bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Boric Acid on Invasion, Migration, Proliferation, Apoptosis, Cell Cycle and miRNAs in Medullary Thyroid Cancer Cells
Authors: Yıldırım Onurcan , Seçme Mücahit , Dodurga Yavuz , Mete Gülçin Abban , Fenkci Semin Melahat
Published: June 2021

Background: Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), which makes up 5-10% of all thyroid cancers, is a highly aggressive and chemotherapeutically resistant cancer originating from parafollicular C cells of the thyroid. In recent years, testing of new biological, chemical or natural compounds as an alternative to existing agents used in cancer treatment has been a popular research topic. One of these compounds is boric acid originating from the element boron, and studies have shown that it has anti-carcinogenic, anti-osteoporotic and anti-oxidant effects. Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the therapeutic effects of boric acid on cell proliferation, invasion, migration, colony formation, cell cycle and apoptosis mechanisms in TT medullary thyroid cancer cell line under in vitro conditions.Methodology: The effects of boric acid on cell viability was determined by XTT assay. Total RNA was isolated by Trizol reagent. Gene and miRNA expressions were analyzed by RT-PCR. Effects of boric acid on apoptosis were analyzed by TUNEL assay and genotoxicity was performed by comet assay. Effects of boric acid on cell invasion, colony formation and cell migration were detected by matrigel-chamber, colony formation assay and wound healing assay, respectively. Results: In order to determine the effect of boric acid on cell viability and 50% lethal dose, the XTT method was employed and IC50 dose was found to be 35 μM at 48th hour. A real-time PCR test was used to investigate changes in cell cycle and apoptosis related genes and proteins and identified miRNAs under the addition of boric acid. In addition, miR-21 was significantly reduced in medullary thyroid cancer associated with cancer aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Using the Tunnel test, the apoptosis rate in the dose group cells were found as 14%. Matrigel invasion test showed a 30.8% decrease in invasion in the dose group and colony formation test decreased 67.9% in the dose group. Using the wound healing assay, it has been found that migration was reduced, and the Comet assay has shown that DNA fractures increased after treatment with boric acid.Conclusion: In conclusion, the findings of this study have shown that boric acid can be used as a potential anticancer agent in medullary thyroid cancer and other cancers caused by similar mechanisms.
Strabismus in Retinopathy of Prematurity: Risk Factors and the Effect of Macular Ectopia
Authors: Karamert Selin Şahin , Atalay H. Tuba , Özdek Şengül
Published: June 2021

PurposeThis study aimed to examine factors associated with strabismus in patients with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and the relationship between strabismus and macular ectopia.MethodsPatients with ROP were divided into three groups: Group 1, patients with spontaneous regression (n=45); Group 2, patients who received laser treatment (n=70); and Group 3, patients who underwent surgical treatment (n=91). Rates of anisometropia, amblyopia, nystagmus, macular ectopia, and retinal pathologies were evaluated and their impacts on strabismus development were determined. Disc-to-fovea distance (DFD) was measured from coloured fundus pictures and the correlation of macular ectopia with severity of strabismus was evaluated.ResultsA total of 206 patients were included. Rates of anisometropia, amblyopia, nystagmus, macular ectopia, retinal pathologies causing blindness, and strabismus were higher in Group 3 (p=0.0001) and correlated with higher stages of ROP (p=0.0001). Macular ectopia (p=0.005), retinal pathologies (p=0.005), and amblyopia (p=0.012) had the strongest impact on strabismus development in ROP patients. DFD and severity of strabismus were not significantly correlated (p=0.364). Mean visual acuity (VA) was significantly higher in orthophoric patients compared to those with esotropia and exotropia (p=0.027). Patients with esotropia had lower VA compared to patients with exotropia, but this finding was not statistically significant (p=0.729).ConclusionPresence of macular ectopia, retinal pathologies, and amblyopia were the most strongly correlated risk factors for strabismus development in ROP patients. DFD was not associated with severity of strabismus. Exotropia was mostly related to higher DFD and a possible relationship between esotropia and lower VA was encountered.
Modelling And Simulating Biogeochemical Cycles: The BCS Freeware
Authors: Cadan Fellipe Magioli , Xavier Chubraider , Azevedo Eduardo Bessa
Published: June 2021

The use of simulation is a scientific-recognized way of studying biogeochemical cycles. That assumption is even more relevant when the study scope involves one or more disturbances: in that case, simulation helps students gain insight into the response dynamics of the respective biogeochemical cycle. The development of simulation tools for high school and undergraduate courses did not progress much for the last couple of decades, despite of the advances in computer science. Trying to fill in that gap, this paper presents the BCS (Biogeochemical Cycles Simulator) freeware, an up-to-dated choice for older simulators. The BCS is a light-weighted, user-friendly, Windows®-based simulator, whose results are in accordance with two former simulation tools. In fact, using the sulfur biogeochemical cycle as an example, the simulation results from two sequential disturbances were compared with those of the former tools: the sum of relative errors between the three tools was never greater than 2.7%. The major improvements made include: a friendly graphical user interface, unlimited number of reservoirs, direct input of mass fluxes, multi-disturbance assessment, and fully customizable plots. The BCS has been used in case studies, in a Biogeochemical Cycles course of a B.S. in Chemistry at the University of São Paulo, Brazil. One can observe that simulation helped students to develop decision-making and group-working skills, as well as enhanced data interpretation. Moreover, the students were able to recognize how even small disturbances can cause short- and long-term negative impacts on biogeochemical cycles.
Impact of short rotation willow as riparian land-use practice on soil organic carbon fractions and composition from two contiguous wetland systems in the prairie pothole region.
Authors: Shahariar Shayeb , Peak Derek , Soolanayakanahally Raju , Bedard-Haughn Angela
Published: June 2021

Evaluating the impact of land-use practices on soil organic carbon (SOC) in the Canadian prairie pothole region (PPR) is of concern due to the potential to sequester carbon and sustaining soil health. In a field experiment, SOC content, carbon fractions, and chemical composition were assessed under short rotation willow (SRW) plantation in the marginal riparian zones of two PPR wetland sites and compared with adjacent annual crop (AC) and pasture (PA). The SOC, water extractable (WEOC), light fraction (LFOC), and particulate organic carbon (POC) were used to evaluate the content and its fractions, whereas Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to characterize the chemical composition. The SOC was higher in PA in both sites; however, significant (p < 0.05) only in site B. The SOC, LFOC, and POC followed a similar land-use pattern in both sites, i.e., PA > SRW = AC. The SOC and WEOC were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in 0–15 cm across all land-use practices. The ratios of phenolic and amides to polysaccharides were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in site A, while aromatic and carboxylic to polysaccharides were lower under SRW in both sites indicated microbial synthesis of these substances. The abundance of SOC functional groups was higher in the subsoil, accompanied by altered spectral properties with depths showing the potential soil organic matter transformation related to carbon fractions changes. The higher alkyl-C to O-alkyl-C ratio at 15–30 cm under SRW suggested a higher degree of decomposition and better SOC stability.
Chemotherapeutic Agents Increase PD-L1 Expression in A549 Lung Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Ajdary Haniye , Safaei Sahar , Hashemzadeh Shahryar , Kazemi Tohid , Shanehbandi Dariush , Baghbanzadeh Amir , Javadrashid Darya , Amini Mohammad , Baradaran Behzad
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

With the highest mortality rate, lung cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide. Increasing PD-L1 expression is one of the mechanisms of ineffective anti-tumor response and immune evasion, which causes poor prognosis and survival rate. Chemotherapy has its own limitations such as drug resistance and the escape of cancer cells from the immune system. The current research aimed to assess the effects of common chemotherapy agents used in lung cancer on PD-L1 expression in tumor cells in order to help for selecting appropriate treatment regimens to increase patient survival.
Methods

First, A549 cells were cultured, and the expression of PD-L1 on this cell line was measured by qRT-PCR. Then, the viability of cancer cells was examined by MTT test. PD-L1 gene expression was measured by qRT-PCR in A549 cell line, after treatment with chemotherapy agents.
Results

PD-L1 gene expression was increased after 24 and 48 hours after treatment with cisplatin, docetaxel, paclitaxel and carboplatin. The IC50 of the mentioned drugs 24 hours after treatment were evaluated 27, 38.79, 18.66, and 54.17 µg/ml respectively.
Conclusion

The current study shows that PD-L1 expression increases in response to carboplatin, docetaxel, cisplatin, and paclitaxel in A549 cell line. This indicates that chemotherapy agents cause immune evasion by increasing PD-L1 expression on cancer cells, which makes these cells resistant to the immune system. The results also showed that carboplatin, docetaxel, cisplatin, and paclitaxel at 48 hours after treatment had a greater effect on increasing PD-L1 expression than 24 hours after treatment.
Influence of La-impurities and Plasma Treatment on the Structural and Optical Properties of Some Bismuth Calcium Borate Glasses
Authors: mohamed nasra , Gomaa Hosam M. , Saudi H. A. , shasly raed M. el , El-Meligy W. M. , El-Hossary F. M.
Published: June 2021

This research work aims to the estimation of the effect of the addition of La2O3, by different amounts in wt. %, to the matrix of the bismuth calcium borate glass. The fast cooling procedure was used to prepare the suggested compositions. XRD was used to inspecting the internal structural phases of the prepared samples, where XRD patterns confirmed the amorphous natures of all samples. It was found that the La-additives act to increase the glass density, micro hardness, and optical absorption. While the plasma treatment using N2 acted to reduce both the relative intensity of XRD and the optical absorption.
Human Sorting Nexin 2 Protein Interacts With Influenza A Virus PA Protein and Has a Negative Regulatory Effect on the Virus Replication
Authors: Kocmar Tugba , Caglayan Elif , Rayaman Erkan , Nagata Kyosuke , Turan Kadir
Published: June 2021

Replication of the influenza A viruses occurs in the cells through the viral RdRP consisting of PB1, PB2, and PA. Several cellular proteins are involved in these processes. To identify potential host interacting proteins to the viral PA, we have carried out a yeast two-hybrid screen using a HEK293 cell cDNA library. We focused our study on human SNX2 protein, which interacts with the PA protein in yeast cells. By using the co-immunoprecipitation assays, we have demonstrated that the amino-terminal part of the PA was important for binding to the SNX2 protein. Subcellular localization of the PA and human SNX2 proteins in HeLa cells supported this interaction. Knockdown of SNX2 with siRNA transfection in the cells resulted in a significant increase in both viral transcripts and proteins, suggesting that SNX2 could be a negative factor. However, the increase of SNX2 proteins in transfected cells didn’t cause a significant change in the viral RdRP activity in mini-replicon assay. This may suggest that the negative effect of SNX2 on the influenza A virus replication could be saturated with its authentic intra-cellular amount. Therefore, the regulatory mechanism for the amount of SNX2 is important to be studied in terms of influenza A virus replication.
Extended Ensemble Molecular Dynamics Study of Cellulose I–Ethylenediamine Complex Crystal Models: Atomistic Picture of Desorption Behaviors of Ethylenediamine
Authors: Yui Toshifumi , Uto Takuya
Published: June 2021

Cellulose I crystals swell on exposure to ethylenediamine (EDA) molecules to form a cellulose I–EDA complex, and successive extraction of EDA molecules converts the complex crystalline phase to either original cellulose I or cellulose IIII, depending on the treatment procedure. The present study reports the extended ensemble molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of the cellulose I–EDA complex models. An accelerated MD simulation allows most of the EDA molecules to desorb from the crystal model through a hydrophilic channel between the piles of cellulose chains, one at a time. Migration of a single EDA molecule along the channel is simulated by the adopted steered MD method combined with the umbrella sampling method to evaluate the potential of mean force (PMF) or free energy change on its movement. The PMF continues to increase during the migration of an EDA molecule to give a final PMF value of more than 30 kcal/mol. The PMF profiles are largely lowered by the removal of EDA molecules in the neighboring channels and by the widening of the channel. The former suggests that the EDA desorption cooperates with that in the neighboring channels, and, in the latter case, an EDA migration is efficiently promoted by solvation with water molecules in the expanded channel. We conclude that the atomistic picture of the EDA desorption behaviors observed in the crystal models is applicable to the real crystalline phase.
Identification of Essential Protein Domains From High-density Transposon Insertion Sequencing
Authors: Rahman A.S.M. Zisanur , Timmerman Lukas , Gallardo Flyn , Cardona Silvia T.
Published: June 2021

A first clue to gene function can be obtained by examining whether a gene is required for life in certain standard conditions, that is, whether a gene is essential. In bacteria, essential genes are usually identified by high-density transposon mutagenesis followed by sequencing of insertion sites (Tn-seq). These studies assign the term “essential” to whole genes rather than the protein domain sequences that confer the essential functions. However, genes can code for multiple protein domains that evolve their functions independently. Therefore, when essential genes code for more than one protein domain, only one of them could be essential. In this study, we defined this subset of genes as “essential domain-containing” (EDC) genes. Using a Tn-seq data set built-in Burkholderia cenocepacia K56-2, we developed an in silico pipeline to identify EDC genes and the essential protein domains they encode. We found forty candidate EDC genes and demonstrated growth defect phenotypes using CRISPR interference (CRISPRi). This analysis included two knockdowns of genes encoding the protein domains of unknown function DUF2213 and DUF4148. These essential domains are conserved in more than two hundred bacterial species, including human and plant pathogens. Together, our study suggests that essentiality should be assigned to individual protein domains rather than genes, contributing to a first functional characterization of protein domains of unknown function.
Institutional Design and Incentives for Migrant Workers to Participate in Social Insurance in China: Evidence from a Policy Experiment in Chengdu City
Authors: Tian Yihao , Chen Yuxiao , Zhou Mei , Zhao Shaoyang
Published: June 2021

Background: Rural-to-urban migration has increased rapidly in China since the early 1980s, with the number of migrants reaching 376 million in 2020 (National Bureau of Statistics [NBS], 2020). Despite this sharp trend and the significant contributions that the migrants have made to urban development, migrant workers have had very limited access to the social insurance that the majority of urban workers have enjoyed. Methods: Based on the background of the social insurance system adjustment in Chengdu in 2011, we establish a difference-in-differences (DID) model to empirically test the impacts of change in social insurance policy contribution rates on migrant workers' social insurance participation rates, using the China Migrants Dynamic Survey (CMDS) data from 2009-2016.Results: The social insurance participation rate of migrant workers was significantly reduced after they are incorporated into the urban worker insurance system. Meanwhile, there is no significant change in the wages of migrant workers, but the working hours became longer and the consumption level turned lower. That is to say, simply changing the social insurance model of migrant workers from "comprehensive social insurance" to "urban employee insurance" reduces the incentives for migrant workers to participate in the insurance and harm the overall welfares of migrant workers.Conclusion: The design of the social security policy is an important reason for lower participation rate of migrants. Therefore, it is necessary to solve the problem of insufficient incentives through targeted social security policies. Specifically, the first is to formulate a social security policy contribution rate suitable for the migrants. The second is to establish a comprehensive social security policy and gradually integrate the social security system.
Introducing and Integrating Perinatal Mental Health Screening: Development of an Equity-informed Evidence-based Approach
Authors: Blackmore Rebecca , Boyle Jacqueline A , Gray Kylie M , Willey Suzanne , Highet Nicole , Gibson-Helm Melanie
Published: June 2021

Background: Pregnancy is a time of increased risk for developing or re-experiencing mental illness. Perinatal mental health screening for all women is recommended in many national guidelines but a number of systems-level and individual barriers often hinder policy implementation. These barriers result in missed opportunities for detection and early intervention, and are likely to be experienced disproportionately by women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including women of refugee backgrounds. The objectives of this study were to develop a theory-informed, evidence-based guide for introducing and integrating perinatal mental health screening across health settings; and to synthesise the learnings from an implementation initiative and multi-sectoral partnership between the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE), and a university-based research centre. COPE is a peak body in perinatal mental health and Non-Governmental Organization commissioned to update the Australian national perinatal mental health guidelines, train health professionals and rollout innovative digital screening across healthcare settings. Methods: In this case study, barriers to implementation were prospectively identified and strategies to overcome them were developed. A pilot perinatal screening program with a strong health equity focus was implemented and evaluated at a large public maternity service delivering care to a culturally diverse population of women in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia, including women of refugee background. Strategies identified pre-implementation and post-evaluation were mapped to theoretical frameworks. An implementation guide was developed to support future policy, planning and decision-making by healthcare organisations. Results: Using a behavioural change framework (COM-B), the key barriers, processes, and outcomes are described for a real-world example designed to maximise accessibility, feasibility, and acceptability. A program logic model was developed to demonstrate the relationships of the inputs, which included stakeholder consultation, resource development, and a digital screening platform, with the outcomes of the program. A seven-stage implementation guide is presented for use in a range of healthcare settings. Conclusions: These findings describe an equity-informed, evidence-based approach that can be used by healthcare organisations to address common systems and individual level barriers to implement perinatal mental health screening guidelines.
Effect of COVİD-19 Pandemic on General Surgery Practice and Resident Education
Authors: Erol Timuçin , Mahmudzada Kamran , Kırımtay Busenur , Doğu Doğukan , Oruç Mustafa , Yorgancı Kaya
Published: June 2021

Background

Sudden change in general surgery practice during pandemic caused a detrimental effect on residency training. The main objective of this study is to reveal the effect of Covid-19 pandemic on general surgery practice and surgical residency education.
Methods

This retrospective cross sectional study included all patients operated at a tertiary university hospital, general surgery department between 11-March 2019/ 11- January-2019 (Pre-Covid 19 Period) and 11-march 2020- 11- January − 2020 (Covid 19 period). Two period compared in terms of case volume, complexity difference and effect of this difference on residents training.
Results

Overall 2740 cases included to study. Elective case volume significantly decreased during pandemic (p = 0.001). This decrease is much more obvious for B-C category operations. Intermediate seniority resident’s case volumes and complexity of the cases they performed decreased during pandemic.
Conclusion

Surgical residency programs must be revised urgently in order to provide adequte training which altered due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Removal of Cresols From Water By Packed Beds of Cyclodextrin-Based Hydrogels
Authors: Peñas Francisco Javier , Romo Ana , Isasi José R.
Published: June 2021

A cyclodextrin-based polymer was prepared by crosslinking β-cyclodextrin with epichlorohydrin to be assessed as a sorbent material for cresols in packed-bed columns. Both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were appropriate to describe the sorption equilibrium in the conditions tested, and the thermodynamic parameters obtained for this process confirmed its exothermic nature with similar enthalpies (between −6.8 and −8.3 kJ/mol) for the three isomers. The removal of cresols from water was carried out in nine cycles of sorption-desorption in fixed-column experiments with the cyclodextrin hydrogel, achieving sorption capacities of 6.2, 11.6, and 15.1 mg/g for o-, m-, p-cresol, respectively. The experimental data for the breakthrough and the elution curves have been successfully modeled by two effective two-parameter equations, a dose-response model for the sorption step and a pulse-peak model for the regeneration step. The cyclodextrin polymer matrix has been proven to be an effective a good sorbent material for removing cresols from water, exhibiting remarkable reusability performance and structural stability throughout the successive elution steps carried out with methanol.
On the Regularity of the Electron Configuration of Atoms in the Periodic Table
Authors: Konishi Toshihiro , Miura Ryosuke
Published: June 2021

The current periodic table does not necessarily have a clear position for transition elements. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to use the basic principle discovered by Mendeleev as it is and to create a periodic ta ble with consistency for transition elements. By setting some hypotheses, it was found that transition elements also have regular periodicity, so we succeeded in clarifying the energy level of electrons in each orbit. In addition, by utilizing its periodic ity, the electron configuration for each orbit was predicted for unknown elements. In this paper, we did not take the conventional idea of electron orbitals, that is, the idea of forming a hybrid orbital, but assumed a new orbital.Since the state in which electrons fit in orbits and stabilize is defined as an octet, this idea was used as the basic principle in this paper, but the hypothesis that "there are only three orbits in each shell" was established and verified.The calculatio n of the energy level of the electrons on the orbit became extremely easy, and the order of each orbit could be clarified. It was also found that the three dimensional structure of the molecule may be visualizedby paying attention to the valence electrons of the outermost shell of the element and the octet of the stability condition. Therefore, in this paper, by slightly expanding the structural formula of Kekulé, it became possible to easily determine whether or not the molecule synthesized by the became possible to easily determine whether or not the molecule synthesized by the bond bebond between elements is stable.tween elements is stable. In addition, it has become possible to predict the three In addition, it has become possible to predict the three--dimensional structure of the dimensional structure of the molecule as well.molecule as well. Furthermore, not only will it be easier for students studying chemistry to understand Furthermore, not only will it be easier for students studying chemistry to understand complex chemical reactions, but it will complex chemical reactions, but it will also be useful for researchers in the development also be useful for researchers in the development and research of new drugs.and research of new drugs.
Effect of Spinal Bracing on Curve Magnitude in Coronal and Axial Planes in Adolescent Scoliosis Utilising EOS Imaging.
Authors: Gatehouse Simon , Izatt Maree , Labrom Robert , Askin Geoffrey , Grant Caroline , Pivonka Peter , Little Paige
Published: June 2021

Purpose. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of spinal bracing in treating progressive scoliosis deformity utilizing EOS (bi-planer) imaging and SterEOS reconstruction software. Methods. EOS images of scoliosis patients being treated with bracing were obtained both in and out of their brace. These images were processed using SterEOS software to allow 3D representation, which was then compared to traditional coronal 2D parameters. Between January 2019 and January 2020, 29 patients were recruited for participation. Of these participants, 25 had a single episode of EOS imaging out of and in their brace. Additionally, 19 of the 25 participants had further episodes of EOS imaging within the study period, separated by mean 144+/-44 days. This allowed a total of 44 EOS single scan episodes for parameter analysis out of, and in the brace. Longitudinal analysis was also performed on the 19 patients who had sequential scans.Results. Participants were mean 13.8±1.1 years old at the first scan. Coronal 2D parameters, specifically Cobb Angle measurement, were accurately reproducible with SterEOS 3D measurements. Across all EOS scans (n=44) the mean major coronal curve measurement was 42.3±13.3° out of brace and 37.2±13.8° in the brace. This produced a mean correction of 4.6±4.4° (p<0.05). The correction achieved in this cohort with bracing appeared more modest than those reported in previous studies using traditional 2D coronal curve measurements1–3. The mean axial vertebral rotation (AVR) was 10.6±7.1° out of the brace and 9.6±6.8° in the brace, with a mean correction of 1.4±5.3°(p=0.14). The current study results suggested no significant change in axial vertebral rotation with brace treatment. Notably, in 17 of the 44 AVR measured, the differences were negative. That is, the AVR worsened in the brace. There was a significant moderate correlation between 3D coronal Cobb angle measured and AVR measured out of the brace for all curves. However, the change in Cobb and change in AVR with bracing did not correlate.Over sequential EOS episodes (n=19), there appeared no significant progression of 3D parameters, interpreted as the brace preventing curve progression.Conclusions. There appeared to be a consistent reduction in the scoliosis Cobb angle of the major curve with brace treatment. AVR demonstrated no significant change with bracing, with instances of worsening of AVR in the brace, which was not reflected by Cobb angle measurement. Despite this, bracing appears to have been effective with limited curve progression in sequential scans, though not in the anticipated manner of immediate in-brace curve correction.
Promotion of Producer Contribution to Solve Packaging Waste Issues - Viewpoints of Waste Bank Members in the Bandung Area, Indonesia
Authors: Sulami Antonius Priyo Nugroho , Murayama Takehiko , Nishikizawa Shigeo
Published: June 2021

As regulations have developed, the waste management sector in Indonesia has increasingly expected producer involvement in waste reduction activity through the enactment of new regulations. In addition, recent development of the waste management sector now involves community-based approaches such as Waste Banks. This study aims to determine the relationship between extended producer responsibility implementation and the waste bank concept. A questionnaire survey was designed and applied to Waste Bank members of two Waste Banks in Bandung municipality, Indonesia. Several factors were identified that can be considered by producers to promote their contribution in dealing with the packaging waste issue, such as producer consideration and contribution, knowledge level, collection, and awareness of the importance of packaging waste issue. The result also shows that involving feedback from Waste Banks can provide some insights to expand and develop producer contribution in reducing the impact of packaging waste. Producers can improve collection and recyclability of their product packaging while increasing public knowledge on their activity at the post-consumer stage.
Mobile Phone-Based Teleconsultation Service Utilization and Associated Factors Among Healthcare Professionals in Primary Hospitals of West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kasie Mequanint Nakachew , Guadie Habtamu Alganeh , Gashu Kassahun Dessie
Published: June 2021

Background: Teleconsultation with a mobile phone is one form of telemedicine which can be easily practiced since most healthcare professionals own mobile phone. Many patients are forced to wait for a while before they get to see a specialist. Patients also forced unnecessary transport and lost their time and money during the referral process. Therefore this study aims to determine the level of mobile phone-based teleconsultation service utilization and identify associated factors among healthcare professionals in primary hospitals. Methods: Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was employed. A structured, pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection. Binary logistic regression has been used to assess factors associated with the outcome variable. Result: A total of 388 healthcare professionals (92% response rate) were involved in the study from 8 primary hospitals. Mobile phone-based teleconsultation service utilization was found 106(27.3%). Healthcare professionals who had good knowledge of teleconsultation were 6.6 times (AOR=6.6, 95%CI: 1.46-29.93) and those who perceive teleconsultation as useful were 7.2 times (AOR= 7.2, 95% CI: 2.036-25.589) more likely to utilize mobile phone-based teleconsultation service than their counterparts. Conclusion: The finding has shown that healthcare professionals’ level of mobile phone-based teleconsultation service utilization was low. Internet connectivity, participants’ knowledge towards teleconsultation, perceived usefulness, and peer influence were found to be significantly associated with mobile phone-based teleconsultation service utilization in primary hospitals.
Musculoskeletal Health in Active Ambulatory Men with Cerebral Palsy and the Impact of Vitamin D
Authors: Langley Christina Kate , Onambélé-Pearson Gladys Leopoldine , Sims David Thomas , Hussain Ayser , Buffey Aidan John , Bardwell Holly Leigh , Morse Christopher Ian
Published: June 2021

Purpose: 1) To determine the contribution of diet, time spent outdoors and habitual physical activity (PA) on vitamin D status in men with cerebral palsy (CP) compared to age matched controls (TDC) without neurological impairment. 2) To determine the role of vitamin D on musculoskeletal health, morphology and function in men with CP compared to TDC.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional comparison study where, twenty-four active, ambulant men with CP aged 21.0±1.4 years (Gross Motor Function Classification Score I-II) and 24 healthy TDC aged 25.3±3.1 years completed in vivo assessment of musculoskeletal health, including: Vastus Lateralis anatomical cross-sectional area (VL ACSA), isometric knee extension maximal voluntary contraction (KE iMVC), 10m-sprint, vertical jumps (VJ), radius and tibia bones T and Z scores. Assessments of vitamin D status through venous samples of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and parathyroid hormone, dietary vitamin D intake from food diary and total sun exposure via questionnaire were also taken. Results: Men with CP had 40.5% weaker KE iMVC, 23.7% smaller VL ACSA, 22.2% lower VJ, 14.6% lower KE iMVC/VL ACSA ratio, 22.4% lower KE iMVC/body mass (BM) ratio and 25.1% lower KE iMVC/lean body mass (LBM) ratio (all p<0.05). Radius T and Z scores were 1.75 and 1.57 standard deviations lower than TDC, respectively (p<0.05), whereas neither tibia T nor Z scores showed any difference compared to TDC (p>0.05). 25(OH)D was not different between groups, and 90.9% of men with CP and 91.7% of TDC had low 25(OH)D levels when compared to current UK recommendations. 25(OH)D was positively associated with KE iMVC/LBM ratio in men with CP (r = 0.500, p=0.020), but not in TDC (r = 0.281, p=0.104).Conclusion: Musculoskeletal outcomes in men with CP were lower than TDC and despite there being no difference in levels of 25(OH)D between the groups, 25 (OH)D was associated with strength (KE iMVC/LBM) in the CP group, but not TDC. The findings suggest a greater sensitivity to low vitamin D in men with CP with regards to bone and muscle content and functional outcomes.
The Phylogeographic Relationships and the Evolution History of Carassius Auratus Complex With a Newborn Homodiploid Crucian Carp-like Fish (2nNCRC)
Authors: Gu Qianhong , Wang Shi , Yuan Hui , Zhong Hui , Yang Junliu , Yang Conghui , Huang Xuexue , Xu Xiaowei , Wang Yude , Wei Zehong , Wang Jing , Liu Shaojun
Published: June 2021

Background: One of the important aspects of studying evolution is to understand how new species are formed and their uniqueness maintained. Hybridization can lead to the formation of new species with the reorganization of adaptive system and significant changes in phenotype. It is wondrous that eight stable strains of 2nNCRC derived from the interspecies hybridization have been established in our laboratory. To examine the phylogeographical pattern of the wildly distributed genus Carassius in the Eurasia, and investigate the possible hybrid origin of Carassius auratus lineage, in light of past climatic events, the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) were used to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationship between the C. auratus complex and the 2nNCRC, and to assess how demographic history, dispersal and barriers to gene flow have led to the current distribution of mtDNA lineages for C. auratus complex. Results: As expected, the 2nNCRC had a very close relationship with the C. auratus complex, which was distinctly separated with other three species of Carassius. The C. auratus lineage possibly originated from China during the Late Pliocene, far postdated the diversification of C. carassius in Europe and C. cuvieri in Japan. The admixture of mtDNA haplotype lineages of C. auratus detected across the whole Eurasia has experienced a rapid diversification since Early PleistoceneConclusion: Combined the molecular dating analyses, species distribution modeling and ancestral area reconstruction, the speciation of C. auratus seemed not to be the processing of lineage diversification from the most recent common ancestor of C. carassius or C. cuvieri. The formation of 2nNCRC in our laboratory could be a good candidate explaining for the hybrid origin species for C. auratus lineage, as well as the paleoclimate oscillation and geological event during Pliocene and Pleistocene in China supplying an opportunity for the distant hybridization. The most wildly distributed C. auratus lineage could be attributed to the dispersal during the glacial period and the recent human-facilitated dispersal.
PEAR1 Genetic Variants in Essential Thrombocythemia: A New Study of The Prevalence and Association of PEAR1 Variants with Hematological Parameters and ET Mutations
Authors: Maleknia Mohsen , Jalali Mohammad Taha , Kaydani Gholam Abbas , Ahmadzadeh Ahmad , Saki Najmaldin
Published: June 2021

Objective: Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a type of myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by the expansion of the megakaryocytic/platelet line. Given the undeniable role of genetic variations in the pathogenesis of ET, as well as the proven effects of PEAR1 SNPs on platelet function, the innovative purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence of PEAR1 variants (rs12041331 and rs12566888) and their relationship to hematological parameters and ET-related mutations.Materials and Methods: We studied 105 ET patients and analyzed ET patients' mutational profiles, including JAK2 V617F mutation (detected by Allele-specific PCR), CALR, and MPL mutations (both through PCR amplification). Two SNPs of the PEAR1 gene were assessed through ARMS-PCR, and the Sanger method was used for the validation of ARMS-PCR amplification.Results: The prevalence of rs12041331 and rs12566888 in ET patients were 43.9% and 38.5%, respectively, and rs12041331 was significantly associated with increased platelet counts (P-Value: 0.02). A significant relationship was also found between the rs12041331 and CALR mutation (P-Value: 0.03). Platelet count was higher in CALR+ patients (934.45 ×10 9/L ± 265.35 SD) than in JAK2 + patients (790.11 ×10 9/L ± 265.35 SD). Conversely, other hematological parameters and thrombosis were higher in JAK2 + patients than the CALR + patients.Conclusions: Our findings reinforce the idea that rs12041331 and rs12566888 may be associated with ET, and rs12041331 is significantly associated with increased platelet count. Besides, the prevalence of ET-related mutations in patients with rs12041331 and rs12566888 was almost similar; however, only CALR mutation had a significant relationship with rs12041331.
The Sources of Lead Pollution in a Tropical Soil Chronosequence Based on Lead Isotope
Authors: LI Jianwu , Yang Jinlin , Zhang Ganlin
Published: June 2021

Soil is important contributor to global biogeochemical cycles and often receives anthropogenic Pb contamination. Hainan soil chronosequence developed on basalt had provided a good opportunity to identify and quantify the relative contributions of Pb sources in remote tropical areas. The results revealed that Pb concentrations and isotopic ratios of the soils were clearly affected by anthropogenic source. The Pb concentrations and percentage changes of Pb/Th ratios showed significantly Pb enrichment. The low 206Pb/207Pb values of upper soils indicated a significant addition of extraneous Pb, whereas deeper soils showed a dominantly basaltic source. The 208Pb/206Pb vs. 206Pb/207Pb diagram of soils clearly indicated inputs of parent material and anthropogenic Pb sources. We also calculated the mass fractions of anthropogenic-derived Pb (ƒPbanthropogenic) based on isotope mass balance. The ƒPbanthropogenic values showed a generally decreasing trend with soil depth, implying a significant addition of anthropogenic Pb in top soils. The contribution of anthropogenic Pb in Hainan soil chronosequence highlighted the significance of anthropogenic contamination to soils globally.
Evaluation of Pilot Implementation of Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention on Morbidity in youngChildren In Northern Sahelian Ghana
Authors: Ansah Patrick Odum , Ansah Nana Akosua , Malm Keziah , Awuni Denis , Peprah Nana , Dassah Sylvester , Yarig Sobe , Manful Charles , Agbenyeri John , Awoonor-Williams John , Ofosu Winfred , Oduro Abraham Rexford
Published: June 2021

Background

In Sahelian Africa, the risk of malaria increases with the arrival of the rains, during which most clinical malaria occur particularly in young children. Following successful trials in 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) in areas where there is a seasonal peak in malaria. This study evaluated the pilot implementation of SMC in Northern Ghana.
Methods

Fourteen communities each serving as clusters were selected randomly from Lawra District of Upper West Region as intervention area and West Mamprusi District in the Northern Region as the control area all in Ghana. The intervention was undertaken by the National Malaria Control Program using Sulphadoxine Pyrimethamine plus Amodiaquine and standard WHO protocols. Before and after intervention surveys for malaria parasitemia and hemoglobin levels were assessed as well as monitoring of malaria morbidity.
Results

Incidence rates of severe malaria were 10 and 20 per 1000 person-years follow up in the intervention and comparison areas respectively with P.E of 45% (p = 0.62). For mild malaria, it was 220 and 170 per 1000 person-years in intervention and comparison area respectively with PE of − 25% (p = 0.31). Differences in anemia (Hb < 11.0g/dl) from baseline to end-line was a reduction of 0.16g/dl (p = 0.000) in intervention and an increase of 0.12g/dl (p = 0.002) in the control area. Mean Hb difference between baseline and end-line was a reduction of 0. 24g/dl (p = 0.000) in control and an increase of 0.39g/dl (p = 000) in the intervention area. At the end of the intervention, the proportion of children with asexual parasites reduced by 19% (p = 0.000) in the intervention and increased by 12%(p = 0.000) in the control area.
Conclusion

The feasibility of SMC in Northern Ghana was demonstrated as evidenced by high study retention, reduction in malaria parasitemia and anemia during the wet season.
The Association Between the Gut Microbiota and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, a Meta-Analysis
Authors: XIANG Shate , Qu Yiqian , Qian Suhai , Wang Yao , Jin Yibo , Li Jie , Ding Xinghong
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Evaluate the changes of gut Microbiota in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and healthy people by meta-analysis.
Methods

We searched the case-control studies of SLE and healthy controls (HCs) for detecting the diversity of gut Microbiota and the abundance level of some microbiota in the two groups. StataMP16 software was applied for this meta-analysis. The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of the included studies.
Results

Eleven case-control studies were included. There were 373 SLE patients and 1288 healthy people, involving 5 countries and 9 different cities. Compared with the HCs, the Shannon-wiener diversity index (WMD=-0.22; 95% CI=-0.32 to -0.13; P = 0.000) and Chao1 richness estimator (SMD=-0.62; 95% CI=-1.04 to -0.21; P = 0.003) of gut Microbiota in SLE decreased, and the abundance level of Ruminococcaceae decreased (SMD=--0.48; 95% CI = 0.76 to-0.21; P = 0.001). Enterobacteriaceae (SMD = 0.39,95% CI = 0.11 to 0.66;P = 0.006) and Enterococcaceae (SMD = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.19 to 0.9; P = 0.03) showed higher abundance levels in comparison with HCs. The subgroup analysis showed the abundance level of Ruminococcaceae (SMD=-0.89; 95% CI =-1.34 to -0.45; P = 0.000) was lower and Enterococcaceae was higher (SMD = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.34 to 1.21༛P = 0.001) in Chinese with SLE compared with HCs. In non-Chinese patients with SLE, there were no significant difference between the abundance level of Ruminococcaceae (SMD=-0.22; 95% CI=--0.58 to 0.13; P = 0.216) and Enterococcaceae (SMD=-0.08; 95% CI=-0.49 to 0.32; P = 0.682 ) with HCs. The subgroup analysis also found the level of Enterobacteriaceae was affected by the sample size.
Conclusion

Compared with the diversity of healthy people, richness and evenness of gut microbiota in patients with SLE are impaired. There is a decrease in the abundance level of beneficial bacteria and an increase in the harmful bacteria. Thus, gut microbiota in patients with SLE appear disorder, which may lead to metabolic imbalance, destruction of the integrity of the small intestine, immune system disorders and pro-inflammatory. Regulating the abundance of gut microbiota can be used as one of the key strategies for treating SLE.
Fabrication and Properties of Smart Temperature Epoxidized Natural Rubber
Authors: Riyajan Sa-Ad
Published: June 2021

Temperature-responsive polymers are smart materials due to responding to change in surrounding temperature and are applicable for different applications. Here, we prepared the smart rubber from epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) latex, N-vinylcaprolactam (NVCL) as monomer, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a surfactant and potassium persulfate (KPS) as free radical initiator. The temperature responsiveness of the grafted copolymers was investigated using water swelling and compared with that of pure ENR. The lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the grafted copolymer was found to be in the range 20-40 ˚C whereas the ENR was not responsive to temperature. The temperature-responsiveness of the grafted copolymer near human body temperature can be utilized to be fabricated as biomedical materials. Based on this study, the temperature-responsive ENR-graft-NVCL would potentially be used as a novel responsive rubber-based material in various applications.
Lipid Metabolism and Microbial Profiles Between Shaziling and Yorkshire Pigs
Authors: Ma Jie , Duan Yehui , Liang Xiaoxiao , Li Tiejun , Huang Xingguo , Yin Jie , Yin Yulong
Published: June 2021

Background: Shaziling pig, a Chinese indigenous breed, has been classified as a fatty pig model, while the lipid metabolism and gut microbial development in Shaziling pigs were rarely reported. Methods: Here, we compared the metabolic and microbial profiles at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 210, and 300 days of age between Shaziling and Yorkshire pigs. Results: Predictably, there were marked difference in the liver lipids (i.e., cholesterol, glucose, and low density lipoprotein) and the expressions (i.e., SREBP1/2, LXRα/β, DGAT1/2, and FABP1-3) between Shaziling and Yorkshire pigs. Bacteria in the ileal digesta and mucosa were further analyzed, and the results showed that Shaziling pigs had a higher α-diversity and the abundances of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus_johnosonii, Lactobacillus_amylovorus, and Clostridium_butyricum. 35 differentiated metabolites were identified in the mucosa between Shaziling and Yorkshire pigs, which were enriched in the carbohydrate, protein, glucose and amino acid metabolism and bile acid biosynthesis. Furthermore, 7 differentiated microbial species were markedly correlated with 35 metabolites, indicating the role of gut microbiota in host metabolism. Conclusions: In conclusion, Shaziling pigs exhibited different metabolic and microbial profiles compared with the Yorkshire pigs, which might contribute to the diverse metabolic phenotypes.
Semantic Classification for Diagnostic Decision Support
Authors: Joe Jalyoung
Published: June 2021

Background: Clinical history and exam findings obtained during the initial evaluation of a patient presenting with neuromuscular complaints are often pivotal in the formulation of diagnostic and therapeutic approach. However, disorders that have diverse overlapping manifestations may pose a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. Although case reports can be valuable sources for guiding clinical decisions, retrieval of applicable information from them is not straightforward. Methods: In this paper, we propose a feature-extraction-based method to improve the efficacy and effectiveness of this process. The accuracy of the method in linking clinical presentations to correct diagnoses is examined using 30 case reports of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, monomelic amyotrophy, and inclusion body myositis, obtained from PubMed Central Open Access Subset. Results: The results show that feature extraction not only augments semantic classification with explainability but also improves the performance. Conclusions: If developed further, the approach can be used to provide clinicians with decision support in challenging clinical situations.