bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Participatory Teaching Approach for Red Cross First Aid Trainers of China in 2019: A Before-and-After Study
Authors: Cheng Xiaoqing , Zhang Xiaohua , Ma Qinghui , Wen Ying , Zhao Jianzhong
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveRed Cross Society of China has always attached importance to training of first aid trainers. Participatory teaching approach has good effect and great significance all over the world. Thus this methodology was introduced from International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to China from 2019. This study aimed to investigate effects of participatory teaching approach in training first aid trainers from provincial branches of China.MethodWe conducted a cross-sectional study among first aid trainers from Red Cross provincial branches. Pretested electronic questionnaire was given before and after the training. Data was collected by online survey tool and logic check was set to ensure quality of data. Stata version 11.0 was used to analyze the data. Proportion were used to describe social-demographic characteristics of respondents and their satisfaction with different teaching modules. Paired two-tailed t-test was used to compare the confidence scores before and after training. Chi-square test was used to test confidence growth of different groups and among different developing level regions. Difference was statistically significant if P<0.05.Result772 first aid trainers participated in the survey with a response rate of 99.6%. The majority of respondents were satisfied with standard modules of this course using participatory teaching approach. Scores on 4 confidence related questions had all increased and the confidence growth was statistically significant (Question1:t=-32.66,P<0.001;Question2:t=-28.22,P<0.001;Question3:t=-27.41,P<0.001;Question4:t=-29.07,P<0.001). Different groups had different confidence growth and medium confidence group had the biggest increase in all 4 questions (Question1:2=166.49,P<0.001;Question2:2=166.48,P<0.001;Question3:2=195.40,P<0.001;Question4:2=129.61,P<0.001). No statistical significant difference was found among different developing level regions.ConclusionParticipatory teaching approach was well accepted among Red Cross first aid trainers from provincial branches all over China. No statistically significant was found among different developing level regions. This teaching approach could improve the confidence of participants. It is reasonable to promote this methodology among first aid trainers nationwide.
Melatonin Pretreatment Protects Against Status Epilepticus, Glutamate Transport, and Oxidative Stress Induced by Kainic Acid in Zebrafish
Authors: de Farias Ana Caroline Salvador , Pickler Karolyne de Pieri , Bernardo Henrique Teza , Baldin Samira Leila , Dondossola Eduardo Ronconi , Rico Eduardo Pacheco
Published: June 2021

Status epilepticus (SE) develops from abnormal electrical discharges, resulting in neuronal damage. Current treatments include antiepileptic drugs. However, the most common drugs used to treat seizures may sometimes be ineffective and have many side effects. Melatonin is an endogenous physiological hormone that is considered an alternative treatment for neurological disorders because of its free radical scavenging property. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effects of melatonin pretreatment on SE by inducing glutamatergic hyperstimulation in zebrafish. Seizures were induced in zebrafish using kainic acid (KA), a glutamate analog, and the seizure intensity was recorded for 60 min. Melatonin treatment for 7 days showed a decrease in seizure intensity (28%), latency to reach score 5 (14 min), and duration of SE (29%). In addition, melatonin treatment attenuated glutamate transporter levels, which significantly decreased in the zebrafish brain after 12 h of KA-induced seizures. Melatonin treatment reduced the increase in oxidative stress by reactive oxygen species formation through thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and 2‘,7‘-dichiorofluorescin, induced by KA-seizure. An imbalance of antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide dismutase and catalase was influenced by melatonin and KA-induced seizures. Our study indicates that melatonin promotes a neuroprotective response against the epileptic profile in zebrafish. These effects could be related to the modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission, recovery of glutamate uptake, and oxidative stress parameters in the zebrafish brain.
Fungal-bacterial biofilm mediated heavy metal rhizo-remediation
Authors: Henagamage Amila , Peries C.M , Seneviratne G.
Published: June 2021

Heavy metal pollution due to excessive use of chemical fertilizers (CF) causes a major damage to the environment. Microbial consortia, closely associated with the rhizosphere are able to remediate heavy metal-contaminated soil by reducing plant toxicity. Thus, this study was undertaken to examine the remedial effects of microbial biofilms against contaminated heavy metals. Fungi and bacteria isolated from soil were screened for their tolerance against Cd2+, Pb2+ and Zn2+. Fungal-bacterial biofilms (FBBs) were developed with the highest tolerant isolates and were further screened for their bioremediation capabilities against heavy metals. The best biofilm was evaluated for its rhizoremediation capability with different CF combinations using a pot experiment conducted under greenhouse conditions with potato. Three bacterial and two fungal isolates were selected to develop FBBs upon the tolerance index (TI) percentage. Significantly (P < 0.05) the highest metal removal percentage was observed in Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis biofilm under in situ condition. The biofilm with 50% of recommended CF (50CB) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the soil available Pb2+ by 77%, Cd2+ by 78% and Zn2+ by 62% compared to 100% recommended CF (100C). In comparison to initial soil, it was 73%, 76% and 57% lower of Pb2+, Cd2+ and Zn2+, respectively. In addition, 50CB treatment significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the metal penetration into the tuber tissues in comparison with 100C. Thus, it is concluded that T. harzianum–B. subtilis biofilm is an ideal combination to remediate soil contaminated with Cd2+, Pb2+ and Zn2+.
Compton Shifting with Scattering Angle and Masses of Order 10-31kg To 1-0-27kg
Authors: Karki Bhishma , Dhobi Saddam Husain , Yadav Kishori , Gautam Narayan
Published: June 2021

The objective of this work is to study and observed the Compton shift of elementary particles masses lies in between 10-31kg to 10-27kg within the angle between 0 radians to 3 radians. The observation shows Compton shifting ranges from 10-11m to 0.5 x 10-18m . This nature of shifting is the same for all the considered masses for the same angle of scattering. Therefore this scattering is suitable for other elementary particles that lie in between considered masses. Hence the validity of Compton shifting can be used for other elementary particles scattering as elementary particles masses in between 10-31kg to 10-27kg as having similar nature or original Compton scattering of electron-photon interaction.
Characterization of Variable-sensitivity Compact Force Sensor using Stiffness Change of Shape-memory Polymer Based on Temperature
Authors: Takashima Kazuto , Kobuchi Jo , Kamamichi Norihiro , Takagi Kentaro , Mukai Toshiharu
Published: June 2021

In the present study, we propose a variable-sensitivity force sensor using a shape-memory polymer (SMP), the stiffness of which varies according to the temperature. Since the measurement range and sensitivity can be changed, it is not necessary to replace the force sensor to match the measurement target. Shape-memory polymers are often described as two-phase structures comprising a lower-temperature “glassy” hard phase and a higher-temperature “rubbery” soft phase. The relationship between the applied force and the deformation of the SMP changes depending on the temperature. The proposed sensor consists of strain gauges bonded to an SMP bending beam and senses the applied force by measuring the strain. Therefore, the force measurement range and the sensitivity can be changed according to the temperature. In our previous study, we found that a sensor with one strain gauge and a steel plate had a small error and a large sensitivity range. Therefore, in the present study, we miniaturize this type of sensor. Moreover, in order to describe the viscoelastic behavior more accurately, we propose a transfer function using a generalized Maxwell model. We verify the proposed model experimentally and estimated the parameters by system identification. In addition, we realize miniaturization of the sensor and achieve the same performance as in our previous study. It is shown that the proposed transfer function can capture the viscoelastic behavior of the proposed SMP sensor quite well.
Diabetic Foot Assessment of People With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy And Associated Factors To Plantar Pressure Changes.
Authors: Jorgetto Juliana Vallim , Oggiam Daniella Silva , Gamba Monica Antar , Kusahara Denise Miyuki
Published: June 2021

Diabetic neuropathy is one of the main complications of Diabetes Mellitus, which can lead to loss of protective sensation, motor alteration, in plantar pressure, generating deformities, abnormal gait and mechanical trauma to the feet.OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the distribution of plantar pressure, sensorimotor changes, balance and associated factors to plantar pressure changes in people with peripheral diabetic neuropathy.METHOD: Cross-sectional study conducted with individuals registered in the municipal public health network of a city in the east of São Paulo - Brazil, with Diabetes Mellitus and Peripheral Neuropathy identified by the Michigan Screening Instrument, sensory-motor changes by the International Consensus, static and dynamic assessments of plantar pressure using Baropodometry with BaroScan and balance using the Berg scale.RESULTS: Of the 200 individuals evaluated, 52.55% had no plantar protective sensitivity, the static evaluation did not identify changes in the peak of plantar pressure, however in the dynamics the average in the right foot was 6.08 (± 2) kgf / cm2 and 6 , 7 (± 1.62) kgf / cm2 on the left foot, the center of static pressure on the right foot was lower (10.55 ± 3.82) than on the left foot (11.97 ± 3.90), pointing hyper plantar pressure. The risk of falling was high, ranging from 8 to 56 points, with an average of 40.96 (± 10.77).CONCLUSION: The absence of protective plantar sensitivity, increased pressure, biomechanical changes lead to loss of balance and are predictive of complications in the feet due to diabetic neuropathy.
Effect of Preoperative Keratometry on Visual Outcomes After Small-incision Lenticule Extraction for Myopia
Authors: Lee Seongjun , Bae Sinwoo , Jung Moonsun
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between preoperative keratometry (K) and postoperative refraction, and compare the visual outcomes after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) between preoperative flat and steep corneas.Methods: This study involved 814 consecutive eyes of 409 patients who underwent SMILE. A month later, a linear regression analysis of the relationship between preoperative K and the residual spherical equivalent (SE) along with eyes divided by a single standard deviation between flat and steep corneas (< 41.85 D, > 44.57 D, respectively) was conducted. Eyes were distinguished based on the degree of myopia. Results: One month after surgery, no significant correlation existed between mean preoperative K and residual SE (P = 0.459). Linear regression analysis showed a weak negative correlation between flat corneas (r2 = 0.042, P =0.025) rather than steep corneas (P = 0.908). Eyes with preoperative low myopia (< 3.00 D) (r2 = 0.233, P = 0.001) had a weak correlation compared with moderate and high myopia (P = 0.272, P = 0.257, respectively). Twelve months later, the predictability, safety, and efficacy did not vary between preoperative flat and steep corneas (P > 0.05).Conclusions: One month after SMILE for myopia, the corneas were flatter in the preoperative flat corneas or all the low myopic corneas, and they were more overcorrected. However, preoperative corneal curvature does not influence visual outcomes at 1 year after SMILE.
Imaging Capability at Close Range of High Frequency Ultrasound Transducer on the Perforation of Bony Walls Simulating Pedicle Screw Placement
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Li Dongze , Li Suoyuan , Shao Weiwei , Li Peiyang , Jiao Yang , Yang Chen , Lu Wenjia , Cui Yaoyao , Fan Junjie , Wang Donglai , Zou Tianming , Shen Jun
Published: June 2021

Background: Ultrasound has been proved to be a promising alternative spine navigation method. High frequency ultrasound transducer has the advantage of high resolution on surface structure, but imaging at close range is difficult, especially in narrow space of the pilot-hole in pedicle.Methods: Twenty cortical bone chips were made and different size of hole with diameter of 1mm, 2mm, 3mm or 5mm was randomly carved in each bone chip. A tailored 30MHz high frequency transducer scanned bone samples at the distance of 4mm, 3mm, 2mm and 1mm. Successive transmission ringingeffect elimination, Hilbert transform and Gray-scale mapping method were utilized to process and optimize attained original images.Results: At the distance of 4mm, 3mm, 2mm and 1mm, the holes with diameter of 5mm, 3mm and 2mm could be discerned. At the distance of 1mm, only the holes with 5mm and 3mm could be clearly distinguished and the 2mm hole appeared obscure. The holes with diameter of 1mm could not be detected at any distance. The holes with diameter of 2mm were able to be detected at the distance of 1mm.Conclusions: This study indicated that the high frequency transducer had limited imaging capability at close range on the bony surface. These results lay a foundation for further developing a novel ultrasound-based spinal pedicle interior imaging and navigation system.
Impact of Electrode Position on the Dynamic Range of a Human Auditory Nerve Fiber
Authors: Rattay Frank , Tanzer Thomas
Published: June 2021

Electrodes of a cochlear implant generate spikes in auditory nerve fibers. While the insertion depth of each of the electrodes is linked to a frequency section of the acoustic signal, the amplitude of the stimulating pulses controls the loudness of the related frequency band. The firing efficiency of an auditory nerve fiber, stimulated by a train of pulses varies between 0 and 100%. 100% firing efficiency means every pulse elicits a spike, 50% defines threshold. The dynamic range of an auditory nerve fiber is the range of stimulus intensities that causes a firing probability between 10 and 90%. This ‘electrical’ dynamic range is quite small in comparison to the variation of spiking rates measured during acoustic stimulation. Consequently, an increased dynamic range may improve the quality of auditory perception for cochlear implant users. Electrodes are often placed as close as possible to the center axis of the cochlea. Analysis of simulated auditory nerve firing showed that this placement is disadvantageous for the dynamic range. Five times larger dynamic ranges are expected for electrodes close to the terminal of the dendrite or at mid-dendritic placement.
Tailoring Interfacial Effect in Multilayers With Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya Interaction by Helium Ion Irradiation
Authors: Sud A. , Tacchi S. , Sagkovits D. , Barton C. , Sall M. , Diez L. H. , Stylianidis E. , Smith N. , Wright L. , Zhang S. , Zhang X. , Ravelosona D. , Carlotti G. , Kurebayashi H. , Kazakova O. , Cubukcu M.
Published: June 2021

We show a method to control magnetic interfacial effects in multilayers with Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) using helium (He+) ion irradiation. We compare results from SQUID magnetometry, ferromagnetic resonance as well as Brillouin light scattering results on multilayers with DMI as a function of irradiation fluence to study the effect of irradiation on the magnetic properties of the multilayers. Our results show clear evidence of the He+ irradiation effects on the magnetic properties which is consistent with interface modification due to the effects of the He+ irradiation. This external degree of freedom offers promising perspectives to further improve the control of magnetic skyrmions in multilayers, that could push them towards integration in future technologies.
Higher One-year Achievement Rate of Serum Phosphate Associated with Lower Cardiovascular Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Zhang Weichen , Ye Guoxin , Bi Zhaori , Chen Weisheng , Qian Jing , Zhang Minmin , Ding Ding , Wang Mengjing , Chen Jing
Published: June 2021

Background: Estimation of phosphate load in hemodialysis patients is always controversial in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to verify individual achievement rate of serum phosphate as the evaluation of phosphate load through investigating its impact on cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients.Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study. A total of 251 maintenance hemodialysis patients were enrolled. The individual achievement rate of serum phosphate was defined as the times of tests within the target range divided by total times of tests over a period of time. Cox regression model was used to examine the relationship between individual achievement rate of serum phosphate and cardiovascular mortality. Results: The mean age of the study population was 61±13 years old. A total of 44 (17.5%) patients died from cardiovascular disease (CVD) during a median follow-up of 65 months. Multivariable Cox analysis showed that one-year serum phosphate achievement rate of 0% (HR=4.117, P=0.016) and 25% (HR=3.343, P=0.023) increased the risk of cardiovascular mortality while the achievement rate of 50% (HR=2.129, P=0.162) and 75% (HR=1.080, P=0.902) did not, compared to the rate of 100%. Urea reduction ratio (URR) was positively, while serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR), and total phosphate-binding capacity of drug were negatively associated with achievement in target of serum phosphate.Conclusions: Keeping one-year achievement rate of serum phosphate higher than 50% provides significant clinical benefits in reducing cardiovascular mortality.
Analysis of Photon Characteristics in Anticorrelation of a Hong-Ou-Mandel Dip for On-Demand Quantum Correlation Control
Authors: Ham Byoung
Published: June 2021

Over the last several decades, quantum entanglement has been intensively studied for potential applications in quantum information science. The Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) dip is the most important test tool for direct proof of entanglement between paired photons, whose coincidence detection results in anticorrelation due to photon bunching on a beam splitter. Although anticorrelation is due to destructive quantum interference between paired photons, a wavelength-sensitive interference fringe has never been observed in any HOM-type experiments. Here, a typical HOM dip is investigated for entangled photon pairs generated by parametric down conversion processes (SPDC) to understand fundamental physics of anticorrelation. In addition, a pure coherence optics-based Hong-Ou-Mandel scheme is proposed and analyzed for general understanding of anticorrelation in an interferometric system. This study sheds light on deterministic quantum correlation control and opens the door to potential applications of on-demand quantum information science.
What’s in a Head? Comparative Morphology of Head Muscles in the Three Drusinae Clades (Insecta: Trichoptera)
Authors: Zittra Carina , Vitecek Simon , Schwaha Thomas , Handschuh Stephan , Martini Jan , Vieira Ariane , Kuhlmann Hendrik C. , Waringer Johann
Published: June 2021

The subfamily Drusinae (Limnephilidae, Trichoptera) comprises a range of species exhibiting differently shaped head capsules in their larval stages. These correspond to evolutionary lineages pursuing different larval feeding ecologies, each of which uses a different hydraulic niche: scraping grazers and omnivorous shredders sharing rounded head capsules and filtering carnivores with indented and corrugated head capsules. In this study, we assess whether changes in head capsule morphology are reflected by changes in internal anatomy of Drusinae heads. To this end, internal and external head morphology was visualized using µCT methods and histological sections in three Drusinae species – Drusus bosnicus, D. franzi and D. discolor – representing the three evolutionary lineages. Our results indicate that Drusinae head musculature is highly conserved across the evolutionary lineages with only minute changes between taxa. Conversely, the tentorium is reduced in D. discolor, the species with the most aberrant head capsule investigated here. Integrating previous research on Drusinae head anatomy, we propose a fundamental Drusinae blueprint comprising 29 cephalic muscles and discuss significance of larval head capsule corrugation in Trichoptera.
Respiratory function declines in children with asthma associated with chemical species of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Nagasaki, Japan
Authors: Kim Yoonhee , Park Eun Ha , Ng Chris Fook Sheng , Chung Yeonseung , Hashimoto Kunio , Tashiro Kasumi , Hasunuma Hideki , Doi Masataka , Tamura Kei , Moriuchi Hiroyuki , Nishiwaki Yuji , Kim Hwajin , Yi Seung-Muk , Kim Ho , Hashizume Masahiro
Published: June 2021

Background

The differential effects of PM2.5 fractions on children’s lung function remain inconclusive. This study aimed to examine whether lung function in asthmatic children was associated with increased PM2.5 fractions in urban areas in Nagasaki prefecture, Japan, where the air pollution level is relatively low but influenced by transboundary air pollution.
Methods

We conducted a multiyear panel study of 73 asthmatic children (boys, 60.3%; mean age, 8.2 years) spanning spring 2014–2016 in two cities. We collected self-measured peak expiratory flow (PEF) twice a day and daily time-series data for PM2.5 total mass and its chemical species. We fitted a linear mixed effects model to examine short-term associations between PEF and PM2.5, adjusting for individual and time-varying confounders. A generalized linear mixed effects model was also used to estimate the association for worsening asthma defined by severe PEF decline. Back-trajectory and cluster analyses were used to investigate the long-range transboundary PM2.5 in the study areas.
Results

We found that morning PEFs were adversely associated with higher levels of sulfate (-1.61 L/min; 95% CI: -3.07, -0.15) in Nagasaki city and organic carbon (OC) (-1.02 L/min; 95% CI: -1.94, -0.09) in Isahaya city, per interquartile range (IQR) increase at lag1. In addition, we observed consistent findings for worsening asthma, with higher odds of severe PEF decline in the morning for sulfate (odds ratio (OR) = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.12, 4.77) and ammonium (OR = 1.73; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.84) in Nagasaki city and OC (OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.15) in Isahaya city, per IQR increase at lag1. The significant chemical species were higher on days that could be largely attributed to the path of Northeast China origin (for sulfate and ammonium) or both the same path and local sources (for OC) than by other clusters.
Conclusions

This study provides evidence of the differential effects of PM2.5 fractions on lung function among asthmatic children in urban areas, where the Japanese national standards of air quality have been nearly met. Continuous efforts to promote mitigation actions and public awareness of hazardous transboundary air pollution are needed to protect susceptible children with asthma.
Information storage in permalloy modulated magnetic nanowires
Authors: Sáez Guidobeth , Díaz Pablo , Cisternas Eduardo , Vogel Eugenio E. , Escrig Juan
Published: June 2021

A long piece of magnetic material shaped as a central cylindrical wire (diameter d = 50 nm) with two wider coaxial cylindrical portions (diameter D = 90 nm and thickness t = 100 nm) defines a bimodulated nanowire. Micromagnetism is invoked to study the equilibrium energy of the system under the variations of the positions of the modulations along the wire. The system can be thought of as composed of 5 independent elements (3 segments and 2 modulations) leading to 25 = 32 different magnetic configurations. We investigate the stability of the configurations depending on the positions of the modulations. The relative chirality of the modulations has negligible contributions to the energy and they have no effect in the stability of the stored configuration. However, the modulations are extremely important in pinning the domain walls that lead to consider each segment as independent from the rest. A phase diagram reporting the stability of the inscribed magnetic configurations is produced. The stability of the system was then tested under the action of external magnetic fields and it is found that more than 50 mT are necessary to alter the inscribed information. The main purpose of this paper is to find weather a prototype like this can complemented to be used as firmware or magnetic keys. Present results indicate that this is feasible.
Estimation of Nonlinear Parameters of Type 6 Hydrological Method in Flood Routing With the Spotted Hyena Optimizer Algorithm (SHO)
Authors: Khalifeh Saeid , Esmaili Kazem , Khodashenas S. Reza , Modaresi Fereshteh
Published: June 2021

In this study, The Spotted hyena optimizer Algorithm (SHO) is used to optimize the parameters of the Non-linear type 6 Muskingum model for flood routing. To evaluate the performance of the SHO in the Non-linear Muskingum models, The Wilson River and the Wye River are applied by many researchers for validation. Moreover, in these studies, the Non-linear Muskingum parameters were estimated by the SHO Algorithm. The SSQ and DPO were considered as objective functions between computed and observed data. According to the results of Wilson river flood, the values of these objective functions for the NL3 model are 128.781, and 0.92 m3/s, and for the NL6 model, are 3.20 and 0.027, respectively. The results of the Wye River flood with the SHO showed that the SSQ and DPO for the NL3 model are 34789.39 and 90.05, and for the NL6 model are 30812.07 and 72.35, respectively. The results show that the proposed algorithm can be applied confidently to estimate the parameter optimal values of the nonlinear Muskingum model. Moreover, this algorithm may be applicable to any continuous engineering optimization problems.
A Hub Signaling Pathway of Antimicrobial-Antifungal-Anticancer Peptides Axis With Cationic Residue Amino Acids on N, C- Terminals Under 500 Dalton Rule Via Network Pharmacology
Authors: Oh Ki Kwang , Adnan Md. , Cho Dong Ha
Published: June 2021

Background: Short cationic peptides (SCPs) with therapeutic efficacy of Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), Antifungal peptides (AFPs), and Anticancer peptides (ACPs) are known as enhancement of host defense system. Here, we investigated the uppermost peptide(s), hub signaling pathway(s), and its associated target(s) through network pharmacology. Method: Firstly, we selected SCPs with positive amino acid residues on N-, C- terminals under 500 Dalton via RStudio. Secondly, EMBOSS pepstats, PASTA 2.0 and Aggrescan were used to remove non- AMPs, after that, ADAM, dbAMP, DBAASP v3.0, and MLAMP were utilized for AMPs selection. AMPs-targets were identified from both SEA and STP databases. The overlapping targets between the bacteria-responsive targets (TTD and OMIM) and AMPs-targets were visualized by VENNY 2.1. Thirdly, AFPs were filtered through Antifp tool, and TTD and OMIM selected fungal responsive targets. The overlapping targets between AFPs-targets and fungal-responsive targets were visualized by VENNY 2.1. Fourthly, the overlapping targets between cancer-related targets (TTD and OMIM) and fungal-responsive targets were visualized by VENNY 2.1. Fifthly, signaling pathway analysis of overlapping targets was performed via RStudio. Finally, molecular docking study (MDS) was carried out to discover the most potent peptides on a hub signaling pathway. Results: A total of 1,833 SCPs were identified, and AMPs, AFPs, and ACPs filtration suggested that 197 peptides-30 targets, 81 peptides-6 targets, and 59 peptides-4 targets are connected, respectively. The AMPs-AFPs-ACPs axis indicated that 27 peptides-2 targets are associated. Each hub signaling pathway for enhancement of host defense system was "Inactivation of Rap1 signaling pathway on AMPs", "Activation of Notch signaling pathway on AMPs-AFPs axis", and "Inactivation of HIF-1 signaling pathway on AMPs-AFPs-ACPs axis". The most potent peptides were assessed via MDS; finally, HPIK on STAT3, HVTK on NOS2 manifested the HIF-1 signaling pathway's highest affinity. Furthermore, the two peptides have better affinity scores than standard selective inhibitors (Stattic, 1400W). Conclusion: Overall, the most potent SCPs for the host defense system were HPIK on STAT3 and HVTK on NOS2, which might inactivate the HIF-1 signaling pathway.
Effects of Integrated Use of Calcite and Inorganic Fertilizer on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Maize (Zea mays l.) Yield and, Economic Feasibility on the Nitisols of Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Birtukan Amare , Fetene Eyayu Molla , Mengesha Yihenew G.Selassie , Belay Habtamu Tadele , Zeleke Tesfaye Bayu
Published: June 2021

Background: Understanding the soil reaction (pH) is relevant for improving crop productivity. Soil acidity is one of the restraining factors to crop production in the highlands of Ethiopia. This study was carried out on the nitisols of Burie District to examine the effect of integrated use of Calcite and Nitrogen fertilizer on soil physico-chemical properties. Treatments were two levels of lime (0 and 0. 50 t ha-1) and five-level of nitrogen (0,100, 200, 300, and 400 kg ha-1). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with ten treatments replicated three times. Before and after harvest, both disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and bivariate correlations was employed using SAS statistical package program version 9.0. After harvesting thirty soil samples were collected from each treatment and then ten composite soil samples within a block were arranged for laboratory analysis. Result: The result indicated that among the soil properties before planting the crop soil bulk density (BD), pH, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), available P and CEC were 1.43g cm-3, 5.2 (strongly acidic), 1.32% (very low), 0.12% (low), 8.86 mg kg-1 (very low), and 19.57 cmolc kg-1 (medium), respectively. After harvesting, most of the surface physico-chemical properties except bulk density increased. The lowest soil BD was 1.21 g m-3 from plots treated with 0.5 t ha-1 lime and 400 kg ha-1 urea. The maximum soil pH (6.85) was obtained from plots treated with 400 kg ha-1 N and 0.5 t ha-1 lime. The maximum soil CEC (35.38 (cmolc kg-1) was obtained from plots treated with 400 kg ha-1 N and 0.5 t ha-1 lime. Level of lime, nitrogen fertilizer and interaction effects of lime and nitrogen fertilizer (L*N) significantly affected maize yield (p<0.001). Yield of maize have positive correlations with most soil physico-chemical properties but negative with BD (r=-0.543).The adjusted yield and net benefit was 6,410.20 kg ha-1 and 58,891.47 Ethiopian Birr (ETB), respectively.Conclusion: Inherent physicochemical properties of the soil is changed either by sole or combined use of lime and N fertilizer. Soils tilled with 0.5 t ha-1 lime and 138 kg ha-1 nitrogen was found in maximum net benefit. Residual long-term effects should be researched. Thus, liming should be given emphasis in acidic soil amelioration. Moreover, the government may facilitate the supply of calcite (CaCO3) and urea fertilizer to the farmers.
Effects of chronic betaine supplementation on performance in professional young soccer players during a competitive season: a double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Nobari Hadi , Cholewa Jason M , Castillo-Rodríguez Alfonso , Kargarfard Mehdi , Pérez-Gómez Jorge
Published: June 2021

Objective
Various nutritional strategies are adopted for athletes to maintain and improve performance during the competition season. Betaine may enhance performance during a competitive season by increasing the testosterone to cortisol ratio and reducing systemic inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of betaine supplementation on the bio-motor abilities in young soccer players.
Methods
Twenty-nine professional young soccer players (age, 15.5 ± 0.3 years) were matched by position and randomly assigned to one of two groups for 14 weeks: betaine (BG, 2 g/day; n = 14) or placebo (PG n = 15). Diet was standardized by a nutritionist, and measures of muscular power (countermovement jump: CMJ), change of direction (modified 5-0-5), acceleration (10 m sprint), sprint performance (30 m sprint time: SpT), muscular strength (leg press and bench press 1-RM), repeated sprint ability (running-based anaerobic sprint test: RAST), and aerobic capacity (30 − 15 intermittent fitness test) were assessed in the pre (P1), mid (P2), and post (P3) season over the course of 5 days. All subjects participated in one soccer match and five training sessions per week.
Results
Significant (p < 0.05) group x time interactions were found for maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), anaerobic peak power, and muscular strength favoring BG at P2 and P3 compared to P1. There were meaningful (p < 0.05) group x time interactions for CMJ, SpT, and peak power during the RAST that favored the BG.
Conclusion
14-week of betaine supplementation increased 1-RM, VO2max, and repeated sprint ability performance in youth professional soccer players. Betaine supplementation seems to be a useful nutritional strategy to improve and maintain performance during a competitive soccer season.
Early-phase administration of human amnion-derived stem cells ameliorates neurobehavioral deficits of intracerebral hemorrhage by suppressing local inflammation and apoptosis
Authors: Kuramoto Yoji , Fujita Mitsugu , Takagi Toshinori , Takeda Yuki , Doe Nobutaka , Yamahara Kenichi , Yoshimura Shinichi
Published: June 2021

Background
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a significant cause of death and disabilities. Recently, cell therapies using mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to improve ICH-induced neurobehavioral deficits. Based on these findings, we designed this study to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms by which human amnion-derived stem cells (hAMSCs) would ameliorate neurobehavioral deficits of ICH-bearing hosts.
Methods
hAMSCs were induced from amnia obtained by cesarean section and administered intravenously to ICH-bearing mice during the acute phase. The mice were then subject to multitask neurobehavioral tests at the subacute phase. We attempted to optimize the dosage and timing of the hAMSC administrations. In parallel with the hAMSCs, a 10-fold higher dose of hADSCs were used as an experimental control. Specimens were obtained from the ICH lesions to conduct immunostaining, flow cytometry, and Western blotting to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the hAMSC treatment.
Results
The intravenous administration of hAMSCs to the ICH-bearing mice effectively improved their neurobehavioral deficits, particularly when the treatment was initiated at Day 1 after the ICH induction. Of note, the hAMSCs promoted clinical efficacy equivalent to or better than that of hADSCs at 1/10 the cell number. The systemically administered hAMSCs were found in the ICH lesions along with the local accumulation of macrophages. In details, the hAMSC treatment decreased the number of CD11b+CD45+ and Ly6G+ cells in the ICH lesions, while splenocytes were not affected. Moreover, the hAMSC treatment decreased the number of apoptotic cells in the ICH lesions. These results were associated with suppression of the protein expression levels of macrophage-related factors iNOS and TNFα.
Conclusions
Intravenous hAMSC administration during the acute phase would improve ICH-induced neurobehavioral disorders. The underlying mechanism was suggested to be the suppression of subacute inflammation and apoptosis by suppressing macrophage cell numbers and macrophage functions (such as TNFα and iNOS). From a clinical point of view, hAMSC-based treatment may be a novel strategy for the treatment of ICH.
Comparison of Precipitation Projections of CMIP5 and CMIP6 Global Climate Models over Yulin, China
Authors: Shiru Mohammed Sanusi , Chung Eun-Sung , Shahid Shamsuddin , Wang Xiao-Jun
Published: June 2021

This study compared precipitation projections of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 (CMIP5) and 6 (CMIP6) GCMs over Yulin City, China. The performance of CMIP5 and CMIP6 GCMs in replicating Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) precipitation climatology of the city was evaluated using different statistical metrics. The best performing GCMs common to both CMIP5 and CMIP6 were selected and subsequently downscaled to GPCC resolution using linear scaling method to spatiotemporal changes in precipitation. The study revealed BCC.CSM1.1(m), IPSL.CM5A.LR, MRI.CGCM3 and MIROC5 of CMIP5 and their equivalents BCC-CSM2-MR, IPSL-CM6A-LR, MRI.ESM2.0 and MIRCO6 of CMIP6 as the most suitable GCMs for the projection of rainfall in Yulin. Changes in precipitation were in the range of -14.0 − 0.0% and − 22.0 − 0.2% during 2021−2060 for RCP4.5 and SSP2-4.5 respectively. The highest decrease of -29.7 ̶ -22.0% was projected by MRI-ESM-2-0 for SSP2-4.5, while − 28.0 − -20.0% by MIROC5 for RCP4.5. For RCP8.5 and SSP5-8.5, precipitation was projected to decrease in the range of -17.0 ̶ -2.0% and − 32.0 ̶ 0.0%, respectively during 2021 ̶ 2060 by most of the GCMs. An increase in precipitation up to 12.3% was projected only by IPSL-CM5A-LR for RCP8.5 for this period. The highest decrease was projected by MIROC5 (-40.2 − -29.0%) for RCP8.5 and IPSL-CM6A-LR (-40.2 − -26.0%) for SSP5-8.5. Overall, the results revealed a higher decrease in precipitation in Yulin city by CMIP6 GCMs compared to those projected by their corresponding GCMs of CMIP5 for both scenarios.
Multi-Criteria Decision-based Path Planning for Data Collection in Fuzzy-Cluster based Large Sensor Networks
Authors: Singh Sunil Kumar , Kumar Prabhat
Published: June 2021

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) are widely used to gather information using wireless communication, but due to the confined power of sensor nodes, it is a predominant task to make WSN energy-efficient. Generally, a sensor node finds routes towards the base station (BS) to transmit the data. The sensor node transmits information at once or via neighbor nodes in a multi-hop manner. The nodes close to the BS transmit more data than other nodes. The nodes close to the BS tend to deplete their power quicker than different nodes in the network. This issue is known as the hotspot problem, leading to network separation and reducing the lifetime of the sensor network. The mobile sink as a better strategy to dispose of the hotspot problem in the course of information transmission, but the most critical challenges are finding sojourn points and path planning. This paper makes use of a cluster head (CH) as a sojourn point and multi-criteria decision strategy for path planning by the mobile sink at some stage in information collection. This paper contributes a fuzzy-based clustering algorithm that uses fuzzy logic to decide on cluster heads (CHs). The TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) approach used to figure out the mobile sink's route. Based on this route, the mobile sink will move to collect data from every CH in the network. This scheme receives an order of CHs to visit and collect the data with the mobile sink. The simulation outcomes exhibit that this strategy performs better than the other protocols, which uses multi-hop information transmission for extending the lifetime of wireless sensor networks and one parameter for route planning.
Nutrition information system (SISFORNUTRIMIL) application With Online Food Record for Indonesia Pregnant Women: Protocol for Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Koeryaman Mira Trisyani , Pallikadavath Saseendran , Ryder Isobel , Kandala Ngianga
Published: June 2021

Background: The pregnant women and family may not have the necessary knowledge and skills to estimate nutrient value in food in line with dietary targets and the guidelines, i.e. they do not know whether or not they are consuming the right amount of nutrition needed during pregnancy. The aims of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to examine the impact of SISFORNUTRIMIL application on maternal eating behaviour and associated maternal factors such as weight gain, blood pressure, biochemical measurement, and pregnancy outcome.Methods: The study recruits 112 participants with eligible criteria during December 2019 to January 2020. The allocation of participants is 1:1 to the SISFORNUTRIMIL application user and non-user application, with criteria: singleton pregnancy (22-26 weeks), mother age between 20-35 years), have monthly income and literate. Both groups will receive 12-week standard health services from health professionals and received information about dietary diversity and food record. Particularly, intervention group could be access the SISFORNUTRIMIL on their devices, which provide necessary information about nutrition in pregnancy, food record and food choice includes total serving size calculation. In contrast, the control group only receive food information and food intake record by paper-based, and they should record and calculate the nutrition intake by traditionally. Discussion: This is the first randomized controlled trial to examine the SISFORNUTIMIL application. This mandate reflects keen interest and motivation for the proposed research study. This is in addition to the researcher’s personal efforts to reduce morbidity and mortality rate as well as a general focus on pregnancy complication prevention than nutrition treatment. Thus, an investigation of eating behaviour and associated maternal needed to address this issue. Firstly, the results could extend the scope of knowledge about nutrition intervention to include the Indonesia pregnant women context as well as the Indonesia health ministry context. Secondly, this research could help to change individual health behaviour and activity undertaken by an individual who believes her-self to be healthy.Trial registration: ISRCTN Registry: ISRCTN42690828. Date of registration: 22 October 2019.
Analysis of the Prevalence of the Preferred Methods of Contraception During the COVID 19 Lockdown in Uganda: A Multinomial Logistic Regression Study.
Authors: Sseninde Julius , Kabagenyi Allen , Kyadondo Betty , Nyachwo Evelyne , Kiragga Agnes , Wasswa Ronald
Published: June 2021

Background In 2020 limitations to family planning information, access and utilization was exacerbated by COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, globally incapacitating various channels to family planning information, access and, utilization. This study sought to analyse the prevalence of the preferred methods of contraception during the COVID 19 lockdown in Uganda using a multinomial logistic regression. Method Data was analyzed using univariate, bivariate, logistic and multinomial logistic regression models from the post intervention telehealth cross sectional survey.Results Out of the 244 women surveyed, more than three quarters (80%) used their preferred methods of family planning, while almost half of the participants (46%) used the Short Acting Methods as a preferred method of Family planning. The logistic regression showed that older aged participants, fear of security personnel, and fear that my spouse will know that the partner is using family planning as their biggest challenge plus participants who agreed that they won’t continue using family planning after the lockdown were less likely to use the preferred method of family planning. However, participants whose biggest challenge to access family planning information, and utilization was lack of money, those who received extremely adequate number of messages during the intervention and those that who were already using family planning before the intervention were more likely to use their preferred method of family planning. From the multinomial model, participants whose biggest challenges in accessing family planning services during the lockdown were fear of unwanted pregnancy, and fear if implant expires in her body were relatively more likely to use Long-term Acting Reversible Contraceptives than Short Acting Contraceptives as their preferred method of Family Planning. While participants who were relatively less likely to use to use LARC compared to SAC were those already using family planning before the start of the intervention. Conclusions We recommend prioritizing family planning information, access and utilization as one of the essential services during the lockdown, with more emphasis on intervention that address age specific needs and partner privacy issues. Addressing the use of LARC among women who are already using contraceptives is equally paramount in cases of the lockdown and health facility closures
Interaction of ground and surface water in Khabarovsk water node area
Authors: Kulakov V. V. , Shtengelov R. S. , Matveenko D. V.
Published: June 2021

This research presents the results of long-term monitoring of groundwater levels within the Khabarovsk water node in the Amur and Tunguska interfluve on the area of the Middle Amur artesian basin in the aquifer of Pliocene-Lower Quaternary alluvial deposits. Observations have been carried out on 9 groups of wells of external monitoring and 5 groups of wells of internal monitoring at the Tunguska reservoir, with a depth of 3 observation wells in the group from 15 to 50 m. The interaction parameters of groundwater and the Pemzenskaya channel have been specified for the period from 2012 to 2020. When the channel causes groundwater afflux during the flood, the average value of the equivalent length parameter ∆L is 40 m for the upper level of the aquifer, 87 m – for the middle level, and it is 605 m for the lower level. Vertical water exchange in the productive strata in the shore zone of the channel is characterized by the values of the overflow coefficient of 0.136 days-1 between the upper and middle observation levels and 0.0116 days-1 between the middle and lower levels.
Structural features and formation processes of a complex hydrogeochemical section in the Baikal rift zone
Authors: Pavlov S. Kh.
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the work is to study the effect of organic matter on the formation of ion-salt and gas composition of nitrogen-methane and methane thermal water occurring in the sedimentary rocks of deep horizons of artesian basins. The object of research is the Tunka intermountain artesian basin of the Baikal rift zone and the Tungor gas and oil field of the Okhotsk-Sakhalin basin, in the deep horizons of which soda (inversion) low- and high-mineralized groundwater is common. The study combines the results of the traditional study of the composition of natural solutions and the quantitative research of physical and chemical interactions in the “water – rock” system conducted using the Selector software package according to the degree of the hydrogeochemical process, which was set by the value of the rock/water ratio. Chemically pure water and rocks of medium chemical composition were used in interaction. With the use of physicochemical modeling the formation of thermal water composition in sedimentary rocks depending on the interaction degree between water and rock and the amount of organic matter was unravelled. As a result, it was determined that the organic matter present in the rock has the dominant influence on the intensity of the hydrogeochemical process determining the amount of mineralization, the ratio of components, and the amount of methane, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide produced. The correspondent compositions of the model and natural solutions showed the possibility to form low- and high-mineralized sodium bicarbonate groundwater of different gas-saturation degree in the conditions of deep horizons of sedimentary basins due to the internal reserves of the “water – rock” system not involving any components from external sources.