bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of The Expression of The Heavy Chain of 4F2 Antigen As a Therapeutic Target in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Maimaiti Maihulan , Sakamoto Shinichi , Sugiura Masahiro , Xu Minhui , Ando Keisuke , Saito Shinpei , Wakai Ken , Imamura Yusuke , Kanai Yoshikatsu , Kaneda Atsushi , Ikehara Yuzuru , Anzai Naohiko , Ichikawa Tomohiko
Published: March 2021

The 4F2 cell-surface antigen heavy chain (4F2hc) forms a heterodimeric complex with L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) and transports large neutral essential amino acids. However, in contrast to the traditional role of LAT1 in various cancers, the role of 4F2hc has largely remained unknown. The role of 4F2hc in prostate cancer was studied. Treatment of C4-2 cells with si4F2hc was found suppress cellular growth and migratory and invasive abilities, with this effect occurring through the cell cycle, with a significant decrease in S phase and a significant increase in G0/G1 phase, suggesting cell cycle arrest. In addition, it was proven by RNA seq that the key to 4F2hc’s impact on cancer is SKP2. The expression of 4F2hc and LAT1 in prostate cancer cells suggests the importance of 4F2hc. Furthermore, si4F2hc, through the downstream target SKP2, upregulates the protein expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (P21cip1, P27kip1). Multivariate analysis showed that high 4F2hc expression was an independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival (HR 11.54, p=0.0357). High 4F2hc was related to the clinical tumour stage (p=0.0255) and Gleason score (p=0.0035). Collectively, 4F2hc contributed significantly to prostate cancer (PC) progression. 4F2hc may be a novel marker and therapeutic target in PC.
To Determine Prevalence of Otorhinolaryngological Symptoms in COVID-19 Positive Patients.
Authors: Savtale Saee , Hippargekar Prashant , Bhise Sudhir , Kothule Shankar
Published: March 2021

Objective- To determine prevelance of ENT symptoms in COVID 19 positive patients.Methods- A cross sectional study was performed at SRTR GMC AMBAJOGAI, a tertiary care hospital amongst the patients admitted in COVID 19 isolation ward with a positive RT- PCR report. Results- Amongst the included 180 patients, 112 patients had one or more ENT related symptoms that included throat pain (47.2%), loss of smell (55.5%), loss of taste (58.8%) and hearing loss (54.44%) along with generalizedCOVID 19 symptoms. Conclusion- ENT symptoms can be considered as biomarkers for early diagnosis of Covid-19 patients ensuring faster treatment and isolation allowing better containment of the disease.
Organizational Knowledge Translation Strategies for Allied Health Professionals in Traumatology Settings: A Realist Review Protocol
Authors: Latulippe Karine , Leblanc Annie , Gagnon Marie-Pierre , Boivin Katia , Lavoie Pascale , Dufour Joëlle , Lamontagne Marie-Ève
Published: March 2021

Background: Knowledge translation (KT) is an important means of improving health service quality. Most research on the effectiveness of KT strategies has focused on individual strategies, i.e., those targeting directly the modification of allied health professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours, for example. In general, these strategies are moderately effective in changing practices (maximum 10% change). Effecting change in organizational contexts (e.g., change readiness, general and specific organizational capacity, organizational routines) is part of a promising new avenue to service quality improvement through the implementation of evidence-based practices.Methods: A realist review will be conducted to explore the various organizational KT strategy action mechanisms (how, why, for whom, to what extent and under what circumstances) with a view to facilitating the choice of effective strategies for sustainable implementation of evidence-based practice for allied health professionals in traumatology settings. The review will begin by presenting initial theories developed by the research team, followed by the search for evidence, the selection of literature on context-mechanism-outcome configurations related to organizational KT strategies, and end with a refinement of initial theories and a synthesis.Discussion: Using a systematic and rigorous method, this review will help guide decision makers and researchers in choosing the best organizational strategies to optimize the implementation of evidence-based practices.Registration: This protocol has been submitted for registration on the PROSPERO database on October 30, 2020 (ID: 216105).
Thymol-based Chitosan Nanogels Have Strong Antibacterial and Anti-biofilm Effects on Multidrug-resistant Pathogens
Authors: Gharaghie Tohid Piri , Beiranvand Sheida , Shirin Neda Jegargoshe , Elahianfar Yalda , Ghahari Somayeh , Ghahari Sajjad
Published: March 2021

In the present study, the antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of Thymol-based chitosan nanogels were investigated. After clinical screening of MDR strains from the hospital environment, the morphological characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles were identified using SEM, DLS, XRD and FTIR and the efficiency of encapsulation, stability and drug release were evaluated. The expression of OmpA and PgaB biofilm genes were determined by q-Real-Time PCR and the antibacterial and cytotoxic properties of the nanoparticles were determined by well diffusion and MTT methods, respectively. Nanoparticles with a size of 82.71 nm, encapsulation efficiency of 76.54% and stability up to 60 days at 4 °C were prepared. The results of the biological study showed strong antibacterial properties of Thymol-based chitosan nanoparticles by reducing the expression of OmpA and PgaB biofilm genes at a significant level of P ≤ 0.05 and reducing antibiotic resistance compared to the free drug thymol and chitosan nanogels. Thymol-based chitosan nanogels at concentrations of 0.125 to 256μg/mL showed the lowest cytotoxicity against HEK-293 compared to chitosan and free Thymol nanogels. The results showed very strong antibacterial properties of Thymol-based chitosan nanogels against MDR strains such as Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas as the challenging bacteria of the century.
Bioinformatics analysis of RNA-seq data revealed critical genes in type 1 diabetes and molecular docking studies
Authors: G Prashanth , Vastrad Basavaraj , Tengli Anandkumar , Vastrad Chanabasayya , Kotturshetti Iranna
Published: March 2021

Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a serious threat to childhood life and has fairly complicated pathogenesis. Profound attempts have been made to enlighten the pathogenesis, but the molecular mechanisms of T1D are still not well known.Methods: To identify the candidate genes in the progression of T1D, Expression profiling by high throughput sequencing dataset GSE123658 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses were performed. The protein-protein interaction network (PPI), modules, target gene - miRNA regulatory network and target gene - TF regulatory network analysis were constructed and analyzed using HIPPIE, miRNet, NetworkAnalyst and Cytoscape. Finally, validation of hub genes was conducted by using ROC (Receiver operating characteristic) curve and RT-PCR analysis. Molecular docking studies were performed.Results: A total of 284 DEGs were identified, consisting of 142 up regulated genes and 142 down regulated genes. The gene ontology (GO) and pathways of the DEGs include cell-cell signaling, vesicle fusion, plasma membrane, signaling receptor activity, lipid binding, signaling by GPCR and innate immune system. Four hub genes were identified and biological process analysis revealed that these genes were mainly enriched in cell-cell signaling, cytokine signaling in immune system, signaling by GPCR and innate immune system. ROC curve and RT-PCR analysis showed that EGFR, GRIN2B, POLR2A and PRKACA might be involved in the advancement of T1D. Molecular docking studies showed high docking score.Conclusions: DEGs and hub genes identified in the present investigation help us understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the advancement of T1D, and provide candidate targets for diagnosis and treatment of T1D.
Numerical experiment research on failure characteristics of anchored rock with negative Poisson’s ratio bolt
Authors: chen feng , Du Yanhong , he manchao , sun xiaoming , ma tianhui
Published: March 2021

With the continuous increase of mining depth and engineering burying depth, the nonlinear physical and mechanical phenomena exhibited by rock are also more complicated. The load value often exceeds the yield strength of the traditional Poisson's ratio supporting materials, causing the supporting body to fail. Therefore, the bolt still needs to further in-depth research on new materials. In this paper, the rock model with a negative Poisson’s ratio bolt had been established, the material properties of negative Poisson’s ratio and the working principle of RFPA software were introduced, and RFPA software was used to study the reinforcement effect of negative Poisson's ratio bolt on the rock. The numerical experiment results show that, compared with the positive Poisson's ratio bolt, the negative Poisson's ratio bolt can significantly increase the bearing capacity of anchored rock, enhance the friction between the bolt body and the surrounding rock, and limit the rock movement. The anchored rock with negative Poisson’s ratio bolt can absorb more energy. Negative Poisson's ratio material is one of the future development directions of bolt material.
Nanoemulsion of Virgin Rapeseed and Sesame Oil improve Oxidation Stability and Sensoric acceptability of Vacuum Packed Fish Fillets
Authors: Anwer Iqra , Abbas Farzana , Hafeez-ur-Rehman Muhammad , Nadeem Muhammad , Khalil Maryyum , Butt Mahrukh , Inayat Muhammad
Published: March 2021

Background: Fish contains high polyunsaturated fatty acids and has good healthy biological values, so it is considered a vital ingredient in the human diet. Antioxidants play an essential role in the food industry due to their help breaking down the oxidation process. The consumer demands fresh refrigerated foods that extend shelf life without changing taste. By using oil and vacuum packaging techniques, considerable research has been conducted to preserve and extend the shelf life of Channa marulius fillets. Since rapeseed oil and sesame oil are considered good sources of antioxidants, their role in preserving and extending the shelf life of Channa marulius fillets is limited.Methods: Channa marulius fish fillets weighing 4-5 kg each were obtained from the market. The fillets were washed and divided into 5 groups using different concentrations of sesame oil (S.O) and rapeseed oil (R.O) nanoemulsion i.e., Control (C) without treatment, T1 (S.O 20%), T2 (S.O 25%), T3 (R.O 20%) and T4 (R.O 25%). The fillets were soaked in nanoemulsion for 30 minutes and packed with a vacuum packing machine before storing at -40 oC. After an interval of 0, 4, 7, and 15 days the oxidative stability, antioxidant activity and sensory evaluation determined of each treatment were determined. Result: Compared with the control group, the free fatty acid (FFA) levels and peroxide values (PV) values were lower in the treated groups. Lipid oxidation increased over time in the control group due to lipid oxidation. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activity of the fillets decreased due to the nanoemulsion. Oxidative stability fluctuated and increased with storage time because of more fatty acid hydrolysis. The reduction was noted in the antioxidant property because it hampered the oxidation stability. Channa marulius' sensory evaluation revealed that nanoemulsion and vacuum packaging had a higher sensory score than the control group. Conclusion: The role of rapeseed and sesame oil as natural antioxidants was investigated to preserve and extend the shelf life of Channa marulius fillets. The use of nanoemulsions by using sesame oil and rapeseed oil reduced the oxidation stability and enhance the antioxidant activity of Channa marulius fillets. Among the oils, it can be concluded that sesame oil can be recommended for nanoemulsion as a good preservative for fish fillets.
Preterm Severe Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality in Breech Presentation Regarding the Onset Mode of Labor
Authors: Guerini Claire , Diane Korb , Olivier Sibony
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe objective was to assess neonatal severe morbidity in case of cervical ripening, in premature breech fetuses, comparatively at spontaneous labor. MethodsThis is a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary center.Women with alive singleton breech between 28 and 36+6 weeks of gestation were considered. We compared women with an unfavorable cervix, who had an indication to deliver, to women in spontaneous labor.The primary outcome was a composite morbi-mortality criterion including perinatal death, traumatic event, 5-min Apgar < 4, moderate / severe encephalopathy, seizures, Intra Ventricular Hemorrhage grade 3-4, necrotizing enterocolitis grade 2-3. The association between the onset of labor and severe neonatal morbidity was assessed by logistic regression model. A propensity score approach with inverse probability of treatment weighting was performed to control indication bias. ResultsWe included 212 patients: 64 in the induced labor group and 136 in the spontaneous labor group. Labor was induced mostly for fetal growth restriction (34.4%), oligoamnios (18.7%) and pre-eclampsia (18.7%). When induced labor, 45.3% of patients delivered vaginally, and 86% when spontaneous labor.The rate of neonatal morbidity was similar in two groups (4.7% versus 5.2%, p=0.889). There was no association between the onset of labor and severe neonatal morbidity (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.2-3.6)). After applying propensity scores, induction of labor was not associated with improved severe neonatal morbidity (OR 0.9, 95% IC 0.4-2.5).ConclusionThe onset mode of labor do not seem to have an effect on severe neonatal morbidity and mortality in preterm breech fetuses.
A study on the attenuation of ATO cardiotoxicity by SOG though Nrf2/ARE pathway
Authors: Wang Yang , Shen Jianying , Yang Miyi , Sui Feng , Li Xiaoqiang , Tan Yuqing
Published: March 2021

Arsenic trioxide (ATO, Trisenox) is an ancient Chinese medicine which have good clinical effects for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, ATO has serious cardiotoxicity which has restricted its widely applied in clinic. Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk was an antidote to ATO in Chinese medical book. Sec-O-Glucosylhamaudol (SOG) is one of its four main active ingredients. So we explore if SOG can detoxify the ATO’s cardiotoxicity through the Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2) signal pathway and apoptosis pathway. We added 10 μM ATO and 10, 50, 100 μM SOG in Rat cardiac myocyte-like H9c2 cells. The results indicate SOG can active Nrf2 signal pathway, improve Nrf2 phosphorylation levels, promote the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1 gene and protein, increase the contents of antioxidant enzyme SOD, CAT and GSH-PX, reduce the ROS levels, increase cell activity. By testing the apoptosis-related protein Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3, also proved that 10 μM SOG can improve ATO-induced cell apoptosis. So SOG can plays a role in detoxifying ATO cardiac toxicity.
Preparation and Dielectric Properties of Co Contained Unfilled Tungsten Bronze Ceramics Ba4RCo0.5Nb9.5O30
Authors: Guo Xiaoying , Zhang Weifeng , Wu Shan , Sun Chaozhong , Hu Changzheng , Liu Laijun , Fang Liang , Luo Nengneng
Published: March 2021

In this study, Ba4RCo0.5Nb9.5O30 (R = La, Nd, Sm, Eu) (BRCN) ceramics were synthesized using a high-temperature solid-state reaction. The effects of rare-earth ions with different ionic radii at A sites on the phase structure, microstructure, and dielectric properties of ceramics have been systematically studied. The full profile refinement XRD results show that all ceramic samples are tetragonal tungsten bronze (TTB). As the radius of the rare-earth ions decreases, the relaxation ferroelectric phase transition transforms into the dispersed phase transition, and the frequency dispersion of the ceramic samples gradually decreases. The high-frequency shift of Raman peak indicates that lattice distortion is severe. P-E loops under maximum applied electric field showed that BRCN ceramics can be used for energy storage.
A Review on Sewage Sludge Valorization via Hydrothermal Carbonization and Applications for Circular Economy
Authors: Çebi Dilvin , Celiktas Melih Soner , Sarptaş Hasan
Published: March 2021

In pursuit of establishing a circular economy, waste-to-energy approach is gaining increasing attention. In this manner valorization of sewage sludge constitutes a critical importance due to generation in high quantities, difficulties in disposal and associating environmental impacts. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a relatively recent, however acclaimed method for sewage sludge management and valorization due to process compliance with sludge characteristics. In this review, research studies are evaluated under the categorization of application fields of sludge derived HTC products such as solid fuel production, gas production, soil remediation, nutrient recovery, water treatment and energy storage. Research findings are compiled and a network mapping is employed for the visualization of the current situation and correlation in respective fields. The potential of HTC for sewage sludge valorization and future projections concerning available techniques are assessed within the context of circular economy.
Rapid detection method of Skeletonema pseudocostatum and preparation of test strip
Authors: Li Haoran , Meng Kun , Yu Qiaojie , Chen Changping , Chen Jingfeng , Li Jingli , Wang Xinyi , Wang Yingzi , Li Mingyang , Chen Chuang , Zhou Kefu
Published: March 2021

In eutrophic waters, harmful algal blooms(HAB) are particularly prone to occur, which will affect the ecological environment and public health and safety. How to quickly detect and monitor marine microalgae is the key to preventing and managing HAB. Our innovative application of colloidal gold immunochromatography(GICG) technology to detect the dominant species in red tide, Skeletonema pseudocostatum, to monitor the outbreak of red tide. The experimental results show that the method and the prepared test strips are extremely sensitive, and can specifically detect the presence of Skeletonema pseudocostatum. The approximate concentration of algae cells is judged by establishing a fitting relationship between the degree of color development and the concentration of algae cells. This test strip provides a quick and easy method for routine environmental monitoring, fishery water quality monitoring, and field testing of red tide monitoring. It effectively warns of the outbreak of red tides and also provides a new application direction for GICG technology.
Influence of vegetation cover change on the decadal trend of summer seasonal air temperature in the Pannonian Basin
Authors: Ruman Albert , Ruman Anna
Published: March 2021

The influence of land surface vegetation on the atmosphere processes in the planetary boundary layer is of great importance for the study of weather and climatic conditions in the Earth’s climate system. Vegetation, as an integral part of the Earth’s climate system, has a great influence on the exchange of energy between land and the atmosphere and, consequently, a significant role in defining weather and climate patterns at the global, regional and local scales. However, due to the constant anthropogenic impact, this vegetation system is continuously changing mostly due to deforestation, afforestation, and forest fires which make it difficult to present them during the research of the Earth’s climate system. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of the regional vegetation change on the seasonal surface air temperature and was performed using the Max-Planck-Institute Earth System Model. The region of our research is located in the Pannonian Basin and is one of many regions in which the anthropogenic impact on geophysical changes in the environment is considerable. The study was carried out over a ten-year period, from 2002 to 2011, during which we showed that the change in the presence percentage between certain types of vegetation leads to warming up as well as cooling down of air during the summer season. We have also shown to what extent this change in vegetation has an impact on the surface air temperature trend as well as on the change in the albedo and flux of sensible heat.
Birth Companions, Health workers perspective: Mixed Method Study in St. Paul’s Hospital and Millennium Medical College and its Catchment Centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Gizachew Kidist , Getinet Tewodros , Bekele Delayehu
Published: March 2021

Background: Birth companions have been shown to improve quality of care provided to laboring women. Various studies have shown the benefits of companion during child birth. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of health care providers towards the involvement of birth companions during child birth in St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) and its selected catchment health centers. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional study which was supplemented by qualitative study design which employed phenomenological design was conducted using in depth interview of health care providers who were on practice during the study period in SPHMMC. Result: The study included a total 58 health care providers. The finding from the study showed that great proportion of health care providers involved in the study (90 %) have positive attitude towards involvement of birth companions but majority 82.4 % didn’t allow birth companions. The commonest reasons mentioned for not involving companions include fear of breach of privacy, interference with routine medical care and risk of litigation/complaints.Conclusion and Recommendation: The findings from this study showed that majority of the health care providers are against the practice of involving birth companions. Since involvement of birth companions is one way to ensure the quality of care provided there should be an effort to increase the knowledge of health professionals on benefits of birth companions. There is also a need for improvement of the work setup. Simple measures like providing screens, providing separate rooms for laboring and post-partum women will have a significant impact on the quality of care provided.
Comparison of the effects of C-KIT, MMP-2, Ki-67, Bcl-2 and metallothionein expression on prognostic factors in skin and non-skin malignant melanomas
Authors: Eriten Berna , Göze Fahrettin
Published: March 2021

Objectives: We aimed the relationship between with selected prognostic factors of MM, 1) C-KIT (CD117), which related to MM pathogenesis, 2) Ki-67, which is the determinant of cell kinetics, 3) MMP-2, which degradation of the basement membrane and extracellular matrix required for cell migration, invasion and metastasis in melanogenesis, 4) bcl-2, which reduces the apoptotic response to cytotoxic chemotherapy and 5) MT’s whose overexpression shows resistance to anticancer drugs and radiotherapy and thus poor prognosis.Material and Methods: In this study, 30 skin and 15 non-skin MMM cases diagnosed between January 01, 2000 and June 01, 2011 in SCU-TF Medical Pathology Department were examined. C-Kit, MMP-2, Ki-67, bcl-2 and MT markers were applied to these cases.Results: When comparing the skin and non-skin groups, the difference between Ki-67 and MMP-2 expressions was found to be statistically significant, but no significant difference was found in staining with c-Kit, MT and bcl-2. It was thought that high MMP-2, C-KIT, bcl-2 expressions and high Ki-67 index as well as loss of MT expression might be associated with poor prognosis. Despite the high level of KIT immunostaining in melanomas, this parameter does not appear to be a good predictor of the presence of molecular mutations. Mutations that activate KIT should be considered a rare event in this tumor.
Age of Information Minimization of Multichannel Allocation Mechanism for Hybrid Cognitive Radio Networks with Energy Harvesting under Collusion Constraint
Authors: Karaca Hakan Murat
Published: March 2021

Cognitive radio networks (CRNs) with energy harvesting has been a promising solution for wireless industrial networks and seems a promising solution for the spectrum scarcity problem.
However, it is critical the wireless spectrum should carefully be managed in order to fullfill the tight
requirements on the trustworthy and minimum delayed delivery of information. Motivated by this, in order to represent the freshness of the information, this paper takes into account the metric of age of information (AoI) and multi-channel allocation problem in hybrid cognitive radio networks where secondary transmitters (STs) are able to harvest energy is investigated to maximize allocation performance while minimizing average AOI values. A novel mechanism has been proposed to restrict average AoI values while distributing channels to STs by handling both collusion and energy constraints. STs are prioritized based on a proposed metric and they are able to obtain channels only if the resulting AoI value satisfy proposed conditions. AoI values are computed based on co-channel interference between STs and minimized by decreasing interference levels. For comparison, two algorithms were considered: a greedy mechanism for m-channel allocation of hybrid CRNs with harvesting, but without AOI control and the proposed m-channel allocation schemes based on sorting STs according to the proposed metric and controlling AOI levels based on co-channel interference. The simulations depict that performance of the proposed m-channel allocation method outweighs the greedy algorithm in terms of both AoI minimization and maximization of channel allocation performance, proving the superiority of the proposed algorithm.
Improved Properties of PTFE Composites Filled with Glass Fiber Modified by Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Li Qiuying , Liu Pengying , Mahmood Kashif , Zhang Ning , Che Yanchao
Published: March 2021

Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) was used as the silicon source, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was the organic precursor to modify the surface of glass fiber (GF) through the sol-gel method. The modified GF noted T-GF was filled in PTFE to prepare PTFE/T-GF composites. SEM, FTIR, XPS, and contact angle confirmed that organic-inorganic hybrids were successfully loaded on GF's surface. Compared with PTFE/GF and the conventional coupling agent modified GF filled PTFE composites, the properties of PTFE/T-GF composites, including dielectric properties, mechanical properties, moisture absorption, thermal conductivity, and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), enhanced significantly for the improvement of compatibility of PTFE and GF. Moreover, the PTFE/T-GF exhibited improved dielectric constant (2.305), decreased dielectric loss (9.08E-4), higher bending strength (21.45 MPa) and bending modulus (522 MPa), better thermal conductivity (0.268 W/m*K) and lower CTE (70 ppm/℃), making it has promising application as the substrate materials for printed circuit board.
Estimation of Runoff under changed climatic scenario of a Meso Scale River by Neural Network Based Gridded Model Approach
Authors: Das Debajit , Chakraborty Tilottama , Majumder Mrinmoy , Bandyopadhyay Tarun Kanti
Published: March 2021

As climate change is linked with changes in precipitation, evapotranspiration and changes in other climatological parameters, these changes will be affected runoff of a river basin. Gomati River basin is the largest river basin among all the river basin of Tripura. Due to the increase in settlement in the Gomati river basin and climate change may threaten natural flow patterns that endure its diversity. This study assesses the impact of climate change on total flow of a catchment in North East India (Gomati River catchment). For this assessment, the Group Method of Data Handling Modeling System (GMDH) model was used to simulate the rainfall-runoff relationship of the catchment, with respect to the observed data during the period of 2008–2009. The statistically downscaled outputs of HadGEM2-ES (Hadley Centre Global Environment Model version 2), general circulation models (GCMs) scenario was used to assess the impacts of climate change on the Gomati River Basin. Future projections were developed for the 2030s, 2040s and 2050s projections, respectively. The results from the present study can contribute to the development of adaptive strategies and future policies for the sustainable management of water resources in North East, Tripura.
An Item Analysis according to the Rasch Model of the German 12-item WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0)
Authors: Vaganian Lusine , Bussmann Sonja , Boecker Maren , Kusch Michael , Labouvie Hildegard , Gerlach Alexander L. , Cwik Jan C.
Published: March 2021

Purpose: The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) assesses disability in individuals irrespective of their health condition. Previous studies validated the usefulness of the WHODAS 2.0 using classical test theory (CTT). This study is the first investigating the psychometric properties of the 12-items WHODAS 2.0 in patients with cancer using item response theory (IRT), i.e., item analysis according to the Rasch model. Methods: In total, 350 cancer patients participated in the study. Rasch analysis of the 12-items version of the WHODAS 2.0 included testing unidimensionality, local independence, and testing for differential item functioning (DIF) with regard to age, gender, type of cancer, presence of metastases, psycho-oncological support, and duration of disease. Results: After accounting for local dependence, which was mainly found across items of the same WHODAS-domain, satisfactory overall fit to the Rasch model was established (χ2 = 36.14, p = 0.07) with good reliability (PSI = 0.82) and unidimensionality of the scale. DIF was found for gender (testlet ‘Life activities’) and age (testlet ‘Getting around/Self-care’), but the size of DIF was not substantial. Conclusion: Overall, the analysis results according to the Rasch model support the use of the WHODAS 2.0 12-item version as a measure of disability in cancer patients.
Modified Flapless and Sutureless Technique of Scleral Fixation of Intraocular Lens in the Management of Dislocation of Crystalline Lens Following Closed Globe Injury
Authors: Kannan Naresh Babu , Sen Sagnik , Khare Gauri , Ramachandran Obuli , Ramasamy Kim
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the outcomes of management of subluxation of lens following closed globe injury with a modified technique of scleral fixation of intraocular lens (SFIOL).
Methods

This prospective longitudinal study evaluated eyes with subluxation of crystalline lens which underwent combined pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), lensectomy (PPL) along with a sutureless and flapless technique of SFIOL implantation. We documented clinico-demographic data of all eyes at baseline and final anatomical and visual outcomes at 6 months after the surgery.
Results

We evaluated 113 eyes of 113 subjects with a mean age of 51.5 +- 15.7 years. 48.7% of eyes had a partial subluxation of lens from patellar fossa, while 51.3% of eyes had complete subluxation. After 6 months, the baseline visual acuity of 1.40 +- 0.66 logMAR (Snellen equivalent = 6/180) increased to 0.23 +- 0.27 (Snellen equivalent = 6/9) (p < 0.001). Eyes having VA < 6/36 reduced from 79.6% at baseline to 4.4% at final follow-up (p < 0.001). Eyes having VA > = 6/12 increased from 8.8–85.8% (p < 0.001). The proportion of eyes having raised intraocular pressure reduced from 20.4–1.8% at final follow-up (p < 0.001). The most common cause of subnormal visual gain was macular degeneration secondary to commotio retinae.
Conclusion

Subluxation of lens is a common entity faced by ophthalmologists across the world. Lensectomy with PPV and SFIOL is an effective method of refractive rehabilitation for subluxation eyes following closed globe injury. Visual prognosis may still depend upon the initial insult on the retina.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Select Medicines Collected from Private Drug Outlets of Dhaka City, Bangladesh in a Simple Random Survey
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Sofiqur , Yoshida Naoko , Tsuboi Hirohito , Karmoker James Regun , Kabir Nadia , Schaefermann Simon , Akimoto Yoshio , Bhuiyan Mohiuddin Ahmed , Reza Md. Selim , Kimura Kazuko
Published: March 2021

Comprehensive data are needed to prevent substandard and falsified (SF) medicines as they pose a major risk to human health. To assess the quality of select medicines, samples were collected from random private drug outlets of Dhaka North and South City Corporation, Bangladesh. Sample analysis included visual observation of the packaging, authenticity of the samples, legitimacy and registration verification of the manufacturer, physicochemical analysis, and price. Chemical analysis of the samples was performed using a portable Raman spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography according to the pharmacopoeia. Several discrepancies were noted in the visual observation of samples. Among the 189 collected samples of esomeprazole (ESM), cefixime (CFIX), and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (CVA-AMPC), 21.2% were confirmed to be authentic, 91.3% manufacturers were confirmed legitimate, and 2.1% of all samples were unregistered. Chemical analysis of the samples revealed that 9.5% (95% CI, 0.057–0.146) of samples were SFs. Falsified samples and quality variation in the same generic branded samples were both detected by Raman spectroscopic analysis. Overall, sample prices were satisfactory relative to the international reference price. Despite the relatively smaller proportions of SFs, this study documents the availability of poor-quality medicines, demonstrating the need for immediate attention by the national medicine regulatory authority.
WITHDRAWN: The epigenetic study of Fgfr2 as a potential biomarker in the differential diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancer
Authors: Aleyasin Seyed Ahmad , Moradi Arash , Abolhasani Naeimeh , Abdollahi Mahvash
Published: March 2021

Background Epigenetic alterations represent the potential role in the pathological process of cancer development. Epigenetic modulators affect some key gene methylation that can be applied as cancer biomarkers. Gastric cancer is faced with some limitations in diagnosis and differential diagnosis with intestinal metaplasia (IM). Intestinal metaplasia (IM) is generally considered a precancerous lesion in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer cascade that is a major health burden worldwide. The fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene is a receptor tyrosine kinase in which aberrant expression has a direct connection to GC. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic relevance of FGFR2 methylation in the whole blood specimens obtained from patients with GC and IM and normal individual controls to examine the possible implication of epigenetic biomarker for differential diagnosis GC from IM.Material and Methods Appropriate epigenetic control regions in FGFR2 CpGs Island were specified by bioinformatic and differentially methylated regions (DMRs) enrichment analysis. The methylation aberration of FGFR2 selected CPG region was determined using MSRE-PCR and Real-time PCR on DNA extracted from blood samples of 125 participants, including 30 IM cases, 60 GC cases, and 35 normal controls individuals. Results A significant FGFR2 hypomethylation has been obtained in IM (p = 0.01) and GC (p < 0.001) versus the normal control samples. ROC statistical analysis revealed sensitivity (96.67 %) and specificity (100 %) for FGFR2 as DNA epigenetic biomarker diagnostic of gastric cancer test with p < 0.001. These results suggest that the change in the methylation of FGFR2 (AUC = 0.97) is a promising epi-biomarker. Conclusions This study is the first study to show that blood-based biomarkers FGFR2 gene may be a powerful epigenetic biomarker for diagnosing GC and IM and providing insights into gastric cancer pathogenesis and diagnosis.
Dynamic effects of Sudanese low pressure on moisture feeding in Iran
Authors: sayad vahideh , hejazizadeh zahra , alijani bohloul , saligheh mohammad
Published: March 2021

• The Sudanese low pressure systems is one of the thermal low pressures that are formed around the Red Sea and their low-pressure lines cover the south of the Red Sea, Sudan, and Ethiopia and continue their route through the southwest of Iran and cause heavy rainfall. The common feature of all these rain systems is land surface low pressures or low altitudes of higher levels. For dynamic and thermodynamic analysis of the mechanism of precipitation caused by the Sudanese low-pressure system, the climate maps containing data of u wind, v wind, omega, Shum, slp, monthly average of northward surface stress, daily mean precipitation rate, and temperature from 1988–2020 during the cold season of the year were applied. The results show that the Sudanese low-pressure core has the largest extent in 1999, 2006, and 2011. During this period, from the Sudanese region to the upper latitudes of Iran, the element of northward surface stress had good potential. The study showed that jet streams create rivers that originate in Africa and are reinforced by Sudanese low pressure and transfer moisture to the upper atmosphere of Iran. Between the positive and negative omega contours of about 600 hPa, the horizontal moisture transfer mechanism for Iran's rainfall is created by atmospheric rivers reinforced by Sudan's moisture core. High-temperature gradients in isothermal lines in the range of 550–850 hPa also occurred on the same day. Finally, the precipitation map shows a relatively good rainfall by atmospheric river above Iran.
Conditioned medium from healthy women's endometrial stem cells improve inflammatory and stemness- expression genes in endometriosis women
Authors: Sahraei Seyedeh Saeideh , Kowsari Ali , asl Faezeh Davoodi , Sheykhhasan Mohsen , Naserpoor Leila , Sheikholeslami Azar
Published: March 2021

Background. Endometriosis is a common, benign gynecological disease which is determined as an overspreading of endometrial tissue in exterior region of the uterine cavity. Evidence suggests that retrograde menstrual blood which contains mesenchymal stem cells with differential gene expression compared to healthy women may play a role in endometriosis creation. We aimed to identify whether the conditioned medium from Menstrual blood-derived stem cells (MenSCs) of healthy women can affect the expression level of inflammatory and stemness genes of MenSCs from endometriosis women. Methods and Results. Endometriosis derived MenSCs (E-MenSCs) were treated with conditioned medium (CM) derived from healthy women’s MenSCs (NE-MenSCs). Some CD markers were analyzed by flow cytometer before and after treatment compared with NE-MenSCs, and the expression level of inflammatory and stemness genes was evaluated by real-time PCR. Results. E-MenSCs show different morphology in vitro culture in comparison with NE-MenSCs, which were changed in the presence of CM, into a morphology more similar to normal cells and showed significant decrease expression of CD10 after CM treatment. In our results, the IL-1, COX-2, and HIF-1\(\alpha\) as an inflamaturay genes and OCT-4, NANOG, and SOX2 as a stemness genes showed significantly different expression level in E-MenSCs after treating with CM. Conclusions. Our study indicates that the expression level of some inflammatory- and stemness-related genes which have differential expression in E-MenSCs compared with NE-MenSCs, could be changed to normal status by using CM derived from NE-MenSCs.
Puerarin protects the retinal pigment epithelium (ARPE19) against hypoxia-induced blood-retinal barrier breakdown and Akt/Bcl2-dependent apoptosis
Authors: Le Minh-Anh Nguyen Ngo , Wen Yao-Tseng , Trinh Dieu-Thuong Thi , Tsai Rong - Kung
Published: March 2021

Background: Puerarin, an isoflavonoid, is a neuroprotectant against many ischemic brain injuries. The research purpose was to investigate whether puerarin treatment can inhibit hypoxia-induced apoptosis and barrier breakdown on human retinal pigment epithelium (ARPE-19) cells.Methods: Treatment with 100 µM of puerarin showed no ARPE-19 cytotoxicity. Treatments with 50 µM or 100 µM of puerarin significantly preserved cell viability under hypoxic conditions for 12 h (p < 0.05). Moreover, treatments with 50 µM and 100 µM of puerarin significantly reduced the proportion of Annexin V- and PI-positive ARPE cells under hypoxic conditions (p < 0.05). The TER analysis and junctional protein staining demonstrated that treatments with 50 µM or 100 µM of puerarin prevented the hypoxia-induced barrier disruption in APRE-19 cultures. In contrast to the untreated group, treatment with puerarin significantly increased the level of Bcl-2 and decreased the levels of p-Bad, Bax, and cleaved caspase 3 in RPE cell under hypoxic conditions (p < 0.05). Treatment with puerarin maintained Akt1 activation in the ARPE-19 cells under hypoxic conditions (p < 0.05), and inhibition of PR-induced Akt1 activation abolished the protective effect of puerarin in ARPE-19 cells under hypoxic conditions.Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that treatment with puerarin protected RPE cell against hypoxia-induced blood-retinal barrier breakdown and Akt-dependent apoptosis. These findings suggest that puerarin could be developed as an alternative treatment for ischemic and hypoxic retinal injuries.
A porous biochar supported nanoscale zero-valent iron highly efficient for the remediation of cadmium and lead contaminated soil
Authors: Qian Wei , Diao Zeng-Hui
Published: March 2021

Risk associated with heavy metals in soil has been received widespread attention. In this study, a porous biochar supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (BC-nZVI) was applied to immobilize cadmium (Cd) and/or lead (Pb) in clayey soil. Experiment results indicated that the immobilization of Cd or Pb by BC-nZVI process was better than that of BC or nZVI process, and about 80 % of heavy metals immobilization was obtained in BC-nZVI process. Addition of BC-nZVI could increase soil pH and organic matter (SOM). Cd or Pb immobilization was inhibited with coexisting organic compound 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), but 2,4-DCP could be removed in a simultaneous manner with Cd or Pb immobilization at low concentration levels. Simultaneous immobilization of Cd and Pb was achieved in BC-nZVI process, and both Cd and Pb availability significantly decreased. Stable Cd species inculding Cd(OH)2, CdCO3 and CdO were formed, whereas stable Pb species such as PbCO3, PbO and Pb(OH)2 were produced with BC-nZVI treatment. Simultaneous immobilization mechanism of Cd and Pb in soil by BC-nZVI was thereby proposed. This study well demonstrates that BC-nZVI has been emerged as a potential technology for the remediation of multiple metals in soil.
Intelligent Fuzzy Enabled Wireless Sensor Network Energy Optimization Scheme using IoT
Authors: K RAJU , R Lavanya , M.G Kavitha , D Radha
Published: March 2021

In this modern world, energy optimization is the major concern to deal with communication environments especially on Wireless Sensor Networks. Due to the rapid development of Wireless Sensor Network usages, the requirement of energy preservation is also increased in a drastic level. The energy preservation over communication medium is the most important logic to deal with such kind of network based communication model as well as the channel selection and packet forwarding is the most important tasks to take care with such mediums. A Wireless Sensor Networking based channel is considered to be the communication port, in which it takes care of carrying the information and data packets between source and destination entities. The wireless communication channel is containing many important things such as bandwidth, connectivity, connecting wires and so on. The specified things are necessary to carry the data packets between entities, in which the affection on the specified metrics causes the affection on network communications and cause a loss on data packets. The another important constrain is the packet forwarding principles, in which the data packets are moved to the respective selected channel for successful communication as well as the procedure is used to communicate the packets across the region based on the selected channel for communication. These processes are extensively taken care with the Wireless Sensor Network environment management scheme. Several literatures and analysts provide a huge solution to such things, but all are strucked up with certain level of precedence. In this paper, a new methodology is introduced to provide a successful data communication between source and destination based on WSN environment channel selection and packet forwarding principles, the proposed approach is called as Fuzzy based Neural Data Forwarding Scheme (FNDFS). This approach of FNDFS eliminates the unwanted data processing and delays to provide a successful communication between entities using two constraints such as Internet of Things (IoT) and the Fuzzy Logic. The concept of IoT is enabling a internet services to the WSN environment to make the communication between entities without any hurdles as well as the associated functions will be clearly illustrated over the further summaries. These logics are associated together to improve the overall energy efficiency level of the proposed approach in next level. This paper assures the usage of proposed approach FNDFS improves the level of WSN performance based on throughput enhancements, network lifetime improvements, energy efficiency and reduced end-to-end delay. These assured things are clearly proved with the graphical results emulated in resulting section of this paper.
Inhibition of CPT1a as a Prognostic Marker can Synergistically Enhance the Antileukemic Activity of ABT199
Authors: mao shihui , Ling Qing , Pan Jiajia , Li Fenglin , Huang Shujuan , Ye Wenle , Wei Wenwen , Lin Xiangjie , Qian Yu , Wang Yungui , Huang Xin , Huang Jiansong , Wang Jinghan , Jin Jie
Published: March 2021

Background

Fatty acid oxidation (FAO) provides an important source of energy to promote the growth of leukemia cells. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a(CPT1a), a rate-limiting enzyme of the essential step of FAO, can facilitate cancer metabolic adaptation. Previous reports demonstrated that CPT1a acts as a potential molecular target in solid tumors and hematologic disease. However, no systematic study was conducted to explore the its prognostic value and possible treatment strategies on acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Methods

The expression of CPT1a in 325 cytogenetically normal AML (CN-AML) cases was evaluated using RT-PCR. The combination effects of ST1326 and ABT199 were studied in AML cells and primary patients. MTS was used to measure the cell proliferation rate. Annexin V/propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry analysis was used to measure the apoptosis rate. western blot were used to measure the expression of Mcl-1. RNAseq and GC-TOFMS were used for genomic and metabolic analysis.
Results

In this study, we found AML patients with high CPT1a expression (n = 245) had a relatively short overall survival (P = 0.01) and event free survival (P = 0.032) compared to patients in low expression group (n = 80). In parallel, downregulation of CPT1a inhibits proliferation of AML cells. We also conducted genomic and metabolic interactive analysis in AML patients, and found several essential genes and pathways related to aberrant expression of CPT1a. Moreover, we found downregulation of CPT1a sentitizes BCL-2 inhibitor ABT199 and CPT1a-selective inhibitor ST1326 combined with ABT199 has a strong synergistic effect to induce apoptosis in AML cells and primary patient blasts for the first time. The underlying synergistic mechanism might be that ST1326 inhibits pGSK3β and pERK expression, leading to downregulation of Mcl-1.
Conclusion

Our study indicates that overexpression of CPT1a predicts poor clinical outcome in AML. CPT1a-selective inhibitor ST1326 combined with Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT199 showed strong synergistic inhibitory effects on AML.