bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFEITOS DA APLICAÇÃO DE REMINERALIZAR DE SOLOS NA PRODUTIVIDADE DE CENTEIO:
Authors: Rayssa Mariê Pittaluga  , Fábio Ressler  , Marcio Rampelotti  , Oscar Emilio Ludtke Harthmann
Published: February 2021

O objetivo foi avaliar diferentes doses de pó de rocha de ardósia na produção demassa seca de centeio e rendimento de grãos de milho branco. Os tratamentosforam 7 doses de pó de rocha (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 e 7 t ha -1 ) e uma testemunha,aplicados em três épocas. A produção de massa seca de centeio foi adequada parautilização como planta forrageira e não foi afetada pelas doses de pó de rocha. Otratamento que recebeu 4 t ha -1 de pó de rocha produziu 9.221 kg ha -1 de rendimentode grãos de milho branco.
Close up to the Surface: Reflections on a Preliminary Forensic Study of Four Chinese Bronze Mirrors
Authors: Liang Jiafang , Parker Quentin
Published: February 2021

This article presents a generic, objective and evidence based forensic study of 4 very different Chinese bronze mirrors. The work was done within the Architectural Conservation Laboratory (ACLab), the Department of Physics and also the Planetary Spectroscopy and Mineralogy Laboratory (PSML) at the University of Hong Kong. The mirrors nominally cover the period of the Warring States (475-221BC), Han (206 BC to 220AD) and later Song (960-1279AD) dynasties. Comprehensive, mostly non-invasive, analytical methods and techniques were used. These included surface microscopy of tool marks, patina, corrosion and any residual archaeological evidence. Ultraviolet radiation examination, chemical spot testing and polarised light microscopy of ground-up patina samples was also done. More sophisticated “pXRF” X-ray fluorescence , “MARS” tomographic X-ray scanning and infrared spectroscopic analysis of the bronze alloys, corrosions and any earthen encrustations were also performed. This was to uncover as much forensic evidence as possible for these unprovenanced bronze mirrors. The results have revealed key metallurgical information of those four mirrors along with surface patina morphology and details of the corrosion and residual surface archaeology. A database on the physical condition of these mirrors has been established and burial/treatment history revealed. Mirrors 1 and 2 appear to have been heavily cleaned, polished and treated with abrasives in modern times. Mirror 2 in particular, has some problematic corrosion and inconclusive alloy composition. Mirror 3 and 4 both have archaeological evidence and no contrary forensic data that questions authenticity. Forensic study and verification of objects and artworks for academic purposes remains a legitimate and vital undertaking for universities, museums and national collections across the globe. Hence, the issue of authenticity when archaeological context is lacking is discussed. However, our key aim is to establish what can be learnt from technological, forensic investigation when studying bronze mirrors without further context and records, and what firm, generic evidence can be extracted from such close forensic examination to shed light on their true nature. We hope this will be useful for other researchers.
Schirmer strip and conjunctival swab for viral detection on the ocular surface of adults: a scoping review
Authors: Sabage Luís Expedito , Mazzo Alessandra , Sabage Josmar , Olivo Taylor Endrigo Toscano , Lourençone Luiz Fernando Manzoni
Published: February 2021

Purpose Schirmer Strips and Conjunctival swabs are used in ophthalmology for tears and fluids collection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the biggest challenges is accurate diagnosis, and it is known that, in some cases, ocular manifestations are one of the first symptoms. In this context, this study has the objective of raising scientific evidence that highlights the use of Schirmer strips and conjunctival swabs as a method of sample collection for viral analysis to support future research on this theme. Methods A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science and BVS databases, following the Scoping Review protocol defined by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) after the guiding question “Is it possible to detect viruses on the ocular surface with Schirmer Test and/or conjunctival swab?”.Results A total of 418 studies were identified, and after discerning analysis, 36 English written studies were selected. Three researchers analyzed studies after virus research, collection methods, and sample analysis. Publications were mainly on adenovirus, herpes simplex virus and SARS-CoV-2, and there is also evidence of ocular detection of more viruses types. Conjuntival swab analyzed through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Reverse Transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) were the most used methods.Conclusions Studies have generally been conducted to understand viral infection, to develop accurate diagnostic methods and to follow the patients’ response to treatment. Most studies were performed with a small number of patients and lacked clear definitions of collection time and viral persistence since the onset of diseases. Viruses can be detected on the ocular surface through the analysis of Schirmer strips and conjunctival swabs. However, additional studies with larger populations and time permanence are necessary to develop more assertive conclusions on the theme.
Diversity of 3’ variable region of cagA gene in Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from Chinese population
Authors: Xue Zhijing , You Yuanhai , He Lihua , Gong Yanan , Sun Lu , Han Xiurui , Fan Ruyue , Zhai Kangle , Yang Yaming , Zhang Maojun , Yan Xiaomei , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: February 2021

Background: The cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA) is one of the most important virulence factors of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). There is a highly polymorphic Glu-Pro-Ile-Tyr-Ala (EPIYA) repeat region in the C-terminal of CagA protein. This repeat region is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of cagA 3’ variable region and the amino acid polymorphisms in the EPIYA segments of the CagA C-terminal region of H. pylori, and their association with gastroduodenal diseases.Methods: A total of 515 H. pylori strains from patients in 14 different geographical regions of China were collected. The genomic DNA from each strain was extracted and the cagA 3’ variable region was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR products were sequenced and analyzed using MEGA 7.0 software.Results: A total of 503 (97.7%) H. pylori strains were cagA-positive and 1,587 EPIYA motifs were identified, including 12 types of EPIYA or EPIYA-like sequences. In addition to the four reported major segments, several rare segments (e.g., B’, B’’ and D’) were defined and 20 different sequence types (e.g., ABD, ABC) were found in our study. A total of 481 (95.6%) strains carried the East Asian type CagA, and the ABD subtypes were most prevalent (82.1%). Only 22 strains carried the Western type CagA, which include AC, ABC, ABCC and ABCCCC subtypes. The CagA-ABD subtype had statistical difference in different geographic regions (P = 0.006). There are seven amino acid polymorphisms in the sequences surrounding the EPIYA motifs, among which amino acid residue 893 and 894 had a statistical difference with gastric cancer (P = 0.004).Conclusions: In this study, 503 CagA sequences was studied and analyzed in depth. In Chinese population, most H. pylori strains are of the CagA-ABD subtype and its presence was associated with gastroduodenal diseases. Amino acid polymorphisms at residue 893 and 894 flanking the EPIYA motif had a statistically significant association with gastric cancer.
Exploring the bone sparing effects of postbiotics in the postmenopausal rat model
Authors: Montazeri-Najafabady Nima , Ghasemi Younes , Dabbaghmanesh Mohammad Hossein , Aashoori Yousef , Talezadeh Pedram , Koohpeyma Farhad , Abootalebi Seyedeh Narjes , Gholami Ahmad
Published: February 2021

Background

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a concern of health organizations, and current treatments do not seem enough. Postbiotics as bioactive compounds produced by probiotics may be an attractive alternative for bone health. In this study, we prepared, formulated, and compared the effects of cell lysate and supernatant of five native probiotic strains (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium longum, and Bacillus coagulans) in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.
Methods

The probiotic strains were isolated, and their cell-free supernatants and biomasses as postbiotics were extracted and formulated using standard microbial processes. The Sprague-Dawley rats were fed by 1 × 109 CFU/ml/day postbiotic preparations and ovariectomized. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans were accomplished to evaluate femur, spine, and tibia BMD. The serum biochemical markers [calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase] were assessed.
Results

Postbiotics could considerably improve the global and femur area in OVX rats. In the case of global BMC, Lactobacillus casei lysate and supernatant, Bacillus coagulans lysate and supernatant, lysate of Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Lactobacillus reuteri supernatant significantly increased BMC. We found Bacillus coagulans supernatant meaningfully enriched tibia BMC.
Conclusion

Postbiotic could ameliorate bone loss resulting from estrogen deficiency. Also, the effects of postbiotics on different bone sites are strain-dependent. More clinical studies need to explore the optimal administrative dose and duration of the specific postbiotics in protecting bone loss.
Changes in the Gut Microbiota Diversity of Brown Frogs (Rana Dybowskii) After Local Antimicrobial Therapy
Authors: Tong Qing , Cui Li-Yong , Bie Jia , Wang Hong-Bin , Zhang Jian-Tao , Hu Zong-fu
Published: February 2021

Background: Amphibians frequently receive an antibiotic bath after feedlot placement to control bacterial diseases. The potential collateral effect of these antibiotics on the frog microbiota is largely unknown. Antibiotics are frequently employed to examine the role of the gut microbiota. Existing research relies mainly on oral antibiotics, but knowledge regarding the effects of antibiotics on the gut microbiota through a bath or local antimicrobial therapies is limited. Results: The gut microbiota of gentamicin, recovered, and control Rana dybowskii groups were compared by Illumina high-throughput sequencing, and the functional profiles were analysed using a phylogenetic investigation of communities by the reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt). Furthermore, the relationship between gut microbiota structures and forecast function compositions was determined. The results showed that the alpha diversity indices were significantly reduced by the gentamicin bath, which significantly changed the composition of the gut microbiota. After 7 days, the gut microbiota was still similar to that during the gentamicin bath. Forty-four indicator species were selected at the genus level, namely, 42 species indicating the control group and 2 species indicating the gentamicin and recovery groups. Potential pathogenic bacteria belonging to Aeromonas, Citrobacter, and Chryseobacterium significantly decreased after the gentamicin bath. The community similarity assays did not show an obvious discrepancy in the functional composition between the gentamicin and control frogs, indicating that the functions of the gut bacterial community were highly redundant. Conclusions: The gentamicin bath significantly reduced the alpha diversity of the gut microbiota of R. dybowskii. Gentamicin significantly changed the structure of the gut microbiota, and the gut microbiotas exhibited weak resilience and did not totally recover after seven days. The gentamicin bath did not change the functional composition of the gut microbiota of R. dybowskii, and there was no significant correlation between the composition of the gut microbiota and the functional composition, illustrating the high intestinal functional redundancy of the frog gut bacterial community. This work offers basic data for upcoming research, including the establishment of the amphibian gut microbiota and local antibiotic administration, and has important implications for aquaculture management and amphibian conservation.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility and Public Health Importance of Salmonella Isolated from Raw Chicken Egg in MizanTeferi Town, South West Ethiopia
Authors: Hailu Shimelis Mengistu , Melese Melkamu , Sibhat Berhanu , Wasihun Pawlos , Fentahun Selamawit
Published: February 2021

Background: Salmonella is a leading cause of food-borne illness in many countries with eggs and poultry being important vehicles of transmission and display high natural susceptibility levels to the most commonly used antibacterial agents. The study was carried out to estimate the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Salmonella spp. isolated from fresh raw chicken eggs collected from MizanTeferi town, South Eastern, Ethiopia. Results: From the total of 366 eggs examined for Salmonella spp, 27(7.4%) were positive, of which 23 (6.3%) and 4 (1.1%) were isolated from egg shell and egg content, respectively. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. in egg and egg content from open market (7.6%), (1.6%) was significantly higher than the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in poultry farm (7.1%), (0.5%) (P<0.05) respectively. Ciprofloxacin (85.2%) showed maximum susceptibility, followed by tetracycline (77.7%) and gentamycin (66.6%). Clindamycin was the most resisted (51.8%), followed by ampicillin (44.4%), amoxicillin (40.7%) and erythromycin (33.3%). Most of the isolates are resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents tested. Questionnaire survey was also carried out on 200 consumers and egg sellers (100 from each group). Their preferred form of egg consumption revealed that 67.5% egg consumers preferred only cooked eggs while 32.5% egg consumers showed preference for raw eggs. Twenty nine (44.6%) respondents who practiced eating raw eggs faced problems like nausea and vomiting, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea, while thirty six (55.4%) faced no problems following raw eggs consumption. Conclusion: To minimize the potential contamination of the egg by the pathogen, they should be properly handled, transported, cooked and kept appropriately. In general, public health measures such as improved food hygiene and health education are of paramount importance.
Trunk Fat Volume Can Be a Predictor of Short-Term Surgical Outcomes After Gastrectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Shiomi Shinichiro , Toriumi Tetsuro , Yagi Koichi , Asaoka Raito , Okumura Yasuhiro , Wakamatsu Kotaro , Aikou Susumu , Yamashita Hiroharu , Nomura Sachiyo , Seto Yasuyuki
Published: February 2021

Background
Obesity can affect postoperative outcomes of gastrectomy. Visceral fat area is superior to body mass index in predicting postoperative complications. However, visceral fat area measurement is time-consuming and is not optimum for clinical use. Meanwhile, trunk fat volume (TFV) can be easily measured via bioelectrical impedance analysis. Hence, this current study aimed to determine the association of trunk fat volume in predicting the occurrence of complications after gastrectomy.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for gastric cancer between November 2016 and November 2019. The trunk fat volume-to-the ideal amount (%TFV) ratio was obtained using InBody 770 before surgery. The patients were classified into the obese and nonobese groups according to %TFV (TFV-H group, ≥ 150 %; TFV-L group, < 150 %) and body mass index (BMI-H group, ≥ 25 kg/m2; BMI-L group, < 25 kg/m2). We compared the short-term postoperative outcomes (e.g., operative time, blood loss volume, number of resected lymph nodes, and duration of hospital stay) between the obese and nonobese patients. Risk factors for complications were assessed using logistic regression analysis.
Results
In total, 232 patients were included in this study. The TFV-H and BMI-H groups had a significantly longer operative time than the TFV-L (p = 0.022) and BMI-L groups (p = 0.006). Moreover, the TFV-H group had a significantly higher complication rate (p = 0.004) and a lower number of resected lymph nodes (p < 0.001) than the TFV-L group. In univariate analysis, %TFV ≥ 150, total or proximal gastrectomy, and open gastrectomy were found to be potentially associated with higher complication rates with p values < 0.1. Meanwhile, multivariate analysis revealed that %TFV ≥ 150 (OR: 2.73; 95%CI: 1.37–5.46; p = 0.005) and total or proximal gastrectomy (OR: 3.57; 95%CI: 1.79–7.12; p < 0.001) were independently correlated with postoperative morbidity.
Conclusions
%TFV independently affected postoperative complications. Hence, it may be a useful parameter for the evaluation of obesity and a predictor of short-term surgical outcomes after gastrectomy.
Design of CNTFET Based Domino Wide OR Gates Using Dual Chirality for Reducing Subthreshold Leakage Current
Authors: Magraiya Vijay Kumar , Gupta Tarun Kumar , Garg Bharat
Published: February 2021

The leakage current is prime concern in the modern portable battery operated device. However, various techniques are presented and performance is evaluated using MOSFET and FinFET devices. To further reduce leakage current for improved battery backup in portable devices, new devicesnamely Carbon Nano Tube Field Effect transistors (CNTFETs) can be used for design of different digital circuits. In this paper, subthreshold leakage power of dual chiral CNTFET based domino circuit is investigated and also the results are compared with single chiral CNTFET domino circuits. For better performance, threshold voltage of CNTFET in critical path is varied by changing the diameter or chirality of carbon nanotube. Subthreshold leakage power saving in dual chiral standard and LECTOR based domino circuits for OR2, OR4, OR8 & OR16 for low temperature (25°C) & low input ranges from 90.36- 95.96% and from 91.97-97.3%; for low temperature & high input ranges from 90.66-95.23% and from 92.85-96.39%; for high temperature (110°C) & low input ranges from 89.24- 99.73% and from 27.5-99.83%; for high temperature & high input ranges from 89.65-97.86% and from 91.85-99.76% when compared with single chiral standard and LECTOR based domino circuits respectively.
Characterization of Monoolein Langmuir Monolayers Spread at The Salt Solution/Air Interface
Authors: Dhopte Balaji Sopanrao , Lad Virangkumar N.
Published: February 2021

The Langmuir monolayer is commonly described at interfaces for an insoluble homogenous single molecular layer. Langmuir monolayers have demonstrated various issues regarding soft matters and complex fluids by forming ideal uniform two-dimensional structures over the air-water interface. This monolayer has advantages for evaluating physicochemical properties at interfaces and, for the insoluble molecules, can be applied simultaneously to the different interaction occurrences at interfaces. For this experiment, monoolein lipid was used as a spreading solvent to create a Langmuir monolayer, and five different types of salt sub-phases were applied for the physicochemical properties’ interaction studies. On the air-water interface, the surface properties of monoolein lipids were investigated for interfacial phase behaviors, using the Wilhelmy plate pressure sensor technique compression isotherm (π-A). Data and analysis were also contributed to the correspondent, precise verification of physical state behavior with the surface pressure measurements on the interfaces through the compressibility modulus and the elasticity modulus parameters on the surface. In the experiments, the interfacial activity of the monoolein lipids was found to be stable on the aqueous sub-phase, while the area per molecule over the interface did not have much impact as a sub-phase with a change in salts. The repeatability and reproducibility of tests were affirmed by the difference in the Langmuir monolayer’s particular phase transition orientation behavior and the stability of colloidal lipid dispersion. However, Langmuir monolayer formation contributes to several special groups being restructured and is found to be a more remarkable natural process for their attractive organic dynamic structural properties over the interface, but the interfacial molecular dynamics have proven to be difficult to calculate.
D-galactose induced dysfunction in mice hippocampus and the possible antioxidant and neuro-modulatory effects of selenium
Authors: Samad Noreen , Hafeez Farheen , Imran Imran
Published: February 2021

Aging is an ultimate reality that everyone has to face. D-galactose (D-gal) has been used extensively to develop aging model. Trace elements such as selenium (Sel) have been used as a potential antioxidant for neuro-protection. The present work aims to develop therapeutic agents such as Sel for the treatment of aging-induced neurological ailments such as anxiety, depression, and memory impairment. For this purpose, mice were treated with D-gal at a dose of 300 mg/ml/kg and various doses of Sel (0.175 and 0.35mg/ml/kg) for 28 days. Behavioural tests were monitored after treatment days. After the behavioural assessment mice were decapitated and their brains were collected. Hippocampi were removed from the brain for biochemical and neurochemical analysis. The present findings of behavioural analysis showed that D-gal induced anxiety and depression-like symptoms were inhibited by both doses of Sel. D-gal induced memory alteration was also prevented by repeated doses (0.175 and 0.35mg/ml/kg) of Sel. Biochemical analysis showed that D-gal induced increase of oxidative stress marker and decrease of antioxidant enzymes in the hippocampus was prevented by Sel administration. An increase in the activity of acetylcholinesterase was also diminished by Sel. The neurochemical assessment showed that D-gal induced increased serotonin metabolism and decreased acetylcholine levels in the hippocampus were restored by repeated treatment of Sel. It is concluded that D-gal induced dysfunction in mice hippocampus caused anxiety, depression, memory impairment, oxidative stress that were mitigated by Sel via its antioxidant potential and modulating capability of serotonergic and cholinergic functions.
A Male-ABCD Algorithm for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk Prediction in HBsAg Carriers
Authors: Wang Yuting , Wang Minjie , Li He , Chen Kun , Zeng Hongmei , Bi Xinyu , Zhu Zheng , Jiao Yuchen , Wang Yong , Zhu Jian , Zhao Hui , Liu Xiang , Dai Chunyun , Fan Chunsun , Zhao Can , Guo Deyin , Zhao Hong , Wang Sizhen , Zhou Jianguo , Wang Dongmei , Wu Zhiyuan , Zhao Xinming , Cui Wei , Zhang Xuehong , Cai Jianqiang , Chen Wanqing , Qu Chunfeng
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development among hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers shows gender disparity, influenced by underlying liver diseases that display variations in laboratory tests. We aimed to construct a risk-stratified HCC prediction model for HBsAg-positive male adults.METHODS: HBsAg-positive, 35-69 years males (N=6 153) were recruited from a multi-center population-based liver cancer screening study. Randomly, three centers were set as training, the other three centers as validation. Within 2 years since initiation, we administrated at least two rounds of HCC screening using B-ultrasonography and α-fetoprotein (AFP). We used logistic regression models to determine potential risk factors, built and examined the operating characteristics of a point-based algorithm for HCC risk prediction.RESULTS: With 2 years of follow-up, 302 HCC cases were diagnosed. A male-ABCD algorithm was constructed including participant’s Age, Blood levels of GGT (γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase), Counts of platelets, white cells, Concentration of DCP (des-γ-carboxy-prothrombin) and AFP, with scores ranging from 0 to 18.3. The area under receiver operating characteristic was 0.91(0.89-0.93), larger than existing models. At 1.5 points of risk-score, 26.10% of the participants in training, 14.94% in validation were recognized at-low-risk, with sensitivity of identifying HCC remained 100%. At 2.5 points, 46.51% of the participants in training, 33.68% in validation were recognized at-low-risk with 99.06% and 97.78% of sensitivity. At 4.5 points, only 20.86% of training, 23.73% of validation were recognized at-high-risk, with positive prediction value of 22.85% and 12.35% respectively.DISCUSSION: Male-ABCD algorithm identified individual’s risk for HCC occurrence within short-term for their HCC precision surveillance.
Composite of Aromatic Polythiourea/BaTiO3 Nanowires with High Energy Density and High Discharge Efficiency for Energy Storage Applications
Authors: Xiali Li , Shi Liuwei , Chen Lei , Yang Wenyao , Zha Xiaoting , Wang Chengpeng , Xi Runhui , Xu Jianhua , Yang Yajie
Published: February 2021

Ceramic/polymer nanocomposites have shown great potential in high energy storage density capacitors for pulsed power applications. However, due to the difference in surface energy between inorganic fillers and polymers, the discharge energy density and efficiency of nanocomposites are limited. In this article, the BaTiO3 (BT) nanowires (nws) modified with dopamine (Dopa) was introduced into aromatic polythiourea (ArPTU) polymer matrix as composite for high performance dielectrics. This is a new path about the introduction of a high dielectric constant ceramic into high dipole moment linear polymers (HDMLP), which produces the polymer composite with high energy storage density and high discharge efficiency. The composite ArPTU/BT nws shows an energy density of 7.5 Jcm-3 and high efficiency more than 90 % is obtained under an electric field of 250 MVm-1. It also has been found that the modification of BT nws with the dopamine reduces the dielectric loss of composite effectively due to the good synergistic effective between ArPTU and BT nws, and high stability of composite for energy storage is also achieved. This work provides an effective solution for achieving high energy storage density and high discharge efficiency in polymer dielectrics for practical capacitor applications.
Expression of Tissue Factor and Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitors during Ovulation in Rats: A Potential Biomarker for Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
Authors: Jang You Jee , Kim Hee Kyung , Choi Bum Chae , Song Sang Jin , Park Jae Il , Chun Sang Young , Cho Moon Kyoung
Published: February 2021

Background: Blood coagulation has been associated with ovulation and female infertility. In this study, the expression of the tissue factor system was examined during ovulation in immature rats; the correlation between tissue factor and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) was evaluated both in rats and human follicular fluids. Methods: Ovaries were obtained at various times after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection to investigate the expression of tissue factor system. Expression levels of ovarian tissue factor, tissue factor pathway inhibitor (Tfpi)-1 and Tfpi-2 genes and proteins were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses, respectively. Expression levels of tissue factor system were also investigated in ovaries of OHSS-induced rats and in follicular fluid of infertile women.Results: The expression of tissue factor in the preovulatory follicles was stimulated by hCG, reaching a maximum at 6 h. Tissue factor was expressed in the oocytes and the preovulatory follicles. Tfpi-2 mRNA levels were mainly increased by hCG in the granulosa cells whereas the mRNA levels of Tfpi-1 were decreased by hCG. Human CG-stimulated tissue factor expression was inhibited by the progesterone receptor antagonist. The increase in Tfpi-2 expression by hCG was decreased by the proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) antagonist. Decreased expression of the tissue factor was detected in OHSS-induced rats. Interestingly, the tissue factor concentrations in the follicular fluids of women undergoing in vitro fertilization were correlated with pregnancy but not with OHSS. Conclusions: Collectively, the results indicate that tissue factor and Tfpi-2 expression is stimulated during the ovulatory process in rats; moreover, a correlation exists between the levels of tissue factor and OHSS in rats but not in humans.
The Quantitative Assessment of Respiratory Muscles by Computed Tomography in Patients of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Wu Di , Cao Yujia , Cui Yan , Yuan Baoyu , Guo Yijing , Zhang Zhijun
Published: February 2021

Objectives Progressive weakness of respiratory muscle is common to patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which leads to respiratory failure, even death. The evaluation of respiratory muscle is essential to evaluate the severity during the progression of the disease and choose appropriate interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the respiratory muscles change of the patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by regular chest computed tomography. Methods The cross-sectional area of respiratory muscles in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients was retrospectively reviewed. The severity of the disease was determined by the value of the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis function score scale. A healthy control group was selected with well-matched to the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Results Compared with the healthy control group, the cross-sectional area of the diaphragm muscle was lower in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. The reduced cross-sectional area of respiratory muscles has a positive correlation with a lower amyotrophic lateral sclerosis function score. Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis further showed a significant reduction in the cross-sectional area of respiratory muscles after 6-8 months.Conclusions The single-slice axial computed tomography is a fast and reliable method to quantitatively assess the cross-sectional area of respiratory muscles, especially diaphragm muscle, in disease progression.
Isolation and Characterization of Microsatellites For The Endangered Endemic Tree Nothofagus Alessandrii (Nothofagaceae)
Authors: Torres-Díaz Cristian , Valladares Moisés A. , Molina-Montenegro Marco A. , Mora-Poblete Freddy
Published: February 2021

Nothofagus alessandrii (Nothofagaceae) is one of the most endangered trees from Chile. Despite its conservation status, few molecular markers are available to study its population genetic, connectivity and to assist reproduction programs. Novel polymorphic microsatellites from the genome of N. alessandrii were isolated and characterized using high-through sequencing. A total of 30 primer pairs were synthesized and 18 microsatellites were amplified correctly. Polymorphism and genetic diversity was evaluated in 58 individuals from three populations of N. alessandrii. Sixteen of them were polymorphic and the number of alleles in the pooled sample ranged from 2 to 14, the mean number of alleles was 4.81. The mean values of observed heterozigosity (HO) and excepted heterozygosity (HE) of the Chanco population were 0.392 and 0.383. The mean values of HO and HE in the population of Empedrado (0.397 and 0.360, respectively) and Fundo el Desprecio (0.397 and 0.395, respectively) were similar. Linkage disequilibrium was found in a few pairs of loci suggesting that most of the markers can be considered as independent. Significant deviations from Hardy- Weinberg equilibrium (P < 0.05) were found in several loci probably due to low sampling size. Transferability to the congeneric N. pumilio was successful in only four out of the sixteen polymorphic markers. The microsatellite markers developed in this study will be useful to study the genetic diversity and structure and to develop integrated managements plans for the conservation on this endangered species.
Do Reporting Guidelines Have an Impact? Empirical Assessment of Changes in Reporting Before and After the PRISMA Extension Statement for Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Veroniki Areti Angeliki , Tsokani Sofia , Zevgiti Stella , Pagkalidou Irene , Kontouli Katerina-Maria , Ambarcioglu Pinar , Pandis Nikos , Lunny Carole , Nikolakopoulou Adriani , Papakonstantinou Theodoros , Chaimani Anna , Straus Sharon E. , Hutton Brian , Tricco Andrea C. , Mavridis Dimitris , Salanti Georgia
Published: February 2021

Background: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension statement for network meta-analysis (NMA) published in 2015 promotes comprehensive reporting in published systematic reviews with NMA. PRISMA-NMA includes 32 items in total: 27 core items as indicated in the core 2009 PRISMA Statement and five additional items specific to the reporting of NMAs. Although reporting of NMAs is improving, it is unclear whether the PRISMA-NMA statement has accelerated this improvement. Our aim was to investigate the impact of PRISMA-NMA statement and highlight key items that require further attention and improvement.Methods: We updated our previous collection of NMAs with articles published between April 2015 and July 2018. We assessed the completeness of reporting for each NMA, including main manuscript and online supplements, using the PRISMA-NMA checklist. We also prepared a modified version of the PRISMA-NMA checklist with 49 items to evaluate separately at a more granular level all multiple-content items. We compared average reporting scores of articles published before and after 2015.Results: In the 1,144 included NMAs the mean modified PRISMA-NMA score was 32.1 (95% CI 31.8-32.4). For one-year increase the mean modified score increased by 0.96 (95% CI 0.32 to 1.59) for 389 NMAs published until 2015 and by 0.53 (95% CI 0.02 to 1.04) for 755 NMAs published after 2015. The mean modified PRISMA-NMA score for NMAs published after 2015 was higher by 0.81 (95% CI 0.23 to 1.39) compared to before 2015 when adjusting for journal impact factor, type of review, funding, and treatment category. Description of summary effect sizes to be used, presentation of individual study data, sources of funding for the systematic review and role of funders dropped in frequency after 2015 by 6-16%.Conclusions: NMAs published after 2015 more frequently reported the five items associated with NMA compared to those published before 2015. However, improvement in reporting after 2015 is compatible with that observed on a yearly basis before 2015 and hence it could not be attributed solely to the publication of PRISMA-NMA statement. Funding: This research study received no funding. AAV, ST, SZ, KMK, and DM were funded from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 [No. 754936]. AN, TP and GS have been supported by SNSF grant agreement 320030_179158. SES is funded by a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Knowledge Translation. ACT is funded by a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Knowledge Synthesis.
Effects of Nonperiodized and Linear Periodized Combined Exercise Training on Insulin Resistance Indicators in Adults With Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Streb Anne Ribeiro , Leonel Larissa dos Santos , Delevatti Rodrigo Sudatti , Cavaglieri Claudia Regina , Duca Giovani Firpo Del
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe aim was to verify the effect of non-periodized and linear periodized combined (aerobic more resistance) exercise training on insulin resistance markers in adults with obesity. MethodsWas conducted a blinded randomized controlled trial with three groups of individuals with obesity (BMI, 30–39.9kg/m²): control group (CG, n=23), non-periodized group (NG, n=23), and linear periodized group (PG, n=23). The NG and PG performed aerobic and resistance exercises in the same session in aerobic-resistance order for 16 weeks. Both intervention groups trained three sessions weekly, with total duration of 60 minutes each. The aerobic training of the NG had duration of 30 min always between 50%–59% of the reserve heart rate (HRres), while resistance part was compost of 6 exercise, performed always in 2×10–12 maximum repetitions (RM). The PG progressed the aerobic and resistance training from 40%–49% to 60%–69% (HRres) and from 2×12–14 to 2×8–10 RM, respectively, along intervention period. The evaluated indicators of insulin resistance included fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) collected pre and post intervention. The analyses to verify the exercise training effect were performed using generalized estimating equations. ResultsAfter 16 weeks of training, per protocol analysis (n=39) showed significant reductions in HOMA-IR only in the training groups (NG: ∆=-1.6, PG: ∆=-0.6; p=0.094). Intention-to-treat analysis demonstrated significant reductions in fasting insulin levels (NG: ∆=-1.4, PG: ∆=-1.0; p=0.004) and HOMA-IR (NG: ∆=-5.5, PG: ∆=-3.8; p=0.002). Conclusion﻿Periodized and non-periodized combined exercise training reduces similarly insulin resistance markers in adults with obesity. Trial registration: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials, RBR-3c7rt3. Registered 07 February 2019 - https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/trial/5970/1
Lactobacillus Murinus Alleviates Intestinal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Through Promoting the Release of Interleukin-10 From M2 Macrophages via Toll-like Receptor 2 Signaling
Authors: Hu Jingjuan , Deng Fan , Zhao Bingcheng , Yang Xiao , Lin Zebin , Sun Qishun , Wu Mei , Qiu Shida , Zhao Jin , Yan Zhengzheng , Liu Weifeng , Li Cai , Liu Ke-Xuan
Published: February 2021

BackgroundIntestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury has high morbidity and mortality. Gut microbiota is one of the potential key factors affecting intestinal I/R injury. Different populations exhibit different sensitivities to intestinal I/R injury, but whether this is related to differences in gut microbiota is unclear. Here, to elucidate the interaction between the gut microbiome and intestinal I/R injury, we conducted 16S rRNA gene sequencing and fecal microbiota transplantation experiment in an I/R mouse model. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)-deficient mice, interleukin-10 (IL-10)-deficient mice as well as the transwell co-culture system of small intestine organoids and macrophages were used to explore the potential mechanism of bacteria attenuating intestinal I/R injury.ResultsThe intestinal I/R-sensitive (Sen) and resistant (Res) mice were first defined according to different survival outcomes of mice suffering from intestinal I/R. Fecal microbiota composition and diversity prior to intestinal ischemia were different between in Sen and Res mice. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus murinus (L. murinus) at the species level was higher in Res mice than in Sen mice, and the fold change was the largest. Clinically, the abundance of L. murinus in preoperative feces of patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery was closely related to the degree of intestinal I/R injury after surgery. Treatment with L. murinus significantly prevented from intestinal I/R-induced intestinal injury and improved the survival of mice, which depends on the participation of macrophages. Further, in vivo and vitro experiments indicated that L. murinus promoted the release of IL-10 from M2 macrophages via activating TLR2 signaling to alleviate intestinal I/R injury. ConclusionGut microbiome is involved in the postoperative outcome of intestinal I/R. L. murinus promotes the release of IL-10 from M2 macrophages through TLR2 signaling to alleviate intestinal I/R injury, revealing a novel mechanism of intestinal I/R injury and new therapeutic strategy for clinical practice.
Research and Application of Image Recognition of Substation Inspection Robots based on Edge Computing and Incremental Learning
Authors: Liu Xiao , Dong Bangzhou , Li Peiqi , Yuan Bin , Wang Kesheng
Published: February 2021

The large scale of the power grid and its high voltage make the fault detection have not only heavy workload but also high risks. This paper briefly introduced the inspection robot system, edge computing technology, and support vector machine (SVM)-based image recognition algorithm. To enable the inspection robot system to actively adjust the algorithm parameters and maintain the accuracy of the algorithm, the SVM algorithm was improved by the incremental learning technology. Then, the non-improved and improved SVM algorithms were simulated in MATLAB software. A one-month experiment was carried out in a substation. The results showed that the improved SVM algorithm trained faster and had a high accuracy in the face of new samples. The substation experiment verified that the inspection robot system maintained the infrared image recognition accuracy of the faulty equipment for a long time after the application of the improved SVM algorithm, and the system had a smaller delay in transmitting command information after the application of edge computing.
Using Median Survival in Meta-analysis of Experimental Time-to-event Data
Authors: Hirst Theodore C , Sena Emily S. , Macleod Malcolm R.
Published: February 2021

Background: Time-to-event data is frequently reported in both clinical and preclinical research spheres. Systematic review and meta-analysis is a tool that can help to identify pitfalls in preclinical research conduct and reporting that can help to improve translational efficacy. However, pooling of studies using hazard ratios (HR) is cumbersome especially in preclinical meta-analyses including large numbers of small studies. Median survival is a much simpler metric although because of some limitations, which may not apply to preclinical data, it is generally not used in survival meta-analysis. We aimed to appraise its performance when compared with hazard ratio-based meta-analysis when pooling large numbers of small, imprecise studies.Methods: We simulated a survival dataset with features representative of a typical preclinical survival meta-analysis, including with influence of a treatment and a number of covariates. We calculated individual patient data-based hazard ratios and median survival ratios (MSR), comparing the summary statistics directly and their performance at Random-effects meta-analysis. Finally, we compared their sensitivity to detect associations between treatment and influential covariates at meta-regression.Results: There was in imperfect correlation between MSR and HR, although opposing direction of treatment effects between summary statistics appeared not to be a major issue. Precision was more conservative for HR than MSR, meaning that estimates of heterogeneity were lower. There was a slight sensitivity advantage for MSR at meta-analysis and meta-regression, although power was low in all circumstances.Conclusions: MSR appears to be a valid summary statistic for use in meta-analysis of small, imprecise experimental studies. It is computationally more straightforward and quicker to approximate than HR. While assessment of study precision and therefore weighting is less reliable, MSR appears to perform favourably during meta-analysis. Sensitivity of meta-regression was low for this set of parameters, so pooling of treatments to increase sample size may be required to ensure confidence in preclinical survival meta-regressions.
The Effects of Asthma on the Stress Oxidative, Inflammation, and Endothelial Dysfunction Characteristics in Children with Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Shabestari Ali Arjmand , Mohaghegh Pegah , kiyanrad Habibeh , imanparast fatemeh
Published: February 2021

Background: Pulmonary vascular endothelial activation, inflammation, and stress oxidative have been implicated in adverse clinical outcomes of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Although chronic lung problems such as asthma may affect the consequences of pneumonia, the exact mechanism of this effect remains unclear. The present study aimed to assess the effects of asthma on the oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers in children pneumonia.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed at Amir Kabir Hospital affiliated to Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran. Participants were 25 children with severe CAP and asthma (group I), 25 children with severe CAP (group II), and 25 healthy children (group III) with 2 to 6 years of age. Fasting blood samples were taken to the assay of serum malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), and Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1).Results: We observed a significant reduction in TAC in groups I and II (0.997±0.22 and 1.23±0.21 mmol/l, respectively) compared with group III (1.46±0.19 mmol/l). This reduction was significantly higher in group I than in group II. Also, we observed a significant increase in MDA and TNF-α in groups I (2.57±0.40 µmol/l, 6.94±1.61 pg/ml, respectively) and II (6.94±1.61µmol/l, 5.54±1.84 pg/ml, respectively) compared with group III (1.89 ±0.27µmol/l, 3.42±1.32 pg/ml, respectively). The increase in MDA was significantly higher in group I than in group II. VCAM-1 and PAI-1 as endothelial dysfunction biomarkers increased significantly in group I (1.5 ±0.62 mmol/l and 10.52±3.2 AU/ml, respectively) compared with groups II (1.06±0.53 mmol/l and 8.23±3.4 AU/ml, respectively) and III (0.6± 0.35 mmol/l and 2.39 ± 0.83 AU/ml, respectively). Also, VCAM-1 and PAI-1 increased significantly in group II compared with groups III.Conclusions: Asthma can exacerbate the consequences of pneumonia in children by increasing oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction.
Growth Differences of Growth Hormone Transgenic Female and Male Channel Catfish, Ictalurus Punctatus, Grown in Earthen Ponds to Sexual Maturation
Authors: Abass Nermeen Y. , Su Baofeng , Alsaqufi Ahmed , Elaswad Ahmed , Qin Zhenkui , Li Hanbo , Odin Ramjie , Ye Zhi , Dunham Rex A.
Published: February 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Assessing Ecological Literacy and Its Application Based on Linguistic Ecology: a Case Study of Guiyang City, China
Authors: Ha Changchen , Huang Guowen , Zhang Jiaen , Dong Shumin
Published: February 2021

To address the frequent emergence of ecological problems, ecology has intersected with various disciplines. From the perspective of linguistic ecology, ecological literacy is an important concept that combines the two subjects. It not only discusses ecological issues, but also establishes a linguistic framework. Here, we constructed a quantitative method of assessing ecological literacy from the perspective of linguistic ecology. Ecological literacy was divided into five parts: ecological knowledge literacy, ecological awareness literacy, ecological ethics literacy, ecological emotional literacy, and ecological behavioral literacy. Each of these was set with four quantitative indicators that were evaluated through eight questions. A case study was conducted to investigate the ecological literacy of the inhabitants of Guiyang City, one of China’s top ten ecologically advanced cities. The results showed that the proposed assessment method was an effective way to evaluate the level of ecological literacy comprehensively. In the case analysis, the levels of the five specific dimensions of Guiyang inhabitants in descending order were as follows: ecological ethics literacy, ecological emotional literacy, ecological awareness literacy, ecological knowledge literacy, and ecological behavioral literacy. The results of this study are conducive to the production of targeted ways to improve the level of ecological literacy for sustainable development.