bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cluster RCT and process evaluation evaluating the effectiveness of an optimisation intervention to promote parental engagement in a childhood obesity prevention programme: Results of the Optimising Family Engagement in HENRY (OFTEN) trial
Authors: Bryant Maria , Burton Wendy , Collinson Michelle , Farrin Amanda , Nixon Jane , Stevens June , Roberts Kim , Foy Robbie , Rutter Harry , Copsey Bethan , Hartley Suzanne , Tubeuf Sandy , Brown Julia
Published: April 2021

Background Low parental participation reduces the impact and sustainability of public health childhood obesity prevention programmes. Using data from a focused ethnography, we developed a multi-level, theory-based implementation optimisation intervention. The optimisation intervention aimed to support local authorities and children’s centres to adopt behaviours to promote engagement in ‘HENRY (Health Exercise Nutrition for the Really Young)’, a UK community obesity prevention intervention. Methods We evaluated the effectiveness of the optimisation intervention on programme enrolment and completion over a 12 implementation period in a cluster randomised controlled trial. We randomised 20 local government authorities (with 126 children’s centres) to HENRY plus the optimisation intervention or to HENRY alone. Primary outcomes were (1) the proportion of centres enrolling at least eight parents per programme and (2) the proportion of centres with a minimum of 75% of parents attending at least five of eight sessions per programme. Trial analyses adjusted for stratification factors (pre-randomisation implementation of HENRY, local authority size, deprivation) and allowed for cluster design. A parallel mixed-methods process evaluation used qualitative interview data and routine monitoring to explain trial results. Results Neither primary outcome differed significantly between groups; 17.8% of intervention centres and 18.0% of control centres achieved the parent enrolment target (adjusted difference -1.2%; 95%CI: -19.5%, 17.1%); 17.1% of intervention centres and 13.9% of control centres achieved the attendance target (adjusted difference 1.2%; 95%CI: -15.7%, 18.1%). Unexpectedly, the trial coincided with substantial national service restructuring, including centre closures and reduced funds. Some commissioning and management teams stopped or reduced implementation of both HENRY and the optimisation intervention due to competing demands. Thus, at follow up, HENRY programmes were delivered to approximately half the number of parents compared to baseline (n=433 vs. 881). Conclusions During a period in which services were reduced by policies outside the realm of this research, this first definitive trial found no evidence of effectiveness for an implementation optimisation intervention promoting parent engagement in an obesity prevention intervention. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02675699 registered 4th February 2016. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02675699
Visualizing nanometric structures with sub-millimeter waves
Authors: Romero Alonso Ingar , Mukherjee Amlan kusum , Olvera Anuar Fernandez , Aller Mario Mendez , Preu Sascha
Published: April 2021

The resolution along the propagation direction of far field imagers can be much smaller than the wavelength by exploiting coherent interference phenomena. We demonstrate a height profile precision as low as 31 nm using wavelengths between 0.375 mm and 0.5 mm (corresponding to 0.6 THz-0.8 THz) by evaluating the Fabry-Pérot oscillations within surface-structured samples. We prove the extreme precision by visualizing structures with a height of only 49 nm, corresponding to 1:7500 to 1:10000 vacuum wavelengths, a height difference usually only accessible to near field measurement techniques at this wavelength range. This precision surpasses the state-of-the-art by 1-2 orders of magnitude. At the same time, the approach can determine thicknesses in the centimeter range, surpassing the dynamic range of any near field measurement system by orders of magnitude. The measurement technique combined with a Hilbert-transform approach yields the (optical) thickness extracted from the relative phase without any extraordinary wavelength stabilization.
Laser-assisted two-color two-photon double ionization of helium atoms
Authors: Zhu Zhizhen , Liu Kai , Zhang Xiaofan , Li Ye , Wang Feng , Qin Meiyan , Wang Zhe , Liao Qing
Published: April 2021

Correlated momentum and kinetic energy distributions of two photoelectrons in laser-assisted two-color two-photon double ionization of helium are investigated by numerically solving a one-plus-one dimensional time-dependent Schr\"{o}dinger equation (TDSE). We find that the weak assisting laser field can act as an energy transferring field, resulting in burst of double ionization. More importantly, the participation of the laser photon into the double ionization reshapes the correlation patterns in the momentum and kinetic energy distributions. The laser photon can be absorbed by any one of the two electrons, providing two channels that induces destructive interference in the correlated momentum and kinetic energy distributions, which is never found in previous work.
Spatial Variations of B-Value and Fundamental Parameters of The Earthquake Occurrences in The Eastern Mediterranean and Caucasus
Authors: Ahadov Bahruz , Ozturk Serkan
Published: April 2021

The Gutenberg-Richter (GR) law is a well-known empirical relation in seismology, which describes the frequency of earthquake occurrence as a function of the magnitude. The \(b\)-value anomalies may indicate the high or low-stress levels in the heterogeneity or the crust's thermal gradient. Some researchers have examined the spatial and temporal anomalies of the \(b\)-value before the mainshock and the aftershocks' spatial variability. The variations of the magnitude completeness (\({M}_{c}\)) have estimated from the different earthquake catalogues. The high-resolution map of the GR \(b\)-value, \({M}_{c}\) and stress variance have analysed in the different seismic regions in the Eastern Mediterranean and Caucasus. This study considered the spatial anomalies and correlation models between the \(b\)-value, faulting styles, and stress regime and moment release. Lower \(b\)-values (\(b\le 1\)) were observed along with the Main Marmara Fault (MMF), eastern Turkey, western Alborz, northern Zagros, southeast Iran and the northeast Caucasus, which indicates the active seismic region. The \({M}_{c}\) level in most of Turkey is in and around 2.8, and in the Caucasus is \({M}_{c}\)=3, while Iran has \({M}_{c}\)=3.5 value. This work includes a stress inversion map in the region based on the focal mechanisms. The normal, strike-slip and a few thrust fault solutions were observed in the research area. Consequently, the spatial pattern of the \(b\)-values and stress regime can be used as a tool for predicting the forthcoming seismic hazard regions.
Arthroscopic Cartilage Regeneration Facilitating Procedure: A Decompressing Arthroplasty for Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Lyu Shaw-Ruey , Hung Jung-Pin , Hsu Chia-Chen , Chen Yu-Ruei , Lin Chih-Wen
Published: April 2021

Background The effectiveness of arthroscopic treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA) has been subject to debate. This study presents an innovative concept of arthroscopic management for knee OA and investigates its clinical outcome.Methods An arthroscopic cartilage regeneration facilitating procedure (ACRFP) to eliminate medial abrasion phenomenon and decompress the patello-femoral joints was performed on 693 knees of 411 patients with knee OA, mean age 60 years (34-90). The Knee Society score (KSS) and the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) were used for subjective outcome study. Roentgenographic changes for all cases and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) variations for twenty randomly selected cases were evaluated for objective outcomes. Results There were 634 knees in 369 patients (93.7%) available with more than 3 years of follow-ups (mean 40 months, SD 9). The overall subjective satisfactory rate was 91.1%. The KSS and all subscales of the KOOS improved statistically. Reversal of the degeneration process of cartilage was observed in 80.1% of the whole series (radiographic outcome) and in 72.2% of the 18 randomly selected cases (one-year MRI outcome study). Gender and OA severity were related to subjective outcomes. Age, body mass index (BMI), pre-operative hyaluronic acid injection, OA severity, and the type and severity of the medial plica are important predictors of radiographic outcomes. An analysis of failed cases reaffirmed the need for early ACRFP and skillful post-operative care. Conclusion ACRFP is an effective treatment for knee OA. If performed in time, it can satisfy most patients and might modify their degeneration process.
Visual outcomes after vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane in pseudophakic eyes with a diffractive trifocal intraocular lens.
Authors: Arrevola-Velasco Luis , Beltrán Jaime , Gimeno Maria Jesus , Ortega-Usobiaga Julio , Druchkiv Vasyl , Llovet-Osuna Fernando , Baviera-Sabater Julio
Published: April 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the effect on visual outcomes of a diffractive trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) in pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for removal of epiretinal membrane (ERM) in pseudophakic eyes. Methods: This is retrospective case-series study on 20 eyes with a single model of trifocal IOL that underwent PPV for removal of ERM between January 2015 and September 2018 in our clinics. Follow up was at least 1 year. Primary outcome measure was mean change in visual acuity. Other outcome measures were mean change in central macular thickness (CMT), recovery of the external retinal layers, and change in spherical equivalent (SE). Results: Mean corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 0.03±0.03 logMAR after phacoemulsification; this worsened to 0.23±0.10 logMAR with ERM, improving to 0.10±0.04 log MAR 12 months after PPV (p=0.001). Mean uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) was Jaeger 2.62±0.51 after lensectomy. This worsened to Jaeger 5.46±1.67 with ERM and improved to the initial Jaeger 2.69±0.84 after PPV (p=0.005). CMT decreased significantly, from 380.15 ±60.50 µm with the ERM to 313.70 ±36.98 µm after PPV. Mean SE after lensectomy was -0.18 ±0.38 D, which minimally changed to – 0.18±0.47 D after PPV (p=0.99). The only complication recorded after PPV was a case of cystoid macular edema. No difficulties in visualization due to IOL design were reported during PPV. Conclusion: PPV for ERM in eyes with this trifocal IOL is safe and effective, and allows recovery of the loss of UNVA.
tRNA Derived Fragment (tRF)-3009 Modulates IFN-α-induced CD4+ T Cell Oxidative Phosphorylation in Lupus Patients
Authors: Geng Guannan , Wang Huijing , Xin Weiwei , Liu Zhe , Chen Jie , Danting Zhang , Han Fei , Ye Shuang
Published: April 2021

Background
Accumulating evidence suggests tRNA-derived fragments (tRFs) play important roles in cellular homeostasis. Here we aimed to explore aberrant expression of tRFs in CD4+ T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and their potential function in SLE pathogenesis.
Methods
First, small RNA sequencing was performed on CD4+ T cells from four SLE patients and three healthy controls (HCs). Candidate tRFs were then validated in CD4+ T cells from 97 SLE patients and their relevant disease controls using qRT-PCR. Then sequencing was used to investigate the profiles of HC-derived CD4+ T cells transfected with tRF-3009. Lastly, tRF-3009 siRNA or tRF-3009 mimics were transfected into CD4+ T cells with/without IFN-α. Changes in oxygen consumption rate (OCR), ATP, and ROS production were analyzed.
Results
We identified 482 differentially expressed tRFs from SLE CD4+ T cells. With tRF-3009 identified for further analysis due to its upregulation and the positive correlations between its expression and SLEDAI, active lupus nephritis and serum IFN-α levels. In vitro, tRF-3009 over-expressing CD4+ T cell profiling and putative analysis linked this product to the type I IFN and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathways. Interestingly, IFN-α is capable of inducing ROS and ATP production in CD4+ T cells, while knockdown of tRF-3009 reversed this process. Overexpression of tRF-3009 in CD4+ T cells alone was sufficient to upregulate OCR, ROS, and ATP production.
Conclusions
Our study is the first to link aberrant tRF expression and SLE. tRF-3009 may serve as a metabolic modulator for IFN-α-induced CD4+ T cell OXPHOS in SLE.
Metabolome analysis of masseter muscle in senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 8 (SAMP8)
Authors: Kato Yoshiaki , Hoshino Teruhide , Ogawa Yudai , Sugahara Keisuke , Katakura Akira
Published: April 2021

Frailty is a vulnerable state that marks the transition to long-term care for the elders. Recently, the relationship between frailty and oral function has been attracting attention. By clarifying the specific metabolic changes in the masseter muscle, we aimed to contribute to maintenance of masticatory function. The purpose of this study is to clarify the changes in masseter muscle of senescence-accelerated mouse-prone 8 (SAMP8) mice metabolites and metabolic pathways due to aging. Capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry metabolome analysis was performed on the masseter muscle of 12-week-old, 40-week-old, and 55-week-old mice. Expression analysis was performed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence for the metabolome pathways extracted by metabolome analysis that considered to be related to aging. Nineteen metabolites had a significant difference in absolute quantitative values and were considered to affect the first principal component by factor loading. The extracted metabolic pathways were glycolysis, polyamine metabolome pathway, and purine metabolome pathway. RT-PCR was performed on the extracted metabolome pathways. Expression of the spermidine synthase and hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase genes with significant differences by RT-PCR was confirmed by immunofluorescence. The metabolic pathways considered to be related to aging in masseter muscle were glycolysis, polyamine metabolic pathway, and purine metabolic pathway.
Obstruction of Capillaries by circulating large Monocytes causes Multi Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS) in Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Wilden Anika , Glaubitz Juliane , Otto Oliver , Biedenweg Doreen , Nauck Matthias , Mack Matthias , Ribback Silvia , Bröker Barbara , von Rheinbaben Sabrina Freiin , Lerch Markus , Aghdassi Ali , Weiss Frank , Sendler Matthias
Published: April 2021

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disorder, the severe form of which is burdened with high mortality. The pathogenesis of severity-driving organ manifestations, such as respiratory and renal failure, is unknown. We used samples from 300 pancreatitis patients and an experimental model of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) to characterize severity-dependent cytokine profiles and resident/circulating immune cell populations by flow-cytometry and real-time- fluorescence and deformability-cytometry analysis. On functional, immunolabelling and in-vivo antibody-depletion experiments we confirmed the role of inflammatory cells in pancreatitis but found neither T-cells, Ly6g+-neutrophils or granulocytic-myeloid-derived-suppressor-cells (gMDSC) but a massive mobilisation of CCR2+/CD11b+-monocytes to be responsible for lung and kidney injury during SAP. Real-time-fluorescence and deformability-cytometry analyses suggest, that the physical properties of monocytes, especially their large size, results in an obstruction of the fine capillary-systems of the lung or of the kidney glomeruli. Their selective depletion can represent a promising treatment strategy for pancreatitis as well as other inflammation-related disorders.
Developing and Evaluating A Real-time and Cost-Efficient Architecture for COVID-19 Using Internet of Health Things
Authors: Borujeni Ahmad Malekian , Fathy Mahmood , Mozayani Nasser
Published: April 2021

Coronavirus is spreading an outbreak in the world and the medical staffs have been coming under further strain with increasing in patients referring to the hospital. Real-time health monitoring systems play a critical role in prevention, control the pandemic disease, and enhance the entire health care service delivery in real-time, and influence on visiting the hospital visiting the hospital. In this paper, a hierarchical architecture for the Internet of Things is improved using resource and task management techniques for reducing emergency response time and enhanced the patients’ quality of experiences considering energy consumption, network delay, cost of execution in the cloud and network usage. In this proposed scenario, the task is divided into subtasks and processes depending on their functions with different execution times. This method also has led to improving the fog architecture. This proposed method is modeled are evaluated in terms of the specified parameters, using the iFogsim toolkit. The results showed an improvement of 80 percent in their parameters such as cost of execution, total network usage, and average delays, compared to the cloud and other common architecture.
Nanocomposite Hydrogels Enhanced by Cellulose Nanocrystals Stabilized Pickering Emulsions with Self-Healing Performance in Subzero Environment
Authors: Fan Qichao , Lin Bencai , Nie Yu , Sun Qing , Wang Wenxiang , Bai Liangjiu , Chen Hou , Yang Lixia , Yang Huawei , Wei Donglei
Published: April 2021

Nowadays, hydrogels as flexible materials have attracted considerable attention in frontier fields such as wearable electronic devices, soft actuators and robotics. However, most hydrogels use water as matrix will inevitably freeze at subzero and damage in severe environment, which greatly reducing their service life and practical value. Herein, nanocomposite hydrogels with self-healing performance at subzero temperatures were proposed by introducing binary water-glycerol continuous phase and dual self-healing interactions. The efficacy of binary solvents was emphasized in preventing formation of ice crystals, enhancing flexible and self-healing abilities of hydrogels in subzero environment. Particularly, linseed oil (LO) as healing agent was effectively loaded in Pickering droplets by cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Due to external healing agent and non-covalent bonding, hydrogels showed good self-healing performance at subzero temperature (the healing efficiency could be up to 80.1% for 12 h at -20 ℃). Thus, the designed hydrogels demonstrated multifunctional properties to overcome adverse conditions, which greatly elevated their durability and practicality.
An Autonomous Laser Kirigami Method With Low-Cost Real-Time Vision-Based Surface Deformation Feedback System
Authors: Wang Zhujiang , Wang Zimo , Ko Woo-Hyun , Iquebal Ashif Sikandar , Nguyen Vu , Kazerooni Nazanin Afsar , Ma Qiyang , Sriniv Arun , Kumar Panganamala Ramana , Bukkapatnam Satish
Published: April 2021

We introduce an autonomous laser kirigami technique, a novel custom manufacturing machine system which functions somewhat similar to a photocopier. This technique is capable of creating functional freeform shell structures using cutting and folding (kirigami) operations on sheet precursors. Conventional laser kirigami techniques are operated manually and rely heavily on precise calibrations. However, it is unrealistic to design and plan out the process (open loop) to realize arbitrary geometric features from a wide variety of materials. In our work, we develop and demonstrate a completely autonomous system, which is composed of a laser system, a 4-axis robotic arm, a real-time vision-based surface deformation monitoring system, and an associated control system. The laser system is based on the Lasersaur, which is a 120-Watt CO2 open source laser cutter. The robotic arm is employed to precisely adjust the distance between a workpiece and the laser lens so that a focused and defocused laser beam can be used to cut and fold the workpiece respectively. The four-axis robotic arm provides flexibility for expanding the limits of possible shapes, compared to conventional laser machine setups where the workpiece is fixed on rigid holders. The real-time vision-based surface deformation monitoring system is composed of four low-cost cameras, an integrated AI-assisted algorithm, and the sensors (detachable planar markers) mounted on the polymer-based sheet precursors, and allows real-time monitoring of the sheet forming process and geometric evolution with a geometric feature estimation error less than 5 % and delay time around 100ms. The developed control system manages the laser power, the laser scanning speed, the motion of the robotic arm based on the designed plan as well as the close-loop feedback provided by the vision-based surface deformation monitoring system. This cyber-physical kirigami platform can operate a sequence of cutting and folding processes in order to create kirigami objects. Hence, complicated kirigami design products with various different polygonal structures can be realized by undergoing sequential designed laser cuts, and bends (at any folding angles within designed geometric tolerance) using this autonomous kirigami platform.
Characterization and Optimization of Persian Gum/Whey Protein Bionanocomposite Films Containing Betanin Nanoliposomes for Food Packaging Utilization
Authors: Ghasempour Zahra , Khodaivandi Sepideh , Ahangari Hossein , Hamishehkar Hamed , Amjadi Sajed , Kia Ehsan Moghaddas , Ehsani Ali
Published: April 2021

In this study, composite packaging films were produced from relatively inexpensive materials including whey protein isolate (WPI) and Persian gum (PG), supplemented with betanin nanoliposomes (NLPs). Using response surface methodology (central composite design), we investigated the effects of two variables (PG [0–2% w/v] and betanin NLPs’ [0–10% w/v] content) on the physico-mechanical and antioxidant properties of the film treatments. Afterward, the optimal treatment was evaluated for structural and antimicrobial characteristics. The film samples' permeability to water vapor decreased with the addition of NLP (from 7.38 to 5.46 g/Pa.s.m) but increased with PG incorporation; decreased solubility was observed when either substance was added. Mechanical properties like Young’s modulus and tensile strength were weakened by PG addition, but the incorporation of NLPs led to pronounced tensile strength. XRD analysis revealed improved crystallinity through NLPs’ addition. The presence of NLPs in the nanocomposite film resulted in an elevated level of antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, while the addition of both PG and betanin NLPs led to improved antioxidative activity (63.45%). Considering the results, PG/WPI films loaded with betanin NLPs could be introduced in active packaging applications for the shelf life extension of perishable food products.
Risk factors for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Lewandowska Anna , Rudzki Grzegorz , Lewandowski Tomasz , Stryjkowska-Góra Aleksandra , Rudzki Sławomir
Published: April 2021

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC), defined as cancer of the colon or rectum, is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers, and, according to the World Health Organisation database GLOBOCAN, it accounts for about 1.4 million new diagnoses annually worldwide. There is an association between the occurrence of colorectal cancer and non-modifiable risk factors, including age and hereditary factors, as well as with modifiable factors linked to the environment and lifestyle choices.Methods: The study included 800 patients, 400 diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 400 within the control group. The research was based on a clinical, direct, individual, structured, in-depth and focused interview. Assessment of activity and BMI was used according to WHO recommendations, as well as the expert system.Results: The average age of the patients was 64.53 ± 8.86 years, of the control group I - 59.64 ± 9.33 and the control group II - 57.5 (7.83). The association between the incidence of ulcerative colitis and the risk of colorectal cancer was clearly positive (p<0.001). Among obese subjects, the colorectal cancer risk was 1.27 (95% CI, 1.06-1.53) in comparison with non-obese subjects. The relative risk for current smokers was 2.17 (95% CI 1.79-2.66). Higher fat consumption and higher red meat consumption were also associated with the higher risk of colorectal cancer (p=0.01).Conclusions: Obesity, low physical activity, active and passive smoking and high salt and red meat consumption have been linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer. The results give further evidence of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Identification of a novel gene signature in second-trimester amniotic fluid for the prediction of preterm birth
Authors: Kim Min-A , Lee Eun-Ju , Yang Wookyeom , Kim Young-Han , Kim Jae-Hoon
Published: April 2021

Preterm birth (PB) affects approximately 5–7% of live births worldwide and is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Amniotic fluid supernatant (AFS) contains abundant cell-free nucleic acids (cfNAs) that can provide genetic information associated with pregnancy complications. In the current study, cfNAs of AFS in the early second-trimester before the onset of symptoms of preterm birth were analyzed, and we compared the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between PB (n = 5) and term birth (TB, n = 5) groups using sequencing analysis. Differential expression analyses detected 43 genes with increased and 11 genes with decreased expression in the PB group compared to TB. Upregulated expressions of RDH14, ZNF572, VOPP1, SERPINA12, and TCF15 were validated in an extended AFS sample by quantitative PCR (PB, n = 21; TB, n = 40). Five candidate genes displayed a significant increase in mRNA expression in immortalized trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cell with H2O2 treatment. Moreover, the expression of five candidate genes was increased to more than 2-fold by pretreatment with lipopolysaccharide in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Alternation of gene expression between PB and TB is strongly correlated with oxidative stress and infection during pregnancy. It could be feasible diagnostic markers for early identification of women at risk of having PB.
TNF-α-dependent neuronal necroptosis regulated in Alzheimer's disease by coordination of RIPK1-p62 complex with autophagic UVRAG
Authors: Xu Chong , Wu Jialin , Wu Yiqun , Ren Zhichu , Yao Yuyuan , Chen Guobing , Wei Libin , Chen Xijing , Sima Jian
Published: April 2021

Background Neuronal death is a major hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Necroptosis, as a programmed necrotic process, is activated in AD. However, what signals and factors initiate necroptosis in AD is basically unknown. Methods We examined the expression levels of critical molecules in necroptotic signaling pathway by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and immunoblotting using brain tissues from AD patients and AD mouse models of APP/PS1 and 5×FAD. We performed brain stereotaxic injection with recombinant TNF-α, anti-TNFR1 neutralizing antibody or AAV-mediated gene expression and knockdown in APP/PS1 brains. For in vitro studies, we used TNF-α combined with zVAD-fmk and Smac mimetic to establish neuronal necroptosis models and utilized pharmacological or molecular biological approaches to study the signaling crosstalk.Results We find that activated neuronal necroptosis is dependent on upstream TNF-α/TNFR1 signaling in both neuronal cell cultures and AD mouse models. Upon TNF-α stimulation, accumulated p62 recruits RIPK1 and induces its self-oligomerization, and activates downstream RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL cascade, leading to neuronal necroptosis. We further reveal that ectopic accumulation of p62 is caused by impaired autophagy flux, which is mediated by downregulation of UVRAG during the TNF-α-promoted necroptosis. Notably, UVRAG overexpression can inhibit neuronal necroptosis in cultures and in brains of AD mice. Conclusions We identify a finely controlled regulation of neuronal necroptosis in AD by coordinated TNF-α signaling, RIPK1/3 activity and autophagy machinery.
Hypoxia-Induced PTTG3P Contributes to Colorectal Cancer Glycolysis and M2 Phenotype of Macrophage
Authors: wang yue , yu guilin , liu yiyang , xie longfei , ge jinnian , zhao guohua , lin jie
Published: April 2021

Background Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical factors in tumor progression and are ectopically expressed in malignant tumors. Until now, lncRNA PTTG3P biological function in colorectal cancer (CRC) needs further to be clarified. Methods qRT-PCR was used to measure the PTTG3P level and CCK-8, glucose uptake, lactate assay, ATP assay, ECAR assay, and xenograft mice model were adopted to evaluate the glycolysis and proliferation, and macrophage polarization were determined in CRC cells. Xenograft experiments were utilized to analyze tumor growth. Results Ectopic expression of PTTG3P was involved in CRC and related to dismal prognosis. Through gain-of-function and loss-of-function approaches, PTTG3P enhanced cell proliferation and glycolysis through YAP1. Further, LDHA knockdown or glycolysis inhibitor (2-DG,3-BG) recovered PTTG3P-induced proliferation. And PTTG3P overexpression could facilitate M2 polarization of macrophages. Silenced PTTG3P decreased the level of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and low PTTG3P expression related with CD8+ T, NK, and TFH cell infiltration. Besides, HIF1A could increase PTTG3P expression by binding to the PTTG3P promoter region. Conclusions Hypoxia-induced PTTG3P contributes to glycolysis and M2 phenotype of macrophage, which proposes a novel approach for clinical treatment.
The MarR Family Regulator OsbR Controls Oxidative Stress Response, anaerobic Nitrate Respiration, and Biofilm Formation in Chromobacterium Violaceum
Authors: Alves Júlia A. , Previato-Mello Maristela , Barroso Kelly C. M. , Neto José F. da Silva
Published: April 2021

Background: Chromobacterium violaceum is an environmental opportunistic pathogen that causes rare but deadly infections in humans. The transcriptional regulators that C. violaceum uses to sense and respond to environmental cues remain largely unknown. Results: Here, we described a novel transcriptional regulator in C. violaceum belonging to the MarR family that we named OsbR (oxidative stress response and biofilm formation regulator). Transcriptome profiling by DNA microarray using strains with deletion or overexpression of osbR showed that OsbR exerts a global regulatory role in C. violaceum, regulating genes involved in oxidative stress response, nitrate reduction, biofilm formation, and several metabolic pathways. EMSA assays showed that OsbR binds to the promoter regions of several OsbR-regulated genes, and the in vitro DNA binding activity was inhibited by oxidants. We demonstrated that the overexpression of osbR caused activation of ohrA even in the presence of the repressor OhrR, which resulted in improved growth under organic hydroperoxide treatment. We showed that the proper regulation of the nar genes by OsbR ensures optimal growth of C. violaceum under anaerobic conditions by tuning the reduction of nitrate to nitrite. Finally, the osbR overexpressing strain showed a reduction in biofilm formation, and this phenotype correlated with the OsbR-mediated repression of two gene clusters encoding putative adhesins. Conclusions: Together, our data indicated that OsbR is a MarR-type regulator that controls the expression of a large number of genes in C. violaceum, thereby contributing to oxidative stress defense, anaerobic respiration, and biofilm formation.
In Vitro Antitumor Activity of Endophytic Fungi Isolated From the Mexican Cactus Pachycereus Marginatus (DC.) Britton & Ros
Authors: Ramírez-Villalobos Jesica M. , Romo-Sáenz César I. , Santibañez Karla S. Morán , Tamez-Guerra Patricia , Quintanilla-Licea Ramiro , Orozco-Flores Alonso A. , Romero-Argüelles Ricardo , Tamez-Guerra Reyes , Rodríguez-Padilla Cristina , Gomez-Flores Ricardo
Published: April 2021

Background: Arid zone plants such as cacti are known to harbor diverse groups of endophytic fungi, which represent potential sources of new compounds with anticancer properties. In the present study we isolated, identified, and characterized Pachycereus marginatus (DC.) Britton & Ros endophytic fungi with cytotoxic activity against murine and human tumor cell lines.Methods: Endophytic fungi were isolated from P. marginatus stems. Methanol extracts were then obtained from fungi liquid cultures and their cytotoxic activity at concentrations ranging from 31 µg/ml to 250 µg/ml against murine L5178Y-R lymphoma, human colorectal adenocarcinoma HT-29, and human breast cancer MCF-7 was evaluated by the colorimetric 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction assay, using the normal cells Macacus rhesus monkey epitelial kidney MA-104 and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as controls. IC50 values were obtained and the selectivity index (SI) was calculated from the IC50 ratio of cancer cells and normal cells. Furthermore, molecular identification of fungi showing cytotoxic activity was determined by the internal transcribed spacer molecular marker.Results: The Cladosporium sp. PME-H008 strain showed significant (P < 0.01) 94.3% and 36.8% cytotoxicity against L5178Y-R and HT-29 cells, respectively. The highest SI was observed by L5178Y-R cells with 2.4 and 2.9 for MA-104 and PBMC respectively. In addition, the Metarhizium anisopliae PME-H007 strain was more effective against MCF-7 with 55.8% cytotoxicity. The lowest IC50 was obtained with the Aspergillus sp. PME-H005 strain at 95.21 µg/ml against the MCF-7 cell line, followed by PME-H008 strain at 101 µg/ml against L5178Y-R cells.Conclusion: P. marginatus endophytic fungi showed in vitro cytotoxic activity against murine and human tumor cell lines, without affecting normal cells.
Voluntary Testing Practice Among People with Clinical Symptoms of COVID-19 in Somalia: Using Andersen’s Behavioral model
Authors: Magan Mohamed Ali , Dwomoh Duah
Published: April 2021

Background: COVID-19, is a respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus. The virus is a global pandemic which threatens children and their rights in countries around the world. Epidemiologists have advocated for a robust testing and contact tracing as a potential solution to balance public health and economic priorities. Using Anderson Behavioral Model, our study aimed to analyze predisposing, Enabling and Need factors associated with VT4C-19 practice in Somalia. Methods: A cross sectional community-based survey were conducted at household level among adults above the age 18 years living in Mogadishu and Garowe cities. The study used multi-stage stratified-cluster sampling method. Out of the Four main towns in Somalia with a designated free National laboratory for COVID-19 testing by the government, the study randomly selected two cities (Mogadishu & Garowe) using Simple Random Sampling (SRS) Method. The study used univariate analysis and Multivariable Binary Logistic Regression model to control other possible confounders and to give the Andersen Behavioral Modal that were independently associated with voluntary testing for COVID-19 in Somalia. The statistical significance tests were accepted at p < 0.05.Results: Only 113 (6.6%) out of (1,708) study participants who experienced clinical symptoms of COVID-19 (between 16 March – 31 December 2020) voluntarily tested their COVID-19 status. The study found Predisposing factors including gender (P<0.001), marital status (p<0.05), mass media availability (p<0.05), telephone ownership (p<0.05), peer influence (P<0.001) and stigma of COVID-19 positive individuals in the community (P<0.001), and Enabling factors including: place of residence (p<0.001), expense decision maker at household level (p<0.05), insurance status (p<0.001) and access to outreach and health education program (p<0.05), as well as the Need factors including: perceived importance of COVID-19 voluntary test (p<0.001) and chronic diseases status among the study participants (p<0.05) were among the factors associated with the practice of voluntary tests of COVID-19 among the clinically symptomatic individuals in Somalia.Conclusion: The uptake of Voluntary testing for COVID-19 is very low in Somalia. To promote this, health officials and policy makers need to focus on a consistent and culturally sensitive community sensitization programs and bringing the COVID-19 test closer to the communities including rural communities.
Identification of a New Regulation Pathway of EGFR and E-cadherin Dynamics
Authors: Proux-Gillardeaux Veronique , Advedissian Tamara , Périn Charlotte , Gelly Jean-Christophe , Viguier Mireille , Deshayes Frederique
Published: April 2021

E-cadherin and EGFR are known to be closely associated hence regulating differentiation and proliferation notably in epithelia. We have previously shown that galectin-7 binds to E-cadherin and favors its retention at the plasma membrane. In this study, we shed in light that galectin-7 establishes a physical link between E-cadherin and EGFR. Indeed, our results demonstrate that galectin-7 also binds to EGFR, but unlike the binding to E-cadherin this binding is sugar dependent. The establishment of E-cadherin/EGFR complex and the binding of galectin-7 to EGFR thus lead to a regulation of its signaling and intracellular trafficking allowing cell proliferation and migration control. In vivo observations further support these results since an epidermal thickening is observed in galectin-7 deficient mice. This study therefore reveals that galectin-7 controls epidermal homeostasis through the regulation of E-cadherin/EGFR balance.
Phytotoxic Effects of Antibiotics on Terrestrial Crop Plants and Wild Plants: A Systematic Review
Authors: Carballo Matilde , Rodríguez Antonio , torre Ana De la
Published: April 2021

This review examines the state of knowledge on the phytotoxic effects of antibiotics on terrestrial crop plants and wild (non-crop) plants with the goal of evaluating differences in their sensitivity. This is important because environmental risk assessments of antibiotics, like assessments of plant protection products, currently consider their potential effects only on crop species but not wild species. We identified 644 articles in various electronic databases that examined the phytotoxic effects of antibiotics on plants. After evaluation based on eligibility criteria, 34 unique studies were selected for further analysis. Data from standardised assays (ASTM, OECD, EPA, ISTA) were evaluated, and assay characteristics (short-term germination and long-term plant growth) as well as toxicity endpoints (seed germination and plant growth - elongation and biomass) were taken into account. Overall, we analysed 281 datasets consisting of antibiotic-plant species-endpoint combinations for germination (mg/L) and 192 datasets for plant growth (mg/kg). We found that < 1% of the data in each dataset were from wild species. Among the most sensitive species, geometric mean values of endpoints showed that wild species were more sensitive, especially with respect to vegetative ecotoxicological endpoints such as biomass. However, available data on wild species are still insufficient to draw definitive conclusions. Further work must be conducted to gain a better understanding of the phytotoxic effects of antibiotics on terrestrial wild plants and subsequently assess whether the current approach to environmental risk assessment of antibiotics is sufficient to protect plant biodiversity.
Digitodesmium polybrachiatum sp. nov., a new species of Dictyosporiaceae from Brazil
Authors: Nobrega Thaisa Ferreira , Ferreira Bruno Wesley , Barreto Robert
Published: April 2021

Digitodesmium is a genus of saprobic fungi, generally associated with decaying wood in freshwater habitats or in the soil. As morphologic markers they produce cheiroid, euseptate conidia on sporodochia. During an exam of a necrotic robusta coffee stem sent from Nova Venécia, state of Espírito Santo, to the Plant Clinic at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa (Brazil), for disease diagnosis a fungus, recognized as having the typical features of Digitodesmium was observed. The fungus was isolated in pure culture and DNA was extracted. Sequences of the partial 18S ribosomal RNA gene, large subunit of the nrDNA, internal transcribed spacer and translation elongation factor 1-α were generated. The combination of results of the phylogenetic analysis with the exam of the morphology led to the conclusion that the fungus from coffee stem morphological data showed that this fungus represents a monophyletic distinct lineage within Digitodesmium and an undescribed species for the genus. The concatenate tree also revealed that Digitodesmium is divided in two distinct clades. The novel species can be differentiated morphologically from other species of Digitodesmium by the size of the conidia, the number of arms and the presence of appendages. The new species Digitodesmium polybrachiatum is hence proposed herein. A comparative table of conidial morphology for the species in the genus is also included.
A Resected Primary Angiosarcoma of the Pancreas Presenting Aggressive Metastatic Liver Recurrence With Uncontrollable Intraabdominal Bleeding: A Case Report
Authors: Igaue Shota , Kudo Hiroki , Kyoden Yusuke , Hoshikawa Mayumi , Koyama Ken , Saitoh Hitoaki , Iijima Tatsuo , Motoi Toru , Yoshimi Fuyo , Yamamoto Junji
Published: April 2021

A 74-year-old man was diagnosed to have a pancreas head tumor (38mm × 32 mm) due to an obstructive jaundice. The patient presented an acute intrabiliary bleeding, while waiting for surgery. Thus, after a coil embolization of the gastroduodenal artery and the anterior/posterior pancreaticoduodenal artery an emergency pancreatoduodenectomy was performed. The patient suffered from grade B delayed gastric emptying, being discharged on postoperative day 33. The pathological diagnosis established was pancreatic angiosarcoma. The patient was re-admitted 4 days after discharge with a general malaise and the loss of appetite. A dynamic computed tomography (CT) and angiography revealed multiple liver metastases and a massive hemoperitoneum. Despite of transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization with gelfoam particles, the patient died 42 days after operation. Six patients with primary angiosarcoma of the pancreas have been reported in English literature so far and this is the first report of unique features of angiogram of multiple liver metastases. The present report allows a deeper knowledge about the aggressive behavior of angiosarcoma of the pancreas.
All-Optical 40 Channels Regenerator Based on Four-Wave Mixing
Authors: Ghafoor Salman , Khan Muhammad Usama , Gulistan Aamir , Salman Ahmad , Zaidi Syed M. Hassan
Published: April 2021

We have proposed a novel multi-channel regeneration scheme for wavelength division multiplexed systems, which is based on four wave mixing in a highly nonlinear fiber. A 40-channel wavelength division multiplexed signal having data rate of 10 Gbps per channel is divided into five groups. Each group is composed of eight channels and requires a single pump laser source and two segments of highly nonlinear fibers to regenerate the eight channels. Therefore, our proposed scheme requires four times lesser number of highly nonlinear fibers compared to the previously proposed techniques. The regeneration performance for all the forty channels is presented through bit error rate analysis at low optical signal to noise ratio of 15 dB. Simulation results show that an average improvement of 4.246 dB, 3.935 dB, 3.72 dB, 2.71 dB and 2.593 dB in receiver sensitivities has been observed for all the five groups of channels, respectively.
The Unresolved Definition of The Pressure-Viscosity Coefficient
Authors: Bair Scott
Published: April 2021

In the classical approach to elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) a single parameter, the pressure-viscosity coefficient, quantifies the isothermal pressure dependence of the viscosity for use in prediction of film thickness. Many definitions are in current use. Progress toward a successful definition of this property has been hampered by the refusal of those working in classical EHL to acknowledge the existence of accurate measurements of the piezoviscous effect that have existed for nearly a century. The Hamrock and Dowson pressure-viscosity coefficient at high temperature requires knowledge of the piezoviscous response at pressures which exceed the inlet pressure and may exceed the Hertz pressure. The definition of pressure-viscosity coefficient and the assumed equation of state must limit the use of the classical formulas, including Hamrock and Dowson, to liquids with high Newtonian limit and to low temperature. Given that this problem has existed for at least fifty years without resolution, it is reasonable to conclude that there is no definition of pressure-viscosity coefficient that will quantify the piezoviscous response for an analytical calculation of EHL film thickness at temperatures above ambient.
Assessing the Capacity for Public Health Education in India: Recommendations from a Mixed Methods Landscape Analysis
Authors: Schleiff Meike , Brahmbhatt Haley , Banerjee Preetika , Reddy Megha , Miller Emily , Majumdar Piyusha , Mangal D K , Gupta Shiv Dutt , Zodpey Sanjay , Shet Anita
Published: April 2021

Background: Public health training has been expanding in India in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought additional attention to the importance of public health programs and the need for a strong workforce. This paper aims to assess the current capacity for public health education and training in India and provide recommendations for improved approaches to meet current and future public health needs. Methods: We conducted a desk review of public health training programs via extensive internet searches, literature reviews and expert faculty consultations. Among those programs, we purposively selected faculty members to participate in in-depth interviews. We developed summary statistics based on the desk review. For qualitative analysis, we utilized a combination of deductive and inductive coding to identify key themes and systematically reviewed strengths and weaknesses for each theme. Results: The desk review captured 59 institutions offering public health training across India. The majority of training programs were graduate level degrees including master of public health (MPH) and master of science (MS) degrees. Key themes included collaborations, mentorship, curriculum standardization, tuition and funding, and student demand for public health education and careers. Collaborations and mentorship were highly valued but varied in quality across institutions. Curricula lacked standardization but also contained substantial flexibility and innovation as a result. Public sector programs were affordable and student stipend varied across institutions. Further development of the demand-side with greater opportunities for career for careers in public health is needed. Conclusion: Public health education and training in India has a strong foothold. There are numerous opportunities for continued expansion and strengthening of this field, to support a robust multi-disciplinary public health workforce that will contribute towards achieving the sustainable development goals.
Online SARIMA applied for short-term electricity load forecasting
Authors: Nguyen Quang Dat , Nguyen Nhat Anh , Tran Ngoc Thang , Solanki Vijender Kumar , Crespo Rubén González , Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh
Published: April 2021

Short-term Load Forecasting (STLF) plays a crucial role in balancing supply and demand of load dispatching operation, ensures stability for the power system. With the advancement of real-time smart sensors in power systems, it is of great significance to develop techniques to handle data streams on-the-fly to improve operational efficiency. In this paper, we propose an online variant of Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) to forecast electricity load sequentially. The proposed model is utilized to forecast hourly electricity load of northern Vietnam and achieves a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 4.57%.