bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and Verification of Genes Related to Pollen Development and Male Sterility Induced by High Temperature in Thermo-sensitive Genic Male Sterile Wheat Line YanZhan 4110S
Authors: Yang Xuetong , Ye Jiali , Niu Fuqiang , Feng Yi , Song Xiyue
Published: December 2020

Background: Environment-sensitive genic male sterility is of vital importance to hybrid vigor in crop production and breeding, therefore, it is meaningful to identify and study the function of the genes related to pollen development and male sterility, which still not fully understanding currently. In this study, Yanzhan 4110S, a new thermo-sensitive genic male sterility (TGMS) wheat line, and its near isogenic line Yanzhan 4110 were carried out cytological features observation, bioinformatics analysis to investgate the abortion state and identified the genes involved in pollen development which have fertility regulation function. Barely stripe mosaic virus-induced gene silencing was used to verify the genes function.Results: Cytological analysis showed pollen abortion event of Yanzhan 4110S occur at the later uninucleate stage (Lun) under higher temperature induction (day/night temperatures of 22 °C/20 °C), when the anthers were collected and assessed for transcriptomic profiling through high-throughput sequencing. We then in-depth analyzed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, the results showed that the occurrence of Yanzhan 4110S male-sterility most likely related to metabolic pathway, including phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in the biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites, starch and sucrose metabolism in carbohydrate metabolism, carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms as well as carbon metabolism in energy metabolism. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis in the transcriptome profiles further identified some hub genes, where the key genes involved in those pathways were intersection between the unique DEGs of Yanzhan 4110S in anther and hub genes, totally 228 genes, which were highly related to pollen development including TaMut11 and TaSF3. Moreover, further verification through barely stripe mosaic virus-induced gene silencing elucidated that the silencing of TaMut11 and TaSF3 caused pollen abortion, finally resulting in the declination of fertility. So, the genes TaMut11 and TaSF3 are related to fertility conversion of Yanzhan 4110S.Conclusion: Through comparative transcriptome bioinformatics analysis, the genes TaMut11 and TaSF3 associated with pollen development and male sterility induced by high temperature were identified in Yanzhan 4110S, and verificated by barely stripe mosaic virus-induced gene silencing. These findings provided researching the abortive mechanism in environment-sensitive genic male sterility wheat.
Associated Factors of maternal satisfaction towards delivery service among mothers who gave birth at Jimma Medical Center, Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Woldasemayat Lalisa Ayele , Badada Gadisa Bekele , Negasa Melkamu Gelan
Published: December 2020

Background and aim: Assurance of health care for all segments of the population with special attention given to women and children was one of the top priorities in Ethiopian health policy. Maternal and newborn deaths are heavily concentrated at the period of delivery and early postpartum. Thus, this study aimed to assess Associated Factors with maternal satisfaction towards delivery service among mothers who gave birth at Jimma Medical Center, Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia.Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study using face to face interview was conducted in Jimma Medical Center from April 01 to May 30, 2019. A systematic sampling technique was used to select 217 study participants using a semi-structured administered questionnaire. Results: The maternal satisfaction level with the delivery services rendered at the hospital was 66.8%. Delivering mothers satisfaction was found to be associated with educational status (X2=85.4, p<0.001), parity (X2=19.2, p<0.001), distance from health facility (X2=13.5, p<0.001), Monthly income (X2=13.8, p<0.001), waiting time (X2=5.7, p<0.05), Cleanness of delivery area (X2=9.3, p<0.001).Conclusion: The magnitude of mothers satisfied with the delivery service was low compared to studies conducted in Ethiopia so far. Maternal educational status, parity, distance from the health facility, waiting time, and monthly income were associated with mothers' satisfaction with delivery service. Therefore, awareness creation should be given for the community for improving the quality of delivery service and further study should be done on the knowledge and skill of health care providers on delivery service.
Anticancer Effects of Bifidobacteria on Colon Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Faghfoori Zeinab , Faghfoori Mohammad Hasan , Saber Amir , Izadi Azimeh , Khosroushahi Ahmad Yari
Published: December 2020

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC), with a growing incidence trend worldwide, is resistant to apoptosis and have the uncontrolled proliferation. It is recently reported that probiotic microorganisms exert anticancer effects. The genus Bifidobacterium, one of the dominant bacterial populations in the gastrointestinal tract, has received increasing attention because of widespread interest in using as health-promoting microorganisms. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the apoptotic effects of some bifidobacteria species on colon cancer cell lines.Methods: The cytotoxicity evaluations performed using MTT assay and FACS-flow cytometry tests. Also, the effects of five species of bifidobacteria secretion metabolites on the expression level of anti- or pro-apoptotic genes including BAD, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, and Fas-R studied by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Results: The cell-free supernatant of all studied bifidobacteria significantly decreased the survival rates of colon cancer cells compared with control groups. Flow cytometric and RT-PCR results indicated that apoptosis is induced by bifidobacteria secretion metabolites and the mechanism for the action of bifidobacteria species in CRC prevention could be down-regulation and up-regulation of anti-apoptotic and, pro-apoptotic genes.Conclusions: In the present study, different bifidobacteria species showed anticancer activity on colorectal cancer cells through down-regulation and up-regulation of anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic genes. However, further studies are required to clarify the exact mechanism of apoptosis induction by bifidobacteria species.
Development and validation of the EQ-5D in Taiwan using item response theory
Authors: Liu Tzu-Hung , Ho Andrew Dean , Hsu Yu-Tien , Hsu Chih-Cheng
Published: December 2020

Background:
Our study aims to provide validity evidence for the EuroQol five dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) in the National Health Interview Survey of Taiwan in the 2013 wave and further interpret the EQ-5D scores for patients with chronic diseases. Another goal of the study was to use item response theory (IRT) to identify items that are informative for assessing quality of life using EQ-5D.
Methods:
There were 17,260 participants, aged 12–64, who completed the interviews in our study. Psychometric methods, including factor analysis and the IRT model known as the Graded Response Model (GRM), were used to assess the unidimensionality of EQ-5D and its item properties. Correlation analysis was used to assess whether EQ-5D scores are associated with scores from the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36).
Results:
The EQ-5D scores have moderate internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.60) and a scree plot suggests that the EQ-5D measure is unidimensional. The item information function analysis from the IRT model demonstrates that the first 3 items, “mobility,” “self-care,” and “usual activities” are the most informative items for patients who have chronic diseases and health-related quality of life below the 10th percentile. The EQ-5D scores have a moderate correlation (r: 0.61) with SF-36 scores.
Conclusions:
The EQ-5D scale shows promise for use in the general population. The IRT model informs our interpretation of the EQ-5D scores. Given the time constraints in clinical settings, we suggest using the first three items in EQ-5D to measure the health-related quality of life for patients with chronic diseases.
Production of bio-xylitol from D-xylose by an engineered Pichia pastoris expressing a recombinant xylose reductase did not require any auxiliary substrate as electron donor
Authors: Louie Michael , Louie Kailin , DenHartog Samuel , Gopishetty Sridhar , Subramanian Mani , Arnold Mark , Das Shuvendu
Published: December 2020

Background: Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol that has numerous beneficial health properties. It has almost the same sweetness as sucrose but has lower energy value compared to the sucrose. Metabolism of xylitol is insulin independent and thus it is an ideal sweetener for diabetics. It is widely used in food products, oral and personal care, and animal nutrition as well. Here we present a two-stage strategy to produce bio-xylitol from D-xylose using a recombinant Pichia pastoris expressing a heterologous xylose reductase gene. The recombinant P. pastoris cells were first generated by a low-cost, standard procedure. The cells were then used as a catalyst to make the bio-xylitol from D-xylose. Results: P. pastoris expressing XYL1 from P. stipitis and gdh from B. subtilis demonstrated that the biotransformation was very efficient with as high as 80% (w/w) conversion within two hours. The whole cells could be re-used for multiple rounds of catalysis without loss of activity. Also, the cells could directly transform D-xylose in a non-detoxified hemicelluloses hydrolysate to xylitol at 70% (w/w) yield. Conclusions: We demonstrated here that the recombinant P. pastoris expressing xylose reductase could transform D-xylose, either in pure form or in crude hemicelluloses hydrolysate, to bio-xylitol very efficiently. This biocatalytic reaction happened without the external addition of any NAD(P)H, NAD(P) + , and auxiliary substrate as an electron donor. Our experimental design & findings reported here are not limited to the conversion of D-xylose to xylitol only but can be used with other many oxidoreductase reactions also, such as ketone reductases/alcohol dehydrogenases and amino acid dehydrogenases, which are widely used for the synthesis of high-value chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates.
Distraction by a cognitive task has a higher impact on electrophysiological measures compared with conditioned pain modulation
Authors: Do A. T. Lisa , Enax-Krumova Elena , Özgül Özüm , Eitner Lynn B. , Heba Stefanie , Tegenthoff Martin , Maier Christoph , Höffken Oliver
Published: December 2020

BackgroundConditioned pain modulation (CPM) evaluates the effect of a painful conditioning stimulus (CS) on a painful test stimulus (TS). Using painful cutaneous electrical stimulation (PCES) as TS and painful cold water as CS, the pain relief was paralleled by a decrease in evoked potentials (PCES-EPs). We now aimed to compare the effect of CPM with cognitive distraction on PCES-induced pain and PCES-EP amplitudes. MethodsPCES was performed using surface electrodes inducing a painful sensation of 60 (NRS 0-100) on one hand. In a crossover design healthy subjects (included: n=38, analyzed: n=23) immersed the contralateral hand into 10°C cold water (CS) for CPM evaluation and performed the 1-back task for cognitive distraction. Before and during the CS and 1-back task, respectively, subjects rated the pain intensity of PCES and simultaneously cortical evoked potentials were recorded. ResultsBoth CPM and cognitive distraction significantly reduced PCES-EP amplitudes (CPM: 27.6±12.0μV to 20.2±9.5μV, cognitive distraction: 30.3±14.2µV to 13.6±5.2μV, p<0.001) and PCES-induced pain (on a 0–100 numerical rating scale: CPM: 58±4 to 41.1±12.3, cognitive distraction: 58.3±4.4 to 38.0±13.0, p<0.001), though the changes in pain intensity and PCES-amplitude did not correlate. The changes of the PCES-EP amplitudes during cognitive distraction were more pronounced than during CPM (p=0.001).ConclusionsCPM and cognitive distraction reduced the PCES-induced pain to a similar extent. The more pronounced decrease of PCES-EP amplitudes after distraction by a cognitive task implies that both conditions might not represent the general pain modulatory capacity of individuals, but may underlie different neuronal mechanisms with the final common pathway of perceived pain reduction.
Glucose-lactose mixture feeds in industry-like conditions: a gene regulatory network analysis on the hyperproducing Trichoderma reesei strain Rut-C30
Authors: Pirayre Aurélie , Duval Laurent , Blugeon Corinne , Firmo Cyril , Perrin Sandrine , Jourdier Etienne , Margeot Antoine , Bidard Frédérique
Published: December 2020

Background: The degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose molecules into simpler sugars such as glucose is part of the second generation biofuel production process. Hydrolysis of lignocellulosic substrates is usually performed by enzymes produced and secreted by the fungus Trichoderma reesei. Studies identifying transcription factors involved in the regulation of cellulase production have been conducted but no overview of the whole regulation network is available. A transcriptomic approach with mixtures of glucose and lactose, used as a substrate for cellulase induction, was used to help us decipher missing parts in the network of T. reesei Rut-C30. Results: Experimental results on the Rut-C30 hyperproducing strain confirmed the impact of sugar mixtures on the enzymatic cocktail composition. The transcriptomic study shows a temporal regulation of the main transcription factors and a lactose concentration impact on the transcriptional profile. A gene regulatory network built using BRANE Cut software reveals three sub-networks related to i) a positive correlation between lactose concentration and cellulase production, ii) a particular dependence of the lactose onto the β-glucosidase regulation and iii) a negative regulation of the development process and growth. Conclusions: This work is the first investigating a transcriptomic study regarding the effects of pure and mixed carbon sources in a fed-batch mode. Our study expose a co-orchestration of xyr1, clr2 and ace3 for cellulase and hemicellulase induction and production, a fine regulation of the β-glucosidase and a decrease of growth in favor of cellulase production. These conclusions provide us with potential targets for further genetic engineering leading to better cellulase-producing strains in industry-like conditions.
Estimating Economic Burden and Factors Perceived to Be Associated With Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle in Namisindwa District, Eastern Uganda
Authors: Ongom Isaac , Odongo Steven , Siya Aggrey , Ejobi Francis
Published: December 2020

BackgroundGlobally, livestock contributes about 40% of agricultural output sustaining livelihoods and food security of almost a billion people. In Uganda, livestock contributes 5.2% and 12.7% to the total national GDP and agricultural GDP, respectively. In districts like Namisindwa, diseases like Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) affect the sector undermining its trade and production. Studies on the economic impact and risk factors have not been undertaken in such areas. This study thus sought to unravel information regarding economic impact and perceived risk factors associated with LSD in Namisindwa district. A cross sectional study involving quantitative approaches was employed in this study. Dependent variables were period prevalence and associated economic losses due effect of LSD on cattle herds while independent variable were potential factors influencing spread of the disease among cattle herds. The financial impact assessment was based on the farmers’ calendar year. Results The total economic losses incurred by farmers in Namisindwa district in a single outbreak of LSD was estimated at UGX 574,999,741 (USD 155,405). The most prominent economic loss due to LSD was attributed to low milk yield in lactating cattle as well as poor draught power performance. Other major contributions to economic losses due to LSD after the aforementioned two factors were cost of veterinary services and mortalities of cattle. Economic losses associated with loss of calves, and skin losses were perceived to be the lowest. Introduction of new animals, communal grazing and access to veterinary services were significantly associated with outbreaks of Lumpy Skin Disease. Specifically, farmers with access to veterinary services were less likely to be affected with the rampant spread of the LSD in their cattle, OR = .03361 and P-value < .05. Conclusion There is need for Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries in Uganda to advance interventions for prevention and control of LSD in the district. Larger scale and rigorous studies ought to be undertaken also to understand the risk factors and economic impact of LSD outbreaks.
Multiple Sclerosis incidence rate in southern Iran: A Bayesian epidemiological study
Authors: Asmarian Naeimehossadat , Sharafi Zahra , Mousavi Amin , Jacques Reis , Tamayo Ibon , Bind Marie-Abèle , abutorabi-zarchi Marzie , Moradian Mohammad Javad , Izadi Sadegh
Published: December 2020

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) remains to be a public health challenge, due to its unknown biological mechanisms and clinical impacts on young people. The prevalence of this disease in Iran is reported to be 5.30 to 74.28 per 100,000-person. Because of high prevalence of this disease in Fars province, the purpose of this study was to assess the spatial pattern of MS incidence rate by modeling both the effects of spatial dependence between neighboring regions and risk factors in a Bayesian Poisson model, which can lead to the improvement of health resource allocation decisions.
Method: Data from 5,468 patients diagnosed with MS were collected, according to the McDonald’s criteria. New cases of MS were reported by the MS Society of Fars province from 1991 until 2016. The association between the percentage of people with low vitamin D intake, smoking, abnormal BMI and alcohol consumption in addition to spatial structure in a Bayesian spatio-temporal hierarchical model were used to determine the relative risk and trend of MS incidence rate in 29 counties of Fars province.
Results: County-level crude incidence rates ranged from 0.22 to 11.31 cases per 100,000-person population. The highest relative risk was estimated at 1.80 in the county of Shiraz, the capital of Fars province, while the lowest relative risk was estimated at 0.11 in Zarindasht county in southern of Fars. The percentages of vitamin D supplementation intake and smoking were significantly associated with the incidence rate of MS. The results showed that 1% increase in vitamin D supplementation intake is associated with 2% decrease in the risk of MS and 1% increase in smoking is associated with 16% increase in the risk of MS.
Conclusion: Bayesian spatio-temporal analysis of MS incidence rate revealed that trend is less steep than the mean trend of this disease in the south and south east of Fars province, which is due to the association between the higher percentage of vitamin D supplementation intake and the lower percentage of smoking. Previous studies have also shown that smoking and low vitamin D, among all covariates might be associated with high incidence of MS
Transferability, development of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and application to the analysis of genetic diversity and population structure of the African fan palm (Borassus aethiopum Mart.) in Benin
Authors: Kpatènon Mariano Joly , Salako Kolawolé Valère , Santoni Sylvain , Zekraoui Leila , Latreille Muriel , Tollon-Cordet Christine , Mariac Cédric , Jaligot Estelle , Beulé Thierry , ADEOTI Kifouli
Published: December 2020

Background: In Sub-Saharan Africa, Borassus aethiopum Mart. (African fan palm) is an important non-timber forest product-providing palm that faces multiple anthropogenic threats to its genetic diversity. However, this species is so far under-studied, which prevents its sustainable development as a resource. The present work is a first attempt at characterizing the genetic diversity and population structure of B. aethiopum across nine collection sites spanning the three climatic regions of Benin, West Africa, through the use of microsatellite markers. Results: During a first phase we relied on the reported transferability of primers developed in other palm species. We find that, in disagreement with previously published results, only 22.5% of the markers tested enable amplification of B. aethiopum DNA and polymorphism detection is very low. In a second phase, we generated a B. aethiopum-specific genomic dataset through high-throughput sequencing and used it for the de novo detection of microsatellite loci. Among the primer pairs targeting these, 11 detected polymorphisms and were further used for analyzing genetic diversity. Across the nine sites, expected heterozygosity (He) ranges from 0.263 to 0.451 with an overall average of 0.354, showing a low genetic diversity. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) shows that within-site variation accounts for 53% of the genetic variation. Accordingly, the low number of migrants and positive values of the fixation index (F) in sites from both the Central (Sudano-Guinean) and the Southern (Guinean) climatic regions suggest limited gene flow between sites. The global correlation between genetic and geographic distances is weak; however, our clustering analyses indicate that B. aethiopum palms from Savè (Center) are genetically more similar to those from the North than to samples from other Central sites. Conclusions: In the light of our results, we discuss the use of inter-species transfer vs. de novo development of microsatellite markers in genetic diversity analyses targeting under-studied species, and suggest future applications for our molecular resources. We propose that, while prominent short-range pollen and seed dispersal in Benin explain most of our results, gene flux between the Central and Northern regions, as a result of animal and/or human migrations, might underlie the Savè discrepancy.
Defining malaria risks among forest workers in Aceh, Indonesia: a formative assessment
Authors: Ekawati Lenny Lia , Johnson Kelly C. , Jacobson Jerry O. , Cueto Carmen A. , Zarlinda Iska , Elyazar Iqbal RF , Fatah Abdul , Sumiwi Maria E. , Noviyanti Rintis , Cotter Chris , Smith Jennifer L. , Coutrier Farah N. , Bennett Adam
Published: December 2020

Background Following a dramatic decline of malaria cases in Aceh province, geographically-based reactive case detection (RACD) was recently evaluated as a tool to improve surveillance with the goal of malaria elimination. While RACD detected few cases in households surrounding index cases, engaging in forest work was identified as a risk factor for malaria and infections from Plasmodium knowlesi—a non-human primate malaria parasite—were more common than expected. This qualitative formative assessment was conducted to improve understanding of malaria risk from forest work and identify strategies for targeted surveillance among forest workers, including adapting reactive case detection. Methods Between June and August, 2016, five focus groups and 18 in-depth interviews with forest workers and key informants were conducted in each of four subdistricts in Aceh Besar and Aceh Jaya districts. Themes included: types of forest activities, mobility of workers, interactions with non-human primates, malaria prevention and treatment-seeking behaviours, and willingness to participate in malaria surveys at forest work sites and using peer-referral. Results Reported forest activities included mining, logging, and agriculture in the deep forest and along the forest fringe. Forest workers, particularly miners and loggers, described often spending weeks to months at work sites in makeshift housing, rarely utilizing mosquito prevention and, upon fever, self-medicating and seeking care from traditional healers or pharmacies rather than health facilities. Non-human primates are frequently observed near work sites, and most forest work locations are within a day’s journey of health clinics. Employers and workers expressed interest in undertaking malaria testing and in participating in survey recruitment by peer-referral and at work sites. Conclusions Diverse groups of forest workers in Aceh are potentially exposed to malaria through forest work. Passive surveillance and household-based screening may under-estimate malaria burden due to extended stays in the forest and health-seeking behaviours. Adapting active surveillance to specifically target forest workers through work-site screening and/or peer-referral appears promising for addressing currently undetected infections.
Engineering of a genome-reduced strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens for enhancing surfactin production
Authors: Zhang Fang , Huo Kaiyue , Song Xingyi , Quan Yufen , Wang Shufang , Zhang Zhiling , Gao Weixia , Yang Chao
Published: December 2020

Background: Genome reduction and metabolic engineering have emerged as intensive research hotspots for constructing the promising functional chassis and various microbial cell factories. Surfactin, a lipopeptide-type biosurfactant with broad spectrum antibiotic activity, has wide application prospects in anticancer therapy, biocontrol and bioremediation. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LL3, previously isolated by our lab, contains an intact srfA operon in the genome for surfactin biosynthesis.

Results: In this study, a genome-reduced strain GR167 lacking ~4.18% of the B. amyloliquefaciens LL3 genome was constructed by deleting some unnecessary genomic regions. Compared with the strain NK-1 (LL3 derivative, ΔuppΔpMC1), GR167 exhibited faster growth rate, higher transformation efficiency, increased intracellular reducing power level and higher heterologous protein expression capacity. Furthermore, the chassis strain GR167 was engineered for enhanced surfactin production. Firstly, the iturin and fengycin biosynthetic gene clusters were deleted from GR167 to generate GR167ID. Subsequently, two promoters PRsuc and PRtpxi from LL3 were obtained by RNA-seq and promoter strength characterization, and then they were individually substituted for the native srfA promoter in GR167ID to generate GR167IDS and GR167IDT. The best mutant GR167IDS showed a 678-fold improvement in the transcriptional level of the srfA operon relative to GR167ID, and it produced 311.35 mg/L surfactin, with a 10.4-fold increase relative to GR167.

Conclusions: The genome-reduced strain GR167 was advantageous over the parental strain in several industrially relevant physiological traits assessed and it was highlighted as a chassis strain for further genetic modification. In future studies, further reduction of the LL3 genome can be expected to create high-performance chassis for synthetic biology applications.
DV-DVFS: Merging Data variety and DVFS Technique to Manage the Energy Consumption of Big Data Processing
Authors: Ahmadvand Hossein , Foroutan Fouzhan , Fathy Mahmood
Published: December 2020

Data variety is one of the most important features of Big Data. Data variety is the result of aggregating data from multiple sources and uneven distribution of data. This feature of Big Data causes high variation in the consumption of processing resources such as CPU consumption. This issue has been overlooked from previous work. To overcome the mentioned problem, in the present work, we used Dynamic Voltage and Frequency Scaling (DVFS) to reduce the energy consumption of computation. To this goal, we consider two types of deadlines as our constraint. Before applying the DVFS technique to computer nodes, we estimate the processing time and the frequency needed to meet the deadline. In the evaluation phase, we have used a set of data sets and applications. The experimental results show that our proposed approach surpasses the other scenarios in processing real datasets. Based on the experimental results in this paper, DV-DVFS can achieve up to 15% improvement in energy consumption.
Soot removal from ancient Egyptian complex painted surfaces using a double network gel: Empirical tests on the ceiling of the sanctuary of Osiris in the temple of Seti I – Abydos
Authors: Al-Emam Ehab Awad , Motawea Abdel Ghafour , Caen Joost , Janssens Koen
Published: December 2020

In this study, we evaluated the ease of removal of soot layers from ancient wall paintings by employing double network gels as a controllable and safe cleaning method. The ceiling of the temple of Seti I (Abydos, Egypt) is covered with thick layers of soot; this is especially the case in the sanctuary of Osiris. These layers may have been accumulated during the occupation of the temple by Christians, fleeing the Romans in the first centuries A.D.. Soot particulates are one of the most common deposits to be removed during conservation-restoration activities of ancient Egyptian wall paintings. They usually mask the painted reliefs and reduce the permeability of the painted surface. A Polyvinyl alcohol-borax/agarose (PVA-B/AG) double network gel was selected for this task since its properties were expected to be compatible with the cleaning treatment requirements. The gel is characterized by its flexibility, permitting to take the shape of the reliefs, while also having self-healing properties, featuring shape stability and an appropriate capacity to retain liquid. The gel was loaded with several cleaning reagents that proved to be effective for soot removal. Soot removal tests were conducted with these gel composites. The cleaned surfaces were evaluated with the naked eye, a digital microscope, and color measurements in order to select the best gel composite. The gel composite, loaded with a solution of 5% ammonia, 0.3% ammonium carbonate, and 0.3% EDTA yielded the most satisfactory results and allowed to safely remove a crust of thick soot layers from the surface. Thus, during the final phase of the study, it was used successfully to clean a larger area of the ceiling.
Malaria micro-stratification using routine surveillance data in Western Kenya
Authors: Alegana Victor A , Suiyanka Laurissa , Macharia Peter M , Ikahu-Muchangi Grace , Snow Robert W
Published: December 2020

Background There is an increasing need for finer spatial resolution data on malaria risk to provide micro-stratification to guide sub-national strategic plans. Here, spatial-statistical techniques are used to exploit routine data to depict sub-national heterogeneities in test positivity rate (TPR) for malaria among patients attending health facilities in Kenya. Methods Routine data from health facilities (n=1,804) representing all ages over 24 months (2018-2019) were assembled across 8 counties (62 sub-counties) in Western Kenya. Statistical model-based approaches were used to quantify heterogeneities in TPR and uncertainty at fine spatial resolution adjusting for missingness, population distribution, spatial data structure, month, and type of health facility. Results The overall monthly reporting rate was 78.7% (IQR 75.0-100.0) and public-based health facilities were more likely than private facilities to report ≥12 months (OR 5.7, 95% CI 4.3-7.5). There was marked heterogeneity in population-weighted TPR with sub-counties in the north of the lake-endemic region exhibiting the highest rates (exceedance probability >70% with 90% certainty) where approximately 2.7 million (28.5%) people reside. At micro-level the lowest rates were in 14 sub-counties (exceedance probability <30% with 90% certainty) where approximately 2.2 million (23.1%) people lived and indoor residual spraying had been conducted since 2017.Conclusion The value of routine health data on TPR can be enhanced when adjusting for underlying population and spatial structures of the data, highlighting small-scale heterogeneities in malaria risk often masked in broad national stratifications. Future research should aim at relating these heterogeneities in TPR with traditional community-level prevalence to improve tailoring malaria control activities at sub-national levels.
Covid-19 in South America: Clinical and epidemiological characteristics among 381 patients during the early phase of the pandemic in Santiago, Chile
Authors: Vial Macarena R. , Peters Anne , Perez Inia , Spencer Maria , Barbe Mario , Porte Lorena , Weitzel Thomas , Aylwin Mabel , Vial Pablo , Araos Rafael , Munita Jose M
Published: December 2020

Background: Understanding the characteristics of the Covid-19 pandemic in different geographical regions, ethnic and socioeconomic settings are of emerging importance. This study presents the demographic and clinical features of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients in a large private healthcare center in Santiago, Chile, during the first month of the pandemic.Methods: We analyzed the demographics, laboratory and clinical characteristics including severity and outcome of all patients diagnosed with Covid-19 during the first month of the pandemic. SARS-2-CoV infection was confirmed by RT-PCR in nosopharyngeal samples. The primary outcome was a composite of ICU admission or all-cause, in-hospital mortality. Clinical and laboratory parameters of hospitalized patients were analyzed regarding their association with the primary outcome. Results: From March 3 to April 4, 2020, 3679 individuals were tested for SARS-CoV-2 in our hospital. Of those, 381 had Covid-19 and were included into this analysis. Most patients (99.2%) were Chileans, 12% returning from recent travel. The median age was 39 years (IQR 31-49) and 52% were female. A total of 88 patients (23.1%) were hospitalized; 18 (3.7%) required ICU and/or died. The overall mortality was 0.7%. Increased body mass index (BMI) and elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) were independently associated with ICU care or death.Conclusion: During the first weeks of the pandemic in Chile, most Covid-19 patients were young, with low rates of hospitalization, ICU requirement, and fatality. BMI and CRP on admission were predictors for severity. Our data provide important information on the clinical course and outcome of Covid-19 in a Latin American setting.
Cost-Utility Analysis of Hearing Aid Device for Older Adults in the Community: A Delayed Start Study
Authors: Kaur Palvinder , Chong Sheue Lih , Kannapiran Palvannan , Teo Kelvin WS , Ling Charis Ng Wei , Weichen Chiang Win , Ruling Gan , Yin Lee Sing , Leng Tang Ying , Pei Soo Ying , Kang Then Tze , Han Lim Zhen , Peizhen Lin , Yee Lynne Lim Hsueh , George Pradeep Paul
Published: December 2020

BackgroundHearing aids (HA) is the primary medical intervention aimed to reduce hearing handicap. This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of HA for older adults who were volunteered to be screened for hearing loss in a community based mobile hearing clinic (MHC).MethodsParticipants with (1) at least moderate hearing loss (≥40 dB HL) in at least one ear, (2) no prior usage of HA, (3) no ear related medical complications, and (4) had a Mini-Mental State Examination score ≥18 were eligible for this study. Using a delayed-start study design, participants were randomized into the immediate-start (Fitted) group where HA was fitted immediately or the delayed-start (Not Fitted) group where HA fitting was delayed for three months. Cost utility analysis was used to compare the cost-effectiveness of being fitted with HA combined with short-term, aural rehabilitation with the routine care group who were not fitted with HA. Incremental cost effectiveness ration (ICER) was computed. Health Utility Index (HUI-3) was used to measure utility gain, a component required to derive the quality adjusted life years (QALY). Total costs included direct healthcare costs, direct non-healthcare costs and indirect costs (productivity loss of participant and caregiver). Demographic data was collected during the index visit to MHC. Cost and utility data were collected three months after index visit and projected to five years.ResultsThere were 264 participants in the Fitted group and 163 participants in the Not Fitted group. No between-group differences in age, gender, ethnicity, housing type and degree of hearing loss were observed at baseline. At 3 months, HA fitting led to a mean utility increase of 0.12 and an ICER gain of S$42,790/QALY (95% CI: S$32, 793/QALY to S$62,221/QALY). At five years, the ICER was estimated to be at S$11,964/QALY (95% CI: S$8,996/QALY to S$17,080/QALY) assuming 70% of the participants continued using the HA. As fewer individuals continued using their fitted HA, the ICER increased.ConclusionsHA fitting can be cost-effective and could improve the quality of life of hearing-impaired older individuals within a brief period of device fitting. Long term cost-effectiveness of HA fitting is dependent on its continued usage.
Inflammatory M1-like macrophages polarized by NK-4 undergo enhanced phenotypic switching to an anti-inflammatory M2-like phenotype upon co-culture with apoptotic cells
Authors: Kohno Keizo , Koya-Miyata Satomi , Harashima Akira , Tsukuda Takahiko , Katakami Masataka , Ariyasu Toshio , Ushio Shimpei , Iwaki Kanso
Published: December 2020

Background: NK-4 has been used to promote wound healing since the early-1950s; however, the mechanism of action of NK-4 is unknown. In this study, we examined whether NK-4 exerts a regulatory effect on macrophages, which play multiple roles during wound healing from the initial inflammatory phase until the tissue regeneration phase.Results: NK-4 treatment of THP-1 macrophages induced morphological features characteristic of classically-activated M1 macrophages, an inflammatory cytokine profile, and increased expression of the M1 macrophage-associated molecules CD38 and CD86. Interestingly, NK-4 augmented TNF-a production by THP-1 macrophages in combination with LPS, Pam3CSK4, or poly(I:C). Furthermore, NK-4 treatment enhanced THP-1 macrophage phagocytosis of latex beads. These results indicate that NK-4 drives macrophage polarization toward an inflammatory M1-like phenotype with increased phagocytic activity. Efferocytosis is a crucial event for resolution of the inflammatory phase in wound healing. NK-4-treated THP-1 macrophages co-cultured with apoptotic Jurkat E6.1 (Apo-J) cells switched from an M1-like phenotype to an M2-like phenotype, as seen in the inverted ratio of TNF-a to IL-10 produced in response to LPS. We identified two separate mechanisms that are involved in this phenotypic switch. First, recognition of phosphatidylserine molecules on Apo-J cells by THP-1 macrophages downregulates TNF-a production. Second, phagocytosis of Apo-J cells by THP-1 macrophages and activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway upregulates IL-10 production.Conclusion: It is postulated that the phenotypic switch from a proinflammatory M1-like phenotype to an anti-inflammatory M2-like phenotype is dysregulated due to impaired efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils at the wound site. Our results demonstrate that NK-4 improves phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic strategy to resolve sustained inflammation in chronic wounds.
Optimization of whole-genome sequencing of Plasmodium falciparum from low-density dried blood spot samples
Authors: Teyssier Noam , Chen Anna , Duarte Elias , Sit Rene , Greenhouse Bryan , Tessema Sofonias
Published: December 2020

Background: Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is becoming increasingly useful to study the biology, epidemiology, and ecology of malaria parasites. Despite ease of sampling, DNA extracted from dried blood spots (DBS) has a high ratio of human DNA compared to parasite DNA, which poses a challenge for downstream genetic analyses. We evaluated the effects of multiple methods for DNA extraction, digestion of methylated DNA, and amplification on the quality and fidelity of WGS data recovered from DBS. Results: At 100 parasites/μL, Chelex-Tween-McrBC samples had higher coverage (5X depth = 93% genome) than QIAamp extracted samples (5X depth = 76% genome). The two evaluated sWGA primer sets showed minor differences in overall genome coverage and SNP concordance, with a newly proposed combination of 20 primers showing a modest improvement in coverage over those previously published. Conclusions: Overall, Tween-Chelex extracted samples that were treated with McrBC digestion and are amplified using 6A10AD sWGA conditions had minimal dropout rate, higher percentages of coverage at higher depth, and more accurate SNP concordance than QiaAMP extracted samples. These findings extend the results of previously reported methods, making whole genome sequencing accessible to a larger number of low density samples that are commonly encountered in cross-sectional surveys. Keywords: Malaria, P. falciparum, dried blood spots, Tween-Chelex, McrBC, selective whole genome amplification, whole genome sequencing This work was supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Grant Number OPP1132226 This work was supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Grant Number OPP1132226
Interest of treating iron deficiency, diagnosed according to hepcidin quantification, on outcomes after a prolonged ICU stay compared to standard care: a multicenter, randomized, single-blinded trial.
Authors: lasocki sigismond , ASFAR Pierre , JABER Samir , FERRANDIERE Martine , KERFORNE Thomas , ASEHNOUNE Karim , MONTRAVERS Philippe , SEGUIN Philippe , PEOC’H Katell , GERGAUD Soizic , NAGOT Nicolas , LEFEBVRE Thibaud , Lehmann Sylvain , group HEPCIDAN Study
Published: December 2020

Background: Anemia is a significant problem in patients on ICU. Its commonest cause, iron deficiency (ID), is difficult to diagnosed in the context of inflammation. Hepcidin is a new marker of ID. We aimed to assess whether hepcidin levels would accurately guide treatment of ID in critically ill anemic patients after a prolonged ICU stay and affect the post-ICU outcomes. Methods: In a controlled, single-blinded, multicenter study, anemic (WHO definition) critically ill patients with an ICU stay ≥5 days were randomized when discharge was expected to either intervention by hepcidin treatment protocol or control. In the intervention arm patients were treated with intravenous iron (1g of ferric carboxymaltose) when hepcidin was <20 μg/l and with intravenous iron and erythropoietin for 20≤ hepcidin <41 μg/l. Control patients were treated according to standard care (hepcidin quantification remained blinded). Primary endpoint was the number of days spent in hospital 90 days after ICU discharge (post-ICU LOS). Secondary endpoints were day 15 anemia, day 30 fatigue, day-90 mortality and one-year survival. Results: Of 405 randomized patients, 399 were analyzed (201 in intervention and 198 in control arm). 220(55%) had ID at discharge (i.e. an hepcidin <41 μg/l). Primary endpoint was not different (medians(IQR) post-ICU LOS 33(13;90) vs 33(11;90) days for intervention and control respectively, median difference -1(-3;1) days, p=0.78). D90 mortality was significantly lower in the intervention arm (16(8%) vs 33(16.6%) deaths, absolute risk difference -8.7 (-15.1 to -2.3)%, p=0.008, OR 95%IC, 0.46, 0.22 to 0.94, p=0.035) and one-year survival was improved (p =0.0394). Conclusion: Treatment of ID diagnosed according to hepcidin levels did not reduce the post-ICU LOS, but may reduce the long-term mortality in critically ill patients about to be discharged after a prolonged stay.
Methods of Forming and Evaluating Logical Universal Educational Actions when Teaching Russian
Authors:   Transbaikal State University, Larisa V. Cherepanova
Published: December 2020

The importance of secondary school students’ proficiency in universal learning activities (ULA), including functional literacy, in order to socialize successfully makes the search for appropriate means relevant. However, it is no less important to diagnose the formation of ULA and identify problems within their acquirement. Understanding the importance of this problem led to the idea of using existing pedagogical methods in teaching the Russian language paying attention to their adaptation. The purpose of the article is to show how existing methods can be adapted in order to be used in the formation and assessment of the logical ULA during Russian language lessons. The study was based on the methods of analysis and synthesis when describing the problem of formation and assessment of ULA among schoolchildren; in the development of diagnostics – on the methods of analysis, abstracting, and constructing. In addition, a systemic method was used. Statistical data of the conducted research and their interpretation are presented to substantiate the need for the creation and adaptation of methods for the ULA formation and assessment. The study reveals the pedagogical diagnostic methods, which, with a certain adaptation, can be used for the logical ULA formation and assessment during teaching the Russian language. The research presents the adapted methods, which will allow organizing systematic work on the formation of logical ULA for secondary school students when studying the “Lexicology” section and assessing their formation among schoolchildren.
Estimating the Costs of Managing Complications of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Malaysia
Authors: Shafie Asrul Akmal , Ng Chin Hui
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to estimate current direct costs for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus
(T2DM)-related complications including ischaemic heart diseases (IHD), myocardial
infarction (MI), stroke, heart failure (HF), amputation, blindness, renal failure (RF)
requiring haemodialysis (end-stage renal disease) and diabetic foot ulcer in the event year and subsequent year. Initially, diabetes-related complications are defined based on the Malaysian Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) or published literatures while each resource unit was valued using local costing obtained from the public hospital or other sources. The interventions for the management of complications were supported by evidence in the Malaysian CPGs or local literature and confirmed by the physicians related to the field who are working at the public hospital. All costs were converted to the value of USD currency in the year 2016. On the whole, macrovascular diseases incurred the highest management cost with MI employing the highest management cost (USD4,528.37) in the event year, while the management of heart, failure disease incurs the highest management cost at USD524.79 for subsequent year management. End-stage renal disease was associated with the highest annual per-patient costs, with mean first year and subsequent year costs for haemodialysis estimated at USD9,905.37 and USD9,233.89. In studying the costs of managing of diabetes-related complications, these data are vital economic evaluation for diabetes interventions, particularly in managing complications to macrovascular and microvascular functions, as it contributes significantly to the economic burden in Malaysia’s public healthcare; hence significantly affecting the proportion of the overall healthcare costs.
Financial risk management in the V4 Countries’ SMEs segment
Authors: Kotaskova Anna , Lazanyi Kornelia , Amoah John , Belás Jaroslav
Published: December 2020

The paper examines entrepreneurs’ attitudes towards chosen problems of managing financial risk in the V4 countries’ small and medium-sized enterprises. Financial risk has a significant effect on SMEs’ operations and their sustainability in the market. Entrepreneurs’ attitudes were quantified in terms of the defined aim, and a comparison of the differences in the intensity of these perceptions was made. An empirical investigation was accomplished in the V4 countries via an online questionnaire in 2020 (before the onset of the corona-crisis). A total of 1,585 valid questionnaires were obtained. The results were compared using Chi-squared and Z-score. Entrepreneurs in all V4 countries perceive financial risk correctly as an everyday part of their business activities. Their perceptions are very similar in all V4 countries. SMEs in the V4 countries evaluated the financial performance of their companies quite positively. Entrepreneurs in this research have a relatively high opinion of their financial risk management knowledge, which they presented accordingly. The research also revealed that Hungarian entrepreneurs, instead of those from the other three V4 countries, have a higher opinion of their financial risk capabilities. They highly evaluated their financial risk management knowledge and showed a higher self-confidence in managing financial risk.