bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unnatural Trend Detection of Arctic Amplification
Authors: Wang Yu , Yan Pengcheng , Feng Taichen , Ji Fei , Tang Shankai , Feng Guolin
Published: March 2021

The driving mechanism of Arctic amplification (AA) is so complex that no consistent and definitive conclusion has been formed yet. In particular, the natural or unnatural cause of AA has not yet been investigated and distinguished in clarity and depth. Given that the Arctic is more sensitive than other regions to greenhouse gases and other unnatural forcing, especially human activity, we are focusing on separating unnatural trend (caused by unnatural forcing) from the Arctic surface air temperature (SAT) changes during 1979–2017 to quantify the contribution of unnatural forcing on AA, with converting detection and attribution to probability statistics model. Compared to earlier studies, we find that the Arctic coast of the Siberian Great Plains, from the Barents Sea to the Kara Sea and eastward to the Bering Strait, has been warming most significantly, which is mainly dominated by unnatural trends. From 1979 to 2017, the minimum unnatural warming in most parts of the Arctic Ocean reached above 1.5℃, especially in the Kara Sea area, where the unnatural warming was significant, reaching 4℃. The Kara Sea is sensitive to unnatural forcing. In addition, the minimum unnatural contributions exceed 60% in most parts of the Arctic Circle, and was more than 80% in (75–90°N, 150–180°W). In 140°W-140°E Arctic region, the unnatural trend is the most remarkable with 0.82℃ per decade, accounting for 84.5% of the measured warming trend. Meanwhile, the unnatural trend changes most rapidly for the temporal evolution in this area (0-140°W, 60–90°N).
Optimization of random forest model for assessing and predicting geological hazards susceptibility in Lingyun County
Authors: Kong Chunfang , Wang Junzuo , Ma Xiaogang , Tian Yiping , Zhang Zhiting , Xu Kai
Published: March 2021

The frequent occurrence of geological hazards will not only cause peoples' property loss and deterioration of living environments, but will also endanger peoples' lives. Therefore, rapid and accurate evaluation of geological hazards susceptibility can provide an important scientific basis for emergency rescue and disaster reduction and prevention. In this paper, ten effective variables including slope, aspect, curvature, normalized differential vegetation index, annual precipitation, strata lithology, tectonic complexity, residential density, road network density, and land use/land cover were selected as evaluation indexes. Meanwhile, random forest (RF) model is improved by the optimization of unbalanced geological hazards dataset, differentiation of continuous geological hazards evaluation factors, sample similarity calculation, and iterative method for finding optimal random characteristics by calculating out-of-bagger errors. The geological hazards susceptibility evaluation model based on optimized RF (OPRF) was established and used to assess the susceptibility level of geological hazards for Lingyun County. Then, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and field investigation were performed to verify the efficiency for five models. Analysis and comparison of the results denoted that the model based on OPRF has the highest prediction accuracy of 93.4%, which is far better than the other four models. Furthermore, the evaluation results can provide reference for geological hazards prediction and prevention, and can also provide decision support for land use development and rational utilization of resources and environment in Lingyun County. Based on these results, the OPRF model could be extended to other regions with similar geological environment backgrounds for geological hazards susceptibility assessment and prediction.
Geographic Differences in the Distribution of Parasitic Infections in Children of Bolivia
Authors: Alvarez Ivana Camacho , Goyens Philippe , López Jenny Marcela Luizaga , Jacobs Frédérique
Published: March 2021

Background: A high percentage of the population in Latin America lives with intestinal parasitic infections, neglected tropical diseases frequently not treated. Intestinal parasitism is associated other disorders but the information about the epidemiological situation in countries like Bolivia is scarce. Environmental conditions play its role in the prevalence of certain parasites. The main objective was to know the current situation of parasitic infections among children under twelve years old from different geographical areas of Cochabamba – Bolivia. Methodology: We analysed the laboratory reports of four second-line hospitals of different areas and the Tertiary Care Hospital. Results of stool examinations performed between 2011 and 2015 in children under twelve years of age were collected. Results: We gathered the results of 23221 examinations. The 89 % of children were less than five years old. Pathogenic parasites were found in 31 %. Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia were the two most prevalent parasites in all areas. Helminths were 19% of positive samples and Ascaris lumbricoides was the most prevalent. Parasitic infections are more frequent in tropical area where helminths are highly concentrated. Pre-school age children (OR: 5.296; 95% CI: 4.81 - 5.83) and semi-tropical area (OR: 3.26; 95% CI: 2.90 - 3.66) were strongly associated to the presence of pathogenic parasites. Conclusions: Parasitic infections in children are still very prevalent in Bolivia. Protozoan infections are the major problem while the prevalence of helminths seems to be decreasing. The most vulnerable population is still concentrated in semi tropical and tropical areas where the risk of parasitic infection is probably increased due to the poor environmental conditions. Our results could allow reconsidering more effective parasitic disease control policies taking into account regional characteristics.
The Empirical Influences of Tibetan Plateau Soil Moisture on South Asian Monsoon Onset
Authors: Lou Dan , Wang Guojie , ullah waheed , Gao Zhiqiu , Bhatti Asher Samuel , Hagan Daniel Fiifi Tawia , Jiang Tong , Su Buda , Zhu Chenxia
Published: March 2021

The South Asian High (SAH) location and intensity are linked with the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and Yangtze River basin latent heating. The existing feedbacks of SAH variability is rarely linked with TP soil moisture regulated energy fluxes. In this study, remotely sensed soil moisture and global atmospheric reanalysis products are used to quantify the relationship between the TP spring (April, May, June) soil moisture with SAH and South Asian (SA) monsoon onset during 1988–2008. The diagnostic analysis infers that the SAH exhibits a significant correlation (R ≥ 0.90) with TP spring soil moisture and monsoon onset indices (R≥ -0.56−-0.61). During the early and late monsoon onset, a significant anomalous soil moisture regime influenced the surface energy fluxes, which affected the vertical diabatic heating profile. The diabatic heating profile affects the TP ascending motion and SAH intensity, which leads to regional monsoon circulation changes and onset. An asymmetric SAH movement in the upper troposphere appears before the early and late monsoon onset composites and drives the lower tropospheric westerlies/easterlies winds towards the continental SA. The wind shear and transition from prevailing easterlies into westerlies during the pre-onset, onset, and post-onset pentad results in strong/weak ascent in the Bay of Bengal and advances into continental regions. The onset- mechanism further suggested intensified/weaker westerlies/easterlies during early/late onset composites. The SAH intensity and movement are linked with TP soil moisture, which exhibits teleconnections with the regional circulation pattern. A detailed model experiment will be conducted to verify the influence of soil moisture as a driver of energy fluxes and SA monsoon onset.
Potential of Organic and Inorganic Amendments for Stabilizing Nickel in Acidic Soil, and Improving the Nutritional Quality of Spinach
Authors: Ali Umeed , Shaaban Muhammad , Bashir Saqib , Chhajro Muhammad Afzal , Qian Li , Rizwan Muhammad Shahid , Fu Qingling , Zhu Jun , Hu Hongqing
Published: March 2021

Contamination of soils by nickel (Ni) has become a serious environmental problem throughout the world, and this substance wields dangerous effects on the ecosystem and food chain. A pot experiment was conducted to examine the effect of rice straw (RS), rice straw biochar (BI) and calcite (CC) at 1% and 2% application rates in a Ni contaminated soil. The objective was to potentially stabilize Ni and reduce its bioavailability to spinach (Spinacia Oleracea L.). Spinach plants were grown in a Ni contaminated Ultisol (commonly known as a red clay soil). Physiological results indicated that a BI 2% application rate significantly increased the photosynthetic rate by 4-18.6 µmol m2 S− 1 and transpiration rate by 1.7–8.9 mmol m2 S− 1. Similarly, growth parameters for root and shoots dry biomass increased 1.7- and 6.3-fold, respectively, while essential nutrients were enhanced in the spinach plant compared to those in the untreated soil (CK). Moreover, adding amendments significantly decreased CaCl2 extractable Ni by 62.5% 94.1%, and 87.2%, while the toxicity characteristics leaching procedure (TCLP) fell by 26.7%, 47.8%, and 41.7% when using RS, BI and CC, respectively, at 2% compared to CK. The Ni concentrations in the spinach roots declined by 51.6%, 73.3% and 68.9%, and in the shoots reduced by 54.1%, 76.7% and 70.8% for RS, BI and CC, at a 2% application rate, respectively. Bio-concentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) dropped significantly by as much as 72.7% and 20%, for BI 2% application rate. Results of the present study clearly indicated that biochar potential soil amendments for Ni stabilization, thereby reducing its bioavailability in the Ni contaminated soil. This process enhanced the safety of food to be consumed and mitigated security risks.
Analyses of GWAS and sub-threshold loci lead to the discovery of dendrite development and morphology dysfunction underlying schizophrenia genetic risk
Authors: Chen Rui , Wang Quan , Xu Chongchong , Wei Qiang , Yang Hai , Sutcliffe James , Jiang Yi , Ji Ying , Cheng Feixiong , Cook Edwin , Zhong Xue , Cox Nancy , Wen Zhexing , Li Bingshan
Published: March 2021

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is highly polygenic, and thousands of genes contribute to its risk. The 145 GWAS loci identified to date do not fully reveal SCZ genetic risk pathways. In this study, we explore a cost-effective strategy to increase power of inference of novel pathways, by expanding the analysis to include sub-threshold GWAS (subGWAS) loci. We identify 180 subGWAS loci (e.g., 5 x10-8 < P ≤ 10-6) based on SCZ summary statistics of 40,675 cases and 64,643 controls from CLOZUK and PGC datasets, and show that subGWAS loci contain substantial true genetic association signals. We merge GWAS (sigGWAS) and subGWAS loci and identify in total 304 high-confidence risk genes (HRGs) by jointly modeling the expanded set of loci. We identify dendrite development and morphogenesis (DDM, GO:0016358 and GO:0048813) as a novel category of biological processes implicated in SCZ genetic risk. SigGWAS loci fail to detect DDM, which is predominantly enriched in subGWAS loci. Further, DDM genes are significantly enriched for heritability of SCZ, as well as bipolar disorder and major depression. Genes in this functional process show cell type specificity in neurons in both fetal and adult brains, and their involvement in SCZ risk is further supported by eQTL analysis of SCZ risk alleles. We derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from sporadic SCZ patients and normal controls and observe increased neurite lengths and soma sizes in patient-derived iPSC lines along multiple time points during neuronal development, further validating the genetic findings. We also find that the implicated genes are enriched in FDA-approved drug targets, suggesting a therapeutic potential for targeting the implicated biological processes for prevention and treatment. Our results showcase that expanding the analysis to include subGWAS loci is a valuable strategy for enhancing power of uncovering disease mechanisms, especially those of weak effect size, for SCZ and other complex diseases.
Clinical Analysis of the Myosure Hysteroscopic Tissue Removal System in 740 Cases of Benign Intrauterine Lesions
Authors: Yong Jiahui , Guo Xiaohui , Liu Chu , Yuan Jing , Wan Yajun , Zeng Fei , Sun Xin , Yang Yimin , Yi Shuijing , Zeng Xiangyang , Xiao Songshu
Published: March 2021

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy of the MyoSure hysteroscopic tissue removal system in the treatment of benign intrauterine lesions. Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 740 patients treated with the MyoSure hysteroscopic tissue removal system for benign intrauterine lesions from September 2014 to December 2018, including 131 cases of submucosal myomas, 85 cases of endometrial polyps and 524 cases of RPOC. The clinical efficacy of MyoSure surgery was analyzed according to patients’ intraoperative conditions (intraoperative blood loss, operative time, lesion complete resection rate, and intraoperative complications) and postoperative symptom relief rate. Results: All 740 patients successfully completed the operation. The intraoperative blood loss was 17.09±14.87ml, 11.78±10.89ml and 29.50±13.74ml for submucosal myomas, endometrial polyps and RPOC, respectively, and the operative time was 42.37±19.33min, 20.96±8.99min and 30.47±14.04min, respectively. The complete resection rates (CRRs) of type 0, type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ lesions and mixed type fibroids were 100.0% (45/45), 96.00% (48/50), 85.67% (13/15) and 75.00% (9/12), respectively. For endometrial polyps and RPOC, the CRRs were 100% (85/85) and 98.28% (515/524), respectively. No intraoperative complications, such as uterine perforation, were reported with the exception of one patient with RPOC who exhibited TURP syndrome during the operation. The postoperative satisfaction rates for submucosal myomas, endometrial polyps and RPOC were 94.66% (124/131), 100.0% (85/85) and 98.85% (518/524), respectively. The conception rate was 47.91% (172/359), and the live birth rate was 59.30% (102/172). Conclusions: The MyoSure hysteroscopic tissue removal system is a safe and effective new treatment for benign intrauterine lesions for women of childbearing age.
MicroRNA-210-5p Alleviates Cardiac Fibrosis via Targeting Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type I Receptor in Rats on High Salt Diet
Authors: Zhao Kun , Mao Yukang , Ye Xiaoman , Ma Jiazheng , Sun Litao , Li Peng , Li Yong
Published: March 2021

Background: The aim of the present study was to explore whether high salt diet (HSD) caused cardiac fibrosis regardless of blood pressure in rats, and to determine the effects of microRNA (miR)-210-5p on sodium chloride (NaCl)-induced fibrosis in neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts (NRCFs) and its target. Methods: The rats received 8% HSD in vivo, and NRCFs were treated with NaCl in vitro. Results: The levels of collagen I, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were increased in the heart of hypertension (HTN), hypertension-prone (HP) and hypertension-resistant (HR) rats on HSD. Middle and high doses (50 mM and 100 mM) of NaCl increased the levels of collagen I, α-SMA and TGF-β in NRCFs. The expression level of miR-210-5p was reduced in NaCl-treated NRCFs by miR high-throughput sequencing. The NaCl-induced increases of collagen I, α-SMA and TGF-β were inhibited by miR-210-5p agomiR, and further enhanced by miR-210-5p antagomiR. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that TGF-β type I receptor (TGFβRI) was a direct target gene of miR-210-5p. These results indicated that HSD resulted in cardiac fibrosis regardless of blood pressure. Conclusion: The upregulation of miR-210-5p could attenuate NRCF fibrosis via targeting TGFβRI. Thus, upregulating miR-210-5p to inhibit TGF-β signaling pathway might be a strategy for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis.
Effects of organic additives on the microstructural, rheological and electrical properties of silver paste for LTCC applications
Authors: Hu Yongcai , Du Zhaofu , Yao Yingbang , Ma Yue , Li Yi , Xu Yiwen , Zhao Xiaobo , Tao Tao , Liang Bo , Lu Shengguo
Published: March 2021

Zinc(II) phthalocyanine (Zn(II)Pc) molecule was the first time prepared onto three different substrates utilizing Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) deposition technique to investigate its vapor sensing abilities and some optical properties. We utilized five different and well-known techniques to control monolayer quality of Zn(II)Pc LB film. The obtained the thickness and refractive index values for Zn(II)Pc LB film with coated at different layers vary from 3.2 to 10.9 nm and from 1.42 to 1.71, respectively. The sensing properties were investigated by exposing the Zn(II)Pc-based mass or optical sensor to some organic vapors. Kinetic results presented that this Zn(II)Pc material is a good candidate as a sensor element with a fast and reversible response for dichloromethane sensing devices.
Gene Edited Fluorescent Cerebral Organoids to Study Human Brain Function and Disease
Authors: Mueller Thorsten , Bachmann Lisa , Villarejo Lucia Gallego , Heinen Natalie , Marks David
Published: March 2021

Cerebral organoids are a promising model to study human brain function and disease, though the high inter-organoid variability of the mini-brains is still challenging. To overcome this limitation, we introduce the method of labeled mixed organoids generated from two different human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines, which enables the identification of cells from different origin within a single organoid. The method combines a gene editing workflow and subsequent organoid differentiation and offers a unique tool to study gene function in a complex human 3D tissue-like model. Using a CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing approach, different fluorescent proteins were fused to β-actin or lamin B1 in hiPSCs and subsequently used as a marker to identify each cell line. Mixtures of differently edited cells were seeded to induce embryoid body formation and cerebral organoid differentiation. As a consequence, the development of the 3D tissue was detectable by live confocal fluorescence microscopy and immunofluorescence staining in fixed samples. Analysis of mixed organoids allowed the identification and examination of specifically labeled cells in the organoid that belong to each of the two hiPSC donor lines. We demonstrate that a direct comparison of the individual cells is possible by having the edited and the control (or the two differentially labeled) cells within the same organoid, and thus the mixed organoids overcome the inter-organoid inhomogeneity limitations. The approach aims to pave the way for the reliable analysis of human genetic disorders by the use of organoids and to fundamentally understand the molecular mechanisms underlying pathological conditions.
Modifying the Mini Cog to Screen for Cognitive Impairment in Non-literate Individuals
Authors: Adhikari Shambhu Prasad , Dev Rubee , Borson Soo
Published: March 2021

Objectives: The Mini-Cog, a rapid, valid, and reliable screening tool for cognitive impairment, consists of 3-word recall and an executive Clock-Drawing Test (CDT). However, CDT requires at least basic literacy and cultural exposure to analog clocks, conditions not met in many population groups around the world. We developed a modification of the Mini-Cog (MMC) for use with non-literate and literate individuals. Methods: Participants were adults (≥ 60 years) with no neurological diagnosis, with known cognitive impairment due to stroke, Parkinsonism, traumatic brain injury or Alzheimer’s disease, and whose family members were able to read and write. We replaced the CDT with two tasks of everyday life: a serial subtraction task or a multistep performance task. Family members rated the acceptability and feasibility of the Mini-Cog versions using a 6-point scale, and completed a proxy-rated cognitive staging tool, the Dementia Severity Rating Scale (DSRS). Spearman’s rho, Mann- Whitney U and Chi-square tests were used to evaluate group differences and associations between measures. Results: Data were collected from 63 participants (75% ≥ 60 years, 67% non-literate). Literacy was associated with CDT (Chi-square strength 0.9, p < 0.001). Both MMC versions correlated with DSRS in healthy adults and patients (rho 0.6-0.7, p < 0.05). In literate individuals, the acceptability and feasibility of CDT and both alternate distractors were similarly high (5/6). Conclusions: Two alternate distractor tasks may successfully replace CDT in the Mini-Cog. The MMC versions are promising and deserve further study as screening tools for cognitive impairment in larger and more fully characterized samples.
Exploring the Mechanism of Laminaria for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Yu Le , Pei Shuchen , Yuan Kangyao , Zhang Jian , Zhao Jingya , Chai Shuiqin
Published: March 2021

Background：Laminaria japonica has also been reported to have a therapeutic effect on AD, but the mechanism is not entirely clear. To explore the mechanism of Laminaria for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the “active components-targets” network and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were constructed for analyzing targets’ functions and pathways. Methods：The main active components of Laminaria were extracted using the TCMSP database and were predicted and screened by GeneCards. Cytoscape was used to construct the “drug-components-targets-disease” network. STRING and Cytoscape were applied to map the PPI network. The Gene Ontology (GO) terms and KEGG pathways of targets were analyzed by Metascape. Results: Seven active components involving 23 active targets were obtained. The network analysis elucidated that Laminaria was mainly involved in cell process, metabolic process, response to stress and other biological processes. CASP3, PPARG, RELA, CCND1 and CASP9 played a key role in treating AD by regulating two small cell lung cancer and Toxoplasmosis. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that Laminaria could prevent and treat AD with advantages of multi-components, multi-targets and multi-pathways, which explored a new way for further research on the mechanism of Laminaria in the treatment of AD.
Invasive Klebsiella Pneumoniae Infections in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Qiu Yue , Wang Fang , Xu Yi , Cheng Yibing , Zhu Qingxiong , Zhu Chunhui , Wan Chaomin , Zhu Yu , Tong Jianning , Li Rui , Lin Daojiong , Zhou Qionghua , Chen Minxia , Shan Qingwen , Zhuo Zhiqiang , Wang Caihong , Zhao Shiyong , Song Wen , Zeng Mei
Published: March 2021

Objective: To assess clinical characteristics, outcomes and antimicrobial resistance of invasive Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) infections in Chinese pediatric patients in hospital and community settings.Methods:This retrospective study was conducted in the nine tertiary hospitals during 2016-2018. The eligible pediatric inpatients who had KP isolated from blood and cerebrospinal fluid and had complete medical records reviewed were included. We compared the clinical characteristics, outcomes and antimicrobial resistance between community-acquired infections (CAI) and healthcare-associated infections (HAI), neonates and children old than 28 days, and carbapenem-resistant KP (CRKP) and carbapenem-sensitive KP (CSKP) infections.Result:In a total of enrolled 324 patients, 275 (84.9%) were clinically defined as HAI; 188 (58.0%) were neonates and 175 (93.5%) were attributable to HAI. The prevalence of CRKP was 35.8% (40.4% in HAI verse 10.2% in CAI, P <0.05). Hematologic malignancies (odds ratio (OR):15.52, 95% CI:1.89-127.14), prematurity (OR:37.07, 95% CI:8.29-165.84), invasive mechanical ventilation (OR:13.09, 95% CI: 1.66-103.56) were independent risk factors for HAI. Patients from rural area (OR: 2.05, 95% CI:1.22-3.43), invasive mechanical ventilation (OR:2.06, 95% CI: 1.13-3.76), previous antibiotic therapy (OR: 2.07, 95% CI:1.17-3.68) and previous hospital stay (OR: 2.18, 95% CI:1.18-4.03) were found to be associated with CRKP infections. Organ dysfunction was independently correlated with poor outcomes (OR: 2.88, 95% CI:1.25-6.60).Conclusions:Most of KP infections were healthcare-associated and the prevalence of invasive CRKP infections was high in pediatric patients in China. The continuous efforts of strengthening infection prevention control interventions are needed to reduce the health burden of severe KP infections in Chinese children.
Effect of Maternal Separation and Transportation Stress on the Bovine Upper Respiratory Tract Microbiome and the Immune Response to Resident Opportunistic Pathogens
Authors: Malmuthuge Nilusha , Howell Angela , Arsic Natasa , Griebel Philip
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThe bovine upper respiratory tract (URT) microbiome includes opportunistic pathogens that cause respiratory disease and stress associated with maternal separation and transportation contributes to the severity of this respiratory disease. Stress is known to alter the gut microbiome but little is known regarding the effect of stress on the URT microbiota. This study used six-month old suckling beef calves to investigate whether maternal separation (weaned), by itself or combined with transportation (weaned + transport), altered the URT microbiome and host immune responses to resident opportunistic pathogens.ResultsTaxonomic and functional composition of the URT microbiome in suckling and weaned beef calves did not change significantly when serially sampled over a one-month period. Subtle temporal changes in the URT microbiome composition were observed in weaned + transport calves. Total bacterial density was lower (p<0.05) on day 4 post-weaning in both the weaned and weaned + transport groups when compared to suckling calves. In addition, significant (p<0.05) temporal changes in the density of the opportunistic pathogens, M. haemolytica and P. multocida, were observed independent of treatment but these changes did not correlate with significantly increased (p<0.05) serum antibody responses to both of these bacteria in the weaned and weaned + transport groups. Weaning, by itself and in combination with transportation, had significant (p<0.05) short- (2 to 8 days post-weaning) and long-term (28 days post-weaning) effects on the expression of adrenergic receptor genes in blood leukocytes when compared to age-matched suckling beef calves.Conclusions Maternal separation (weaning) and transportation has minor effects on the taxonomic and functional composition of the URT microbiome and temporal changes in the density of opportunistic pathogen residing in the URT did not correlate with the significant changes in immune responses to these bacteria. Significant changes in adrenergic receptor expression in blood leukocytes following weaning, with or without transportation, suggests altered neuroimmune regulation should be further investigated as a mechanism by which stress can alter host-microbiome interactions in the URT.
Quantifying Ecosystem Service Supply, Social Demand and Their Link With Smallholder Farmers' Well-Being in Contrasting Agro-Ecological Zones of East African Rift Valley.
Authors: Ketema Haile , wei wu , Legesse Abiyot , Wolde Zinabu , Endalamaw Tenaw , Memon Aftab Ahmed
Published: March 2021

Background

Ecosystem service supplies (ES) have experienced progressive decline mostly due to increased ES social demand. Identifying ecosystem supply (ES), social demand, and their impacts on smallholder farmers' well-being is essential to ensure sustainable utilization of ES. Quantitative studies assessing ES mostly focused on ES supply with little attention given to social need and its effects on human well-being.
Methods

We assessed and mapped selected ES supply, social demand and their mismatches, and evaluated their impacts on subjective well-beings of smallholder farmers in contrasting agro-ecological zones (AEZ). We used a questionnaire survey to analyze and map six provisioning ecosystem services (ES) focusing on ES supply, social demand and their mismatches. Using the universal soil loss equation (USLE), we mapped the rate of soil loss in the contrasting agro-ecological zones (AEZ). A participatory approach was employed to evaluate smallholder farmers' well-being in the study region. Radar diagram was used to identify the links between ES supply, social demand and smallholder farmers' well-being.
Results

The results showed that a high supply of provisioning ecosystem goods such as cereal crops, fruits and coffee occurred in humid AEZ, while less supplies were seen in semi-arid AEZ of the study region. The ES supply was not in accordant with ES social demand and different factors such as population size and level of production are among the main factors causing ES supply-demand mismatches. Due to the undulating topography, high rate of soil loss was seen in humid AEZ. Smallholder farmers have given higher values for soil erosion control compared with individuals from semi-arid AEZ. Of all indicators of smallholder farmers well-being, income had the highest weight while receiving the least well-being satisfaction level both in humid and semi-arid AEZs.
Conclusion

The mismatches between supply and demand in provisioning ecosystem supply had strong and immediate impacts on smallholder farmers well-being. Therefore, we suggest policies that effectively control population growth, applying intensive crop production and strengthening integrated watershed management. These policies would help ES to recuperate and enhance its continuous flow and improve smallholder farmers' well-being both in the humid and semi-arid AEZ of the study region.
Crystal Structure of AgSCN Coordination Polymers for Sensing of Iron (III) Ions, Nitrobenzene and Photocatalytic Activity Under Ultrasonic Irradiation
Authors: Etaiw Safaa , Dawood Mohamed M. , Marie Hassan
Published: March 2021

Single crystals of AgSCN supramolecular coordination polymer, SCP1 and the nanosized particles of AgSCN, 2, are synthesized by self-assembly and ultrasonic radiation methods, respectively. The structure comprises of the simple AgSCN molecule fabricated by a tetrahedral Ag atom and one thiocyanate group. The SCN ligand connects four Ag atoms via µ3-S and one nitrogen atom. Two silver atoms and two sulfur atoms form rhombic mini-cycle (Ag2S2) motif exhibiting argentophilic interaction. The structure of SCP1 extends three-dimensionally via coordinate bonds creating different fused polygons. The chemical structure and morphology of nanosized 2 are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and spectroscopic methods. The heterogeneous catalytic and photo-catalytic activity of nanosized 2 exhibit very efficient catalytic activity towards degradation of Acid Blue-92 and Eosin-Y dyes within very short times under UV-light or ultrasonic radiation. The good limit of detection and the high quenching efficiency of SCP1 towards selective quantitative determination of nitrobenzene (NB) and Fe3+ ions support its behavior as an efficient luminescent sensor.
Human Delta Like 1-Expressing Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Human T Cell Development and Antigen-Specific Response in Humanized NOD/SCID/IL-2Rgnull (NSG) Mice
Authors: Lee Ki-Young , Kwon Do Hee , Park Jae Berm , Lee Joo Sang , Kim Sung Joo , Choi Bongkum
Published: March 2021

Human delta-like 1 (hDlk1) is known to be able to regulate cell fate decisions duringhematopoiesis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to exhibit potentimmunomodulatory roles in a variety of diseases. Herein, we investigated in vivofunctions of hDlkl1-hMSCs and hDlk1+hMSCs in T cell development and T cell responseto viral infection in humanized NOD/SCID/IL-2Rγnull (NSG) mice. Co-injection ofhDlk1-hMSC with hCD34+ cord blood (CB) cells into the liver of NSG mice markedlysuppressed the development of human T cells. In contrast, co-injection of hDlk1+hMSCwith hCD34+ CB cells into the liver of NSG dramatically promoted the development ofhuman T cells. Human T cells developed in humanized NSG mice represent markedlydiverse in terms of TCR Vβ usages, functionally active, and the restriction to human MHCmolecules. Upon challenge with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), EBV-specific hCD8+ T cellsin humanized NSG mic were effectively mounted with phenotypically activated T cellspresented as hCD45+hCD3+hCD8+hCD45RO+hHLA-DR+ T cells, suggesting thatantigen-specific T cell response was induced in the humanized NSG mice. Taken together,our data suggest that the hDlk1-expressing MSCs can effectively promote thedevelopment of human T cells and immune response to exogenous antigen in humanizedNSG mice. Thus, the humanized NSG model might have potential advantages for thedevelopment of therapeutics targeting infectious diseases in the future.
Complete Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy in a Single Position with Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma and Comparative Outcomes
Authors: xiao chengwu , Wang Yang , Hua Meimian , Zhang Wei , Ren Guanyu , Yang Bin , Yang Qing
Published: March 2021

Background: To describe techniques for complete transperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) with a single position and here to report our outcomes. Materials and methods: Between January 2016 and June 2019, our group performed 50 complete transperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy (CTLNU) and 48 laparoscopic nephroureterectomy with open bladder cuff excision (LNOBE) for UTUC without metastases in our group. The clinical data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results: All 98 patients of radical nephroureterectomy performance were successfully without transferred into open surgery. No significant difference was found in patient’s clinical characteristics. Compare with LNOBE group, the CTLNU group had shorter operative time(98.5±40.3min vs 132.4±60.2min), less blood loss(60.4±20.3ml vs 150.6±50.2ml), shorter length of hospital stay(5.3±2.2d vs 8.1±2.3d), and shorter length of incision(6.3±1.2cm vs 11.5±3.2cm). Pathological stage, tumor grade, recurrence rate was similar between these two groups. Conclusions: Complete transperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy(CTLNU) in a single position had advantages of shorter operation time, less blood loss, and shorter incision length. This operative method could minimize invasive and accelerate recovery of patients which deserved clinical application and promotion.
Classification of Cervical Cancer Using Deep Learning and Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Park Yerang , Kim Young Jae , Ju Woong , Nam Kyehyun , Kim Soonyung , Kim Kwang Gi
Published: March 2021

Human and material resources are scarce in countries such as developing countries with a high rate of cervical cancer. In such an environment, the introduction of automatic diagnostic technology that can replace specialists is urgent. Finding best method of the known methods can accelerate the adoption of computer-aided diagnostic tools for cervical cancer. In this paper, we would like to investigate which method, machine learning or deep learning, has higher classification performance in diagnosing cervical cancer.Using 4,119 sheets, cervical cancer was classified to positive or negative class using Resnet-50 for deep learning, XGB, SVM and RF for mechine learning. In both experiments, square images which of vaginal wall regions are cut were used. In the machine learning, 10 major features were extracted from a total of 300 features.All tests were validated by 5-fold cross-validation, and receiver operating characteristics(ROC) analysis yielded the following AUC: Resnet-50 0.97(CI 95% 0.949-0.976), XGB 0.82(CI 95% 0.797-0.851), SVM 0.84(CI 95% 0.801-0.854), RF 0.79(CI 95% 0.804-0.856). Deep learning was 0.15 point higher (p < 0.05) than the average (0.82) of three machine learning methods.We propose an better algorithm among the previously known or newly proposed algorithms for diagnosis of cervical cancer using cervicography images.
Explanation of Nursing Experiences of Hospital Accreditation Implementation
Authors: Atapour Mahnaz , Nayeri Nahid Dehghan
Published: March 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
A Novel Mutation of COL2A1 in a Large Chinese Family with Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head
Authors: Zhang Zeng , Zhu Kechao , Dai Huiyong , Wang Qi , Zhang Changqing , Zhang Zhenlin
Published: March 2021

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) is a debilitating bone disease, characterized by collapse of the femoral head and subsequent loss of hip joint function. Heterozygous mutations in COL2A1 have been identified to cause familiar ANFH. Here we report on a large Chinese family with ANFH and a novel heterozygous mutation (c.3517 G > A, Gly1173Ser) in exon 50 of COL2A1 in the Gly-X-Y domain. Previously, only five different COL2A1 mutations have been described in patients familiar ANFH. Therefore, our findings provide significant clues to the phenotype-genotype relationships in familiar ANFH and may be helpful in clinical diagnosis. Furthermore, these results should assist further studies of the mechanisms underlying collagen diseases.
Physician-and patient-reported barriers to hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance: a nationwide survey
Authors: Teerasarntipan Tongluk , Sritunya Yingluk , Prathyajuta Parinda , Pitakkitnukun Palada , Phathong Chonlada , Tangkijvanich Pisit , Treeprasertsuk Sombat , Rerknimitr Rungsun , Chaiteerakij Roongruedee
Published: March 2021

Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance rates are suboptimal. We aimed to identify HCC surveillance barriers from both physician and patient perspectives and assess the effectiveness of physician education using social networks. Methods A nationwide survey with 513 physicians and another single-center survey with 315 HCC-risk patients were conducted. Regression analysis was used to identify surveillance barriers. We educated 143 physicians by sending brief notes on HCC surveillance guidelines via social networks and re-evaluated their knowledge at 60 days using paired T-test.Results Surveys showed 458 (86.3%), 254 (47.8%) and 225 (42.4%) physicians recommended surveillance in patients with cirrhosis, at-risk HBV and HCV infection, respectively. Only 228 (42.9%) and 241 (38.0%) respondents adhered to recommended surveillance tools and interval, respectively. The main surveillance barriers among physicians were the lack of knowledge and resource limitations. The lack of a doctor’s prescription was identified as main barrier by patients (relative risk 1.4, 95%CI 1.1-1.8, p=0.024). Social networks education enhanced physicians’ knowledge pre-and post-education scores for guideline awareness: (63.0%vs.84.3%, p<0.001) and surveillance indication (40.0%vs.63.0%, p=0.001). Conclusions Physicians’ knowledge gap was primary barrier for adherence to HCC surveillance protocols. Brief education via social networks showed effectiveness at increasing knowledge of HCC surveillance with medical residents.Clinical trial registry: This study was registered to the Thai clinical trial registry (TCTR number 20210127006). Registered 22 July 2021- Retrospectively registered. http://www.clinicaltrials.in.th/
Diel Variation of Hydrochemistry and Carbon Flux in the Banzhai River, SW China
Authors: Yu Shi , He Shiyi , Liu Zhenyu , Sun Pingan , Zhu Haiyan
Published: March 2021

This study was undertaken in the Banzhai, a small groundwater-fed stream flowing over carbonate karst terrain in the southwest of Guizhou, China. To assess the biogeochemical processes behind carbon fluxes and sinks and calculate the end-member contribution to the geological carbon sink, samples were collected at a 2-h sampling interval during a two-day period, and the diel-variation of δ13CDIC, δ13CPOC, and C/N were analyzed. During the sampling period, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (Do), and chlorophyll were measured at a 15-min interval using in situ sensors. The results showed that (1) the hydro-chemical variations reflected the photosynthesis of subaquatic plants and degassing. These processes likely turned a part of HCO3- to organic carbon, which subsequently precipitated. (2) The 13C isotope ratios indicated a varying intensity of photosynthesis and degassing during the HCO3- migration process. Moreover, subaquatic plants changed their metabolic pathway from C3 to C4 carbon fixation due to the lack of CO2 in the water and utilized HCO3- in the water as their carbon source. (3) The net carbon sink flux was 1784.54 kg CO2, where carbonate weathering, the biological carbon pump, and weathering of silicate rocks accounted for 85.80 %, 13.64 %, and 0.56 %, respectively. (4) In the Banzhai ground river, the DIC during the migration process was mainly lost through degassing, allogenic acid, and consumption by photosynthesis of subaquatic plants.
Development of Low-Cost ECG System for Comprehensive Monitoring Heart Function
Authors: oktivasari prihatin , Ishartati Ishartati , Riandini Riandini , Salman Amy Hamidah , Haryanto Freddy , Suprijadi Suprijadi
Published: March 2021

A simple system, a low-cost, fully automated, and design for monitoring RR interval Electrocardiography (ECG) signal described in this paper. The platform, named Simple Low-Cost Electrocardiography System (SLES), is capable of monitoring RR interval and R peaks in 3 lead standards. The system is in .exe format, so it can be easily installed on a computer. The system's goal is to design a fully integrated system for measuring a characteristic of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) parameters for various applications in heart signal research and education. The ECG signal is analog filtered and amplified and processed from analog to digital. Eventually, the ECG signal will be shown on the monitor after digital filtering. The data obtained from the ECG will accurately reflect the status of human heart health. The system has the benefits of small volume, low power consumption, low cost, and real-time operation. All design and development reports, files, and system software will be given non-commercial use online on https://github.com/oktivasari.
Are Newborns of Immigrant Mothers More at Risk of Poorer Perinatal Health Than Those of Natives-born Mothers? One Size Does Not Fit All. A Population-based Study, Montreal, Quebec.
Authors: Sow Mouctar , Spiegelaere Myriam De , Sylvestre Marie-Pierre , Raynault Marie-France
Published: March 2021

Background The risk of unfavourable pregnancy outcomes for immigrant mothers varies according to their birthplace, socioeconomic status (SES) and comparison group. This study aims to identify the characteristics of Montreal newborns who are more or less at risk of LBW, prematurity and SGA, according to the mother's birthplace and SES. Methods The analysis focuses on all singleton live births in Montreal between 2003 and 2012 (N=214,620). Logistic regression models were estimated using generalized estimating equations in order to: 1) compare the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes between Canadian-born and immigrant mothers. The latter were categorised into 8 groups according to world regions; 2) estimate the odds ratio of the association between adverse pregnancy outcomes and the mother's SES (education and income quintile) for each group. Results The risk of LBW, prematurity and SGA vary considerably depending on the mother’s birthplace. For these three outcomes, mothers from the Caribbean and South Asia have a higher prevalence than all other groups. Three other groups compare favourably to Canadian-born mothers: mothers from North Africa, Europe & the USA, and Central and West Asia. The association between SES and unfavourable pregnancy outcomes varies from one group of mothers to another. Among Canadian-born mothers, there is a classic health gradient, with low SES mothers being particularly vulnerable. While income is not associated with the risk of adverse outcomes among immigrant mothers, education is for many groups. The association is however weaker than for Canadian-born mothers. Conclusions It is important to assess the influence of both immigration and SES to better identify the children who are most at risk of experiencing perinatal health concerns. In Montreal, some immigrant women are particularly vulnerable, but so are socioeconomically disadvantaged native Canadian women. Conversely, North African-born mothers with low SES present a particularly low risk. It has also been found that a high level of education reduces the risk among several groups of immigrant women, as opposed to findings in other contexts.
Body Size Dependent Dispersal Influences Stability in Heterogeneous Metacommunities
Authors: Anderson Kurt , Fahimipour Ashkaan
Published: March 2021

Body size affects key biological processes across the tree of life, with particular importance for food web dynamics and stability. Traits influencing movement capabilities depend strongly on body size, yet the effects of allometrically-structured dispersal on food web stability are less well understood than other demographic processes. Here we study the stability properties of spatially-arranged model food webs in which larger bodied species occupy higher trophic positions, while species' body sizes also determine the rates at which they traverse spatial networks of heterogeneous habitat patches. Our analysis shows an apparent stabilizing effect of positive dispersal rate scaling with body size compared to negative scaling relationships or uniform dispersal. However, as the global coupling strength among patches increases, the benefits of positive body size-dispersal scaling disappear. A permutational analysis shows that breaking allometric dispersal hierarchies while preserving dispersal rate distributions rarely alters qualitative aspects of metacommunity stability. Taken together, these results suggest that the oft-predicted stabilizing effects of large mobile predators may, for some dimensions of ecological stability, be attributed to increased patch coupling per se, and not necessarily coupling by top trophic levels in particular.
WITHDRAWN: Prognostic Value of Autophagy-related Genes Correlated With Metastasis in Uveal Melanoma Patients
Authors: Sun Yan , Wang Xiaoran , Chen Baoxin , Xiong Lang , Huang Jingqi , Huang Mi , Chen Jieping , Huang Shan , Liu Yizhi
Published: March 2021

Half of the patients with primary uveal melanoma will develop progressive metastasis, leading to high mortality rate. Autophagy has been demonstrated to engage in metastasis in multiple tumors. Detection, diagnosis and treatment at the early-stage of uveal melanoma may help prevent potential tumor progression and optimize the prognosis. The purpose of our study was to discover autophagy-related genes (ARGs) correlated with uveal melanoma metastasis and determine their prognostic values. We analyzed the gene expression profiles and the clinical data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database in uveal melanoma. A total of 14 and 16 differentially expressed ARGs were identified to be related to uveal melanoma metastasis from GSE22138 and GSE27831 sets. The two datasets shared three common genes including RAF1, CDKN1A and WIPI1 that occupied the core positions in the Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI) Network of ARGs. Following that, TCGA was introduced for survival analysis of the three genes. The survival analysis showed that high expression of RAF1 was related to favorable prognosis of uveal melanoma, whereas high expression of CDKN1A and WIPI1 suggested poor prognosis. Then a three-ARG based prognostic risk score model was constructed to predict survival outcomes. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that the risk score can be considered as an independent prognostic factor for uveal melanoma, exhibiting good accuracy and sensitivity. In summary, we established an autophagy-related prognostic model based on uveal melanoma metastasis, which may contribute to the detection of early metastasis and prediction of prognosis, thereby prolonging survival through early personalized intervention.