bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composition of bacterial community and isolation of bacteria responsible for diuron degradation in sediment and soil under anaerobic condition
Authors: Duc Ha Danh , Nguyen Oanh Thi
Published: September 2021

The herbicide diuron is extensively used in the agriculture sector and is detected widely in the environment. Although several studies on the degradation of diuron by aerobic micro-organisms have been reported, the degradation of diuron by anaerobic micro-organisms has not been received much attention. Also, no pure culture that can degrade diuron under anaerobic conditions has yet been reported. The evaluation of diuron degradation in the soil and sediment slurries showed that diuron led to a decrease in the biodiversity of the bacterial communities. Two mixed bacterial cultures, one from the soil and the other from sediment slurries, were isolated from the enrichment media under anaerobic conditions. After 30 days of incubation at 30 oC, the mixed bacterial culture from the soil degraded 84.5 ± 5.5%, and that from the sediment slurry degraded 94.5 ± 3.0% of diuron in liquid mineral medium at an initial concentration of 20 mg/L. 1-(3,4-dichlorophenylurea (DCPU), 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (CPDMU), and 3,4-dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA) were the major diuron metabolites produced by both the indigenous micro-organisms and the isolated bacteria.
Insecticidal Effect of Ethnobotanical Plant Extracts Against Anopheles Arabiensis (Diptera: Culicidae) Under Laboratory Condition
Authors: Fereda Desta Ejeta , Asme Ansha , Asefa Animut
Published: September 2021

Background: The emergence and spread of resistant strains of malaria vectors to chemical insecticides are becoming major problem for malaria vector management. Natural plant products play a vital role to resolve the current challenge of malaria control.Objective: The current study was conducted to evaluate insecticidal effect of ethnobotanical plant extracts against the primary malaria vector, Anopheles arabiensis in Northwestern Ethiopia.Methods: Primarily, ethnobotanical plants used for Anopheles mosquito control was surveyed in Dangur district, Northwestern Ethiopia. Insecticide susceptible strains of Anopheles arabiensis mosquito were reared in insectary of tropical and infectious diseases research center, Assosa university. The larvicidal and adulticidal potentials of frequently used plant extracts against susceptible strains of laboratory colony were evaluated.Result: A total of fifteen plants were identified as ethnobotanical plants helping the local people for mosquito control. Azadirachta indica, Ocimum lamiifolium, Ocimum americanum, Moringa olifiera leaf, and Moringa olifiera seed species of local plants were found to be frequently used to kill and/or repel mosquitoes in the study district. All the plant extracts were found to have potential larvicidal activity against 4th instar larvae of An. arabiensis and only ethanol and methanol extract of A. indica and O. lamiifolium were found to have potential adulticidal effect against adult of An. arabiensis. The highest larvicidal activity was observed in ethanol extract of A. indica with 95% larval mortality and lowest LC50 of 40.73 ppm and LC90 of 186.66 ppm. The highest adulticidal activity was observed in methanol extract of A. indica with 75% adult mortality at 300 ppm and lowest LC50 of 106.65ppm and LC90 of 1293ppm. The lowest larvicidal and adulticidal activity was observed in methanol extracts of O. lamiifolium with 63.35% larval mortality and leaf extract of M. olifiera with 50% adult mortality at 300 ppm, respectively.Conclusion: ethanol extract of A. indica exerted a remarkable larvicidal effect against An. arabiensis and thus it can be used for botanical mosquito insecticide development.
Health Institutional Delivery Service Utilization and Associated Factors Among Mothers Who Gave Birth in the Last Year in Dembecha Zaria Woreda, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Melesse Misganaw Fikrie , Aynalem Bewket Yeserah
Published: September 2021

Background: The morbidity and mortality of women is a worldwide challenge and the current global maternal death is more than 800 per day; ninety-nine percent of maternal death occurs in developing countries and in Ethiopia about 30% of all ladies’ death is identified with pregnancy-related causes. We, therefore, did this study to assess the magnitude and associated factors of institutional delivery service utilization among mothers who gave birth in the last year in Dembecha Zuria woreda, Northwest Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed, and multistage sampling technique was used. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with pre-tested structured questionnaires among mothers who gave birth in the last year in Dembecha zuria woreda, Northwest Ethiopia from November 23, 2020 to January 16, 2021. After data collection, data were coded and entered using EPI info version 7 and analyzed using SPSS version 25 statistical software. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to ascertain the association between explanatory variables and the outcome variable. Variables with P value less than 0.25 in the Bivariable analysis and P-value < 0.05 in the multivariable analysis and corresponding 95% CI of odds ratio were considered to declare a result as statistically significant. Result: In this study, the magnitude of institution delivery service utilization among mothers who gave birth in the last year was 179 (42.4%) with 95% CI [37.7, 46.9]. type of pregnancy [AOR: 1.906, (95%CI: 1.017,3.57)]), gravidity [AOR: 1.899 (95% CI: 1.244, 2.898)], ANC follow up [AOR: 2.079 (95% CI: 1.242, 3.482)], husband preference on place of delivery [AOR: 2.036) (95% CI: 1.291. 3.211)] and decision-maker on place of delivery [AOR: 2.853 (95% CI: 1.321, 6.160)] were significantly associated with health institution delivery service utilization.Conclusion: In this study, the magnitude of health institution delivery service utilization was low as compared to the national expectation. The concerned bodies need to create awareness on the function of antenatal care follow-up and empower the mothers to decide on the place of delivery and give counseling for husbands about the importance of health institution delivery.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Multiple Effects of Nitrogen Accumulation and Metabolism in the Roots, Shoots, and Leaves of Potato (Solanum Tuberosum L.)
Authors: guo heng , pu xiuqin , jia hao , zhou yun , ye guangji , yang yongzhi , na tiancang , wang jian
Published: September 2021

Nitrogen (N) is a major element and fundamental constituent of grain yield. N fertilizer plays an essential role in the roots, shoots, and leaves of crop plants. Here, we obtained two N-sensitive potato cultivars. The plants were cultivated in the pots using N-deficient and N-sufficient conditions. Crop height, leaf chlorophyll content, dry matter, and N-accumulation significantly decreased under N-deficient conditions. Furthermore, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the phenotype and transcriptome, GO terms, and KEGG pathways. We used WGCNA of co-expressed genes, and 116 differentially expressed hub genes involved in photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism, and secondary metabolites to generate 23 modules. Among those modules, six NRT gene families, four pigment genes, two auxin-related genes, and two energy-related genes were selected for qRT-PCR validation. Overall, our study demonstrates the co-expressed genes and potential pathways associated with N transport and accumulation in potato cultivars' roots, shoots, and leaves under N-deficient conditions. Therefore, this study provides new ideas to conduct further research on improving nitrogen use efficiency in potatoes.
Follow-up Investigation on the Causes and Complications of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wang Fang , Cai Hui , Li Min
Published: September 2021

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases the risk of various complications in both the mother and infant. Results: By comparing mothers with GDM and non-diabetic pregnant women, we analyzed the possible causes of GDM and the impact on the mother and newborn. Through research and tracking, we found that a sweet tooth and a high total calorie diet are the main factors leading to gestational diabetes. GDM can cause many complications in the parturient and unhealthy babies. A very important result is that our follow-up survey results show that almost all pregnant women with gestational diabetes instructed themselves to have gestational diabetes through a physical examination at a certain time before delivery, but they still suffered from diabetes when they were in the hospital. The harm caused by diabetes has nothing to do with the time of knowing about having diabetes, which shows that pregnant women and their families have not paid enough attention to and make effective treatment of gestational diabetes. Conclusion: Our results clarify the hazards of gestational diabetes, analyze possible causes, and emphasize the necessity of clinical intervention to control gestational diabetes.
Ten-Year Results of Postoperative Adjuvant Treatment In Women With Stage I Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Fu Peiying , Zhou Ting , Cui Pengfei , Wang Shixuan , Liu Ronghua
Published: September 2021

Background: It remains controversial whether postoperative adjuvant treatment is beneficial for the survival of patients after surgery for early-stage endometrial cancer. To evaluate whether postoperative adjuvant treatment is beneficial for the survival of patients after surgery for early-stage endometrial cancer. We analyzed the outcomes of patients treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or progestagen combined with other adjuvant treatments. Methods: We retrospectively examined disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS) and high risk factors that affected the survival status of all patients who received different postoperative adjuvant therapies. Results: The total relapse and mortality rates were 5.57% and 1.68%, respectively. During follow-up period, fourteen patients (7.29%) developed isolated local recurrence, and 2 patients died (1.04%) of recurrence. The 5-year DFS and OS rates in all patients were 95.83% and 93.75%, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the 5-year DFS, 5-year OS, OS, or DFS among the four groups of patients with FIGO stage I endometrial cancer. The differences in the log-rank test results of the estimates of the 5-year DFS, 5-year OS, DFS and OS of patients with different disease stages and different ages were all significant, but no differences were observed in these parameters between patients with varying degrees of differentiation. Histologic grade, CA125 level, ER and PR status and whether adjuvant therapies had no significant effect on the DFS and OS of all patients according to univariate and multivariate regression analyses, but age stratification did reveal significant differences in DFS and OS in the univariate and multivariate analyses. Conclusion: This retrospective study showed that adjuvant treatments after surgery were not significantly associated with improved DFS or OS in patients with early-stage endometrial cancer. However, FIGO stage and age affected the survival of patients with stage I endometrial cancer.
Comprehensive analysis of both long and short read transcriptomes of a clonal and a seed-propagated model plant species reveal the prerequisites for transcriptional activation of autonomous and non-autonomous transposons in plants
Authors: Chen Ting-Hsuan , Winefield Christopher
Published: September 2021

Background

Transposable element (TE) transcription is a precursor to its mobilisation in host genomes. However, the characteristics of expressed TE loci, the identification of self-competent transposon loci contributing to new insertions, and the genomic conditions permitting their mobilisation remain largely unknown.
Results

Using Vitis vinifera embryogenic callus, we explored the impact of biotic stressors on transposon transcription through the exposure of the callus to live cultures of an endemic grapevine yeast, Hanseniaspora uvarum. We found that only 1.7%-2.5% of total annotated TE loci were transcribed, of which 5%-10% of these were full-length, and the expressed TE loci exhibited a strong location bias towards expressed genes. These tendencies were also observed in Arabidopsis thaliana wild-type and ibm2, but not in ddm1 mutant. Moreover, differentially expressed TE loci in the grapevine model tended to share expression patterns with co-localised differentially expressed genes. Utilising nanopore cDNA sequencing, we found a strong correlation between the inclusion of intronic TEs in gene transcripts and the presence of premature termination codons in these transcripts. Finally, we identified low levels of full-length transcripts deriving from structurally autonomous TE loci in the grapevine model.
Conclusion

Our observations in two disparate plant models representing clonally and seed propagated plant species reveal a closely connected transcriptional relationship between TEs and co-localised genes, particularly when the epigenetic silencing system is intact. We found that the stress treatment alone was insufficient to induce large-scale full-length transcription from structurally competent TE loci, a necessity for non-autonomous and autonomous mobilisation.
The Association between Physical Frailty and Psycho-Social Health in Determining Geriatric Health-Related Quality of Life in Rural India
Authors: Das Sayani , Mukhopadhyay Susmita , Mukhopadhyay Barun
Published: September 2021

The association of physical frailty and psycho-social health is well established. However, it appears no study on the interaction of these conditions in determining the Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) has yet been attempted in India. Hence, present study aims to investigate the interaction effects of physical frailty and psycho-social health in determining the HRQoL. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 500 community-dwelling rural elderly participants from West Bengal, India. The modified Fried’s Frailty instrument was assessed physical frailty status. Psycho-social characteristics investigated were depression, anxiety and stress using the 21-item DASS instrument, loneliness using the UCLA Loneliness instrument, and cognitive function using the Mini-Mental State Examination instrument. HRQoL was assessed by the 36-items Short Form health survey questionnaire. Overall prevalence of frail, pre-frail and non-frail was 26.2%, 60.2%, and 13.6%, respectively. One-way ANOVA highlighted that mean scores of psycho-social traits are significantly differed among different physical frailty status groups (p<0.01). All the elderly participants were clustered with their psycho-social characteristics instrument scores as clustering variables using Hierarchical Cluster Analysis to understand psycho-social health of the participants. Two-way ANCOVA showed significant interaction of physical frailty status (frail, pre-frail and non-frail) and empirically occurring clusters of psycho-social health (low, moderate and good) in determining the overall HRQoL [F(8,491)=8.904,p<0.01]. Thus, our findings suggest that consideration of physical frailty and psycho-social health status will be a prudent approach for a better diagnosis of HRQoL and challenges related to the same.
False discovery rates for genome-wide association tests in biobanks with thousands of phenotypes
Authors: Annis Aubrey , Pandit Anita , LeFaive Jonathon , Taliun Sarah Gagliano , Fritsche Lars , VandeHaar Peter , Boehnke Michael , Zawistowski Matthew , Abecasis Gonçalo , Zöllner Sebastian
Published: September 2021

Biobanks housing genetic and phenotypic data for thousands of individuals introduce new opportunities and challenges for genetic association studies. Association testing across many phenotypes increases the multiple-testing burden and correlation between phenotypes makes appropriate multiple-testing correction uncertain. Moreover, analysis including low-frequency variants results in inflated type I error due to the much larger number of tests and the elevated importance of each individual minor allele carrier in those tests. Here we demonstrate that standard Bonferroni and permutation-based methods for multiple testing correction are inadequate for a holistic analysis of biobank data because ideal significance thresholds vary across datasets and minor allele frequencies. We propose a single-iteration permutation method that is computationally feasible and provides false discovery rate (FDR) estimates tailored to individual datasets and variant frequencies. Each dataset’s unique FDR estimates provide customized levels of confidence for association results and enable informed interpretation of genetic association studies across the phenome.
Effectiveness of a Health Intervention using theory of planned behavior on Hand Washing Among residents receiving the COVID-19 vaccine: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wang Lu , Guo Zhengxin , Shi Zhaokun , Xie Wenjie , Wang Binyu , Cui Wushi , Wang Houshu , Wu Wei , Zhan Liying
Published: September 2021

IntroductionHand washing is of key importance among residents to prevent life-threatening infections such as severe pneumonia or other microbial infection. Residents received coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine at vaccination station are obliged to stay in the vaccination station at least 30 minutes. The period of post-vaccination observation is an ideal time for hand washing intervention. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a health intervention on hand washing among residents, who received the COVID-19 vaccine, by using the theory of planned behavior (TPB).Methods:This randomized controlled trial was carried out between March 2021 and May 2021 in Wuhan, China. Participants were recruited using randomized cluster sampling and divided into intervention group and control group by random allocation. Data were collected using a self-administered researcher-made questionnaire based on TPB and Hand washing Questionnaire. Validity (content validity index = 0.87; content validity ratio = 0.89) and reliability of the questionnaires were confirmed (α = 0.96). Intervention was implemented during the observation period post-vaccinated (lasting 15 min) using videos and live training based on TPB constructs.Results:A total of 448 residents were participated with a response rate of 71.9% (322). The mean age of the participants was 46 (53% females). Compared with the control group, the scores of subjective norm (P = 0.009) and perceived behavioral control (P < 0.001) in intervention group were higher after one time intervention. Mean scores of attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavior control and intention of intervention group was significantly higher than the control group after twice intervention (P < 0.001). Moreover, participants in the intervention group performed better than those in the control group on daily hand-washing times (P = 0.044), hand sanitizer use (P = 0.003), rub time (P < 0.001), following the six-step technique (P < 0.001) after intervention.Conclusions:The findings suggested that applying TPB based intervention is suggested to improve hand washing behavior in residents.
Revealing and Controlling the Core of Screw Dislocations in BCC Metals
Authors: Wu Zhaoxuan , Wang Rui , Zhu Lingyu , Pattamatta Subrahmanyam , Srolov David
Published: September 2021

Body-centred-cubic (BCC) transition metals (TMs) tend to be brittle at low temperatures, posing significant challenges in their processing and major concerns for damage tolerance in critical load-carrying applications. The brittleness is largely dictated by the screw dislocation core structure; the nature and control of which has remained a puzzle for nearly a century. Here, we introduce a universal model and a physics-based material index χ that guides the manipulation of dislocation core structure in all pure BCC metals and alloys. We show that the core structure, commonly classified as degenerate (D) or non-degenerate (ND), is governed by the energy difference between BCC and face-centred cubic (FCC) structures and χ robustly captures this key quantity. For BCC TMs alloys, the core structure transition from ND to D occurs when χ drops below a threshold, as seen in atomistic simulations based on nearly all extant interatomic potentials and density functional theory (DFT) calculations of W-Re/Ta alloys. In binary W-TMs alloys, DFT calculations show that χ is related to the valence electron concentration at low to moderate solute concentrations, and can be controlled via alloying. χ can be quantitatively and efficiently predicted via rapid, low-cost DFT calculations for any BCC metal alloys, providing a robust, easily applied tool for the design of ductile and tough BCC alloys.
Antibody response of sheep to simultaneous vaccine administration of foot and mouth disease, blue tongue, peste des pestits ruminants , and sheep-goat pox antigens
Authors: Sareyyüpoğlu Beyhan , Gülyaz Veli , Saraç Fahriye , Uzar Serdar , Kabaklı Özden , Çokçalışkan Can , Gündüzalp Ceylan , Uzun Eylem Aras , Çamlı Onur
Published: September 2021

There are many infectious animal diseases in Turkey and generally vaccination is the prime control strategy to combat them. However, it is difficult to apply all vaccines in a definite period in the field due to limitations of the labor and finance. The rapid vaccination and effective use of labor can be possible with the help of simultaneous vaccines administrations. The aim of the study is to show the effects of simultaneous foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), peste des pestits ruminants (PPR), sheep-goat pox (SGP) and bluetongue (BT) vaccine administration on the antibody response of sheep. For this aim, 30 sheep were divided in to the one experiment and 5 control groups. Blood samples collected in each group at 30 and 60 days post-vaccination (DPV). Immune response was measured with virus neutralization test (VNT), liquid phase blocking ELISA (LPBE) for FMDV, VNT for BTV and PPR. A live virus challenge study was performed to determine the immune response of SGP vaccine. As a result, antibody titers for each vaccine agent decreased on 60 DPV with the simultaneous vaccination. The difference between means of antibody titers with single and simultaneous vaccinations are significant especially for BTV and PPR vaccines at 60DPV (p < 0.05). It was concluded that four vaccines can not be used simultaneously in sheep.
Effect of Density on Mediterranean Pine Seedlings Using the Nelder Wheel Design: Analysis of Biomass Production
Authors: Ruano Irene , Herrero Celia , Bravo Felipe
Published: September 2021

BackgroundForest resilience should be improved to promote species adaptation and ensure the future of forests. Carbon stock is considered an indicator of resilience, so it is necessary to determine forest carbon stocks and how to improve them through forest management. The main objective of this study was to analyse biomass production and distribution among the components of four-year-old Pinus pinaster and Pinus halepensis trees. Young trees from a Nelder wheel experimental site were harvested and analysed. The effect of density could be included in the biomass analysis thanks to the Nelder wheel design. We tested densities from 1000 to 80000 seedlings/ha and analysed biomass by fitting different equations: (i) linear regressions to analyse biomass production; (ii) Dirichlet regressions to estimate the biomass proportions of each component and (iii) allometric equations to predict the biomass content of each component.ResultsResults from this innovative approach showed that density was a significant factor for Pinus halepensis. We observed a general increase of total biomass at lower densities and this positive effect increased root biomass proportion at the expense of aboveground biomass. Also, a new set of equations was developed for estimating above- and below-ground biomass in young Pinus pinaster and Pinus halepensis trees.Conclusionswe note the importance of belowground biomass and its value in total biomass production (approximately 20% of total biomass for both species). The effect of density on biomass production was only significant for Pinus halepensis, but the effect of density would have been different if root biomass had not been considered in the present study. Lower densities increased root biomass proportion at the expense of aboveground biomass. Currently, this positive effect is especially important in promoting management to improve tree resilience.
Donor Functionalized Perylene and Different π-Spacers Based Sensitizers for DSSC Applications - A Theoretical Approach
Authors: Nicksonsebastin D. , Pounraj P. , M Prasath
Published: September 2021

Perylene based novel organic sensitizers for the Dye sensitized solar cell applications are investigated by using Density functional theory (DFT) and time dependant density functional theory (TD-DFT).The designed sensitizers have perylene and dimethylamine (DM) and N-N-dimethylaniline(DMA) functionalized perylene for the dssc applications.π-spacers are thiophene andcyanovinyl groups and cyanoacrylic acid is chosen as the acceptor for the designed sensitizers. The studied sensitizers were fully optimized by density functional theory at B3LYP/6-311G basis set on gas phase and DMF phase. The electronic absorption of the sensitizers is analyzed by TD-DFT at B3LYP/6-311G basis set in both gas and DMF phase.
Flood and Hypertension: A Systematic Review
Authors: HabibiSaravi Reza , Tabari Yahya Saleh , Gholami Gholam , Hasani Mehdi , Pourmand Soheil , Navaie Ramin , Ghasemihamedani Fariba
Published: September 2021

Background: Several studies have been conducted on the effects of floods on the health of the affected community. We aimed to determine the effects of floods as the most common disaster on hypertension as one of the most common non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Material and Methods: The 4 databases, including Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science Direct were searched with the search strategy protocol up to the end of 2020. Grey literature database and websites of WHO, UNDRR, and Prevention Web also searched. After removing duplicate articles, abstracts of the relevant titles were reviewed and eligible articles were included for full text review. Finally, the study variables were extracted from selected articles. Results: The search strategy resulted in 8 final relevant articles from total number of 48980 articles. All final articles noted meaningful effect of flood on hypertension. There were founded positive correlation between anxiety level, property loss, financial loss, physical activity, use of alcoholic beverages, interruption of medication and medical cares with hypertension. Different studies have reported also long-term effects of flooding on blood pressure. Conclusions: The flood has effect on blood pressure in affected population. According to the importance of hypertension and its burden, screening are recommended in the affected community. Keywords: Hypertension, Disaster, Flood, Blood pressure
The Expression Profiles and Clinical Significance of PKM2 and Notch1 in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Jia , Sun Meijuan , Du Wenlong , Guo Yuanxian , Pan Jiebin , Kou Bangguo , Jiang Yongjie , Bian Pan , Li Bingtai , Yin Lanning
Published: September 2021

Background Studies have shown that pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) and Notch1 are highly expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues and have a certain relationship with disease occurrence and development. The expression levels of PKM2 and Notch1 are also related to the effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which seriously influence the prognosis of CRC patients. Thus, both PKM2 and Notch1 have been identified as key targets of CRC treatment and research. However, correlations between PKM2 and Notch1 have not yet been established. Methods Immunohistochemical analysis was conducted to detect the expression of PKM2 and Notch1 in CRC tissues. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PKM2 and Notch1 in CRC cell lines were detected by quantitative real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis, respectively. Compound 3K and tangeretin (TGN) were used to inhibit the expression of PKM2 and Notch1, respectively. The proliferation and migration of cancer cells in each group were detected with the CCK-8 and wound healing assays. Results The Immunohistochemical analysis showed that PKM2 and Notch1 were highly expressed in CRC and related to tumor stage and lymph node metastasis. The qRTPCR and western blot results showed that PKM2 and Notch1 were notably upregulated in CRC cells both at the mRNA and protein levels. PKM2 and Notch1 form a positive feedback loop to promote the occurrence and development of CRC, and inhibition of PKM2 and Notch1 has a synergistic effect on the proliferative and invasive capabilities of CRC cells. Conclusion The combination of the PKM2 inhibitor compound 3K and the Notch1 inhibitor TGN presents a novel and effective strategy for treatment of CRC.
Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Medicine Knowledge Among Physicians and Physical Therapists in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alrwaily Muhammad , Alanazi Fahad
Published: September 2021

Background: Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are rapidly rising in Saudi Arabia and considered the 3rd reason for hospital visits across the country. Despite their prevalence, the adequacy of knowledge in MSK medicine has not been assessed. The purpose of this study is to assess MSK medicine knowledge amongst healthcare providers (orthopedists, primary care physicians, and physical therapists) and medical and physical therapy students and interns.Method: In this cross-sectional study, a web-based 25-question MSK test was given to licensed physical therapists and physicians; as well as final year physical therapy and medical students and interns in Saudi Arabia. One-way analysis of variance was used to determine MSK test scores differences amongst orthopedists, primary care physicians, and physical therapists; and amongst medical and physical therapy students and interns.Results: A total of 680 participants were included (response rate is 86.7%.) The overall MSK test score was 48.2%; and the passing rate was 14%. There was a significant score difference amongst orthopedists (88.8%), primary care physicians (53.6%), and physical therapists (46.7%); F(2,431) = 38.1, p < .001). There was significant score difference amongst physical therapy students (45.3%), physical therapy interns (42.6%), medical students (52.3%) and medical interns (67.4%); F(3,242) = 10.7, p < .001).Conclusion: Except for orthopedists, the MSK medicine knowledge appears inadequate amongst healthcare providers, medical and physical therapy students and interns in Saudi Arabia. To improve knowledge in MSK medicine, increasing contents of MSK medicine in undergraduate education and postgraduate training is necessary.
Development and Validation of Prognostic Nomograms for Patients with Parotid Gland Adenocarcinoma Not Otherwise Specified: A SEER Analysis From 2004 To 2016
Authors: Wang Zi-Meng , Xiang Zuo-Lin
Published: September 2021

Background

Parotid gland adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified (PANOS) is a rare malignancy, and the characteristics and prognosis of this disease remain unclear. This study aims to characterize PANOS and establish prognostic prediction models for patients with PANOS.
Methods

Cases from 2004–2016 were retrieved from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database (SEER database). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, Gray's test and propensity score matching (PSM) were conducted to analyze demographics, treatments, and survival outcomes .
Results

The 446 patients ( 289 men) selected for analysis had a median age of 66 (19–95) years, and 307 patients were diagnosed with stage III/IV disease. The median survival of all patients was 66 months, with a 51.8% 5-year overall survival (OS) rate. Surgical treatment clearly improved survival time (p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, radiotherapy showed survival benefits in patients with advanced-stage disease (III/IV) (p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that age, T stage, N stage, M stage and surgery were independent prognostic indicators for OS;T stage, N stage, M stage and surgery were independent risk factors for cancer-specific survival(CSS).In addition, age was independently associated with noncancer-related death. Two nomograms were established based on the results of the multivariate analysis, which was validated by the concordance index (C-index) (0.747 and 0.780 for OS and CSS, respectively) and the area under the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve(0.756, 0.764 and 0.819 regarding for nomograms predicting 3-, 5- and 10- year OS, respectively and 0.794, 0.789 and 0.806 for CSS, respectively).
Conclusions

Our study clearly presents the clinicopathological characteristics and survival analysis of patients with PANOS. In addition, our constructed nomogram prediction models may assist physicians in evaluating the individualized prognosis and deciding on treatment for patients.
Short-Term Results of Percutaneous Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale Guided by Transoesophageal Echocardiography in Patients with Cryptogenic Stroke: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Guo Yilong , Shi Zhensu , Zheng Yin , Wang Xiaoqi , Chen Zelun , Shu Yue , Zhou Dexing
Published: September 2021

Background

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a risk factor for cryptogenic stroke (CS), and interventional therapy for PFO can reduce the recurrence rate of CS. However, interventional therapies are primarily guided by X-ray imaging, and regular postsurgical follow-up with transthoracic ultrasound foaming test (UFT) is rarely performed. Thus, this study aimed to assess the short-term (1 year) results of PFO occlusion guided by transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and the results of regular UFTs.
Methods

Clinical records, echocardiographic data, and UFT results of 27 patients who underwent interventional therapy for PFO and CS were retrospectively analysed. The patients were grouped according to their preoperative UFT results: group A (n = 4), small volume of right-to-left shunts; group B (n = 8), moderate volume of right-to-left shunts; and group C (n = 15), large volume of right-to-left shunts. All patients were treated using an Amplatzer occluder under TEE guidance. UFT follow-up was conducted regularly until 1 year post-surgery.
Results

No significant differences in preoperative clinical data, echocardiographic data, or operative time were noted between the groups (P > 0.05). The length of the PFO and the diameter of the occluder differed between the groups as follows: group A = group B < group C (p < 0.05). One year postoperatively, there was no stroke recurrence. Two patients in group C developed atrial arrhythmia, which improved after 3 months of antiarrhythmic treatment. The positive UFT rate gradually decreased postoperatively, and 50% of patients still had a positive UFT 11.75 months after surgery. The positive UFT rate 1 year postoperatively differed between the groups as follows: group A = group B < group C (p = 0.010). A preoperative large-volume shunt was negatively associated with a negative UFT rate 1 year postoperatively (b=-2.118, RR = 0.120, p = 0.002).
Conclusion

In patients with PFO and CS, interventional therapy guided by TEE led to excellent short-term (1 year) outcomes. The positive UFT rate gradually decreased within 1 year of surgery. Preoperatively, a large volume of right-to-left shunts and large occluders were two risk factors for positive UFT results after surgery. Further studies are required to clarify the relationship between positive UTF results postoperatively and stroke recurrence.
Non-invasive Myocardial Work Index Contributes to Early Identification of Impaired Left Ventricular Myocardial Function in Uremic Patients With Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Zhu Huizhen , Li Yanan , Cui Cunying , Huang Danqing , Liu Yuanyuan , Liu Ruijie , Zhao Qingqing , Wang Ying , Liu Lin
Published: September 2021

BackgroundCardiac damage is the leading cause of death in uremic patients. This study aimed to evaluate the application of non-invasive myocardial work index (NIMWI) by echocardiography in assessing the left ventricular (LV) systolic function in uremic patients.MethodsTwenty-six uremic patients and twenty-seven age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Except for the conventional echocardiographic parameters, the LV myocardial work (MW) parameters including GWI (myocardial global work index), GCW (global constructive work), GWW (global wasted work), and GWE (global work efficiency) were calculated in study participants. Differences in MW parameters between the uremic and normal groups were compared by independent-sample t-test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed for MW parameters to detect abnormal LV systolic function in uremic patients.ResultsCompared with the normal group, GWW was significantly increased and GWE decreased in the uremic group (P< 0.05). Area under the curve (AUC) for GWE by the ROC analysis was 0.966. The best threshold, sensitivity and specificity values of GWE to detect abnormality of LV systolic function in uremic patients were 92.5%, 0.89 and 0.96 respectively. Conclusions﻿NIMWI may be applied to assess the global MW of uremic patients. The presence of reduced GWE can help identify impaired left ventricular myocardial function in uremic patients with preserved LV ejection fraction with a high sensitivity and specificity.
Landscape and tree community effects on the infestation of an endemic fungal pathogen in riparian forests were mediated by leaf traits
Authors: Wang Binli , Tian Chengming , Liang Yingmei
Published: September 2021

Background

Plant pathogens are regarded as crucial agents shaping the dynamics of natural forest communities. Marssonina leaf spot of poplar is induced by an endemic pathogenic fungus Drepanopeziza populi, causing increased damage to riparian poplar stands in recent years. However, such endemic fungal diseases have received little attention at the landscape scale, despite the key role of landscape heterogeneity in the development and spread of emerging forest diseases. Moreover, most studies have insufficiently captured multiple ecological factors driving the infestation of an endemic pathogen acting at the landscape, community, and individual scales.
Methods

We measured pathogen load, disease prevalence, and disease severity of Marssonina leaf spot in poplars in riparian forests. We explored the direct and indirect effects of multiple ecological factors on pathogen infestation using a path analysis. Specifically, we first assessed the effects of landscape and community factors on leaf traits including leaf area, specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and then examined the role of these factors in shaping disease dynamics.
Results

Path analysis showed that landscape features had no direct impact on leaf traits and pathogen infestation, but directly affected tree community composition. Landscapes with higher forest cover resulted in higher host density and tree diversity. Host density was the most important factor of pathogen load, with higher host density resulting in more symptomatic leaves. Tree diversity had direct effects on disease prevalence, with poplars growing in mixed forest stands far less affected by pathogens than in pure stands. Moreover, disease prevalence was positively related to pathogen load. Tree diversity strongly reduced SLA, but increased LDMC. Higher SLA was found to increase pathogen load and disease severity, but higher LDMC was found to reduce both of them.
Conclusions

Our results show that the effects of landscape and tree community on Marssonina leaf spot disease are mediated by leaf traits. Disentangling the effects of biotic and abiotic factors affecting pathogen infestation contributes to reduce the overall impact of this disease, which can provide policy makers with sustainable management of endemic plant diseases in natural forests.
Probability of Transition of Normal Esophageal Mucosa and Precancerous Lesion to the Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Chen Zhiyu , YU Yong , YANG Xue , WANG Jing-Xuan , Wei Wen-Qiang , Qiao You-Lin , YANG Chun-Xia , DAI Li
Published: September 2021

Background: To estimate the transition probabilities of esophageal cancer（EC） and its precancerous lesions by Markov model, which could provide important information for EC screening about choosing reasonable screening and follow-up intervals.Methods: The transition probabilities among pathological stages were estimated by establishing Markov models for the natural history of EC and repeatedly adjusting and calibrating Markov models by comparing the modeled incidence and distributions of pathological stages (alone or combined) with observed data in real-world condition. Results: In one year, the probabilities were 0.024, 0.05, 0.12 for people from health state progressing to mild dysplasia (mD), mild dysplasia (mD) to moderate dysplasia (MD), and moderate dysplasia (MD) to severe dysplasia/carcinoma in situ (SD/CIS), respectively. The age-specific transition probabilities were 0.08~0.18 for severe dysplasia/carcinoma in situ (SD/CIS) progressing to intramucosal carcinoma(IC), 0.4~0.87 for intramucosal carcinoma (IC) to submucosal carcinoma (T1N0M0) (SC), and 0.2~0.85 for submucosal carcinoma (T1N0M0) (SC) to invasive carcinoma (INC). The progression probabilities increased with age and the severity of the disease. Based on the estimated transition probabilities, we predicted the incidence of EC and distributions of its pathological stages. Comparisons between modeled results with observed data confirmed the validation of our transition probabilities.Conclusions: An esophageal cancer transition model in high-risk areas of China has been established with validity. It could be a point of reference for further economic evaluation and policy formulation of esophageal cancer screening.
Characterization of Scotopic and Mesopic Rod Signaling Pathways in Dogs Using the On-Off Electroretinogram
Authors: Pasmanter Nate , Petersen-Jones Simon M
Published: September 2021

Background: The On-Off, or long flash, full field electroretinogram (ERG) separates retinal responses to flash onset and offset. Depending on degree of dark-adaptation and stimulus strength the On and Off ERG can be shaped by rod and cone photoreceptors and postreceptoral cells, including ON and OFF bipolar cells. Interspecies differences have been shown, with predominantly positive Off-response in humans and other primates and a negative Off-response in rodents and dogs. However, the rod signaling pathways that contribute to these differential responses have not been characterized. In this study, we designed a long flash protocol in the dog that varied in background luminance and stimulus strength allowing for some rod components to be present to better characterize how rod pathways vary from scotopic to mesopic conditions.Results: With low background light the rod a-wave remains while the b-wave is significantly reduced resulting in a predominantly negative waveform in mesopic conditions. Through modeling and subtraction of the rod-driven response, we show that rod bipolar cells saturate with dimmer backgrounds than rod photoreceptors, resulting in rod hyperpolarization contributing to a large underlying negativity with mesopic backgrounds. Conclusions: Reduction in rod bipolar cell responses in mesopic conditions prior to suppression of rod photoreceptor responses may reflect the changes in signaling pathway of rod-driven responses needed to extend the range of lighting conditions over which the retina functions.
Analysis of Free Vibration of Hydraulic Opposing Cylinder Controlled by Servo Valve
Authors: Yuan Xiaoming , Wang Weiqi , Zhu Xuan , Du Bing , Zhang Lijie
Published: September 2021

The fluid transmission medium has large compressibility and low rigidity, and its physical properties are extremely sensitive to state parameters such as flow, pressure and temperature. Therefore, compared with the mechanical transmission system, the natural frequency of the fluid transmission system is relatively low and has time-varying characteristics. After a wide frequency range changing of the load frequency and long-term operation, the excitation frequency of the fluid transmission system is more likely to approach its natural frequency and causes resonance, which seriously affects the normal operation of the system. Therefore, taking the hydraulic opposing cylinder controlled by servo valve as the research object, based on the analytical relationship between the dynamic bulk modulus and the equivalent stiffness of oil, the vibration dynamics models and equations of the system is established by using the lumped parameter method. Through the free vibration analysis, the natural frequencies and main vibration modes of the system are determined and the sensitivity changes of the natural frequencies to the design parameters are revealed. The maximum error between the theoretical modal frequency and the experimental one is 3.77%, which verifies the correctness of the dynamic model of the system. This research can provide a theoretical reference for the optimization of the dynamic performance of the hydraulic transmission system.
The Role of TM6SF2 in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: From Mechanisms To Therapeutic Strategy
Authors: Li Zuyin , Wu Gang , Qiu Chen , Zhou Zhijie , Wang Yupeng , Song Guohe , Xiao Chao , Zhang Xin , Deng Guilong , Wang Ruitao , Yang Yulong , Wang Xiaoliang
Published: September 2021

Background and aims

: Lack of effective pharmacotherapies for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is mainly attributed to an insufficient research on its pathogenesis. In this paper, we investigated the role of TM6SF2 on fatty acid metabolism in the background of fatty liver, and proposed the possible therapeutic strategies of NAFLD caused by TM6SF2 deficiency.
Methods

Liver samples collected from both NAFLD mouse models and human subjects, and RNA-seq data retrieved from GEO database were used to evaluate the expression of TM6SF2 in NAFLD. Knockdown of TM6SF2 was performed for clarifying the mechanistic basis of hepatic lipid accumulation in NAFLD. After confirming that TM6SF2 deficiency would cause an abnormality in fatty acid metabolism, MK-4074 administration served as the therapeutic intervention to evaluate its effect on NAFLD caused by TM6SF2 deficiency.
Results

Hepatic TM6SF2 levels are elevated in both NAFLD patients and mouse NAFLD models. In vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that TM6SF2 knockdown increases intracellular lipid deposition due to dysregulated fatty acid metabolism in the context of TM6SF2 deficiency, being characterized by enhanced fatty acid uptake and synthesis, accompanied by impaired fatty acid oxidation. Moreover, MK-4074 treatment could reverse the NAFLD phenotypes caused by TM6SF2 deficiency.
Conclusions

TM6SF2 deficiency enhanced hepatic lipid accumulation through dysregulated fatty acid metabolism and MK-4074 treatment could alleviate the NAFLD phenotypes caused by TM6SF2 deficiency.