bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive Characterization of the Coding and Non-coding Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Tumor Protein p63 (TP63) Gene Using In Silico Tools.
Authors: Akter Shamima , Hossain Shafaat , Hosen Md. Ismail , Shekhar Hossain Uddin
Published: March 2021

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) help to understand the phenotypic variations in humans. Numerous studies have examined the association of SNPs with various complex diseases. Researchers have identified the association of SNPs of genes through Genome-wide association study (GWAS). A number of GWAS have identified a loci located in the TP63 gene to be significantly associated with the risk of urinary bladder cancer. However, there is not any study characterizing the SNPs located at the TP63 gene for their functional and structural significance. Hence, the study aimed to comprehensively characterize SNPs in the human TP63 gene for their functional and structural significance. We investigated and evaluated the genomic variations affecting the expression, structure, and function of the TP63 protein. The study systematically retrieved nsSNPs information for the TP63 gene from the dbSNP database. We screened and analyzed both nsSNPs and non-coding SNPs in TP63 protein using a wide variety of computational tools to find the risk of pathogenicity. A total of 17 nsSNPs were identified using the 13 bioinformatics tools (i.e., SIFT, CADD, PROVEAN, PolyPhen2, PANTHER, PhD-SNP, SNP&GO, I-Mutant 2.0, ClinVar, Mutpred2, ConSurf, HOPE, and Mutation 3D) along with domain analysis. These pathogenic mutations cause a decrease in protein stability according to I-Mutant2.0. HOPE predicted 17 SNPs to have significant effect on TP63 protein structure and function. 12 nsSNPs were found in highly conserved position in TP63 inferring the damaging effect on the structure and function of the protein. Swiss PDB Viewer showed loss of hydrogen bonds and increased energy due to the SNPs. Molecular docking showed the reduction of the binding affinity of proteins for DNA and loss of hydrogen bonds. Six non-coding SNPs were found in miRNA binding sites in gene showing the effect on protein regulation using PolymiRTS and five non-coding SNPs were identified in single tissue expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) in lung tissue, heart tissue (LV), and cerebral hemisphere (Brain) according to GTEx portal. The characterization of nsSNPs and non-coding SNPs will support researchers to focus on TP63 gene loci and ascertain their association with certain diseases.
Quantification of economic and environmental benefits of faecal sludge derived compost and briquettes using a REVAMP tool: The case of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Mkude Isabela Thomas , Kimwaga Richard , Gabrielsson Sara
Published: March 2021

In recent years, the concept of resource recovery from waste, particularly faecal sludge (FS) has gained much attention and popularity. The aim of this study is to quantify/estimate the economic and environmental benefits of nutrients and energy that could be recovered from FS. The empirical data come from three unplanned settlements of Dar es Salaam City; Keko, Kipawa and Manzese. Two different FS resource recovery scenarios were assessed, namely nutrients and energy. The resource value mapping (REVAMP) tool was used to quantify benefits of nutrients and energy/solid fuels recovered from FS. The results indicate a daily economic benefit from FS recovery, ranging between 680-950 USD for energy and up to 7,000 USD for nutrients recovered, depending on the composition. The co-composting of FS with organic waste to recover nutrients was found more profitable than FS derived briquettes. The environmental benefits, beyond the disposal of untreated FS into the local environment, include a potential saving of up to 5 hectares of forest area when substituting the use of wood charcoal with FS-derived briquettes for domestic cooking energy needs. Even here, co-composting FS is estimated to be more profitable than FS derived briquettes. The study concludes that to obtain FS derived briquettes with high calorific value, FS should be co-fuelled with other feedstock materials. Guidelines and standards for safe re-use of FS derived products should be developed, adapted and information campaigns and demonstration sites to illustrate the economic and environmental benefits of resource recovery from FS for energy and agricultural purposes should be made available to relevant stakeholders
Experimental Babesia Rossi Infection Induces Hemolytic, Metabolic, and Viral Response Pathways in the Canine Host
Authors: Smith Rachel L. , Goddard Amelia , Boddapati Arun , Brooks Steven , Schoeman Johan , Lack Justin , Leisewitz Andrew , Ackerman Hans
Published: March 2021

Background: Babesia rossi is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among the canine population of sub-Saharan Africa, but pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Previous studies of B. rossi infection were derived from clinical cases, in which neither the onset of infection nor the infectious inoculum was known. Here, we performed controlled B. rossi inoculations in canines and evaluated disease progression through clinical tests and whole blood transcriptomic profiling.Results: Three subjects were administered a low inoculum (104 parasites) while two received a high (109 parasites). Subjects were monitored for 8 consecutive days; anti-parasite treatment with diminazene aceturate was administered on day 4. Blood was drawn prior to inoculation as well as every experimental day for assessment of clinical parameters and transcriptomic profiles. The model recapitulated natural disease manifestations including anemia, acidosis, inflammation and behavioral changes. Rate of disease onset and clinical severity were proportional to the inoculum. To analyze the temporal dynamics of the transcriptomic host response, we sequenced mRNA extracted from whole blood drawn on days 0, 1, 3, 4, 6, and 8. Differential gene expression, hierarchical clustering, and pathway enrichment analyses identified genes and pathways involved in response to hemolysis, metabolic changes, and several arms of the immune response including innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and response to viral infection. Conclusions: This work comprehensively characterizies the clinical and transcriptomic progression of B. rossi infection in canines, thus establishing a large mammalian model of severe hemoprotozoal disease to facilitate the study of host-parasite biology and in which to test novel anti-disease therapeutics. The knowledge gained from the study of B. rossi in canines will not only improve our understanding of this emerging infectious disease threat in domestic dogs, but also provide insight into the pathobiology of human diseases caused by Babesia and Plasmodium species.
Complete genome sequence of a previously undescribed monopartite begomovirus and betasatellite infecting Malvastrum coromandelianum in Cambodia
Authors: Tang Yafei , Li Zhenggang , She Xiaoman , Yu Lin , Lan Guobing , Lv Lihua , Brown Judith K , He Zi-fu
Published: March 2021

A previously undescribed monopartite begomovirus was identified from Malvastrum coromandelianum plants exhibiting yellow vein symptoms characteristic of begomoviruses, in Kampot province, Cambodia. The apparently full-length viral component was cloned and sequenced following enrichment of circular DNA by rolling circle amplification and restriction enzyme digestion. The genome of the virus was 2,737 nucleotides in length (KP188831), and exhibited an organization like that of other monopartite begomoviruses, sharing the highest nt identities of 87.7% with Ageratum yellow vein virus (AM940137). A satellite molecule was amplified from total DNA by PCR amplification with the betasatellite-specific primer pair β01/β02. The satellite molecule (1,346 nt, KP188832) had a structure characteristic like other betasatellites associated with begomoviruses, and shared the highest nt identity of 84.8% with Malvastrum yellow vein betasatellite (MN205547). According to the criteria established for species demarcation for classification of begomoviruses ( Geminiviridae ) and betasatellites ( Tolecusatellitidae ), respectively, the virus isolate from M. coromandelianum in Cambodia is a previously undescribed novel monopartite begomovirus species，for which the name Malvastrum yellow vein Cambodia virus (MaYVCV) is proposed, whereas, the betasatellite is identified as an previously undescribed novel betasatellite species, for which the name Malvastrum yellow vein Cambodia batesatellite (MaYVKHB) is proposed.
Breakfast meal characteristics, reasons of skipping and perception among 8th and 9th grade students at governmental schools, Jenin governance, West Bank
Authors: Badrasawi Manal , Anabawi Ola , Al-Zain Yaqout
Published: March 2021

Background
There is growing recognition of the important role of breakfast in children’s nutrition, and the potential harms related to skipping breakfast, including contributing to obesity and non-communicable diseases. The patterns associated with skipping breakfast may be related to the nutrition transition. This study aims to explore the prevalence of skipping breakfast among Palestinian schoolchildren, the sociodemographic and behavioural patterns associated with skipping breakfast, and the reasons and perceptions around it, in addition to the composition of breakfast consumed.
Methods
We undertook a cross-sectional online questionnaire of 12- to 14-year-old schoolchildren from 4 governmental schools in urban and rural areas of the Jenin district of Palestine, collecting information about children’s and parents’ characteristics and behaviours, breakfast patterns and composition, reasons for skipping breakfast, and perceptions around breakfast. Statistical analysis of the relevant factors was undertaken using SPSS software.
Results
In a sample of 193 schoolchildren, only 32% reported consuming breakfast all-year round. The main reasons reported for skipping breakfast were not feeling hungry, not having the time, and lack of appetite. The vast majority (79%) believed breakfast was beneficial for general health. Sleeping before 10pm, regular exercise, and shorter screen time were all associated with a higher level of breakfast consumption.
Conclusion
Understanding the reasons for missing breakfast, and the factors which make skipping it more likely, should inform public health strategies to promote breakfast consumption. For example, our findings suggest that awareness of the importance of breakfast was not a significant contributor to skipping breakfast, compared to other structural and cultural factors.
Management of chronic lung diseases in Sudan and Tanzania: how ready are the country health systems?
Authors: Egere Uzochukwu , Shayo Elizabeth , Ntinginya Nyanda , Osman Rashid , Noory Bandar , Mpagama Stella , Hussein El Hafiz , Tolhurst Rachel , Obasi Angela , Mortimer Kevin , Sony Asma El , Taegtmeyer Miriam
Published: March 2021

BackgroundChronic Lung Diseases (CLDs), responsible for 4 million deaths globally every year, are increasingly important in low- and middle-income countries where most of the global mortality due to CLDs currently occurs. As existing health systems in resource-poor contexts, especially sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), are not generally oriented to provide quality care for chronic diseases, a first step in re-imagining them is to critically consider readiness for service delivery across all aspects of the existing system. MethodsWe conducted a mixed-methods assessment of CLD service readiness in 18 purposively selected health facilities in two differing SSA health system contexts, Tanzania and Sudan. We used the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Service Availability and Readiness Assessment checklist, qualitative interviews of key health system stakeholders, health facility registers review and assessed clinicians’ capacity to manage CLD using patient vignettes. CLD service readiness was scored as a composite of availability of service-specific tracer items from the WHO service availability checklist in three domains: staff training and guidelines, diagnostics and equipment, and basic medicines. Qualitative data were analysed using the same domains.ResultsOne health facility in Tanzania and five in Sudan, attained a CLD readiness score of ≥50% for CLD care. Scores ranged from 14.9% in a dispensary to 53.3% in a health centre in Tanzania, and from 36.4% to 86.4% in Sudan. The least available tracer items across both countries were trained human resources and guidelines, and peak flow meters. Only two facilities had COPD guidelines. Patient vignette analysis revealed significant gaps in clinicians’ capacity to manage CLD. Key informants identified low prioritization as key barrier to CLD care. Conclusion: Gaps in service availability and readiness for CLD care in Tanzania and Sudan threaten attainment of universal health coverage in these settings. Detailed assessments by health systems researchers in discussion with stakeholders at all levels of the health system can identify critical blockages to reimagining CLD service provision with people-centred, integrated approaches at its heart.
CircRNA CircCCT3 Acts as a Sponge of miR-613 to Promote Tumor Growth of Pancreatic Cancer Through Regulating VEGFA/VEGFR2 Signaling
Authors: Hou Ji-Ping , Men Xue-Bo , Yang Lian-Ying , Han En-Kun , Han Chun-Qi , Liu Li-Bin
Published: March 2021

Objective This study was aimed at investigating the involvement of CircCCT3 in PC and study its interactions and functioning during the PC progression in vitro and in vivo by the use of molecular biology and bioinformatic methods.Methods The expressions of CircCCT3 and miR-613 in pancreatic carcinoma tissues and cell lines were evaluated by quantitative realtime PCR .The relationship between clinical pathologic features as well as survival rate and CircCCT3 expression was analyzed with Chi-square test and Kaplan–Meier method. CCK-8, wound healing , transwell assays and FITC-AnnexinV/PI assay were used to assess cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis after CircCCT3 overexpression or downregulation. Dual-Luciferase reporterassay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) ,RNA pull down and fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH) assays were performed to validate the potential interaction of CircCCT3, miR-613 and VEGFA.Nude mouse xenograft tumor assay was used to detect CircCCT3 effects on pancreatic tumorigenesis in vivo.Western blotting analysis was performed to examine the VEGFA and VEGFR2 protein expressions following.Results CircCCT3 expression was significantly increased in PC tissues and cell lines. CircCCT3 expression was negatively correlated with miR-613 expression. Moreover, it was found that CircCCT3 promote cell proliferation, migration, invasion and inhibited cell apoptosis in PC cells. CircCCT3 acted as a sponge for miR-613 to facilitate VEGFA and VEGFR2 expression. si-CirCCT3also inhibited tumor growth of PC in nude mice.si-CircCCT3 reduced VEGFA and VEGFR2 expression, whereas overexpression of CircCCT3 increased VEGFA and VEGFR2 expression.Conclusions Increased CircCCT3 suggests a poor prognosis in PC patients and promotes the migration and invasion through targeting VEGFA/VEGFR2 signaling. CircCCT3 may serve as a potential and promising therapeutic target for PC treatment.
Ginsenoside Rb1 Induces a Pro-Neurogenic Microglial Phenotype via PPARγ Activation in Male Mice Exposed to Chronic Mild Stress
Authors: You Zili , Zhang Lijuan , Tang Minmin , Xie Xiaofang , Zhao Qiuying , Hu Nan , He Hui , Liu Gangcai , Huang Shiqi , Peng Cheng , Xiao Ying
Published: March 2021

BackgroundAnti-inflammatory approaches are emerging as a new strategy for treatment of depressive disorders. Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1), a major component of Panax ginseng, can inhibit inflammatory cascade and alleviate depressive behaviors. Microglia can promote or inhibit adult hippocampal neurogenesis according to their functional phenotypes. Here, we examined whether GRb1 may exert antidepressant effects by promoting a pro-neurogenic phenotype of microglia and thereby increasing neurogenesis. MethodsThe antidepressant effects of GRb1 or the licensed antidepressant imipramine (IMI) were assessed in chronic mild stress (CMS)-exposed male mice. The depressive-like behaviors of mice were evaluated by sucrose preference test, forced swimming test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST). The microglial phenotypes were identified by molecular markers and morphological properties, analyzed by RT-qPCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Effect of GRb1-treated microglia on adult hippocampal neurogenesis in vivo and in vitro were detected using immunofluorescence staining. ResultsBehavioral assessment indicated that GRb1 or IMI treatment alleviated depressive-like behaviors in CMS-exposed mice. Immunofluorescence examinationdemonstrated that GRb1 induced a pro-neurogenic phenotype of microglia via activating PPARγ in vivo and in vitro, which were reversed by PPARγ inhibitor GW9662. In addition, GRb1-treated microglia increased the proliferation and differentiation of neural precursor cells.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrated that GRb1 alleviated depressive-like behaviors of CMS-exposed male mice mainly through PPARγ-mediated microglial activation and improvement of adult hippocampus neurogenesis.
Development of a Low-Frequency Vibration-Assisted Drilling Device for Difficult-to-Cut Materials
Authors: Jiao Feng , Li Yuanxiao , Wang Dong , Tong Jinglin , Niu Ying
Published: March 2021

In the drilling process of difficult-to-cut materials, conventional drilling has resulted in various problems such as high drilling temperature and poor machining quality. Low-frequency vibration-assisted drilling has great potential in overcoming these problems since broken chips are generated. In order to promote the application of low-frequency vibration-assisted drilling device in machining difficult-to-cut materials. In this paper, a low-frequency vibration-assisted drilling device is developed by using a novel ring flexure hinge as the elastic recovery mechanism. First, based on the theory of elastic mechanics and mechanical vibration, the stiffness of the ring flexure hinge is designed theoretically, and the influence of its structural parameters on its deflection is analyzed. And then the correctness of the theoretical design is further verified by static and dynamic simulation and stiffness test. Finally, the vibration performance of the device is tested under no-load condition, and the actual drilling test is conducted to verify the drilling performance. The results show that the device could realize the axial low-frequency vibration with constant frequency-to-rotation ratio and amplitude stepless adjustment and present good working stability under no-load and load conditions. In the actual drilling test of titanium alloy and carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP)/ titanium alloy laminated structure, the device under appropriate processing parameters breaks the titanium alloy chip into small pieces and reduces the drilling temperature by 44% and inhibits the secondary damage of CFRP. It is demonstrated that the device could meet the actual processing requirements. And it also provides guidance for the design of low-frequency vibration-assisted drilling device.
Effectiveness and Preparedness of Institutions’ E-learning Method During COVID-19 Pandemic for residents’ medical training in Saudi Arabia: A pilot study
Authors: Alsaywid Basim , Lytras Miltiadis D. , Abuzenada Maha , Lytra Hara , Housawi Abdulrahman , Abuznadah Wesam , Alhaidar Sami A. , Apostolaki Areti , Sultan Lama , Badawoud Hala
Published: March 2021

Background: Under the urgent circumstances of COVID-19 pandemic, higher education institutions of an international scale have resorted to online education methods, exclusive or not. Among those, medical institutions are under double pressure, fighting the pandemic’s effects and, at the same time providing efficient clinical training to their residents.Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional study design. The survey’s sample included 300 medical students and residents of multiple training levels and specialties, coming from more than 15 different cities of Saudi Arabia. Filling the questionnaire required specific inclusion criteria and all obtained data were secured by Saudi Commission of Health specialty. Main objective was to evaluate the quality of e-learning methods, provided by medical universities.Results: The study found that the frequency of digital education use increased by approximately 61% during the coronavirus crisis, while almost 9 out of 10 residents have used some e-learning platform. It was reported that before the pandemic, participants’ online training was deemed to be rather ineffective, given the rate of 3.65 out of 10. However, despite the increase in e-learning use after COVID-19, many obstacles arose during adaptation process, according to our survey: lectures and training sessions were not conducted as per curriculum (56.33%); both students and instructors’ academic behavior and attitude changed (48.33%); engagement, satisfaction and motivation in class was rated low (5.93, 6.33 & 6.54 out of 10 accordingly), compared to the desired ones. Still, participants accredited e-learning as a potential mandatory tool (77.67%) and pinpointed the qualifications that in their opinion will maximize educational impact. Conclusions: The study concluded that innovative restructuring of online education should be based on defined critical success factors (technical support, content enhancement, pedagogy etc.) and if possible, set priority levels, so that a more permanent e-learning practice is achievable.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nanoparticles and Thin Films of PbS by a High-performance Procedure Using CBD
Authors: Zaragoza-Palacios Beatriz Guadalupe , Torres-Duarte Angel Roberto , Castillo Santos Jesús
Published: March 2021

In this research, nanoparticles and nanostructured thin films of lead sulfide are synthesized by using physicochemical methods at room conditions or suchlike conditions, at short reaction times; furthermore, is used simple laboratory equipment and a simplified experimental configuration. Both syntheses do not employ, ammonium or ammonia to elaborate PbS. The main used precursors for both processes are lead acetate, as the lead source, polyethyleneimine as the complexing agent, and thioacetamide, as the sulfur source. Acetylacetone has been employed as a dispersant agent to elaborate PbS nanoparticles. While the sodium hydroxide maintains a high pH, to elaborate PbS thin films. The characterizations reveal the existence of PbS nanoparticles whose size is smaller than 10nm and with a band gap of 3.35 eV. On the other hand, the resulting thin film is made up of PbS little crystallites of 22 nm in a homogeneous way and its band gap is 1.85 eV.
Assessing local and spatial uncertainty with nonparametric geostatistics
Authors: Thiesen Stephanie , Ehret Uwe
Published: March 2021

Uncertainty quantification is an important topic for many environmental studies, such as identifying zones where potentially toxic materials exist in the soil. In this work, the nonparametric geostatistical framework of histogram via entropy reduction (HER) is adapted to address local and spatial uncertainty in the context of risk of soil contamination. HER works with empirical probability distributions, coupling information theory and probability aggregation methods to estimate conditional distributions, which gives it the flexibility to be tailored for different data and application purposes. To explore the method adaptation for handling estimations of threshold-exceeding probabilities, it is used to map the risk of soil contamination by lead in the well-known dataset of the region of Swiss Jura. Its results are compared to indicator kriging (IK) and to an ordinary kriging (OK) model available in literature. For the analyzed dataset, IK and HER achieved the best performance and exhibited comparable accuracy and precision of their predictions. When compared to IK, HER has shown to be a unique approach for dealing with uncertainty estimation in a fine resolution, without the need of modeling multiple indicator variograms, correcting order-relation violations, or defining interpolation/extrapolation of distribution. Finally, to avoid the well-known smoothing effect when using point estimations (this is the case with kriging, but also with HER) and to provide maps that reflect the spatial fluctuation of the revealed reality, we demonstrate how HER can be used in combination with sequential simulation to assess spatial uncertainty (uncertainty jointly over several locations).
Status of metals in serum and urine samples of chronic kidney disease patients in a rural area of Bangladesh: an observational study
Authors: Choudhury Tasrina Rabia , Zaman Sk. Zubaer , Chowdhury Tanzina Iveen , Begum Bilkis Ara , Islam Md. Anwarul , Rahman Md. Mostafizur
Published: March 2021

The traditional causes of Chronic Kidney Damage (CKD) are Diabetes and Hypertension. However, recent studies reported the possible relations between metal exposure and CKD. This study aims to explore the status of metals in CKD patients compared to their healthy counterparts at Narayanganj, Bangladesh, through a cross-sectional study. In this study, 50 volunteers have involved; 30 CKD patients and 20 healthy controls. Five metals were measured from serum (Cu and Zn) and urine (Pb, Cd, and Cr) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Varian AA240 FS). Compared to the controls and the CKD patients were exhibited a significantly higher level of Pb and Cr in their urine samples. As expected, it was observed that the cases had higher levels of Pb, Cd, and Cr in their urine. This signifies a potential association between heavy metal exposure and CKD. The serum levels of Cu were much higher than expected for CKD patients than controls, and the Zn values were in accordance with established literature. However, the level of Zn in blood was significantly lower in the CKD group compared to the control. This data suggests that the Cu imbalance in the serum of the CKD subjects might have been related to a myriad of reasons, one of which being exposed to large concentrations of the nephrotoxic metals such as Pb and Cr in this study. Large scale epidemiological study is warranted in Bangladesh to examine environmental health in relation to nephrology.
WITHDRAWN: Examining and Investigating the Impact of Demographic Characteristics and Chronic Disease with Mortality of COVID-19: Retrospective Study
Authors: Mutair Abbas Al , Mutairi Alya Al , Alhumaid Saad , Abdullah Syed Maaz , Zaidi Abdul Rehman Zia , Al-Omari Awad
Published: March 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has burdened hospitals globally and there is currently no proven treatment available. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether demographic characteristics (age and gender) and non-communicable diseases (hypertension and diabetes mellitus) have a significant association with mortality in COVID-19 patients. Methods: This is a retrospective design where we used descriptive and inferential analysis have been employed to analyze the data. Binary logistic regression was done to study the connection between comorbidities and mortality of COVID-19. Results: 43 (86%) of the male patients were non-survivors while 7 (14%) of the female patients were survivors. The odds of non-survivors among hypertensive patients are 3.56 times higher than those who are not having a history of hypertension (HTN). The odds of non-survivors among diabetic patients are 5.17 times higher than those who are not having a history of diabetes (DM). The odds of non-survivors are 2.77 times higher among those who have a history of HTN and DM as compared to those who did not have a history of HTN and DM.Conclusions: Those patients that had a history of hypertension and diabetes had a higher probability of non-survival in contrast to those who did not have a history of diabetes and hypertension. Further studies are required to study the association of comorbidities with COVID-19 and mortality.
Oxidative Torrefaction of Sunflower Husk Pellets in the Kaolin Layer
Authors: Islamova Svetlana , Ermolaev Denis , Bulygina Kseny
Published: March 2021

In this paper oxidative torrefaction of sunflower husk pellets in the kaolin layer was firstly investigated. Besides, influence of kaolin without use of special additives on limitation of the oxygen flow from environment into the sunflower husk was analyzed. Torrefaction temperature, torrefaction time, and height of kaolin layer over the range of 240–280°C, 30–60 min, and 3–5 cm, respectively were varied. Analysis showed that increase of temperature led to more significant influence of layer height on mass yield. Energy yield gradually decreased with increasing torrefaction temperature and torrefaction time, and height of kaolin layer had the opposite effect on the energy yield. With the increase of torrefaction intensity, drier fuel with higher hydrophobicity was formed. Torrefaction resulted to biomass destruction, although the fiber structure was retained.
Cyclotron Production of 225Ac from an electroplated 226Ra Target
Authors: Nagatsu Kotaro , Suzuki Hisashi , Fukada Masami , Ito Taku , Ichinose Jun , Honda Yoshio , Minegishi Katsuyuki , Higashi Tatsuya , Zhang Ming-Rong
Published: March 2021

Purpose
We demonstrate a cyclotron production of high-quality 225Ac using an electroplated 226Ra target.
Methods
All 226Ra used in this work was extracted from legacy Ra sources using a chelating resin. The subsequent ion-exchange purification gave pure 226Ra with a certain amount of carrier Ba. The radium target was prepared by electroplating. We successfully deposited about 1 mg (mCi) of 226Ra on a target box. Activation was performed by 16.5 MeV protons (on the target) at 20 µA for 5 h as the maximum. Purification of 225Ac as well as 226Ra recovery was performed using two functional resins with various concentrations of nitric acid. Cooling of the intermediate 225Ac for 2–3 weeks decayed the major byproduct of 226Ac and increased the radionuclidic purity of 225Ac. Then the same separation protocol was repeated to provide high-quality 225Ac.
Results
We obtained 225Ac at a yield of about 2.4 MBq (65 µCi) at EOB, and the subsequent primal purification gave 1.7 MBq (48 µCi) of 225Ac with 226Ac/225Ac ratio of < 4% at 4 d from EOB. Additional cooling time coupled with the repeated separation procedure (secondary purification) effectively increased the 225Ac (4n + 1 series) radionuclidic purity up to 99+%, which showed a similar identification to a commercially available 225Ac originating from a 229Th/225Ac generator.
Conclusion
The 226Ra(p,2n)225Ac reaction and the appropriate purification procedure has the potential to be a major alternative pathway for 225Ac production and can be performed in any facility with a compact cyclotron to address the increasing demand for 225Ac.
Topological phases, topological phase transition, and bulk-edge correspondence of magnetized cold plasmas
Authors: Fu Yichen , Qin Hong
Published: March 2021

Plasmas have been recently studied as topological materials. We attempt at a comprehensive picture of the topological phases and the bulk-edge correspondence of magnetized cold plasmas. We find that there are 10 topological phases in the parameter space of density n, magnetic field B, and parallel wavenumber k_z, separated by the surfaces of Langmuir wave-L wave resonance, Langmuir wave-cyclotron wave resonance, and zero magnetic field. For fixed B and k_z, only the phase transition at the Langmuir wave-cyclotron wave resonance corresponds to edge modes. A sufficient and necessary condition for the existence of this new type of edge modes is given and verified by numerical solutions. The edge modes fall into four categories characterized by different behaviors of the Fermi arcs. We demonstrate that edge modes exist not only on a plasma-vacuum interface but also on more general plasma-plasma interfaces. This finding broadens the possible applications of these exotic excitations in space and laboratory plasmas.
Improving Cyclability of Lithium Metal Anode via Constructing Atomic Interlamellar Ion Channel for Lithium Sulfur Battery
Authors: Yang Mao , Jue Nan , Chen Yuanfu , Wang Yong
Published: March 2021

The lithium (Li) ions uniform through the region between separator and lithium anode deliver the critical feature for the achievement of even Li deposition, which is very important for the safe operation of lithium metal batteries, especially for the Li-sulfur (Li-S) battery. The commercial separators such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE) prepared by a wet or dry processes, however, allow the generation of plentiful porosities, resulting in the uneven Li ion stripping/platting and finally the formation of Li dendrites. Thence, we construct an atomic interlamellar ion channel by introducing the layered montmorillonite (MMT) on the surface of separator to guide the Li ion flux and achieve the stable Li deposition. The atomic interlamellar ion channel with a spacing of 1.4 nm has strong absorption capacity to the electrolyte and reserve capacity for the Li ions, thus promoting rapidly transfer of Li ions and making an even deposition of Li ions at the anode. As a result, when assembled with the proposed separator, the Coulombic efficiency (CE) of Li||Cu batteries archives 98.2 % after 200 cycles and the Li||Li symmetric batteries actualize their stable platting/stripping even after 800 h. Importantly, the proposed separator allows 140 % specific capacity increase after 190 cycles as employing the Li-S batteries.
Mapping and genetic overlapping of QTLs related to drought and heat tolerances in spring wheat
Authors: Shi Lei , Bai Haibo , Zhu Yongxing , Lv Xuelian , Li Shuhua , Hui Jian , Ye Xingguo , Dong Jianli
Published: March 2021

Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping associated with wheat drought and heat tolerances was characterized in this study. There were 25, 25, 23 and 17 QTLs controlling chlorophyll content, leaf water content, spike grain weight and thousand-kernel weight, respectively. The QTLs related to drought tolerance were located on 7 wheat chromosomes with a phenotypic contribution rate of 9.38–34.20%, related to heat tolerance on 9 wheat chromosomes with a phenotypic contribution rate of 9.03–35.55%, and related to combined drought and heat tolerances on 11 wheat chromosomes with a phenotypic contribution rate of 9.09–33.11%, respectively. Among them, 35 QTLs were newly located, in which 16 were associated with heat tolerance, and 19 associated with combined drought and heat tolerances. We found 2 overlapping sites related to drought tolerance on chromosomes 2A and 3B, 3 overlapping sites related to heat tolerance on chromosomes 2A, 7B and 6D, and 4 overlapping sites related to combined tolerances for drought and heat on chromosomes 2A, 2B and 4D. The overlapping QTLs with stable expression under different environmental stresses were located on chromosomes 2A (gwm294-wmc644), 3B (wmc808-wmc78) and 7B (wmc83-wmc276). The overlapping loci involving in pleiotropism or a close linkage have high phenotypic contribution rates and environmental stability.
Cardiovascular mortality risk among patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms：a registry-based analysis
Authors: Sun Shenghong , Wang Wei , He Chiyi
Published: March 2021

Background
The research aimed to explore mortality patterns and quantitatively assess risks of cardiovascular mortality (CVM) in patients with primary gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs).
Methods
We extracted data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database for patients diagnosed with GEP-NENs between 2000 and 2015. Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and the absolute excess risk were obtain based on the reference of general US population. The cumulative incidence function curves were constructed by all causes of death. Predictors for CVM were identified using multivariate competing risk model.
Results
Overall, 42027 patients were enrolled from the SEER database, of which 1598 (3.8%) died from cardiovascular disease (CVD). The SMR for CVM was 1.20 (95%CI: 1.14–1.26) among GEP-NENs patients. The cumulative mortality of CVD was the lowest in all causes of death, including primary cancer, other cancer, and other non-cancer disease. Furthermore, age of diagnosis, race, Hispanic origin, gender, marital status, year of diagnosis, grade, education level, region, SEER stage, primary site, surgery and chemotherapy were identified as independent predictors of CVM in GEP-NENs patients.
Conclusions
GEP-NENs patients have a significantly increased risk of CVM in contrast to the general population. Better cardioprotective interventions might be considered as a preferred method to protect heart for GEP-NENs patients.
Evaluation of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation eligibility criteria for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients
Authors: Lee Brendan , Clay Adam , Sy Eric
Published: March 2021

Objectives
To evaluate the number of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients eligible for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in Saskatchewan and their clinical outcomes, including survival and neurological outcomes at discharge. ECPR eligibility was assessed, using clinical criteria from the University of British Columbia (UBC), University of Michigan (UM), University of California (UC) and a restrictive ECPR criteria.
Results
We performed a retrospective cohort study of 200 OHCA patients (August 1, 2017-May 31, 2019) in Regina, Saskatchewan. Sixty-one (30%) were female, the median age was 64 years (interquartile range [IQR], 52–78), the median CPR duration was 30 minutes (IQR 12–47), and 20% survived to discharge. Two (1%) patients received ECPR but did not meet any ECPR criteria. Nineteen (10%), thirty (15%), twenty-two (11%), and seven (4%) patients were ECPR-eligible, using the UBC, UM, UC, and restrictive criteria. However, none of these patients had received ECPR. Only two (11%), two (7%), two (9%), and one (14%) of these patient(s) survived to discharge, respectively. Neurological outcomes were unfavourable among all ECPR-eligible patients. Future study at our centre will be necessary on how to implement ECPR program to further improve these outcomes.
Premature neonatal gut microbial community patterns supporting an epithelial TLR-mediated pathway for necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Shaw Alexander G , Sim Kathleen , Rose Graham , Wooldridge David J. , Li Ming-Shi , Misra Raju V. , Gharbia Saheer , Kroll J. Simon
Published: March 2021

Background
Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating bowel disease, primarily affecting premature infants, with a poorly understood aetiology. Prior studies have found associations in different cases with an overabundance of particular elements of the faecal microbiota (in particular Enterobacteriaceae or Clostridium perfringens), but there has been no explanation for the different results found in different cohorts. Immunological studies have indicated that stimulation of the TLR4 receptor is involved in development of NEC, with TLR4 signalling being antagonised by the activated TLR9 receptor. We speculated that differential stimulation of these two components of the signalling pathway by different microbiota might explain the dichotomous findings of microbiota-centered NEC studies. Here we used shotgun metagenomic sequencing and qPCR to characterise the faecal microbiota community of infants prior to NEC onset and in a set of matched controls. Bayesian regression was used to segregate cases from control samples using both microbial and clinical data.
Results
We found that the infants suffering from NEC fell into two groups based on their microbiota; one with low levels of CpG DNA in bacterial genomes and the other with high abundances of organisms expressing LPS. The identification of these characteristic communities was reproduced using an external metagenomic validation dataset. We suggest that these two patterns represent the stimulation of a common pathway at extremes; the LPS leading to overstimulation of TLR4, whilst low levels of CpG fail to sufficiently stimulate TLR9.
Conclusions
The identified microbial community patterns support the concept of NEC resulting from TLR-mediated pathways. Identification of these signals suggests characteristics of the gastrointestinal microbial community to be avoided to prevent NEC. Potential pre- or pro-biotic treatments may be designed to optimise TLR signalling.
New Insight on Low-K Lettuce: From Photosynthesis to Primary and Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Xu Hong-jia , Johkan Masafumi , Maruo Toru , Kagawa Natsuko , Tsukagoshi Satoru
Published: March 2021

With the increase in dialysis patients worldwide, the demand for low-K vegetables is growing. Thus, a type of lettuce with a low-K content has been marketed in Japan. To learn more about low-K vegetables, information is needed on the physiological differences between these vegetables and those with typical levels of potassium (K). In this study, lettuces (Lactuca sativa L.) were cultivated using two low-K management methods in an environment-controlled system. One method was based on electrical conductivity (EC) management, and the K was replaced by sodium (Na) at the end of cultivation. The other method was based on quantitative nutrient management, and the nutrients required for low-K lettuce were quantitatively supplied, but no extra Na was added. Meanwhile, lettuce with normal K concentration was cultivated with EC management as the control. Plant growth indices, leaf photosynthesis traits, chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics, concentrations of secondary metabolites (SMs), and antioxidant activity were examined to investigate the physiological effects of low-K and high-Na concentrations during low-K lettuce cultivation. Both low-K treatments significantly restrained the growth of lettuce and increased the concentration of soluble sugar. However, photosynthesis and fluorescence characteristics remained unchanged. This indicates that the biomass reduction of low-K lettuce was due to the wasteful accumulation of carbohydrates rather than the decline in photosynthesis. Concentrations of SMs were increased in the low-K lettuce. In addition, higher concentrations of Na influenced the concentration of SMs, indicating that SMs were more sensitive to environmental stress.
Women’s Transition to Entrepreneurs from Professional and Managerial Careers in Organizations
Authors: Untarini Nindria , Sayyida Sayyida , Seno Dwiarko Nugroho
Published: March 2021

Careers have different dimensions, they  can be developed in an organization and  in individual way.  Organizations no longer have a role in creating careers, but individuals develop careers using the organization as a tool or medium. Changes in the external and internal environment in the organization are the basic conditions why individual career dares to change. The research aimed to explore senior female managers' phenomenon that left professional and managerial careers in organizations to be entrepreneurs. Structured and in-depth interviews were conducted with 25 female entrepreneurs who had left senior manager positions at the companies. Qualitative research approaches were carried out to explore what motivated female entrepreneurs to make a career transition and how the career transition process was done. Then, the Critical Incident Technique was used to analyze the data to get responses regarding female entrepreneurs' perceptions of career transitions. From the results, there are four main categories: personal, organizational life, value and integrity, and capital. Then, there are also nine subcategories: independence and individualism, strong encouragement and family support, professional and personal life balance, organizational life, values, integrity, partner ties, mentor ties, and human capital. The personal category causes more women to make a career transition, followed by capital, value and integrity, and organizational life categories.
Vraag & Antwoord
Authors: Pardon B. , Peelman L. , Porters N. , de Rooster H.
Published: March 2021

Listeriose op melkgeitenbedrijven
Dalende genetische diversiteit bij hondenrassen
Effect van vroegtijdige castratie/sterilisatie van kittens
Vraag & Antwoord
Authors: Polis I. , Oosterlinck M. , Schauvlieghe S. , Vandenabeele S.
Published: March 2021

Anesthetica voor een keizersnede bij de teef
Het gebruik van gabapentine bij paarden
Urticaria bij het paard
Vraag & Antwoord
Authors: Rijsselaere T. , Lefère L.
Published: March 2021

Sperma-afname en -onderzoek bij de reu
Sperma-afname en -onderzoek bij de kater
Mok bij het paard

 
Vraag & Antwoord
Authors: Porters N. , Naassens P. , Ververs C.
Published: March 2021

Vroegcastratie bij asielkatten
Flank- of middellijncastratie bij kittens
Nuttige links betreffende de exportvoorwaarden van honden
Het 'maken' van een zoekstier
Vraag & Antwoord
Authors: Pardon B. , Sarre C. , Claerebout E.
Published: March 2021

"Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome" bij kalveren
Lintwormbesmetting in schapenkudden
Preventie van strongylideninfecties bij paarden
Vraag & Antwoord
Authors: De Schauwer C. , Pluym L.
Published: March 2021

De voedingsbodem van kunstmatig vlees
Kreupelheid en metaalintoxicatie bij varkens: is er een verband?

 
Vraag & Antwoord
Authors: Pardon B. , Hellebuyck T.
Published: March 2021

Behandeling van ileus bij het kalf
Wetgeving omtrent het houden van reptielen
Het chippen van een landschildpad
Vraag & Antwoord
Authors: Claerebout E. , Arsenakis L. , Vansteenkiste K. , Maes D.
Published: March 2021

Het ontwormen van ezels en paardenveulens
Trombocytopenische purpura bij zuigende biggen
RUANG SAKRAL DAN PROFAN DALAM ARSITEKTUR MASJID AGUNG DEMAK, JAWA TENGAH
Authors: Ramadhana Dwindi , Dharoko Atyanto
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTDemak Great Mosque is a mosque of historical heritage during the Islamic kingdoms in the 14th century. Until now, this mosque still has an important share for the community as a place of religious worship and considered sacred. Against this background and the social conditions of society have developed, there is an indication that the Great Mosque of Demak has its own meaning on the spaces within the mosque-related to sacred and profane. The purpose of this research is to identify the sacred and profane space in the architecture of the Grand Mosque of Demak and identify the factors that influence the formation of the properties of the space. This research uses rationalistic approach and deductive qualitative method. The result of this study reveals that in its use, the spaces at the Great Mosque of Demak are divided into a room that is not worldly (sacred) and the room that is worldly (profane). Space that is (not worldly) is liwan and pawestren. While the worldly room is pawestren and porch. Factors affecting the sanctity of space are physical barriers and holiness of worship space. While sanctity becomes a legitimate requirement of worship activities, so it becomes the main requirement of the sacred or not a place.Keywords: Demak, Mosque, Profane, Sacred ABSTRAKMasjid Agung Demak adalah masjid warisan sejarah selama kerajaan Islam di abad ke-14. Hingga saat ini, masjid ini masih memiliki andil penting bagi masyarakat sebagai tempat ibadah dan dianggap sakral. Dengan latar belakang ini dan kondisi sosial masyarakat telah berkembang, ada indikasi bahwa Masjid Agung Demak memiliki maknanya sendiri di ruang-ruang di dalam masjid yang berkaitan dengan sakral dan profan. Tujuan dari Kajian ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi ruang sakral dan profan dalam arsitektur Masjidil Haram dan mengidentifikasi faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi terbentuknya sifat ruang. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan rasionalistik dan metode kualitatif deduktif. Hasil Kajian ini mengungkapkan bahwa dalam penggunaannya, ruang di Masjid Agung Demak terbagi menjadi ruangan yang tidak bersifat duniawi (sakral) dan ruangan yang bersifat duniawi (profan). Ruang yang (bukan duniawi) adalah liwan dan pawestren. Sedangkan ruang duniawi adalah pawestren dan serambi. Faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi kesucian ruang adalah penghalang fisik dan kesucian ruang ibadah. Sedangkan kesucian menjadi kebutuhan ibadah yang sah, sehingga menjadi kebutuhan utama yang sakral atau bukan tempat.Kata kunci: Demak, Masjid, Profane, Sakral