bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Programmed Death-1 Deficiency Aggravates Motor Dysfunction In MPTP Model of Parkinson's Disease By Inducing Microglial Activation And Neuroinflammation In Mice
Authors: Cheng Ying-Ying , Chen Bei-Yu , Bian Gan-Lan , Ding Yin-Xiu , Chen Liang-Wei
Published: November 2021

Abundant reactive gliosis and neuroinflammation are typical pathogenetic hallmarks of brains in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, but regulation mechanisms are poorly understood. We are interested in role of programmed death-1 (PD-1) in glial reaction, neuroinflammation and neuronal injury in PD pathogenesis. Using PD mouse model and PD-1 knockout (KO) mice, we designed wild-type-control (WT-CON), WT-1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (WT-MPTP), PD-1-KO-control (KO-CON) and PD-1-KO-MPTP (KO-MPTP), and observed motor dysfunction of animal, morphological distribution of PD-1-positive cells, dopaminergic neuronal injury, glial activation and generation of inflammatory cytokines in midbrains by motor behavior detection, immunohistochemistry and western blot. WT-MPTP mouse model exhibited decrease of PD-1/Iba1-positive microglial cells in the substantia nigra compared with WT-CON mice. By comparison of four groups, PD-1 deficiency showed exacerbation in motor dysfunction of animals, decreased expression of TH protein and TH-positive neuronal protrusions. PD-1 deficiency enhanced microglial activation, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and interleukin-6, and expression and phosphorylation of AKT and ERK1/2 in the substantia nigra of MPTP model. We concluded that PD-1 deficiency could aggravate motor dysfunction of MPTP mouse model by inducing microglial activation and neuroinflammation in midbrains, suggesting that PD-1 signaling abnormality might be possibly involved in PD pathogenesis.
Hereditary Spherocytosis Caused by a Novel Compound Heterozygous Mutation of the SPTA1 Gene and Autoimmune Hepatitis in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Qin Yu-mei , Chen Yan-yun , Liao Lin , Wu Yang-yang , Chen Min , Lin Fa-quan
Published: November 2021

Objective: Patients suffering from both hereditary spherocytosis (HS) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are very rare. We analyzed the clinical and genetic characteristics of a seven-year-old girl with yellow sclerae and abnormal liver function tests, but no further symptoms. Methods: Blood samples were collected from the proband, her parents, and her paternal grandmother, and analyzed using routine laboratory tests, as well as subjected to next-generation and Sanger sequencing.Results: Compound heterozygous mutations of the spectrin alpha, erythrocytic 1 (SPTA1) gene were identified in the proband. Thec.134G>A (p.R45K) and c.6544G>C (p.D2182H) mutations were inherited from her mother and father, respectively. The proband’s father and paternal grandmother had the same mutation. Neither mutation is described in the Human Gene Mutation Database. Conclusions: HS has clinical manifestations similar to AIH, it may be difficult to diagnose when it coexists with AIH. When laboratory results cannot be explained by autoimmune liver disease alone, the possibility of a concomitant disease should be considered. Pedigree investigation and genetic analyses might be required to arrive at the final diagnosis.
ICU Mortality is Increased in Septic Shock Patients Accompanied with Hypo- or Hyper- Serum Osmolarity: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Heng Gang , Zhang Jiasi , Huang Benqi , Shen Yanbing , Li Zhonghu , Jia Jiankun , Zhang Chengcheng , Zhang Jianxin , Fu Tao , Jin Weidong
Published: November 2021

Purpose: While many factors that are associated with increased mortality in septic shock patients have been identified, the effect of serum osmolarity to altering patient outcomes among ICU patients with septic shock has not been studied. This study was designed to examine the association of serum osmolarity with ICU 28-day mortality in that population. Methods: The MIMIC-IV database was employed to identify patients diagnosed with septic shock. The serum osmolarity was calculated according to the serum concentration of Na + , K + , glucose and urea nitrogen synchronously. The statistical approaches used included multivariate logistic regression, propensity score analysis, inverse probability-weighting and causal mediation analysis. Results: In this study, significant difference of 28-day mortality was observed in septic shock patients accompanied with hypo-osmolarity, hyper-osmolarity and normal osmolarity (30.8%, 35.0% and 23.0%, P<0.001) which was detected at ICU admission. We also found that transforming the hyper-osmolarity into normal osmolarity by fluid therapy in day 2 and day 3 would decrease this mortality. Conclusion: Serum abnormality is significantly associated with increased 28-day mortality in septic shock patients.
Water Dynamics in the Understory of a Pine Plantation Forest After Variable Retention Harvesting
Authors: Bodo Alanna V , Arain M. Altaf
Published: November 2021

Background: Variable Retention Harvesting (VRH) is a silvicultural technique applied to enhance forest growth, and restore forest stands to closely resemble their natural compositions. This study used sapflow and understory eddy covariance flux measurements to examine the impacts of four different VRH treatments on the dominant components of evapotranspiration including canopy transpiration and water flux from understory vegetation and soil. These VRH treatments were applied to an 83-year-old red pine (Pinus resinosa) plantation forest in the Great Lakes region in Canada and included 55% aggregated crown retention (55A), 55% dispersed crown retention (55D), 33% aggregated crown retention (33A), 33% dispersed crown retention (33D) and unharvested control (CN) plot. Results: Study results showed a positive relationship between thinning intensity and the growth of understory vegetation, and hence enhanced evapotranspiration. The contribution to evapotranspiration from understory vegetation and soil was more pronounced in the dispersed thinning treatments, as compared to the aggregated. Overall, canopy transpiration contributed to 83% of total evapotranspiration in the un-thinned control plot and 55, 58, 30, and 23% for the 55A, 55D, 33A and 33D plots, respectively. The thinning or retention harvesting enhanced the water use efficiency in all treatments.Conclusion: Our results suggest VRH treatments that follow a dispersed harvesting pattern may provide the optimal balance between forest productivity and evapotranspiration or stand water use. Furthermore, a balance of contributions from both the canopy and successional understory vegetation and soil, as observed in the 55% retention harvesting treatment, may increase the resiliency of forest to climate change. These findings will help researchers, forest managers and decision-makers to improve their understanding of thinning impacts on water and carbon exchanges in forest ecosystems and adopt appropriate forest management practices to enhance their carbon sequestration capabilities, water use efficiency and resilience to climate change.
Immune Activation and Inflammatory Biomarkers as Predictors of Venous Thromboembolism in Lymphoma Patients
Authors: Otasevic Vladimir , Mihaljevic Biljana , Milic Natasa , Stanisavljevic Dejana , Vukovic Vojin , Tomic Kristina , Fareed Jawed , Antic Darko
Published: November 2021

Background: Lymphomas are characterized by inflammatory soluble mediators that can trigger the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, data on the relationship between specific immune dysregulation and VTE occurrence in lymphoma are scarce. The study aimed to assess the association between inflammatory markers and the risk of VTE development in lymphoma patients.Methods: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total protein (TP), and albumin were assessed in 706 patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed lymphoma. Data were collected for all VTE events, while the diagnosis of VTE was set objectively based on radiographic studies. ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve analysis was used to define the optimal cutoff values for predicting VTE.Results: The majority of patients were diagnosed with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (58.8%) and had advanced disease (59.9%). Sixty-nine patients (9.8%) developed VTE. The NLR, PLR, ESR, CRP, and LDH were significantly higher in lymphoma patients with VTE, whereas the TP and albumin were significantly lower. In the univariate regression analysis, the NLR, PLR, TP, albumin, LDH, and CRP were prognostic factors for VTE development. In the multivariate regression model, the NLR and CRP were independent prognostic factors for VTE development. ROC curve analysis demonstrated acceptable specificity and sensitivity of the NLR, PLR, and CRP for predicting VTE. Conclusion: Inflammatory dysregulation plays an important role in VTE development in patients with lymphoma. Widely accessible, simple inflammatory parameters can classify lymphoma patients at risk of VTE development.
Evaluating Water-Yield Property of Karst Aquifer Based On The AHP And CV
Authors: Yu Shuai , Ding Hanghang , Zeng Yifan
Published: November 2021

In order to ensure the safety of mine production, it is of great practical significance to make a reasonable evaluation of the water-yield property (WYP) of a karst aquifer. In this paper, we selected fault-lines distribution, fault-scale index, aquifer thickness, water pressure, consumption of rinsing liquid, and hydraulic conductivity as the evaluation indexes to analyze the WYP of a karst aquifer. Meanwhile, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to calculate the subjective weight of indexes, and the coefficient of variation (CV) is used to calculate the objective weight of indexes. Combined with GIS, a multi-factor composite superposition is carried out to evaluate the WYP of a karst aquifer. The reliability of the research results is verified by the specific yield. Besides, for improving the reliability of evaluation results, the chemical composition of karst water was discussed. The results show that the selection of indexes is reasonable and the AHP-CV method is effective to evaluate the WYP of a karst aquifer. Therefore, on the premise of reasonable index selection, the evaluation models of AHP and CV can be used to evaluate the WYP of a karst aquifer and provide reference for coal mine water control measures.
BNDNN: Batch Normalization Based Deep Neural Network for Predicting Flood in Urban Areas
Authors: Dubey Vinay , Katarya Rahul
Published: November 2021

Disaster is a very serious dissipation that arises for a short time period, but the impact of that disaster on human society is very dangerous and very long-lasting. Disasters are categorized into two types like natural disasters and manmade disasters. Among all disasters, of all the natural disasters, flood is the commonplace natural disaster. Flood disaster that causes huge loss of human life, diversity as well as economic loss, which is very dangerous for the developing countries and developed countries also. Nowadays during the monsoon season flood is dangerous for all the geographical areas located nearby water bodies. Much research has been done for flood detection. Machine Learning and many other recent technologies are playing a vital role in predicting the occurrence of floods. For prediction purposes, a huge amount of data is requiring collected from sensors deployed in various locations. In this paper, we used the Batch normalization with Deep Neural Network (BNDNN) technique for the classification of data in three classes as Low, Moderate, and High. The result obtained from our proposed model is compared with some other models like Decision Tree (DT), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and Deep Neural Network (DNN). In this our proposed BNDNN provides 89% accuracy which is higher among all existing models. Models are compared based on some parameters like Accuracy, Precision, Recall, F –Score. The compression among all the models used in this paper shows that our proposed model provides better results.
Maternal Exposure to Local, Source-specific Ambient Air Pollution During Pregnancy and Autism in Children: a Cohort Study From Southern Sweden
Authors: Flanagan Erin , Malmqvist Ebba , Rittner Ralf , Gustafsson Peik , Källén Karin , Oudin Anna
Published: November 2021

Evidence of air pollution exposure, namely, ambient particulate matter (PM), during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in children is growing. Which PM sources contribute to this association is currently unknown, however. The aim of the present study was to investigate local source-specific ambient PM exposure and its association with ASD. A cohort of 48,571 singleton births from 1999 to 2009 in Scania, Sweden, was combined with data on locally emitted PM with an aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm (PM2.5). A flat, two-dimensional dispersion model was used to model PM2.5 exposure (all-source PM2.5, tailpipe exhaust, vehicle wear-and-tear, and small-scale residential heating- mainly wood burning) at the residential address. Associations were analyzed using binary logistic regression in partially and fully adjusted models. Clear associations were observed between PM2.5 and ASD, with statistical significance for all investigated sources in the partially adjusted model. In the fully adjusted model, only all-source PM2.5 was statistically significant. The results add to existing evidence that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk for ASD among children. Further, these findings suggest that locally emitted tailpipe exhaust, vehicle wear-and-tear, and small-scale residential heating all contribute to this association.
The Effect of 2-Mercaptobenzimidazole-Polyaniline-CeO2 Ternary Nanocomposite Addition as a Superior Pigment for Improvement of Corrosion Resistance in Epoxy Coatings
Authors: Aboutalebi Khadijeh , Sefidi Pariya Yardani , Hosseini Mir ghasem , Kinayyigit Solen , Ghouchi Armin
Published: November 2021

The 2-mercaptobenzimidazole-polyaniline-ceria (MBI-PANI-CeO2) ternary nanocomposite synthesized and used as pigment into epoxy (EP) to improve protection properties of coating on mild steel. The MBI-PANI-CeO2 nanocomposite was prepared using layer by layer assembly. Initially, the PANI layer was polymerized on the surface of CeO2 nanoparticles. Then, the MBI inhibitor was adsorbed on PANI with opposite electrostatic charges. The anticorrosive performance of EP coatings was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, salt spray test, and scanning electron microscopy by incorporating various amounts (0.5, 1, and 2 wt. %) of the MBI-PANI-CeO2 nanocomposite. The EP coating containing 1 wt. % of nanocomposite showed the highest corrosion resistance and minimum agglomeration. This coating indicated the coating resistance of 19.1 MΩ cm2, which is greater than EP and EP/CeO2 coatings. The EP/MBI-PANI-CeO2 (1 wt. %) coating showed water uptake percentage (2.09 %) about two times lower than EP/CeO2 coatings (4.56 wt. %), indicating appropriate barrier performance of inhibitor incorporated EP.
Haemospermia in the Real- Life Setting: a New High-Risk Stratification
Authors: Pozzi Edoardo , Ventimiglia Eugenio , Fallara Giuseppe , Capogrosso Paolo , Belladelli Federico , Candela Luigi , Raffo Massimiliano , Boeri Luca , Matloob Rayan , Capitanio Umberto , Montorsi Francesco , Salonia Andrea
Published: November 2021

We aimed to validate the EAU guidelines in a homogeneous cohort of men with haemospermia, and to identify a novel and better performing risk stratification compared to EAU guidelines. Data from 283 consecutive patients complaining of a single episode/recurrent haemospermia were retrospectively analysed. Patients were stratified into low vs. high-risk according to EAU guidelines, whose diagnostic performance was then validated. We identified a new risk stratification model based on clinical factors associated with i) positive semen culture and ii) prostate cancer (PCa) and bladder cancer (BC). Diagnostic accuracy of the two predictive models (EAU vs. New) was assessed and decision curve analyses (DCA) tested their clinical benefit. Overall, 259 (91.5%) were high-risk and 24 (8.5%) low risk according to the EAU guidelines. Recurrent haemospermia was reported by 134 (47.4%) patients. 126 (44.5%) had baseline CCI score ≥ 1. At MVA logistic regression analysis, history of recurrent genito – urinary tract infections was identified as a predictor for positive semen culture (OR: 3.39, 95% CI: 1.77 – 6.57, p=0.002). Likewise, baseline CCI ≥ 1 was identified as a predictor for PCa and BC (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.17 – 2.04, p=0.009). Sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of the EAU guidelines were 13.3%, 89.2% and 51% respectively, whereas the new model performed substantially better: 98.9%, 58% and 78% respectively. The application of the EAU guidelines risk stratification does not ensure proper identification of high-risk patients complaining of haemospermia. We propose a novel, better performing and easily implementable risk stratification tool.
What are the Results of Resection of Forearm Soft Tissue Sarcoma?
Authors: Nakata Eiji , Fujiwara Tomohiro , Kunisada Toshiyuki , Nakahara Ryuichi , Watanabe Toshiyuki , Ozaki Toshifumi
Published: November 2021

Only few reports have assessed the characteristics and oncological and functional outcomes of forearm soft tissue sarcomas (STS). Then, we aimed to investigate the clinical features and survival-related factors for forearm STS who underwent surgical excision at our institution. There were 38 patients. Fourteen patients (41%) were referred to our institution after an unplanned excision and tumor size and grade were significantly associated with the receipt of it. The postoperative median Musculoskeletal Tumor Society rating scale (MSTS) score was 28. Bone resection or major nerve palsy was the only factor influencing the postoperative MSTS score (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in MSTS scores according to the reconstruction procedures (the use of flap or tendon reconstruction). The 5-year local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) rate was 86%. Univariate analysis revealed that the histological diagnosis of myxofibrosarcoma was the only factor that influenced LRFS (P = 0.047). The 5-year metastasis-free survival rate was 77%. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 94%. Age was the only factor that influenced OS (P = 0.01). In conclusion, reconstruction of the skin and tendon can compensate for function. Careful follow-up is important, especially in patients with myxofibrosarcoma, due to its likelihood of local recurrence.
Investigating Bangladeshi university students’ willingness to communicate (WTC) in English classes through a qualitative study
Authors: Alam Md Rabiul
Published: November 2021

In Bangladesh, learning English starts as a compulsory subject like other core subjects from the very early stage of a learner. However, after spending at least 12 years in learning English, learners’ oral skill is not seen up to the mark while they enter into the university for their tertiary education. Sometimes, they are noticed to have their unwillingness to communicate with others. Hence, the current study aims to see the experiences of Bangladeshi university students’ willingness to communicate (WTC) by employing a multiple case study method. 10 undergraduate students from a private university were interviewed. Apart from semi-structured interview, classroom observations were also carried out for data collection. The obtained data were analysed through the content analysis process. The findings show that students’ earlier experiences of learning English have been positive; however, they see grammar-based English learning as an obstacle in their communication development. It also reveals that learners’ WTC is greatly influenced by classroom environment that enhances or declines learners’ interest to communicate with others. Based on the findings, the study suggests incorporating more drills in English classes by engaging learners with real-life based conversations, dialogues and so forth to enhance learners’ WTC. Hence, learners’ real voice would help the policymakers and language instructors to take the issue into consideration and way-out timely measures. As the study has considered fewer respondents, future studies are expected to shed light on more respondents including the voice of the teachers to have a deeper understanding of the issue.
Ocular inflammatory events following COVID-19 vaccination: a multinational case series
Authors: Testi Ilaria , Brandão-de-Resende Camilo , Agrawal Rupesh , Pavesio Carlos
Published: November 2021

Background
Inflammatory adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination are being reported amidst the growing concerns regarding vaccine’s immunogenicity and safety, especially in patients with pre-existing inflammatory conditions.
Methods
Multinational case series of patients diagnosed with an ocular inflammatory event within 14 days following COVID-19 vaccination collected from 40 centres over a 3 month period in 2021.
Results
Seventy patients presented with ocular inflammatory events within 14 days following COVID-19 vaccination. The mean age was 51 years (range, 19-84 years). The most common events were anterior uveitis (n = 41, 58.6%), followed by posterior uveitis (n = 9, 12.9%) and scleritis (n = 7, 10.0%). The mean time to event was 5 days and 6 days (range, 1-14 days) after the first and second dose of vaccine, respectively. Among all patients, 36 (54.1%) had a previous history of ocular inflammatory event. Most patients (n = 48, 68.6%) were managed with topical corticosteroids. Final vision was not affected in 65 (92.9%), whereas 2 (2.9%) and 3 (4.3%) had reduction in visual acuity reduced by ≤ 3 lines and > 3 lines, respectively. Reported complications included nummular corneal lesions (n = 1, 1.4%), cystoid macular oedema (n = 2, 2.9%) and macular scarring (n = 2, 2.9%).
Conclusion
Ocular inflammatory events may occur after COVID-19 vaccination. The findings are based on a temporal association that does not prove causality. Even in the possibility of a causal association, most of the events were mild and had a good visual outcome.
Head-to-head analysis of immunogenicity and reactogenicity of heterologous ChAdOx1 nCoV-19-priming and BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273-boosting with homologous COVID-19 vaccine regimens
Authors: Sester Martina , Klemis Verena , Schmidt Tina , Schub David , Mihm Janine , Marx Stefanie , Abu-Omar Amina , Ziegler Laura , Hielscher Franziska , Guckelmus Candida , Urschel Rebecca , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Schneitler Sophie , Becker Soeren , Gärtner Barbara , Sester Urban
Published: November 2021

Head-to-head analyses of immunogenicity and reactogenicity between the authorized homologous vaccine-regimens and heterologous combinations thereof are currently limited. Using a convenience cohort of 331 healthy individuals, we show that humoral and cellular immunity after vaccination with ChAdOx1-nCoV-19 followed by either BNT162b2 (n=66) or mRNA-1273 (n=101) is equivalent or superior to homologous mRNA-regimens (n=43 BNT162b2, n=59 mRNA-1273), and more pronounced than after homologous ChAdOx1-nCoV-19 vaccination (n=62). Levels of spike-specific CD8 T cells were highest in both heterologous regimens, and significantly higher than all three homologous combinations. Among mRNA-containing combinations, spike-specific CD4 T-cell levels in regimens including mRNA-1273 were higher than respective combinations with BNT162b2. Polyfunctional T-cell levels were highest in regimens based on ChAdOx1-nCoV-19-priming. All five regimens were well tolerated with most pronounced reactogenicity upon ChAdOx1-nCoV-19-priming and mRNA-1273-boosting. In conclusion, immunogenicity after heterologous vector/mRNA-boosting and homologous mRNA-regimens is superior to homologous vector-regimens with notable differences between mRNA vaccines.
Analysis of Atmospheric Circulation Patterns in the Babol Roud Watershed
Authors: Razmi Robab , Hesami Narges , Rabiee Zahra , Ghane Mohsen
Published: November 2021

precipitation is a variable whose value, intensity, and type changes in temporal and spatial dimensions. the occurrence of heavy rainfall is an aspect of these changes which is a dangerous factor in the incidence of natural disasters such as flooding. In this study, with the aim of investigating the behavior of precipitation and discharge of Babol Roud watershed, the Talar station was selected as an indicator station. Then, the cycles governing precipitation and discharge parameters of the station were estimated at the annual scale (1976 - 2011) based on the spectral analysis technique. The results of spectral analysis on time series of discharge and precipitation at a 95% certainty level indicate the existence of a common annual 2 cycle in discharge and annual precipitation. The coincidence of a 2 years old significant cycle in the time series of precipitation and discharge means that in 2 years the repetition of annual precipitation events affects annual discharge. The Extraction heavy rainfall in the Babol Roud watershed was examined the study of atmospheric conduct at the sea level pressure (SLP) and the elevation of the atmosphere medium level (500 hpa level) at the time of their occurrence. After grouping these days, based on cluster analysis technique, three patterns were determined as the dominant patterns of heavy rainfall in the Babol Roud Watershed.
Negotiating Climate and Energy Futures: Prospects for Climate Compatible Recoveries in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Hampl Nora
Published: November 2021

Funding agencies will play an important role in energy transitions in post-COVID recoveries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). If “done right,” they can contribute to climate compatible growth (CCG) aligned with the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda, and also achieve the target of universal access. In this study, a comprehensive document analysis was conducted to analyse how funding institutions can help overcome pre-existing gaps and vulnerabilities, and simultaneously promote equitable energy transitions and decarbonization pathways in the region.The research findings implicate policy-making in the following ways: first, all-of-energy matrix in planning needs to be taken into account, if the projected recoveries are to be transformative and climate compatible. Second, enforceable legal and institutional frameworks that link climate and renewable energy law, with contingencies for rural and urban planning, would make it possible for local actors to take immediate action. Third, equal local access to capabilities and training can support synergies between the latest climate science, the implementation of low-carbon solutions, and cross-sectoral innovation. As a recommendation, the study proposes establishing Research & Training Centres (RTCs) at sub-national levels as an interface between climate-energy research community (local and international), climate and energy practitioners, and local communities.
The influence of accessory rods and connectors on the dynamic response of spine fixation
Authors: Pekedis Mahmut , Altan Murat , Akgul Turgut , Yildiz Hasan
Published: November 2021

Purpose This study presents a nondestructive technique to assess the influence of accessory rods and connectors on the dynamic response of spine fixation.Methods Eighteen spine specimens were divided into three construct groups such as group I (2 rods [2R]), II (2 primary rods + 2 accessory rods with 2 transverse connectors [4R+2TC]) and III (2 primary rods + 2 accessory rods with 4 transverse connectors [4R+4TC]). Anterior corpectomy was performed for all specimens. A custom test setup was built to assess the dynamic responses of constructs in flexion-extension (FE) and left-right lateral bending (LRLB) motions. This setup can slide in lateral direction, and it is excited with an electrodynamic shaker vibrated at band limited random frequencies. Accelerometer and reusable dynamic strain sensors were installed on constructs to monitor the dynamic responses. Quasi-static eccentric loading tests were performed to determine the range of motion (RoM).Results The results demonstrated that accessory rods significantly increase the resonance frequency (RF) and decrease the strain over standard 2R construction. Although 4R+4TC provided greatest reduction in rod strain over 4R+2TC and 2R, additional 2 connectors have no significant influence on dynamic response in FE motion.Conclusions An increase in the number of rods has a significant role on the improvement of the fixation's integrity in FE and LRLB motions. However, the additional transverse connectors have significant involvements only in LRLB motion. RF obtained from dynamic tests correlated with the RoM which indicates that the technique could be used as an addendum to the quasi-static test.
INPP5F Translocates Into Cytoplasm And Interacts With ASPH To Promote Tumor Growth in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Qianlei , Lin Jianhong , Yan Yongcong , Meng Shiyu , Liao Hao , Chen Ruibin , He Gui , Zhu Yue , He Chuanchao , Mao Kai , Wang Jie , Zhang Jianlong , Zhou Zhenyu , Xiao Zhiyu
Published: November 2021

Background: Increasing evidence has suggested inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase family contributes to tumorigenesis and tumor progression. However, the role of INPP5F in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its underlying mechanisms is unclear.Methods: The expression of INPP5F in HCC was analyzed in public databases and our clinical specimens. The biological functions of INPP5F were investigated in vitro and vivo. The molecular mechanism of INPP5F in regulating tumor growth were studied by transcriptome-sequencing analysis, mass spectrometry analysis, immunoprecipitation assay and immunofluorescence assay.Results: High expression of INPP5F was found in HCC tissues and was associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. Overexpression of INPP5F promoted HCC cell proliferation, and vice versa. Knockdown of INPP5F suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Results from transcriptome-sequencing analysis showed INPP5F not only regulated a series of cell cycle related genes expression (c-MYC and cyclin E1), but also promoted many aerobic glycolysis related genes expression. Further studies confirmed that INPP5F could enhance lactate production and glucose consumption in HCC cell. Mechanistically, INPP5F activated Notch signaling pathway and upregulated c-MYC and cyclin E1 in HCC via interacting with ASPH. Interestingly, INPP5F was commonly nuclear-located in cells of adjacent non-tumor tissues, while in HCC, cytoplasm-located was more common. LMB (nuclear export inhibitor) treatment restricted INPP5F in nucleus and was associated with inhibition of Notch signaling and cell proliferation. Sequence of nuclear localization signals (NLSs) and nuclear export signals (NESs) in INPP5F aminoacidic sequence were then identified. Alteration of the NLSs or NESs influenced the localization of INPP5F and the expression of its downstream molecules. Furthermore, we found INPP5F interacted with both exportin and importin through NESs and NLSs, respectively, but the interaction with exportin was stronger, leading to cytoplasmic localization of INPP5F in HCC. Conclusion: These findings indicate that INPP5F functions as an oncogene in HCC via a translocation mechanism and activating ASPH-mediated Notch signaling pathway. INPP5F may serve as a potential therapeutic target for HCC patients.
Availability of Safe Second-Trimester Abortion Services in Health Facilities in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Gbagbo Fred Yao , Morhe Renee Aku Sitsofe , Morhe Emmanuel Komla Senanu
Published: November 2021

Background

Despite a liberal abortion law, access to safe second trimester abortion services in Ghana are challenging for many women. This study sought to examine providers, methods employed, cost, and other determinants of availability of second-trimester abortion services in health facilities in Accra, Ghana in 2019 to inform policy and program decisions.
Methods

A two-stage mixed quantitative and qualitative study designs were employed in the conduct of this study. The first stage was a short interaction of the mystery client with a clinical care provider to identify health facilities that provide second trimester induced abortion, the cost, and referral practices, where the facility did not have the service. The second stage was in-depth interviews of second-trimester abortion care providers and non-providers in various health facilities. For internal validity, it also explored the procedure cost, referral, and other practices at the health facilities included in the study, independent of what was captured in the mystery client survey.
Results

Second-trimester abortion services in Accra, Ghana are widely unavailable even in most facilities that provided abortion services. Referral policies and practices indicated by the service providers at various facility levels were inadequate. Criminalization of the procedure, social stigma, and fear of complications are the main factors that adversely influence the availability of second-trimester abortion in health facilities in Accra.
Conclusions

Albeit increasing demand for second-trimester abortion in health facilities in Accra, services are not readily available due to the ambiguity of the law, its interpretation, and limited flow of accurate information on providers. Policies and programs that limit access to Second-trimester abortions in Ghana are amendable to ensure safe services.
Linking Activity of Common Pipistrelles, Pipistrellus Pipistrellus, in an Urbanised Area With a Nearby Mass Swarming Site
Authors: Nusová Gréta , Uhrin Marcel , Kaňuch Peter
Published: November 2021

The Erňa cave, a mass winter hibernaculum and important swarming site of the common pipistrelle, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, is located in the Slovak Karst, near the Košice urban agglomeration in eastern Slovakia. Over the past two decades, the unusual behaviour of late summer or autumn accidental but abundant occurrences of this species have been observed in buildings (so-called invasions) in Košice. It has been hypothesised that these events are related to bats swarming and hibernating in the Erňa cave; however, causality has not been confirmed. We measured the relative activity of bats from the end of the breeding season through the invasions and autumn swarming prior to the onset of hibernation by recording their echolocation calls on car-based transects in order to find any spatial and temporal linkage between activity in the urban area and the swarming site. Over two years we recorded 6,253 sequences with echolocation calls of P. pipistrellus and 5,239 records of other bats along four transects totalling 7,121 km in length. Spatial pattern analysis found that the city agglomeration presented a local hotspot of the species’ activity, especially during the invasion season. Multivariate generalised additive modelling confirmed an increased density of records of P. pipistrellus between the urban area and the hibernaculum in the pre-hibernation season, whereas this pattern was not found to be consistent on the control transects near the city. Contrary to that, other bat species showed little variation in their activity between transects and seasons. The obtained results suggest that the relatively short geographical distance between the urban agglomeration and the large swarming site is likely a clue to the frequent city invasions of the species, although the role of the city as a hibernation area cannot be completely omitted.
Numerical Study of Desiccation Cracking In Clayey Soil: A New FEM-MPM Coupling Method.
Authors: Jihen Feki , Salma Souissi , Houcem Trabelsi , Hassen Sabeur
Published: November 2021

Desiccation cracking is a critical phenomenon soliciting the soil hydro-mechanical behavior, and significantly affects the performance of soil in geotechnical engineering. For this reason, an increasing interest toward studying and simulating the soil crack propagation, after a severe exposure to dry conditions (induced by desiccation), has been noticed during the recent years. However, major gaps remain in the previously developed models to properly provide a realistic prediction of the cracks pattern scheme especially when using the classical Finite Element Method (FEM), widely used in the geotechnical application. In this study, owing to the limitation of this method in re-meshing and dealing with large deformation, the authors were prompted to couple FEM with a mesh-free method: The Material Point Method (MPM) to overcome the individual drawbacks of each method. The dominant influencing factors on soil desiccation cracking have been assessed through a desiccation test performed in climatic chamber and using a digital image processing technique (image analysis) for a quantitative description of the studied sample. A model that relates porosity with suction and tensile strength was used to study the effect of the shrinkage phenomena in desiccation term, and to simulate the crack propagation in a thin clayey soil layer using the Code_Bright software. Consequently, a clear and connected crack pattern was observed, the problem of mesh dependency was clearly overcome proving the validity of the approach and providing a further insight into the behavior of clayey soil exposed to desiccation factors.
Antioxidant Potential of Pediococcus Pentosaceus Strains from the Sow Milk Bacterial Collection in Weaned Piglets
Authors: Wang Leli , Liu Qihang , Chen Yuwei , Zheng Xinlei , Wang Chuni , Qi Yining , Dong Yachao , Xiao Yue , Chen Cang , Chen Taohong , Huang Qiuyun , Huang Jialu , Zhai Zongzhao , Long Cimin , Yang Huansheng , Li Jianzhong , Wang Lei , Zhang Gaihua , Liao Peng , Liu Yongxin , Huang Peng , Wang Qiye , Chu Huanhuan , Yin Jia , Yin Yulong
Published: November 2021

Background: In modern animal husbandry, breeders pay increasing attention to improving sow nutrition during pregnancy and lactation to favor the health of neonates. Sow milk is a main food for piglets during their first three weeks of life, which is not only a rich repository of essential nutrients and a broad range of bioactive compounds, but also an indispensable source of commensal bacteria. Maternal milk microorganisms are important sources of commensal bacteria for neonatal gut. Bacteria from maternal milk may serve as an additive to confer a health benefit on the composition of the indigenous microbiota of piglets. Methods: The sow milk microbiota was collected using the culturomics methods of Continuous Culture and Interval Sampling, following by the identification of 16S rDNA gene sequences. To screen potential probiotics, the functional evaluation was conducted to assess their antagonistic activity against pathogens in vitro and evaluate their resistance against oxidative stress in damaged Drosophila induced by paraquat. In piglet feeding trial, a total of 54 newborn suckling piglets were chosen from nine sows and randomly assigned to three treatments with different concentration of a candidate strain. Multiple approaches were carried out to verify its antioxidant function including western blotting, enzyme activity analysis, metabolomics and 16S rDNA sequencing. Results: The 1240 isolates were screened out from the sow milk microbiota and grouped into 271 bacterial taxa based on a nonredundant set of 16S rDNA gene sequences. Among 80 Pediococcus isolates, a new Pediococcus pentosaceus strain (SMM914) showed best performance in inhibition ability against swine pathogens and in Drosophila model challenged by paraquat. Pretreatment of piglets with SMM914 induces the Nrf2-Keap1 antioxidant signaling pathway and greatly affected the pathways of amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism in plasma. In colon, Lactobacillus was significantly increased in the high dose of SMM914 group compared with the control group. Conclusion: SMM914 functions as a promising probiotic conferring antioxidant capacity by activating the Nrf2-Keap1 antioxidant signaling pathway in piglets. Our study provided useful resources for deeply understanding the relationships between the maternal microbiota and offspring.
Genetic Diversity And Population Structure of Indian Mustard (Brassica Juncea) Based On Morphological and Molecular Markers
Authors: Yadav Prashant , Yadav Sushma , Mishra Anurag , Chaudhary Rajat , Kumar Arun , Meena Hari Singh , Rai Pramod Kumar
Published: November 2021

Rapeseed-mustard is one of the most important oilseed crops and providing a major source of edible oil in the world besides having other economic importance like leafy vegetables, ornamentals, and hedge crops. However, the genetic diversity present in the Brassica gene pool has not been investigated in detail. To address this problem, a study was conducted on 76 genotypes of B. juncea including cultivars, exotic lines, registered genetic stocks, advanced breeding lines, and germplasm lines. The genetic diversity was analyzed with the help of 50 polymorphic SSR and EST-SSR markers. For these genotype-marker combinations, a total of 126 alleles were amplified. Using molecular and phenotypic data, the dendrogram was constructed based on Jaccard’s similarity coefficient and Manhattan dissimilarity coefficient and linkage algorithm UPGMA. All the genotypes were grouped into 5 clusters based on their dissimilarity matrix. Population structure analysis grouped the genotypes in 8 clusters and various degrees of admixture was also observed. The grouping of genotypes appears effective as per their pedigree. The marker data was found more accurate to characterize the diversity and study the population structure than the quantitative trait data. The results of the present investigation will provide useful information for the identification of important alleles for future studies and pave the way to enhance genetic gains in Indian mustard.
Psychological Characteristics of Lung Cancer Patients During the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Study Based on a Propensity Score-Matched Population
Authors: Qian Kai , Deng Yi , Chen Yun , Peng Hao , Jiang Li-Hong
Published: November 2021

Objective: This study sought to reveale the psychological characteristics of lung cancer patients at different time points of the COVID-19 epidemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from two different regional medical centers. 128 pairs of lung cancer (LC) patients and non-lung cancer subjects (NLC) were selected through propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. For the longitudinal study, the anxiety and distress state before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were surveyed through a dedicated questionnaire. Results: A total of 135 LC patients and 165 healthy individuals were included in this cross-sectional study. After PSM analysis, 128 pairs of LC patients and NLC were matched and compared in this analysis. During the uptrend period of COVID-19 epidemic, there were significant differences in anxiety between LC patients and NLC (P=0.005). For LC patients, the proportions of severe distress differed significantly between the uptrend and the decline period (22.05% vs 11.90%, P=0.032). In two-way repeated ANOVA analysis, no significant main effect for group or group × condition interaction effect has been founded. The distress of LC patients is mainly manifested as worry. Logistic regression showed that gender (OR=41.48, 95% CI: 9.74-17.97), age (OR=0.20, 95% CI: 0.08-0.50), and education level (OR=4.82, 95% CI: 1.98-11.69) were correlated with “worry” and contributed significantly to the model. Conclusions: This study revealed that lung cancer patients had significant anxiety and distress during the uptrend period of the COVID-19 epidemic. The distress states of LC patients mainly manifested as worry, which was associated with age, gender, and education level.
Challenges to Effective Nursing Leadership: a Systematic Review
Authors: Agyeman-Prempeh Charles , Ndaago Abudu Issah , Setordzi Mawuko , Abu Philip , Tia Moses Banoya , Aboba Thomas Awine , Nyinaku Elorm Kwame
Published: November 2021

Background: Nurses have been at the center of major improvements in the health. However these feet could not have been achieved without effective leadership. Leadership is required on every sector such education, military and health. Effective leadership tends to blend the thoughts reflection and images as well as influencing followership to achieve a desired goal. Nursing leadership has however been confronted with major challenges despite the major achievements by the health workforce. Hence this review was to describe the findings of a systematic review of studies that examine the challenges of nursing leadership and to make recommendations for further study.Methods: The search strategy of this systematic review included six (6) electronic databases. Published studies that focused on the challenges of nursing leadership were included. Data extractions and analysis were completed on all included studies by the researcher.Results: About 29,851 articles and abstracts were screen resulting in 8 included studies. Using content analysis the challenges faced by the nursing leaders as identified in the studies were group into six (6),namely workload, Human resource recruitment and staffing, budget, Change management and team diversity, Unclear job description and patient safety and expectations. The analysis shows that the main challenge facing nursing leaders were workload, Human resource recruitment and staffing as indicated by six(6) studies with the patient safety and expectation being the least as cited by two(6) studies.Conclusion: This review concludes that nursing leadership should be looked at critically at all levels of health while giving enough support to the nurse leaders in the discharge of their duties.
Fabrication of Conifer Gum Based Metal Nano Particles for Pollution Control Applications
Authors: GOVINDASAMY RATHIKA , VELU SUBA , DURAIKKANNU SANTHANA LAKSHMI , SEKAR ROOPALA RANI
Published: November 2021

In recent decades, the analysis of nanoparticles is of greater importance for their applications in various fields. This present work also focuses the novel biological green material to synthesize the copper and cobalt oxide nanoparticles. The copper oxide (CuO) and cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles (nps)have been synthesized by biological strategy utilizing AH (Araucaria heterophylla) gum extract. The characterization techniques, i.e. UV, GC-MS, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, HR-TEM provide concrete information about the morphology, crystalline nature and structure of the synthesized nanoparticles. The high resolution TEM and SAED images confirm the formation of spherical shaped (Co3O4) and oval shaped (CuO) isolated nanoparticles. The catalytic adequacy of the developed catalyst, copper oxide (CuO) and cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles was analyzed for the degradation of dyes: Methylene Blue (MB), Congo Red (CR), Acid Violet (AV).The kinetic investigations for the reduction of synthetic dyes by the nanoparticles were assessed and the reduction contemplates are very much fitted with the pseudo second order kinetic model with less time.The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the prepared nanoparticles have been evaluated against Escherichiacoli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillusniger and Candida albicans.