bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System Mapping in Different Countries
Authors: Pandey Ramendra Pati , Mukherjee Riya , Chang Chung-Ming
Published: January 2022

Antibiotics are in excessive use that has extensively increased antimicrobial resistance worldwide which has become the major public concern among the countries. To control this threat proper monitoring of the antimicrobial usage along with the increasing rate of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is required. Further, surveillance of both the parameters is highly recommended for comparing the differences in distinct countries. Moreover, alternatives for antibiotics are also surveyed and are being researched for quick use in the near future. AMR is an issue that needs immense attention from various sectors. Thus, intervention of multisector is highly encouraged for better outcomes. One Health is one of the approaches that play a vital role in resolving this issue. In this research paper, six different European countries are discussed in terms of antimicrobial usage and AMR in the human and livestock sectors with the help of literature study and various reports published by different organizations. Data study has been conducted to collect the data for comparison study. Data sources of AMR and antimicrobial usage are analyzed and a thorough comparison of both antimicrobial use and AMR are conducted. Also, the application of One Health is studied for a balanced system. This article provides about various surveillance systems that are formed only to keep a track on the upcoming situation of AMR and the consumption of antimicrobials by the humans as well as animals. The article does not provide about all the details required to monitor the AMR issue but firmly allow the readers to get acknowledged with the broad information about the antimicrobial resistance across the six countries of Europe. The regular data collected by the different organizations play a vital role in monitoring the status of AMR and antimicrobial usage by humans and in live stocks. These annual reports have highly helped the government to decide for alternatives and have focused in many training activities to combat the AMR situation globally. AMR prevention is linked to the One Health concept. As antibiotic resistance genes persist on an interface between environment and animal and animal health, an approach is required in all three areas that stress the concept of 'One Approach to Health.'
Temporal and Spatial Analysis of Coastal Water Quality to Support Application of Witheleg Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei Intensive Pond Technology
Authors: Mustafa Akhmad
Published: January 2022

Bulukumba Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia is one of the centres for whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei production that applies intensive technology. However, no information has been obtained regarding the characteristics and status of water quality in coastal areas with environmentally friendly concepts and the potential to receive a waste load. The study aimed to determine the performance of whiteleg shrimp culture in relation to temporal and spatial aspects and characteristic and water quality status. Measurement and sampling of water were carried out before stocking/initial of culture whiteleg shrimp (rainy season) and end of culture/after harvesting of whiteleg shrimp (dry season) at two locations in the coastal area of ​​Bulukumba Regency, namely Bonto Bahari Subdistrict (BB) and Gantarang Subdistrict (GT). Variables measured and analyzed included temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, phosphate, total suspended solids, and total organic matter. Data analysis with descriptive statistics, multivariate statistics, and non-parametric statistics. The Storet (Storage and Retrieval) method was used to determine the water quality status. The results showed that the culture of whiteleg shrimp was technology-intensive with a stocking density of 110 - 220 ind/m2 with productivity between 13.9 - 44.4 tons/ha/cycle. The predicted waste load of N is 28.00 tons/cycle and P reaches 6.61 tons/cycle. Another result was that changes in water quality status during the rainy season were classified as moderately polluted at the BB location and complying quality standards at the GT location, while in the dry season, both locations were categorized as heavily polluted. Variables of water quality that caused the decrease in water quality status in both locations (BB and GT) were observed to increase salinity, nitrate concentration, and ammonia concentration. However, there was a decrease in dissolved oxygen concentration in the dry season.
Non-Ionic Aqueous Micellar Extraction of Trypsin Inhibitors and Isoflavones from Soybean Meal: Process Optimization
Authors: Coscueta Ezequiel , Brassesco María Emilia , Pellegrini Malpiedi Luciana , Nerli Bibiana
Published: January 2022

Simultaneous extraction of trypsin inhibitors and soy isoflavones from soybean meal was investigated using the non-destructive phytochemical extraction process, namely aqueous micellar system. The ethoxylated aliphatic alcohols Genapol X-080, Tergitol 15-S-7, and Tergitol 15-S-9, all non-toxic and biodegradable surfactants, were assessed as potential extractants. A Box-Behnken multifactorial design with the application of the Derringer desirability was used to determine the conditions that maximized the trypsin inhibitors and isoflavone extraction while minimizing the protein extraction. The optimum condition of 5% m/m of surfactant in 50 mM aqueous sodium citrate solution pH 4.5, at 45 °C for 45 min, was established for the three surfactants. The novel methodology would allow the extraction of the main soybean antinutritional factors, trypsin inhibitors, and the valuable isoflavones, preserving the nutritional quality of the treated material. This represents a sustainable alternative methodology for industrial purposes due to its low cost, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and easy scaling up.
Electrochemical and Mechanistic Study of Superoxide Scavenging by Pyrogallol in N,N-Dimethylformamide through Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer
Authors: Nakayama Tatsushi , Honda Ryo , Kuwata Kazuo , Usui Shigeyuki , Uno Bunji
Published: January 2022

Abstract: Scavenging of electrogenerated superoxide radical anion (O2•−) by pyrogallol (PyH3) was investigated on the basis of cyclic voltammetry and in situ electrolytic electron spin resonance spectrum in N,N-dimethylformamide with the aid of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Quasi-reversible dioxygen/O2•− redox coupe was modified by the presence of PyH3, suggesting that O2•− was scavenged by PyH3 through proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) involving two proton transfer and one electron transfer. The DFT calculation suggested that the formation of hydrogen bond (HB) complex and the subsequent concerted-two-proton coupled electron transfer (2PCET) characterized by catechol moiety in PyH3 is plausible mechanism which embodies the superior kinetics of the O2•− scavenging by PyH3 as shown in the electrochemical results. Furthermore, it was clarified that three hydroxyl groups of PyH3 promote the formation of prereactive HB complex, in comparative analyses using related compounds, resulting the promotion of the O2•− scavenging.
High precision voltage measurement for optical quantum computation
Authors: Wereszczyński Kamil , Michalczuk Agnieszka , Paszkuta Marcin , Gumiela Jacek
Published: January 2022

We communicate the theoretical results in the study of utilizing the quantum phenomena in optical current for quantum computation in the context of high precision voltage measurements. These results can be used around computation by quantum sampling and quantum communication as the basis for further research and physical implementations. We propose a Main Optical Setup (MOS) for such computation which allows to make a superstructure to implement specific computations and algorithms. To create MOS we used the nonlinear units (e.g., beta- barium borate crystal), arranged in series, powered with pulsed laser pump, and ended with the beam splitter to generate the output state of a number of entangled photon pairs. The computation is made by propagation of entanglement with beam splitters applied crossword and adjustable phase shifters that are tools for parameter steering. We show how to implement the series of cosine-based components on the example of two-component case. The results opens a broad area for future research in the area of building quantum optimizer using the quantum sampling methods and in the area of high precision temporal measurement of voltage, which is the important process for building high-fidelity devices.
2D QSAR APPROACH TO DEVELOP NEWER GENERATION SMALL MOLECULES ACTIVE AGAINST SMALL LUNG CANCER CELL LINE DMS 114
Authors: Saha Supriyo
Published: January 2022

Quantative Structure Activity Relationship analysis was performed using 38 small molecules without any particular scaffold worked against small lung cancer cell line DMS 114. The QSAR model was pIC50 = 32.72228(+/-9.85895) +0.16592(+/-0.11717) ALogP -0.00745(+/-0.00466) AMR -3.74232(+/-1.26299) Mi +0.3363(+/-0.03428) RDF110m. Statistical information for that equation was SEE :0.81811, r^2 :0.8621, r^2 adjusted :0.83584, F :32.82184 (DF :4, 21) which suggested that AlogP (Ghose-Crippen LogKo/w), RDF110m (Radial distribution function - 100 / weighted by relative mass) create positive response and AMR (Molar refractivity), Mi (Mean ionization potentials (scaled on carbon atom)) create negative response towards PIC50 value. Then the model was validated through Golbraikh and Tropsha acceptable model criteria's as Q^2:0.77691 Passed (Threshold value Q^2>0.5),r^2: 0.61064 Passed (Threshold value r^2>0.6, |r0^2-r'0^2|: 0.11623 Passed with Threshold value |r0^2-r'0^2|<0.3). As well as the greater q2 value was suggested the model sustainability. Applicabilty domain was identified by Euclidean and Mahalanobis Distance Method. All the points were merely overlapped with observed and predicted IC50 value. So the developed QSAR model will work as a great predictor of its activity with any chemical scaffold.
HYPOGLYCAEMIC EFFECTS OF JAVANESE GINSENG (Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn.) ROOT INFUSION ON ALLOXAN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS
Authors: Jenie Ikhlas Muhammad , Indraswari Rosefani Intan
Published: January 2022

To examine whether Javanese ginseng root has an antihyperglycaemic effect, twenty-one male Rattus norvegicus rats were randomly divided into four groups: negative control (n= 3), positive control (n= 4), treatment (n= 7), and placebo (n= 7). Alloxan was injected intraperitoneally at a single dose of 80 mg/kg BW to rats to induce hyperglycaemia. Infusion of Javanese ginseng root or distilled water was given at a dose of 2% w/v solution with a volume of 1.8 mL/200 g BW per day for 14 days through an enteral feeding tube to either the treatment or placebo group, respectively. Blood glucose levels were measured using the colorimetric method. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine differences in the mean of delta blood glucose (post intervention minus post alloxan blood glucose levels) among groups, followed by Tukey’s post hoc analysis. A P value 0.05 was considered statistically significant. There was a significant difference (P= 0.0001) in delta blood glucose among groups. Post hoc analysis revealed that delta blood glucose in the treatment group (-102.99±2.26 mg/dL) was significantly (P= 0.0001) greater than in the placebo (2.45±0.29 mg/dL), positive control (3.05±0.70 mg/dL) and negative control (1.60±0.17 mg/dL) grou p. In conclusion, Javanese ginseng root has potential as a hypoglycemic agent in alloxan-induced diabetic animal models
THE EFFECT OF BLACK CUMIN (Nigella sativa) SUPPLEMENTATION THROUGH DRINKING WATER ON THE HISTOLOGY OF SMALL INTESTINE AND LARGE INTESTINE OF BROILER CHICKENS
Authors: Hartono Madi , Santosa Purnama Edy , Ermawati Ratna , Sirat Muhammad Mirandy Pratama
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to determine the effect of black cumin (Nigella sativa) supplementation through drinking water on the histology of broiler chickens’ small intestine and large intestine. The research was conducted from April-September 2020 in a cage facility of the Integrated Field Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung. This research used a completely randomized design with four treatment groups and three replications (five broilers per replication) with a total of 60 male broilers. The treatments were drinking water without Black Cumin (P0, control); drinking water with Black Cumin 36 mg/kg BW/day (P1); 72 mg/kg BW/day (P2); and 144 mg/kg BW/day (P3). Three broilers from each group were randomly necropsied at 31 days old, and samples of the small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) and large intestine were fixed with 10% formalin solution and sent to the Lampung Disease Investigation Center for histological preparations. The observation of preparations was carried out microscopically using the Leica DM500® Binocular Microscope to accurately calculate various parameter sizes. The results were analyzed statistically with one way Analysis of Variance at significant level 5% and if proven significant, then a Tukey test was conducted. The results of this study were that the supplementation of black cumin 72 mg/kg BW/day through drinking water could significantly increase (P0.05) 1) the average sizes of villi height and villi area of small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum) and large intestine (colon) of broiler chickens; 2) the average sizes of basal villi width, villi apex width, and gland diameter of broiler duodenum; and 3) the average size of apex villi width of broiler colon. The conclusion of this study was the supplementation of black cumin at dose of 72 mg/kg BW/day through drinking water could increase the histological sizes of the small intestine and large intestine of broilers.
CHARACTERIZATION OF MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS FROM WHITE ADIPOSE TISSUE OF Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Subu Taopan Harrold Halilintar MR , Annisa Dewi Fitriya Nur , Mariya Silmi , Darusman Huda , Permanawati Permanawati , Sajuthi Dondin , Suparto Irma Herawati
Published: January 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) derived from white adipose tissue are considered to be an appropriate therapeutic candidate for various human diseases due to their natural ability to maintain homeostasis. They have also been considered for use as a therapeutic alternative due to their sufficient availability and ease of harvesting. MSC play an important role in the process of adipogenesis and energy metabolism that is directly related to the pathogenesis of various degenerative diseases and metabolic syndromes. The purpose of this study was to obtain MSC cultures from white adipose tissue biopsied from three adult males Macaca fascicularis and to evaluate these cultures qualitatively and quantitatively regarding their characteristics and ability to differentiate. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to confirm the expression of mesenchymal stem cell-specific gene markers, and a specific growth medium was used to differentiate these cells into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteocytes. The results obtained showed that the MSC culture from M. fascicularis WAT had a fibroblast-like morphology with a spindle shape. The MSC markers of CD73, CD90 and CD105, were also expressed. The MSC culture was also able to differentiate into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteocytes. Based on these results, white adipose tissue from Macaca fascicularis was found to have potential as a source of MSC.
ULTRASOUND IMAGING OF THE SPLEEN, STOMACH, LIVER, KIDNEYS, BLADDER, AND PROSTATE IN PIGLETS (Sus scrofa domestica)
Authors: Gunanti Gunanti , Khairunnisa Carina , Annisa Fadhilah Nur , Retnani Elok Budi , Amin Akhmad Arif , Rahmiati Dwi Utari
Published: January 2022

This study aims to describe ultrasonographic imaging of the spleen, stomach, liver, kidney, bladder, and prostate in piglets (Sus scrofa domestica). Ultrasonography was performed on six male piglets aged 1 month with a body weight of 4-8 kg. Ultrasonography of the spleen, stomach, liver, urinary bladder, and prostate was observed in the dorsal-recumbency position, and the kidney was observed in the lateral-recumbency position. The ultrasound examination used the Chison EBit 60, which is a linear type transducer with a frequency of 9 MHz, transverse and sagittal positions, and a gain of about 55-80. Ultrasonography of the spleen showed that the shape of the spleen head varied in each individual. The results of gastric ultrasonography showed the gastric lining clearly and the similarity of the position, shape, structure, echogenicity, and size of the stomach. The results of liver ultrasonography showed that the echogenicity of the liver tended to be hyperechoic, the kidneys were hyperechoic, and the bladder was hypoechoic due to the use of improper gain. The average length of the right kidney was 4.73±0.50 cm and the left kidney was 4.08±0.26 cm. The bladder wall thickness was 1.3±0.31 mm. Imaging of the bladder showed changes in wall size and echogenicity. Prostate ultrasound results obtained an average length of 2.68±0.45 cm, width 1.69±0.35 cm. The results of this study can be used as a reference for normal data on organ position, organ structure, and organ echogenicity of the spleen, stomach, liver, kidney, bladder, and prostate in piglets.
Identification of Circulating Tfh/Th Subsets as Biomarker of Hospital-acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Chen Cheng , Peng Yuan , Tao Tao , Yu Ni-Wen
Published: January 2022

BackgroundThe incidence rate of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is increasing in ICU patients, which is usually associated with dysregulated immune responses. Previous study has revealed Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells were essential for the formation and maintenance of geminal centers for anti-viral immune response, however, little is known about it during HAP.MethodsA total number of 62 patients with HAP and 10 healthy individuals were recruited. Lower respiratory tract secretion and blood samples were taken for microbiological examinations. Uncontrolled and controlled HAP patients were identified on the basis of its respiratory function or hemodynamics, according to the ATS guidelines of HAP. Circulating Tfh cells (CXCR5+Foxp3-CD4+) and Th cells (CXCR5-FoxP3-CD4+) in all individuals were analyzed by flow cytometry.ResultsClinically, 34 patients had uncontrolled HAP and 28 patients were controlled HAP. Patients were mainly infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae (K.p), Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is noted that Tfh/Th ratio was increased in patients with uncontrolled HAP than controlled HAP (P<0.05). Especially, Tfh/Th ratio was also higher in K.p-infected than non-K.p-infected patients (P<0.05). Furthermore, Tfh/Th ratio was significantly elevated in patients with BSIs compared to those without BSIs (P<0.01). Furthermore, Tfh/Th ratio showed an association with PCT, and the combination of Tfh/Th and PCT could serve as a better predicting marker for deterioration of HAP. Accordingly, HAP patients with high Tfh/Th ratio had a lower rate of survival in 28 days.ConclusionTfh/Th ratio is useful for identifying the severity of the patients with HAP and increased Tfh/Th ratio indicates uncontrolled HAP. Circulating Tfh/Th subsets could be used as a prognostic biomarker and may provide novel insight for the pathogenesis of HAP.
A Novel Bilateral Anterior Sacrospinous Hysteropexy Technique for Apical Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair via the Vaginal Route: a Cohort Study
Authors: Naumann Gert , Börner Clara , Naumann Lena-Johanna , Schröder Sebastian , Hüsch Tanja
Published: January 2022

BackgroundUterine preserving techniques are becoming increasingly popular in the last decade. This investigation evaluates a novel hysteropexy technique using a mesh in sling-alike configuration [Splentis (Promedon, Argentina)] which is attached anteriorly to the cervix and suspended to the sacrospinous ligaments bilaterally via the vaginal route in women undergoing surgery for uterine prolapse.MethodsThis was a single-center cohort study, evaluating women who underwent transvaginal hysteropexy with Splentis for primary uterine descent. Data has been collected prospectively as part of the quality assurance system. Primary endpoint was treatment success, defined as a combined endpoint including the absence of a vaginal bulge symptom and no retreatment of apical prolapse. A validated questionnaire to evaluate quality-of-life and prolapse symptoms was utilized. Descriptive analysis was applied. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to compare paired samples. The significance level was set at 5%.ResultsA total of 103 women with a median age of 68.0 [IQR 11.5] years with a median apical POP-Q stage of 3 were included. The median surgery time was 22 [IQR 12] minutes and no intraoperative complication occurred. After a median follow-up time of 17 months, treatment success was achieved in 91 (89.2%) patients and quality of life and patient report outcomes improved significantly (p<0.001). Mesh exposure occurred in 3 (2.9%) patients. Of these, two patients required surgical revision, and one patient was treated conservatively. One patient required partial mesh removal due to dyspareunia. ConclusionBilateral sacrospinous hysteropexy with Splentis offers an efficacious and safe alternative for apical compartment repair, incorporating the advantages of pelvic floor reconstruction via the vaginal route.Trial registrationThe trial has been registered at the German Clincial Trials Register (DRKS00018990).
Insigths of sphalerite weathering under simulated acidic, circumneutral and alkaline conditions to account for mineral activity and potential Zn release
Authors: Sosa-Rodríguez Fabiola S , Vázquez-Arenas Jorge , Ponce-Peña Patricia , Aragón-Piña Antonio , Mallet Martine , Trejo-Córdova Gabriel , Núñez-Ramírez Diola M , Escobedo-Bretado Miguel A , Lara René Homero
Published: January 2022

The present study combines surface analyses of pristine and leached low Fe-bearing and Pb-bearing sphalerite (PbS-ZnS) samples including XPS, GDOES, Raman spectroscopy, SEM and AFM, along with chemical evolution of leachates after 24 h of contact with 0.1 M NaOH, 0.1 M NaNO3, 0.1 M H2SO4 or 0.1 M HClO4 solution. A comprehensive electrochemical analysis using Cyclic voltammetry, Chronopotentiometry, Chronoamperometry, Linear sweep voltammetry and Tafel plots of PbS-ZnS and marmatite-like sphalerite (FeZnS) are conducted to compare its oxidation activities. Mineral characterizations reveal sluggish weathering linked to inhomogeneous and minor secondary polysulfides (Sn2−) surface compounds distribution, thus defining bare modifications of surface-activity relationships. The occurrence of secondary Zn-bearing compounds was not identified on altered samples, which suggests that this heavy metal diffuses into the bulk-solution. Electrochemical assessments confirm sluggish sphalerite oxidation mainly composed by two subsequent stages, where the highest mineral activity was obtained in NaOH conditions. It was found that the sphalerite oxidation is more active in the presence of Pb, while the activity of sphalerite gradually decreases when it is a mineral rich in Fe probably associated with progressive accumulation of Sn2−/S0 compounds. We suggest general oxidation mechanisms for sphalerite, and their environmental implications are discussed.
Asymptomatic Urinary Tract infection in Pregnant and Non-pregnant Women in the Limbe Health District of Cameroon: A Phenotypic and Biochemical analytic study
Authors: Nkwelle Chantal Emade , Akoachere Jane-Francis Tatah Kihla , Ndip Lucy Mande , Nzang Franklin Ajoeh , Esemu Seraphine Foto , Ndip Roland Ndip
Published: January 2022

Background
Asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy is associated with significant maternal and fetal risks. However, there seem to be a dearth of information of its prevalence in our community. This study investigated the prevalence of the etiology and antibiotic susceptibility profile of bacterial agents incriminated in urinary tract infection (UTI) in pregnant and non- pregnant women. The association between leukocyte esterase, nitrite, serum creatinine and asymptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) was assessed.
Methods
A total of 150 urine and blood samples were collected (75 pregnant and 75 non-pregnant) and analyzed using standard microbiological and clinical chemistry methods for detection of isolates and their antibiotic sensitivity and serum creatinine level, respectively. Data obtained was analyzed using the SPSS data package; the Chi-square (X2) test was used to examine significant differences at 5% significance level.
Results
The overall prevalence of asymptomatic UTI was 30%, while the prevalence in pregnant and non-pregnant women was 29.3% and 30.7%, respectively. Gram positive organisms were more prevalent (77.6%) than gram negative organisms (22.4%). The most prevalent organism was S. aureus (20.1%), while Enterococci (2.1%) was the least prevalent. No statistically significant association existed between serum creatinine and asymptomatic UTI. Leukocyte esterase was a common indicator for UTI and was statistically significant in non-pregnant women (P=0.009). Ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone and amoxiclav were the most effective antibiotics (100%) against most isolates. However, some isolates demonstrated high resistance to cefixime and ampicillin, respectively (100%).
Conclusion
Asymptomatic UTI is a problem in pregnant and non-pregnant women in our environment, with a majority of the cases attributed to Gram positive bacteria. Resistance to some of the antibiotics currently employed in the treatment of this infection was remarkable. The use of biochemical indicators in the diagnosis of UTI in our environment should be done with caution. These findings, therefore, have epidemiological and clinical significance, and calls for more attention in the management of UTI.
IPIM-G Dynamic Prediction Model of Mining Subsidence Based on D-InSAR Technical Parameter Inversion
Authors: Hou Zhixian , Yang Keming , Li Yanru , Gao Wei , Wang Shuang , Ding Xinming , Li Yaxing
Published: January 2022

The probability integral method (PIM) model is more suitable for mining subsidence prediction of underground working-face of coal mine in China and has been widely used. However, the PIM model has the question on too fast convergence in predicting at the edge of subsidence basin. In recent years, many scholars have studied a lot of subsidence monitoring methods in the coal mine area by using the technical advantages of differential interferometry synthetic aperture radar (D-InSAR). But, serious incoherence of interferometry phase occurs because of the large gradient subsidence of mining area, which leads to the inability to accurately obtain large gradient subsidence of surface. Meanwhile, the PIM model is more suitable for static prediction of mining activity in the mining area, yet has certain defects in dynamic subsidence prediction during mining process. In view of the above shortcomings, the improved PIM (IPIM) prediction model was first introduced through improving the PIM model in the paper, and the IPIM-G dynamic prediction model was constructed based on the PIM model and the Gompertz time function for mine-area mining. Then, a method was used to invert the parameters of the IPIM-G dynamic prediction model by using time series superposition results of surface subsidence monitored by the D-InSAR technology, and then the parameters obtained by inversion were applied to the IPIM-G model for mining subsidence prediction. In order to verify the effectiveness of the IPIM-G model, the model was applied to a coal mine in Huaibei mining area, Anhui Province. The experimental results show that the predicted values of the IPIM-G dynamic prediction model are in good agreement with the measured leveling values in field, and the accuracy of the IPIM-G dynamic prediction model is 85.9% higher than the monitoring results of the D-InSAR technology in obtaining the gradient subsidence information of the subsidence basin in the mining area. The accuracy of subsidence prediction at the edge of the subsidence basin is 14.9% higher than the PIM model.
The Predictive Power of Pain Characteristics and Sleep Quality on Fatigue in Adolescents with Cancer
Authors: KUDUBEŞ ASLI AKDENİZ , BEKTAŞ MURAT , GERCEKER GÜLCİN ÖZALP
Published: January 2022

Purpose
This study was conducted as descriptive, methodological, and cross-sectional research to determine the predictive power of pain characteristics and sleep quality on fatigue in adolescents with cancer.
Method
The study was conducted between November 2020 and April 2021 with 139 adolescents with cancer who reported pain. The study data were collected via an Adolescent Information Form, the Adolescent Pediatric Pain Tool, the Scale for the Assessment of Fatigue in Pediatric Oncology Patients Aged 13-18, and the Sleep Assessment Scale for Children with Cancer - Adolescent Form. Mean values, percentage calculations, Pearson correlation analysis, and linear regression analysis were used in the analysis of the data.
Results
There was a high level and negative correlation between pain characteristics (pain location, severity, and quality) of the adolescents participating in the study and their mean scores from the overall fatigue scale and its sub-dimensions and a high level and positive correlation with their mean scores from the overall sleep quality scale. Pain characteristics (pain location, severity, and quality) and sleep quality of adolescents with cancer explained 74% of fatigue.
Conclusions
Pain, sleep quality, and fatigue are symptoms that should be closely addressed in adolescents with cancer. Pain and sleep quality directly affect fatigue, and as sleep quality increases, fatigue decreases.
Health Literacy Among Long-Term Breast Cancer Survivors; Exploring Associated Factors in a Nation-Wide Sample
Authors: Vandraas Kathrine , Reinertsen Kristin Valborg , Kiserud Cecilie , Bøhn Synne , Lie Hanne Cathrine
Published: January 2022

Background

Poor health literacy (HL) likely hampers health management and outcomes in cancer survivorship. Knowledge of associated factors is needed to identify at-risk sub-groups of survivors, but is currently scant. Here, we explore HL and associated factors in a nation-wide sample of long-term breast cancer survivors (BCSs).
Material and methods

All BCSs aged 20-65 years, diagnosed with early-stage BC in 2011-2012, were identified through the Norwegian Cancer Registry and invited to participate in the Survivorship, Work and Sex (SWEET)-study. HL was measured using The European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire-12 (HLS-EU-Q12) as a continuous and categorical variable. Associations between HL and sociodemographic-, physical- and mental health variables, including the most common late effects, were explored in uni- and multivariable linear regression models.
Results

The final sample consisted of 1355 survivors (48%). Median age was 60 years and the majority of survivors had high socioeconomic status (SES). Median HL sum-score corresponded to an intermediate HL level (36.2, SD 5.4), while 19.3% reported marginal or inadequate HL. Education, income, age at diagnosis, the personality trait neuroticism and fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) remained significantly associated with HL in the multivariate model, explaining 12% of the variance in HL scores.
Conclusion

Low levels of HL were prevalent, potentially affecting the provision of effective survivorship care and BCS’s self-management abilities. Identifying individuals at risk of low HL based on knowledge readily available to clinicians remains challenging and warrants further investigation.
Is the short-term lethal effect of NO2 ignored?Focus on the relationship between short-term exposure to NO2 and tumor death in Shenyang, China
Authors: Yang Cheng , Xue Xiaoxia , Liu Shuai , Ma Xinyue , Xiong Lin , Zhou Baosen , Li Xuelian
Published: January 2022

Although related studies have shown that the short-term exposure of NO2 is associated with all-cause and respiratory mortality, there is still no clear evidence for the effect of NO2 on tumor death. This study aimed to understand whether the lethal effect of NO2 air pollution was underestimated in China. We comprehensively estimated the association between mortality and NO2 concentration and also the population susceptibility differences for whole tumors(C00-D48), lung cancer(C34), gastric cancer(C16), liver cancer(C22), colorectal cancer(C18-C20), breast cancer(C50), thyroid cancer(C73), prostate cancer(C61), bladder cancer(C67) and leukemia (C90.1, C91-C95) in a typical old industrial city in the northeast of China. The generalized linear model showed that the increase of NO2 concentration was positively correlated with an increase of 0.95% (95% confidence interval, 0.33-1.57%), 1.86% (0.79-2.95%), 2.33% (0.38-4.32%), 2.55% (0.68-4.45%), 16.3% (4.01-30.04%), 11.29% (5.9-16.94%), respectively, in the mortality of whole tumors, lung cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, thyroid cancer, and leukemia in the city of Shenyang. Population susceptibility differences were also significant for the short-term effects of NO2 on tumor mortality. Young and old persons suffering from leukemia were at more death risk from increased concentration of NO2 and most of this risk of death can be observed on lag0. However, young adults aged 15 to 65 with all tumors and thyroid cancer, were more susceptible to their effects. Women with total tumors, colorectal cancer, were more vulnerable to die from NO2 air pollution, and significant risk effects can be observed in lag0-lag6 and lag0/lag4/lag5, respectively. Since WHO has recommended a short-term (24-hour) nitrogen dioxide AQGs level of 25 μg/m3, which is more stringent than that of 80 μg/m3 in the Ambient Air Quality Standard of China. We suggest that the local government should seriously consider guiding legislation and policies of air pollution based on the new WHO Global Air Quality Guidelines, to protect public health with an adequate margin of safety.
The North-South divide in global air pollution: drivers and impacts
Authors: Zhao Alcide , Stevenson David , Heal Mathew , Bollasina Massimo
Published: January 2022

We used an Earth System Model to assess global air pollution changes and their impacts over the 1970-2010 period. We found emergence of a strong North-South divide driven by anthropogenic air pollutant emissions, with a secondary contribution from greenhouse gas increases. Increased concentrations of PM2.5 and O3 have respectively led to an additional 2.4 (95% confidence interval: 2.0-2.6) million and 0.8 (0.6-0.9) million premature deaths. Increases in O3 have also led to an extra 173±8 million tonnes annual staple crop losses at a cost of ~55 billion US$2010. Increased energy use dominates the worsening air pollution in global south regions, while technologies lowering emissions and mitigating impacts have been important in Europe, and to a lesser extent in North America. Reductions in energy-intensive sectors, not technologies alone, are required worldwide to protect global air quality, human health, and food security.
Examination of Patient Transfer Criteria to Higher Medical Institutions After Emergency Endoscopy at a Private Medical Facility Without Hospital Beds
Authors: Obata Kazuhiko , Uchiyama Kan , Hada Takenori , Murai Ryuzo
Published: January 2022

Background: Because the clinical course of gastrointestinal bleeding varies, urgent judgments regarding the severity of a patient’s condition, indications for endoscopic hemostasis, and transfer to a higher medical institution are needed at private medical facilities without hospital beds. The present study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of patients with vital sign fluctuations during emergency endoscopy for gastrointestinal bleeding and experiencing rebleeding within 30 days after initial endoscopy. We then investigated criteria for transferring patients to higher medical institutions based on the results.Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the characteristics of 91 patients who underwent emergency endoscopy for gastrointestinal bleeding at our facility without hospital beds between January 2016 and September 2020. The patients were divided into 2 groups: 13 with vital sign fluctuations during emergency endoscopy and/or rebleeding within 30 days after an initial endoscopy as the required transfer group and 78 without either as the nonrequired transfer group.Results: No significant differences in age, sex, location, or endoscopic treatment were observed between the 2 groups. However, the prevalence of comorbidities was significantly higher in the required transfer group (P <0.001). Moreover, multivariate logistic regression analysis identified comorbidities (odds ratio [OR], 10.646; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.868–68.330; P = 0.001) as an independent risk factor for vital sign fluctuation and/or rebleeding.Conclusions: These findings suggest that comorbidity presence is a poor prognostic factor in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding, for whom transfer to higher medical institutions needs to be actively considered.Trial registrationParticipants were retrospectively registered.
Tissue Distribution and Biomagnification of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Snakes From Paddy Fields in the Yangtze River Delta, Southeastern China
Authors: Jing Xiuming , Wang Xueqiu , Lv Hongjuan , Liu Futian
Published: January 2022

In many developing regions, the rapid development in industrialization and urbanization has caused adverse impact on the aqueous ecology and environment. However, there is limited information available on the tissue-specific burden and biomagnification of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in biota. In the present study, the tissue concentration and distribution of tri- to deca-BDEs were analyzed in terrestrial short-tailed mamushi (Gloydius Brevicaudus) and semi-aquatic red-backed rat snake (Elaphe Rufodorsata) from the Yangtze River (ChangJiang) Delta, Southeastern China. The total PBDE concentrations of liver, muscle and adipose tissues in two snakes ranged from 29.1-252.2, 10.5-48.9 and 4.36-106.4 ng/g lw, respectively. The congener patterns of PBDEs exhibited the significant difference between two snakes, which may be attributed to different feeding habits and dermal exposure. Tissue-specific burdens in snakes suggested that adipose tissue served as a dominant storage and sink for PBDEs (85.1% for red-backed rat snake and 80.0% for short-tailed mamushi, respectively) compared to liver (8.1% and 12.5%, respectively) and muscle (6.9% and 7.5%, respectively) tissues. Biomagnification potential of PBDEs was investigated via black spotted frogs-red-backed rat snake food chain. The biomagnification factors (BMFs) of tri- to deca-BDEs were in a range of 0.74 to 4.30. Tetra- to octa-BDEs generally exhibited biomagnification potentials through the frog-snake food chain. Moreover, parabolic relationship was observed between BMFs and log Kow of PBDE congeners, and it may be resulted from the combined effects of chemical’s hydrophobicity and molecular size. This research, thereby provides data support for biological monitoring being concerned about liver, muscle and adipose tissues of animals.
Protective Effect of Homogeneous Polysaccharide from Wuguchong(HPW) on Intestinal Mucositis Induced by 5- Fluorouracil in Mice
Authors: Shi Peng , Zhao Tianqi , Wang Wendong , Peng Fangli , Wang Ting , Jia Yong , Zou Linxuan , Wang Peng , Yang Simengge , Fan Yue , Zong Junwei , Qu Xueling , Wang Shouyu
Published: January 2022

Background: In hospitalized patients, drug side effects usually trigger off intestinal mucositis(IM), which in turn abates intestinal absorption and reduces the efficacy of treatment. It has been discovered that natural polysaccharides can relieve intestinal mucositis. In this study, we extracted and purified a homogenous polysaccharide of Wuguchong(HPW),one of traditional Chinese medicine, and explored the protective effect of HPW on 5-fluorouracil-induced IM. Methods and Results: Firstly, we identified the physical and chemical properties of the extracted homogeneous polysaccharides. The molecular weight of HPW was 616 kDa, which was composed of 14 monosaccharides. Then, a model of small intestinal mucositis induced by 5-FU (50 mg/kg) was constructed in mice to explore the effect and mechanism of HPW. The results showed that HPW effectively increased histological indicators such as villus height,crypt depth and goblet cell count. Meanwhile, it relieved intestinal barrier indicators such as D-LAC and DAO. Subsequently, western blot was used to detect the expression of Claudin-1, Occludin, PCNA, and inflammatory proteins such as NF-κB(P65), TNF-α, and COX-2. The figures also indicated that HPW could reduce inflammation and protect the barrier at the molecular level. Finally, we also investigated the influence of HPW on the content of SCFAs in feces of mice, a metabolite of intestinal flora. Conclusions: HPW, as a bioactive polysaccharide derived from insects, has protective effects on intestinal mucosa and can relieve intestinal inflammation caused by drug side effects, which deserves further development and research.
MED1, A Novel Binding partner of BRCA1, Regulates Homologous Recombination and R-Loop Processing
Authors: Honjoh Harunori , Tanikawa Michihiro , Hiraike Osamu-Wada , Oda Katsutoshi , Inaba Hirofumi , Kukita Asako , Kawata Yoshiko , Kusakabe Misako , Tsuchimochi Saki , Taguchi Ayumi , Miyamoto Yuichiro , Sone Kenbun , Tsuruga Tetsushi , Mori-Uchino Mayuyo , Matsumoto Yoko , Osuga Yutaka
Published: January 2022

Homologous recombination (HR) is a major repair pathway of DNA double-strand breaks and is closely related to carcinogenesis. HR deficiency has been established as a therapeutic target. The aim of this study was to elucidate the functions of a novel HR factor, Mediator complex subunit 1 (MED1), and its association with BRCA1. Formation of the MED1/BRCA1 complex was examined by immunoprecipitation and GST-pull down assays. The transcription cofactor role of BRCA1 was evaluated using luciferase assays. The roles of MED1 on DNA damage response and HR were analyzed by immunofluorescence and HR assays. R-loop accumulation was analyzed using immunofluorescence. R-loop-induced DNA damage was analyzed by comet assays. Immunoprecipitation and GST-pull down assays demonstrated that MED1 is a novel binding partner of BRCA1, and binds to the BRCT domain. Luciferase assays showed that MED1 potentiated the transcription ability of BRCT by two-fold. In MED1-depleted cells, recruitment of HR genes, such as RPA and γH2AX, to DNA damage sites was severely impaired. HR assays showed that MED1 knockdown significantly decreased HR activity. R-loop nuclear accumulation and R-loop-induced comet tails were observed in MED1-depleted cells. We conclude that the transcription factor MED1 contribute to the regulation of the HR pathway and R-loop processing.
Groundwater Level Estimation in Northwest Region of Bangladesh Using Hybrid Locally Weighted Linear Regression and Gaussian Process Regression Modeling
Authors: Elbeltagi Ahmed , Salam Roquia , Pal Subodh Chandra , Zerouali Bilel , Shahid Shamsuddin , Mallick Javed , Islam Md. Saiful , I Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul
Published: January 2022

The knowledge about the role of the underlying variables on groundwater level (GWL) fluctuation at local scale in the drought-prone urban areas of Bangladesh is still not explored. To better insight into the relative contribution of underlying factors on GWL fluctuation, this study proposed a novel hybrid ensemble modeling framework based on locally weighted linear regression (LWLR) and four Gaussian Process Regressions (GPRs) e.g., poly kernel, Pearson universal kernel (PUK), radian basis function (RBF) and normalized poly kernel. The proposed framework has employed to predict GWL at six wells in the drought-prone local areas of North-western urban region of Bangladesh, where GWL is declining rapidly. The rainfall, temperature (Tave), soil moisture (SM), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), Nina3.4, and population growth rate for the period 1993-2017 were utilized as inputs to developed GWL models. The best input combination was explored using the best subset regression model and sensitivity analysis, and the optimal input combination was applied in LWLR and GPRs to estimate monthly GWL fluctuation. The hybrid LWLR-GPR-PUK model, on average, improves the prediction accuracy from 10 to 50% during the training stage and 20-70% during the testing stage compared to other models. The proposed modeling approach can act as a promising substitute tool to estimate GWL fluctuation, especially in drought-prone local areas in urban regions where groundwater data scarcity hinders the physical law-based model development.
Effect of Low-Dose 18F-FDG on Image Quality in Digital PET/CT
Authors: Shirakawa Yuya
Published: January 2022

Patients in Japan undergoing PET/CT are injected with 3.7 MBq of 18F-FDG which is a standard based on outdated instrumentation. We investigated whether informative 18F-FDG-PET/CT images of tumor glucose metabolism could be acquired with lower 18F doses. MethodsThe background activity of a NEMA body phantom with 10–37-mm hot spheres containing 18F-FDG was set at 2.53 kBq/mL (= 3.7 MBq/kg dose; Hot/BG = 4; standard ), and 1.73 and 1.34 kBq/mL (= 2.5 and 2.0 MBq/kg doses, respectively). Images were reconstructed using TOF-3D-OSEM and a Gaussian filter (GF) (FWHM 4 mm) and Clear adaptive Low-noise Method (CaLM Mild). Image quality was evaluated as % background variability (NB,10mm), % contrast of 10-mm hot sphere (QH,10 mm), background coefficients of variation (CVbackground), ratios of QH,10mm to NB,10 mm (QH,10 mm/NB,10 mm), and recovery coefficients (RC). The detectability of 10 mm hot spheres was evaluated at each dose.ResultsThe NB,10 mm on images of 3.7 MBq/kg doses acquired for 270 sec was 5.5% (GF and CaLM Mild), which met the guideline standard (< 5.6%), and 6.9% and 7.6% (GF) at 2.5 and 2.0 MBq/kg respectively, on images acquired for 300 sec, and 7.1% and 7.4% (CaLM Mild), which exceeded the standard.The QH,10 mm indicated better contrast on images acquired for 120 sec (clinical standard), with CaLM Mild, than the GF. The CVbackground values for 3.7 MBq/kg dose equivalents were 9.9% (GF) and 10% (CaLM Mild) respectively, for images acquired for 270 and 300 sec, which met the guideline criterion (≤ 10%), and 11% and 12% (GF), and 13% (CaLM Mild) for 2.5 and 2.0 MBq/kg doses for images acquired for 300 sec. The QH,10 mm/NB,10 mm values at 2.0 MBq/kg for images acquired for 120 sec were 3.8 (GF) and 3.5 (CaLM Mild), which met the criterion (> 2.8), and the RCs of 0.73 (GF) and 0.98 (CaLM Mild) for the 10-mm hot sphere, also satisfied the criterion (> 0.38). Visual detectability at all doses met the criterion at 120 sec. ConclusionsThe quality of semiconductor digital PET/CT images was good at doses below the current standard.
DROSHA and DICER RNA products control BMI1-dependent transcriptional repression at DNA damage sites
Authors: Francia Sofia , Capozzo Ilaria , Modafferi Stefania , Iannelli Fabio , Gioia Ubaldo , Fagagna Fabrizio d'Adda di
Published: January 2022

Genome integrity is safeguarded by the DNA damage response (DDR). Transcriptional modulation of genes around DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is important for DNA repair. It has been shown that DSBs repress transcription of DSB-bearing genes in an ATM- and PRC1-dependent manner. However, DSB also induce local de novo transcription of non-coding RNA, which are processed by DROSHA and DICER into small DNA-damage-response RNA (DDRNA). Here we reconcile these apparently contrasting observations by showing that DROSHA and DICER inactivation prevents transcriptional repression of DSB-bearing genes by reducing PRC1 recruitment to DSB and consequent H2A-K119 chromatin ubiquitination. Indeed, DDRNAs generated at DSB associate with the PRC1 component BMI1 and inhibition of DDRNA function with antisense oligonucleotides is sufficient to reduce damage-induce transcriptional silencing in cis genes (DISC). We propose that DROSHA, DICER and DDRNAs control DISC at genomic lesion sites by favoring PRC1-driven chromatin ubiquitination.