bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of in situ stress field in the Huainan mining area, China and its control factors
Authors: Shi Xiuchang , Zhang Jixing , Li Guoqing
Published: March 2021

Due to the high in situ stresses, dynamic disasters occurred frequently in the Huainan mining area, China. While our understanding of the in situ stresses in this area is still insufficient. In this study, the in situ stresses of 18 sections in two boreholes in the Xinji No. 1 coalfield were measured by using hydraulic fracturing method, and the distribution of in situ stresses in the Huainan mining area were investigated. The relationship between in situ stress and geological structure in the Huainan mining area were summarized and the limitation of fault friction strength on in situ stresses were discussed. The result showed that the maximum horizontal principal stress (σH) at Xinji No. 1 mine was 13.95–25.23 MPa, the minimum horizontal principal stress (σh) was 12.16–21.17 MPa. The average azimuth of the maximum horizontal principal stress was N83.61 °E. The statistical results showed that the in situ stresses in Huainan mining area were characterized by a strike-slip faulting regime. Both the horizontal and vertical principal stresses increased approximately linearly with the increase of burial depth. The direction of the maximum principal stress in the study area is closely related to the tectonic movement and the ratio of maximum principal stress to minimum principal stress was primarily limited by the friction strength of fault. The outcomes of this research can provide some reliable engineering parameters and benefit the roadway layout and support design in the Huainan mining area.
Effect of Vitamin D3 On the Expression of Antimicrobial Peptide Gene in Experimental Pneumonia in Calf
Authors: Asgharpour Parisa , Eftekhari Zohre , Nadealian Mohammad Goli , Borojeni Gholam Reza Nikbakht , Dezfouli Mohammad Reza Mokhber
Published: March 2021

Background

Vitamin D3 has been identified as an immunomodulatory agent that confronts the pathogens via stimulating antimicrobial peptides (AMPs).
Objective

The effects of vitamin D3 on the expression of AMPs was assessed in experimental pasteurellosis in calves.
Methods

10 Holstein crossbred male calves (2–4 months) were chosen and randomly divided into the two groups. Pasteurella multocida was prepared (3×109 CFU/mL) and inoculated in the trachea. Vitamin D3 was injected to the treatment group after confirming the pneumonia. Blood samples were obtained from both groups at different time intervals and the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated. Clinical symptoms were recorded. Broncho-alveolar lavage was performed to evaluate the lung cell content. On the other hand, 10− 6, 10− 7, and 10 − 8 molar (M) of vitamin D3, was used to evaluate the expression of CD4, BMAP34, and BNBD4 genes using PBMCs under the in vitro conditions.
Results

The prescription of vitamin D3 to the treatment group caused a decline in clinical signs. Following the vitamin D3 injections the treatment groups under the in vivo conditions, significant increase was observed in the expression level of Defensin (BNBD4), and CD4. Evaluation of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) revealed that the amount of neutrophils decreased after vitamin D injection. In vitro, increased expression of Catalicidin (BMAP34), Defensin (BNBD4), and CD4 was observed at a concentration of 10− 6 M of vitamin D3.
Conclusion

The present study indicated that vitamin D3, exerts immunomodulatory effects on many infectious diseases via activation of VDR pathways and stimulation of AMP production.
Construction and Validation of a Robust Genomic Classifier for High-Risk Sporadic Type 2 Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma: Support More Accurate Utilization of mTOR inhibitors
Authors: Tian Xi , Xu Wen-Hao , Anwaier Aihetaimujiang , Wang Yue , Gan Hua-Lei , Luo Wen-Jie , Wang Hong-Kai , Wan Fang-Ning , Zhu Yu , Cao Da-Long , Shi Guo-Hai , Qu Yuan-Yuan , Zhang Hai-Liang , Ye Ding-Wei
Published: March 2021

To construct a robust genomic classifier for high-risk sporadic type 2 papillary renal cell carcinoma (sPRCC2) and identify potential therapeutic targets. A cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas and two datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus were examined. Common differentially expressed genes were screened, and the ConsensusClusterPlus package was used to identify potential high-risk molecular subtypes of sPRCC2. Targeting protein for Xklp2 (TPX2) expression was used to simulate the classifier according to the logistic model. Ninety-two samples from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC) were obtained, and TPX2 immunostaining was performed to validate the predictive ability of the genomic classifier. Retrospective analysis was used to compare drug efficacy between the groups. High-risk sPRCC2 had worse overall (hazard ratio [HR] = 7.804) and disease-free survival (HR = 8.777) than low-risk sPRCC2, and the tumor and lymph node stages were significantly higher in high-risk sPRCC2. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed significant enrichment of genes in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 signaling pathway in the high-risk group. In the FUSCC cohort, high-risk sPRCC2 (high TPX2 expression) was significantly correlated with worse overall and progression-free survival. Retrospective analysis indicated that mTOR inhibitor (everolimus) had greater efficacy in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group (overall response rate: 28.6% vs. 16.7%) and that everolimus had greater efficacy than sunitinib in the high-risk group (overall response rate: 28.6% vs. 20%). This study successfully constructed a genomic classifier for identifying high-risk sPRCC2. mTOR inhibitors may have good efficacy in patients with high-risk sPRCC2.
Exploration of Temporal-Spatially Varying Impacts on COVID-19 Cumulative Case in Texas Using Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR)
Authors: WU XIU , Zhang Jinting
Published: March 2021

Since COVID-19 is extremely menacing human’s health, it is a significant to expose on its fator’s impacts for curbing the virus spreading. To tackle the complexity of COVID-19 expansion in spatial-temporal scale, This research is approriatedly analyzed the spatial-temporal heterogeneity at county-level in Texas. First,factors impacts of COVID-19 are captured on social, economic, and environmental multiple-facets and the Communality is extracted through Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Second, this research is used COVID-19 CC as the dependent variable and the common factors as the independent variable. According to the virus prevailing hierarchy, spatial-temporal disparity is are categorized four quarters in the modeling GWR analysis according to the virus prevailing hierarchy. The findings are exibited that GWR models provided higher fitness, more geodata-oriented information than OLS models. In Texas El Paso, Odessa, Midland, Randall and Potter County areas, population, hospitalization, and age structure presented static, positive influences on COVID-19 cumulative casesm, indicating they should be adopt stringent stratgies in curbing COVID-19. Winter is the most sensitive season for the virus spreading, implying the last quarter should be pay more attention to prevent the virus and take pracutions. This research are expected to provide references for preventing and controlling COVID-19 and related infectious dieseaces, evidences for disease surveillance and response systems to facilitate the appropriate uptake and reuse of geographical data.
Utilization of complementary and traditional medicine practitioners among older adults in India: results of a national survey in 2016-2017
Authors: Peltzer Pengpid , Peltzer Karl
Published: March 2021

Background: Lack of information exists about the use of traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) use among older adults in India, which led to studying the estimates of past-12 month Ayurveda/Yoga/Naturopathy/Unani/Siddha/Homeopathy (AYUSH) and traditional health practitioner (THP) utilization in India. Methods: The study included 72,262 individuals (45 years and older) from the cross-sectional 2017-2018 Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave 1.Results: The prevalence of past 12-month AYUSH practitioner utilization was 6.5%, THP 7.0%, and AYUSH or THP 13.0%. In the adjusted logistic regression analysis, functional disability (Adjusted Odds Ratio-AOR: 1.25, 95% Confidence Interval-CI: 1.09-1.42), having pain (AOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.31-1.65) and current tobacco use (AOR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.14-1.48) were positively and male sex (AOR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.69-0.88), higher education (AOR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.80-0.99), scheduled caste (AOR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.36-0.63), high subjective socioeconomic status (AOR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.57-0.77), urban residence (AOR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.57-0.75) and having a health insurance cover (AOR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.32-0.44) were negatively associated with AYUSH practitioner utilization in the past 12 months. In a second adjusted logistic regression analysis, sleep problems (AOR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.14-1.48), depressive symptoms (AOR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02-1.28) functional disability (AOR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.01-1.30), having pain (AOR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.35-1.70), current tobacco use (AOR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.13-1.43) and having underweight (AOR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.02-1.31) were positively associated with past 12-month THP utilization. Furthermore, having health insurance cover (AOR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.38-0.51), overweight or obesity (AOR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.72-0.97), having two or more chronic conditions (AOR: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.50-0.72), urban residence (AOR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.20-0.28), high subjective socioeconomic status (AOR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.70-0.96), and higher education (AOR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.34-0.52) were negatively associated with past 12-month THP utilization.Conclusion: A moderate prevalence of TCM use among older adults in India was found and several factors associated with its use were identified.
Development and validation of a prediction rule of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event for high-risk STEMI patients after primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Zhao Xiaoxiao , Liu Chen , Zhou Peng , Sheng Zhaoxue , Li Jiannan , Zhou Jinying , Chen Runzhen , Wang Ying , Chen Yi , Song Li , Zhao Hanjun , Yan Hongbing
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims We aimed to develop a clinical prediction tool to improve the prognostication of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) among high-risk myocardial infarction (MI) patients undergoing primary PCI. Methods Among 4151 consecutive MI patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) from FuWai Hospital in BeiJing, China (January 2010 and June 2017), and a prediction rule was derived from derivation and internally validation cohort to predict MACCE after PPCI. Subject must have met at least one clinical criterion and at least one angiographic criterion to be eligible for treatment in the study. The predictive values of markers and clinical variables were assessed with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. The most important variables were included in the score with weights proportional to the model coeﬃcients. Results The full model included 7 variables, and the risk score was total 160 points. The full model had similar discriminatory value across pre-specified subgroups and was well calibrated. Derivation cohort models predicting MACCE events had C statistics of 0.695 and 0.673, respectively. The areas under curve (AUC) of the survival receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) were 0.991 and 0.883 in derivation and validation cohort among 3-year follow-up for predicting the MACCE events. The relative high risk group was observed to have significantly greater likelihood of occurrence of all-caused death, recurrence MI, heart failure, ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke and revascularization compared with the low risk group (p<0.05 respectively). Conclusion The predicted model was internally validated and calibrated in large cohorts of patients with high risk MI receiving primary PCI therapy to predict the MACCE event and showed modest accuracy in derivation and validation cohorts.
Effect of CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 genetic polymorphism on individualized application of fentanyl in thoracoscopic surgery
Authors: Shengyan Wang , Yibing Yao , Min Kong , Xuyan Zhou , Xu Shen
Published: March 2021

Background: Studies have confirmed that CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 genotypes affect fentanyl metabolism in vivo. This study explores the application value of CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 genetic polymorphism in the individualized use of fentanyl in thoracoscopic surgery. Patients and Methods: One hundred American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II patients, aged 40–65 years, with a body mass index of <30 kg/㎡ were scheduled for thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer under general anesthesia. The patients were divided into the wild homozygote group (group I), heterozygote group (group II), and mutant homozygote group (group III) according to gene detection results. The induction dose of fentanyl was 6 µg/kg, 5 µg/kg, and 4 µg/kg, respectively; the background infusion rate of patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) was 2 mL/h, 1.5 mL/h, and 1 mL/h, respectively; the patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) dose was 2 mL, 1.5 mL, and 1 mL, respectively; the locking time was 15 min; and the visual analog scale (VAS) score of ≤ 3 was used as the effective analgesia. The operation and recovery times were recorded. Surgical plethysmography index (SPI) and blood glucose levels were recorded on admission, immediately after tracheal intubation, during skin cutting, during surgery for 1 h, and during skin suturing. Furthermore, the VAS and Bruggemann comfort scale (BCS) scores were recorded in the resting states of immediate consciousness and 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h after the operation. The total fentanyl consumption, the effective times of PCIA compression, and the incidence of adverse drug reactions (nausea, vomiting, itching, sleepiness, and respiratory depression) were recorded during the operation and within 48 h after the operation. Results: No significant intergroup differences in terms of SPI and blood glucose levels (p > 0.05) were observed. No statistically significant difference in VAS and BCS scores was found after operation (p > 0.05). The intraoperative and postoperative fentanyl doses and the amount of effective PCA decreased in all groups (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse reactions within 48 h after surgery between all groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study suggests that it is feasible to use individualized application of fentanyl according to CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 genotypes
Longitudinal peculiarities of planetary waves-zonal flow interaction and its role in stratosphere-troposphere dynamical coupling
Authors: Ke Wei , Chen Wen , Vargin Pavel
Published: March 2021

The three-dimensional (3D) planetary wave analysis provides more regionalized information on stratospheric-tropospheric dynamic interactions. The upward wave flux from the troposphere to the stratosphere is maximized above north-eastern Eurasia, while the downward flux is mainly over the North America and North Atlantic (NANA) region, which is much stronger in mid and late winter. This distribution is determined by the wave-wave interaction between the different wavenumbers of planetary waves, especially between wavenumber 1 and wavenumber 2. The upward wave flux anomalies in early winter are negatively correlated with the strength of the stratospheric polar vortex (SPV). In the mid and late winter months, the strength of the SPV is positively correlated with the first mode of 3D wave flux and has a leading relationship of approximately one month. The stronger SPV corresponds to a stronger upward wave flux above northern Eurasia and stronger downward flux over the NANA region. The interannual variation in wave flux in early winter is closely associated with the Scandinavian wave train pattern. In contrast, the wave flux variation is related to the circulation anomaly corresponding to Arctic Oscillation in mid and late winter, which causes climate anomalies across the Northern Hemisphere, especially coherent temperature changes in northern Europe, eastern United States and northeastern China.
Online database for brain cancer-implicated genes: exploring the subtype-specific mechanisms of brain cancer
Authors: Zhao Min , Liu Yining , Ding Guiqiong , Qu Dacheng , Qu Hong
Published: March 2021

Background: Brain cancer is one of the eight most common cancers occurring in people aged 40+ and is the fifth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths for males aged 40-59. Accurate subtype identification is crucial for precise therapeutic treatment, which largely depends on understanding the biological pathways and regulatory mechanisms associated with different brain cancer subtypes. Unfortunately, the subtype-implicated genes that have been identified are scattered in thousands of published studies. So, systematic literature curation and cross-validation could provide a solid base for comparative genetic studies about major subtypes.Results: Here, we constructed just such a literature-based brain cancer gene database (BCGene). In the current release, we have a collection of 1,421 unique human genes gathered through an extensive manual examination of over 6,000 PubMed abstracts. We comprehensively annotated those curated genes to facilitate biological pathway identification, cancer genomic comparison, and differential expression analysis in various anatomical brain regions. When we compared those implicated genes between different subtypes, we found subtype-specific genetic events that had high mutational frequencies. Finally, gene prioritization helps users determine the relative importance of the curated genes, and top-ranked genes were significantly associated with survival rates in a combined dataset of more than 2,000 cancer cases. Conclusion: BCGene provides a useful tool for exploring the genetic mechanisms of and gene priorities in brain cancer. BCGene is freely available to academic users at http://soft.bioinfo-minzhao.org/bcgene/.
A Numerical Model of the Influence of Maxillary Sinus Ostium Size on the Distribution of Nitric Oxide Concentration in the Nasal Cavity and Sinuses.
Authors: GUO YAN , YU SHEN , WANG JIZHE , JIN WEN , CUI YUYUE , YANG YI , SUN XIUZHEN
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveUsing a numerical model, we aimed to study the influence of maxillary sinus ostium size variation on nitric oxide (NO) concentration distribution in the nasal cavity and sinuses and to determine the impact of differing sinus ostium size on sinusitis development and recurrence following sinus ostium opening surgery.MethodsWe obtained high-resolution computed tomography images of the nasal sinuses of a volunteer, following which we established a numerical model, determined NO concentration and air volume in the maxillary sinus on one side, then changed the maxillary sinus ostium size on that side, and finally established five models of sinus ostium of different sizes. Two sizes of sinus numerical models were established to determine effect of differing ostium size on the maxillary sinus cavity NO concentration distributions.ResultsA smaller sinus ostia size corresponded to lower NO concentration in nasal cavity and exhaled air; moreover, a concentration gradient was formed from sinus ostium to nasal cavity. A larger sinus ostia size demonstrated a lower NO concentration surrounding sinus ostium in the sinus cavity and formed a concentration gradient from ostium to cavity.Conclusion﻿Constriction of the sinus cavity can lead to changes in NO concentration. Detection of NO concentration in nasally exhaled air can be used as an index to detect the patency of the maxillary sinus ostium. An excessive opening of sinus ostium leads to a decrease in NO concentration around sinus ostium, which is one of the main causes of persistent or recurrent inflammation in the maxillary sinus
Nationwide surveillance of antimicrobial susceptibility of 509 rapidly growing mycobacteria strains isolated from clinical specimens in Japan
Authors: Kamada Keisuke , Yoshida Atsushi , Iguchi Shigekazu , Arai Yuko , Uzawa Yutaka , Konno Satoshi , Shimojima Masahiro , Kikuchi Ken
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to identify effective treatments against rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) infections by investigating the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 24 antimicrobial agents and their molecular mechanisms of resistance. In total, 509 clinical RGM isolates were identified by analyzing the sequences of three housekeeping genes (hsp65, rpoB, and sodA), and their susceptibilities to 24 antimicrobial agents were tested. We also performed sequencing analysis of antimicrobial resistance genes (rrl, rrs, gyrA, gyrB). To identify Mycobacteroides abscessus group subspecies, we performed PCR-based typing and determined the sequevar of erm(41). We identified 15 RGM species, most of which were susceptible to amikacin and linezolid. Among these species, arbekacin and sitafloxacin had the lowest MIC among the same class of antibiotics. The MIC of rifabutin for M. abscessus subsp. abscessus (MAB) was lower than that for M. abscessus subsp. massiliense (MMA). The number of MAB isolates with MIC ≤ 2 mg/L for rifabutin was significantly higher than that of MMA [MAB: 50/178 (28.1%) vs. MMA: 23/130 (17.7%); p = 0.041]. In summary, our study revealed the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of 15 RGM species isolated in Japan and indicated that arbekacin, sitafloxacin, and rifabutin may be possible therapeutic options for RGM infections.
Placental Malaria: Histological Findings and Immune Cell Infiltrates in Submicroscopic Infections
Authors: Agudelo-Garcia Olga María , Arango Eliana María , Yanow Stephanie K , Carmona-Fonseca Jaime
Published: March 2021

Most research on placental malaria is focused on microscopic infection by Plasmodium falciparum; there are very few studies on submicroscopic infection. This study aimed to assess alterations of placental tissue associated with placental malaria, to describe the immune cell populations in the placental tissue, and to explore the relationships between the histopathological changes and cell infiltrates. A descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional study was carried out. Women were recruited at hospital obstetric facilities in three municipalities in Northwest Colombia. The histopathological analysis was performed in a total of 132 placentas including 66 placentas with submicroscopic plasmodial infection and 66 that were negatives. Immunohistochemistry was performed on a subset of 75 placentas to determine the distribution of immune cells. Based on histology, there were more immune cells in placentas with submicroscopic plasmodial infection compared with those without infection. The quantity of syncytial knots and calcifications was greater with submicroscopic plasmodial infection, but the quantity of abruption and thrombi was greater in placentas without infection. By immunohistochemistry, we observed a significant increase of CD56+ and CD68+ cells in the infected placentas. Submicroscopic plasmodial infection in the placenta causes tissue alterations and increased immune cell infiltrates. Submicroscopic plasmodial infection is very common in Colombia and can represent a serious threat to mothers and newborns.
Benchmarks for interpretation of QSAR models
Authors: Matveieva Mariia , Polishchuk Pavel
Published: March 2021

Interpretation of QSAR models is useful to understand the complex nature of biological or physicochemical processes, guide structural optimization or perform knowledge-based validation of QSAR models. Highly predictive models are usually complex and their interpretation is non-trivial. This is particularly true for modern neural networks. Various approaches to interpretation of these models exist. However, it is difficult to evaluate and compare performance and applicability of these ever-emerging methods. Herein, we developed several benchmark data sets with end-points determined by pre-defined patterns. These data sets are purposed for evaluation of the ability of interpretation approaches to retrieve these patterns. They represent tasks with different complexity levels: from simple atom-based additive properties to pharmacophore hypotheses. We proposed several quantitative metrics of interpretation performance. Applicability of benchmarks and metrics was demonstrated on a set of conventional models and end-to-end graph convolutional neural networks interpreted by the previously suggested universal ML-agnostic approach for structural interpretation. We anticipate these benchmarks to be useful in evaluation of new interpretation approaches and investigation of decision making of complex “black box” models.
The porous ZnCo2O4 nanosheets arrays as a binder-free electrode for high performance flexible supercapacitor materials
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Chen , Wang Shen , Zhang Xiang , Jin Xiangyang , Chang Jiang , Dong Jing
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the porous ZnCo2O4 nanosheets arrays (NAs)/carbon cloth (CC) were prepared for the first time as a binder-free anode by hydrothermal method. The anode electrode material shows multistage pore distribution and thus can provide numerous ways for the transport of ions and electrons. As a supercapacitor electrode, the flexible ZnCo2O4/CC electrode indicates a high specific capacitance (1790 F/g at the current density of 1 A/g), good rate performance, and excellent cycle properties (99.4% capacitance retention after 10000 cycles). Besides, the flexible electrode also displays good mechanical flexibility. The solid-state asymmetric flexible supercapacitor device was assembled taking the ZnCo2O4/CC electrode as the positive electrode and carbon nanotube (CNTs)/CC as the negative electrode. The asymmetric device delivers high energy density 47.1 Wh/Kg (power density 800 W/Kg) and power density 12000 W/Kg (energy density 28.3 Wh/Kg) with the potential window 0 V ~ 1.6 V. These results indicate the ZnCo2O4/CC flexible electrode with high electrochemical performance adjust for environmentally friendly and low-cost energy storage devices in the future.
Fetal weight estimation by automated three-dimensional limb volume model in late third trimester compared to two-dimensional model: a cross-sectional prospective observational study
Authors: Wu Xining , Niu Zihan , Xu Zhonghui , Jiang Yuxin , Zhang Yixiu , Meng Hua , Ouyang Yunshu
Published: March 2021

Background: Accurate estimation of fetal weight is important for prenatal care and for detection of fetal growth abnormalities. Prediction of fetal weight entails the indirect measurement of fetal biometry by ultrasound that is then introduced into formulae to calculate the estimated fetal weight. The aim of our study was to evaluate the accuracy of the automated three-dimensional(3D) fractional limb volume model to predict fetal weight in the third trimester.Methods: Prospective 2D and 3D ultrasonography were performed among women with singleton pregnancies 7 days before delivery to obtain 2D data, including fetal biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference and femur length, as well as 3D data, including the fractional arm volume (AVol) and fractional thigh volume (TVol). The fetal weight was estimated using the 2D model and the 3D fractional limb volume model respectively. Percentage error = (estimated fetal weight - actual birth weight) ÷ actual birth weight × 100. Systematic errors (accuracy) were evaluated as the mean percentage error (MPE). Random errors (precision) were calculated as±1 SD of percentage error.Results: Ultrasound examination was performed on 56 fetuses at 39.6 ± 1.4 weeks gestation. The average birth weight of the newborns was 3393 ± 530 g. The average fetal weight estimated by the 2D model was 3478 ± 467 g, and the MPE was 3.2 ± 8.9. The average fetal weights estimated by AVol and TVol of the 3D model were 3268 ± 467 g and 3250 ± 485 g, respectively, and the MPEs were -3.3 ± 6.6 and -3.9 ± 6.1, respectively. For the 3D TVol model, the proportion of fetuses with estimated error ≤ 5% was significantly higher than that of the 2D model (55.4% vs. 33.9%, p < 0.05). For fetuses with a birth weight < 3500 g, the accuracy of the AVol and TVol models were better than the 2D model (-0.8 vs. 7.0 and -2.8 vs. 7.0, both p < 0.05). Moreover, for these fetus, the proportions of estimated error ≤ 5% of the AVol and TVol models were 58.1% and 64.5%, respectively, significantly higher than that of the 2D model (19.4%) (both p < 0.05). The consistency of different examiners measuring fetal AVol and TVol were satisfactory,with the intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.921 and 0.963, respectively.Conclusion: In this cohort,the automated 3D fractional limb volume model improves the accuracy of weight estimation in most third-trimester fetuses. In particular, the 3D model estimation accuracy for fetuses with weight < 3500 g is significantly higher than that of the traditional 2D model.
Active constituents and Molecular Analysis of Psidium guajava Against Multiple Protein of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Fadilah Fadilah , Erlina Linda , Paramita Rafika Indah , Istiadi Khaerunissa Anbar , Handayani Raden Rara Diah
Published: March 2021

Background

The severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 declared as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization has become the present wellbeing worry to the whole world. The latest development of COVID-19 spread in Indonesia has reached 1.024.298 cases, with 28.855 patients died, updated on January 28, 2021. Unfortunately, these numbers continue to overgrow, and no drug has yet been approved for effective treatment. There is an emergent need to search for possible medications and explore the potential of Indonesian herbal compounds. Ministry of Health Indonesia stated that Psidium guajava can be use as daily nutritional supplement during COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to determine the potential active constituents in Psidium guajava as an inhibitor for multiple SARS-CoV-2 proteins using molecular analysis.
Methods

Molecular docking was performed by using Autodocktools 1.5.6. We performed a structure-based virtual screening of fourteen 3D structure of Psidium guajava compounds, three antivirals (lopinavir, remdesivir, and ritonavir) against multiple SARS-CoV-2 proteins. We download the main protease (3CLPro), Papain Like Protease (PL Pro), MPro, Spike and ACE2 as protein target from human against from Protein Data Bank (PDB). We used PyMOL to analyse the interactions between the SARS-CoV-2 proteins and 14 compounds from Psidium guajava and three antiviral (lopinavir, remdesivir and ritonavir) used as positive control.
Results

Based on the molecular docking analysis, it was found there are two potential compounds that showed higher binding affinity score namely gamma sitosterol and peri-xanthenoxanthene-4,10-dione,2,8-bis (1-methylethyl).
Conclusions

Gamma sitosterol and peri-xanthenoxanthene-4,10-dione,2,8-bis (1-methylethyl) from Psidium guajava have potential as antiviral candidates for SARS-CoV-2 multiple proteins such as main protease (3CLPro), Papain Like Protease (PL Pro), MPro, Spike and ACE2.
Sero-prevalence and risk factors for sheeppox in Kordofan states in Sudan
Authors: Manosur Mohammed , Abdelazeem Fatima , Manan Abdelmhmoud Ata , Bowden Timothy , Asfaw Yilkal , Zessin Karl-Hans , Babiuk Shawn , Baumann Maximillian , Abdellah Taj Eldien , Elfadil Abdelhamid , Ayelet Gelagay , Mansour Mohamed
Published: March 2021

Background Sheeppox and goatpox are viral diseases of sheep and goats causing high morbidity and mortality leading to large economic losses for producers. The viruses are transmitted primarily through direct contact between infected animals. Understanding the sero-prevalence, risk factors and producers knowledge of the disease is critical for implementation of control strategies.Methods A cross-sectional survey was performed in the Kordofan region, from March to September 2011 using a virus neutralization test (VNT) and ELISA. The serology data was used to identify potential risk factors associated with sheep pox outbreaks. In addition, a questionnaire explored producer’s knowledge about the disease in the Sudan.Results The estimated overall sero-prevalence of sheeppox in the Kordofan region was 73.4% determined by virus neutralization and was prevalent in both South and North Kordofan states at 85% and 64% respectively. However, the seroprevalence determined using ELISA of sheeppox in South and North Kordofan states was 33% and 15% respectively. The risk factors identified were the breed, age, sex, species, movement patterns, herd size and geographic region. The questionnaire revealed that both nomadic and permanent farmers were generally aware of sheeppox as a disease, but most did not have a complete understanding of the disease. Greater than half of producers experienced the disease in the past 2 years and did not have their sheep vaccinated.Conclusions This study illustrates the disease burden of sheeppox in Sudan and demonstrates that for sero- surveillance, VNT is a more sensitive method compared to ELISA for detecting previously infected animals. Further education of producers of the disease and important of vaccination is required to control the disease.
MRI features in foetal microtia
Authors: Mu Can , Peng Song , Yu Bin
Published: March 2021

Background: Atresia of the external auditory canal is positively correlated with the difficulty and success rate of operation after birth. At present, ultrasound screening often obtains images of body position, placenta and amniotic fluid, and the detection rate is low. Moreover, it is unable to evaluate whether the external auditory canal shows atresia. Methods: We retrospectively conducted MRI features of 9 cases those were diagnosed foetal microtia from May. 2019 to Oct. 2020. Results: Nine cases of microtia foetus were analysed: male, five cases; female, four cases; right ear, five cases; left ear, four cases; and degree I, one case (bilateral external auditory canal is shown); degree II, eight cases (affected external auditory canal is not shown, six cases of normal external auditory canal shown, two cases of normal external auditory canal not shown). All parturients underwent amniocentesis full exon gene detection, of which the results were negative. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of microtia, included abnormal external ear morphology, disappearance of normal structure, mass-like and small piece-like soft tissue shadow and equal signal on T2-weighted (T2W) imaging. The upper and lower diameters were significantly smaller than that of the normal side. The MRI features of external auditory canal atresia included disappearance of T2W linear high signal shadow in the temporal bone scale. Conclusions: Foetal MRI can diagnose microtia and evaluate atresia of the external auditory canal.
Multiple genes confer anthracnose resistance in French bean accessions of Garhwal Himalayas
Authors: Prabha Deepti , Chamoli Navneeti , Negi Yogesh Kumar , Chauhan J S
Published: March 2021

The Indian Himalayan region is very rich in the genetic variability of French bean and therefore considered as the secondary centre of origin of French bean. Though, a good diversity of French bean is present in Uttarakhand hills of Western Himalaya but it is almost unexplored yet. Unfortunately, French bean is attacked by some of the phytopathogens those cause heavy crop losses. Colletotrichum lindemuthianu (Sacc. & Magnus) Scrib is one of the sever pathogens that causes anthracnose disease in French bean worldwide. Identification or development of a resistant variety/cultivar is an environmentally safe approach. Diversity analysis of anthracnose resistant loci in common bean is important to identify new sources of resistance gene(s). So the study was designed with the objectives to collect and screen the local accessions of French bean from Garhwal hills for anthracnose resistance. A total of 100 accessions were collected from 6 different districts of Garhwal region of Uttarakhand and all were screened for anthracnose resistance. For this, 13 SCAR (Sequence cleaved amplified region) primers specific to anthracnose resistance were used in this study. Results revealed a high level of genetic diversity within the population for anthracnose resistance loci. Gene diversity ranged from 0.354 to 0.499 with a mean of 0.457. Pair wise genetic distance ranged from 0 to 2.236. The accessions were also screened for anthracnose resistance under field and polyhouse conditions. There was a moderate correlation (R = 0.56) between field trial and trial under controlled condition. Thirteen of these accessions possessing two genes (Co-10 and Co-42) showed complete resistance for anthracnose disease under field and polyhouse conditions. The anthracnose resistant accessions may further be used in future breeding programmes to develop new and more resistant varieties of French bean against anthracnose disease.
Geospatial Analysis and Mapping Strategies for Fine Grained and Detailed COVID-19 Data With Geographic Information Systems
Authors: CARBALLADA ÁNGEL MIRAMONTES , BALSA-BARREIRO JOSE
Published: March 2021

The CoVID-19 pandemic is showing a dramatic impact across the world. To the tragedy of the loss of human lives, we must add the great uncertainty that the new coronavirus is causing to our lives. Governments and public health authorities must be able to respond this emergency by taking the appropriate decisions for minimizing the impact of the virus. In the absence of an immediate solution, governments have concentrated their efforts on adopting non-pharmaceutical interventions for restricting the mobility of people and reducing the social contact. Health authorities are publishing most of data for supporting their interventions and policies. The geographic location of the cases is a vital information with exceptional value for analysing the spatio-temporal behaviour of the virus, doing feasible to anticipate potential outbreaks and to elaborate predictive risk mapping. In fact, a great number of media reports, research papers, and web-browsers have presented the COVID-19 disease spreading by using maps. However, processing and visualization of this sort of data presents some aspects that must be carefully reviewed. Based on our experience with fine-grained and detailed data related to COVID-19 in a Spanish region, we present a bunch of mapping strategies and good practices using geospatial tools. The ultimate goal is create appropriate maps at any spatial scale while avoiding conflicts with data such as those related to patients’ privacy.
Evaluation of Sacrum Morphology in Patient with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip for Iliosacral Screw Fixation
Authors: Karahan Nazım , Oztermeli Ahmet , Aktan Ahmet
Published: March 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in terms of sacroiliac anatomy to proper placement of iliosacral screws. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed computed tomography (CT) records of 96 patients who were referred to our clinic. We mainly divided the patients into 2 groups; the iliosacral joint on the same side with DDH evaluated in the DDH group and on the contralateral side with DDH evaluated in the control group. The presence of the five qualitative characteristics of sacral dysplasia evaluated according to Route in both groups. The DDH group divided into three subgroups according to Hartofilakidis and Rout classifications. The cross-sectional area, length of the osseous corridor, coronal and vertical angulation evaluated in both groups. Results: Sacral dysplasia observed %87.5 in the DDH group,%83.3 in the control groups. The DDH group also exhibited a significantly lower S1 cross-sectional area and S1 iliosacral screw length than the control group (p:0.018,p:0,027; respectively). No statistically significant difference was observed according to Hartofilakidis(p>0.05). According to Rout, the S1 iliosacral screw length of the normal and transient groups were found to be significantly higher than those of the dysplastic groups (p: 0.004, p:0.0001; respectively). The transient group also exhibited a significantly lower S1 iliosacral screw length than the normal group (p:0.001). There were no significant differences in S1 and S2 axial and coronal angulation, S2 cross-sectional area, S2 iliosacral screw length in the DDH groups (p>0.05) Conclusion: When iliosacral screw is planned for patients with unilateral DDH, surgeons should consider that there are high rates of dysplastic sacral changes, differences in S1 cross sectional area and iliosacral screw length compared to the opposite side, and asymmetric sacral dysplastic changes in the upper sacrum.
Modifiable Risk Factors for Homebound Progression Among Those With and Without Dementia in a Longitudinal Survey of Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Yang Mia , Pajewski Nicholas , Espeland Mark , Easterling Douglas , Williamson Jeff D.
Published: March 2021

OBJECTIVE: Being homebound is independently associated with increased mortality but the homebound population is heterogeneous. In order to improve precision medicine, we analyzed potentially modifiable factors that contribute to homebound progression (from independent to needing assistance, to homebound), stratified by dementia status. METHODS: Using National Aging and Trends Survey (NHATS), a nationally-representative, longitudinal annual survey from 2011 to 2017 (n=11,528), we categorized homebound progression if one transitioned from independent or needing assistance to homebound, including competing risks of institutionalization or death between 2011 and last year of data available for each unique respondent. Using proportional hazards regression, we calculated hazard ratios of potentially modifiable risk factors on homebound progression. RESULTS: Depression, mobility impairment, and pain increased risk of homebound progression regardless of dementia status. Social isolation increased risk of homebound progression only among those without dementia at baseline. CONCLUSION: Future care and research should focus on the treatment of depression, mobility, and pain to potentially delay progression to homebound status.
The Results of Orthopaedic Medical Examinations in Adolescent Amateur Weightlifters
Authors: Yokoe Takuji , Tajima Takuya , Yamaguchi Nami , Nagasawa Makoto , Ota Tomomi , Morita Yudai , Kawagoe Shuichi , Chosa Etsuo
Published: March 2021

Background: Several studies have reported injuries and physical characteristics in adult elite weightlifters. However, few studies have evaluated such issues in adolescent amateur weightlifters. The purpose of this study was (1) to show the results of orthopaedic medical examinations in adolescent amateur weightlifters and (2) to evaluate the sexual differences in the obtained findings. Methods: The orthopaedic medical examinations had been performed cross-sectionally from 2012 to 2019, and the findings in young weightlifters were retrospectively evaluated. The orthopaedic medical examination included six assessments (physical examinations, generalized joint laxity, muscle and joint tightness, static alignment, muscle volume of the lower extremities, and medial longitudinal arch of the foot). A questionnaire survey regarding pain in the spine and lower extremities was also performed. Results: A total of 99 adolescent weightlifters were included (71 males and 28 females; mean age, 16.2 ± 0.2 years). A total of 9.1% of adolescent amateur weightlifters had received orthopaedic treatments, with spine injuries the most prevalent. Of the adolescent weightlifters who had not received orthopaedic treatments, 31.1% had pain in the spine or lower extremities (for > 4 weeks), accompanied with positive findings on physical examinations. There were no significant sexual differences in the incidence of pain or positive findings of physical examinations. Female weightlifters had a more reduced dorsiflexion of the ankle joint than male weightlifters (9.4 ± 1.9° vs. 14.7 ± 1.1°, p = 0.02). Male weightlifters had a significantly lower flexibility of the quadriceps than female weightlifters.Conclusions: More than one-third of adolescent competitive weightlifters had pain or positive findings of physical examinations in the spine or lower extremities. The results of orthopaedic medical examinations in this study may help clinicians and young weightlifters to prevent injuries in competitive weightlifting.
Fixed-time Leader-Following Formation Control of AUVs Without Velocity Measurements
Authors: Gao Zhenyu , Zhang Yi , Guo Ge
Published: March 2021

This paper is concerned with formation control of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), focusing on improving system convergence speed and overcoming velocity measurement limitation. By employing the fixed-time control theory and command filtering technique, a full state feedback formation algorithm is proposed, which makes the follower AUV track the leader in a given time with all signals in the system globally practically stabilized in fixed time. To avoid degraded control performance due to inaccurate velocity measurement, a fixed-time convergent observer is designed to estimate the velocity of AUVs. We then give an observer-based fixed-time control method, with which acceptable formation tracking performance can be achieved in fixed time without velocity measurement. The effectiveness and performance of the proposed method is demonstrated by numerical simulations.
Magnetic Immobilization of Dispersin B with Activity in Degradation of Bacterial Biofilm
Authors: Liu Zewen , Zhao Zisong , Zeng Kai , Xia Yue , Xu Weihua , Wang Ruoyu , Guo Junhui , Xie Hao
Published: March 2021

Dispersin B (DspB) is a member of glycoside hydrolase family 20 (GH20) and catalyzes degradation of biofilms forming by pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. Magnetoreceptor (MagR) is a magnetic protein that can be used as a fusion partner for functionally immobilizing proteins on magnetic surfaces. In the present study, a recombinant protein DspB-MagR was constructed by fusing MagR to the C-terminus of DspB and expressed in Escherichia coli. Magnetic immobilization of purified DspB-MagR on Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles was achieved and characterized by means of various techniques including SDS-PAGE, FTIR spectrometry, TGA measurements, zeta potential measurement, and SEM analysis. Stability and activity of immobilized DspB-MagR on Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles were analyzed under different conditions such as temperature, pH, and storage time. Removal of biofilms forming by Staphylococcus aureus and other medical source bacterial species were achieved by using Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles loading with DspB-MagR. This work promoted potential applications of DspB and similar enzymes for medical purposes.