bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An oral absorbent, AST-120, Restores Vascular Growth and Blood Flow in Ischemic Muscles in Diabetic Mice via Modulation of Macrophage Transition
Authors: Huang Hsin-Lei , Kuo Chin-Sung , Chang Ting-Yung , Chou Ruey-Hsing , Chen I-Chun , Yang Fu-Chen , Chen Nien-Jung , Tarng Der-Cherng , Lin Shing-Jong , Wu Chih-Cheng , Huang Po-Hsun
Published: May 2020

Background

Diabetes has a pronounced effect on the peripheral vasculature. The accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is regarded as the crucial mechanism responsible for vascular damage in diabetes, but it is not easy to be avoided from food. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of an oral absorbent, AST-120, on the accumulation of AGEs and changes in blood flow recovery in diabetic mice.
Methods

The mice were divided into four groups, wild-type (WT) mice without treatment, WT mice treated with 5% AST-120 mixed into with pulverized chow, streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus (DM) mice, and DM mice treated with 5% AST-120. Six weeks after hind-limb ischemia surgery, blood flow reperfusion, histology, plasma AGE, and cytokine were examined. Bone marrow cells were cultured and derived into macrophages to evaluate the effects of AGEs on macrophage polarization.
Results

Plasma AGEs were significantly increased in diabetic mice. AST-120 could bind to AGEs and reduced their plasma concentrations. Histological analysis revealed fewer collateral vessels with corresponding impairment of blood flow recovery in diabetic mice. In these mice, AGE-positive and AGE receptor-positive macrophages were numerous in ischemic limbs when compared with non- diabetic mice. In diabetic mice, macrophages in ischemic tissues demonstrated greater M1 polarization than M2 polarization; this pattern was reversed in the AST-120 treatment group. The change in macrophage polarization was associated with corresponding expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic cytokines in the ischemic tissues. In cell cultures, AGEs triggered the transformation of bone marrow-derived macrophages into M1 phenotype. The alterations in the polarization of macrophages were reversed after treatment with AST-120.
Conclusions

Oral administration of AST-120 decreased the serum levels of AGEs in diabetic mice and improved neovascularization of ischemic limbs. This benefit may be due to, at least partially, the alterations in macrophage polarization and the associated changes in inflammatory and angiogenic cytokines.
Factors Affecting Patient Safety Culture in Terms of Compliance With Practices Promoting Prevention of Bloodborne Pathogens Among General Hospital Nurses
Authors: Kim Na young , Moon kyoung ja
Published: May 2020

Background: The present study aims to investigate the effects of patient safety culture on the prevention of transmitting bloodborne pathogens among nurses at a general hospital. Methods: The participants were 284 nurses working at a general hospital located in P city, and the data were collected between April 26 and May 15, 2019. Questionnaires on patient safety culture and prevention of bloodborne pathogens were used, and the data were examined on SPSS version 22.0 using frequency analysis, percentages, mean, standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and hierarchical regression analysis. Results: The results showed that the following factors affected the prevention of bloodborne pathogens: experience of needle stick and sharp injuries (β=-0.94), teamwork (β=0.41), knowledge and attitude toward patient safety (β=0.34), leadership (β=0.15), and priority of patient safety (β=0.14). The model's explanatory power was 53% (F=32.26, p=<0.001).Conclusions:In order to increase the compliance of general hospital nurses with the practices that promote prevention of bloodborne pathogens, it is necessary to actively prevent needle stick and sharp injuries.It is also necessary to prioritize patient safety, and to develop and verify the effects of various programs that emphasize factors of patient safety culture, such as leadership, teamwork, knowledge, and attitude.
Vascular NRP2 triggers PNET angiogenesis via activating SSH1-cofilin axis
Authors: luo xi , He Jiang-yi , Xu Jie , Hu Shao-yi , Mo Bang-hui , Shu Qiu-xia , Chen Can , Gong Yu-zhu , Zhao Xiao-long , Xie Gan-feng , Yu Song-tao
Published: May 2020

Background
Angiogenesis is a critical step in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour (PNET) growth and may be a selective target for PNET therapy. However, PNET is robustly resistant to current antiangiogenic therapies which primarily target the VEGFR pathway. Thus, PNET angiogenesis mechanism was urgently to be clarified.
Methods
Dataset analysis was used to identify PNET angiogenesis related genes. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine relation among Neuropilin 2 (NRP2), VEGFR2 and CD31. Cell proliferation, wound-healing and tube formation assay were investigated to clarify the function of NRP2 in angiogenesis. The mechanism involved in NRP2 inducing angiogenesis was detected by mutant construction, Western blot, and immunofluorescence assay. In vivo, mice model was performed to evaluate the effect of NRP2 antibody, and clinical data was recruited to verify association between NRP2 and patients prognosis.
Results
NRP2, a VEGFR2 co-receptor, positively correlated with vascularity rather than with VEGFR2 in PNET tissues. NRP2 promoted PNET cell medium-treated HUVEC cell migration via a VEGF/VEGFR2-independent pathway. Moreover, NRP2 induced F-actin polymerization by activating the actin-binding protein cofilin. Mechanistically, cofilin phosphatase slingshot-1 (SSH1) was highly expressed involved in NRP2-activating cofilin. Silencing SSH1 rescued NRP2-activated HUVEC cell migration and F-actin polymerization. Furthermore, blocking NRP2 in vivo suppressed PNET angiogenesis and tumour growth. High NRP2 expression was associated with poor prognosis in PNET patients.
Conclusion
Vascular NRP2 promotes PNET angiogenesis via activating SSH1/cofilin/actin axis. Our findings demonstrate NRP2 to be an important regulator of angiogenesis and potential therapeutic target of anti-angiogenesis therapy for PNET.
Establishing a Comprehensive Anti-aging Research Center: Experiences and Challenges
Authors: Chen Xin , Ge Jianli , Huang Jiaoling , Geng Shasha , Li Qingqing , Zhu Yingqian , Yuan Huixiao , Wang Zhaoxin , Jiang Hua
Published: May 2020

Introduction: Age-related diseases have become the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Anti-aging researches both at the population and individual levels are still urgently needed. Establishing comprehensive anti-aging research centers is crucial to advancing anti-aging researches. However, few studies have shown guidelines for establishing a comprehensive anti-aging research center. We aim to describe the establishment of a comprehensive anti-aging center, summarize the initial experiences, and discuss limitations, strengths and challenges. Methods: The establishment contains three phases (from October, 2017 to January, 2020), the first phase is assessing the need for anti-aging research by reviewing relevant literatures and investigating the elderly population. The second phase is interpreting the aging-related policies by searching and analyzing China's aging-related policies in recent years on government websites. The third phase is completing the protocol of establishing the center, raising funds for the establishment of the center and selecting the adequate equipment. Results: In phase one, we find improving strategies at the population and individual levels are still needed. Through establishing elderly cohort, we find that many elderly people are with high risk factors of aging. In phase two, we find many age-related policies have been unveiled. In phase three, we complete the protocol of establishing the center based on the results of phase one and two. We also have raised funds and selected equipment for the center. Conclusion: With limited guideline for establishing a comprehensive anti-aging research center, the experience in this paper might help other institutions to build anti-aging research center or program. KEY WORDS: anti-aging; research center; establishing; experience; challenge
Poor Eating Habits and Predictors of Weight Gain During the COVID-19 Quarantine Measures in Kuwait: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: ALMughamis Nouf S , AlAsfour Shaimaa , Mehmood Shariq
Published: May 2020

Objective Despite the public health importance of documenting the burden of physical inactivity and weight gain, there is a paucity of such data in Kuwait during the lockdown for Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, this survey was designed to estimate: the burden of poor eating habits particularly binge eating habits, fluctuations in weight and its predictors among the Kuwaiti public. Results There was a total of 522 valid respondents, with a mean age of 41.78 (11.75) years. There was a significant increase in weight of respondents during the quarantine (mean difference= -1.13, SD 5.39, t= -4.52, p < 0.001). Those with reporting unhealthy diets were 4.5 times more likely to report an increase in weight. Those reporting having anxiety throughout the day were 2.45 times more likely and those consuming snacks excessively were associated with 3.27 times higher odds of increase in weight than those not consuming it.
An observational study of initial HIV RNA decay following initiation of combination antiretroviral treatment during pregnancy
Authors: Alagaratnam Jasmini , Peters Helen , Francis Kate , Kay Natasha , Gilleece Yvonne , Finnerty Fionnuala P , Grimes Rosanna E , Parry Sarah , Portman Mags , Wait Brenton C , Shah Rimi , Roedling Sherie , Hawkins David A , Chitty Sarah , Sarner Liat , Marcus Rebecca , Hartley Anna , Nori Achyuta V , Rosenvinge Melanie , Taylor Graham P
Published: May 2020

Background
In pregnancy, reduction of HIV plasma viral load (pVL) for the prevention of vertical transmission is time-constrained. The study primary objective is to investigate factors associated with faster initial HIV RNA half-life decay when combination antiretroviral treatment (cART) is initiated in pregnancy.
Methods
This was a multicentre, retrospective, observational study, conducted in south England, United Kingdom, between August 2001–February 2018. Data were extracted from case notes of eligible women initiating cART during the index pregnancy. Anonymised data were collated and analysed centrally. Regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with faster HIV RNA half-life decay in the first 14 days after commencing cART (first-phase), and with achieving an undetectable maternal pVL by 36 weeks’ gestation. We then assessed whether HIV- and obstetric- related parameters differed by antiretroviral third agent class and whether the proportions of women with undetectable pVL at 36 weeks’ gestation and at delivery differed by antiretroviral third agent class.
Results
Baseline pVL was the only independent factor associated with faster first-phase HIV RNA half-life decay on commencing cART. Lower pVL on day 14 after starting cART was associated with an increased likelihood of achieving an undetectable pVL by 36 weeks’ gestation. Integrase inhibitor-based cART was associated with a faster first-phase HIV RNA half-life decay on commencing cART. Overall, 73% and 85% of women had an undetectable pVL at 36 weeks’ gestation and at delivery respectively, with no significant difference by antiretroviral third agent class.
Conclusions
Only high baseline pVL independently contributed to a faster rate of first-phase viral half-life decay. pVL at 14 days after initiating cART allows early identification of treatment failure. In the first 14 days after initiating cART in pregnancy, integrase inhibitor-based cART reduced maternal pVL faster than protease inhibitor- and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase-based cART. While our study findings support INSTI use when initiated in pregnancy especially when initiated at later gestations and in those with higher baseline pVL, other non-INSTI based cART with more data on safety in pregnancy also performed well.
PCR-reverse blot hybridization assay in respiratory specimens for rapid detection and differentiation of mycobacteria in HIV-negative population
Authors: Zhang Qing , Xiao He-ping , Yan Liping
Published: May 2020

Objective: Rapid identification of pathogenic Mycobacterium species is critical for a successful treatment. However, traditional method is time-consuming and cannot discriminate isolated NTM to species level. In the retrospective study, we evaluated the clinical applicability of PCR-reverse blot hybridization assay (PCR-REBA) with clinical specimens for rapid detection and differentiation of mycobacterial species. Methods: A total of 334 sputum and 362 bronchial alveolar lavage fluids (BALF) from 696 patients with mycobacterium pulmonary disease and 210 patients with non-mycobacterium pulmonary disease used as controls were analyzed. Sputum samples or BALF were obtained for MGIT 960 and PCR-REBA. To confirm mycobacterium species inconsistently identified by the two different assays, high resolution melting (HRM) analysis was performed. Results: A total of 334 sputum and 362 BALF specimens from 696 patients with mycobacterium pulmonary disease (292 MTB and 404 NTM) were eventually analyzed. In total, 292 MTBC and 436 NTM isolates (co-infection of two species in 32 specimens) across 10 Mycobacterium species were identified. The most frequently isolated NTM species were M. intracellulare (n=236, 54.1%), M. abscessus (n=106, 24.3%), M. kansasii (n=46, 10.6%), M. avium (n=36, 8.3%). Twenty-two cases had mixed infection with both M. intracellulare and M. abscessus and ten cases had mixed infection with both M. avium and M. abscessus. A high level of agreement (n=696; 94.5%) was found between MGIT 960 and PCR-REBA (k = 0.845, P = 0.000). PCR-REBA had the higher AUC than MGIT 960 for both MTBC and NTM. Conclusion: PCR-REBA is helpful for rapid mycobacterial species identification with low cost and simplicity and therefore recommending its routine use.
Immune profiles of male giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) during breeding season
Authors: shen haibo , Li Caiwu , He Ming , Huang Yan , Wang Jing , Wang Minglei , Yue Bisong , Zhang Xiuyue
Published: May 2020

Background
The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), regarded as the flagship species of conservation, is a most threatened species endemic to China. Life history theory proposes that reproduction and immunity can be mutually constraining and interrelated. The immunity changes of male giant pandas during reproduction is not clear.
Results
Here, we did research on peripheral blood gene expression profiles associated with immunity. 13 giant pandas with ages ranging from 9 to 11 years old were divided into two groups depending on whether or not they were in breeding season. We identified 318 up-regulated DEGs and 43 down-regulated DEGs, which were enriched in 87 GO terms and 6 KEGG pathways. What’s more, we obtained 45 immune-related genes with altered expression, mostly up-regulated, and identified four hub genes HSPA4, SUGT1, SOD1 and IL1B in PPI analysis. These genes were related to pattern recognition receptors, autophagy, peroxisome, proteasome, natural killer cell, antigen processing and presentation. Our results suggest that most immune-related genes were up-regulated and more related to innate immune than adaptive immune.
Conclusions
Male giant pandas presented an immunoenhancement in innate immunity, enhanced antigen presentation and processing in cellular immunity, and a low humoral immunity during breeding season. This study will provide a foundation for further studies of immunity and reproduction in giant pandas.
Are There Effects of Antiretroviral Usage, Caregiver Stigma, Caregiver Burden, and Caregiver Coping on the Quality of Life of Indonesian Children with HIV/AIDS?
Authors: Putera Azwin Mengindra , Irwanto Irwanto , Maramis Margarita Maria
Published: May 2020

Background

Antiretroviral (ARV) therapy has changed human immunodeficiency virus infections and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) into chronic medical conditions. These conditions affect the quality of life of Indonesian children with HIV/AIDS. The aimed was analyzing the influence of ARV usage, caregiver stigma, caregiver burden, and caregiver coping on the quality of life of Indonesian children with HIV/AIDS.
Methods

Participants in this study were caregiver for Indonesian children with HIV/AIDS. This study measured ARV usage, caregiver stigma, caregiver burden, caregiver coping, and quality of life in Indonesian children with HIV/AIDS. Measurement data were analyzed using logistic regression test and ANOVA, test with p < 0.05.
Results

HIV/AIDS Indonesian children aged 7.7 ± 3.68 years, with an average participant age of 40.2 ± 11.26 years. Most participants were biological parents of Indonesian children with HIV/AIDS (64.2%) and female (56.6%). Participants stated that all Indonesian children with HIV/AIDS tend to keep their health status confidential. Most HIV/AIDS Indonesian children regularly used ARV (83.0%) and had a good quality of life (71.7%; β = 0.683; p < 0.001). Caregiver stigma value was 21.7 ± 2.06, with a median value of 22 (15–26; β = 0.064; p = 0.548). Participants had moderate and mild caregiver burden, with percentage of 50.9% and 49.1%, respectively (β = 0.058; p = 0.593). Caregiver coping value was 77.2 ± 7.30 (β = -0.196; p = 0.049).
Conclusions

There is an influence of the use of ARV drugs and caregiver coping with the quality of life of Indonesian children with HIV/AIDS. Regular ARV use improves quality of life, while the higher the caregiver coping, the lower the quality of life.
Bacterial Community Research of Migratory Bird in Chifeng, Neimeng via High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: zheng Lin , Zhu Ling-Wei , Guan Jia-yao , Wang Ying , Jing Jie , Liang Bing , Ji Xue , Chen Ping , Guo Xue-Jun
Published: May 2020

Background: In August 2018, a large number of migratory birds died in Chifeng, Neimeng. We were entrusted by local animal disease prevention and control center to collect the migratory bird epidemic materials and their living environmental water, and in 2019, we collect the local migratory bird stool and their living environmental water again. The bacterial communities in migratory bird epidemic materials, water and aquatic plants are profifiled by high-throughput sequencing of the V3–V4 hypervariable region of 16S rDNA gene.Results: We found that the dominant phylum between migratory bird epidemic materials, water and aquatic plant were Proteobacteia, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria and Verrucomicrobia in 2018. One year later, we found that the dominant phylum between migratory bird stool, water and aquatic plant were Proteobacteia, Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidetes. The relative abundance among bacterial phylum notably differed between two years. The relative abundance of Fusobacteria and Verrucomicrobia were higher in samples in 2018, while that of Cyanobacteria was higher in water, 2019. The relative abundance of Fusobacteria in migratory bird epidemic materials began to decline in the later period over time. At genus level, the relative abundance of Vibrio, Clostridium and other patnogenic bacteria decreased markedly and disappeared in 2019. The salt content and pH show a downward trend.Conclusions: Differences in diet and geographical location can lead to diversification in migratory bird intestinal flora. It is necessary to pay attention to diversification in intestinal flora of migratory birds, especially the abundance of vibrio in intestine. The overall structure of intestinal flora and relative abundance changes of various species are showed intuitively by 16S rDNA amplicon. But comparing to PCR which using specific primers, the accuracy and sensitivity are relatively poor. In the case of purposeful detection, it can be used in combination with both 16S rDNA amplicon and PCR which using specific primers. They are more accurately, because of supplement each other.
Predicting Target Profiles with Confidence as a Service using Docking Scores
Authors: Ahmed Laeeq , Alogheli Hiba , Arvidsson Staffan , Alvarsson Jonathan , Berg Arvid , Larsson Anders , Schaal Wesley , Laure Erwin , Spjuth Ola
Published: May 2020

Background Identifying and assessing ligand-target binding is a core component in early drug discovery as one or more unwanted interactions may be associated with safety issues. Contributions We present an open-source, extendable web service for predicting target profiles with confidence using machine learning for a panel of 7 targets, where models are trained on molecular docking scores from a large virtual library. The method uses conformal prediction to produce valid measures of prediction efficiency for a particular confidence level. The service also offers the possibility to dock chemical structures to the panel of targets with QuickVina on individual compound basis. Results The docking procedure and resulting models were validated by docking well-known inhibitors for each of the 7 targets using QuickVina. The model predictions showed comparable performance to molecular docking scores against an external validation set. The implementation as publicly available microservices on Kubernetes ensures resilience, scalability, and extensibility.
Using a rank-based design in estimating prevalence of breast cancer
Authors: Mahdizadeh Mahdi , Zamanzade Ehsan
Published: May 2020

The authors have removed this preprint from Research Square.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from dairy wastewater effluent: bacterial accumulation, structural characterization and physical properties
Authors: Pagliano Giorgia , Gugliucci Wanda , Torrieri Elena , Piccolo Alessandro , Cangemi Silvana , Giuseppe Fabio A Di , Robertiello Alessandro , Faraco Vincenza , Pepe Olimpia , Ventorino Valeria
Published: May 2020

Background to establish bioplastics the real alternative to conventional plastics, high production costs have to be constrained by using different kind of wastewater streams as organic substrate and novel microbial strains as accumulating bacteria with high performance. Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) from effluent of dairy wastewater biodigestion represent a new and cheap feedstock used in this study for biopolymers production through microbial processes.Results Cupriavidus necator DSM 13513 was particularly able to accumulate PHAs operating in fed-batch mode by limiting oxygen level together with intermittent feeding of carbon source with the maximum PHB accumulated in 48 h without compromising the microbial growth. The complex VFA mixture from digestate did not influence the PHA homopolymer accumulation. In fact, structural characterization by NMR analysis revealed the 3-hydroxybutirrate synthesis (PHB) by C. necator DSM 13513 grown with these different VFAs mixtures. Moreover, the bioplastic disk obtained C. necator DSM 13513 cells grown on VFA from digested dairy waste effluent, presented good thermic properties and low affinity to water.Conclusions overall results making the digested dairy waste effluent suitable for PHB production for specific bio-based industrial applications.
A prognostic model for predicting recurrence-free survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Wang Wenhua , Wang Lingchen , Xie Xinsheng , Yan Yehong , Li Yue , Lu Quqin
Published: May 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the most frequent liver cancer, accounting for approximately 90% of primary liver cancers worldwide. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) of HCC patients is a critical factor in devising a personal treatment plan. Thus, it is necessary to accurately forecast the prognosis of HCC patients in clinical practice. Using the The Cancer Genome Atlas （TCGA） dataset, we identified genes that are associated with RFS. A robust likelihood-based survival modeling approach was used to select the best genes for the prognostic model. Then, the GSE76427 dataset was used to evaluate the prognostic model’s effectiveness. We identified 1331 differentially expressed genes associated with RFS. Seven of these genes were selected to generate the prognostic model. Validation in both the TCGA cohort and the GEO cohort demonstrated that the 7-gene prognostic model has the capability of predicting the RFS of HCC patients. Meanwhile, the result of multivariate Cox regression showed that the 7-gene prognostic model could work as an independent prognostic factor. In addition, according to the time dependent ROC curve, the 7-gene prognostic model performed better in predicting the RFS of the training set and the external validation dataset than the classical TNM staging and BCLC. What’s more, these seven genes were found to be related to the occurrence and development of liver cancer by exploring other three databases. Our study identified a seven-gene signature for HCC RFS prediction that is a novel and convenient prognostic tool. The seven genes might provide potential target genes for metabolic therapy and the treatment of HCC.
Test re-test reliability of single and multijoint strength properties in female Australian footballers
Authors: Kadlec Daniel , Jordan Matthew J. , Snyder Leanne , Alderson Jacqueline , Nimphius Sophia
Published: May 2020

Purpose
To examine the test re-test reliability of isometric maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) of hip adduction (ADDISO), hip abduction (ABDISO), and multijoint leg extension (SQUATISO) in recreationally trained female Australian footballers.
Methods
Data were collected from 24 female Australian footballers (age: 22.6 ± 4.5 y; height: 169.4 ± 5.5 cm; body mass: 66.6 ± 8.0 kg; 4.5 ± 4.4 sport-specific training; 2.5 ± 2.0 resistance training years) from the same club on two non-consecutive days. Participants performed 3 isometric MVCs of ADDISO, ABDISO and SQUATISO. The SQUATISO was performed at 140° knee flexion with a vertical trunk position and ADDISO and ABDISO measures were performed in a supine position at 60° of knee flexion and 60° hip flexion. Reliability was assessed using paired T-tests and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), typical error (TE) and coefficient of variation (CV%) with 95% CI.
Results
SQUATISO peak force (ICC: .95; CV%: 4.1), ABDISO for left, right and sum (ICC: .90 – .92; CV%: 5.0–5.7), and ADDISO for left right and sum (ICC: .86 − .91; CV%: 6.2–6.9) were deemed acceptably reliable based on predetermined criteria (ICC ≥ .8 and CV% ≤ 10).
Conclusion
SQUATISO, ABDISO and ADDISO tests demonstrated acceptable reliability for the assessment of peak force in recreational female Australian footballers, suggesting these assessments are suitable for muscle strength testing and monitoring adaptations to training.
Phylogeny and genetic relationship between hard ticks (Ixodidae) infesting cattle collected from selected areas of a wildlife-livestock interface ecosystem of Mikumi National Park, Tanzania.
Authors: Damian Donath , Damas Modester , Wensman Jonas Johansson , Berg Mikael
Published: May 2020

Background:

There is substantial increase in the number of tick species and tick-borne infectious agents in Tanzania. Due to their impact on human, livestock and wild animal health, increased knowledge of ticks is highly needed. So far, no published data on the phylogeny and the genetic distance between hard ticks collected from cattle is available in Tanzania.
Methods

Ticks from cattle in 9 wards, which lie at the border of Mikumi National Park, were collected in dry season (November and December) 2019. Morphological identification of ticks was initially performed to genus level. To identify ticks to species level, molecular analysis based on mitochondrion 16S rRNA gene was performed. The evolutionary relationships and genetic distance between ticks were determined using Maximum Likelihood and Kimura 2-parameter methods respectively.
Results

On the basis of morphology, two genera (Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma) were identified of the 630 adult ticks collected from a total of 252 cattle. Six species; R. microplus, R. evertsi, H. marginatum, H. rufipes, H. truncatum and H. turanicum were confirmed by BLASTn and phylogenetic analysis. The considerably mean and pairwise genetic distances for Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma genera were observed, whereas, the high overall mean and pairwise genetic distances were also recorded.
Conclusion

The presence of different (clusters) phylogroups and considerably mean and pairwise genetic distances observed, reflecting possible biological diversity of hard ticks present in the study area. The outcomes of this study will be useful in the planning of integrated control strategies for ticks and tick-borne diseases in Tanzania.
National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) on admission predicts severe disease and in-hospital mortality from Covid-19 - A prospective cohort study
Authors: Myrstad Marius , Ihle-Hansen Håkon , Tveita Anders Aune , Andersen Elizabeth Lyster , Nygård Ståle , Tveit Arnljot , Berge Trygve
Published: May 2020

Background
There is a need for validated clinical risk scores to identify patients at risk of severe disease and to guide decision-making during the covid-19 pandemic. The National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) is widely used in emergency medicine, but so far, no studies have evaluated its use in patients with covid-19. We aimed to study the performance of NEWS2 and compare commonly used clinical risk stratification tools at admission to predict risk of severe disease and in-hospital mortality in patients with covid-19.
Methods
This was a prospective cohort study in a public non-university general hospital in the Oslo area, Norway, including a cohort of all 66 patients hospitalised with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from the start of the pandemic; 13 who died during hospital stay and 53 who were discharged alive. Data were collected consecutively from March 9th to April 27th 2020. The main outcome was the ability of the NEWS2 score and other clinical risk scores at emergency department admission to predict severe disease and in-hospital mortality in covid-19 patients. We calculated sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for NEWS2 scores ≥ 5 and ≥ 6, quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score ≥ 2, ≥2 Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) criteria, and CRB-65 score ≥ 2. Areas under the curve (AUCs) for the clinical risk scores were compared using DeLong’s test.
Results
In total, 66 patients (mean age 67.9 years) were included. Of these, 23% developed severe disease. In-hospital mortality was 20%. Tachypnoea, hypoxemia and confusion at admission were more common in patients developing severe disease. A NEWS2 score ≥ 6 at admission predicted severe disease with 80.0% sensitivity and 84.3% specificity (Area Under the Curve (AUC) 0.822, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.690–0.953). NEWS2 was superior to qSOFA score ≥ 2 (AUC 0.624, 95% CI 0.446–0.810, p < 0.05) and other clinical risk scores for this purpose.
Conclusion
NEWS2 score at hospital admission predicted severe disease and in-hospital mortality, and was superior to other widely used clinical risk scores in patients with covid-19.
α- Linolenic Acid Modulates Phagocytosis of Extracellular Tau and Induces Microglial Migration
Authors: Desale Smita Eknath , Chinnathambi Subashchandrabose
Published: May 2020

Background The seeding effect of extracellular Tau species is an emerging aspect to study the Tauopathies in Alzheimer’s disease. Tau seeds enhance the propagation of disease along with its contribution to microglia-mediated inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to exert the anti-inflammatory property to microglia by modulating cell membrane compositions. The immunomodulatory function of omega-3 fatty acids exerts anti-inflammatory properties to microglia. Owing to the imparted anti-inflammatory nature enhance phagocytosis and increased migration property has been observed in microglia. The dietary omega-3 fatty acids are found to change the lipid composition of the cell membrane that predominated many signaling cascades and by modulating specific receptor response. Thus the omega-3 fatty acids influence microglial response in Tauopathy. Methods N9 microglia cells were exposed to extracellular full-length Tau monomer and aggregates along with ALA (α- Linolenic acid) to study the internalization of exposed Tau. The degradation of internalized Tau studied with the endosomal markers Rab5 and Rab7. The final degradation step in phagocytosis has been studied with LAMP-2A as lysosomal markers. The changes in the rate of migration of microglia were assessed by wound-scratch assay along with Microtubule organizing center (MTOC) reorientation were studied after exposure of Tau and ALA as the property of highly migratory microglia. Results The increased phagocytosis of extracellular Tau monomer and aggregates has been observed upon ALA exposure to microglia cells. The intracellular degradation of internalized Tau species was targeted by early and late endosomal markers Rab5 and Rab7. The increased levels of LAMP-2A and colocalization with internalized Tau indicated the degradation via lysosome. These results indicate the degradation of internalized Tau species in the presence of ALA instead of getting accumulated in the cell. The enhanced migratory ability of microglia in the presence of ALA induces the MTOC repolarization and reduces the nuclear-centrosomal axis polarity and favorable anterior positioning of MTOC. Conclusions Tau seeds greatly contribute to the spread of disease, one way to reduce the spreading is to reduce the presence of extracellular Tau seed. Microglia could be influenced to reduce extracellular Tau seed with dietary fatty acids. Our results suggest that dietary fatty acids ALA significantly enhances phagocytosis and intracellular degradation of internalized Tau. Enhanced migration supports the phagocytosis process. Our approach provides insights into the beneficial role of ALA as an anti-inflammatory dietary supplement to treat AD.
Enhanced Load-Sharing Technology of Toroidal Drive
Authors: Dong Mengyu , Mao Meijiao , Yang Shiping
Published: May 2020

In the manufacture and assembly of a toroidal drive mechanism, errors caused have a great influence on the load sharing of the mechanism. To ensure favourable load-sharing characteristics of the mechanism and to compensate for inaccuracies in the manufacture and assembly of the mechanism parts, and based on the transmission characteristics and operating states characteristics of the mechanism, a floating oil film structure was designed to support the planetary gear. The elasticity and hydrodynamic effect of the floating oil film allow the planetary gear to achieve its own small floatation and produce a certain axial displacement, which compensates for the influence of error and achieves load sharing. To examine the effect of the floating oil film structure, the floating oil film bearing was simulated by FLUENT, the characteristics of the floating oil film were analyzed, and the stiffness and damping coefficients of the floating oil film were calculated. In ADAMS, the method of equivalent replacement of the floating oil film with spring damping was adopted to conduct a dynamic analysis on the toroidal drive mechanism with the floating oil film load-sharing structure, and the effectiveness and feasibility of this structure were verified by comparing the changes in transmission performance of the system over time.
Effect of Li Substitution on the Structure and Dielectric Constant of Bi0.5(Na⁠1-xLix)0.5TiO⁠3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.20) Solid Solution Series
Authors: Anjali K , Ajithkumar T G , Joy Pattayil
Published: May 2020

Bismuth sodium titanate Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 (BNT) is a lead-free piezoelectric ceramic material with high Curie temperature. The effect of substitution of the smaller ion Li+ for the larger ion Na+ in Bi0.5(Na⁠1−xLix)0.5TiO⁠3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.20) on the structure of BNT is studied using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Rietveld refinement analysis of the powder XRD patterns showed that all the compositions formed under monoclinic Cc space group, with the lattice parameters showing minor changes above x > 0.08. Raman spectral parameters such as position and intensity of a peak also showed a similar trend in the same Li concentration range with increasing Li content. A corresponding change in the variation of the dielectric constant with increasing Li content is observed suggesting a close correlation between the local structure and properties of the different compositions in the Bi0.5(Na⁠1−xLix)0.5TiO⁠3 solid solution series.
Autoantibodies against citrullinated-lipopolysaccharide binding protein as a novel biomarker in seronegative rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Zhao Xiaozhen , Chen Yuling , Cheng Yongjing , Wen Wen , Li Yuhui , Jia Rulin , Deng Haiteng , Sun Xiaolin , Li Zhanguo
Published: May 2020

Background A specific feature of rheumatoid arthritis is the presence of citrullinated antigen and production of anti-citrullinated protein autoantibodies (ACPA) which can appear years prior to disease onset to trigger immune responses. In this study, the serum citrulline-containing antigens from RA patients were screened and the significance of the antibodies against citrullinated lipopolysaccharide binding protein (anti-cLBP) was studied. Methods Polypeptides isolated from the serum of patients with RA were identified by the Orbitrap high-precision proteomic technology. And then the citrulline-containing proteins was demonstrated.We synthesized citrullinated LBP peptide based on its richness and possible antigenity. The levels of anti-cLBP were determined in sera of 100 RA, 27 OA, 20 SLE and 50 healthy controls by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Result A total of 11 citrulline-containing antigens were identified in proteins from sera of RA patients. By using citrullinated LBP, the antibodies (anti-cLBP) was detected in RA patients, healthy and disease controls. We found that the levels of anti-cLBP were significantly increased in RA patients. The sensitivity and specificity of anti-cLBP antibody were 28.00% and 95.92%, respectively. In anti-CCP-negative and RF-negative RA patients, the prevalences of anti-cLBP were 19.05% (4/21) and 20.59% (7/34), respectively. In addition, in RA patients of anti-CCP and RF-double negative, anti-cLBP was also detectable in 16.67% (3/18) of the patients. Further analysis of the clinical relevance, we found that anti-cLBP antibody was associated with disease activities in RA. It was noticed that the level of anti-cLBP was closely related with a high incidence of infection in patients with RA. Conclusion Anti-cLBP autoantibody is a novel biomarker in RA, especially in seronegative RA, and associated with disease severity.
Detection of Late Gadolinium Enhancement on Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance by Global Longitudinal Strain Using Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with Nonischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ota Shingo , Hozumi Takeshi , Tanimoto Takashi , Takemoto Kazushi , Wada Teruaki , Kashiwagi Manabu , Shimamura Kunihiro , Shiono Yasutsugu , Kuroi Akio , Matsuo Yoshiki , Kitabata Hironori , Ino Yasushi , Kubo Takashi , Tanaka Atsushi , Akasaka Takashi
Published: May 2020

Background

The presence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), suggesting myocardial fibrosis is useful as a prognostic index in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM). The present study aimed to investigate whether left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) using speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) can be used as a surrogate marker for the detection of CMR-LGE in patients with NICM.
Methods

The study included 50 patients with NICM who underwent both STE and CMR. The presence, or absence of CMR-LGE was assessed in all patients, whereas STE-GLS was successfully analyzed in 41/50 (82%) patients. Therefore, the final study population comprised these 41 patients. Patients were divided into those with CMR-LGE (Group A; n = 18) and those without CMR-LGE (Group B; n = 23). Echocardiographic indexes including GLS was compared between the two groups.
Results

No significant differences were observed in LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume indexes, LV ejection fraction, mitral E/A, deceleration time, E/e’, left atrial volume index, and the systolic transtricuspid pressure gradient between the Groups- A and B (113 ± 30 vs. 109 ± 24 mL/m2, 82 ± 27 vs. 78 ± 22 mL/m2, 28 ± 6 vs. 29 ± 7%, 1.3 ± 1.1 vs. 1.2 ± 0.8, 201 ± 82 vs. 214 ± 69 ms, 11.3 ± 3.7 vs. 11.7 ± 5.9, 49 ± 24 vs. 49 ± 13 mL/m2, and 29 ± 10 vs. 24 ± 7 mmHg, respectively). STE-GLS in Group A was significantly worse than that in Group B (− 7.6 ± 3.0% vs. −9.9 ± 3.2%, p = 0.01). According to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, STE-GLS of − 7.9% was the best cut-off value for detection of CMR-LGE (sensitivity, 78%; specificity, 74%; area under the curve, 0.74).
Conclusions

STE-GLS may be used as a surrogate marker for the detection of CMR-LGE in patients with NICM.
Intention to Vaccinate Against the Novel 2019 Coronavirus Disease: The Role of Health Locus of Control and Religiosity
Authors: Olagoke Ayokunle , Olagoke Olakanmi , Hughes Ashley M.
Published: May 2020

The urgency to develop a vaccine against the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) has waxed stronger in speed, scale, and scope. However, wisdom dictates that we take a vantage position and start to examine the demographic predictors of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The objective of this study was to examine the role of health locus of control (HLOC) in the relationship between religiosity and COVID-19 vaccination intention. In a cross-sectional survey (N=501), we found a significantly negative association between religiosity and COVID-19 vaccination intention. This relationship was partially mediated by external HLOC. Collaborative efforts with religious institutions may influence COVID-19 vaccine uptake.
Ceramic foams with highly open channel structure from direct foaming method in combination with hollow spheres as pore-former
Authors: Zheng Yu , Luo Xudong , You Jiegang , Peng Zijun , Zhang Shuhao
Published: May 2020

To satisfy the ever-increasing demands for high-performance ceramic foams that could be applied in catalysts loader, filtrations and adsorptions, it is critical to develop technologies for ceramic foams with open channel structure. In this work, we fabricated ceramic foams with three-dimensional porous structure specially with open channels by combining direct foaming method with adding pore-forming agent method. There are two levels of length scale present in this hierarchically porous structure, that is, foam structure with spherical pores evolved from bubbles, and open pores on the cell wall derived from silica hollow spheres with thin shell as the pore-former. Hierarchical ZrO 2 based foams with porosity of 86.5%-95.1% and compressive strength of 2.05-5.67 MPa, and Al 2 O 3 based foams with porosity of 86.2%-91.0% and compressive strength of 6.8-13.2 MPa were fabricated. The prepared ceramic foams characterized by this open channel structure are promising to perform outstandingly in the abovementioned fields due to their uniform pore size, low density as well as high mechanical strength.
The implementation of sharia audit process, implication of sharia regulatory and human resource aspects
Authors: Rizqiani Dian , Yulianto Agung
Published: May 2020

Purpose - Audit in Islamic Finance Institute (IFI) is important factor to ensure sharia compliance. This study aims to analyze the factors influencing the process of sharia audit in the IFI.

Method - The population of this research is all of the intern auditor board Sharia Business Unit in Bank Jateng as many as 22 auditors. Sampling technique in this research is census sampling. The method of data collection used is  questionnaire. The data analysis used  are regression square linear and percentage descriptive analysis. There are three variables in this research which are regulation aspect, sharia resource development, and sharia audit.

Result - The square linear regression analysis used SPSS for Windows Version 20 obtained the equation. The conclusion of this research is regulation toward the influence to the sharia audit, but sharia resource aspect is not. regulation and sharia resourch development toward the influence to the sharia audit.

Implication - The suggestions for the next reseacher is multiply the sample and refference of research and choose Sharia Supervisory Board (SSB) as the respondent for get the relevant result.
Originality - This research empirically examines the factors that influence the implementation of sharia audits at the Central Java Islamic bank. The type of research used is quantitative, because from a number of references found, the topic of sharia auditing that is widely studied is the level of concept with qualitative research type.
Quantifying public health risks from exposure to waterborne pathogens during river bathing as a basis for reduction of disease burden
Authors: Islam M. M. Majedul , Islam Md. Atikul
Published: May 2020

A Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) technique was applied to assess the public health risk from exposure to infectious microorganisms at bathing areas of three rivers in Bangladesh. The QMRA assessed the probability of illness due to the accidental ingestion of river water impacted by untreated sewage. The simplified QMRA was based on average concentrations of four reference pathogens Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7, Cryptosporidium spp, norovirus and rotavirus relative to indicator bacterium E. coli. Public health risk was estimated as the probability of infection and illness from a single exposure of bathers. The risks of illness were ranged from 7 to 10% for E. coli O157:H7, 13 to 19% for Cryptosporidium, 7 to 10% for norovirus and 12 to 17% for rotavirus. The overall risk of illness at the rivers was slightly higher in children (9–19%) compared to adults (7–16%). The risks of illness in individuals exposed to the river bathing were unacceptably high, exceeding the USEPA acceptable risk of 3–6 illnesses per hundred bathing events. This study gives a basis for reducing the burden of disease in the population by applying appropriate risk management. Findings and methods of this study will be helpful for other countries with similar socio-economic and geographic settings.
Expression and Purification of Tetanus Toxin Fragment C in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)
Authors: Chai Pengdi , Pu Xiuying , Li Jianqiang , Xia Xiaoyu , Ge Jun , Luo Amiao , Su Hui , Zhang Weijie , Ma Jianzhong
Published: May 2020

Background:

Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by Clostridium secreting
tetanus toxin in anaerobic environment. The fragment C of Tetanus toxin (TTc) has been widely
studied as a candidate vaccine to replace the existing tetanus toxoid vaccine.

Objective:

In this study, we established a simple method to purify recombinant protein TTc with
ion-exchange chromatography from Escherichia coli expression systems.

Methods:

The TTc gene sequence was cloned into pET26b (+) vector and transferred to E. coli
BL21 (DE3) for expression. The fermentation conditions (IPTG concentration, Induction temperature,
Induction time) were optimized to obtain more soluble proteins. The soluble proteins were
purified by Anion exchange chromatography and Cation exchange chromatography. The sequence
of columns in the purification process was discussed. Finally, the stability of purified TTc protein
were determined, the secondary structure of the purified TTc protein was determined by circular
dichroism. The molecular weight of the purified TTc protein was determined by liquid chromatograph-
mass spectrometer. Furthermore, we verified the immunogenicity of the purified protein in
mice.

Results:

The purity of TTc improved from 34% to 88% after the first anion exchange column, and
the final yield of recombinant TTc (purity > 95%) can reach 84.79% after the following cation
exchange chromatography. The recombinant TTc had a molecular weight of 51.737 KDa, was
stable at 4°C and weak alkaline environment, was a β-sheet secondary structure, and had strong
immunogenicity.

Conclusion:

The purification method we developed might be an efficient method for the industrial
production of tetanus recombinant TTc vaccine.