bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of MdWRKY40 in the Defense of Mycorrhizal Apple Against Fusarium Solani
Authors: Wang Mei , Tang Weixiao , Xiang Li , Chen Xuesen , Shen Xiang , Yin Chengmiao , Mao Zhiquan
Published: October 2021

Background: Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) is an important economic crop. The pathological effects of Fusarium spp., a group of soilborne pathogens, on the root systems of apple plants was unknown. It was unclear how mycorrhizal apple seedlings resist infection by F. solani. The transcriptional profiles of mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants infected by F. solani were compared using RNA-Seq.Results: Infection with F. solani significantly reduced the dry weight of apple roots, and the roots of mycorrhizal apple plants were less damaged when the plants were infected with F. solani. They also had enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes and a reduction in the oxidation of membrane lipids. A total of 1,839 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained after mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal apple plants were infected with F. solani. A gene ontogeny (GO) analysis showed that most DEGs were involved in the binding of ADP and calcium ions. In addition, the enrichment observed from an analysis with the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) primarily involved plant-pathogen interaction and Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, and plant hormone signal transduction. Based on a MapMan analysis, an enormous number of DEGs were involved in the response of mycorrhizal plants to stress. Among them, the overexpressed transcription factor MdWRKY40 significantly improved the resistance of ‘Orin’ to F. solani and the expression of the resistance gene MdGLU by binding the promoter of MdGLU.Conclusion: This paper outlines how the inoculation of apple seedlings by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi reduces the response to stress at the transcription level of the root system following infection with F. solani, and MdWRKY40 played an important role in the resistance of mycorrhizal apple seedlings to infection with F. solani.
Reduction of Testosterone Levels in Schistosoma Haematobium or Schistosoma Mansoni Infected Men: A Cross-Sectional Study in Two Schistosomiasis-Endemic Areas of the Adamawa Region of Cameroon
Authors: JATSA Hermine BOUKENG , FEMOE Ulrich MEMBE , DONGMO Calvine NOUMEDEM , KAMWA Romuald Issiaka NGASSAM , FESUH Betrand NONO , TCHUENTE Louis-Albert TCHUEM , KAMTCHOUING Pierre
Published: October 2021

Background: The incidence of schistosomiasis‐induced male reproductive dysfunction and infertility is probably underestimated comparing to female genital schistosomiasis. This study aimed to investigate the impact of S. haematobium or S. mansoni infection on the reproductive function of adult men in Tibati and Wouldé, two schistosomiasis endemic areas in the Adamawa region of Cameroon.Methods: A total of 89 men in the reproductive age (range: 14 – 56 years) from two localities were enrolled in the study with 51 in Tibati and 38 in Wouldé. Each participant was submitted to a questionnaire to document data on sociodemographic and stream contact behaviors. A medical examination was performed to measure the circumference of the testes and to evaluate genital tract pathologies. Stool and urine samples were collected and screened for the presence of S. haematobium or S. mansoni ova. Blood serum was use to evaluate the level of transaminases and testosterone.Results: S. haematobium was present only in Tibati with a prevalence of 31.37%. S. mansoni prevalence was 3.92% at Tibati and 44.71% in Wouldé. The intensity of infection was 22.12 ± 9.57 eggs/10 mL for S. haematobium and 128.10 ± 3.76 epg for S. mansoni. Serum transaminases activity and the mean testicular circumference of Schistosoma-positive individuals were close to those of negative ones. The testes size was however higher in S. mansoni-positive individuals than in S. haematobium-positive ones (P < 0.05). The serum testosterone level of S. haematobium and S. mansoni-positive men was significantly reduced by 56.07% (P < 0.001) and 51.94% (P < 0.01) respectively in comparison to that of Schistosoma-negative ones. A significant and negative correlation was established between schistosomiasis and the low level of serum testosterone. Male genital tract pathologies such as scrotal abnormalities, varicocele, nodular epididymis, inguinal hernia and hydrocele were recorded in both Schistosoma-positive and Schistosoma-negative men. However, no significant link was established between schistosomiasis infection and these pathologies.Conclusion: These results demonstrated that infection with S. haematobium or S. mansoni is associated with a low production of the reproductive hormone testosterone, and may be a major cause of male infertility.
The TCM Prescription Yi-Fei-Jie-Du-Tang Inhibit Invasive Migration and EMT of Lung Cancer Cells by Activating Autophagy
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Wang Zaichuan , Wu Yinqiu , Hou Chao , Wang Qingyin , Wu Yongjian , Qian Chao , Zhang Xiaochun
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveNon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a serious threat to people’s health. This study aims to assess the antitumor effect of Yi-Fei-Jie-Du-Tang (YFJDT) on NSCLC,which is an empirical formula from Professor Zhongying Zhou,and the underlying mechanisms.MethodsIn the present study, we determined the possible effects and potential mechanisms of YFJDT on an A549 cell tumor-bearing nude mice model and A549 cell model in vitro. Tumor-bearing mice were treated with YFJDT and tumors were measured during the experiment, and tumor tissues were collected at the end of the experiment to assess the levels of autophagy and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins. ResultsThe results showed that YFJDT treatment reduced tumor volume and mass, increased the expression of the autophagy marker LC3 and inhibited EMT-related proteins compared to the model group.Cell survival was reduced in the YFJDT-treated group compared to the model group, and YFJDT also reduced the migration and invasion ability of A549 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Western blotting detected that YFJDT also upregulated FAT4 in tumor tissue and A549 cells and downregulated the expression of Vimentin. Meanwhile, apoptosis in both tissues and cells was greatly increased after YFJDT treatment. We further interfered with FAT4 expression in cells and found that the inhibitory effect of YFJDT on EMT was reversed, indicating that YFJDT affects EMT by regulating FAT4 expression. Conclusion﻿Taken together, results of this study suggested that the inhibitory effect of YFJDT on EMT in lung cancer tumors is through upregulating FAT4, promoting autophagy and thus inhibiting EMT in cancer cells.
Safety and Feasibility of the Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach With Neuroprotection Techniques for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Zhen-Xin , Song Ya-Min , Chen Jing-Bao , Zhang Xiao-Bo , Pang Feng-Shun , Lin Zhan-Hong , Yang Li-Ming , Cai Bei-Yuan , Qin You
Published: October 2021

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the trans-oral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) with neuroprotection techniques for the surgical management of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: Patients with PTC who underwent TOETVA between December 2016 and July 2020 were included in this study, and their relevant clinical characteristics, operational details, and surgical outcomes were reviewed and extracted from their medical records for further analysis. Results: A total of 75 patients successfully underwent TOETVA with zero conversions. Unilateral lobectomy with isthmectomy and total thyroidectomy were completed for 58 and 17 patients, respectively, all using our unique neuroprotective procedure and ipsilateral central neck dissection (CND). The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes versus positive lymph nodes was 6.8 ± 3.7 vs. 1.5 ± 2.3. Postoperative complications included three cases of transient superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) palsy (4.0%), five cases of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy (6.7%), 14 cases of transient hypoparathyroidism (18.7%), and two cases of lap perforation (2.7%). The follow-up period for patients with PTC lasted for 15.6 ± 10.9 months, during which no other complications or tumor recurrence were observed.Conclusion: TOETVA can be safely performed for patients with PTC with satisfactory results during the short-term follow-up period. Our neuroprotection techniques can be integrated into TOETVA, which is worth recommending for PTC patients who desire better cosmetic surgical outcomes.
A Stepwise Data Interpretation Process For Renal Amyloidosis Subtyping by LMD-MS
Authors: Ke Ming , Li Xin , Wang Lin , Yue Shuling , Zhao Beibei
Published: October 2021

Backgrounds: Systemic amyloidosis is classified according to the deposited amyloid protein, which determines its best therapeutic scheme. The laser microdissection combined with mass spectrometry (LMD-MS) technique is a promising approach for precise subtyping of amyloidosis, however, is hampered by how to interpret the MS data.Objectives: The objective of the present study is to establish a complete data interpretation procedure for LMD-MS based amyloidosis subtyping.Methods: Formalin fixed paraffin-embedded specimens from patients with renal amyloidosis were analyzed by LMD-MS for proteome quantification. Forty-two specimens were used for training the data interpretation procedure, which was validated by another 50 validation specimens. Area under receiver operating curve (AUROC) analysis of amyloid accompanying proteins (APOE, APOA4 and SAMP) for discriminating amyloidosis from non-amyloid nephropathies was performed.Results: A stepwise data interpretation procedure that include or exclude the subtypes group by group was established, in which, involvement of non-immunoglobulin amyloid protein is determined by P-score, involvement of immunoglobulin light chain is determined by variable of λ-κ, and immunoglobulin heavy chain’s participation is judged by H-score. This data interpretation method achieved a 88% accuracy in 50 validation specimens. The amyloid accompanying proteins showed significant quantitative differences between amyloidosis specimens and non-amyloid nephropathies. Each of the single accompanying protein had a AUROC value more than 0.9 for diagnosis of amyloidosis from non-amyloid control, and the averaged value of spectral count of the three accompanying proteins showed the highest AUROC (0.966), indicating it might be an alternative indicator for amyloidosis diagnosis.Conclusions: The proteomic data interpretation procedure for amyloidosis subtyping based on LMD-MS was established successfully, which has high clinical application value.
Self-diffusion coefficient and sound velocity of Fe-Ni-O fluid:
implications for the stratification of Earth’s outer core
Authors: Li Wei-Jie , Li Zi , Mo Chong-Jie , He Xian-Tu , Wang Cong , Zhang Ping
Published: October 2021

It is experimentally reported that the stratified layer atop Earth’s outer core is hundreds of kilometers thick with a maximum sound velocity reduction of 0.3% relative to the preliminary reference Earth model. However, why the sound velocity atop the outer core is reduced remains theoretically unclear. In this paper, the Ni and vital light O in the outer core were both considered to have implications for the stratification of Earth’s core, including the stratification thickness and the sound velocity profile. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations were performed on the Fe-Ni-O fluid under the conditions of Earth’s outer core, and the self-diffusion coefficients and ion-ion dynamic structure factors were calculated. The self-diffusion coefficient of O is (19.56±0.83)×10-9 m2s-1 at the core-mantle boundary. Combining the diffusion equation with the time evolution of the O self-diffusion coefficient, the calculated stratification thickness at present is 194.7 km. The calculated ion-ion dynamic structural factors indicate that the sound velocity in the outmost outer core near the stratified layer is 7.86 km/s. These results show that Fe-Ni-O is a possible composition of the stratified layer atop the outer core featuring an appropriate thickness and a reduced sound velocity, thereby shedding light on the dynamic behavior of Earth’s core.
Boosting The Peripheral Immune Response in the Skeletal Muscles Improved Motor Function in ALS Transgenic Mice
Authors: Trolese Maria Chiara , Scarpa Carlotta , Melfi Valentina , Fabbrizio Paola , Sironi Francesca , Rossi Martina , Bendotti Caterina , Nardo Giovanni
Published: October 2021

Background: Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1/CCL2) is one of the most powerful pro-inflammatory chemokines. However, its signalling is pivotal in driving axonal and muscle regeneration following injury. We previously showed that MCP1 is strongly upregulated in the nervous system of slow-progressing than fast-progressing SOD1G93A mice, which are characterised by a poor immune response that leads to a massive nerve and muscle degeneration.Methods: To assess the MCP1-mediated therapeutic role, we boosted the chemokine along the motor unit of the two SOD1G93A ALS models through a single intramuscular injection of a scAAV9 vector engineered with the Mcp1 gene (scAAV9_MCP1) at the pre-symptomatic disease stage.Results: Our observations revealed that slow-progressing SOD1G93A mice responded positively to the scAAV9_MCP1 injection anticipating the activation of the immune response, which sustained the pro-regenerative programme within nerves and skeletal muscles, eventually slackening the symptoms progression. Conversely, fast-progressing SOD1G93A mice exhibited an adverse response to the treatment, exacerbating the toxic inflammatory response in the periphery, resulting in worsened motor ability late in the disease.Intriguingly, our data suggested a novel pleiotropic role of MCP1 in the nervous system of SOD1G93A mice capable of promoting axon regeneration and modulating neuroinflammation, with the overall effect of preventing neurodegeneration.Conclusions: We provided direct evidence underlying the pivotal role of the immune response in promoting and governing skeletal muscle regeneration and thus the speed of ALS progression. The comparison study performed in fast- and slow-progressing SOD1G93A mice spotlights the nature and temporal activation of the inflammatory response as limiting factors to protect the peripheral compartment and interfere with the disease course tangibly. Altogether, these observations highlight the immune response as a key determinant for disease variability and proffer a reasonable explanation for the failure of systemic immunomodulatory treatments suggesting new potential strategies to hamper ALS progression.
Interaction Between Historical Earthquakes and the 2021 Mw7.4 Maduo Event and Their Impacts on the Seismic Gap Areas Along the East Kunlun Fault
Authors: Dong Peiyu , Zhao Bin , Qiao Xuejun
Published: October 2021

On May 21, 2021 (UTC time), a Mw7.4 earthquake struck Maduo County, Qinghai Province, China. The rupture of this typical strike-slip event and its aftershocks along the Kunlun-Jiangcuo fault (JCF) propagated approximately 170 km from the epicenter. In this study, we calculated the coseismic and postseismic Coulomb stress changes induced by 14 historical earthquakes and investigated their impacts on the 2021 Maduo source area. We found that the JCF is in the stress shadow of these historical events with a combined ΔCFS range of approximately -0.4 to -0.2 MPa. Since the seismogenic fault of the 1937 event is nearly parallel and close to the JCF, the rupture of the 1937 event had the greatest inhibitory effect on Maduo source area. We hypothesize that the actual loading rate at the depth of the seismogenic layer in the Maduo source area is much higher than the simulated value (0.3 kPa/a). Consequently, the Maduo earthquake still occurred despite the considerable delaying effect of these historical earthquakes (especially the 1937 event). Our findings also indicate that the tectonic stress in the eastern Bayanhar block is still rapidly accumulating and adjusting. Our investigation further reveals the enhanced stress induced by the historical and Maduo events with ΔCFS values of approximately 30~300 kPa and 50~300 kPa on the XDS and the eastern end of the EKF, respectively, not only on the MMS but also at the eastern end of each branch segment of the EKF. Hence, considering the accumulation of tectonic stress, we suggest that the seismic hazard in these two regions has been promoted.
Prognostic Value and Immune Infiltration of ARMC10 in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Via Integrated Bioinformatics Analyses
Authors: Li Tianhao , Qin Xiaohan , Qin Cheng , Zhao Bangbo , Cao Hongtao , Yang Xiaoying , Wang Yuanyang , Li Zeru , Zhou Xington , Li Tianyu , Wang Weibin
Published: October 2021

Background: Armadillo repeat-containing 10 (ARMC10) is involved in the progression of multiple types of tumors. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a lethal disease with poor survival and prognosis.Methods: We acquired the data of ARMC10 in PAAD patients from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and gene expression omnibus (GEO) datasets and compared the expression level with normal pancreatic tissues. We evaluated the relevance between ARMC10 expression and clinicopathological factors, immune infiltration degree and prognosis in PAAD.Results: High expression of ARMC10 was relevant to T stage, M stage, pathologic stage, histologic grade, residual tumor, primary therapy outcome (P<0.05) and related to lower Overall-Survival (OS), Disease-Specific Survival (DSS), and Progression-Free Interval (PFI). Gene set enrichment analysis showed that ARMC10 was related to methylation in neural precursor cells (NPC), G alpha (i) signaling events, APC targets, energy metabolism, potassium channels and IL10 synthesis. The expression level of ARMC10 was positively related to the abundance of T helper cells and negatively to that of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). Knocking down of ARMC10 could lead to lower proliferation, invasion, migration ability and colony formation rate of PAAD cells in vitro.Conclusions: Our research firstly discovered ARMC10 as a novel prognostic biomarker for PAAD patients and played a crucial role in immune regulation in PAAD.
Prevalence of malnutrition in School aged children, Kassala State, Sudan
Authors: Khalid Fatima Abbas Khalid , Eldirdery Muataz Mohamed Eldirdery , ElGasim Mamoun El-obeid ElGasim , Elhaj Malak Abd Elmajid Elhaj , Desogi Mohamed Abd Alrazik Desogi , Mukhtar Maowia Mohamed Mukhtar
Published: October 2021

Background : Childhood malnutrition is a major concern in developing countries due to high morbidity and mortality rate. To estimate the prevalence of malnutrition among school children, Kassala State, A cross-sectional study was conducted randomly among 2638 children. Height for age and body mass index for age z scores were calculated using WHO Anthro Plus software as indicators of stunting and thinness respectively. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to determine the associated factors. Results: The overall prevalence of stunted and thinness was 22.1% and 32.3% respectively. Stunting was significantly higher among children in age group 13-15 years old (OR 3.788; 95% CI: 2.802- 5.123), boys (OR 1.394; 95% CI: 1.114-1.743) and children from rural areas (OR 2.406; 95% CI: 1.768- 3.274). Likewise thinness was significantly higher among boys (OR 1.717; 95% CI: 1.436- 2.052), Rural residence (OR 1.885; 95% CI: 1.487- 2.389), child whose families depend on unsafe source of drinking water (OR 2.205; 95% CI: 1.484- 3.276). Moreover, children who skipped meal during the school day or bring their food from their houses OR 2.744; 95% CI: 2.131- 3.532, 1.752(95% CI: 1.441- 2.129) respectively). Maternal education and occupation, in addition to family size and child ordered had no effect on the prevalence of malnutrition. Conclusions: In the present study, different forms of malnutrition was documented and affected by child age, gender, residence, source of drinking water. Therefore, more attention is needed to focus on nutrition status, improving the school environment, maternal education, and regular health assessment.
COVID-19 in China and the US: Differences in hospital admission co-variates and outcomes
Authors: Cao Yulin , Wu Di , Zeng Kuo , Chen Lei , Yu Jianming , He Wenjuan , Chen Li , Ren Wenxiang , Gao Fei , Chen Wenlan , Wang Hongxiang , Gale Robert Peter , Chen Zhichao , Li Qiubai
Published: October 2021

Background
Although there are extensive data on admission co-variates and outcomes of persons with coronavirus infectious disease-2019 (COVID-19) at diverse geographic sites there are few if any subject-level comparisons between sites in regions and countries. We aim to comparatively investigate differences in hospital admission co-variates and outcomes of hospitalized people with COVID-19 between Wuhan City, China and the New York City region, USA.
Methods
We retrospectively collected clinical data on 1859 Hospitalized subjects with COVID-19 in Wuhan City, China 20 January to 4 April, 2020. Data on those 5700 hospitalized subjects with COVID-19 in the New York City region, USA 1 March to 4 April, 2020 was drawn from a published article by Richardson et al. Hospital admission co-variates (epidemiological, demographic and laboratory co-variates) and outcomes (rate of intensive care unit(ICU) admission, invasive mechanical ventilation(IMV), major organ failure and death and length of hospital stay) were compared between the two cohorts.
Results
Wuhan subjects were younger, more likely female, less likely to have co-morbidities and fever, more likely to have a blood lymphocyte concentration > 1×10E+9/L and less likely to have abnormal liver and cardiac function tests compared with the New York subjects. There were outcomes data on all Wuhan subjects and 2,634 New York subjects. Wuhan subjects had higher blood nadir median lymphocyte concentrations and longer hospitalizations, were less likely to receive IMV, ICU hospitalization and kidney replacement therapy. Amongst subjects not receiving IMV those in Wuhan were less likely to die compared with New York subjects. In contrast, risk of death was similar in subjects receiving IMV at both sites.
Conclusions
We found different hospital admission co-variates and outcomes between hospitalized persons with COVID-19 between Wuhan City and the New York region, which should be useful developing a comprehensive global understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and COVID-19.
Learning from the Implementation of a Quality Improvement Intervention in Australian General Practice: A Qualitative Analysis of a CVD Preventive Care Project
Authors: Hespe Charlotte , Brown Edwina , Rychetnik Lucie
Published: October 2021

BackgroundQuality-improvement collaborative (QIC) initiatives aim to reduce gaps in clinical care provided in the healthcare system. This study provides a qualitative evaluation of a QIC project (QPulse) in Australian general practice focused on improving cardiovascular disease (CVD) assessment and management. MethodsThis qualitative-methods study explored implementing a QIC project by a Primary Health Network (PHN) in 34 general practices. Qualitative analyses examined in-depth interviews with participants and stakeholders focusing on barriers and enablers to implementation in our health system. They were analysed thematically using the Complex Systems Improvement framework (CSI), focusing on strategy, culture, structure, workforce, and technology.ResultsDespite strategic engagement with QPulse objectives across the health system, implementation barriers associated with this program were considerable for both PHN and the general practices. Adoption of the QIC process was reliant on engaged leadership, practice culture, systems for clear communication, tailored education and regular clinical audit and review. Practice ownership, culture and governance, rather than practice size and location, were related to successful implementation. Financial incentives for both the PHN and general practice were identified as prerequisites for systematised quality improvement (QI) projects in the future, along with individualised support and education provided to each practice. Technology was both an enabler and a barrier, and the PHN was seen as key to assisting the successful adoption of the available tools. ConclusionsImplementation of QI programs remains a potential tool for achieving better health outcomes in General Practice. However, enablers such as individualised education and support provided via a meso-level organisation, financial incentives, and IT tools and support are crucial if the full potential of QI programs are to be realised in the Australian healthcare setting. Trial registrationACTRN12615000108516, UTN U1111-1163-7995.
Sarcopenia and Cortisol Among Older Nursing Home Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: HOLANDA CRISTINA MARQUES DE ALMEIDA , NÓBREGA PATRÍCIA VIDAL DE NEGREIROS , ARAÚJO JOHN FONTENELE , PIUVEZAM MARCIA REGINA , COSTA HERMAN FERREIRA , MOREIRA MAYLE ANDRADE , MACIEL ÁLVARO CAMPOS CAVALCANTI
Published: October 2021

Background: Recent studies indicate that the prevalence of sarcopenia among older adults living in long-term care facilities may be high. The pathophysiological mechanisms of sarcopenia are complex and interdependent. The role of cortisol deserves attention as a possible modulator in the genesis of sarcopenia. The objective this study is to analyze the relationship between sarcopenia and cortisol in older nursing home residents. Method: A cross-sectional study conducted with 70 older people. Sarcopenia was assessed using the EWGSOP2 algorithm and cortisol by saliva collection. The T-test, Chi-squared test and ANOVA statistical analyzes were used (p <0.05). Results: A total of 17.1% of the older adults evaluated were considered sarcopenic. The related variables were older age (p = 0.001); lower body mass index (p = 0.008); lower measurements of brachial circumference (p <0.001), waist (p = 0.011) and hips (p = 0.001). The cortisol levels were higher among the sarcopenic older adults for the three measures throughout the day (p = 0.02), as well as for the derived measures. Conclusion: The higher salivary cortisol levels found in sarcopenic older nursing home residents help to understand the underlying mechanisms of sarcopenia and the healthcare of this public.
Permeability Tests and Multi-Factor Analysis of Sand-Based Cemented Backfill Five-Component Samples With Different Mix Ratios
Authors: Zhou Nan , Yao Yinan , Zhang Jixiong , Yan Hao , Zhu Cunli , Li Meng
Published: October 2021

Extensive coal mining involves the challenge of liberating coal resources under buildings, railways, and water bodies. Sand-based cemented backfill (SCB) mining is considered an effective method to solve this problem while utilizing solid wastes in large quantities. Since the groundwater seeping into SCB pores in a complex mining environment deteriorates the SCB strength and stability, the permeability optimization of SCB samples under multi-factor conditions by adjusting their mix ratios is very topical. Therefore, in this study, a large number of SCB samples were prepared using aeolian sand as aggregates, cement and fly ash as cementing materials, and quicklime and water reducing agent as additives. The mass of the aeolian sand was a fixed value, while other ingredients' content ratios were expressed as a percentage of aeolian sand mass. With all other factors being constant, the level of one factor was changed at a time for univariate analysis. Four levels were set up for each of the four factors, and 16 tests were performed for a total of 13 mix ratios with an axial pressure of 1 MPa and confining pressure of 3 MPa. The effects of mix ratios, pore size, porosity, and surface structure on SCB's permeability were analyzed in detail. Experimental results show variations of quicklime and fly ash contents significantly changed the SCB's permeability, and variations of cement and water reducing agent contents had a minor impact on SCB's permeability. SCB's permeability positively correlated with porosity, primary pore size, and compactness of surface structure. These findings are considered instrumental in improving the SCB waterproof performance.
Evaluation of the Kano State Lassa Fever Surveillance System, 2015-2018 – Nigeria
Authors: Umar Usman yahya , Abubakar Mikha'il Abdu , Bello Imam Wada , Balogun Muhammad Shakir , Tahir Sadiq , Umeokonkwo Chukwuma David
Published: October 2021

BackgroundLassa fever (LF) is one of the priority diseases under surveillance through the integrated disease surveillance and response system (IDSR). We evaluated the LF surveillance system against its set objectives and assessed its attributes. MethodsWe used cross-sectional study design. Forty-seven stakeholders involved in the surveillance system were interviewed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Updated Guidelines for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems. The LF surveillance data from January 2015 to December 2018 were also analyzed. The attribute and objectives of the system were evaluated. ResultsOut of the 76 suspected cases recorded in kano state during the study period, only 54 samples were laboratory tested, 11 of them were confirmed positive with 9 deaths (case fatality rate of 82%). Confirmed cases were predominantly in Tudun Wada LGA (63.6%), while the age-group 20-39 years constituted 55% of the confirmed cases. There was male preponderance of cases (73%). The predictive value positive (PVP) was 14.5%. The surveillance system was however meeting its objectives of determining LF burden and detecting and characterizing cases and outbreak.ConclusionLF surveillance system in Kano was simple, flexible, stable, acceptable and timely. However, data was not representative. We recommended improved reporting from private and tertiary facilities and more personnel training and support to improve the system.
Network-Based Analysis of The Genetic Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Infection To Patients With Exacerbation of Virus-Induced Asthma (VAE)
Authors: GUO Wei , CAO Yi , Jiang Ziyun , LUO Hui , LIU Hui , Xi Yilong
Published: October 2021

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel RNA virus that emerged in late 2019 and was responsible for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The WHO has declared the COVID-19 in the world pandemic. The most exacerbations of asthma are triggered by viral infections. However, the genetic effects of COVID-19 on asthma need to be further studied.
Results

Eighty-eight common differentially expressed genes (cDEGs) were identified in datasets GSE147507 and GSE30326. Function analysis showed that cDEGs has antiviral activity, histone kinase activity, chemokine activity and viral protein interaction with cytokine activity. protein–protein interactions (PPIs) network revealed that the proteins encoded by CDEGs interact with each other at a high frequency. Hub genes and essential modules were detected based on the PPIs network. Transcription factors (TF) and miRNA interaction with cDEGs are identified. Drug molecules such as suloctidil HL60 UP and Yu Ping Feng San were recommended for the treatment of novel coronavirus-induced exacerbation of asthma.
Conclusions

COVID-19 has a genetic effect on virus-induced exacerbation of asthma, and the hub genes we screened may be a potential therapeutic target.
Perceived Knowledge of Scheme Members and Their Satisfaction with Their Medical Schemes: A Cross-Sectional Study in South Africa.
Authors: M’bouaffou Francis , Buch Eric , Thsehla Evelyn , Olorunju Steve
Published: October 2021

Background: South Africa has a dual healthcare system comprised of private and public sectors covering 16% and 84% of the population, respectively. Medical schemes are the primary source of health insurance in the private sector. The aim of this study was to assess the perceived knowledge and satisfaction of open medical schemes members. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a stratified systematic sample of members from 22 open medical schemes. Nine hundred and sixty members were requested to complete an online semi-structured questionnaire to determine their perceived knowledge and satisfaction with their schemes. We tested to see if variables such as age, gender, years of membership, education, income or having a chronic disease were associated with better-perceived knowledge or satisfaction. We calculated a composite perceived knowledge and satisfaction score, for which a score above 60th percentile for perceived knowledge and 60th for perceived satisfaction were considered good perceived knowledge and good perceived satisfaction with their schemes.Results: Respondents, generally perceived themselves to have good knowledge and were satisfied with their schemes except for accessibility to doctors under the designated service providers arrangement. Overall, members were satisfied, especially with the quality of service from their designated service providers (DSPs) and their schemes. However, only 9% were satisfied with accessibility to doctors under their DSP arrangement, 25% were satisfied with the cost of scheme membership and only 46% were satisfied with the prescribed minimum benefit package. The test for association showed that years of medical schemes membership, perceived knowledge of the prescribed minimum benefits, better income and laying a complaint were associated with better-perceived knowledge. Conclusion: Medical schemes remain a key element of private healthcare in South Africa. The analysis shows that medical schemes, should put more effort into the accessibility of general practitioner under their designated service providers. Furthermore, the PMBS should be reviewed to provide a comprehensive benefits basket without co-payment for members as recommended by the Medical Schemes Act Amendment Bill of 2018.
Thermally boosted upconversion and downshifting luminescence in Sc2(MoO4)3:Yb/Er with two-dimensional negative thermal expansion
Authors: Liao Jinsheng , Wang Minghua , Lin Fulin , Han Zhuo , Tu Datao , Chen Xueyuan , Qiu Bao , Wen Herui
Published: October 2021

Lanthanide (Ln3+)-doped phosphors generally suffer from thermal quenching, in which their photoluminescence (PL) intensities decrease at the higher temperature. Herein, we report a class of unique two-dimensional negative-thermal-expansion phosphor of Sc2(MoO4)3:Yb/Er. By virtue of the reduced distances between sensitizers and emitters as well as confined energy migration with increasing the temperature, a 45-fold enhancement of green upconversion (UC) luminescence and a 450-fold enhancement of near-infrared downshifting (DS) luminescence of Er3+ are achieved from 25 to 500 ˚C. The thermally boosted UC and DS luminescence mechanism is systematically investigated through in situ temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy, synchrotron X-ray diffraction and PL dynamics. Moreover, the luminescence lifetime of 4I11/2 of Er3+ in Sc2(MoO4)3:Yb/Er displays a strong temperature dependence, enabling ratiometric thermometry with the highest relative sensitivity of 13.4%/K at 298 K. These findings may gain a vital insight into the design of negative-thermal-expansion Ln3+-doped phosphors for versatile applications.
Gene Signature And Prognostic Values of m5C-Related Regulators In Colon Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Yuancheng , Huang Chaoyuan , Jiang Xiaotao , Yan Yanhua , Zhuang Kunhai , Liu Fengbin , Li Peiwu , Wen Yi
Published: October 2021

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of 13 m5C-related regulators in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) and determine their prognostic value.Main Methods: Gene expression and clinicopathological data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. The expression of m5C-related regulators were analyzed with clinicopathological characteristics and alterations within m5C-related regulators. Subsequently, different subtypes of patients with COAD were identified. Then, the prognostic value of m5C-related regulators in COAD were confirmed via univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analyses. The prognostic value of risk scores was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Additionally, Gene Set Enrichment Analysisc (GSEA), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes c (KEGG) pathways, and Gene Ontologyc (GO) analysis were performed for biological functional analysis.Results: m5C-related regulators were found to be differentially expressed in COAD with different clinicopathological features. We observed a high alteration frequency in these genes, which were significantly correlated with their mRNA expression levels. Two clusters with different prognostic features were identified. Based on two independent prognostic m5C-related regulators (NSUN6 and ALYREF), a risk signature with good predictive significance was constructed. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses suggested that the risk score was an independent prognostic factor. Biological processes and pathways associated with cancer, immune response, and RNA processing were identified.Conclusion: We revealed the genetic signatures and prognostic values of m5C-related regulators in COAD. Together, this has improved our understanding of m5C RNA modification and provided novel insights to identify predictive biomarkers and develop molecular targeted therapy for COAD.
Atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3) induces the perturbation of rRNA biogenesis in colonic cells: a novel mechanism of colorectal tumorigenesis
Authors: Yang Juan , Li Ya-Nan , Pan Ting , Miao Rong-Rong , Zhang Yue-Ying , Wu Shu-Hua , Qu Xianjun , Cui Shu-Xiang
Published: October 2021

Background

Atypical chemokine receptor 3 (ACKR3) has emerged as a key player in several biologic processes. Its atypical “intercepting receptor” signaling properties have established ACKR3 as the main regulator in many pathophysiological processes. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of ACKR3 in promoting Colitis and colorectal tumorigenesis.
Methods

ACKR3 and clinically relevant was evaluated in human colonic cancer specimens. The mechanism of ACKR3-induced perturbation of rRNA biogenesis was performed in Villin-ACKR3-IREF mice specifically expressed ACKR3 in intestines. Nuclear β-arr1 and the interaction of NOLC1 to Fibrillarin were analyzed in vitro and in vivo assays.
Results

Activation of ACKR3 promotes Colitis and colorectal tumorigenesis, in human and animal model, through NOLC1-induced perturbations of rRNA biogenesis. Human colonic cancer tissues demonstrated higher expression of ACKR3, and high ACKR3 expression was associated with the increased severity of Colitis and colorectal tumorigenesis. Villin-ACKR3 transgenic mice demonstrated the characteristics of ACKR3-induced colorectal cancer, showing the nuclear β-arrestin-1-activated perturbation of rRNA biogenesis. Activation of ACKR3 induced nuclear translocation of β-arrestin-1 (β-arr1), leading to the interaction of β-arr1 with nucleolar and coiled-body phosphoprotein 1 (NOLC1). As the highly phosphorylated protein in the nucleolus, NOLC1 further interacted with Fibrillarin, a conserved nucleolar methyltransferase responsible for ribosomal RNA methylation, leading to the increase of methylation in Histone H2A, resulting in the promotion of rRNA transcription of ribosome biogenesis.
Conclusion

ACKR3 promotes Colitis and colorectal tumorigenesis through the perturbation of rRNA biogenesis by nuclear β-arr1-induced interaction of NOLC1 with Fibrillarin.
Anatomical Harmonics Basis based Brain Source Localization with Application to Epilepsy
Authors: Giri Amita , Kumar Lalan , Kurwale Nilesh , Gandhi Tapan K.
Published: October 2021

Brain Source Localization (BSL) using Electroencephalogram (EEG) has been a useful noninvasive modality for the diagnosis of epileptogenic zones, study of evoked related potentials, and brain disorders. The inverse solution of BSL is limited by high computational cost and localization error. The performance is additionally limited by head shape assumption and the corresponding harmonics basis function. In this work, an anatomical harmonics basis (Spherical Harmonics (SH), and more particularly Head Harmonics (H2)) based BSL is presented. The spatio-temporal four shell head model is formulated in SH domain. The performance of spatial subspace based Multiple Signal Classification (MUSIC) and Recursively Applied and Projected (RAP)-MUSIC method is compared with the proposed SH and H2 counterparts on simulated data. SH and H2 domain processing effectively resolves the problem of high computational cost without sacrificing the inverse source localization accuracy. The proposed H2 MUSIC was additionally validated for epileptogenic zone localization on clinical EEG data. The proposed framework offers an effective solution to clinicians in automated and time efficient seizure localization.
Identifying and Describing Subtypes of Spontaneous Empathic Facial Expression Production in Autistic Adults
Authors: Zlibut Jennifer Quinde , Munshi Anabil , Biswas Gautam , Cascio Carissa
Published: October 2021

Background: It is unclear whether atypical patterns of facial expression production metrics in autism reflect the dynamic and nuanced nature of facial expressions or a true diagnostic difference. Further, the heterogeneity observed across autism symptomatology suggests a need for more adaptive and personalized social skills programs. For example, it would be useful to have a better understanding of the different expressiveness profiles within the autistic population and how they differ from neurotypicals to help develop systems that train facial expression production and reception. Methods:We used automated facial coding and an unsupervised clustering approach to limit inter-individual variability in facial expression production that may have otherwise obscured group differences in previous studies, allowing an "apples-to-apples" comparison between autistic and neurotypical adults. Specifically, we applied k-means clustering to identify subtypes of facial expressiveness in an autism group (N=27) and a neurotypical control group (N=57) separately. The two most stable clusters from these analyses were then further characterized and compared on the basis of their expressiveness and emotive congruence to emotionally charged stimuli. Results: Our main finding was that autistic adults show heightened spontaneous facial expressions in response to negative emotional images. The group effect did not extend to positive emotional images, and we did not find evidence for greater incongruous (i.e., inappropriate) facial expressions in autism. Conclusion: These findings build on previous work suggesting valence-specific effects of autism on emotional empathy and suggest the need for intervention programs to focus on social skills in the context of both negative and positive emotions.
A comparative study of the work-family conflicts prevalence, its sociodemographic, family, and work attributes, and its relation to the self-reported health status in Japanese and Egyptian civil workers
Authors: Latif Omnyh Abd El , Eshak Ehab , Mahfouz Eman , Iso Hiroyasu , Yatsuya Hiroshi , Sameh Eman , Ghazawy Eman , Baba Sachiko , Emam Shimaa , El-khateeb Ayman , Hassan Ebtesam
Published: October 2021

Background

Cross-cultural studies studying work-family conflicts (W_F_Cs) are scarce. We compared the prevalence of W_F_Cs, factors predicting it, and its association with self-rated health between Japan and Egypt.
Methods

Among 4862 Japanese and 3111 Egyptian civil workers who were recruited by a convenience sample in 2018/2019 and reported self-rated health status, we assessed the W_F_Cs by the Midlife Development in the US (MIDUS) and attributed it, by linear regression analyses, to sociodemographic, family, and work variables, and assessed its gender- and country-specific associations with self-rated health by logistic regression analyses.
Results

W_F_Cs were more prevalent in Egyptian than Japanese women (23.7% vs. 18.2%) and men (19.1% vs. 10.5%), while poor self-rated health was more prevalent in Japanese than Egyptians (19.3% and 17.3% vs. 16.9% and 5.5%). In both genders of countries, longer working hours, shift work, and overtime work predicted higher scores of the work-to-family conflict (WFC). In contrast, single status predicted lower scores of the family-to-work conflict (FWC). Living with children, fathers, or alone in Japan, while education in Egypt was associated with the conflicts. The OR (95% CI) for poor self-reported health among those with the strong, in reference to weak W_F_Cs, was 4.28 (2.91-6.30) and 6.01 (4.50-8.01) in Japanese women and men and was 2.46 (1.75-3.47) and 3.11 (1.67-5.80) in Egyptian women and men.
Conclusions

Japanese and Egyptian civil workers have different prevalence and correlated factors of W_F_Cs and self-rated health. W_F_Cs were associated in a dose-response pattern with poor-self-rated health civil workers of both countries.
Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Effects of Red Beetroot and Betanin on Human Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Saber Amir , Abedimanesh Nasim , Somi Mohammad-Hossein , Khosroushahi Ahmad Yari
Published: October 2021

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer worldwide. Fruit and vegetables have some active compounds such as flavonoids and polyphenols that protect against malignancies through their antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, neuro, and hepatoprotective properties. Red beetroot (Beta vulgaris) contains red (betacyanins) and yellow (betaxanthins) pigments known as betalains. Betanin makes up 75-95% of the total betacyanins, possessed a wide range of favorable biological effects such as chemopreventive, anticarcinogenic, anti-tumorogenic, antiangiogenic, and proapoptotic effects. Methods: Red beetroot hydro-alcoholic extract and betanin were used to treat Caco-2 and HT-29 colorectal cancer cells, as well as KDR/293 normal epithelial cells. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was determined by prescreening MTT tests in the range of 20 to 140 µg/ml at 24 and 48 h. The cytotoxicity and apoptosis-inducing evaluations were performed via MTT assay, DAPI staining, and FACS-flow cytometry tests using determined times and doses. Moreover, the expression level of six important genes involving in the apoptosis pathway (Bcl-2, BAD, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, and Fas-R) were determined using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method.Results: The IC50 doses for HT-29 and Caco-2 cell lines were determined to be about 92 μg/mL, 107 μg/mL for beetroot hydro-alcoholic extract, and 64 μg/mL, 90 μg/mL for betanin at 48 h, respectively. Our findings showed that beetroot extract and betanin significantly inhibit the growth of HT-29 and Caco-2 cell lines, time and dose-dependently, without considerable adverse effects on KDR/293 normal cells. Moreover, DAPI staining and flow cytometry results revealed significant apoptosis symptoms in treated cancerous cell lines. The expression level of pro-apoptotic genes involved in intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways (BAD, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, and Fas-R) in treated HT-29 and Caco-2 cells was higher than untreated and normal cells, whereas the anti-apoptotic gene (Bcl-2) was downregulated. Conclusion: Beetroot hydro-alcoholic extract and betanin significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis (intrinsic and extrinsic pathways) via modification of effective genes in both colorectal cancer cell lines with no significant cytotoxic effects on KDR/293 normal cells. The mechanism of the anticancer effects of red beetroot extract and betanin needs to be further studied.