bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between Masked Hypertension Measured by Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring and Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain
Authors: Fu Ming , Hu Xiangming , Yi Shixin , Sun Shuo , Zhang Ying , Feng Yingqing , Zhou Yingling , Geng Qingshan , Dong Haojian
Published: February 2021

Masked hypertension (MHT), as an independent clinical entity, its subclinical cardiac dysfunction can be early detected by left ventricular global longitudinal strain (GLS). Yet the relationship between MHT and GLS is still unclear. Therefore, we tried to conduct a community-based cross-sectional study to define this relationship. A total of 308 consecutively enrolled participants from Dongguan, China, were divided into non-hypertension (NHT) and MHT groups. Baseline characteristics were recorded, and 2-dimentional speckle-tracking echocardiography and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were performed. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to assess the associations between MHT and GLS, and the dose–response curve was plotted to demonstrate their relationship. The mean age of the NHT and MHT groups was 57 and 59 years, respectively. Signs of left ventricular diastolic function, E/A (1.01 ± 0.26 vs 0.86 ± 0.23, P < 0.001) and E/e’ (8.58 ± 2.02 vs 11.70 ± 3.37, P < 0.001) were reduced in the MHT group while those of the NHT group were nearly normal. The MHT group also showed a significantly lower (‘worse’) GLS than NHT (-15.79% ± 2.81% vs -19.62% ± 1.67% vs , P < 0.001) while left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) did not differ between the groups. Worse GLS was independently and significantly associated with MHT both in univariate (odds ratio [OR]: 1.97, P < 0.001) and stepwise multivariate regression analysis (OR: 1.99, P < 0.001). Further analysis showed adjusted nonlinear correlation between MHT and GLS. Our study described the relationship between MHT and GLS and concluded that -14% of GLS as the cut-off value reflected MHT-associated myocardial injury before LVEF decreases.
New-born Thermal Care in Western Uttar Pradesh – Gap Analysis Between Knowledge and Practices
Authors: Srivast Anurag , Saxena Sumit , Srivast Payal , Mahmood Syed Esan , Pandey Ruchi , Saxena Anju
Published: February 2021

Background: The provision of health care services including maternal and new-born care is considered to be a dynamic system of entitlement and obligations among people, the communities, service providers, and the concerned governments. Thermal control remains poor in new-born owing to immaturity of the thermoregulatory center and new-born become vulnerable to hypothermia especially premature babies, intrauterine growth retardation and LBW babies and even normal babies. Methods: The study population comprised women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years) who have delivered a live baby within the past 12 weeks prior to the conduct of study. Out of 6 block, most populous villages were selected, one near the CHC and 2nd farthest from CHC and high priority was given to villages where ASHA and ANM are appointed.61 villages of 6 blocks were covered under the study. Results: The knowledge on thermal protection of baby, 60.9% of the respondents were well aware about how to keep baby warm after delivery,71.4% of respondents knew that baby should be dried soon after birth, 64.9% of the respondents had idea of time to dry the baby, 69.6% of the respondents had knowledge that baby should be wrapped soon after birth.Conclusion: The findings of the study provide an insight into the existing knowledge and necessitate a need for quantitative studies in the study area to access knowledge & practices related to thermal protection of new-born. The authors emphasize on a need for improving community awareness for promotion of neonatal care and improve health system to meet the demands of birthing mothers and needs of neonates.
Evaluation of Transfer of Lead (Pb) in Soil Plant Animal System Assessment of Consequences of its Toxicity
Authors: Chen Fu , Ma Jing , Khan Zafar Iqbal , Ahmad Kafeel , Ahmed Tasneem , Malik Ifra Saleem , Ashfaq Asma , Munir Mudasra , Nazar Sonaina , Munir Zunaira , Ejaz Abid , Nadeem Muhammad , Mustafa Abd El Zehar M.A. , Al-Ghamdi Abdullah Ahmed , Alshamasi Fatin K.I. , Elshikh Mohmed Soliman
Published: February 2021

The instant endeavor was undertaken for determination of lead (Pb) in water, soil, forage and cow’s blood domesticated in contaminated area of heavy automobiles’ exhaust in Sahiwal town of district Sargodha Pakistan. Water samples showed that the concentration of lead (Pb) ranged from 1.14 mg kg− 1 to 0.44 mg kg− 1 at all sites. It was maximum at site 5 and minimum at site 2. Soil samples showed the concentration of Pb at all sites ranged from 1.58 mg kg− 1 to 0.279 mg kg− 1. It was maximum in soil where Avena sativa was grown at site 5 and was found minimum in soil where Zea mays was grown at site 2. While among samples of forage, the concentration of Pb ranges from 0.048 mg kg− 1 to 2.002 mg kg− 1. The highest Pb amount was found in Brassica campestris at site 1 and the minimum was recorded in Trifolium alexandrinum at site 2. Finally, the blood samples of cow depicted that concentration of Pb ranged from 4.468 mg kg− 1 to 0.217 mg kg− 1. It was maximum at site 1 and minimum at site 3.
Repression of the expression of proinflammatory genes by mitochondrial transcription factor A is linked to its alternative splicing regulation in human lung epithelial cells
Authors: Luo Jinsong , Liu Hong , Li Daniel K. Jun , Song Bin , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2021

Background
Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) is associated with a number of neurodegenerative diseases and also with asthma. TFAM deficiency-induced mitochondrial DNA stress primes the antiviral innate immune response in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. However, the role of TFAM in asthma related inflammation remains obscure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the regulatory mechanism of TFAM in asthma.
Results
In this study, we overexpressed TFAM in human lung epithelial cells (A549), then obtained the TFAM-regulated transcriptome by Illumina sequencing technology. Transcriptome analysis revealed that TFAM overexpression down-regulated and up-regulated the expression of 642 and 169 genes (DEGs), respectively. The TFAM-repressed genes were strongly enriched in cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, type I interferon- and INF-γ-mediated signaling pathways, and viral response pathways. We also revealed that 2563 alternative splicing events in 1796 genes (ASG) were de-regulated upon TFAM overexpression. These TFAM-responding ASGs were enriched in DNA repair, nerve growth factor receptor signaling pathway, and also transcription regulation. Further analysis revealed that the promoters of TFAM-repressed DEGs were enriched by DNA binding motifs of transcription factors whose alternative splicing was regulated by TFAM.
Conclusions
These findings suggested that TFAM regulates not only immune response gene expression in human lung epithelial cells, but also pre-mRNA alternative splicing which may mediate transcriptional regulation; this TFAM-centered gene regulation network could be targeted in developing therapies against various diseases.
Effectiveness of Yijinjing on Cognitive Functions in Post-stroke Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Xue Xin , Jin Xue-Xing , Luo Kai-Liang , Liu Xin-Hao , Zhang Li , Hu Jun
Published: February 2021

Background: Statistics show that every year, 5.4 million people in the world suffer a stroke. Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is one of the most common complications after stroke with a rate of 75%, which leads to decreased functions for independent living and reduced quality of life (QOL). Exercise training has been reported to be useful to improve the cognitive functions of post-stroke patients. Yijinjing, a traditional Chinese Qigong exercise characterized by an integration of mind and body in moderate exercise intensity, can improve cognitive functions of PSCI patients. This study aims to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of the Yijinjing exercise in this regard.Methods: A single-blind, randomized controlled trial will be employed with evaluations at three and six months. 72 PSCI patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to the Yijinjing exercise intervention group or the control group (1:1). Participants in the control group will receive routine rehabilitation therapies, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture therapy, and health education 5 times a week for 3 months. The intervention group will receive a 12-week routine rehabilitation therapy combined with the Yijinjing exercise intervention for 40 minutes each session and 3 sessions a week. The primary outcome of cognition will be measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (MoCA). Secondary outcomes include executive function, memory function, visuospatial function, sleep quality, gait and motor function, activity of daily living (ADL), and quality of life (QOL).Discussion: Current evidence has reported the effectiveness of traditional Chinese exercise in improving the post-stroke population’s motor functions. This research is a randomized controlled trial that evaluates traditional Chinese exercise’s effectiveness for PSCI patients. It is expected to expand the traditional Chinese exercise scope and provide a new treatment approach for stroke populations with cognitive impairments.Trail registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900026532. Registered on 13 October 2019.
Baseline Characteristics and Outcomes of End-Stage Renal Disease Patients after In-hospital Sudden Cardiac Arrest: A National Perspective
Authors: Khan Muhammad Zia , Syed Moinuddin , Agrawal Pratik , Osman Mohammed , Khan Muhammad Usman , Alharbi Anas , Benjamin Mina M , Khan Safi , Balla Sudarshan , Munir Muhammad
Published: February 2021

Purpose:
End stage renal disease (ESRD) is a well-recognized risk factor for development of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). There is limited data on baseline characteristics and outcomes after an in-hospital SCA event in ESRD patients.

Methods:
For the purpose of this study, data were obtained from National Inpatient Sample from January 2007 to December 2017. In-hospital SCA was identified using International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification and International Classification of Disease, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes of 99.60, 99.63 and 5A12012. ESRD patients were subsequently identified using codes of 585.6 and N18.6. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared among ESRD and non-ESRD patients in crude and propensity matched (PS) cohorts. Predictors of mortality in ESRD patients after an in-hospital SCA event were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results:
A total of 1,412,985 patients sustained in-hospital SCA during our study period. ESRD patients with in-hospital SCA were younger and had a higher burden of key co-morbidities. Mortality was similar in ESRD and non-ESRD patients in PS matched cohort (70.4% vs. 70.7%, p = 0.45) with an overall downward trend over our study years. Advanced age, Black race and key co-morbidities independently predicted increased mortality while prior implantable defibrillator was associated with decreased mortality in ESRD patients after an in-hospital SCA event.

Conclusion:
In the context of in-hospital SCA, mortality is similar in ESRD and non-ESRD patients in adjusted analysis. Adequate risk factor modification could further mitigate the risk of in-hospital SCA among ESRD patients.
Non-adherence to Preventive Behaviours During the COVID-19 Epidemic: Findings From a Community Study
Authors: Urbán Róbert , Paksi Borbála , Miklósi Ádám , Saunders John B. , Demetrovics Zsolt
Published: February 2021

Backgrounds: Preventive behaviours are an essential way to slow down and eliminate the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study was to estimate adherence to preventive behaviors and to identify whether any subgroups were not adopting these behaviours and for whom greater engagement in these approaches was indicated. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we obtained data from a random sample of a panel representing men and women of adult age residing in Hungary (N=5,254). The survey included questions about the frequencies of preventive behaviours, perceived susceptibility and severity of COVID-19. Results: We found four factors of preventive behaviours: using physical barriers (mask and gloves), avoidance of close contacts, personal hygiene, and preparation. We identified two broadly adherent groups (36.8% and 45.3%) and two non-adherent groups (13.1% and 4.8%). Being male and being aged between 18-29 years were the strongest predictors of non-adherence. Concern about the severity of COVID-19 was a predictor of adherence.Conclusions: To ensure maximal adherence to preventive behaviours for COVID-19, additional strategies should focus on their adoption by men and young adults.
Chinese Herbal Medicine (“3 Medicines and 3 Formulations”) for COVID-19: Rapid Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Xiao-Yang , Wang Yangzihan , Chen Junqiao , Greenhalgh Trisha , Wardle Jon
Published: February 2021

Background: To evaluate the evidence behind claims that Chinese Herbal Medicine, specifically “three medicines and three formulations” (3M3F, comprising Jinhua Qinggan, Lianhua Qingwen, Xuebijing, Qingfei Paidu, Huashi Baidu and Xuanfei Baidu), is an effective treatment for COVID-19. Methods: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE and CNKI databases, preprint servers, clinical trial registries and supplementary sources for Chinese- or English-language randomised trials or non-randomised studies with comparator groups, which tested the constituents of 3M3F in the treatment of COVID-19 up to September 2020. Primary outcome was change in disease severity. Secondary outcomes included various symptoms. Meta-analysis (using generic inverse variance random effects model) was performed when there were two or more studies reporting on the same symptom. Results: Of 607 articles identified, thirteen primary studies (six RCTs and seven retrospective non-randomised comparative studies) with 1467 participants met our final inclusion criteria. Studies were small and had significant methodological limitations, most notably potential bias in assessment of outcomes. No study convincingly demonstrated a statistically significant impact on change in disease severity. Eight studies reported sufficiently similar secondary outcomes to be included in a meta-analysis. Some statistically significant impacts on symptoms, chest CT manifestations, laboratory variables and length of stay were demonstrated, but such findings were sparse and many remain unreplicated.Conclusions: These findings neither support nor refute the claim that 3M3F alters the severity of COVID-19 or alleviates symptoms. More rigorous studies are required to properly ascertain the potential role of Chinese Herbal Medicine in COVID-19.Systematic review registration: This review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020187502) prior to data collection and analysis.
Hematological Indices and Abnormalities Among Patients With Uncomplicated Falciparum Malaria in Kosti City of the White Nile State, Sudan: a Comparative Study
Authors: Elkhalifa Ahmed M. E. , Abdul-Ghani Rashad , Tamomh Abdelhakam G. , Eltaher Nur Eldin , Ali Nada Y. , Ali Moataz M. , Bazie Elsharif A. , KhirAlla Aboagla , DfaAlla Fatin , Alhasan Omnia A. M.
Published: February 2021

Background: Hematological abnormalities are common features in falciparum malaria but vary among different populations across countries. Therefore, we compared hematological indices and abnormalities between Plasmodium falciparum-infected patients and malaria-negative subjects in Kosti city of the White Nile State, Sudan. Methods: A comparative, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Medical Technology Laboratory Unit of Kosti Teaching Hospital from June to December 2018. A total of 392 participants (192 P. falciparum-infected patients and 200 malaria-negative subjects) were recruited in the study. Hematological indices of hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) and platelets were measured and their median values were statistically compared.Results: The majority of P. falciparum-infected patients (64.6%) showed a low-level parasitemia. The median values of Hb concentration, RBC count, mean corpuscular Hb and mean corpuscular Hb concentration were significantly lower in P. falciparum-infected patients, with anemia being significantly higher among infected patients than malaria-negative subjects (60.4% vs. 29.5%, respectively). The median total WBC count was non-significantly higher in P. falciparum-infected patients, with leucopenia being non-significantly different between both groups. The median platelet count was significantly lower in P. falciparum-infected patients, with thrombocytopenia being significantly higher among infected patients than malaria-negative subjects (72.4% vs. 5.0%, respectively).Conclusions: Most falciparum malaria infections among patients in Kosti city of the White Nile State – Sudan are of low-level parasitemia. Nevertheless, falciparum malaria is significantly associated with anemia and thrombocytopenia with lower median values of Hb, RBC count, MCH, MCHC and platelet count in P. falciparum-infected patients than malaria-negative subjects. In contrast, leucopenia is not useful to predict falciparum malaria. Further large-scale studies in community and healthcare settings and inclusion of patients with complicated or severe malaria and those with high parasite densities are recommended.
Photocatalytic activity of Al/Ni-doped TiO2 films synthesized by sol-gel method: Effect of sunlight photocatalysis on the catalysts properties
Authors: Temam Elhachmi Guettaf , Djani Faiçal , Rahmane Saad , Temam Hachemi Ben , Gasmi Brahim
Published: February 2021

Photocatalytic activity of semiconductors is affected by the nature of metal dopant. To study the effect of non-transition and transition metal on the physical and optical properties of TiO2 based photocatalysts; Al and Ni-doped TiO2 thin films respectively were prepared via a sol-gel dip-coating method. The effect of the photocatalysis process on the properties of TiO2 based thin films was investigated. The photocatalytic activity was calculated from methylene blue dye degradation under sunlight irradiation. XRD results show that un-doped TiO2 films were grown with anatase phase, whereas, the Ni and Ni/Al-doped TiO2 films show Ti4O7 single phase. The presence of Al preferred the rutile phase. No phases related to NiO or Al2O3 were detected. Ni-TiO2 photocatalyst shows high photocatalytic activity (~ 93%) thanks to the high content of O and Ti, wide bandgap (3.35 eV), low crystal size (6.87 nm), high film thickness (288 nm), and high surface roughness (44.5 nm). After photocatalysis, all the films show a decrease in O content and thickness, whereas the indirect bandgap values were increased which suggesting the reuse with low photocatalytic activity.
N and P Addition Reduce Semiarid Grassland Stability via Increasing the Dominance of Less-Stable Functional Groups
Authors: Chen Zhifei , Xiong Peifeng , Zhou Junjie , Lai Shuaibin , Jian Chunxia , Xu Weizhou , Xu Bingcheng
Published: February 2021

Aims Extraneous fertilization could efficiently improve grassland productivity and promote grassland restoration. Increasing fertilization may profoundly affect community stability, whereas the underlying compensatory dynamics among species and functional groups in regulating grassland stability remain unclear.Methods Three different grasslands, annuals and biennials (AB) community, perennial grass (PG) community and perennial forb (PF) community, on semiarid Loess Plateau were selected. We designed a 3-year split-plot experiment (main-plot: 0, 25, 50, and 100 kgN ha-1 yr-1; subplot: 0, 20, 40 and 80 kgP2O5 ha-1 yr-1) to explore how N and P addition affects community stability and its relationship with species richness, species asynchrony (SA) and functional group stability. Results Temporal stability differed largely between functional groups under N and P addition, perennial forbs or grasses had higher stability than perennial legumes or annuals and biennials. Decreased stability of PG and PF communities was primarily due to increased dominance of perennial grasses or forbs and reduced SA under N addition alone, while it attributed to increased dominance of perennial legumes after P addition alone. 50 and 100 kgN ha-1 yr-1 combined with P addition notably increased dominance of annuals and biennials at the expense of perennial species, but decreased stability of annuals and biennials, which caused declines in stability of the three communities.Conclusions Nutrient-induced shifts of functional groups, particularly increased dominance of less-stable functional groups, is the main driver reducing perennial grassland stability independent of diversity. Whereas N and P addition decreased annual grassland stability via additive effect of increased dominance of annuals and biennials and diversity decline. Targeted N and P combined addition was essential to maintain stability for different grasslands by regulating functional groups on semiarid Loess Plateau.
Tree-ring Cellulose δ18O Records Similar Large-scale Climate Influences as Precipitation δ18O in the Northwest Territories of Canada
Authors: Field Robert , Andreu-Hayles Laia , D'Arrigo Rosanne , Oelkers Rose , Luckman Brian , Morimoto David , Boucher Etienne , Gennaretti Fabio , Hermoso Ignacio , Lavergne Alienor , Levesque Mathieu
Published: February 2021

Oxygen stable isotopes measured in tree rings have been useful for reconstructing climate variability and explaining changes in physiological processes occurring in forests, complementing other more widely studied tree-ring parameters such as ring width. Here, we analyzed the relationships between different climate parameters and annually resolved tree-ring δ18O records (d18OTR) from white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench]Voss) trees located near Tungsten, Northwest Territories, Canada, and used the NASA GISS ModelE2 isotopically equipped general circulation model (GCM) to interpret the relationships in an idealized sense. The d18OTR series were primarily related to temperature variations in spring and summer, likely through temperature effects on the precipitation δ18O with a combination of evaporative enrichment at leaf level in summer. The GCM simulations showed significant positive relationships between modelled precipitation δ18O over the study region and surface temperature and geopotential height over northwestern North America, with stronger patterns during fall winter than during spring-summer. The modelled precipitation δ18O was only significantly associated with moisture transport during the fall-winter season. The d18OTR showed similar correlation patterns to modelled precipitation δ18O during spring-summer, with significant positive correlations with surface temperature and geopotential height, but no correlations with moisture transport. Overall, the d18OTR records for northwestern Canada reflect the same significant large-scale climate patterns as precipitation δ18O for spring-summer, and therefore have potential for reconstructions past atmospheric dynamics in addition to temperature variability.
A structural ensemble of a tau-microtubule complex reveals regulatory tau phosphorylation and acetylation mechanisms
Authors: Brotzakis Z. Faidon , Lindstedt Philip , Taylor Ross , Bernardes Gonçalo , Vendruscolo Michele
Published: February 2021

Tau is a microtubule-associated protein that regulates the stability of microtubules. We use metainference cryo-electron microscopy, an integrative structural biology approach, to determine an ensemble of structures representing the structure and dynamics of a tau-microtubule complex comprising the entire microtubule-binding region of tau. We thus identify the ground state of the complex and a series of excited states of lower populations. A comparison of the interactions in these different states reveals positions along the tau sequence that are important to determine the overall stability of the tau-microtubule complex. This analysis leads to the identification of positions where phosphorylation and acetylation events have destabilising effects, which we validate by using site-specific post-translationally modified tau variants obtained by chemical mutagenesis. Taken together, these results illustrate how the simultaneous determination of ground and excited states of macromolecular complexes reveals functional and regulatory mechanisms.
Enabling global analysis of protein citrullination and homocitrullination via biotin thiol tag-assisted mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Lingjun , Shi Yatao , Li Zihui , Wang Bin , Shi Xudong , Ye Hui , Delafield Daniel , Lv Langlang , Ye Zhengqing , Chen Zhengwei , Ma Fengfei
Published: February 2021

Citrullination and homocitrullination are key post-translational modifications (PTMs) that affect protein structures and functions. Although they have been linked to various biological processes and disease pathogenesis, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood due to a lack of effective tools to enrich, detect, and localize these PTMs. Herein, we report the design and development of a biotin thiol tag that enables derivatization, enrichment, and confident identification of these two PTMs simultaneously via mass spectrometry. We perform global mapping of the citrullination and homocitrullination proteomes of mouse tissues. In total, we identify 1,198 citrullination sites and 108 homocitrullination sites from 619 and 79 proteins, respectively, representing the largest datasets to date. We discover novel distribution and functions of these two PTMs. We also perform multiplexing quantitative analysis via isotopic labeling techniques. This study depicts a landscape of protein citrullination and homocitrullination and lays the foundation to further decipher their physiological and pathological roles.
The Effect of Bread Enriched With Portulaca Oleracea on Metabolic Control Indices in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: a Parallel Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Delvarianzadeh Mehri , Nafchi Abdorreza Mohammadi , Nouri Leila , Khosravi Ahmad , Bahar Aisa , Ebrahimi Hossein
Published: February 2021

Background: Diabetes is the most common chronic disease worldwide. Some herbs are used to control diabetes. Portulaca Oleracea is a type of plant that has essential fatty acid-rich leaves. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bread enriched with Portulaca Oleracea on metabolic control indices in patients with type 2.Methods: This parallel randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 104 patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants received bulk bread containing 10% Portulaca powder for 4 weeks (intervention group), the control group used their normal daily bread. At baseline and end of the study a 12 hours fasting and 2 hours later blood sample were collected to quantify plasma glucose levels and lipid profiles. The effectiveness of the intervention method was compared with the difference between the mean before and after the intervention (change score) in the two groups using t-test.Results: The results showed that after the intervention, a significant difference was found between Fasting blood sugar, cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein variables in intervention groups, but could not affect serum low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride levels, blood sugar and Glycated hemoglobin(HbA1C) It should be noted that the difference between the means of the two groups before and after the intervention indicates that there is a significant difference between the other groups except HbA1C. Conclusions: consumption of bread enriched with portulaca oleracea did have a significant impact on metabolic indices of diabetes and improvement lipid profile. It is recommended to use bread enriched with portulaca oleracea powder, areas where the staple food is bread.Trial registration in the Iranian clinical trial system with the code IRCT2011030309006010N1.
Impact of relative humidity and water availability on the life history of the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii
Authors: San Phyu Phyu , Tuda Midori , Takagi Masami
Published: February 2021

The predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is currently used as an efficient biological control agent of thrips, whiteflies and spider mites, which are economically damaging pests of ornamental plants and vegetable crops grown in greenhouses and fields worldwide. Currently, the effects of relative humidity (RH) and water availability on the optimal growth of A. swirskii are unknown. Here, we test the combined effects of different levels of RH (33%, 53%, 73% and 92%) and water availability on the development and reproduction of male and female A. swirskii feeding on the dried fruit mite, Carpoglyphus lactis (Linnaeus). While eggs failed to hatch at 33% RH, the survival rates of the immature stages at ≥ 53% RH increased solely in response to water availability and not due to changes in RH. Regarding growth and development, low RH extended the egg–adult duration and pre-oviposition period. We also found that the negative effects of low RH on adult longevity and fecundity were partially or completely eliminated when drinking water was available. For the life table parameters, the highest values of net reproductive rate (R0) and intrinsic rate of natural increase (r) were achieved at the highest RH when drinking water was availabile. Overall, water availability mitigated the negative effect of low RH on female reproduction, and female development was more sensitive to water availability than male development. Lastly, a comparison of similar research on A. swirskii suggested that water availability and RH are more influential on r than food source or temperature.
Determination of a Criminal Suspect Using Environmental Plant DNA Metabarcoding Technology
Authors: Liu Yanlei , Xu Chao , Dong Wenpan , Yang Xueying , Zhou Shiliang
Published: February 2021

Background: There are criminal cases that no frequently used evidence, for example, DNAs from the criminal, is available. Such cases usually are unresolvable. With the advent of DNA metabarcoding, evidences are mined from environmental DNA and such cases become resolvable. This study reports how a criminal suspect was determined by environmental plant DNA metabarcoding technology. A girl was killed in a rural wet area in China without a witness or video record. Pants with dried mud was found from one of her boyfriend’s house. The mud was removed from the pants and 11 more mud or soil samples surrounding murder scene were collected. DNA was extracted from the soil. Chloroplast rbcL gene fragments were amplified and sequenced on a next generation sequencing platform. Results: After bioinformatics analysis, of the 2980 ZOTUs in total obtained from the 12 samples, 1495 ZOTUs were identified to species, genera or families based on the existing public database. The feast analysis based on either taxa or taxa plus abundance data demonstrated that the mud on the suspect’s pants was from the criminal scene. Conclusions: The suspect finally made a clean breast of his crime. This case implies that plant DNA in the environment soil is a new source of evidence in determination of suspects using DNA metabarcoding technology and has high potentials of extensive applications in criminal cases.
Rising farm costs, marginal land cropping, and ecosystem service markets
Authors: Esch Ellen , McCann Kevin , Kamm Caroline , Arce Bernal , Carroll Oliver , Dolezal Aleksandra , Mazzorato Annalisa , Noble Dan , Fraser Evan , Fryxell John , Gilvesy Bryan , Krumholz Sam , Campbell Malcolm , Macdougall Andrew
Published: February 2021

A growing challenge with industrialized agriculture is compensating farmers for devoting land towards producing ecosystem services, at a time when global food demands are accelerating. Here, we explore revenue thresholds that Payment for Ecosystem Service programs (PES) must approach to be competitive in present-day crop markets, amalgamating long-term North American data especially from Canada on input costs, crop yields, crop revenues after expenses, government subsidies, and land use. Two trends suggest that PES markets with stable revenues can be increasingly competitive, with inflation-adjusted farm input costs now 50x higher than a century earlier and increasingly high revenue instability including net losses for some crops in some years. Since 1994, crop revenues in some regions have averaged $39 acre− 1 US, peaking at $412 but losing money 25.3% of time. Importantly, these data show how government subsidies have been a major stabilizing force, increasing revenues by 37.6% while reducing the frequency of losses by 50% - societal compensation to North American farmers is already the norm. PES programs could be most feasible on marginal lands, which are often targeted for retirement due to higher input requirements. However, trends in Canada reveal that marginal land cropping has increased by 5.2 million acres since 1990 and now constitutes 28.8% of all cropland. Our work reinforces how revenue instability simultaneously creates and constrains opportunities for PES markets, favoring market competitiveness because of shrinking crop revenues but pressuring farmers to expand production, including on marginal lands, as they struggle to offset revenue shortfalls while attempting to capitalize on growing global food demands.
Development and Validation of a multivariable prediction model using Machine Learning to predict the outcome of admitted COVID-19 patients at the time of admission (AICOVID)
Authors: Kar Sujoy , Chawla Rajesh , Haranath Sai Praveen , Ramasubban Suresh , Ramakrishnan Nagarjan , Vaishya Raju , Sibal Anupam , Reddy Sangita
Published: February 2021

Introduction In Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), early identification of patients with a high risk of mortality can significantly improve triage, bed allocation, timely management, and possibly, outcome. The study objective is to develop and validate individualized mortality risk scores based on the anonymized clinical and laboratory data at admission and determine the probability of Deaths at 7 and 28 days. Methods:Data of 1393 admitted patients (Expired – 8.54%) was collected from six Apollo Hospital centers (from April to July 2020) using a standardized template and electronic medical records. Over 50 Clinical and Laboratory parameters were studied based on the patient’s initial clinical state at admission and laboratory parameters within the first 24 hours. The Machine Learning (ML) modelling was performed using Gradient Boosting Algorithm. ‘Time to event’ using Cox Proportional Hazard Model was used and combined with Gradient Boosting Algorithm. The prospective validation cohort was selected of 977 patients (Expired - 8.3%) from six centers from July to October 2020. The Clinical API for the Algorithm is http://20.44.39.47/covid19v2/page1.php being used prospectively. Results:Out of the 63 clinical and laboratory parameters, Age [Adjusted Hazard Ratio (HR)– 2.31; 95%CI 1.52 – 3.53], Male Gender [HR–1.72, 95%CI 1.06 – 2.85], Respiratory Distress [HR–1.79, 95%CI 1.32 – 2.53], Diabetes Mellitus [HR – 1.21, 95%CI 0.83 – 1.77], Chronic Kidney Disease [HR– 3.04, 95%CI 1.72 – 5.38], Coronary Artery Disease [HR– 1.56, 95%CI – 0.91 – 2.69}, Respiratory Rate >24/min [HR–1.54, 95%CI 1.03 – 2.3], Oxygen Saturation below 90% [HR–2.84, 95%CI 1.87 – 4.3], Lymphocyte% in DLC [HR– 1.99, 95%CI 1.23 – 2.32], INR [HR–1.71, 95%CI 1.31 – 2.13], LDH [HR–4.02, 95%CI 2.66 – 6.07 ] and Ferritin [HR–2.48, 95%CI 1.32 – 4.74 ] were found to be significant. The performance parameters of the current model is at AUC ROC Score of 0.8685 and Accuracy Score of 96.89. The validation cohort had the AUC of 0.782 and Accuracy of 0.93. Conclusion:The model for Mortality Risk Prediction provides insight into the COVID Clinical and Laboratory Parameters at admission. It is one of the early studies, reflecting on ‘time to event’ at the admission, accurately predicting patient outcomes.
Electrochemical detection of cholesterol in a buffer solution with a glassy carbon electrode doctored by ZnO/SnO2/RuO2 nanomaterials
Authors: Alam Md Mahmud , Uddin M.T. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Rahman Mohammed M. , Islam M.A.
Published: February 2021

This electrochemical study performed to develop a cholesterol sensor using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) coating with ternary low-dimensional ZnO/SnO2/RuO2 nanomaterials (NMs). The ZnO/SnO2/RuO2 NMs characterized using FESEM, XPS, EDS and XRD analysis. The desired cholesterol sensor fabricated by coating a GCE with ZnO/SnO2/RuO2 NMs as a film of the thin-layer using suspension of ethanol with 5% Nafion binder, which performed to the analysis of cholesterol electrochemically in the phosphate buffer phase. The resulted electrochemical responses have exhibited the linearity from 0.1nM ~ 0.01mM of cholesterol in current versus concentration plot, which defined as a calibration curve of this sensor development. The linear concentration (0.1nM ~ 0.01mM) of cholesterol corresponding with the current response is known as the dynamic range (LDR) for detection of target analyte. The sensitivity is calculated from the slope of calibration-curve found as 11.3513 µAµM− 1cm− 2. The lower limit of detection (91.42 ± 4.57 pM) is obtained from signal/noise (S/N = 3) at 3. In the real-samples detection process, the fabricated cholesterol sensor is exhibited good reproducibility, fast response time and ability to perform in long-duration of sensor elapse time. In the end, this method is shown the reliable detection of cholesterol in the buffer phase and would be very perspective in the recent future in-term of a simple as well as reliable technique in the field of pathological diagnosis.
Whey protein preloading can alleviate stress adaptation disorder and improve hyperglycemia in women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Feng Yan , Wang Yuping , Feng Qi , Song Xinna , Wang Lanlan , Sun Li
Published: February 2021

AimTo investigate the change of stress hormones, oxidative stress and insulin resistance (IR) in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) after supplement whey protein, in an attempt to gain insights into the prevention and treatment of GDM.Methods60 GDM women were recruited in this study, and 30 women receive a preload drink containing 25 g whey protein as group GDM-W, and the other 30 women receive control flavoring drink as group GDM, and the trial last for 14 days. Plasma epinephrine (E), noradrenaline (NE), and cortisol were detected, we also investigate levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). Homeostasismodel assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used to assesse IR.ResultsIn GDM-W group, postprandial blood glucose was decreased significantly on 3d, 5d, 7d and 14d (p < 0.05), plasma 2h insulin was increased by 7.2%, 8.6% and 20.5% on days 5, 7 and 14 (p < 0.05). HOMA-IR was decreased significantly on days 14 (P < 0.01). MDA was increased by 20.7% on days 14 (P < 0.01), and anti-oxidative enzymes SOD was increased by 13.4% on days 14 (P < 0.01) and GSH was increased by 16.7% and 29.1% on days 7 and 14 (both P < 0.05). Stress hormones E and cortisol were decreased by 10.8% and 19.8% respectively on days 14 (p < 0.05).ConclusionWhey protein supplementation may improve hyperglycemia by alleviate stress disorder and oxidative stress injury in GDM women.This trial was registered at chictr.org.cn/ as ChiCTR1800020413.
Theoretical Study of Cellulose II Nanocrystals with Different Exposed Facets
Authors: Leng Can , Li Kenli , Tian Zean , Si Yubing , Huang Huang , Li Junfeng , Liu Jie , Huang Wei-Qing , Li Keqin
Published: February 2021

Derived from the most abundant natural polymer, cellulose nanocrystal materials have attracted attention in recent decades due to their chemical and mechanical properties. However, still unclear is the influence of different exposed facets of the cellulose nanocrystals on the physicochemical properties. Herein, we first design cellulose II nanocrystals with different exposed facets, the hydroxymethyl conformations distribution, hydrogen bond (HB) analysis, as well as the relative structural stability of these models (including crystal facets {A, B, O} and Type-A models vary in size) are theoretically investigated. The results reveal that the HB network of terminal anhydroglucose depends on the adjacent chain’s contact sites in nanocrystals exposed with different facets. Compared to nanocrystals exposed with inclined facet, these exposed with flat facet tend to be the most stable. Therefore, the strategy of tuning exposed crystal facets will guide the design of novel cellulose nanocrystals with various physicochemical properties.
Dynamics of human-induced lakes and their impact on land surface temperature in Toshka Depression, Western Desert, Egypt
Authors: Samra Rasha Abou
Published: February 2021

Land surface temperature (LST) is a significant environmental variable that is appreciably influenced by land use /land cover changes. The main goal of this research was to quantify the impacts of land use/land cover change (LULC) from the drying of Toshka Lakes on LST by remote sensing and GIS techniques. Landsat series TM and OLI satellite images were used to estimate LST from 2001 to 2019. Automated Water Extraction Index (AWEI) was applied to extract water bodies from the research area. Optimized Soil-Adjusted Vegetation Index (OSAVI) was utilized to predict the reclaimed land in the Toshka region until 2019. The results indicated a decrease in the lakes by about 1517.79 km2 with an average increase in LST by about 25.02 °C between 2001 and 2019. It was observed that the dried areas of the lakes were converted to bare soil and are covered by salt crusts. The results indicated that the land use change was a significant driver for the increased LST. The mean annual LST increased considerably by 0.6 °C/y between 2001 and 2019. A strong negative correlation between LST and Toshka Lakes area (R-square = 0.98) estimated from regression analysis implied that Toshka Lakes drying considerably affected the microclimate of the study area. Severe drought conditions, soil degradation, and many environmental issues were predicted due to the rise of LST in the research area. There is an urgent need to develop favorable strategies for sustainable environmental management in the Toshka region.
Selection of Surgical Approach for Cerebellar Hemangioblastomas Based on Venous Drainage Patterns
Authors: Watanabe Takashi , Suematsu Yuuki , Saitou Kiyotaka , Takeishi Go , Yamashita Shinji , Ohta Hajime , Yokogami Kiyotaka , Takeshima Hideo
Published: February 2021

Cerebellar hemangioblastomas remain surgically challenging because of the narrow, deep surgical corridors and tumor hypervascularity. Various surgical approaches are used according to the location, but optimal approaches have not been established. We propose a system of surgical approaches based on the venous drainage systems to facilitate surgical planning and achieve acceptable neurological outcomes. Cerebellar hemangioblastomas were divided into fivefour types based on the main drainage systems: suboccipital hemangioblastomas draining to the transverse sinus (TS) or torcular, tentorial hemangioblastomas draining to the tentorial and straight sinus, petrosal hemangioblastomas draining to the superior petrosal sinus (SPS),, and quadrigeminal hemangioblastomas draining to the galenic system, and tonsillar hemangioblastomas draining to the TS or torcular in conjunction with jugular bulb or SPS. Microsurgical approaches and patient outcome were retrospectively reviewed according to this classification. This study included 17 patients who underwent 21 operations for resection of 19 cerebellar hemangioblastomas, classified into 911 suboccipital, 4 tentorial, 2 petrosal, and 2 quadrigeminal, and 2 tonsillar. Standard suboccipital craniotomies were utilized for suboccipital hemangioblastomas, the occipital transtentorial approach (OTA) and supracerebellar infratentorial approach for tentorial hemangioblastomas, the retrosigmoid approach for petrosal hemangioblastomas, and OTA for quadrigeminal hemangioblastomas, and midline suboccipital approach for tonsillar hemangioblastomashemangioblastomass. Gross total resection was achieved in all patients except one. Two patients with large hemangioblastomas (tonsillarsuboccipital and quadrigeminal) required second-stage operation which finally achieved gross total removal. No single approach had a significantly higher incidence of postoperative neurological deficits. Selection of the optimum surgical approach for cerebellar hemangioblastomas was successful based on the main drainage systems. Understanding of tumor growth and extension with respect to the venous drainage system is critical to select the appropriate surgical approach.
The Jatropha leaf curl Gujarat virus on infection regulates the sugar and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolic pathways in Jatropha
Authors: More Prashant , Agarwal Parinita , Agarwal Pradeep K.
Published: February 2021

Jatropha, a popular biodiesel crop, suffers severe losses due to Jatropha leaf curl Gujarat virus (JLCuGV) infection in Gujarat (India). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of healthy and infected tissue revealed that the metabolites like sugars, polyols, carboxylic acids, fatty acids, polyphenols, and amino acids were regulated on JLCuGV infection. The sugars (glucose, sucrose, and fructose) increased, while carboxylic acids (malic acid, citric acid and quinic acid) and polyols (galactinol, butanetriol, triethylene glycol, myo-inositol, erythritol) decreased remarkably in infected Jatropha tissue. The increased accumulation of polyphenols in JLCuGV infected tissue suggests activation and involvement of polyphenol biosynthesis pathways as a defence response to geminivirus. All these metabolic variations indicated that sugar metabolism and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle pathways are regulated as a defence response as well as a disease development response to geminivirus infection in Jatropha.
Evaluation of Septoria nodorum blotch (SNB) resistance in glumes of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in multiple field environments and the genetic relationship with foliar disease response
Authors: Francki Michael , Walker Esther , McMullan Christopher J. , Morris W. George
Published: February 2021

Septoria nodorum blotch (SNB) is a necrotrophic disease of wheat prominent in some parts of the world, including Western Australia (WA) causing significant losses in grain yield. The genetic mechanisms for resistance are complex involving multiple quantitative trait loci. In order to decipher comparable or independent regulation, this study identified the genetic control for glume compared to foliar resistance across four environments in WA against 37 different isolates. High proportion of the phenotypic variation across environments was contributed by genotype (84.0% for glume response and 82.7% for foliar response) with genotype-by-environment interactions accounting for a proportion of the variation for both glume and foliar response (14.7% and 16.2%, respectively). Despite high phenotypic correlation across environments, most of the eight and 14 QTL detected for glume and foliar resistance, respectively, were identified as environment-specific. QTL for glume and foliar resistance neither co-located nor were in LD in any particular environment indicating autonomous genetic mechanisms control SNB response in adult plants, regulated by independent biological mechanisms and influenced by significant genotype-by-isolate-by environment interactions. Known Snn and Tsn loci and QTL were compared with 22 environment-specific QTL. None of the eight QTL for glume or the 14 for foliar response were co-located or in linkage disequilibrium with Snn and only one foliar QTL was in LD with Tsn loci on the physical map. Therefore, known NE-Snn interactions are of limited relevance to glume and foliar SNB response in WA environments and other biological mechanisms are likely to prevail for host resistance and susceptibility.