bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Guide to Best Practice in Online Learning in Medical Education: A Middle East Qualitative Reflective Analysis
Authors: Wasfy Nourhan F. , Abouzeid Enjy , Nasser Asmaa Abdel , Ahmed Samar A. , Youssry Ilham , Hegazy Nagwa N. , Shehata Mohamed Hany , Kamal Doaa , Atwa Hani
Published: February 2021

Background: With the strike of Covid-19, an unprecedented rapid shift to remote learning happened worldwide with a paradigm shift to online learning from an institutional adjuvant luxury package and learner choice into a forced solo choice. This sheds the light onto quality assurance. While some groups have already established standards for online courses, teaching and programs yet very little information is included on methodology of their development and very little emphasis is placed on the online learning experience. Nevertheless, no work has been done specifically for medical education institutions.To develop a set of descriptors for best practice in online learning in medical education utilizing existing expertise and needs.Methods: This work utilizes a qualitative multistage approach to identify the descriptors of best practice in online learning starting with a question guided focus group, thematic analysis, Delphi technique and an expert consensus session done simultaneously for triangulationResults: This materialized into the development of a set of standards, indicators, and development of a checklist for each standard area. The standard areas identified were organizational capacity, educational effectiveness, and human resources each of which listed a number of standards. Expert consensus sessions identified the need for qualification of data and thus the development of indicators for best practice.Conclusion: Standards are needed for online learning experience and their development and redesign is situational and needs to be enhanced methodologically in axes that are pertaining to the needs of the education community. Taking such axes into consideration by educators and institutions will lead to planning and implementing successful online learning activities, while taking them into consideration by the evaluators will help them conduct comprehensive audits and provide stakeholders with highly informative evaluation reports.
Benzo[ghi]perylene Induces Morphological and Genotoxic Effects in Human Bronchial Cells Independently of The AhR Pathway
Authors: Castro-Gálvez Zelmy , Zaragoza-Ojeda Montserrat , Hernández-Hernández Abrahan , Arenas-Huertero Francisco
Published: February 2021

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are organic compounds found in the contaminated atmosphere of Mexico City, where the PAH present with highest concentration is benzo[ghi]perylene [B[ghi]p]. We recently demonstrated that double-stranded breaks in DNA appear after 3h of exposure, whereas cellular changes and activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway occur after 48h in bronchial cells under exposure to B[ghi]p, these findings have led us to explore if the AHR pathway participates in morphological changes and genotoxic effects due to B[ghi]p in human NL-20 bronchial cells. Cells of the NL-20 human bronchial line were exposed to B[ghi]p in the presence, or absence, of the AHR receptor antagonist, CH-223191. Cell viability was quantified by the MTT assay, which revealed 76 and 66% at 6h and 24h, respectively (p<0.001), regardless of the presence of CH-223191. RT-qPCR showed an increase in the expression of the AHR and CYP1A1 cytochrome genes only after 24h of exposure, and the expression was inhibited by CH-223191. Genotoxicity assays revealed the presence of comets, nuclear buds (NB) and DNA fragmentation in cells exposed to B[ghi]p after 6h and in cells exposed to B[ghi]p plus CH-223191 at 24h. These results verify that B[ghi]p induces morphological and genotoxic effects, and these effects are independent of the AHR pathway.
Postoperative evaluation of the uterus after hysteroscopic versus Laparoscopic myomectomy of type 1 and type 2 submucous myomas
Authors: said Tamer hanafy
Published: February 2021

BackgroundMyomectomy of submucous fibroids is usually performed using hysteroscopic approach. The reproductive performance of women after removal of submucous myomas is much better in type 0 more than type 1 and 2. This conflict result might be due to harmful effect of hysteroscopy on the endometrium and inadequate healing. The objective of the cohort study was to evaluate the uterus after myomectomy using 2 surgical approaches. Both hysteroscopic and laparoscopic myomectomy were used.Methods: A total of 74 patients with submucous fibroids were recruited and were randomly divided equally into 2 groups. Group (1) included those in whom laparoscopic myomectomy was done while in group (2) the hysteroscopic myomectomy was used. The hysteroscopic myomectomy was done using the standard techniques using the resectoscope with wire loop. The laparoscopic method was also done using the standard techniques. Results: The duration of surgery was longer in group one and significant decrease in hemoglobin level in group one. Postoperative hysteroscopic evaluation of the uterus showed better endometrial thickness, interface and normal myometrium denoting normal uterine cavity in group (one) when compared with group (two). The complication rate was comparable in both groups.Conclusion: Surgical treatment of type 1 and 2 submucous fibroid is feasible by both hysteroscopic and laparoscopic approaches. The laparoscopic approach had better postoperative endometrium and myometrium, fewer days of postoperative uterine bleeding and better functioning endometrium.
WITHDRAWN: Preparation, Characterization, and Stability of the (1-x) CsH2PO4 + xTiO2 Composite Electrolytes for Fuel Cells
Authors: Singh Deshraj , Kumar Pawan , Singh Jitendra , Veer Dharm , Katiyar Ram S , Kumar Aravind
Published: February 2021

Composite Electrolytes (1-x)CsH2PO4/xTiO2(0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4) were prepared and analyzed the structural, thermal, and transport properties. We have investigated the ionic conductivity of the composites electrolyte highly pressurized pellets and found that the conductivity of pure CsH2PO4 (CDP) increased three orders of magnitude at the transition temperature. The conductivity value of the composites is greater than pure CDP after 250°C. Arrhenius plots have confirmed the conductive nature of ionic conduction. The dehydration behavior and thermal stability of the materials were observed in terms of differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis, and found that the minimum weight loss for the composite 0.6CDP/0.4TiO2. The electrodes were prepared with the technique of vapor deposition.
Anthropogenic Activities Destabilized Bacterial Co-occurrence Networks in a Subtropical River
Authors: Liu Lemian , Wang Shanshan , Chen Jianfeng
Published: February 2021

Previous studies suggested that strong positive correlations between microbial taxa destabilized microbial co-occurrence network, because network members which had strong positive correlations with each other tended to decrease in abundance synchronously. Anthropogenic activities have strong influences on microbial community composition and diversity in riverine ecosystems, but how they influence the stability of microbial co-occurrence network remain unclear. In this study, we used nutrient concentrations (nitrogen and phosphorus) as an indicator for anthropogenic activities, and explored the effects of anthropogenic activities on the stability of bacterial co-occurrence networks in a subtropical river, Xiyuan River. The nutrient concentrations were higher in midstream and downstream areas than in upstream area of Xiyuan River. The average proportion and correlation coefficient of positive correlations were higher in midstream and downstream networks than in upstream networks, indicating frequent anthropogenic activities destabilized the bacterial co-occurrence networks. To further explore the mechanisms, we found that the changes of network stabilities were associated with the changes of bacterial functions. Anthropogenic activity tolerant bacteria (e.g. nutrient removal, aromatic degradation and pathogen bacteria) and their linked bacterial members formed the large and strong positive modules in the midstream and downstream networks, and thus destabilized the networks. Based on network perspective, our results provide a new insight in the mechanisms of how anthropogenic activities alter riverine microbial communities.
Selectivity and Potency of Natural Product Pim Kinase Inhibitors Identified By in Silico Docking
Authors: Russell Michael , Fazio Nicholas , Webster Jace , Hansen Marc
Published: February 2021

PIM3 (Proviral Integration site for Maloney murine leukemia virus kinase 3) is a proto-oncogene with serine/threonine kinase activity that prevents apoptosis, promotes cell survival, and stimulates protein translation. Additionally, PIM3 functions in inflammation and immunity pathways. PIM3 inhibitors are being developed to treat cancer and inflammation-related disorders. Here we screen a 98,000 compound virtual library of natural products to identify those that are predicted to fit in the ATP site of PIM3. Since the structure of PIM3 has not been determined experimentally, we performed molecular structure prediction using the SWISS-MODEL tool to generate a PIM3 model structure for in silico screening. Compounds predicted to fit the ATP binding site of PIM3 were validated using biochemical assays, revealing activity against PIM3 for all 8 candidates, with potencies mostly in the micromolar range. We tested several analogs of two validated candidates, the diosgenin glycoside dioscin and the biflavonoid hinokiflavone. Among five dioscin analogs, three exhibit similar potency against PIM3, and with some selectivity for PIM3 versus PIM1 and 2. Meanwhile, 3 of seven biflavonoid analogs exhibit sub-micromolar IC50 potency against PIM3, but with less selectivity for PIM3 versus PIM 1 and 2.
Compound Heterozygous Mutations in TGFBI Cause a Severe Phenotype of Granular Corneal Dystrophy Type 2
Authors: Jun Ikhyun , Ji Yong Woo , Choi Seung-il , Lee Bo Ram , Min Ji Sang , Kim Eung Kweon
Published: February 2021

We investigated the clinical and genetic features of patients with severe phenotype of granular corneal dystrophy type 2 (GCD2) associated with compound heterozygosity in the transforming growth factor-β-induced (TGFBI) gene. Patients with severe GCD2 underwent ophthalmic examination (best-corrected visual acuity test, intraocular pressure measurement, slit-lamp examination, and slit-lamp photograph analysis) and direct Sanger sequencing of whole-TGFBI. The patient’s family was tested to determine the pedigrees. Five novel mutations (p.His174Asp, p.Ile247Asn, p.Tyr88Cys, p.Arg257Pro, and p.Tyr468*) and two known mutations (p.Asn544Ser and p.Arg179*) in TGFBI were identified, along with p.Arg124His, in the patients. Trans-phase of TGFBI second mutations was confirmed by pedigree analysis. Multiple, extensive discoid granular, and increased linear deposits were observed in the probands carrying p.Arg124His and other nonsense mutations. Some patients who had undergone phototherapeutic keratectomy experienced rapid recurrence (p.Ile247Asn and p.Asn544Ser); however, the cornea was well-maintained in a patient who underwent deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (p.Ile247Asn). Thus, compound heterozygosity of TGFBI is associated with the phenotypic variability of TGFBI corneal dystrophies, suggesting that identifying TGFBI second mutations may be vital in patients with extraordinarily severe phenotypes. Our findings indicate the necessity for a more precise observation of genotype-phenotype correlation and additional care when treating TGFBI corneal dystrophies.
Nonlinear Dynamic Study of Oscillation System Featuring Quasi-Zero and Asymmetric Stiffness
Authors: Le Thanh Danh , Nguyen Minh Ky , Vo Ngoc Yen Phuong
Published: February 2021

This paper will broaden our previous works about the asymmetric and quasi-zero stiffness oscillator named AQZSO. In this paper, the dynamic stiffness of the AQZSO will be investigated. Then, the condition for which the minimum dynamic stiffness is quasi-zero around the equilibrium position is also determined. By using Multi-Scale method, the fundamental resonance response of the AQZSO subjected to the vibrating base is analyzed, in which the dynamic stiffness is expressed as a fifth-order approximate polynomial through expanding Taylor series. The stability of the response is then found out via nonlinear Routh-Herwitz criterion. Moreover, because of existing the sliding friction between the cylinder and piston, the nonlinear and varying-time dynamic characteristics, the complex dynamic response of the AQZSO is the need for discovery by performing direct integration of the original dynamic equation through using 5th-order Runge-Kutta algorithm. In this work, the friction force model of cylinder will be identified through virtual prototyping technique and genetic algorithm. Additionally, the Poincáre map is also employed to analyze the bifurcation phenomenon, coexistence of multiple solutions. The traction basin of the period-1, period-2 and period-3 solution is determined, indicating that the attractor basin is influenced by the asymmetric of the stiffness curve. This research will offer a useful insight to design low frequency vibration isolation systems.
WITHDRAWN: Transgenic Canola Plants Expressing cry1Ia5 Gene Are Resistant to (Agrotis Ipsilon) Using Sonication Assisted Agrobacterium Mediated Transformation (SAAT) Technique
Authors: Khashaba Etr H.K. , Moghaieb Reda E. , Youssef Sawsan S. , Moraad Sayed
Published: February 2021

The aim of this work was to transfer the cry1Ia5 gene into the genome of two commercial canola cultivars using Sonication assisted Agrobacterium mediated transformation system and to test its toxicity against A. ipsilon. The integration and expression of the cry1Ia5 gene into the plants genome was confirmed using PCR, Southern blot and Northern blot analyses. The insecticidal activity of transgenic plants against A. ipsilon was studied. The 2nd and 4th A. ipsilon larval instars were fed on leaves from five transgenic lines (L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5) for one week of T1 plants. Transgenic L5 was found to be more toxic to the 2nd larval instar causing 60% mortality on the 3rd day followed by 100% on the 4th day post feeding. While the other transgenic lines L2, L3, L4 caused 60, 20, 80% mortality respectively on the 6th day, whereas L1 did not show any observed toxicity to A. ipsilon. Digestive and detoxification enzyme activity were examined in the body of 2nd instar of A. ipsilon, fed on bt canola, showing significantly lower trypsin, protease, lipase, esterase and acetylcholinesterase activities and significantly increase Glutathione-S-transferase and Chitinase activities than non-bt fed larvae. Whilst the 4th larval instar fed on bt canola showed cannibalism as change in the behavior. The results of the study imply that transgenic canola lines obtained varying in toxicity against A. ipsilon which could be used to construct new canola cultivars resistant to A. ipsilon.
Metabolic-Related Index to Predict Post Transplantation Diabetes After Renal Transplantation
Authors: NI XIAOJIE , Li Yonglin , Huang Tingting , Zhou Yi , Chen Bicheng
Published: February 2021

Background Early identification of post‑transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) can be helpful to attenuate the rapid development of diabetic complications. This article aims to explore the beneficial values of metabolic-related markers, including TyG, TyG-BMI, TG/HDL-C and non-HDL-C/HDL-C, for predicting PTDM.Material and methods The data of 191 renal transplant recipients in our center were collected retrospectively. The association between the metabolic-related markers and the risk of PTDM was examined by the area under the curve and logistic regression analyses. Results During 6 months follow-up, 12.04% of RT recipients developed PTDM, and significantly higher values of TyG-BMI, TyG and non-HDL-C/HDL-C was found in patients with PTDM than in nondiabetic patients, especially among the recipients taking FK506. The incidence of PTDM increased along with the values of TyG or TyG-BMI. After adjusting for multiple potential factors, recipients with the highest trisector of TyG or TyG-BMI still had a higher risk of PTDM morbidity. Conclusions TyG, TyG-BMI, TG/HDL-C and non-HDL-C/HDL-C can predict PTDM in renal transplant recipients, and TyG-BMI was the best alternative marker among the four markers. TyG and TyG-BMI can be used as cost-effective and complementary monitors to identify individuals at high risk of PTDM.
Ginsenoside Rg2 Attenuates Doxorubicin-induced Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis via PI3K/Akt Pathway
Authors: Qiu Boyong , Mao Meijiao , Zhang Shuai , Deng Bing , Shen Lin , Zhao Ping , Zhou Duan , Wei Yihong
Published: February 2021

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an important drug for cancer therapy; however, its use is limited by its cardiotoxicity. Ginsenoside Rg2 is extracted from Panax ginseng, which is believed to have cardioprotective properties. However, to date, there have been no reports on whether ginsenoside Rg2 could protect cardiomyocytes against DOX. In this study, we investigated the action and underlying mechanisms of ginsenoside Rg2 upon DOX treatment. This study aimed to explore the cardioprotective effects of ginsenoside Rg2 against DOX treatment. Cell Counting kit-8 was used to determine cell viability and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining was used to detect apoptotic cells. Western blotting was used to investigate the relevant pathways. LY294002 (LY294), a PI3K inhibitor, was used in this study. We found that ginsenoside Rg2 significantly (P < 0.01) neutralized cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by DOX in a dose-dependent manner, which was blocked by LY294. Moreover, ginsenoside Rg2 upregulated Akt phosphorylation through the PI3K/Akt pathway and inhibited p53 expression. Taken together, Ginsenoside Rg2 attenuates DOX-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Fried Carbohydrate-rich Food as a Potential Source of Malondialdehyde and Acrylamide: a Consumption Pattern to Evaluate the Risk of Cancer in Population
Authors: Karimi Sheno , Goudarzi Farjam , Pourmehdi Mojtaba , Heydarpour Fatemeh , Mahaki Behzad , Nachvak Seyed Mostafa
Published: February 2021

Background: Tah-Dig (A food rich in carbohydrate that is highly fried) is one of the most popular and tasty Persian food. However, toxic compounds such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and acrylamide are vastly formed in Tah-Dig. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cooking and consumption pattern, intake frequency, acrylamide and malondialdehyde content of Tah-Dig in Iranian population. Methods. The content of acrylamide consumption in population was measured by LC-MS/MS and the MDA in cooking oils used to prepare Tah-Dig was also quantified. Data mining was used to investigate the relationship between the influential factors and Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR). Results. The most consumed type of Tah-Dig among Iranians is Tah-Dig of bread. The highest amount of acrylamide consumed by population was found in potatoes Tah-Dig. The highest MDA content was detected in canola frying oil. Conclusions. Considering data mining analysis, it was shown that the most influential factors related to ILCR are a cumulative factors of Tah-Dig color, portion size, Tah-Dig type, oil type, and the level of education.
Different Sclerostin Response to Cycling and Running at the Same Exercise Intensity
Authors: Dror Nitsan , Carbone Joseph , Haddad Fadia , Falk Bareket , Klentrou Panagiota , Radom-Aizik Shlomit
Published: February 2021

Recreational cycling is a popular activity which stimulates and improves cardiovascular fitness. The corresponding benefits for bone are unclear. This study examined the effect of running (high-impact) vs. cycling (low-impact), at the same moderate-to-vigorous exercise intensity, on markers of bone formation (N-terminal propeptide of type I collagen, PINP) and bone resorption (C-telopeptide of type I collagen, CTX-1), a non-collagenous bone remodeling marker (osteocalcin), as well as bone-modulating factors, including parathyroid hormone (PTH), irisin (myokine) and sclerostin (osteokine). Thirteen healthy men (23.7±1.0 y) performed two progressive exercise tests to exhaustion (peak VO2) on a cycle ergometer (CE) and on a treadmill (TM). On subsequent separate days, in randomized order, participants performed 30-min continuous running or cycling at 70% heart rate reserve (HRR). Blood was drawn before, immediately post- and 1h into recovery. PTH transiently increased (CE, 51.7%; TM, 50.6%) immediately after exercise in both exercise modes. Sclerostin levels increased following running only (27.7%). Irisin increased following both running and cycling. In both exercise-modes, CTX-1 decreased immediately after exercise, with no significant change in PINP and osteocalcin. At the same moderate-to-vigorous exercise intensity, running appears to result in a greater transient sclerostin response compared with cycling, while the responses of bone markers, PTH and irisin are similar. The longer-term implications of this differential bone response need to be further examined.
Second Surgery for Progressive Glioblastoma: A Multi-Centre Questionnaire and Cohort-Based Review of Clinical Decision-Making and Patient Outcomes in Current Practice
Authors: Brennan Paul , Borchert R , Coulter C , Critchley G , Hall B , Holliman D , Phang I , Jefferies S , Keni S , Lee L , Liaquat I , Marcus H , Thomson S , Thorne L , Vintu M , Wiggins A , Jenkinson M , Erridge S.
Published: February 2021

PurposeGlioblastoma prognosis is poor. Treatment options are limited at progression. Surgery may benefit, but no quality guidelines exist to inform patient selection. We sought to describe variations in surgical management at progression, highlight where further evidence is needed, and build towards a consensus strategy. MethodsCurrent practice in selection of patients with progressive GBM for second surgery was surveyed online amongst specialists in the UK and Europe. We complemented this with an assessment of practice in a retrospective cohort study from six United Kingdom neurosurgical units. We used descriptive statistics to analyse the data. Results234 questionnaire responses were received. Maintaining or improving patient quality of life was key to decision making, with variation as to whether patient age, performance status or intended extent of resection was relevant. MGMT methylation status was not important. Half considered no minimum time after first surgery. 288 patients were reported in the cohort analysis. Median time to second surgery from first surgery 390 days. Median overall survival 815 days, with no association between time to second surgery and time to death (p=0.874). ConclusionThis is the most wide-ranging examination of contemporaneous practice in management of GBM progression. Without evidence-based guidelines, the variation is unsurprising. We propose consensus guidelines for consideration, to reduce heterogeneity in decision making, support data collection and analysis of factors influencing outcomes, and to inform clinical trials to establish whether second surgery improves patient outcomes, or simply selects to patients already performing well.
Overexpression of HHLA2 is Markedly Associated with the Poor Prognosis in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Niu Yongzhi , Wang Wei , Jiang Xiaodan , Zhang Jisheng , Huang Yichuan , Yan Shu , Jiang Yan
Published: February 2021

Human endogenous retrovirus-H long terminal repeat-associating protein 2 (HHLA2) is a newly identified immune checkpoint molecule that was aberrantly expressed in many malignant tumors. However, its expression in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the HHLA2 expression in MTC tissues and to evaluate the relationships between its expression and clinicopathologic together with prognostic relevance. Using 51 surgical specimens obtained from MTC patients, the expression levels of the HHLA2 protein in MTC tumor tissues and adjacent noncancerous tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry, and its correlations with clinicopathologic and prognostic features were analyzed. Status of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) was also investigated. The results showed that HHLA2 was only detected in tumor tissues, and that 31.4% of the MTC patients had high expression of HHLA2. High HHLA2 expression was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis and advanced AJCC stages (P=0.005). There existed an inverse trend between HHLA2 expression and CD8+ TILs infiltration in MTC tumor samples (P=0.042). The log-rank test showed a shorter disease-free survival in patients with high HHLA2 expression (P=0.002). The disease-free survival rates were also significantly low in cases of MTC with lymph node metastasis, AJCC stages III-IV and multifocality. Multivariate Cox analysis confirmed that HHLA2 acted as an independent predictive factor in the disease-free survival of MTC patients (HR=4.138, 95%CI: 1.027-16.667, P=0.046). Taken together, HHLA2 is highly expressed in MTC patients, and is a poor prognostic biomarker of disease-free survival of MTC patients.
A Genetic-Based Pairwise trip Planner Recommender System
Authors: Qomariyah Nunung Nurul , Kazakov Dimitar
Published: February 2021

The massive growth of internet users nowadays can be a big opportunity for the businesses to promote their services. This opportunity is not only for e-commerce, but also for other e-services, such as e-tourism. In this paper, we propose an approach of personalized recommender system with pairwise preference elicitation for the e-tourism domain area. We used a combination of Genetic Agorithm with pairwise user preference elicitation approach. The advantages of pairwise preference elicitation method, as opposed to the pointwise method, have been shown in many studies, including to reduce incosistency and confusion of a rating number. We also performed a user evaluation study by inviting 24 participants to examine the proposed system and publish the POIs dataset which contains 201 attractions used in this study.
A Novel Approach to Model Threshold Voltage and Subthreshold Current of Graded-Doped Junctionless-Gate-All-Around (GD-JL-GAA) MOSFETs
Authors: Gupta Vidyadhar , Awasthi Himanshi , Kumar Nitish , Pandey Amit Kumar , GUPTA ABHINAV
Published: February 2021

This present article interprets the analytical models of central channel potential, the threshold voltage, and subthreshold current for Graded-Doped Junctionless-Gate-All-Around (GD-JL-GAA) MOSFETs. The parabolic approximation equation with appropriate boundary conditions has been adopted to solve the 2D Poisson’s equation for determining the central channel potential. The minimum channel potential is obtained by potential channel expression, and it is utilized to determine the threshold voltage and subthreshold current by using the Drift-Diffusion method. The behaviour of GD-JL-GAA MOSFETs has been examined by varying physical device parameters such as doping concentration (NDn), channel thickness (tsi), oxide thickness (tox), and channel length ratio (L1 : L2). The mathematical analysis shows that the nominal gate leakage current in GD-JL-GAA MOSFETs due to high graded abrupt junction inside the channel region. The analytical model results have been verified with simulation data extracted from a TCAD simulator.
Breeding Stage and Environmental Factors Affect Prey Selection by Greater Crested Terns Off Southeast Australia
Authors: Quiring Katrin , Carroll Gemma , Heymann Eckhard , Champion Curtis , Harcourt Robert
Published: February 2021

Variation in the diet of marine predators such as seabirds can be used to track environmentally-driven changes in ocean ecosystems. However, studies of predator diet must account for intrinsic influences on prey selection, such as changing nutritional requirements during breeding. Using digital photography, we investigated how the type and size of prey brought back to the colony by greater crested terns (Thalasseus bergii) changed in relation to breeding stage, and to variation in oceanographic conditions around Montague Island, Australia (36°15’S, 150°13’E). 2469 prey items were identified to species or family level over 35 consecutive days of photo-sampling in 2018. Australian anchovy (Engraulis australis), a surface-schooling clupeid fish, was the most abundant prey returned to the colony during all breeding stages (84.5%). The proportion of anchovy increased from 77.0% when birds were provisioning their adult partners during incubation, to 92.4% when they were provisioning chicks, suggesting selective foraging behaviour on this energy-dense species as a means to facilitate rapid chick growth. Anchovy size was largest during incubation (91.1 ± 14.9 mm), smallest during early chick provisioning (71.8 ± 11.0 mm), and increased slightly during mid-provisioning (79.6 ± 11.9 mm), indicating adaptive prey selection that is matched to the physical requirements of different breeding stages. The proportion of anchovy prey was also influenced by extrinsic environmental factors, with anchovy becoming more dominant with increasing local sea surface temperatures, up to ~17.5°C. Our findings highlight the importance of examining both intrinsic and extrinsic determinants of diet composition across breeding stages in seabird populations.
Clinical Experience With a Shape Memory Polymer Peripheral Vascular Embolisation Plug: A Case Series
Authors: Morgan Robert A. , Loftus Ian , Ratnam Lakshmi , Das Raj , Mailli Leto , Hamady Mohamad , Lobotesis Kyriakos
Published: February 2021

Background: Shape memory polymers are materials that are manufactured in a certain shape, can be stored in a temporary deformed shape, and then return to – or remember – their original shape upon exposure to external stimuli such as temperature and moisture. This property lends itself to application in endovascular medical devices. Peripheral vasculature embolisation devices incorporating this novel technology have become commercially available and this case series, where the data were collected as part of a post market registry, outlines initial clinical experience with these novel devices.Results: Eight cases are described in this series. The disease state/conditions for which embolisation was indicated were right common iliac artery aneurysms (n = 3), a type II endoleak into the thoracic aorta following thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (n = 1), a left inferior gluteal artery aneurysm (n = 1), left internal iliac artery aneurysms (n = 2), and a case of splenomegaly, where splenectomy was planned after the embolisation procedure (n = 1). Target arteries were 5-10 mm in diameter. In each case, at least one IMPEDE Embolization Plug of an appropriate diameter was used. All procedures were technically successful and target vessel thrombosis was achieved in all cases. Follow-up imaging available during the 45-90-day data collection timeframe showed sustained vessel occlusion. This case series includes examples of situations commonly encountered when embolising the peripheral vasculature, namely, the use of one or multiple devices in a single vessel and in combination with the use of other embolic devices (e.g., microcoils, gelatin sponge, and PVA particles) in the same case. There were no adverse events related to the specific use of the device.Conclusions: This small series illustrates the safety and efficacy of this novel sponge-based embolic device for the embolisation of small and medium sized arteries and further experience will demonstrate the utility of the shape memory polymer devices.
An Alternative Electrochemical Approach to Detect 4-Nitrophenylhydrazine With ZnO/SnO2 Nanoparticles Decorated Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Alam Md Mahmud , Uddin M.T. , Rahman Mohammed M. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Islam M.A.
Published: February 2021

The 4-NPHyd (4-nitrophenylhydrazine) electrochemical sensor assembled using wet-chemically prepared ZnO/SnO2 nanoparticle (NPs) decorated a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with conductive Nafion binder. The synthesized NPs characterized by XPS, ESEM, EDS, and XRD analysis. The calibration of the proposed sensor obtained from current versus concentration of 4-NPHyd found linear over a concentration (0.1nM~0.01mM) of 4-NPHyd, which denoted as the dynamic range (LDR) for detection of 4-NPHyd. The 4-NPHyd sensor sensitivity calculated using the LDR slope considering the active surface of GCE (0.0316 cm2), which is equal to be 7.6930 µAµM-1cm-2, an appreciable value. The detection limit (LOD) at signal/noise (S/N=3) estimated, and outstanding lower value at 94.63±4.73 pM perceived. The analytical parameters such as reproducibility, long-term performing ability and response time are found as appreciable. Finally, the projected sensor shows exceptional performances in the detection of 4-NPHyd in environmental samples.
A Histopathological Scoring and Grading System for Renal Non-aa Amyloidosis: Prediction of Clinical Manifestations and Outcomes 
Authors: Celtik Aygul , Sen Sait , Karadag Fatma Keklik , Saydam Guray , Asci Gulay , Sarsik Banu , Ozkahya Mehmet , Toz Huseyin
Published: February 2021

Background: Kidney involvement is a common manifestation that contributes to morbidity and mortality in systemic amyloidosis. Amyloid load can be predicted by histopathological grading of amyloid deposits in kidney biopsy specimens. Our aim was to determine the relationship of renal amyloid deposition grade with clinical manifestations and outcomes in patients with biopsy proven renal non-AA amyloidosis. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 74 subjects with renal non-AA amyloidosis (52 AL amyloidosis and 22 unclassified amyloidosis). Baseline characteristics and follow-up data were recorded. Pattern and quantity of amyloid deposition in glomeruli, interstitium, vessels and tubulointerstitial changes were scored. Renal Amyloid Prognostic Score (RAPS) was obtained by addition of all scores and divided into three grades (RAPS grade I, II, III). Results: In AL amyloidosis group, median follow-up was 11 (4-45 months). Among 52 patients, 17 received autologous stem cell transplantation and 29 received bortezomib based chemotherapy. Baseline eGFR was significantly lower among patients with RAPS grade III. Renal survival was significantly lower among patients with RAPS grade III. Patient survival was not significantly different according to RAPS grade. Type of amyloid could not be determined in 22 patients. In this group, baseline eGFR was significantly lower in patients with RAPS grade III. Conclusions: In patients with AL amyloidosis, baseline kidney functions are associated with RAPS grade. Renal survival is significantly lower in patients with highest RAPS grade. However, patient survival is not significantly different according to RAPS grade.
Differential expression of related molecules after acute injury of rabbits’ anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament
Authors: Wen Yu , Han Yin-he , Gu Huining , Zhang Mingzheng , Li Bin
Published: February 2021

Objective: This study aimed to assay expression of the mRNA and proteins for injuring- and angiogenesis-associated molecules at 3 days, 1week, 2weeks, 4weeks and 6 weeks after anterior cruciate ligament or medial collateral ligament injury in male New Zealand White rabbits.Methods: Models similar to those of clinical patients were used to establish acute partial injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament at 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks and normal control groups. Molecular biological changes in male rabbits were detected at different time points after anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament injury by H&E staining, reverse transcriptase chain reaction and westren blotting.Results: Marked differences were found in the postinjury changes in gene levels and proteins in the anterior cruciate ligament compared to the medial collateral ligament. There was no increase in mRNA expression of TIMP3, TGF-βand PRG4 in the injured anterior cruciate ligament at any time point. However, the levels of these genes tended to increase in the injured medial collateral ligament. In contrast, MMP-13 mRNA levels were significantly increased in the injured anterior cruciate ligament, but not in the medial collateral ligament. Furthermore, vascular endothelial growth factor decreased following injury to both the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament, with the difference being a slight decrease in the medial collateral ligament and a significant decrease in the anterior cruciate ligament. Similarly, protein blots showed higher protein expression of type I and type III collagen in the injured medial collateral ligament than in the anterior cruciate ligament.Conclusion: The results show that there were drastic differences in angiogenesis, collagen and Matrix metalloproteinases after anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament injury. It can be found that the repair ability of the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament after injury may be related to the differences in molecular expression.
A Novel FLT3 Y842D Mutation Carriers a Potentially Highly Sensitivity to Midostaurin? Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Shujiao He , minjie Zhang , jieying Li , weiqiang Zhao , li Yu , yanbin Pang
Published: February 2021

Background: Y842D mutation in the activation loop of FLT3 caused a strong resistance to Sorafenib in vitro, whether this kind of mutation would exert clinical significance on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients remain to be clarified.Case presentation: Here, we described a novel type of activating mutation (Y842D) within the kinase domain of FLT3 in a pregnancy with de novo acute myeloid leukemia. Following induction failure with standard dose of idarubicin and cytarabine (IA), the patient received a re-induction combined with midostaurin, a promising agent targeting mutant-FLT3, and IA regimen. Fortunately, morphological remission was achieved. During the period of midostaurin treatment, the patient exhibited a symptom which was quite similar to the differentiation syndrome which disappeared following the treatment with methylprednisolone. Conclusions: Clinically, we showed for the first time that Y842D, a novel activating mutation in the activation loop of FLT3, tend to be a sensitive mutation form to midostaurin in acute myeloid leukemia patients.
Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Lactifluus (Russulales, Basidiomycota) of South Korea
Authors: Lee Hyun , Wissitrassameewong Komsit , Park Myung Soo , Fong Jonathan J. , Verbeken Annemieke , Kim Changmu , Lim Young Woon
Published: February 2021

Lactifluus (Pers.) Roussel is an ectomycorrhizal genus that was recently recognized to be distinct from the genus Lactarius. To date, 216 Lactifluus species have been reported worldwide. Misidentification of Lactifluus species is common because of intraspecific morphological variation, cryptic diversity, and the limited number of taxonomic keys available. Molecular data are indispensable for species delimitation; a multilocus phylogenetic analysis showed that most Asian Lactifluus species are not conspecific with morphologically similar species present on other continents. In particular, Korea has misused European and North American Lactifluus names. In this study, we evaluated the taxonomy of Lactifluus in Korea using both morphological and multilocus molecular (ITS, nrLSU, rpb1, and rpb2) data. We examined 199 Lactifluus specimens collected between 1980 and 2016, and a total of 24 species across the four Lactifluus subgenera were identified. All Korean species are distinct and clearly separated from European and North American species. Five taxa corresponded to previously described species from Asia and the remaining 19 taxa are confirmed as new species. Herein, we provide keys to the Korean Lactifluus species within their subgenera, molecular phylogenies, a summary of diversity, and detailed description of the new species.
Evaluation of Antioxidant Extraction by Microwave Treatment from Japanese Indigo Plant
Authors: Suzuki Akihiro , Nakamura Yoshitoshi , Asada Chikako
Published: February 2021

Tadeai (Awa-ai) is an indigo plant that is produced in large quantities in Tokushima prefecture, Japan. The leaves of Tadeai are used for dyeing (Ai-zome), but there is no use for the other parts, i.e. flowers, stems, leaves, and roots, most of which are discarded. In this study, we search for new ways to use Tadeai including parts other than the leaves and examined the antioxidant activity of water soluble extract from Tadeai. To extract antioxidants efficiently, processing was undertaken using a microwave irradiation device. The evaluation of Tadeai extract and its antioxidant activity was performed by measuring the amount of phenolic compounds by the Folin–Ciocalteu method and the DPPH radical scavenging activity test. Compared to the sample that was not subjected to microwave treatment, the amount of phenolic compounds was observed to be double, and the antioxidant activity eight times higher. The microwave treatment conditions that showed the best results are 200 ℃ and 1 min, and the evaluation indicated that the part that exhibits the best results is the root. Furthermore, the differences among Tadeai varieties were also examined. The best result was for the “Kojoko Akahana;” the root of the “Kojoko Akahana” exhibited the highest antioxidant effect. Its amount of phenolic compounds and EC50 value were 44.1 mg-catechin equiv./g-dry sample and 0.018 g/L, respectively. In this study, it was shown that the antioxidant activity of the parts other than the leaves is high, so it is expected that Tadeai waste will be effectively utilized as a raw material for producing antioxidants in the future.
Multiple-Mode Bowtie Cavities for Refractive Index and Glucose Sensors Working in Visible and Near-Infrared Wavelength Range
Authors: Chau Yuan-Fong Chou
Published: February 2021

A multiple-mode metal-insulator-metal plasmonic sensor with four coupled bowtie resonators containing two pair of silver baffles is numerically investigated using the finite element method and verified by the temporal coupled-mode theory. The proposed structure can function as the plasmonic refractive index and glucose sensors working in visible and near-infrared wavelength range. Simulation results show that introducing the silver baffles in bowtie cavities can modify the plasmon resonance modes and give a tunable way to enhance the sensitivity and figure of merit. The highest sensitivity (S) can reach S=1500.00, 1400.00, and 1100.00 nm/RIU and the high figure of merit (FOM) of 50.00, 46.67, and 36.67 RIU-1 from mode 1 to mode 3. The sensitivity obtained from three modes with operating wavelengths in visible and near-infrared simultaneously exceeds 1100.00 nm/RIU along with remarkably high FOM, which are not attainable from other reported literature. The proposed structure can realize multi-mode and shows impressive practical prospects that can be applied for integrated optics circuits (IOCs) and other nanophotonics devices.
Valorization of Date Syrup by the Production of Lipopeptide Biosurfactants by a Bacillus mojavensis BI2 strain: Bioprocess Optimization by Response Surface Methodology and Study of Surface Activities
Authors: Inès Mnif , Bouallegue Amir , Mekki Salwa , Ghribi Dhouha
Published: February 2021

Lipopeptides Biosurfactants are natural surface-active compounds produced by a variety of microorganisms. They have great interest in environmental, biomedical and agro-industrial fields. However, the high cost of culture media and the low yield of production limit their large-scale production and application. The development of efficient and cost-effective bioprocess became of a great interest for the improvement of the yield of biosurfactants and the decrease of production cost. In this aim, we applied the response surface method to optimize an economic biosurfactant production by a newly isolated strain B. mojavensis BI2 on date syrup called “Luegmi” as unique carbon and nitrogen source. Using a Box-Bhenken design, we studied the effect of three independent variables on lipopeptide production; Leugmi concentration, Na 2 HPO 4 and incubation time. The results of this study showed that Leugmi concentration at 25%, Na 2 HPO 4 at 0.1% and incubation time of 24 hours were optimal conditions for biosurfactant production, with a maximum surface tension decreasing capacity of 55% corresponding to 27 mN/m and oil dispersing of 30 cm 2 corresponding to a diameter of 6 cm. Preliminary characterization of the biosurfactant produced on Luegmi by UV-Spectra and Thin Layer Chromatography showed its lipopeptide characters. Physic-chemical characterization of the produced lipopepetide on Leugmi showed its great surface activities and stabilities at different pH, temperature and salts concentration. The results of this study suggested that Leugmi, an agricultural byproducts can be used as a low-cost substrate to enhance the yield of lipopeptide biosurfactants with great surface activities for potential environmental application.
Facile Synthesis Mn2O3 Nanorod Arrays: A Significant Material for Supercapacitor Electrode Application
Authors: Amirtharaj S Nelson , Mariappan M.
Published: February 2021

Mn2O3 is a significant candidate for various applications. In the present work, the Mn2O3 nanorod arrays have been successfully prepared through facile sonochemical method with the aid of cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) template. The crystalline phase and bonding properties have ben confirmed through X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis. The electrochemical properties were analysed through various techniques such as cyclic voltammetric and galvanostatic charge/discharge analysis. Interestingly, cyclic voltammetric (CV) curves confirms the electric double layer capacitor-based charge storage mechanism and it render the maximum specific capacitance of 647 Fg-1 at a scan rate 5 mVs-1 whereas the galvanostatic charge/discharge studies offer the specific capacitance of 656 Fg-1 at a current density of 1 Ag-1. The Mn2O3 nanorod arrays provide the maximum energy and power densities of 91.1 Wh Kg-1 and 14985 Wkg-1 respectively. In addition, the cyclic stability analysis exhibit only 12 % initial capacitance degradation over 3000 CV cycles at a scan rate of 100 mVs-1. The hopeful outcomes demonstrate the significant of the Mn2O3 nanorod arrays as electrode material for supercapacitor devices.
Senecio pseudoarnica Less. (Asteraceae) – a new non-native species invading coastal areas in arctic and subarctic Europe
Authors: Wasowicz Pawel , Alm Torbjørn
Published: February 2021

We report the human-assisted spread of Senecio pseudoarnica, native to the northern coasts of North America and the Far East, to arctic and subarctic regions of Europe. Our findings indicate that the species, imported as a decorative plant, is currently rapidly spreading along coastal areas of Iceland and Norway. An exponential model comprehensively explained the increase in the number of known localities. Close climate matching between the native and non-native ranges (shown by our preliminary analyses), as well as practically exact environmental matching, are the main factors that facilitate the process of naturalisation and invasion. S. pesudoarnica is one of the very few species invading these arctic and subarctic regions.