bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agronomic Performance of Temporary Immersion Bioreactor – Derived Potato Microtubers in a Peruvian Low Input Cropping Agriculture System
Authors: Figueroa María de Lourdes Tapia y , Tapia José Faustino Beraún , Hajari Elliosha , Escalona Maritza , Etienne Hervé , Feijoo José Carlos Lorenzo
Published: June 2021

Potato cultivation is limited by a lack of access to quality propagation material. The application of micropropagation techniques combined with the diagnosis and sanitation of the main pathogens of the crop, has contributed to increased production efficiencies. In this regard, the use of temporary immersion bioreactors (TIBs) has improved the quality of microtubers micropropagated along with savings in costs of production. With the final goal of applying these technologies for commercial production, the current study investigated the agronomic performance of Peruvian Canchan potato microtubers derived from TIBs (basic agamic seed 1 and 2) under low-input agro-technology in the coastal zone of Peru. The results indicated that following 75 d of growth, plants derived from microtubers produced in TIBs displayed slower vegetative growth than those from conventional tubers. However, at harvest, these differences were no longer apparent. Although plants raised from conventional tubers produced the highest fresh mass of tubers, significantly more propagules were produced by plants regenerated from basic agamic seed 1 and 2 derived from micropropagation in liquid media. These results demonstrate that much more planting material (seed tubers) can be obtained from microtubers in the field (basic agamic seed 1) than from the conventional commercial seed tubers.
Current State of Populations of Rhodiola Rosea L. (Crassulaceae) in East Kazakhstan
Authors: Kubentayev Serik , Zhumagul Moldir , Kurmanbayeva Meruyert , Alibekov Daniar , Kotuhov Juri Kotuhov , Sitpayeva Gulnara , Mukhtubayeva Saule , Izbastina Klara
Published: June 2021

Background: Based on world experience, first, a modern assessment of the flora is needed to develop strategies and tactics for the conservation of ecosystems of rare and endangered plant species. A regional and global biodiversity strategy should focus on assessing the current state of bioresources. In this regard, to preserve the biodiversity, the botanical features, the ontogenetic state, the ecological and phytocenotic structure of the rare endangered species Rh. rosea in the highlands of Eastern Kazakhstan were studied.Results: Ten populations of Rh. rosea were identified under various ecological and geomorphological conditions with a detailed description of the structure of the plant community. Systematic analysis of the plant community with Rh. rosea shows that the families Poaceae Barnhart, Ranunculaceae Juss., Asteraceae Bercht, J. Presl, Rosaceae Juss. and the leaders in the number of species are Caryophyllaceae Juss., Apiaceae Lindl., Fabaceae Lindl., Polygonaceae Juss. They make up 97 (69%) of the species in the plant community. Ecological analysis data show that the plant community is dominated by psychrophytes (32%), mesophytes (28%), mesopsychrophytes (11%) and mesoxerophytes (7%). Chorological analysis of plant populations with rh factor. rosea indicates that the Asian group (39%), the Eurasian group (30%), and the Holarctic group (20%) are the most widely represented. In Rh. rosea populations, it is most often found with Schulzia crinita, Achillea ledebourii, Doronicum altaicum, Macropodium nivale, Hylotelephium telephium, Rhodiola algida, Carex capillaris, C. aterrima, C. stenocarpa, Euphorbia pilosa, Trifolium lupinast. In the ontogenesis of Rh. rosea, all age-related conditions were identified, with the exception of the prussic condition, and the life expectancy is 50-55 years.Conclusions: The state of Rh. rosea populations is assessed as satisfactory, capable of self-sufficiency mainly due to vegetative reproduction. Seed renewal is low as a result of seedling death in the early stages of development due to extreme habitat conditions. In communities with Rh. rosea, one - and two-species families predominate, which indicates the complexity of the process of florogenesis in extreme conditions of existence. In general, the distribution of life forms, ecological groups, and species composition of communities with Rh. the participation of the rose is natural for extreme conditions of existence.
Epidemiological Investigation of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in China
Authors: Yao Shuyan , Wang Yini , Sun Yuan , Liu Li , Zhang Rui , Fang Jianpei , Jin Runming , Yu Jie , Li Fei , Bai Jie , Zeng Yun , Zhang Cheng , Tan Huo , Zhou Fan , Chen Yan , Zhang Qiaohua , Wang Zhao
Published: June 2021

Background. At present, most research on HLH focus on etiology and therapy, leaving few epidemiological reports. The published studies of China are mainly regional investigations. We aim to present the overall epidemiological status of HLH in China, and provide Chinese data for the international HLH epidemiological investigation. Methods. The data of HLH cases in China in 2019 was collected and statistically analyzed. Findings. Among 1445 cases in 31 areas, EBV accounting for 44.01% is the most common cause. Lymphoma-associated HLH patients are mostly males (P<0.05) while rheumatic and immune-associated HLH mostly females (P<0.001). Children have mainly primary HLH and EBV-associated HLH (P<0.001) while adults mostly tumor-associated HLH. Lymphoma-associated HLH is positively correlated with the age of onset (P<0.01). The diagnosis rate of 29 areas has a significant correlation with per capita Gross domestic product (P<0.05). Conclusion. The etiology distribution of HLH in different age and sex is different, assisting clinicians with the diagnosis of HLH; The diagnosis rate of regions with a high incidence of HLH in China is not ideal as the result of the effect of the local economic level indicating the importance of improving the regional medical level.
Targeting dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 2 (DYRK2) with a highly selective inhibitor for the treatment of prostate cancer
Authors: Yuan Kai , Li Zhaoxing , Kuang Wenbin , Wang Xiao , Ji Minghui , Li Jiaxing , Min Wenjian , Chen Weijiao , Sun Chengliang , Ye Xiuquan , Lu Meiling , Wang Liping , Ge Haixia , Jiang Yuzhang , Hao Haiping , Xiao Yibei , Yang Peng
Published: June 2021

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most prevalent cancers in men worldwide, and hormonal therapy plays a key role in the treatment of PCa. However, the inevitable drug resistance of hormonal therapy makes it urgent and necessary to identify novel targets for PCa treatment. Herein, dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 2 (DYRK2) was found and confirmed to be highly expressed in the PCa tissues and cells, and knock-down of DYRK2 remarkably reduces PCa burden in vitro and in vivo. On the base of DYRK2 acting as a promising target, we further discovered a highly selective DYRK2 inhibitor YK-2-69 and solved its co-crystal structure. Especially, YK-2-69 displayed great selectivity over 370 kinases and exhibited more potent anti-PCa efficacy than the first-line drug enzalutamide in vivo. Meanwhile, YK-2-69 displayed excellent safety properties with maximal tolerable dose of more than 10,000 mg/kg and great pharmacokinetic profiles with 55.78% bioavailability. In summary, we identified DYRK2 as a novel drug target and verified its critical roles in PCa. Meanwhile, we discovered a highly selective DYRK2 inhibitor with favorable druggability for the treatment of PCa.
Comparison of Fiber Quality Properties of Different Cotton (G. hirsutum L.) Varieties for Normal and Late Harvest Periods
Authors: Cevheri Cevher İlhan
Published: June 2021

Cotton fibers are the most important raw material of the textile industry. Clean collection of cotton fibers increases the quality of textile products and the market prices. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of normal and late harvest period of different cotton varieties on cotton fiber and yarn properties. The quality properties of the fibers were determined with the HVI device, and the quality properties of the yarns obtained from the fibers were determined with the USTER TESTER device. The fiber quality properties such as fiber fineness (micronaire), fiber maturity, fiber length (UHML, mm), strength (g/tex), brightness/whiteness (Rd), and yarn quality properties such as yarn evenness (%), thin places, neps+200 (%) and hairiness were investigated in the study. The exposure of fibers to rain during the harvest period of 2018 caused a decrease in the quality properties. Inability of the plants to receive sufficient sunlight during the last physiological development period caused a decrease in photosynthesis rate. This negative situation negatively affected the physical quality properties of fiber and yarn. The results indicated that the physical quality properties of fibers and yarns obtained in 2019 were higher than those in 2018. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of late harvest period on fiber and yarn quality properties and thus on quality of textile products. In addition, the study was carried out to guide researchers who will conduct researchers on similar topics.
Plant Species Over-Occupancy Indicates River Valleys Are Natural Corridors for Migration
Authors: Holeštová Anežka , Douda Jan
Published: June 2021

River valleys are considered natural corridors for migration of plant species, however, there is a lack of studies confirming higher colonisation rates of plant species in these areas. We compare plant species-richness between ancient and recent forests, and those located in a river valley with those located in the surrounding landscape. We hypothesise that, close to a river, higher plant species-richness will be associated with recent forests thus indicating a higher colonisation rate. The study area includes part of the Elbe River Valley and its surrounding landscape in the Czech Republic. We sampled an equal number of recent and ancient forests but lying at different distances from the river. We used generalised linear models to test the effect of distance from the river in dependence upon forest continuity (recent/ancient forest) on two plant species-richness categories, i.e. richness of forest species and overall species richness. In the surrounding landscape, higher richness of forest species was associated with ancient forests, whereas overall species richness was comparable. In the river valley, richness of forest species as well as overall species richness was higher in the recent forests. Recent forests in the river valley were more saturated by plant species than those in the surrounding landscape, indicating that in the river valley the colonisation rate of plant species is higher. These results confirm the importance of river valleys as natural corridors for migration of plant species.
Comprehensive Insights Into the Occurrence, Source, Distribution and Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in a Large Drinking Reservoir System
Authors: Xu Xiangyang , Cui Kangping , Chen Yihan , Chen Xing , Guo Zhi , Chen Hongjie , Deng Guangwei , He Yiliang
Published: June 2021

The resource, environment, and ecological value of drinking reservoirs have received widespread concerns due to the pollution of persistent organic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Therefore, we comprehensively studied the occurrence, source, distribution and risk assessment of representative PAHs in Fengshuba Reservoir (FSBR) (large drinking reservoir, China). The total concentrations of 16 USEPA PAHs in the water phase, porewater phase, sediment phase and soil phase were in ranges of 109.72-393.19 ng/L, 5.75-35.15 μg/L, 364.4-743.71 μg/kg and 367.81-639.89 μg/kg, respectively. The naphthalene (Nap) was the dominant PAHs in the water phase, while it was Nap and phenanthrene (Phe) in porewater, sediment and soil phase. The main sources of PAHs in FSBR were biomass combustion. Redundancy analysis indicated that, the NTU, NO2-, NH4+, Chl-α and IC were the dominant factor influencing the PAHs distribution in water phase and the PAHs in sediment phase was affected by T and NO3-. Pseudo-partitioning coefficients indicated that the PAHs in the porewater phase was more likely to migrate to the sediment phase. Risk assessment indicated that the PAHs both in the water and sediment phases were generally in a Low-risk state, while the PAHs in the soil phase were in a Moderate-risk state and the Nap was in a High-risk state, and exposure to the PAHs in FSBR through drinking and skin exposure had little impact on consumers' health. In summary, Nap could be used as a key indicator to evaluate the existence and potential risk of PAHs in FSBR.
Dementia Care and the Role of Guideline Adherence in Primary Care: Cross-Sectional Findings From the DemTab Study
Authors: Lech Sonia , O'Sullivan Julie Lorraine , Drewelies Johanna , Herrmann Wolfram , Spang Robert , Voigt-Antons Jan-Niklas , Nordheim Johanna , Gellert Paul
Published: June 2021

Background: General practitioners (GPs) play a key role in the care of people with dementia (PwD). However, the role of the German Dementia Guideline in primary care remains unclear. The main objective of the present study was to examine the role of guideline-based dementia care in general practices.Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of data obtained from the DemTab study was conducted. Descriptive analyses of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics for GPs (N = 28) and PwD (N = 91) were conducted. Adherence to the German Dementia Guideline of GPs was measured at the level of PwD. Linear Mixed Models were used to analyze the associations between adherence to the German Dementia Guideline and GP factors at individual (age, years of experience as a GP, frequency of utilization of guideline, perceived usefulness of guideline) and structural (type of practice, total number of patients seen by a participating GP, and total number of PwD seen by a participating GP) levels as well as between adherence to the German Dementia Guideline and PwD’s quality of life. Results: Self-reported overall adherence of GPs was on average 71% (SD = 19.4, range: 25 – 100). Adherence to specific recommendations varied widely (from 19.2% to 95.3%) and the majority of GPs (79.1%) reported the guideline as only partially or somewhat helpful. Further, we found lower adherence to be significantly associated with higher numbers of patients (γ10 = -5.58, CI = -10.97, -0.19, p = .04). No association between adherence to the guideline and PwD’s quality of life was found (γ10 = -.86, CI = -4.18, 2.47, p = .61). Conclusion: The present study examined the role of adherence to the German Dementia Guideline recommendations in primary care. Overall, GPs reported high levels of adherence. However, major differences across guideline recommendations were found. Findings highlight the importance of guidelines for the provision of care. Dementia guidelines for GPs need to be better tailored and addressed. Further, structural changes such as more time for PwD may contribute to a sustainable change of dementia care in primary care.Trial registration: The DemTab trial was prospectively registered with the ISRCTN registry (Trial registration number: ISRCTN15854413). Registered 01 April 2019, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN15854413
Mechanical Properties and Microstructure Evolution of Aluminum Alloy Tubes with Normal Gradient Grain Under Biaxial Stress
Authors: CAI Yang , Wang Xiaosong
Published: June 2021

Grain size gradient materials are a type of new structural material with the advantages of both coarse and fine grains. To study the effect of normal gradient grain on the mechanical properties and microstructure of aluminum alloy tube during hydroforming, the normal gradient grain distribution of the outer fine and inner coarse grains was obtained using spinning and annealing methods, and the biaxial stress was acquired using hydraulic bulging experiments. The thickness of the outer refined area was 105, 470, and 570 μm, respectively, where the grain size was refined to within 50 μm. Under biaxial stress, the tensile strength of the tube was 79, 89, and 106 MPa, the maximum expansion rates were 18%, 17%, and 10%, and the work-hardening indexes were 0.19, 0.20, and 0.17, respectively. The gradient grain tube with a refined thickness of 470 μm exhibited both strength and plasticity and was suitable for the hydroforming of aluminum alloy tubular parts. With increasing refined grain area, the density of the low angular grain boundary increased and make the chance of stitching dislocation increased in the process of intracranular deformation. However, the increase in the refined region weakened the deformation coordination, leading to a decrease in plasticity.
Development of an Empirical Process Model for Adjusted Porosity in Laser-Based Powder Bed Fusion of Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Emminghaus Nicole , Paul Johanna , Hoff Christian , Hermsdorf Jörg , Kaierle Stefan
Published: June 2021

A promising approach to address the mismatch of bone and implant stiffness, leading to the stress-shielding phenomenon, is the application of functionally graded materials with adjusted porosity. Although defect formation and porosity in laser-based powder bed fusion of metals (PBF-LB/M) are already widely investigated, so far there is little research on the influences and parameter interactions regarding the pore characteristics. This work therefore aims to provide an empirical process model for the generation of gas porosity in the PBF-LB process of Ti-6Al-4V. For the first time, parts with closed locally adjusted porosity of ~ 6 % achieved through gaseous pores instead of lack-of-fusion defects or lattice structures were built by PBF-LB. Parameter variation and evaluation of relative density, pore size and sphericity was done in accordance with the design of experiments approach. A parameter set for maximum gas porosity (laser power of 189 W, scanning speed of 375 mm/s, hatch spacing of 150 µm) was determined for a constant layer thickness of 30 µm and a spot diameter of 35 µm. Tensile tests were conducted with specimens consisting of a core with maximum gas porosity or lack-of-fusion porosity, respectively, and a dense skin as well as fully dense specimens. Whereas lack of fusion defects can lead to significant reduction of stiffness, the elastic modulus remained unchanged when implementing spherical pores. Nevertheless, the found superior strength and ductility of specimens with gas porous core underline the advantages of adjusted porosity for the application in functionally graded materials and lightweight applications.
Method of Ultrasonic Nanocrystal Surface Modification for Improvement of Surface Characteristics of Aisi D2 Heat-Treated With Different Tempering Conditions
Authors: Cho Seung Yeong , Shim Do-Sik
Published: June 2021

AISI D2, an alloy tool steel, has been widely used as a cold-work die steel because of its excellent wear resistance, toughness, and machinability. However, when it is used as a mold or tool under a high load, high hardness and wear resistance are required to improve its service life. This study aimed to apply ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM), a local surface hardening technology, to the surface of D2 steel. To maximize the surface improvement effect achievable through UNSM, it is important to select the optimal process conditions according to the characteristics of the base metal. Therefore, the effects of UNSM were compared for different initial hardness values of D2 in this study. To this end, the base metal was subjected to different heat treatment conditions to exhibit different hardness values (approximately 40, 45, 50, and 55 HRc). Changes in the surface of the base metal were observed according to the three main parameters of the UNSM process: the load, inter-pass interval, and feed rate. No significant changes in the surface roughness and hardness was caused by the feed rate. As the inter-pass interval of UNSM decreased and the static load increased, the surface roughness of the base metal increased. However, the specimen with low initial hardness (D2-H40), the roughness improvement decreased as the load increased. On the other hand, the surface hardness improvement increased as the inter-pass interval decreased and the load increased regardless of the initial hardness of the base metal. It also was found that the specimen with the highest initial hardness (D2-H55) exhibited the greatest hardness improvement rate of 8.7 % and smallest hardened layer thickness of 220 μm. In addition, the largest compressive residual stress (-1,130.6 MPa) was formed on the surface of D2-H55 after UNSM, which occurred because the base metal with high initial hardness had limited plastic flow due to fine grains and low ductility, causing thus the energy repeatedly delivered by UNSM to be concentrated in a limited area. Consequently, reducing the inter-pass interval is effective on improving the surface roughness and hardness regardless of the material hardness. However, the load must be applied at an appropriate level, depending on the material hardness. Therefore, when D2 is heat-treated and used according to the product requirements, it will be effective to consider the changes after UNSM treatment based on hardness after heat treatment that were derived in this study.
Interim-analysis of the COSA (COVID-19 Patients Treated With the Seraph® 100 Microbind® Affinity Filter) Registry
Authors: Schmidt Julius J. , Borchina Dan Nicolae , Klooster Mariet van´t , Soki Khalida , Okioma Reuben , Herbst Larissa , Rodríguez Diego Sandoval , Büttner Stefan , Bader Birgit , Serednicki Wojciech , Zasada Ewa , Schmitz Michael , Quabach Ralf Alexander , Fühner Thomas , Kielstein Jan T
Published: June 2021

Background: The Seraph®100 Microbind Affinity Blood Filter® is a hemofiltration device that is licensed for pathogen reduction in the blood. This includes several viruses. Removal of the nucleocapsid of the SARS-CoV-2 virus by the Seraph®100 has been recently demonstrated. As viral load has repeatedly been shown to correlate with adverse outcome in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the aim of this registry was to evaluate safety and efficacy of Seraph®100 treatment for COVID-19.Methods: An online registry in which main patient charcteristics, treatment coordinates and outcome parameters was documented without reimbursement. So far 12 hospitals in 4 countries on 2 continents took part in the registry. 75 treatment sessions in 60 patients were documented in the registry. Results: Adverse effects of the Seraph® 100 treatment were reported in 2 (2.6 %) of the 75 treatments. Eight (10.6 %) of all the procedures ended prematurely due to circuit failure / clotting. Half of the treatments (47.6 %) were performed as hemoperfusion only. 21.6 % of the treatments were performed in conjuction with intermittent hemodialysis. Median treatment time was 4.21 [4.00 - 8.06] h. Anticoagulation was performed using citrate in 20.6 % of treatments. Patients that died despite treatment with the Seraph® 100 filter had a higher rate of bacterial superinfection, higher level of inflammatory laboratory markers (procalcitonin and ferritin) and higher d-dimer levels. While predicted survival rate in ICU patients was >80 %, the observed survival rate was 47.6 %. In non-ICU patients, 4 C score predicted a survival rate of 31.4-34.9 % while the observed survival rate was 22.2 %.Conclusion: Seraph® 100 treatment was well tolerated and circuit failure rate was significantly lower than reported for KRT in COVID-19 patients. All patients that died despite of Seraph® 100 treatment had serious pre-existing medical conditions, coexisting bacterial infections and more pronounced systemic signs of inflammation. Compared to the calculated mortality using established scores, the observed mortality in the Seraph® 100 treated patients was lower.Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04361500
Research on Cutting Mechanism and Cutting Force Theoretical Model Based on Indentation Fracture Mechanics in Turning Lithium Disilicate Glass
Authors: Ma Lianjie , Yan Kunjie , Wang Shuhuai , Li Hongshuang , Jia Jing
Published: June 2021

Based on the theory of energy transfer, this study analyzes the fracture mechanism of machinable ceramics, and establishes the machinable ceramic tool-workpiece-chip coupling cutting force model. Research on the brittleness removal of hard and brittle materials by indentation test. The pre-existing defects on the surface of the workpiece are subjected to tensile stress. With continuous loading on a certain point on the surface of the workpiece, the cracks begin to sprout and expand; when the critical load is loaded, the cracks become unstable; with the load continues, the conical cracks expand in an unstable state. The Hertz crack system is obtained at the end of the indentation. The crack system model is established based on indentation fracture mechanics. According to Griffith energy balance theory, different types of energy models of the crack system are established. The theoretical model of cutting force is established according to the principle of energy conservation, the tool input is equal to the energy change between crack systems. The results of turning experiments show that the main cutting force increases with the increase of the radius of the tool nose, and decreases with the increase of the tool rake angle. The calculated values of the theoretical model of cutting force in turning of hard and brittle materials are basically consistent with the experimental values.
Spatiotemporal Variation of Flash Floods in the Hengduan Mountains Region Affected by Rainfall Properties and Land-use
Authors: Sun Xiaoyun , Zhang Guotao , Wang Jiao , Li Chaoyue , Wu Shengnan , Li Yao
Published: June 2021

Understanding the spatiotemporal characteristic of flash floods is significant for the reasonable and accurate identification of high-risk regions of disasters as well as future prediction of hydrological regimes. Therefore, this study collected time-series datasets (1979-2015) of historical flash flood events, rainfall, and land-use in the Hengduan Mountains region, China to characterize the spatiotemporal variation in flash floods affected by the change in rainfall and land-use. Using linear trend, a significant increase with 12 times/10a for flash flood events was found while 82% of events occurred in the flood season (June–August). They were closely related to the increase in frequency (3.5 d/10a) and magnitude (215.55 mm/10a) of heavy rainfall as well as the amplified artificial (999 km2). Affected by heavy rainfall due to climate change and human activity, significant periodic variations on the scales of 3-7a, 8-15a, and 21-31a were derived based on the Morlet wavelet analysis. Meanwhile, utilizing the standard elliptical difference, we identified the moving route of the gravity center of flash floods, with the direction from northwest to southeast. More recorded disasters generally were found in the south of the Hengduan Mountain region, where was mainly controlled by frequent rainstorms and the formation of more cropland and artificial with higher runoff potential. These findings can be an appropriate supplement for lack of understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics of flash floods in the Hengduan Mountains region and could provide policymakers with evidence to identify high-risk areas which is difficult to cope with in the mountainous watershed.
Lactobacillus Reuteri grows in the Microalga Isochrysis Galbana Generating a Fermented Compound that reduces the AIEC Bacteria Harmfulness
Authors: Colantoni E. , Palone F. , Cesi V. , Leter B. , Sugoni G. , Laudadio I. , Negroni A. , Vitali R. , Stronati L.
Published: June 2021

Microalgae are currently considered as alternative sustainable resources for high-value bioproducts such as omega3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Probiotics are assumed to benefit human health by their direct actions on the composition and function of gut microbiota. Aims of the study are: 1) to set up the anaerobic growth of the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) in the omega3-rich microalga Isochrysis galbana (I. galbana); 2) to assess the potential role of the obtained fermented compound (FC) to control the harmfulness of adherent invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) to intestinal epithelial cells. I. galbana powder solubilized in PBS was used for the anaerobic growth of L. reuteri. The lipidic content of I. galbana and FC was analyzed by GC-MS. Colorectal adenocarcinoma cells CACO2 and the AIEC strain LF82 were used for in vitro experiments. I. galbana is shown to be an excellent culture medium for growing L. reuteri. The obtained FC significantly reduces the AIEC adhesiveness and invasiveness to intestinal epithelial cells. We show for the first time that microalgae may represent an innovative culture medium to grow probiotics in anaerobiosis. The obtained FC shows beneficial properties for human health by controlling the harmfulness of AIEC bacteria.
ST-Segment Resolution As A Marker For Severe Myocardial Fibrosis in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Dong Qian , Wen Xuesong , Chang Guanglei , Xia Rui , Wang Sihang , Yang Yunjing , Tao Yi , Zhang Dongying , Qin Shu
Published: June 2021

Objective

To investigate the relationship between ST-segment resolution (STR) and myocardial scar thickness after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
Methods

Forty-two STEMI patients with single-branch coronary artery stenosis or occlusion were enrolled. ST-segment elevations were measured at emergency admission and at 24 h after PCI. Late gadolinium-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR-LGE) was performed 7 days after PCI to evaluate myocardial scars. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the utility of STR to predict the development of transmural (> 75%) or non-transmural (< 75%) myocardial scars, according to previous study.
Results

The sensitivity and specificity of STR for predicting transmural scars were 96% and 88%, respectively, at an STR cut-off value of 40.15%. The area under the curve was 0.92. Multivariate logistic proportional hazards regression analysis disclosed that patients with STR < 40.15% had a 112.95-fold higher probability of developing transmural scars compared with patients with STR ≥ 40.15%. STR percentage was negatively correlated with myocardial scar thickness (β=-0.838, P < 0.001) and size (β=-0.714, P < 0.001).
Conclusion

STR < 40.15% at 24 h after PCI may provide meaningful diagnostic information regarding the extent of myocardial scarification in STEMI patients.
A Hierarchical Evaluation Index System for FMS Reliability Considering Coupling Relations Between System Elements
Authors: Pei Yanhu , Yang Congbin , Xu Jingjing , Wang Yida , Dong Xiangmin
Published: June 2021

FMS reliability cannot be accurately evaluated without considering coupling relations between system elements. This paper presented a hierarchical and quantitative evaluation index system for FMS based on Petri net models and judgment matrix construction. In the proposed system, influencing factors and their coupling relations related to system elements including human, control systems and mechanical equipment, are analyzed. Based on the above analysis, FMS is described as a hierarchical system composed of the whole-level system, processing system and transfer system. Petri net for the running process of each system is modelled for reliability simulation analysis. And judgement matrices of indexes are constructed and combined with simulation of Petri net models to determine weighted values for influencing factors. Finally, an application example is completed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed system. Results indicate that the system can help to quantitatively evaluate the reliability of FMS based on availability indexes of elements, and clearly show weaknesses of the system from element level, which is a significant basis for the FMS reliability improvement during the design stage.
Bacillus Pumilus Induced Tolerance of Maize (Zea Mays L.) Against Cadmium (Cd) Stress
Authors: Shahzad Asim , Elahie Mahmood , Naeem Muhammad , Bashir Tasmia , Yasmin Humaira , Younas Muhammad , Areeb Ahsan , Irfan Muhammad , Billah Motsim , Shakoor Abdul , Zulfiqar Saman , Qin Mingzhou
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Heavy metals contaminate the soil that alters the properties of soil and negatively affect plants growth. Using microorganism and plant can remove these pollutants from soil. The present investigation was designed to evaluate the induced effect of Bacillus pumilus on maize plant in Cadmium (Cd) contaminated soil. Methods: Three different concentrations of Cd (i.e. 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 mg kg-1) were applied in soil under which maize plants were grown. The germination percentage, shoot length, leaf length, number of leaves, root length,fresh weight and nutrient uptake by maize plant were determined. The experiment was conducted by using complete randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. Results: The result indicated that germination percentage, Shoot length, leaf length, root length, number of leaves, and plant fresh weight were reduced by 37, 39, 39, 32 and 59% respectively at 0.75mg kg-1 of CdSO4concentration but when maize seeds inoculated with Bacillus pumilus significantly increased the germination percentage, shoot length, leaf length, number of leaves, plant fresh weight at different concentrations of CdSO4. Moreover, the plant protein were significantly increased by 60% in T6 (0.25 mg kg-1 of CdSO4+inoculated seed) and Peroxidase dismutase (POD) was also significantly higher by 346% in T6 (0.25 mg kg-1 of CdSO4+inoculated seed), however, the Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly higher in T5 (0.75 mg kg-1 of CdSO4+ uninoculated seed) and was 769% higher as compared to control. The Cd contents in Bacillus pumilus inoculated maize roots and shoots were decreased. Conclusion: The present investigations indicated that the inoculation of maize plant with Bacillus pumilus can help maize plants to withstand Cd stress but higher concentration of Cd can harm the plant. The Bacillus pumilus has good potential to remediate Cd from soil, and also have potential to reduce the phytoavailibility and toxicity of Cd.
Translation and Validation of the Greek Version of a Questionnaire Measuring Patient Views on Participation in Clinical Trials
Authors: Karampatakis Dimitrios , Kakavouti-Doudos Angeliki , Oikonomidis Panagiotis , Voultsos Polychronis
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe increasing number of clinical research opportunities requires increasing numbers of participants in clinical trials. However, it may become increasingly problematic, as protocols have become increasingly complex. Better understanding of patients’ attitudes towards their potential participation in clinical trials is essential for developing effective clinical trial recruitment strategies. In Greece, limited research has been conducted on this topic so far. This study aims to contribute to filling this gap. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted. Purposive sampling was used to select participants. The Greek version of a recently developed questionnaire measuring patient views on participation in clinical trials, a 27‐item scale distributed into four factors, was tested. In addition, participants were asked to provide information regarding their socio-demographics. A demographic comparison was conducted.ResultsThe four-factor solution derived in our study consisted of the same 27 items and it was different from the six-factor solution that Arnetz et al. proposed. The factors risks and benefits, that consisted of 5 and 3 items respectively in the six-factor solution, were merged into one factor that consisted of 10 items in the four-factor solution. The four factors produced were Risks and benefits (ten items, α= 0,867), Patient’s expectations (six items, α= 0.864), Patient’s participation (five items, α= 0.827), and Cost and convenience (five items, α= 0,770). We found that demographic factors did not impact patients' opinions about clinical trials participation, except for gender. The participants reported as important for participating in clinical trial: receiving clear and adequate information (95,5%) and being given the opportunity to ask questions (97,8%), take part in discussions regarding their own treatment (94,6%), and voice their concerns and opinions (91,1%). As factors strongly associated with participants’ willingness to participate in a clinical trial were reported: concerns about the risks of being in a clinical trial (87,5%), the possible side effects of clinical trials (86,3%), the type of treatment given in a clinical trial (83,7%), and whether participation would improve their quality of life (QoL) (81,5%).ConclusionThe preliminary validation of the Greek version of the questionnaire measuring patient perceptions and expectations of participating in clinical trials demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability and could be further tested in larger samples. The findings that emerged from this study are in line with previous literature.
Early Disease Onset and Arthritis Are Predictors of Chronic Kidney Disease Development in FMF Patients
Authors: Büberci Refika , Duranay Murat
Published: June 2021

Background: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease characterized by fever and serositis attacks. The most important complication is amyloidosis. In FMF patients, chronic kidney disease (CKD) can develop without amyloid development. The aim of the study is to evaluate the development of CKD in FMF patients and to determine the factors that are involved in this development.Method: One hundred seventy eight FMF patients who were followed up between 2000 and 2020 were included in the study. FMF diagnosis was made according to the Tel-Hashomer criteria. Genetic tests were studied in cases which there was suspicion of diagnosis. Clinical and demographic characteristics of patients and all laboratory data including urea, creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and proteinuria in 24-hour urine at the time of first and last admission were evaluated.Results: The mean age of the patients was 34.53 ± 10.72, the follow-up period was 6.12 ± 3.94, and the diagnosis age was 21.7 ± 11.5 years. The number of patients with late disease onset and the percentage of kidney biopsy performed were higher in the genetic test group. There was no difference in the inflammatory parameters. The risk factors associated with the development of CKD were early disease onset and arthritis attacks.Conclusion: The role of genotype characteristics in the development of CKD has not been determined. Patients diagnosed with FMF disease at an early age and especially with arthritis attacks should be closely monitored in terms of the risk of developing CKD.
Potential Genes and Pathways Associated with Heterotopic Ossification, Derived from Analyses of Gene Expression Profiles
Authors: Yang Zhanyu , Liu Delong , Guan Rui , Li Xin , Wang Yiwei , Sheng Bin
Published: June 2021

Background: Heterotopic ossification (HO) represents pathological lesions, referred to the development of heterotopic bone in extraskeletal tissues around joints. This study will investigate the genetic characteristics of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from HO tissues and explore the potential pathways involved. Methods: The gene expression profiles (GSE94683) was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), including 9 normal specimens and 7 HO specimens, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Then, the protein‑protein interaction (PPI) networks, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis were performed for further analysis. Results: Totally 275 DEGs were differentially expressed, of which 153 were upregulated and 122 were downregulated. In the biological process (BP), the majority of DEGs, including EFNB3, UNC5C, TMEFF2, PTH2, KIT, FGF13 and WISP3, were intensively enriched in cell signal transmission items, including axon guidance, negative regulation of cell migration, peptidyl-tyrosine phosphorylation and cell-cell signaling. Moreover, KEGG analysis indicated that the majority of DEGs, including EFNB3, UNC5C, FGF13, MAPK10, DDIT3, KIT, COL4A4 and DKK2, primarily involved in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway. 10 hub genes were identified, including CX3CL1, CXCL1, ADAMTS3, ADAMTS16, ADAMTSL2, ADAMTSL3, ADAMTSL5, PENK, GPR18, CALB2.Conclusions: This study presents a novel insight into the pathogenesis of HO. 10 hub genes and most of the DEGs intensively involved in enrichment analyses may be the new candidate targets for the prevention and treatment of HO in the future.
Diversity Checkup: A Study of Multicultural Medicine
Authors: Hammock Jordan , Saturn Sarina
Published: June 2021

The failure to provide quality, patient-centered healthcare has been directly associated with a lack of cultural diversity within the healthcare system itself (Scherman, 2017). The present study aims to capture community perceptions related to the lack of diversity in the Oregon healthcare system in an effort to determine what steps can and should be taken to promote more culturally sensitive healthcare. A total of 767 healthcare workers, high school students, college students, and patients completed an online survey of attitudes on diversity in healthcare. The findings of these surveys have identified current attitudes on healthcare diversity, areas of discrimination and bias, and identified areas that can be changed to address the challenges associated with the lack of diversity in the healthcare system. The results can be used to advance pre-health professional programs for students and to further the diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts of health systems.
A Scenario-Based Management of Water Resources and Supply Systems Using a Combined System Dynamics and Compromise Programming Approach
Authors: Momeni Marzieh , Behzadian Kourosh , Yousefi Hossein , Zahedi Sina
Published: June 2021

Long-term sustainability in water supply systems is a major challenge due to water resources depletion, climate change and population growth. This paper presents a scenario-based approach for performance assessment of intervention strategies in water resources and supply systems (WRSS). A system dynamics (SD) approach is used for modelling the key WRSS components and their complex interactions with natural and human systems and is combined with a multi-criteria decision analysis for sustainability performance assessment of strategies in each scenario. The scenarios combine population growth rates with groundwater extraction limits and three intervention strategies. The methodology was demonstrated on a real-world case study in Iran. Results show scenario-based analysis can provide suitable strategies leading to long-term sustainability of water resources for each scenario imposed on the water systems. For scenarios with either no threshold or one threshold of groundwater extraction limit, the only effective strategies for sustainable groundwater preservation are those involving agricultural water demand decrease with an average recovery rate of 130% for groundwater resources while other strategies of agricultural groundwater abstraction (constant/increase rates) fail to sustainably recover groundwater resources. However, all analysed strategies can provide sustainability of water resources with an average recovery rate of 33% for groundwater resources only when scenarios with two threshold limits are in place. The impact of scenarios on groundwater conservation is quite minor for population growth rates with an average recovery rate of 11% compared to groundwater extraction limits with an average recovery rate of 79% between no threshold and two threshold limits.
Factors Influencing Medical Students' Attitudes Towards Substance Use During Pregnancy
Authors: Richelle Lou , Dramaix-Wilmet Michèle , Roland Michel , Kacenelenbogen Nadine
Published: June 2021

Background: Many stigmas exist regarding people with substance use disorder especially among pregnant women, preventing optimal accessibility and quality of care. In this survey, we investigated attitudes of medical students regarding substance use during pregnancy and identified the factors that influence these attitudes. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2019 and 2020 in Belgium using the short version of the "Substance Abuse Attitude Survey" questionnaire. We focused on two items regarding punishment of substance use during pregnancy. We analysed the concordance between these two, their correlation with other items (e.g stereotyping, morality, forced withdrawal, low treatment optimism) and the association between respondents’ agreement on punishment and their sociodemographic data. Results: The response rate was 65.2 % (370/567 online and face-to face questionnaires). 19.2% of respondents were in favour of punishment for alcohol use (n=353) and 15.1% for drug use (n=356) during pregnancy. The agreement analysis between the two items showed that14.3% of students were in favour of punishing both pregnant women who use drugs and those using alcohol. Respondents tended to be more in favour of punishment if they were male students, older, if they had a lower mother's education level or had no personal or family history of substance use. Attitudes appeared to be more punitive among students with limited contact with people with substance use disorder (i.e. none or limited to hospital). Students intending to specialise in internal medicine were more in favour of punishment of women whereas none of those intending to specialise in psychiatry were in favour. Conclusion: Our study shows that about 20% of surveyed medical students favoured punishing substance-using pregnant women. Awareness and training work seems to be necessary to ensure adequate care and support for this already vulnerable population.
Stone Algebras: 3-valued Logic and Rough Sets
Authors: Kumar Arun , Kumari Shilpi
Published: June 2021

In this article, we propose 3-valued semantics of the logics compatible with Stone and dual Stone algebras. We show that these logics can be considered as 3-valued by establishing soundness and completeness results. We also show that rough set theory can be modelled by these logics where the third value can be interpreted as not certain but possible.
Association Between Self-Reported Chewing Status and Glycemic Control in Japanese Adults
Authors: Iwai Komei , Azuma Tetsuji , Yonenaga Takatoshi , Ekuni Daisuke , Watanabe Kazutoshi , Obora Akihiro , Deguchi Fumiko , Kojima Takao , Morita Manabu , Tomofuji Takaaki
Published: June 2021

This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between self-reported chewing status and glycemic control in 32,137 Japanese adults who participated in health checkups. Chewing status was evaluated using a self-reported questionnaire. We defined poor glycemic control as a hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level ≥6.5% or the use of medication to control diabetes; 1,891 (5.9%) respondents met these criteria. After adjusting for gender, age, smoking status, exercise habits, body mass index, and eating speed, poor glycemic control was found to be positively associated with male gender (odds ratio [OR], 2.142; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.903 to 2.411; p < 0.001), older age (OR, 1.093; 95% CI, 1.087 to 1.099; p < 0.001), higher body mass index (OR, 1.234; 95% CI, 1.219 to 1.249; p < 0.001), current smoker status (OR, 1.378; 95% CI, 1.223 to 1.552; p < 0.001), and ability to chew well (OR, 0.795; 95% CI, 0.699 to 0.904; p < 0.001). Furthermore, a negative association was found between the ability to chew well and poor glycemic control in those ≥40 years of age, but not in those between 20 and 39 years of age. In conclusion, self-reported ability to chew well was associated with poor glycemic control in Japanese adults aged ≥40 years.