bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specific Urban Elements Identified for Tuberculosis Epidemic in Guangzhou by Using Geographical Detector
Authors: Ren HongYan , Lu Weili , Li Xueqiu , Shen Hongcheng
Published: December 2021

Background: The prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) in China has heavily affected people’s health for decades, which has been widely investigated for the rural regions and west parts. However, its spatial features in urban areas remain little understood. Thus, this study aims to identify its spatial differentiations and their influencing factors in highly urbanized region on a fine scale.Methods: Together with the TB cases in 2017 obtained from Guangzhou Institute of Tuberculosis Control and Prevention, in total 18 socioeconomic and environmental variables were included in this study. Two spatial analysis tools were respectively applied to select the relative appropriate spatial scale (global Moran’s I), and to identify specific urban factors (the Geographical detector) for this epidemic in the central four districts of Guangzhou.Results: The 2 km × 2 km grid was determined as the most appropriate spatial scale due to its relatively higher spatial autocorrelation (Moran’s I=0.33, Z=4.71). At this spatial level, the TB epidemic in the four central districts was obviously closely associated with most of socioeconomic factors (0.31<r<0.76) at the significance level of 0.01. By contrast, among environmental factors, only the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) correlated with this epidemic (r=0.21) at the significance level of 0.05. Similarly, according to the q-values derived from geographical detector analysis, socioeconomic factors posed stronger impacts (0.08<q<0.57) on the spatial differentiations of TB prevalence than those of environmental variables (0.06<q<0.27), Furthermore, 153 pairs of variables presented more powerful explanatory abilities for this epidemic’s spatial disparities due to their notable enhancements of q-values (7.3%<sq<311.6%) caused by the pairwise interactions.Conclusion: The spatial heterogeneity of TB prevalence was remarkably influenced by a series of specific urban elements and their pairwise interactions across the central region of Guangzhou. We accordingly suggest that more attentions should be paid to the areas with pairwise interactions of these specific urban elements in this city. This study would provide meaningful clues for local authorities making more targeted interventions on this disease in China’s municipal areas featured by both high urbanization and severe tuberculosis.
Statistical Analysis on the Static Characteristics of the Geosynthetic Encased Stone Column
Authors: Yang Fang Ou , Wang Yingang , Wu Zuoju , Wang Zhijia
Published: December 2021

The geosynthetic encased stone column is made of stone column encased with geosynthetic encasement. The geosynthetic encased stone column is often used for foundation treatment of roadbeds, dams, buildings and other structures. At present, a series of new developments have been made in the researches of bearing capacity, stress concentration ratio and deformation of the geosynthetic encased stone column. This paper statistically analyzes the three important static characteristics of the geosynthetic encased stone column.
Investigation of Altered Spontaneous Brain Activity Patterns In Herpes Zoster Keratitis Using The Percent Amplitude of Fluctuation Method: A Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Liao Xu-Lin , Li Chu-Qi , Ge Qian-Min , Tang Li-Ying , Su Ting , Li Qiu-Yu , Pan Yi-Cong , Shu Hui-Ye , Zhang Li-Juan , Shao Yi
Published: December 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to use the percent amplitude of fluctuation (PerAF) to study the changes in brain activity and nerve function of herpes zoster keratitis (HZK) patients.Methods: We recruited 20 HZK patients and 20 healthy controls (HCs). Each of these groups included ten males and ten females and were matched in weight and age. All participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). The percent amplitude of fluctuation (PerAF) method was used for analysis and detected differences between the two groups in the neurological function of brain areas. We also applied the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to analyze the two groups and did a correlation analysis between the PerAF value, anxiety, and depression score, and visual acuity.Results: The PerAF signal at the right putamen and right precentral gyrus were significantly higher in patients than in HCs. However, the PerAF value of the left inferior temporal was lower in patients than in HCs. In addition, the HZK patients' anxiety and depression score (HADS) and visual acuity (VA) negatively correlated with the PerAF value at the left inferior temporal gyrus. Conclusion: HZK patients had some changes in brain regions, and the changes were also related to their mood and visual acuity. These findings might contribute to other studies in the potential pathological mechanism, disease development, prognosis, and brain function in HZK patients.
The use of a mouthwash and a dentifrice containing antimicrobial phthalocyanine derivative on the reduction of clinical symptoms of COVID-19: A randomized triple-blinded clinical trial
Authors: Poleti Marcelo Lupion , Gregório Danielle , Bistaffa Alisson Gabriel Idelfonso , Fernandes Karen Barros Parron , Vilhena Fabiano Vieira , Santos Paulo Sérgio da Silva , Simão Andréa Name Colado , Lozovoy Marcell Alysson Batisti , Tatibana Berenice Tomoko , Fernandes Thais Maria Freire
Published: December 2021

PurposeThis clinical trial aimed to evaluate the use of a mouthwash and a dentifrice containing antimicrobial phthalocyanine derivative (APD) on the reduction of clinical symptoms in COVID-19 patients.MethodsThis randomized triple-blinded clinical trial enrolled 500 patients aged 18 years or older submitted to COVID-19 test by nasopharyngeal swab RT-qPCR in a reference center for the diagnosis of COVID-19, had no clinical contraindications to perform mouthwash and gargle, and had access to cell phone with communication application. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to use a mouthwash, and a dentifrice both containing antimicrobial phthalocyanine derivative (APD Group) or Non-APD (Control Group). All participants were instructed to floss twice a day, toothbrushing during 2 minutes/three times a day, and for gargling/rising (5ml) during 1 minute/three times a day for 7 days. An online questionnaire was sent to collect the clinical symptoms of COVID-19 in three times: T0 (baseline - before using the oral hygiene products); T3 (three days after); and T7 (seven days after). The investigators, patients, and outcomes assessor were blinded to group assignment. Mann-Whitney test, Chi-Square test, Exact Fisher test, and Cochran’s test were used according to the nature of the variables studied, with the level of significance set at P < 0.05.ResultsNo statistically significant difference was found in the prevalence of symptoms between the groups at baseline. A statistically significant reduction of clinical symptoms was found in the Control Group (fatigue, shortness of breath, hoarse voice, sore throat, nasal congestion, and chest pain) and in APD Group (cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, hyposmia/anosmia, dysgeusia, hoarse voice, sore throat, nasal congestion, chest pain, diarrhea and irritability/confusion) during the follow-up period. There were statistically significant differences with a higher symptoms’ prevalence for the Control Group at T3 and T7. Dysgeusia, sore throat, irritability/confusion was less prevalent at the APD Group at T3, and shortness of breath, hyposmia/anosmia, dysgeusia, hoarse voice, sore throat, diarrhea, and irritability/confusion were more prevalent in the Control Group at T7.ConclusionsBased on methodology, the results demonstrated that the regular use of mouthwash and dentifrice containing APD had a positive impact on the clinical symptoms reported by COVID-19 patients.
Cyanidin 3-glucoside Is a Selective Inhibitor of Hepatic Bilirubin Uptake
Authors: Pelizzo Paola , Stebel Marco , Medic Nevenka , Sist Paola , Vanzo Andreja , Anesi Andrea , Vrhovsek Urska , Tramer Federica , Passamonti Sabina
Published: December 2021

Background & Aims: One of the organ-specific functions of the liver is the excretion of bilirubin into the bile. Membrane transport of bilirubin from the blood to the liver is not only an orphan function, as there is no link to the protein/gene entities that carry it out, but also a poorly characterised function. The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacology of bilirubin uptake in the liver of the female Wistar rat to improve basic knowledge in this neglected area of liver physiology.Methods: We treated isolated, perfused rat livers with repeated single-pass, albumin-free bilirubin boli. We monitored both bilirubin and bilirubin glucuronide in perfusion effluent with a biofluorometric assay. We tested the ability of nine molecules known to be substrates or inhibitors of sinusoidal membrane transporters to inhibit the hepatic uptake of bilirubin.Results: We found that cyanidin 3-glucoside and malvidin 3-glucoside are the only molecules that inhibit bilirubin uptake. These dietary anthocyanins resemble bromosulfophthalein (BSP), a substrate of several sinusoidal membrane transporters. The SLCO-specific substrates estradiol-17 beta-glucuronide, pravastatin, and taurocholate inhibited only bilirubin glucuronide uptake. Cyanidin 3-glucoside and taurocholate acted at physiological concentrations. The SLC22-specific substrates indomethacin and ketoprofen were inactive. We demonstrated the existence of a bilirubin glucuronide transporter that is inhibited by bilirubin, a fact reported only once in the literature.Conclusions: Data indicate that bilirubin and bilirubin glucuronide are transported into the liver via pharmacologically distinct membrane transport pathways. Some dietary anthocyanins may physiologically modulate the uptake of bilirubin into the liver.
Extending applications of AFM to fluidic AFM in single living cell and extracellular vesicle studies
Authors: Qiu Yuan , Chien Chen-Chi , Maroulis Basilis , Gaitas Angelo , Gong Bin
Published: December 2021

In this article, a review of the application of atomic force microscopy (AFM) for the analyses of extracellular vesicles is presented. This information is then extended to include fluidic Atomic Force Microscopy (fluidic AFM) applications. Fluidic AFM is an offshoot of AFM that combines a microfluidic cantilever with AFM and has enabled the research community to conduct biological, pathological, and pharmacological studies on cells at the single-cell level in a liquid environment. AFM applications involving single cell and extracellular vesicle studies, colloidal force spectroscopy, and single cell adhesion measurements are discussed. In this review, new results are offered, using fluidic AFM, to illustrate (1) the speed with which sequential measurements of adhesion using coated colloid beads can be done, (2) the ability to assess lateral binding forces (LBFs) of endothelial or epithelial cells in a confluent cell monolayer in appropriate physiological environment, and (3) the ease of measurement of vertical binding force (VBFs) of intercellular adhesion between heterogeneous cells. Finally, key applications are discussed that include extracellular vesicle absorption, manipulation of a single living cell by intracellular injection, sampling of cellular fluid from a single living cell, patch clamping, and mass measurements of a single living cell.
Crowning lithium ions in hole transport layer toward stable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Shen Ying , Deng Kaimo , Chen Qinghua , Gao Gui , li liang
Published: December 2021

State-of-art perovskite solar cells exhibit comparable power conversion efficiency to silicon photovoltaics. However, the device stability remains a major obstacle that restricts widespread application. Doping hole transport layer induced hygroscopicity, ion diffusion, and use of polar solvent are detrimental factors for performance degradation of perovskite solar cells. Here, we report phase transfer catalyzed LiTFSI doping in Spiro-OMeTAD to address these negative impacts. 12-crown-4 as an efficient phase transfer catalyst promotes the dissolution of LiTFSI without requiring acetonitrile. Crowning Li+ ions by forming more stable and less diffusive crown ether-Li+ complexes retards the generation of hygroscopic lithium oxides and mitigates Li+ ion migration. Optimized solar cells deliver enhanced power conversion efficiency and significantly improved stability under humid and thermal conditions compared with the control device. This method can also be applied to dope π-conjugated polymer. Our findings provide a facile avenue to improve the long-term stability of perovskite solar cells.
Gastrointestinal Manifestations of Mature B Cell Neoplasms: Single Center Experiences from the Collective Perspective of Hematology and Pathology
Authors: Demirci Ufuk , Kurt Busem Binboğa , Gülsaran Seda Karaman , Baş Volkan , Kırkızlar Tuğcan Alp , Kırkızlar Hakkı Onur , Ümit Elif Gülsüm , Puyan Fulya Öz , Demir Ahmet Muzaffer
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Hematological malignancies are frequently affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, either by secondary extra nodal or extramedullary extension to the GI tract, or as a primary process arising in the GI tract. Gastrointestinal non-Hodgkin lymphomas (gNHL) appear less than other solid organ tumours in the GI tract. Therefore, in the absence of nodal or extra nodal involvement in imaging methods, there may be difficulties in diagnosis. Haematologists provide more important support by pathologists in terms of diagnosis than imaging methods.Methods: We retrospectively investigated all B-cell lymphoma patients diagnosed in our clinic between 01.01.2015- 01.01.2021. After that, patients not diagnosed by gastrointestinal system sampling were excluded from the study. Demographic data of these patients were obtained from the hospital information system and outpatient clinic files. Slides of these patients were obtained from pathology archive and re-evaluated under light microscope by two pathologists. All cases were diagnosed according to revised World Health Organization (WHO) 2017 classification.Results: 55 patients were diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma by sampling by endoscopy or colonoscopy. 40 of the patients were diagnosed with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), 10 with Marginal Zone Lymphoma (MZL), 2 with Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL), 2 patients with Burkitt Lymphoma (BL) and 1 patient with Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma (LPL).Conclusion: Like the literature, the frequency of DLBCL was the highest in patients diagnosed with GI tract in our study. The second most common B-cell lymphoma was MALToma. Although MCL is with a high frequency of GI involvement, there were few patients diagnosed with GI involvement. The reason for this was that the patients were diagnosed with nodal involvement rather than GI sampling.
Analysis of Optimal Harvest and Management of Capture Fishery of Lake Ziway, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Sisay Kindineh
Published: December 2021

Even if there is fluctuation in fish species diversity and relative abundance of the species, Lake Ziway provides numerous environmental and/or ecosystem services. Despite to its importance, the Lake faces numerous threats because of its public good characteristics. Following the exponentially increased demand for fishes and the resource being public good, magnificent number of individuals are participated in capture fisheries in order to secure their livelihood. Free access to the fisheries, illegal fishing gears and environmental degradation are among the main reasons of decline in fish species and degradation of the Lake. From the current stock assessment survey, the study showed decline in biomass of fish over time. These negative trends in the Lake Ziway fisheries and poor water quality led to loss of livelihoods of many households who are directly or indirectly dependent on the Lake. Therefore, management of Lake Ziway fishery becomes very essential to manage the resource efficiently in a way that maximize fishers present and future benefits otherwise, the fish resource will disappear in the near future. Concerning management practices, most of the fishery regulations in this Lake put emphasis on the restriction of fishing gear, but the application of this instrument with its restrictions is almost zero. Moreover, Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQs) foster greater transparency and accountability for the management and enhancement of fishery resources by quota owners. In this regard, since it generates a sense of ownership and its versatility in providing a stable and productive market, ITQs are more effective than gear restrictions and in fact, it has major social benefits by controlling overharvesting. Due to this, to ensure the nutritional and food security of the country currently and in the near future, there is a need to enforce fishing gear restriction and set ITQs. Furthermore, there must be strong effort on studying the current stock of fish, and numbers of legal and illegal fishers to set Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQs) and Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for sustainable fishery management of Lake Ziway.
Structural Economic Vulnerability and the Utilization of Unilateral Trade Preferences: Does Development Aid Matter?
Authors: GNANGNON Sèna Kimm
Published: December 2021

This article has investigated the effect of structural economic vulnerability on the utilization of non-reciprocal trade preferences (NRTPs) offered by the 'Quadrilaterals' and whether development aid flows alter this effect. It considers two major blocks of NRTPs, namely the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) programs and 'other trade preferences programs'. The analysis uses a panel dataset of 84 beneficiary countries of both NRTPs and development aid, over the period of 2002-2019. Results reveal that a rise in the level of structural economic vulnerability reduces the utilization rates of both GSP programs and other trade preference programs. At the same time, when the level of structural economic vulnerability falls, countries tend to use both blocks of NRTPs in a complementarity way. While development aid inflows foster the utilization of the two blocks of NRTPs, the increase of these resource inflows in the context of greater structural economic vulnerability leads beneficiary countries to strengthen the utilization of other trade preferences programs at the expense of the utilization of GSP programs. The implications of these results are discussed in the conclusion section of the article.
Coexpression Analysis Identified PcMYB25 as a Patchoulol Synthase Gene Activator to Enhance Patchouli Alcohol Biosynthesis in Pogostemon Cablin
Authors: Zhou Xuanxuan , Wang Xilin , Huang Huiling , Wu Daidi , Wang Xiaobing , Zhong Baiyang , Li Junren , Chen Xiuzhen , Zhan Ruoting , Chen Likai
Published: December 2021

BackgroundPatchouli alcohol is an effective component of the medicinal plant patchouli. Similar to other secondary metabolites, its synthesis is likely also regulated by transcription factors. Although the biosynthetic pathway of patchouli alcohol has been characterized, the regulatory mechanism of patchouli alcohol biosynthesis has not been fully revealed.ResultsThis study combined the transcriptome data of patchouli leaves treated with different hormones and WGCNA to establish a coexpression network. The modules correlated to patchouli alcohol content were identified, and PcMYB25 played a crucial role in regulating patchouli alcohol biosynthesis. The overexpression of PcMYB25 can promote the expression of patchouli alcohol synthase (PTS), thereby increasing the content of patchouli alcohol.Conclusions This is the first report that MYB25 regulates the secondary metabolism of patchouli. These experimental results lay the foundation for further analysis of the regulatory mechanism of patchouli alcohol synthesis.
The Effects of Kinesiological Taping and Aerobic Exercise in Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Single-Blind Controlled Trial
Authors: Temizkan Simge , BUDAK Miray
Published: December 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of KT and AE on pain, attitude, depression, and quality of life in women with dysmenorrhoea. Methods: Forty-five women with dysmenorrhoea were randomly divided into three groups as KT group(n=15), AE group(n=15) and control group(n=15). In KT Group, 6 sessions of KT were applied, starting on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle and 2 times a week for 3 weeks until the cycle ended. In the AE group, walking and climbing stairs were given during the menstrual cycle, 3 days a week, 45 minutes. No application was made to the control group. All groups were evaluated with Beck Depression Scale(BDS), Mcgill Pain Questionnaire(MPQ), Menstrual Attitude Scale(MAS), and Short Form-36(SF-36) before and after treatment. Results: A significant difference was found in MAS and SF-36 mental and physical in the KT group(p<0.05). There was a significant decrease in the MPQ in the AE group(p<0.05). No significant result was found in the control group. There were significant differences in MPQ and MAS Time*Group interaction(p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the KT and AE Group in post-hoc tests(p<0.05). Conclusion: In conclusion, KT and AE may decrease pain and improve attitude and quality of life in women with dysmenorrhoea. “retrospectively registered” Trial registration number (NCT04856280), date of registration (20.04.2021).
Cultivable Microbial Diversity in Speleothems Using MALDI-TOF Spectrometry and DNA Sequencing from Krem Soitan, Krem Lawbah, Krem Mawpun, Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, India
Authors: Devender Mudgil , Paul Dhiraj , Baskar Sushmitha , Baskar Ramanathan , Shouche Yogesh S
Published: December 2021

This study reports on the culturable microbial communities in caves from the Indian sub-continent. A high bacterial diversity and a greater bacterial taxonomic diversity is reported using MALDI-TOF spectrometry and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. This approach helped to detect a number bacterial strains from the Indian caves. The microbial diversity in the Indian caves is inadequately characterized. The study aims to expand the current understanding of bacterial diversity in the speleothems from Krem Soitan, Krem Lawbah, Krem Mawpun in Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, India. High microbial enumerations were observed on dilute nutrient agar (5.3 × 103 to 8.8 × 105) followed by M9 minimal medium (4 × 104 to 1.7 × 105) and R2A medium (1.0 × 104 to 5.7 × 105). A total of 826 bacterial isolates were selected and preserved for the study. 295 bacterial isolates were identified using MALDI-TOF spectrometry and the isolates which showed no reliable peaks were further identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. 91% of the total bacterial diversity was dominated by Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. The other important phyla detected include the Firmicutes (7.45%), Deinococcus-Thermus (0.33%) and Bacteroidetes (0.67%). At the genus level, Pseudomonas (55%) and Arthrobacter (23%) were ubiquitous followed by Acinetobacter, Bacillus, Brevundimonas, Deinococcus, Flavobacterium, Paenibacillus, Pseudarthrobacter. Multivariate statistical analysis indicated that the bacterial genera formed separate clusters depending on the geochemical constituents in the spring waters suitable for their growth and metabolism. A culture-dependent approach was employed for elucidating the community structure colonizing the speleothems and wall deposits in the caves using MALDI-TOF and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. To the best of our knowledge, there are no previous geomicrobiological investigations in these caves and this study is a pioneering culture dependent study of the microbial community with many cultured isolates.
Separation of Emulsified Oil from Industrial Wastewater Using Poly Silicate Ferro-Aluminum Sulphate (PSFAS): A Novel Methodology for the Attainment of Very High Separation Efficiency
Authors: Bairagi Anup Kumar , Ravikumar Kollati Prudhvi , Sahoo Abanti , Mohapatra Soumya Sanjeeb , Agrawal Sangam
Published: December 2021

The large amount of wastewater generated from textile industries, petroleum industries, chemical industries contains heavy metals, suspended solids, hazardous waste, oils, fatty acids, dyes, pigment etc. It is very important to improve the quality of contaminated water before it discharges into the water sources or use. In the current work, an efficient methodology has been developed to separate emulsified oil from wastewater. The emulsified oil is tried to separate by using poly silicate Ferro aluminium sulphates, a flocculent. In addition to the above, the maximum separation efficiency for the devolved process is also revealed. Using PSFA, up to 93.5 % separation efficiency is achieved, and the discussed methodology can separate emulsified forms of the oil without altering the efficiency. The dissolved solid and metal content are also considered as the controlling parameters for the separation efficiency. The optimum TDS and the metal content must be maintained at 560 mg/L and 2 mg/L, respectively, to attain maximum separation efficiency.
Evaluation of the Treatment of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Combined With Suction Curettage for Exogenous Cesarean Scar Pregnancy
Authors: Mu Lin , Weng Huifang , Wang Xiaoyun
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) combined with suction curettage in the treatment of exogenous cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). Methods: A total of 41 patients diagnosed with exogenous CSP were enrolled in this study. All patients received HIFU treatment combined with suction curettage. Results: Twenty-nine patients were administered one session of HIFU ablation. In addition, the other 12 patients received 2 HIFU sessions. Suction curettage was performed in all patients after HIFU, and no patient was converted to laparoscopy or hysterectomy. The mean blood loss during suction curettage was 99 ml. Three patients received two sessions of suction curettage. The success rate of our study was 92.68%. The mean time for serum β-HCG normalization was 23.18±3.13 days. The average menstruation recovery time was 29.38±3.34 days. Based on the blood loss during suction curettage, 41 patients were divided into a bleeding group and a control group. The size of the gestational sac in the bleeding group (3.80±0.87 cm) was larger than that in the control group (3.39±0.77 cm) (P <0.05). The thickness of the myometrium between the bladder and gestational sac in the bleeding group (2.37±0.89 mm) was less than that in the control group (2.75±0.75 mm) (P <0.05). Conclusion: The results suggested that HIFU combined with suction curettage could be considered an effective treatment for exogenous CSP of < 9 weeks. The size of the gestational sac and the thickness of the myometrium between the bladder and gestational sac might be high-risk factors for blood loss during this treatment.
Computing Time Series Data During Index Based De-Duplication of Industrial IoT Data in Cloud Environment
Authors: U Muthunagai S , R Anitha
Published: December 2021

As a result of the development in Industry 4.0, the data generated within the Industries are increasing rapidly every day to attain the innovative environment within the industry through maximal asset utilization. Meanwhile, the redundancy rate in the server is also increasing, which has an impact on the storage as well as in the analysis of data. Most existing de-duplication techniques partition the data with respect to memory. However if the time period is considered for partition, time-series analysis would be achieved during the de-duplication process. To address the above issue, the proposed work presents the Index Based De-duplication technique with Categorized Region Method for computing time-series data. The Merkle Tree with a super feature called reckoning of occurrence is combined in the proposed system to rapidly identify the existence of similar data in the distributed system with an accurate existence count that significantly helps in predicting the future drifts of the industrial environment. Finally, the proposed system also concludes with optimal transportation cost to reach the storage nodes in the cloud using MODI method. The experimental results reveal that the proposed model is efficient since it facilitates less memory and less computation overhead. The proposed technique achieves space reduction by 98%, reduces the computation overhead during analysis by 55%, and increases the efficacy of cloud storage by 60%.
Empirical Treatment Against Cytomegalovirus and Tuberculosis in HIV-Infected Infants with Severe Pneumonia: Study Protocol for a Multicenter, an Open-Label Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Tagarro Alfredo , Moraleda Cinta , Dominguez Sara , Tam Pui-Ying Iroh , Buck Christopher William , Mujuru Hilda Angela , Musiime Victor , Sacarlal Jahit , Chabala Chishala , Leroy Valerianne , Bassat Quique , Marcy Olivier , Bates Matthew , Magallhaes Justina , Burger David , Nardone Alessandra , Moh Raoul , Mvalo Tisungane , Madrid Lola , Manukyan Lilit , Sancho Aranzazu , Prieto Luis Manuel , Rojo Pablo
Published: December 2021

Background Pneumonia is the primary cause of death among HIV-infected children in Africa, with mortality rates as high as 35-40% in infants hospitalized with severe pneumonia. Bacterial pathogens and Pneumocystis jirovecii are well known causes of pneumonia-related death, but other important causes such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) and tuberculosis (TB) remain under-recognized and under-treated.The immune response elicited by CMV may be associated with the risk of developing TB and TB disease progression, and CMV may accelerate disease caused both by HIV and TB. Minimally invasive autopsies confirm that CMV and TB are unrecognized causes of death in children wit HIV. CMV and TB may also co-infect the same child. The aim of this study is to compare the impact on 15-day and 1-year mortality of empirical treatment against TB and CMV plus standard of care (SoC) versus SoC in HIV-infected infants with severe pneumonia. Methods This is a Phase II-III, open-label randomized factorial (2x2) clinical trial, conducted in six African countries. The trial has four arms. Infants from 28 to 365 days of age HIV-infected and hospitalized with severe pneumonia will be randomized (1:1:1:1) to i) SoC, ii) valganciclovir iii) TB-T and iv) TB-T plus valganciclovir. The primary endpoint of the study is all-cause mortality, focusing on the short term (up to 15-days) and long-term (up to 1-year) mortality. Secondary endpoints include repeat hospitalization, duration of oxygen therapy during initial admission, severe and notable adverse events, adverse reactions, CMV and TB prevalence at enrolment, TB incidence, CMV viral load reduction, and evaluation of diagnostic tests such as GeneXpert Ultra on fecal and nasopharyngeal aspirate samples and urine TB-LAM.Discussion Given the challenges in diagnosing CMV and TB in children and results from previous autopsy studies that show high rates of poly-infection in HIV-infected infants with respiratory disease, , this study aims to evaluate a new approach including empirical treatment of CMV and TB for this patient population. The potential downsides of empirical treatment of these conditions including toxicity, and medication interactions, which will be evaluated with pharmacokinetics substudies. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03915366, Universal Trial Number U111-1231-4736, Pan African Clinical Trial Registry PACTR201994797961340.
SIRT3 Protects Against Cognitive Dysfunction Induced by Sepsis-associated Encephalopathy Via JNK/p66Shc-Regulated Mitochondrial Apoptosis in Mice
Authors: Lyu Zhuochen , Luo Shiyuan , Li Yinjiao , Yao Liangfang , Chen Feng , Tu Qing , Yuan Yuan , Li Jinbao , Luo Yan
Published: December 2021

Background: Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is one of the severe central nervous system complications. Oxidative stress and synaptic dysfunction were involved in cognitive impairment induced by SAE. The mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) dependent deacetylase, sirtuin3 (SIRT3), plays a critical role in regulating mitochondrial function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of SIRT3 in cognitive dysfunction induced by SAE.Methods: Mice were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg/kg, i.p.). Contextual and cue memory were evaluated by fear conditioning test in wild-type (WT) and SIRT3-deficient (SIRT3-/-) mice. Synapse-associated proteins and mitochondrial apoptosis-associated protein were examined by western blotting. In vitro studies, acetylation levels of cyclophilin D (CypD) were detected with different SIRT3 deacetylase activity in HT22 cells after LPS-induced microglia supernatant (Mi-sup) exposure. Oxidative stress was detected by reactive oxygen species (ROS) staining, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was detected by JC-1 staining, and mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening was detected by Calcein and Co2+ staining. Furthermore, the phosphorylation levels of mitochondrial p66Shc and JNK were evaluated by western blotting.Results: SIRT3 expression was diminished in hippocampus of mice after LPS treatment. SIRT3-deficiency contributed to more severe contextual memory loss and synaptic dysfunction, decreased ratio of Bcl-2/Bax and increased Cyt C release to cytoplasm in hippocampus compared with wild-type controls. In HT22 cells, lysine acetylation levels of CypD were significantly increased after Mi-sup exposure and further enhanced with 3-TYP (SIRT3 deacetylation inhibitor) pretreatment, in association with the accumulation of ROS, declined MMP and increased MPTP opening, as well as the increased mitochondrial Cyt C release and phosphorylation levels of mitochondrial JNK and p66Shc-Ser36. SIRT3 overexpression restored CypD lysine acetylation levels and MPTP opening in HT22 cells after Mi-sup exposure and reduced mitochondrial JNK and p66Shc activation. Conclusions: Taken together, our results showed that SIRT3-mediated CypD deacetylation was involved in LPS-induced hippocampal synaptic dysfunction, via ROS accumulation, declined MMP, increased MPTP opening, mitochondrial Cyt C release and mitochondrial apoptosis of hippocampal neuron via JNK/p66Shc pathway. Our results revealed that SIRT3 may be a promising therapeutic and diagnostic target for cognitive dysfunction induced by SAE.
Are "Clean" Cosmetic Products Really Clean? A Pilot Study on the Validity of Cosmetic Labeling
Authors: Phan Jeannie , Kyaw Khine , Tan Julia , Lam Emily , Lin Cheng-Kuan
Published: December 2021

Background As a result of increased demand for environmental and health-conscious cosmetics, retailers have increasingly marketed their products using terms such as “clean” or "non-toxic". Sephora, a popular beauty retailer, implemented a clean seal system to label and promote their products. This study aims to compare the toxicity concerns of clean vs. non-clean products by using the Environmental Working Group (EWG)'s Skin Deep framework. MethodsEWG’s Skin Deep Framework was used to rank products based on their cancer, allergy and immunotoxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and use-restriction concerns, with lower scores indicating a cleaner product (ranging 0- 10). The distributions of EWG scores among clean and non-clean products were investigated and stratified by different types of products (i.e. fragrance, hair, makeup, or skincare). A multivariable linear regression model was further applied to evaluate the association between EWG scores and clean seals, adjusting by types of products, level of toxicity concerns.Results356 products were screened, including 180 (50.56%) clean products and 176 (49.44%) non-clean products. Clean products yielded a higher percentage of low hazard ingredients compared to non-clean products. EWG scores are positively correlated with the levels of toxicity concern for cancer, allergy and immunotoxicity, respectively. Clean products are also associated with a lower EWG score by 0.71 in the regression model. Fragrance products are most hazardous, with a 2.42 increase in EWG score.ConclusionsProducts under the binary “clean beauty” labeling system at Sephora may not necessarily capture the nuances of EWG’s ten-point scoring system and various dimensions of health concerns. It may be insufficient for consumers to solely rely on the presence of the clean seal when purchasing beauty products. Consulting multiple frameworks and sources to inform decision-making is crucial in addressing knowledge gaps. Further research and increased data availability from EWG’s database are necessary as well as public education on the application of Sephora’s clean seal.
A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Prednisone Plus Cyclophosphamide in Patients with Advanced-stage IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Feng Zhonglin , Zhong Ting , Song Li , Shi Wei , Tao Yiming , Ye Zhiming , Liu Shuangxin , Xie Zhiyong , Li Zhilian , Chen Yuanhan , Li Ruizhao , Zhang Li , Wang Wenjian , Xu Lixia , Ma Jianchao , Liang Huaban , Dong Wei , Liang Xinling
Published: December 2021

BackgroundTreatments with glucocorticoids or immunosuppressants in IgA nephropathy remain controversial, especially in IgA nephropathy patients with renal insufficiency and small quantities of proteinuria. So far, no randomized controlled study has investigated whether cyclophosphamide has a protective effect on IgA nephropathy independent of glucocorticoids.MethodsWe conducted a single-center, randomized, controlled trial ((NCT01758120)). 135 IgA nephropathy patients with elevated plasma creatinine concentrations (1.3-3.0 mg/dl in males and 1.0-3.0 mg/dl in females), regardless of proteinuria level, were enrolled in and randomized 1:1 to the prednisone alone group or prednisone plus cyclophosphamide group. The daily dosage of oral prednisone was initiated at 0.5 mg/kg/d taken every morning for 2 months and then tapered by 20% each month for the next 4 months in prednisone alone group. In prednisone plus cyclophosphamide group cyclophosphamide was given in monthly pulses of 1.0 g for 6 months, while the prednisone dosage was the same as prednisone group. The two primary end points were a combination of reaching end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or doubling of serum creatinine or death and absolute changes in eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) at 36 months.ResultsOverall, 135 patients were enrolled in our study. There was no significant difference between the two groups at baseline. The two groups had similar primary composite renal outcomes, which occurred in 4 participants (5.97%) in the prednisone alone group and 5 (7.35%) in the prednisone plus cyclophosphamide group (hazard ratio, 1.13 [95% CI, 0.30 to 4.19]; P = 0.861). Additionally, no significant difference in eGFR absolute change in three years was found between the two groups (0.09 (-7.42, 12.00) ml/min/1.73 m2 in the prednisone alone group vs. 3.24 (5.025, 9.59) ml/min/1.73 m2 in the prednisone plus cyclophosphamide group; P = 0.578). Proteinuria was reduced similarly in both groups. Treatment with cyclophosphamide led to more adverse events.ConclusionsOur study showed that corticosteroids plus cyclophosphamide did not increase the renal benefit of patients with advanced-stage IgA nephropathy but increased adverse effects compared with corticosteroids alone. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01758120. Registered 1 July 2012, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01758120
Longitudinal Changes In Maternal Circulating Micrornas As Potential Biomarkers of Specific Events During Healthy Pregnancy
Authors: Chavira-Suárez Erika , Hernández-Olvera Alma Lilia , Flores-Torres Mariana , Celaya-Cruz Karen Rubí , Gitler Sofía , Cerda-Ángeles Juan Carlos De la , Espinosa-Maldonado Nidia Carolina , Flores-Jasso Carlos Fabián , Gutiérrez Humberto , Vadillo-Ortega Felipe
Published: December 2021

Background: Novel high-resolution tools for pregnancy monitoring, including early detection of prenatal disorders, are needed. Changes in circulating microRNAs (c-miRNAs) during pregnancy could potentially inform about the functional status of the mother, the placenta and/or the fetus. However, whether c-miRNA profiles actually reflect distinct pregnancy-specific events at all stages remains unclear.Methods: Longitudinal large-scale RNAseq c-miRNA profiles at early, middle and late pregnancy, and after birth derived from eight women with healthy term pregnancies (n=32 plasma samples) were compared against corresponding circulating profiles derived from age-matched non-pregnant women (n=10). Data of fetal sex and growth indicators obtained during pregnancy evolution of the same women, were used to identify specific c-miRNA correlates in circulation.Results: 1449 c-miRNAs were detected in circulation in both pregnant and non-pregnant women with only 48 c-miRNAs differentially expressed relative to non-pregnant controls in at least one of the four studied stages (FDR<0.05). Surprisingly, c-miRNA subpopulations with reported prominent expression in various pregnancy-associated compartments (placenta, amniotic fluid, umbilical cord plasma and breast milk) were found collectively under-expressed in maternal circulation throughout pregnancy (p<0.05). Furthermore, we found a bias in global miRNAs expression in direct association with fetal sex right from the first trimester, in addition to a specific c-miRNA signature of fetal growth (R = 0.7, p < 0.01).Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the existence of temporal changes in c-miRNAs populations associated to distinct aspects of pregnancy, including correlates of placental function and lactation, as well as fetal gender and growth, revealing a wider potential of c-miRNAs as biomarkers of specific aspects of maternal health and fetal growth.
Sequencing Introduced False Positive Rare Taxa Lead to Distorted Microbial Community Diversity, Assembly, and Interaction Interpretation in Amplicon Studies
Authors: JIA Yangyang , Zhao Shengguo , Guo Wenjie , Peng Ling , Zhao Fang , Wang Lushan , Fan Guangyi , Zhu Yuanfang , Xu Dayou , Liu Guilin , Wang Ruoqing , Fang Xiaodong , Zhang He , Kristiansen Karsten , Zhang Wenwei , Chen Jianwei
Published: December 2021

BackgroundDue to the inherent scarcity of the microbial rare taxa, it is difficult to distinguish between bona fide rare taxa and potential false positives in metabarcoding amplicon sequencing studies. Although recently developed quality control and clustering or denoising algorithms could remove sequencing errors or non-biological artifact reads, no algorithm could remove high quality reads from sample-wise cross contaminations introduced by index misassignment. ResultsWe thoroughly evaluated the rate of index misassignment of the mostly used NovaSeq 6000 and DNBSEQ-G400 sequencing platforms using both commercial and customized mock communities, and observed significant higher (5.68% vs 0.08%) fraction of potential false positive reads for NovaSeq 6000 compared to DNBSEQ-G400 in. Significant batch effects could be caused by the randomly detected false positive or false negative rare taxa. These false detections introduced by index misassignment could also lead to inflated alpha diversity for relatively simple samples while underestimated alpha diversity for complex samples. Further test using a set of cow rumen samples reported differential rare taxa by different sequencing platforms. Correlation test of the rare taxa detected by each sequencing platform demonstrated that the Novaseq 6000 platform detected rare taxa had a much lower possibility to be correlated with the physiochemical properties of rumen fluid. Community assembly mechanism and microbial network association analysis indicated that false positive or negative rare taxa detection could lead to distorted community assembly process and identification of even fake keystone species of the community, one of which was confirmed negative by PCR cloning and following Sanger sequencing. ConclusionsMetabarcoding amplicon sequencing process may introduce scarce but not neglectable false positives. We highly suggest proper positive and negative controls and technical replicate settings, and proper sequencing platform selection in future amplicon studies, especially when the microbial rare biosphere should be focused.
Diamond ascent by rift-driven disruption of cratonic mantle keels
Authors: Gernon Thomas , Jones Stephen , Brune Sascha , Hincks Thea , Glerum Anne , Merdith Andrew , Palmer Martin , Schumacher John , Primiceri Rebecca , Field Matthew , Griffin William , O'Reilly Suzanne , Keir Derek , Spencer Christopher
Published: December 2021

Diamonds are erupted at Earth’s surface in volatile-rich magmas called kimberlites1,2,3. These enigmatic magmas, originating from depths exceeding 150 kilometres in Earth’s mantle1, occur in stable cratons and in pulses broadly synchronous with supercontinent cyclicity4. Whether their mobilization is driven by mantle plumes5 or mechanical weakening of cratonic lithosphere4,6 remains unclear. Here we show that most kimberlites spanning the past billion years erupted approximately 25 million years after the onset of continental fragmentation, suggesting an association with rifting processes. Our dynamic models show that physically steep lithosphere-asthenosphere boundaries formed during terminal rifting (necking) generate convective instabilities in the asthenosphere that slowly migrate many hundreds of kilometres inboard of the rift, causing destabilization of cratonic mantle keel tens of kilometres thick. Displaced lithosphere is replaced by hot, upwelling asthenosphere in the return flow, causing partial melting of carbonated mantle and variable assimilation of lithospheric material. The resulting small-volume kimberlite magmas ascend rapidly and adiabatically, exsolving amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) that are consistent with independent constraints7. Our model reconciles diagnostic kimberlite features including association with cratons and geochemical characteristics that implicate a common asthenospheric mantle source contaminated by cratonic lithosphere8. Together, these results provide a quantitative and mechanistic link between kimberlite episodicity and supercontinent cycles via progressive disruption of cratonic keels.
Pengaruh Kehadiran Anak dan Jumlah Anak terhadap Kebahagiaan Orang Tua
Authors: Hairunisa Gilang Nurul
Published: December 2021

Abstrak: Kehadiran anak merupakan dambaan bagi setiap pasangan yang telah menikah. Tidak sedikit pasangan yang menginginkan anak yang banyak. Keinginan tersebut dipengaruhi oleh berbagai factor baik sosial ekonomi, budaya juga agama. Banyak negara yang memiliki keyakinan dan budaya yang kuat bahwa memiliki anak dapat membawa kebahagiaan. Pemenuhan hidup serta meningkatkan kesejahteraan. Jumlah anak yang banyak sering kali menjadi masalah bagi orang tua karena dapat mengurangi konsumsi mengurangi waktu luang bagi perempuan. Namun pada beberapa pasangan banyak yang mengharapkan memiliki anak yang banyak. Maka dari itu, makalah ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh kehadiran anak dan jumlah anak terhadap kebahagiaan orang tua. Berdasarkan hasil analisis, pengaruh kehadiran anak dan jumlah anak bergantung pada kondisi sosial ekonomi dari pasangan atau orang tua tersebut. Semakin banyak anak kadang bisa meningkatkan kesejahteraan, kepuasan juga kebahagiaan bagi orang tua jika kondisi sosial ekonominya baik. Banyaknya jumlah anak sangat mempengaruhi kondisi kepuasan, kebahagiaan dan kesejahteraan bagi perempuan dibandingkan laki-laki. Banyaknya anak dan kehadiran anak bagi orang tua juga dipengaruhi oleh aspek agama, dimana ada beberapa keyakinan juga agama yang pronatalis atau mendukung kelahiran.