bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communicating climate change findings from IPCC reports: Lessons from outreach events in India
Authors: Pathak Minal , Roy Joyashree , Patel Shaurya , Some Shreya , Vyas Purvi , Das Nandini , Shukla Priyadarshi
Published: February 2021

India has been collaboratively hosting public dissemination events to communicate climate change science and knowledge using Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports since 2007. All three special reports from Sixth Assessment cycle have been presented in multiple outreach events in various states of India. The primary aim has been to satisfy the growing appetite among various social groups for reliable scientific understanding of climate change and the solution space. The study includes insights from 18 physical outreach events conducted in India. The format ranged from very large public events with mixed stakeholder presence in the audience with presence of national/subnational policy makers; workshops, meetings and seminars with implementing sectors and investors, financial institutions, NGOs and a third category with knowledge generators, researchers, teachers and students. The follow up mass media and social media coverage have been a positive spin off. The events provided platform for open discussion on bottom-up local good practices, very localised impacts and connection to climate systems and reasons for concern and action. Feedback received is rich and rewarding. Face to face outreach events have enormous co benefits and trust building scope as side talks, coffee time talks, small side meetings, casual clarifications all help in providing space to participants for dispelling doubts, build long term research collaborations and they become ambassadors and adopters of IPCC science. Overall, the events were hugely successful, however many more such events, especially in local languages are needed to ensure messages of the IPCC reach the wider stakeholders.
Formation of self-assembled hierarchical structure on Zn doped in CuO nanoparticle using a microwave-assisted chemical precipitation approach
Authors: E Bruno , M Haris , A Mohan , M. Senthilkumarb
Published: February 2021

In the present work, CuO and Cu1 − xZnxO were synthesized with the function of the Zn doping ratio by microwave-assisted chemical precipitation approach. The XRD pattern shows that the mono-phase CuO with a mono-clinical structure and no other secondary phase has been observed for the Cu1 − xZnxO with different Zn ratio and confirms CuO lattice does not get destroyed by the addition of Zn. The self-assembled hierarchical flower morphology was obtained for the higher doping ratio of Zn. The Energy Dispersive Analysis of X-ray spectrum confirms the presence of Zn in the CuO lattice and the stoichiometry obtained. The optical band gap was found to be 1.78 eV for CuO nanoparticles and the values are between 1.80 and 2.29 eV for Zn doped CuO. For higher Zn doped CuO, optical band splitting was observed due to flower-like morphology. The high recombination of an electron-hole was obtained for higher doping ratio nanoparticles. These properties are needed for Photocatalytic application.
Acute exposure to paraquat affects the phenotypic differentiation of substantia nigra microglia in rats
Authors: Zhang Wendi , Fan Xiaobei , Fan Zhuo , Wu Bailin , Wang Mengchao , Duan Wanyu , Song Bo
Published: February 2021

The toxicity of paraquat (PQ), a bipyridine cationic herbicide, to the lung and kidney has been widely recognized, but the acute toxic effects of PQ on the nervous system have received little attention. The aim of this study was to explore changes in the phenotypic differentiation of microglia in rats caused by acute PQ exposure. We found that acute PQ exposure induced pyknosis, edema and apoptosis in substantia nigra neurons. The results of immunohistochemistry and western blotting showed that the number of activated microglia increased, the number of microglia branches decreased and the length became shorter in the early stage of exposure to 25 mg/kg PQ. We then compared the mean fluorescence intensity of iNOS and ARG1. In the early stage of acute 25 mg/kg PQ exposure, the number of M1 phenotypes of microglia increased; in contrast, in the early stage of acute 45 mg/kg PQ exposure, the number of M2 phenotypes of microglia increased. On the 69th day, the expression of iNOS and ARG1 increased in the 25 mg/kg and 45 mg/kg PQ exposure groups. In sum, changes in microglia phenotypic differentiation were related to exposure dose and exposure time.
Study on the Initial Value Problem for Fractional-order Cubature Kalman Filters of Nonlinear Continuous-time Fractional-order Systems
Authors: Yang Chuang , Gao Zhe , Miao Yue , Kan Tao
Published: February 2021

To realize the state estimation of a nonlinear continuous-time fractional-order system, two types of fractional-order cubature Kalman filters (FOCKFs) designed to solve problem on the initial value influence. For the first type of cubature Kalman filter (CKF), the initial value of the estimated system are also regarded as the augmented state, the augmented state equation is constructed to obtain the CKF based on Grünwald-Letnikov difference. For the second type of CKF, the fractional-order hybrid extended-cubature Kalman filter (HECKF) is proposed to weaken the influence of initial value by the first-order Taylor expansion and the third-order spherical-radial rule. These two methods can effectively reduce the influence of initial value on the state estimation. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed CKFs is verified by two simulation examples.
Effect of Epidemic Intermittent Fasting on Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Yang Fan , Liu Can , Liu Xu , Pan Xiandu , Li Xinye , Tian Li , Sun Jiahao , Yang Shenjie , Zhao Ran , An Na , Yang Xinyu , Gao Yonghong , Xing Yanwei
Published: February 2021

Background and aims: Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained attention as a promising diet for weight loss and dysmetabolic diseases management. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effects of IF on metabolic syndrome (MetS). Methods: A systematic literature search was carried out using three electronic databases, namely PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, until October 2020. Randomized controlled trials that compared the IF intervention with a control group diet were included. Effect sizes were expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) using a fixed-effects model and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: Forty-six studies were included. Compared to the ones within control groups, participants exposed to the IF intervention reduced their body weight (WMD, -1.78 kg; 95% CI, -2.21 to -1.35; p < 0.05), waist circumference (WMD, -1.19 cm; 95% CI, -1.8 to -0.57; p < 0.05), fat mass (WMD, -1.26 kg; 95% CI, -1.57 to -0.95; p < 0.05), body mass index (WMD, -0.58 kg/m2; 95% CI, -0.8 to -0.37; p < 0.05), systolic blood pressure (WMD, -2.14 mmHg; 95% CI: -3.54 to -0.73; p < 0.05), diastolic blood pressure (WMD: -1.38 mmHg, 95% CI, -2.35 to -0.41, p < 0.05), fasting blood glucose (WMD, -0.96 mg/dL; 95% CI, -1.89 to -0.03; p < 0.05), fasting insulin (WMD, -0.8 μU/mL; 95% CI, -1.15 to -0.44; p < 0.05), insulin resistance (WMD, -0.21; 95% CI, -0.36 to -0.05; p < 0.05), total cholesterol (WMD, -3.75 mg/dL; 95% CI, -6.64 to -0.85; p < 0.05), triglycerides (WMD, -7.54 mg/dL; 95% CI, -11.45 to -3.63; p < 0.05). No effects were observed for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or glycosylated hemoglobin. Conclusions: This meta-analysis supports IF’s role in the improvement of MetS, compared to a control group diet. Further research on IF interventions should take into account long-term and well-designed administration to draw definitive conclusions.
Population density modulates insect progenitive plasticity through the regulation of dopamine biosynthesis
Authors: Liu Kai , Yuan Longyu , Yue Lei , Chen Weiwen , Kang Kui , Lv Jun , Zhang Wenqing , Pang Rui
Published: February 2021

Insect fecundity is a quantitative phenotype strongly affected by genotypes and the environment. However, the interaction between genotypes and the environment factors in modulating the insect fecundity remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the density-dependent population dynamics in the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens , by using two populations respectively carrying homozygous high-fecundity (HFG) and low-fecundity (LFG) genotypes. Under low population densities, the fecundity and population growth rate of the two genotypes showed increasing trends across generations, while the trends between HFG and LFG under high population densities were opposite. RNA-seq was applied to unveil the key factors for these density-dependent progenitive phenotypes. Combined with the temporal analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we identified two gene modules that simultaneously enriched in four pathways related to the neural system. Among these pathways, the gene Nlpale encoding a tyrosine hydroxylase was identified as the key gene. The RNA interference of this gene and manipulation of its downstream product dopamine could significantly impact the basic and density-dependent progenitive phenotypes of BPH. This study shows that the dopamine biosynthesis is the key regulatory factor for the determination of fecundity in response to density changes in different genotypes of BPH , which gives an insight into the interaction of a typical environmental factor and insect genotype during the process of population regulation.
The system for adaptive control of axial tool oscillations in vibratory drilling: description and experimental study
Authors: Ivanov Ilya , Voronov Sergey A. , Kiselev Igor A.
Published: February 2021

Reliable segmentation and evacuation of chips from the cutting zone are essential for effective deep hole drilling. Drilling with low-frequency axial vibrations ensures these useful effects because cutting edges periodically leave the cutting zone. Useful tool vibrations can be maintained by using a special self-vibratory drilling head. The drilling head has an elastic element and ensures the self-excitation of vibrations due to the regenerative effect. However, high damping in the cutting zone suppresses axial self-vibrations and renders such a drilling head inexpedient for the industry. In this study, a novel system of adaptive control of the vibration drilling process was developed. The control objective is to maintain a specified peak-to-peak (PTP) value of vibration displacements. Due to in-process adaptation of the feedback gain, the control system supplies additional energy if vibrations are not self-excited and removes energy if the PTP vibration displacements are greater than the specified value. To test the workability of the system, an experimental setup was made. In the setup, the actuator force acts on an elastically fixed workpiece. The dynamic properties of the setup are equivalent to those of the vibration drilling head. The algorithm of feedback gain adaptation was implemented with a microcontroller. A number of experiments for different drilling regimes revealed that the control system successfully maintains the specified PTP value of displacements. The developed control system can be implemented on a vibration drilling head because only an accelerometer is required for control and the required actuator force is under 100 N.
Sensor Based Leakage Detection in Vacuum Bagging
Authors: Haschenburger Anja , Menke Niklas , Stüve Jan
Published: February 2021

The majority of aircraft components are nowadays manufactured using autoclave processing. Essential for the quality of the component is the realization of an air tight vacuum bag on top of the component to be cured. Several ways of leakage detection methods are actually used in industrial processes. They will be dealt with in this paper. A special focus is put on a new approach using flow meters for monitoring the air flow during evacuation and curing. This approach has been successfully validated in different trials, which are presented and discussed. The main benefit of the method is that in case of a leakage, a defined limit is exceeded by the volumetric flow rate whose magnitude can be directly correlated to the leakage’s size and position. In addition the potential of this method for the localization of leakages has been investigated and is discussed.
Differential gene expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis reveal mechanism behind the development of duodenal carcinoma in familial adenomatous polyposis
Authors: Liu Wei-Qing , Meng Xuan-Yu , Liu Xiao-Ting , Liang Lei , Kou Zhi-Yong , Li Wen-Liang , Yang Jun
Published: February 2021

Background

Duodenal carcinoma is the third cause of mortality in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients. The molecular mechanism by which FAP triggers and regulates duodenal carcinoma development was seldom studied so far.
Objective

The present study sought to use the bioinformatics approaches to provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism of FAP developing into duodenal carcinoma.
Methods

Based on GSE111156 dataset, differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and key gene modules, respectively. The functional enrichment analysis was conducted R package “clusterProfiler” and biological functions and pathways related to the immune system were further identified.
Results

Between adenoma tissue samples from FAP patients with and without duodenal carcinoma, 13 up-regulated genes including MIR4747, THBS1, and RNU6_62 and 113 down-regulated genes including AKR1B10, AGAP9 and AKR1C3 were identified. These DEGs were mainly involved in terpnoid metabolism. In WGCNA analysis, the blue module associated with duodenal carcinoma in FAP contained 5393 genes including 11 hub genes and was mainly related to the regulation of neuron projection development. In tissues from FAP patients with duodenal carcinoma, 32 up-regulated genes including INHBA, COL3A1, and COL1A1 and 18 down-regulated genes including MT1H, KIAA1324, and HMGCS2 were screened between adenocarcinoma and normal tissues and were also significantly related to terpnoid metabolism. Between adenocarcinoma and adenoma tissues, we screened 171 up-regulated genes including CEACAM5, SLC2A1 and PKMRNU6_62 and 238 downregulated genes including RBP2, GSTA5 and SST, which were mainly involved in extracellular matrix organization. WGCNA revealed that the darkorange module associated with adenocarcinoma contained 554 genes including 19 hub genes and was involved in extracellular matrix organization and focal adhesion. Further identification of immune related processes showed that leukocyte migration was the process mostly involved in the transition of normal tissue into adenoma while neutrophil-mediated immunity was the most dysregulated in adenocarcinoma.
Conclusion

The present study preliminary uncovered the mechanism behind initiation and progression in duodenal carcinoma in FAP, and provided some scientific information for exploring novel therapeutic strategies for FAP patients with duodenal carcinoma.
A Robot Vision Navigation Method using deep Learning in Edge Computing Environment
Authors: Li Jing , Yin Jialin , Deng Lin
Published: February 2021

In the development of modern agriculture, the intelligent use of mechanical equipment is one of the main signs for agricultural modernization. Navigation technology is the key technology for agricultural machinery to control autonomously in operating environment, and it is a hotspot in the field of intelligent research on agricultural machinery. Facing the accuracy requirements of autonomous navigation for intelligent agricultural robots, this paper proposes a visual navigation algorithm for agricultural robots based on deep learning image understanding. The method first uses cascaded deep convolutional network and hybrid dilated convolution fusion method to process images collected by vision system. Then it extracts the route of processed images based on improved Hough transform algorithm. At the same time, the posture of agricultural robots is adjusted to realize autonomous navigation. Finally, our proposed method is verified by using non-interference experimental scenes and noisy experimental scenes. Experimental results show that the method can perform autonomous navigation in complex and noisy environments, and has good practicability and applicability.
Environmental Allergens House Dust Mites-induced Asthma Causes Ferroptosis in the Lungs
Authors: Tang Weifeng , Dong Ming , Teng Fangzhou , Cui Jie , Zhu Xueyi , Wang Wenqian , Wuniqiemu Tulake , Qin Jingjing , Yi La , Wang Shiyuan , Dong Jingcheng , Wei Ying
Published: February 2021

Background: Studies have indicated that allergens such as house dust mites (HDM) in the environment could induce allergic asthma. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered regulatory cell death characterized by aberrant lipid peroxidation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells. However, whether ferroptosis participates in the pathological progress of asthma remains to be elucidated. In this study, we used a HDM-induced mouse asthma model to determine the effect of HDM exposure on allergic asthma and the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Female BALB/c mice were intranasally exposed to HDM to induce allergic asthma. Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), lung inflammation and mucus secretion, IgE and cytokine levels as well as inflammatory cell counts in bronchalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were investigated. In addition, the morphological changes of mitochondria, ROS, glutathione (GSH) levels and changes in ferroptosis pathway proteins in the lung were also determined. Results: HDM exposure increased AHR significantly, and enhanced inflammatory cell infiltration and mucus secretion around the airways. Furthermore, elevated IgE level in BALF, lung eosinophilia, and a concomitant increase in IL-13 and IL-5 in BALF were observed. HDM inhalation increased ROS and decreased GSH level in the lung. HDM inhalation induced dysmorphic small mitochondria with decreased crista, as well as condensed, ruptured outer membranes. Western blot analysis demonstrated that activity of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and catalytic subunit solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) decreased significantly, and protein expression of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) and 15 Lipoxygenase 1 (15-LO1) upregulated prominently compared with mice in normal control group. Conclusions: These in all indicated that the AHR, airway inflammation, lipid peroxidation and ROS level increased in HDM-induced asthma, and HDM inhalation caused ferroptosis in the lungs, which helped to form a better understanding of the pathogenesis of allergic asthma and targeted treatment strategies.
Traditionally brewed rice beverage alters gut microbiota and metabolites in mice
Authors: Bhaskar Bhuwan , Adak Atanu , Das Santanu , Khan Mojibur
Published: February 2021

The study is an attempt to validate the effects of fermented rice beverage on gut microbiota and health, using mouse model. Rice beverage, soluble and insoluble fractions were fed to the animals for 30 days. Gut bacteria and metabolites were studied on 0th and 30th days of treatments. Next generation of sequencing of fecal metagenomic 16S rDNA indicated changes in abundance of 17 bacteria in the rice beverage treatment followed by 11 and 7 respectively in the soluble and insoluble fractions. Fecal metabolites of treatments as determined by GC-MS analyses, clustered differently based on Partial least square discriminant analysis. There were 253 negative and 160 positive correlations between relative abundance of fecal metabolites with bacteria. Histological analysis showed that microbial changes and higher plasma endotoxin levels in insoluble fraction treated group were accompanied by increased lymphocytes infiltration in lamina propia and cytoclasis of goblet cells as demonstrated by intestinal histology.
Effect of Nanosilica on the Mechanical Properties, Compression Set, Morphology, Abrasion and Swelling Resistance of Sulphur Cured EPDM/SBR Composites
Authors: Vishvanathperumal S. , G Anand
Published: February 2021

The main objective of the current research work is to explore the effect of nanosilica particles on the compound EPDM/SBR-SiO2 (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer/styrene-butadiene rubber-nanosilica). The composite EPDM/SBR with and without silane coupling agent was processed using an open mill mixer. The nanosilica particles are prepared in the laboratory and were used as the reinforcing material in EPDM/SBR rubber composites. The cure characteristics, mechanical properties, hardness, rebound resilience, swelling resistance, abrasion resistance and compression set of the composites are completely analyzed and studied. Nanosilic particles are produced in the laboratory and used as reinforcement material in EPDM/SBR rubber compounds. Fully analyzed and examined are the cure characteristics, mechanical properties, hardness, rebound resilience, swelling resistance, abrasion resistance and compression collection of the composites. It was also evident from the result that with the inclusion of nanosilica particles in the EPDM/SBR rubber composites, the mechanical properties, swelling resistance, hardness, abrasion resistance and compression set properties improved.
Effects of Peak Time of Myocardial Injury Biomarkers On Mid-Term Outcomes of Patients Undergoing OPCABG
Authors: Hu Bo , Gao Fei , Lv Mengwei , Liu Ban , Shi Yu , Chen Xi , Feng Yipeng , Meng Xiaoqi , Li Zhi , Zhang Yangyang
Published: February 2021

Background: With the development of cardiac surgery technology, myocardial injury is gradually reduced, but cannot be completely avoided. Myocardial injury biomarkers (MIBs) can quickly and specifically reflect the degree of myocardial injury. Due to various reasons, there is no consensus on the specific values of MIBs in evaluating postoperative prognosis. This retrospective study was aimed to investigate the impact of MIBs on the mid-term prognosis of patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG).Methods: Totally 564 patients undergoing OPCABG with normal courses were included. Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and creatine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB) were assessed within 48 hours before operation and at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours after operation. Patients were grouped by peak values and peak time courses of MIBs. The profile of MIBs and clinical variables as well as their correlations with mid-term prognosis were analyzed by univariable and multivariable cox regression models.Result: Continuous assessment showed that MIBs increased first (12 hours after surgery) and then decreased. The peak cTnT and peak CK-MB occurred within 24 hours after operation in 76.8% and 67.7% of the patients respectively. No significant correlation was found between CK-MB and mid-term mortality. Delayed cTnT peak (peak cTnT elevated after 24 hours after operation) was correlated with lower Ccr (69.36±21.67 vs. 82.18±25.17 ml/min/1.73 m2), body mass index (24.35±2.58 vs. 25.27±3.26 kg/m2), less arterial grafts (1.24±0.77 vs. 1.45±0.86), higher Euroscore II (2.22±1.12 vs.1.72±0.91) and mid-term mortality (26.5 vs.7.9 %). Age (HR: 1.067, CI:1.005-1.132), left ventricular ejection fraction (HR: 0.950, CI:0.910-0.992), New York Heart Association score (HR: 1.833, CI:1.155-2.908), total venous grafting (HR: 2.833, CI:1.054-7.611) and cTnT peak occurrence within 24 hours (HR: 0.356, CI:0.731-2.513) were independent predictors of mid-term mortality.Conclusion: cTnT is a better indicator than CK-MB. The peak and peak occurrence of cTnT are related to mid-term mortality in patients undergoing OPCABG, and the peak phases have stronger predictive ability.
Construction of a Survival Prediction Model for High-and Low-Grade Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma After Tumor Resection Based on "SEER Database": A Retrospective and Multicenter Study
Authors: Sun Changgang , Wang Mengmeng , Ren Xin , Wang Ge , Sun Xiaomin , Tang Shifeng , Zhang Baogang , Xing Xiaoming , Zhang Wenfeng , Gao Guojun , Du Jing , Zhang Shukun , Liu Lijuan , Zheng Xia , Zhang Zhenkun
Published: February 2021

Background: There are difffferences in survival between high-and low-grade Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC). Our study aimed to develop a nomogram to predict overall survival (OS) of patients with high- and low- grade UTUC after tumor resection, and to explore the difffference between high-and low-grade patients. Methods: Patients confifirmed to have UTUC between 2004 and 2015 were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. The UTUCs were identifified and classifified as high- and low-grade, and 1-, 3-and 5-year nomograms were established. The nomogram was then validated using the Chinese multicenter dataset (patients diagnosed in Shandong, China between January 2010 and October 2020). Findings: In the high-grade UTUC patients, nine important factors related to survival after tumor resection were identifified to construct nomogram. The ability of the model to distinguish between UTUC grades was verifified using two datasets (internal validation dataset, C index(95% CI):0.729[0.707-0.754];Chinese multicenter validation dataset: C index(95% CI):0.763[0.656-0.869]).On the other hand, Two independent predictors were identifified to construct nomogram of low-grade UTUC. The C index was 0.714 (95% CI: 0.671-0.758) for the training set,0.731(95% CI:0.670-0.791) for the internal validation dataset, and 0.825 (95% CI:0.689-1.00) for the Chinese multicenter dataset. Encouragingly, the nomogram was clinically useful and had a good discriminative ability to identify patients at high risk. Interpretation: We constructed a nomogram and a corresponding risk classifification system predicting the OS of patients with an initial diagnosis of high-and low-grade UTUC.
Incidence rates and contemporary trends in primary urethral cancer
Authors: Wenzel Mike , Nocera Luigi , Ruvolo Claudia Collà , Würnschimmel Christoph , Tian Zhe , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Saad Fred , Briganti Alberto , Tilki Derya , Mandel Philipp , Becker Andreas , Kluth Luis A. , Chun Felix K.H. , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: February 2021

Purpose:
We assessed contemporary incidence rates and trends of primary urethral cancer.
Methods:
We identified urethral cancer patients within Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registry (SEER, 2004–2016). Age-standardized incidence rates per 1,000,000 (ASR) were calculated. Log linear regression analyses were used to compute average annual percent change (AAPC).
Results:
From 2004–2016, 1,907 patients with urethral cancer were diagnosed (ASR 1.69; AAPC: -0.98%, p = 0.3). ASR rates were higher in males than in females (2.70 vs. 0.55), respectively and did not change over the time (both p = 0.3). Highest incidence rates were recorded in respectively ≥ 75 (0.77), 55–74 (0.71) and ≤ 54 (0.19) years of age categories, in that order. African Americans exhibited highest incidence rate (3.33) followed by Caucasians (1.72), other race groups (1.57) and Hispanics (1.57), in that order. A significant decrease occurred over time in Hispanics, but not in other race groups. In African Americans, male and female sex-stratified incidence rates were higher than in any other race group. Urothelial histological subtype exhibited highest incidence rate (0.92), followed by squamous cell carcinoma (0.41), adenocarcinoma (0.29) and other histologies (0.20). In stage stratified analyses, T1N0M0 stage exhibited highest incidence rate. However, it decreased over time (-3.00%, p = 0.02) in favor of T1 − 4N1 − 2M0 stage (+ 2.11%, p = 0.02).
Conclusion:
Urethral cancer is rare. Its incidence rates are highest in males, elderly patients, African Americans and in urothelial histological subtype. Most incident cases are T1N0M0, but over time, the incidence of T1N0M0 decreased in favor of T1 − 4N1 − 2M0.
Assessment of Parkinson’s Disease symptoms and toxin exposures in firefighters: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Kotwani Roshni , Clapp Andrea N. , Huggins Haley E. , Vaou Oceanis , Hohler Anna DePold
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND: Parkinson’s disease (PD) has been correlated with several environmental and toxic exposures. The frequency of PD in firefighters is higher than the general population, which may be due to the high amounts of toxin exposures firefighters experience on the job. There is a need to further address the high rates of PD among this subgroup. The purpose of this study is to improve our understanding of the relationship between toxin exposure in firefighters and Parkinson’s Disease symptoms. METHODS: An anonymous survey distributed to Massachusetts firefighters assessed risk factors for toxin exposure and presence of PD symptoms. Risk factors included frequency and duration of time spent firefighting, number of fires worked, and history of toxin exposure (i.e., pesticides). We collected the frequency of PD symptoms including tremors, muscle stiffness, REM behavior disorder, hyposmia, micrographia, and decreased walking pace. Analyses comparing toxin exposure and presence of PD symptoms were performed using Chi-square testing, p < 0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS: Two hundred participants were included in the study. The number of years as a firefighter, the number of days per week working, and the number of fires worked correlated with higher reports of hyposmia, micrographia, and decreased walking pace.CONCLUSION: Firefighters have an increased risk for PD symptoms as a result of the toxin exposures that are frequently present in fires.
Huffmanela spp. (Nematoda: Trichosomoididae) from Orange-spotted Grouper (Epinephelus coioides, Hamilton, 1822) at Jubail Province, on the Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia: A case report
Authors: Attia marwa , Mahmoud Mahmoud A. , Ibrahim Mustafa M.
Published: February 2021

This paper is conducted for identifying the parasite which collected during regular routine inspection for the hygienic condition and health status of fish in 2019 at the central fish market shops at Jubail city, Saudi Arabia. Samples from an orange spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) fish showed heavy black streaks between the muscle fibers that was considered unmarketable and rejected by the consumer after had been cut and prepared for sealing. The black discolorations were in the form of heavy diffused focal black spots or forming threads of variable sizes embedded in the entire whole-body musculature of the fish. These samples were subjected to parasitological and pathological evaluation. The parasitological examination of the affected muscular tissues revealed Huffmanela spp. eggs infection. The parasitic infestation was identified on the bases of the morphological and ultra-structural characters of the eggs. The histopatholgical investigation of the dark discoloration of the muscular tissues showed severe diffused multifocal granulomatous myositis reactions in the form of chronic inflammatory response accompanied with fibrous connective tissue proliferation around the eggs and larvae together with lymphocytes and macrophages aggregation. Muscular necrosis, edema and evidence of muscular regeneration were also noticed. In conclusion; this case report confirmed the occurrence of Huffmanela spp. infection in the muscles of Epinephelus coioides by using light and scanning electron microscopy.Further molecular assessment is recommended.
Potassium Sulphate Induces Resistance of Rice against the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne graminicola
Authors: Liu Mao-Yan , Peng De-Liang , Su Wen , Xiang Chao , Jian Jin-Zhuo , Zhao Jie , Peng Huan , Liu Shi-Ming , Kong Ling-An , Dai Liang-Ying , Huang Wen-Kun , Liu Jing
Published: February 2021

Background Potassium (K), an important nutrient element, can improve the stress resistance/tolerance of crops. The application of K in resisting plant parasitic nematodes shows that the K treatment can effectively reduce the occurrence of nematode diseases and increase crop yield. However, data on K2SO4 induced rice resistance to Meloidogyne graminicola are still lacking. To evaluate rice resistance against M. graminicola induced by K2SO4 and to further clarify its mechanism is essential for the rational use of K fertilizer to ensure the safety of rice production.Results In this work, K2SO4 treatment effectively reduced the numbers of both galls and nematodes in rice roots, and delayed the development of nematodes to the adult stage. Rather than by affecting the attractiveness of roots to nematodes and the morphological phenotype of giant cells at feeding sites, such effect was achieved by rapidly stimulating hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) accumulation, increasing callose deposition. Meanwhile, such induced resistance required the active participation of the potassium channel OsAKT1 and the potassium transporter OsHAK5. The numbers of both galls and nematodes were higher in both gene deficient plants than that in the wild-type plants, and the K2SO4-induced resistance showed weaker in the defective plants than in the wild-type plants.Conclusions K2SO4 treatment effectively induces rice resistance to root-knot nematode M. graminicola. The mechanism of inducing resistance is to prime the basic defense of rice, up-regulating the expression of resistance-related genes and with the involvement of K+ channel and transporter. These laid a foundation for further study on the mechanism of rice to defense against root-knot nematodes and the effective use of potassium fertilizer to improve rice resistance against nematodes in the field.
Retrospective Analyses of the Clinicopathological and Prognostic Features of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Grade A Tertiary Hospital in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Yang Lifei , Zheng Shutao , Liu Qing , Liu Tao , Zhang Qiqi , Han Xiujuan , Tuerxun Aerziguli , Lu Xiaomei
Published: February 2021

Background: The aim of this invesigation was to retrospectively analyze and summarize the clinicopathological and prognostic features of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) at the Cancer Hospital Affiliated of the Xinjiang Medical University , a Grade A tertiary hospital in Xinjiang. Methods: The clinicopathological data and follow-up data were collected from 419 ESCC patients . The overall survival (OS) and the related factors affecting survival were analyzed. Results: Among the patients , 265 (63.2%) did not receive any postoperative treatment. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 84.8%, 47.5%, and 37.3%, respectively, and the median survival time (MST) was 29.0 months . Multivariate analysis showed that sources of patients, tumor stage, lymph node metastasis and stage of the disease were the independent predictors of OS. The finding in subgroup analysis indicated that there was a positive relationship between area and overall survival.Conclusions: Postoperative treatments of these patients with ESCC were shown to be inadequent. Postadjuvant therapies of patients need to be strengthened. Targeted treatment regimes of different regions should be carried out by health department to alleviate the cancer burden.
Structural and Optical Properties in thin-films of (GeGa2)100-x(Sb2Ga3)x (x = 15, 30, 45, 60) Alloys
Authors: Raj Rajnish , Lohia Pooja , Dwivedi D K
Published: February 2021

Investigation of structural morphology and optical parameters of non-oxide (GeGa2)100−x (Sb2Ga3)x (x = 15, 30, 45, 60) glass alloys have been studied in the present paper. Thin films of prepared bulk samples by melt quenching technique were obtained using thermal evaporation method. XRD, DSC and SEM were used to investigate the structural morphology and thermal properties of materials. The linear and non-linear optical properties of prepared samples have been studied for optoelectronic applications. FTIR transmittance spectra defines the impurities present in the prepared glassy alloys. It was observed that energy bandgap (Eg) obtain by Tauc’s plot varies from 2.9 eV to 1.25 eV. The calculated value of k, Eg decreases whereas the α and Urbach energy increases with increasing doping Sb concentration. The decrease in energy bandgap is discussed on the basis of Mott and Davis model.
Evaluation of pathogenesis and biofilm formation ability of Yersinia pestis after 40-day exposure to simulated microgravity
Authors: Li Ye , Chen Yulu , Wang Lei , Li Yixuan , Yang Ruifu , Han Yanping
Published: February 2021

Background: With the increase of manned space missions and the rise of space microbiology, the research of microbes grown under microgravity environment attracts more attentions. The research scope in space microbiology has been extended beyond pathogens directly related to spaceflight Y. pestis, the causative agent of plague, is also of interest to researchers. Results: After Y. pestis strain 201 cultivated for 40 consecutive passages in either simulated microgravity and normal gravity (NG) conditions, the cultures were used to observe the main phenotypic features of Y. pestis. By using crystal violet staining assays, increased biofilm amount was detected in Y. pestis grown under SMG condition. Besides that, the damage degrees of Hela cell caused by SMG-grown Y. pestis were found diminished in relative to those NG condition. Consistent with this observation, death course was delayed in mice infected with SMG-grown Y. pestis, suggesting that microgravity condition could contribute the attenuated virulence. RNA-seq-based transcriptomics analysis showed a total of 219 genes were differentially regulated, of which 92 upregulated and 127 downregulated. We found dozens of virulence-associated genes were downregulated, which partially explained the reduced virulence of Y. pestis under SMG condition. Our study demonstrated that long-term exposure to simulated microgravity influence the pathogenesis and biofilm formation ability of Y. pestis in a different way, which provides a novel avenue to study the mechanism of physiology and virulence in this pathogen.Conclusions: Microgravity enhanced the ability of biofilm formation of Y. pestis. The virulence and cytotoxicity of Y. pestis were reduced under the microgravity environment. The expressions of many virulence-associated genes of Y. pestis were differentially regulated in response to the stimulated microgravity.
Heterologous Avian System for Quantitative Analysis of Syncytin-1 Interaction with ASCT2 Receptor
Authors: Stafl Krystof , Travnicek Martin , Kucerova Dana , Pecnova Lubomira , Krchlikova Veronika , Galikova Eliska , Hejnar Jiri , Trejbalova Katerina
Published: February 2021

BackgroundHuman Syncytin-1 is an envelope glycoprotein of retroviral origin. After interaction with ASCT2, its cellular receptor, Syncytin-1 triggers cell-cell fusion and formation of a multinuclear syncytiotrophoblast layer of the placenta. The ASCT2 receptor is a multi-spanning membrane protein containing a protruding extracellular part called region C, which has been suggested to be a retroviral docking site. Precise identification of the interaction site between ASCT2 and Syncytin-1 is challenging due to the complex structure of ASCT2 protein and the background of endogenous ASCT2 gene in the mammalian genome. Chicken cells lack the endogenous background and, therefore, can be used to set up a system with surrogate expression of the ASCT2 receptor.ResultsWe have established a retroviral heterologous chicken system for rapid and reliable assessment of ectopic human ASCT2 protein expression. Our dual-fluorescence system proved successful for large-scale screening of mutant ASCT2 proteins. Using this system, we demonstrated that progressive deletion of region C substantially decreased the amount of ASCT2 protein production. In addition, we implemented quantitative assays to determine the interaction of ASCT2 with Syncytin-1 at multiple levels, which included binding of the soluble form of Syncytin-1 to ASCT2 on the cell surface and a luciferase-based assay to evaluate cell-cell fusions that were triggered by Syncytin-1. Finally, we restored the function of Syncytin-1 in a replication-competent retrovirus and assessed the infection of chicken cells expressing human ASCT2 by chimeric Syncytin-1-enveloped virus. The results of the quantitative assays showed that deletion of the major part of region C did not abolish the interaction of ASCT2 with Syncytin-1.ConclusionsWe present here a heterologous chicken system for effective assessment of the expression of transmembrane ASCT2 protein and its interaction with Syncytin-1. The system profits from the absence of endogenous ASCT2 background, and implements the quantitative assays to determine the ASCT2-Syncytin-1 interaction at several levels. Using this system, we demonstrated that the protruding region C of ASCT2 was essential for protein expression but not for the interaction with Syncytin-1 glycoprotein.
Responses of Soil Microbial Communities to the Invasion of Fusarium Oxysporum and Screening for Fusarium Antagonistic Microorganisms From Pathogenic Soil
Authors: Tian Yehan , Gao Kexiang
Published: February 2021

BackgroundFusarium oxysporum is known as a biological pollutant in the farmland soil, that causes vascular wilt on a wide range of cash crops, which is the most destructive disease of plant worldwide. F. oxysporum is a fungus that can colonize and grow saprophytically in plant debris and increase pathogen viability in soil. It is almost impossible to remove once successful colonization. How to effectively reduce the pathogen population and restore the beneficial microbial community in soil is an important subject to control the Fusarium wilt. The main objective of this study is to explore influences of F. oxysporum invasion on the microbial community and to screen efficient biocontrol agents from microorganisms with changing relative abundance.ResultsIn this study, we evaluated that responses of the soil microbial communities to invasion of F. oxysporum. We found that F. oxysporum invasion could modify soil physical-chemical properties, soil enzymes activities, microbial community structure and diversity of the soil microbes. We screened and identified an efficient biocontrol strain, Talaromyces purpurogenus Q2, which could be used for defense and suppression of F. oxysporum in bitter gourd and efficiently decreasing incidence of the Fusarium wilt of bitter gourd in the greenhouse and in the field. The research results of biocontrol mechanisms showed that T. purpureogenus strain Q2 involved in the resistance of soil microbial communities to invasion of F. oxysporum, and the density of F. oxysporum was inhibited by exogenous T. purpureogenus and the resident microbes that strain Q2 promoted their growth. In the co-culture of strain Q2 and F. oxysporum, we further observed that T. purpurogenus Q2 could significantly suppress the mycelia growth and development of F. oxysporum by secreting cell wall degrading enzymes, and hinder cell wall formation by suppressing the gene expression of cell wall biosynthesis, such as FomCFEM that is essential for full virulence and stress tolerance in F. oxysporum.ConclusionTogether we screened a efficient biocontrol agents from microorganisms with resistance to the invasion of F. oxysporum. The mechanisms of Talaromyces purpurogenus strain Q2 protected bitter gourd from F. oxysporum is to reduce the relative abundance of rhizospheric F. oxysporum by inhibiting the growth and development of F. oxysporum. This work can provide a new biocontrol agent for biocontrol of Fusarium wilt and soil-born diseases of other horticultural crops.
Development and Characterization of Green Automotive Brakepads from Waste Shells of Giant African Snail (Achatina Achatina L.)
Authors: Ossia Chinwuba Victor , Big-Alabo A.
Published: February 2021

In this study, waste shells of African giant snail (Achatina achatina L.) were explored as candidates for asbestos-free non-carcinogenic brakepads. The results obtained showed that the density, brinell hardness and compressive strength of the snail shell (SS) brake pads were superior to the commercial sample used for comparison. These properties were found to decrease with increase in particle size, following a negative index power law model after the order of the Hall-Petch equation. However, the liquid absorption characteristics increased with increase in particle size and its model followed a positive index power law due to the pores in the matrix. On the other hand, the thermal conductivity showed no significant change with variation in particle size. The SS-based brake pad exhibited better frictional grip at the rubbing interfaces compared to the commercial brake pad sample. From the frictional results obtained, the commercial brake pad can be rated as Edge-Code-D whereas the frictional rating for the SS-based brake pad with different particle sizes are Edge-Code-E (500µm and 250µm), Edge-Code-F (375µm), Edge-Code-G (125µm) and Edge-Code-H (90µm). The wear rates and wear areas of the developed SS-based brake pads were inferior to the commercial sample but can be improved by impregnating the matrix with more iron fillings to enhance the poor thermal conductivity and hence wear characteristics.
TLR7/8 Signalling Affects X-Sperm Motility via the GSK3 α/β-Hexokinase Pathway for the Efficient Production of Sexed Dairy Goat Embryos
Authors: Ren Fa , Xi Huaming , Ren Yijie , Li Yu , Wen Fei , Xian Ming , Zhao Mengjie , Zhu Dawei , Wang Liqiang , Lei Anmin , Hu Jianhong
Published: February 2021

BackgroundGoat milk is most similar to human milk because of its abundant nutrients and ease of digestion. To derive more economic benefits, farmers need to obtain offspring with more does; however, the buck to doe sex ratio of offspring is approximately 50%. At present, artificial insemination after separation of X/Y sperm using flow cytometry is the primary means to control the sex of livestock offspring. However, flow cytometry has not been successful in separating X/Y sperm for sexing control in dairy goats.ResultsIn this study, a novel, simple goat sperm-sexing technology that activates the toll-like receptor 7/8 (TLR7/8), inhibiting X-sperm motility, was investigated. Results showed that TLR7/8 coding goat X-chromosome was expressed in approximately 50% of round spermatids in testis' cross-sections and sperm in the epididymis' cross-sections and ejaculate. Importantly, TLR7/8 was located at the tail of X-sperm. Upon TLR7/8 activation, phosphorylated forms of glycogen synthase kinase α/β (GSK3 α/β) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB) were detected in the X-sperm, reducing mitochondrial activity, ATP levels, and sperm motility. High-motility Y-sperm segregated to the upper layer and low-motility X-sperm to the lower layer. Following in vitro fertilisation using the lower layer TLR7/8-activated sperm, 80.52 ± 6.75% of the embryos were XX females. TLR7/8-activated sperm was used for in vivo embryo production via the superovulatory response, and 88.89% of the embryos were XX females.ConclusionsOur study reveals a novel TLR7/8 signalling mechanism that affects X-sperm motility via the GSK3 α/β-hexokinase pathway, facilitating the efficient production of sexed dairy goat embryos.