bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract OR-7: Genome Release Mechanism of Picorna-Like Viruses
Authors: Plevka Pavel , Škubník Karel , Sukeník Lukáš , Buchta David , Füzik Tibor , Přidal Antonín , Vácha Robert
Published: October 2021

Protein capsids protect the genomes of viruses from degradation in the extracellular environment. However, virus capsids must release genomes into a host cell to initiate infection. We used cryo-electron microscopy to characterize the genome release of viruses from the order Picornavirales: picornaviruses, dicistroviruses, and iflaviruses. These virus families include numerous human and animal pathogens. The viruses have non-enveloped virions and capsids organized with icosahedral symmetry. Their genome release can be induced in vitro by exposure to acidic pH, mimicking conditions in endosomes. We show that conformational changes of capsids and expansion of viral RNA genomes, which are induced by acidic pH, trigger the opening of picorna-like virus particles. The capsids of the studied viruses crack into pieces or open like flowers to release their genomes. The large openings of capsids enable the virus genomes to exit within microseconds, which limits the probability of their degradation by the RNases. Characterization of the virus genome release is the first step towards developing inhibitors of the process.
Abstract P-24: Microscopic Analyses of Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation Induced by Linker Histone H1.0
Authors: Geraskina Olga , Maluchenko Natalya , Studitsky Vasily , Gerasimova Nadezhda , Koshkina Daria , Feofanov Alexey
Published: October 2021

Background: Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) that leads to the formation of temporary functional domains in cells plays an important role in the processes of chromatin condensation and gene regulation. Earlier, it was demonstrated that histone H1.4 can form LLPS droplets with DNA. In the present work, LLPS was studied for histone H1.0, which is mainly expressed in differentiated and non-dividing cells. H1.0 is involved in cancer development: its amount decreases with the progression of tumor cells to malignancy. Methods: LSM710 confocal microscope (Zeiss) equipped with the 40x/1.2W objective was used to image mixtures of H1.0 with Cy3/Cy5 labeled DNA or nucleosomes in fluorescent and transmitted-light channels at the excitation of 514 nm. The formation of condensates as a result of LLPS was confirmed by salt-jump and FRAP/FLIP experiments. Results: Condensates were not observed when the ratio of negative to positive charges (N/P) in the samples was >1. At N/P~0.7, optically homogeneous droplet-like condensates were found. The appearance of condensates, their size and shape depended on concentrations of H1.0 and DNA. LLPS condensates but not aggregates disappeared by salt-jump to 650 mM NaCl. FRAP/FLIP experiments revealed a moderate rate of fluorescence recovery (τ½22s) indicating moderate DNA mobility of the H1.0-mediated condensates. The appearance of condensates was also observed in the mixtures of H1.0, DNA and Cy3/Cy5-labeled nucleosomes. Nucleosomes were involved in the condensate formation and found to be 2-fold more mobile (τ½10 s) than DNA. Conclusion: LLPS-related properties of H1.0 were studied for DNA and nucleosomes in vitro. Comparison with H1.4 shows that H1.0 forms liquid condensates of approximately the same size. Our result also may indicate that chromatin retains pronounced dynamic properties in H1.0-induced droplets despite the fact that H1.0 induces the formation of more compact chromatin.
Abstract P-41: Contribution of Matrix-bound Vesicles Produced by Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in the Differentiation of Multipotent Stem Cells in vitro
Authors: Selina Daria , Novoseletskaya Ekaterina , Basalova Nataliya , Zubarev Ilya , Alexandrushkina Natalya , Moiseenko Andrey , Sokolova Olga , Efimenko Anastasia
Published: October 2021

Background: According to the current view on the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and functions, it includes not only structural proteins and components of cell adhesion, but also various deposited components, including enzymes involved in ECM remodeling, growth factors, and matrix-bound vesicles (MBV). MBV can presumably participate in the formation of a specific microenvironment for stem cells and regulate their differentiation. However, the contribution of MBV to these processes remains poorly understood. In our work, we evaluated the effects of MBV within native ECM produced by mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) cultured in cell sheet on multipotent stem cell differentiation. Methods: We isolated MBV from decellularized MSC-produced ECM by treatment with the following enzymes: collagenase, hyaluronidase, or trypsin, and centrifugation on 1000 kDa filters. The nanostructure and relative size in each sample were observed using TEM. The particle size and concentration were also studied with NTA. In addition, the obtained MBV were examined for the presence of key exosome markers using Western blot. Then we investigated the effect of MBV on the formation of capillary-like structures by endothelial cells (in vitro model of angiogenesis) as well as on the differentiation of primary MSCs isolated from human adipose tissue in the adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic directions. Results: As a result of comparative analysis of isolation protocols, it was shown that all MBV samples had the characteristics of extracellular vesicles (EV), but differed in size and representation of exosomal markers. The MBV isolated from ECM did not stimulate the formation of capillary-like structures by endothelial cells, in contrast to EV secreted by MSCs to the conditioned medium, but maintained the viability of the endothelium. Isolated MBV stimulated osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of MSCs similar to secreted EV. On the other hand, preincubation of MSCs with MBV leads to reorganization of cell monolayer to spheroid-like structures during chondrogenic differentiation. Conclusion: Here, we developed the protocol of isolation of MBV from ECM that have distinguished characteristics and functional activity.
Abstract P-47: Analysis of Phosphorus Distribution in Giant Bacteriophage Capsid by Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy
Authors: Trifonova Tatiana , Moiseenko Andrey , Shaburova Olga , Bourkaltseva Maria , Krylov Viktor , Sokolova Olga
Published: October 2021

Background: We have recently developed a method to visualize the distribution of DNA in the cytoplasm of bacteria by analytical electron microscopy (EM), using the Phosphorus signal (dsDNA contains two phosphate groups per each nucleotide pair), that was detected and mapped onto the image of the cell (Danilova et al, 2020; Loiko et al, 2020). Here we applied this technique to study much smaller objects – the DNA packing inside bacteriophage heads. We studied phiEL, giant phiKZ-like bacteriophage of the Myoviridae family that infects Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Krylov et al, 2003). We have earlier demonstrated that this phage contains an ‘inner body’ inside its capsid, which is responsible for the specific DNA packing (Sokolova et al, 2014). Methods: The phage propagation was performed as described before (Sokolova et al, 2014). A 3 ul sample of purified bacteriophage phiEL was applied to the glow-discharged carbon-coated copper grid and stained with freshly prepared ammonium Molybdate 2% aquatic solution for 30 sec. Grids were loaded into Gatan cooling holder and the temperature of the specimen was kept at -180°C. EELS spectra and phosphorus elemental maps were obtained on JEOL2100 microscope, operating at 200 kV with the Gatan GIF Quantum ER spectrometer in STEM mode. Pixel size was set to 15-20 nm. STEM drift correction was applied after each 40-50 pixels. Each spectrum was obtained at a 6.0 mrad collection angle, 0.25 eV dispersion, and 132 eV energy shift. The spectra from different pixels were aligned to carbon K-edge. Results: Phosphorus mapping inside and outside the bacteriophage capsid was performed (Fig. 1). Outside the capsid, the phosphorus signal was practically absent, which corresponds to the presence of DNA only inside the capsid. The distribution of phosphorus inside the capsid was uneven: the rectangular area in the middle of the capsid contained a weak signal, while a more intense signal was detected on the periphery. This can be explained by the presence of an ‘inner body’ inside (Fig. 1C). Conclusion: Thus, our results justify the possibility of using the analytical EM technique to study the distribution of DNA by mapping Phosphorus in biological nano-objects at relatively low content of the element.
O Dark Side da Digitalização na Era do Capitalismo de Vigilância: Um estudo dos Termos de Consentimento da Uber à Luz da Legislação Brasileira
Authors: Vianna Fernando Ressetti Pinheiro Marques , Da Rosa Maia Ressetti Vianna Juliana , Kanashiro Meneghetti Francis
Published: October 2021

Objetivo: Analisamos os tipos de más-condutas que compõem os Termos de Consentimento de uma organização digitalizada, na era do capitalismo de vigilância, e a conduta do Estado em relação a tais práticas.

Enquadramento teórico: O artigo é desenvolvido a partir de uma perspectiva crítica amparada pelas teorias do drak side das organizações e do capitalismo de vigilância. Justifica-se tal opção pela relação de causa e efeito entre o chamado capitalismo de vigilância, e as práticas caracterizadas como má-conduta pela teoria do dark-side das organizações.

Metodologia: Adotou-se o método de análise documental, por meio do qual analisamos o conteúdo dos Termos de Consentimento da Uber e das Leis nº 12.965 de 2014 (“Marco Civil da Internet”), e nº 13.709 de 2018 (Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados).

Resultados: Verificou-se que os Termos de Consentimento da Uber conflitam com as Leis em mais de setenta pontos e obscurecem as práticas de expropriação de dados, caracterizando uma má conduta da organização. A legislação criada para proteger o usuário e seus dados tem sua vigência sistematicamente prorrogada, protegendo as organizações do capitalismo de vigilância e deixando os usuários vulneráveis.

Originalidade: O artigo amplia os estudos sobre a digitalização, que costumam analisá-la como avanço tecnológico ou forma de precarização do trabalho, em perspectivas funcionalistas ou críticas, respectivamente. Assim, analisamos a digitalização como forma de organizar a expropriação de dados dos usuários, para garantir os resultados financeiros e poder para as organizações.   

Contribuições teóricas e práticas: A principal contribuição teórica desse trabalho repousa sobre o avanço da teoria do dark side das organizações e sua relação com o conceito de capitalismo de vigilância, e o papel do Estado no mundo digitalizado. Sobre as contribuições práticas, acreditamos que em uma sociedade digitalizada, a atenção à operacionalização das organizações plataformizadas é emergencial, assim como a cobrança da atuação do Estado como ator principal na regulação das relações entre plataformas e usuários.
Inovação e colaboração governamental para recuperar veículos roubados e furtados
Authors: Viana Guimarães Arthur , Cabral Sandro , Fernandes Ribeiro Priscila , Marchesini da Costa Marcelo
Published: October 2021

Objetivo da pesquisa: O objetivo deste trabalho é discutir em que medida a intensidade de colaboração entre diferentes esferas governamentais molda o desempenho organizacional obtido a partir de inovações tecnológicas no setor público, tendo como base a implementação de um sistema de recuperação de veículos roubados e furtados, em que a Prefeitura de São Paulo e a Polícia Militar do Estado de São Paulo agiram conjuntamente.

Enquadramento teórico: Utiliza-se, como suporte para a análise, a literatura sobre governança colaborativa e inovações em governos, com destaque para a sua aplicação na área de segurança pública.

Metodologia: Por meio de regressões logísticas e análise de clusters espaciais, analisamos dados referentes a 319.487 veículos subtraídos no município de São Paulo entre 2015 e 2017.

Resultados: Enquanto identificamos um aumento estatisticamente relevante na probabilidade de se recuperar um veículo em decorrência dos esforços colaborativos empregados, encontramos também resultados heterogêneos nos diferentes distritos do município de São Paulo.

Originalidade: Este trabalho supre uma deficiência da literatura na medida em que, apesar do crescente uso de inovações como forma de aprimorar serviços públicos, pouco se sabe sobre a intensidade de colaboração necessária para gerar os resultados desejados diante da adoção de novas tecnologias.

Contribuições teóricas e práticas: Os resultados sugerem que a efetividade de inovações está associada à intensidade de colaboração entre os diferentes órgãos públicos. Isso indica caminhos para que a gestão pública potencialize os benefícios de inovações em suas atividades.
STUDYING SELECTION CRITERIA AND GENETIC VARIABILITY FOR IMPROVEMENT OF INDIGENOUS MAIZE IN PAKISTAN
Authors: Maqbool Muhammad Amir
Published: October 2021

Maize (Zea mays L.) is short duration, high yielding crop, and it can be grown in both spring and kharif seasons in Pakistan. In current study white and yellow maize germplasms were compared for correlations and genetic variability based on different agronomic traits to define selection criteria for maize improvement. Significant differences were observed for yield and related components for entries, checks, all tested genotypes, yellow and white germplasm. Yellow maize genotypes showed higher yield potential compared to white maize genotypes because of more grains per row and number of rows per cob. Based on correlation and path coefficient analysis, yield per plant was proved as appropriate selection criteria for white maize whereas, yield per plant and grains per row were suitable selection criteria for genetic improvement of yellow maize. Total carotenoid contents of yellow maize were independent of the yield so, both can be simultaneously targeted for genetic improvement without paying yield penalty. However, further dissection of genetic variability in yellow maize germplasm based on provitamin A carotenoids is prerequisite. So, far as genotypes, 19189, 15159, 19201, 15018, 15216, 15170, 15155, 19196, 15318 and 19174 among white maize germplasm whereas, 14965, 14982, 19205, 15019, 14971, 15163, 15205, 24687, 15207 and 15194 among yellow maize germplasm were the potential high yielding genotypes. Findings of the study in terms of selection criteria and potential maize genotypes could be useful in different breeding programs for genetic improvement of maize
ETHNO-MEDICINAL USES OF WILD HERBS AND SHRUBS OF TEHSIL YAZMAN, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN
Authors: Fatima Irma
Published: October 2021

The present study was conducted to document the ethno-medicinal uses of wild herbs and shrubs of Tehsil Yazman, District Bahawalpur, Punjab. Information was gathered by interviewing local people. The collected plants were identified with the help of Flora of Pakistan. Plants were preserved and mounted on herbarium sheets and placed in the Department of Botany, Government Sadiq College Women University, Bahawalpur, Pakistan. A total of 118 species belonging to 35 families were identified. It was noticed that the indigenous people of the study area use plants in different ways in their daily life such as medicines, fuel, fruit, vegetable, forage/fodder, ornamental etc. Three families were found in abundance i.e. Poaceae, Fabaceae and Asteraceae. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report on the ethno-medicinal uses of wild herbs and shrubs of Tehsil Yazman. It will be helpful in providing a baseline for future studies relating to pharmacological as well as biochemical studies of these wild plant species
EFFECT OF BYPASS FAT SUPPLEMENTATION ON MILK YIELD IN LACTATING COWS AND BUFFALOES
Authors: Mobeen Adnan
Published: October 2021

The present study was planned to cope with feed scarcity issue using bypass fat as a non-conventional feed resource. Twentyfour early lactating indigenous dairy animals comprising of twelve Nili-Ravi buffaloes and twelve Sahiwal cows were selected to determine the effect of bypass fat supplementation on daily milk yield, milk composition and change in body weight. These animals were randomly distributed in to four groups (G0, G1, G2 andG3) having similar parity and milk yield. All the experimental animals were fed with basal ration (Trifolium alexendrinum + wheat straw) and concentrate in equal proportion (3kg day-1 animal-1 ) in addition to 0, 250, 350 and 450g bypass fat animal-1day-1 , respectively. Data collected for each treatment was analyzed under completely randomized design using MINITAB (2000) and the mean was compared using the Tukey’s test (P<0.05). The data revealed a significant effect (P<0.05) on milk production and 3.14 kg day-1 more milk was produced in group G2 compared to control group. Fat corrected milk yield was also enhanced (P<0.05) from 8.25 (G0) to 12.36 kg day-1 (G2). Milk composition in the sense of fat percentage was also improved [5.25 (G0) to 5.78 (G2)] significantly. While average protein content, SNF% and total solids% remained unaffected. Similarly, change in body weight was non-significant. Milk value (Rs./day) was significantly (P<0.05) increased from 512.25 to 747.75 in the group G0 to G2. Form present finding it could be concluded that dietary supplementation of bypass fat in indigenous dairy animals is a better option to increase the milk yield without compromising milk quality and animal health
EXOGENOUS APPLICATION OF SALICYLIC ACID AT DIFFERENT PLANT GROWTH STAGES IMPROVES PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES IN MARIGOLD (Tagetes erecta L.)
Authors: Abbas Syed Mohsin
Published: October 2021

Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) is a famous flowering plant in the world which has medicinal and industrial values. In Pakistan, it is an important floricultural crop and used widely as bedding plant. Pakistan is facing water shortage, which is affecting crops growth and productivity including marigold badly. Drought stress reduces plant growth, physiological and biochemical processes and flower yield in marigold. Salicylic acid (SA) is a phytohormone and its exogenous application is an effective approach to support plant during drought stress and mitigate its harmful impacts. Present study was planned to evaluate the effect of exogenous salicylic acid application on growth response and drought tolerance potential of marigold. For this purpose, a pot experiment was conducted in rain out shelter with four treatments of SA i.e., no SA application, SA foliar @ 100 mg L-1 application at vegetative growth, reproductive growth and at vegetative plus reproductive growth stages, under normal irrigation as well as under drought stress conditions were imposed. Drought stress was applied by skipping every alternate irrigation. The results showed that SA application at reproductive growth stage of marigold improved plant growth by improving its physiological processes during drought stress. It was concluded that exogenous application of SA, not only increased bioproductivity of marigold plants but also ameliorated the negative impacts of drought stress by enhancing drought tolerance potential in plants.
MOMORDICA CHARANTIA L. (bitter gourd) AS A CANDIDATE FOR THE CONTROL OF BACTERIAL AND FUNGAL GROWTH
Authors: Mahmood M. Shahid
Published: October 2021

The plants use for medicinal purposes have been experienced by an extensive proportion of population of population for many centuries. The present study was designed to formulate cost effective dietary interventions to prevent and treat certain microbial diseases. The current experiment was conducted for evaluation of antifungal and antibacterial effects of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.), which is locally named as Karella. All parts of bitter gourd were used including seeds, pulp and skin. Its methanolic extracts were taken to check its antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and methicillin resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by paper disc diffusion test. Antifungal efficacy against selected species of Penicillium and Aspergillus was done by Agar Well-Diffusion Method. Broth Dilution method and Agar Well-Diffusion Method were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Zones of inhibition diameters were 11mm, 7mm, 11mm and 9mm for Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, respectively. There was no zone of inhibition against MRSA. The zones of inhibition for bitter gourd seed were 12mm, 8mm, 12mm and 11mm for Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi, respectively. The MIC of bitter gourd pulp against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium expansum was 400mg/ml and 600mg/ml, respectively. The MIC of bitter gourd seed against Aspergillus niger and Penicillium expansum was 300mg/ml and 400mg/ml, respectively. Taking together, bitter ground was found a cost effective antibacterial and antifungal agent, it may be used an effective alternate remedial option
LEGION BASED WEED EXTRACTION FROM UAV IMAGERY
Authors: Mateen Ahmed
Published: October 2021

Multispectral images are the types of images which consist of many different bands of data for further processing. Vegetation Indexing has Different bands which are combined in the multispectral images and are used to accentuate the vegetated areas. In this one combination is most commonly used LIKE Ratio Vegetation Indexing (RVI). But using UAV imagery this problem has been solved because in UAV the area covered or captured by the cameras would be very wide so that the whole plot or crop can be viewed or captured from the UAV imagery. Legion is a Model used to do Scene Analysis Task, Image Segmentation, Object Selection and Speech Segregation. In this Research work we used the Legion Network approach to Detect or Segregate the Unwanted Crops or Weed to increase the crop productivity by Detecting or Segregating the Unwanted Crops or Weed. We used UAVDJI Phantom 4 having RGB Sensor and Tetracam NIR Sensor to collect the data set. Then we used ImageJ and MATLAB for applying Legion Model algorithm to process and analyze the multidimensional images using linear differential equations which solves the correlation problem of synchronization and Segregation of UAV based crop images to Detect the Unwanted crops
Droplet-based single-cell RNA sequencing of paraformaldehyde-fixed cells
Authors: Phan Hoang Van , Gent Michiel van , Drayman Nir , Basu Anindita , Gack Michaela U. , Tay Savas
Published: October 2021

Paraformaldehyde (PFA) fixation is a common fixation technique. However, current high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) methods are not compatible with PFA-fixed cells. Here we introduce FD-seq (Fixed Droplet RNA Sequencing), a method for droplet-based scRNA-seq of PFA-fixed, stained and sorted cells. FD-seq offers greater flexibility for researchers, and can readily be incorporated with existing Drop-seq experimental setup.
Slope Analysis for the Prediction of Fluid Responsiveness by a Stepwise PEEP Elevation Recruitment Maneuver in Mechanically Ventilated Patients
Authors: VALLIER Sylvain , BOUCHET Jean-Baptiste , DESEBBE Olivier , FRANCOU Camille , RAPHAEL Darren , TARDY Bernard , GERGELE Laurent , MOREL Jérôme
Published: October 2021

Objective:Assessment of fluid responsiveness is problematic in intensive care unit patients. Lung recruitment maneuvers (LRM) can be used as a functional test to predict fluid responsiveness. We propose a new test to predict fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients by analyzing the variations in central venous pressure (CVP) and systemic arterial parameters during a prolonged sigh breath LRM without the use of a cardiac output measuring device. Design:Prospective observational cohort study.Setting:Intensive Care Unit, Saint-Etienne University Central Hospital.Patients:Patients under mechanical ventilation, equipped with invasive arterial blood pressure, CVP, pulse contour analysis (PICCOTM), requiring volume expansion, with no right ventricular dysfunction.Interventions:None.Measurements and Main Results:CVP, systemic arterial parameters and stroke volume (SV) were recorded during prolonged LRM followed by a 500mL fluid expansion to asses fluid responsiveness. 25 patients were screened and 18 patients analyzed. 9 patients were responders to volume expansion and 9 were not. Evaluation of hemodynamic parameters suggested the use of a linear regression model. Slopes for systolic arterial pressure, pulse pressure (PP), CVP and SV were all significantly different between responders and non-responders during the pressure increase phase of LRM (STEP-UP) (p = 0.022, p = 0.014, p= 0.006 and p = 0.038, respectively). PP and CVP slopes during STEP-UP were strongly predictive of fluid responsiveness with an AUC of 0.926 (95% CI, 0.78 to 1.00), sensitivity = 100%, specificity = 89% and an AUC = 0.901 (95% CI, 0.76 to 1.00), sensibility = 78%, specificity = 100%, respectively. Combining sensitivity of PP and specificity of CVP, prediction of fluid responsiveness can be achieved with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity (AUC=0.96; 95% CI, 0.90 to 1.00). One patient showed inconclusive values using the grey zone approach (5.5%).Conclusions:In patients under mechanical ventilation with no right heart dysfunction, the association of PP and CVP slope analysis during a prolonged sigh breath LRM seems to offer a very promising method for prediction of fluid responsiveness without the use and associated cost of a cardiac output measurement device.
Isotope Analysis Reveals Differential Impacts of Artificial and Natural Afforestation On Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics in Abandoned Farmland
Authors: Di Dongrui , Huang Guangwei
Published: October 2021

Backgrounds A multitude of studies have applied different methods to study the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC), but the differential impact of artificial and natural afforestation on SOC dynamic are still poorly understood. Methods and aims We investigated the SOC dynamics following artificial and natural afforestation in Loess Plateau of China, characterizing soil structure and stoichiometry using stable isotope carbon and radiocarbon models. We aim to compare SOC dynamics, clarify SOC source under different afforestation, examine comparability of the study areas and find how soil aggregate size classes control SOC dynamics, finally to evaluate effect of reforestation project.Results The 0-10cm and 10-20 cm SOC stocks were significant higher than other two land-use system. At other depths, there is no significant difference among the three land-use system. Total top soil SOC stocks, C:N and C:P of differently sized soil aggregates significantly increased following afforestation. 13C results and Radiocarbon models indicated that the SOC decomposition rate and new SOC input rate were lower under natural afforestation than artificial afforestation. Conclusions Afforestation can accumulate SOC in top soils mainly resulting from in topsoil changing. SOC resource is mainly from macroaggregate formation provided by fresh plant residues. SOC loss from soil respiration was derived from microaggregates during afforestation. The“space-for-time substitution” method is suitable for comparability of the study areas.
A multicenter study of short-term changes in mental health emergency services use during lockdown in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dainton Christopher , Donato-Woodger Simon , Chu Charlene H.
Published: October 2021

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown measures have led to increasing mental health concerns in the general population. We aimed to assess the short-term impact of the pandemic lockdown on mental health emergency services use in the Kitchener-Waterloo region of Ontario, Canada.
Methods

We conducted an observational study during the 6-month period between March 5 and September 5, 2020 using National Ambulatory Care Reporting System metadata from mental health visits to three regional Emergency Departments (ED); mental health and substance related police calls; and calls to a regional mental health crisis telephone line, comparing volumes during the pandemic lockdown with the same period in 2019. Quasi-Poisson regressions were used to determine significant differences between numbers of each visit or call type during the lockdown period versus the previous year. Significant changes in ED visits, mental health diagnoses, police responses, and calls to the crisis line from March 5 to September 5, 2020 were examined using changepoint analyses.
Results

Involuntary admissions, substance related visits, mood related visits, situational crisis visits, and self-harm related mental health visits to the EDs were significantly reduced during the lockdown period compared to the year before. Psychosis-related and alcohol-related visits were not significantly reduced. Among police calls, suicide attempts were significantly decreased during the period of lockdown, but intoxication, assault, and domestic disputes were not significantly different. Mental health crisis telephone calls were significantly decreased during the lockdown period. There was a significant increase in weekly mental health diagnoses starting in the week of July 12 – July 18. There was a significant increase in crisis calls starting in the week of May 31 – June 6, the same week that many guidelines, such as gathering restrictions, were eased. There was a significant increase in weekly police responses starting in the week of June 14 – June 20.
Conclusions

Contrary to our hypothesis, the decrease in most types of mental health ED visits, mental health and substance-related police calls, and mental health crisis calls largely mirrored the overall decline in emergency services usage during the lockdown period. This finding is unexpected in the context of increased attention to acutely deteriorating mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The “Backward Looking” Effect in the Continuum Model Considering a New Backward Equilibrium Velocity Function.
Authors: Hossain Md Anowar , Jun TANIMOTO
Published: October 2021

In this paper, a new continuum traffic model is developed considering the backward-looking effect through a new positive backward equilibrium speed function. As compared with the conventional full velocity difference model, the backward equilibrium velocity function, which is largely acceptably grounded from mathematical and physical perspectives, plays an important role in significantly enhancing the stability of the traffic flow field. A linear stability condition is derived to demonstrate the flow neutralization capacity of the model, whereas the Korteweg–de Vries–Burgers equation and the attendant analytical solution are deduced using nonlinear analysis to observe the traffic flow behavior near the neutral stability condition. A numerical simulation, used to determine the flow stability enhancement efficiency of the model, is also conducted to verify the theoretical results.
Pediatric Tuina in children with autism spectrum disorder: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Feng Xiang , Yu Jun , Li Wu , Li Tao , Jiang Quanrui , Zhang Yuxing , Wei Wei , Li Jiangshan
Published: October 2021

Background
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by repetitive stereotypical behaviour and communication disorders. Currently, it lacks a specific clinical treatment method. Pediatric Tuina is a recent therapy in traditional Chinese medicine; however, there have been studies on the treatment of children with ASD by Tuina. Nonetheless, it remains uncommon given the lack of large-scale evidence-based medical studies. This study aims to compare the efficacy of Tuina and conventional treatment in children with ASD.
Methods
Eligible children will be randomly divided into the pediatric Tuina plus conventional treatment group or conventional treatment group based on a random table at a ratio of 1:1. Effectiveness will be evaluated using a scale; moreover, the primary outcome will be the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. The secondary outcome will be the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist. All participants will be assessed on the scale by a third party not involved in the study. Baseline values of the participants will be determined at the registration time. Outcomes will be evaluated after the 30th treatment session. The follow-up period will last for 6 post-treatment months.
Discussion
This study will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Tuina in ASD treatment, which could provide reliable evidence-based findings to improve clinical treatment.
Trial registration:
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (CHICTR), ChiCTR2000040452. Registered on 28 November 2020
Resistance Training Reduces Pain Indices and Improves Quality of Life and Body Strength in Women with Migraine Disorders
Authors: Aslani Payam Sari , Hassanpour Maryam , Razi Omid , Knechtle Beat , Parnow Abdolhossein
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The benefits of resistance training (RT) for migraineurs appears to be lacking although beneficial of aerobic training have been shown in previous studies. The aim of current study, therefore, is to investigate the influence of RT on migraine headache indices, upper and lower-body strength, and quality of life (QOL) in women with migraine disorders.
Methods

Twenty female migraine patients who were referred by a neurologist were randomly assigned in two groups including RT group (n = 10) and control (CON) group (n = 10). The RT protocol consisted of 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week, 45–60 min per session. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and pain diary were utilized to measure the subjects' migraine indices including duration, pain severity, and frequency within 48 h pre- and post-training protocol. Patients in Control group (CON) has been refrained from regular exercise during this study. The quality of life (QOL) and muscular strength were measured by the Headache Impact Tests (HIT) and one-repetition maximum (1RM) test, respectively, for 48 h pre- and post-training protocol.
Results

The RT resulted in a significant decrease in the migraine indices (headache intensity, frequency, and duration) (p = 0.02, p = 0.001, p = 0.04, respectivetly). Increased quality of life and chest and leg muscular strength significantly (p = 0.001 for all) were also showed after 8-week RT protocol. However, there was not any significant differences between groups considering, BMI and waist-hip ratio (WHR) after executing RT protocol (p > 0.05).
Conclusion

Based on results of current study that mainly had a positive trend, it could state that RT protocol with special considering for migraine patients is probably an alternative therapy or augmentative complement to established interventions for migraine treatment.
Molecular switches regulating the potency and immune evasiveness of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
Authors: Wan Yushun , Huang Linfen , Zhang Xiujuan , Shang Jian , Perlman Stanley , Du Lanying , Li Fang
Published: October 2021

What enabled SARS-CoV-2, but not other coronaviruses, to cause a global pandemic? Here we investigated key structural determinants of the pandemic. Using SARS-CoV-1 and bat RaTG13-CoV as comparisons, we identified two molecular switches that regulate the conformations of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein: (i) a furin motif loop turns SARS-CoV-2 spike from a closed conformation to a mixture of open and closed conformations, and (ii) a K417V mutation turns SARS-CoV-2 spike from mixed conformations to an open conformation. We showed that the open conformation favors viral potency by exposing the RBD for receptor binding and viral entry, while the closed conformation supports viral immune evasion by hiding the RBD from neutralizing antibodies. Hence SARS-CoV-2 spike has evolved to reach a balance between potency and immune evasiveness, which contributes to the pandemic spread of SARS-CoV-2.The dynamics between viral potency and invasiveness is likely to further evolve, providing insights into future evolution of SARS-CoV-2.
A Tool for Early Estimation of Influenza Vaccination Coverage in Spanish General Population and Healthcare Workers in The 2018-19 Season. The Gripómetro
Authors: Díez-Domingo Javier , Marguello Esther Redondo , Leonardo Raúl Ortiz Lejarazu , Miguel Ángel Gil , Ortega José María Guillén , Mora Jesús Rincón , Martinón-Torres Federico
Published: October 2021

Background: Electronic vaccine registries are not yet widely established. There is a need to real-time monitor influenza vaccine coverage, which may raise awareness to risk groups and professionals, and eventually allow to adopt tailored measures during the vaccination campaign. To evaluate the utility of the “Gripómetro”, a demographic study designed to monitor national and regional influenza vaccine coverage on a weekly basis in Spain. Methods: Quantitative study based on surveys of the Spanish population between 18-80 years and a sample of primary care doctors and nurses randomly selected. Pre-proportional fixation has been established by Autonomous Communities and age group to guarantee the representativeness of all the autonomies. Results: Interviews were conducted in 3400 households of general population and 807 respondents among health care professionals. We found that the results of influenza vaccination coverage obtained by the Gripómetro for 2018-2019 season were mostly comparable with the official data presented by the Ministry of Health after the end of the vaccination campaign. Conclusions: The Gripómetro is a robust research method that provides real-time data and trends for influenza vaccine coverage along with other useful information related to vaccination such as intention to vaccinate, motivation and barriers to vaccination.
Floating microspheres of Miglitol as gastro retentive drug delivery system: 32 full factorial design and in vitro evaluation
Authors: K Cheran , Bolmal Udaykumar B , Patil Archana S , Kokatanur Umashri A , Masareddy Rajashree S
Published: October 2021

Background: The goal of this study was to develop a gastro retentive floating drug delivery system that would improve site specific activity, patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy.Methodology: Floating microspheres of Miglitol were formulated by double emulsion method using ethyl cellulose and eudragit E100 different weight ratio and PVA as an emulsifier. It has been prepared with respect quantity of polymer concentration and stirring speed to evaluate for % buoyancy, drug entrapment efficiency, particle size drug release rate. Result: The percent of buoyancy, drug entrapment efficiency, particle size, and percentage yield were increased with increase the polymer mixture concentration. Among all formulation batches, F6 showed acceptable results drug entrapment efficiency (86.57%) and buoyancy (94.25%). F10 formulation was prepared to check the predicted and actual factors and compared with optimized formulation F6. The drug release was increased as the polymer concentration was decrease. The kinetic model zero order had the highest regression coefficient value, it was described as a sustained release dosage form. According to ICH guideline accelerated stability studies of F6 and F10 formulations were conducted for 90 days. After 90 days buoyancy and in vitro drug release was performed and the results were F6 and F10 buoyancy was found to be 88.21%, 87.22% and in vitro drug release was found to be 62.87%, 63.51%. Conclusion: The present study, showed compatibility of drug with polymers by FTIR in formulation. Floating microsphere of Miglitol was prepared by double emulsion technique. The F6 Miglitol floating microsphere was optimized formulation demonstrated with excellent drug entrapment performance (86.57%), good floating behaviour (94.25%), and the largest particle size (670µm). The present study concludes that floating based gastro retentive delivery system of Miglitol microspheres has a safe and effective drug delivery system with increased therapeutic efficacy and a longer duration of action.
Peritoneal Effluent MicroRNA Profile in Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis
Authors: Wu Kun-Lin , Chou Che-Yi , Li An-Lun , Chen Chien-Lung , Tsai Jen-chieh , Wang I-Kuan , Chen Chiung-Tong , Tseng Chin-Chung , Chen Jin-Bor , Chan Yi-Fan , Chang Hui-Yin , Huang Chiu-Ching , Ma Nianhan
Published: October 2021

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a catastrophic complication of chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD). Late diagnosis is associated with high mortality. With the advancement of new diagnostic technologies, such as microRNA (miRNA), we attempted to develop a noninvasive test to assist in the diagnosis of EPS. The eight-hour PD effluents were collected from 71 non-EPS and 56 EPS patients. The screening set included 28 samples (20 of non-EPS vs. 8 of EPS). After analyzing the ratio values of two miRNA expression levels from the high-throughput real-time PCR-array of 377 miRNAs, eight candidate miRNAs were selected. The prediction model was conducted using 127 samples (71 of non-EPS vs 56 of EPS) to produce an area under the curve (AUC) value of the miRNA classifier. Candidate miRNAs were also verified by single real-time PCR. The ratios of the five miRNAs with the top five ROC values were selected to calculate the combined AUC by multiple logistic regression. The AUC value to detect EPS with the five miRNA ratios was 0.8929 with an accuracy of 78.7%. The accuracy of the EPS diagnosis was further optimized to 94.1% after considering clinical characteristics (AUC value 0.9931). A signature-based model of clinical characteristics and miRNA expression in PD effluents can efficiently assist in the diagnosis of EPS, thus preventing the catastrophic prognosis.
Association of the Pro12Ala, C161-T polymorphisms in the PPARγ2 gene with obesity in Han nationality of Yunnan Plateau in Southwest China
Authors: Zhang Teng , Zhang Nichang , Guo Yandong , Mi Fei , Meng Qiong , Qian Ying , Chen Guo , Yin Jianzhong , Feng Yuemei
Published: October 2021

Background

Obesity is considered a major public health problem in the world. At present, the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPS) Pro12Ala and C161-T in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 (PPARγ2) gene with obesity is still controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between the Pro12Ala and C161-T polymorphisms of PPARγ2 gene and obesity among Han nationality of Yunnan Plateau in Southwest China.
Methods

The genotypes of 284 extremely overweight patients, 475 obese patients and 759 normal controls from Yongsheng County of Yunnan Province (China) were analyzed. The Pro12Ala and C161-T genotypes of PPARγ2 were detected by SNaPshot genotyping assay. The data were analyzed statistically.
Results

The overall prevalence of obesity was 4.99% and the overweight rate was 23.93% among Han nationality in Yongsheng, Yunnan Province. Statistical analysis showed that there were no significant differences in the Pro12Ala genotype, C161-T genotype and the two combined genotypes between the extremely overweight and the control 1, either between the obesity and the control 2 (P > 0.05). Further, the alleles of Pro12Ala and C161-T did not exhibit any signifificant association with extreme overweight or obesity among the complete sample population (P > 0.05). However, conditional logistic regression analysis showed that there was a statistically significant association between the two combined genotype of “CC + TT” and the extreme overweight after adjusting for covariates (Calculated with the combined genotype of “CC + CC ” as the reference category; P = 0.014; OR = 4.04; 95%CI = 1.33–12.33).
Conclusions

Our study indicates that the combined genotypes "CC + TT" of PPARγ2 Pro12Ala and C161-T were associated with an increased risk of extreme overweight, however, Pro12Ala and C161-T polymorphisms may not be the main cause of obesity in Han nationality of the Yunnan Plateau in Southwest China.
The SGLT2 Inhibitor Empagliflozin Attenuates Atherosclerosis Progression By Inducing Autophagy
Authors: Xu Hualin , Fu Jie , Tu Qiang , Shuai Qinyun , Chen Yizhi , Wu Fuyun , Cao Zheng
Published: October 2021

Background: Cardiovascular disease due to atherosclerosis（AS）is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Sodium-dependent glucose transporters 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i ) , empagliflozin(EMPA), is a new type of hypoglycemic drug .Recent studies have shown that EMPA not only reduces increased glucose, but also has cardiovascular protective effects and that it slows the process of AS.However, the underlying mechanism has yet to be defined.Methods: Male apoE -/- mice were fed a western high-fat diet to establish an AS model. The area and size of atherosclerotic lesions in apoE -/- mice were then assessed by hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining after EMPA treatment. After EMPA treatment of the mouse macrophage (RAW 264.7), human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs),western blotting was applied to measure the levels of autophagy-related proteins and proinflammatory cytokines,GFP-LC3 puncta were detected by confocal microscopy to confirme autophagosome formation. Oil red staining was performed to detect the foaming of macrophages and HASMCs, flow cytometry was used for cell cycle analysis. EdU, CCK-8 and scratch assays were also performed to examine the cell proliferation and migration of HASMCs. Results: EMPA suppressed the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in apoE -/- mice. EMPA also induced autophagy in RAW 246.7 cells, HASMCs and HUVECs, and it significantly increased the expression of Beclin1 and the LC3B-II/I ratio. In addition, EMPA decreased the expression of P62 and downregulated the protein levels of inflammatory cytokines, and it inhibited the foaming of RAW 246.7 cells and HASMCs as well as the expression of inflammatory factors via autophagy induction. Furthermore, the results of flow cytometry, EdU assays, CCK-8 cell viability assays and scratch assays indicated that EMPA blocked HASMC proliferation and migration.Conclusion: EMPA plays an important role in decelerating the progression of AS by inducing autophagy, providing a novel method for anti-AS treatment in the clinic.
Clinical Impact of Pneumothorax in Patients With Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia and Respiratory Failure in An HIV-Negative Cohort
Authors: Choi Ji Soo , Kwak Se Hyun , Kim Min Chul , Seol Chang Hwan , Kim Sung Ryeol , Park Byung Hoon , Lee Eun Hye , Yong Seung Hyun , Leem Ah Young , Kim Song Yee , Lee Sang Hoon , Chung Kyungsoo , Kim Eun Young , Jung Ji Ye , Kang Young Ae , Park Moo Suk , Kim Young Sam , Lee Su Hwan
Published: October 2021

Background: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) with acute respiratory failure can result in development of pneumothorax during treatment. This study aimed to identify the incidence and related factors of pneumothorax in patients with PCP and acute respiratory failure and to analyze their prognosis.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the occurrence of pneumothorax, including clinical characteristics and results of other examinations, in 119 non-human immunodeficiency virus patients with PCP and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilator treatment in a medical intensive care unit (ICU) at a tertiary-care center between July 2016 and April 2019.Results: The 28-day survival rate was 62.2% (N=74). Twenty-two patients (18.5%) developed pneumothorax during ventilator treatment, with 45 (37.8%) eventually requiring a tracheostomy due to weaning failure. Cytomegalovirus co-infection (odds ratio 13.9; p=0.013) was related with occurrence of pneumothorax. Of 74 patients with 28-day survival data, 15 (20.3%) developed pneumothorax. In those patients, five survived (p=0.048) and only two were successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation (p=0.037).Conclusions: Patients with PCP and acute respiratory failure who developed pneumothorax did not have increased 28-day mortality, however pneumothorax increased in patient with cytomegalovirus co-infection, pneumothorax might have difficulty in and prolonged weaning from mechanical ventilators, which clinicians should be aware of when planning treatment for such patients.