bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Knee Instability With Alignment And Repetitive Physical Activity In Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wada Makoto , Miyazaki Tsuyoshi , Yamamoto Yusuke , Sakamoto Takumi , Adachi Takahiro
Published: July 2021

Objectives. Malalignment, dynamic knee instability, and repetitive physical activity are considered biomechanical risk factors for knee osteoarthritis (KOA), though the correlations among these factors are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship between knee instability and alignment, and to determine the effects of repetitive physical activity on knee instability in patients with KOA.Methods. The study subjects were 68 patients with radiographic tibiofemoral KOA and 68 control subjects. Each participant underwent clinical evaluation, muscle strength test, radiography, and knee instability test. Instability was evaluated before and after repetitive stepping exercise using triaxial accelerometer. Results. Mediolateral acceleration correlated (p<0.01) with two coronal alignments (mechanical axis; HKA and joint line convergent angle; JLCA). Pearson correlation coefficient was small (r=0.23-0.24) before but increased after stepping (r=0.28-0.33). Increased mediolateral acceleration after stepping correlated with JLCA (r=0.37, p<0.001) . There were significant differences in coronal alignments, gait speed, mediolateral acceleration, and accelerations in all directions between the control and KOA groups. Anteroposterior acceleration did not correlate with sagittal knee alignment. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified HKA/JLCA, and increased mediolateral acceleration after stepping as significant diagnostic predictors of KOA.Conclusion. We found a direct relationship between knee instability and knee alignment or repetitive physical activity. Repetitive stepping activity significantly increased mediolateral acceleration in KOA patients, compared to the control. Stepping increased the correlation between mediolateral acceleration and coronal alignment. In knees with large JLCA, repetitive stepping provided much larger mediolateral instability. Our results suggest that, in addition to JLCA, the increase in mediolateral acceleration after repetitive physical activity, possibly contributes to the development of KOA.Trial registrationTan-nan Regional Medical Center TRMC No. 2018-1
Synthesis of New Calixarene Derivatives and Evaluation of Their Cytotoxic Activity
Authors: Oguz Mehmet , Yildirim Ayse , Durmus Irem Mukaddes , Karakurt Serdar , Yilmaz Mustafa
Published: July 2021

Since calixarenes are more easily synthesized and functionalized than other supramolecules, they are compounds of interest in organic chemistry. In this study, the dihydrazide (3a and 3b) and diamino propyl (6a and 6b) derivatives of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene and calix[4]arene were synthesized. Then the L-proline methyl ester substituted chlorocyclopropenium was reacted with the calix[4]arene derivatives (3a, 3b, 6a, and 6b) at room temperature in CH2Cl2 to obtain calix[4]arene superbase derivatives (4a, 4b, 7a, and 7b) in 75%, 60%, 70% and 55% yield, respectively. The synthesized compounds' structure was elucidated by using spectroscopic techniques (FTIR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR ). The cytotoxic properties of the calix[4]arene superbase derivatives were investigated against different human cancerous cells, including A549, DLD-1, HEPG2, and PC-3, as well as human healthy epithelium cell line PNT1A. The cytotoxicity results showed that calix[4]arene superbase derivatives inhibited the proliferation of DLD-1, A549, HEPG2, and PC-3 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Compound 7a had the highest toxic effect on colorectal carcinoma (IC50: 4.7 µM), and the IC50 values were 18.5 µM and 74.4µM against human prostate and lung cancer cells, respectively. Furthermore, the compound 4b was found more effective on hepatocellular carcinoma cells (IC50: 210.2 µM). As a result, the synthesized calix[4]arene superbase derivatives can be developed to treat different human cancer cells. They can be considered as a preliminary result for molecular-level research.
Vibrio Gaelis sp. nov. Isolated From the Skin of Southern Atlantic Sharpnose-puffer (Canthigaster Figueiredoi)
Authors: de Azevedo Gustavo Pitta Reis , Mattsson Hannah K. , Tonon Luciane , Arruda Tatiane , Salazar Vinicius , Bielinski Vincent A. , Chagas Fernanda , Tschoeke Diogo A. , Thompson Cristiane C. , Thompson Fabiano L.
Published: July 2021

Description of a Gram-negative, motile, circular-shaped bacterial strain, designated A621T obtained from the skin of the pufferfish Canthigaster figuereidoi (Tetraodontidae Family), collected in Arraial do Cabo, Brazil. Optimum growth occurs at 20 - 28 °C in the presence of 3% NaCl. The Genome sequence of the novel isolate consisted of 4.224 Mb, 4,431 coding genes and G+C content of 44.5%. Genomic taxonomy analysis based on Average Amino Acid (AAI), Genome-to-Genome-Distance (GGDH) and phylogenetic reconstruction placed A621T (= CBAS 741T) into a new species of the genus Vibrio (Vibrio gaelis sp. nov.). The genome of the novel species contains 4 gene clusters (~56.17 Kbp in total) coding for different types of bioactive compounds that hint to several possible ecological roles in the pufferfish host.
Stratifin as a Novel Diagnostic Biomarker in Serum for Diffuse Alveolar Damage
Authors: Arakawa Noriaki , Ushiki Atsuhito , Abe Mitsuhiro , Matsuyama Shinichiro , Saito Yoshinobu , Kashiwada Takeru , Horimasu Yasushi , Gemma Akihiko , Tatsumi Koichiro , Hattori Noboru , Tsushima Kenji , Saito Kosuke , Nakamura Ryosuke , Toyoda Takeshi , Ogawa Kumiko , Sato Motonobu , Takamatsu Kazuhiko , Mori Kazuhiko , Nishiya Takayoshi , Izumi Takashi , Ohno Yasuo , Saito Yoshiro , Hanaoka Masayuki
Published: July 2021

Among the various histopathological patterns of drug-induced interstitial lung disease (DILD), diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) is associated with poor prognosis. However, there is no reliable biomarker for its accurate diagnosis. Here, we show stratifin/14-3-3σ (SFN) as a biomarker candidate found in a proteomic analysis. The study included two independent cohorts and controls (n = 432 samples). SFN was specifically elevated in DILD patients with DAD, and was superior to the known biomarkers, KL-6 and SP-D, in discrimination of DILD patients with DAD from patients with other DILD patterns or other lung diseases, including bacterial pneumonia. SFN was also increased in serum from patients with idiopathic DAD, and in lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with DAD. In vitro analysis using the A549 cell line suggested that extracellular release of SFN occurred via p53 activation. We conclude that serum SFN is a promising biomarker for DAD diagnosis.
The Logic Fundamentals of Machine Consciousness: Theory of Tri-State
Authors: Wang Zhiwei , ZHOU Ao , LIU Xin
Published: July 2021

For a long time, the system of scientific methodology has been composed of logic, empirical (falsification), qualitative, quantitative and deterministic, and corresponding thinking tools. However, under the background of complexity science, the category of methodology should be changed, that is, on the basis of traditional methodology, non-classical logic, hierarchy, stereotype (topological invariant) and uncertainty should be added. This is also the main idea behind the “Thoery of Tri-state” in the first part of this paper. The core idea in the theory of “Tri-state” is “Tri-state Logic” (“positive | negative | uncertain state”). The ontology of “Tri-state Logic” aims to reveal the meta space-time movement law of things transforming from one form to another, that is, the coupling of time and space in the development of things, and the orientation and evolution of the continuity of things. The mathematical basis of “Tri-state Logic” is knot theory and dynamics theory. The second part of this paper designs a machine-consciousness model framework based on the “Theory of Tri-state” (Tri-state Logic). Its research starting point is the perspective of cognitive dynamics (cognitive psychology + dynamics), which is very different from the research ideas proposed by Minsky's “The Emotion Machine”. At the same time, this paper also tries to answer Turing's questions from different space-time dimensions, and gives an experimental idea of “kindergarten game” by comparing Turing's “imitation game”.
Predicting Long-Term Hydrological Change Caused By Climate Shifting In The 21st Century In The Headwater Area of The Yellow River Basin
Authors: Hu Jingyi , Wu Yiping , Sun Pengcheng , Zhao Fubo , Sun Ke , Li Tiejian , Sivakumar Bellie , Qiu Linjing , Sun Yuzhu , Jin Zhangdong
Published: July 2021

The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) is one of the amplifiers of global climate change. The headwater area of the Yellow River Basin (HYRB) on the QTP is the dominant water source region for the whole Yellow River Basin (YRB). However, the sensitive responses of hydrological processes to the intensifying climate change are exerting high uncertainties to the water cycle in the HYRB. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential climate change under three Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5) and their hydrological impacts in this region using the ensemble climate data from eight general circulation models (GCMs) and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Compared to the baseline (1976–2015), the projected climate indicated a rise of 7.3–7.8% in annual precipitation, 1.3–1.9°C in maximum air temperature, and 1.2–1.8°C in minimum air temperature during the near future period (2020–2059), and an increment of 9.0–17.9%, 1.5–4.5°C, and 1.3–4.5°C in precipitation, maximum and minimum temperature, respectively, during the far future period (2060–2099). The well-simulated SWAT modeling results suggested that due to a wetter and warmer climate, annual average actual evapotranspiration (AET) would increase obviously in the future (31.9–35.3% during the near future and 33.5–54.3% during the far future), which might cause a slight decrease in soil water. Water yield would decrease by 16.5–20.1% during the near future period, implying a worsening water crisis in the future. Till the end of this century, driven by the increased precipitation, water yield would no longer continue to decrease, with a decline by 15–19.5%. Overall, this study can not only provide scientific understanding of the hydrological responses to the future climate in both semi-arid and alpine areas, but also contribute to the decision support for sustainable development of water resources and protection of eco-environment in the HYRB.
Commensal Gut Bacterium Akkermansia Muciniphila Secretome Induces Mitochondrial Calcium Overload and α-Synuclein Aggregation in Enteroendocrine Cells
Authors: Neto Dionísio Pedro Amorim , Bosque Beatriz Pelegrini , de Godoy João Vitor Pereira , Rodrigues Paulla Vieira , Meneses Dario Donoso , Tostes Katiane , Tonoli Celisa Caldana Costa , González-Billault Christian , Fonseca Matheus
Published: July 2021

Background: The notion that the gut microbiota plays a role in neurodevelopment, behavior and outcome of neurodegenerative disorders is recently taking place. A number of studies have consistently reported a greater abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila in Parkinson’s disease (PD) fecal samples. Nevertheless, a functional link between A. muciniphila and sporadic PD remained unexplored. Here, we investigated whether A.muciniphila conditioned medium could initiate the misfolding process of α-synuclein (αSyn) in enteroendocrine cells (EECs), which are part of the gut epithelium and possess many neuron-like properties. Results: We found that A. muciniphila conditioned medium is directly modulated by mucin, induces intracellular calcium (Ca2+) release, and causes increased mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake in EECs, which in turn leads to production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and αSyn aggregation. Indeed, oral administration of A. muciniphila cultivated in the absence of mucin to aged mice also led to αSyn aggregation in cholecystokinin (CCK)-positive enteroendocrine cells. Noteworthy, buffering mitochondrial Ca2+ reverted all the damaging effects observed. Conclusion: Thereby, these molecular insights provided here offer evidence that bacterial proteins are capable of inducing αSyn aggregation in enteroendocrine cells.
The effect of additional antimicrobial therapy on the outcomes of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Ching-Yi , Chen Chao-Hsien , Wang Cheng-Yi , Lai Chih-Cheng , Chao Chien-Ming , Wei Yu-Feng
Published: July 2021

Background

The effect of additional antimicrobial agents on the clinical outcomes of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is unclear.
Methods

We performed comprehensive searches of randomized control trials (RCTs) that compared the clinical efficacy of additional antimicrobial agents to those of placebo or usual care in the treatment of IPF patients. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcomes were changes in forced vital capacity (FVC), diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and the risk of adverse events (AEs).
Results

Four RCTs including a total of 1055 patients (528 receiving additional antibiotics and 527 receiving placebo or usual care) were enrolled in this meta-analysis. Among the study group, 402 and 126 patients received co-trimoxazole and doxycycline, respectively. The all-cause mortality rates were 15.0% (79/528) and 14.0% (74/527) in the patients who did and did not receive additional antibiotics, respectively (odds ratio [OR], 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76 to 1.51; p = 0.71). No significant difference was observed in the changes in FVC (mean difference [MD], 0.01; 95% CI, -0.03 to 0.05; p = 0.56) and DLCO (MD, 0.05; 95% CI, -0.17 to 0.28; p = 0.65). Additional use of antimicrobial agents was also associated with an increased risk of AEs (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.19–2.27; p = 0.002), especially gastrointestinal disorders (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.10–2.15; p = 0.001).
Conclusion

In patients with IPF, adding antimicrobial therapy to usual care did not improve mortality or lung function decline but increased gastrointestinal toxicity.
Proposal of a Modified Comprehensive Technique to Avoid Local Scarring and Adhesion Formation for Isolated Gastrocnemius Recession: a Comparison Study.
Authors: Zheng Jiafa , Song Xiufeng , Guan Min , Qi Zhiming
Published: July 2021

BackgroundPoor cosmesis is one of the complications following surgical gastrocnemius recession by Strayer procedure. Our present study reported a modified comprehensive technique avoiding skin adhesion in releasing gastrocnemius contracture. A comparison cohort was conducted with inclusion cases via comprehensive modified technique and conventional Strayer procedure. MethodsFrom July 2017 to December 2019, 72 consecutive patients (84 feet) were retrospectively reviewed with 38 cases（42 feet）treated utilizing conventional Strayer procedure and 34 cases（42 feet）treated by modified comprehensive technique. All patients were followed up for minimum 12 months (mean 13.6, range 12 to 18 months). The ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and medical complications (scar adhesion) of above patients were recorded and evaluated. ResultsThe mean ankle dorsiflexion significantly improved from 14.5º±2.5º degrees preoperatively to -18.7º±3.2º degrees in modified procedure group postoperatively (P<0.05), while dorsiflexion improved from 15.2º±3.0º to -19.1º±3.9º in conventional Strayer procedure group. 1 of 42 (2.4%) in modified procedure group developed scar adhesion while 12 of 42 (28.6%) in conventional Strayer procedure group, which showed a statistically significant difference in postoperative complication (scar adhesion) rate between two groups (P<0.05). ConclusionsGastrocnemius recession with modified comprehensive technique can completely release the gastrocnemius aponeurosis and achieve satisfactory recovery of ankle dorsiflexion angle, especially effectively avoid postoperative local scar adhesion with a superior cosmetic appearance.Level of Clinical Evidence: 3
Novel Phase Distributions for Large Beam- Scanning Reflectarrays
Authors: SHEIKHOLESLAMI AHAD , ATLASBAF ZAHRA
Published: July 2021

In this paper, the hybrid combination of genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization (GAPSO) is used to optimize the phase distribution (PD) of beam-scanning reflectarray. The GAPSO takes advantage of both conventional algorithms and it could cover their weaknesses. Two novels PDs are proposed in this paper. Constant phase elements (CPEs) and ordinary elements (OEs) are two basic kinds of elements used in these two novel PDs. The phases of CPEs are fixed and it is not changed during beam scanning and only OEs’ phase could be adjusted to scan the main beam. GAPSO and two novels PDs are applied to array factor PD of a 30*30 reflectarray antenna to displace the main beam electronically in the vertical plane from-40⁰ to 40⁰. In these two novel PDs, 28.8% of total elements are selected as CPEs. In the first one with only CPEs, the phase of OEs (71.2% of total elements) could adjust, but in the second novel PD with CPEs and phase symmetry plane 35.5% of the total elements’ phase could be changed to scan the beam. Optimization results show that the novel PD and hybrid algorithm have appropriate performance in the electronically beam scanning of reflectarrays.
Immunogenetic Variation Shapes the Gut Microbiome in a Natural Vertebrate Population
Authors: Davies Charli S. , Worsley Sarah F. , Maher Kathryn H. , Komdeur Jan , Burke Terry , Dugdale Hannah L. , Richardson David S.
Published: July 2021

Background: The gut microbiome (GM) can influence many biological processes in the host, impacting its health and survival, but the GM can also be influenced by the host’s traits. In vertebrates, Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes play a pivotal role in combatting pathogens and are thought to shape the host’s GM. However, despite this - and the documented importance of both GM and MHC variation to individual fitness - few studies have investigated the association between the GM and MHC in the wild. Results: We characterised MHC class I (MHC-I), MHC class II (MHC-II), and GM variation in individuals within a natural population of the Seychelles warbler, Acrocephalus sechellensis. We determined how the diversity and composition of the GM varied with MHC characteristics, in addition to environmental factors and other host intrinsic traits. Our results show that the presence of specific MHC alleles, but not MHC diversity, influences both the diversity and composition of the GM in this population. We found that MHC-I alleles, rather than MHC-II alleles, had the greatest impact on the GM. GM diversity was negatively associated with the presence of three MHC-I alleles (Ase-ua3, Ase-ua4, Ase-ua5), and one MHC-II allele (Ase-dab4), while changes in GM composition were associated with the presence of four different MHC-I alleles (Ase-ua1, Ase-ua7, Ase-ua10, Ase-ua11). GM diversity was also positively correlated with genome-wide heterozygosity and varied with host age and field period.Conclusions: These results suggest that components of the host’s immune system play a role in shaping the GM of wild animals. Host genotype – specifically, adaptive immune receptor MHC-I alleles – can modulate the GM, although whether this occurs directly, or indirectly through effects on host health is unclear. To our knowledge this is the first-time individual MHC-I variation has been shown to be associated with differences in GM characteristics in a natural population. Importantly, it suggests that host–microbiome coevolution may play a role in maintaining functional immunogenetic variation within natural vertebrate populations.
Strong Role of Calcination Temperature for Improving Magnetocaloric Effect in Nd0.5Sr0.5MnO3 Prepared via Combustion Technique
Authors: Hamad mahmoud Aly , Alamri Hatem R.
Published: July 2021

In this work, phenomenological model (PM) is used to simulate the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of Nd0.5Sr0.5MnO3 (NSMO) sample synthesized at various values of temperature of calcination (Tcal). The results showed that MCE of NSMO samples depends strongly on Tcal, achieving that a conventional MCE for nanocrystalline NSMO samples. However, the thermomagnetic behavior of bulk NSMO sample NSMO contains both conventional MCE and inverse MCE. MCE of NSMO improves powerfully with increasing Tcal. The calcination process is concluded as a powerful tool for improving MCE for NSMO. Especially, NSMO parameters in MCE of some published works are better, with a value equal to or greater than the corresponding MCE parameters in the same value of ΔH. MCE of NSMO system, particularly for nitrogen and hydrogen liquefaction, covers an excellent temperature range is of interest for MR.
Changes in Morphometry of Trunk Muscles, Pain, and Disability Associated With Motor Control Training in People With Chronic Low Back Pain: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Shanbehzadeh Sanaz , ShahAli Shabnam , Hides Julie , Ebrahimi-Takamjani Ismail , Rasouli Omid
Published: July 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Cholesterol 25-Hydroxylase Promotes Osteogenesis and Suppresses Adipogenesis of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells via mTOR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Haoran , Zhou Lei , Sun Shiwei , Zhang Tianlong , Zhou Wuling , Zhang Tieqi , Wang Minghai
Published: July 2021

Background

Increased adipogenesis and reduced osteogenesis of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are key features of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP). However, the mechanism of controlling the differentiation balance of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) is still unclear. Recent years, studies on the relationship between cholesterol metabolism and bone metabolism have been increasing. Various cholesterol metabolism-related molecules have been proved to be involved in BMSCs differentiation. Cholesterol-25-Hydroxylase (CH25H) is a multi-transmembrane endoplasmic reticulum related enzyme which participated in various metabolic process, including immunity, stem cell differentiation and inflammation. Here we discovered and proved its role in regulating stem cell differentiation and explored the mechanism.
Methods

RNAi sequences or cDNA were designed to knockdown or overexpress CH25H in cells. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alizarin red S (AR-S) staining and Oil Red O staining were used to identify osteogenic or adipogenic differentiation ability of different cells. Meanwhile, biomarkers of osteogenesis or adipogenesis were tested by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to quantify the degree of cell differentiation. Western blot was performed to detect the protein expression of CH25H and the key molecules of mTOR signaling pathway. Subcutaneous ectopic osteogenesis experiment in nude mice and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were applied to verify the results of in vitro experiments.
Results

CH25H could increase osteogenesis and suppress adipogenesis. Besides, the mTOR signaling pathway was found upregulated when knocking down CH25H. When using rapamycin, a specific inhibitor of mTOR, the regulating effect of osteo-adipogenic regulation were partly reversed. These results indicated that CH25H was a key regulator of BMSCs osteo-adipogenic differentiation and the mTOR signaling pathway was the downstream mechanism. Animal experiments have also got consistent results.
Conclusion

CH25H could promotes osteogenesis and suppresses adipogenesis of bone marrow stromal cells via mTOR signaling pathway.
Development and Validation of a Tool to Measure Collaborative Practice Between Community Pharmacists and Physicians From the Perspective of Community Pharmacists: The Professional Collaborative Practice Tool
Authors: Sanchez-Molina Ana I. , Benrimoj Shalom I. , Ferri-Garcia Ramon , Martinez-Martinez Fernando , Gastelurrutia Miguel Angel , Garcia-Cardenas Victoria
Published: July 2021

Background

Collaborative practice between community pharmacists and physicians is becoming increasingly common. Although tools and models to explore collaborative practice between both health care professionals have been developed, very few have been validated for their use in clinical practice. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a tool for measuring collaborative practice between community pharmacists and physicians from the perspective of community pharmacists.
Methods

The DeVellis method was used to develop and validate the Professional Collaborative Practice Tool. A pool of 40 items with Likert frequency scales was generated based on previous literature and expert opinion. A sample of community pharmacists providing medication reviews with follow-up and a random sample of pharmacists providing usual care were invited to participate. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was used to assess the tool’s reliability and content validity.
Results

336 pharmacists were invited with an overall response rate of 84.8%. The initial 40 items selected were reduced to 14 items. Exploratory Factor Analysis provided a 3-factor solution explaining 62% of the variance. Confirmatory Factor Analysis confirmed the three factors “Activation for collaborative professional practice,” the “Integration in collaborative professional practice,” and the “Professional acceptance in collaborative professional practice.” The tool demonstrated an adequate fit (X2/df = 1.657, GFI = 0.889 and RMSEA = 0.069) and good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.924).
Conclusions

The Professional Collaborative Practice Tool has shown good internal reliability and criterion validity. The tool could be used to measure the level of collaborative practice between community pharmacists and physicians and monitor changes over time.
A Draft Genome Assembly of “Cas” (Psidium Friedrichsthalianum (O. Berg) Nied): An Indigenous Crop of Costa Rica Untapped.
Authors: Rojas-Gómez Mónica , Jiménez-Madrigal Jose Pablo , Montero-Vargas Maripaz , Loaiza-Montoya Randall , Chavarría Max , Meneses Esteban , Fuchs Eric J.
Published: July 2021

Psidium friedrichsthalianum (O. Berg) Nied is a tropical tree species in the Myrtaceae family, natively distributed from southern Mexico, to eastern Venezuela and Ecuador and commonly known as "Cas'', "Costa Rican guava" or “Sour Guava”. The “Cas” produces a fruit with a rather distinctive acidic flavor and has bioactive compounds and biological potential equal or greater than common Guava; is considered an indigenous crop in Costa Rica with characteristics as a functional food untapped. This species has not been completely domesticated, and can be found in home gardens, paddocks, small groups, and, more recently, in small and medium sized plantations. Also, the plantations of this species do not have technical and scientific support or agronomic promotion from industry, nor are there genetic resources or germplasm readily available to farmers. This limits its commercial development and the implementation of selection or genetic improvement programs. In this study, we present the first draft assembly of the Cas genome using PacBio long reads and the Canu assembly pipeline. Our draft assembly has a total length of 417.64 Mb, with 24 440 contigs and a N50 contig size of 21.3 Kb. Structural annotation resulted in 59 036 gene models. Functional annotation was conducted against the non-redundant set of genes from the KEGG database. Of the 52 422 complete genes models, 15.55% (8 153) presented homology with KEGG orthologs. The genes found in our Cas draft assembly were compared to those found in Eucalyptus grandis (rose gum) [erg] in the KEGG repository. According to the KEGG pathway assignments, 33 isoforms were annotated as part of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. In addition, 19 isoforms were annotated as part of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway. The results of this study provide an overview of the first draft of the Cas genome assembly using PacBio long reads. This new genomic resource represents the basis for exploring the genetic potential of this crop with characteristics as a functional food.
Immunomodulatory Activity, GC-MS Analysis and Pharmakokinetic Potential of Camellia Sinensis
Authors: Pradhan Surbhi , Dubey R. C.
Published: July 2021

The immunomodulatory activities of medicinal plants are well-known. Medicinal plants found natural components enhance the immune system. However, both the Camellia sinensis is found a large number of bioactive compounds that make it strong to fight against ailments. It plays a significant role in cell-mediated and humoral immunity. The immunomodulatory activity of C. sinensis was carried out by neutrophil adhesion test, antibody titer and delayed-type hypersensitivity. The present study was aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory activity of methanolic extract of Camellia sinensis in Wistar albino rats. GC–MS analysis was carried out on the potent plant (C. sinensis) to recognize bioactive volatile compounds, for their therapeutic properties, respectively. C. sinensis treated animals showed a significant outcome at dose 200 mg. GC–MS analysis was carried out of the C. sinensis to recognize bioactive volatile compounds. Out of 20, five major compounds were found are 2-Pentanone, 4-hydroxy-4-methyl, Caffeine, 1-H Benzimidazole, 2-phenyl, Hexadecenoic acid, 15-methyl, methyl ester, Trans-13-Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester. In this study, C. sinensis has more potential to modulate the immune system in experimental animals. This study provides a substantial way to replace deleterious medicines and provides natural compounds that a part of the lifestyle to get rid of diseases. The highest % area was found is 1-H Benzimidazole 2-phenyl. The pharmacokinetic property of bioactive compound was carried out by SwissADME tool.
Study on Prevalence of Lungworm Infection and Associated Risk Factors of Cattle and Sheep Slaughtered at Gondar Elfora Abattoir, North West Ethiopia
Authors: Wodaje Baye , Melkamu Samrawit , Bogale Basazenew
Published: July 2021

Background: Lungworms are parasitic nematode round worms that infest the lungs of ruminants. The infections have wide distribution in the world including Ethiopia. Epidemiological distribution of lung worm depends more on pasture contamination by carrier animals. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, postmortem findings and laboratory testing (detecting lungworm larvae in faces). The aims of this study were to determine the current prevalence, identifying the species and assess the possible risk factors of lung worm infection in cattle and sheep at Gondar Elfora abattoir.Result: Out of 500 animals (240 cattle and 260 sheep) both coprological and postmortem examination were conducted. The overall occurrence of lungworm infection in both cattle and sheep were 3.75% and 7.31% respectively. The prevalence of lung worm in cattle and sheep in ante mortem inspection with respiratory problem was 8.00% and 19.51% respectively. Coprological prevalence of infection: in young and adult age groups of cattle was 7.04% and 2.37% and in sheep 6.8% and 7.9% respectively. With regard to body condition (poor, medium and good) having the prevalence of 13.64%, 3.3% and 0.00% in cattle and 16.2%, 5.35% and 7.33% in sheep respectively. It has significant difference with body condition score of cattle and sheep (p<0.05 The occurrence of identified lung worm in cattle was Dictyocaulus viviparous (3.75%); in sheep Dictyocaulus filaria (52.63%) higher than Muellerius capillaries (36.84%) followed by Protostrongylus rufescens(10.53%). Over all prevalence in cattle and sheep were 1.67% and 8.08% respectively. Finding with respect to young and adult age groups of cattle was 4.23%, 0.59%, and in sheep 7.48% and 8.85%. The identified lung worm species in sheep, mixed infection (42.85%) was higher than Dictyocaulus filarial (28.57%) followed by Muellerius capillaries (19.05%) and Protostrongylus rufescens (9.52%). Conclusions: Generally lungworm infection has a great effect on animal health and production. It needs emphasis to prevent and control to overcome this problem.
Oncological Outcomes of Patients with Peritoneal Metastasis–only Colorectal Cancer Treated with First-line Bevacizumab and FOLFIRI through Irinotecan Dose Escalation According to UGT1A1 Polymorphism: Compared to Liver Metastasis–only, and Lung Metastasis–only
Authors: Li Ching-Chun , Chang Tsung-Kun , Chen Yen-Cheng , Tsai Hsiang-Lin , Huang Ching-Wen , Su Wei-Chih , Ma Cheng-Jen , Yin Tzu-Chieh , Chen Po-Jung , Wang Jaw-Yuan
Published: July 2021

Background:The prognosis of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) depends on the metastatic site and systemic therapy regimen. Peritoneal metastases are associated with a relatively unfavorable prognosis among patients with mCRC. In this article, we present the treatment outcomes of patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC)–only, liver metastasis (LiM)–only, and lung metastasis (LuM)–only CRC.Methods:Overall, 206 mCRC patients with single-site metastasis and who had received treatment from January 2014 to December 2018 were recruited. Among 206 patients with mCRC, 15 had PC-only mCRC, 145 had LiM-only mCRC, and 46 had LuM-only mCRC. They attended regular follow-ups until November 2020, and the median follow-up period was 24.7 months (5.1–41.3 months). Patients’ characteristics, including clinical data, gene mutation profiles, and clinical outcomes, were evaluated. All patients with PC-only CRC were treated with first-line bevacizumab and FOLFIRI, and the irinotecan dose escalation depended on UGT1A1 polymorphism.Results:Of the 206 patients, no statistical difference was observed between the PC-only, LiM-only, and LuM-only groups in terms of age, primary tumor location, RAS mutation status, BRAF mutation status, and epidermal growth factor receptor overexpression (all P > 0.05). KRAS mutations were detected in two (16.7%) patients with PC-only CRC, 39 (36.4%) patients with LiM-only CRC, and 12 (36.4%) patients with LuM-only CRC. NRAS mutations were detected in one (8.3%) patient with PC-only CRC, six (7.3%) patients with LiM-only CRC, and two (7.1%) patients with LuM-only CRC. BRAF mutations were detected in two (15.4%) patients with PC-only CRC, seven (6.9%) patients with LiM-only CRC, and one (2.9%) patient with LuM-only CRC. Patients with PC-only CRC had a median progression-free survival (mPFS) of 18.0 months and a median overall survival (mOS) of 24.6 months. Patients with LiM-only or LuM-only CRC had mPFS of 18.2 and 26.6 months and mOS of 25.0 and 44.5 months, respectively. No significant differences regarding PFS and OS (both P > 0.05) between the three groups of patients with mCRC were observed.Conclusions:A PC-only status is considered to be a challenge in the treatment of patients with mCRC. Our study revealed that in patients with PC-only mCRC had a higher incidence of BRAF mutations, and treatment of first-line bevacizumab and FOLFIRI through irinotecan dose escalation according to UGT1A1 polymorphism could confer such patients with comparable outcomes to that of patients with LiM-only and LuM-only mCRC. However, further prospective randomized trials on patients with peritoneal metastatic mCRC should be conducted to verify the findings of this retrospective study.
An Ecological Comparison Study On The Causal Association Between Leptospirosis and Moyamoya Disease in Hubei, China, 2017-2019
Authors: Zhiyang Ma , Wang Xiong , Li Meifang , Zhou Da , Zhang Jianjian , Ma Lu , Li Xiang , Wei Wei , Wu Xiaohui , Chen Xiangyan , Zhou Keyao , Huang Zenghui , Chen Jincao
Published: July 2021

Background and PurposeThe importance of environmental factors (especially leptospirosis) in moyamoya disease (MMD) has not been clarified. Here we investigated the epidemiological characteristics of MMD under perspective of ecology in Hubei province, China.MethodsWe conducted a population-based study to describe the epidemiologic characteristics of MMD in Hubei province between 2017 and 2019. The regional clusters of the hot spots (high incidence) and cold spots (low incidence) of MMD were identified using the spatial statistical method. To evaluate the role of leptospirosis in MMD, we performed an ecological comparison study to evaluate whether the socioeconomic and environmental variables of hot spots are more suitable for leptospirosis spread. Results The average annual age-adjusted incidence of MMD was 2.85 per 100 000 person-years from 2017 to 2019. The middle-aged had higher incidence of MMD than the children. There existed an obvious geographic distribution of MMD at county level that the average annual age-adjusted incidence of hot spots was about 8 times than the cold spots. The hot spots were identified mainly in the low mountainous and hilly terrain, while cold spots were located in the Jianghan Plains. Compared to cold spots, the hot spots had larger cattle density (28.9 vs 7.7, P=0.002), higher percentages of rice field (80.3% vs 35.7%, P=0.002), and lower elevation (33.6 vs 157.4, P=0.001)Conclusions We identified the obvious geographic distribution of MMD in the province, which initially strengthened the importance of environmental factors of this disease. Moreover, we preliminarily identified that people who lived in the low elevation regions with close contact to the cattle and rice field has a high risk of MMD. Future studies are needed to explore the potential environmental factors in MMD, especially for early-life exposure to leptospirosis.
IGF2BP2 Promotes the Proliferation, Invasion and Migration of Esophageal Carcinoma Cells via Activation of the PI3K/AKT/EMT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Shu Wenbin , Lin YuJing , Yan Yan , Sun YaoHui , Wu XiangWen , Cao Qingdong
Published: July 2021

BackgroundInsulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2), as a m6A “reader”, is known to be an oncogene, and its expression is elevated in multiple tumors. However, the role of IGF2PB2 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is still unclear. MethodsThis study aims to investigate the role of IGF2PB2 expression in ESCC proliferation, invasion and migration as well as the possible mechanism. IGF2BP2 expression was found to be elevated in ESCC tissues by qRT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. ResultsKnocking down IGF2BP2 expression prevented the proliferation, invasion, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of KYSE450 and TE1 cells. Knocking out IGF2BP2 reduced tumorigenesis in vivo. Overexpression of IGF2BP2 was performed, and it was proven that IGF2BP2 had an oncogenic effect in KYSE450 and TE1 cells. Moreover, LY294002, a highly selective inhibitor of PI3K, reversed the effect of IGF2BP2 overexpression on EMT processes. All these results show that the effects of IGF2BP2 on oncogenesis and EMT were clearly exerted via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. ConclusionsIn conclusion, this study demonstrates that the oncogenic function of IGF2BP2 is mediated by the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and is related to EMT in ESCC. In addition, IGF2BP2 can serve as a diagnostic and oncotherapeutic marker in further studies.
The impact of artificial intelligence analytics in enhancing digital marketing: the role of open big data and AI analytics competencies
Authors: Saheb Tahereh , Amini Bahareh
Published: July 2021

Purpose: The goal of digital marketing is to enhance strategic decision making to discover competitive and consumer behavior, and to provide early warnings of risks and opportunities. In the age of digitalization, digital marketing may be influenced with the use of cognitive technologies and also open sources of big data. The aim of this paper is to understand the impact of artificial intelligence analytics on digital marketing and the role of open big data and AI analytics competencies in this relationship.Design: A structural equation modeling of the 227 questionnaire was carried out. Findings: Our analysis shows that open big data has a significant impact on digital marketing, and AI analytical competencies moderate the impact of open big data on digital marketing. Value: Theoretically, this study extends the literature on knowledge-based view and AI analytics in digital marketing. Practically, this study broadens understandings regarding the perquisites of digital marketing through the use of cognitive technologies and open big data
Effectiveness of Empirical Anti-pseudomonal Antibiotics Recurrent COPD Exacerbation: a Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Shiroshita Akihiro , Miyakoshi Chisato , Tsutsumi Shunta , Shiba Hiroshi , Shirakawa Chigusa , Sato Kenya , Matsushita Shinya , Kimura Yuya , Tomii Keisuke , Ohgiya Masahiro , Kataoka Yuki
Published: July 2021

Although frequent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation has been associated with the isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) in sputum cultures, it remains unknown whether the empirical use of anti-pseudomonal antibiotics can improve outcomes in patients with frequent COPD exacerbations. This multicenter retrospective cohort study evaluated whether the empirical use of anti-pseudomonal antibiotics improves the hospital stay length in patients with recurrent COPD exacerbation (>2 admissions from April 1, 2008 to July 31, 2020). For statistical analysis, a log-linked Gamma model was used. Parameters were estimated using a generalized estimating equation model with an exchangeable correlation structure accounting for repeated observations from a single patient. Covariates included age, body mass index, home oxygen therapy use, respiratory rate, heart rate, oxygen use on admission, mental status, systemic steroid use, activities of daily living, and number of recurrences. Hospital-specific effects were specified as fixed effects. In total, 344 patients and 965 observations of recurrent COPD exacerbations were selected. Anti-pseudomonal antibiotics were used in 173 patients (18%). The estimated change in hospital stay length between anti-pseudomonal and non-anti-pseudomonal antibiotics groups was 0.044 days [95% confidence interval; -0.077, 0.166]. Thus, the use of empirical anti-pseudomonal antibiotics based only on recurrence may not be necessary.
Possible Caveats of Ultra-Short Heart Rate Variability Reliability: Insights from Recurrence Quantification Analysis
Authors: Melo Hiago Murilo , Melo Mariana Cardoso , Walz Roger , Takase Emílio , Faber Jean
Published: July 2021

The heart rate variability (HRV) is the difference between consecutive R-R intervals of heartbeats measured in milliseconds. HRV indices represent the role of sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic branches. Even though HRV is considered an indirect biomarker of Autonomic Nervous System, there are not yet standardized protocols providing reliable clinical measures. One of the reasons is because HRV techniques requires long recording periods. There are attempts of decreasing the required recording, such as the strategy of ultra-short HVR recording (< one minute), which could make the utilization of the technique easier. However, there is little published about its reliability. This work proposes a method to evaluate the reliability of ultra-short HVR based in Poincare map and Recurrence Quantification Analysis, well known methods to assess nonlinear and dynamic information from a system, in order to verify the reliability of the use of ultra-short term HRV. Then, these results was compared with the classical HRV coefficients, such as rMSSD, recorded from subjects in spontaneous breathing and also, in controlled breathing protocols. As a conclusion, using the proposed methods, we were able to show the discrepancy between the segments of interest, both on mean and in variance, explained in the analysis of main components.
Main actors in the Cephalopod Global Trade Network: a graph theory analysis
Authors: Ospina-Alvarez Andres , Mohan Silvia de Juan , Pita Pablo , Ainsworth Gillian , Matos Fabio , Pita Cristina , Villasante Sebastián
Published: July 2021

The global cephalopod trade is a multi-billion-dollar industry that involves fishing and captive breeding of a dozen species of high commercial value. It also contributes wholly or partly to the income and subsistence of thousands of families around the world. Despite its broad ecological, social, and economic importance, limited research has been conducted to describe the scope and scale of the global cephalopod trade. To date, there is no specific regulation, nor have tracking systems been implemented, to study the traceability of the global cephalopod trade at an international level. We provide, for the first time, a comprehensive description of the legal trade in cephalopods to understand who the key world players in the cephalopod seafood markets are. We analysed 20 years of records compiled by the United Nations COMTRADE database. The database contained 115,108 entries for squid and cuttlefish and 71,659 entries for octopus, including the product flow between traders (countries or territories) weighted by volume (kg) and monetary value (USD). Graph theoretic analysis was used to explore the emergent properties of this database through the analysis of different measures of centrality that provide insights on the key role of the traders in the network. Our findings show that most of the market movements between ca. 250 traders are led by three countries (China, Spain, and Japan), involving 11 clusters of traders based on the volume and value of cephalopod trade and number of transactions. The most important cluster, that dominates the cephalopod seafood market, is composed by 5 Asian countries (China, India, Republic of Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam), 2 European countries (the Netherlands and Spain) and the USA. This work identifies the traders that act as major exporters and/or importers, the modulators, intermediaries or accumulators, the best-connected traders, the principal flow routes and the weaknesses of the global cephalopod trade network. This network information is essential to advance towards a transparent and sustainable cephalopods world trade.
Insular Peninsularities: Geography, demography and local identity in Sydney’s Northern Beaches and Sutherland Shire
Authors: Hayward Philip , Middleweek Belinda , Fleury Christian
Published: July 2021

In recent years there has been consideration of some peninsular areas as ‘almost-islands’ (presqu'îles, in French usage). Assertion of such status has usually relied on spatial configuration and the nature of transport links and/or border issues between the areas in question and adjacent regions. Bodies of land that are connected to mainlands by narrow isthmuses have been particularly prone to characterisation as ‘almost-islands’ but, to date, factors such as the perceived insularity of particular peninsulas within larger metropolitan areas have not featured as prominently in discussions. This article emphasises the latter with regard to the types of insularity perceived within two areas of Australia’s largest city, Sydney: its Northern Beaches and Sutherland Shire. These areas have been referred to in local and metropolitan media as ‘insular peninsulas’, a term distinctive to Australian English Language usage. Both are also known for their attractive beaches and swimming and surfing opportunities, factors that have contributed to local territorialism and related social tensions. Consideration of these two areas contributes to more general discussions of insular peninsularity by emphasising nuanced gradations involving factors such as socio-cultural homogeneity, local identity and perceived territorial rights.