bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation Survey of Yellow Fever Reactive Mass Vaccination Campaign in Rural Gurage Zone, Southern Ethiopia 2021
Authors: Asrat Yosef , Sisay Chalachew , Waldetensai Abate , Wossen Mesfin , Taddesse Musse , Assefa Yonas , Abera Negash , Mohammed Ahmed , Abayneh Aschalew
Published: March 2022

Background: The Ethiopian public health institute reported a Yellow fever outbreak in March 2020 based on a single laboratory confirmed sample from Ethiopia's Southern nation nationalities and people region, Gurage Zone, Enor-ener district. About 702,906 people were targeted and 652,811 received the vaccine. The campaign administrative data coverage was 93%. This study validates the yellow fever vaccination coverage in the 13 districts. Method: A cluster survey was used to validate the yellow fever vaccination coverage. The sample size required was 816 people, assuming a two-sided test with a precision of 0.05, a design effect of 2.5, 17 respondents per cluster, a proportion of those with complete vaccinations based on previous administrative coverage of 93%, and a non-response rate of 5%. The sampling interval was calculated by dividing the total population of the districts by 48 (the desired number of clusters). Result: Only 813 (99.6 %) of the 816 study participants were included in the analysis. Overall, 97.5 % of people were immunized against Yellow Fever, with a 95 % confidence interval (0.962-0.985). The majority of responders (526 (64.7 %) were female, with a vaccination rate of 98.5 %. About 101 respondents (12.4 %; 95 % CI) were between the ages of 35 and 40. (10.2- 14.9). The majority of respondents (716 (89 %) with a 95 % CI (86-90) had the Yellow fever card, and 77 (9.4 %) claimed to be vaccinated, with the remaining 20 (2.6 %) not vaccinated. Yellow fever vaccine coverage was 96 % in Chaha district; 95 % CI (93.1-97.9), 97.7 % in Abeshge district; 95 % CI (94.2-99.3), 100 % in Wolkite; 95 % CI (94-100), 98.3 % in Enor-ener district; 95 % CI (95.8-99.5), and 100 % in Gunchire (89-100). The adverse events following immunization were fever 0.4%, headache 0.4% and seizure 0.1%. Conclusion: According to this survey, there were data disparities between the survey and administrative data in the mass vaccination program coverage estimate. The mass vaccination campaign against yellow fever in the selected five districts were successful since the estimated coverage exceeded the desired threshold of 80%.
Minimal non-abelian nodal braiding in ideal metamaterials
Authors: Qiu Chunyin , Qiu Huahui , Zhang Qicheng , Liu Tingzhi , Fan Xiying , Zhang Fan
Published: March 2022

Exploring new topological phases and phenomena has become a vital topic in condensed matter physics and material sciences. Recent studies reveal that a braided colliding nodal pair can be stabilized in a multi-gap system with PT or C_2z T symmetry. Beyond the conventional single-gap abelian band topology, this intriguing phenomenon exemplifies non-abelian topological charges. Here, we construct ideal acoustic metamaterials to realize non-abelian braiding with the fewest band nodes. We experimentally observe an elegant but nontrivial nodal braiding process, including nodes creation, braiding, collision, and repulsion (i.e., failure to annihilate), and measure the mirror eigenvalues to elucidate the essential braiding consequence. The latter, at the level of wavefunctions, is of prime importance since the braiding physics essentially aims to entangle multi-band wavefunctions. Furthermore, we experimentally unveil the highly intricate correspondence between the edge responses and the bulk non-abelian charges. Our findings pave the way for developing non-abelian topological physics that is still in its infancy.
Proteomic study of hepatic apoptosis induced by overexpression of G0S2
Authors: Qiu Yaxin , Zhou Xiaoming , Zhang Zhenyuan , Sun Wenxiu , Ma Shizhan
Published: March 2022

Background: G0S2 was initially identified in blood mononuclear cells after the induction of cell cycle progression. The translation of G0S2 produces a small basic protein 103 amino acids in length. Initially, G0S2 was thought to mediate re-entry into the cell cycle by promoting the transition from the G0 to the G1 phase. Recent studies have identified roles for G0S2 in cancer, inflammation, and various metabolic processes. In lipid metabolism, G0S2 binds to ATGL and inhibits lipolysis. G0S2 also binds specifically to BCL-2 and inhibits the formation of the antiapoptotic body BCL-2/Bax, which in turn favors apoptosis. Whether there are other mechanisms and the proteins involved in these processes are not known; therefore, we used proteomics to identify differentially expressed proteins related to G0S2.Methods: G0S2-overexpressing adenovirus was injected into C57/BJL mice, the livers were collected, and proteins were identified by mass spectrometry. The identified proteins were analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG.Results: In total, 3765 liver proteins were identified, of which 3745 were quantified. The expression of 320 proteins was found to be upregulated, and that of 101 proteins was downregulated. These results indicated that G0S2 overexpression significantly altered the proteomic profile. There were 63 differential proteins involved in apoptosis, of which 45 were up-regulated and 18 were down-regulatedConclusion: Our preliminary study showed that G0S2 overexpression in the liver led to specific protein spectrum changes, with 63 differentially expressed proteins involved in the regulation of apoptosis, elucidating an important relationship between G0S2 and apoptosis. This finding indicated that G0S2 may involve in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and numerous metabolic diseases an apoptotic factor, providing new insights into the mechanisms of disease development.
Structural synthesis of the new type 4DOF robot manipulators for industry and medicine
Authors: Soltanov Suleyman
Published: March 2022

Different types of overconstrained \({\left\{d\right\}}_{0}^{5}\) robot manipulators are widely applied in industry and medicine. By applying advanced scientific approaches, the design of the new type of serial and parallel overconstrained robot manipulators with wider working zone, high speed and less singular configuration is an actual issue. In this research work, the structural synthesis of the new type of spatial serial and parallel type robot manipulators with four degrees of freedom (4DOF) is performed by using the transformation of a plane-cylinder (\(PC\)) higher kinematic pair. In this case, the number of spatial mobility \(\lambda = 4\) and the number of constraints \(d = 2\) for the plane-cylinder higher kinematic pair are found with analytical method. For each of the designed spatial serial and parallel type 4DOF robot manipulators, along the gripper has the same mobility in the subspace \({\left\{{\lambda }_{i}\right\}}_{1}^{5}\), the direction of their constraints is determined by applying different configurations on the coordinate axes (revolute and translation on \(x, y, z\) axes). The 3D models of the newly designed 4DOF robot manipulators are indicated in the tables, and new 4DOF robot manipulators specially designed to be used in industry and medicine are presented.
Biochemical Evaluation of Replacement of Ensiled Cassava Pulp With Cocoa Pod in the Diet of West African Dwarf Goats
Authors: Raimi OLuwatosin Christie , Adeloye Abiodun Adefunmilayo
Published: March 2022

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing cassava pulp with cocoa pod and acacia leaf on blood metabolites of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Twenty-eight WAD bucks aged 5 months with an average body weight of 7.00 ±0.2kg were used in a completely randomized experiment. The goats were randomly assigned to seven dietary treatments in different ratios of 0:60:40 (T1); 10:50:40 (T2); 20:40:40 (T3); 30:30:40 (T4); 40:20:40 (T5); 50:10:40 (T6) and 60:0:40 (T7) g/kg DM respectively. Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance using SPSS. The results obtained shown that the highest packed cell volume (PCV) was obtained from treatment 1(26.83%) followed by treatment 2 (23.40%) and treatment 3 (22.27%). Haemoglobin concentration was highest in treatment 1 (11.40g/dl), followed by treatment 2 (11.15g/dl) and treatment 3 (10.37g/dl). At the end of the experiment, there was a sharp decline in the PCV values of the goats in treatments 5, 6 and 7. Haemoglobin concentration values followed a similar trend. Red blood cell (RBC) values significantly (p<0.05) decreased as the levels of inclusion of cocoa pod increased. Total protein and albumin ranged from 7.23 to 5.00 (g/dl) and 3.70 to 2.10 (g/dl) respectively and were significantly different. The study revealed that supplementing cassava pulp with cocoa pod and acacia leaf at combinations of 0% cocoa pod, 60% cassava pulp and 40% acacia leaf to 20% cocoa pod, 40% cassava pulp and 40% acacia leaf had no negative effects on blood profile of West African dwarf goats.
Unsteady numerical simulation of suspended load in relation to grain-size distribution
Authors: HOSSAIN SOURAV , Mohan Shiv , Ghoshal Koeli , Dhar Anirban
Published: March 2022

A theoretical model is presented here for the transient grain-size distribution of non-uniform sediment in suspension based on the advection-diffusion equation in a turbulent open channel flow. The effect of particle-particle interaction is included in the reference level computation. Additionally, pick-up probability, non-ceasing probability and incipient probability of sediment particles are incorporated in the calculation of reference concentration. In addition, the present model accounts for the influence of non-uniform sediment on settling velocity. Non-uniform sediments settle at a different velocity compared to uniform sediment and the difference in settling velocity in suspension influences their concentration in suspension. When settling velocity is calculated from uniform and non-uniform sediment expressions, the concentration difference is notable, especially in medium-size particles. The governing equations in the proposed model are solved using OpenFOAM, an open source finite volume method (FVM) based framework. It is observed that in the transient grain-size distribution, unimodality first appears and then, as time progresses, transforms to bimodality and then remains bimodal. It is also found that the grain-size distribution becomes more skewed at the finer end with increasing vertical height. The numerical results under steady-state conditions depict good correspondence with the experimental data available in the literature.
Mechanosensitive expression of the mesenchymal subtype marker Connective Tissue Growth Factor in Glioblastoma
Authors: O'Neill Geraldine , Grundy Thomas , Orcheston-Findlay Louise , de Silva Eshana , Jegathees Thuvarahan , Prior Victoria , Sarker Farhana
Published: March 2022

Mechanical forces created by the extracellular environment regulate biochemical signals that modulate the inter-related cellular phenotypes of morphology, proliferation, and migration. A rigid microenvironment induces glioblastoma (GBM) cells to develop prominent actin stress fibres, take on a spread morphology and adopt trapezoid cells shapes when cultured in 2D, which are phenotypes characteristic of a mesenchymal cell program. The mesenchymal subtype is the most aggressive among the molecular GBM subtypes and recurrent GBM of other subtypes have been reported to transition to mesenchymal. We therefore sought to test the hypothesis that rigid microenvironments - such as those found in different brain anatomical structures and induced following treatment - contribute to the expression of markers characterising the mesenchymal subtype. We cultured primary patient-derived cell lines that reflect the three common GBM subtypes (mesenchymal, proneural and classic) on polyacrylamide (PA) hydrogels with controlled stiffnesses spanning the healthy and pathological tissue range. We then assessed the canonical mesenchymal marker Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) and yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) expression, via immunofluorescence. Replating techniques and drug-mediated manipulation of the actin cytoskeleton were utilised to ascertain the response of the cells to differing mechanical environments. We demonstrate that CTGF is induced rapidly following adhesion to a rigid substrate and is independent of actin filament formation. Collectively, our data suggest that microenvironmental rigidity may stimulate the GBM mesenchymal signalling program.
Relationship between the level of sacral resection and short-term outcomes in patients undergoing total pelvic exenteration combined with sacral resection for rectal cancer
Authors: Komori Koji , Tsukushi Satoshi , Yoshida Masahiro , Kinoshita Takashi , Sato Yusuke , Ouchi Akira , Ito Seiji , Abe Tetsuya , Misawa Kazunari , Ito Yuichi , Natsume Seiji , Higaki Eiji , Okuno Masataka , Fujieda Hironori , Kawakatsu Shoji , Kunitomo Aina , Oki Satoshi , Maeda Shingo , Nagao Takuya , Aritake Tsukasa , Tawada Kakeru , Akaza Satoru , Shimizu Yasuhiro
Published: March 2022

Background
This retrospective study aimed to elucidate the relationships between short-term outcomes following total pelvic exenteration combined with sacral resection (TPES) and operative techniques in patients with rectal cancer.
Methods
Data regarding sex, age, body mass index, neoadjuvant therapy, location of sacral resection (“Upper” or “Lower” relative to the level between the 3rd and 4th sacral segment), operative time, bleeding, and curability (R0/R1) were collected and compared to determine their association with complications exhibiting a Clavien–Dindo grade higher than III.
Results
The complication rate was significantly higher for recurrent cancers than for primary cancers (p = 0.007), and for “Upper” resection than for “Lower” resection (p = 0.078). Significant differences were observed when complication rates for “Upper” and “Lower” resection were compared between primary and recurrent cancers (p = 0.007).
Conclusion
In patients with recurrent rectal cancer, “Upper” sacral resection during TPES is associated with a high complication rate, highlighting the need for careful monitoring.
A Machine Learning Approach to Predicting Muscle Glycogen Use During Exercise
Authors: Jagnesakova Dorota , Dunne David M , Areta José L , Lefevre Carmen E , Yan Xiaoxi , Mazorra Rodrigo , Impey Samuel
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Here we assess the feasibility of using machine learning models to non-invasively predict muscle glycogen use during exercise. Methods: Two data sets comprised of: 1. Open-source group data from 166 studies, 2. Manually compiled granular data reported at an individual level from 8 studies published subsequently from the first data set matching the same criteria. The target variable in this study was glycogen use during exercise. Modelling was conducted on the entire data set and on four separate subsets of the data corresponding to different time durations: bands One t ≤ 20min, Two 20 < t ≤ 40min, Three 40 < t ≤ 80min, and Four t > 80min. A baseline Linear Regressor model was used for reference and four models were compared to the performance of the baseline: polynomial Support Vector Regressor (pSVR), Gradient Boosting Regressor (GBR), Random Forest Regressor (RFR) and Voting Regressor. Time band models were evaluated using 3-fold cross validation. Results: Baseline glycogen was identified as the most important variable influencing glycogen delta in all time bands. The best performing models were pSVR in band One, Voting Regressor in band Two, GBR in band Three and Linear and Voting Regressors in band Four. The magnitude of errors made by models increased with time band, from Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 41 mmol·kg-1 in band One, to MAE of 55 mmol·kg-1 in band Four. Conclusion: We present novel predictive models for estimating glycogen utilization during exercise. Our analysis demonstrates the need for individual models for specific exercise durations.
Comparison of the six-minute walk test performed over a 15 and 30 m course by children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Krasny Joanna , Jozwiak Marek , Rodby-Bousquet Elisabet
Published: March 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to compare performance on the six-minute walk test (6MWT) performed over 15 m and 30 m courses by children and youths with cerebral palsy (CP).Methods: Children and youths with CP at Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I–IV performed the 6MWT in a straight 15 m-long corridor (first trial) and 30 m-long corridor (second trial). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to evaluate the agreement between the 6MWT results for the two corridor lengths.Results: We included 82 children and youths with CP (36 girls, 46 boys), with a mean age of 11.7 years (SD 4.2, range 5–22 years). There was high agreement between the results of the two 6MWTs: ICC 0.93 (95% confidence interval 0.76–0.97). The total walking distance was longer for the 30 m course (median 399 m, range 44–687 m) than the 15 m course (median 357 m, range 24–583 m).Conclusions: We observed good agreement for the performance of the 6MWT in the 15 m and 30 m courses, although the total walking distance was greater for the 30 m course. We recommend that the same distance is used when evaluating changes in walking ability for an individual child. Both distances are appropriate when measuring endurance in children and youths with CP.
Management of Allergic Rhinitis through Ayurvedic Formulation: A Single Arm Clinical Study
Authors: Shweta Mata , Dave Parth , Bhardwaj N. , Patel Kishor , Bhurke Laxman , Yadav Babita , Singhal Richa , RAO BCS , Gupta Bharti , Srik N. , Dhiman K.S.
Published: March 2022

Background: Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common and most prevalent ailments, familiar to all with an equal distribution more or less throughout the world, rather without any exception to the developed and under developed countries. Repeated attack and improper management of the disease leads to many complications like recurrent sinusitis, nasal polyps, serous otitis media, orthodontic problems etc. Objective: To evaluate the role of Ayurvedic Formulations in the management of Allergic rhinitisMaterials and methods: The study was executed as on open label, multicentric, prospective clinical study executed at (CARI, New Delhi and CARI, Mumbai). Sixty participants aged between 18 and 65 years, having the symptoms of Allergic rhinitis were enrolled in the study as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The intervention given to the participants were Ayush VPR (3.5gm) in the form of Churna (powder) twice a day with honey and Ghrita (clarified butter) after food, Shirishadi Kwath (20 ml) twice a day, orally in empty stomach and Nasya (intranasal drug administration) with Anutaila for 07 days for two consecutive cycles with the interval of seven days. The assessment was done every week. Total duration of intervention was 28 days followed by follow up of 28 days on the interval of 14 days. The primary outcome was assessed by seeing the change in the CARAT (Control of Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Test) scorewith Mauchly’s test of sphericity (b).Results: The mean CARAT score was found to reduce subsequently from baseline to 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day. A significant improvement in the mean total CARAT score (p < 0.001) was observed after 28th day of treatment and also at the end of the 56th day in comparison to baseline (Mauchly's Test of Sphericity (b) Measure) Conclusion: The Ayurvedic formulations, Shirishadi Kwath, Ayush VPR and Anutaila are safe and significantly reduced rhinorrhea, nasal itching, Sneezing fits, nasal congestion, and nasal obstruction. The present study reveals that Ayurvedic treatment according to the line of treatment of Vataja Pratishyaya provided highly significant relief from Allergic rhinitis.
Protective effects of statins on COVID-19 risk, severity and fatal outcome – a nationwide Swedish cohort study
Authors: Santosa Ailiana , Franzén Stefan , Nåtman Jonatan , Wettermark Björn , Parmryd Ingela , Nyberg Fredrik
Published: March 2022

Background: The impact of statins on COVID-19 remains unclear. This study aims to investigate whether statin exposure assessed both in the population and in well-defined cohorts of COVID-19 patients may affect the risk and severity of COVID-19 using nationwide Swedish population-based register data.Methods: A population ≥40 years was selected by age/sex-stratified random sampling from the Swedish population on 1 Jan 2020. COVID-19 outcomes were identified from the SmiNet database, the National Patient Register and/or Cause-of-Death Register and linked with the National Prescribed Drug Register and sociodemographic registers. Statin exposure was defined as any statin prescriptions in the year before index date. In Cox regressions, confounding was addressed using propensity score ATT (Average Treatment effect in the Treated) weighting. Results: Of 572,695 individuals in the overall cohort, 22.3% had prior regular statin treatment. After ATT weighting, protective effects were observed among statin user for hospitalization and COVID-19 death in the overall cohort and onset cohort. In the hospitalized cohort, statin use was only associated with lower risk for death (HR=0.86, 95%CI 0.79-0.95), but not ICU admission. Conclusions: Statin-treated individuals appear to have lower COVID-19 mortality than nonusers, whether assessed in the general population, from COVID-19 onset or from hospitalization.
Early postoperative decrease of skeletal muscle mass predicts recurrence and poor survival after surgical resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Yasuta Sho , Sugimoto Motokazu , Kudo Masashi , Kobayashi Shin , Takahashi Shinichiro , Konishi Masaru , Gotohda Naoto
Published: March 2022

Background: Preoperative sarcopenia is a predictor of poor survival in cancer patients. We hypothesized that sarcopenia could progress as occult metastasis arose, especially after highly invasive surgery for highly aggressive malignancy. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of postoperative changes in skeletal muscle mass volume with survival outcomes in patients who underwent surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.Methods: Fifty-six patients who underwent major hepatectomy with extrahepatic bile duct resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma were studied. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) at the third lumbar vertebra was calculated from axial computed tomography images taken preoperatively and 3-6 months postoperatively (early postoperative period). The associations of clinicopathological variables, including changes of SMI after surgery, with overall survival and recurrence-free survival were evaluated. Moreover, the associations of decreased SMI and elevated serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level with early recurrence and poor survival was compared.Results: Among 56 patients, 26 (46%) had sarcopenia preoperatively and SMI decreased in 29 (52%) in the early postoperative period. During the median follow-up of 57.9 months, 35 patients (63%) developed recurrence and 29 (50%) died. Decreased SMI in the early postoperative period was independently associated with a shorter overall survival (hazard ratio, 2.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-6.18; P = 0.049) and a shorter recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.04-4.57; P = 0.039), whereas elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level was not.Conclusions: Decreased SMI in the early postoperative period may be used as a predictor for recurrence and poor survival in patients undergoing surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.
Isolation And Characterization Of A Newly Chrysene-Degrading A. aegrifaciens
Authors: Lazzem Assia , Lekired Abdelmalek , Ouzari Hadda-Imene , Landoulsi Ahmed , Chatti Abdelwaheb , May Alya El
Published: March 2022

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are being considered as substances of potential human health hazards due to their resistance toward biodegradation and carcinogenic index. Chrysene is a high molecular weight (HMW)PAHs; the biodegradation of Chrysene using bacteria is recognized as an efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective approach. In our study, a potential chrysene degrading bacterial strain Achromobacter (A.) aegrifaciens was isolated from crude oil-contaminated seawater. A. aegrifaciens was capable of utilizing Chrysene as sole sources of carbon and energy by showing 86% chrysene degradation on day 7, under the conditions of pH 7.0, temperature 30°C, and rotary speed 120 rpm. Bacterial counts have reached a maximum level (over 25 × 1032 CFU/mL). Furthermore, the results revealed that A. aegrifaciens produced biofilm on polystyrene at 20°Cand 30°C, as well as in the air-liquid (A-L) interface. Moreover, A. aegrifaciens were able to swim and to produce biosurfactant with an emulsification activity (E24%) over 10%. Based on the above results, A. aegrifaciens can thus be predicted as a potential candidate for bioremediation of HMW PAHs impacted environments.
Expression of Tie2 (angiopoietin receptor) on the monocyte subpopulations from ischemic stroke patients: Histological and flowcytometric studies
Authors: Alrafiah Aziza R
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Different monocytes subpopulations have a distinct role as phagocytic subsets but also act as pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic subsets (i.e.Tie2-expressing monocytes, or TEMs).Recruitment of the monocyte-derived macrophages to the affected brain occurs most abundantly between 3–7 days after the occurrence of ischemic stroke. Aim:To investigate the expression levels of Tie2 (a receptor of angiopoietin) on monocytes and their subpopulations using histological and immune-histological study of bone marrow biopsies and blood flowcytometric examination from ischemic stroke patients.Methods: Ischemic stroke patients were selected within 2 days after clinical confirmation by medical consultants. Healthy volunteers matched with age and sex participated as the control group. Bone marrow trephine biopsies from the iliac crest were performed and fixed for histological and immunohistological staining by anti CD14 and CD68. Fresh blood samples were collected and analyzed by flowcytometry for total monocytes, monocyte subpopulations and Tie2 expressing monocytes (TEMs), following staining with CD45, CD14, CD16, and Tie2 monoclonal antibodies. Results: Examination of poststroke patients’ bone marrow cells demonstrated hypercellularity. There were an apparent increase of CD 68 and CD 14 positive cells expression. Also, the ischemic stroke patients exhibited a significant increase in the percentage of intermediate monocytes CD14highCD16+ with a low percentage of non-classical CD14lowCD16++ monocytes. In addition,Tie2 expressing monocytes were significantly higher in ischemic stroke patients compared to the control group.Conclusion: In conclusion, the current results demonstrated dysregulation of the angiogenic function of monocytes subsets, which could be an early diagnostic marker to start either a neurovascular repair therapy or improve medications attributed to highly senescent subpopulations.
Assessment of contamination of marine sediments and their potential toxicity in the Uglovoy Bay, Peter the Great Gulf, Sea of Japan
Authors: Petukhov Valeriy , Petrova Evgeniya , Kiryanov Alexey , Zheldak Evgeniy , Kholodov Aleksei
Published: March 2022

The content of heavy metals in the bottom sediments of the Uglovoy Bay (Peter the Great Gulf, Sea of Japan) was studied based on the surveys carried out in 2016-2021. The contamination of sediments in the bay was compared to the background concentrations of elements and to common contamination indices. The degree of contamination was calculated using the contamination factor (Cf), modified overall degree of contamination (mCd), and index of geoaccumulation (Igeo). The toxicity of marine sediment samples for each metal was evaluated using the TEL/PEL values and the sediment quality guideline quotient (SQG-Q). The sources of pollutants entering the studied water area were analyzed. It is shown that the contamination of the Uglovoy Bay occurs continuously as a result of economic activities on its coast. The dynamics of contamination of the bay for the period 2016-2021 is presented.
The WHO-TDR Dissemination and Implementation Massive Open Online Course (MOOC): Evaluation and Lessons Learned from Eight Low-and Middle-Income Countries.
Authors: Rakhra Ashlin , Hooley Cole , Fort Meredith , Weber Mary Beth , Price LeShawndra , Nguyen Hoa L. , Ramirez Manuel , Muula Adamson S. , Hosseinipour Mina , Apusiga Kingsley , Davila-Roman Victor , Gyamfi Joyce , Adjei Kezia Gladys Amaning , Andesia Josephine , Fitzpatrick Annette , Launois Pascal , Baumann Ana A.
Published: March 2022

Introduction Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite this, a lack of funding, training and mentorship for NCD investigators in LMICs exists. In an effort to gain knowledge and skills to address these gaps, participants from the Global Research on Implementation and Translation Science (GRIT), a consortium of studies in eight LMICs and their networks, attended the dissemination and implementation (D&I) massive open online course (MOOC) developed by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases at the World Health Organization to strengthen D&I capacity building. Here, we report on the feasibility of this MOOC, which was implemented during the SARS COVID-19 pandemic from April- November 2020.Methods Participants completed pre- and post- training questionnaires to assess self-reported D&I competencies, general research skills, and research mentor access and quality. D&I competencies were measured by use of a scale developed for a US-based training program, with change in competency scores assessed by paired t test. We used univariate statistics to analyze the data for all other outcomes.Results Of the 247 participants enrolled, 32 (13%) completed all MOOC components. D&I competency scores suggest improvement for those who had complete pre- and post-assessments. Trainee’s average score on the full competency scale improved 1.45 points (0-5 scale) from pre- to post-test; all four subscales also showed evidence of improvements. There were small but not significant increases in competencies for grant writing, proposal/ manuscript writing and presentations from pre- to post-test assessment. 40% of trainees reported access to a research mentor and 12% reported access to a D&I specific mentor. Participants reported barriers (e.g., unstable internet access and challenges due to COVID-19) and facilitators (e.g., topical interests, collaboration with colleagues) to completing the MOOC.ConclusionsAlthough COVID-19 affected program usage and completion, the MOOC was feasible and effective, showing that among LMIC participants completing the course, there was improvement in D&I competency scores. Recommendations for future D&I trainings in LMICs should include 1) adding more topic specific modules (i.e., NCD research, general research skills) for scalability; 2) fostering more collaboration with participants across LMICs; and 3) establishing partnerships with D&I mentors for course participants.
Impact of the size of CRISPR-Cas gene cassettes on the packaging efficiency and transduction titer of lentiviral vectors
Authors: Fan Minghui , Berkhout Ben , Herrera-Carrillo Elena
Published: March 2022

BackgroundCRISPR-Cas technology has revolutionized the use of genome-editing in studies on diverse biological topics. Lentiviral vectors (LVs) have been widely used for the generation of stably transduced cells that durably express the Cas protein and guide RNA (gRNA), the key components of the CRISPR-Cas editing system. This delivery system allows sustained gene expression in dividing and non-dividing cells in vitro and in vivo and LVs can be pseudo-typed with a variety of envelope proteins to establish a broad tropism for a range of target cells. A major challenge on the use of LVs in clinical settings is the requirement to obtain vector stocks of a sufficiently high titer. The endonuclease encoded by Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9) is the most widely used CRISPR endonuclease for genome engineering, but it has an important limitation because of its relatively large size (∼4.1 kb coding sequence) that may hamper the delivery by means of viral vector systems. Smaller Cas endonucleases have been developed more recently, but these systems still need to be validated in specific experimental settings.ResultsThis work aimed to assess the impact of the CRISPR-Cas transgene size on the production of LVs and their ability to transduce cells. We observed that the LV transduction efficiency measured on the SupT1 T cell line dropped dramatically for RNA transcripts approaching 8 kb, e.g. a further increase of 1 kb reduced the transduction efficiency by more than 5-fold. As the number of produced virus particles was not affected, this means that the use of larger transgenes may cause the production of more empty virion particles. ConclusionsThis study confirmed that the transfer efficiency decreased for CRISPR-Cas genes above a certain size. One of the strategies to avoid the restricted RNA packaging can be the use of smaller CRISPR-Cas systems or the inclusion of truncated versions of the regulatory sequences like the promoters that are needed for efficient expression of the transgenes. This work has implications for the design of effective CRISPR-Cas editing therapies that use viral vectors, LVs in particular.
Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy versus Radiofrequency Ablation as Initial Treatment of Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Shin Hwang Sik , Cheon Gab Jin , Jun Baek Gyu , Kim Young Don , Yoo Jeong-Ju , Kim Sang Gyune , Kim Young Seok , Jeong Soung Won , Jang Jae Young , Kim Hong Soo , Suk Ki Tae , Kim Dong Joon , Lee Sae Hwan
Published: March 2022

Background/Aim: Resection or ablative therapy is not indicated for many patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) because of advanced cirrhosis or the tumor location. Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) may be an alternative treatment for these patients. This study compared the therapeutic effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and SBRT in patients with small (≤ 3 cm) HCCs.Methods: Data of HCC patients who underwent SBRT or RFA as an initial treatment at four tertiary referral hospitals between March 2011 and February 2017 were reviewed. The patient inclusion criteria were a single nodule measuring ≤ 3 cm in size and not suitable for resection.Results: SBRT and RFA were performed for 72 (SBRT group) and 134 (RFA group) patients, respectively. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 97.0%, 80.3%, and 80.3%, respectively, in the SBRT group compared with 98.5%, 83.9%, and 80.8%, respectively, in the RFA group, with no significant differences between the groups (P = 0.81). The estimated five-year local control (LC) rate was 68.1% in the SBRT group and 73.1% in the RFA group (P = 0.81). In the SBRT group analysis, both SBRT alone (n=34) and SBRT combined with transarterial chemoembolization (n=38) showed no difference with RFA in OS (p = 0.72) or LC rate (p = 0.95).Conclusion: SBRT is an effective and safe treatment method for small HCCs, with survival and tumor recurrence rates similar to those of RFA.
Wear Modelling of the Thread Pair in a Planetary Roller Screw Mechanism
Authors: Ma Shangjun , Xu Qianjin , Li Chuangchuang , Zhang Jianxin , Liu Geng
Published: March 2022

Based on the contact characteristics of helical surfaces and the coexistence of rolling and sliding at the screw-roller interface, a forecast model of thread pair using Archard wear theory is proposed. To obtain the wear depth and the wear volume of the screw raceway in the whole effective stroke, a test rig of thread wear is developed to obtain the wear rate that can be used to fit the values of the stress index and speed index. The area coefficient is further deduced to reflect the real wear condition. The calculation method of the relative sliding speed, coordinate transformation and load distribution are provided, the finite element (FE) model is established, and the transient dynamic simulation of thread wear is implemented to verify the correctness of the wear model. The relative error is less than 9% between the FE model and proposed model by comparing the wear depths and wear volumes, which indicates the wear model proposed in this paper is valid and can be used to forecast the thread wear of the PRSM. Finally, the wear behavior of the thread pair is preliminarily discussed based on the FE model.
Raw triaxial wrist accelerometer-measured physical activity in mid-age Australian adults
Authors: Mielke Gregore Iven , Burton Nicola W , Brown Wendy J
Published: March 2022

Background: Raw accelerometry data can provide valuable insights into specific attributes of physical activity, such as time spent in intensity-specific activity. The aim of this study was to describe physical activity assessed with raw triaxial wrist-worn accelerometers in mid-age Australian adults.Methods: Data were from a sub-sample of a population–based cohort of mid-age adults living in Brisbane, Australia (N=767). Participants (mean age: 60.4; SD:7.1 years) wore a triaxial accelerometer (Actigraph wGT3X-BT) on the non-dominant wrist during waking hours for seven consecutive days. Data were included if wear time was at least 600 min/day over at least four days (n=700). Total physical activity, expressed as acceleration in gravitational equivalent units (1mg=0.001g), and time spent in moderate-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA; >100 mg) using different bout criteria (non-bouted, 1-, 5-, and 10-min bouts) were calculated. Results: Mean acceleration was 23.2 mg (SD: 7.5) and did not vary by gender (men: 22.4; women: 23.7; p-value: 0.073) or education (p-value: 0.375). On average, mean acceleration was 10% (2.5 mg) lower per decade of age from age 55y. The median durations in non-bouted, 1-min, 5-min and 10-min MVPA bouts were, respectively, 68 (25th-75th: 45-99), 26 (25th-75th: 12-46), 10 (25th-75th: 3-24) and 8 (25th-75th: 0-19) min/day.Conclusion: This is one of the first population-based cohort studies to provide a detailed description of raw accelerometer physical activity in mid-age adults in Australia. Such data can be used to investigate how different patterns and intensities of physical activity vary across the day/week and influence health outcomes.
Effect of epigenetic activating of Dlk1-Dio3 imprinted cluster on miR-370 expression due to folate deficiency during nerve development
Authors: Chang Shaoyan , Min Jie , Lu Xiaolin , Zhang Qingyu , Shaofang Shangguan , Zhang Ting , Wang Li
Published: March 2022

Proper Dlk1-Dio3 imprinting plays a critical role in embryogenesis, and folic acid deficiency may affect the imprinting of this locus through epigenetic regulation. However, whether and how folic acid directly impacts the imprinting status of Dlk1-Dio3 to affect neural development remain unclear. Here, we found decreased IG-DMR methylation in the folate-deficient encephalocele in humans, suggesting that abnormal Dlk1-Dio3 imprinting status is related to neural tube defects (NTDs) caused by folate deficiency. Similar results were obtained with folate-deficient embryonic stem cells. By miRNA chip analysis, folic acid deficiency led to changes in multiple miRNAs, including the upregulation of 14 miRNAs located in the Dlk1-Dio3 locus. Real-time PCR confirmed that six of these miRNAs were upregulated, especially miR-370. In contrast to normal embryonic development, in which expression of miR-370 is highest at E9.5, the abnormally high and sustained expression of miRNA-370 in folate-deficient E13.5 embryos may contribute to NTDs. In addition, we found that DNMT3A is a direct target gene of miR-370 in neural cells, and that the high levels of miR-370 may inhibit cell migration by downregulating DNMT3A. Finally, in the folate-deficient mouse model, Dlk1-Dio3 epigenetic activation was found in fetal brain tissue, along with the upregulation of miR-370 and the downregulation of DNMT3A. Collectively, our findings demonstrate a pivotal role of folate in the epigenetic regulation of Dlk1-Dio3 imprinting during neurogenesis, revealing an elegant mechanism for the activation of Dlk1-Dio3 locus miRNAs in folic acid deficiency.
Absence of microbiome triggers extensive changes in the transcriptional profile of Hermetia illucens during larval ontology
Authors: Auger Laurence , Bouslama Sidki , Deschamps Marie-Hélène , Vandenberg Grant , Derome Nicolas
Published: March 2022

Black soldier fly larvae (BSF, Hermetia illucens) have gained much attention for their industrial use as biowaste recyclers and as a new source of animal proteins. The functional effect that microbiota has on insect health and growth performance remains largely unknown. This study clarifies the role of microbiota in BSF ontogeny by investigating the differential genomic expression of BSF larvae in axenic conditions (i.e., germfree) relative to non-axenic (conventional) conditions. We used RNA-seq to measure differentially expressed transcripts between axenic and conventional condition using DESeq2 at day 4, 12 and 20 post-hatching. Gene expression was significantly up or down-regulated for 2476 transcripts mapped in gene ontology functions, and axenic larvae exhibited higher rate of down-regulated functions. Up-regulated microbiota-dependant transcriptional gene modules included the immune system, the lipid metabolism, and the nervous system. Expression profile showed a shift in late larvae (day 12 and 20), exposing a significant temporal effect on gene expression. These results provide the first evidence of host functional genes regulated by microbiota in the BSF larva, further demonstrating the importance of host-microbiota interactions on host ontology and health. These results open the door to optimization of zootechnical properties in alternative animal protein production, biowaste revalorization and recycling.
Habitat quality influences trade-offs in animal movement along the exploration-exploitation continuum
Authors: SMITH JOSHUA , KEITER DAVID , SWEENEY STEVEN , MILLER RYAN , SCHLICHTING PETER , BEASLEY JAMES
Published: March 2022

To successfully establish itself in a novel environment, an animal must make an inherent trade-off between knowledge accumulation and exploitation of knowledge gained (i.e., the exploration-exploitation dilemma) to ensure survival. To evaluate how habitat quality affects the spatio-temporal scale of switching between exploration and exploitation during home range establishment, we conducted experimental trials to compare resource selection and four space-use metrics of translocated animals to those of reference individuals using reciprocal translocations between habitat types of differing quality. We selected wild pigs (Sus scrofa) as a model species to investigate hypotheses related to the movement behavior of translocated individuals because they are a globally distributed large mammal that is often translocated within their introduced range to facilitate recreational hunting, which is a primary mechanism contributing to the extensive range expansion of this species. Individuals translocated to higher quality habitat exhibited smaller exploratory movements and began exploiting resources more quickly than those introduced to lower quality areas, although those in lower-quality areas demonstrated an increased rate of selection for preferred habitat as they gained knowledge of the landscape. Our data demonstrate that habitat quality mediates the spatial and temporal scale at which animals respond behaviorally to novel environments, and how these processes may determine the success of population establishment.
Development of a predictive risk stratification tool to identify population over 45 at risk of new-onset stroke in seven years
Authors: Wang Yaoling , Jiang Gege , Hou Niuniu , Chen Minfang , Wang Liping , Li Wei
Published: March 2022

Background and Purpose: With the aging of society, stroke has become a vital health problem for the middle-aged and elderly. Amounts of stroke's new risk factors have been found recently. It is necessary to develop a predictive risk stratification tool containing multi-dimensional risk factors for identifying high-risk people.Methods: The study included 5844 people (Age≥45) who participated in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, in 2011 and follow-up to 2018. Randomly divided the population into training and validation set by 1:1. Lasso Cox screened predictors for new-onset stroke. Developed a nomogram and stratified the population according to the score calculated in the nomogram through the X-tile program. Internal and external verification of nomogram was performed by ROC and calibration curves, and the Kaplan-Meier method was applied to identify the performance of the risk stratification system.Results: Lasso COX regression screened out 13 candidate predictors from 50 risk factors. Finally, nine predictors, including low physical performance, triglyceride-glucose index, etc., were included in the nomogram. The nomogram's overall performance was good in both internal and external validation (AUCs of three-year, five-year, seven-year in the training set was 0.71, 0.71, 0.71, and 0.67, 0.65, 0.66 in the validation set, respectively). The nomogram was proven to could excellently discriminate between low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups with the 7-year new-onset stroke of 3.36%, 8.32%, and 20.13%, respectively (P<0.001).Conclusions: This research developed a clinical predictive risk stratification tool that can effectively identify the different risks of new-onset stroke incidents in 7-years in the middle-aged and elderly Chinese.
Second and third harmonic generation of asymmetrical Gaussian potential quantum dot
Authors: Ghanbari Ahmad , Birooni Raziyeh
Published: March 2022

In the current work, we have studied the second and third harmonic generation in asymmetrical Gaussian potential quantum dot subjected to the applied electric field. To do this, confined wave function together with energies of electron in an effective mass approximation framework were obtained. Apply these, the analytic expression for the second- and third harmonic generation are determined using a compact density matrix approach and an iterative procedure. According to the results, it is found that applying an electric field, enhances the peak values of the second- and third harmonic generation and redshifts the peak position of their spectrum. Our calculations indicate that increases the radius of quantum dot causes enhances the values of -harmonic generation and redshifts the peak positions of photon energy. It means by optimizing the confinement potential, the maximum –harmonic generation can be obtained. It should be noted that the structural parameters have a significant effect on the –harmonic generation in the considered system.