bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corosolic Acid Inhibits Tumor Growth without Compromising ALPPS-induced Liver Regeneration in Rats
Authors: zhao Jinwei , luo xueyue , zhao weiyi , zhou hong , xu hongyue , wang xuefei , luan wenjing , an yanan , wang chao , Yu Lu
Published: September 2020

BackgroudThe associating liver partition and portal vein ligation (ALPPS) technique is a promising strategy for unresectable tumors without sufficient future liver remnants (FLRs). Criticism has focused on its stimulation of tumor growth. This study explores the effect of corosolic acid (CA) on inhibiting tumor growth without compromising ALPPS-induced liver regeneration and investigates its possible mechanism.MethodsThe ALPPS procedure was performed in Sprague-Dawley rats with orthotopic liver cancer. Blood, tumor and FLR samples in different group were collected.ResultsThe tumor weight in the implantation/ALPPS/CA group was lower than that in the implantation/ALPPS group (p < 0.05). On postoperative day 15, the hepatic regeneration rate and the expression of Ki67+ hepatocytes in the FLRs increased significantly in the group that underwent ALPPS. The number of CD86+ macrophages increased in the FLRs and tumors of the groups that underwent the ALPPS procedure. Additionally, the number of CD206+ macrophages was higher than the number of CD86+ macrophages in the tumors of the implantation group and the implantation/ALPPS group (p < 0.01, respectively); however, the opposite results were observed in the CA groups. The administration of CA downregulated the expression of TGF-β, CD31 and PD-1, whereas it increased the number of CD8+ lymphocytes in tumors.ConclusionsCA inhibits tumor growth without compromising ALPPS-induced liver regeneration. This result may be attributed to the CA-induced downregulation of PD-1 and TGF-β expression and the increased CD8+ lymphocyte infiltration in tumor tissue, associated with the suppression of M2 macrophage polarization.
Metabolic Engineering of Bacillus Amyloliquefaciens as A Novel Cell Factory to Produce Spermidine
Authors: Zou Dian , Li Lu , Min Yu , Ji Anying , Liu Yingli , Wei Xuetuan , Wang Jing , Wen Zhiyou
Published: September 2020

Background: Spermidine is a biologically active polyamine with extensive application potential in foods and pharmaceuticals. However, previously reported spermidine titers by biosynthesis methods are relatively low, which hinders the industrial fermentation of spermidine. To improve the spermidine titer, key genes affecting the spermidine production were mined to engineer the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.Results: Genes of S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (speD) and spermidine synthase (speE) from different microorganisms were expressed and compared in B. amyloliquefaciens. Therein, the speD from Escherichia coli and speE from Saccharomyces cerevisiae were confirmed to be optimal for spermidine synthesis, respectively. Then, these two genes were co-expressed to generate an engineering strain B. amyloliquefaciens HSAM2(PDspeD-SspeE) with a spermidine titer of 91.31 mg/L, improving by 10.90-fold compared with the control (HSAM2). Through further optimization of fermentation medium, the spermidine titer was increased to 227.35 mg/L, which was the highest titer among present reports. Moreover, the consumption of the substrate S-adenosylmethionine was consistent with the accumulation of spermidine, which contributed to understanding the synthetic pattern of spermidine. Conclusions: Two critical genes for spermidine synthesis were obtained, and an B. amyloliquefaciens cell factory was constructed for enhanced spermidine production, which laid the foundation for further industrial production of spermidine.
COVID-19 ICU and Mechanical Ventilation Patient Characteristics and Outcomes - A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Chang Raymond , Elhusseiny Khaled Mossad , Yeh Yu-Chang , Sun Wei-Zen
Published: September 2020

Background To characterize COVID-19 ICU admissions, their outcome and associated features, as well as identify their regional discrepancies. Methods Scopus, Embase, preprint servers bioRvix and medRvix and the Intensive Care National Audit and Research Center (ICNARC) website was searched for reports through May 1st 2020 on COVID-19 ICU admissions and outcomes using pre-defined search terms and eligibility criteria.Relevant data was extracted and pooled using fixed or random effects meta-analysis depending on heterogeneity. Study quality was assessed by the NIH tool and heterogeneity was assessed by I2 and Q tests. Baseline patient characteristics, ICU and IMV outcomes were pooled and meta-analyzed. Pooled odds ratios (pOR) were calculated for clinical features against ICU, MV mortality. Subgroup analysis was carried out based on patient regions.Results Twenty-eight studies comprising 12,437 COVID-19 ICU admissions from seven countries were meta-analyzed. Pooled ICU admission rate was 21%[95% CI 0.12 to 0.34] and 69% of cases needed IMV[95% CI 0.61-0.75]. ICU and IMV mortality were 28.3%[95% CI 0.25 to 0.32], 43%[95% CI 0.29 to 0.58] and ICU, IMV duration was 7.78[95% CI 6.99 to 8.63] and 10.12[95% CI 7.08 to 13.16] days respectively. Besides confirming the significance of comorbidities and clinical findings of COVID-19, major correlates with ICU mortality were found to be IMV [pOR 16.46, 95% CI 4.37 to 61.96], acute kidney injury (AKI) [pOR 12.47, 95% CI 1.52 to 102.7], and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) [pOR 6.52, 95% CI 2.66 to 16.01]. Subgroup analyses confirm significant regional discrepancies in outcomes.Conclusions This is the most comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of COVID-19 ICU and IMV cases and associated outcomes to date and the only analysis to analyze and associate IMV with COVID-19 ICU mortality. The significant association of AKI, ARDS and IMV with mortality has implications for ICU resource planning for AKI and ARDS as well as research into optimal ventilation strategies for patients. Regional differences in outcome implies a need to develop region specific protocols for ventilatory support as well as overall treatment.Study Registration PROSPERO registration number CRD42020182482.
PTP4A2 regulates Sorafenib resistance via activating autophagy in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Danlei , He Ying , Zhou Mi , Gao Ying , Zheng Zhou-San , Ye Wen , Xie Dan , Zhang Jiaxing , Ye Sheng
Published: September 2020

Background: To investigate the function and the potential mechanism of PTP4A2 in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Method: We analyzed PTP4A2 expression in patients with HCC and evaluated the relevance with clinical features. To investigate the role of PTP4A2 on the proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy and sorafenib sensitivity of HCC cells. Then miRNA's targeted regulation mechanism for PTP4A2 and the downstream target mechanism were explored. Results: Here, we found that PTP4A2 expression increased significantly in HCC tissues, and report that PTP4A2 is an independent prognostic factor fo HCC patients in the first time. Silencing of PTP4A2 decreased cell proliferation and autophagy, and increased cell apoptosis and sorafenib chemosensitivity, while the effect of PTP4A2 overexpression was opposite. In addition, miR-425 was found to negatively regulate PTP4A2. Mechanismly, the upregulation of PTP4A2 activated autophagy by targeting the RAB24. Overexpression of RAB24 re-enhances PTP4A2-silenced HCC cells proliferation and autophagy. Upregulation of RAB24 by PTP4A2 is partially dependent on PTP4A2 promotes HDAC1 accumulation in the cytoplasm of HCC cells and epigenetically up-regulates RAB24 transcription. Conclusion: This study confirmed that PTP4A2 is an oncogene in HCC, and antagonizing PTP4A2 may be a potential strategy of treatment to increase HCC cells’ Sorafenib sensitivity.
MiR-124 and Small Molecules Synergistically Regulate the Direct Generation of Neuronal Cells from Rat Cortical Reactive Astrocytes
Authors: Zheng Yangyang , Huang Zhehao , Xu Jinying , Hou Kun , Yu Yifei , Lv Shuang , Chen Lin , Li Yulin , Quan Chengshi , Chi Guangfan
Published: September 2020

Background：Irreversible neuron loss caused by central nervous system injuries usually lead to persistent neurological dysfunction. Reactive astrocytes, because of their high proliferative capacity, proximity to neuronal lineage, and significant involvement in glial scarring, are ideal starting cells for neuronal regeneration. Having previously identified several small molecules as important regulators of astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming, our aim in this study was to explore whether other small molecules and miR-124, a key neural differentiation mediator, could co-regulate reactive astrocyte-to-neuron conversion.Methods: MiR-124, ruxolitinib, SB203580, and forskolin were used to induce postnatal rat cortex reactive astrocytes, and the neuronal phenotype of the induced cells was characterised. To understand the genetic changes, RNA-sequencing analyses were performed on reactive astrocytes, induced neurons, and rat neurons, and the mechanisms underlying the regulatory role of miR-124 during the neuronal conversion was explored.Results：MiR-124, ruxolitinib, SB203580, and forskolin could co-convert rat cortical reactive astrocytes into neurons. The induced cells had reduced astroglial properties, displayed typical neuronal morphologies, and expressed neuronal markers, reflecting 25.9% of cholinergic neurons and 22.3% of glutamatergic neurons. Gene analysis revealed that induced neuron gene expression patterns were more similar to that of primary neurons than of initial reactive astrocytes. On the molecular level, miR-124-driven neuronal differentiation of reactive astrocytes was via targeting of the SOX9-NFIA-HES1 axis to inhibit HES1 expression.Conclusions：Providing a novel approach for inducing endogenous rat cortical reactive astrocytes into neurons by co-regulation involving miR-124 and three small molecules, our research has potential implications for inhibiting glial scar formation and promoting neuronal regeneration after central nervous system injury or disease.
The Epidemiological and Spatiotemporal Characteristics of 2019 novel coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) in Libya
Authors: Daw Mohamed A , El-Bouzedi Abdallah H , Ahmed Mohamed O
Published: September 2020

Background: COVID-19 is a global pandemic that affectedaffects all aspects of life. Studies on understanding the geographical and epidemiological characteristics become particularly important in controlling the spread of the pandemic. Such studies are lacking in Northern African countries, particularly in Libya, which is considered being, the second largest country in Africa, with the longest coast facing Europe. The objectives of this study are to; determine the epidemiological parameters and spatiotemporal patterns of COVID-19 in this large country and outline the needed strategies to contain the spread and the consequences of the pandemic. Methods: This comprehensive study included all the confirmed cases of COVID-19 since its emergence in Libya, from early April 2020 until July 31th31. The epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 were analyzed, and the spatial dynamic trends were explored. A region Region-based counts of weekly reported cases were used to characterize and quantify the spatial dynamics of COVID-19.Results: A total of 3695 of confirmed cases of OVID-19 were collected,; 2515 (68.1%) were males , and 1180 (31.9%) were females with a male-to-female (M:F) ratio of 2.1:1. Aged between 2 -and 78 years old. Older age patients infected with COVID-19 are at higher severity and mortality. A broad geographic variability and spatiotemporal spread variation of the COVID-19 pandemic in Libya was observed. Indicating. This indicates a more significant increase ofin COVID-19 from the middle of July, particularly in the West and Southern regions, although it was consistently observed in the Meddle and Southern regions.Conclusion: Evaluating the epidemiological data and the spatiotemporal dynamic trends of COVID-19 at early stages are particularly important in understanding the pandemic spread. These parameters are essential in designing effective prevention and control programs aimed at reducing the impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic, particularly in countries with limited resources.
The Effectiveness of Ramosetron and Ondansetron for Preventing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim Yang-Soo , Lee Hyo-Jin , Lee Sang-Uk
Published: September 2020

BackgroundArthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a painful procedure, and treatment of emetic events associated with drugs used in the current multimodal pain management remains challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ramosetron or ondansetron to relieve PONV and pain after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.MethodsIn total, 122 consecutive patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were randomly allocated into three groups: ramosetron group (n=39), ondansetron group (n=43), and Control group (n=40). Then, 0.3 mg of ramosetron or 8 mg of ondansetron was administered intravenously at the end of surgery according to group. All patients received general anesthesia and multimodal pain management protocol including preemptive analgesic medication, fentanyl-based intravenous patient-controlled analgesia, and postoperative analgesic medication. Incidence of emetic events, rescue antiemetic requirements (10 mg of metoclopramide, IV), complete response, pain level, and side effects were recorded in three periods: 0–6, 6–24, and 24–48 h postoperatively. The severity of nausea and pain was evaluated using visual analogue scale.ResultsThe ramosetron group tended to have a lower incidence and severity of nausea during the 6- to 24-h postoperative period and fewer rescue antiemetic drug requirements during the 0- to 48-h period than the control group, showing statistical significance (p<0.05). Additionally, the frequency of complete response of the ramosetron and ondansetron groups was significantly higher than that of the Control group. No difference was found among the groups in the pain level except during the 0- to 6-h period. The two groups have a higher complete response during the 6- to 24-h period than the control group. ConclusionsRamosetron use led to a lower incidence, mild severity of nausea, and reduced use of rescue antiemetic drug after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair during the 6- to 24-h postoperative period than the control. Level of evidence : I, randomized controlled trials, treatment study
Testing mechanical chest compression devices for pre-hospital patient transport under resuscitation
Authors: Jörgens Maximilian , Körniger Jürgen , Kanz Karl-Georg , Birkholz Torsten , Hübner Heiko , Prückner Stephan , Zwissler Bernhard , Trentzsch Heiko
Published: September 2020

Background Mechanical chest compression (mCPR) offers advantages during transport under cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Little is known how devices perform en-route. Aim of the study was to measure performance of mCPR devices of different design during pre-hospital transport.Methods We tested animax mono (AM), autopulse (AP), corpuls cpr (CC) and LUCAS2 (L2). The route had 6 stages (transport on soft stretcher or gurney involving a stairwell, trips with turntable ladder, rescue basket and ambulance including loading/unloading). Stationary mCPR with the respective device served as control. A four-person team carried an intubated and bag-ventilated mannequin under mCPR to assess device-stability (displacement, pressure point correctness), compliance with 2015 ERC guideline criteria for high-quality chest compressions (frequency, proportion of recommended pressure depth and compression-ventilation ratio) and user satisfaction (by standardized questionnaire).Results All devices performed comparable to stationary use. Displacement rates ranged from 83% (AM) to 11% (L2). Two incorrect pressure points occurred over 15,962 compressions (0.013%). Guideline-compliant pressure depth was > 90% in all devices and compression-ventilation ratio was 40% (AM), 87% (CC, L2 respectively) and 93% (AP). Electrically powered devices showed constant frequencies while muscle-powered AM showed more variability (median 100/min, interquartile range 9). Although physical effort of AM use was comparable (median 4.0 vs. 4.5 on visual scale), participants preferred electrical devices.Conclusion All devices showed good to very good performance although device-stability, guideline compliance and user satisfaction varied by design. Our results underline the importance to check stability and connection to patient under transport.
Somatic Embryogenesis and Plant Regeneration via Solid-liquid Alternating Culture in Elite Genotypes of Upland Cotton
Authors: Liu Zhengjie , Wang Xinwang , Hua Jinping
Published: September 2020

Background: Cotton is one of the most genotype-dependent plants for regeneration, in order to expand cotton regeneration genotypes and establish efficient regeneration system platform, Jiwu 2031 (glandless cotton), ND 58 and CAU 102, were selected for studying the highly efficient somatic embryos formation and regeneration via solid-liquid alternating culture system.Results: In present research, the MSB medium (MS salts adding B5 vitamins) containing 0.571 µM indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 0.465 µM kinetin (KT) and 0.904 µM 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D) was effective for callus initiation of fourteen Upland cotton with ‘Corker 201’ as the control. ‘Jiwu 2031’, ‘ND 58’ and ‘CAU 102’ could form somatic embryos and regenerate fertile plants in a solid MSB medium containing 10.31 mM NH4NO3, and supplemented with 0.027 mM glycin, 2.460 µM indole-3-acetic acid (IBA), 0.930 µM KT, 3.784 mM asparagine and 6.843 mM glutamine. Under the solid-liquid alternating culture system, the non-embryonic callus was induced to form embryonic callus and the identical status somatic embryos were obtained in 42 days, and the period for plants regeneration was shortened to 90~120 days, with the higher proportion of normal plant regeneration.Conclusions: The solid-liquid alternating culture method could increase the rate of embryogenesis and shorten the period of plants regeneration of Upland cotton. This work provides the evidence that the glandless cotton is beneficial for somatic embryogenesis (SE) and plant regeneration.
The prevalence of Trichinella spiralis in farmed minks (Neovison vison) associated with exposure to wild rats (Rattus norvegicus) in Shandong province, China
Authors: Zhang Nian-Zhang , Li Wen-Hui , Jin Qi-Wang , Yu Hai-Jie , Niu Dong-Yu , Chen Wei-Gang , Liu Ying-Ju , Qin Hong-Tao , Li Li , Yan Hong-Bin , Jia Wan-Zhong , Fu Bao-Quan
Published: September 2020

Background Both of American mink (Neovison vison) and wild rat (Rattus norvegicus) is considered reservoir hosts carrying many endoparasites. Trichinella is a successful parasitic nematode including nine species and three genotypes with a worldwide distribution. However, little is known about the prevalence of Trichinella infection in mink (Neovison vison) and rat (Rattus norvegicus) in China.Methods In total, 289 muscle samples of minks and 102 rat carcasses were collected between April 2017 and December 2019 in Weihai city of Shandong province, China. The food of minks including chicken skeleton and mashed marine products was also collected at 3 batches. All the samples were used to examine for the appearance of Trichinella by the pooled artificial HCl-pepsin digestion method. The isolates from minks and rats were identified as T. spiralis by multiplex PCR. Then, the phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the sequences of 5S rDNA inter-gene spacer regions.Results Muscle larvae were detected in 20 out of 289 minks (6.92%) and in 2 of 102 wild rats (1.96%), respectively. The intensity of Trichinella in mink samples was ranged from 0.025 to 0.815 lpg, while the larval burden in rats was 0.17 lpg. The isolates from minks and rats were identified as T. spiralis by multiplex PCR. Sequence analysis revealed a 100% identical alignment of the 5S rDNA inter-gene spacer regions from the two isolates. The phylogenetic tree confirmed the two isolates from minks and rats belonging to T. spiralis based on analysis of the 5S rDNA inter-gene spacer sequence.Conclusions The present study represents the first report of T. spiralis infection in American mink (Neovison vison) and wild rat (Rattus norvegicus) from Shandong province, China. The farmed minks would be vulnerable to Trichinella infection through exposure to the wild rats. The prevalence of T. spiralis in wild rats may raise a public health concern for the potential zoonotic risk for the domestic animals.
Characteristic Latent Features for Analyzing Digital Mental Health Interaction and Improved Explainability
Authors: Theilig Max-Marcel , Knapp Ashley Arehart , Nicholas Jennifer , Zarnekow Rüdiger , Mohr David Curtis
Published: September 2020

Background: Using smartphones and wearable sensor technology has sparked a broad engagement of data science and machine learning methods to leverage the complex, assorted amount of data. Despite verified processes, there is a reported underdevelopment of user engagement concepts, and the desire for high accuracy or significance has shown to lead to low explicability and irreproducibility. To overcome these issues, we aim to analyze principal characteristics of everyday behavior in digital mental health. Methods: We generated five latent features based on previous research, expert opinions from digital mental health, and informed by data. The features were analyzed with descriptive statistics and data visualization. We carried out two rounds of evaluations with data from 12,400 users of IntelliCare, a mental health platform with 12 apps. First, we focused to proof concept and second, we assessed reproducibility by drawing conclusion from distribution differences. User data was drawn from both research trials and public deployment on Google Play. Results: Our algorithms showed increased rationale for the basic usage of apps with different underlying behavioral strategies. Measures of the distribution of user’s allocated attention, the user’s circadian behavior, their consecutive commitment to a specific strategy, and users’ interaction trajectory curve are perceived as transferable to the public data set. Because distributions between research trial and public deployment were similar, consistency was shown regarding the underlying behavioral strategies: psychoeducation and goal setting are used as a catalyst to overcome the users’ primary obstacles, sleep hygiene is addressed most regularly, while regular emotional exposure is avoided. Relaxation as well as cognitive reframing have increased variance in commitment among public users, indicating the challenging nature of these apps. The relative course of the engagement (learning curve) is similar in research and public data. Conclusions: The deliberate, a-priori engineered features were reproducible across app users from both data sets. These features led to improved results as well as increased interpretability, providing an increased understanding of how people engage with multiple mental health apps over time. Since we based the generation of features on generic interaction proxies, these methods are applicable to other cases in artificial intelligence and digital health.
Climate indicators and COVID-19 recovery: A case of Wuhan city during the lockdown
Authors: Shuai Zhai , Fareed Zeeshan , Iqbal Najaf , Shahzad Farrukh , Yan Yong
Published: September 2020

The world needs to get out of the COVID-19 pandemic smoothly through a thorough socio-economic recovery. The first and the foremost step towards this process is the recovery of the people affected medically (COVID-19 patients). This is probably the first empirical study discussing the recovery from COVID-19 disease, and specifically aiming at exploring the environmental impact on COVID-19 recovered patients. The sample data is taken during the lockdown period in Wuhan from 23rd January 2020 to 8th April 2020. The novel econometric technique of Quantile-on-Quantile regression, recently proposed by Shin and Zhu (2016), is employed to capture the asymmetric association between environmental factors (TEMP, HUM, PM2.5, PM10, CO, SO2, NO2, and O3) and number of recovered patients from COVID-19 disease. We observe the heterogeneity among the variables across different quantiles of both independent and dependent variables. The findings suggest that TEMP, PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, and O3 are negatively related to the COVID-19 recovery, while HUM and SO2 show a positive association at most of the quantiles. The study recommends that maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for the patients may increase the number of recovered cases from COVID-19. The success story of Wuhan, the initial epicenter of the novel coronavirus in China can serve as an important case study for other countries to bring the outbreak under control. The current study could be conducive for the policymakers of those countries where the COVID-19 pandemic is still unrestrained.
Dynamic Balancing Responses in Unilateral Transtibial Amputees Following Transversal Plane Perturbations During Slow Treadmill Walking Differ Considerably for Amputated and Nonamputated Side
Authors: Olenšek Andrej , Zadravec Matjaž , Burger Helena , Matjačić Zlatko
Published: September 2020

BackgroundDue to disrupted motor and proprioceptive function lower limb amputation imposes considerable challenges associated with balance and greatly increases risk of falling in case of perturbations during walking. The aim of this study was to investigate dynamic balancing responses in unilateral transtibial amputees when they were subjected to perturbing pushes to the pelvis at the time of foot strike on nonamputated and amputated side during slow walking.MethodsFourteen subjects with unilateral transtibial amputation and nine healthy subjects participated in the study. They were subjected to perturbations that were delivered to the pelvis in different directions at the time of foot strike of either left or right leg. Centre of pressure and centre of mass positions, duration of in-stance and stepping periods as well as ground reaction forces were recorded and analysed for significant differences in dynamic balancing responses between healthy subjects and subjects with amputation when subjected to perturbation upon entering stance phases with nonamputated or amputated side.ResultsWhen perturbations were delivered at the time of foot strike of nonamputated leg subjects with amputation were able to modulate centre of pressure and ground reaction force similarly as healthy subjects. There was a complete lack of in-stance response when perturbations were delivered at the time of foot strike of amputated leg. Instead they used stepping strategy and adjusted placement of nonamputated leg in the ensuing stance phase to increase (forward perturbation) or decrease (backward perturbation) step length or making a cross-step (outward perturbation) which resulted in higher displacement of centre of mass. However, when perturbations were directed inward healthy subjects and subjects with amputation reacted primarily with a stepping response regardless whether healthy, nonamputated or amputated leg was in stance phase.ConclusionsResults of this study suggest that due to the absence of COP modulation mechanism that is normally supplied by calf muscles people with unilateral transtibial amputation are compelled to choose stepping strategy over in-stance strategy when they are subjected to perturbation on the amputated side. However the stepping response is less efficient than in-stance response which may potentially be significant contributor to frequent falls.
Synthesis of Novel Electrospun Composite Nano Powders of the Quaternary Ti-Al-O-B System
Authors: Ghadimi Zohreh , Esfahani Hamid , Mazaheri Yousef
Published: September 2020

In the present work, electrospinning was applied to develop multicomponent oxide, boride, and borate nanostructures in a quaternary Ti-Al-O-B system. Different molar ratios of B/(Ti + Al) (0.8, 1.6, and 2.4) were employed and evaluated. Imaging with the field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and the transmission electron microscope (TEM) revealed that after one hour of thermal treatment at 1100 °C, the hybrid electrospun nanofibers (NFs) in the fibrous platform transformed into nanoparticles (NPs), nano-needles, and nano-whiskers at B/(Ti + Al) molar ratios of 0.8, 1.6, and 2.4, respectively. The binding energies were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), whereas the phase study was conducted via the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The results confirmed the formation of nanostructured ceramic powder platforms composed of the multiple components, namely oxides (e.g., B doped TiO2; Al2O3), borides (TiB, TiB2, Ti2B5, TiB12, and AlB2), and borates (TiBO3; Al18B4O33). Simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) of the Ti-Al-O-B mats indicated that the borides and borates formed consecutively at temperatures above 800 °C through reactions involving molten B2O3. We found that the obtained NPs were well arranged and sintered together throughout the fibers.
Understanding Spatial Variations in Earthquake Vulnerabilities of Residential Neighborhoods of Mymensingh City, Bangladesh: An AHP-GIS Integrated Index-based Approach
Authors: Alam Md. Shaharier , Haque Shamim Mahabubul
Published: September 2020

Mymensingh city is highly earthquake vulnerable due to its geological setting, existence of three faults, viz., Dauki Fault, Madhupur Blind Fault and Sylhet-Assam Fault in its close vicinity, and liquefaction susceptible soil type. Recently an attempt has been made to assess earthquake risk of the city by Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme II, of Government of Bangladesh using FEMA developed HAZUS tool which requires usage of enormous resources and expertise. Poorly resourced city planning authorities of developing countries are seldom equipped with such financial and human resources, and as a result, the inclusion of earthquake risk analysis, more specifically, information regarding spatial variations of earthquake risk is very often found missing in their physical planning exercises. This paper aims to assess the spatial variation of earthquake vulnerability of residential neighbourhoods of Mymensingh city, employing an index-based low cost approach which could provide a reasonably accurate result with minimum resource and expertise requirements. Analytical Hierarchy Process and Weighted Linear Combination are combined with a Geographical Information System to prepare a composite index considering 23 different parameters, stemming from geological, structural, socio-economic and systematic dimensions of earthquake vulnerability. The findings of the reseach show that out of 241 residential neighbourhoods of Mymensingh city, 51 are observed to be highly vulnerable, while, 123 and 67 are medium and low vulnerable respectively. Besides, the spatial distribution of earthquake vulnerable neighbouhoods in Mymensingh City, observed in the current study has also been compared with spatial distributions observed in two similar previous studies and observed found to be reasonably close. This justifies the validity of the current low cost approach for wider application in cities of resource starved developing countries.
Thromboelastometry Early Identifies Thrombotic Complications Related to Covid-19: A Case Report
Authors: Martin Raissa Lanna Araújo San , Crochemore Tomaz , Savioli Felicio Aragão , Coelho Fernanda Oliveira , Passos Rogério da Hora
Published: September 2020

Background: Covid-19 is a contagious infectious disease, which quickly spread worldwide, whose clinical presentation includes from mild symptoms such as flu to pneumonia and severe acute respiratory syndrome. The severe presentation of the disease can affect different organs and systems. Coagulopathy has been associated with a worse clinical outcome, with manifestations such as pulmonary embolism and systemic arterial thrombosis. Thromboelastometry has been used to identify hypercoagulability in early stages of disease. Case presentation: We report the case of a 59-year-old woman with Covid-19 infection complicated by pulmonary embolism and acute arterial thrombosis associated with critical lower limb ischemia requiring amputation. Conclusions: In this case, thromboelastometry allowed the early identification of hypercoagulability pattern. This reported case showed that the early thromboelastometry can be useful to identify hypercoagulable state to guide the anticoagulant therapy and to avoid thrombotic complications.
WITHDRAWN: A Fuzzy Rule-Based Compartmental Modeling for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Siam Zakaria Shams , Hasan Rubyat Tasnuva , Ahamed Hossain , Youme Samiya Kabir , Anik Soumik Sarker , Alita Sumaia Islam , Rahman Rashedur M.
Published: September 2020

Different epidemiological compartmental models have been presented to predict the transmission dynamics of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which is the most burning issue all over the world right now. In this study, we have proposed a new fuzzy rule-based Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered-Death (SEIRD) compartmental model to delineate the intervention and transmission heterogeneity in China, New Zealand, United States and Bangladesh for SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. We have introduced a new dynamic fuzzy transmission possibility variable in the compartmental model. Through our model, we have presented the correspondence of the intervention measures in relaxing the transmission possibility. We estimated that the peak in the US might arrive during the last half of August and for Bangladesh, it might occur during the first half of August, 2020 if current intervention measures are not violated. We have modeled a prediction scenario for Bangladesh if current intervention measures are violated due to Eid-ul-Azha. We further investigated what might happen if Bangladesh government reopens everything from September, 2020. We suggested various effective epidemic control policies for the authority of Bangladesh to fight against the virus. We concluded analyzing the current scenario of Bangladesh suggesting that extensive tests must be carried out collecting more samples of the asymptomatic individuals along with the symptomatic cases and also proper isolation and quarantine measures should be maintained strictly to contain the epidemic sooner.
Assessment of the Environmental Significance of Heavy Metals Pollution in Surficial Sediments of South Brittany Waters, France: An Ecological Risk Assessment Approach
Authors: ONG MENG CHUAN , Hui-Juan Pan , Shazili Noor Azhar Mohamed , Menier David , Dupont Virginie , Révillon Sidonie , Coynel Alexandra
Published: September 2020

Distribution patterns of selected heavy metals content in sediments from the Bay of Quiberon and Gulf of Morbihan were studied to understand the current heavy metals contamination due to urbanization and mariculture activities in the coastal area. Therefore, a survey was conducted and 196 sediments collected were characterized for heavy metals content using Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS) after mix acid digestion process. The distribution maps of the concentrations of the heavy metals studied were produced as an isopleth map based on data interpolation by the ArcGIS software application. The association with the adverse effects on aquatic organisms was determined by the classification of the sediment according to the sediment quality guidelines. Therefore, two approaches were employed namely; direct comparison with Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) by USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) and comparison with other numerical SQGs, threshold effect level/probable effect level, and effect range low /effect range medium. In order to estimate the effect of multiple contaminations of heavy metals, the mean–ERM–quotient was calculated at each sampling point.
Faecal Carriage Rate of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella Pneumonia Among Apparently Health Food Handlers in Dilla University Student Cafeteria
Authors: Diriba Kuma Urgeya , Awulachew Ephrem , Takele Lami , Ashuro Zemachu
Published: September 2020

Background: The rapid spread of extended-spectrum β- lactamases (ESBL) producing enterobacteriaceae among food handlers, which can cause food borne outbreaks, is a public health concern and become a serious world threat. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli are the predominant ESBL-producing enterobacteriaceae. There is no sufficient data related to this in underdeveloped countries. Objective: This study was aimed assess the magnitude of ESBL producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli isolated from stool of apparently health food handlers in the Dilla University Student Cafeteria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November to September 2018/2019. A structured questionnaire was used for collection of data on socio- demographics. A total of 220 stool samples were cultured on MacConkey agar and a series of biochemical tests was done for the identification of bacterial species. Double-disk synergy (DDS) method was used for the detection of ESBL-producing strains. A disc of amoxicillin clavulanic acid was placed in the center of the Mueller–Hinton agar plate, and cefotaxime, aztreonam, and ceftazidime were placed at a distance of 20mm from the disk placed at center. Enhanced inhibition zone of any of the cephalosporin discs on the side facing amoxicillin clavulanic acid was considered as ESBL producer. Results: The rate of faecal carriage of E. coli and K. pneumonia among the food handlers of the current study was found to be 66.4%, of which 81.5% was E. coli, while 18.5% was K. pneumonia. From the total bacterial isolates, 25.3% were confirmed to be positive for ESBL production of which 19.9% was E. coli, while 5.5% was K. pneumonia. ESBL-producing faecal carriage showed high resistance to aztreonam, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, cefuroxime, and ceftazidime with resistance rate ranged from 88-100%, while the least resistance rate was seen against imipenem accounted <26.3%. In this study, around 91.9% of ESBL-producing isolates were co-resistant to β -lactams antibiotics plus at least one of the non β -lactam antibiotics. Only food handlers who used antibiotics repeatedly in the last 3months were significantly associated with the ESBL carriage with P values of 0.001, 95% CI (1.12-3.18). Conclusion: The magnitude of ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumonia faecal carriage is alarmingly high and a threat to human health. The occurrence of multidrug resistance to third-generation cephalosporins and non-β lactam antibiotics is more common among ESBL producers. Detecting and reporting of ESBL-producing organisms have a remarkable importance in clinical decision-making. Hence, a coordinated effort should be implemented for the prevention and control the disease Enterobacteriaceae
Vitamin C and corticosteroids in viral pneumonia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Anstey Matthew , Lu Jacky , Myers Erina , Palmer Robert , Wibrow Bradley , Ho Kwok
Published: September 2020

16 patients were admitted to a tertiary intensive care in 2019 for viral pneumonia. 11 were prescribed corticosteroids for vasopressor resistant shock, and 9 received intravenous vitamin C (1.5 g QID) at the discretion of the treating clinician. Data was collected prospectively to examine the change in PaO2/FiO2 ratios after administration of Vitamin C, and the association with mortality. Vitamin C did not change oxygenation, but combined with corticosteroids there was trend towards a beneficial separation in the P/F ratio over time. The use of corticosteroids was associated with a mortality benefit. These findings need confirmation in a larger study. Wordcount 99
Experiences of Seeking Antenatal Care and Delivery Among Teenagers at Health Facilities in Kibuku District, Eastern Uganda
Authors: Basaza Robert K , Mawerere Josephine N , Namusana Rebecca
Published: September 2020

Background: Uganda is ranked 14th out of 54 countries in Africa with the highest levels of teenage pregnancies. The teenage pregnancy rate in Kibuku District in 2016 was at 35.8%, higher than the average rate in Uganda (25%) and also above the average one for rural areas in Uganda which was at 27%. Unfortunately, there is limited information on the experiences of seeking antenatal care and delivery among teenagers in the district. Method: This paper explored what these teenagers experience when they seek services at health facilities in Kibuku district, Eastern Uganda. This study used a phenomenological design. Data was collected using in-depth interviews from pregnant teenagers aged 13-19 years, seeking antenatal care (ANC) or who had delivered. They were purposively selected to participate in the study. Data collected was thematically analyzed through coding.Results: Most teenage mothers know the importance of seeking ANC and delivering from a health facility. Unfortunately, only a few seek services early due to some experiences. These include personal experiences like financial constraints; interpersonal experiences like support they receive from the people they stay with who include husbands and parents, medication given, health workers’ attitude and health education given.Conclusion: The personal experiences of pregnant teenagers or those who had delivered at health facilities is that they knew the importance of seeking ANC and delivery at health facilities. The experiences with the health facilities also contributed to the seeking behavior of the teenage girls. For example, the comfort received by the girls at the facility, medication administered, the way they were treated by the health workers and the availability of utilities. The teenage girls need to be sensitized by health and social workers about the sensitive nature of their health when they are pregnant so that they are able to make personal decisions.
Identification of Four Hub Genes Involved in Breast Cancer Based on Robust Rank Aggregation and WGCNA Methods
Authors: Ke Rongqin , Yin Jinbao
Published: September 2020

Background: Further elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of the occurrence, development and prognosis of breast cancer remains an urgent need. Identifying hub genes involved in these pathogenesis and progression can potentially help to unveil these mechanisms and provide novel therapeutic targets for breast cancer. Methods: In this study, we systematically integrated robust rank aggregation (RRA), functional enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks construction and analysis, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), DNA methylation analyses and genomic mutation analyses, GSEA and GSVA to identify potential hub genes that are highly associated with breast cancer. Results: We identified a total of 512 robust DEGs that were significantly associated with breast cancer based on RRA analysis and functional enrichment analysis. CENPL, ISG20L2, MRPL3 and LSM4 were identified as four potential hub genes for breast cancer through the WGCNA analysis and literate search. These four hub genes were upregulated in breast cancer tissues and associated with tumor progression. ROC and Kaplan-Meier indicated these four hub genes all showed good diagnostic performance and prognostic values for breast cancer. Methylation analyses and genomic mutation analyses suggested that the abnormal up-regulation of these genes are likelyresulted from hypomethylation and gene mutations. Moreover, GSEA and GSVA for single potential hub genes revealed they were all tightly related to the proliferation of tumor cells. Conclusion: We identify four genes (CENPL, ISG20L2, MRPL3, and LSM4) that are likely playing key roles in the molecular mechanism of occurrence and development of breast cancer. They may become potential therapeutic targets for breast cancer patients with further studies. Keywords: breast cancer, RRA, WGCNA, hub genes
Resequencing of 672 native rice accessions to explore genetic diversity and trait associations along Vietnam
Authors: Higgins Janet , Santos Bruno , Khanh Tran Dang , Trung Khuat Huu , Duong Tran Duy , Doai Nguyen Thi Phuong , Khoa Nguyen Truong , Ha Dang Thi Thanh , Diep Nguyen Thuy , Dung Kieu Thi , Phi Cong Nguyen , Thuy Tran Thi , Tuan Nguyen Thanh , Tran Hoang Dung , Trung Nguyen Thanh , Giang Hoang Thi , Nhung Ta Kim , Tran Cuong Duy , Lang Son Vi , Nghia La Tuan , Giang Nguyen Van , Xuan Tran Dang , Hall Anthony , Dyer Sarah , Ham Le Huy , Caccamo Mario , Vega Jose J De
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND:

Vietnam possesses a vast diversity of rice landraces due to its geographical situation, latitudinal range, and a variety of ecosystems. This genetic diversity constitutes a highly valuable resource at a time when the highest rice production areas in the low-lying Mekong and Red River Deltas are enduring increasing threats from climate changes, particularly in rainfall and temperature patterns.
RESULTS:

We analysed 672 Vietnamese rice genomes, 616 newly sequenced, that encompass the range of rice varieties grown in the diverse ecosystems found throughout Vietnam. We described four Japonica and five Indica subpopulations within Vietnam likely adapted to the region of origin. We compared the population structure and genetic diversity of these Vietnamese rice genomes to the 3,000 genomes of Asian cultivated rice. The named Indica-5 (I5) subpopulation was expanded in Vietnam and contained lowland Indica accessions, which had with very low shared ancestry with accessions from any other subpopulation and were previously overlooked as admixtures. We scored phenotypic measurements for nineteen traits and identified 453 unique genotype-phenotype significant associations comprising twenty-one QTLs (quantitative trait loci). The strongest associations were observed for grain size traits, while weaker associations were observed for a range of characteristics, including panicle length, heading date and leaf width.
CONCLUSIONS:

Our results highlight differences in genome composition and trait associations among traditional Vietnamese rice accessions, which are likely the product of adaption to multiple environmental conditions and regional preferences in a very diverse country. Our results highlighted traits and their associated genomic regions that are a potential source of novel loci and alleles to breed a new generation of sustainable and resilient rice.