bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lignin phenols in sediment cores and its indications of degradation and organic carbon sources of the Yantan Reservoir, China
Authors: Lin Xin , Gao Li , Huang Jiaqi , Fan Jun , Yang Ming , Ma Jing , Wang Fushun
Published: March 2021

Three sediment cores collected from the Yantan Reservoir, located in the Pearl River, southwest China, were analyzed for lignin phenols, elemental and stable carbon isotopic composition to investigate the variation patterns, vegetation sources, degradation stage, and relative proportions of terrestrial sedimentary organic carbon (OC). Significant temporal and spatial heterogeneity in terrestrial OC burial was indicated by the changes of lignin contents at different depths in different sampling sites: the inlet zone, the central reservoir zone in front of dam and the reservoir bay. The interception impact of upstream dam, the influence of artificial regulation, as well as the role of interzonal recharge made the terrestrial OC burial remains complex in the reservoir. The oxidized lignin signatures showed spatial heterogeneity suggesting active oxidative degradation and demethylation/demethoxy degradation of sedimentary lignin during deposition, especially in the inlet zone. An angiosperm herbaceous tissue and gymnosperm woody tissue contributed the sedimentary lignin. A soil-plankton-plant three-end-member mixing model revealed that soil-derived OC dominated before impoundment and at the early stage of reservoir operation, while the contribution of autochthonous OC began to dominate after gradually aging and eutrophicating of the reservoir. Our study of lignin evolution in reservoir highlights important temporal and spatial reservoir carbon components and their contribution to sedimentary carbon pools, providing new insights into the estimation of organic carbon burial in reservoirs.
Evaluation of Acute Renal Failure After Acinetobacter Baumannii-based Ventilator-associated Event: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: AYILGAN Fatih Turan , SEVDI Mehmet Salih , DEMIRGAN Serdar , OZCAN Funda GUMUS , ERKALP Kerem , SELCAN Aysin
Published: March 2021

Background: Ventilator-associated event (VAE) is the major complication caused mechanical ventilation (MV). We aimed to evaluate whether acute renal failure (ARF) has developed in patients who had been followed-up due to diagnosis of VAE with Acinetobacter baumannii (AcB), and whether renal replacement therapy (RRT) was used, and its relationship with mortality in patients who developed colistin during their treatment.Methods: Retrospective evaluation of the hospital electronic information system records of 2,622 patients were conducted in three years. Patients who had AcB-related VAE and underwent parental colistin treatment were evaluated according to age, gender, diagnosis for intensive care unit (ICU) administration, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, colistin dose and treatment duration, requirement for additional antibiotics, total time required for MV, total duration of ICU stay, presence of septic shock, requirement for percutaneous dilatation tracheostomy (PDT), ARF staging according to Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria, requirement for RRT and mortality.Results: Total number of VAE cases was 85 (3.19%). AcB-related VAE was detected in 28 patients (32.9%). Bacterial eradication was achieved in 14 patients (50%), clinical response was received in 14 patients (50%), mean colistin dose was 298.2±85.5 mg/day, mean duration of colistin treatment was 14.3±8.6 days. ARF was detected as Stage-I in eight patients (28.6%), Stage-II in four (14.3%) and Stage-III in eight patients (28.6%). There was no difference between patients in need of RRT and those who did not, in terms of age, gender and body mass index. APACHE II score, bacterial eradication, presence of septic shock, clinical response to therapy, daily dose of colistin, duration of colistin treatment, MV duration, PDT requirement and time were similar in groups receiving RRT or not.Conclusion: Colistin treatment of AcB-related VAE caused ARF in 71.5% of the patients and led to serious conditions in 25% of patients requiring RRT.
The Impact of Globalization on The Ecological Footprint: Do Convergence Clubs Matter?
Authors: Apaydın Şükrü , Ursavas Ugur , Koc Umit
Published: March 2021

This paper investigates the impact of globalization on the ecological footprint for 130 countries over the period 1980-2016. To do so, we follow a two-step procedure. First, we analyze convergence in ecological footprint and identify possible convergence clubs across countries using a novel approach proposed by Phillips and Sul (2007). Then, we investigate the impact of globalization on ecological footprint using panel FMOLS (Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares) and panel DOLS (Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares) methods. The results show that globalization is significantly and positively related to the ecological footprint both for the full panel sample and for all convergence clubs. However, the impact of globalization on ecological footprint significantly varies across convergence clubs and full panel sample. Furthermore, the findings show that the convergence club with the lowest impact of globalization on the ecological footprint is the closest club to the panel average.
Anti-inflammatory Properties of Fangji Huangqi Tang: Discovery Based on Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking and Arrowsmith Tools
Authors: Jiang Qingtao , Han Lei , Liu Xin , Zhang Feng
Published: March 2021

Fangji Huangqi Tang (FHT) is a classical formula widely used in Chinese clinical practice. In this study, a creative application of FHT for inflammation has been identified by network pharmacology-based framework. Specifically, a total of 17 bioactive compounds including 42 potential targets of FHT, and 205 related targets involved in inflammation were retrieved from mainstream databases and subjected to network analysis. 13 intersection targets indicated the principal elements linked to inflammation therapy. Top terms of Gene Ontology (GO) analysis were identified, while 7 related signaling pathways were revealed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) results. Subsequently, Calycosin-PTGS2 with tight binding affinity (BA) was manifested by molecular docking as the critical compound-target couple. Meaningful links between Calycosin and inflammation were implied through Arrowsmith, which overlapped with the findings in enrichment analysis, such as MAPK, NF-κB that could be regulators of PTGS2. In summary, the present study explored the potential targets and signaling pathways of FHT against inflammation, which may help to illustrate the mechanisms responsible for the action of FHT and provide a better understanding of its anti-inflammatory effects.
Oct4-dependent FoxC1 Activation Improves the Survival and Neovascularization of Mesenchymal Stem Cells under Myocardial Ischemia
Authors: Ji Zhou , Chen Songsheng , Cui Jin , Huang Weiguang , Zhang Rui , Zhang Shaoheng
Published: March 2021

Background:The administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) remains the most promising approach for cardiac repair after myocardial infarct (MI). However, their poor survival and potential in the ischemic environment limits their therapeutic efficacy for heart repair after MI. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of FoxC1-induced vascular niche on the activation of octamer‑binding protein 4 (Oct4) and the fate of MSCs under hypoxic/ischemic conditions. Methods:Vascular microenvironment/niche was induced by efficient delivery of FoxC1 transfection into hypoxic endothelial cells (ECs) or infarcted hearts. MSCs were cultured or injected into this niche by utilizing an in vitro coculture model and a rat MI model. Survival and neovascularization of MSCs regulated by Oct4 were explored using gene transfer and functional studies. Results:Here, using gene expression heatmap, we demonstrate that cardiac ECs rapidly up-regulated FoxC1 after acute ischemic cardiac injury, contributing to an intrinsic angiogenesis. In vitro, FoxC1 accelerated tube-like structure formation and increased survival of ECs, resulting in inducing a vascular microenvironment. Overexpression of FoxC1 in ECs promoted survival and neovascularization of MSCs under hypoxic coculture. Overexpression of Oct4, a FoxC1 target gene, in MSCs enhanced their mesenchymal-to-endothelial transition (MEndoT) while knockdown of Oct4 by siRNA altering vascularization. In a rat MI model, overexpression of FoxC1 in ischemic hearts increases post infarct vascular density and improves cardiac function. Transplantation of adOct4-pretreated MSCs into these ischemic niches augments MEndoT, enhances vascularity and further improves cardiac function. Consistently, these cardioprotective effects of FoxC1 was abrogated when Oct4 was depleted in the MSCs and was mimicked by overexpression of Oct4. Conclusions:Together, these studies demonstrate that the FoxC1/Oct4 axis is an essential aspect for survival and neovascularization of MSCs in the ischemic conditions and represents a potential therapeutic target for enhancing cardiac repair.
GWAS identifies a wheat orthologue of the rice D11 gene as an important contributor to grain size in an international collection of hexaploid wheat
Authors: Tekeu Honoré , Ngonkeu Eddy L.M. , Bélanger Sébastien , Djocgoué Pierre F. , Abed Amina , Torkamaneh Davoud , Boyle Brian , Tsimi Patrick , Tadesse Wuletaw , Jean Martine , Belzile François
Published: March 2021

Grain size is a key agronomic trait that contributes to grain yield in hexaploid wheat. Grain length and width were evaluated in an international collection of 159 wheat accessions. These accessions were genetically characterized using a genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) protocol that produced 73,784 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. GBS-derived genotype calls obtained on Chinese Spring proved extremely accurate when compared to the reference (> 99.9%) and showed > 95% agreement with calls made at SNP loci shared with the 90K SNP array on a subset of 71 Canadian wheat accessions for which both types of data were available. This indicates that GBS can yield a large amount of highly accurate SNP data in hexaploid wheat. The genetic diversity analysis performed using this set of SNP markers revealed the presence of six distinct groups within this collection. A GWAS was conducted to uncover genomic regions controlling variation for grain length and width. In total, seven SNPs were found to be associated with one or both traits, identifying three quantitative trait loci (QTLs) located on chromosomes 1D, 2D and 4A. In the vicinity of the peak SNP on chromosome 2D, we found a promising candidate gene (TraesCS2D01G331100), whose rice ortholog (D11) had previously been reported to be involved in the regulation of grain size. These markers will be useful in breeding for enhanced wheat productivity.
Photocontrollable Crystallization at the Topological Defect of a Liquid Crystalline Droplet
Authors: Katayama Kenji , Sakai Yota
Published: March 2021

Photo-controllable crystallization at the topological defect in an LC droplet was demonstrated. The dye molecules dissolved in a surfactant solution outside the LC droplet were promoted to move into the droplet by the light absorption. Nuclei emerged tens of seconds after light irradiation and moved toward the topological defect located at the droplet center, forming a branch-shaped crystal. This phenomenon was reproduced for three different dyes, and photo-induced migration, nucleation, and crystal formation were discussed as a possible mechanism.
Impact of landscapes Dynamics and Intensity on Ecological Land in Major Ethiopia Cities
Authors: Degefu Mekonnen amberber
Published: March 2021

Background: Understanding the dependence of ecological land to dynamics of human-nature-coupled landscape is crucial for urban ecosystem resilience. The aim of present study is, explored and compared the spaciotemporal responses of ecological land to urban landscape dynamics in Bahir Dar, Addis Ababa, Adama and Hawassa cities for the last three decades (1990–2020). Three sets of Landsat satellite images from 1990 to 2020 and four urban land indexes were used to produce landscape maps and geospatial data analysis. Result: The result analysis showed the substantial expansion in built up ecosystem which was manifested at the cost of ecological land. The built-up ecosystem totaled 17,491.2ha in 1990, which augmented to 42,298ha (141.8%) in 2020 with an average annual growth rate of 33.73%. A total of 40.97% of the prolonged built-up area was obtained from urban agricultural land alone. Moreover, urban sprawl is likely to continue, which will be outweighed by the loss of open space ecosystem. Besides, land use intensity (LUI) of each city in the years 1990 - 2020 were Addis Ababa (3.31), Hawassa (4.82), Adama (5.04), and Bahir Dar (3.56). Moreover, Integrated land use dynamics degree (ILUDD) was for Addis Ababa (1.7%), Bahir Dar (4.17%), Adama (2.25%) and Hawassa (4.83%). This confirmed that the spatial distribution LUI was significant consistency with ILUDD in all cities. Conclusions: LUI dynamics pattern was followed “urban ecological land to multi-complex human-dominance ecosystem, with a signiﬁcant influence on urban greenery and ecosystem services provides. Thus, in all cities, the implementation of effective ecological land management and urban planning policies are required for ensure economic development and ecosystem resilience.
Development a Prognostic Model Integrating lncRNA/ mRNA novel Biomarkers Identified by Bioinformatics Analysis and Experiments in Breast Cancer
Authors: Wei Jinrong , Dou Qianshu , Ba Futing , Jiang Guo-Qin
Published: March 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to established a prognosis model based on the expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs for breast cancers.Methods: Single Variable Cox Proportional Risk Regression analysis and difference analysis were applied to screen survival-related and differently expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs between tumor and normal tissues from TCGA data. GO and KEGG analysis were applied for top 30 survival-related genes. LncRNA/mRNA co-expressed network was constructed based on correlation analysis. LASSO analysis and Multivariate Stepwise Cox Regression analysis were applied to establish the prognosis model. RT-PCR experiments were applied to verify the correctness of the analysis results. Relative components of the TME in breast cancers with high and low risk groups were analysed by xCell and Cox proportional risk regression analysis. The ceRNA network was constructed by calculating the Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) for miRNA-mRNA and miRNA-lncRNA using paired miRNA, mRNA, and lncRNA expression profile data.Results:Venn diagrams showed that there were 60 genes and 54 lncRNAs that were differently expressed and related with survival. Through lncRNA/mRNA co-expressed network construction, 19 lncRNA and 16 mRNA hub genes were gained. The genes were then included in LASSO and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, and finally, 3 lncRNAs (LINC01497, LINC02766, LINC02528) and 2 mRNAs (C20orf85, CST1) were selected as prognosis predictive genes. According to the median risk score of the 5 candidates, patients were divided into high-risk group and low-risk group. The results of RT-PCR were consistent with the analysis results. The proportions of Adipocytes, Endothelial cells, HSCs, Fibroblasts were significantly lower in low risk score tissues compared with the high risk score tissues, while the proportions of M1 macrophages, MSCs, Th2 cells were significantly higher. A lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network containing 3 lncRNAs, 2 mRNAs, and 158 miRNAs was finally constructed, preliminarily revealed a proper mechanism of the 5 molecules playing important roles in breast cancer progression and prognosis prediction.Conclusion: We found that LINC01497, LINC02766, LINC02528 and C20orf85, CST1 may serve as a powerful prognostic tool to optimize the prognosis evaluation system of breast cancer.
Effects of Encapsulated Cinnamaldehyde on Growth Performance, Intestinal Digestive and Absorptive Functions, Meat Quality and Gut Microbiota in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Yang Chongwu , Diarra Moussa Sory , Choi Janghan , Rodas-Gonzalez Argenis , Lepp Dion , Liu Shangxi , Lu Peng , Mogire Marion , Wang Qi , Gong Joshua , Yang Chengbo
Published: March 2021

Background: Essential oils are potential antimicrobial alternatives and their applications in animal feeds are limited due to their fast absorption in upper gastrointestinal tract. This study investigated the effects of encapsulated cinnamaldehyde (CIN) at 50 ppm or 100 ppm on the growth performance, organ weights, meat quality, intestinal morphology, jejunal gene expression, nutrient digestibility, and ileal and cecal microbiota. A total of 320 male day-old broiler Cobb-500 chicks were randomly allocated to 4 treatments with 8 pens per treatment (10 birds per pen): 1) basal diet (negative control, NC); 2) basal diet supplemented with 30 ppm avilamycin premix (positive control, PC); 3) basal diet with 50 ppm encapsulated CIN (EOL); 4) basal diet with 100 ppm encapsulated CIN (EOH). Results: Despite birds fed EOH tended to increase (P = 0.05) meat pH at 24 h, all pH values were normal. Similar to PC group, meat from birds fed EOL and EOH showed a reduced (P < 0.05) Warner-Bratzler force shear (WBFS) compared to the NC group. The highest villus to crypt ratios (VH/CD; P < 0.05) were observed in broiler fed either EOL or EOH, with an average being 14.67% and 15.13% in the duodenum and 15.13% and 13.58% in the jejunum, respectively. For jejunal gene expressions, only six out of the 11 studied genes showed statistically differences among the dietary treatments. Gene expressions of cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT-1) and neutral amino acid transporter 1 (B0AT-1) were upregulated in EOH-fed birds compared to PC and NC-fed birds (P < 0.05), respectively; while expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were downregulated in EOL-fed birds when compared to NC birds (P < 0.05). Nonetheless, the expressions of cadherin 1 (CDH-1), zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1), and maltase-glucoamylase (MG) were all upregulated (P < 0.05) in EOH-fed birds compared to PC-fed birds. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat and of all 18 tested amino acids increased in EOL-fed birds (P < 0.01). Additionally, relative abundances (%) of ilealProteobacteriadecreased,while ileal and cecal Lactobacillusincreasedin EOH-fed birds(P< 0.05).Conclusions: Dietary encapsulated CINimproved meat quality and gut health by reducingmeat WBFS,increasing VH/CD in intestines, jejunal gene expressions, AID of nutrients and beneficiallyileal and cecal microbiota composition.
Association of Glutamate Receptor Metabotropic 5 Gene (Grm5) Polymorphisms With Schizophrenia Susceptibility and Symptoms in a Chinese-Han Population
Authors: Li Wenqiang , Su Xi , Guo Xiaoge , Liu Qing , Zhang Luwen , Shao Minglong , Zhang Yan , Ding Minli , Lu Yanli , Yang Yongfeng , Li Ming , Lv Luxian , Song Meng
Published: March 2021

Objectives: Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) is a potential target for the treatment of schizophrenia (SZ), with the evidence that mGluR5 modulates glutamatergic signaling through the NMDA receptor (NMDAR). Recently it was reported that the GRM5 gene (encoding mGluR5) is associated with SZ in the Scottish population. Methods: Here, case-control association analyses were performed in the Chinese-Han population to investigate if GRM5 gene is implicated in SZ. Twenty-four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were analyzed in 528 paranoid SZ and 528 control subjects.Results: The genotypic and allelic frequencies of two SNPs, rs567990 and rs12421343 were significantly different between the case and control group (Genotype P = 0.007 and 0.011; Allele P = 0.003 and 0.021; respectively). The frequency of rs504183 allele was associated with SZ (P = 0.030). When subjects were stratified by gender, the rs12422021, rs567990, rs12421343, and rs7101540 remained significantly associated with SZ in female patients. Analysis of clinical features of SZ, as measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) inventory, displayed association of GRM5 to features of the general phenotype of SZ, including traits representing delusions, hallucinations and negative symptoms. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study provides further evidence that GRM5 is associated with SZ, and implies a putative sex difference for the effect of the gene.
Application of Response Surface Methodology in Scallop Shelling
Authors: Lu Cunzhuang , Cai Chenxu , Zhang Jianhua , Wang Aiquan , Li Fuqian
Published: March 2021

Shelling is a central and crucial step in the mechanized processing of scallops. However, current research on the peeling mechanism is insufficient, and a relatively complete theoretical system has not been established so far. This paper proposes an application of response surface methodology and the design of an experiment to provide and stimulate further research on the automation of scallop shucking. Effective factors on the binding force of scallops are evaluated and discussed in this paper. The relationship between responses with significant factors is established. By employing response surface methodology, mathematical regression model can be efficiently performed. This response model is applied to analyze the response surface contours and surface plots to estimate shelling performance by developing a better shucking process. At the same time, quadric model proposed is used not only for predicted optimal process parameters but also for process optimization, and enrich the theoretical system of shellfish shelling.
Efficacy of Navigating Through the Intraplaque Route using AnteOwl WR Intravascular Ultrasound in Femoropopliteal Chronic Total Occlusion
Authors: Hayakawa Naoki , Kodera Satoshi , Takanashi Keisuke , Sahashi Shuichi , Shakya Sandeep , Kanda Junji
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThere is no consensus on the optimal guidewire passage route for femoropopliteal (FP) chronic total occlusion (CTO). If intraplaque wiring can be performed, a stent-less strategy using a drug-coated balloon (DCB) can be realized even with FP CTO, and there is a high possibility that good expansion can be obtained even when stent deployment is performed. AnteOwl WR (AnteOwl) is a novel intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device useful for navigating the second guidewire into the intraplaque route under IVUS observation from the subintimal space. Here, we describe representative cases of FP CTO in which CTO-specific IVUS was extremely useful.Case presentationCase 1 was a 79-year-old man undergoing hemodialysis who presented with claudication of the left lower limb. Control angiography showed total occlusion of the left superficial femoral artery (SFA). We performed antegrade wiring, but the guidewire was advanced into the subintimal space. We advanced AnteOwl into CTO. Using the AnteOwl IVUS transducer and IVUS-wire bias, we found that the IVUS-wire is at the top and the transducer is at the bottom, and based on this information, a plaque to aim exists on the right side of the IVUS catheter at right anterior oblique of 30°. By aiming the wiring in that direction, we succeeded in traversing the center of the plaque and finally succeeded in obtaining good expansion using the DCB. Case 2 was of an 76-year-old woman with ulceration and gangrene of the left foot. Control angiography showed total occlusion from the SFA to the popliteal artery (Pop A). When AnteOwl was placed on the wire and advanced to the Pop A, the subintimal space in the middle of the SFA could be visualized. We employed an IVUS-guided parallel wire technique and succeeded in passing through all intraplaque routes. Although the CTO was long, we could easily advance through the intraplaque route by reflecting the information obtained from AnteOwl in angiography.Conclusions﻿AnteOwl is an effective IVUS technique for FP CTO and facilitates a complex IVUS-guided procedure.
Does Fiscal Policy stimulate Economic Growth in Ethiopia? An ARDL Approach
Authors: Mengistu Solomon Tilahun
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In recent years, a vast literature has appeared on the relationship between fiscal policy and long-run economic growth. With the aim of give an overview of the recent discussion and establish a point of departure for future research, this study used time series techniques and used empirical model by Kneller et al (1999) and Bleaney et al (2000) to investigate the link between various components of fiscal policy on Ethiopia’s economic growth on annual data for the period 1985/86 – 2019. It employed the autoregressive distributed lag estimation technique. Results from the bound tests showed that there was a long-run relationship between the variables. Disaggregating government expenditure into productive and unproductive and tax revenue into distortionary and non-distortionary, this study found unproductive expenditure and non-distortionary tax revenue to be neutral to growth as predicted by economic theory. Moreover, productive expenditure has positive effect on growth while there was evidence of distortionary effects on growth of distortionary taxes. These results give right signal to policy makers in Ethiopia in formulating expenditure and tax policies to ensure unproductive expenditures are reduced while at the same time boosting public investment. Furthermore, there is need to encourage private investment in the country.
Chronic pain among children with cerebral palsy attending a Ugandan hospital: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bambi Emma Nsalazi , Mwesige Angelina Kakooza , Lekuya Hervé Monka , Kasirye Philip , Idro Richard
Published: March 2021

Background: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) frequently experience chronic pain. The burden and severity of such pain is often underestimated in relation to their other impairments.Recognition and awareness of this chronic pain among children with CP constitute the cornerstone for caretakers and clinicians to improve the quality of life of those children. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic pain among children with CP, and the factors associated.Methods: A cross-sectional study of children with CP, aged 2 – 12 years, attending the CP rehabilitation clinic and Pediatric Neurology Clinic at Mulago Hospital, Uganda from November 2017 to May 2018. A detailed history and clinical examination were performed and the co-morbidities were determined. CP was classified using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System, Communication Function Classification System (CFCS), and the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS) and documented with the level of impairment in the different domains. Pain was assessed by using the revised Face, Legs, Activity, Consolability, Cry pain scale.Results: A total of 224 children with CP were enrolled. The prevalence of chronic pain was 64.3%. The majority had spastic bilateral CP (77.8%), moderate pain lasting over 6 months, and none of them was on long-term pain management. Epilepsy (60.9%), behavioral problem (63.2%), hearing impairment (66,7%), learning problem (67,6%), dental caries (75%), gastro-esophageal reflux (75%), sleep disorders (79.5%), vision impairment (80%), and malnutrition (90%) were comorbid conditions of chronic pain in children with CP in this study. The factors independently associated with chronic pain among children with CP were the GMFC system level 4 & 5, CFCS level 4 & 5, EDACS level 4 & 5, female children, and caretaker aged more than 30 years.Conclusion: Two-thirds of children with CP attending rehabilitation in this hospital had chronic pain. None was receiving pain management. Chronic pain was associated with the presence of multiple co-morbidities and more severe disability. Rehabilitation and care programs for children with CP should include assessment of pain in routine care and provide interventions for pain relief in children with CP even at an early age.
Heavy Metals in Liver, Kidney, Brain and Muscle: Health Risk Assessment for Consumption of Edible parts of Birds from the Chahnimeh reservoirs Sistan (Iran)
Authors: Behrooz Reza Dahmardeh , Burger Joanna
Published: March 2021

The concentrations of four heavy metals zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd) were determined in liver, kidney, muscle and brain of nine species of birds from the Chahmimeh Sistan from Iran, to assess metal levels and the potential risk to birds, and to the people who eat them. Higher levels of all metals were found in the brain of waterfowl than in the tissues of other birds (P < 0.05). There were no significant gender differences in heavy metals in all tissue. Levels of Pb, Cd, Ni and Zn in the liver and kidney varied as a function of feeding habitats; the median levels were higher in invertebrate predators than fish predators and omnivorous species (P < 0.05). Short distance migrating birds had higher median levels of heavy metals in liver and kidney than long distance migrant birds (P < 0.05). Ni levels in liver and kidney tissues in 56% of birds were higher than the critical thresholds levels for effects in birds. Our data indicate that environmental exposure to metals were higher in the wintering populations of birds in the Chahnimeh of Sistan from Iran. Concentration Zn, Pb and Cd in a small percentage of birds, and 56% nickel level in liver and 56% kidney concentrations in birds, were above toxicity levels. Examination EDI, EWI and HQ of the edible tissues (kidney, Liver and muscle) of these birds showed that their consumption is a threat to the health of the people of the region.
Affordability of current diets and healthy, more equitable, sustainable diets, by area of socioeconomic disadvantage and remoteness in Queensland: Insights into the drivers of food choice
Authors: Lee Amanda J. , Patay Dori , Herron Lisa-Maree , Harrison Ella Parnell , Lewis Meron
Published: March 2021

Background

Poor diet is the leading preventable risk factor contributing to the burden of disease globally and in Australia, and is inequitably distributed. As the price of healthy foods is a perceived barrier to improved diets, evidence on the cost and affordability of current (unhealthy) and recommended (healthy, more equitable and sustainable) diets is required to support policy action.
Methods

This study applied the Healthy Diets ASAP (Australian Standardised Affordability and Pricing) methods protocol to measure the cost, cost differential and affordability of current and recommended diets for a reference household in Queensland, Australia. Food prices were collected in 18 randomly selected locations stratified by area of socioeconomic disadvantage and remoteness. Diet affordability was calculated for three income categories.
Results

Surprisingly, recommended diets would cost 20% less than the current diet in Queensland as a whole. Households spent around 60% of their food budget on discretionary choices (that is, those not required for health that are high in saturated fat, added sugar, salt and/or alcohol). Queensland families would need to spend around 23% of their income on recommended diets. However, recommended diets would not be affordable in low socioeconomic or very remote areas, costing 30% and 35% of median household income respectively. The government supplements due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic would improve affordability of recommended diets by 29%.
Conclusions

Study findings highlight that, although price is one factor affecting consumer food choice, other drivers such as taste, convenience, advertising and availability are important too. Nevertheless, the study found that recommended diets would be unaffordable in very remote areas, and that low income families are likely experiencing food stress, irrespective of where they live in Queensland. Policy actions, such as increasing to 20% the current 10% Goods and Services tax differential between basic healthy, and unhealthy foods in Australia, and supplementing incomes of vulnerable households, especially in remote areas, are recommended to help improve diet equity and sustainability, and health and wellbeing for all.
The Risk Assessment of Thyroid Disorders Based on Metabonomics
Authors: Bai Jing , Liu Xiangyi , Liu Haishun , Xiong Chan , Zhu Kewen , Ma Qingwei
Published: March 2021

BackgroundWhen thyroid disorders occurred, it can disturb the balance of trace elements in human body. Therefore, the detection of trace elements during an early screening of thyroid diseases, treatment, and prognosis judgment based on personal characteristics of drugs and treatment will provide a scientific basis for clinical decision-making and can effectively reduce patients' pain and social medical burden. Methods50 healthy volunteers and 200 patients with thyroid diseases (58 cases of thyroid nodule, 59 cases of goiter, 34 cases of postoperative thyroid cancer and 24 cases of thyroid cancer) were compared in our study. Total trace elements of iodine, selenium, manganese, chromium etc. (in total 28 elements) in human serum were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A risk assessment model for thyroid disease was established after analyzing trace elements content, thyroid function and ultrasonography results by gender and age with the characteristics of the Chinese population. ResultsThe results showed there were significant differences in eight trace elements (I, Ca, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Sb) between the thyroid disease group and the healthy control group (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in ten trace elements (I, Ca, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Sb) between the female thyroid disease group and the control group (P< 0.05). And there were significant differences in the eight trace elements (I, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Sb) between the male thyroid disease group and the control group (P< 0.05). There were significant correlations between the contents of FT3, FT4, T3 and T4 corresponding to iodine (P< 0.05) in thyroid disease group. Also, correlations between Fe-Zn, Cr-Mn, Ca-Zn, Ca-Se, Ca-Fe and Zn-Se (P<0.05) were found in thyroid disease group too. ConclusionsThe high concentration of iodine and manganese are risk factors of thyroid disease. In addition to the low concentration of cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, selenium, and antimony, calcium in the serum of female patients with thyroid disease and iron in the serum of male patients with thyroid disease play a very important role. Random forest model based on element risk assessment of thyroid disease is helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease.
Lean Adoption in Hospitals: The Role of Contextual Factors and Introduction Strategy
Authors: Rosa Angelo , Marolla Giuliano , Lega Federico , Manfredi Francesco
Published: March 2021

Background: In the scientific literature, many studies describe the application of lean methodology in the hospital setting. Most of the articles focus on the results rather than on the approach adopted to introduce the lean methodology. In the absence of a clear view of the context and the introduction strategy, the first steps of the implementation process can take on an empirical, trial and error profile. Such implementation is time-consuming and resource-intensive and affects the adoption of the model at the organizational level. This research aims to outline the role contextual factors and introduction strategy play in supporting the operators introducing lean methodology in a hospital setting. Methodology: The methodology is revealed in a case study of an important hospital in Southern Italy, where lean has been successfully introduced through a pilot project in the pathway of cancer patients. The originality of the research is seen in the detailed description of the contextual elements and the introduction strategy. Results: The results show significant process improvements and highlight the spontaneous dissemination of the culture of change in the organization and the streamlined adoption at the micro level. Conclusion: The case study shows the importance of the lean introduction strategy and contextual factors for successful lean implementation. Furthermore, it shows how both factors influence each other, underlining the dynamism of the organizational system.
Construction of a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network based on competitive endogenous RNA reveals the key pathways and central genes of osteosarcoma in vivo
Authors: Chen Zhihao , Wang Xi , Li Liubing , Han Mingxiao , Wang Min , Hu Gangfeng , Xie Zonggang , Zhang Haifang
Published: March 2021

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in a variety of pathological functions. However, the potential functions and detailed mechanisms of circRNAs in osteosarcoma (OS) have not been fully elucidated. In this study, the circRNA, micro RNA (miRNA), and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression profile of human OS was investigated based on the raw microarray data GSE140256, GSE65071 and GSE16088 in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, and seven differentially-expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs), 166 differentially-expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs), and 175 differentially-expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) were identified in total. FunRich was employed to analyze the differentially-expressed transcription factors on the basis of identified DEmiRNAs. In addition, the Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were used to further study biological functions of the DEmRNAs. Interestingly, post-translational protein modification, collagen-containing extracellular matrix, and single-stranded DNA binding were the most significant pathways enriched for DEmRNAs in GO annotation analysis. Meanwhile, in KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, complement and coagulation cascades, RNA transport and drug metabolism − other enzymes were the most significantly enriched pathways of DEmRNAs in OS. We constructed circRNA-miRNA-mRNA and protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks that may be associated with pathological processes of OS. Finally, we also revealed the pattern of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in OS and further explored the ceRNA networks we constructed in which we found that COL1A1 and RAN were significantly correlated with overall survival in patients with osteosarcoma (p < 0.05). To our knowledge, this study provides the first profile analysis of DEcircRNAs, DEmiRNAs, and DEmRNAs with OS in vivo and reveals a novel idea for understanding the pathogenesis of OS.
Integrated analysis of Transcriptomic Data Reveal AP-1 as a Potential Regulation Hub in Inflammation Induced Hyperalgesia Rat
Authors: Zhu Xiang , Li Feng , Wang Miqun , Su Huibin , Wu Xuedong , Qiu Haiyan , Zhou Wang , Shan Chunli , Wang Cancan , Wei Lei
Published: March 2021

BackgroundInflammation associated chronic pain is a global clinical problem, affecting millions of people worldwide. However, the underlying mechanism of inflammation associated chronic pain remains unclear. Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced cutaneous inflammation rat has been widely used as an inflammation-induced pain hypersensitivity model.MethodsHerein, we presented a transcriptomic profile of CFA-induced rat dorsal root ganglion via an approach targeting gene expression, DNA methylation and post-transcriptional regulation.ResultsWe identified 418 differentially expressed mRNAs, 120 differentially expressed microRNAs and 2670 differentially methylated regions, which are all highly associated with multiple inflammation related pathways, including NF-κB signaling pathways and IFN signaling pathways. Integrated analysis further demonstrated that AP-1 network, which may work as a regulator of inflammation response, is sophisticatedly regulated at both transcriptomic and epigenetic level.ConclusionsWe believe our data will not only provide drug screening targets for treating chronic pain and inflammation, but also shed a light on the molecular network inflammation induced hyperalgesia.
Comprehensive Transcriptome and Metabolome Analysis of Lithocarpus polystachyus Leaf Revealed Key Genes in Flavonoid Biosynthesis Pathways
Authors: Li Kai-Xiang , Liu Kai , Chen Yingying , Huang Xiaolu , Liang Wenhui , Li Baocai , Shen Yingbai , Liang Haiying
Published: March 2021

Lithocarpus polystachyus is a unique medicinal tree species that is valued for its abundant flavonoids in leaves. Currently, genes and metabolites involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway remain largely unknown. To elucidate the flavonoid biosynthesis pathways, transcriptome and metabolome analyses of young, mature, and old leaves were conducted. A total of 86,927 unigenes were obtained, and 51.4% of them were annotated in eight public databases. The majority of the 44 candidate genes in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were downregulated as leaves aged. Metabolome profiling revealed a set of 427 metabolites in leaves. Consistent with the transcriptome results, 15 of the 19 metabolites in the flavonoid pathway decreased during the development of leaves. The data indicate that young leaf is the optimal stage for tea harvest. This is the first report of integrated transcriptome and metabolome profiling of L. polystachyus. This study demonstrates the correlation of gene expression and metabolites related to flavonoid biosynthesis and reveals the key genes responsible for flavonoid accumulation in young leaf. The information can be applied to future studies performed to elucidate and manipulate flavonoid biosynthesis in L. polystachyus.
STUDY OF THE KINETICS OF DRYING IRON (II) SULFATE HEPTAHYDRATE BY FILTRATION METHOD
Authors: Tsiura Nadiia , Kindzera Diana , Huzova Iryna , Atamanyuk Volodymyr
Published: March 2021

The object of research: kinetics of filtration drying process of iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate.
Solved problem: to obtain the calculated dependence of the kinetics of filtration drying, which predicts the nature of the change in the moisture content of the material in time during the period of complete saturation of the thermal agent with moisture in the range of heights of the material layer 30.10-3–120.10-3 m and the speeds of the thermal agent 0.46–1.61 m/s.
Main scientific results: The kinetics of filtration drying of iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate was investigated at different heights of the material layer and pressure drops over dry material, which means at different speeds of movement of the thermal agent. A certain critical moisture content, which is Wcr=0.065 kg H2O/kg dry mat and the time it reaches at different heights of the material layer and the speeds of movement of the thermal agent. Based on the solution of the system of differential equations of material balance in the layer and the kinetics of drying, the kinetic coefficients for iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate a=15.75 1/m, α=3.03.10-3 1/s were determined, which made it possible to obtain the calculated dependence of the kinetics drying, which predicts the nature of the change in the moisture content of the material over time during the period of complete saturation of the thermal agent with moisture in the range of heights of the material layer H=30.10-3–120.10-3 m and the velocities of the thermal agent υ=0.46–1.61 m/s.
The area of practical application of the results: enterprises for the production of titanium (IV) oxide with the production of iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate as a by-product and enterprises specializing in the manufacture of pigments based on iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate.
Innovative technological product: iron (II) sulfate tetrahydrate (FeSO4•4H2O, rosenite), obtained as a result of drying by the filtration method.
Scope of application of the innovative technological product: in the production technology of iron oxide pigments.
IMPROVEMENT OF CLASSIFICATION OF NON-CURRENT TANGIBLE ASSETS IN BUDGET INSTITUTIONS OF UKRAINE
Authors: Chereshnevyi Oleksandr
Published: March 2021

The object of research: This article explores the necessary ways to improve the classification of non-current tangible assets on the example of non-current tangible assets for special purposes.
Solved problem: bringing the classification of non-current tangible assets to the accounting needs of the institution will improve the structure, quality of accounting information reflected in the accounting registers and allow the application of uniform methodological provisions of accounting to such tangible assets.
Investigated problem: structuring the classification features of non-current tangible assets of budgetary institutions of Ukraine, which listen to modern requirements for the accumulation of information and the needs of internal and external users for the adoption of administrative management.
The main scientific results: The proposed approaches to the classification of non-current tangible assets, namely the attribution of non-current tangible assets for special purposes to fixed assets, will bring the accounting information of budgetary institutions to the economic essence of these assets. This, in turn, will improve the quality of accounting information for management decisions, reduce the number of errors in the reflection of business transactions with these assets. The ability of the existing classification of non-current tangible assets to structure the tangible assets according to their properties and technical characteristics is proved. To confirm the opinion about the inconsistency of the modern classification of non-current tangible assets, a comparative description of the properties of fixed assets, other non-current tangible assets, and non-current tangible assets for special purposes is given.
The area of practical use of the research results: the practical results of this study are primarily aimed at application in the activities of budgetary institutions of Ukraine. But it is also expedient to apply the obtained scientific achievements at the enterprises and establishments of the public sector.
Innovative technological product: approaches to the classification of non-current tangible assets in budgetary institutions with the simultaneous possibility of implementing the results obtained in existing software products for automation of settlement processes and budget accounting in general.
Scope of the innovative technological product: the results presented in this study are relevant and recommended for use in all budgetary institutions. It will be especially useful for implementation by senior fund managers whose functions are related to defense or law enforcement measures
THE LEVEL OF INDICES OF ION COMPOSITION OF BLOOD IN INFANTS WITH CONGENITAL MALFORMATIONS IN SURGICAL CORRECTION
Authors: Vlasov Оleksey
Published: March 2021

Newborns with severe congenital malformations need radical surgical correction as soon as possible for ensure the quality of life of the infant in the future. Pathological changes associated with the underlying pathology may be accompanied to severe disturbances of homeostasis in the postoperative period.
The aim of the study. To assess the level of ionic composition of plasma in infants with congenital malformations during surgical correction and various types of combined anesthesia.
Investigated problem: To prevent electrolyte peri- and postoperative complications, it is obligatory to perform preoperative preparation and stabilization of laboratory parameters, for a child with congenital malformations and to monitor they throughout the operation.
The main scientific results: The electrolyte composition in the examined groups of infants did not show significant differences from age norms. The concentration of potassium was the lowest in group III of the examined in comparison with groups I and II at the stage of preparation for surgery (p=0.0041; p=0.0102), induction of anesthesia (p=0.0053; p=0.0054), while children of groups I and II were diagnosed with a tendency to the upper limit of normal serum potassium levels during all observation periods. Elevated sodium levels were diagnosed in group III at all stages of surgical treatment and in group II of infants with congenital malformations at the stage of the most painful and traumatic moment of surgery (159.94±4.89 – II, 139.27±3.043 – III, p=0.1857).
The area of practical use of the research results: pediatric anesthesiology
Innovative technological product: laboratory control
Scope of the innovative technological product: neonatal intensive care unit, surgery