bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN: Heavy Metals in Water and Surface Sediments of the Fenghe River Basin, China: Assessment and Source Analysis
Authors: Luo Pingping , Xu Chengyi , Kang Shuxin , Huo Aidi , Lyu Jiqiang , Zhou Meimei , Nover Daniel
Published: February 2021

This paper combines environmental science, inorganic chemistry, water quality monitoring and other disciplines, and uses several representative evaluation methods (WQI, Pn, I-geo, RI) for heavy metals in water and sediments. A preliminary assessment and source analysis of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr, Ti, Ni, Cu, As, Pb, Sr) in water and surface sediments of the Fenghe River Basin, Shannxi Province, China was carried out in this study. Results indicate that most of the heavy metals in water are below national water quality standards. Exceptions include Mn, which exceeds national tertiary standards and Cr, which exceeds national drinking water standards. Most heavy metals in the sediments exceed the environmental standard values except Ni. Water quality index (WQI) and Nemero index (Pn) showed the same trend in contamination levels of sampling sites. According to the Geological Accumulation Index method (I-geo) and the Potential Ecological Risk Index method (RI), high concentrations of Cd poses a high ecological risk in some sampling locations. Pearson Correlation Analysis (CA), Hierarchical Clustering Analysis (HCA), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) models are used to explore the relationships and sources of heavy metals. In general, upstream sources are similar, and middle and lower reaches are easily clustered into a large category except for some specific sampling points. For example, metals in sampling site FHK mainly come from surrounding residents and farms and heavy metals attributes in sampling site SLQ relate to the fact that municipal sewage is collected and treated. The factors or sources of heavy metals in water and sediment are revealed in detail through PMF models. In the water, the average contribution rate of these four source factors for heavy metals is 36.8%, 11.7%, 9.4% and 42.0%, while the average proportion of these four factors for heavy metals in sediment is 8.0%, 29.2%, 23.9% and 38.9% respectively. Results show that the main sources of pollution in the region are urban construction and transportation, electronics industry, machinery manufacturing, tourism and agriculture. These sectors should therefore be given sufficient attention in the prevention and management of heavy metal pollution.
Asymptomatic Urinary Tract Infections and Associated Risk Factors in Pakistani Muslim Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Aamir Azizul Hasan , Raja Umar Yousuf , Asghar Ali , Mahar Saeed Ahmed , Ghaffar Tahir , Ahmed Ibrar , Qureshi Faisal Masood , Zafar Jamal , Hasan Mohammad Imtiaz , Riaz Amna , Raza Syed Abbas , Khoso Irshad Ahmed , Khan Jahanzeb , Raza Mahwish , Baqar Jaffer Bin
Published: February 2021

Background: One of the leading long-term complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) includes renal dysfunction and urinary tract infections (UTI) which are considered to be prevalent in uncontrolled diabetes. Moreover, physiological factors like age, gender, duration of diabetes, other diabetic complications like neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy and glycosuria are also considered as predisposing factors for increased prevalence of UTI in diabetes which can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, multi-centre study including diabetic patients from 12 clinical sites spread across major cities of Pakistan. The inclusion criteria were adult Pakistani population of age between 18 to 75 years both genders and suffering from T2DM irrespective of duration. A detailed clinical history of the past 3 months was recorded and, biochemical investigations of blood samples were conducted. Urine culture analysis performed identified the type of pathogen present and was done only for asymptomatic patients. Results: A total of 745 type 2 diabetic patients were initially screened, out of 545 patients considered for final analysis 501 (91.92%) were negative and the rest 44 (8.08%) had positive urine culture. Female gender had a significantly higher proportion of positive urine culture (77.27%, p-value<0.001). Body mass index and mean age had insignificant distribution among the two groups of positive and negative urine culture, with age 40-59 years having higher proportion (70.45%) in the positive group. Escherichia coli was detected in most of the positive samples (52.3%). All bacterial samples were found resistant to Ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: Diabetic female patients are identified to be at high risk of suffering from UTI and age more than 40 years is an important risk factor. Escherichia coli was the most common causative organism among people living in this geographical area.
The Blood level of Thioredoxin 1 as a Supporting Biomarker in the Detection of Breast Cancer
Authors: Lee Youn Ju , Kim Young , Choi Bo Bae , Kim Je Ryong , Ko Hye Mi , Suh Kyoung Hoon , Lee Jin Sun
Published: February 2021

Background: It has been a long-time unmet need to have a means to detect breast cancer (BC) using blood. Although mammography is accepted as the gold standard for screening, thus, playing a role to reduce death from breast cancer, a blood-based diagnostic can complement mammography and assist in the accurate diagnosis of BC. We have previously reported the possible use of thioredoxin 1 (Trx1) in serum as a novel means to detect BC. In the present study, we validated the clinical utility of Trx1 to detect BC by testing sera from biopsy-confirmed cancer patients, and normal healthy people.Methods: We have generated monoclonal antibodies against Trx1 and developed an ELISA kit that can quantitate Trx1 in sera. The level of Trx1 was determined in each serum from normal healthy women (n=114), as well as patients with BC (n=106), and other types of cancers (n=74) including cervical, lung, stomach, colorectal, and thyroid cancer. The sera from BC patients were collected according to their age and cancer stage. Several pathological and molecular aspects of BC were analyzed along with the Trx1 levels of BC patients. Test results were compared to those from mammography. Each test was duplicated, and test results were analyzed by ROC analysis, one-way ANOVA tests, and unpaired t-tests.Results: The mean level of Trx1 from normal women’s sera was 5.45±4.16 (±SD) U/ml and that from BC was 21.96±6.79 U/ml. The difference between these two values was large enough to distinguish BC sera from healthy sera with a sensitivity of 94.3% and specificity of 94.7% (AUC 0.985, p<0.0001). Most Trx1 levels from BC patients’ sera were higher than the cut-off value of 14.13 Unit/ml regardless of age, stage, histological grade, type, and specific receptors’ expression profile of BC. The blood levels of Trx1 from the group of patients with other types of cancers (2.70±2.01 U/ml) was low to be distinguishable from BC. Trx1 level could rescue most of misreading incompleteness of mammography. Conclusion: These results indicated that the blood level of Trx1 could be an effective and accurate means to assist or complement current BC diagnostic modalities.
Identification of potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Chen Fengshou , Hou Haijia , Tang Bing
Published: February 2021

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) have a strong association. We aimed to study the relationships between COPD and AMI, and reveal potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers. ,
Methods

The dataset GSE38974 and GSE60993 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to analyze the intersections among differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Common DEGs were identified and performed functional enrichment analyses. The hub genes were obtained based on the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network by cytoHubba in Cytoscape software. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to identify the diagnosis efficacy of hub genes. The relationship between hub genes and these two diseases in the CTD database were validated. Finally, the transcription factors (TFs) corresponding to hub genes were also analyzed.
Results

In our study, sixty-five common DEGs were obtained in COPD and AMI. GO enrichment analysis indicated that inflammation or apoptotic biological processes are significant enriched biological processes. Common DEGs were mostly enriched in pathways including apoptosis, HIF-1 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. MMP9, SOCS3, MCL1, ERBB2 and S100A12 were identified as the hub genes. Furthermore, we found that the expression of hub genes was significantly associated with a diagnosis efficacy of COPD and AMI. We also validated the relationship between the hub genes and these two diseases in the CTD database. We also found that ELK1, ETV4, STAT3 and TFAP2A were significant TFs, which interacted with the hub genes.
Conclusions

In conclusion, our study revealed the communal DEGs and related mechanisms between the pathophysiology of COPD and AMI. MMP9, SOCS3, MCL1, ERBB2 and S100A12 were identified as the hub genes that are associated with COPD and AMI. Our study provides new ideas and evidence for further exploration of the mechanisms and treatment of COPD and AMI.
Correlation of SOX4, SOX17, VE-cadherin and vasculogenic mimicry with prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Qin Yanzi , Zhao Wenjun , Cai Zhaogeng , Wang Qi , Gao Jin , Ci Hongfei , Feng Zhenzhong , Ma Li
Published: February 2021

Background: This study to explore the relationships between SOX4, SOX17, vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin and VM with the occurrence and development of ESCC. Methods: SOX4, SOX17, and VE-cadherin expression as well as VM in tissues were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The cell invasion, migration, and proliferation were determined after silencing of VE-cadherin. SOX4, SOX17, and VE-cadherin protein and mRNA expression were quantified by Western blotting and qRT-PCR analyses, respectively.Results: The expression of SOX17, SOX4, and VE-cadherin were significantly correlated with clinical characteristics of ESCC. After VE-cadherin silencing, the cell invasion, migration, and proliferation were decreased, while SOX17 levels were increased and SOX4 levels were decreased.Conclusions: SOX17, SOX4, and VE-cadherin are involved in the development of ESCC.
Long-term Outcomes in Adolescents and Adults with a Cleft Lip and/or palate: Esthetics, Employment and Functioning
Authors: Alighieri Cassandra , D'haeseleer Evelien , Bettens Kim , Bonte Katrien , Vermeersch Hubert , Vermeire Nele , Claeys Merel , Sseremba Daniel , Galiwango George , Lierde Kristiane Van
Published: February 2021

Background. To date, there seems to be no consensus on the long-term quality of life outcomes in patients living with a cleft of the lip and/or palate (CL/P) with regard to well-being and functioning. Some studies report a substantial influence of having a cleft while other studies report no influence of living with a cleft. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of living with a CL/P on esthetics, employment and functioning in Dutch-speaking adolescents and adults with a CL/P. Methods. 30 Patients with a CL/P (19 men and 11 women) were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 26.93 years (SD = 11.688 years, range = 15 – 66 years). An age and gender matched control group was included consisting of 30 participants (19 men and 11 women) without a CL/P with a mean age of 26.87 years (SD = 11.729 years, range = 16-67 years). Esthetics, employment and functioning were assessed using different standardized self-report questionnaires. Results. No statistically significant difference in educational level, employment, monthly net income, marital status and having children was found between participants with and without a CL/P. In addition, the quality of life scores did not differ between the two groups. Within the group of individuals with a CL/P, the findings revealed that the proportion of participants who reported an influence of the CL/P on daily functioning, general well-being, social contacts, family life, applying for a job, work, education and leisure time differed by age. Older individuals experienced more influence of their CL/P compared to younger individuals. With regard to esthetics, the findings revealed that participants without a CL/P were less satisfied with the appearance of their jaws compared to participants with a CL/P. Conclusion. In general, the findings of our study revealed no significant differences between adolescents and adults with and without a CL/P with regard to employment and functioning. Considering age within the group of participants with a CL/P, however, the results demonstrated that older individuals were more likely to experience a negative impact of their cleft on well-being and functioning. These findings suggest that older individuals with a CL/P might benefit from additional socio-emotional support, for example peer contacts and support groups or psychological guidance. Longitudinal research on this topic is highly needed to determine possible fluctuations in the impact of living with a CL/P.
Standardization of Evaluation Method and Prognostic Significance of Histological Response to Preoperative Chemotherapy in High-grade Non-round Cell Soft Tissue Sarcomas: a Report From the Central Pathology Review for the Japan Clinical Oncology Group Study JCOG0304
Authors: Oda Yoshinao , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Hirose Takanori , Hasegawa Tadashi , Hiruta Nobuyuki , Hisaoka Masanori , Yoshimoto Masato , Otsuka Hiroshi , Bekki Hirofumi , Ishii Takeaki , Endo Makoto , Kunisada Toshiyuki , Hiruma Toru , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Katagiri Hirohisa , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Kawai Akira , Nakayama Robert , Kawashima Hiroyuki , Takenaka Satoshi , Emori Makoto , Watanuki Munenori , Yoshida Yukihiro , Okamoto Takeshi , Mizusawa Junki , Fukuda Haruhiko , Ozaki Toshifumi , Iwamoto Yukihide , Nojima Takayuki
Published: February 2021

PurposePreoperative chemotherapy is widely applied to high-grade localized soft tissue sarcomas (STSs); however, the prognostic significance of histological response to chemotherapy remains controversial. This study aimed to standardize evaluation method of histological response to chemotherapy with high agreement score among pathologists, and to establish a cut-off value closely related to prognosis. MethodsUsing data and specimens from the patients who had registered in the Japan Clinical Oncology Group study, JCOG0304, a phase II trial evaluating the efficacy of perioperative chemotherapy with doxorubicin (DOX) and ifosfamide (IFO), we evaluated histological response to preoperative chemotherapy at the central review board.ResultsA total of 64 patients were eligible for this study. The percentage of viable tumor area ranged from 0.1% to 97.0%, with median value of 35.7%. Regarding concordance proportion between pathologists, the weighted kappa coefficient (κ) score in all patients was 0.71, indicating that the established evaluation method achieved substantial agreement score. When the cut-off value of the percentage of the residual tumor area was set as 25%, the p-value for the difference in overall survival showed the minimum value. Hazard ratio of the non-responder with percentage of the residual tumor < 25%, to the responder was 4.029 (95% confidence interval 0.893–18.188, p = 0.070). ConclusionThe standardized evaluation method of pathological response to preoperative chemotherapy showed a substantial agreement in the weighted κ score. The evaluation method established here was useful for estimating of the prognosis in STS patients who were administered perioperative chemotherapy with DOX and IFO.Trial registration﻿UMIN Clinical Trials Registry C000000096. Registered 30 August, 2005 (retrospectively registered).
High-Starch Diet Consumption Impaired Intestinal Barriers of Juvenile Largemouth Bass (Micropterus Salmoides)
Authors: Zhao Liulan , Liang Ji , Liao Lei , Tang Xiaohong , Liu Qiao , He Kuo , Luo Jie , Du Zongjun , Luo Wei , Yang Song
Published: February 2021

The intestinal barrier is primarily composed of physical, physiological and microbial barriers, and intestine microbe-immune interactions influenced by diet in fish still remain increasingly unexplored. The intestinal barriers of Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) (4.1±0.2g) were explored after they were fed three different starch diets for eight weeks (low starch,7%; middle starch, 12%; high starch, 17%). The results showed that high starch diet led slight infiltration of inflammatory cells and moderate loss of mucous membrane layer in midgut. Meanwhile, high starch diet decreased the antioxidant enzymes (T-SOD) activities and genes (SOD1, SOD2, SOD3a, CAT, GPX) expression significantly (P < 0.05). The MDA content was significantly increased with increasing starch level (P < 0.05). High starch diet up-regulated the expression of pro-inflammatory genes (IL-8, IL-1β and TNFα) and apoptosis genes (bax, caspase3, caspase8 and caspase9), whereas down-regulated the expression of anti-apoptosis genes bcl-2 and tight junction proteins genes (occludin and claudin7). In addition, the high starch diet increased the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Firmicutes, resulted in microbial dysbiosis. In conclusion, high dietary starch impaired intestinal barriers, and increased the risk of disease outbreaks.
Trademark Infringement Recognition Assistance System based on Human Visual Gestalt Psychology and Trademark Design
Authors: Hung Kuo-Ming , Chen Li-Ming , Chen Ting-Wen
Published: February 2021

Trademarks are common graphic signs in human society. People used this kind of graphic sign to distinguish the signs of representative significance such as individuals, organizations, countries, and groups. Under effective use, these graphic signs can bring maintenance and development resources and profits to the owner. In addition to maintenance and development, organizations that have obtained resources can further promote national and social progress. However, the benefits of these resources have also attracted the attention of unfair competitors. By imitating counterfeit trademarks that appear, unfair competitors can steal the resources of the original trademark. In order to prevent such acts of unfair competitors, the state has formulated laws to protect trademarks. In the past, there have also been researches on similar trademark searches to assist in trademark protection. Although the original trademark is protected by national laws, unfair competitors have recently used psychological methods to counterfeit the original trademark and steal its resources. Trademarks counterfeited through psychology have the characteristics of confuse consumers and do not constitute infringement under the law. Under the influence of such counterfeit trademarks, the original trademark is still not well protected. In order to effectively prevent such trademark counterfeiting through psychology, this article proposes new features based on trademark design and Gestalt psychology to assist legal judgments. These features correspond to a part of the process that is not fully understood in the human visual system and quantify them. In the experimental results, we used past cases to analyze the proposed assistance system. Discussions based on past judgments proved that the quantitative results of the proposed system are similar to the plaintiff or the judgment to determine the reasons for plagiarism. This result shows that the assistance system proposed in this article can provide visually effective quantitative data, assist the law to prevent malicious plagiarism on images by unfair competitors, and reduce the plagiarism caused by the similar design concepts of late trademark designers.
Hypofractionated Radiotherapy for Locally or Systemically Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhang Jiajia , Qi Zi'ning , Han Dong , Chen Siying , Sun Jifeng , Wang Jun , Zhao Lujun , Liu Ningbo
Published: February 2021

Background: Palliative thoracic radiotherapy (RT) can improve local control and survival in patients with unresectable locally or systemically advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the optimal RT dose has not been well-defined. We investigated the survival outcomes of patients with NSCLC who underwent hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT).Methods: We retrospectively investigated survival and adverse effects among 74 patients with locally or systemically advanced NSCLC who received HFRT (45 Gy/15 fractions) at our institution.Results: The median overall survival (OS) was 18.7 months, with 1- and 2-year OS rates of 65.9% and 33.9%, respectively. The median local progression-free survival (LPFS) was 7.2 months, with 1- and 2-year LPFS rates of 27.9% and 9.4%, respectively. Sixteen patients (21.6%) developed grade ≤2 pneumonitis and 14 (19%) developed grade ≤2 esophagitis; no grades ≥3 pneumonitis or esophagitis occurred.Conclusions: HFRT is safe, tolerable, and effective for patients with unresectable locally or systemically advanced NSCLC exhibiting poor prognostic factors.
Prospective Analysis of Myocardial Strain Through Evolution of Chagas Disease in the Hamster Animal Model
Authors: Ribeiro Fernando F.F. , Moreira Henrique T. , Barros-Filho Antônio C.L. , Tanaka Denise M , Fabricio Camila G. , Oliveira Luciano F.L. , Prado Cibele M , Simões Marcus V. , Schmidt André , Maciel Benedito Carlos , Marin-Neto José Antônio , Romano Minna Moreira Dias
Published: February 2021

Background: Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) enables early diagnosis of myocardial damage by evaluating myocardial strain. We aimed to study sequential changes in structural and functional ventricular parameters during Chagas disease (CD) natural history in an animal model. Methods: 37 Syrian hamsters were inoculated intraperitoneally with Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas) and 20 with saline (Control). Echocardiography was performed before the infection (baseline), at 1month (acute phase), 4, 6 and 8 months (chronic phase) using Vevo 2100 (Fujifilm Inc.) ultrasound system. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential (GCS) and radial (GRS) strain were evaluated. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) was used to assess right ventricular function. At 8 months, animals were euthanized and LV myocardial samples were analyzed for quantitation of inflammation and fibrosis. Results: LVEF decreased over time in Chagas group and a difference from Control was detected at 6 months (p-value of groups#time interaction = 0.005). There was a pronounced decrease in GLS, GCS and TAPSE in Chagas group (p-value of groups#time interaction = 0.003 for GLS, < 0.001 for GCS and < 0.009 for TAPSE vs Control) since the first month. LVESD, LVEF and GLS were significantly correlated to the number of inflammatory cells (r= 0.41, p=0.046; r= -0.42, p=0.042; r=0.41, p=0.047) but not to fibrosis. Conclusions: In the Syrian hamster model of CD STE parameters (GLS and GCS) showed an early decrease. Changes in LVEF, LVESD and GLS were correlated to myocardial inflammation but not to fibrosis.
Ardisia Crenata Sims Var. Bicolor Physiological Attributes And Soil Physico-Chemical Properties Along An Altitudinal Gradient On The Gaoligong Mountain, Southwest China
Authors: Ai Xingmei , Li Yu , Xie Huan , Zhao Caibao
Published: February 2021

Aims This research investigated the acclimation of Ardisia crenata Sims var. bicolor at different elevations, and evaluated both soil and plant responses to altitude. Methods We collected rhizosphere soil and upper canopy leaves from this evergreen shrub during the plant blooming phase from six different altitudinal ranges on the Gaoligong Mountain. We measured soil nutrients and enzyme activities. Spectrophotometry was used to investigate twelve indicators of leaves, including the antioxidant enzyme activities.Results Soil physicochemical analysis showed that soil pH was negatively correlated with altitude and decreased with soil depth, whereas there were positive correlations between altitude and soil water content, organic matter, and soil nutrients, including organic carbon, total N, and total P. Total K at high elevations showed an increase with soil depth but not significant. Soil urease, saccharase, amylase, catalase, and peroxidase activities were significantly positively correlated with altitude and organic matter, and these enzymes were sensitive to environmental changes. In contrast, specific enzyme activity provided more ecological information and responded more clearly to altitudinal changes, thus playing a crucial role in the study of interactions between soil nutrients and enzymes. Ardisia crenata var. bicolor showed significant differences in physiological compounds (except for anthocyanin); the concentrations of all compounds increased with altitude. Conclusions Our results indicate that plant-soil interactions with elevation changes significantly affect plant distribution and restrict plant growth and reproduction, which contribute to an understanding of the habitat and physiological characteristics and provide a theoretical basis for the effective cultivation and management of this species.
The Plasma Peptides of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Florentinus-Mefailoski Angelique , Bowden Peter , Scheltens Philip , Killestein Joep , Teunissen Charlotte , Marshall John
Published: February 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Combined Metabolomics and Machine Learning Algorithms to Explore Metabolic Biomarkers for Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Ischemia
Authors: Cao Jie , Li Jian , Gu Zhen , Niu Jia-jia , An Guo-shuai , Du Qiu-xiang , Yun Ke-ming , Wang Ying-yuan , Huang Ping , Sun Jun-hong
Published: February 2021

Background: Acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) remains the leading cause of death worldwide. In particular, when death occurs within a short time, it is hard to find post-mortem specific structural anomalies of the heart at autopsy with standard methods. Therefore, the post-mortem diagnosis of AMI represents a current challenge for both clinical and forensic pathologists. Metabolomics technology plays an important role in searching for new diagnostic biomarkers. Here, we characterize metabolic profiles of AMI and attempted to interpret the role of metabolic changes in sudden cardiac death (SCD).Methods: The untargeted metabolomics was applied to analyze serum metabolic signatures from AMI experimental group (ligation of left coronary artery at 5mm below the left atrial appendage in rats), along with the control and sham groups (n = 10 per group). The analytical strategy based on ultra performance liquid chromatography combined with high-resolution mass spectrometry. The resulting data was preprocessed to discriminant metabolites, and a set of machine learning algorithms were used to construct predictable models. Seventeen blood samples from autopsy cases were applied to validate the classification model's value in human samples.Results: A total of 28 endogenous metabolites in serum were significantly altered in AMI group relative to control and sham groups. Gradient tree boosting, support vector machines, random forests, logistic regression, and multilayer perceptron models were used to further screen the more valuable metabolites from 28 metabolites to optimize the biomarker panel. The results showed that classification accuracy and performance of multilayer perceptron (MLP) models were better than other algorithms when the metabolites consisting of L-threonic acid, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, CMPF, glycocholic acid, L-tyrosine, cholic acid, and glycoursodeoxycholic acid. In autopsy cases, the MLP model constructed based on rat dataset achieved an accuracy of 88.23, and ROC of 0.89 for predicting AMI-SCD.Conclusions: A panel of 7 molecular biomarkers was identified by assessment the accuracy and efficacy of different metabolite combinations in inferring AMI using machine learning algorithms. The constructed MLP model has a high diagnostic performance for both AMI rats and autopsies-based blood samples. Thus, the combination of metabolomics and machine learning algorithms provides a novel strategy for AMI diagnosis.
How to Disseminate National Recommendations for Physical Activity: a Qualitative Analysis of Critical Change Agents in Germany
Authors: Wolbring Laura , Reimers Anne Kerstin , Niessner Claudia , Demetriou Yolanda , Schmidt Steffen Christian Ekkehard , Woll Alexander , Wäsche Hagen
Published: February 2021

Background: Physical activity recommendations are only reached by a small part of the population. A common problem is that research findings on public health-related topics such as physical activity promotion are oftentimes not translated into practice. The involvement of relevant stakeholders, such as change agents (role models, decision-makers, and/or knowledge mediators), is a common strategy to implement physical activity recommendations in specific settings as they have the necessary knowledge of contextual factors. However, dissemination and implementation of physical activity recommendations are often prevented by focusing exclusively on the health sector and by underestimating the individual perceptions and needs of change agents. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to address the problem of how physical activity recommendations can be translated into practice through comprehensive consideration of the situation and context of change agents from various sectors of society at different administrative levels. The survey of change agents allows for deriving recommendations for action on how a national dissemination strategy of physical activity recommendations should be designed.Methods: Qualitative expert interviews were conducted with change agents from different sectors of society and administrative levels (N = 21). The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed by two trained researchers using qualitative content analysis. Results: The change agents’ perceived relevance of physical activity and physical activity promotion as well as their knowledge of physical activity recommendations varied across different sectors of society. Nine themes were identified covering the change agents’ needs for the implementation of physical activity recommendations: Strengthening of political will and cooperation, availability of public space for physical activity, change of awareness and health education, professional qualification, financial incentives, development of physical activity promoting programs and structures, provision of resources, bridging the theory-practice gap, and knowledge of physical activity recommendations.Conclusions: This exploratory study contributes to the development of an evidence-based dissemination strategy of physical activity recommendations involving change agents from various sectors. Cross-sectoral needs and obstacles were identified indicating gaps that have to be addressed. Future research should choose practice-oriented approaches to develop dissemination strategies that are adapted to the needs of local contexts.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity and Magnetic Properties of CNTs/Sn-doped Co3O4 Nanocomposite
Authors: Kazazi Mahdi , Norouzi Mahdi , Moradi Banafsheh
Published: February 2021

Photocatalysis is a green technology which transforms available photon energy into useful chemical energy. The reaction mechanism is based on the ability to create electron-hole pairs under appropriate light. Semiconductors have attracted great attention in photocatalysts because of their high photosensitivity. Spinel–type cobalt oxide nanorods have been prepared by a simple hydrothermal method using cobalt nitrate as precursor. Sn-doped Co3O4 was composited with carbon nanotubes for better photocatalytic activity. An extensive characterization of the prepared samples was carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and UV–Visible absorption spectroscopy. The XRD results show the formation of Co3O4 phase with FCC structure, FESEM confirms the nanorods morphology of the cobalt oxide and the VSM taken at room temperature shows an antiferromagnetic behavior. The investigation of photocatalytic activity of Co3O4 based was done by methyl orange dye. At the end, the responsible mechanism of CNT/Sn-CO was discussed.
Mechanical aspects of construction of new TBM tunnel under existing structures
Authors: Ke Wu , Zhang Zheng , Li Chen Shu , Zhou Sheng Lei , Zhao Hui Jia , Zheng Yang
Published: February 2021

It is inevitable for the construction of subways to pass under the existing structures in the city; this will cause settlement of the existing structures and affect their safety. The soil is a complex mixture, and hence it is difficult to determine the damage caused by construction using tunnel boring machine (TBM) method to the stress balance of the surrounding soil. Normally, settlement and uplift of the surface are caused during tunneling. Therefore, large-scale 3D simulations are needed to study the interaction between mechanically driven tunnel construction and the surrounding soil to estimate the expected settlement and related damage risks to the existing structures, especially in tunnel construction in urban areas. Qingdao Metro Line 1 in the Haixiao section (Xiaocunzhuang and Haiboqiao stations) was taken up as the research object to study the trend and degree of the effect of TBM tunnel construction using the numerical simulation software Midas GTS NX. The numerical simulation results and measured data were used for the reliability analysis to study the influence of different digging speeds and pressures in TBM construction on ground subsidence, and the effect of vibrations generated at the tunnel face by the TBM cutter head on the ground structure. It is shown that when other factors remain unchanged, the faster the driving speed, the smaller the ground settlement; the higher the surrounding rock pressure, the smaller the ground settlement. The vibration of the ground structure caused by the TBM cutter head complies with the relevant specifications. During construction, the driving parameters should be selected suitably depending on the available budget.
Clinical Analysis of Metagenomic Next-generation Sequencing Confirmed Chlamydia psittaci Pneumonia: A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Teng Xin-Qi , Gong Wen-Cheng , Qi Ting-Ting , Li Guo-Hua , Qu Qiang , Lu Qiong , Qu Jian
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Chlamydia psittaci infection is a zoonotic infectious disease, which mainly inhaled through the lungs when exposed to the secretions of poultry that carry pathogenic bacteria. The traditional respiratory specimens or serological antibody testing is slow and the false-negative rate is high. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing gives a promising rapid diagnosis tool. Methods: We retrospective summarized the clinical characteristics of five C. psittaci pneumonia patients diagnosed by mNGS, conducted a literature review summarizing the clinical characteristics of patients with C. psittaci pneumonia reported since 2010.Results: Five C. psittaci. pneumonia patients confirmed by mNGS aged from 36 to 66 years with three males. 60% of patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus. And 60% of patients had a history of contact with avian or poultry. All patients had a high fever over 38.5 °C, cough, hypodynamia, hypoxemia, and dyspnea on admission. Two patients had invasive ventilator support and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation support. The levels of C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate on admission and follow-up were all higher than normal values. Doxycycline or moxifloxacin monotherapy was accounted for 1/5 (20%) and 2/5 (40%) patients, and combination therapy was accounted for 2/5(40%) patients. Four patients improved and were discharged, and one patient died due to multiple organ failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation.Conclusions: mNGS can increase the detection rate of C. psittaci, shorten the diagnosis time of C. psittaci pneumonia and improve the prognosis of patients.
Hybrid Raman-Erbium Random Fiber Laser with a Half Open Cavity Assisted by Artificially Controlled Backscattering Fiber Reflectors
Authors: Perez-Herrera R. A. , Roldan-Varona P. , Galarza M. , Sañudo-Lasagabaster S. , Rodriguez-Cobo L. , Lopez-Higuera J. M. , Lopez-Amo M.
Published: February 2021

A hybrid Raman-erbium random fiber laser (RFL) with a half-open cavity assisted by chirped artificially controlled backscattering fiber reflectors (ACBFRs) is presented. A combination of 2.4 km of dispersion compensating fiber (DCF) with two highly erbium-doped fiber (EDF) pieces of 5 m length was used as gain medium. A single random laser emission line centered at 1553.8 nm with an output power level of -6.5 dBm and an optical signal to noise ratio (OSNR) of 47 dB was obtained when pumped at 37.5 dBm. A full width at half maximum (FHWM) of 1 nm and a 100% confidence level (CL) output power instability as low as 0.08 dB were measured. The utilization of the new laser cavity as a temperature and strain sensor is also experimentally studied.
FYN-TRAF3IP2 and KHDRBS1-LCK hijack T cell receptor signaling in peripheral T cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified
Authors: Debackere Koen , Marcelis Lukas , Demeyer Sofie , Bempt Marlies Vanden , Mentens Nicole , Gielen Olga , Jacobs Kris , Broux Michael , Verhoef Gregor , Michaux Lucienne , Graux Carlos , Wlodarska Iwona , Gaulard Philippe , de Leval Laurence , Tousseyn Thomas , Cools Jan , Dierickx Daan
Published: February 2021

Peripheral T cell lymphoma (PTCL) is a heterogeneous group of non-Hodgkin lymphomas with poor prognosis. Up to 30% of PTCL lack distinctive features and are classified as PTCL, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS). To further improve our understanding of the genetic landscape and biology of PTCL-NOS, we performed RNA-sequencing of 18 cases and validated results in an independent cohort of 37 PTCL cases. We identified FYN-TRAF3IP2, KHDRBS1-LCK and SIN3A-FOXO1 as new in-frame fusion transcripts, with FYN-TRAF3IP2 as a recurrent fusion detected in 8 of 55 cases. Using ex vivo and in vivo experiments, we demonstrate that FYN-TRAF3IP2 and KHDRBS1-LCK activate signaling pathways downstream of the T cell receptor (TCR) complex and confer therapeutic vulnerability to clinically available drugs.
EVALUATING QUALITY OF LIFE IN FAMILIES WITH WILLIAMS SYNDROME PATIENTS
Authors: Sepúlveda Esther Moraleda , Arana-Zumaquero Mario , López-Resa Patricia
Published: February 2021

Background: Williams Syndrome is a developmental disorder characterized by a variable intellectual disability. People with Williams Syndrome need the intervention of several clinical and educational specialists throughout their life. However, little is known about the impact produced by this disability in their immediate environment, especially in families. The purpose was to know the level of quality of life described by families with Williams Syndrome. Methods: The sample was made up of 33 families belong to Spanish Williams Syndrome Association who were evaluated using the Kidslife Scale. Their children and adolescents were between 4 and 20 years old. Eight main quality of life domains were evaluated: emotional well-being, physical well-being, material well-being, personal development, interpersonal relations, social inclusion, self-determination and rightsResults: The obtained data indicated that the degree and presence of intellectual disability did not homogeneously influence people’s quality of life, but many variables could alter their quality of life to a greater or lesser extent. There are no significant differences between quality of life areas but significant differences appeared for level of dependence in the self-determination subarea (p<.05). Conclusions: These results led us to analyse the social and emotional implications for families and their environment.
Critical incidents in anorexia nervosa: perspectives of those with a lived experience
Authors: Leppanen Jenni , Tosunlar Lara , Blackburn Rachael , Williams Steven , Tchanturia Kate , Sedgewick Felicity
Published: February 2021

Background: Although social-emotional difficulties are believed play a key role in anorexia nervosa (AN), there is uncertainty regarding what these difficulties might look like. Previous research has largely focused on a “disease model” of social-emotional processing in AN with little attention paid to positive emotions and experiences. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to obtain a fuller picture of critical life events as identified by those with lived AN experience.Methods: Thirty-four participants aged 16-48 with current or past AN completed an online survey describing self-defined positive and difficult critical events. Thematic analysis was used to assess patterns in participants narrative responses.Results: Two major themes were identified in the descriptions of positive critical events: Moments of celebration and Unexpected positive outcomes. These major themes revealed increased external focus and some corrective experiences. Difficult events clustered into life events that were identified as Eating disorder (ED) related and Non-ED related and included the dimensions of relational conflict and feeling unsupported.Discussion: The findings suggest that although negative emotionality was identified in the accounts of those with lived experience of AN capacity for “big-picture” thinking with and explicit focus on others was also identified. Moreover, an openness to corrective experiences that worked to challenge negative expectations was evident for some participants. Together these findings have scope as targets for further clinical research and treatment interventions.
Evaluation of teacher candidates’ life skills in terms of departments and grade levels
Authors: ERDURAN AVCI Dilek , KORUR Fikret , TURGUT Sümeyye
Published: February 2021

The purposes of this research were (i) testing the factor and model structure of the life-skills scale (LSS) on teacher candidates and (ii) inspecting the life skills of teacher candidates according to their departments and grade levels. The participants consisted of 518 teacher candidates, all of whom were students in their sophomore or senior years in the education faculty of a state university. The data were collected through the LSS, which has 83 items. The confirmatory factor analysis of LSS verified the ten-factor structure for the teacher candidates (aged between 18 and 25). There were no statistically significant differences in the mean value of teacher candidates’ life skills according to the grade variable. On the contrary, there were statistically significant differences in the dependent variables according to the department. Future directions of research regarding the educational outcomes of life skills were discussed.
Induction and evaluation of tetraploid plants of Eucalyptus urophylla clones
Authors: Moura Luciana Coelho de , Xavier Aloisio , Viccini Lyderson Facio , Batista Diego Silva , Matos Elyabe Monteiro de , Gallo Ricardo , Teixeira Brígida Maria dos Reis , Otoni Wagner Campos
Published: February 2021

Eucalyptus urophylla is an important species of the genus Eucalyptus that is used across the world, especially in Brazil. It is used for pulp and paper production, and charcoal production for iron and steel industry, thus making the development of biotechnological approaches essential for the breeding programs of this species. The polyploidy induction is one such approach that may introduce phenotypic characteristics of interest to the market and industry. This is the first study that shows the production, evaluation, and development of tetraploids (4x = 44) from a clone of E. urophylla. For this, the shoot apical meristems were cultured for elongation using in vitro conditions for 15 with 5 or 10 µM colchicine, trifluralin, or oryzalin. Following this, every 30 days, the elongated plantlets were transferred to JADS medium for multiplication using tufts as explants. Thereafter, four tufts containing six to eight buds each were inoculated in flasks followed by six subcultures and were then transferred to the greenhouse for acclimatization. The experiment was performed in a completely randomized design in a factorial scheme (3x2+1: antimitotic substance x concentrations + control), with 12 replicates. Analysis of nuclear DNA content and chromosome counting by flow cytometry, photosynthetic pigment quantification, stomatal size and density, survival, and rooting were performed for 110 days after acclimatization. Data were submitted for analysis of variance followed by Scott & Knott’s test (P ≤ 0.05). As a result, we observed that the oryzalin and trifluralin treatments were efficient in the induction of tetraploid plants, while colchicine proved to be ineffective. Also, trifluralin treatment at 5 µM provided a higher polyploidy induction (18.2% tetraploids) in comparison to the others. Diploid plants displayed 1.41 pg of nuclear DNA content with 22 chromosomes, while tetraploid plants showed 2.86 pg with 44 chromosomes. In conclusion, the tetraploid plants, as compared to the diploids (control), were found to show higher chlorophyll content, larger but fewer stomata, and lower rooting and survival, which can be mitigated nonetheless through silvicultural techniques. This study shall bring new perspectives for the breeding programs of E. urophylla
Trypanocidal Activity and Increased Solubility of Benznidazole Incorporated in PEG 4000 and Its Derivatives
Authors: Sousa Lucas , Azevedo Maria Luíza , Rocha Dayana , Andrade Ângela , Amparo Tatiane , dos Santos Orlando , Seibert Janaína , Pereira Luciano , Vieira Paula , Carneiro Cláudia , Barboza Ana Paula , Neves Bernardo , Sales Jr. Policarpo , Murta Silvane , Novack Kátia , dos Santos Viviane
Published: February 2021

Selecting a polymer depends on its characteristics, the properties of the drug and of the remaining ingredients in the formulation. The drug, when incorporated into a polymeric matrix, can show several advantages when compared with its conventional form. In this context, this work describes the preparation and characterization of polyethylene glycol (PEG 4000) and its derivative particles loaded with benznidazole, as well as evaluates their trypanocidal activity. In this work, reactions to modify the PEG 4000 polymer and the subsequent incorporation of the benznidazole were made. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis confirmed the efficiency in modifying the PEG chains. The morphology of polymeric films was observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and showed considerable changes on the film organization. The acetylation of PEG favored the stability of the system and an increase in the zeta potential from -14.83 to -25.54 mV was observed. Although encapsulation efficiency values between 30.14 and 39.48% were found, the enhanced benznidazole dissolution profile by microparticles enables the use of lower drug concentrations. This fact can be proven by the increased trypanocidal effect of benznidazole when encapsulated in BP3 microparticles. Finally, the high selectivity of the formulations for trypanocidal action guarantees their safety as an alternative for the treatment of the Chagas disease.