bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histopathological Change of White Mouse Ovary as a Result of Ethylene Glycol Intoxication
Authors: Budiman Hamdani , Akmal Muslim , N. Siregar Tongku
Published: June 2020

This research was aimed to know histopathology change of white mouse ovary as result of EG intoxication. Eight white mice randomly divided into three treatment groups and one control group. Treatment of P1 group was given 10 ml EG/L drinking water, P2 was given 20 ml EG/L drinking water, and P3 was given 30 ml EG/L drinking water for two weeks. Control group was given aquadest. Then, white mice were euthanized and ovaries sample were taken for histology observation. The result for treatment groups (P1 and P2) had shown ovary hyperemic (congest). But, the change is worst in P2 rather than P1. Changes in P3 treatment group had shown ovary hyperemic (congest) and leukocyte infiltration in follicular antrum and follicular necrosis causing lost of ovum cell (cariolysis). Poisoned of EG in white mouse can cause inflammation and necrosis of ovary follicle thus the formed of ovum cell was failed (ovogenesis).
Effect of Heat Stress on Body Weight Gain, Heterophile-Lymphocite Ratio and Body Temperature in Broiler
Authors: S Sugito , Delima Mira
Published: June 2020

Increasing in ambient temperature inside the cage could lead to heat stress in broilers. This research was conducted to find out effects of heat stress on body weight gain, heterophile-lymphocite ratio and body temperature in chicken broiler. Twenty broilers aged 20 days (strain Cobb) were randomly divided into 2 groups. The first group was treated with no heat stress, the second one was caged in 33±1 0C temperature for 4 hours per day for 14 days. The results indicated that heat stress reduced body weight gain, increased body temperature, and changed behavior, but no effect on feed conversion ratio (FCR) and heterophile-lymphocyte ratio. It suggested that the heat stress caused detrimental effects on broiler chicken.
Development of Selection Method for Genetic Potential and Adjusment of Nutritional Requirement to Stimulate Gene Expression of Local Meat Chicken
Authors: Yaman M. Aman , Dasrul Dasrul , Zulfan Zulfan
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the genetic potential of local meat chickens (LMC) to get the candidate of parent stock through the development of the selection method applied, as well as economical and practical approach and adjusment of nutritional requirement, especially protein and energy balance. Research was divided into 2 groups, where the female and male parent was reared for 2 months and the offspring (F1) was reared for 4 months and selected. The parent was mated by the method of artificial insemination (AI). Method of selection was used on the orientation of the meat chicken production parameters with a positive correlation with the gene expression Diet treatments were formulated by optimal nutrition standards in order to drive maximum primary production of local meat chicken, contained 17, 19, and 21% of protein. The result showed that feeding diet with 19% protein can stimulate optimum growth and food conversion of ALPU male, whereas female growth LMC in line with the increasing availability of protein in the diet, wherein feeding 21% of protein result in optimal growth until age 4 months.
The Use of Sour Soup (Annona murricata) Seed Powder as Acaricide on Cow and Goat
Authors: Fahrimal Yudha , Daud Razali , Chandra Adi , Iqbal Syauki , Roslizawaty Roslizawaty
Published: June 2020

This research was aimed to study curative effect of sour soup seed powder on cattle invested with ticks and goat infected with scabies. This study was using 12 cattle invested with ticks and 12 goats with scabies. The cattle divided into 4 groups (S1, S2, S3 and S4) while goats were divided into 3 groups (K1, K2, and K3) equally. For cattle with ticks group S1 received water (control group), while group S2, S3, and S4 received 1%, 5%, and 10% sour soup powder respectively. Ticks that fell to the ground and not engorged were collected and identified. Statistical analysis showed that all concentrations of sour soup were effective in paralyzing and or killing ticks of the genera Boophilus sp. and Dermacentor sp. but were not effective against Rhipicepalus sp. For goats with scabies, groups K1, K2, and K3 received 1, 5 and 10% sour soup powder respectively mixed with water applied to whole area of infected and uninfected skin surrounding infected area. Number of mites per cm2 before and after treatment was counted. Statistical analysis showed that 1, 5, and 10% sour soup powder effective in reducing the number of scabies mites on day 1 and 7 after treatment and were significantly different from those number of mites before treatment (P0.01). Statistical analysis also showed that no significant difference among concentration of sour soup seed powder in decreasing the number of mites (P0.05).
Effect of Ethylene Glycol Concentration and Length of Exposure on In Vitro Fertility of Bovine Oocyte
Authors: Wahjuningsih Sri , Hardjopranjoto Suhartojo , Sumitro Sutiman Bambang
Published: June 2020

The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of the concentration of ethylene glycol (EG) and length of exposure to levels of bovine oocytes in vitro fertility. This research was conducted using a completely randomized design factorial 5x3 with 7 replicates. The first factor was the concentration of cryoprotectants EG 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50%. The second factor was the length of exposure 1, 3, and 5 minutes. The results showed that the concentration of EG and the length of exposure were effect on fertilized oocytes (P0.05). The level of oocytes in vitro fertility after vitrification in 30% EG and long exposure to 3 minutes did not different (P0.05) compared to fresh oocytes, while the EG treatment 10, 20, 40, and 50% significantly showed a lower fertility rate than the 30% EG (P0.05). It was concluded that the concentration of EG and length of exposure were effect on fertilized oocytes. The highest oocytes in vitro fertility level were found in 30% EG concentration with 3 minutes exposure time.
A Fundamental Model for Wormhole Formation Including Multiphase Flow
Authors: Cheng Haoran , Palharini Schwalbert Mateus , Hill A. Daniel , Zhu Ding
Published: June 2020

The industry has been developing numerical models to simulate the wormholing phenomenon in carbonate matrix acidizing, both to save cost and time with experiments and to scale up the laboratory results to field scale. The two-scale continuum model is a fundamental model that has been successfully used for this end. Previous studies with this model only simulated single-phase flow: injection of acid into a water-saturated rock. However, significantly different behavior is observed experimentally by injecting acid into oil- or gas-saturated cores. In this work, we present a fundamental multiphase model for wormhole formation using the two-scale continuum approach, allowing the simulation of wormholing for acid injection into oil- or gas-bearing rocks, with different saturations.

The two-scale continuum model represents the fluid flow and acid transport in the porous medium at the Darcy scale but calculates the acid-rock reaction with dissolution of the rock at the pore-scale. This model was implemented in transient 3D anisotropic form. Each phase occupies a volume fraction in each gridblock, defined by the porosity and fluid saturations. The fluid flow is calculated by solving the Darcy-Brinkman-Stokes equation, in which the relative permeabilities are functions of the saturations. The acid transport and reaction equations are solved, and as the acid injection proceeds and the rock is dissolved, the porosity increases in the gridblocks where dissolution occurs. The pore properties, such as permeability, pore radius, and specific surface area, are updated as porosity evolves, being scaled up from pore to Darcy scale. The simulation keeps track of the different fluid phases by calculating the saturations using the Implicit Pressure Explicit Saturation (IMPES) method.

The developed model was implemented in an open-source computational fluid dynamics package and validated against experimental data. For the validation, the adjustable parameters in the model were calibrated so that the simulation results represent the different dissolution patterns and correctly reproduce the acid efficiency curves obtained experimentally. The same calibrated model was used to simulate the coreflooding experiments with water- and oil-saturated cores. The dissolution patterns (face dissolution, conical wormhole, dominant wormhole, etc.) and acid efficiency curves predicted by the new model match the experimental data. Other simulations presented include the shift in the acid efficiency curves observed for different oil viscosities, residual oil saturations, and different water saturations.

To our knowledge, this is the first 3D two-scale continuum model to simulate wormhole propagation including multiphase flow. With adequate history match, it was shown to accurately predict the acidizing results for different fluid saturations, as observed in experiments.
Status of MWth Integrated Gasification Fuel Cell (IGFC) Power Generation System Demonstration in China
Authors: Wei Chang , Liu Zhien , Li Chufu , Singh Surinder , Lu Haoren , Gong Yudong , Li Pingping , Wang Hanlin , Yang Xia , Xu Ming
Published: June 2020

This paper provides status update of IGFC power generation system being developed at National Institute of Clean-and-Low-Carbon (NICE) at MW th scale. This system is designed to use coal as fuel to produce syngas as a first step similar to integrated gasification combined cycles (IGCC). Subsequently, the solid oxide fuel cell system is used to convert chemical energy to electricity electrochemically without combustion, which is different from IGCC. This system leads to a higher efficiency as compared to a traditional coal-fired power plant. The unreacted fuel in the SOFC system is transported to an oxygen-combustor to be converted to steam and CO 2 . Through heat recovery system, the steam is condensed and removed, and CO 2 is enriched and captured for sequestration or other application, such as co-electrolysis of CO 2 and H 2 O using curtailed renewable energy for production of syngas. Comprehensive economic analysis for a typical IGFC system was performed and the results were compared with supercritical pulverized coal-fired (SCPC) power plant, showing the cost of electricity (COE) of IGFC could be up to 20% lower than that by SCPC with CO 2 capture. The SOFC stacks selected for IGFC development were tested and qualified under both hydrogen and simulated coal syngas fuel showing good consistency and stable long term performance. Experimental results using SOFC stacks and thermodynamic analysis (using ASPEN Plus) indicate that the hydrogen to CO ratio of the syngas is preferred to be 1.68 or higher to avoid carbon deposition inside of the fuel pipe. For lower H 2 /CO ratio, steam to CO ratio needs to be higher. Besides, the steam needs to be mixed well with the syngas above 100 o C and below the temperatures where carbon formation is thermodynamically favored. The 20kW SOFC power generation unit is being developed with design system conditions of 20 kW maximum power, current density of 0.334 A/cm 2 , DC efficiency of 50.41%, and fuel utilization of 80%. A 100kW subsystem will consist of 6 x 20kW power generation units, and the MW th IGFC system will consist of 5 x 100kW sub-systems.
Psychological distress and somatization in immigrants in primary health care practices.
Authors: García-Sierra Rosa , Fernández-Cano María Isabel , Manresa-Domínguez Josep Maria , Feijoo-Cid María , Gabriel Eduard Moreno , Arreciado-Marañón Antonia , Ramos-Roure Francesc , Segura Jordi , Torán-Monserrat Pere
Published: June 2020

Background
The process of international migration causes a situation of vulnerability in people's health and greater difficulty in coping with disease. Furthermore, the adversities suffered during migration can trigger reactive signs of stress and cause anxious, depressive, confusional and somatic symptoms. This article studies the relationships between psychosocial risk, psychological distress and somatization in immigrants from 4 communities: Maghrebis, sub-Saharans, centro-South Americans and Hindustanis.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was carried out with questionnaires on 602 immigrants who were surveyed in the Primary Care Centres of an urban area of Catalonia. The instruments used were the Demographic Psychosocial Inventory (DPSI), the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and the Somatic Symptom Inventory (SSI).
Results
The average psychosocial risk obtained was 0.35, with the highest values in the sub-Saharan community. Psychological distress showed a mean value of 0.66, with the sub-Saharan community scoring the lowest in all dimensions except depression. The average somatization values were 1.65, with the sub-Saharan community scoring the least. The female gender is a risk factor for somatization and psychological distress.
Conclusions
Perceived psychosocial risk is a predictor of psychological distress, but not somatization, suggesting that the use of more adaptive coping strategies could minimize the effect of the migration process on somatizations.
Association of whole blood copper, zinc and magnesium levels with risk of metabolic syndrome components in Chinese rural 6-12 years old children: the 2010-2012 China National Nutrition and Health Survey
Authors: Zhang Huidi , Man Qingqing , Song Pengkun , Li Siran , Liu Xiaobing , Wang Lijuan , Li Yuqian , Yang Lichen
Published: June 2020

Background

Copper, zinc and magnesium are essential elements and participate in a series of oxidative stress and inflammation related to metabolic reactions. There are many studies analyzed the relationship between Cu, Zn, Mg and metabolic syndrome(MetS), which involved in adults and adolescents, but there are still few in children.
Objective

We aim to estimate the association of whole blood copper, zinc and magnesium with metabolic syndrome components in Chinese rural 6–12 years old children.
Method:

A total of 911 children aged 6–12 were enrolled from the 2010–2012 China National Nutrition and Health Survey in this study. The basic characteristics, metals and MetS components parameters were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to confirm the independent relationship between metals and the incident of MetS components.
Results

Elevated waist was positively associated with higher whole blood Cu concentration(OR = 2.00) and higher ratio of Cu/Zn(OR = 2.08), whereas elevated TG was negatively associated with higher Cu (OR = 0.33) and higher Cu/Zn(OR = 0.35) level. And higher level of Zn (OR = 2.12) and Mg (OR = 2.34) were both positively associated with elevated TG. In the combination of low Cu and high Zn level, it increased the risk of elevated TG(OR = 2.21), which consistent with the single analysis of these two metals. Mg has no significant effect on elevated waist when analysis alone. However, when there was high Mg and Cu at the same time, the risk of elevated waist increased significantly (OR = 2.03). In addition, different from single analysis of Zn and Mg, when high Zn and low Mg combined, it can significantly decreased the risk of reduced HDL-C (OR = 0.47).
Conclusion

The level of whole blood Cu, Zn, Cu/Zn and Mg within the normal range in children is associated with the risk of MetS components, especially in elevated TG and elevated waist. And the combination of each two metals has also shown to be correlated to MetS components. The future research will conduct a cohort to further confirm these findings. And the results will also need to be verified in other populations.
The prognostic value of METTL3 in cancer patients: a meta-analysis
Authors: Pan Xingzhu , Li Haolin , Xu Yuyuan , He Chengcheng , Lai Qiuhua , Wang Xinke , Li Qingyuan
Published: June 2020

Background: M6A methylation modification of RNA can regulate the development of tumor cells. METTL3 is one of the modified methyltransferases. A growing number of studies have shown that high expression of METTL3 may be associated with the unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients and may become a new biomarker. Therefore, this meta-analysis was used to evaluate the prognostic value of METTL3 in cancer patients through the available literature information.Methods: Relevant studies were retrieved from electronic literature databases including six English databases and three Chinese databases. Correlation analysis was conducted by Stata SE 15.1 and RevMan 5.3 software. We analyzed 11 eligible studies with a total of 1638 cancer patients in this meta-analysis. We took advantage of HRs and ORs with 95% confidence intervals to evaluate the prognostic value of METTL3 in tumors. Besides,the article was qualified by MOOSE check lists and PRISMA Checklist. Results: The results of the meta-analysis indicated that high expression of METTL3 was associated with low overall survival (OS) (HR=2.67, 95%CI:2.19-3.25, P<0.00001) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR=2.23, 95%CI:1.60-3.11, P<0.00001) in various cancers.Stratified analysis of cancer types showed that over expressed METTL3 was related to poor prognosis in digestive system cancer patients, including CRC(HR=2.29, 95%CI:1.50-3.49，P=0.0001) ,GC(HR=2.96，95%CI:2.13-4.12，P＜0.00001)，and liver cancer（HR=2.70，95%CI:1.88-3.88，P＜0.00001). Meanwhile, the elevated METTL3 expression also affected the lymph node metastasis (OR=3.40，95%CI=1.58-7.33，p=0.002) ，vascular invasion (OR=2.04，95%CI=1.06-3.95，p=0.03) and the tumors progression (III/IV vs. I/II: OR = 3.72, 95% CI: 1.94 - 7.13, P < 0.0001).Conclusion: The existing analysis indicates that METTL3 is associated with low OS and DFS in cancer patients and may serve as a biomarker to assess prognostic value.
Refractive Error and Biometrics of Anterior Segment of Eyes of Myopic Teenagers
Authors: Ge Huimin , Xu Shanshan , Yan Yanzhi , Jiang Qin
Published: June 2020

Background: To investigate the impact of refractive error and corneal parameters on myopic teenagers by using Pentacam and IOL Master 700. Methods: Retrospective observational case series of 505 eyes from 268 children from 7 to 19 years old presenting with myopia. Clinical course, slit lamp photographs and pentacam and IOL Master 700 findings were the main outcomes. Results: Assessment of the tomographic, topographic of corneal parameters of myopic children without any interventions revealed no statistically significant changes in terms of age based on sex. The mean Rf, Rs, K1 and K2 values of anterior and posterior corneal surface were 7.98±0.24mm, 7.73±0.30mm, 42.38±1.86 degrees, 43.55±1.91 degrees, 6.60±0.25mm, 6.21±0.26mm, -6.07±0.23 degrees, -6.42±0.65 degrees. Boys had higher Rf and Rs, but smaller in K1 and K2 than girls (P<0.05) of both anterior and posterior corneal surface. The Anterior chamber volume (ACV) had significant differences between sex (P<0.05). The Rf, K1 of anterior corneal surface did not show significantly different between ages, however, teenagers only in 7 to 9 age group increased significantly than 13 to 15-year-old group (P=0.031). Meanwhile, the Anterior chamber depth (ACD), Anterior chamber volume (ACV), Pupil diameter (PD), Spherical equivalent (SE) and Axial length (AL) had increasingly differenced in different age groups (P=0.002, 0.002, 0.036, 0.044, 0.002, <0.001). Model performance using p< 0.05 parameters as the predictive factors. SE=3.391+0.08×Age+2.307×Rs-0.094×ACD-0.001×ACV-0.951×AL. Conclusions: Our findings may suggest a physiological nature for ocular changes during the development that may elucidate the special points during the process of myopia of adolescents. We also imitate a formula based on our data which may help to evaluate the myopia of children and the prognosis in clinic.Our research conducted retrospectively registered.
The value of ultrasonography for predicting carotid progression of Takayasu arteritis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ma Ling-Ying , Li Chao-Lun , Chen Rong-Yi , Dai Xiao-Min , Ji Zong-Fei , Chen Hui-Yong , Han Hong , Huang Bei-Jian , Sun Yin , Jiang Lindi
Published: June 2020

Aim

To identify valuable ultrasonography and clinical markers for predicting carotid imaging progression of Takayasu arteritis (TA) during a 1-year follow-up.

Methods

Seventy-seven TA patients were enrolled through a Chinese TA cohort from May 2016 to June 2019. The patients’ clinical characteristics, serological tests, and carotid ultrasonography results were recorded at baseline and each visit. Carotid progression was evaluated by ultrasonography during the 1-year follow-up. Baseline clinical characteristics and ultrasonography results for predicting imaging progression were identified.

Results

Sixteen (20.8%) patients presented with carotid imaging progression during 1-year follow-up. The patients in the progressive group were younger (23.4±3.7 vs. 32.3±9.8 years, p < 0.01) at baseline. Furthermore, the proportion of patients showing treatment resistance (TR) or disease relapse (DR) (87.5% vs. 16.4%, p < 0.01) was higher in the progressive group than in the non-progressive group. Thicker vessel wall was observed in the progressive group than that in the non-progressive group (2.4±0.8 vs. 1.9±0.5 mm, p = 0.041) at baseline. According to the matrix models, patients with thickened carotid wall (≥1.9 mm), TR or DR, and younger age (≤ 30 years) would suffered from a high risk of 75% for carotid imaging progression.

Conclusion

Younger patients with early vascular structural changes at baseline as well as refractory disease seemed more likely to show carotid imaging progression.
Lumped parameter modeling of hybrid magnetomotive force electromechanical valve actuator
Authors: Alvi Muhammad Adnan , Zhang Zhaohui , Aslam Jawad , Ali Saad , Uddin Emad , Tanveer Waqas Hassan , Gillani Syed Omer , Zaidi Ali Abbas , Younis Muhammad Yamin
Published: June 2020

In this study, an innovative hybrid permanent magnet (PM)/electromagnet (EM) magneto-motive force (MMF) actuator is proposed for variable valve timing camless engines. The proposed design provides a large magnetic force with low energy consumption (startup and valve holding), PM demagnetization isolation, and improved transient response. The modified hybrid valve actuator (MHVA) was designed in ANSYS Maxwell software and validated empirically by prototype. A lumped parameter model (LPM) based on mathematical equations is developed to approximate Finite Element Method (FEM) and experimental results. The LPM is divided into electrical, magnetic and mechanical subsystems that are developed and integrated in MATLAB software. The comparative analysis of LPM, FEM and empirical results confirmed improved dynamic performance and energy consumption.
Limited Recurrence Distance of Glioblastoma Under Modern Radiotherapy Era
Authors: Tu ZiWei , Xiong Huifen , Qiu Yang , Li Guoqing , Wang Li , Peng Shiyi
Published: June 2020

Background: The optimal treatment volume for Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is still a subject of debate worldwide. The current study was aimed to determine the distances between recurring tumors and the edge of primary lesions, and thereby provide evidence for accurate target area delineation.Methods: Between October 2007 and March 2019, 68 recurrent patients with GBM were included in our study. We measured the distance from the initial tumor to the recurrent lesion of GBM patients by expanding the initial gross tumor volume (GTV) to overlap the center of recurrent lesion, with the help of the Pinnacle Treatment Planning System.Results: Recurrences were local in 56(82.3%) patients, distant in 21(30.9%) patients, and both in 9(13.2%) patients. Factors significantly influencing local recurrence were age (P = 0.049), sex (P = 0.049), and the size of peritumoral edema (P = 0.00). A total number of 91 recurrent tumors were analyzed. All local recurrences occurred within 2cm and 94.8% (55/58) occurred within 1cm of the original GTV based on T1 enhanced imaging. All local recurrences occurred within 1.5 cm and 98.3%(57/58) occurred within 0.5 cm of the original GTV based on T2-FLAIR imaging. 90.9% (30/33) and 81.8% (27/33) distant recurrences occurred ＞3 cm of T1 enhanced and T2-Flair primary tumor margins, respectively. Conclusions: The 1cm margin from T1 enhanced lesions and 0.5cm margin from T2-Flair abnormal lesions could cover 94.8% and 98.3% local recurrences respectively, which deserves further prospective study as a limited but effective target area.
Operative Choice for Displaced Proximal Humeral Fractures in Adolescents with Open Visible Physis: A Comparative Study of External Fixator vs. Kirschner Wire
Authors: Hong Pan , Rai Saroj , Qian Huabing , Liu Ruikang , Li Jin
Published: June 2020

Background: For adolescents of severely displaced proximal humeral fracture (PHF), surgery is a good choice yielding excellent outcomes. Kirchner wire (KW) is a cost-effective choice for fixation, and this study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of external fixator (EF) vs. KW for the treatment of PHF in adolescents. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report on external fixator for PHF in children and adolescents.Methods: Patients of PHF operated in our institute, from January 2008 to January 2016, were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data, including sex, age at the time of surgery, operated side, and hardware choice, were collected from the hospital database. Preoperative radiographs were reviewed and classified according to Neer-Horwitz classification. Shoulder function was evaluated during 12th month follow-up using rating scale of the American shoulder and elbow surgeons (ASES). Complications, including infection, malunion, nonunion, stiffness of the shoulder joint, and failure of fixation were also recorded.Results: Thirty-five patients, including 23 males and 12 females, were included in the EF group, whereas 40 patients, including 25 males and 15 females, were included in the KW group (P = 0.867). The average age of patients in the EF group was 13.3 ± 1.7 years, and that of KW was 13.6 ± 1.8 years (P = 0.409). Patients in both groups were followed-up for at least 12 months. The operative time in the EF group (42.4 ± 11.2, min) was significantly shorter than those in the KW group (54 ± 13.6, min), P < 0.001. The frequency of fluoroscopy in the EF group (12 ± 2.4) was significantly less than those in the KW group (17 ± 2.8), P < 0.001. The rate of open reduction was significantly higher in KW (35%) group than those in the EF group (0%), P < 0.001. There was no nonunion, malunion cases in both groups.Conclusion: External fixator is superior to Kirschner wire in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures in adolescents with shorter operative time, lower rate of ORIF and comparable clinical outcomes.
Screening of Antifungal Substances from Bovistella Radicata (Mont.) Pat and Their Antifungal Effect
Authors: Ye Yong , Zeng Qinghua , Liu Kun , qingmei zeng
Published: June 2020

Background To analyse the antifungal active compounds in B. radicata alcohol extract, the alcohol extract was purified by column chromatography (macroporous resinD-101) and the active compounds was named as SPAF-1(the spore powder active fraction). Results Alcohol extracts and SPAF-1 were submitted to GC-MS analysis, there were two characteristic peaks(peak1 and peak2) in Gas chromatogram. By comparing in NIST, the compound were 2-propyl-1-pentanol corresponding to peak1 and decanal, n-decanol and 2E-decanol corresponding to peak2. The main constituents were decanal(24.3%) n-decanol(27.9%), 2E-decenol (21.2%) and 2-Propyl-1-pentanol (13.6%). Their MIC values were 62.5 µg/ml, 31.2 µg/ml, 31.2 µg/ml and 250 µg/ml against T. rubrum respectively. Furthermore, transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis showed altered surface morphology in the majority of T. rubrum cells after treatment with SPAF-1. Conclusions In this paper, we successfully separate SPAF-1 from alcohol extract of B. radicata. The antifungal effect of SPAF-1 is similar to positive control, the main component were decanal, n-decanol, 2E-decenol and 2-Propyl-1-pentanol, the anti-tinea pedis effect of them was obvious.
Repurposing Combination Therapy of Voacamine with Vincristine for Down Regulation of HIF-1α/FASN Co-Axis and PHD2 Activation in ER+ Mammary Neoplasia
Authors: Singh Lakhveer , Singh Manjari , Ansari Mohd. Nazam , Saeedan Abdulaziz S. , Kaithwas Gaurav
Published: June 2020

Background: The current study was attempted to inquest the role of combination therapy of Voacamine and Vincristine for the prevention of mammary gland carcinoma through prolyl hydroxylase‐2 activation. The prolyl hydroxylase‐2 activation leads the downregulation of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and fatty acid synthase. Over expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α and fatty acid synthase is previously reported in solid tumor of mammary gland. Methods: After screening a battery of natural compounds which were similar to vincristine, vocamine was selected as a possible prolyl hydroxylase‐2 activator and justify its activity using 7, 12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene induced rat model. The combination therapy was evaluated for cardiac toxicity using hemodynamic profile. The angiogenic markers were evaluated using carmine staining. Monotherapy and combination therapy were also evaluated for liver and kidney toxicity through haematoxylin and eosin staining. The combination therapy also delineated the markers of oxidative stress favorably. Afterwards, the disruption of fatty acids was evaluated using gas chromatography. Results: The immunoblotting analysis validated that combination therapy has a potential to switch on the prolyl hydroxylase‐2 activity and thus initiate proteolytic degradation of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and its consequence effects. The combination therapy also stimulated programmed cell death (apoptosis) in rapidly dividing cancer cells.Conclusion: The present study explores the role of voacamine in activation of prolyl hydroxylase‐2 which can decrease over expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and fatty acid synthase in cells of mammary gland carcinoma.
Cardiac Papillary Fibroelastoma Presented as Angina: A Case Report
Authors: Kang Zhefeng , Shi Jun , Guo Yingqiang , Wang Mian
Published: June 2020

Background: Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma is a rare, benign primary cardiac tumor, which always remains asymptomatic. Severe complications also had been reported in many cases. And the only effective therapy is surgical excision.Case presentation: Here we report a case of cardiac papillary fibroelastoma with the beginning symptom of chest pain and first diagnosis of non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The patient finally underwent tumor excision surgery and recovered well.Conclusion: For patients with symptomatic cardiac papillary fibroelastoma we provide a series of comprehensive data before, during and after operation. This might be helpful for the further diagnosis and treatment of the tumor.
Maternal and community factors associated with postnatal care checkups in Ethiopia: A multi-level analysis
Authors: Tadele Afework , Getinet Masrie
Published: June 2020

Background

Maternal mortality remained a public health issue, especially in developing countries. Although the first two days after birth was a critical time in which the highest maternal death recorded, it was the most neglected period of maternal health services. Therefore, this study aims to determine the maternal and community-level factors of postnatal check-ups in Ethiopia

Methods

Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in 2016 was utilized. A total of 3,948 women aged 15-49 giving birth in the two years before the survey were included. The response variables were post-natal check-ups in the first two days after birth, dichotomized into no check-ups in the first two days and check-ups within two days after giving birth. The explanatory variables were individual maternal characteristics such as education, household wealth, perceived distance to a health facility to get medical help, employment status, antenatal care (ANC), delivery by cesarean section, birth order and place of delivery, and selected community characteristics such as community literacy, community socioeconomic status, community ANC coverage, community perception of distance to a health facility, and regional states. A multi-level mixed-effects logistic regression model was employed.

Result

Only 17% of the women had a postnatal check-up within 2 days of giving birth in Ethiopia. Institutional delivery AOR 2.14 [95% C.I 1.70, 2.0] and giving birth by cesarean section AOR 1.66 [95% CI 1.10, 2.50] were found to be maternal factors, whereas administrative regions(Oromia 69%, Somali 56%, Benishangul 55%, SNNPR 43%, Gambela 66%, Afar 50% and Dire Dawa 55% which less likely to utilize postnatal care utilization as compared to Addis Ababa city administrative area), Higher community-level wealth AOR 1.44 [95% C.I 1.08, 1.2], ANC coverage AOR 1.52 [95% C.I 1.19, 1.96] and perceived distance of the health facility as a big problem AOR 0.78[95% C.I 0.60, 0.99] were the community factors associated with postnatal check-ups in Ethiopia.

Conclusion

Both maternal factors and community factors are found to be a significant association with postnatal care services utilization, however, based on the ICC maternal factors prevail the community-level factors. Increasing access to postnatal care services to the remote areas of Ethiopia was recommended.
Infectious endocarditis: Improving Diagnostic Performance in Native and Prosthetic Valve Infection with 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Marinho Ana Vera , Almeida José Paulo , Soeiro Paula , Silva Rodolfo , Gonçalves Francisco , Costa Gracinda , Gonçalves Lino , Ferreira M.J
Published: June 2020

BackgroundThe diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) remains a clinical challenge. Diagnostic accuracy of the modified Duke criteria is suboptimal for native valve endocarditis (NVE) and even worse in the presence of prosthetic material-related infection (PVE). We aim to evaluate the diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG PET in patients with suspected IE referred to perform PET/CT.Methods: Consecutive patients with suspected IE, referred to perform PET/CT between May 2016 and June 2019 were included. Diagnostic performance of modified Duke criteria (mDC) and PET/ CT for IE for NVE and PVE was determined.Results: In total, 82 patients (mean age of 61 ± 19 years, 62% of male gender) were enrolled. There were 67 18F-FDG PET/CT concordant results with final diagnosis, corresponding to a 96% of agreement, k=0.91(p=0.04). A SUVmax cutoff value of ≥3.1 identified positive cases with 88.9% sensitivity and 70.0% specificity. In patients with NVE, the addition of PET/CT to the mDC resulted in a reduction of the number of possible IE cases (from 58% to 4.3%). In patients with PVE/intracardiac devices, PET/CT allowed reclassification of 67.4% of possible cases to 4.2%. An alternative diagnosis was provided in 55.6% of the negative IE cases.Conclusions: 18F-FDG PET/CT proved to be a useful diagnostic tool in patients with both suspected NVE and PVE with good sensitivity and specificity, resulting in a significant decrease of the number of possible endocarditis. Furthermore, it allowed the identification of the cause of clinical scenario in more than 50% of patients in which the diagnosis was excluded.
Microstructure and Properties of Cped Thermal Protective Coating Modified by Platinum Particles on Al-SI Alloy
Authors: Wang Ping , Chen Xiaomin , Zhang Chunqing , Jiao Di , Jiao Shangyi , Yao Min
Published: June 2020

The thermal protection layer of cathode plasmaelectrolytic deposition on platinum particles was prepared on Al-Si alloy.The microstructure and the heat insulation performance, fracture toughness and bending strengthof the coating were investigated by SEM, XRD, the heat insulation test device and tensile testing machine. The distribution of platinum particles in the ceramic layer is uniform, which can effectively fill the micropores of plasma discharge. The ceramic layer is mainly composed ofα-Al2O3 and t-ZrO2, and there is the formation of high temperature stable phase Zr3Y4O12in the ceramic layer. With the increase of platinum particles, the heat insulation temperature, fracture toughness and bending strength gradually increase.After thermal shock, no obvious cracks were found on the surface of the coating, which indicated that the coating had good thermal shock resistance.
Effects and mechanisms of AMIGO2 in proliferation, migration and drug resistance of bladder cancer
Authors: Han Dali , Xiong Bin , Zhang Xiangxiang , Chen Chaohu , Yao Zhiqiang , Wu Hao , Cao Jinlong , Li Jianpeng , Li Pan , Wang Zhiping , Tian Jun-Qiang
Published: June 2020

Background Bladder cancer is the most common malignancy in urinary system, but the therapeutic targets remain elusive. This study aims to reveal the relationship between AMIGO2 and proliferation, migration, drug-resistance and tumorigenicity of bladder cancer, and explore the potential molecular mechanisms. Methods The expression of AMIGO2 in human bladder cancer tissues is measured by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Stable AMIGO2 knockdown cell lines T24 and 5637 were established by lentivirus transfection. Cell viability assay (CCK-8 assay) was used to determine cell proliferation, flow cytometry analysis was utilized to detect cell cycle, and wound healing assay was proceeded to test migration ability of bladder cancer cells. Chemosensitivity to cisplatin was measured by CCK-8 assay. Xenograft mouse model was established for investigating the effect of AMIGO2 on tumor formation in vivo. The RNA Sequencing technology was used to explore differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between knockdown group and negative control group of T24. Bioinformatics analysis upon the results of RNA-Seq was proceeded to understand underlying mechanisms. Results AMIGO2 was upregulated in bladder cancer cells and tissues. Inhibited expression of AMIGO2 suppresses cell proliferation and migration, which might be mediated by cell cycle arrest in G1 phase. AMIGO2 could reduce chemoresistance to cisplatin in bladder cancer cells. Low AMIGO2 expression inhibited tumorigenicity of T24 in nude mice. 917 DEGs were identified by RNA-Sequencing technology and bioinformatics analysis. The DEGs were mainly enriched in cell-cell adhesion, ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABC transporters), PPAR signaling pathway and some other pathways. Among ten hub genes, four of them might be associated with the prognosis of bladder cancer patients. Conclusion AMIGO2 is overexpressed in bladder cancer cells and tissues and serves as an oncogene in bladder cancer. It also reduces chemoresistance to cisplatin. The process might be regulated by particular pathways including ABC transporters and PPAR signaling pathway. Four hub genes might be associated with prognosis of bladder cancer patients.
Co-existence of Hypertension and Pre-existing Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in Patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Wang Xiaoyang , Zhan Xiaojiang , Zhou Qing , Feng Xiaoran , Peng FenFen , Wang Niansong , Wen Yueqiang , Wu Xianfeng
Published: June 2020

Background

Little is known about whether co-existence of hypertension (HTN) and pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) has a more harmful effect on mortality compared with either comorbidity alone in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).
Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 3073 incident Chinese patients on CAPD from five dialysis centers between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2018 in a real-world setting. The primary and secondary outcomes were all-cause and CVD mortality. The association between interesting comorbidities and mortality was analyzed using Cox regression models and the Fine and Gray competing risk models.
Results

Over a median of 33.7 months of follow-up, 581 (18.6%) patients died, with 286 (9.3%) CVD mortality. The incidence of all-cause mortality was 32.2, 56.1, 74.4, and 131.0/1000 patient-years, and the incidence of CVD mortality was 15.0, 28.2, 34.7, and 69.6/1000 patient-years in the control group (those without either hypertension or CVD), HTN group, CVD group, and HTN plus CVD group respectively. After adjusting for the confounding factors, HTN plus CVD, CVD, and HTN groups had a higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR 3.98, 95% CI 3.07 to 5.17; HR 2.18, 95% CI 1.27 to 3.74; and HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.47 to 2.28) and CVD mortality (HR 4.68, 95% CI 3.27 to 6.69; HR 2.11, 95% CI 0.96 to 4.63; and HR 1.87, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.54), respectively, compared to the control group. Similar findings were observed using the Fine and Gray competing risk models. There was no significant interaction between HTN and CVD on all-cause and CVD mortality (β = 0.010, P = 0.973; β = 0.058, P = 0.892) in the study population.
Conclusions

Among CAPD patients, co-existence of HTN and pre-existing CVD at the start of CAPD had a more harmful effect on mortality compared to either HTN or pre-existing CVD alone, and pre-existing CVD may have also a more harmful effect on mortality than HTN.
Salinity Tolerance of Select Wildflower Species in a Hydroponic Setting
Authors: Andrenko Iryna , Montague Thayne , McKenney Cynthia , Plowman Russell
Published: June 2020

Water quality and quantity are critical issues in the Southwest United States and many other locations in the world. Use of reclaimed water for landscape irrigation can conserve potable water significantly and possibly reduce fertilizer application. A potential concern of using alternative water sources is elevated salt levels, which can have adverse effects on plant growth and aesthetic appearance. Most Texas native wildflowers are known to be hardy and easy to maintain, and are drought tolerant after establishment. In addition, native wildflowers provide wildlife habitat and support native pollinators. However, little information is available on salinity tolerance of many Texas native wildflower species. In this study, two separate hydroponic experiments were conducted to determine salt tolerance of three Texas native wildflower species: Gaura villosa Torr. (wooly gaura), Xanthisma texanum DC. (Texas sleepy daisy), and Ipomopsis rubra (L.) Wherry (standing cypress). Species were suspended in a hydroponic setting using a randomized complete block design with a control [municipal reverse-osmosis (RO) water with a nutrition solution at an electrical conductivity (EC) of 3.0 dS·m–1] and three salinity treatments: 5.0, 7.0, and 11.0 dS·m–1 EC. Sixty days after salinity treatments were initiated, percent survival, visual rating, fresh weight, and length measurements were recorded on root and shoot tissue. To determine tissue percentage sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+), and chloride (Cl–), shoot and root tissues were dried and ground for tissue analysis. At the end of each experiment, total percent survival for X. texanum, G. villosa, and I. rubra were 100%, 94%, and 76%, respectively, with the greatest mortality rate at the highest salinity treatment. Shoot dry weight and plant growth index (PGI) decreased in all three species as salinity of irrigation water increased. Visual qualities of all species were mainly compromised at the highest salinity level. Ion concentrations in root and shoot tissues were affected by salinity levels and varied among species. Different mechanisms of salt tolerance (ion exclusion, salt excretion, and tissue tolerance to high concentrations of Na+ or Cl–) have been observed among wildflower species, and results indicate different salt tolerance mechanisms were exhibited by each trial species. In addition, results indicate I. rubra can be identified as moderately salt tolerant (EC up to 7.0 dS·m–1), whereas, X. texanum and G. villosa can be classified as salt tolerant (EC up to 11.0 dS·m–1). Results from this study suggest great potential of these native Texas wildflowers in landscapes using limited-quality irrigation water or landscapes with soil salinity concerns.
Effects of light, agar, activated charcoal, and culture medium on the germination and early development of Dendrobium seedlings
Authors: Sorgato José Carlos , Soares Jackeline Schultz , Damiani Cláudia Roberta , Ribeiro Luan Marlon
Published: June 2020

The objectives of this study were to determine the optimal light conditions, agar concentration, and quantity of activated charcoal in asymbiotic media to improve the in vitro seed germination rate and early seedling development of the epiphytic orchids Dendrobium nobile Lindl. and Dendrobium phalaenopsis Fitzg. Two independent experiments with complete randomized designs were conducted. (1) Treatments were arranged in a split-plot scheme. Seeds in each sub-plot were exposed to one of four light conditions (dark, white fluorescent, red fluorescent + white fluorescent, or red fluorescent) and grown in one of four types of culture media (MS: Murashige and Skoog, ½ MS: half strength MS, K: Knudson C, and VW: Vacin and Went media). (2) Treatments were arranged in a 4 × 5 × 5 factorial scheme (four types of culture media: MS, ½ MS, K, and VW; five concentrations of agar: 0.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, or 8 g L−1; and five concentrations of activated charcoal: 0.0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, or 6.0 g L−1). The highest germination rates and early seedling development were observed 45 days after seeding in the presence of white light for D. nobile and red + white light for D. phalaenopsis in MS and ½ MS culture media. Based on the findings of the present study, the use of MS and ½ MS culture media solidified with 4.0–8.0 g L−1 of agar and without activated charcoal is recommended for the optimal propagation of seeds and seedlings of these Dendrobium species.
Plant physiological impacts and flavonoid metabolic responses to uptake TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Sompornpailin Kanokporn , Chayaprasert Wilailack
Published: June 2020

The presence of Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) contamination in the environment is of concern because of their oxidative effect on organisms. Transgenic tobaccos that overexpressed PAP1, a MYB75 gene, were used to investigate the response of plants to the presence of TiO2 NPs and the results were compared to those for wild type (WT) plants. The experiment was performed under tissue culture conditions with daylight fluorescence. The physiological responses of the plants under moderately low concentrations of TiO2 NPs (20–40 mg L-1) were analyzed in relation to metabolic responses and the results were compared to those of plants under zero TiO2 conditions. Under conditions of 20 mg L-1 TiO2, WT and PAP1 plants showed better physiology than plants under other conditions. These plants had higher chlorophyll and carotenoid levels, and better membrane stability than plants under non TiO2 conditions. The WT plants grown in medium at 40 mg L-1 TiO2 showed deteriorated physiology, while PAP1 plants grown under the same condition were shown various changes in physiology depending on the line. Moreover, the content of total soluble sugar (TSS) and flavonoids in the extracts of plant were increased in response to the concentrations of TiO2. However, all PAP1 transgenics had flavone and flavonol contents that were approximately 2–3 times the levels found in WT plants, while TSS and anthocyanin subgroup levels were not different among the WT and transgenic plants. Excessive nanoparticles can induce oxidative damage in cells, and it appears that PAP1 transgenics can alleviate such damage by enhancing flavonoid accumulation.