bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zooplankton Size Structure in Relation to Environmental Factors in the Xiangxi Bay of Three Gorges Reservoir, China
Authors: Li Haoran , Gu Yuan , Cai Qinghua , Dong Xiaowei , Ye Lin
Published: March 2021

Body size is sensitive to environmental changes and recognized as one of the fundamental traits linking ecological functions. Recently, size structure has been suggested as a useful indicator for environmental monitoring and assessment in aquatic ecosystems. However, the organisms’ size structure and the relationship with environmental factors remain seldom addressed in reservoir ecosystems. In this study, firstly, we investigated the zooplankton community composition and size structure, including the slope of the normalized biomass size spectrum (NBSS) and size diversity in the Xiangxi Bay of Three Gorges Reservoir, China. Then we analyzed how the environmental factors affect the zooplankton abundance and size structure (NBSS slope and size diversity) by using the structural equation model (SEM). In terms of the community composition, rotifers were the predominant zooplankton group in the Xiangxi bay during the whole research period, which abundance is significantly higher than protozoan, cladoceran, and copepod (Mann-Whitney U tests, P < 0.001). For the size structure, both the slope of NBSS and size diversity showed high spatiotemporal dynamics. The slope of NBSS ranged from − 2.201 to -0.097, and the size diversity ranged from 0.631 to 3.291. And lowest values of NBSS slope and size diversity were observed in the upstream areas of Xiangxi Bay. Further analyses based on SEMs found a clear pathway revealing how nutrient variables affect the zooplankton abundance and size structure. That is, dissolved inorganic nitrogen had an indirect effect on the zooplankton abundance, NBSS slope, and size diversity by affecting the phytoplankton biomass. In addition, SEM found that water temperature had a significant negative effect on the size diversity but had nonsignificant effects on zooplankton abundance and NBSS slope. This finding suggests that size diversity is a useful index in measuring the zooplankton size structure. Our study highlights that size diversity is a robust indicator for environmental monitoring and assessment, especially in complex and dynamic reservoir ecosystems.
The Study of Anticancer Activity of Satureja Khuzestanica Alcoholic Extracts On Expression of Bcl2 And Bax Genes In The Pc3 Cell Line
Authors: Kazemi Saman , tanomand asghar , Soltanzadeh Hossein , Shahsavari Gholamreza
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men after lung cancer. It has grown in Iran in recent years. The use of medicinal plants is one of the most useful ways that causes the least side effects. Due to high levels of antioxidant compounds, Satureja khuzestanica is a good source for drug use to treat and prevent the development and progress of cancers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-cancer property of Satureja khuzestanica extract on the expression of Bcl2 and Bax genes in prostate cancer cell lines.Methodology: After collecting the plant in spring, the chloroform extract was prepared by rotary device. PC3 cancer cells were incubated at different concentrations of the extract for 24 hours. The inhibitory effect of the extract was evaluated using MTT assay as IC50. To evaluate apoptosis, the level of expression of Bax and BCL-2 genes after RNA extraction and transformation to cDNA were evaluated using Real Time PCR. All data were analyzed using REST software.Results: The results revealed a direct and significant relationship between the two variables of drug composition and rate of PC3 cell death. This composition increased Bax gene expression and decreased BCL-2 gene expression and induced apoptosis (P <0.05).Discussion and Conclusion: Based on the results, Satureja khuzestanica extract is likely to have anticancer properties and seems to be a new drug for killing prostate cancer cells.
Dual RNA-Seq Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Correlates Specific Human Transcriptional Response Pathways Directly to Viral Expression
Authors: Maulding Nathan , Seiler Spencer , Pearson Alexander , Kreusser Nicholas , Stuart Joshua
Published: March 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has challenged humankind’s ability to quickly determine the cascade of health effects caused by a novel infection. Even with the unprecedented speed at which vaccines were developed and introduced into society, identifying therapeutic interventions and drug targets for patients infected with the virus remains important as new strains of the virus may evolve, or future coronaviruses may emerge, that are resistant to current vaccines. The application of transcriptomic RNA sequencing of infected samples may shed new light on the pathways involved in viral mechanisms and host responses. We describe the application of “dual RNA-seq” analysis to consider both the host and pathogen transcriptomes simultaneously, to investigate for the first time the co-regulation of human and SARS-CoV-2 genes. Together with differential expression analysis, we describe the tissue specificity of SARS-CoV-2 expression, an inferred lipopolysaccharide response, and co-regulation of CXCL’s, SPRR’s, S100’s with SARS-CoV-2 expression. Lipopolysaccharide response pathways in particular offer promise for future therapeutic research and the prospect of subgrouping patients based on chemokine expression that may help explain the vastly different reactions patients have to infection. Taken together these findings illuminate previously unappreciated SARS-CoV-2 expression signatures, identify new therapeutic considerations, and contribute a pipeline for studying multi-transcriptome systems.
Projecting Aridity from Statistically Downscaled and Bias Corrected Variables for Gediz Basin/Turkey
Authors: Kirdemir Umut , Okkan Umut
Published: March 2021

In recent years, significant temperature increase all across of the world draws attention and climate regimes are shifting in different parts of the world. By the reason of these climatological changes, a study was conducted in Gediz Basin/Turkey, where agricultural production has an important place. In the study prepared, twelve GCMs were utilized under RCP4.5, RCP6.0 and RCP8.5 scenarios of 5th Assesment Report of IPCC for the period 2015-2050. The statistical downscaling methods were employed and the projections were derived right after applying weighted-averaged ensemble mean by Bayesian Model Averaging method and bias correction by equidistant quantile mapping method. The temperature-based potential evapotranspiration formulas were modified in accordance with Penman-Monteith method and the aridity indexes were calculated by UNEP (1992). According to the projections, the mean annual temperature increases between 1.5℃ and 2.2℃ and mean total annual potential evapotranspiration increases between 5% and 8% are foreseen in Gediz Basin for the near future. It is foreseen that semi-arid climate regime may predominate over the region for all of the RCP scenarios under the increasing dryness in basin climate. In addition, it was obtained in the study that sub-humid climate state occurance for all of the regions included by the basin may be unexpected in the future for RCP8.5 scenario. The presence of semi-arid climate conditions may be more potent with the increasing trend of radiative forcing over time.
Determinants of surgeon referral and radiation therapy receipt following breast conservation among older women with early-stage breast cancer
Authors: Patel Mira A. , Cha Elaine , Lobaugh Stephanie , Zhang Zhigang , McCormick Beryl , Braunstein Lior Z. , Cahlon Oren , Powell Simon N. , Morrow Monica , Khan Atif , Gillespie Erin F.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Guidelines for early-stage breast cancer allow for radiotherapy (RT) omission following breast conserving surgery (BCS) among older women, though high utilization of RT persists. This study explores surgeon referral and the effect of a productivity-based bonus metric for radiation oncologists in an academic institution with centralized quality assurance (QA) review.
Methods
We evaluated patients ≥ 70 years of age treated with BCS for ER + pT1N0 breast cancer at a single institution between 2015–2018. The primary outcomes were radiation oncology referral and RT receipt. Covariables included patient and physician characteristics, and treatment decisions before versus after productivity metric implementation. Univariable generalized linear effects models explored associations between these outcomes and covariables.
Results

Of 703 patients included, 483 (69%) were referred to radiation oncology and 273 (39%) received RT (among those referred, 57% received RT). No difference in RT receipt pre- versus post- productivity metric implementation was observed (p = 0.57). RT receipt was associated with younger patient age (70–74 years, OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.54–4.57) and higher grade (grade 3, OR 7.75, 95% CI 3.33–18.07). Initial referral was associated with younger age (70–74, OR 5.64, 95% CI 3.37–0.45) and higher performance status (KPS ≥90, OR 5.34, 95% CI 2.63–10.83).
Conclusion

Non-referral to radiation oncology accounted for half of RT omission, but was based on age and KPS, in accordance with guidelines. Lack of radiation oncologist practice change in response to misaligned financial incentives is reassuring, potentially reflecting centralized QA review. Multi-institutional studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Improved Oil Resistance of Cellulose Packaging Paper by Coating with Natural Polymer Derived Materials
Authors: Wang Feijie , Wang Liqiang , Zhang Xinchang , Ma Shufeng
Published: March 2021

Paper is widely used as food packaging due to its good mechanical strength and degradability. However, it has a relatively strong affinity for water and oil, which limits its application scope. In this work, we prepare two types of coated paper to investigate, the influence the air permeability and polarity on the oil resistance of the coated paper. The results showed that reducing the air permeability improved the grease resistance of the coated paper. High surface energy coatings also showed better oil resistance because of their higher content of polar components that resulted in a higher resistance to grease. The mechanical properties of the paper also improved after applying the coating. These natural derived materials offer an alternative to the fluoride-containing materials currently used in the market to improve the wettability of paper.
Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonist Eltrombopag Prevents Insulin Resistance and Synaptic Pathology via HIF1α/COX2/Sirt1 Signaling Pathway 
Authors: yu he , wang xuebao , liu leping , chen baihui , feng shuya , lu xiaoai , you ruimin , Ding Saidan
Published: March 2021

Background: Insulin resistance has been reported to be closely correlated with the pathogenesis of MHE. The mechanism underlying the effects of thrombopoietin receptor agonist eltrombopag (ELT) on synaptic activity and formation involved in MHE pathogenesis remains unclear. Methods: The effect of ELT on neurodegeneration and insulin resistance was examined in the primary rat neurons and an MHE rat model. Results: We found that the level of thrombopoietin receptor c-MPL (MPL) expression was decreased in MHE brains, and ELT administration improved insulin resistance, alleviated the destruction of synaptic formation and enhanced learning and memory in the MHE rats, indicating the relationship between dowregulated ELT and insulin resistance. Then in vitro, ELT treatment ameliorated the impairment of glucose uptake, indicating the reduction of insulin resistance. High dose of glucose inhibited insulin-stimulated downregulation of Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1α) expression, the inhibition of inflammatory response and upregulation of sirtuin-1 (Sirt1), destruction of synaptic formation and activity, which were all reversed by ELT treatment in insulin resistant neurons.Conclusions: These results indicate that ELT is a promising potential therapeutic agent for insulin resistance and defect in learning and memory.
Pre-and Post-treatment Evaluation of Intestinal Inflammation in Giardia and Blastocystis Infected Children: A Community-based Study 
Authors: Ibrahim Heba Said , Salem Aziza Ibrahim , Ahmed Nessma Magdy Abd El-Rahman , El-Taweel Hend Aly
Published: March 2021

Giardia intestinalis and Blastocystis hominis cause frequent infections in children in developing countries. However, the role of intestinal inflammation in their pathogenesis is still poorly understood. Faecal calprotectin (FC) level is used as an indicator of intestinal inflammation and neutrophil migration in the intestinal tract. The present study aimed to evaluate intestinal inflammation by measuring FC level among children infected with either G. intestinalis or B. hominis before and after treatment. Stool samples were collected from 282 children inhabiting a rural area in Egypt and examined microscopically for intestinal parasites. FC level was estimated in a group of children infected with G. intestinalis (n=12) or B. hominis (n=12) before and three weeks after receiving nitazoxanide (200 mg twice daily for three days) and compared to a control group (n=18) of parasite-free children. Cases of mixed infection were excluded. Nitazoxanide cure rate was 83% in both infections with a remarkable reduction of infection intensity in uncured children. Both parasites caused non-significant elevation in FC level compared to the uninfected children and the difference between pre and post-treatment estimations was not statistically significant. Elevated levels were observed before treatment in three children (two infected with G. intestinalis and one with B. hominis) who displayed normal post-treatment levels. Although G. intestinalis and B. hominis infections appear to cause no remarkable intestinal inflammation, they may induce abnormally elevated FC levels in a subset of children who may be suspected of having inflammatory bowel disease.
Characterization of Lipopeptides Biosurfactants Produced by a Newly Isolated Strain Bacillus Subtilis ZNI5: Potential Environmental Application
Authors: Inès Mnif , Rajhi Hayfa , Bouallegue Amir , Trabelsi Nour , Ghribi Dhouha
Published: March 2021

Strain ZNI5, isolated from a hydrocarbon contaminated soil and identified as Bacillus subtilis after 16s rDNA sequence, grew and produced lipopeptides biosurfactants when cultured on glucose based media. After purification by anionic exchange chromatography and identification Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, the biosurfactant produced by ZNI5 were determined to be cyclic lipopeptides homologues. Four families of lipopeptides were identified by HPLC-MS analysis. They belongs to surfactin isoforms with molecular weights of 979, 993, 1007, 1021 and 1035 Da; iturin isoforms with molecular weights of 1028, 1042 and 1056 Da; Licheniformin with molecular weight of 1410 and newly identified isoforms named Inesfactin with molecular weights of 973 and 987 Da. Functional properties of the ZNI5 biosurfactant were studied. It was characterized as a powerful surface-active agent that decreases the surface tension of water from 72 mN/m to about 32 mN/m with a CMC value of 350 mg/L more efficient than chemical surfactants (Triton X100; CTAB and SDS). It has the capacity to disperse oil to about 80 mm at a concentration of 800 mg/L showing close efficiencies to the listed chemical surfactants. In addition, by studying the surface tension decrease capacity and the oil displacement activity, ZNI5 lipopeptide biosurfactant showed great thermal, pH and salts activity and stability enabling its use in the bioremediation fields and for diverse industrial applications.
Genome-wide Characterization of GRAS Transcription Factors and Their Potential Roles in Development and Drought Resilience in Rose (Rosa chinensis)
Authors: Kumari Priya , Gahlaut Vijay , Kaur Ekjot , Singh Sanatsujat , Kumar Sanjay , Jaiswal Vandana
Published: March 2021

In the past few years, plant-specific GRAS transcription factors (TFs) were reported to play an essential role in regulating several biological processes, such as plant growth and development, phytochrome signal, arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) symbiosis, environmental stress responses. GRAS genes have been thoroughly studied in several plant species, but unexplored in Rosa chinensis (rose). In this study, 59 rose GRAS genes (RcGRAS) were identified. Phylogenetic analyses grouped RcGRAS genes into 17 subfamilies, of which subfamily Rc2 was Rosaceae family-specific. Gene structure analyses showed that most of the RcGRAS genes were intronless and were relatively conserved. Cis-element analyses suggested that RcGRAS genes may involve in distinct biological processes and responsive to diverse abiotic stresses. Most of the genes were localized in the nucleus, except for a few in the cytoplasm. Gene expression analysis was also performed in various tissues, during gibberellin (GA) and drought stress treatment. The expression patterns of RcGRAS genes during GA treatment and in response to drought stresses suggested the potential functions of these genes in regulating stress and hormone responses. In summary, a comprehensive exploration of the rose GRAS gene family was performed, and the generated information can be utilized for further functional-based studies on this family.
Effects of Ceramic Fillers on the Mechanical and Thermal Transport Properties of Butyl Rubber in the Presence of Carbon Black
Authors: Shiva Mehdi , Esmaeli Elham , Zivdar Mortaza
Published: March 2021

Design of experiment was conducted to study the effect of alumina micro particles as a ceramic filler alone or along with two other ceramic fillers, boehmite and silicon carbide, on curing characteristics as well as the mechanical and thermo-physical properties of carbon black filled butyl rubber-based curing tire bladder composite. The effect of using silane coupling agent, X50S as well as increasing the polarity and stiffness of the polymer matrix by replacing the butyl rubber with chlorobutyl were also investigated. Examination of rheometry curing behavior of rubber compounds showed that alumina has a slight reduction effect on curing rate and maximum torque, which improves with the presence of the modifier, X50S. Boehmite showed a reducing effect on curing rate and maximum torque while the performance of silicon carbide was similar to that alumina. Also, the hardness of the composite increased with the presence of alumina similar to that SiC and decreased with the presence of boehmite and the resilience of the composites remained unchanged in the presence of ceramic fillers. A slight decrease in the tensile strength of the carbon black-filled butyl composites was observed in the presence of ceramic fillers both individually and as a blend. However, the study of the thermo-physical properties showed that the heat transfer coefficients of the butyl composites increase in the presence of alumina in the optimal amount of its use and are similar to the effects of SiC. However, it was not possible to further increase the heat transfer coefficients by further increasing the amount of alumina even in alloy conditions with SiC and boehmite, which was attributed to the reduction of filler dispersion in the polymer matrix that validated through optical dispergrader and FESEM/MAP analysis. The use of modifier along with alumina had only a small effect on improving the heat conductivity of butyl rubber. Also, changing the polarity and stiffness of the rubber matrix by completely replacing the butyl rubber with chlorobutyl did not show an effect on improving the thermal conductivity of the rubber in the presence of large amounts of alumina. It was concluded that alumina micro particles have the ability to be used in bladder rubber formula along with carbon black to improve the thermal conductivity of the rubber composite only to a limited extent.
Follow-Up Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Non-surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy for Acute Herniated Intervertebral Disc: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: Gil Ho Young , Choi Eunjoo , Jiyoun Ju , Han Woong Ki , Nahm Francis Sahngun , Lee Pyung-Bok
Published: March 2021

BackgroundNon-surgical spinal decompression therapy has been used for treating the lumbosacral herniated intervertebral disc as one of the conservative treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy in acute lumbosacral herniated intervertebral disc through magnetic resonance imaging.MethodsProspective, randomized, controlled study. Sixty patients with acute lumbar herniated intervertebral disc were randomized into either the decompression group (n = 30) or non-decompression group (n = 30). In the decompression group, non-surgical spinal decompression therapy was performed ten times in eight weeks. In the non-decompression group, pseudo-decompression therapy (no force) was performed with the same protocol. The change in the lumbosacral disc herniation index was evaluated through follow-up magnetic resonance imaging at three months after the therapy.ResultsThe change in herniation index after the therapy was −27.6 ± 27.5 (%) in the decompression group and −7.1 ± 24.9 (%) in the non-decompression group, with significant difference (P = 0.017). Approximately 26.9% of patients in decompression group and no patients in the non-decompression group showed over 50% reduction in herniation index (P = 0.031).ConclusionNon-surgical spinal decompression therapy can be a good treatment option for conservative treatment of acute lumbosacral herniated intervertebral disc.Trial registrationKorean Clinical Research Information Service (https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/search_result_st01_en.jsp?seq=5355<ype=&rtype=), Registration No. KCT0002614. Registered 26 December, 2017.
Analytical model of workpiece temperature in axial ultrasonic vibration-assisted milling in-situ TiB2/7050Al MMCs
Authors: Liu Xiaofen , Wang Wenhu , Jiang Ruisong , Xiong Yifeng , Lin Kunyang , Li Junchen , Shan Chenwei
Published: March 2021

As a new method developed for machining difficult-to-cut materials, ultrasonic vibration-assisted machining technology has received increasing attention due to its superior properties in reducing cutting temperature in recent years. However, analytical models revealing the mechanism and predicting the cutting temperature for ultrasonic vibration-assisted machining are still needed to be developed. In this paper, an analytical model was established to predict the workpiece temperature for ultrasonic vibration-assisted milling of in-situ TiB2/Al-MMCs. The heat intensity would be directly determined by the cutting force which was significantly influenced by the ultrasonic vibration motion. Meanwhile, the moving heat source theory was applied for calculating dynamic heat flux and partition ratio. Besides, material properties, tool geometry, cutting parameters and vibration parameters were taken into account for workpiece temperature modeling. Finally, the developed analytical temperature model was validated by milling experiments with and without ultrasonic vibration on in-situ TiB2/7050Al metal matrix composites. The relative errors between model prediction results and experiments were smaller than 17%, indicating that the proposed model could provide workpiece temperature prediction reliability and accuracy. Furthermore, the established-analytical model could be used not only in ultrasonic vibration-assisted milling but also in conventional milling for the metal matrix composites.
PIMREG expression level predicts glioblastoma patient survival and affects temozolomide resistance and DNA damage response
Authors: Serafim Rodolfo Bortolozo , Cardoso Cibele , Arfelli Vanessa , Valente Valeria , Archangelo Leticia Fröhlich
Published: March 2021

PIMREG expression strongly correlates with cellular proliferation in both malignant and normal cells. Throughout embryo development, PIMREG expression is prominent at the central nervous system. Recent studies have described high levels of PIMREG transcripts in different types of tumors and correlated with patient survival and tumor aggressiveness. Given the emerging significance of PIMREG in carcinogenesis and its putative role in the context of the nervous system, we investigated the expression and function of PIMREG in gliomas, the most common primary brain tumors. We performed an extensive analysis of PIMREG expression in tumors samples of glioma patients, assessed the effects of PIMREG silencing and overexpression on the sensitivity of glioblastoma cell lines treated with genotoxic agents commonly used for treating patients and assessed for treatment response, proliferation and migration. We show that glioblastoma exhibits the highest levels of PIMREG expression among all cancers analyzed and that elevated PIMREG expression is a biomarker for glioma progression and patient outcome. Moreover, PIMREG is induced by genotoxic agents and its silencing renders glioblastoma cells sensitive to temozolomide treatment and affects ATR- and ATM-dependent signaling. Our data demonstrate that PIMREG plays a role in DNA damage response and temozolomide resistance of glioblastoma cells and further support the PIMREG role in tumorigenesis.
A Model-Agnostic Approach for Understanding Heart Failure Risk Factors
Authors: Miran Seyed M. , Nelson Stuart J. , Zeng-Treitler Qing
Published: March 2021

Objective: Understanding the risk factors for developing heart failure among patients with type 2 diabetes can contribute to preventing deterioration of quality of life for those persons. Electronic health records (EHR) provide an opportunity to use sophisticated machine learning models to understand and compare the effect of different risk factors for developing HF. As the complexity of the model increases, however, the transparency of the model often decreases. To interpret the results, we aimed to develop a model-agnostic approach to shed light on complex models and interpret the effect of features on developing heart failure. Using the HealthFacts EHR database of the Cerner EHR, we extracted the records of 723 patients with type 2 diabetes (with at least 6 yeas of follow up), and 134 of them developed heart failure. Using age and comorbidities as the features and heart failure as the outcome, we trained logistic regression, random forest, XGBoost, neural network, and then applied our proposed approach to rank the effect of each factor on developing heart failure.Results: Comparing with “importance score” built-in function from XGBoost, our proposed approach was more accurate in ranking the effect of the different risk factors on developing heart failure.
Retrospective Analysis of the Clinical and Image Presentation of Eight Primary Benign Mediastinal Schwannomas
Authors: Sandoval-Macias Ramiro , Ortiz-Sanchez Irving Daniel , Remirez-Castellanos Ana Lilia , Hernandez Luis Mora , Uscanga Candelaria Cordova , Morales Alejandra Mantilla , Galindo-García Tania Alejandra , Gamboa-Dominguez Armando , Candanedo-Gonzalez Fernando
Published: March 2021

Objective: Mediastinal schwannomas sometimes can be confused with other neoplasms in the initial radiological studies, especially when there is a history of cancer in another site and that require a more accurate analysis by computed tomography (CT) or even magnetic resonance (MRI). Our study was aimed to perform a retrospective analysis of the clinical and imaging features in a series of patients with mediastinal schwannomas that were confirmed by histology and immunohistochemistry.Results: We found eight patients, five man and three women with an average age of 51 years. The main signs and symptoms at time of diagnosis were chest pain, dyspnea, cough and dysphagia. CT showed that the tumor was located in the posterior compartment of the chest in 7/8 cases. Tumors >10 cm were more heterogeneous and showed cystic changes. All cases underwent posterolateral thoracotomy and radiological follow-up showed no evidence of recurrence. Histological analysis was the gold standard to confirm diagnosis in addition to at least one neurogenic IHC marker. In conclusion, mediastinal schwannomas are benign encapsulated tumors. By CT, schwannomas >10 cm showed cystic degeneration more frequently. Posterolateral thoracotomy allows complete resection and is considered the surgical approach of choice.
Association of Serum Myonectin Concentrations With the Presence of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Wang Chun , Luo Ye , Qiu Liangxian , Li Xiaosu , Huang Qianwen , Chen Xiongbiao
Published: March 2021

Objective: Myonectin, a recently found myokine, has a role of inhibiting inflammation. The aim of this research is to see if myonectin levels are linked to the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods: We examined serum myonectin in a population of 194 patients with AF who were then classified into three subgroups: paroxysmal AF, persistent AF, and permanent AF. Atrial remolding was assessed using left atrial diameter (LAD). Results: Serum myonectin was significantly lower in AF group compared with healthy controls. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that serum myonectin concentrations were correlated with a decreased risk of AF. Patients with permanent AF displayed decreased serum myonectin than in persistent and paroxysmal AF groups. Serum myonectin was lower in persistent AF group than in paroxysmal AF group. Serum myonectin concentrations in AF patients were negatively associated with body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and LAD. BMI and LAD stayed to be correlated with serum myonectin according to multiple stepwise regression analysis. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated a correlation between serum myonectin and AF.
The Genetic Diversity of Wild Grapes in Mexico
Authors: Huerta-Acosta Karla G. , Riaz Summaira , Franco-Mora Omar , Cruz-Castillo Juan , Walker M. Andrew
Published: March 2021

This is the first report evaluating the genetic diversity of Mexican grape species utilizing DNA-based markers to understand the distribution of grape species and patterns of hybridization. The study utilized accessions maintained in three collections in Mexico, one in the USA and recently collected germplasm. Fifteen SSR markers were used to develop a fingerprint database to identify unique germplasm. Two different clustering analyses without prior population assignment, were used to identify groups that were verified by a Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components and a Principal Coordinate Analysis. Genetic diversity estimates were made across and within groups to validate the results obtained from the clustering analyses. Multiple clustering analyses and diversity parameters supported six genetic groups representing different geographic regions. The Northeastern group was the most diverse with a geographic range extending to Eastern and Central Mexico, while the Coahuila group was the least diverse. Vitis arizonica Engelm. and V. cinerea Engelm. ex Millardet were the most abundant species with many hybrid forms. We provide evidence that wild grape species in Mexico follow the physical barriers of mountain ranges like the Sierra Madre Oriental with an east-west divide and the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt as a corridor for gene flow among different grape species. Additional collections are required to fully understand the extent of hybridization and to clarify hybrid zones.
Biodegradation of binary mixtures of octane with benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene or xylene (BTEX): insights on the potential of Burkholderia, Ralstonia, Pseudomonas, and Cupriavidus isolates
Authors: Bacosa Hernando P. , Mabuhay-Omar Jhonamie Abiner , Balisco Rodulf Anthony T. , Omar Dawin M. , Inoue Chihiro
Published: March 2021

The contamination of the environment by crude oil and its by-products, which mainly composed of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, is a widespread problem. Biodegradation by bacteria is one of the processes responsible for the removal of these pollutants. This study was conducted to determine the abilities of Burkholderia sp. B5, Ralstonia sp. B1, Pseudomonas sp. T1, and Cupriavidus sp. X5 to degrade binary mixtures of octane (representing aliphatic hydrocarbons) with benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, or xylene (BTEX as aromatic hydrocarbons) at a final concentration of 100 ppm under aerobic conditions. These strains were isolated from an enriched bacterial consortium (Yabase or Y consortium) that prefer to degrade aromatic hydrocarbon over aliphatic hydrocarbons. We found that B5 degraded all BTEX compounds more rapidly than octane. In contrast, B1, T1 and X5 utilized more of octane over BTX compounds. B5 also preferred to use benzene over octane with varying concentrations of up to 200 mg/l. B5 possesses alkane hydroxylase (alkB) and catechol 2,3-dioxygenase (C23D) genes, which are responsible for the degradation of alkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons, respectively. This study strongly supports our notion that Burkholderia played a key role in the preferential degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons over aliphatic hydrocarbons in the previously characterized Y consortium. The preferential degradation of more toxic aromatic hydrocarbons over aliphatics is crucial in risk-based bioremediation.
Defervescence of enteric fever in children treated with ceftriaxone: A hospital-based study in Nepal
Authors: Lhadon Tenzin , Basnet Srijana , Gami Fakir Chandra
Published: March 2021

Background: Enteric fever (EF) continuous to be a serious health threat in Nepal and children are mostly affected from this systemic illness with gruesome complications if left untreated. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy still remain a challenge here. Though ceftriaxone is used as the drug of choice in hospitalized patients, there are concerns on emerging cephalosporin resistance in adults, though not reported in children yet. The objectives of this study were to assess the defervescence time and outcomes of children hospitalized with EF treated with ceftriaxone.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at Kathmandu tertiary hospital, Nepal for 12 consecutive months. Children (5-16 years) diagnosed with enteric fever using WHO or validated clinical diagnostic criteria were eligible for recruitment. After taking written informed consent, enrolled children were treated as per the institutional treatment protocol with a same brand of ceftriaxone of standard daily dose and duration of 7 days for uncomplicated and 10 days for complicated. Data on defervescence time, treatment outcomes and their clinical and laboratory profile were collected in the predesigned proforma and analyzed.Results: Of 106 enrolled children, the predominant manifestations were headache (95.3%), loss of appetite (94.3%) and abdominal pain (90.6%). The main laboratory findings were positive Widal test (74%) and thrombocytopenia (50%). Nine children (8.5%) showed blood culture positivity. Salmonella typhi with nalidixic acid resistant strains and Salmonella paratyphi A were isolated (2:1) and were sensitive to ceftriaxone (100%). The defervescence mean time was 3.94 days (± 0.96 SD). Children with positive blood culture had significantly longer defervescence time than those with negative culture (4.56 versus 3.89 days; p=0.04). One child developed complication (pneumonia). No children died or encountered treatment failure. Thrombophlebitis (38.7%) was the only adverse effect of ceftriaxone. Conclusion: Ceftriaxone of once daily dosing regimen exhibited safe and satisfactory treatment outcomes with approximate four days to defervescence. Ceftriaxone can still be drug of choice for the treatment of EF in hospitalized children. Further studies with a greater number of isolates for the classical clinical profile of EF and cephalosporin susceptibility in children may confirm or refute these findings.
Interannual and seasonal variations of sand-dust events in Tarim Basin, China
Authors: Jin Lili , He Qing , Li Zhenjie , Deng Mingzai , Abbas Alim
Published: March 2021

Dust events frequently occur in Tarim Basin (TB), China. However, research is scarce on the variation characteristics of sand–dust, floating dust, sand blowing, and sandstorms in the mountains, oases, and deserts in TB. Therefore, we conducted in–depth studies on the distributions and variations of dust events in TB. The results indicate that dust events tend to increase from south to north. The yearly sand–dust event occurrence rate trend is deserts > oases > mountainous regions. In spring, sand–dust, floating dust, sand blowing, and sandstorm days account for 35.9 %, 36.0 %, 38.5 %, and 47.1 % of the whole year, while in summer they account for 33.6 %, 33.5 %, 43.8 %, and 60.3 % of the whole year. From 1961 to 2015, most stations (annual average > 30 stations) showed a downward linear trend in sand dust, floating dust, sand blowing, and sandstorms in TB. All types of sand–dust events in mountains and oases decreased substantially after 1975 to 1978. In spring and summer, the downward dust trends are the most obvious, which the largest annual average downward linear trend rates of floating dust, sand blowing, and sandstorms are -0.33 d/yr (QM station), -0.21 d/yr (TGLK station), and -11 d/yr (KP station), respectively, in spring, and -0.28 d/yr (QM station), -0.17 d/yr (TGLK station), and -0.14 d/yr (KP station), respectively, in summer. It is found that the decreasing and increasing trends of floating dust are the most obvious during sand–dust events. There is a significant positive correlation between wind speed and relative humidity in mountains, and a significant positive correlation between wind speed in oases.
Gene Expression Analysis Reveals Novel Gene Prognostic Signatures Involved in Medulloblastoma Subgroups
Authors: Li Fangcheng , Yuan Hong-Yao , Chen Cheng , Pan Jun-Ping , Xu Xin-Ke , Lin Cui-Yu , Chen Wei , Li Yang , Lin Jin-Rong , Li Jun-Liang
Published: March 2021

PurposeMedulloblastoma is a malignant childhood tumor with four molecular subtypes: WNT, SHH, G3, and G4. The prognosis of these four molecular subtypes is different. WNT has the best prognosis, followed by SHH, and G3 and G4 subtypes have the worst prognosis. This study aimed to identify various molecular subtypes of medulloblastoma can independently predict the prognosis of patients and provide specific treatment way for them.MethodsBased on the data in the GSE37418 dataset, the WGCNA method was used to find the genes most related to these molecular subtypes, and then the top ten hub genes in each subtype were found through the cytohubba plug-in of cytoscape. GO pathway enrichment of four interested modules was used, and then GSE85217 was used for clinical trials in single-factor Cox regression analysis .ResultsThe information was subjected to single-factor Cox regression analysis, and twelve hub genes with the most significant prognostic effects on medulloblastoma were found, and then these genes were subjected to multi-factor Cox regression analysis on each molecular subtype, and finally GNG3 was determined .The combination of CALCB and GCGR can predict the development of SHH well (p=0.0011, AUC=0.734), SOCS3 and HOXC10 can better predict the development of G4 (p=0.044, AUC=0.618), and the combination of ADCY8 and LHX3 can predict G3 Development (p=0.034, AUC=0.675).Conclusion﻿This report showed a possible evidence that OS-related features of various molecular subtypes of medulloblastoma can independently predict the prognosis of patients with each subtype of medulloblastoma, and provide new therapeutic targets for them.
Automated Self-Administered 24-Hour Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA24) Recalls for Parent Proxy-Reporting of Children’s Intake (>4 Years Of Age): A Feasibility Study
Authors: Sharpe Isobel , Kirkpatrick Sharon , Smith Brendan T , Keown-Stoneman Charles D.G. , Omand Jessica , Vanderhout Shelley , Maguire Jonathon L. , Birken Catherine S. , Anderson Laura
Published: March 2021

Background: Robust measurement of dietary intake in population studies of children is critical to better understand the diet-health nexus. It is unknown whether parent proxy-report of children’s dietary intake through online 24-hour recalls is feasible in large cohort studies. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to describe the feasibility of the Automated Self-Administered 24-hour Dietary Assessment Tool (ASA24) to measure parent proxy-reported child dietary intake. A secondary objective was to compare intake estimates with those from national surveillance. Methods: Parents of children aged 4-15 years participating in the TARGet Kids! research network in Toronto, Canada were invited by email to complete an online ASA24-Canada-2016 recall for their child, with a subsample prompted to complete a second recall about two weeks later. Descriptive statistics were reported for ASA24 completion characteristics and intake of several nutrients. Comparisons were made to the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) 24-hour recall data. Results: A total of 163 parents completed the first recall and 46 completed the second, reflecting response rates of 35% and 59%, respectively. Seven (4%) first recalls and one (2%) second recall were excluded for ineligibility, missing data, or inadvertent parental self-report. The median number of foods reported on the first recall was 18.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 6.0) and median time to complete was 29.5 minutes (IQR 17.0). Nutrient intakes for energy, total fat, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, sodium, total sugars, and added sugars were similar across the two recalls and the CCHS. Conclusions: The ASA24 was found to be feasible for parent proxy-reporting of children’s intake and to yield intake estimates comparable to those from national surveillance, but strategies are needed to increase response rate and support completion to enhance generalizability.
Quantum Criticality in Twisted Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Authors: Pasupathy Abhay , Ghiotto Augusto , Shih En-Min , Pereira Giancarlo , Rhodes Daniel , Kim Bumho , Zang Jiawei , Millis Andrew , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Hone James , Wang Lei , Dean Cory
Published: March 2021

In moiré heterostructures, gate-tunable insulating phases driven by electronic correlations have been recently discovered. Here, we use transport measurements to characterize the gate-driven metal-insulator transitions and the metallic phase in twisted WSe2 near half filling of the first moiré subband. We find that the metal-insulator transition as a function of both density and displacement field is continuous. At the metal-insulator boundary, the resistivity displays strange metal behaviour at low temperature with dissipation comparable to the Planckian limit. Further into the metallic phase, Fermi-liquid behaviour is recovered at low temperature which evolves into a quantum critical fan at intermediate temperatures before eventually reaching an anomalous saturated regime near room temperature. An analysis of the residual resistivity indicates the presence of strong quantum fluctuations in the insulating phase. These results establish twisted WSe2 as a new platform to study doping and bandwidth controlled metal-insulator quantum phase transitions on the triangular lattice.
Integrated Input-Output and Systems Analysis Modelling: The case of Tunisia. Part 2 - A systems model with IO multipliers
Authors: Howells Mark , Necibi Thameur , Laitner John Skip , Gardumi Francesco , Bock Franziska
Published: March 2021

This work extends a simple open source energy systems model of the Tunisian electricity sector, used for research purposes. The extension includes addition of job creation multipliers from an Input-Output analysis. Test scenarios are then developed, to assess future emissions and job creation trajectories associated with the introduction of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. The results indicate that increased economic efficiency associated with significant (but limited) injections of energy efficiency and renewable energy reduce gas imports, reduce emissions and increase local jobs. The analysis is cursory and initial. Its objective is to enhance open modelling that can be developed and co-created for deeper policy analysis.
SCOPE: Safer Care for Older Persons (in Residential) Environments: A Single Arm Pilot Study
Authors: Doupe Malcolm , Brunkert Thekla , Wagg Adrian , Ginsburg Liane , Norton Peter , Berta Whitney , Knopp-Sihota Jennifer , Eastabrooks Carole
Published: March 2021

Background: Nursing home residents require daily support. While care aides provide most of this support they are rarely empowered to lead quality improvement (QI) initiatives. A previous proof of principle study, called Safer Care for Older Persons in Residential Care Environments (SCOPE), demonstrated that care aide-led teams can successfully participate in QI interventions. In preparation for a large-scale study, this one-year pilot evaluated how well the bundle of SCOPE coaching strategies helped care-aide led teams to enact these interventions. A secondary aim was to determine if improvements in resident quality of care occurred. Methods: Using a modified IHI Breakthrough Collaborative Series model in a prospective single-arm study design, we randomly sampled 7 nursing homes in Winnipeg, Manitoba from the longitudinal Translating Research in Elder Care (TREC) cohort. Each SCOPE team had 5-7 front-line staff led by care aides. Teams received coaching to enact the intervention (i.e., to create actionable aim statements, implement QI interventions using plan-do-study-act [PDSA] cycles, use measurement to guide decision making) during three learning congresses, networked and shared learning experiences during these sessions, and received additional support from quality advisors between congresses. We used self-report data to code intervention enactment (‘poor’, ‘adequate’, ‘excellent’), and also measured improvement in team cohesion and communication. Secondarily, we observed changes in unit-level quality indicators using RAI-MDS 2.0 data.Results: Most teams successfully enacted SCOPE. Five of 7 teams created adequate-to-excellent aim statements throughout the pilot (e.g., statements were specific, measurable, time-bound). While 6 of 7 teams successfully implemented PDSAs, only 2 reported spreading their idea to involve more than a few residents and/or staff on their unit. Three of 7 teams explicitly stated how measurement was used to guide decisions. Team cohesion and communication scored high at baseline, and hence improved minimally. Resident quality indicators improved in 4 of the 7 nursing home units. Conclusions: Our bundled coaching strategies helped most care aide-led teams to enact SCOPE. Coaching modifications are needed in follow-up studies to help teams more effectively use measurement, and to spread successful interventions within the unit. More detailed and robust approaches are also needed to monitor treatment enactment.