bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ophiopogonin D inhibiting epithelial NF-κB signaling pathway protects against experimental colitis in mice
Authors: Wang Liang , Liu Jiani , Qiao Liang , Liao Xiaoxiao , Huang Huan , Dong Jianyi , Chen Jun , Chen Dapeng , Wang Jingyu
Published: April 2021

The sustained activation of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway has been observed in human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ophiopogonin D (OP-D) is a small molecular compound isolated from Ophiopogon japonicus, a widely used herbal remedy. In this study, dextran sodium sulfate was used to make a mouse model of experimental colitis and verify the effect of OP-D on the mouse model of experimental colitis. Small molecule-protein molecular docking approaches were also used to discover the mechanisms underlying the OP-D-induced regulation of colitis. In colitis, the OP-D can inhibit the apoptosis of intestinal mucosa cells, restore the intestinal barrier, and alleviate inflammation. The molecular docking simulations showed that OP-D had a high affinity with the REL-homology domain of NF-κB-p65 that affected its translocation to the nucleus. In a cell study, the effects of OP-D on inflammation and barrier dysfunction were significantly decreased by a small interfering RNA targeting NF-κB-p65. Further, the LPS-induced increase in NF-κB-p65 in the nucleus was also significantly inhibited by OP-D. OP-D alleviated experimental colitis by inhibiting NF-κB. New insights into the pathogenesis and treatment options of colitis are provided though this study.
Assessment of the Effects of Newly Fabricated CaO, CuO, ZnO Nanoparticles on Callus Formation Maintainance of Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.) Under In Vitro Salt Stress
Authors: Simsek Merve , Yazicilar Busra , Boke Fatma , Nadaroglu Hayrunisa , Alayli Azize , Bezirganoglu ismail
Published: April 2021

Nanoparticules plays an important role in plant adaptation to abiotic stress, especially in response to salt stress. In this study, two alfalfa lines (Erzurum, and Muş) were used as the material for the response NaCl to CuO, ZnO and CaO nanoparticules (NPs). CaO is evident to be higher effective than CuO, ZnO in callus induction from leaf explants. The antioxidant enzyme activities were also determined in the callus cultures. The maximum activity in MDA analysis was observed from callus treated of 50 mM NaCl with 0.8 ppm CuO NPs. The callus induction stage without salt treatments indicated a best result in 0.8 ppm CaO NPs for H2O2 value compared to the other NPs. The callus induction stage without salt treatments indicated a best result in 0.8 ppm CaO NPs for POD value compared to the other NPs for POD activity. The best response in protein rate was obtained from callus induction stage and callus formation stage after 50 mM treatment NaCl with 0.8 ppm CuO. LSCM analysis evident that the NPs could migitate the negative effects of NaCl stress by the elimination of stress severity in callus cells. SEM analysis was supported the results obtained by LSCM analysis. Our findings suggest that CuO, CaO and ZnO NPs can offer a simple and effective method to protect alfalfa callus from NaCl stress severity.
Ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens ameliorates carbon tetrachloride and rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in wistar albino rat
Authors: Ogunmoyole Temidayo , Micheal Ola-Awe Ayomide , Grace Fatile Omotola
Published: April 2021

The present study investigates the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective potentials of Mucuna pruriens leaf extract with a view to providing a potent alternative in the management of liver and kidney diseases. Forty male albino rats were randomly placed into eight groups comprising five animals each. Animals in group I were administered with the distilled water, while groups II and VI were exposed to CCl4 and rifampicin respectively. Animals in groups III and IV were initially exposed CCl4 and treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg bw M. pruriens respectively. Similarly, groups VII and VIII animals were exposed to rifampicin and treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg bw M. pruriens respectively. Animals in group V were treated with 100 mg/kg bw silymarin by oral gavage after an initial exposure to CCl4. Selected biomarkers of liver and kidney damage were determined in the serum and organs homogenate. Liver and kidney slices of experimental animals were also stained for histopathological examination. Exposure to CCl4 and rifampicin respectively resulted in marked distortion in lipid profile, inhibition of antioxidant enzymes and a surge in ALT, AST, ALP, urea, uric acid, bilirubin and creatine kinase. Treatment with M. pruriens extract reversed all deranged biochemical and histopathological parameters in a dose-dependent manner. Restoration of both biochemical and histopathological alterations established the fact that M. pruriens is a potent hepatoprotective and nephroprotective plant, thereby giving credence to the potential usefulness of its leaf extract in the management of liver and kidney diseases.
Second Year Post-Wildfire Recovery Inhibits Dispersal of Allelopathic, Invasive Forb
Authors: Schlau Benjamin Marcus
Published: April 2021

The increasing frequency of wildfires in Southern California’s Mediterranean-type habitats has been facilitating the displacement of native plants by invasive annuals. Black mustard ( Brassica nigra ) is an abundant, allelopathically harmful, invasive forb, which readily colonizes soil niches following most disturbances. Wildfires, however, are unlike other forms of disturbance because they can fundamental alter plant-soil interactions through both physical and chemical changes in the soil. Here, a comparative field study of burned and unburned sites suggests that the Woolsey Fire – the largest wildfire ever recorded in California’s Santa Monica Mountains – inhibited dispersal of B. nigra and changed how it interacts with other plant species in the second year of post-fire recovery. More surprisingly, native plants were more likely to replace B. nigra than non-native plants in burned sites. These results indicate the possibility of post-fire seeding with specific “fire follower” native plant species may allow native flora to occupy soil niche space until longer-lived, competitive native shrubs establish.
Military Object Detection in Defence using Multi-Level Capsule Networks
Authors: Janakiramiaha B , G Kalyani , A Karuna , V Narasimha Prasad L , M Krishna
Published: April 2021

Automatic target detection plays a major role in automated war operations. The key concept behind automated target detection is military objects recognition from the captured images. For object recognition in the given image, Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is a powerful classification network. But in general CNNs are trained for general object recognition. But, the performance of CNN depends mainly on the size of the training set. The size of the training data is generally available in less proportion for military objects due to its operational and security issues. Hence the performance of CNN may degrade sharply. To address the issue of military objects, a relatively new neural network architecture called Capsule Network (CapsNet) is introduced. Hence, in this article, a variant of CapsNet called Multi-level CapsNet framework is projected for military object recognition under the case of small training set. The introduced framework of this paper is validated on a dataset of military objects which are collected from the internet. The dataset contains particularly five military objects and the similar civil ones. The proposed framework demonstrates a large improvement of 96.54% of accuracy for military object recognition. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed framework can accomplish a high recognition precision, superior to many other algorithms such as conventional Support Vector Machines and transfer learning based CNNs.
Active Fractional-Order Sliding Mode Control of Flexible Spacecraft Under Actuators Saturation
Authors: alipour milad , Malekzadeh Maryam , ariaei alireza
Published: April 2021

In this article, a novel multi-purpose modified fractional-order nonsingular terminal sliding mode (MFONTSM) controller is designed for the flexible spacecraft attitude control and appendages passive vibration suppression, assuming the control torque saturation in the system dynamics. Furthermore, an active FONTSM controller is proposed separately to perform active vibration suppression of the flexible appendages using piezoelectric actuators. The fixed-time stability of the closed-loop system for both the passive and active controllers is analyzed and proved using the Lyapunov theorem. Finally, the performance of the proposed controllers has been tested in the presence of uncertainties, external disturbances, and the absence of the damping matrix in order to study the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Field studies analysis for new Material Handling System Design approach
Authors: Soufi Zakarya , David Pierre , Yahouni Zakaria
Published: April 2021

Mastering the Material Handling System (MHS) is still a crucial issue, according to Hellmann et al the costs of Material Handling activities ranges from 15–70% of total manufacturing costs depending on the kind of production [6]. The introduction of industry 4.0 technologies for Material Handling, is renewing the decisions to take in the design of MHS. The practices in MHS design and management are very diversified in industry and no consensus clearly exist on how efficiently designing such system. This paper discusses the need to understand the relation between the different aspects of Material Handling System design, and propose to identify the key challenges to be addressed. Through field studies that were conducted with five distinct companies and an analysis of the literature, five MHS aspects are examined; Material Handling Activities, Material Handling and automation, Material Handling Control System, Material Handling Equipment Selection, and Material Handling System. Based on the results of the analysis, a cross analysis is performed to identify the differences and the common patterns between the literature and the field study. As a result, research directions for new MHS design approach are proposed. It is composed of four main challenges; Material handling specifications, MHE selection, MHE deployment, and MHS analysis. Each challenge is linked to other potential subjects.
The Study on Neural Remodeling of Medullary Visceral Zone in Early Sepsis and Interfered by Cholinergic Anti-Inflammatory Pathway ​
Authors: Li H. B. , Shu ZH. G. , Pi Q. F. , Guo L. L.
Published: April 2021

BackgroundStudies including our own have shown that the Medullary Visceral Zone (MVZ) can effectively regulate systemic inflammation and immunity through the Cholinergic Anti-inflammatory Pathway (CAP). Sepsis usually causes neuroinflammation in the Central Nervous System (CNS), which will inevitably affect the structure and function in related brain areas such as MVZ, whether the intervention of CAP can affect the structure and function of the MVZ in sepsis needs to be further verified. Methods64 adults, specific pathogens free Sprague-Dawley male rats were used in this study. The septic models were prepared by cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) method, GTS-21 (a selective α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist which can mimic CAP’s activation) and MLA (a powerful and selective nicotine acetylcholine receptor antagonist which can mimic CAP’s blocking) were used to interfere CAP. The pathological changes, apoptosis, the expressions of Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH) and Choline acetyltransferase (CHAT), the expression levels of GAP-43 mRNA, Olig-2 mRNA, VEGF mRNA, GFAP mRNA, MMP-9 mRNA in MVZ were analyzed among different groups. ResultsIn this study, we found that sepsis induced apoptosis and functional suppression of catecholaminergic and cholinergic neurons and gliosis in MVZ, up-regulated key genes’ expressions such as GAP-43 mRNA，GFAP mRNA，VEGF mRNA，MMP-9 mRNA, down-regulated the expression of Olig-2 mRNA. GTS-21, a selective α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, obviously mitigated the above changes; whereas, methyllycaconitine (MLA), a powerful and selective nicotine acetylcholine receptor antagonist, significantly aggravated these changes. ConclusionsOur research shows that activating CAP can effectively mitigate the neural remodeling and neuronal suppression induced by early sepsis in MVZ, the mechanism may involve with its control of systemic and local inflammation. This study reveals that MVZ and CAP may be potential targets to curb the inflammatory storm in early sepsis.
Evaluation of Energy Consumption of LPWAN Technologies
Authors: Rajab Husam , Cinkler Tibor , Bouguera Taoufik
Published: April 2021

The modern technological innovations provide small radios with ability to broadcast over vast areas with minimum energy consumption that will significantly influence the future of the Internet of Things (IoT) communications. The majority of IoT implementations demand sensor nodes run reliably for an extended time. Furthermore, the radio settings can endure a high data rate transmission while optimizing the energy-efficiency. The LoRa/LoRaWAN is one of the primary Low-Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technology that has highly enticed much concentration recently from the community. The energy limits is a significant issue in wireless sensor networks since battery lifetime that supplies sensor nodes have a restricted amount of energy and neither expendable nor rechargeable in most cases. A common hypothesis in previous work is that the energy consumed by sensors in sleep mode is negligible. With this hypothesis, the usual approach is to consider subsets of nodes that reach all the iterative targets. These subsets also called coverage sets, are then put in the active mode, considering the others are in the low-power or sleep mode. In this paper, we address this question by proposing an energy consumption model based on LoRa and LoRaWAN, that model optimizes the energy consumption of the sensor node for different tasks for a period of time. The proposed analytical approach permits considering the consumed power of every sensor node element; furthermore, it can be used to analyse different LoRaWAN modes to determine the most desirable sensor node design to reach its energy autonomy.
Prediction of plant-level tomato biomass and yield using machine learning with unmanned aerial vehicle imagery
Authors: Tatsumi Kenichi , Igarashi Noa , Mengxue Xiao
Published: April 2021

Background The objective of this study is twofold. First, ascertain the important variables that predict tomato yields from plant height (PH) and vegetation index (VI) maps. The maps were derived from images taken by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Second, examine the accuracy of predictions of tomato fresh shoot masses (SM), fruit weights (FW), and the number of fruits (FN) from multiple machine learning algorithms using selected variable sets. To realize our objective, ultra-high-resolution RGB and multispectral images were collected by a UAV on ten days in 2020’s tomato growing season. From these images, 756 total variables, including first- (e.g., average, standard deviation, skewness, range, and maximum) and second-order (e.g., gray-level co-occurrence matrix features and growth rates of PH and VIs) statistics for each plant, were extracted. Several selection algorithms (i.e., Boruta, DALEX, genetic algorithm, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and recursive feature elimination) were used to select the variable sets useful for predicting SM, FW, and FN. Random forests, ridge regressions, and support vector machines were used to predict the yield using the top five selected variable sets. Results First-order statistics of PH and VIs collected during the early to mid-fruit formation periods, about one month prior to harvest, were important variables for predicting SM. Similar to the case for SM, variables collected approximately one month prior to harvest were important for predicting FW and FN. Furthermore, variables related to PH were unimportant for prediction. Compared with predictions obtained using only first-order statistics, those obtained using the second-order statistics of VIs were more accurate for FW and FN. Conclusions In addition to basic statistics (e.g., average and standard deviation), we derived second-order statistics of PH and VIs at the plant level using the ultra-high resolution UAV images. Our findings indicated that our variable selection method reduced the number variables needed for tomato yield prediction, improving the efficiency of phenotypic data collection and assisting with the selection of high-yield lines within breeding programs.
Approximation-free Quantitative Prescribed Performance Control of Unknown Strict-feedback Systems
Authors: Bu Xiangwei , Qi Qiang , Jiang Baoxu
Published: April 2021

Prescribed performance control (PPC) has been proved to be a powerful tool which seeks transient performance for tracking errors. Unfortunately, the existing PPC schemes only can qualitatively design transient performance, while they cannot quantitatively set the convergence time and meanwhile minimize overshoot. In this article, we propose a new quantitative PPC strategy for unknown strict-feedback systems, capable of quantitatively designing convergence time and minimizing overshoot. Firstly, a new quantitative prescribed performance mechanism is proposed to impose boundary constraint on tracking errors. Then, back-stepping is used to exploit virtual controllers and actual controller based on Nussbaum Function, without requiring any prior knowledge of system unknown dynamics. Compared with the existing methodologies, the main contribution of this paper is that it can guarantee predetermined convergence time and zero overshoot for tracking errors, and meanwhile there is no need of any fuzzy/neural approximation. Finally, compared simulation results are given to validate the effectiveness and advantage.
Gender disparities in access to care for time-sensitive conditions during COVID-19 pandemic in Chile
Authors: Pacheco Jorge , Crispi Francisca , Alfaro Tania , Martinez Maria Soledad , Cuadrado Cristobal
Published: April 2021

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic reduction on the utilization of healthcare services are reported in different contexts. Nevertheless, studies have not explored specifically gender disparities on access to healthcare in the context of covid-19. Methods: To evaluate gender disparities in access to medical in Chile we conducted an interrupted time series design using a segmented regression. The outcome variable was the number of weekly confirmed cases of a set of oncologic and cardiovascular time-sensitive conditions at a national level. The series contained data from week 1 to 39 for 2017 to 2020. Intervention period started at week 12. We selected this period because preventive interventions, such as school closures or teleworking, were implemented at this point. We estimated level effect using a dummy variable indicating the intervention period and slope effect using a continuous variable from week 12 to 39. To test heterogeneity by sex and age-group, we conducted stratified analysis. Results: We observed a sizable reduction in access to care with a slowly recovery for oncologic (level effect 0,323; 95% CI 0,291-0,359; slope effect 1,022; 95% CI 1,016-1,028) and cardiovascular diseases (level effect 0,586; 95% CI 0,564-0,609; slope effect 1,009; 95% CI 1,007-1,011). Greater reduction occurred in women compared to men, particularly marked on myocardial infarction (level effect 0,595; 95% CI 0,566-0,627 versus 0,532; 95% CI 0,502-0,564) and colorectal cancer (level effect 0,295; 95% CI 0,248-0,35 versus 0,19; 95% CI 0,159-0,228). Compared to men, a greater absolute reduction was observed in women for oncologic diseases, excluding sex-specific cancer, (1.352; 95% CI 743-1.961) and cardiovascular diseases (1.268; 95% CI 946-1.590). Conclusion: We confirmed a large drop in new diagnosis for time-sensitive conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile. This reduction was greater for women. Our findings should alert policy-makers about the urgent need to integrate a gender perspective into the pandemic response.
Determinants of prolonged hospitalization and mortality among leptospirosis patients attending tertiary care hospitals in northeastern state in Peninsular Malaysia: A cross sectional retrospective analysis
Authors: Hariri Yassin K. Al , Sulaiman Syed A.S. , Khan Amer Hayat , Adnan Azreen S. , Al-Ebrahem Sundos Q.
Published: April 2021

Objectives Leptospirosis is the most common anthropozoonosis worldwide and imposes a major public health problem in many tropical countries. It is a leading cause of disease burden in form of mortality, morbidity and hospital admission. Identifying patients at high risk for mortality or for prolonged hospitalization may save lives and preserve economy. The aim of the current study was to identify significant factors associated with disease mortality and prolonged hospitalization.Design Cress-sectional retrospective studySettings Tertiary care teaching hospitals in Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia Participants Adult patients proven to have leptospirosis depending on IgM ELISA were classified into two classes depending on prolonged hospitalization (>7 days or ≤ 7 days) and mortality (fatal cases or non-fatal cases). Patients’ clinico-laboratory data were compared according to these two outcomes using the appropriate statistical test accordingly.Results Of the 525 patients enrolled, 136 (25.9%) had prolonged hospitalization. The mean length of stay was 6.77 ± 5.68 days. Logistic regression analysis identified acute kidney injury (AKI) (OR 2.3), Jaundice (OR 2.7), elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (OR 2), and prolonged prothrombin time (PT) (OR 1.9) independently associated with prolonged hospitalization. Case fatality rate was 6.48% and around one third of fatal cases had prolonged hospitalization of more than seven days. Factors associated with leptospirosis mortality included age > 40 years (p<0.001), patients presented with tachypnea (p=0.002), pulmonary infiltrate (p<0.001), T-wave changes (p<0.001), atrial fibrillation (p=0.013), conducting abnormality (p<0.001), chronic kidney diseases (p<0.001), multiple organ dysfunctions (p<0.0010), respiratory failure (p<0.001), pneumonia (p<0.001), sepsis (p=0.004), low venous PH (p=0.042), AKI (P<0.001), elevated AST (p<0.001) or ALT (p=0.004), hypoalbuminemia (p<0.001), rhabdomyolysis (p<0.001), severe thrombocytopenia (p=0.042), prolonged PT (p<0.001) or prolonged aPTT (p<0.017).Conclusions Significant proportion of leptospirosis patients (25.9%) had prolonged hospital stay and less proportion died (6.48%). Early identifying patients with factors associated with prolonged hospitalization and death will positively impact practitioners’ decisions regarding the proper and fast course of management including ICU admission
Effects of soil components, solution chemical properties, and temperature on Cu(II) adsorption by alluvial acid soil: A case study in Southwest China
Authors: Ren Bangzheng , Wu Yong , Li Hongtao , Chen Zailin , Xu Junlong
Published: April 2021

The specific soil components such as soil organic matter, Fe and Mn oxides exert a significant influence on Cu(II) adsorption in soil. In the present study, clay fraction was separated from an alluvial acid soil, Then the selective chemical extraction method was used to remove the specific components in the bulk soil and clay fraction. Adsorption experiments showed that the adsorption capacity of the clay fraction of Cu(II) is greater than that of the bulk soil, regardless of whether it is treated by selective chemical extraction or not. Compared with untreated soil samples, after the removal of organic matter by H2O2, Kd decreased by a maximum of 82.8% for the bulk soil and 73.5% for the clay fraction. After the removal of manganese oxides by NH2OH·HCl, Kd decreased by a maximum of 68.1% for the bulk soil and 73.2% for the clay fraction. However, after the removal of free iron oxides by dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate, Kd increased by a maximum of 422% for the bulk soil and 195.5% for the clay fraction. Kd increased by 4263.3% when the initial pH increased from 2 to 3.5 and, then, increased to 6. The amount of Cu(II) adsorbed did not change significantly. Within a range greater than 6, the increased Cu(II) adsorption may be due to the precipitation of Cu(II). When the concentration of NaNO3 changes from 0.01 to 0.1 M, the adsorption capacity decreased by a maximum of 36%, Kd decreased by a maximum of 84.3%. The presence of foreign ions decreased Cu(II) adsorption; their order of effect on Cu(II) adsorption is Na+ < K+ < Mg2+ < Ca2+ for cations and NO3− < SO42− ≈ Cl− for anions. The adsorption of Cu(II) was an endothermic and spontaneous process under the experimental conditions.
Design and Preliminary Evaluation of a Wearable Passive Cam-Based Shoulder Exoskeleton
Authors: Asgari Morteza , Phillips Elizabeth A. , Dalton Britt M. , Rudl Jennifer L. , Crouch Dustin L.
Published: April 2021

BackgroundMechanically passive (i.e. spring-powered) exoskeletons may be a practical and affordable solution to meet a growing clinical need for continuous, home-based movement assistance. We designed, fabricated, and preliminarily evaluated the performance of a wearable, passive, cam-driven shoulder exoskeleton (WPCSE) prototype. MethodsThe novel feature of the WPCSE is a modular spring-cam-wheel module, which generates an assistive force that can be customized to compensate for any proportion of the shoulder elevation moment due to gravity. We performed a benchtop experiment to validate the mechanical output of the WPCSE against our theoretical model. We also conducted a pilot biomechanics study (four able-bodied subjects) to quantify the effect of a WPCSE prototype on muscle activity and shoulder kinematics during three one-degree-of-freedom shoulder movements. ResultsThe shoulder elevation moment produced by the spring-cam-wheel module alone closely matched the desired, theoretical moment. However, when measured from the full WPCSE prototype, the moment was lower (up to 30%) during positive shoulder elevation and higher (up to 120%) during negative shoulder elevation compared to the theoretical moment, due primarily to friction. Even so, a WPCSE prototype, compensating for about 25% of the shoulder elevation moment due to gravity, showed a trend of reducing root mean square (up to 50%) and peak (up to 53%) electromyogram magnitudes of several muscles crossing the shoulder during shoulder elevation and horizontal adduction/abduction movements. Subjects verbally reported that the WPCSE did not physically constrain them during the tested movements. ConclusionThe results provide proof-of-concept evidence that our WPCSE can potentially assist shoulder movements. The proposed WPCSE, once refined, could provide clinical and home-based rehabilitation for patients with shoulder disability.
Effects of Indoor Air Pollution on Household Health: Evidence from Turkey
Authors: ipek özlem , İpek Egemen
Published: April 2021

Indoor air pollution caused by use of biomass energy in heating and cooking affects the health status of household members adversely. In Turkey, despite with the rapid economic growth in the last decade, biomass has been among the most preferred type of energy by households for heating and cooking due to inadequate infrastructure, dependence on foreign energy, and high energy prices. This study aims to provide empirical evidence from Turkey to the literature on indoor air pollution caused by households’ energy choice and health status. This study is analyzed these effects with the random effects panel discrete ordered models using the Income Living Conditions Micro Longitudinal Data Set for the period 2014-2017. As a result of the analysis, we found that age, being a woman, having dependent children, and indoor air pollution have adverse effects on the health status. However, education level, and income level affect the health status positively. The most important result obtained from this study is that even if households have high-income, the inability to access clean energy resources affects their health adversely.
Do Higher Education Research and Development Expenditures affect Environmental Sustainability? New Evidence from Thirty-One Chinese Provinces
Authors: Yawen Sun , Jiang Qingquan , Khattak Shoukat Iqbal , Ahmad Manzoor , Li Hui
Published: April 2021

Higher education R&D expenditures (HEEXP) are one of the important determinants of economic growth that facilitates science, technology, new ideas, and innovation, but its effect on environmental sustainability remains unexplored. This paper examines the nexus between HEEXP and carbon dioxide emissions (CO2e), followed by control variables such as electricity consumption, foreign direct investment, gross domestic product, and total population for the period 2000Q1-2019Q4. Some of the key results are as follows. First, the present findings confirmed the long-run cointegration among variables. Second, the finding showed significant long-term negative nexus between HEEXP and CO2e. Third, the findings indicated that electricity consumption, foreign direct investment, gross domestic product, and total population are the important factors that intensify the overall situation of CO2e. Fourth, the results indicated that there exist a bi-directional causality between EC and CO2e; FDI and CO2e; GDP and CO2e; POP and CO2e and HEEXP, and CO2e.
Simulated Space Environmental Factors of Weightlessness, Noise and Low Air Pressure Differentially Affect the Circadian Rhythm and Gut Microbiome
Authors: Ma Huan , Gan Xihui , Zhao Jianwei , Zhang Yin , Li Silin , Kan Guanghan , Wang Bo , Zhang Peng , Ma Xiaohong , Tian Hongni , Liao Meimei , Ju Dapeng , Xu Shuihong , Chang Lulin , Chen Xiaoping , Guo Jinhu
Published: April 2021

Backgroundhe circadian clock extensively regulates physiology and behavior. In space, the astronauts encounter many environmental factors that are dramatically different from those on earth, however, the effects of these factors on circadian rhythms and the mechanisms remain largely unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the changes in the mouse circadian rhythm and gut microbiome under simulated space capsule conditions, including microgravity, noise and low atmospheric pressure.ResultsNoise and low atmospheric pressure were loaded in the capsule while the conditions in the animal room remained constant. The mice in the capsule showed disturbed locomotor rhythms and faster adaptation to a 6-h phase advance. RNA sequencing of hypothalamus samples revealed that microgravity simulated by hind limb unloading (HU) and exposure to noise and low atmospheric pressure led to decreases in the quantities of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including circadian clock genes. Changes in the rhythmicity of genes implicated in pathways of cardiovascular deconditioning and more concentrated circadian phases were found under HU or noise and low atmospheric pressure. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing revealed dysbiosis in the gut microbiome, and noise and low atmospheric pressure may repress the temporal discrepancy in the microbiome community structure induced by microgravity. Changes in diel oscillation were observed in a number of gut bacteria with critical physiological consequences in metabolism and immunodefense.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that in addition to microgravity, exposure to noise and low atmospheric pressure affect the robustness of circadian rhythms and the community structure of the gut microbiome, and these factors may interfere with each other in their adaptation to respective conditions. These findings are important to further our understanding of the alteration of circadian rhythms in the space complex environment.
Clinically contextualised ECG interpretation
Authors: Viljoen Charle André , Millar Rob Scott , Manning Kathryn , Hoevelmann Julian , Burch Vanessa Celeste
Published: April 2021

Background ECGs are often taught without clinical context. However, in the clinical setting, ECGs are rarely interpreted without knowing the clinical presentation.Methods We aimed to determine whether ECG diagnostic accuracy was influenced by knowledge of the clinical context and/or prior clinical exposure to the ECG diagnosis. Fourth- (junior) and sixth-year (senior) medical students as well as medical residents were invited to complete two multiple-choice question (MCQ) tests and a survey on the same day. Test 1 comprised 25 ECGs without case vignettes. Test 2, completed immediately after Test 1, comprised the same 25 ECGs and MCQs, but with case vignettes for each ECG. Subsequently, participants indicated in the survey when last, during prior clinical clerkships, they have seen each of the 25 conditions tested in Test 1 and 2.Results This study comprised 176 participants, of which 67 (38.1%) were junior students, 55 (31.3%) were senior students and 54 (30.7%) were medical residents. Prior ECG exposure depended on their level of training, i.e., junior students were exposed to 52% of the conditions tested, senior students 63.4% and residents 96.9%. Overall, all groups showed a marginal improvement in accuracy of ECG interpretation when the clinical context was known to them (Cohen’s d = 0.35, p < 0.001). The gains in accuracy were more pronounced amongst residents (Cohen’s d = 0.59, p < 0.001), than amongst senior (Cohen’s d = 0.38, p < 0.001) or junior students (Cohen’s d = 0.29, p < 0.001). All participants were more likely to make a correct ECG diagnosis if they reported having seen the condition during prior clinical training, whether they were provided with a case vignette (odds ratio [OR] 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24–1.71) or not (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.35–1.84).Conclusion ECG interpretation using clinical vignettes devoid of real patient experiences does not appear to have as great an impact on ECG diagnostic accuracy as prior exposure during clinical training. However, exposure to ECGs during clinical training is largely opportunistic and haphazard. ECG training should therefore not rely on experiential learning alone for teaching electrocardiography, but instead be supplemented by other formal methods of instruction.
Feasibility and Efficacy of Text-Messaging to Promote Care Among Trauma Patients Screened for HIV at an Urban Tertiary Emergency Department in Tanzania
Authors: Hyuha Gimbo M , Sawe Hendry Robert , Kilindimo Said , Mussa Raya , Gulamhussein Masuma , Rwegoshora Shamila , Shayo Frida , Mdu Winnie , Mfinanga Juma , Weber Ellen J
Published: April 2021

BackgroundDue the high prevalence of Human Immune Virus (HIV), provider-initiated HIV testing for patients attending any health care setting is recommended. However, follow-up and linkage to care by those tested remains poor. We determined the feasibility and efficacy of text-messaging to promote follow-up among otherwise healthy trauma patients who underwent provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling at an Emergency Department (ED) in Tanzania. Material and methodsThis randomized controlled trial was conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) ED between September 2019 to February 2020. Adult trauma patients consenting to HIV testing and follow-up text messaging were randomized to standard care (pre and post-test counseling) or standard care plus a series of 3 text-message reminders for follow-up in an HIV clinic, if positive, or retesting, if negative. Investigators blinded to study assignment called participants 2-months after the ED visit if HIV positive, or 4 months if HIV negative. We compared the proportion of people in the intervention and control groups completing recommended follow- up. Secondary outcomes were proportion accepting testing, agreeing to receive SMS and follow-up compliance by HIV status. ResultsOf 290 patients approached, 255 (87.9%) opted-in for testing and consented to the study. The median age of the study population was 29 [IQR 24-40] years. 127 (49.8%) were randomized to the intervention group and 128 (50.2%) to the control group. The short message service (SMS) system verified that 381 text messages in total were received. We traced 242 (94.9%) participants: 124 (51.2%) from intervention group and 118 (48.8%) controls. 100 (39.2%) subjects reported attending a follow-up visit, of which 77 (60.6%) were from the intervention group and 23 (17.9%) were controls. (RR = 3.4, 95%CI (2.3-5.0) resulting in number needed to treat (NNT) of 2.3. Of 246 HIV negative participants, 37% went for repeat-screening: 59% of those in the intervention group and 16% in the control group (RR= 3.7, P =<0.0001, NNT 2.3). Among 9 positive patients, all 5 in the intervention group and 3 of 4 controls had follow-up visits. ConclusionAutomated text message is a feasible and effective way to increase follow up in HIV tested individuals in a limited income country.
Targeting transforming growth factor-β2 by antisense oligodeoxynucleotide accelerates T cell-mediated tumor rejection in a humanized mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Lee Hong Kyu , Ji Hyeong-Jin , Shin Sang-Kyung , Koo Jihye , Kim Tae Hun , Kim Cho-Won , Seong Yeon Hee , Park Jun-Eui , Choi Kyung-Chul
Published: April 2021

Background: Transforming growth factor (TGF-β) pathway mediates suppression of anti-tumor immunity, and is associated with poor prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Methods: In this study, we generated a humanized animal model by transplanting human peripheral blood mononuclear cells into immunodeficient mice followed by inoculation of MDA-MB-231 cells, and subsequently analyzed the role of TGF-β2 in the interaction between human T cells and human tumor cells. Results: Following reconstitution of the human immune system, inhibition of TGF-β signaling by TGF-β2 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (TASO) resulted in accelerated tumor growth inhibition. TGF-β2 inhibition also resulted in downregulation of peripheral Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Treg), whereas no effect was seen in the expression of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. Analysis of the TASO-treated mice serum revealed elevated levels of human IFN-γ and reduced levels of human IL-10 and TGF-β2. Moreover, TGF-β2 inhibition resulted in increased CD8+ T cell infiltration, whereas the reduced infiltration of Tregs into the tumor partly resulted from decreased expression of CCL22. Decreased intra-tumoral Tregs facilitated the activation of cytotoxic T cells, associated with increased granzyme B expression. Conclusion: These results indicate that TASO potentiated T-cell mediated antitumor immunity, and it is proposed that TGF-β2 may be a promising target in the immunotherapeutic strategy of TNBC.
Resonant Interaction Of Relativistic Electrons with Realistic Electromagnetic Ion-Cyclotron Wave Packets
Authors: Grach Veronika , Demekhov Andrei , Larchenko Alexey
Published: April 2021

We study the influence of real structure of electromagnetic ion-cyclotron wave packets in the Earth’s radiation belts on precipitation of relativistic electrons. Automatic algorithm is used to distinguish isolated elements (wave packets) and obtain their amplitude and frequency profiles from satellite observations by Van Allen Probe B. We focus on rising-tone EMIC wave packets in the proton band, with a maximum amplitude of 1.2-1.6 nT.
The resonant interaction of the considered wave packets with relativistic electrons 1.5-9 MeV is studied by numerical simulations. The precipitating fluxes are formed as a result of both linear and nonlinear interaction; for energies 2-5 MeV precipitating fluxes are close to the strong diffusion limit. The evolution of precipitating fluxes is influenced by generation of higher-frequency waves at the packet trailing edge near the equator and dissipation of lower-frequency waves in the He+ cyclotron resonance region at the leading edge. The wave packet amplitude modulation leads to a significant change of precipitated particles energy spectrum during short intervals of less than 1 minute.
For short time intervals about 10-15 s, the approximation of each local amplitude maximum of the wave packet by a Gaussian amplitude profile and a linear frequency drift gives a satisfactory description of the resonant interaction.
Exotic Brittle Star Interactions With Native Octocoral Epizoites: An Endemic Benthic Ctenophore in Peril?
Authors: Glynn Peter , Coffman Brian , Detloff Kyle , Dominguez Joshua , Gilette Philip , Martinez Nicholas , Jones Nicolas , Riegl B.
Published: April 2021

Widespread and large populations of the exotic eastern Pacific ophiuroid brittle star Opthiothela mirabilis now occur in southeastern Florida, extending the range of this recently introduced species from southern Brazil northward to the eastern Caribbean Sea and Florida. The Florida brittle stars, representing two lineages, are epibionts on shallow (3-18 m depth), tropical/subtropical plexaurid (e.g., Eunicea spp., Muricea elongata) and gorgoniid (Antillogorgia spp.) octocorals. The scope of this study includes recent distributional records of O. mirabilis in south Florida, field abundances in relation to the cohabiting endemic ctenophore Coeloplana waltoni, behavioral observations of the ophiuroid, ctenophore and the predatory amphipod Caprella penantis, as well as a laboratory experiment testing the effects of the alien ophiuroid on the native ctenophore. Individuals of O. mirabilis have been collected near St. Lucie Inlet, extending its northern-most range by about 110 km since 2019. Two years of field sampling have demonstrated significant declines of the native, benthic ctenophore with increasing abundances of the exotic ophiuroid. Evidence suggests that the ophiuroid is negatively affecting the abundances of the ctenophore through interference competition, greatly aided by its abrasive armature of calcareous spines, plates and hooks. Sporadic and intense predation by a caprellid amphipod (Caprella penantis) also probably contributes to the ctenophore’s decline, but to a lesser extent than that caused by the ophiuroid. Adding to the risk of extinction of C. waltoni is its narrow requirement of living octocorals as hosts and restricted distribution in southeast Florida and the Bahamas.
Peste Des Petits Ruminants: A First Retrospective Investigation Among Susceptible Animal Species in Qatar
Authors: Haroun Mohamed , Abdulla Nawal M. , Habeb Mohammed , Farag Elmoubasher A.
Published: April 2021

A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in Qatar. Three hundred sixty-eight blood, swabs, and organ tissue samples collected between 2009 and 2016 were screened for PPR viral antibodies, antigens and nucleic acids using ELISA-Ab, ELISA-Ag and rRT-PCR, respectively. Fifteen PPR positive samples were subjected to virus isolation using Vero cell lines. 52% (n=192) of the samples were shown positive for PPR reporting first time infection of 52% (n=71) animal species including sheep, goat, deer, gazelle, addax, Oryx, blackbuck, deer, springbuck and waterbuck. Eight PPR virus (PPRV) field isolates demonstrated classical PPRV cytopathic effect (CPE) and shown positive for the virus antigens proving finally virus isolation. Sheep had the highest infection rate (55%) followed by wild ruminants (54%) and goats (47%). History wise, PPR might exist in Qatar before 2009. A systematic investigation is recommended to identify the risk factors associated with exposure of the susceptible animals to PPR infection, to test the susceptibility of the different species to PPR infection, and to describe the molecular entity and the replicative potentiality of the circulating field strains.
Estimation of Rainfall Threshold for Flood Warning for Small Urban Watersheds Based on the 1D-2D Drainage Model Simulation
Authors: Dao Duc Anh , Kim Dongkyun , Tran Dang Hai Ha
Published: April 2021

This study proposed an equation for Rainfall Threshold for Flood Warning (RTFW) for small urban watersheds based on computer simulations. First, a coupled 1D-2D dual-drainage model was developed for nine watersheds in Seoul, Korea. Next, the model simulation was repeated for a total of 540 combinations of the synthetic rainfall events and watershed imperviousness (9 watersheds x 4 NRCS Curve Number (CN) values x 15 rainfall events). Then, the results of the 101 simulations that caused the critical flooded depth (0.25m-0.35m) were used to develop the equation that relates the value of RTFW to the rainfall event temporal variability (represented as coefficient of variation or CV) and the watershed Curve Number. The results suggest that (1) RTFW exponentially decreases as the rainfall CV increases; (2) RTFW linearly decreases as the watershed CV increases; and that (3) RTFW is dominated by CV when the rainfall has low temporal variability (e.g., CV<0.2) while RTFW is dominated by CN when the rainfall has high temporal variability (e.g., CV>0.4). For validation, the proposed equation was applied for the flood warning system with two storm events occurred in 2010 and 2011 over 239 watersheds in Seoul. The system showed the the hit, false and missed alarm rates at 69% (48%), 31% (52%) and 6.7% (4.5%), respectively for the 2010 (2011) event.
Comparative Analysis of The Characteristics of The Chinese gCJD Patients With E196A and E196K Mutation in PRNP
Authors: Shi Qi , Xiao Kang , Chen Cao , Zhou Wei , Gao Li-Ping , Wu Yue-Zhang , Wang Yuan , Hu Chao , Gao Chen , Dong Xiao-Ping
Published: April 2021

Background: Genetic human prion diseases are a group of inherited encephalopathies caused by the different mutations in PrP-encoding gene PRNP. The clinical, neuropathological and laboratory features may differ largely according to the mutants at the different positions and with different amino acid. Here, we comparatively analyzed the features of 16 Chinese patients with E196A mutant and 5 patients with E196K mutant identified via Chinese National CJD Surveillance System (CNS-CJD). All genetic Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease (gCJD) with the mutations at codon 196 were Han-Chinese without blood kinship. Methods: Neurological examination, EEG and MRI test, western blot, gene sequence and RT-QuIC.Results: The onset-age of E196K gCJD cases (median of 61 y) was older than that of E196A ones (median of 67 y). Generally, these two subtypes of gCJD were more like sporadic CJD (sCJD) in clinical. The cases with E196A mutant showed more foremost symptoms, while those of E196K mutant restricted to dementia and mental problems. During the progression, more sCJD-associated symptoms and signs gradually appeared, but none of E196K cases showed cerebellum and visual disturbances. Typical PSWC on MRI was recorded in 20% E196A cases but not in all E196K cases. sCJD-associated abnormalities on MRI, positive CSF 14-3-3 and increased CSF total tau were observed frequently, ranging from 2/3 to 4/5 cases without difference between E196A and E196K cases. Family history was not reported in all cases. Positive of CSF RT-QuIC was detected in 37.5% (6/16) E196A cases and 60% (3/5) E196K cases. The duration of E196K cases (median of 4.5 m, from 2 to 5 m) were shorter than that of E196A cases (median of 6.5 m, from 2 to 28 m). Moreover, the female cases and the cases with young onset-age (<60 y) of E196A cases displayed much longer survival times than the male patients and the cases with older onset-age (>60 y).Conclusion: E196A gCJD is now the 5th most frequently observed genetic prion diseases in China. This is the largest comprehensive report of gCJD with the mutations at codon of 196 by now, which showing obvious diversity in clinical and laboratory tests between E196A and E196K mutants. Substitution of different amino acids at the same position induce the different clinical phenotype.