bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NADPH Oxidase 4 Signaling in a Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury Mouse Model
Authors: Lee Sang Hoon , Shin Mi Hwa , Leem Ah Young , Lee Su Hwan , Chung Kyung Soo , Kim Young Sam , Park Moo Suk
Published: August 2021

Background: For patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, a ventilator is essential to supply oxygen to tissues, but it may also cause lung damage. In this study, we investigated the role of NOX4 using NOX4 knockout (KO) mice and NOX4 inhibitors in a ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) model.Methods: Wild-type (WT) male C57BL/6J mice and NOX4 knockout (KO) male mice were divided into five groups: (1) control group; (2) high tidal ventilation (HTV) group: WT mice + HTV; (3) NOX4 KO group; (4) NOX4 KO with HTV group; (5) NOX4 inhibitor group: WT mice + HTV + NOX4 inhibitor. In the VILI model, the supine position was maintained at 24 mL/kg volume, 0 cm H2O PEEP, 100/min respiratory rate, and 0.21 inspired oxygen fraction. In the NOX4 inhibitor group, 50 μL anti-GKT 137831 inhibitor was injected intraperitoneally, 2 h after ventilator use. After 5 h of HTV, mice in the ventilator group were euthanized, and their lung tissues were obtained for further analysis. In addition, the relationship between EphA2 (which is related to lung injury) and NOX4 was investigated using EphA2 KO mice, and NOX4 levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of 38 patients with pneumonia were examined.Results: Cell counts from BALFs were significantly lower (p<0.01) in the NOX4 KO with HTV group compared to that in the HTV group. In the NOX4 inhibitor group, cell counts and protein concentrations from BALF were significantly lower than those in the HTV group (both, p<0.001). In the NOX4 KO group and the NOX4 inhibitor group, EphA2 levels were significantly lower than those in the HTV group (p<0.001). In patients with respiratory disease, NOX4 levels were significantly higher in patients with pneumonia and patients who received ventilator treatment in the intensive care unit.Conclusion: NOX4 levels were significantly higher in patients with pneumonia and patients who received ventilator treatment in the ICU. In the VILI model, it may be possible to block VILI using NOX4 antibodies.
Establishment of a Prognostic Stemness Signature For Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sun Xiwen , Wang Fang , Shen Jiayu , Zhou Jianwei
Published: August 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to construct a robust stemness-related gene signature for predicting prognosis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC).Methods: Expression data for the PCBC database-derived pluripotent stem cell (PSC) samples were collected using the one-class logistic regression (OCLR) method to calculate stemness indexes (mRNAsi) of samples derived from the TCGA dataset. Functions of possible mRNAsi-related stemness genes extracted through WGCNA were then examined by enrichment analysis. Most representative stemness genes for prognosis prediction were screened to construct a stemness-related gene signature by shrinkage estimate and univariate analysis. Next, the TCGA dataset and the GSE44001 external dataset were incorporated into that model and classified to evaluate the model efficiency and stability in patient prognosis prediction and classification according to the Riskscore. The associations between the Riskscore and clinical characteristics as well as relevant signaling pathways were also explored. Moreover, the prognosis predicting efficiency of the stemness-related gene signature was compared with those of CSCC prognostic signatures reported in other studies.Results: According to the findings, mRNAsi showed significant correlation with key oncogene mutation degrees (including DMD, KMT2C, EP300 and MUC4), infiltrating stroma cells and the CIMP classification for CSCC cases. The 8-stemness gene signature in this study achieved high stability and accuracy in prognosis prediction for CSCC cases. In the meanwhile, the model provided diverse therapeutic targets to precisely treat CSCC in clinical practice based on various subtype-specific stemness genes.Conclusion: Our present study suggested that the 8 stemness gene signature can help to screen out novel stem-related diagnostic indicators, therapeutic targets and prognostic predictors in CSCC.
Comparing RNA extraction methods to face the variations in RNA quality using two human biological matrices.
Authors: Ortega-Pinazo Jesús , Serrano-Castro Pedro Jesús , Vida-Botella Margarita , Martínez Beatriz , Pinto-Medel María Jesús , Oliver-Martos Begoña , Leyva Laura , Gómez-Zumaquero Juan Miguel , Lago-Sampedro Ana , Rodríguez-Bada Pablo Jesús , Estivill-Torrús Guillermo , Ferro Pedro
Published: August 2021

Nucleic acids, RNA among them, are widely used in biomedicine. Because of their susceptibility to degradation by RNases, the handling and extraction process of RNA from cells and tissues require specialized personnel and standardized methods to guarantee high purity and integrity. Due to the diversity of techniques found in the market, a comparative study between different RNA extraction methods is useful to facilitate the best choice for the researcher. In this study, we have compared seven different RNA extraction methods: manual (TRIzol™), semiautomated (QIAGEN™, Bio-Rad, Monarch®, and Canvax™), and fully automated (QIAcube™ and Maxwell®) processes, from two biological matrices: human Jurkat T cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Results showed marked differences in the RNA quality and functionality according to the method employed for RNA extraction and the matrix used. These data contribute to facilitate researchers in decision-making practices and emphasize the relevance of the selection of the RNA extraction method in each experimental procedure to guarantee both quality standards and its reproducibility.
Treatment with Immunotherapy and Other Systemic Therapies for Patients With Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. A Single Institution Experience
Authors: Viñal David , Martinez-Fdez Sara , Ostios-Garcia Lorena , Maseda Rocio , De Lucas Raul , Castelo Beatriz
Published: August 2021

Purpose. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is a frequent complication in patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Immunotherapy is a novel treatment approach for CSCC, however there is little experience in patients with RDEB. Methods. We included all the patients with a molecular-confirmed diagnosis of RDEB and advanced CSCC treated with systemic therapy between November 1988 and January 2021. Results. Five patients were treated with immunotherapy (n=2), other systemic therapies (n=2), or both (n=1). The tolerability of immunotherapy was overall acceptable with no treatment-related serious adverse events. Radiological tumor response observed in one patient. The other patients were treated with a combination of chemotherapy and targeted therapy (EGFR inhibitors), with mixed tumor response. Median OS was 3 months (range, 1 to 11). Conclusions: Patients with RDEB and advanced CSCC benefit from immunotherapy and do not experience unexpected toxicity.
Using Intervention Mapping To Develop ‘ROSE’: An Intervention To Support Peer Workers in Overdose Response Settings
Authors: Mamdani Zahra , McKenzie Sophie , Cameron Fred , Knott Mike , Conway-Brown Jennifer , Scott Tracy , Buxton Jane A. , Pauly Bernie
Published: August 2021

Background
Peer workers (those with lived/living experience of substance use working in overdose response settings) are at the forefront of overdose response initiatives in British Columbia (BC). Working in these settings can be stressful, with lasting social, mental and emotional impacts. Peer workers have also been disproportionately burdened by the current dual public health crises characterized by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and rise in illicit drug overdose deaths. It is therefore critical to develop supports tailored specifically to their realities.
Methods
We used the steps outlined in the Intervention Mapping (IM) framework to identify needs of peer workers and design an intervention model to support peer workers in overdose response settings. Eight peer-led focus groups were conducted at the pilot sites and other community settings to identify peer workers’ needs and transcripts were analyzed using interpretive description. The strategies within the intervention model were informed by the organizational development theory as well as by the lived/living experience of peer workers.
Results
The support needs identified by peer workers were categorized into three key themes and these formed the basis of an intervention model titled ‘ROSE’; R stands for Recognition of Peer Work, O for Organizational Support, S for Skill Development and E for Everyone. The ROSE model aims to facilitate culture change within organizations, leading towards a more equitable and just workplace for peer workers. This, in turn, has the potential for positive socio-ecological impact.
Conclusions
Centering lived/living experience in the Intervention Mapping process led us to develop a framework for supporting peer workers in BC. The ROSE model can be used as a baseline for other organizations employing peer workers.
Comparing Infant and Toddler Sleep Patterns Prior To and During The First Wave of Home Confinement Due To COVID-19 in Spain
Authors: Cassanello Pia , Ruiz-Botia Irene , Sala-Castellvi Pere , Martin Juan Carlo , Martínez-Sanchez Jose Maria , Balaguer Albert
Published: August 2021

Introduction:
Recent literature has shown that sleep patterns are shaped during the first years of life, playing a relevant role in children’s functioning. We focused on comparing sleep patterns in infants and toddlers in Spain before and during COVID-19 home confinement to assess the immediate impact on sleep patterns.
Methods
We compared data from two cross-sectional surveys from parents of 1,658 children three to 36 months of age from Spain. One conducted before COVID-19 (2017–2018, n = 1,380) and another during COVID-19 pandemic (March-May of 2020, n = 254). We used an internet self-administrated questionnaire using the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire (BISQ) criteria in both surveys.
Results
During confinement infants and toddlers went to sleep later (median bedtime 21:30 before confinement vs. 21.36 during confinement (p = 0.004)). More infants and toddlers showed longer sleep latencies (> 30 minutes) during confinement median 33.9% versus 12.3% (p < 0.001). Based on the recommended BISQ criteria, we observed an increase in poor sleepers meeting at least one criterion of inadequate patterns during confinement (p < 0.001). Parental perception of a child’s sleep as problematics were 39.4% and 44.1% (adjusted p = 0.363) before and under lockdown, respectively.
Conclusions
Home confinement generally affected infant’s and toddler’s sleep patterns negatively, however parents didn’t report worse perception of sleep quality of their children. Follow-up studies can help understand the potential long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sleep patterns.
Association between Exposure to Noise and Air Pollution and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Arabian Mina , Mirzaei Masoud , Sakhvidi Mohammad Javad Zare , Jambarsang Sara , Mirzaei Mohsen
Published: August 2021

Background: In addition to the classical risk factors environmental pollution such as traffic noise and air pollution are suggested to be a risk factor for Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). In this study, we examined the between exposure to noise and air pollution (PM2.5) and MetS.Methods: This study was performed on 3513 participants in a prospective study on the health of the people of Yazd (YaHS). A wide range of demographic, anthropometric and blood biochemistry data were gathered during 2014-2015. Data on personal level noise and air pollution (PM2.5) at residential address were collected through air pollution maps. Air and noise pollution modeling was performed using Kriging model. Using weighted logistic regressiARAon, we reported the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of MetS for a unit increase in exposure to the pollutants. Results: The prevalence of MetS in the total population was 43.7%. No association was found with MetS between noise exposures in the range (54.1-62.3) dB (A). There was a positive relationship between air pollution exposure in the range (32.82 - 16.38) micrograms per cubic meter and MetS in the raw model and after adjusting for the effect of age and sex, increased air pollution exposure, chance The incidence of MetS increases by 8% (95% CI = 1.06 - 1.10), while the fully adjusted model did not find a positive and significant relationship. Conclusion: We did not find any association between noise and air pollution with MetS in the fully adjusted model.
A Novel Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for the Detection of Seven Mycoplasma Species of Cattle Origin
Authors: Lai Jyhmirn , Lin Hengching , Hsu Peichuan , Gondaira Satoshi , Higuchi Hidetoshi , Nagahata Hajime
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study was to develop a pair of primers for detecting ruminant mycoplasma pathogens. We designed a set of primers based on the most similar sequences within 16sRNA regions of seven Mycoplasma spp. These primers have high sensitivity for detecting Mycoplasma dispar, M. arginine, M. canadense, M. bovis, M. alkalescens, M. californicum, and M. bovisgenitalium within the annealing temperature range of 46°C to 48°C. The minimum amount of DNA that can be detected using the protocol is 250 ng, which is equivalent to 2,000 cfu/mL. The primers can detect mycoplasma from DNA extracted directly from milk samples. The common bovine mastitis pathogens of Staphylococcus aureus coagulase-negative staphylococci, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus uberis, Klebiella pneumonia, Korucia rosea, and Acholeplasma spp. were not detected by the primers. We believe the high sensitivity and specificity of these primers make them useful for detecting infection with seven Mycoplasma species in ruminants, allowing the primers to be used in clinical settings.
Security-Driven Distributed Platforms for Intellectual Property Resource Provision - A Case Study of TSITE IP
Authors: Wang Yang
Published: August 2021

In the information age, with the development of big data intelligence, Intellectual Property (IP) related data is growing in a geometric progression, so the demand for data storage space is also growing, and the distributed platform of intellectual property data based on cloud storage is also emerging. Cloud computing platform has huge storage space and powerful computing power, and the distributed platform of intellectual property data based on cloud storage has emerged one after another. With this, the privacy and security issues of cloud platform also get more attention. Because the biggest feature of cloud storage is that storage is a service, it puts forward higher requirements for intellectual property services. Firstly, this paper introduces the domestic IP cloud platform services from three perspectives of government support, state-owned enterprises and private enterprises. Secondly, four typical distributed platforms provided by business resources are selected to introduce their operation modes respectively, and the problems faced by domestic IP service modes are summarized emphatically. Then, it compares and discusses the current situation of domestic IP distributed platforms. In view of the current domestic intellectual property service mode, taking TSITE IP as an example, the paper puts forward the design and construction strategy of intellectual property protection, intellectual property operation service distributed platform and operation service mode under the background of information age.
Discrepancy Between The Demand and Supply of Intensive Care Unit Beds in South Korea From 2011 To 2019: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Cho Noo Ree , Jung Wol Seon , Park Hee Yeon , Kang Jin Mo , Ko Dai Sik , Choi Sang Tae
Published: August 2021

Background
Intensive care unit (ICU) bed availability is key to critical patient care. Considering the rapidly increasing aging population in South Korea, it is important to establish whether the demand for ICU care is met by the currently available ICU beds. However, there have been no reports regarding the relationship between the increase in the number of ICU beds and the increase in the utilization of ICU facilities. In this study, we aimed to investigate the trends in ICU bed supply and ICU bed-days in the adult population.
Methods
We evaluated the 9-year trend in ICU bed rates and bed-days in South Korea between 2011 and 2019 in a population-based cross-sectional analysis, using data from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service database. We described changes in ICU bed rates in adult (≥ 20 years) and older adult (≥ 65 years) populations. ICU bed-days were categorized similarly and used to predict future ICU bed demands.
Results
The ICU bed rate was higher in 2011 than in 2019 (23.3 and 20.2 per 100,000 adults and 161.2 and 107.5 per 100,000 older adults, respectively). The number of ICU bed-days was lower in 2011 than in 2019 (100.5 and 137.8 per 1,000 adults and 59.0 and 86.1 per 1,000 older adults, respectively). In 2019, the regional differences in the ICU bed rate and ICU bed-days nearly doubled and tripled, respectively. The ICU bed occupancy rate in South Korea is expected to rise to 97.7% in 2030.
Conclusion
A significant discrepancy was found between the supply and demand of ICU beds in South Korea. This discrepancy requires urgent action. Our findings may inform government organizations about the necessity of planning and preparing for future ICU demands and the shortage in their supply.
Improving Birth Weight Measurement and Recording Practices in Kenya and Tanzania: a Prospective Intervention Study With Historical Controls
Authors: K’Oloo Alloys , Godfrey Evance , Koivu Annariina M , Barsosio Hellen C. , Manji Karim , Ndesangia Veneranda , Omiti Fredrick , Khery Mohamed Bakari , Ondieki Everlyne D. , Kariuki Simon , Kuile Feiko O. ter , Chico R Matthew , Klein Nigel , Heimonen Otto , Ashorn Per , Ashorn Ulla , Näsänen-Gilmore Pieta
Published: August 2021

Background
Low birth weight (LBW) is a significant public health concern given its association with early-life mortality and other adverse health consequences that can impact the entire life-cycle. In many countries, accurate estimates of LBW prevalence are lacking due to inaccuracies in collection and gaps in available data. Our study aimed to determine LBW prevalence among facility-born infants in selected areas of Kenya and Tanzania, and to assess whether the introduction of an intervention to improve the accuracy of birth-weight measurement would result in a meaningfully different estimate of LBW prevalence than current practice.
Methods
We carried out a historically-controlled intervention study in 22 health facilities in Kenya and three health facilities in Tanzania. The intervention included: provision of high-quality digital scales, training of nursing staff on accurate birth weight measurement, recording and scale calibration practices, and quality maintenance support that consisted of enhanced supervision and feedback (prospective arm). The historically-controlled data were birth weights from the same facilities recorded in maternity registers for the same calendar months from the previous year measured using routine practices and manual scales.
Results
Between October 2019 and February 2020, we prospectively collected birth weights from 8,441 newborns in Kenya and 4,294 in Tanzania. Historical data were available from 9,318 newborns in Kenya and 12,007 in Tanzania. In the prospective sample, the prevalence of LBW was 12.6% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 10.9%-14.4%) in Kenya and 18.2% (12.2%-24.2%) in Tanzania. In the historical sample, the corresponding prevalence estimates were 7.8% (6.5%-9.2%) and 10.0% (8.6%-11.4%). Compared to the retrospective sample, the LBW prevalence in the prospective sample was 4.8%-points (3.2%-6.4%) higher in Kenya and 8.2%-points (2.3%-14.0%) higher in Tanzania, corresponding to a risk ratio of 1.61 (1.38–1.88) in Kenya and 1.81 (1.30–2.52) in Tanzania.
Conclusion
Routine birth weight records under-estimate the risk of LBW among facility born infants in Kenya and Tanzania. The quality of birth-weight data can be improved by a simple intervention consisting of provision of digital scales and supportive training.
Separate and combined effects of cadmium(Cd) and nonylphenol(NP) on growth and antioxidative enzymes in Hydrocharis dubia (Bl.) Backer
Authors: Ke Zhen , Wang Donghan , Wu Zhonghua
Published: August 2021

Cadmium (Cd) is listed as a priority pollutant, and nonylphenol(NP) is a common organic pollutant in water environment. However, the ecological risks of combined pollution of Cd and NP have not been fully elucidated. In this study, the effects of Cd (0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5 mg/L), NP (0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10 mg/L) and Cd-NP (0.01 + 0.1, 0.01 + 1.0, 0.5 + 0.1, 0.5 + 1.0, 5 + 0.1, 5 + 1.0 mg/L) on growth and physiology of Hydrocharis Dubia (Bl.) Backer were studied. The results showed that the toxicity of H. dubia showed a dose-dependent effect. Growth level and chlorophyll contents of H. dubia induced by NP stress alone showed a certain toxicant excitatory effect. It meant that low concentrations of toxins promote plants growth, high concentrations of toxins inhibit plants growth. The increase of H2O2 content and the decrease of soluble protein content in the plant indicated that both Cd and NP caused oxidative damage to H. dubia. Under the stress, the antioxidant defense systems were activated, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly decreased. The activity of catalase (CAT) reacted negatively under stress alone, but increased significantly under combined stress. The activity of peroxidase (POD) increased, which was used to alleviate the damage caused by toxics stress. The joint toxicity evaluation showed that the joint toxicity of Cd and NP to H. dubia was antagonistic when the concentrations of Cd + NP were 0.01 + 0.1 mg/L and 0.01 + 1 mg/L. At 0.5 + 0.1 mg/L and 0.5 + 1 mg/L, Cd and NP had a strong synergistic effect on H. dubia.
Effects of Process Variables in Semi-continuous Cultivation of Chlorella Minutissima on the Biomass Composition
Authors: Tagliaferro Geronimo Virginio , Santos Wallyson Ribeiro dos , Santos Júlio Cesar dos , Pereira Priscila , Roma Carolina , Silva Messias Borges , Guimarães Daniela H. P.
Published: August 2021

The biomass composition of Chlorella minutissima 26a was evaluated in different conditions for the microalgae cultured in landfill leachate in airlift photobioreactor operated in semi-continuous mode. The effects of the following factors in cells composition were evaluated: landfill leachate concentration (LC), CO2 percentual flow added in the gas stream (GP), aeration flow in the reactor (AF) and feed flowrate (FR). A Taguchi L9 orthogonal arrangement was used to evaluate the effects of those four factors on the following response variables: Biomass Productivity (BP), Lipid Productivity (LP), Carbohydrate Productivity (CP) and Proteins Productivity (PP). Results showed that the microalgae had high selectivity to produce proteins, reaching a maximum content of 69,60% in the following conditions: LC: 10%, GP: null, AF: 0,30 vvm and FR: 0.9 µmax vvm. The highest contents of lipid and carbohydrate were 17.4% (LC: 15%, GP: null, AF: 0,45 vvm and FR: 0.7 µmax vvm) and 11.6% (LC: 10%, GP: 15%, AF: 0,15 vvm and FR: 0.7 µmax vvm.), respectively, both values achieved at the two experiment with the highest values of specific growth rate (0.44 d-1 and 0.47 d-1, respectively). Statistical analysis showed LC was the most influential factor in the cell chemical composition, being significant (p<0,1) in the productivity of lipids, proteins and carbohydrates, with high values observed using between 5 and 10% of LC in the medium. GP did not show significance for any response studied, while the variables AF and FR showed significance in the productivity of proteins.
Does financing constraints impact the Chinese companies’ pollutants emissions? Evidence from a sample Selection Bias Corrected Model Based on Chinese Company-level Panel Data
Authors: Zhou Xiaoguang , Tang Xinmeng
Published: August 2021

Most Chinese companies face financing constraints and thus lack sufficient funding for operations and investments that would better control their pollutant emissions. A sample selection bias corrected model is constructed to study the impact of financing constraints on the Chinese companies’ pollutant emissions using company-level emissions data. The empirical results revealed that financing constraints increase the pollutant emissions of the Chinese companies, including the emissions of industrial wastewater, industrial solid waste and sulfur dioxide. The heterogeneity analysis showed that the impacts of financing constraints on the pollutant emissions of companies operating in highly polluting industries and non-state-owned companies are more significant. And compared with internal financing, bank financing can better mitigate the impact of financing constraints on pollutant emissions through green loan projects. The results are stable after controlling for other important company factors and testing the robustness using the subdivided regression. Several political implications are drawn based on these findings that can help control the pollutant emissions of Chinese companies from the perspective of financing constraints.
Development and Application of Novel Indel Markers in Flax (Linum Usitatissimum L.) Through Whole-genome Re-sequencing
Authors: Jiang Hui , Pan Gen , Liu Touming , Chang Li , Huang Siqi , Tang Huijuan , Guo Yuan , Wu Yena , Tao Jie , Chen Anguo
Published: August 2021

Flax is an important oil and fibre crop grown in Northern Europe, Canada, India, and China. The development of molecular markers has accelerated the process of flax molecular breeding and has improved yield and quality. Presently, simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in the whole genome have been developed for flax. However, the development of flax insertion/deletion (InDel) markers has not been reported. A total of 17,110 InDel markers were identified by comparing whole-genome re-sequencing data of two accessions (87-3 and 84-3) with the flax reference genome. The length of InDels ranged from 1–277 bp, with 1–15 bp accounting for the highest rate (95.55%). The most common InDels were in the form of single nucleotide (8840), dinucleotide (3700), and trinucleotide (1349), and chromosome 2 (1505) showed the highest number of InDels among flax chromosomes, while chromosome 10 (913) presented with the lowest number. From 17,110 InDel markers, 90 primers that were evenly distributed in the flax genome were selected. Thirty-two pairs of polymorphic primers were detected in two flax accessions, and the polymorphism rate was 40.70%. Furthermore, genetic diversity analysis, population structure and principal component analyse (PCA) divided 69 flax accessions into two categories, namely oilseed flax and fibre flax using 32 pairs of polymorphic primers. Additionally, correlation analysis showed that InDel-26 and InDel-81 were associated with oil content traits, and two candidate genes (lus10031535 and lus10025284) tightly linked to InDel-26 or InDel-81, might be involved in flax lipid biosynthesis and lipid metabolism. This study is the first to develop InDel markers based on re-sequencing in flax and clustered the markers into two well-separated groups for oil and fibre. The results demonstrated that InDel markers developed herein could be used for flax germplasm identification, genetic diversity analysis, and molecular marker-assisted breeding.
Effect of Corona Virus Pandemic Lockdown to Chemical Composition of Peat Mosses
Authors: Zupancic Nina , Bozau Elke
Published: August 2021

Sphagnum mosses are used for biomonitoring of air pollution. In 2019, samples were taken from two peat bogs in Germany and two in Slovenia to determine differences in their levels of potentially toxic elements (PTE). The Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) lockdown caused global decrease in air pollution. Therefore, we repeated the monitoring in 2020 to see if this was also reflected in moss composition. Despite the variability within bogs and the areas, it is possible to distinguish the degree of air pollution between the two countries. The Harz mosses have higher contents of almost all elements and Slovenian Cr and Hg in 2020. Comparison of the PTE contents, their ratios to Sc and the enrichment factors show that the COVID-19 lockdown led to a decrease in long-range pollutants bound to finest particles and increased the influence of local soil dusting. The effect prevailed over lower precipitation in 2020 compared to 2019. Transport and industry continued to contribute significantly to contamination. Sphagnum mosses proved to be good indicators of the spatial and temporal extent of pollution. Even relatively short periods of lower air pollution are reflected in moss PTE contents.
Prognosis By Cancer Type and Incidence of Zoledronic Acid-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Hata Hironobu , Imamachi Kenji , Ueda Michihiro , Matsuzaka Masashi , Hiraga Hiroaki , Osanai Toshihisa , Harabayashi Toru , Fujimoto Katsuya , Oizumi Satoshi , Takahashi Masato , Yoshikawa Kazuhito , Sato Jun , Yamazaki Yutaka , Kitagawa Yoshimasa
Published: August 2021

Purpose
Survival time after bisphosphonate use has been increasingly recognized to be associated with the incidence of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ); however, this has not been elucidated sufficiently in the literature. This study aimed to clarify the incidence of MRONJ and the corresponding survival rate of patients treated with zoledronic acid (ZA) for each type of cancer and obtain useful information for the oral management of cancer.
Methods
We evaluated 988 patients who were administered ZA at our hospital; among them, 862 patients with metastatic bone tumors or myeloma were included.
Results
The median survival time (MST) after ZA initiation was 35, 34, 8, 41, 12, and 6 months for patients with breast, prostrate, lung, myeloma, renal, and other cancers, respectively. Patients with cancers that had a short survival time (lung and other cancers [MST = 8 and 6 months, respectively] and cancers with MST < 10 months) did not develop MRONJ; this could be attributed to the shorter duration of ZA administration. The cumulative incidence of MRONJ in breast cancer, prostate cancer, and multiple myeloma was related to the frequency of anti-resorptive drug use and the increased risk over time. In renal cancer, the cumulative incidence of MRONJ increased early, although the MST was 12 months.
Conclusion
For the dentists in charge of dental management, it is essential to be aware of prognosis-related factors, predict MRONJ risk for each cancer treatment, and use risk prediction in dental management planning, particularly for cancers with non-poor prognosis.
Magnitude of Sexual Behaviours Among College Students In The Eighth Macro-Region of Iran By Self-Reported and Network Scale-Up
Authors: Balvardi Mohadeseh , Dehdashti Nasim , Ghoghary Zahra Imani , Alavi-Arjas Fatemeh , Keikha Mojtaba
Published: August 2021

Background

This study was designed to directly and indirectly estimate the prevalence of sexual behaviors among students of medical science universities in the eighth Macro- region of Iran.
Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed on 3900 students from Kerman and Sistan and Baluchestan provinces in 2019. The data were collected using direct (i.e., self-report of their own behaviors) and indirect (NSU: Network scale-up) methods.
Results

The mean (SD) age of students was 22.45 (3.25). The prevalence of heterosexual intercourse in return for money, extramarital heterosexual intercourse, masturbation, sexting, porn watching, homosexuality and abortion based on NSU method was 6.0%, 8.5%, 19.5%, 9.1%, 22.9%, 2.4% and 0.5% respectively. Corresponding figures of the direct method were 5.7%, 5.8% 18.6%, 9.7%, 23.1%, 2.1% and 0.9% respectively.
Conclusion

Sexual behaviors like porn watching, masturbation and sexting can harm the youth, family and society. The youth should be given training to correctly react to sexual situations.
LncRNA LINC00461 exacerbates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury via microRNA-185-3p/Myd88
Authors: Gao Feng , Wang Xiaochen , Fan Tingting , Luo Zhidan , Ma Mengqin , Hu Guangquan , Li Yue , Liang Yi , Lin xianhe , Xu Banglong
Published: August 2021

Objective
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) play critically in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Thus, it was proposed to investigate the mechanism of LINC00461 in the disease through mediating microRNA-185-3p (miR-185-3p)/myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (Myd88) axis.
Methods
Mice with I/R injury were injected with the vectors that altered miR-185-3p and LINC00461 expression. miR-185-3p, LINC00461 and Myd88 expression in mice with I/R injury were measured, as well as cardiac function, hemodynamics, myocardial fibrosis, infarction area, oxidative stress, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis.
Results
Raised LINC00461 and Myd88 and suppressed miR-185-3p levels were measured in I/R mice. Down-regulating LINC00461 or up-regulating miR-185-3p recovered cardiac function, reduced myocardial collagen hyperplasia, fibrosis and infarction, and attenuated oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in mice with I/R.
Conclusion
Down-regulation of LINC00461 attenuates myocardial I/R injury via suppressing miR-185-3p-targeted Myd88 expression.
Influence of Tigecycline on Liver Function in Adult Patients in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Song Jingnan , Chen Pan , Tang Zhaoxia , Zheng Yifan , Chen Xiao , Li Jia
Published: August 2021

Background There are few studies investigating TGC-associated hepatotoxicity in ICU patients, and the pathogenesis of hepatotoxicity and identification of risk factors are limited. Objectives To analyze the influence of tigecycline (TGC) on liver function in adult patients in the Intensive Care Unit to identify potential risk factors for tigecycline-induced liver injury (TILI). Methods Patients receiving tigecycline treatment in ICU during January 2019 to October 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. The liver function parameters before and after tigecycline treatment were collected, and risk factors associated with TILI was identified by logistic regression analysis. The probability of 28-day mortality was determined in Cox regression analysis. Results A total of 242 patients were enrolled, and TILI was identified in 24 patients (9.92%), of whom 75.0% had grade 1 liver injury, and 16.67%, 4.17%, 4.17% had grade 2 to 4 liver injury, respectively. The pattern of hepatotoxicity was hepatocellular in 16 patients (66.67%), cholestatic in 4 patients (16.67%), and mixed in 4 patients (16.67%). The median time from tigecycline start to symptoms was only 5 days (IQR, 3-7 days). Multivariate analysis identified tigecycline dose ≥ 200mg/day, longer course of treatment and preexisting liver disease tend to be independently associated with TILI. In addition, APACHE II score > 15, higher dose of tigecycline and TILI were independent risk factors of 28-day mortality, while longer course of tigecycline reduced this risk despite its association with TILI. Conclusions The maintenance dose and course of tigecycline, as well as liver disease is considered as risk factors of hepatotoxicity. 28-day mortality tended to be higher in TILI patients. The relationships among tigecycline dose and course, TILI and mortality should be further investigated.
Perceived Importance of Pandemic Interventions for Attending Cultural Events – Findings From Germany
Authors: Weber Michaela , Plew Manuel , Neumann Christine , Ostendorf Marietta , Herr Raphael , Fischer Joachim
Published: August 2021

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, many cultural and sporting events were held without spectators or had to be cancelled. Therefore, several containment strategies to provide requirements for safe events were developed and tested. Nonetheless, every second (50.7%) is afraid of becoming infected on an event. We therefore investigated which hygiene and containment measures are seen to be important from the visitor’s point of view and thus might increase subjective sense of safety.Methods This online study was carried out in November 2020. A total of 1,004 persons, who regularly attended events before the pandemic, took part in the study. The importance of different hygiene and containment measures was evaluated using 5-point Likert-scale (1 “unimportant” to 5 “extremely important”). Potential statistical differences in socio-demographical aspects (age, gender, net disposable income for leisure activities) and attendance on events were tested with analyses of variance. ResultsParticipants reported the use of disinfectant (M = 4.10) as the most important element of containment strategies, followed by transparent information on the hygiene strategy (M = 4.00), reduced occupancy (M = 3.98), and optimized ventilation (M = 3.97). Body temperature measurement at the entrance (M = 3.27), a negative COVID-19 test (M = 3.11), completion of a health questionnaire (M = 3.05), and abandoning breaks and catering (M = 2.98) were considered as less important.Analyses of group differences in socio-demographical aspects found abandoning breaks and catering to be more important to men than to women. This strategy is also more important to people aged 66 and above than to younger age groups. For women, the use of disinfectant is considerably more important. No other significant differences exist.ConclusionCombining relevant measures appears to be important to provide a safe containment strategy. Measures aimed at positively influencing people’s sense of safety do not fully correspond to medical knowledge of effectiveness. There are also target group-specific differences in the rating of measures, which should be considered while preparing containment strategies. To describe the dynamic development of changes in subjective rating of containment strategies, continuing research is needed.
Association of Advanced Age and Cancer History With Autoimmune Disease in Melanoma Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Holmes Aaron , Swede Helen , Feer Wendy , Pike Dnna , Wang Xiaoyan , Hegde Upendra
Published: August 2021

Background: Immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are a major toxicity of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Studies have reported that pre-existing autoimmunity increases the risk of irAEs, but it remains unknown which clinical factors are linked to auto-immune disorders in cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate if the prevalence of autoimmune diseases varied by specific cancer history and advanced age.Methods: Our cross-sectional medical record review consisted of 291,333 patients (age, ≥18 years) treated between 2000 and 2018. Patients were classified into four study groups (melanoma only, non-cutaneous solid cancer only, melanoma and non-cutaneous cancer, and no cancer history). Dependent variable was the presence of ≥1 autoimmune disorders based on 99 conditions using 317 ICD codes. Results: Non-cutaneous cancer, in the absence or presence of melanoma, was associated with a higher prevalence of autoimmunity (16.5%, 95% CI 16.1-16.9; 20.0%, 95% CI 18.3-21.7, respectively) compared to the rates in patients with melanoma only and those without cancer history (9.3%, 95% CI 8.6-10.0; 6.2%, 95% CI 6.1-6.3, respectively). Among patients with metastases at initial presentation, those in the melanoma and non-cutaneous cancer group had a prevalence of 24.0% (95% CI 20.1-27.9) compared to 19.1% (95% CI 17.2-21.0) in those without metastases. Multiple logistic regression demonstrated that patients > 75 years exhibited the highest odds of autoimmunity relative to other age groups, which age 18-34 as the referent (OR, 1.78, 95% CI 1.67-1.89). Conclusions: Among patients with melanoma, the greatest prevalence of autoimmunity occurred with advanced age and a history of non-cutaneous cancer.
3D Modeling and Animation Design of Flying Apsaras in Dunhuang Frescoes
Authors: Cao Yang , Li Yuanzheng , zhou Qinyou
Published: August 2021

With rich content and long history, flying Apsaras in Dunhuang frescoes is precious material for studying the artistic style and artistic modeling of ancient Chinese murals. This article aims to explore the 3D modeling and video animation design of flying Apsaras in Dunhuang frescoes, which not only provides Dunhuang Museum with digital cultural heritage content and popular science materials, but also helps develop cultural heritage protection methods and encourages further exploration of Chinese historic art.
Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning Considering Stochastic Wind Disturbance for Power Line Maintenance Robot
Authors: Zheng Xiaoliang , Wu Gongping
Published: August 2021

Robot intelligence includes motion intelligence and cognitive intelligence. Aiming at the motion intelligence, a hierarchical reinforcement learning architecture considering stochastic wind disturbance is proposed for the decision-making of the power line maintenance robot with autonomous operation. This architecture uses the prior information of the mechanism knowledge and empirical data to improve the safety and efficiency of the robot operation. In this architecture, the high-level policy selection and the low-level motion control at global and local levels are considered comprehensively under the condition of stochastic wind disturbance. Firstly, the operation task is decomposed into three sub-policies: global obstacle avoidance, local approach and local tightening, and each sub-policy is learned. Then, a master policy is learned to select the operation sub-policy in the current state. The dual deep Q network algorithm is used for the master policy, while the deep deterministic policy gradient algorithm is used for the operation policy. In order to improve the training efficiency, the global obstacle avoidance sub-policy takes the random forest composed of dynamic environmental decision tree as the expert algorithm for imitation learning. The architecture is applied to a power line maintenance scenario, the state function and reward function of each policy are designed, and all policies are trained in an asynchronous and parallel computing environment. It is proved that this architecture can realize stable and safe autonomous operating decision for the power line maintenance robot subjected to stochastic wind disturbance.
A Method for Detection and Attribution of Regional Precipitation Change Using Granger Causality Application to the United States Historical Record
Authors: Risser Mark , Collins William , Wehner Michael , O'Brien Travis , Paciorek Christopher , O'Brien John P. , Patricola Christina , Huang Huanping , Ullrich Paul , Loring Burlen
Published: August 2021

Despite the emerging influence of anthropogenic climate change on the global water cycle, at regional scales the combination of observational uncertainty, large internal variability, and modeling uncertainty undermine robust statements regarding the human influence on precipitation. Here, we propose a novel approach to regional detection and attribution (D&A) for precipitation, starting with the contiguous United States (CONUS) where observational uncertainty is minimized. In a single framework, we simultaneously detect systematic trends in mean and extreme precipitation, attribute trends to anthropogenic forcings, compute the effects of forcings as a function of time, and map the effects of individual forcings. We use output from global climate models in a perfect-data sense to conduct a set of tests that yield a parsimonious representation for characterizing seasonal precipitation over the CONUS for the historical record (1900 to present day). In doing so, we turn an apparent limitation into an opportunity by using the diversity of responses to short-lived climate forcers across the CMIP6 multi-model ensemble to ensure our D&A is insensitive to structural uncertainty. Our framework is developed using a Pearl-causal perspective, but forthcoming research now underway will apply the framework to in situ measurements using a Granger-causal perspective. While the hypothesis-based framework and accompanying generalized D&A formula we develop should be widely applicable, we include a strong caution that the hypothesis-guided simplification of the formula for the historical climatic record of CONUS as described in this paper will likely fail to hold in other geographic regions and under future warming.
Characterization of Runs of Homozygosity, Heterozygosity-Enriched Regions, and Population Structure in Cattle Populations Selected for Different Breeding Goals
Authors: Mulim Henrique Alberto , Brito Luiz F. , Pinto Luís Fernando Batista , Ferraz José Bento Sterman , Grigoletto Lais , Silva Marcio Ribeiro , Pedrosa Victor Breno
Published: August 2021

Background: A decline in the level of genetic diversity can result in reduced response to selection, greater incidence of genetic defects, and inbreeding depression. In this context, some metrics have been proposed to assess the levels of populational genetic diversity in selected populations. The main goals of this study were to: 1) investigate the population structure of 16 cattle populations from 15 different pure breeds or composite populations, which have been selected for different breeds goals; and, 2) identify and compare runs of homozygosity (ROH) and heterozygosity-enriched regions (HER) based on different single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels and whole-genome sequence data (WGS), followed by functional genomic analyses. Results: A total of 24,187 ROH were found across all cattle populations, with 55% classified in the 2-4 Mb size group. Fourteen homozygosity islands were found in five populations, where four islands located on BTA1, BTA5, BTA16, and BTA19 overlapped between the Brahman (BRM) and Gyr (GIR) breeds. A functional analysis of the genes found in these islands revealed candidate genes known to play a role in the melanogenesis, prolactin signaling, and calcium signaling pathways. The correlations between inbreeding metrics ranged from 0.02 to 0.95, where the methods based on homozygous genotypes (FHOM), uniting of gametes (FUNI), and genotype additive variance (FGRM) showed strong correlations among them. All methods yielded low to moderate correlations with the inbreeding coefficients based on runs of homozygosity (FROH). For the HER, 3,576 runs and 26 islands, distributed across all autosomal chromosomes, were found in regions containing genes mainly related to the immune system. Although the analyses with WGS did not enable detection of the same island patterns, it unraveled novel regions not captured when using SNP panel data.Conclusions: The cattle populations that showed the largest amount of ROH and HER were Senepol (SEN) and Montana (MON), respectively. Overlapping ROH islands were identified between GIR and BRM breeds, indicating a possible historical connection between the populations. The distribution and pattern of ROH and HER are population specific, indicating that different breeds have experienced divergent selection processes or different genetic processes.