bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryo-EM Structure of a Tetrameric Photosystem I from Chroococcidiopsis TS-821, a Thermophilic, Non-heterocyst-forming Cyanobacteria
Authors: Semchonok Dmitry , Mondal Jyotirmoy , Cooper Connor , Schlum Katrina , Li Meng , Amin Muhamed , Sorzano Carlos Sanchez , Ramírez-Aportela Erney , Kastritis Panagiotis , Boekema Egbert , Guskov Albert , Bruce Barry
Published: October 2020

Photosystem I (PSI) is one of two the photosystems involved in oxygenic photosynthesis. PSI of cyanobacteria exists in monomeric, trimeric, and tetrameric forms, which is in contrast to the strictly monomeric form of PSI in plants and algae. The tetrameric organization raises questions about its structural, physiological, and evolutional significance. Here we report the ~3.9 Å resolution cryo-EM structure of tetrameric PSI from the thermophilic, unicellular cyanobacterium Chroococcidiopsis sp. TS-821. The structure resolves all 44 subunits and 448 cofactor molecules. We conclude that the tetramer is arranged via two different interfaces resulting from a dimer-of-dimers organization. The localization of chlorophyll molecules permits an excitation energy pathway within and between adjacent monomers. Bioinformatics analysis reveals conserved regions in PsaL subunit that correlate with the oligomeric state. Tetrameric PSI may function as a key evolutionary step between the trimeric and monomeric forms of PSI organization in photosynthetic organisms.
Whole exome sequencing identified novel mutation in SUOX gene causes extremely rare autosomal recessive isolated sulfite oxidase deficiency
Authors: Zhang Rui , Hao Yajing , Xu Ying , Qin Jiale , Wang Yanfang , Dey Subrata Kumar , Li Chen , Wang Huilin , Banerjee Santasree
Published: October 2020

BackgroundIsolated sulfite oxidase deficiency (ISOD) is the rarest types of life-threatening neurometabolic disorders characterized by neonatal intractable seizures and severe developmental delay with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. ISOD is extremely rare and only 29 mutations have been identified and reported worldwide. Germline mutation in SUOX gene causes ISOD. MethodsHere, we investigated a 5-days old Chinese girl, presented with intermittent tremor or seizures of limbs, neonatal encephalopathy, subarachnoid cyst and haemorrhage, dysplasia of corpus callosum, neonatal convulsion, respiratory failure, cardiac failure, hyperlactatemia, severe metabolic acidosis, hyperglycemia, hyperkalemia, moderate anemia, atrioventricular block and complete right bundle branch block. Karyotype and chromosomal microarray analysis were performed and identified no chromosomal abnormalities in the proband. Whole exome sequencing was performed for the proband. Sanger sequencing was performed for the proband and her family members. ResultsWhole exome sequencing identified a novel heterozygous deletion (c.1406_1421delCCTGGCAGGTGGCTAA) and a previously reported heterozygous substitution (c.1200C>G) in exon 6 of the SUOX gene in the proband. The novel heterozygous deletion leads to frameshift (p.Thr469Serfs*20) which results into the formation of a truncated sulfite oxidase of 488 amino acids. The substitution leads to a premature stop codon (p.Tyr400*) followed by the formation of a truncated sulfite oxidase of 399 amino acids. Hence, both the variants are loss-of-function variants. The proband’s father and mother is carrying the substitution and deletion in a heterozygous state respectively. These two variants were not identified in the elder brother of the proband as well as in the 100 healthy individuals. ConclusionHere, we reported the first variant of SUOX gene associated ISOD in Chinese population. Our study not only expand the mutational spectrum of SUOX gene associated ISOD, but also strongly suggested the application of whole exome sequencing for identifying the novel disease-causing mutation in candidate genes.
Mapping the Vector Abundance of Endemic Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Southern Quebec
Authors: Allostry Julie , Ludwig Antoinette , Kotchi Serge Olivier , Rousseu François , Fournier Richard
Published: October 2020

Background: Climate change is increasing the dispersion of mosquitoes and the spread of viruses of which some mosquitoes are the main vectors. This increases the risk of humans coming into contact with infected mosquitoes and developing diseases with sometimes fatal consequences. In Quebec, the surveillance and management of endemic mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus or Eastern equine encephalitis, could be improved by mapping the areas of risk supporting vector populations. However, there is currently no active tool tailored to Quebec that can predict annual mosquito population abundances. Methods: Our modelling approach is designed to meet this need. Four species of mosquitos were studied in this project for the period from 2003 to 2014 for the southern part of the province: Aedes vexans (VEX), Coquillettidia perturbans (CQP), Culex pipiens-restuans group (CPRg) and Ochlerotatus stimulans group (STMg) species. We used a mixed linear regression approach to model the abundances of each species or species groups as a function of meteorological and land cover variables. Results: The best models incorporate, for CPRg, the agricultural land, grassland and woodland classes and the average minimum temperature in September of the previous year; for STMg, the urban and woodland classes and the mean precipitation in June; for CQP, urban areas and the mean precipitation in January and August; and finally, for VEX, the agricultural land class and the mean precipitation in January, February and September. Conclusions: The models proved to be robust and precise over almost the entire study area, and the presence of significant climate variables for each of the species or species groups makes it possible to consider their use in predicting long-term spatial variations, based on climate and landscape change, in the abundance of mosquitoes potentially harmful to public health in southern Quebec.
Health States Utility Value in COVID-19
Authors: Alinia Cyrus , Yaghmaei Safura , Abdullah Farman Zahir , Ahmadi Asad , Samadi Nasrin , Pourteymour Sima , Mahmoudi Hassan , Moradi Ghobad , Piroozi Bakhtiar
Published: October 2020

Background: The main aim of the study was extract the health utility value of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) disease.Methods: In a cross-sectional study in Iran, 320 randomly selected treated patients from COVID-19 is studied. To collect the required data, we applied a questionnaire that included socio-demographic factors, clinical characteristics, and questions on the patients’ Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Time trade-off (TTO) approach is used to measure the lost HRQoL attributed to COVID-19. Besides, we applied a two-limit Tobit regression model to determine the effects of the socio-demographic factors on the patients’ health utility and used the visual analogue scale approach to estimate the perceived total current health status.Results: The overall mean (SE) and median (IQR) of the health utility values were 0.863 (0.01) and 0.909 (0.21), respectively. This values for those who were willing to trade time in exchange for perfect health estimated at 0.793 (0.01) and 0.848 (0.17), respectively. The lowest amount of utility value were belonged to the elderly (mean (SE) = 0.742 (0.04); median (IQR) = 0.765 (0.42)) and those lived in rural (mean (SE)) = 0.804 (0.03); median (IQR) = 0.877 (0.30)). The univariate analysis shows that age, location living, and household size factors have a statistically significant effect on the health utility. The regression model's findings indicate that the participants' age and hospitalization status were the key determinants of COVID-19 health utility value.Conclusion: COVID-19 is associated with a substantial and measurable diminution in HRQoL. This diminution in HRQoL can be directly compared with that induced by systemic health states.
A Randomized Controlled Trial on Mobile Phone Text Messaging to Improve Sexo-Reproductive Health Among Adolescent Girls in Cameroon
Authors: Wirsiy Frankline Sevidzem , Atuhaire Catherine , Ngonzi Joseph , Cumber Samuel Nambile
Published: October 2020

Background: We conducted a single-centered randomized controlled single-blinded trial (i.e trained interviewers; blinded to group allocation). The target population included adolescent girls in the Kumbo West Health District (KWHD) of Cameroon. This trial tested the efficacy of weekly educational one-way text messages to improve perception of adolescent girls on sexo-reproductive health. Methods: Allocation concealment (1:1) was determined by sequentially numbered sealed opaque envelopes. A total of 398 participants either received the mobile phone sexo-reproductive health text messages (199) or not (199). A blinded program secretary send out text messages and recorded delivery. Data was collected and managed at baseline and at 6 month intervals using an interviewer-administered questionnaire before and after intervention, then analysed using the independent T-test (mean differences) and ANOVA on SPSS version 21.Results: The mean knowledge, attitude and practice scores respectively increased significantly from 6.03, 4.01 and 3.45 at baseline to 7.99, 5.83 and 4.99 at the end of the study. After performing ANOVA for the overall correct knowledge, positive attitudes and good practices respectively for between and within the intervention groups, we obtained: (F=15.12, P=0.023), (F=60.21, P=0.001) and (F=57., P=0.013) which showed statistical significance thus indicating the overall improvement in adolescents girls perception as a result of the intervention and not by chance. Majority (65.3%) of the participants were satisfied with the Short Message Service (SMS). Conclusion: This trial has contributed to the body of knowledge and evidence on the use of mobile phone technology using educative SMS to improve adolescent girl’s perception on sexo-reproductive health in Cameroon. Trial Registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry, PACTR201805003259293. Registered 28 March 2018, https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=3259
Job Satisfaction of Midwives in the Context of a Midwife-Led Project – A Repeat Measure Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Grylka-Baeschlin Susanne , Aeberli Regula , Guenthard-Uhl Barbara , Kaeppeli Barbara Meier , Leutenegger Vanessa , Volken Thomas , Pehlke-Milde Jessica
Published: October 2020

Background: Job satisfaction of midwives is important to prevent skill shortage. Those working in midwife-led models of care were more satisfied than those working in standard care. Job satisfaction in the context of a midwife-led project was not researched previously. The aim of this study was to investigate job satisfaction before and after the implementation of a midwife-led intervention.Methods: Longitudinal observational study at three time points using quantitative and qualitative methods. A total of 43 midwives working in the labour ward participated in the online surveys and 5-7 in the focus group discussions. The surveys comprised questions from validated instruments. Descriptive and multivariable time series analysis were used for quantitative and content analysis for qualitative data.Results: Adjusted predicted scores decreased between t0 and t1 and subsequently increased at t2 without reaching baseline values (e.g ‘professional support subscales’: between t0 and t1: (0.65, 95% CI [0.45, 0.86] versus 0.26, 95% CI [0.08, 0.45], p=0.005) and t0 and t2 (0.65, 95% CI [0.45, 0.86] versus 0.29, 95% CI [0.12, 0.47], p=0.004). Focus group discussions revealed three themes: “Job satisfaction”, “Challenges with the implementation” and “Continuity of care”. Midwives perceived the additional tasks as stressors. Conclusion: The implementation of new interventions might increase work related stress and decrease job satisfaction in an early phase. This effect was stronger than the one of acquiring more autonomy and responsibility. Heads of institutions and policy makers should recognise the needs of support and additional resources for staff when planning new projects.
DNA Vaccination Target on Amyloid Oligomer also Reduce tau Pathology and Improve Synaptic Function in Aged 3xTg-AD Mice
Authors: sha sha , Xing xiaona , Wang Tao , Li Ying , Zhang RongWei , Shen Xueli , Cao Yunpeng , Qu Le
Published: October 2020

Background: Active immunotherapy has been widely used as a potential therapeutic method for both treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Amyloid deposition and tau hyperphosphorylation are main pathological hallmarks of AD. Reduction in both is required to regulate synaptic proteins neurotransmission which can finally protect cognitive function. Growing evidence suggests that the most toxic β-Amyloid peptide (Aβ) oligomers can be detected from the very beginning of AD development, so it is wise for us to develop effective therapy method focus on Aβ oligomers rather than monomers. Methods: The 3×Tg-AD mice were randomly divided into two groups immunized with p(Aβ3–10)10-MT and PBS respectively. The PBS group was used for positive group while C57/B6 mice was used for negative group. ELISA was used to detect the antibody titers and Morris Water Maze was to analysis the cognitive function. The Aβ ,Tau hyperphosphorylation, Neuron and synaptic protein were detected through immunohistochemistry and western blot. Results: Mice immunized with p(Aβ3–10)10-MT can not only reduce the levels of Aβ oligomers and plaque deposits but also protect neuron as well as synaptic function, finally prevent the decline spatial memory in transgenic mice. Conclusions: Our novel DNA genetic vaccine is highly safe and effective, thus providing strong evidence for the treatment and prevention of early AD.
Inhibition of Caspase-1 by VX-765 Reduces Pyroptosis and Attenuates Neuroinflammation After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Zhu Liulong , He Fan , Ding Guoming , Li Maoqiang , Jiang Wu
Published: October 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Design, Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Novel Pyrimidine-Containing 4H-Chromen-4-one Derivatives
Authors: Su Shijun , Chen Mei , Tang Xuemei , Peng Feng , Liu Tingting , Zhou Qing , Luo Hui , He Ming , Xue Wei
Published: October 2020

A series of pyrimidine-containing 4H-chromen-4-one derivatives were designed and synthesized by combining bioactive substructures. All compounds were characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 19F NMR and HRMS. Preliminary biological activity results showed that most of title compounds displayed significant inhibitory activity against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Citri (Xac), Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs). In particular, compound 4c demonstrated a good inhibitory effect against Xac and Xoo, with half-maximal effective concentration(EC50) values of 15.5 and 14.9 μg/mL respectively, and that of compound 4h showed the best antibacterial activity against Rs with an EC50 value of 14.7 μg/mL, These results were better than both bismerthiazol (BT, 51.7, 70.1 and 52.7 μg/mL, respectively) and thiodiazole copper (TC, 77.9, 95.8 and 72.1 μg/mL respectively). In vivo antibacterial activity results indicated that compound 4c displayed better curative(42.4%) and protective (49.2%) activities for reducing rice bacterial leaf blight than both BT (35.2, 39.1%) and TC (30.8, 27.3%). The mechanism of compound 4c against Xoo was analysed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that the compound destroied the bacterial cell membrane structure. These results indicated that pyrimidine-containing 4H-chromen-4-one derivatives are valuable in the research of new agrochemicals.
Genomic Characterization of A Multidrug-resistant Citrobacter freundii Strain ZT01-0079 Co-Producing blaNDM-1 and blaSHV-12 using MiSeq and MinION
Authors: Zhang Tingyan , Lin Yanfeng , Li Zhonghong , Liu Xiong , Li Jinhui , Li Lizhong , Wang Kaiying , Liu Zhongdong , Lu Lanfen , Li Peng , Wang Hongyan
Published: October 2020

Background: The emergence of multi-drug resistant Citrobacter freundii poses daunting challenges to the treatment of clinical infections. The purpose of this study was to characterize the genome of a C. freundii strain with an IncX3 plasmid encoding both the blaNDM-1 and blaSHV-12 genes.Methods: Strain ZT01-0079 was isolated from a clinical urine sample. The Vitek2 system was used for identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The presence of blaNDM-1 was detected by PCR and sequencing. Conjugation experiments and Southern blotting were performed to determine the transferability of the blaNDM-1- carrying plasmid. Nanopore and Illumina sequencing were performed to better understand the genomic characteristics of the strain.Results: Strain ZT01-0079 was identified as C. freundii, and the coexistence of blaNDM-1 and multiple drug resistance genes was confirmed. Electrophoresis and Southern blotting showed that blaNDM-1 was located on a ~53kb IncX3 plasmid. The NDM-1-encoding plasmid was successfully transferred at a frequency of 1.68×10−3. Both blaNDM-1 and blaSHV-12 were located on the self-transferable IncX3 plasmid.Conclusion: The rapid spread of the IncX3 plasmid highlights the importance of continuous monitoring of the prevalence of NDM-1-encoding Enterobacteriaceae. Mutations of existing carbapenem resistance genes will bring formidable challenges to clinical treatment.
Dyslipidemia in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus With Poor Glycemic Control: Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Relationship Between HbA1c and Lipid Profile.
Authors: liu lin , Xu Huiwen , Qiu Shuang , Yuan Xiaodan , Zhu Pinting , Zou Yan
Published: October 2020

BackgroundCcompared with HbA1c<7% ,T2DM patients with HbA1c≥7% had significantly higher levels of lipid profile, however, it is unknown whether there was a linear and significant increase levels of lipid profile associated with HbA1c value of ≥7%. This study identified the lipid profile across a full range of poor glycemic control and the association between lipid profiles with different specific HbA1c cutoffs.MethodsA total of 1183 type 2 diabetes patients with poor glycemic control (HbA1c>7%) selected through convenience sampling in three hospitals of Jiangsu province were surveyed. Dyslipidemia was defined according to criteria of the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III). ResultsThe prevalence of dyslipidemia was 55.2 % overall. Of 1183 subjects, 13.0% had high TC, 33.1% had low HDL-C, 9.9% had high LDL-C, and 28.4% had high TG concentrations. There was an increase in frequency of dyslipidemia in patients with different cutoff values of HbA1c (P<0.05).The prevalence of high TC was closely related with different cutoff values of HbA1c (adjusted OR =1.77, 2.56 3.82, respectively). Patients with HbA1c values 9%≤HbA1c<11% and HbA1c≥13% had significantly higher prevalence of dyslipidemia compared with the patients who had 7≤HbA1c<9%.ConclusionDiabetic patients with 9%≤HbA1c<11% and HbA1c≥13% tend to have moderate and severe dyslipidemia respectively and suggest the importance of glycemic control in normalizing dyslipidemia.
Integrative Analysis of Multi-omics Data Improves Model Predictions: An Application to Lung Cancer
Authors: Ponzi Erica , Thoresen Magne , Nøst Therese Haugdahl , Møllersen Kajsa
Published: October 2020

Background: Cancer genomic studies often include data collected from several omics platforms. Each omics data source contributes to the understanding of the underlying biological process via source speciﬁc (”individual”) patterns of variability. At the same time, statistical associations and potential interactions among the diﬀerent data sources can reveal signals from common biological processes that might not be identiﬁed by single source analyses. These common patterns of variability are referred to as ”shared” or ”joint”. To capture both contributions of variance, integrative dimension reduction techniques are needed. Integrated PCA is a model based generalization of principal components analysis that separates shared and source speciﬁc variance by iteratively estimating covariance structures from a matrix normal distribution. Angle based JIVE is a matrix factorization method that decomposes joint and individual variation by permutation of row subspaces. We apply these techniques to identify joint and individual contributions of DNA methylation, miRNA and mRNA expression collected from blood samples in a lung cancer case control study nested within the Norwegian Woman and Cancer (NOWAC) cohort study.Results: In this work, we show how an integrative analysis that preserves both components of variation is more appropriate than analyses considering uniquely individual or joint components. Our results show how both joint and individual components contribute to a better quality of model predictions, and facilitate the interpretation of the underlying biological processes.Conclusions: When compared to a non integrative analysis of the three omics sources, integrative models that simultaneously include joint and individual components result in better prediction of cancer status and metastatic cancer at diagnosis.
Putative Digenic GJBI2/MYO7A Inheritance of Hearing Loss Detected in a Patient with 48, XXYY Klinefelter Syndrome
Authors: Qin Tian-tian , Zhang Qin , Hu Wen-mu , Janjua Muhammad Usman , Long Qin , Jin Ping
Published: October 2020

Background: 48, XXYY Klinefelter syndrome is a rare sex chromosome abnormality. Nonsyndromic hearing loss (NSHL) is the most frequent hereditary type of hearing impairment. There has been no report of NSHL combined with 48XXYY. The purpose of this study was to explore the underlying genetic cause in a three-generation family affected by NSHL. The proband had concomitant NSHL and 48, XXYY syndrome. The whole-exome sequencing was performed in the proband. The candidate pathogenic variants identified by whole-exome sequencing were then confirmed by Sanger sequencing and segregation analysis.Results: The proband was identified to be compound heterozygous for c.109G>A (p.V37I) variant in the GJB2 gene and additional heterozygous for the c.1039C>A (p.L347I) variants in the MYO7A gene. His mother had normal hearing and did not have any form of variant. His father and uncle, both had NSHL, were digenic compound heterozygote for the GJB2 p.V37I and MYO7A p.L347I variants, thus suggesting a possible GJB2/MYO7A digenic inheritance of NSHL in this family consist with the clinical phenotype.Conclusions: Our findings reported a putative GJB2/MYO7A digenic inheritance form of hearing loss, which expands the mutation spectrum of NSHL. This is also the first report of concomitant NSHL and 48, XXYY syndrome.
Proteomic Analysis of Grain Protein in the Winter Wheat Jimai44 and Jimai229 Based on Strong Gluten Characteristics
Authors: Mao FengXin , Han Ran , Han Ran , Cheng Dungong , Cheng Dungong , Li Haosheng , Li Haosheng , Liu Jianjun , Liu Jianjun , Cao Xinyou , Cao Xinyou , Song Jianmin , Song Jianmin , Liu Cheng , Liu Cheng , Guo Jun , Guo Jun , Li Faji , Li Faji , Zhai Shengnan , Zhai Shengnan , Zi Yan , Zi Yan , Wang Xiaolu , Wang Xiaolu , Zhao Zhendong , Zhao Zhendong , Liu Aifeng
Published: October 2020

Background：To determine the grain proteome of the strong gluten wheat, TMT technology was used to analyze proteomic differences between the winter wheat varieties Jimai 44 and the strong gluten Jimai 229. Results：Comparisons were also made with the winter wheat Jimai 22 as a control. It was found that there were 120 differentially expressed proteins between Jimai 44 and Jimai 22, while 173 between Jimai 229 and Jimai 22. Among these, 27 proteins were up-regulated and 23 down-regulated in jimai 44 and in jimai 229. Conclusions：GO analysis and KEGG pathway analysis showed that the differentially expressed proteins were mainly enriched in cell functions relating to nutrient reservoir activity, metabolic processes, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, phenylpropane biosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism. Amongst the screened proteins, many differences were related to storage proteins. This study provides an important basis for further exploring the key factors of quality improvement and genetic variation of gluten protein expression.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Alizadeh Shiva , Ozgoli Giti
Published: October 2020

Background: COVID-19 affects the sexual health and fertility directly (by eliminating the distance between individuals and saliva exchange and also affecting the reproductive system) or indirectly (refusing the sexual intercourse and reducing fertility) and has consequences for couples and society. The present review study will be conducted to investigate the consequences of COVID-19 on sexual and reproductive health.Methods: The study will investigate the articles published from the onset of the disease in the world until July 30, 2020. To this end, all articles will be extracted and those with the inclusion criteria will be selected by searching on valid scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, SID, and Magiran and using keywords relating to the research purpose. Systematic review articles, letters to the editor-in-chief, abstracts, and clinical trials will be deleted. Articles will be separately evaluated by two researchers. The STROBE checklist will be used to check the quality of the articles.Discussion: The research results will be sent to journals for reviewing systematic articles and will be presented in PROSPERO. Also, this protocol is registered in PROSPERO with number CRD42020212621.The present systematic review will examine the effects of COVID-19 on sexual and reproductive health in women and men. The research results will be a guide for health planners to help reduce fertility and sexual problems during this period of COVID-19 by providing necessary programs in this regard.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020212621
The Effects of Resistant Starch Consumption in Adult Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Kingra Kulwant , Mollard Rebecca , Curtis Sarah , Shamloo Maryam , Askin Nicole , Tangri Navdeep , MacKay Dylan
Published: October 2020

Background: Dietary modifications represent an important intervention to reduce the risk of chronic disease. Appropriate dietary changes can be simple to implement and are usually suggested as first line recommendations for many types of chronic disease management including diseases like hypertension and diabetes. Resistant starch is a non-digestible carbohydrate which passes through untouched to the colon where it becomes a digestible substrate for beneficial colonic bacteria. The normal gut flora becomes damaged in patients with chronic kidney disease with an additional buildup of uremic toxins and resulting intra-renal inflammation. Resistant starch supplementation has been studied for its effects on reducing harmful metabolite buildup through a restoration of normal gut flora. The following systematic review aims to compile the evidence of resistant starch use in adult patients with chronic kidney disease to answer whether or not the dietary intervention can reduce the progression of renal disease. Methods: We will perform a literature search with a knowledge synthesis librarian including the following databases: MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science. Collected data will be extracted and organized in MS Excel 2019. The extraction of the data will include study details, study population details, intervention details, and outcome details.Discussion: Results from this systematic review may help to determine a simple and effective method for prolonging the need for renal replacement therapy through resistant starch supplementation. Lack of evidence may highlight the need for additional trials or new interventions. PROSPERO ID: Currently being assessed, ID: 203138.
The Effects of Lithium on Inflammation Profiles and Nf-κB Nuclear Translocation in Raw 264.7 Macrophages Exposed to Rift Valley Fever Virus
Authors: Makola Raymond Tshepiso , Kgaladi Joe , More Garland Kgosi , Vuren Petrus Jansen van , Paweska Janusz Tadeusz , Matsebatlela Thabe Moses
Published: October 2020

IntroductionRift Valley fever virus is a mosquito-transmitted zoonotic viral infection that results in Rift Valley fever disease. RVFV and other viruses have developed mechanism to circumvent the immune recognition in an attempt to advance their viral progeny. The RVFV S segment encodes a non-structural protein (NSs) known to be the main virulence factor that aid in immune suppression and viral replication. Thus, this study is aimed at investigating the inflammatory effects of lithium using macrophages as innate immune model.MethodsThe supernatant from RVFV-infected Raw 264.7 cells and treated with lithium, was examined with Elisa assay kit to measure production levels of the cytokines and chemokines. The H2DCF-DA and DAF-2 DA oxidant florigenic assays were used to determine the levels of ROS and RNS by measuring the fluorescence intensity shown by the cells post RVFV-infection and lithium treatment. While on the other hand Western blotting assay was used to measure expression levels of the inflammatory proteins and immunocytochemistry measured the cellular location of the NF-κB.ResultsLithium have shown to stimulate production of IFN-γ 3 hrs pi and reached its peak 12 hrs later. Moreover, the secondary pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine, IL-6, and RANTES were elevated at 12 hrs pi. Lithium was shown to stimulate expression of the primary pro-inflammatory molecule, TNF-α as early as 3 hrs pi. In addition to TNF-α expression, the regulatory cytokine, IL-10, was stimulated by lithium and reached its peak 12 hrs pi. The RVFV-infected cells treated with lithium have shown lowered ROS and RNS production as opposed to lithium-free RVFV-infected control cells. The regulatory properties of lithium were further supported by the protein expression assay that showed low expression of the iNOS while stimulating heme oxygenase (HO) and IκB. Lithium was shown to reverse NF-κB nuclear translocation in RVFV-infected Raw 264.7 cells as shown by the Immunocytochemistry assay. Moreover, lithium lowered the presence of nuclear NF-κB in RVFV-infected cells as opposed to untreated RVFV-infected cells and 5 mg/ml LPS controls as shown by the protein expression assay.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that lithium inhibits NF-kB nuclear translocation and modulate inflammation profiles in RVFV-infected Raw 264.7 cells.
VoSE: An algorithm to Separate and Enhance Voices from Mixed Signals using Gradient Boosting
Authors: Gupta Monica , Singh R K , Sinha Sachin
Published: October 2020

Voice Separation and Enhancement (VoSE) algorithm aims at designing a predictive model to solve the problem of speech enhancement and separation from a mixed signal. VoSE can be used for any language, with or without a large Datasets. VoSE can be utilized by any voice response system like, Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant which as of now work on single voice command. The pre-processing of the voice is done using a Trimming Negative and Nonzero voice filter (TNNVF), designed by the authors. TNNVF is independent of language, it works on any voice signal. The segmentation of a voice is generally carried out on frequency domain or time domain. Independently they are known to have ripple or rising effect. To rule out the ripple effect, data is filtered in the time-frequency domain. Voice print of the entire sound files is created for the training and testing purpose. 80% of the voice prints are used to train the network and 20% are kept for testing. The training set contains over 48,000 voice prints. LightGBM with TensorFlow helps in generating unique voice prints in a short time. To enhance the retrieved voice signals, Enhance Predictive Voice(EPV) function is designed. The tests are conducted on English and Indian languages. The proposed work is compared with K-means, Decision Stump, Naïve Bayes, and LSTM.
Bacterial and fungal co-infections, antimicrobial treatment and clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients in an acute Irish hospital
Authors: Omar Amro Ahmed , Williams Shianna Malika Cudeshia , Finn Jack Patrick , Eltayeb Siddig Omer , Dornikova Gabriela
Published: October 2020

Background Serious bacterial infections may be missed when all attention focuses on COVID-19. It is therefore important to consider bacterial infection when assessing the febrile patient.Aims The aim of the study was to look at the bacterial and fungal co-infections, antimicrobial treatment and clinical outcome in COVID-19 patients in an acute Irish hospital.Methods A retrospective study of all laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases admitted to a secondary care university hospital was performed, and clinical, radiology and laboratory data was extracted and analysed.Results 42 patients met eligibility criteria for the study inclusion. Male/female ratio was 22/20 (52.4%/47.6%), median age of the patients was 64 years and the median duration of hospital stay was 11 day. In-hospital mortality rate was 3 (7.1%). Four laboratory confirmed co-infections were identified in 3 (7.1%) patients. All 3 patients were discharged home. Out of 42 patients, 12 (28.6%) patients received specific antiviral treatment. 34 (85.0%) patients were prescribed antimicrobials with antibacterial effect and 3 (7.5%) antimicrobials with antifungal effect.Conclusions We found a low frequency of bacterial and fungal co-infections in confirmed COVID-19 cases. Further prospective data are needed to be collected in relation to the co-infections in COVID-19.
COVID-19 and Insurance market returns in emerging and developed markets: A comparative study based on Wavelet methods
Authors: Fareed Zeeshan , Iqbal Najaf
Published: October 2020

This study investigates the co-movement nexus between COVID-19 and insurance industry returns for emerging and developed markets using a wavelet-based framework. Analysis on the daily observations from 22nd January 2020 to 14th September 2020 reveals that insurance returns (INS) responded strongly and negatively, right after the onset of the global COVID-19 outbreak, but asymmetrically later. Additionally, the devastation brought to INS is comparatively more severe but short-lived for emerging markets. The wavelet-based Granger causality and correlation confirm the robustness of our results. These findings are important for policymakers and investors in the insurance industry in the aftermath of COVID-19.
Carrier Volume and Nozzle Effect on 2,4-D and Glufosinate Performances in Hazelnut Sucker Control
Authors: Larocca de Souza Larissa , Moretti Marcelo L.
Published: October 2020

Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) basal sprouts, or suckers, are removed to train trees as a single trunk, facilitating mechanization. Suckers are routinely controlled with herbicides, often by using nozzles that generate fine droplets and spray volumes as high as 934 L·ha−1, making spray drift a concern. Spray nozzle type and carrier volume can impact herbicide efficacy and drift. Field studies compared the efficacy of 2,4-D and glufosinate in controlling suckers when applied with a flat-fan nozzle, producing fine droplets, to a TeeJet air-induction nozzle, producing ultra-coarse droplets. These nozzles were evaluated at 187 and 374 L·ha−1. Nozzle and carrier volume did not affect the efficacy of 2,4-D based on control, sucker height, or dry weight. The efficacy of glufosinate was unaffected by nozzle type or spray volume in most evaluations. These results indicate that hazelnut suckers can be effectively controlled using drift-reduction nozzles with lower carrier volumes (187 L·ha−1). Drift-reduction nozzles, coupled with lower spray volume, can maintain herbicide efficacy, minimize drift risk, and reduce cost.
A Sensory Analysis of Raw Native, ‘Kanza’, and ‘Pawnee’ Pecans
Authors: Ricci Gianna , Norwood F. Bailey
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the appearance, texture, color, and taste of two popular pecan (Carya illinoinensis) clones relative to native pecans in a blind sensory analysis. Subjects tasted the raw pecans acquired from the same farm and evaluated them using hedonic scores. Results suggest consumers prefer the two clones to natives, and most of this preference seems to be related to the pecan size. A crossmodal effect was detected whereby the subjects reported an improved flavor in whole native pecans compared with clones that were cut in half and were thus less visually appealing. Consequently, although a previous study showed that consumers prefer pecans in a hypothetical (nontasting) situation when they are labeled as a “native” as opposed to clones, when the pecans are actually eaten and there are no labels designating the pecan type, they prefer the clones.
Yield and Fruit Quality Traits of Dragon Fruit Cultivars Grown in Puerto Rico
Authors: Goenaga Ricardo , Marrero Angel , Pérez Delvis
Published: October 2020

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus sp. and Selenicereus sp.), also referred to as pitahaya or pitaya, is a member of the Cactaceae family and native to the tropical forest regions of southern Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Its fruit is becoming increasingly popular as consumers seek healthy and more diverse food products. The crop adapts to different ecological conditions ranging from very dry regions to wet ones receiving more than 3500 mm of rainfall per year. U.S. commercial production of dragon fruit occurs mainly in Florida, southern California, and Hawaii. As growers learn more about this crop and how productive it can be, the acreage planted is likely to increase. Twelve dragon fruit cultivars grown on an Oxisol soil were evaluated for 5 years under intensive management at Isabela, PR. There were significant differences in number and weight of fruit per hectare among years. Cultivars exhibited an increase in fruit number and yield from 2010 to 2013 and then leveled off or declined. There were significant differences among cultivars for number of fruit and yield per hectare. Cultivars N97-17 and N97-15 produced significantly more fruit averaging 74,908 fruit/ha. Significantly higher fruit yield was obtained by cultivars N97-17, N97-20, N97-22, and NOI-13 averaging 17,002 kg·ha−1. Cultivar Cosmic Charlie had the lowest fruit yield, averaging only 25.1 kg·ha−1. Individual fruit weight was significantly higher in cultivars N97-20 and NOI-13 with fruit weight averaging 346.3 g. Cultivars NOI-16, N97-18, and Cosmic Charlie had significantly higher fruit soluble solids than others, averaging 17.4%. Some of the cultivars used in this study have shown horticultural potential and may serve as new planting material for growers.
Actitudes, creencias y estigma atribuidos por profesionales de la salud a dependientes de sustancias psicoactivas: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Leite Ferreira Vitor , Iturriaga Goroso María Elena , Mota Ronzani Telmo
Published: October 2020

Objetivos: el uso abusivo y la dependencia de alcohol y otras drogas es muy común entre las comunidades y visto como un problema de salud pública, que requiere cuidados y tratamientos; así la presente revisión sistemática tiene como objetivo analizar las publicaciones científicas respecto de las actitudes, creencias y comportamientos estigmatizantes por parte de los profesionales de la salud frente a los usuarios de sustancias psicoativas, quienes buscan atención en los servicios de salud. Metodología: durante el mes de mayo de 2018 se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos de SciELO, LILACS, Pubmed, PsycINFO y Pepsic que generó un total de 35 artículos que se correspondieron con los criterios de inclusión. Resultados: se logra observar que, aunque los profesionales tienen consciencia acerca de su rol en la atención de los pacientes y que a veces tienen predisposición para atenderlos, las actitudes y creencias negativas pravelecen, debido al miedo, el poco interés, el prejuicio, la impaciencia y la falta de conocimiento sobre la problemática, evidenciados en los comportamientos de dichos profesionales. Por lo tanto, se señala la necesidad de promover discusiones y nuevas reflexiones, que deben ser realizadas conjuntamente con los profesionales, con el objetivo de elaborar estrategias de disminución de las actitudes negativas y del estigma, los cuales deben, además, ser trabajados desde la formación.
PENGEMBANGAN BIG BOOK UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HIGH ORDER THINKING SKILL SISWA SMP
Authors: Jamil Aisyah Ummu , Listyono Listyono , Norra Bunga Ihda
Published: October 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan karakteristik desain prototipe big book, menguji kelayakan big book untuk digunakan sebagai sumber belajar siswa SMP, dan menguji efektivitas big book untuk digunakan dalam kegiatan pembelajaran siswa SMP. Penelitian pengembangan ini menggunakan model penelitian ADDIE menurut Branch. Teknik sampling yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah cluster sample. Data yang diperoleh terdiri dari data observasi, angket uji validitas, angket tanggapan peserta didik dan data hasil pretest dan posttest. Hasil penilaian menunjukan bahwa media pembelajaran big book ini layak digunakan dalam proses pembelajaran, berdasarkan penilaian kualitas big book oleh ahli materi, ahli media, guru mata pelajaran dan peserta didik berturut-turut memperoleh persentase 84,48%; 83,30%; 87,50%, dan 84,61%.Tingkat keefektifan peserta didik dalam pembelajaran menggunakan big book memperoleh persentase 40% yang artinya kegiatan pembelajaran dengan big book ini belum efektif. Hasil uji normal gain atau uji peningkatan hasil belajar memperoleh nilai rata-rata 0,29 yang berarti peningkatan hasil belajar masuk kriteria rendah. Belum efektifnya hasil uji efektivitas dan uji N-gain yang rendah ini dapat dipengaruhi oleh beberapa faktor antara lain: kegiatan pembelajaran yang kurang maksimal dalam hal ini pemilihan pendekatan pembelajaran, model pembelajaran atau metode pembelajaran yang kurang tepat.
KUNCI TADABBBUR DAN INTEGRASI AL-QUR’AN DALAM PEMBELAJARAN BIOLOGI
Authors: Ahmad Mujahidin , Minarno Eko Budi , Suyono Suyono
Published: October 2020

Islam sebagai agama yang sempurna (din-al kamil) dan universal (din-asy syamil) selalu menarik dijadikan sebagai sumber inspirasi pemikiran. Hal ini karena Al-Qur’an tidak hanya mengatur aspek hubungan manusia dengan tuhannya namun juga termasuk mengatur hubungannya dengan sesama makhluk. Upaya pendekatan hubungan antara sains dan al-quran khusunya biologi adalah sebuah upaya implementasi sains dalam kehidupan sehari hari terutama sebagai masyarakat yang religius. Diharapkan dengan adanya pengenalan model baru dapat memudahkan upaya integrasi Al-Qur’an dalam pembelajaran biologi. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah telaah pustaka. Dalam pembelajaran Biologi, integrasi Sains-Islam dapat dilakukan dengan tiga macam model pendekatan yaitu; Model Integrasi Al-Qur’an sebagai Sumber Inspirasi, Konfirmasi dan Dogma-empiris. Ketiga model pendekatan dapat dijalankan secara simultan dalam proses pembelajaran Biologi.
MARX E O SUJEITO DE DIREITO? A LEITURA DOS GRUNDRISSE DIANTE DA LEITURA PACHUKANIANA DO AUTOR DE O CAPITAL
Authors: Sartori Vitor
Published: October 2020

A partir da análise imanente dos Grundrisse, abordaremos o tratamento marxiano do Direito ao se ter em conta as categorias pessoa e sujeito. Pretendemos demonstrar que o tratamento marxiano da questão ultrapassa aquele de Pachukanis, autor mais renomado da crítica marxista ao Direito. Mesmo que o autor soviético acerte em pontos-chave de sua análise, ele vem a elaborar com menos cuidado que deveria a correlação entre a forma mercadoria e outras formas sociais, como o dinheiro e o capital. Tem-se, em Marx, não só uma relação entre troca mercantil e forma jurídica, mas uma análise do papel ativo do Direito na medida em que sua autonomização passa pela forma dinheiro e redunda na possibilidade da separação absoluta entre condições materiais de produção e a propriedade.
ARTICULAÇÃO ENTRE APRENDIZAGEM BASEADA EM PROBLEMAS E ANÁLISE FÍLMICA: UMA PROPOSTA DE ENSINO A PARTIR DO FILME A FÁBRICA DE SONHOS
Authors: Franco David Silva , Leite Gérber Lúcio , Fonseca Venilson Luciano Benigno
Published: October 2020

Este estudo tem como objetivo propor uma prática pedagógica que articula Aprendizagem Baseada em Problemas (ABP) e análise fílmica, tomando como recurso audiovisual o longa-metragem A Fábrica de Sonhos. Com a sociedade ficando cada vez mais complexa e com constantes transformações produtivas, aceleradas pelas inovações tecnológicas, considera-se que o ensino em Administração se situa em contextos dinâmicos e mutáveis. Em tal cenário, a postura docente de estimular metodologias ativas de aprendizagem, favorecendo o pensamento crítico dos estudantes, a fim de que analisem os problemas considerando os seus múltiplos fatores, tende a propiciar a construção mútua de conhecimentos de forma mais efetiva. A ABP é uma das metodologias utilizadas para fomentar o diálogo e as descobertas dos estudantes, por meio de conhecimentos interdisciplinares. Já a análise fílmica auxilia didaticamente o ensino em Administração, ao provocar nos estudantes estímulos cognitivos por meio da aprendizagem social, atribuindo sentido na relação dos conteúdos das disciplinas com o contexto sócio-histórico. Como metodologia da pesquisa, foi realizada a análise fílmica e elaborada a proposta pedagógica embasada na ABP. Como resultado, tem-se a análise fílmica de A Fábrica de Sonhos, a identificação dos problemas ficcionais apresentados no longa e sua correspondência com teorias da Administração, além de serem feitas orientações para a aplicação da proposta interdisciplinar de ensino.
Nuevas citas de plantas raras en Navarra
Authors: Escobal-Tamayo Marcos
Published: October 2020

Se aportan citas de seis especies de plantas raras en Navarra. Dos de ellas se citan por primera vez en Navarra: Cheilanthes acrostica (Balb.) Tod. y Maianthemum bifolium (L.) F.W. Schmidt. En el caso de Ranunculus auricomus L. es la primera anotación en cincuenta años, y se presentan nuevas localidades de tres especies dispersas en otros puntos de Navarra y poco comunes: Reseda barrelieri Bertol. ex Müll. Arg., Lathraea squamaria L. y Draba aizoides L. subsp aizoides.
Performance evaluation of anoxic–oxic–anoxic processes in illuminated biofilm reactor (AOA-IBR) treating septic tank effluent
Authors: Kamngam Sittikorn , Koottatep Thammarat , Surinkul Nawatch , Chaiwong Chawalit , Polprasert Chongrak
Published: October 2020

This study was conducted to evaluate the treatment performance of the anoxic–oxic–anoxic processes in illuminated biofilm reactor (AOA-IBR) in removing organics and nitrogen contained in septic tank effluent. The 27 L of the AOA-IBR was illuminated with red light-emitting diode (LED) lamps (peak wavelength of 635 nm, intensity of 100 μmol/(m2s)). Three types of biofilm media, namely ball ring®, plastic sheets and zeolite beads, were placed in the anoxic, oxic and anoxic zones, respectively, of the reactor to support the growth of microalgal–bacterial biofilm. The AOA-IBR was continuously fed with septic tank effluent and operated at hydraulic retention times (HRTs) of 24, 48 and 72 h. The experimental results found the increases in chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN) and ammonia nitrogen (NH4-N) removal efficiencies with increasing HRTs in which the HRT of 72 h resulted in 78.6, 72.8 and 90.6% removals of COD, TN and NH4-N, respectively. The effluent quality of the AOA-IBR could meet the ISO 30500 effluent standards for Non-Sewered Sanitation Systems. The predominant microalgal biofilm species was observed to be Oscillatoria sp., while Proteobacteria was the predominant bacterial phylum found in the biofilm growing in the reactor. The above results suggested the applicability of the AOA-IBR in improving septic tank treatment performance which should result in better water pollution control.