bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association of Minerals Intake in Three Meals with Cancer and All-Cause Mortality: The U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003-2014
Authors: Xu Xiaoqing , Huang Jiaxin , Xu Jiaxu , Jiang Wenbo , Wei Wei , Han Tianshu , Li Ying , Sun Changhao
Published: February 2021

Background: Intake time of diet has recently been demonstrated to be associated with the internal clock and circadian pattern. However, whether and how the intake time of minerals would influence the natural course of cancer was largely unknown. Methods:This study aimed to assess the association of mineral intake at different periods with cancer and all-cause mortality. A total of 27455 participants aged 18-85 years old in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were recruited. The main exposures were the mineral intakes in the morning, afternoon and evening, which were categorized into quintiles, respectively. The main outcomes were mortality of cancer and all causes. Results:During the 178,182 person-years of follow-up, 2680 deaths, including 601 deaths due to cancer, were documented. After adjusting for potential confounders, compared to the participants who were in the lowest quartile(Quartile-1) of mineral intakes at dinner, the participants in the highest quartile intake(Quartile-5) of dietary potassium, calcium and magnesium had lower mortality risks of cancer (HRpotassium=0.72, 95% CI:0.55-0.94; HRcalcium=0.74, 95% CI:0.57-0.98; HRmagnesium=0.75, 95% CI:0.56-0.99) and all-cause (HRpotassium=0.83, 95% CI:0.73-0.94; HRcalcium=0.87, 95% CI:0.76-0.99; HRmagnesium=0.85, 95% CI:0.74-0.97). Further, equivalently replacing 10% of dietary potassium, calcium and magnesium consumed in the morning with those in the evening were associated with lower mortality risk of cancer (HRpotassium=0.94, 95%CI:0.91-0.97; HRcalcium=0.95, 95%CI:0.92-0.98; HRmagnesium=0.95, 95%CI: 0.92-0.98). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the optimal intake time of potassium, calcium and magnesium for reducing the risk of cancer and all-cause mortality was in the evening.
A Virus-Induced Gene-Silencing Vector Based on a Mild Isolate of Watermelon Mosaic Virus for Reverse Genetic Analyses in Cucurbits
Authors: Houhou Fakhreddine , Aragonés Verónica , Butković Anamarija , Sáez Cristina , Picó Belén , López Carmelo , Daròs José-Antonio
Published: February 2021

As a response to viral infections, host plants trigger an RNA-mediated gene silencing defense, to which viruses respond with the expression of viral-encoded RNA silencing suppressors. If virus clones are manipulated to include sequences homologous to host endogenous genes, these are also targeted by the plant RNA silencing machinery. This so-called virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) has become a powerful technique for reverse genetic analyses in plants, as an alternative to labor-intensive genome transformation. We show that a mild isolate of Watermelon mosaic virus (WMV, genus Potyvirus) can be used as a VIGS vector for reverse genetic analyses in melon. Recombinant WMV clones —in which fragments of the melon Phytoene desaturase (PDS) mRNA were inserted in sense, antisense, and hairpin modalities— induced a distinctive phenotype and significant silencing of the endogenous gene. While the foreign fragments in sense and antisense orientations were stable in the viral progeny, the hairpin was quickly lost. Nevertheless, the hairpin construct triggered a maintained silencing effect comparable to those of the sense and antisense constructs. The suitability of WMV as a VIGS vector was further confirmed targeting melon Magnesium chelatase subunit I (CHLI). These results also support that, although potyviruses express a strong silencing suppressor that usually precludes VIGS, mild isolates of this kind of viruses can be used as VIGS vectors. Finally, to facilitate the use of this new tool by cucurbit geneticists, we describe plasmid pGWMV-VIGS that allows easy cloning fragments of the genes of interest in a single Gibson assembly reaction.
Count Models for Identifying Factors Associated with Child Mortality in Ethiopia
Authors: Ali Endale Alemayehu , Tilahun Tsigereda
Published: February 2021

Introduction: The under-five mortality rate, often known by its acronym U5MR or simply as the child mortality rate, indicates the probability of dying between births exactly five years of age, expressed per 1,000 live births. In comparison, the probability of dying after the first month and before reaching age 1 was 12 per 1,000, the probability of dying after age 1 and before age 5 was 10 per 1,000, and the probability of dying after age 5 and before age 15 was 7 per 1,000. Objectives: The study was aimed to determine the major factors of child mortality in Ethiopia using different counting models. In detail the study has the objective of identifying the risk factors of child mortality in Ethiopia and also to prioritize the best counting models that fit the data well. Methods: The Ethiopian demographic and health survey of 2016 was used for this study. About 10641 women aged between 15-49 were included in the survey. To analyze the data, counting models like the Poisson regression model, negative binomial model, zero-inflated regression models, and zero-inflated negative binomial regression model were applicable. Results: The results of the study indicated that of the total 10641 women respondents, 7576 (71.2%) have not faced the problem of child mortality. Thus, this result has the clue that the count models, especially the models that can handle the dispersion may be applicable. The average rate of child mortality is less than the variance of child mortality and this indicated that there is an over-dispersion of the data. Of all the candidate models, a zero-inflated negative binomial regression model was found to be the best model since it has a minimum AIC(15517). The coefficient table of the best model indicated that of child mortality for the women from rural residence is 1.2532 greater than those from urban with a 95% confidence interval (0.0905, 0.3610). Conclusion: The model comparison technique is indicated that the zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were the best mode that fit the data well. Under this model, the residency of women, birth order, Preceding Birth Interval, Size of a child at birth (smaller than average), and number of household members are significant variables in determining the status of child mortality in Ethiopia
Incidence Trends and Survival Prediction of Urothelial Cancer of the Bladder: A Population-Based Study
Authors: He Hairong , Liu Tianjie , Han Didi , Li Chengzhuo , Xu Fengshuo , Lyu Jun , Gao Ye
Published: February 2021

Background. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence trends of urothelial cancer of the bladder (UCB) and to develop a nomogram for predicting the cancer-specific survival (CSS) of postsurgery UCB at a population-based level based on the SEER database. Methods. The age-adjusted incidence of UCB diagnosed from 1975 to 2016 was extracted, and its annual percentage change was calculated and joinpoint regression analysis was performed. A nomogram was constructed for predicting the CSS in individual cases based on independent predictors. The predictive performance of the nomogram was evaluated using the consistency index (C-index), net reclassification index (NRI), integrated discrimination improvement (IDI), a calibration plot and the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve. Results. The incidence of UCB showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing from 1975 to 2016. However, the overall incidence increased over that time period. The age at diagnosis, race, insurance status, marital status, differentiated grade, AJCC stage, regional lymph nodes removed status, chemotherapy status and tumor size were independent prognostic factors for postsurgery UCB. The nomogram constructed based on these independent factors performed well, with a C-index of 0.823 and a close fit to the calibration curve. Its prediction ability for CSS of postsurgery UCB is better than that of the existing AJCC system, with NRI and IDI values greater than 0 and ROC curves exhibiting good performance for 3, 5, and 8 years of follow-up. Conclusions. The nomogram constructed in this study might be suitable for clinical use in improving the clinical predictive accuracy of the long-term survival for postsurgery UCB.
300,000-year-old wooden tools from Gantangqing, southwest China
Authors: Gao Xing , Liu Jian-Hui , Ruan Qi-Jun , Ge Junyi , Huang Yongjiang , Liu Jia , Li Shufeng , Guan Ying , Shen Hui , Wang Yuan , Stidham Thomas , Deng Chenglong , Li Shenghua , Han Fei , Li Bo , Dennell Robin
Published: February 2021

Early Palaeolithic wooden implements are exceptionally rare. The best known are the spears and throwing sticks from Schöningen, Germany dated to ca. 300–330 thousand years (kyr) ago 1,2 and the 171-kyr old digging sticks from Poggetti Vecchi, Italy 3. Here, we report a unique assemblage of 35 wooden implements from the site of Gantangqing, southwestern China, which was found associated with stone tools, antler soft hammers and cut-marked bones, and is dated to ca. 361–250 kyr at 95% probability. The wooden implements include digging sticks and complete, small, hand-held pointed tools. The tips of several had starch grains of plants with starch-rich rhizomes. We suggest that most of these tools were used for digging the rhizomes of sub-aquatic plants on the edges of an ancient lake. This discovery provides the earliest tangible evidence for the exploitation of sub-surface plant foods in the Middle Pleistocene. It also highlights the probable role of plant foods (especially underground storage organs [USOs]) in sub-tropical and tropical environments in which a wide variety of edible plants were available, and implies that hominins had a detailed knowledge of which plants, and which parts of plants, were edible. These tools also show that organic materials played an important role in Middle Pleistocene technology, and the sophistication of many of these tools off-sets the seemingly “primitive” design of stone tools in the East Asian Early Palaeolithic.
Attitudes of registered physiotherapists toward people identifying as lesbian, gay, and bisexual: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Klein Roei , Elboim-Gabyzon Michal
Published: February 2021

Background: This study aimed to explore the attitudes of registered physiotherapists in Israel toward people identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) and to identify background characteristics associated with their attitudes toward LGB individuals. Methods: This study employed an observational design and was conducted nationwide in Israel. The anonymous online questionnaire covered participants’ demographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, and religiousness), two self-assessment questions regarding levels of homophobia (active engagement against LGB individuals) and heterosexism (holding negative opinions regarding LGB individuals), and the 22-item Hebrew version of the Attitudes Toward Homosexuality Scale (ATHS). Participants were recruited through professional organizations, social media, and word of mouth. Results: The data of 383 registered physiotherapists practicing in Israel were analyzed. ATHS scores ranged between 32 and 110 (out of 110), with a median score of 106 and 41% scoring below the median. The median score regarding homophobia and heterosexism was one out of five. Logistic regression indicated that identifying as men, heterosexual orientation, and religiousness were significantly associated with less positive attitudes toward LGB individuals. Most participants received considerably limited formal education regarding the specific needs of sexual minorities. Conclusions: Overall, physiotherapists in Israel demonstrated favorable attitudes toward LGB individuals, as reflected both by ATHS scores and their levels of homophobia and heterosexism. The current results highlight the need to update the physiotherapy curriculum to include information regarding sexual orientation and its effect on the mental and physical health of the LGB community.
Clinical Characteristics and Long-term Surgical Outcome of Spinal Myxopapillary Ependymoma: A French Cohort of 101 Patients
Authors: Montero Anne-Sophie , Tran Suzanne , Amelot Aymeric , Berriat Félix , Lot Guillaume , Gaillard Stephan , Villa Chiara , Polivka Marc , Adam Clovis , Idbaih Ahmed , Feuvret Loïc , Carpentier Alexandre , Parker Fabrice , Bielle Franck , Mathon Bertrand
Published: February 2021

Purpose: Myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE) is the most frequent tumor affecting the medullary conus. The surgical therapeutic management is still debated and only few studies have focused on the postoperative clinical outcome of patients. This study aimed to demonstrate long-term postoperative outcome and to assess the predictive factors of recurrence as well as the clinical evolution of these patients.Methods: From 1984 to 2019, in four French centers 101 adult patients diagnosed with MPE were retrospectively included. Results: Median age at surgery was 39 years. Median tumor size was 50mm and lesions were multifocal in 13% of patients. All patients benefited from surgery and one patient received postoperative radiotherapy. Gross total resection was obtained in 75% of cases. Sixteen percent of patients presented recurrence after a median follow-up of 70 months. Progression free survival at 5 and 10 years were respectively estimated at 83% and 79%. After multivariable analysis, sacral localization, and subtotal resection were shown to be independently associated with tumor recurrence. 85% of the patients had a favorable evolution concerning pain. Twelve percent of the patients presented a postoperative deterioration of sphincter function and 4% of motor function. Conclusion: Surgery alone is an acceptable option for MPE patients. Patients with sacral location or incomplete resection are at high risk of recurrence and should be carefully monitored.
Pseudocapsular resection in elderly patients with non-functioning pituitary adenoma
Authors: Kinoshita Yasuyuki , Taguchi Akira , Tominaga Atsushi , Arita Kazunori , Yamasaki Fumiyuki
Published: February 2021

Purpose
The safety of transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for pituitary adenoma in elderly patients is becoming a new topic in our aging society. However, previous studies did not focus on the surgical procedures in elderly patients. We attempted to clarify the safety of TSS and the influence of pseudocapsular resection in elderly patients with non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA).
Methods
A total of 272 patients undergoing initial surgery for NFPA were categorized into two groups as follows: 1) Elderly group (n = 66; age ≥ 70 years); and 2) Younger group (n = 206; age < 70 years). Furthermore, all patients were newly divided into the two following categories: 1) Resected group (n = 113, with total pseudocapsule resection); and 2) Non-Resected group (n = 159, without pseudocapsule resection). The main outcome measure was the incidence of perioperative complications and the rate of severe growth hormone deficiency (sGHD) after TSS.
Results
No data indicated a negative influence of aging on TSS. Furthermore, pseudocapsular resection did not increase the surgical risks in the Elderly group. On the other hand, sGHD only showed a significant improvement in the Younger group. However, the prevalence of sGHD did not change after TSS in the Elderly group, irrespective of whether the pseudocapsule was resected.
Conclusions
Aging does not increase the risk of TSS for NFPA, furthermore, pseudocapsular resection does not have any negative influence on the TSS of NFPA in elderly patients. However, in elderly patients, the likelihood of achieving an improvement in sGHD is lower, irrespective of whether the TSS is performed with a pseudocapsular resection.
Comprehensive Analysis of Proteasomal Complexes in Mouse Brain Regions Detects ENO2 as a Potential Partner of the proteasome in the Striatum
Authors: Rezvani Khosrow , Esfahanian Niki , Nelson Morgan , Autenried Rebecca , Pattison Scott , Callegari Eduardo
Published: February 2021

Defects in the activity of the proteasome or its regulators are linked to several pathologies including neurodegenerative diseases. We hypothesize that proteasome heterogeneity and its selective partners vary across brain regions and have a large impact on proteasomal catalytic activities. Using neuronal cell cultures and brain tissues obtained from mice, we compared proteasomal activities from two distinct brain regions affected in neurodegenerative diseases, the striatum and the hippocampus. The results indicated that proteasome activities and their responses to proteasome inhibitors are determined by their subcellular localizations and their brain regions. Using a iodixanol gradient fractionation method, proteasome complexes were isolated, followed by proteomic analysis for proteasomal interaction partners. Proteomic results revealed gamma enolase (ENO2), a known proteasome partner, has more affinity to proteasome complexes purified from the striatum than to those from the hippocampus. These results highlight a potential key role for non-proteasomal partners of proteasome regarding the diverse activities of the proteasome complex recorded in several brain regions.
Do Fires Discriminate? Socio-Economic Disadvantage, Wildfire Hazard Exposure and the Australian 2019–20 ‘Black Summer’ Fires
Authors: Akter Sonia , Grafton R. Quentin
Published: February 2021

We examine the relationship between socio-economic disadvantage and exposure to environmental hazard with data from the catastrophic 2019–2020 Australian wildfires (Black Summer) that burnt at least 19 million hectares, thousands of buildings and was responsible for the deaths of 34 people and more than one billion animals. Combining data from the National Indicative Aggregated Fire Extent (NIAFE) and 2016 Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), we estimate the correlation between wildfire hazard exposure and an index of community-level socio-economic disadvantage. Wildfire hazard exposure is measured as the interaction between the percentage of area burnt and proximity of the fire to settlements. The results reveal a significant positive relationship between fire hazard exposure and socio-economic disadvantage, such that the most socio-economically disadvantaged communities bore a disproportionately higher hazard exposure in the Black Summer than relatively advantaged communities. Our spatial analysis shows that the socio-economic disadvantage and wildfire hazard exposure relationship exists in inner regional, outer regional and remote areas of New South Wales and Victoria, the two worst-hit states of the Black Summer catastrophe. Our spatial analysis also finds that wildfire hazard exposure, even within a small geographical area, can vary substantially depending on the socio-economic profiles of communities. A possible explanation for our findings is resource gaps for fire suppression and hazard reduction that favours communities with a greater level of socio-economic advantage.
Evaluation the relationship of left ventricular global longitudinal strain and laboratory parameters in discharged patients with COVID-19: A follow-up study
Authors: BAYKIZ Derya , GOVDELI Elif AYDUK , OZER Pelin KARACA , KARAAYVAZ Ekrem Bilal , CATMA Yunus , MEDETALIBEYOGLU Alpay , CAGATAY Atahan , UMMAN Berrin , TUKEK Tufan , BUGRA Zehra
Published: February 2021

Background
The novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) disease has spread rapidly and posed a great threat to global public health. The laboratory parameters and clinical outcomes of the disease in discharged patients remain unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the laboratory and echocardiographic findings of patients with COVID-19 after discharge and the relation between left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) and inflammatory parameters in discharged patients.
Methods
A total of 75 patients recovering from COVID-19 as the study group were prospectively recruited from the COVID-19 outpatient clinic for their follow-up visits at a median 6 months after discharge. Patients were classified into groups according to pneumonia severity and impairment in LVGLS. Laboratory findings of patients both at admission and after discharge were evaluated and the relation with pneumonia severity at admission and LVGLS after discharge were analyzed.
Results
Serum ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) levels after discharge were significantly higher in the study group than the control group (n = 44). Ferritin was found to be related to pneumonia severity. Serum ferritin and LDH values after discharge were significantly higher in patients with impaired LVGLS than those with preserved. There was a significant correlation between LVGLS, serum ferritin and LDH values after discharge (r = -0.252, p = 0.012; r = -0.268, p = 0.005, respectively).
Conclusions
Clinicians should pay close attention to the serum ferritin and LDH levels in discharged patients for predicting the severity of COVID-19 disease and early identification of subclinical left ventricular myocardial dysfunction.
Okur-Chung Neurodevelopmental Syndrome-linked CK2α mutations have reduced kinase activity
Authors: Dominguez Isabel , Gamero Jose Cruz , Corasolla Victor , Dacher Nicolas , Rangasamy Sampath , Urbani Andrea , Naranayan Vinod , rebholz heike
Published: February 2021

The Okur-Chung Neurodevelopmental Syndrome, or OCNDS, is a newly discovered rare neurodevelopmental disorder. It is characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, behavioral problems (hyperactivity, repetitive movements and social interaction deficits), hypotonia, epilepsy and language/verbalization deficits. OCNDS is linked to de novo variants in CSNK2A1, that lead to missense or deletion/truncating mutations in the encoded protein, the protein kinase CK2a.
Eighteen different missense CK2a mutants have been identified to date, however no biochemical or cell biological studies have yet been performed to clarify the functional impact of such mutations. Here, we show that 15 different missense CK2a mutations lead to varying degrees of loss of kinase activity as recombinant purified proteins and when mutants are ectopically expressed in mammalian cells. We further detect changes in the phosphoproteome of three patient derived fibroblast lines and show that the subcellular localization of CK2a is altered for some of the OCNDS-linked mutants and in patient derived fibroblasts. Our data argue that reduced kinase activity and abnormal localization of CK2a may underlie the OCNDS phenotype.
Equitable mitigation to achieve the 1.5 °C goal in the Mediterranean basin
Authors: Alcaraz Olga , Sureda Bàrbara , Turon Albert , Ramírez Cindy , Gebellí Marta
Published: February 2021

The mitigation required to achieve the 1.5 °C goal of the Paris Agreement entails drastic emission reductions. The mentioned goal is of special interest for regions like the Mediterranean where the average temperature is rising above the world average with the consequential risk for the future viability of its different ecosystems.
The objective of this work is to analyze if the commitments of the Mediterranean basin countries submitted under the Paris Agreement framework are in line with the 1.5 °C goal. For this analysis, the cumulative emissions of the current Nationally Determined Contributions of these countries until 2030, are compared with the result obtained from distributing the cumulative greenhouse gas emissions compatible with the 1.5 °C global mitigation scenario between 2018 and 2100. This distribution is obtained using the Model of Climate Justice that allocates the global emissions by using equity criteria (equality and responsibility) that take into consideration the historical responsibility for each country, in the period from 1994 to 2017.
There are two main conclusions from the analysis of the NDCs. Firstly, it is concluded that the Mediterranean basin countries as a whole, are not in line with the 1.5 °C goal, because by 2030, 77% of the emissions budget that will be available until 2100, based on the equity criteria aforementioned, will already have been emitted. And, secondly, when the NDCs for each one of the countries are compared some significant differences in the degree of ambition can be seen.
Socio-demographic, economic and mental health problems were risk factors for suicidal ideation among Kenyan students aged 15 plus
Authors: Ndetei David M , Mutiso Victoria N. , Weisz John R. , Okoth Consolate A. , Musyimi Christine W , Muia Esther N. , Osborn Tom L. , Sourander Andre , Wasserman Danuta , Mamah Daniel
Published: February 2021

Background: Understanding the prevalence of different suicidal ideas and context appropriate wide range of risk factors in youth in particular is important because about a third of youth with suicidal ideation develop suicidal plans and about 60% of youth with suicidal plans make suicidal attempts. This study aims to provide for the first time wide ranging Kenyan data on the above so as to inform context appropriate practice and policy. Methods: To achieve our aim, we studied a total of 9742 high school, college and university students using following self-administered instruments: - a researcher design socio-demographic questionnaire, Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire (PDSQ) to document psychiatric disorders and various types of suicidal ideas in previous two weeks, Washington Early Recognition Center Affectivity and Psychosis tool to assess stress, affectivity and psychosis, Wealth index questionnaire to document economic indicators based on household items for the families of the students. We used descriptive statistics to document the prevalence of suicidal ideas and socio-demographics, univariate analysis to determine associations between suicidal ideas and mental health disorders, socio-demographic characteristics and economic indicators. All the independent variables were then estimated using bivariate logistic regression, fitted to identify potential confounding factors. Variables with a p-value of less than <.05 were entered into generalized linear models using logit links to identify independent predictors. Results: The median age was 21.3 years (range 15-43),with a majority of males (53.5%)and 93.4% single. The overall prevalence of different types of suicidal ideation was (22.6%), the commonest of which was thinking of specific ways to take their life (19.3%) and least wanting to be dead (10.7%). Major depression was found in 20.0%. Affectivity, psychosis and stress was found in 10.4%, 8.7% and 26.0% respectively. Female gender, major depression, stress, affectivity and psychosis and being in high school were significant (p<0.05) predictors of suicidal ideation. Conclusion: We have documented the prevalence of different types of suicidal ideas and the risk factors in Kenyan students. We have therefore achieved our aims. Future studies are needed to study the progression from suicidal ideas to suicidal attempts and the factors associated with that progression.
Seismic Behavior of Innovative Hybrid CLT-steel Shear Wall for Mid-Rise Buildings.
Authors: Enrique Tulio Carrero , Montaño Jairo , Berwart Sebastián , María Hernán Santa , Guindos Pablo
Published: February 2021

This paper examines the seismic behavior of CLT-steel hybrid walls at six- and ten-story heights to increase seismic force resistance compared to a conventional wooden wall. The ultra-strong shear walls proposed in this paper are called Framing Panel Shear Walls (FPSW), which are based on a robust articulated steel frame braced with CLT board panels and steel tendons. Timber structures are well-known for their ecological benefits, as well as their excellent seismic performance, mainly due to high strength-to-weight ratio compared to steel and concrete ones, flexibility, and redundancy. However, in order to meet the requirements regarding the maximum inter-story drifts prescribed in seismic design codes, a challenging engineering problem emerges, because sufficiently resistant, rigid and ductile connections and lateral assemblies are not available for timber to meet both the technical and economical restrictions. Therefore, it is a necessity to develop strong and cost-effective timber-based lateral systems, in order to become a real alternative to mid- and high-rises, especially in seismic countries. In this investigation, the dynamic response of cross-laminated timber (CLT) combined with hollow steel profiles has been investigated in shear wall configuration. After experimental work, an investigation was also carried out into numerical modelling for simulating the cyclic behavior of a hybrid FPSW wall and the spectral modal analysis of a six- and a ten-story buildings with FPSW. A FPSW shear wall can double the capacity and stiffness.
Antioxidant metabolites from riparian fungal endophytes improve the tolerance of rice seedlings to flooding
Authors: Xue Yanhong , Liu Chengxiong , Bai Xiaoxuan , Cheng Fan , Chen Jianfeng , liu shiping
Published: February 2021

Endophytic fungi have the potential to enhance plant resistance to various stresses and promote the ecological adaptation of the hosts. To evaluate the effects of the riparian endophytes on rice seedlings to flooding tolerance, here we screened out two endophytes from the plant Myricaria laxiflora growing in the Yangtze River zone. Through morphological characteristics and rDNA ITS (internal transcriber region) sequence, the two strains were respectively identified as Aspergillus fumigatus and Chaetomium globosum. Metabolites derived from both fungi were capable of increasing tolerance to flooding. Systematic separation and purification coupled to bioassays revealed that two natural antioxidants, Z-N-4-hydroxystyryl formamide (NFA) and chaetoglobosin A (CheA), were effective for alleviating flooding stress. Both NFA and CheA inhibited the production of factors such as malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, ethanol dehydrogenase, and NADPH oxidase that are associated with oxidative stress induced by flooding. Gene expression analyses of NADPH oxidase families indicated that OsRbohB could be involved in conferring flooding tolerance mediated by the two natural antioxidants. These findings contribute to understanding the role of the natural antioxidants in riparian endophytic fungi, and providing a basis for improvement of flooding tolerance of rice and other crop plants through the antioxidants of the fungal endophytes.
Research on prediction model of drilling force in CFRP internal chip removal hole drilling based on SVR
Authors: Xu Chengyang , Songyang Yao , Gongdong Wang , Yiwen Wang , Jiazhong Xu
Published: February 2021

Drilling force is the main factor affecting the drilling quality and tool wear of carbon fiber reinforced resin matrix composites (CFRP), selecting the appropriate process parameters can effectively control the drilling force, improve the drilling quality and tool life. In this paper, in order to accurately predict and effectively control the drilling force under the process of internal chip removal hole drilling: Firstly, based on the application of support vector regression (SVR) in data analysis, the theory of the prediction model of drilling force in CFRP is given; Secondly, on the basis of the above theories, the experiment of chip removal in CFRP is designed and completed, designed and completed the CFRP internal chip removal processing drilling experiment, it provides preparation for the solution of parameters in the subsequent model; Again, based on the above theoretical analysis and experimental data, under the premise of choosing the appropriate kernel function and loss function, the sequential minimum optimization (SMO) algorithm is applied to solve the unknown parameters in the model, to complete the construction of the SVR-based CFRP internal chip removal machining drilling force prediction model; Finally, using the constructed predictive model, it is predicted that when CFRP internal chip removal hole machining is studied, The relationship between cutting parameters (speed, feed), tool parameters (drill diameter, peak angle, relief angle) and suction parameters (negative pressure) and axial force.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Proximal Junctional Kyphosis in Elderly Patients Over 65 Years of Age with Degenerative Spinal Diseases
Authors: Ding Junzhe , Kong Chao , Zhu Weiguo , Lu Shibao
Published: February 2021

Background. The mechanisms and risk factors for proximal junctional kyphosis of elderly patients may differ from those of non-elderly patients. The risk factors for PJK in the elderly population remain unclear. Methods. The present study enrolled elderly DSD patients over 65 years of age who underwent thoracolumbar fusion with no less than 3 levels fused. All patients underwent CT and MRI scans preoperatively, and full spine standing X-ray preoperatively, postoperatively and during follow-up with a minimum follow-up of 18 month. Paraspinal muscle cross-sectional area(CSA) and paraspinal muscle fatty infiltration(FI) of erector spinae(ES) and multifidus muscle(MF), LL, PI, PT, SS, PI-LL and vertebra CT HU value were measured. Radiological PJK was defined as a sagittal Cobb angle between the UIV and the two levels above the UIV (UIV+2) of 10° or greater and at least 10° greater than the preoperative measurement. Parameters were compared between PJK and Non-PJK patients.Result. A total of 259 patients were enrolled. The prevalence of PJK was 35.9%. Compared with Non-PJK group, PJK group had significantly older age at surgery, greater BMI, lower vertebra CT value and greater PI and a larger PI-LL mismatch. Both erector spinae(ES) and multifidus muscle(MF) relative cross-sectional area(rCSA) of PJK patients were significantly smaller, the ES and MF fatty infiltration(FI) were significantly greater than the Non-PJK patients. Older age at surgery, greater BMI, greater PI, smaller MF rCSA, greater ES and MF FI and smaller CT value were independent risk factors for PJK in elderly patient population.Conclusions. For elderly patients with DSD, PJK is a commonly seen complication. Higher age at surgery, larger BMI, significant paraspinal muscle degeneration and low bone mineral density are risk factors for PJK. Appropriate preoperative and postoperative measures are beneficial for reducing the risk of PJK in the elderly.
Thermochemical Aerobic Oxidation Catalysis in Water Proceeds via Coupled Electrochemical Half-Reactions
Authors: Ryu Jaeyune , Bregante Daniel , Howland William , Bisbey Ryan , Kaminsky Corey , Surendranath Yogesh
Published: February 2021

Heterogeneous aqueous-phase aerobic oxidations are an important emerging class of catalytic transformations, particularly for upgrading next generation bio-derived substrates. The mechanism of these reactions and the precise role of O2 in particular remains unclear. Herein, we test the hypothesis that thermochemical aerobic oxidation proceeds via two coupled electrochemical half-reactions for oxygen reduction and substrate oxidation. We collect electrochemical and thermochemical data on common noble metal catalysts under identical reaction/transport environments, and find that the electrochemical polarization curves of the O2 reduction and the substrate oxidation half-reaction closely predict the mixed potential of the catalyst measured in operando during thermochemical catalysis across 13 diverse variables spanning reaction conditions, catalyst composition, reactant identity, and pH. Additionally, we find that driving the oxidation half-reaction reaction electrochemically in the absence of O2 at the mixed potential leads to very similar rates and selectivities as for the thermochemical reaction in all cases examined. These findings strongly indicate that the role of O2 in thermochemical aerobic oxidation is solely as an electron scavenger that provides an incipient electrochemical driving force for substrate oxidation. These studies provide a quantitative and predictive link between thermochemical and electrochemical catalysis, thereby enabling the rational design of new thermochemical liquid-phase aerobic oxidation schemes by applying the principles of electrochemistry.
A methodological review to develop a list of bias items used to assess reviews incorporating network meta-analysis: Protocol and rationale
Authors: Lunny Carole , Veroniki Areti Angeliki , Tricco Andrea , Dias Sofia , Hutton Brian , Salanti Georgia , Wright James M. , White Ian R. , Whiting Penny
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Systematic reviews with network meta-analysis (NMA; i.e., multiple treatment comparisons, indirect comparisons) have gained popularity and grown in number due to their ability to provide comparative effectiveness of multiple treatments for the same condition. The methodological review aims to develop a list of items relating to biases in reviews with NMA. Such a list will inform a new tool to assess the risk of bias in NMAs, and potentially other reporting or quality checklists for NMAs which are being updated.Methods and Analysis: We will include articles that present items related to bias, reporting, or methodological quality, articles assessing the methodological quality of reviews with NMA, or papers presenting methods for NMAs. We will search Ovid MEDLINE, the Cochrane library, and difficult to locate/unpublished literature. Once all items have been extracted, we will combine conceptually similar items, classifying them as referring to bias or to other aspects of quality (e.g. reporting). When relevant, reporting items will be re-worded into items related to bias in NMA review conclusions, and then re-worded as signalling questions. Ethics and Dissemination: No ethics approval was required. Patients, healthcare providers and policy makers need the highest quality evidence to make decisions about which treatments should be used in healthcare practice. Being able to critically appraise the findings of systematic reviews that include NMA is central to informed decision-making in patient care.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Willingness to Adopt Healthy Dietary Habits in China
Authors: Xu Ying , Li Zhixue , Yu Weijun , Liu Ting , Liu Zheng , Yang Liuna , Xie Ailun , Qian Zhenzhu , Zhao Rencheng , Guo YanFang , Chen Jialong
Published: February 2021

Background: To investigate impact of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on willingness to adopt healthy dietary habits in China. Methods: A survey was carried out, and subjective perception of impact due to COVID-19 and willingness to change dietary habits were obtained. Results: A total of 22,459 subjects were derived from China, with an average age of 27.9±7.8 years old. Of them, the mean score of willingness to adopt healthy dietary habits was 2.2 (ranges from -9 to 9). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (epidemic concern, impact of psychology, impact of work or study) are associated with a higher score of willingness to adopt healthy dietary habits among female, the older, on-medical worker, and individuals married or with higher education level, normal BMI. Conclusions: There was a positive improvement to a proper diet, so the changing features of diets should be considered in nutritional interventions for maintaining health, and prevention and control COVID-19 during the pandemic period.
Factors Associated with SARS-CoV2 Infection and Care Pathways Among the Most Vulnerable Populations Living in Marseille: A Case Control Study
Authors: Alsaïdi Ismaïl , Santos Frédéric De Sousa , Plard Bérangère , Janvier Elise , Tinland Aurélie , Hafni Abdelmajid , Mosnier Emilie
Published: February 2021

Background: Mainland France has been seriously affected by the Covid-19 epidemic, which has brought significant and unexpected morbidity and mortality. Precarious people cared for in accommodation centers are particularly at risk of infection because of collective housing, their dependence on the support system and therefore their difficulty in applying barrier measures. These populations are also subject to a risk of more severe infections or a delay in seeking treatment. This study aims to identify the factors associated with SARS-CoV2 infection in the most vulnerable populations in Marseille.Methods: The sample on which the study was carried out consists of association users, whether or not presenting a symptomatology suggestive of Covid-19, and routinely treated between March 2020 and May 2020. Through univariate and multivariate analyzes, we studied the influence of several variables on morbidity attributable to SARS-CoV2. Results: 64 participants were enrolled in the study with 29 cases and 35 control subject. Median age was 21.16 years old with a younger age in the case group (p < 0.005). Sex ratio was 7. Risk factors of SARS-CoV2 in multivariate analysis were living in a shared apartment and a low compliance for distancing measure. Participants presented frequent mental health problems such as anxiety. Conclusions: The allocation of housing to structures involved with the most precarious people appears to be a decisive factor in the fight against the spread of SARS-CoV2 and therefore deserves more attention from public authorities.
Crosstalk between lymphoid and myeloid cells orchestrates glioblastoma immunity through Interleukin 10 signaling
Authors: Ravi Vidhya , Neidert Nicolas , Will Paulina , Joseph Kevin , Maier Julian , Kückelhaus Jan , Vollmer Lea , Goeldner Jonathan , Behringer Simon , Scherer Florian , Boerries Melanie , Follo Marie , Weiss Tobias , Delev Daniel , Kernbach Julius , Franco Pamela , Schallner Nils , Dierks Christine , Carro Maria Stella , Hofmann Ulrich , Fung Christian , Sankowski Roman , Prinz Marco , Beck Jürgen , Schnell Oliver , Heiland Dieter
Published: February 2021

Despite recent advances in cancer immunotherapy, its efficacy in Glioblastoma (GBM) is limited due to poor understanding of molecular states and cellular plasticity of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. Here, we combined spatial and single-cell transcriptomics of 47.284 immune cells, to map the potential cellular interactions leading to the immunosuppressive microenvironment and dysfunction of T cells. Computational approach identified a subset of IL10 releasing HMOX1+ myeloid cells which activates transcriptional programs towards a dysfunctional state in T cells, and was found to be localized within mesenchymal dominated subregions of the tumor. These findings were further validated by a human ex-vivo neocortical GBM model (n=6) coupled with patient derived peripheral T-cells. Finally, the dysfunctional transformation of T cells was shown to be rescued by JAK/STAT inhibition in both our model and in-vivo. We strongly believe that our findings would be the stepping stone towards successful development of immunotherapeutic approaches in GBM.
Repeat breast-conserving treatment of ipsilateral breast cancer recurrence: a nationwide survey amongst breast surgeons and radiation oncologists in the Netherlands
Authors: Walstra Coco J.E.F. , Schipper Robert-Jan , Riet Yvonne van , Toorn Peter-Paul van der , Smidt Marjolein L. , Sangen Maurice J.C. van der , Voogd Adri C. , Nieuwenhuijzen Grard A.P.
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND In line with the paradigm to minimize surgical morbidity in patients with primary breast cancer, there is increasing evidence for the safety of a repeat breast-conserving treatment (BCT) of an ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence (IBTR) in selected patients. The conditions for the feasibility of a repeat BCT vary widely in literature. In clinical practice, many physicians have ongoing concerns about the oncological safety and possible toxicity of repeat BCT.AIM To investigate the attitude of Dutch breast surgeons and radiation oncologists towards repeat BCT and to report on their experiences with, objections against, and perceived requirements to consider a repeat BCT in case of IBTR.PATIENTS AND METHODS An online survey consisting of a maximum of 26 open and multiple choice questions about repeat BCT for IBTR was distributed amongst Dutch breast surgeons and radiation oncologists.RESULTS Forty-nine surgeons representing 49% of Dutch hospitals and 20 radiation oncologists representing 70% of Dutch radiation oncology centers responded. A repeat BCT was considered feasible in selected cases by 28.7% of breast surgeons and 55% of radiation oncologists. The most important factors to consider a repeat BCT for both groups were the patient’s preference to preserve the breast and surgical feasibility of a second lumpectomy. Arguments against a repeat BCT were based on the perceived unacceptable toxicity and cosmesis of a second course of radiotherapy. The technique of preference for re-irradiation would be partial breast irradiation (PBI) according to all radiation oncologists. Differentiating between new primary tumours (NPT) and true recurrences (TR) was reported to be done by 57.1% of breast surgeons and 60% of radiation oncologists. The most important reason to differentiate between NPT and TR was to establish prognosis and to consider whether a repeat BCT would be feasible.CONCLUSION An increasing number of Dutch breast cancer specialists is considering a repeat BCT feasible in selected cases, at the patient’s preference and with partial breast re-irradiation.
Wnt/β-catenin pathway proteins in end-stage renal disease
Authors: Al-Hakeim Hussein Kadhem , Asad Halah Nori , Maes Michael
Published: February 2021

Background. Wnt-pathway proteins play a vital role in kidney development and defects in the Wnt-pathway are associated with kidney disorders. However, the knowledge on the role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway proteins in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is limited.Aim of the study. To delineate the association of ESRD and Wnt-proteins including the agonistR-spondin 1, the transducer β-catenin and the antagonists Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) and sclerostin.Methods. Serum Wnt-pathway proteins levels were measured by ELISA, while other biochemicals were measured spectrophotometrically in 60 ESRD patients and 30 normal controls.Results. DKK1 and sclerostin were significantly higher in ESRD than in controls, and β-catenin and the catenin + R-Sponin-1 / DKK1 + sclerostin ratio, reflecting the ratio of agonist and transducer / antagonists (AT/ANTA), were significantly lower in ESRD. Logistic regression analysis showed that ESRD was significantly predicted by increased levels of DDK1 and sclerostin and lowered β-catenin (p<0.001). eGFR was significantly associated with DKK1 and sclerostin (inversely), β-catenin (positively) and the AT/ANTA ratio (r=0.468, p<0.001). DKK1 levels were significantly and positively correlated with urea, creatinine, and copper. DKK1 and sclerostin were inversely associated with hemoglobin and packet cell volume. Catenin was significantly negatively associated with copper, urea and creatinine.Conclusion. Wnt/β-catenin pathway proteins show significant alterations in ESRD, indicating significantly increased levels of antagonists and, therefore, attenuated Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity. The latter is associated with lowered eGFR and increased serum copper levels. Wnt/β-catenin pathway proteins are possible drug targets to treat ESRD or its consequences.
An analogy to understand the conceptual foundations of electromagnetics at the micro level from the perspective of mechanics
Authors: Fan Wei
Published: February 2021

This article attempts to provide a new analogy understanding of some conceptual foundations of electromagnetics from the perspective of mechanics to satisfy childhood curiosity. Among them, from the perspective of mechanics, charge can be understood as a form of electron momentum; electric current can be understood as a momentum flow; resistance can be understood as a momentum resistance of electrons; voltage can be interpreted as the potential pressure or energy level difference of the electron orbital potential; the electric field can be understood as a manifestation of the magnetic field of the current element.