bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanopore design for exceptional rectification of DNA translocation
Authors: Pham Ngan , Yao Yao , Wen Chenyu , Li Shiyu , Zeng Shuangshuang , Nyberg Tomas , Tran Tuan , Primetzhofer Daniel , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Shi-Li
Published: April 2021

Solid-state nanopores (SSNPs) of on-demand shape and size can facilitate desired sensor performance. However, reproducible production of arrayed nanopores of predefined geometry is yet to demonstrate despite of numerous methods explored. Here, bowl-shape SSNPs combining unique properties of ultrathin membrane and tapering geometry are demonstrated. The bowl-SSNP upper opening is 100-120 nm in diameter, with the bottom opening reaching sub-5 nm. Numerical simulation reveals the formation of multiple electroosmotic vortexes (EOVs) originating from distributed surface charge around the pore-bowl. The EOVs determine, collaboratively with electrophoretic force, how nanoscale objects translocate the bowl-SSNPs. Exceptional rectification with higher frequencies, longer duration and larger amplitude is found when DNA strands translocate downwards from the upper large opening than upwards from the bottom smallest restriction. The rectification is a manifestation of the interplay between electrophoresis and electroosmosis. The resourceful silicon nanofabrication technology is ingeniously shown to enable innovative nanopore designs targeting unprecedented sensor applications.
Effect of HO-1 modified BMMSCs on immune function of liver transplantation
Authors: Li Peng , Zhang Yuyi , Li Qiongxia , Zhang Yubo
Published: April 2021

We examined whether HO-1could enhance the immunosuppressive effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell（BMMSCs）on the rejection of transplanted liver allograft in rats. The rejection model of orthotopic liver transplantation in rats was established then BMMSCs orHO-1/BMMSCs were transfused via the portal vein.The histopathological changes of the transplanted liver and the change of regulatory T cell（Tregs natural killer cell（NK）and cytokines after transplantation were observed in different groups. The severe acute rejection model rats after liver transplantation on post operation day 10 showed in NS group. BMMSCs group showed strong protective effects on rejection within the first 10 days after transplantation. While HO-1/BMMSCs showed stronger effects than BMMSCs which provided enhanced protective effects on the transplanted liver. In addition，the activity of natural killer（NK）cell decreased significantly the levels of regulatory T cells（Tregs，interleukin-10（IL-10）and transforming growth factor-β（TGF-β）increased significantly and the levels of interleukin-2（IL-2，interleukin-6（IL-6，interleukin-17（IL-17，interleukin-23（IL-23，tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α）and interferon-γ（IFN-γ）decreased significantly in the HO-1/BMMSCs group when compared with the BMMSCs group. Conclusions:HO-1/BMMSCs showed better immunosuppressive effects after transplantation. HO-1 could enhance the effects of BMMSCs inhibiting the immune response of acute rejection in orthotopic liver transplantation model of rats.
Structural variants shape driver combinations and outcomes in pediatric high-grade glioma
Authors: Dubois Frank , Dubois Frank , Shapira Ofer , Greenwald Noah , Zack Travis , Wala Jeremiah , Tsai Jessica , Hadjadj Djihad , Crane Alexander , Harutyunyan Ashot , Kumar Kiran , Blattner-Johnson Mirjam , Vogelzang Jayne , Sousa Cecila , Kang Kyung Shin , Sinai Claire , Wang Dayle , Khadka Prasidda , Lewis Kathleen , Nguyen Lan , Malkin Hayley , Ho Patricia , O’Rourke Ryan , Gold Rose , Deng Davy , Serrano Jonathan , Snuderl Matija , Wright Karen , Chi Susan , Grill Jacques , Kleiman Claudia , Goumnerova Liliana , Jabado Nada , Jones David , Kieran Mark , Ligon Keith , Beroukhim Rameen , Bandopadhayay Pratiti
Published: April 2021

Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs), encompassing hemispheric and diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs), remain a devastating disease. The last decade has revealed oncogenic drivers including single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in histones. However, the contribution of structural variants (SVs) to gliomagenesis has not been systematically explored due to limitations in early SV analysis approaches. Using SV algorithms, we recently created, we analyzed SVs in whole-genome sequences of 179 pHGGs including a novel cohort of treatment naïve samples–the largest WGS cohort assembled in adult or pediatric glioma. The most recurrent SVs targeted MYC isoforms and receptor tyrosine kinases, including a novel SV amplifying a MYC enhancer in the lncRNA CCDC26 in 12% of DMGs and revealing a more central role for MYC in these cancers than previously known. Applying de novo SV signature discovery, we identified five signatures including three (SVsig1-3) involving primarily simple SVs, and two (SVsig4-5) involving complex, clustered SVs. These SV signatures associated with genetic variants that differed from what was observed for SV signatures in other cancers, suggesting different links to underlying biology. Tumors with simple SV signatures were TP53 wild-type but were enriched with alterations in TP53 pathway members PPM1D and MDM4. Complex signatures were associated with direct aberrations in TP53, CDKN2A, and RB1 early in tumor evolution, and with extrachromosomal amplicons that likely occurred later. All pHGGs exhibited at least one simple SV signature but complex SV signatures were primarily restricted to subsets of H3.3K27M DMGs and hemispheric pHGGs. Importantly, DMGs with the complex SV signatures SVsig4-5 were associated with shorter overall survival independent of histone type and TP53 status. These data inform the role and impact of SVs in gliomagenesis and mechanisms that shape them.
Does increasing the spatial resolution in dynamical downscaling impact climate change projection of Indian summer monsoon, population and GDP?
Authors: B Jayasankar C , K Rajendran , Surendran Sajani
Published: April 2021

High-resolution regional climate model (RCM) simulations are found to be very useful in deriving realistic climate change projection information. This study uses high-resolution dynamical downscaling framework (CCSM4-WRF) for India. To delineate the advantage of high resolution, we compared the results of 9-km resolution CCSM4-WRF simulations against the 50-km resolution RCM simulations under Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment-South Asia (CORDEX-SA) programme. Quantitative estimations show that majority of CORDEX-SA models exhibit large dry bias (<-4mm/day) and low pattern correlation coefficient (PCC) over the Western Ghats (WG). Mean climatology of Indian summer monsoon (ISM) rainfall simulated by high-resolution CCSM4-WRF outperforms the CORDEX-SA RCMs with low negative biases (~ 1mm/day) and high PCC (≥ 0.755). This skill of CCSM4-WRF provides better confidence in its future projection at local scale. CCSM4-WRF projects future intensification of monsoon rainfall over most parts of India and reduction over southern WG, which is consistent with recent observed trends, but none of the CORDEX-SA RCMs could simulate this rainfall reduction. For all-India rainfall, ensemble mean of CORDEX-SA models projects an increase by 1.3 ± 0.9mm/day and CCSM4-WRF projects 0.67mm/day. Projected changes in socioeconomic variables such as population and gross domestic product (GDP) exhibit future enhancement over most parts of India but with spatial heterogeneity. Shared Socioeconomic Pathways scenarios show pronounced future population growth over Indian coastal areas, and large enhancement in productivity over urban areas. Therefore, climate change projection information of ISM rainfall, together with enhanced future population and GDP, is useful for taking necessary steps for adaptation and mitigation in a sustainable manner.
Scalable two-step annealing method for preparing ultra-high-density single-atom catalyst libraries
Authors: Lu Jiong , Hai Xiao , Xi Shibo , Mitchell Sharon , Harrath Karim , Xu Haomin , Akl Dario , Kong Debin , Li Jing , Li Zejun , Sun Tao , Yang Huimin , Cui Yige , Su Chenliang , Zhao Xiaoxu , Li Jun , Pérez-Ramírez Javier
Published: April 2021

The stabilization of transition metals as isolated centres on suitably tailored carriers with high density is crucial to exploit the technical potential of single-atom heterogeneous catalysts, enabling their maximized productivity in industrial reactors. Wet-chemical methods are best suited for practical applications due to their amenability to scale up. However, achieving single-atom dispersions at metal contents above 2 wt.% remains challenging. We introduce a versatile approach combining impregnation and two-step annealing to synthesize ultra-high-density single-atom catalysts (UHD-SACs) with unprecedented metal contents up to 23 wt.% for 15 metals on chemically-distinct carriers. Translation to an automated protocol demonstrates its robustness and provides a path to explore virtually unlimited libraries of mono or multimetallic catalysts. At the molecular level, characterization of the synthesis mechanism through experiments and simulations shows that controlling the bonding of metal precursors with the carrier via stepwise ligand removal prevents their thermally-induced aggregation into nanoparticles, ensuring atomic dispersion in the resulting UHD‑SACs. The catalytic benefits of UHD-SACs are demonstrated for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO over NiN4 motifs on carbon.
Impact of sports participation on components of metabolic syndrome in adolescents: ABCD Growth Study
Authors: Menezes Verônica Alves , Torres Wésley , Mesquita Eduardo Duarte de Lima , Chagas Lucas Gabriel Moraes , Morano Ana Elisa von Ah , Urban Jacqueline Bexiga , Júnior Ademar Avelar Almeida , Christofaro Diego Giuliano Destro , Fernandes Romulo Araújo
Published: April 2021

Objective The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of sports participation (12 months of practice) on components of the metabolic syndrome of both sexes.Methods Observational longitudinal study, party of the study entitled “Analysis of Behaviors of Children During Growth” (ABCD Growth Study), Presidente Prudente, SP. The sample consisted of 171 adolescents [112 boys and 59 girls], the groups were divided between non-sport and sport, according to the inclusion criteria: age 11 to 17 years; absence of known diseases previously diagnosed; no regular use of medications related to blood pressure or lipid metabolism; involvement in sports in the las 12 months (sports group) for at least one year without any regular involvement in sports training routines or physical exercises (non-sports group), signed written consent form parents and adolescents. The high-density cholesterol lipoproteins (HDL-c), triglycerides (TG), and glucose were analyzed by the dry chemical colorimetric method and processed biochemically. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were assessed using an automatic device. Body fat (BF) was estimated using a densitometry scanner. Ethnicity, sex, maturity, and body weight were treated as covariates.Results The adolescents involved in the sport were younger [p-value = 0.001] and with lower PVC [p-value = 0.001] than the non-sport group. The differences () after 12 months were of greater magnitude for the sports group when compared to non-sports group [p-value = 0.013], glucose (moderate magnitude in favor of the sports group; p-value = 0.001), HDL-c (small magnitude in favor of the sports group; p-value = 0.0015) and MetS (moderate magnitude in favor of the sports group; p-value = 0.001). Sport with high cardiorespiratory demand has more pronounced benefits than other groups. Sport seems to have a positive relationship in the variables sports participation, weekly volume, and load intensity. Conclusion Sports practice in adolescents had a protective effect on the metabolic components of the metabolic syndrome.
Parked Vehicles as Cluster Heads and Gateways for Efficient Routing in VANET
Authors: Kadhim Ahmed Jawad
Published: April 2021

Vehicular Ad hoc Network (VANET) refers to wireless connection of a large number of moving and stopped cars to transfer some knowledge about some events (e.g. accident, traffic jam, weather condition, etc.) to the passengers and drivers. The mobility of vehicles in unexpected directions destroys the network links and decreases the stability of the route between vehicles. This problem leads to repeat the routing discovery and maintenance operations and as a result increases the overhead and delay. Several classes of routing polices were proposed such as flat, hierarchical, cluster based, etc. Moreover, in the cluster based routing protocols, number of cluster head selection and cluster formation schemes have been suggested. Unfortunately, the stability of cluster heads and links was not satisfied. This paper aims to solve this problem by producing a new clustering formation technique. This technique selects the parked and stopped vehicles to work as cluster heads and gateway nodes with high stability. Moreover, a new cluster based routing protocol to build optimal paths with maximum stability and minimum delay called CRSD depending on optimization model is suggested. Several simulation scenarios with various mobility speeds and numbers of stopped and parked vehicles showed that CRDS is better than link reliability-based clustering approach (LRCA) and cluster-based VANET oriented evolving graph (CVoEG) according to network overhead, average end to end delay, path stability, and packet delivery ratio.
A Multidisciplinary, Collaborative, Inter-agency and Comprehensive Approach for the Control of Chagas Disease as a Public Health Problem in Guatemala.
Authors: Monroy Maria Carlota , Penados Daniel , Pineda Jose , Laparra-Ruiz Elisa , Agreda Emmanuel odilio , Alcantara Belter , Rodas Antonieta , Lange Karla , Weinberg D , Bazzani Roberto , Marchiol Andrea , Herazo Rafael , Abril Marcelo , Chuit Roberto
Published: April 2021

Background : Central America is considered a hotspot for Chagas disease transmission and the most important vector in the northern region is Triatoma dimidiata; a native vector adapted to multiple environments, including intra domestic and peri-domestic habitats. Chagas Disease is the leading cause of death associated with heart disease in Latin America, affecting mostly low-resources populations and the presence of the vector is associated to poor house constructions. Methods: A multi-institutional project named “Alliances for the elimination of Chagas in Central America” was created to help reduce the incidence of the disease in the region. Each institution performing specific role including aspects of vector control, quality of housing, surveillance implementation, diagnosis and treatment of individuals, health promotion, and training of human resources. Results: Eleven villages were entomologically evaluated; five villages were found to have high infestation rates (>20%), three had average infestation rates (10-20%) and three had low-infestation rates (<10%), coinciding with the type of risk-dwelling found in each of one. Additionally, all the villages had colonization rates greater than 50%, and several showed important levels of triatomine overcrowding. This high colonization dynamic represents a high risk of vector transmission of Chagas disease; it was necessary to improve the household so as to make them refractory to infestation, reducing those characteristics that are appropriate for colonization. Serological tests carried out in two of the 11 villages showed that children under five years of age were not infected and the prevalence of infection was higher in women than men, showing the importance of women in the disease transmission dynamics, making education and empowerment directed towards women critical for transmission control. Conclusion: Several institutions working together with specific roles promotes the community partition in several activities as vector control and patience attendance. Some epidemiological factor of the native vector was described. Trial registration: The study received clearance from San Carlos University bioethics committee, Guatemala City, Guatemala (AC-010-2018).
ICAM-1-Carrying Targeted Nano Contrast Agent for Evaluating Inflammatory Injury in Rabbits with Atherosclerosis 
Authors: Li Ping , Jin Lin , Feng Lan , wang yingchun , Yang Rong
Published: April 2021

Purpose
To investigate the feasibility of using ICAM-1-carrying targeted nano ultrasonic contrast to evaluate the degree of inflammatory injury at different stages in the abdominal aorta of rabbits with atherosclerosis (AS).
Methods
Twenty-five experimental rabbits were assigned to five groups: the preoperative control group (A); the week-4 after modeling group(B); the week-8 after modeling group(C); the week-12 after modeling group(D); the week-16 after modeling group(E). All groups were given 2D ultrasonography, conventional ultrasonic contrast (SonoVue), and ICAM-1-carrying targeted nano ultrasonic contrast, respectively. Contrast parameters, including the peak intensity (PI), time to peak (TTP), and area under curve (AUC) of the region of interest, were used to evaluate the characteristics of vascular perfusion contrast.
Results
ICAM-1-carrying targeted nano ultrasonic contrast showed that the intensity of targeted micro-signals in the vascular wall of the abdominal bubble aorta gradually increased in B, C, D, and E groups (all P < 0.05). A positive linear correlation between PI and AUC and the expression of ICAM-1 (r = 0.893, P < 0.001; r = 0.934, P < 0.001). In ICAM-1-carrying targeted nano ultrasonic contrast, delayed imaging of the vascular wall of the abdominal aorta was observed, the outer membrane was thickened from week 4 to week 12, and both the intima-media membrane and outer membrane were thickened and with double-layer parallel echo at week 16, which was in line with the progression of atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability.
Conclusion
ICAM-1-carrying targeted nano contrast agent could evaluate the degree of inflammatory injury related to atherosclerotic progression and site high expression of specific adhesion molecules in early atherosclerotic lesions.
Repression of germline genes by PRC1.6 and SETDB1 in the early embryo precedes DNA methylation-mediated silencing
Authors: Mochizuki Kentaro , Sharif Jafar , Shirane Kenjiro , Uranishi Kousuke , Bogutz Aaron , Suzuki Ayumu , Okuda Akihiko , Koseki Haruhiko , Lorincz Matthew
Published: April 2021

Silencing of a subset of germline genes is dependent upon DNA methylation (DNAme) post-implantation. However, these genes are generally hypomethylated in the ICM, implicating alternative silencing pathways before implantation. Indeed, in embryonic stem cells (ESCs), an overlapping set of genes, including germline “genome-defence” (GGD) genes, are upregulated following deletion of the H3K9 methyltransferase SETDB1 or subunits of the non-canonical PRC1 complex PRC1.6. Here, we show that in pre-implantation embryos and naïve ESCs (nESCs), hypomethylated promoters of germline genes bound by the PRC1.6 DNA-binding subunits MGA/MAX/E2F6 are enriched for RING1B-dependent H2AK119ub1 and H3K9me3. Accordingly, silencing of these genes in nESCs shows a greater dependence on PRC1.6 than DNAme. In contrast, GGD genes are hypermethylated in epiblast-like cells and their silencing is dependent upon SETDB1, PRC1.6/RING1B and DNAme, with H3K9me3 and DNAme establishment dependent upon MGA binding. Thus, GGD genes are initially repressed by PRC1.6, with DNAme subsequently engaged in post-implantation embryos.
Identification of CDC20 As an Immune Infiltration-Correlated Prognostic Biomarker in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Xiong Chen , Wang Zhihuai , Wang Guifu , Zhang Chi , Jin Shengjie , Jiang Guoqing , Bai Dousheng
Published: April 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy with a poor prognosis. Some E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases play essential roles in HCC development. We aimed to explore a hub E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase gene and verify its association with prognosis and immune cell infiltration in HCC. We identified cell division cycle 20 (CDC20) as a hub E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase in HCC by determining the intersecting genes in a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HCC data from the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) and 919 E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase genes from the Integrated annotations for Ubiquitin and Ubiquitin-like Conjugation Database (IUUCD). DEGs and their correlations with clinicopathological features were explored in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), ICGC, and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases via the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The prognostic value of CDC20 was illustrated by Kaplan-Meier (K-M) curves and Cox regression analyses. Subsequently, the correlation between CDC20 and immune infiltration was demonstrated via the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). CDC20 expression was significantly higher in HCC than in normal tissues (all P < 0.05). K-M curves and Cox regression analyses showed that high CDC20 expression predicted a poor prognosis and might be an independent risk factor for HCC prognosis (P < 0.05). Additionally, the TIMER and GEPIA results indicated that CDC20 is correlated with the immune infiltration of CD8 + T cells, T cells (general), monocytes, and exhausted T cells. This research revealed the potential prognostic value of CDC20 in HCC and demonstrated that CDC20 might be an immune-associated therapeutic target in HCC because of its correlation with immune infiltration.
Retrospective Study of Visceral Leishmaniasis in the Health District of Léré in Chad, Central Africa
Authors: KODINDO Israël DEMBA , Vincent Gonnonta , Muller Gunter , Coulibaliy Cheick A , Doumbia Seydou
Published: April 2021

Visceral leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that is inevitably fatal without treatment, but early diagnosis and treatment can cure patients. It largely affects people living in underdeveloped countries and is the second leading cause of mortality from parasitic infection after malaria with 20,000 to 40,000 deaths per year. To assess the epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis in Chad, we performed retrospective study in the health district of Léré in the southwest of the country area by extracting data from the laboratory records diagnosed visceral leishmaniasis cases between January 2015 to December 2019. Between 2015 and 2019, a total of 1,141 patients were tested for Visceral leishmaniasis in the laboratory of Léré district hospital, with a prevalence of 30% (n=345) among suspected cases. The majority of the positive patients were male (61%) and the peak reporting period of cases was between March and October. The lack of awareness of Visceral leishmaniasis, the underreporting of cases and the increasing incidence recorded at a health facility in Chad, highlight the need for strengthening Visceral leishmaniasis surveillance and case detection capacity in region. To develop appropriate prevention and control strategy of visceral leishmaniasis, further study is needed to characterize the distribution of visceral leishmaniasis and its transmission in the country.
Efficient Treatment of Fish Intestinal Parasites Applying Biocompatible Membrane-penetrating Oral Drug Delivery Nanoparticles
Authors: Mathews Patrick D. , Patta Ana C.M.F. , Madrid Rafael R.M. , Ramirez Carlos A.B. , Mertins Omar
Published: April 2021

Nanodelivery of drugs aims to ensure drug stability in the face of adverse biochemical conditions in the course of administration, concomitant with appropriate pharmacological action provided by delivery at the targeted site. In this study, the application potential of nanoparticles produced with biopolymers chitosan-N-arginine and alginate as an oral drug delivery material is evaluated. Being both macromolecules weak polyelectrolytes, the bioparticle presents strong thermodynamic interaction with a biological model membrane consisting of charged lipid liposome bilayer, leading to membrane disruption and membrane penetration of the bioparticles in ideal conditions of pH corresponding to the oral route. The powder form of the bioparticle was obtained by lyophilization and with a high percentage of entrapment of the anthelmintic drug praziquantel. In vivo studies were conducted with oral administration to Corydoras schwartzi fish with high intensity of intestinal parasites infection. The in vivo experiments confirmed the mucoadhesive and revealed membrane-penetrating properties of the bioparticle by translocating the parasite cyst, which provided target drug release and reduction of over 97% of the fish intestinal parasites. Thus, it was evidenced that the bioparticle was effective in transporting and releasing the drug to the target, providing an efficient treatment.
Analysis of Risk Factors for Deep Venous Thrombosis in Patients With Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Retrospective Study of 247 Patients
Authors: Cai Feiyu , Liu Kai , Liu Yanshi , Jielile Jiasharete , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang
Published: April 2021

Background and purpose
The high incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was presented in patients with Achilles tendon rupture (ATR), and affects the prognosis of patients significantly. The purpose of this study was to identify and quantify the risk factors for perioperative DVT and the role of DVT in clinical outcomes, which may provide a guideline for DVT prevention and Achilles tendon repair.
Methods
The study was conducted on 247 patients who underwent surgical treatment for ATR at our institution from 2009 to 2019. Ultrasound results from injury to 4 weeks after operation were collected to diagnose DVT. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated using logistic regression to describe factors associated with DVT diagnosis including sex, age, body mass index (BMI), nicotine usage, mechanism of injury, rupture side, types of rupture, medical morbidity (hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke), time to operation, operative time and blood loss. The outcomes were assessed using the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle Hind-Foot Scale Score at postoperative 3, 6, and 12 months.
Results
There were 216 males and 31 females with a mean age of 37.4 years (range from 20 to 75 years). Out of 247 patients, 113 patients were diagnosed with DVT during the perioperative period, accounting for 46 % of total patients. The independent risk factors were identified with age > 40 years (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.21–0.82; p = 0.013), BMI > 26 (OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.19–0.79; p = 0.009), traumatic ATR (OR 2.44; 95% CI 1.22–4.91; p = 0.012), operative time (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.91–1.01; p = 0.028), and blood loss (OR 1.09; 95% CI 1.03–1.14; p = 0.001). Worse patient-subjective and functional outcomes were presented in patients with a perioperative DVT according to ATRS and AOFAS.
Conclusions
Routine thromboprophylaxis should be encouraged in patients with ATR requiring surgery, which was caused by trauma. Age > 40 years and BMI > 26 were important risk factors for perioperative DVT. This study also showed that the presence of DVT of patients with ATR in the perioperative period has clear impairment of outcome within one year after surgery, which may postpone the return of athletes to the field severely.
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Remyelination in Spinal Cord by Driving Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cell Differentiation Via Tnfα/Relb-Hes1 Pathway: A Rat Model Study of 2,5-Hexanedione-Induced Neurotoxicity
Authors: Li Shuangyue , Guan Huai , Zhang Yan , Li Sheng , Li Kaixin , Hu Shuhai , Zuo Enjun , Zhang Cong , Zhang Xin , Gong Guanyu , Wang Ruoyu , Piao Fengyuan
Published: April 2021

Background: N-hexane, with its metabolite 2,5-hexanedine (HD), is a hazardous material widely used in industry and chronic exposure causes nerve demyelination. Demyelinating conditions are difficult to treat and frequently cause disabilities. Stem cell therapy using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is a promising novel strategy. Our previous study found that BMSCs promoted significant recovery of motor dysfunction in rats modelling N-hexane neurotoxicity. The present study aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms and focused on the changes in spinal cord. Methods: Sprague Dawley rats were intoxicated with HD (400 mg/kg/day, i.p, for 5 weeks). BMSCs (5×107cells/kg) were administrated by tail vein injection. Demyelination and remyelination of the spinal cord before and after BMSC treatment were examined microscopically. Cultured oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) were incubated with HD +/- BMSCs-derived conditional medium (BMSC-CM). OPC differentiation was studied by immunostaining and quantitative imaging analysis. The expressional changes of Hes1, a key transcription factor negatively regulating OPC-differentiation, were studied. The upstream Notch1 and TNFα/RelB pathways were studied and some key signaling molecules in these pathways were measured. The correlation between neurotrophin NGF and TNFα was also investigated. Statistical significance was evaluated using one-way ANOVA test and performed using SPSS 13.0. Results: The demyelinating damage by HD and remyelination by BMSCs were evidenced by electron microscopy, LFB staining and NG2/MBP immunohistochemistry. In vitro cultured OPCs showed more differentiation after incubation with BMSC-CM. Hes1 expression was found to be significantly increased by HD and decreased by BMSC or BMSC-CM. The change of Hes1 was found, however, independent on Notch1 activation, but dependent on TNFα/RelB signaling. HD was found to increase TNFα, RelB and Hes1 expression and BMSCs was found to have the opposite effect. Addition of recombinant TNFα to OPCs or RelB overexpression similarly caused upregulation of Hes1 expression. The secretion of NGF by BMSC and activation of NGF receptor was found important for suppression of TNFα production in OPCs. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that BMSCs promote remyelination in the spinal cord of HD-exposed rats via TNFα/RelB-Hes1 pathway, providing novel insights for evaluating and further exploring the therapeutical effect of BMSCs on demyelinating neurodegenerative disease.
Factors Associated With Diagnostic Delay of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in China
Authors: Xu Caihong , Zhang Xiaomeng , Liu Yan , Xia Yinyin , Wang Li , Wang Lixia , Zhang Hui
Published: April 2021

Background Tuberculosis (TB) is still a great challenge to public health in China. Most of the transmission occurs between the onset of symptoms and initiation of treatment. Diagnosis delay is a major barrier to effective management of the disease. Determining the factors associated with patient and provider delay of TB diagnosis and treatment may contribute to TB prevention and control.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of pulmonary tuberculosis registed in the National Tuberculosis programme was conducted in 22 counties of 6 provinces in China. All consecutively registered patients during January to June 2017 were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The time from the onset of symptoms to the date of diagnosis was analyzed. Bivariate and logistics regression were applied to analyze the risk factors of delay.ResultsThe median time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 23 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 5-53days). The risk of delayed diagnosis was higher in the central (OR=3.27, 95%CI 1.39-7.68) and eastern regions (OR=1.48, 95%CI 1.04-2.10) than in the western regions. Rural TB patients have a longer diagnosis delay than those in urban areas (OR=1.44, 95%CI 1.00-2.08). The asymptomatic TB patients had a longer diagnosis delay than TB patients with clinical symptoms (OR=0.20, 95%CI 0.13-0.31).ConclusionsA high propotion of TB patients showed diagnostic delay in China especially in some low economic level areas. Multiple measures should be taken to shorten the delay, such as to increase public awareness of the disease and expansion the quality assured facility in economic less-developed regions.Trial registrationNot applicable
Improving the Monitoring of Chronic Heart Failure in Argentina: Is the Implantable Pulmonary Artery Pressure with CardioMEMS Heart Failure System Cost-effective?
Authors: Alcaraz Andrea , Rojas-Roque Carlos , Prina Daniela , González Juan Martín , Pichon-Riviere Andres , Augustovski Federico , Palacios Alfredo
Published: April 2021

Background. The CardioMEMS® sensor is a wireless pulmonary artery pressure device used for monitoring symptomatic heart failure (HF). The use of CardioMEMS was associated with a reduction of hospitalizations of HF patients, but the acquisition cost could be high in low-and-middle income countries. Evidence of cost-effectiveness is needed to help decision-makers to allocate resources according to “value for money”. This study aimed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of CardioMEMS use in HF patients from the third-party payer perspective -Social Security (SS) and Private Sector (PS)-in Argentina.Methods. A Markov model was developed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of CardioMEMS versus usual medical care, over a lifetime horizon. The model was applied to a hypothetical population of patients with HF functional class III with at least one hospitalization in the previous 12 months. The main outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). To populate the model we retrieved clinical, epidemiological and utility parameters from the literature, whilst direct medical costs were estimated through micro-costing approach (exchange rate USD 1 = ARS 76.95). Uncertainty in all parameters were assessed by deterministic, probabilistic and scenario sensitivity analysis.Results. Compared with the usual medical care, CardioMEMS increased QALY by 0.37 and increased costs per patient by ARS 1,081,703 for SS and ARS 919,051 for PS. The resultant ICER was ARS 2,937,756 per QALY and ARS 2,496,015 per QALY for SS and PS respectively. ICER was most sensitive to the hazard ratio of HF hospital admission and the acquisition price of CardioMEMS. The probability that CardioMEMS is cost-effective at one (ARS 700,473), three (ARS 2,101,419,) and five (ARS 3,502,363) GDP per capita is 0.6%, 17.9% and 64.1% for SS and 5.4%, 33.3% and 73.2% for PS.Conclusions. CardioMEMS was more effective and more costly than usual care in class III HF patients. Since in Argentina there is no current explicit threshold, the final decision to determine its cost-effectiveness will depend on the willingness-to-pay for QALYs in each health subsector.
Has COVID-19 Strengthened Environmental Awareness?
Authors: Lieven Theo
Published: April 2021

Since the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a global threat to humankind. In addition to many cases of illness and millions of deaths, the economy has suffered. Not surprisingly, vehicle sales have declined sharply in most countries by up to 25%. Overall, however, sales of electric vehicles (EVs) did not stall but increased to previously forecasted levels. Is this increase evidence that COVID-19 has promoted sustainable action and strengthened environmental awareness, as researchers have discussed in recently published articles? This study examines the causal effect of COVID-19 on environmental concern and behavior by assessing vehicle buyers’ decision process regarding EVs after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mistletoe Contains Higher Secondary Metabolites Than the Host Plant at the Host-Parasite Interface: Insights From Tapinanthus Globiferus Collected In Enugu, Nigeria
Authors: Ajuziogu Godswill , Agbo G C , Njokuocha Reginald , Nweze Anthony , Ojua Eugene O , Ogujawa Pamela
Published: April 2021

Background: This study aims at evaluating the phytochemicals composition at the host-parasite interfaces of parasitic plant Tapinanthus globiferus (mistletoe) and four host plants. Wood tissues of the hosts and the parasite at the host-parasite interface were collected and analyzed to determine the presence secondary metabolites. Results: The result showed that flavonoids, saponins, and glycosides were present in the plants and parasite samples. The results revealed higher concentration of flavonoids (P < 0.05) in the parasite of C. acuminata (1190.33 ± 48.23 mgQE/g) and P. macrophylla (1482.55 ± 31.35 mgQE/g) than in the host plant. Saponins was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the parasites as compared to their respective host. Conclusion: At the host-parasite interface, significantly higher phytochemicals in the wood portion of T. globiferus was observed as compared to the host plants wood; however, the variability in phytochemical content of T. globiferus is dependent on the host. Therefore, milestoe would be a better source of bioactive compounds with high medicinal values than their host plants if explored further.
Effect of Non-Deceptive Placebo on Weight Loss: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Braswell Ann Carol , Ebeling Mel , Wood Audria S. , White Taylor R. , Lausen Marissa A. , Isaac Sasha , Boggiano Mary Michelle
Published: April 2021

PurposeThe high global prevalence of obesity calls for the development of new weight loss strategies. Open-label placebo (OLP) has ameliorated symptoms of several medical and psychological conditions but has not been tested for obesity. With OLP, participants know they are receiving a placebo. This study investigated the effect of OLP pills to increase weight loss and reduce food craving.MethodsN=31 adults of diverse sex and ethnicity with a mean BMI of 35 underwent a simple eight-week long weight-loss intervention called Gut-Cued Eating. They were randomly assigned to take two pills daily for the entirety of the study (OLP group) or no pills (no-OLP group). All participants were weighed and completed baseline surveys. The OLP group also completed an original OLP survey which assessed compliance and perceived influence of putative mechanisms behind the efficacy of OLP on their change in weight. ResultsOLP did not augment weight loss or further reduce food craving following GCE. Controlling for demographics and baseline trait suggestibility did not affect the results. While the study was preliminary due to a small sample and limited statistical power, the results did not approach significance. Furthermore, the OLP survey indicated that belief in the effect of the pills was very low to none. OLP may prove beneficial in obesity if general belief in OLPs is increased and if it is delivered in a modality different from a pill given the likely negative associations between weight-loss pills and successful weight loss. Level of EvidenceLevel 1, experimental study
UARM Effective Route for Cu- and Zn- MOFs as Highly Efficient Adsorbents Towards Arsine (AsH3) Gas Adsorption: Design and a Systematic Study
Authors: Shahriari Taher , Kazemzadeh Parya , Zeraati Malihe , sargazi ghasem
Published: April 2021

Since it is essential to select the adsorbents, which are prepared with fast, environmentally friendly, and affordable methods, therefore, in this study, the Cu- and Zn- metal organic framework nanostructures were synthesized in the shortest route with the high efficiency by the effective method of ultrasonic assisted inverse micelle (UAIM) method. The synthesized samples were used as the new adsorbents in the arsine gas adsorption. The physicochemical properties of the products were examined in detail, so that the adsorbent dosage, temperature and pressure for the preparation of samples with distinctive characteristics were 0.05 mg, 25.00 °C, and 5.00 bar, respectively. Since the design and control of experimental parameters to find the best conditions for producing the samples with high adsorption efficiency is essential in this process, thus, for this purpose, fractional factorial design and response surface methodology were used. The results indicated the high efficiency of arsine gas adsorption for the synthesized samples in optimized conditions. The differences between arsine gas adsorption in this study in comparison with the previous studies could be due to the characteristic’s improvement using the effective synthetic methods as well as the systematic study of experimental parameters.
Unique Traditional Villages on the Loess Plateau of China: Historic Evolution and Challenges to Sustainable Development of Silo-Caves
Authors: Zhang Li , Lu Peng , Yan Lijie , Li Xiang , Yang Ruixia , Chen Panpan , Wang Xia
Published: April 2021

Silo-cave is a unique human habitation form on the Loess Plateau in northern China, which consists of an excavated 6–7 m deep pit as the courtyard and cave dwellings in the surrounding four walls. This architecture has had a history of more than 7000 years, and yet such "living fossils for the history of dwellings" are now facing great crises and challenges during rapid social and economic development. In this paper, remote sensing and GIS techniques are used to comprehensively and systematically investigate the spatial distributions and morphological characteristics of silo-caves at both the macro and micro scales. The research shows that silo-cave villages are mainly distributed in economically underdeveloped areas, such as West Henan (Yuxi), South Shanxi (Jinnan), Central Shaanxi (Guanzhong), and East Gansu (Longdong). The morphological evolution patterns of typical silo-cave villages are identified, including: (1) retaining the periphery and rebuilding the interior, (2) retaining the interior and expanding the periphery, and (3) expanding both the interior and periphery. These patterns are demonstrated to be influenced by many factors, including landforms, traffic conditions, economic development, population growth, and administrative division adjustment. Sustainable development of these traditional silo-cave villages relies on administrative policy and planning, people’s awareness of cultural heritage protection, culture inheritance, industrial transformation, and public services.
A bionic soft robotic glove mimicking finger actions based on sEMG recognition
Authors: Zhao Shumi , Wang Ziwen , Lei Yisong , Huang Shaotong , Zhang Jie , Liu Jianxun , Gong Zidan
Published: April 2021

Compared with rigid robots, soft robotics is more suitable to develop anthropomorphic digits that mimics the biological structures and dexterous motions of human finger. This study proposed a surface electromyogram (sEMG) sensors-based soft robotic glove system which was able to recognize the finger activities and execute the same operation via the bionic glove. Finger activities can be recognized by using electrodes sensors to monitor the electric potential variations on specific surface of the forearm muscle regions. A hybrid robotic digit was designed that utilizes pneumatic bellow actuators to satisfy the anatomical range of the finger motion in order to mimic finger action according to sEMG information. The moving trajectory of digit tip and the range motion of each joint of the robotic digit were measured in experiments under the pressure from 0kPa to 70kPa. The bionic soft robotic glove successfully demonstrated the finger action recognition and robotic digits controlling for a variety of manipulation tasks. The feasible results provided a novel technique for controlling the soft robotic glove through sEMG signals holistically and practically, and also give inspiration and guidance for multiple fingers remote operational applications.
Theoretical investigation on the influence of Seebeck and Thomson effects in a thermoelectric generator
Authors: Maduabuchi Chika Calistus , Gurevich Yuri G.
Published: April 2021

Four possible cases of modelling a thermoelectric generator (TEG) are presented in this paper. Case 1 models equal hot and cold junction Seebeck coefficient (SC) ignoring Thomson effect (TE), case 2 adopts equal hot and cold junction SC including TE, case 3 defines unequal hot and cold junction SC neglecting TE while case 4 represents unequal hot and cold junction SC with TE. The modified expressions for these cases are derived and employed in a comparative electric and geometric optimization of the TEG. The impact of the harmonious relationship between TE and SC on the optimum and maximum system performance parameters is studied and discussed. The results show that the systems performance can be enhanced or reduced depending on the operating temperature gradient and prevalent relationship between SC and TE. The results obtained from this work should be able to accurately predict the suitable TE and SC configuration for optimum and maximum system performance.
Globally Consistent Assessment of Coastal Eutrophication
Authors: Maúre Elígio , Terauchi Genki , Ishizaka Joji , Clinton Nicholas , DeWitt Michael
Published: April 2021

Eutrophication associated with increasing anthropogenic nutrient loading is an emerging global concern. Often, eutrophication is concomitant with negative impacts on ecosystems and human well-being. Nevertheless, the impacts and the extent of eutrophication are limited to regions with dedicated monitoring programmes. Here we introduce the Global Eutrophication Watch, the first global and interactive assessment map of coastal eutrophication potential (CEP). It is constructed on Google Earth Engine and it evaluates temporal trends in satellite chlorophyll-a (CHL), a proxy for phytoplankton biomass, to devise a global map of CEP. Our analyses suggest that, globally, coastal waters (depth ≤ 200 m) covering ~ 1.15 million km2 are eutrophic potential. We found that waters associated with CHL increasing trends—those with potential for further deterioration of water quality—are twofold higher than those showing signs of recovery. The tool effectively identified areas of known eutrophication with severe symptoms, such as dead zones, as well as those with limited to no information of the eutrophication. Our tool introduces the prospect for a consistent global assessment of eutrophication trends with major implications for monitoring Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This work contributes to the application of Earth Observations in support of SDGs.
Fig. 2. The frequency distributions of per capita monthly income are plotted, as stacked histograms for each race category (A). Median income values per race are plotted with dashed lines. The relation between monthly income and population density across racial categories is plotted with linear regression lines and 95% confidence interval ribbons (B). Each point is a census district. The frequency distribution of census tracts across proportional racial population composition are plotted in C. P
Authors: Venter Zander S , Shackleton Charlie M. , Staden Francini Van , Selomane Odirilwe , Masterson Vanessa A
Published: April 2021

Urban green infrastructure
provides ecosystem services that are essential to human wellbeing. A dearth of
national-scale assessments in the Global South has precluded the ability to
explore how political regimes, such as the forced racial segregation in South
Africa during and after Apartheid, have influenced the extent of and access to
green infrastructure over time. We investigate whether there are disparities in
green infrastructure distributions across race and income geographies in urban
South Africa. Using open-source satellite imagery and geographic information,
along with national census statistics, we find that public and private green
infrastructure is more abundant, accessible, greener and more treed in
high-income relative to low-income areas, and in areas where previously
advantaged racial groups (i.e. White citizens) reside.