bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postoperative Severe Lung Failure and Functional Variations in Lung Cancer Patients with Different Extent of Resection: A Pilot Study .
Authors: Pezzuto Aldo , Marinucci Beatrice Trabalza , Pagliuca Alessandra , Salvucci Claudia , Guerrieri Giulio , D’Ascanio Michela , Ricci Alberto , Ciccozzi Massimo , Rendina Erino Angelo
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND Lung cancer is recognized to be the main cause of cancer death worldwide and it is closely associated with cigarette smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Only about 15% of patients affected by lung cancer are suitable for surgery and the clinical postoperative outcomes are variable.We aim to investigate the variables that affect post-surgery complications .METHODS A sample of 75 patients who underwent surgery for lung cancer was retrospectively studied about respiratory function and arterial gasanalysis .Data were collected before and after surgery. A subgroups comparative analysis was performed between group who underwent lobectomy vs group who underwent sub-lobar resection represented by either wedge or segmentectomy. Lung failure was categorized as severe for PaO2< 50 mmHg or non severe for PaO2 >50 mmHg.RESULTSThe overall data were: mean age 71.5, hospitalization time 7.8 days, pack-year 34, body mass index (BMI) 25.4, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) assessment test (CAT) mean value was 16.5, forced expiratory one second volume (FEV1) at baseline 1.6 l corresponding to 73.6% of predicted.The mean age was 71.5, males/females rate 35/30The prevalent stage was IA and prevalent histotype was adenocarcinoma.Among the variables affecting lung failure development only the type of surgery along with presence of COPD showed a significant impact.Comparing the groups about the risk of severe lung failure development the treatment with lobectomy is associated with an increased risk compared with sub-lobar resection (p<0.0005). A CAT questionnaire > 10 was also associated with greater risk of lung failure with oxygen therapy need(p<0.04).The subgroups were comparable for age and pack-year , and for PaO2, FEV 1 and FVC at baseline. A significant difference was observed in terms of hospitalization time (p<0.03) that was longer in group of lobectomy and PaO2 15 days after surgery (p<0.03). The COPD percentage was higher in the group treated by lobectomy (p<0.01). The PaO2 level increased at 3 month check in patients treated with sub-lobar resection that was slightly increased compared with patients treated with lobar resection (p<0.04)post-surgery (p<0.04). The variations of the main functional parameters FEV1 and FVC in terms of a reduction the main functional parameters FEV1 and FVC were more evident in patients who underwent lobectomy compared with group treated with sub-lobar resection(p<0.001).CONCLUSIONSAll patients affected by lung cancer who undergo surgery report lung failure of different intensity depending on the type of surgery.COPD itself could influence the outcome, too. A greater negative variations of functional parameters after surgery is found in group who undergo lobectomy.
Road Traffic Noise, Noise Sensitivity, Noise Annoyance, Psychological and Physical Health and Mortality
Authors: Stansfeld Stephen , Clark Charlotte , Smuk Melanie , Gallacher John , Babisch Wolfgang
Published: September 2020

Background: Both physical and psychological health outcomes have been associated with exposure to environmental noise. It is not known whether all individuals are equally susceptible to these effects. Noise sensitivity has chiefly been examined in studies of annoyance where it has been shown to moderate the annoyance responses to transport-related noise. Noise sensitivity could have the same moderating effect on physical and psychological health outcomes related to environmental noise exposure but this has been little tested. Noise sensitivity which is also associated with sensitivity to chemicals, light and odours could be an indicator of a more pervasive susceptibility to ill-health related to environmental sources. Methods: A cohort of 2398 men between 45 and 59 years, the longitudinal Caerphilly Collaborative Heart Disease study, was established in 1984/88 and followed into the mid-1990s. Road traffic noise maps were assessed at baseline. Baseline psychological ill-health measures were measured in phase 2 in 1984/88, at phase 3 follow up 1989/93 and phase 4 follow up in 1993/6.Ischaemic heart disease and risk factors were measured in clinic and by questionnaire at baseline and through hospital records and administrative records of deaths during follow up. This study aimed to test if noise sensitivity and noise annoyance have moderating effects on road traffic noise and psychological ill-health and secondly if noise sensitivity and noise annoyance predict physical and psychological ill-health and mortality, irrespective of exposure to road traffic noise. Results: Road traffic noise was associated with Phase 4 psychological ill-health but only among those exposed to 56-60dBA (OR= 1.98 95%CI 1.21, 3.24). High noise sensitivity was associated with lower mortality risk (HR=0.71, 95%CI 0.54-0.94). High noise sensitivity was associated longitudinally with psychological ill-health at phase 3 (OR=1.82 95%CI1.30, 2.56) and phase 4 (OR=1.78 95%CI 1.26, 2.52). There was weak evidence that noise sensitivity moderated the association of road traffic noise exposure with psychological ill-health. Noise annoyance predicted psychological ill-health at phase 4 in the sample in which baseline cases of psychological ill-health were included (OR= 2.08 95%CI 1.00, 4.31). Neither noise sensitivity nor noise annoyance moderated the effects of road traffic noise on ischaemic heart disease morbidity or mortality. Noise annoyance did not moderate the effects of road traffic noise on psychological ill-health.Conclusions: Noise sensitivity is a specific predictor of psychological ill-health and may be an indicator of current psychological ill-health as part of a wider construct of environmental susceptibility. It may increase the risk of psychological ill-health when exposed to road traffic noise.
Dendritic cell responses to Plasmodium falciparum in a malaria-endemic setting
Authors: Turner Triniti C. , Arama Charles , Ongoiba Aissata , Doumbo Safiatou , Doumtabé Didier , Kayentao Kassoum , Skinner Jeff , Li Shanping , Traore Boubacar , Crompton Peter D. , Götz Anton
Published: September 2020

Background: Plasmodium falciparum causes the majority of malaria cases world-wide, mostly affecting children in sub-Saharan Africa. Non-sterile clinical immunity that protects from symptoms develops slowly and is relatively short-lived. Moreover, current malaria vaccine candidates fail to induce durable high-level protection in endemic settings, possibly due to the immunomodulatory effects of the malaria parasite itself. Because dendritic cells play a crucial role in initiating immune responses, here we sought to better understand the impact of cumulative malaria exposure as well as concurrent P. falciparum infection on dendritic cell phenotype and function.Methods: In this cross-sectional study we assessed the phenotype and function of dendritic cells freshly isolated from peripheral blood samples of Malian adults with a lifelong history of malaria exposure who were either uninfected (n=27) or asymptomatically infected with P. falciparum (n=8). Additionally, we measured plasma cytokine and chemokine levels in these adults and in Malian children (n=19) with acute symptomatic malaria.Results: With the exception of lower plasmacytoid dendritic cell frequencies in asymptomatically infected Malian adults, peripheral blood dendritic cell subset frequencies and HLA-DR surface expression did not differ by infection status. Peripheral blood myeloid dendritic cells of uninfected Malian adults responded to in vitro stimulation with P. falciparum blood-stage parasites by up-regulating the costimulatory molecules HLA-DR, CD80, CD86 and CD40 and secreting IL-10, CXCL9 and CXCL10. In contrast, myeloid dendritic cells of asymptomatically infected Malian adults exhibited no significant responses above the uninfected red blood cell control. IL-10 and CXCL9 plasma levels were elevated in both asymptomatic adults and children with acute malaria.Conclusions: Our findings indicate that myeloid dendritic cells of uninfected adults with a lifelong history of malaria exposure are able to up-regulate co-stimulatory molecules and produce cytokines in a manner that is comparable to mDCs of malaria-naïve individuals. Whether mDCs of malaria-exposed individuals are efficient antigen-presenting cells capable of mounting an appropriate immune response remains to be determined. The data also highlights IL-10 and CXCL9 as important factors in both asymptomatic and acute malaria and add to our understanding of asymptomatic P. falciparum infections in malaria-endemic areas.
Population Genomics Of Plasmodium Falciparum And Malaria Control Implications In Abidjan (Cote D’ivoire)
Authors: Ehouni Désiré N'Da , Konaté Abibatou , Nyanjom Steven G , Ouattara Amed , Menan Hervé Eby I. , Yavo William
Published: September 2020

Background: The sudden onset of P. falciparum resistance to antimalarial drugs requires careful surveillance of African parasite population. Genomics tools are implemented to detect evolutionary changes that could impact on malaria control and elimination strategies. Here, we evaluated the genome-wide pattern of selection and sequence variation of P. falciparum populations from Côte d’Ivoire. Methods: The study was carried out in three localities of Abidjan from 2013 to 2014. We collected 70 blood samples following a written consent from patients above two years of age. After extracting P. falciparum DNA from isolates, we performed Whole Genome Sequencing and used population genomics approaches to investigate genetic diversity, complexity of infection and identify loci under positive directional selection. Results: We observed an excess of rare variants in the population showing a clear mutation process in the isolates. Moderate Fst estimates (0.3) was detected for surfin genes expressed at the surface of infected erythrocytes and released merozoites. Seven iHS regions that had at least two SNPs with a score > 3.2 were identified. These regions code for genes that have been under strong directional selection. Two of these genes were the chloroquine resistance transporter ( crt) on chromosome 7 and the dihydropteroate reductase (dhps) on chromosome 8 despite their official proscription for malaria treatment since 2007. There was also a recent selective sweep in the erythrocyte membrane protein ( Pfemp1) . Conclusion: Population genomics revealed selective drug pressure and balancing selection on protective immunity target genes, demonstrating his effectiveness to follow up adaptive evolution of parasite populations and adopt appropriate strategies to control malaria in Côte d’Ivoire. Keywords: Malaria, Population Genomics, Whole Genome Sequencing, Côte d’Ivoire, Plasmodium falciparum
Estimating the potential impact of Attractive Targeted Sugar Baits (ATSBs) as a new vector control tool for Plasmodium falciparum malaria
Authors: Fraser Keith James , Mwandigha Lazaro , Traore Sekou , Traore Mohamed , Doumbia Seydou , Junnila Amy , Revay Edita , Beier John , Marshall John , Ghani Azra , Muller Gunter
Published: September 2020

Background: Attractive targeted sugar baits (ATSBs) are a promising new tool for malaria control as they can target outdoor-feeding mosquito populations, in contrast to current vector control tools which predominantly target indoor-feeding mosquitoes. Methods: We sought to estimate the potential impact of these new tools on Plasmodium falciparum malaria prevalence in African settings by combining data from a recent entomological field trial of ATSBs undertaken in Mali with mathematical models of malaria transmission. Results: The entomological study showed a significant reduction of 55.4% (95 % CI 33.7-77.1%) in mosquito catch numbers, and a larger reduction of ~91% (95% CI 75-100%) in the entomological inoculation rate due to the fact that, in the presence of ATSBs, most mosquitoes do not live long enough to transmit malaria. The key parameter determining impact on the mosquito population is the excess mortality due to ATSBs, which we estimate from the observed reduction in mosquito catch numbers to be lower (mean 0.13 per mosquito per day, seasonal range 0.10-0.16 per day) than the bait feeding rate obtained from one-day staining tests (mean 0.34 per mosquito per day, seasonal range 0.28-0.38 per day). Using a mathematical model capturing the lifecycle of P. falciparum malaria in mosquitoes and humans and incorporating the excess mortality, we predict that ATSBs could result in large reductions (>30% annually) in prevalence and clinical incidence of malaria, even in regions with an existing high malaria burden. Conclusions: Results suggest that this new tool could provide a promising addition to existing vector control tools and result in significant reductions in malaria burden across a range of malaria-endemic settings.
Profiling Knowledge Brokers in the Rehabilitation Sector Across Canada: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Gaid Dina , Ahmed Sara , Thomas Aliki , Bussières Andre
Published: September 2020

Background: Knowledge brokers (KBs) can help promote the uptake of the latest research evidence into clinical practice. Little is known about who they are, the type of work they do, and their training. Establishing a portrait of Canadian KBs working in the rehabilitation sector may inform health care organizations and knowledge translation specialists on how best to advance KBs practices. The overall goal was to describe the profile of KBs working to promote the uptake of evidence within rehabilitation settings in Canada. Specifically, this study aimed to describe the sociodemographic and professional characteristics, work activities, and training of KBs.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was administered to KBs working in rehabilitation settings across Canada. The survey included 20 questions covering sociodemographic and professional characteristics, work activities, and training opportunities. Response frequency and percentage were calculated for all categorical variables, and the weighted-average “WA” for each role was calculated across participants. Descriptive analysis was conducted for all open-ended questions. Results: Of 475 participants accessing the website, 198 completed the survey questionnaire, including 99 clinicians, 35 researchers, and 26 managers. While over two-third of respondents had completed a graduate degree, only 38% reported receiving KBs-related training. The respondents’ primary roles corresponded to a linking agent (WA=1.84), followed by capacity builder (WA=1.76), information manager (1.71), facilitator (WA=1.41), and evaluator (WA=1.32). Conclusions: KBs are mostly expert clinicians who tend to perform brokering activities part-time targeting their peers. Participants mostly perform linking agents, capacity builder, and information roles. Moreover, few participants received formal training to perform brokering activities.
Coculture with Hemicellulose-Fermenting Microbes Reverses Inhibition of Corn Fiber Solubilization by C. Thermocellum at Elevated Solids Loadings
Authors: Beri Dhananjay , Herring Christopher D , Blahova Sofie , Poudel Suresh , Giannone Richard , Hettich Robert , Lynd Lee R
Published: September 2020

Background

The cellulolytic thermophile Clostridium thermocellum is an important biocatalyst due to its ability to solubilize lignocellulosic feedstocks without the need for pretreatment or exogenous enzyme addition. At low concentrations of substrate, C. thermocellum can solubilize corn fiber >95% in 5 days, but solubilization declines markedly at substrate concentrations higher than 20 g/L. This differs for model cellulose like Avicel, on which the maximum solubilization rate increases in proportion to substrate concentration. The goal of this study was to examine fermentation at increasing corn fiber concentrations and investigate possible reasons for declining performance.

Results

The rate of growth of C. thermocellum on corn fiber, inferred from CipA scaffoldin levels measured by LC-MS/MS, showed very little increase with increasing solids loading. To test for inhibition, we evaluated the effects of spent broth on growth and cellulase activity. The liquids remaining after corn fiber fermentation were found to be strongly inhibitory to growth on cellobiose, a substrate that does not require cellulose hydrolysis. Additionally, the hydrolytic activity of C. thermocellum cellulase was also reduced to less than half by adding spent broth. Noting that >15 g/L hemicellulose oligosaccharides accumulated in the spent broth of a 40 g/L corn fiber fermentation, we tested the effect of various model carbohydrates on growth on cellobiose and Avicel. Some compounds like xylooligosaccharides caused a decline in cellulolytic activity and a reduction in the maximum solubilization rate on Avicel. However, there were no relevant model compounds that could replicate the strong inhibition by spent broth on C. thermocellum growth on cellobiose. Cocultures of C. thermocellum with hemicellulose consuming partners - Herbinix spp. strain LL1355 and Thermoanaerobacterium thermosaccharolyticum –exhibited lower levels of unfermented hemicellulose hydrolysis products, a doubling of the maximum solubilization rate, and final solubilization increased from 67% to 93%.

Conclusions

This study documents inhibition of C. thermocellum with increasing corn fiber concentration and demonstrates inhibition of cellulase activity by xylooligosaccharides, but further work is needed to understand why growth on cellobiose was inhibited by corn fiber fermentation broth. Our results support the importance of hemicellulose-utilizing coculture partners to augment C. thermocellum in the fermentation of lignocellulosic feedstocks at high solids loading.
Knowledge of and Experience With Transgender Players Among Soccer Team Staff: A Cross-sectional Questionnaire Design
Authors: Sadamasu Aya , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Akagi Ryuichiro , Sasho Takahisa , Morikawa Tsuguo , Ohtori Seiji
Published: September 2020

Background: Transgender issues have become more prominent in sports. However, knowledge of and experience with supporting transgender players across soccer team staff remain unclear. This study surveyed soccer team staff in Japan and aimed to 1) evaluate staff’s level of knowledge of transgender-related terminology, 2) ascertain staff’s ability to identify transgender players and their experience in supporting transgender players, and 3) identify factors which affect staff’s knowledge and experience.Methods: A questionnaire was disbursed to coaches, physicians, and physical trainers affiliated with soccer teams between 2018 and 2019. Questions asked about 1) participant characteristics (sex, age, certified license, team categories); 2) understanding of transgender related terms, including LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender), and the IOC Consensus Meeting on Sex Reassignment and Hyperandrogenism (IOC Consensus Meeting 2015); 3) ability to identify transgender players; and 4) experience in supporting transgender players.Results: In total, 478 participants were analyzed, including 30 women, 448 men, and none of the other genders. The mean age of participants was 38 ± 10 years; 443 (93%) were 33 involved in men's soccer and105 (22%) were involved in women's soccer. While 358 (75%) and 398 (83%) participants understood the terms LGBT and transgender, only 33 (7%) were familiar with the IOC Consensus Meeting 2015. Only 70 (15%) participants could identify transgender players, and 6 (2%) had experiences supporting them. Moreover, 4 (1%) had witnessed transgender players receiving cross-sex hormone treatment.Conclusion: Although a considerable proportion of soccer support staff were familiar with transgender terms, most did not have sufficient knowledge or experience with transgender athletes.
Comparison of qSOFA score, SOFA Score, and SIRS Criteria for the Prediction of Infection and Mortality Among Surgical Intermediate and Intensive Care Patients
Authors: Koch Christian , Edinger Fabian , Fischer Tobias , Brenck Florian , Hecker Andreas , Katzer Christian , Markmann Melanie , Sander Michael , Schneck Emmanuel
Published: September 2020

Background It is crucial to rapidly identify sepsis so that adequate treatment may be initiated. Accordingly, the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and the quick SOFA (qSOFA) score are used to evaluate intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU patients, respectively. As demand for ICU beds rises, the intermediate care unit (IMCU) carries greater importance as a bridge between the ICU and the regular ward. This study aimed to examine the ability of SOFA and qSOFA scores to predict sepsis and mortality in IMCU patients. Methods Retrospective data analysis included 13,780 surgical patients treated at the IMCU, ICU, or both between 01/01/2012 and 09/30/2018. Patients were screened for suspected infection (i.e., the commencement of broad-spectrum antibiotics) and then evaluated for the SOFA score, qSOFA score, and the 1992 defined systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria. Results Suspected infection was detected in 1,306 (18.3%) of IMCU, 1,365 (35.5%) of ICU, and 1,734 (62.0%) of IMCU/ICU encounters. Overall, 458 (3.3%) patients died (IMCU: 45 [0.6%]; ICU: 250 [6.5%]; IMCU/ICU: 163 [5.8%]). All investigated scores failed to predict sepsis independently of the analyzed subgroup. Regarding mortality prediction, the qSOFA score performed sufficiently within the IMCU cohort (AUCROC SIRS: 0.72 [0.71-0.72]; SOFA: 0.52 [0.51-0.53]; qSOFA: 0.82 [0.79-0.84]), while the SOFA score was predictive in patients of the IMCU/ICU cohort (AUCROC SIRS 0.54 [0.53-0.54]; SOFA 0.73 [0.70-0.77]; qSOFA 0.59 [0.58-0.59]). Conclusions None of the assessed scores was sufficiently able to predict sepsis in surgical ICU or IMCU patients with suspected infection. While the qSOFA score is appropriate for mortality prediction in IMCU patients, SOFA score prediction quality is increased in critically ill patients.
NSD2 Promotes Tumor Angiogenesis Through Methylating and Activating STAT3 Signaling
Authors: Song Da , Lan Jingqin , Chen Yaqi , Liu Anyi , Wu Qi , Zhao Chongchong , Feng Yongdong , Wang Jing , Luo Xuelai , Cao Zhixin , Hu Junbo , Wang Guihua
Published: September 2020

Background：Tumor angiogenesis plays important roles in tumorigenesis and development, the regulation mechanism of angiogenesis is still not been fully elucidated. Nuclear receptor binding SET domain protein 2 (NSD2), a histone methyltransferase which catalyzes the di-methylation of histone H3 at lysine 36, has been proved a critical molecule in proliferation, metastasis and tumorigenesis. But its role in tumor angiogenesis remains unknown.Methods： Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8), scratch assays, transwell-migration assays, tube-formation and mice xenograft model assays were used to confirm the role of NSD2 in the bioprocess of angiogenesis. Bioinformatics analysis, western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to verify the function of NSD2 in regulating STAT3 signaling pathway. Immunofluorescence co-localization, immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry and site-directed mutagenesis were performed to determine the NSD2-dependent methylation site of STAT3.Results: Here we demonstrated that NSD2 promoted tumor angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we confirmed that the angiogenic function of NSD2 was mediated by STAT3. Momentously, we found that NSD2 promoted the methylation of STAT3 and that the inhibition of STAT3 methylation resulted in the attenuation of STAT3 signaling pathway. In addition, mass spectrometry and site-directed mutagenesis assays revealed that NSD2 methylated STAT3 at lysine 163 (K163), and K163 was of significance in the activation of STAT3 signaling pathway.Conclusion: We conclude that methylation of STAT3 catalyzed by NSD2 promotes the activation of STAT3 pathway and enhances the ability of tumor angiogenesis. Our findings investigate a NSD2 dependent methylation-phosphorylation regulation pattern of STAT3 and reveal that NSD2/STAT3/VEGFA axis might be a potential target for tumor therapy.
Beneficial Effect of Indigo Naturalis on Acute Lung Injury Induced by Influenza a Virus
Authors: Tu Peng , Tian Rong , Lu Yan , Zhang Yunyi , Zhu Haiyan , Ling Lijun , Li Hong , Chen Daofeng
Published: September 2020

Background: Infections induced by influenza viruses, as well as COVID-19 pandemic induced by SARS-CoV-2 led to Acute lung injury (ALI) and multiorgan failure, during which traditional Chinese medicine played an important role in treatment of the pandemic. The study aimed to investigate the effect of indigo naturalis on ALI induced by influenza A virus (IAV) in mice.Method: The anti-influenza and anti-inflammatory properties of aqueous extracts of indigo naturalis (INAE) were evaluated in vitro. BALB/c mice inoculated intranasally with IAV (H1N1) were treated intragastrically with INAE (40, 80 and 160 mg kg-1/d) 2 h later for 4 or 7 days. Animal mortality and lifespan were recorded. Expression of high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB-1) and toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) were evaluated through immunohistological staining. Inflammatory cytokines were also monitored by ELISA.Result: INAE inhibited virus growth on Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells and decreased nitric oxide (NO) production from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated peritoneal macrophage in vitro. The results showed that oral administration of 160 mg/kg of INAE significantly improved the lifespan (P < 0.01) and survival rate of IAV infected mice, improved lung injury and lowered viral replication in lung tissue (P < 0.01). Treatment with INAE (40, 80 and 160 mg/kg) also significantly increased liver weight and liver index (P < 0.05), as well as spleen and thymus weight and organ index at 160 mg/kg (P < 0.05). The expression of HMGB-1 and TLR4 in lung tissue were also suppressed. Treatment with INAE reduced the high levels of interferon α (IFN-α), interferon β (IFN-β), interferon γ (IFN-γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted factor (RANTES), interferon induced protein-10 (IP-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (P < 0.05), with increased production of interleukin-10 (IL-10) (P < 0.05). The increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and methylene dioxyamphetamine (MDA) level in lung tissues were inhibited by INAE treatment (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The results showed that INae alleviated IAV induced ALI in mice. The effect of INAE might be related with its anti-virus, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation properties, which give a hint that indigo naturalis might be effective on respiratory viruses infected acute lung injury or SAR-CoV-2 caused COVID-19.
Transcriptome dynamics in early in vivo developing and in vitro produced porcine embryos
Authors: Weijden Vera A van der , Schmidhauser Meret , Kurome Mayuko , Flöter Veronika L , Knubben Johannes , Wolf Eckhard , Ulbrich Susanne
Published: September 2020

Background

The transcriptional changes around the time of embryonic genome activation in pre-implantation embryos indicate that this process is highly dynamic. In vitro produced porcine blastocysts are known to be less competent than in vivo developed blastocysts. To understand the conditions that compromise developmental competence of in vitro embryos, it is crucial to evaluate the transcriptional profile of porcine embryos during pre-implantation stages. In this study, we investigated the transcriptome dynamics in in vivo developed and in vitro produced 4-cell embryos, morulae and hatched blastocysts.

Results

In vivo developed and in vitro produced embryos displayed largely similar transcriptome profiles during development. Enriched canonical pathways from the 4-cell to the morula transition that were shared between in vivo developed and in vitro produced embryos included oxidative phosphorylation, tRNA charging, and EIF2 signaling. The shared canonical pathways from the morula to the hatched blastocyst transition were 14-3-3-mediated signaling, signaling of Rho family GTPases, and NRF2-mediated oxidative stress response. The in vivo developed and in vitro produced hatched blastocysts were compared to identify molecular signaling pathways indicative of lower developmental competence of in vitro produced hatched blastocysts. A higher metabolic rate and expression of the arginine transporter SLC7A1 were found in in vitro produced hatched blastocysts.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that embryos with compromised developmental potential are arrested at an early stage of development, while embryos developing to the hatched blastocyst stage display largely similar transcriptome profiles, irrespective of embryo source. The hatched blastocysts derived from the in vitro fertilization-pipeline showed an enrichment in molecular signaling pathways associated with lower developmental competence, compared to the in vivo developed embryos.
Research Between Sleep Quality and Interpersonal Sensitivity of Chinese College Students
Authors: Tang Haiying , Guo Bao , Lang Yanzhi
Published: September 2020

Background To investigate and to explore the relationship between sleep quality and interpersonal sensitivity of Chinese college students.Method During the period from April 2019 to May 2019, the university students from five universities in Shanxi Province of China were selected by occasional sampling method. The research has received permission from Research Ethics Committee of ShanXi Medical University(2016010). A cross-sectional survey was conducted with the Chinese version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) and the self-designed questionnaire. SPSS 25.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results A total of 901 college students were investigated. The average score of interpersonal sensitivity was 17.72±6.46, and 9.0% of college students were in the state of interpersonal sensitivity. Grade and specialty are the influencing factors of interpersonal sensitivity (p<0.05). The total PSQI score was 4.43±2.56. 28.0% of college students had poor sleep quality. Major was the influencing factor of sleep quality (p<0.001). In the multiple linear regression models, we found that daytime dysfunction, sleep disorder, subjective sleep quality, sleep latency and sleep time were the main factors affecting interpersonal sensitivity.Conclusions The higher the PSQI score, the higher the interpersonal sensitivity score. Among the dimensions of sleep quality, daytime dysfunction, sleep disorder, subjective sleep quality, sleep latency and sleep time can affect interpersonal sensitivity.
Hydrogen Sulfide Sorption by Soils
Authors: Bohn Hinrich L. , Fu‐Yong  , Huang‐Chenghe
Published: September 2020

The sorption of H2S gas was measured in columns of soils of varying pH, clay, organic‐matter, and Fe‐oxide contents. The amounts and rates of H2S adsorption were primarily related to Feoxide content. The soil‐H2S sorption was only slightly affected by the H2S flow rate. When the H2S‐treated soils were exposed to air, the reaction product oxidized to elemental S and Fe oxide within several hours. The oxidation regenerated the H2S sorption capacity. The soil were run through four cycles of H2S sorption and oxidation without reducing the sorption capacity. The S accumulated in the soil as elemental S.
Food Waste Compost Effects on Fertilizer Nitrogen Efficiency, Available Nitrogen, and Tall Fescue Yield
Authors: Sullivan D. M. , Bary A. I. , Thomas D. R. , Fransen S. C. , Cogger C. G.
Published: September 2020

Composting of food waste is increasing as composting technologies improve and as social and environmental pressures demand alternatives to disposal in landfills. Few agronomic studies are available to document N availability following food waste compost application. The objectives of this study were (i) to determine food waste compost effects on N fertilizer uptake efficiency across a range of N fertilizer rates, (ii) evaluate the effect of food waste composts on grass yield and N uptake by tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceaSchreb. ‘A.U. Triumph’), and (iii) estimate the residual effects of compost application on N fertilizer requirements. We used a split‐plot design with two compost treatments and a no‐compost control as main plots, and NH4NO3(34‐0‐0) applied at rates of 0, 17, 34, 50, and 67 kg ha−1per grass harvest as subplots. A food waste + yard trimmings + paper (FYP) compost and a food waste + wood waste + sawdust (FW) compost were applied at rates of approximately 78 Mg ha−1(870–1000 kg N ha−1) before seeding tall fescue. Compost did not affect grass yield or N uptake in the first year of the study. Compost increased grass yield during the second and third seasons after application. Grass N uptake increased linearly with fertilizer N application rate in all years. Compost did not affect fertilizer N uptake efficiency (the linear slope describing grass N uptake vs. fertilizer N application). Nitrogen fertilizer requirements during the midseason growth period were reduced by 0.22 to 0.37 kg N ha−1d−1during the second season after compost application and by 0.13 to 0.26 kg ha−1d−1during the third season after compost application. Results of this study suggest that N mineralized from compost and N provided by fertilizer can be considered as additive components of N supply for crop growth.
Estimating Plant‐Available Water Across a Field with an Inverse Yield Model
Authors: Morgan Cristine L. S. , Norman John M. , Lowery Birl
Published: September 2020

The variability of crop yield in dryland production is primarily affected by the spatial distribution of plant‐available water even for seemingly uniform fields. The most productive midwestern soils, which are loess caps over glacial till or outwash, can have a wide range of water‐holding capacities in individual fields because of landscape processes and management. An inverse yield model was created as a robust method to quantify the spatial and temporal role of plant‐available water on large agricultural fields to improve management options in precision agriculture. Plant‐available water maps for a field were estimated from yield maps using inverse water‐budget modeling based on measurements of solar radiation, temperature, precipitation, and vapor pressure deficit. The model presented in this paper was applied to 5 yr of corn (Zea mays L.) yield‐monitor data from a field in Waunakee, WI, having three soil mapping units, Plano silt loam (fine‐silty, mixed, mesic Typic Argiudoll), St. Charles silt loam (fine‐silty, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludalf), and Griswold loam (Fine‐loamy, mixed, mesic Typic Argiudoll). The comparison of measured and inverse‐modeled plant‐available water suggests that the simple inverse yield model produces reasonable results in drier years with uncertainties of about 28 mm of plant‐available water. The model helped to quantify the role of plant‐available water in determining crop yield. Because of limited input requirements, the model shows promise as a practical tool for using precision farming to improve management decisions, and as a tool to obtain input for landscape‐based models.
Equation for Describing Solute Transport in Field Soils with Preferential Flow Paths
Authors: Kim Young-Jin , Darnault Christophe J. G. , Bailey Nathan O. , Parlange J.-Yves , Steenhuis Tammo S.
Published: September 2020

Modeling the transport of chemicals is challenging due to the presence of preferential flow paths and the input data needed to describe these paths. We propose a simple equation that can predict the breakthrough of solutes without excessive data requirements under steady state flow conditions. In our generalized preferential flow model (GPFM), the soil is conceptually divided into a distribution zone and a conveyance zone. The distribution zone acts as a linear reservoir resulting in an exponential loss of solutes through preferential flow paths from this zone. In the conveyance zone, the transport of solutes is described with the convective‐dispersive (CD) equation. Input data required are the apparent water content of the distribution zone, and solute velocities and dispersivities in the conveyance zone. The model is tested with chloride breakthrough curves (BTCs) resulting from three sets of experiments performed with steady state artificial acid rainfall at different intensities applied sequentially using duplicate columns filled with undisturbed soil or sand both exhibiting preferential flow. The model is able to describe the breakthrough of solutes with physically meaningful parameters through coarse sand with fingered flow and through undisturbed soil cores. In coarse sand, water and solutes flow only through the fingered flow paths in the conveyance zone. In undisturbed columns there is both flow through the matrix and preferential flow paths, and two velocities in the conveyance zone are needed to simulate the breakthrough curves.
HIGH‐RESOLUTION MONITORING OF SURFACE‐FLOW DEPTH WITH FREQUENCY‐DOMAIN PROBES
Authors: Schack-Kirchner Helmer , Schmid Thomas , Hildebrand Ernst
Published: September 2020

The need exists for a measurement technique to accurately determine the depth of surface runoff on natural soil surfaces. The objective of this note was to determine the sensitivity to the immersion depth of commercially available frequency‐domain probes. Within the range of 0 to 25 mm, measurement accuracies better than 0.5 mm were reached. Interestingly, soiling of the rods or droplets did not influence the results significantly. The influence of the electrical conductivity of the water or internal characteristics of different probes did not lead to a bias of more than 1 mm. A field test with grid‐like mounted frequency‐domain probes showed a stable output signal and a high sensitivity to hydrograph changes. We concluded that frequency‐domain probes were well suited for tracking shallow depths of surface runoff in field studies and allow high spatial and time resolution. They provide higher accuracy than alternative systems in the water‐level range <5 mm. However, when the measurement precision must be higher than 0.5 mm, an individual calibration of the probes is necessary as well as a correction for salinity.
Massed versus Embedded Trial Arrangements: Teaching Community Signs to Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: ŞAHİN Şerife , ÖZEN Arzu
Published: September 2020

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of teaching the meaning of community signs with massed trial arrangements (MTA) and embedded trial arrangements (ETA) using constant time delay intervention. The constant time delay intervention was used two different arrangements; MTA versus ETA. The study was conduct with four boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder, aged between 44-64 months. An adapted alternating design was used. The two arrangements were equally effective in terms of the number of sessions required for participants to learn the meaning of the signs. However, MTA sessions were much shorter. The study asked participants’ preferred arrangement; two chose MTA and two chose ETA.
Optimum design and operation of a hydropower reservoir considering uncertainty of inflow
Authors: Hoseinzadeh Toktam , Shourian Mojtaba , Yazdi Jafar
Published: September 2020

Due to the large number of variables and nonlinear relations, hydropower plant design and operation optimization problems belong to the Non-polynomial hard class of problems. In this study, optimum design and operation of a hydropower reservoir is compared in two cases using deterministic and stochastic inflows by two meta-heuristic algorithms. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) and cuckoo optimization algorithm (COA) are applied under two conditions of using the historical inflow time series as a deterministic approach and the eigenvector-based synthetic generations as a stochastic approach for optimum design and operation of the Bakhtiari hydropower plant in Iran. The problem is solved in two states of finding the optimum values for the reservoir and power plant capacities (as the design decision variables) with known standard operation policy (SOP) and optimum values for the capacities and the reservoir releases variables (as the design and operating variables). Results obtained by the models indicate that the role of operation optimization is negligible as the SOP used in the design models led to near optimum solutions. Considering uncertainty in the reservoir inflows resulted in an increase of the installation capacity and consequently the energy production. In addition, PSO demonstrated more efficiency compared to COA in dealing with the proposed optimization problem that has a complex feasible search space.
Effect of polyphenols on activated sludge biomass during the treatment of highly diluted olive mill wastewaters: biomass dynamics and purifying performances
Authors: Elmansour T. E. , Mandi L. , Ahmali A. , Elghadraoui A. , Aziz F. , Hejjaj A. , Del Bubba M. , Ouazzani N.
Published: September 2020

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of treating olive mill waste water (OMWW) by activated sludge pilot (AS) after its high dilution (1%) by urban waste water (UWW) and to study the effect of polyphenol compounds on the biomass during the treatment. Specific oxygen uptake rate (SOUR), mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total polyphenols, were followed up over 100 days. In spite of the polyphenols' high concentration (up to 128 mg·L−1), successful biomass growth of 7.12 g MLVSS.L −1 and activity were achieved. Most of the bacteria (Pseudomonas sp., Klebsiella oxytoca, Citrobacter fereundii, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus sp.) and fungi (Trichoderma sp., Rhizopus sp., Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp., Alternaria) identified in the aerobic basin during the stabilization stage were known to be resistant to OMWW and showed effective adaptation of the biomass to polyphenols in high concentration. COD and polyphenols were highly eliminated (90%, 92% respectively). The sludge volume index in the pilot settling tank was almost constant at around 120 mL.g −1. This suggests the possibility of managing OMWW by simple injection at a given percentage in already functioning conventional AS treating UWW.
The State and Prospects of Using Digital HR Tools by Russian Companies
Authors: Lomonosova N. V. , Yakimova E. A.
Published: September 2020

Human resource management (HRM), as well as the management of any other business area becomes dependent on global digitalization and undergoes attendant changes. The need to search for new digital solutions in HR sphere, analysis of the principles of adaptation of existing methods of automation of human resource management processes demonstrate the relevance of the research. The purpose of the article is to assess modern state and further prospects of usage different digital-tools in HRM in national companies. The objectives of the present research: to determine whether companies really need to digitalize HR processes, to evaluate the rate of usage of automated services in HR, to analyze the most popular HR tools and to assess the applicability for different companies, to identify the correlation between the level of digitalization of companies and human capital. Materials and methods. General theoretical, empirical and statistical methods of assessing information are used in the article. The data available in the current scientific and periodical literature, as well as in fundamental works in the field of personnel management, are systematized. The research work relies on information provided in open sources that contains a set of information and analytical reports of companies, including their analysis and interpretation. Results. As the result of the research the number of key features of the current state of HR digitalization was identified. A comparative analysis of modern automation systems for personnel selection is presented and an assessment of their technological functionality is carried out. The rate of applicability of the most popular tools in HRM for different companies and the factors affecting the company’s choice of a particular HR software tool was determined. Conclusion. The work revealed that the digital transformation of HR processes is at the stage of formation; however, the modern conditions of informatization of society are quite favorable for the transition of companies to digital HR. The exceptions are companies with a small headcount (up to 100 people), the digitalization of which, will not be economically feasible. An analytical review of a number of relevant studies has shown that most domestic companies have high hopes for digital HR. Nevertheless, there are practically no firms on the market that have managed to completely digitize the entire set of HR processes. In addition, the study made it possible to formulate conclusions about the presence of a high correlation between the dependence of firms on human capital and the scale of their use of digital HR tools.
Tablet Formulation of a Synthesized Celecoxib Potassium Salt and Development of a Validated Method for Its Analysis
Authors: Abualhasan Murad , Zatar Nidal , Shehab Kefah Abu , Shraim Nasr
Published: September 2020

Background:

Celecoxib is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and cyclooxygenase-2
(COX-2) inhibitor. It is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, juvenile arthritis, and acute
pain. Celecoxib has low systemic bioavailability due to its low water solubility. This study aimed to improve
water solubility and dissolution profile by synthesizing a suitable celecoxib potassium salt (celecoxib–K salt).

Methods:

Four celecoxib salts were synthesized, and the solubility of these four salts was determined. Celecoxib–
K monohydrate salt was chosen for tablet formulation. A simple and feasible reversed-phase high-performance
liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for the analysis of the formulated tablet and then
validated according to international guidelines. The dissolution profile, shelf life, and accelerated stability
studies on the formulated tablet were conducted.

Results:

Celecoxib–K monohydrate salt exhibited increased water solubility by more than 140-folds (0.464
mg/ml) compared with celecoxib. The in vitro dissolution profile of the formulated celecoxib–K salt tablet was
totally dissolved after 10 min. The developed analytical HPLC method was a reliable and valid method with
good linearity, accuracy, and precision. Moreover, it was sensitive, and the limit of detection and quantification
(LOD and LOQ) were 0.001 and 0.1 mg/L, respectively. The formulated celecoxib–K monohydrate salt tablet
was stable under room temperature and accelerated condition for 60 days.

Conclusion:

The potassium salt of celecoxib was highly increased, and the formulated tablet of celecoxib–K
salt exhibited a good dissolution profile in the water. In addition, the developed HPLC method was valid and reliable
for the analysis and quantification of the formulated tablet. The formulated tablet was stable both at room
temperature and under stress conditions.