the values of their 24-hour urinary sodium excretion, since it is a non-invasive examination. Result: The values of the extracellular volume of the patients were lower than that of healthy adults. Conclusion: We propose that the exercise-induced bronchoconstriction is a kind of an unconditional response that protects the body from water loss, more specifically, the decrease of extracellular volume triggers Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction to protect the body from water loss.
Functional and Transcriptional Analysis of Chromosomal Encoded hipBAXn2 Type II Toxin-Antitoxin (TA) Module From Xenorhabdus Nematophila
Authors: Yadav Mohit , Rathore Jitendra
Published: March 2021

Xenorhabdus nematophila is an entomopathogenic bacterium that synthesizes numerous toxins and kills its larval host. The genome of this bacterium also encodes a total of 39 putative toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems. These systems are also associated with maintaining the bacterial genomic stability and survival of bacteria under adverse environmental conditions. Three hipBA TA homologs were identified on the chromosome of X. nematophila, among them first hipBAXn TA has been studied, second hipBAXn2 TA is still unexplored while third hipBAXn3 TA has been reported as a pseudo-type TA system. Thus, for the first time, here, we are exploring the functionality of the type II hipBAXn2 TA system. This TA system was identified in the genome of X. nematophila ATCC 19061 (NCBI Refseq NC_014228) at position 3774379–3775635 bp, which consists of hipAXn2 toxin gene encoding 270 amino acid residues protein and hipBXn2 encoding antitoxin of 135 amino acid residues protein. It was observed that the overexpression of HipAXn2 toxin inhibits the growth of Escherichia coli cells in a bacteriostatic manner and amino-acids G8, H164, N167, and S169 were key residues for its toxicity. Promoter activity and expression profiling of messenger RNA from the hipBAXn2 TA system was also studied and showed that it was activated in both E. coli as well as X. nematophila upon exposure to different stress conditions. Further, we have exhibited the binding features of HipAXn2 toxin and HipBXn2 antitoxin to their promoter. This study provides the first evidence for the presence of a functional and active hipBAXn2 TA system in X. nematophila.
Breaking a Dogma: Acute Anti-Inflammatory Treatment Alters Both Post-Lesional Functional Recovery and Endogenous Adaptive Plasticity Mechanisms in a Rodent Model of Acute Peripheral Vestibulopathy.
Authors: Mahmoudi Nada El , Rastoldo Guillaume , Marouane Emna , Péricat David , Watabe Isabelle , Tonetto Alain , Hautefort Charlotte , Chabbert Christian , Sargolini Francesca , Tighilet Brahim
Published: March 2021

Background : Due to their anti-inflammatory action, corticosteroids are the reference treatment for brain injuries and many inflammatory diseases. However, the benefits of acute corticotherapy are now being questioned, particularly in the case of acute peripheral vestibulopathies (APV), characterized by a vestibular syndrome composed of sustained spinning vertigo, spontaneous ocular nystagmus and oscillopsia, perceptual-cognitive, posturo-locomotor, and vegetative disorders. We assessed the effectiveness of acute corticotherapy, and the functional role of acute inflammation observed after sudden unilateral vestibular loss. Methods : We used the rodent model of unilateral vestibular neurectomy, mimicking the syndrome observed in patients with APV. We treated the animals during the acute phase of the vestibular syndrome, either with placebo or methylprednisolone, an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid. We used both cellular and behavioral approaches with 2-way ANOVA statistical analysis to evaluate the consequences of an acute anti-inflammatory treatment on post-lesional plasticity and functional recovery. Results : We show here, for the first time, that acute anti-inflammatory treatment alters the expression of the adaptive plasticity mechanisms in the deafferented vestibular nuclei and generates enhanced and prolonged vestibular and postural deficits. Conclusions : These results strongly suggest a beneficial role for acute endogenous neuroinflammation in vestibular compensation. They open the way to a change in dogma for the treatment and therapeutic management of vestibular patients.
Artificial Intelligence helps triage and monitoring of COVID-19 Intensive Care patients
Authors: boussen salah , Cordier Pierre-Yves , Malet Arthur , Simeone Pierre , Cataldi Sophie , Vaisse Camille , Roche Xavier , Castelli Alexandre , Assal Mehdi , Pépin Guillaume , Cot Kevin , Denis Jean-Baptiste , Morales Timothée , Velly Lionel , Bruder Nicolas
Published: March 2021

Background:

The rapid spread of coronavirus disease COVID 19 calls for early screening and monitoring of these patients to distinguish those that are likely to worsen from stable patients that may be directed to intermediate care facilities. We designed an algorithm for COVID-19 patients severity assessment, dynamic intubation and prolonged stay prediction using the Breathing Frequency (BF) and oxygen saturation (SPO2) signals.
Methods

We recorded BF, and SPO2 signals of confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted during the first and second outbreak of the pandemic in France (March to May 2020 and September 2020 to February 2021) in an ICU of a teaching hospital. We extracted four features from the signals that represent the four last hours before intubation for intubated patients and the mean of the four hours before the median intubation time for non-intubated patients. These data were used to train AI algorithms for intubation recognition. Algorithm robustness was checked on a validation set of patients. We selected the best algorithm that was applied every hour to predict intubation, thus a severity evaluation. We performed a 24h moving average of these predictions giving a S24 severity score that represent the patient's severity during the last 24 h. MS24, the maximum of S24 was confronted with the risk of intubation and prolonged ICU stay (> 5 days).
Results

We included 177 patients. Among the tested algorithms, the Logistic regression classifier had the best performance. The model had an accuracy of 88.9 % for intubation recognition (AUC = 0.92). The accuracy on the validation set was 92.6 %. The S24 score of intubated patients was significantly higher than non-intubated patients 48h before intubation and increased 24 hours before intubation. MS24 score allows distinguishing three severity situations with an increased risk of intubation: green (3%), orange (30%) and red (76%). A MS24 score superior to 20 was highly predictive of an ICU stay greater than 5 day with an accuracy of 88.8% (AUC = 0.95).
Conclusions

The score we designed uses simple signals and seems to be efficient to visualize the patient's respiratory situation and may help in decision-making. Real-time computation is easy to implement.
Large Ellipsoid Parts Manufacture Using Electromagnetic Incremental Forming With Variable Blankholder Structure
Authors: Cui Xiaohui , Ziqin Yan , Baoguo Chen , Zhihao Du , Ang Xiao , Hailiang Yu
Published: March 2021

The large ellipsoid parts are the main load-bearing components in the rocket tank, which are prone to wrinkle when using the traditional stamping. In order to solve the wrinkling problem in large parts, the EMIF method with a variable blank holder is proposed in this paper. The numerical simulation has shown that the sheet material near the blank holder is, as a consequence of stamping, subjected to circumferential compressive stress. When the drawing height was 100 mm, the sheet metal was notably wrinkled. In the electromagnetic forming (EMF) process, the sheet region facing the coil becomes thinner. However, the sheet metal thickness corresponding to the coil edge increases with the increase in forming height. If the EMF forming height is 150 mm, the sheet, which is in contact with the smooth mold, is deformed without a wrinkle. Compared to the traditional stamping, the EMF can significantly reduce the sheet metal wrinkling, improving the deformation height of the sheet metal smooth area.
Tunable optoelectronic properties of a two-dimensional graphene/α-In2Se3/graphene-based ferroelectric semiconductor field-effect transistor
Authors: Abderrahmane Abdelkader , Woo Changlim , Ko Pil Ju
Published: March 2021

Two-dimensional (2D) materials are promising for future electronic and optoelectronic devices. In particular, 2D material-based photodetectors have been widely studied because of their excellent photodetection performance. Owing to its excellent electrical and optical characteristics, 2D indium selenide (α-In2Se3) is a good candidate for photodetection applications. In addition, α-In2Se3 samples, including atom-thick α-In2Se3 layers, present ferroelectric properties. Herein, we report the fabrication and electrical and optoelectronic properties of multilayered graphene (Gr)/α-In2Se3/Gr-based ferroelectric semiconductor field-effect transistors (FeS-FETs). Furthermore, we discuss the physical mechanisms affecting electronic and optoelectronic transport in the Gr/α-In2Se3/Gr heterostructure. Large hysteresis was observed in the transfer characteristic curves and it was attributed to the ferroelectric polarization of MTL α-In2Se3 and carrier trapping–detrapping effects. The optoelectronic performance of the fabricated FeS-FETs depended on the ferroelectric properties of α-In2Se3 and can be easily tuned to achieve the maximum photoresponsivity and specific detectivity of 10 AW-1 and 4.4 × 1012 cmHz1/2W-1, respectively.
Worldwide Prevalence of HIV Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND) and its associated factors: A systematic review and meta- analysis
Authors: Zenebe Yosef , Necho Mogesie , Yimam Wondwosen , Akele Baye
Published: March 2021

Background: HIV associated neurocognitive disorders are common in people living with HIV/AIDS and affects adherence of patients to prescription, activities of daily living and quality of life of patients. However, there is a lack of summative evidence in the area. The present meta-analysis was therefore employed to address this gap. Methods: we used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines during our electronic search in Psych-Info, EMBASE, Scopus and PubMed. The retrieved articles were stored with endnote reference manager and data was extracted using Meta-XL version 5.3. The quality of studies were evaluated with modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). A random-effect model and STATA-16 were used to compute the average estimate of HAND. Heterogeneity was weighed with I2 statistics. A sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were employed. The existence /nonexistence of a publication bias were checked with the eye ball test and eggers test of publication bias.Results: The average prevalence of HAND was 50.41% (95% CI: 45.56, 55.26). The average estimate of HAND in Europe was found to be 50.015% whereas in Africa, Asia and United States of America (USA) it was 49.566%, 52.032 %, 50.407% respectively. The prevalence of HAND in studies which used HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) was 36.883% & 59.956% at a cutoff points of IHDS< 9.5 & IHDS <10 respectively. In addition the estimated average of HAND with the global dementia scale (GDS) was 40.766%. The prevalence of HAND in cross-sectional, cohort and case control studies was 49.52%, 54.087% and 44.45% in that order. Sociodemographic variables such as low level of education and older age, clinical and HIV related variables such as advanced stage of the illness and CD4 count of 500 cells/dl or less and psychological variables such as comorbidity of depression increases the risk of HAND.Conclusion: The average prevalence of HAND was high (more than half of participants) and factors such as low level of education, older age, advanced stage of the illness and comorbidity of depression increases the risk of HAND. Public health interventions to HIV patients should target these essential problems.
Nuclear-Targeted TAT-PZLL-D3 Co-Delivery DOX and p53 for Chemotherapy Resistance of SCLC
Authors: Wang Dan , Cao Tianshou , Li Wanyu , Li Li , Huang Qunfa , Yang Huiling , Chen Hua , lin jiantao
Published: March 2021

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for 13% ~ 15% of lung cancer. It is a subtype with high malignancy and poor prognosis. Almost all patients with SCLC will inevitably have drug resistance and tumor recurrence, which has become an urgent problem in the treatment of SCLC. Nuclear-targeted drug delivery system, which enables intra-nuclear release of anticancer drugs, is expected to address this challenge. In this study, based on transactivator of transcription (TAT)’s active transport property to the nucleus, we developed a high-efficiency nucleus-targeted co-delivery vector that delivers genes and drugs directly into the nucleus of A549 cells. The system is based on a poly-(N-ε-carbobenzyloxy-L-lysine) (PZLL) and dendritic polyamidoamine (PAMAM) block copolymer (PZLL-D3) with TAT modified on the surface of carrier. In vitro studies showed that DOX and p53 could can be effectively transported to the nucleus and kill the cancer cells. Thus, such deliver system would bypass the drug resistance and tumor recurrence problem.
Trends, Variability and Predictive Skill of the Ocean Heat Content in North Atlantic: An Analysis with the EC-Earth3 Model
Authors: Carmo-Costa Teresa , Bilbao Roberto , Ortega Pablo , Teles-Machado Ana , Dutra Emanuel
Published: March 2021

This study investigates trends, variability and predictive skill of the upper ocean heat content (OHC) in the North Atlantic basin. This is a region where strong decadal variability superimposes the externally forced trends, introducing important differences in the local warming rates, and leading in the case of the Central Subpolar North Atlantic to an overall long-term cooling. Our analysis aims to better understand these regional differences, by investigating how internal and forced variability contribute to local trends, exploring also their role on the local prediction skill. The analysis combines the study of three ocean reanalyses to document the uncertainties related to observations, with two sets of CMIP6 experiments performed with the global coupled climate model EC-Earth3: a historical ensemble to characterise the forced signals; and a retrospective decadal prediction system, to additionally characterise the contributions from internal climate variability.

Our results show that internal variability is essential to understand the spatial pattern of North Atlantic OHC trends, contributing decisively to the local trends and providing high levels of predictive skill in the Eastern Subpolar North Atlantic and the Irminger and Iceland Seas, and to a lesser extent in the Labrador Sea. Skill and trends in other areas like the Subtropical North Atlantic, or the Gulf Stream Extension are mostly externally forced. Large observational and modeling uncertainties affect the trends and interannual variability in the Central Subpolar North Atlantic, the only region exhibiting a cooling during the study period, uncertainties that might explain the very poor local predictive skill.
Wild Edible Plants Traditionally Collected and Used in Southern Yemen
Authors: Al-Fatimi Mohamed Ali
Published: March 2021

Background: The local wild edible plants (WFPs) are still used traditionally in the rural communities in Yemen but this traditional knowledge is still undocumented and has been never reported before. Therefore, this study is the first ethnobotanical survey on WFPs conducted in Yemen.Methods: This study is based on two field surveys made between 1988 and1992 and between 2014 and 2016 to document the wild plants used as edible by local indigenous peoples in 15 districts belongs to six governorates, in southern Yemen. Information data were collected by oral face-to-face interviews from 250 informants. Percentage of citation were calculate for each species.Results: A total of 58 plant species belong to 37 genera and 21 families are reported as wild edible plants consumed in southern Yemen. Apocynaceae was the dominant plant family with 18 species followed by Asteraceae (6), and Malvaceae (5). The most widely used edible parts are stem, leaf and fruit with more than 17 species for each. Herbs were reported as the most important sources (31 species), followed by shrubs (16) and trees (9). Most of reported wild edibles (48 species parts) are consumed in raw form; only 12 of them are cooked. Seven wild edible plants were collected in dry season, 16 species throughout the year, and 38 in rainy season. In this study, 58 wild plants were reported for the first time as food in Yemen. Comparing the southern Yemeni findings to those from other world countries, 12 of them are eaten only in southern Yemen, while 46 are consumed in different world countries practically in East Africa. Conclusions: The results data reflects the strong relationship between the local peoples and the wild plants and the valuable knowledge of the uses of wild species as potential sources for traditional food. The use of these wild plants is attributed to food shortage, nutritional values, and local cultural tradition. This study preserves the oral traditional knowledge of the local wild plants used as food and/or nutraceutical sources for human in the future instead their losing at risk of time, immigration and wars.
Risk Factors Associated With Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy in Eyes Treated With Panretinal Photocoagulation
Authors: Baek Sung Uk , Park Min Seon , Cho Bum-Joo , Park In Won , Kwon Soonil
Published: March 2021

Uncontrolled diabetes has been associated with progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in several studies. Therefore, we aimed to investigate systemic and ophthalmic factors related to worsening of DR even after completion of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). DR patients who had completed PRP in at least one eye with a 3-year follow-up after PRP were included. A total of 243 eyes of 243 subjects (mean age 52.6±11.6 years) were enrolled. Among them, 52 patients (21.4%) showed progression of DR after PRP (progression group), and the other 191 (78.6%) patients had stable DR (non-progression group). The progression group had higher proportion of proliferative DR (P=0.019); lower baseline visual acuity (P<0.001); and higher platelet count (P=0.048), hemoglobin (P=0.044), and hematocrit, (P=0.042) than the non-progression group. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis for progression of DR, baseline visual acuity (HR: 0.053, P<0.001) and platelet count (HR: 1.215, P=0.031) were identified as risk factors for progression. Consequently, we propose that patients with low visual acuity or high platelet count are more likely to have progressive DR despite PRP and require careful observation. Also, the evaluation of hemorheological factors including platelet counts before PRP can be considered useful in predicting the prognosis of DR.
Mapping Services at Two Nairobi County Primary Health Facilities: Identifying Challenges and Opportunities in Integrated Mental Health Care as a Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Priority
Authors: Kumar Manasi , Nyongesa Vincent , Kagoya Martha , Mutamba Byamah Brian , Amugune Beatrice , Krishnam Neha , Wambua Grace Nduku , Gachuno Onesmus , Saxena Shekhar
Published: March 2021

Introduction: We describe a facility mapping exercise conducted in two low-income/primary health facilities in Kenya to identify available service resources, cadres, and developmental partners as well as existing barriers and facilitators in the delivery of mental health services in general and specifically for peripartum adolescents in primary health care. We have tried to embrace the principles of integrating mental health services in primary care and keeping WHO mhGAP in mind. Additionally, primary care facilities’ capacity is a major limiting factor for expanding universal health coverage in low- and middle-income countries. Method and Measures: This study utilized a qualitative evidence synthesis through semi-structured facility services mapping and stakeholder interviews. Services-related data was collected from two facility in-charges using the Nairobi City County Human Resource Health Strategy record forms. Additionally, we conducted 12 key informant interviews (KIIs) with and clinical officers (Clinicians at diploma level), Nurses, Community Health Assistants (CHAs), Prevention of Mother-to-child Transmission of HIV Mentor Mothers (PMTCTMs), around both general and adolescent mental health as well as psychosocial services they offered. Using the World Health Organization Assessments Instrument for Mental Health Systems (WHO-AIMS) as a guideline for the interview, all KII questions were structured to identify the extent of mental health integration in primary health care services. Interview transcripts were then systematically analyzed for common themes and discussed by the first three authors to eliminate discrepancies. Results: Our findings show that health care services centered around physical health were offered daily while the mental health services were offered weekly through specialist services by the Ministry of Health directly or non-governmental partner. Despite Health care workers being aware of the urgent need to integrate mental health services into routine care, they expressed limited knowledge about mental health disorders, lack of trained mental health personnel, the need for more significant funding and resources to provide mental health services, and promotion of CMHS to treat mental health conditions in the primary care setting. Our stakeholders underscored the urgency of integrating mental health treatment, prevention, and well-being promotive activities targeting adolescents especially peripartum adolescent girls.Conclusion: There is a need for further refining of the integrated care model in mental health services and targeted capacity building for health care providers to deliver quality services.