bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D Deficiency is Less Prevalent Among Children with Common Medical Illnesses than Apparently Healthy Children in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shaka Mohammed , Kabthymer Robel , Meshesha Meiraf
Published: December 2020

Studies shows that, normal to high serum 25(OH)D status appears to have some beneficial influence on the incidence and severity of some, though not all, types of infections. However, studies with vitamin D supplementation on young children produced conflicting results with respect to the level of vitamin D deficiency among common medical illnesses among children. Method: A systematic review of literatures from PubMed, CINAHL, Web of science, global health and Google scholar electronic databases was conducted to assess the pooled prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among healthy and sick children in sub-Saharan Africa. The data was extracted by two authors independently using standard data extraction format and STATA Version 14 was used for analysis. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed by using I2 test. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence among both healthy and sick children. Presence of publication bias was checked using Funnel plot and Egger's test. Result: A total of 1212 articles were identified by the total search of utilized data bases of which 13 papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria and accessible with full document. The meta-analysis revealed that the pooled prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among healthy children in this study was 50.06% (95%CI 33.46%, 66.67%) with mean serum vitamin D level of 41.06 nm/L (CI range from 23.82nm/L to 58.31nm/L). The pooled prevalence among the sick children was 39.36% (CI 20.57%, 57.96%) with 66.96nm/L (95% CI 54.81nm/L, 79.11nm/L) mean concentration of vitamin D. Comparing the two level of the pooled prevalence, the prevalence among the healthy children was significantly higher compared to those who have common medical illnesses and the pooled mean concentration among the sick was much higher than the mean concentration among healthy children. Conclusion: The level of pooled prevalence among both group of population was significantly of public health concern and the prevalence among the healthy children was much higher among the sick children implying the need for reconsideration of available recommendations for the prevention of vitamin D deficiency
Power Analysis in The Handmaid’s Tale
Authors: Zhao Meijiao
Published: December 2020

The Handmaid’s Tale is one of Margaret Atwood’s most popular novels. As a dystopian novel, it describes an absurd society in the future and explores themes of subjugated women in a patriarchal society and the various means by which these women resist and attempt to gain independence. By applying Michael Foucault’s power theory, this paper analyzes the power situations in Gilead, revealing the relationship between power and body, also aims to analyze the relation between female characters’ status and power in the novel to reveal the cruelty of the totalitarian government and patriarchal society.
The US Public Health Service House-to-House Canvass Survey of the Morbidity and Mortality of the 1918 Influenza Pandemic
Authors: Morabia Alfredo
Published: December 2020

Between November 20, 1918, and March 12, 1919, the US Public Health Service carried out a vast population-based survey to assess the incidence rate and mortality of the influenza pandemic among 146 203 persons in 18 localities across the United States. The survey attempted to retrospectively assess all self-reported or diagnosed cases of influenza since August 1, 1918. It indicated that the cumulative incidence of symptomatic influenza over 6 months had been 29.4% (range = 15% in Louisville, KY, to 53.3% in San Antonio, TX). The overall case fatality rate (CFR) was 1.70%, and it ranged from 0.78% in San Antonio to 3.14% in New London, Connecticut. Localities with high cumulative incidence were not necessarily those with high CFR. Overall, assuming the survey missed asymptomatic cases, between August 1, 1918, and February 21, 1919, maybe more than 50% of the population was infected, and about 1% of the infected died. Eight months into the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States has not yet launched a survey that would provide population-based estimates of incidence and CFRs analogous to those generated by the 1918 US Public Health Service house-to-house canvass survey of influenza.
Antioxidant and Anti-Elastase Activity of Ethanol Extract of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Henderson Alhoi Hendry , Lister I Nyoman Ehrich , Fachrial Edy , Girsang Ermi
Published: December 2020

Skin aging due to the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation and toxic ingredients in cosmetics is still a problem. Tomato has antioxidant and skin protection activities. The study aimed to investigate the potential of tomato as an antioxidant and elastase inhibitor. A 170 g of tomato simplicial powder was extracted using ethanol 70% by the maceration method. Antioxidant activity was measured through 2,2’-Azino-bis 3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS)-reducing activity. The antiaging activity was measured through anti-elastase activity. Tomato extract (SLE) showed strong ABTS-reducing activity (IC50 = 86.66 ± 10.58) and very strong anti-elastase activity (IC50 = 19.73 ± 0.44). In conclusion, there was a linear correlation between antioxidant activity and anti-elastase activity. However, the antioxidant activity and anti-elastase activity of tomatoes were still below lycopene (IC50 antioxidant = 49.23 ± 2.06 µg.ml-1 and IC50 anti-elastase = 10.39 ± 0.43 49.23 ± 2.06 µg.ml-1). However, it was worth to be developed as a natural product as an antioxidant and anti-elastase.  Further study is required to do fractionation to get the purer lycopene compound from tomato.
Photosynthesis, biomass and fine root growth dynamics of soybean in walnut-soybean agroforestry system
Authors: Liu Bin , Gao Pengxiang , Zhang Shuoxin
Published: December 2020

Background:Agroforestry system is regarded as a promising practice in sustainable agricultural management. However, the effects of long-term tree-based intercropping on crop remain poorly understood, especially in the Loess Plateau (China). In this study, the impacts of photosynthetic and respiration rate were determined by the portable photosynthesis system (Li-6400), and the effects of the root growth dynamics of soybean in walnut-soybean intercropping system were measured by soil auger and WinRHIZO root analysis system, in the Loess Plateau. Results:The results showed that soybean reached the highest net photosynthetic rate during flowering period, with the net photosynthetic rate of intercropped soybean, which was 20.40µmol·m-2·s-1, significantly higher than that of its monocropped counterpart. Soybean biomass reached the maximum during the pod-bearing period, with intercropped soybean biomass being 25.49g, significantly higher than that of its monocropped counterpart. The mean diameter and increased density of soybean fine roots reduced along with increased soil depth. Both the diameter (0.43mm) and increased density (930cm/dm3) of intercropped soybean fine roots were evidently higher than those of monocropped soybean(0.35mm, 780cm/dm3). With increasing cropping years, fine roots of intercropped soybean tended to be mainly distributed in soil at a depth between 0 and 20cm from the fifth year. Conclusion:Collectively, compared with soybean monoculture, walnut soybean agroforestry system is more conducive to soybean growth in the Loess Plateau.
Just Beautiful Green Herbs: Use of Plants in Cultural Practices in Bukovina and Roztochya, Western Ukraine
Authors: Stryamets Nataliya , Fontefrancesco Michele F. , Mattalia Giulia , Prakofjewa Julia , Pieroni Andrea , Kalle Raivo , Stryamets Galina , Sõukand Renata
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe use of plants in rituals is a little explored corner of biocultural diversity which has developed through time within a complex socio-ecological system. Indeed, rituals are complex interactions between humans and biodiversity shaped by history, culture and ethnic belonging. Yet, in Western Ukraine, such rituals were forbidden for over 50 years (1939-1991). The current revival of rituals by rural inhabitants is an untapped reservoir of local ecological knowledge. The aim of the present study was to identify the ritual use of wild and cultivated plants in two regions of Western Ukraine, Bukovina and Roztochya, and to compare the findings with historical data. Moreover, we analyzed attitudes toward the ritual use of plants and interactions with the local environment. MethodsWe conducted 31 in-depth semi-structured interviews among Orthodox Hutsuls of Bukovina and 16 interviews among Greek Catholic rural inhabitants of Roztochya during summer 2018 focusing on the ritual uses of plants. ResultsWe documented 26 plant taxa among Bukovinian Hutsuls and 58 plant taxa among inhabitants in Roztockya that were used in 7 religious festivals (of which two were celebrated differently in the two communities). Plants were mainly used in bouquets, but also for decorating churches and houses or in fruit baskets. In both communities, almost 25% of the interviewees could not name the plants they collected for bouquets, but rather referred to “just beautiful green herbs” one can get in meadows, forests and gardens. Comparison with historical data shows a smaller number of taxa currently used (wild taxa have been lost), yet the persistence of 18 taxa used both now and a century ago. ConclusionsContemporary practices concerning the use of plants in Christian rituals in Bukovina and Roztochya can be contextualized in the broader phenomenon of the revitalization of traditional environmental knowledge and practices that have characterized Europe over the past thirty years and in particular Eastern Europe after socialism. The current religious use of plants is to a certain extent the revitalization of historical rituals supported by various internal (knowledge from older generations) and external (church authorities and fashion in the region) drivers. Further research should address changes in regions with longer and more severe prohibition of religious practices and their revival.
Fragmented Care of Hospital Super-utilizers: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kaltenborn Zachary , Paul Koushik , Kirsch Jonathan , Aylward Michael , Rogers Elizabeth , Rhodes Michael , Usher Michael
Published: December 2020

Background: Super-utilizers with 4 or more admissions per year frequently receive low-quality care and disproportionately contribute to healthcare costs. Inpatient care fragmentation (admission to multiple different hospitals) in this population has not been well described.Objective: To determine the prevalence of super-utilizers who receive fragmented care across different hospitals and to describe associated risks, costs, and health outcomes.Research Design: We analyzed inpatient data from the Health Care Utilization Project’s State Inpatient and Emergency Department database from 6 states from 2013. After identifying hospital super-utilizers, we stratified by the number of different hospitals visited in a 1-year period. We determined how patient demographics, costs, and outcomes varied by degree of fragmentation. We then examined how fragmentation would influence a hospital’s ability to identify super-utilizers. Subjects: Adult patients with 4 or more inpatient stays in 1 year. Measures: Patient demographics, cost, 1-year hospital reported mortality, and probability that a single hospital could correctly identify a patient as a super-utilizer. Results: Of the 167,515 hospital super-utilizers, 97,404 (58.1%) visited more than 1 hospital in a 1-year period. Fragmentation was more likely among younger, non-white, low-income, under-insured patients, in population-dense areas. Patients with fragmentation were more likely to be admitted for chronic disease management, psychiatric illness, and substance abuse. Inpatient fragmentation was associated with higher yearly costs and lower likelihood of being identified as a super-utilizer. Conclusions: Inpatient care fragmentation is common among super-utilizers, disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. It is associated with high yearly costs and a decreased probability of correctly identifying super-utilizers.
Association of Lipoprotein and Thyroid Hormones With Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Lu Li , Kong Wei , Zhou Kangxing , Chen Jinglei , Hou Yayi , Dou Huan , Liang Jun
Published: December 2020

Background: Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) occurs up to 75% of adult SLE patients, and is one of the major causes of death in SLE patients. Cognitive dysfunction is a typical clinical feature of NPSLE, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Dyslipidemia and thyroid disease, which were prevalent in SLE patients, both related to the neuropsychiatric disturbances, including significant psychiatric and cognitive disturbance. This study aimed to investigate whether cognitive dysfunction in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was related to the expression of serum thyroid hormone and lipoproteins.Methods: A total of 121 patients with SLE and 65 healthy controls (HCs) at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital completed a cognitive function test, then 81 SLE patients were divided into high cognition (n=33) group and low cognition group (n=48). The differences in clinical and laboratory tests and the correlations between IgG, IgM, albumin, T3, and T4 levels and cognitive function were analyzed. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the serum levels of 4 lipoproteins (APOE, APOA1, IGF-1, and IGFBP7) in 81 patients.Results: Patients with SLE were less educated with abnormal cognitive function compared with HCs. The levels of albumin, T3 (P < 0.05), and T4 decreased in low-cognition patients, while D-dimer, anti-dsDNA antibody, and IgM levels increased. The serum IgG and IgM levels showed a significant negative correlation with partial cognitive function. The serum T3 and T4 levels positively correlated with cognition. The expression of APOE, APOA1, IGF-1, and IGFBP7 showed no difference between the high- and low-cognition groups. However, the serum APOE level negatively correlated with Line Orientation, APOA1 positively correlated with Coding, and IGFBP7 negatively correlated with Graphic copy (P < 0.05), and IGF-1 had no correlation with any cognitive functions.Conclusions: Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and lipoproteins (APOE, APOA1, and IGFBP7) were associated with cognitive dysfunction in SLE. Whether T3 and T4 can be used in clinical practice as the biomarkers of cognitive dysfunction in SLE needs further exploration.
Evaluation of Measles Surveillance Systems in Ginnir District, Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia: A Concurrent Embedded Mixed Quantitative/Qualitative Study 
Authors: Sani Falaho , Hasen Mohammed , Seid Mohammed , Umer Nuriya
Published: December 2020

Background: Public health surveillance systems should be evaluated periodically to ensure that the problems of public health importance are being monitored efficiently and effectively. Despite the widespread measles outbreak in Ginnir district of Bale zone in 2019, evaluation of measles surveillance system has not been conducted. Therefore, we evaluated the performance of measles surveillance system and its key attributes in Ginnir district, Southeast Ethiopia.Methods: We conducted a concurrent embedded mixed quantitative/qualitative study in August 2019 among 15 health facilities/study units in Ginnir district. Health facilities are selected using lottery method. The qualitative study involved purposively selected 15 key informants. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire adapted from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for evaluating public health surveillance systems through face-to-face interview and record review. The quantitative findings were analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2016 and summarized by frequency and proportion. The qualitative findings were narrated and summarized based on thematic areas to supplement the quantitative findings.Results: The structure of surveillance data flow was from the community to the respective upper level. Emergency preparedness and response plan was available only at the district level. Completeness of weekly report was 95%, while timeliness was 87%. No regular analysis and interpretations of surveillance data, and the supportive supervision and feedback system was weak. The participation and willingness of surveillance stakeholders in implementation of the system was good. The surveillance system was found to be useful, easy to implement, representative and can accommodate and adapt to changing conditions. Report documentation and quality of data was poor at lower level health facilities. Stability of the system has been challenged by shortage of budget and logistics, staff turnover and lack of update trainings.Conclusions: The surveillance system was acceptable, useful, simple, flexible and representative. Data quality, timeliness and stability of the system were attributes that require improvement. The overall performance of measles surveillance system in the district was poor. Hence, regular analysis of data, preparation and dissemination of epidemiological bulletin, capacity building and regular supervision and feedback are recommended to enhance performance of the system.
Pre-Diabetes is a Predictor of Short-Term Poor Outcomes After Acute Ischemic Stroke Using iv Thrombolysis.: Pre-Diabetes Might Be an Alienated Area From Medical Attention Before Stroke Onset
Authors: Kim Byoung-Gwon , Kim Ga-Yeon , Cha Jae-Kwan
Published: December 2020

Backgrounds: Pre-diabetes is an intermediate state between normal glucose metabolism and diabetes. Recent studies suggest that the presence of pre-diabetes is associated with poor outcomes after AIS. However, the results have been controversial. This study examines whether pre-diabetes influences the patients' short and long-term outcomes for AIS using IV thrombolysis. Methods: We enrolled 661 AIS patients with IV thrombolysis. Based on the 2010 ADA guidelines, patients were classified as pre-diabetes, with HbA1c levels of 5.7%–6.4%; diabetes, HbA1c levels more than 6.5%; and NGM (normal glucose metabolism), with HbA1c levels less than 5.7%. We investigated short-term outcomes, including early neurologic deterioration (END), in-hospital death, and poor functional outcomes (mRS>2) at 90days. As for long-term outcomes, poor functional outcomes were measured at 1 year. Results: Of the 661 AIS patients treated with IV thrombolysis, 197 patients (29.8%) were diagnosed with pre-diabetes, and 210 (31.8%) were diagnosed with diabetes. In a multivariate analysis, pre-diabetes was an independent predictor for END (OR=2.02; 95% CI 1.12-3.62; p=0.02) and in-hospital death (OR=3.12; 95% CI 1.06-9.09; p=0.04). In contrast, diabetes was a significant independent factor for poor long-term outcomes (OR=1.75; 95% CI 1.09-2.78; p=0.02) after correcting confounding factors. Conclusion: Unlike diabetes, pre-diabetes can be an important predictor of short-term outcomes after AIS. However, more detailed research is needed to specify the precise mechanisms by which pre-diabetes affects the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke.
Comparative Genetic Analysis of Invasive Fall Armyworm Populations Provides Evidence for Population Expansion in India
Authors: Nayyar Nishtha , Ramasamy Gracy , Thotambyl Ashika , Govindasamy Mohan , Muthugounder Mohan , Chaudhary Malvika , Day Roger , N Bakthavatsalam , Thiruvengadam Venkatesan
Published: December 2020

Fall Armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a polyphagous pest capable of feeding over 80 plant species and was indigenous to Western Hemisphere until recently. Within a span of four years, FAW has established itself throughout most of the regions in Africa and Asia incurring significant losses in maize production. Owing to its revamped distribution range, it would be prudent to analyse the ensuing genetic changes and study the emerging phylogeographic patterns across the world. In this regard, we would like to provide a current snapshot of genetic diversity of FAW in India after two years of the initial introduction and compare it with the worldwide diversity in order to trace the origins and evolutionary trajectories of FAW in India.We have investigated around 145 FAW samples from different regions in India for strain identity and polymorphism analysis on the basis of partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene sequences. Apart from the ancestral rice and corn strain haplotype, our study demonstrates the presence of 19 more haplotypes unique to India at a haplotype diversity of 0.498. We were also able to record the occurrence of inter-strain hybrid haplotypes of rice and corn strain in India. Regional heterogeneity within Indian populations seems to be quite low representative of extensive migration of FAW within India. Distribution analysis of pairwise differences and rejection of neutrality tests suggest that the FAW population in India is undergoing expansion. However, the scenario is much different for rest of the invaded regions like Africa and other Asian countries where FAW still appear to evolve neutrally. Our data is consistent with the findings suggesting a recent and common origin for invasive FAW populations in Asia and Africa, with significant population structure observed in Indian populations.This study reports the highest genetic diversity for Indian FAW populations till date and identifies India as the emerging hotspot for expansion of COIA rice haplotypes across the world. The findings will be useful to track the subsequent evolution of FAW and would have important ramifications for FAW behaviour and composition throughout the world.
Ascorbic Acid Modulation by ABI4 Transcriptional Repression of VTC2 in The Salt Tolerance of Arabidopsis
Authors: Kakan Xiamusiya , Yu Yanwen , Li Shenghui , Li Xiaoying , Huang Rongfeng , Wang Juan
Published: December 2020

Background:Abscisic acid (ABA) plays an important role in plant abiotic stress responses, and ABA INSENSITIVE 4 (ABI4) is a pivotal transcription factor in the ABA signaling pathway. In Arabidopsis, ABI4 negatively regulates salt tolerance; however, the mechanism through which ABI4 regulates plant salt tolerance is poorly understood. Our previous study showed that ABI4 directly binds to the promoter of the VITAMIN C DEFECTIVE 2 (VTC2) gene, inhibiting the transcription of VTC2 and ascorbic acid (AsA) biosynthesis.Results: In the present study, we found that treatment with exogenous AsA could alleviate salt stress sensitivity of ABI4-overexpressing transgenic plants. The decreased AsA content and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in ABI4-overexpressing seedlings under salt treatment indicated that AsA-promoted ROS scavenging was related to ABI4-mediated salt tolerance. Gene expression analysis showed that ABI4 was induced at the early stage of salt stress, giving rise to reduced VTC2 expression. Accordingly, the abundance of the VTC2 protein decreased under the same salt stress conditions, and was absent in the ABI4 loss-of-function mutants, suggesting that the transcriptional inhibition of ABI4 on VTC2 resulted in the attenuation of VTC2 function. In addition, other encoding genes in the AsA biosynthesis and recycling pathways showed different responses to salt stress, demonstrating that AsA homeostasis is complicated under salinity stress. Conclusions: This study elucidates the negative modulation of ABI4 in salt stress tolerance through the regulation of AsA biosynthesis and ROS accumulation in plants.
Novel Myostatin-Specific Antibody Enhances Muscle Strength in Muscle Disease Models
Authors: Muramatsu Hiroyasu , Kuramochi Taichi , Katada Hitoshi , Ueyama Atsunori , Ruike Yoshinao , Ohmine Ken , Shida-Kawazoe Meiri , Miyano-Nishizawa Rie , Shimizu Yuichiro , Okuda Momoko , Hori Yuji , Hayashi Madoka , Haraya Kenta , Ban Nobuhiro , Nonaka Tatsuya , Honda Masaki , Kitamura Hidetomo , Hattori Kunihiro , Kitazawa Takehisa , Igawa Tomoyuki , Kawabe Yoshiki , Nezu Junichi
Published: December 2020

Myostatin, a member of the transforming growth factor-b superfamily, is an attractive target for muscle disease therapy because of its role as a negative regulator of muscle growth and strength. Here, we describe a novel antibody therapeutic approach that maximizes the potential of myostatin-targeted therapy. We generated an antibody, GYM329, that specifically binds the latent form of myostatin and inhibits its activation. Additionally, via “sweeping antibody technology”, GYM329 reduces or “sweeps” myostatin in the muscle and plasma. Compared with conventional anti-myostatin agents, GYM329 and its surrogate antibody exhibit superior muscle strength-improvement effects in three different mouse disease models. We also demonstrate that the superior efficacy of GYM329 is due to its myostatin specificity and sweeping capability. Furthermore, we show that a GYM329 surrogate increases muscle mass in normal cynomolgus monkeys without any obvious toxicity. Our findings indicate the potential of GYM329 to improve muscle strength in patients with muscular disorders.
Population Genetic Analysis of Pinus Koraiensis in China Inferred Using EST-SSR Markers
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhao Minghui , Xu Yujin , Li Yan , Tigabu Mulualem , Zhao Xiyang
Published: December 2020

Background Pinus koraiensis (commonly known as Korean pine), is a well-known conifer species in China with high economic, ornamental and ecological values. More than 50% of the P. koraiensis forests in the world are distributed in Northeast China, a region with abundant germplasm resources. However, these natural P. koraiensis populations are in danger of genetic erosion caused by continuous climate changes and frequent human activity. Little work has been conducted on the population genetic structure and genetic differentiation of P. koraiensis in China. Here, representative individuals from 16 natural P. koraiensis populations were sampled and genotyped, and polymorphic expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers were used to comprehensively evaluate genetic diversity, population structure and differentiation of P. koraiensis populations in China.ResultsA total of 480 samples from 16 populations were collected in the natural distribution area of P. koraiensis. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) of the EST-SSR marker data showed that 33% of the total genetic variation was among populations and 67% was within populations. A high level of genetic diversity was found across P. koraiensis populations (average Na=10.33, Ne=2.514, He=0.521), and the highest levels of genetic diversity were found in Heihe (He=0.449), Zhanhe (He=0.413), Liangshui (He=0.370) and Tieli (He=0.414) populations. Moreover, pairwise Fst values reveled significant genetic differentiation among populations (mean Fst=0.177). Structure and Neighbor-joining (NJ) tree analyses and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed two genetic clusters: cluster 1 from Xiaoxinganling Mountains and cluster 2 from Changbaishan Mountains, which were consistent with the geographical distributions of the natural populations. ConclusionsThe findings provide new genetic information for future genome-wide association studies (GWAS), marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS) in natural P. koraiensis breeding programs and can aid the development of conservation strategies for this valuable conifer species.
Analysis of axial Length of Marfan Syndrome with Bilateral Ectopia Lentis by Z-scores for Chinese Patients under 20 years Old
Authors: Chen Zexu , Chen Jiahui , Zhang Min , Zheng Jialei , Deng Michael , Chen Tianhui , Ji Yinghong , Jiang Yongxiang
Published: December 2020

Purpose: To analyze the axial length (AL) in young patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS) and bilateral ectopia lentis (EL) before the lens surgery. Methods: This study reviewed MFS patients under 20 with bilateral EL from January 2015 to October 2020. The Z-scores were introduced in terms of the number of standard deviations (SD) from the mean of age-matched normative data. Using Z-scores, the distribution of AL and influence factors were evaluated. The correlations between AL and other biometrics were analyzed. Results: We reviewed 183 patients, and enrolled both eyes. The mean age was 8.44 ± 4.69 years old. The mean AL increased from 23.41 ± 1.73 mm under 5 years old to 26.40 ± 2.28 mm in the 16-20 age group, and when plotted, the trend presented a logarithmic curvature. The mean Z-AL score was 1.74 ± 2.68. One-third of eyes had Z-score < 0. The right eye and the eye complicated with megalocornea had larger Z-AL scores. A positive correlation was found between Z-AL and Z-Corneal Curvature Radius (r = 0.265, P < 0.001).Conclusion: Young patents with bilateral EL but small AL should not be excluded from MFS without systematic examination. The age-adjusted Z-score will facilitate further study of the individual variations in AL across different ages.
Self-clocking fast and variation tolerant true random number generator based on a stochastic mott memristor
Authors: Kim Gwangmin , In Jae Hyun , Rhee Hakseung , Park Woojoon , Song Hanchan , Kim Kyung Min
Published: December 2020

The intrinsic stochasticity of the memristor can be used to generate true random numbers, essential for non-decryptable hardware-based security devices. Here we propose a novel and advanced method to generate true random numbers utilizing the stochastic oscillation behavior of a NbOx mott memristor, exhibiting self-clocking, fast and variation tolerant characteristics. The random number generation rate of the device can be at least 40 kbs-1, which is the fastest record compared with previous volatile memristor-based TRNG devices. Also, its dimensionless operating principle provides high tolerance against both ambient temperature variation and device-to-device variation, enabling robust security hardware applicable in harsh environments.
Quantified Assessment of Deep Brain Stimulation on Parkinson's Patients with Task fNIRS Measurements and Functional Connectivity Analysis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Yu Ningbo , Liang Siquan , Lu Jiewei , Shu Zhilin , Li Haitao , Yu Yang , Wu Jialing , Han Jianda
Published: December 2020

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has proved effective for Parkinsons disease (PD), but the identification of stimulation parameters relies on doctors’ subjective judgment on patient behavior.Methods: Five PD patients performed 10-meter walking tasks under different brain stimulation frequencies. During walking tests, a wearable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system was used to measure the concentration change of oxygenated hemoglobin (ΔHbO2) in prefrontal cortex, parietal lobe and occipital lobe. Brain functional connectivity and global efficiency were calculated to quantify the brain activities.Results: We discovered that both the global and regional brain efficiency of all patients varied with stimulation parameters, and the DBS pattern enabling the highest brain efficiency was optimal for each patient, in accordance with the clinical assessments and DBS treatment decision made by the doctors.Conclusions: Task fNIRS assessments and brain functional connectivity analysis promise a quantified and objective solution for patient-specific optimization of DBS treatment.Trial registration: The study was approved by the Ethical Committee of Tianjin Huanhu Hospital (2019-35), and has been registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900022715).
Implementation Research Training for Learners in Low- and Middle-income Countries: Evaluating Behavior Change After Participating in a Massive Online Open Course
Authors: Launois Pascal , Maher Dermot , Certain Edith , Ross Bella , Penkunas Michael J.
Published: December 2020

Background: Implementation research (IR) can play a critical role in the delivery of disease control interventions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The growing demand for IR training has led to the development of a range of training programs and university courses, the majority of which can not be accessed by learners in LMICs. This article reports on the evaluation of a massive open online course (MOOC) developed by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases hosted by the World Health Organization on the topic of IR with a focus on infectious diseases of poverty. This study followed Kirkpatrick’s Model to evaluate training programs with a specific focus on post-training changes in behavior.Methods: MOOC participants were invited to take part in an anonymous online survey examining their IR knowledge and how they applied it in their professional practice approximately 1-1.5 years after completing the MOOC. The survey contained 43 open-ended, multiple choice and Likert-type questions. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the quantitative data and responses to the open-ended questions were thematically coded.Results: A total of 748 MOOC participants responded to the survey. The demographic profile of the survey respondents aligned with that of the MOOC participants, with nearly 70% of respondents originating from Africa. Responses to the quantitative and open-ended survey questions revealed that respondents’ IR knowledge had improved to a large extent as a result of the MOOC, and that they used the knowledge and skills gained in their professional lives frequently. Respondents most often cited changes in their conceptual understanding of IR and understanding of the research process as substantial areas of change influenced by participating in the MOOC.Conclusions: These findings indicate that the MOOC was successful in targeting learners from LMICs, in strengthening their IR knowledge and in contributing to their ability to apply it in their professional practice. The utility of MOOCs for providing IR training to learners in LMICs, where implementation challenges are encountered often, makes this platform an ideal standalone learning tool or one that could be combined with other training formats.
Biological Age in Healthy Elderly Predicts Dementia in the Absence of a Brain Marker
Authors: Wu Julia , Yaqub Amber , Ma Yuan , Koudstaal Wouter , Hofman Albert , Ikram Mohammad Arfan , Ghanbari Mohsen , Goudsmit Jaap
Published: December 2020

Application of biological age as a measure of an individual´s health status offers new perspectives into extension of both lifespan and healthspan. While algorithms predicting mortality and most aging-related morbidities have been reported, the major shortcoming has been an inability to predict dementia. We present a community-based cohort study of 1930 participants with a mean age of 72 years and a follow-up period of over 7 years, using two variants of a phenotypic blood-based algorithm that either excludes (BioAge1) or includes (BioAge2) neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a neurodegenerative marker. BioAge1 and BioAge2 predict dementia equally well, as well as lifespan and healthspan. Each one-year increase in BioAge1/2 was associated with 11% elevated risk (HR=1.11; 95%CI 1.08-1.14) of mortality and 7% elevated risk (HR=1.07; 95%CI 1.05-1.09) of first morbidities. We additionally tested the association of microRNAs with age and identified 263 microRNAs significantly associated with biological and chronological age alike. Top differentially expressed microRNAs based on biological age had a higher significance level than those based on chronological age, suggesting that biological age captures aspects of aging signals at the epigenetic level. We conclude that biological age is a predictor of major age-related diseases, including dementia, among healthy elderly.
The Designation of Micronutrients Foliar Application Influence on Rice (Oryza Sativa L. cv. Shiroodi) Yield and Yield Components
Authors: Lahijani Ashkan Daneshtalab , Mosavi Amir abbas , Moballeghi Morteza
Published: December 2020

Pursuant to micronutrients critical role in the plant nutrition and metabolism, accurate determination of the best term of foliar application as a practical plant nutritional pathway has substantial circumstances in the novel agricultural approaches. In order to properly assess micronutrients liquid fertilizer with commercial name of Rooyesh no and mentioned ingredients (Fe EDTA 0.1%, Zn EDTA 0.05%, B 0.02%, Cu EDTA 0.05%, and Mn EDTA 0.05%) influence on Shiroodi cultivar yield, this investigation implemented in the Iran Rice Research Institution (Amol, Mazandaran) during two consecutive years (2017-2018). This extensive research conducted in the form of RCBD with eight treatments and three independent replications. The treatments were T0 (control), T1 (one foliar application) to T7 (seven foliar applications). The frequent intervals of foliar applications were seven days and the first foliar application done nine days after transplantation. The results revealed that the micronutrients application effect was significant about plant dry weight, grain yield, 1,000 grains yield and harvest index. Also, the interaction of the year and foliar application was significant about seed Zn content, chlorophyll b and 1,000 grains yield. According to statistical data, it can be concluded that T4 with 4257 kg/ha grain yield compare to control yield 3499.1 kg/ha that indicated 20 percentage approximate enhancement about foliar application treatments, four leaf spraying with 2 liters/ 1000 liters of water dosage of micronutrients could affect grain yield and yield components of rice (shiroodi cv.) significantly through increasing the number of tillers/plant, improvement of panicle length and increasing the number of grains/ panicle. The micronutrients supply through leaves is more effective procedure in the field of rice nutrition compare to soil application method due to higher absorption velocity.
Gating transitions and modulation of a hetero-octameric AMPA glutamate receptor
Authors: Greger Ingo , Zhang Danyang , Watson Jake , Matthews Peter , Cais Ondrej
Published: December 2020

AMPA glutamate receptors (AMPARs) mediate the majority of excitatory transmission in the brain, and enable synaptic plasticity that underlies learning 1. A diverse array of AMPAR signaling complexes are established by receptor auxiliary subunits, associating in various combinations to modulate trafficking, gating and synaptic strength 2. However, their mechanisms of action are poorly understood. Here, we determine cryo-electron microscopy structures of the heteromeric GluA1/2 receptor assembled with both TARP-γ8 and CNIH2, the predominant AMPAR complex in the forebrain, in both resting and active states (at 3.2 and 3.7 Å, respectively). Consequential for gating regulation, two γ8 and two CNIH2 subunits lodge at distinct sites beneath the ligand-binding domains of the receptor tetramer, with site-specific lipids shaping each interaction. Activation leads to a stark asymmetry between GluA1 and GluA2 along the ion conduction path, and an outward expansion of the channel triggers counter-rotations of both auxiliary subunit pairs, that promotes the active-state conformation. In addition, both γ8 and CNIH2 pivot towards the pore exit on activation, extending their reach for cytoplasmic receptor elements. CNIH2 achieves this through its uniquely extended M2 helix, which has transformed this ER-export factor into a powerful positive AMPAR modulator, capable of providing hippocampal pyramidal neurons with their integrative synaptic properties.
Effects of Cadmium Stress on Physiological Indexes and Fruiting Body Nutritions of Agaricus Brasiliensis
Authors: Liu Lingyun , Chen Hua , Yuan Jing , Wang Yixiang , Weng Boqi , Liu Penghu , Li Guoxue
Published: December 2020

In this study, 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6 and 8 mg·kg-1 of cadmium were added to the cultivation materials. In order to study the effects of different concentrations of Cd stress on J1 and J77, the contents of antioxidant enzymes, proline and malondialdehyde, Cd content, agronomic traits and yield of fruiting bodies of Agaricus brasiliensis were determined, and the nutritional components such as polysaccharide, triterpene, protein, total sugar and total amino acid were determined. The results showed that the physiological indexes of strain J1 and J77 changed regularly under different concentrations of Cd stress. J1 was a high absorption and low tolerance variety, while J77 was a low absorption and high tolerance variety. Low concentration of cadmium promoted the growth of strain J1, and higher concentration of Cd promoted the growth of strain J77. The contents of protein and total amino acids in the two strains changed greatly, followed by polysaccharides, which indicated that Cd stress had the greatest impact on the three nutrients, and other nutrients were not sensitive to Cd stress.
Gut microbiota signatures are associated with toxicity to combined CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockade
Authors: Wargo Jennifer , Andrews Miles , Duong Connie , Gopalakrishnan Vancheswaran , Iebba Valerio , Chen Wei-Shen , Derosa Lisa , Routy Bertrand , Ferrere Gladys , Fluckiger Aurélie , Roberti Maria , Opolon Paule , Roh Whijae , Spencer Christine , Curbelo Irina Fernandez , Vence Luis , Reuben Alexandre , Cooper Zachary , Prieto Peter , Khan M. A. Wadud , Lazar Alexander , Tetzlaff Michael , Hudgens Courtney , Gaudreau Pierre-Olivier , Nezi Luigi , Raoult Didier , Haydu Lauren , Tawbi Hussein , Hwu Patrick , Hwu Wen-Jen , Amaria Rodabe , Burton Elizabeth , Woodman Scott , Diab Adi , Patel Sapna , Glitza Isabella , Zhang Jianhua , Ajami Nadim , Petrosino Joseph , Jenq Robert , Davies Michael , Gershenwald Jeffrey , Sharma Padmanee , Allison James , Futreal Andrew , Zitvogel Laurence , ALOU Maryam TIDJANI , Yonekura Satoru , Cogdill Alexandria , Arora Reetakshi , Little Latasha , Gumbs Curtis , Wani Khalida , Callahan Margaret , Adamow Mathew , Postow Michael , Ariyan Charlotte , Gardner Julie , McQuade Jennifer , Wong Michael , Zhao Li
Published: December 2020

Treatment with combined immune checkpoint blockade (CICB) targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1 is associated with clinical benefit across tumor types, but a high rate of immune-related adverse events (irAE). Insights into biomarkers and mechanisms of response and toxicity to CICB are needed. To address this, we profiled the blood, tumor and gut microbiome of 77 advanced melanoma patients treated with CICB, with a high rate of any ≥Grade 3 irAEs (49%) with parallel studies in pre-clinical models. Tumor-associated immune and genomic biomarkers of response to CICB were similar to those identified for ICB monotherapy, and toxicity from CICB was associated with a more diverse peripheral T cell repertoire. Profiling of gut microbiota demonstrated a significantly higher abundance of Bacteroides intestinalis in patients with toxicity, with upregulation of mucosal IL-1b in patient samples of colitis and in pre-clinical models. Together, these data offer potential new therapeutic angles for targeting toxicity to CICB.
TRIM47 Promotes Malignant Progression of Renal Cell Carcinoma by Degrading P53 Through Ubiquitination
Authors: Chen Jia-xin , Xu Da , Cao Jian-wei , Zuo Li , Han Zhi-tao , Tian Yi-jun , Chu Chuan-min , Zhou Wang , Pan Xiu-wu , Cui Xingang
Published: December 2020

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors originating from the renal parenchymal urinary epithelial system. Tripartite motif 47 (TRIM47) is a member of the TRIM family proteins, which has E3 ligase activity and has been demonstrated to be involved in the occurrence and prognosis of many tumors. The main purpose of this study is to explore the role and potential mechanism of TRIM47 in promoting malignant biological behavior of RCC. Materials and Methods: TRIM47 mRNA and protein levels in human renal cancer and paired normal adjacent tissues were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The effects of TRIM47 knockdown and overexpression in renal cell carcinoma cells on cell proliferation, invasion and xenograft tumor growth in nude mice were analyzed. The molecular mechanism was explored by mass spectrometric exploration,Western blot and immunoprecipitation assays. Results: TRIM47 promoted RCC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo as an oncogene. Mechanistically, TRIM47 exerted an E3 ligase activity by interacting with P53 protein to increase its ubiquitination and degradation, which further promoted the malignant biological behavior of RCC. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that the TRIM47-P53 axis played a functional role in RCC progression and suggested a potential therapeutic target for RCC.
Comparison of Polysomnographic Features in Geriatric and Adult Patients
Authors: Balcı Aydın , Cilekar Sule
Published: December 2020

Objectives: In our study, it was aimed to compare polysomnography features in geriatric and adult patients.Materials and Methods: Our study was conducted as a retrospective case-control study. Sleep Patients who were hospitalized in the polysomnography laboratory with a pre-diagnosis of the disorder were divided into 2 groups according to their age as younger than 65 years old and over. Alice 6 computerized system (Respironics; Philips, Illinois, USA) polysomnography was applied to detect sleep disorders.Results: A total of 500 people, including 180 (36%) women, 320 (64%) men, were included in our study. The mean age was 52.36 ± 13.69. Posittive Airvey Pressure (Pap) treatment rates were significantly higher in the geriatric age group compared to adults. Sleep efficiency, mean sleep time, and total sleep time were higher in adults compared to geriatric patients. In the geriatric patient group, the most common diagnosis as a result of PSG was the diagnosis of Severe OSAS with 84 (%) people. When the lower extremity mobility measurements during sleep were evaluated, the values ​​were found to be significantly higher in geriatric patients with severe OSAS. Stage 3 and Rem stage were significantly higher in adults in terms of NREM3 (%) and REM (%) measurements.Conclusion: Sleep times are reduced in geriatric patients, restless leg movements during sleep are more common than adult patients, and sleep-disordered breathing is generally more severe in geriatric patients.