bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitogenomic Diversity and Maternal Origins of Yak (Bos Grunniens)
Authors: Wang Xingdong , Pei Jie , Bao Pengjia , Cao Mengli , Guo Shaoke , Song Rende , Song Weiru , Liang Chunnian , Yan Ping , Guo Xian
Published: February 2021

Background and aim: Mitochondrial genome has the characteristics of simple structure, no recombination, maternal inheritance, high conservation, fast evolution, and high copy number. It is easy to sequence, contains high resolution phylogenetic information, and exists in a wide range of taxa. Theref ore, it is widely used in the study of biological phylogeny. At present, phylogenetic studies focus mainly on D loop region, cytochrome b gene, and protein coding sequence; phylogenetic studies using the mitochondrial complete sequence are rare. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct phylogenetic experiments using the mitochondrial complete sequence and compare the results with previous findings obtained using partial sequences. Results: Complete mitochondrial sequences of five yak populations from Qinghai and Xinjiang were obtained. The haplotype diversity of the five populations were Xueduo yak (0.992 ± 0.015), Pamir yak (0.990 ± 0.014), Yushu yak (0.963 ± 0.033), Qilian yak (0.948 ± 0.036), and Huanhu yak (0.905 ± 0.048), which showed a higher haplotype diversity compared with other breeds. A total of 78 haplotypes were obtained from 111 individuals. Among these, Yushu yak, Huanhu yak, Xueduo yak, and Qilian yak all shared haplotypes, but the Pamir yak did not share haplotypes with these four populations. Phylogenetic analysis showed that yak populations were separable into three distinct branches. The analysis identified a new phylogenetic branch with both wild and domestic yaks being represented in the new branch. The 155 haplotypes were divided into 6 haplotype groups by haplotype clustering. The haplotype group had nothing to do with the morphological group of yaks, and yaks from the same population or the same ecological group were distributed in different haplotype groups. The four haplotype groups A, B, C, and D, showed a star-shaped distribution of haplotypes. The central haplotypes were widely distributed and had a high frequency Conclusions: T he genetic diversity of yaks in Qinghai was high. Both domestic and wild yaks exhibited three different mat ernal origins. Three different maternal origins existed in ancient wild yaks before domestication, with haplogroup A being the primary haplogroup associated with yak domestication.
Electrolysis-Driven Bioremediation to Enhance Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal From Polluted River Sediment
Authors: Li Sanshan , Ma Tangming , Zheng Chaoqun , He Zhaofang , Yang Liuyan , Gao Yan
Published: February 2021

In order to testify the effect of electrolysis and microbial remediation technology in polluted river sediment. Here, we explored the possibility of electrochemically removing ammoniacal nitrogen-nitrogen (NH3-N), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3−-N) and phosphate ions-phosphorous (PO43−-P) by using a titanium (Ti) mesh cathode, a Ti/Ti dioxide (TiO2)/Ruthenium (IV) oxide (RuO2) (RuO2-IrO2/Ti) mesh, and a magnesium-aluminum (Mg–Al) alloy anode placed within the sediment and overlying water. Results showed that approximately 151.82 ± 21.69 mg TN was removed which was five times more effective than the non-electrolytic controls (30.21 ± 13.73 mg), NH3-N concentration in the sediment was substantially reduced (up to 2.9 times) compared to the non-electrolytic controls. Its efficiency lies in the electrolysis process, which may directly remove NH3-N through electrochemical oxidation and simultaneously produce oxygen which helps nitrifying bacteria to convert NH3-N into NO3−-N by the role of anode; and electrolysis may directly remove NO3−-N in the overlying water through electrochemical reduction while simultaneously producing hydrogen electron donor for hydrogen autotrophic microorganism as Hydrogenophohaga, to be the dominant species in sediment to enhance the removal of NO3−-N by the role of cathode. Electrolysis also reduced the PO43−-P through electro-coagulation since Mg2+ ions could also produce since sacrificial Mg–Al alloy anode was used and electro-deposition on Ti mesh cathode both to increase PO43−-P removal in overlying water and sediment. This study verifies the benefits of electrolysis-driven bioremediation as a sustainable technology for the bioremediation of N and P polluted river sediments.
Moods and Ethics of Justice
Authors: Pecujlija Mladen , Kokotovic Sonja , Miletic Ljiljana
Published: February 2021

In 2019, a survey was conducted with 2593 undergraduate students to investigate relation among their ethical orientation toward justice and moods. The research was conducted by means of these two instruments: by ethical orientation questionnaire and by PANAS X scale, instrument that is based on Watson’s model of affective experience. The results indicate that basic positive affect (BPA) and basic negative affect (BNA) are able to predict ethical orientation toward justice.
Combined Coronary CT Angiography With Plain Scan for Diagnosis of Ruptured Plaque: Comparison With Optical Coherence Tomography 
Authors: Wang Zhao-qian , Zhang Hai-xia , Wu Wei , Yuan You-sheng , Dou Ya-na , Yin Da , Li Xin-sheng , JIA Chong-fu
Published: February 2021

Purpose: To explore the diagnostic efficacy of CCTA + plain scan for ruptured plaques with optical coherence tomography (OCT) as the reference, and to preliminarily analyze the influential factors. Methods: Patients who underwent CCTA and OCT were retrospectively enrolled. Signs of ruptured plaque (plaque ulcer or intra-plaque dye penetration) and other plaque measurements on CCTA were recorded and compared with plain scans (calcification scoring scan) to differentiate calcifications from rupture signs. By OCT, presence of ruptured plaque was determined. Total 65 patients with 71 plaques were included. Results: There were 40 OCT-confirmed ruptured plaques in 38 patients and 31 OCT-confirmed non-ruptured plaques in 27 patients. CCTA+ plain scan identified 27 ruptured plaques in 27 patients and 28 non-ruptured plaques in 24 patients. With OCT as the gold standard, the per-patient sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of CCTA + plain scan for diagnosing ruptured plaque were 71%, 89%, 90%, 69%, and 78%, and there was good agreement (Kappa=0.70) between CCTA + plain scan and OCT. Among 13 false negative ruptured plaques, 2 had calcifications close to the rupture, and the cavity depth in the remaining 11 was 0.46 ±0.17 mm, vs. 0.98±0.26 mm in 27 true positive ruptured plaques (P<0.01).Conclusion: CCTA + plain scan has high specificity and positive predictive value in diagnosing ruptured plaque with medium sensitivity and negative predictive value. The cavity depth of ruptured plaques and calcifications at the rupture site may be the main influential factors.
Ultra-sonication enhanced green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Barleria buxifolia leaf extract and its possible application
Authors: sekar Vanaraj
Published: February 2021

A simple and eco-friendly method for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by ultrasound-assisted strategy using Barleria buxifolia leaf extract as a reducing and capping agent was established in this study. The obtained AgNPs were characterized. UV-vis spectrum, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analyzer (EDX), X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis showed that the obtained AgNPs were mono dispersed spheres with uniform size of 80 nm. UV-vis spectroscopy, FTIR, and XRD analysis indicated that the surface of the obtained AgNPs was covered with organic molecules in plant extracts. The results of ABTS assays showed that high antioxidant activity was seen in the obtained AgNPs. Green synthesized AgNPs showed potent antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against tested pathogens. Cytotoxicity assay showed that the obtained AgNPs were significantly cytotoxic to cancer cell line (MCF-7). In addition, the AgNPs synthesized in this paper can also photo catalytically degrade methylene blue dye under visible light. The potent bioactivity exhibited by the green synthesized silver nanoparticles leads towards the multiple use as antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-biofilm, cytotoxic as well as photo catalytic agent.
Numerical Simulation of the Combined Slope Protection Effect of Live Stump and Bamboo Anchor
Authors: Hui Yang , Zhu Yingbo , Liu Yong , Jiang xueliang , Deng Riwen , Huang Li , yin Peng , Lai Guojie
Published: February 2021

Five slope states were selected to research deep protection effect of the living tree stump-bamboo anchor supporting structure. These five states were the natural slope state,the bamboo anchor slope protection state, and the living tree stump-bamboo anchor initial supporting state,living tree stumps-bamboo bolt mid-term support status,living tree stump slope protection status. Three-dimensional numerical models are established by Midas GTS/NX finite element software, and the force characteristics and stability of the living tree stump-bamboo anchor support structure were studied. The results show that: (1) Compared with natural slopes, the relative stability and safety factors of bamboo anchor slope protection, live tree stumps-bamboo anchor initial slope protection, live tree stumps-bamboo anchor mid-term slope protection, and live tree stump slope protection have increased by 18.6%, 19.7%, and 44.0 %, 44.1%, it can be found that the living tree stump-bamboo bolt supporting structure has obvious deep protection effect. (2) In the initial supporting state of live tree stumps and bamboo anchors, the bamboo anchors have the largest stress value at the position where the bamboo anchors are buried at a depth of 5m on the slope; The bamboo anchors in the fourth row and the fifth row are below the buried depth of 6m on the slope, and the stress value of the bamboo anchors increases linearly. (3) The closer to the toe of the slope, the greater the tensile stress generated by the root system on the left side of the living tree stump, and the greater the compressive stress generated by the root system on the right side of the living tree stump. The research results can be used as an important basis for the new living tree stump-bamboo bolt support structure to effectively prevent and control deep-seated slope protection, and it is of great significance to expand the green technology for preventing and controlling deep-seated landslides.
Significance of m 6A Methyltransferase‑Related lncRNAs in the Prognosis and Immunotherapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Lili , Xie Rongrong , Wei Qichun
Published: February 2021

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methyltransferase, has been proved to act as an oncogene in several human cancers. However, little is known about its relationship with the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that remains elusive in HCC.Methods: We comprehensively integrated gene expression data acquired from 371 HCC and 50 normal tissues in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Differentially expressed protein-coding genes (DE-PCGs)/lncRNAs (DE-lncRs) analysis and univariate regression & Kaplan-Meier (K-M) analysis was performed to identify m6A methyltransferase‑related lncRNAs that were related to overall survival (OS). m6A methyltransferase‑related lncRNA signature was constructed using the Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analyses. Furthermore, Cox regression analysis was applied to identify independent prognostic factors in HCC. The signature was validated in an internal validation set. Finally, the correlation analysis between gene signature and immune cells infiltration was also investigated via single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) and immunotherapy response was calculated through Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) algorithm.Results: A total of 21 m6A methyltransferase-related lncRNAs were screened out according to Spearman correlation analysis with the immune score (|R| > 0.3, P < 0.05). We selected 3 prognostic lncRNAs to construct m6A methyltransferase-related lncRNA signature through univariate and LASSO Cox regression analyses. The univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated that the lncRNAs signature was a robust independent prognostic factor in OS prediction with high accuracy. The GSEA also suggested that the m6A methyltransferase-related lncRNAs were involved in the immune-related biological processes and pathways which were very well-known in the context of HCC tumorigenesis. Besides, we found that the lncRNAs signature was strikingly correlated with the tumor microenvironment (TME) immune cells infiltration and expression of critical immune checkpoints. Finally, results from the TIDE analysis revealed that the m6A methyltransferase-related lncRNAs could efficiently predict the clinical response of immunotherapy in HCC.Conclusion: Together, our study screened potential prognostic m6A methyltransferase related lncRNAs and established a novel m6A methyltransferase-based prognostic model of HCC, which not only provides new potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets but also deepens our understanding of tumor immune microenvironment status and lays a theoretical foundation for immunotherapy.
CMR-Verified Myocardial Fibrosis is Associated With Subclinical Diastolic Dysfunction in Primary Aldosteronism Patients
Authors: Zhou Fangli , Wu Tao , Wang Wei , Cheng Wei , Wan Shuang , Tian Haoming , Chen Tao , Sun Jiayu , Ren Yan
Published: February 2021

The main cardiac features of primary aldosteronism (PA) are impaired left ventricular (LV) diastolic function, and some articles also reported more cardiac fibrosis in PA patients. However, the correlation between LV dysfunction and diffuse myocardial fibrosis in PA remains unknown. We enrolled 84 PA patients and 28 essential hypertension (EH) patients in West China Hospital. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) contrast enhancement was arranged for all subjects. Postcontrast T1 time and left ventricular myocardial strains and strain rates were measured. 76 PA patients and 27 essential hypertension (EH) patients were included in the final analysis. Blood pressure, LV mass indexes, and LV ejection fractions were comparable in both groups, while the global circumferential peak diastolic strain rate (PDSR) was lower (53 ± 20 vs. 68 ± 25, p<0.01) and the postcontrast T1 time was shorter (520 ± 38 vs. 538 ± 27, p=0.01) in PA patients than those in EH patients. Postcontrast T1 time (p=0.01) was independently related to global circumferential PDSR after adjusting for age and duration of hypertension in PA patients. Furthermore, plasma aldosterone concentration was negatively associated with myocardial T1 time (R=-0.261, p=0.023) in PA patients. The global circumferential PDSR derived by CMR is decreased, and the diffuse myocardial fibrosis is increased in PA patients compared to those in blood pressure matched EH patients. The severity of cardiac diastolic dysfunction independently relates to the degree of diffuse myocardial fibrosis in PA patients, and the diffuse myocardial fibrosis may be caused by high PAC level. Trial registration number: ChiCTR2000031792.
Context-Based Spatial Decisions in Landscape-Ecological Planning
Authors: Khoroshev Alexander
Published: February 2021

ContextThe vital challenge for the context-based landscape planning is integrating assessments of for both intrinsic properties of a unit and its value in a broad spatial context.ObjectivesThe purpose is to develop the procedure which provides context-based criteria at relevant scales, considers matter flows and dynamic events.MethodsThe methodology involves identification of landscape patterns, revealing mechanisms of radial and lateral relationships, considering changes of landscape patterns, and revealing functioning mechanisms causing directed changes. The proposals proceed from multiplicity of patterns and integrate knowledge of processes in biophysical units, catenas, basins, and matrix elements. The plan was elaborated for the taiga landscape in northern European Russia.ResultsDevelopment of ecological network is aimed at increase of forest cover in basins up to 35% to enhance runoff regulation, prevent soil erosion, and stabilize the riparian biocorridor. The highest significance was assigned to the units that have intrinsic ecological values and contribute to lateral transportation of matter over vast areas. Width of buffer strips intercepting input of pollutants to rivers was adapted to proportions of elements and neighborhoods in catenas. Outside the ecological network, we identified priorities for the multifunctional use of units based on the assessment of drainage conditions, soil quality, and risk of erosion. ConclusionsThe procedure takes into consideration landscape hierarchy and multiplicity of spatial patterns. Integrating multiple models is in compliance with the systemic essence of a landscape ensuring understanding of geodiversity, lateral connections, and the emergent effects that ensure the landscape services for society.
FMRP Attenuates Activity Dependent Modifications in the Mitochondrial Proteome
Authors: Bülow Pernille , Wenner Peter A , Bassell Gary J , Faundez Victor
Published: February 2021

Homeostatic plasticity is necessary for the construction and maintenance of functional neuronal networks, but principal molecular mechanisms required for or modified by homeostatic plasticity are not well understood. We recently reported that homeostatic plasticity induced by activity deprivation is dysregulated in cortical neurons from Fragile X Mental Retardation protein (FMRP) knockout mice [1]. These findings led us to hypothesize that identifying proteins sensitive to activity deprivation and/or FMRP expression could reveal pathways required for or modified by homeostatic plasticity. Here, we report an unbiased quantitative mass spectrometry used to quantify steady-state proteome changes following chronic activity deprivation in wild type and Fmr1-/y cortical neurons. Proteome hits responsive to both activity deprivation and the Fmr1-/y genotype were significantly annotated to mitochondria. We found an increased number of mitochondria annotated proteins whose expression was sensitive to activity deprivation in Fmr1-/y cortical neurons as compared to wild type neurons. These findings support a novel role of FMRP in attenuating mitochondrial proteome modifications induced by activity deprivation.
Program Evaluation of GLA:D® Australia: Physiotherapist Training Outcomes and Effectiveness of Implementation for People With Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Barton Christian , Kemp Joanne , Roos Ewa , Skou Soren , Dundules Karen , Pazzinatto Marcella , Francis Matthew , Lannin Natasha , Wallis Jason , Crossley Kay
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe Good Life with osteoArthritis from Denmark (GLA:D®) program incorporates guideline-based patient education and exercise-therapy for osteoarthritis to implement guidelines into practice. We evaluated the implementation of GLA:D® for knee osteoarthritis within Australian physiotherapy practice using the RE-AIM QuEST (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance Qualitative Evaluation for Systematic Translation) framework.MethodsAustralian physiotherapists were trained and supported to deliver GLA:D® (2017-2019) and completed surveys before and after training to assess practices, beliefs about capabilities and confidence, and barriers and enablers to implementation. Patients participating in GLA:D® completed online baseline, 3-month (immediately post-treatment) and 12-month patient reported outcomes. Effective implementation was defined as within-subject moderate effect size (ES, ≥0.50) for average pain (100mm visual analogue scale) and knee osteoarthritis outcome score quality of life scores (KOOS-QoL), and small effect size (≥0.20) for health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L).ResultsReach: 1,064 physiotherapists (73% private) and 1,945 (79% private) from all states and territories consented to participation. Key barriers included out-of-pocket cost to patients, and program suitability for culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Effectiveness: Following training, more physiotherapists discussed treatment goals and the importance of weight management, and prescribed supervised, neuromuscular exercise. Patient outcomes at 3- and 12 months (n = 1,044 [54%] and 927 [48%]) reflected effective implementation, including reduced pain intensity (ES, 95%CI = 0.72, 0.62-0.84; and 0.65, 0.54-0.77), improved KOOS-QoL scores (0.79, 0.69-0.90; and 0.93, 0.81-1.04), and improved EQ-5D-5L scores (0.43, 0.31-0.54; and 0.46, 0.35-0.58). Seventy-three percent of participants reported minimal important changes for at least one of pain severity (≥ 15 mm), KOOS-QoL (≥ 15 points) or EQ-5D-5L (≥ 0.07 points). Adoption: GLA:D® was implemented at 297 sites (264 private, 33 public). Implementation: Most patients completed at least one education (90%), and 10 exercise-therapy (78%) sessions. Adequate staffing to support program delivery was a key enabler. Maintenance: Ninety-nine percent of sites (293/297) continued to offer the program in July 2020.ConclusionsTraining was associated with practice changes and widespread implementation of GLA:D® in Australia. Effective implementation, and clinically meaningful improvements in pain and quality of life for most participant, supports further work to scale up GLA:D® in Australia.
Reproducibility and Clinical Validation of Automated Habenula Segmentation via deep Learning in Major Depressive Disorder with 7 Tesla MRI
Authors: Lim Sang-Heon , Yoon Jihyun , Kim Young Jae , Kang Chang-Ki , Cho Seo-Eun , Kim Kwang Gi , Kang Seung-Gul
Published: February 2021

The habenula is one of the most important brain regions for investigating the etiology of psychiatric diseases such as major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the habenula is challenging to delineate with the naked human eye in brain imaging due to its low contrast and tiny size, and the manual segmentation results vary greatly depending on the observer. Therefore, there is a great need for automatic quantitative analytic methods of the habenula for psychiatric research purposes. Here we propose a fully-automated segmentation and volume estimation method for the habenula in 7 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging based on a novel fully convolutional network. The proposed method, using the data of 69 participants (33 patients with MDD and 36 normal controls), achieved an average precision, sensitivity, and dice similarity coefficient of 0.869, 0.865, and 0.852, respectively, in the automated segmentation task. Moreover, the intraclass correlation coefficient reached 0.870 in the volume estimation task. This study demonstrates that this deep learning-based method can provide accurate and quantitative analytic results of the habenula. By providing rapid and quantitative information on the habenula, we expect our proposed method will aid future psychiatric disease studies.
Radiographic Features and Prognosis of Early- and Late-onset Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-related Pneumonitis
Authors: Huang Aiben , Xu Yang , Zang Xuelei , Wu Chongchong , Gao Jie , Sun Xiaoli , Xie Mei , Ma Xidong , Deng Hui , Song Jialin , Ren Fangping , Pang Li , Qian Jin , Yu Zhaofeng , Wan Shiyu , Chen Yuanyuan , Pan Lei , Zhuang Guanglei , Liu Sanhong , Xue Xinying
Published: February 2021

Background: Immunotherapy is becoming a standard of care for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Checkpoint inhibitor-associated pneumonia (CIP) is a rare and potentially life-threatening event that can occur at any time during tumor immunotherapy. However, there may be differences in the radiological patterns and prognosis of CIP during different periods. This study aimed to investigate the radiographic features and prognosis of early- and late-onset immune-related pneumonitis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 677 NSCLC patients receiving immunotherapy to identify 32 patients with CIP who were being effectively treated by hormonotherapy, analyzed the clinical and radiographic data, and summarized the radiological features and prognosis of early- and late-onset CIP. Results: CIP had an incidence of 4.7%, a median onset time of 2.4 months, and a mortality of 28.1%. Among these, CIP included 14 early-onset cases, where grade ≥3 CIP accounted for 92.9%, main radiographic pattern was organizing pneumonia (OP)-like pattern, and mortality was 50.0%. We also identified 18 late-onset CIPs, where grade ≥3 CIP accounted for 50.0%, main radiographic pattern was nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP)-like pattern, and mortality was 11.1%. The overall survival rate of the early-onset group was significantly lower than that of the late-onset group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Early-onset CIP cases were higher in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) grade and mainly presented with an OP-like radiographic pattern; whereas, late-onset CIP cases were lower in NCCN grade and mainly presented with an NSIP-like radiographic pattern. Finally, the prognosis of the early-onset CIP group was poorer than that of the late-onset CIP group. We believe that this study will be helpful for clinicians for making early diagnosis and deciding treatment modalities for patients with CIP.
Exponential or Pareto: towards an evolution of equal opportunity
Authors: Tao Yong
Published: February 2021

Pareto distribution and exponential distribution are related by the generalized Pareto distribution, which has been proposed to describe the income structure of the total population. The underlying mechanism for driving the Pareto distribution has been known as the Matthew effect of income accumulation. Today, the Pareto distribution has been observed universally in the richest class (1%~3% of populations); however, this distribution could dominate a larger proportion of populations when the investigation dated back to Renaissance Europe, Hungarian medieval society, and ancient Egypt. By contrast, the underlying mechanism for driving exponential distribution is due to the equal opportunity of market competition, which radically differs from the Matthew effect. Here, we empirically find that, during the last 40 years, the income structure of different market-economy countries uniformly exhibits a two-class pattern, in which a larger proportion of populations is evolving to an exponential distribution, while the Pareto distribution is squeezed into a fairly small proportion. In particular, we empirically show how the income structure of China evolved to an exponential distribution after the market-oriented economic reformation. The finding of a larger proportion of populations evolving to an exponential income distribution may reveal a potential trend of human civilization towards equal opportunity.
Fabrication of Core-shell Type Alginate/CNT Composite Adsorbent Beads by Combined Method of Magnetic-field/electrospray: Effect of CNT Orientation on Adsorption of Methylene Blue and Environmental Applications
Authors: Beigmoradi Razieh , Moayedfar Yassin , Khosravi Hamed , Samimi Abdolreza
Published: February 2021

In the present work, carbon nanotubes (CNT)/alginate composite adsorbent was prepared using combined method of magnetic field/electrospray. The effects of magnetic and electric fields on CNT orientation in the polymeric matrix of adsorbent, and consequently on the methylene blue adsorption were investigated. The adsorbents characteristics and adsorption performance of the six types samples were obtained using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, respectively. The FE-SEM image observations indicated that under the setup’s operating condition, the magnetic field could partially orient the CNTs in the polymer matrix while the electrical field had a little effect. The obtained results clearly represented the positive effects of CNT orientation on enhancing the adsorption of methylene blue into the CNT/alginate composite adsorbents. The egg-box model in the CNT/alginate core-shell type beads could explain the adsorption performance of methylene blue solution onto the six types fabricated beads.
Handshake Stewardship: Interdisciplinary Rounds as a Tool to Spread Antimicrobial Stewardship Led by Hospitalist-Pharmacist Teams
Authors: Choi Sebastian , Ahn Esther , Kabir Rubiya , Gautam-Goyal Pranisha , Hirschwerk David
Published: February 2021

Background Over the past decade there has been a greater emphasis on optimizing antimicrobial stewardship. Most stewardship models rely upon a central team, often led by infectious disease doctors and pharmacists to oversee institutional prescribing. We believe there is opportunity to complement this model by incorporating stewardship into interdisciplinary rounds.ObjectiveTo access feasibility and acceptance of antimicrobial stewardship into interdisciplinary rounds.Method We piloted a stewardship model driven by hospitalists and pharmacists through interdisciplinary rounds on four medicine units. We hypothesized that our process would not hamper existing tasks of interdisciplinary rounds. We surveyed team members to understand how the initiative was experienced.ResultsMany clinicians reported that antimicrobial prescribing was ‘often’ or ‘always’ discussed, and the process was ‘not too burdensome’ to incorporate. These responses varied based on the type of provider. A majority of the advanced practice providers (88%) reported the model prompted them to reconsider their individual antimicrobial prescribing. A 28.1% overall reduction of target antibiotic utilization was realized, however, there may be other contributors to this reduction.ConclusionWe believe interdisciplinary rounds can provide a good platform to extend hospital-based antimicrobial stewardship. It was not felt to disrupt the efficiency of achieving other goals of interdisciplinary rounds.
Genetic Diversity of Plasmodium Falciparum Populations in three Malaria Transmission Settings in Madagascar
Authors: Ralinoro Fanomezantsoa , Rakotomanga Tovonahary Angelo , Rakotosaona Riana , Rakoto Danielle A. Doll , Menard Didier , Jeannoda Victor , Ratsimbasoa Arsene
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe assessment of the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum parasites from various malaria transmission settings could help to define tailored and dedicated local strategies for malaria control and elimination. To date, this information is scarce in Madagascar. To fill this gap, a study aiming at investigating the genetic diversity of P. falciparum populations in three epidemiological facies (Equatorial, Tropical and Fringes) in Madagascar was conducted.MethodsTwo hundred sixty-six P. falciparum isolates were obtained from patients with uncomplicated malaria enrolled in clinical drug efficacy studies conducted in health centers at Tsaratanana (Equatorial facies), Antanimbary (Tropical facies) and Anjoma Ramartina (Fringes) in 2013 and 2016. Parasite DNA was extracted from blood samples collected prior antimalarial treatment. Plasmodium species were identified by nested-PCR targeting 18S rRNA gene. The genetic profiles of P. falciparum parasites were defined by assessing the polymorphic regions of the msp-1 and msp-2 genes using allele-specific nested-PCR.ResultsA total of 58 alleles were detected for msp-1 (18 alleles) and msp-2 (40 alleles) among P. falciparum samples tested. K1 (62.9%, 139/221) and FC27 (69.5%, 114/164) were the most predominant msp-1 and msp-2 allelic families, although the proportions of the msp-1 and msp-2 alleles varied significantly between sites. Polyclonal infections were more frequent in site located in the Equatorial facies (69.8%) compared to sites in the Tropical facies (60.5%) and Fringes (58.1%). Population genetic measures showed that the genetic diversity was similar between sites and the parasite flow within sites was limited.ConclusionThis study provides recent information on the genetic diversity of P. falciparum populations in three transmission facies in Madagascar and valuable baseline data to further evaluate the impact of the control measures implemented in Madagascar.
Forced Suppression of let-7a-5p in Mouse Blastocysts Improves Implantation Rate
Authors: Shakerzadeh Jalleh , Movahedin Mansoureh , Eidi Akram , Roodbari Nasim Hayati , Parivar Kazem
Published: February 2021

BackgroundEmbryo implantation requires appropriate communication between the blastocyst and endometrium. Recurrent implantation failure is an essential component of assisted reproductive technology. Also, miRNAs-mediated gene expression impacts the implantation process, and the down-regulation of some miRs, such as mmu-let-7a, improves this process. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of let-7a forced-suppression on the mouse implantation rate. MethodsIn total, 100 adult female mice and 10 adult male mice were included (Strain CD-1). We analysed the expression of let-7a and its potential mRNAs targets (Igf1, Il1a, Itgb3, and Tgfb1) in control, sham, and antagomir-treated blastocysts using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). The control and treated blastocysts were transferred to the 20 pseudopregnant mice so that the effect of let-7a suppression on the rate of implantation could be determined.ResultsThe expression level of let-7a in the treatment group was significantly down-regulated (P=0.001) In contrast, no significant expression changes were observed for let-7a or mRNAs targets when the sham and control groups were compared (P>0.05). In comparison to the controls, the antagomir-treated group exhibited significantly up-regulated expression levels of Igf1 (0.0167), Itgb3 (0.045), and Tgfb1 (0.0115). Additionally, the implantation rate was significantly higher in the treatment group (78%) than the control group (61%) (P=0.0098).ConclusionWe found that forced-suppression of mmu-let-7a-5p through successful transfection of Anti-miR leads to upregulation of downstream genes, Igf1, Itgb3, and Tgfb1, which directly involved in the trophoblast- endometrium attachment and improve the implantation rate.
DNA Methylation Changes Regulated by Melatonin was Involved in Postharvest Ripening of Tomato Fruit
Authors: Shan Shuangshuang , Wang Zhiqiang , Pu Huili , Duan Wenhui , Tian Jixin , Li Jiangkuo , Xu Xiangbin
Published: February 2021

The regulation mechanism of the levels of DNA methylation of CpG islands of ethylene signaling genes induced by melatonin on postharvest ripening of tomato fruit were studied. The ripening of tomato fruit was significantly promoted by the melatonin treatment, as revealed by the appearance color, the lycopene and total soluble solids content of the fruit. In the melatonin treated fruit, the DNA methylation levels of CpG island of SlACS10 and SlERF-A1 were decreased, and the DNA methylation level of CpG island of LeCTR1 was increased. In addition, melatonin treatment increased the expression level of SlACS10, LeEIN3, SlERF-A1 and LeERT10, inhibited the expression level of LeCTR1, and by which the ethylene signaling was activated and the ripening was promoted. The present study provided valuable information for understanding the essential role of DNA methylation in the postharvest ripening of tomato fruit.
The dynamic association between body mass index and cognition from midlife through late-life, and the effect of sex and genetic influences
Authors: Karlsson Ida K , Gatz Margaret , Arpawong Thalida Em , Aslan Anna K Dahl , Reynolds Chandra A
Published: February 2021

Body mass index (BMI) is associated with cognitive abilities, but the nature of the relationship remains largely unexplored. We aimed to investigate the bidirectional relationship from midlife through late-life, while considering sex differences and genetic predisposition to higher BMI. We used data from 23,892 individuals of European ancestry from the Health and Retirement Study, with longitudinal data on BMI and three established cognitive indices: mental status, episodic memory, and their sum, called total cognition. To investigate the dynamic relationship between BMI and cognitive abilities, we applied dual change score models of change from age 50 through 89, with a breakpoint at age 65 or 70. Models were further stratified by sex and genetic predisposition to higher BMI using tertiles of a polygenic score for BMI (PGSBMI). We demonstrated bidirectional effects between BMI and all three cognitive indices, with higher BMI contributing to steeper decline in cognitive abilities in both midlife and late-life, and higher cognitive abilities contributing to less decline in BMI in late-life. The effects of BMI on change in cognitive abilities were more evident in men compared to women, and among those in the lowest tertile of the PGSBMI compared to those in the highest tertile, while the effects of cognition on BMI were similar across groups. In conclusion, these findings highlight a reciprocal relationship between BMI and cognitive abilities, indicating that the negative effects of a higher BMI persist from midlife through late-life, and that weight-loss in late-life may be driven by cognitive decline.
Brucellosis in Patients with Neoplasm; A Research Article
Authors: Darazam Ilad Alavi , Imanzade Fariba , Rabiei Mohammad Mahdi , Shokouhi Shervin , Erdem Hakan
Published: February 2021

Background: Brucellosis is an important zoonotic disease with numerous manifestations. The immune response induced by Brucella differs from those caused by other intracellular bacteria. To the best of our knowledge, the behavior of Brucella in patients with different cancers has not been reviewed. The present study aimed to evaluate brucellosis in this group of patients.Methods: All cases of brucellosis in patients with neoplastic disorders were searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science and retrieved from the relevant articles. The search was performed without time, language and age limitations and using keywords such as brucellosis, Brucella, cancer, neoplasm, malignancy, and chemotherapy. All clinical features, types of neoplasm, diagnoses, and treatment timings of neoplasms and brucellosis, as well as patient outcomes, were searched.Results: Thirty-two eligible cases were extracted from 28 articles. The patients had a broad age range. Constitutional symptoms and febrile neutropenia were the most common clinical features. Hematological malignancies constituted the underlying disease in 16 patients. Brucellosis was detected in the majority of cases after diagnosis of cancers. Brucella melitensis was reported as the most frequent isolate. Moreover, positive blood culture was observed in 21 patients and 22 of whom were cured. Conclusions: Patients with malignancies may present with atypical symptoms of brucellosis, which is a rare condition even in endemic countries, and clinicians should be aware of its potential effects in the cancer treatment. Brucellosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of febrile neutropenia and patients with cancer, particularly in endemic countries.
Short term blood pressure variability and target organ damage-an observational study of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in a clinic setting in South India
Authors: Hegde Subhashchandra , Aroor Shivaramkrishna , Janardhana Anupama , Hegde Shrikanth
Published: February 2021

High blood pressure (BP) is an important risk factor for Cardiovascular diseases. The association of short term BP Variability (BPV) with target organ damage(TOD) is not clearly established. We conducted this observational study to evaluate the degree of concordance between Office Blood Pressure monitoring(OBPM) and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) and to study the effect of short term BPV on TOD.
Patients attending clinics of the authors between January 2018 and August 2019 were enrolled. Their BP status was determined by OBPM and ABPM and the degree of concordance analysed. ABPM parameters between those with TOD and without TOD were compared using appropriate statistical measures.
Data from 968 subjects (males 61.5%,mean age 59.39 ± 14.86 years) were analysed. Masked hypertension and white coat hypertension were seen in 138 (14.3%) and 50 participants (5.2%) respectively. There was moderate Concordance between ABPM and OBPM readings (Cohen’s kappa =0.692). There were 530(54.8%) non dippers and 189 (19.5%) reverse dippers. High morning surge (MS) was seen in 193(19.9%) and TOD in 225 (23.2%). Percent time elevation (PTE) of systolic BP (P=0.004,OR 1.009,95%CI 1.003,1.016) and diastolic BP in active period (p=0.034,OR 1.009,CI 1.001,1.017) and PTE of diastolic BP in passive period(p=0.006,OR 1.011,95%CI 1.003,1.018) ,as assessed by ABPM were significantly associated with TOD.Dipping status ,diurnal index and MS were not associated with TOD.
ABPM is a useful tool for diagnosis and accurate categorisation of hypertension. Analysis of ABPM parameters helps to identify the patients with significant BP load who are at risk of developing TOD.
Effect of Health Extension Service on Under-Five Child Mortality and Determinants of Under-Five Child Mortality in Derra District, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Abate
Published: February 2021

Under five-child mortality is the highest in Ethiopia even though it decreased steadily in last two decades. Hence, this study aimed to identify the risk factors and effects of Health Extension Service on under-five child mortality in Derra district, Ethiopia. The study used a random sample of 446 mothers from the district and analyzed. One-fourth (23.5%) of mothers experienced at least one under-five child mortality in the last thirteen years and the propensity score analysis also indicated that utilizing and being model in HEP reduced under five child mortality by 29.84% and 15.71%, respectively. The Poisson regression model identified that Kebeles, being model in HEP, mother educational level, mother age at first birth, source of drinking water and Place of child delivery were significant risk factors of under-five child mortality per mother. Hence, the health sectors and district health offices have to work on a health extension program to increase the community awareness of basic preventive and promotive health service, and minimize risk factors of under-five child mortality.
Effects of Different Ischemic Preconditioning Occlusion Pressures on Muscle Damage Induced by Eccentric Exercise: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Placebo Clinical Trial
Authors: Junior Eduardo Pizzo , Cavina Allysiê Priscilla de Souza , Lemos Leonardo Kesrouani , Biral Taíse Mendes , Pastre Carlos Marcelo , Vanderlei Franciele Marques
Published: February 2021

Introduction: due to its mechanical advantage and less metabolic demand, eccentric exercise (EE) has been widely used in rehabilitation and for improving physical fitness. However, EE can induce muscle damage, leading to structural alterations and reduced muscle function, making it necessary to seek alternatives to reduce this damage caused by stress. Thus, ischemic preconditioning (IPC) could represent an aid to reduce the damage caused by EE, because it can mitigate the ischemia-reperfusion injury, and can be used to accelerate the post-exercise recovery process. Objectives: to compare the effects of IPC, using different occlusion pressures, on the acute and delayed responses of perceptual outcomes and on the markers of muscle damage, in addition to verifying whether the technique causes deleterious effects on performance in recovery after eccentric exercise. Methods: a randomized controlled placebo clinical trial will be carried out with 80 healthy men aged 18 to 35 years who will be randomly divided into four groups: IPC using total occlusion pressure (TOP), IPC with 40% more than TOP, placebo (10 mmHg), and control. The IPC protocol will consist of four cycles of ischemia and reperfusion of five minutes each. All groups will perform an EE protocol, and assessments will be carried out before, immediately after, and 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after the end of the EE to evaluate creatine kinase (CK), blood lactate, perception of recovery using the Likert scale, being sequentially evaluated, pain by the visual analog scale (VAS), pain threshold using a pressure algometer, muscle thickness by ultrasound, muscle tone, stiffness and elasticity by myotonometry, vectors of cell integrity through electrical bioimpedance (BIA), and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) using the isokinetic dynamometer. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04420819). Discussion: the present study aims to present an alternative technique to reduce muscle damage caused by EE, which is easy to apply and low cost. If the benefits are proven, IPC could be used in any clinical practice that aims to minimize the damage caused by exercise, presenting an advance in the prescription of EE and directly impacting on the results of post-exercise recovery.Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov, (30765020.3.0000.5402). Registered on 19 May 2020.
Chemotherapeutic drugs in Lebanese surface waters: estimation of population exposure and identification of high-risk drugs
Authors: Saab Yolande , Nakad Zahi , Rahme Rita
Published: February 2021

Environmental risk assessment of anti-cancer drugs and their transformation products is a major concern worldwide due to two main factors: the consumption of chemotherapeutic agents is increasing throughout the years and conventional water treatment processes seem to be ineffective. The aim of the study is to investigate the consumption of anticancer drugs and assess their potential health hazard as contaminants of the Lebanese surface waters. Data on yearly consumption of 259 anti-neoplastic drugs over the years 2013 to 2018 were collected and the following parameters were calculated: yearly consumption of single active ingredients, yearly consumption of drug equivalents (for drugs belonging to the same pharmacologic class/ having the same active ingredient) and Predicted Environmental Concentrations (PECs). The classification of compounds into risk categories was based on exposure using PECs. The top five most commonly consumed drugs are Mycophenolate mofetil, Hydroxycarbamide, Capecitibine, Mycophenolic acid and Azathioprine. Based on the calculated PEC values of single active ingredients as well as their equivalents, six high risk priority compounds were identified: Mycophenolate mofetil, Hydroxycarbamide, Capecitibine, Mycophenolic acid and Azathioprine and 5-Fluorouracil. The impact of these micropollutants on animals as well as humans was analyzed. This research paper stresses the importance of further analysis of chemotherapy micropollutants with major focus on high risk drugs. Additionally, regulations should be set in place to ensure proper management of waste water and the development of efficient waste water treatment plants.