bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Severity Distribution and Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in China: Baseline Results of an Observational Study
Authors: Yang Ting , Cai Baiqiang , Cao Bin , Kang Jian , Wen Fuqiang , Chen Yahong , Jian Wenhua , Shang Hongyan , Wang Chen
Published: March 2021

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receives low awareness and is undertreated in China. Understanding the burden and treatment of COPD across the nation is important for improving quality of care for this disease. This study aims to reveal the current situation of COPD severity distribution and management across China.MethodsBaseline data from REALizing and Improving Management of Stable COPD in China, a multicentre, prospective, longitudinal, observational study, were analysed. Patients diagnosed with COPD as per Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease 2016 (GOLD 2016) were enrolled from 50 randomly selected hospitals (tertiary, 25; secondary, 25) across six geographical regions. Data were collected in routine clinical settings. ResultsBetween 15 December 2017 and 6 August 2020, 5013 patients were enrolled and 4978 included in the full analysis set. Of these, 2459 (49.4%) reported ³ 1 exacerbation within 12 months, with a mean annual rate of 0.9/patient, including 0.2/patient and 0.5/patient leading to emergency room visits and hospitalisation, respectively. Spirometry graded 458 (10.1%), 1886 (41.7%), 1558 (34.5%), and 616 (13.6%) were GOLD stage I–IV, and 536 (11.4%), 1034 (22.0%), 563 (12.0%), and 2566 (54.6%) were classified as GOLD 2016 Group A–D, respectively, without evident regional variations. Inhaled corticosteroids plus long-acting beta2-agonist (ICS/LABA, 1316 [26.4%]), ICS/LABA plus long-acting muscarinic antagonist (ICS/LABA + LAMA, 871 [17.5%]), and LAMA (754 [15.1%]) were prescribed at high rates across all groups and regions. Medications not recommended by GOLD were commonly prescribed (TCM, 578 [11.6%]; others, 951 [19.1%]), and 681 (13.7%) were not given ICS or long-acting bronchodilators.ConclusionsDisease burden among Chinese COPD outpatients is high. Improved guideline adherence for COPD treatment is needed.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT03131362.
Combinatorial Approach of poly-D, L-lactide Encapsulated Quercetin, Piperlongumine and Curcumin Inhibits Tumour Growth in Balb/c Mice, the Colon Cancer Model
Authors: YADAV RAM DHAN , Chaudhary Abha
Published: March 2021

Colon cancer has become an extreme danger to human lives due to high frequency and mortality around the world. The natural formulations based on the nanoparticles have been found promising in terms of cost, procedure and side effects. In this study, for the first time, three natural molecules- quercetin, piperlongumine and curcumin were encapsulated in biodegradable poly-D,L-lactide nanoparticles to check their anticancer potential against the colon cancer (DMH-DSS). The pure molecules, blank and loaded nanoparticles were given to the colon cancer model (BALB/c mice) and evaluated the anticancer potential of the nano-formulations. Ficus benghalensis (Banyan) coated nanoparticles maintained the detectable concentration of quercetin, piperlongumine and curcumin in colon even in liver, kidney and serum after 8 h of administration. In case of sugar coated NPs, quercetin, piperlongumine and curcumin were detected in colon, kidney and liver. Further, it was found that the coating of nanoparticles surface with leaf extract and dextrose sugar enhanced the potential of the formulation. This newly synthesized formulation can have the potential to be explored further as anticancer drug against the colon cancer.
A Novel Superjunction MOSFET with Ultralow Reverse Recovery Charge and Low Switching Loss
Authors: Xia Yun , Chen Wanjun , Zhang Bo , Li Zhaoji
Published: March 2021

A novel superjunction MOSFET (SJ-MOSFET) for ultralow reverse recovery charge (Q RR ) and low switching loss is proposed and investigated. This device features a P-type Schottky diode and a source field-plate. The P-type Schottky diode consists of Schottky contact and P-base, which is reverse series-connected with body P-N junction diode. And the source field-plate is formed by implementing a polysilicon field-plate electrically coupled to the source, which is on the top of N-pillar. During the reverse conduction state, the P-type Schottky diode is reverse biased, which dramatically suppresses minority carriers injecting into the drift region. Simultaneously, electron accumulation layer formed under the source field-plate, which provides a path for the reverse current. Consequently, compared with the conventional SJ-MOSFET (Conv-SJ-MOSFET), the proposed SJ-MOSFET achieves an 84.0% lower Q RR with almost no sacrifice in other characteristics. Moreover, the proposed device also exhibits 47.4% and 66.0% lower gate charge (Q G ) and gate to drain charge (Q GD ), respectively. The significantly reduced Q G , Q GD , and Q RR contribute to an overall improvement in switching losses and resultant over 54.8% decrease in total power losses with operation frequency higher than 50 kHz, demonstrating great potential of the proposed SJ-MOSFET used in power conversion systems.
CSF3-Receptor Downregulation in Bone Marrow contributes to Ineffectiveness of GCSF in Advanced Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Bihari Chhagan , Baweja Sukriti , Lal Deepika , Shasthry Seggere Murlikrishna , Negi Preeti , Thangariyal Swati , Tripathi Dinesh Mani , Sarin Shiv Kumar
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Cirrhosis patients exhibit cytopenia and variable response to GCSF, with benefits in early cirrhosis. GCSF acts through the CSF3-receptor (CSF3R), and changes in CSF3R can affect the response. We investigated the possible mechanism for the lack of efficacy of GCSF in advanced cirrhosisMethodsCirrhotic patients (n = 127) and controls (n = 26) who underwent clinically indicated bone marrow (BM) examination were studied. BMs were assessed for RNA sequencing, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for CSF3R and associated genes. Circulating GCSF, CSF3R, and carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule-1 (CEACAM1) were measured. BM hematopoietic precursor cells and their alterations were examined by flow cytometry. The findings were validated, where the GCSF was administered as for liver regeneration (n = 22) and severe neutropenia (n = 15)ResultsThe mean age was 48.6 ± 13.4 years, 80.3% males. Gene set enrichment analysis showed lowered CSF3R in Child's C compared to A, confirmed by qRT-PCR and IHC. Circulatory CSF3R was also reduced in advanced cirrhosis. CSF3R decline was related to decrease hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and downregulation of CSF3R in remaining HSCs. CSF3R inhibitory protein CEACAM1 caused CSF3R downregulation. CEACAM-1, in turn, positively correlated with the increased lysosomal expression in HSCs. Peripheral blood-CSF3R was lesser in those cases who developed an infection Baseline CSF3R was also lower in G-CSF non-responders.ConclusionsCSF3R is downregulated in patients with advanced cirrhosis, and it could be the underlying cause of the inadequate response to GCSF.
Assessment of vaccination Coverage and Associated Factors among Children Aged 12–23 Months In Debre Tabor Town, North West Ethiopia, 2019: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.
Authors: Emiru Tigabu Desie , Tesgera Debrework , Getnet Marye , Tiruneh Chalie Marew
Published: March 2021

BackgroundGlobally around 2.5 million children under five years of age die every year due to vaccine-preventable diseases. Still, immunization coverage in Ethiopia is low and needs further investigation.ObjectiveThe study was aimed to assess complete immunization coverage and associated factors among children aged 12–23 months in Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia. MethodsCommunity-based cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 12–23 months from March 1st to March 30th, 2019 at Debre Tabor town. A two-stage cluster sampling technique was used to select 824 pairs of mothers to children from the study households. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was fitted to identify the association between dependent and independent variables. ResultA total of 824 mothers/caretakers were interviewed and almost all of the children took at least a single dose of vaccine. The complete immunization coverage was 80.2%. The odd of complete immunization was; 6 times higher among mothers who gave birth at health facility than at home (AOR 6.29 [95% CI: 2.21, 17.96]), who had planned pregnancy were 4 times higher than who did not (AOR 4.08 [95% CI: 2.20, 7.55]), a home visit by health workers were 3 folds higher (AOR 3.37 [95% CI: 2.13, 5.33]) and who had good knowledge were 3 times higher than those with poor knowledge (AOR 3.48 [95%CI: 2.25, 5.38]).Conclusion and RecommendationThe prevalence of complete immunization coverage was found to be low among children aged 12–23 months compared to Ethiopia's 2019/20 target which was 95%. Mothers who deliver at the health facility, planned pregnancy, home visits by health workers, and knowledge of mothers on immunization were associated factors. Preventing unplanned pregnancy, promoting institutional delivery, and improving mother’s knowledge on child immunization intend to be strengthened.
Primary Extraskeletal Osteosarcoma of Sigmoid Mesocolon: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Nie Xinyang , Fu Weihua , Li Chuan , Li Lu , Li Weidong
Published: March 2021

Background: Extraskeletal osteosarcoma (ESOS) is a very rare mesenchymal malignancy, characterized by the production of osteoid, bone or chondroid material and typically located in the soft tissue without attachment to skeletal bones and periosteum. One of the things that ESOS originated from mesentery is much rarer. Case presentation: A 75-year female with a more than 4-months history of pain in the left lower abdomen. Abdominal computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a large, irregular and solid-cystic mass, which largest diameter was 11.5cm. The tumor was radically removed during open operation. The tumor was composed of abundant osteoid and polyhedral-shaped tumor cells with high atypia and high mitotic activity microscopically. The final pathological diagnosis was osteoblastic osteosarcoma, arising from the sigmoid mesocolon with negative margins. The patient was followed up 5 months after surgery and found no signs of systemic metastasis Conclusion: Given the rarity of cases of mesenteric ESOS, diagnosis mainly depended on pathology findings or should be taken into consideration when the mesenteric mass was found. Its most effective treatment had not been determined, with surgical excision was generally accepted. Negative surgical margin may be an important factor affecting the prognosis.
DJ-1 Activates the Noncanonical NF-κB Pathway via Interaction with Cezanne to Inhibit the Apoptosis and Promote the Proliferation of Ishikawa Cells
Authors: Zhu Qi-Zhou , Liu Hao-Yue , Zhao Xiao-Yan , Qiu Le-Jia , Zhou Ting-Ting , Wang Xue-Ying , chen He-Ping , Xiao Zhong-Qing
Published: March 2021

Endometrial cancer is generally one of the most evident malignant tumours of the female reproductive system, and the mechanisms underlying its cell proliferation and apoptosis are key to research in gynaecological oncology. In the paper, the in-depth molecular mechanism by which DJ-1 protein regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of Ishikawa cells was investigated. DJ-1 knockdown and overexpressing Ishikawa stable cell lines were established by lentiviral transduction. The levels of DJ-1 and noncanonical NF-κB signaling proteins were evaluated by Western blotting. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry were applied to analyze the cell viability and apoptosis. Co-immunoprecipitation experiment was utilized to assess the DJ-1-Cezanne interaction. The results showed that DJ-1 overexpression conferred apoptosis resistance and high proliferation on Ishikawa cells, while DJ-1 knockdown in Ishikawa cells produced the opposite results. These findings again suggested that DJ-1 inhibits the apoptosis and promotes the proliferation of Ishikawa cells. More crucially, further data showed that the noncanonical NF-κB activation was required for the regulation of Ishikawa cell proliferation and apoptosis by DJ-1. Meanwhile, it was found that noncanonical NF-κB pathway may be activated by DJ-1 interacting with and negatively regulating Cezanne in Ishikawa cells. Overall, this work revealed that DJ-1 associates with and negatively regulates Cezanne and consequently triggers the noncanonical NF-κB activation, thereby regulating Ishikawa cell proliferation and apoptosis.
Memory Impairment Related to NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and TRPC5 Decrease in Hippocampal Excitatory Synapses in Microglia Knockout IL-10 Mice
Authors: Huo Shiji , Ren Jiling , Ma Yunqing , Ozathaley Ahsawle , Yuan Wenjian , Ni Hong , Li Dong , Liu Zhaowei
Published: March 2021

Members of the transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) protein family are widely distributed in the hippocampus of mammals and exert respective and cooperative influences on the functions of neurons. The relationship between specific TRPC subtypes and neuroinflammation is receiving increasing attention. Here, using Cx3cr1CreER IL-10−/−transgenic mice and their littermates, we demonstrated that Cx3cr1CreER IL-10−/− mice displayed spatial memory deficits in object location recognition (OLR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tasks. The decreased levels of TRPC4 and TRPC5 in the hippocampal regions were verified via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence tests. The expression of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin in the hippocampus decreased with an imbalance in the local inflammatory environment in the hippocampus. The number of cells positive for ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1), a glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), increased with the high expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6) in Cx3cr1CreER IL-10−/− mice. The nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome was also involved in this process, and the cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 activated by NLRP3 were also elevated by western blotting. The colocalization of TRPC5 and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIα (CaMKIIα) significantly decreased TRPC5 expression in excitatory neurons. AAV9-CaMKIIα-TRPC5 was used to upregulate TRPC5 in excitatory neurons in the hippocampus. The results showed that the upregulation of TRPC5 improved the memory performance of Cx3cr1CreER IL-10−/− mice by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-associated inflammatory activity.
The Prompting Effects of MT1-MMP on EMT in Breast Cancer
Authors: cao weiwei , HE Jianwei , Zhang Hongmei , Zhang Licui , Azeem Inayat
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveEpithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) was the initial process of invasion and metastasis leading to a relapse of breast cancer following resection and chemo-radiotherapy. Membrane type-1 Matrix Metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) was confirmed to play an important role in EMT in various cancers. However, the MT1-MMP effects on EMT in breast cancer had not yet been studied. Here,We investigated the MT1-MMP effects on breast cancer EMTonset, invasion, and migration abilities in MCF-7 cells. MethodsExpressions of MT1-MMP and EMT-associated proteins including E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin were detected by immunohistochemistry in 71 breast cancer resection samples. The relationships of MT1-MMP with clinic- pathological parameters were statistically analyzed, as well as EMT-associated proteins. Western blot tests were performed to test MT1-MMP and EMT-associated proteins expression levels in MCF-7 cells transfected by MT1-MMP plasmid. Wound-healing and transwell experiments were used to estimate MT1-MMP-induced invasion and migration. ResultsOverexpression of MT1-MMP was verified in 71 breast cancer patients. MT1-MMP levels were observed to be correlated with the breast cancer clinical TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, and tumor size. The EMT-associated proteins including N-cadherin and Vimentin expression levels were higher both in MT1-MMP strong positive breast cancer resection samples and MCF-7 cells transfected with MT1-MMP plasmid. Furthermore, MCF-7 cells also acquired more ability to migrate and invade according to the results of the wound-healing assays and transwell experiments.Conclusion﻿MT1-MMP was overexpressed in breast cancer tissue, and MT1-MMP promoted breast cancer EMT incidence, which was closely associated with breast cancer invasion and migration.
Assessing Causal Links Between Cytokines and Human Phenotypes: Mendelian-Randomization Study
Authors: Si Shucheng , Xue Fuzhong , Zhang Kai
Published: March 2021

Background: Cytokines have been implicated in the initiation of human complex diseases, and the causality between cytokines and human phenotypes has not been systematically explored.Methods: Bidirectional mendelian randomization (MR) and multivariate mendelian randomization (MVMR) with Bayesian model averaging (MR-BMA) were performed to explore the causality of 41 cytokines and 83 human phenotypes.Results: Inverse variance weighted (IVW) MR showed that MIG, SCGFb, SCF, and MIF had causal effects on ovarian, colon, breast cancer, and their subtypes. Similarly, MCP1, TRAIL, and SCGFb had causal effects on heart failure (HF), stroke and its subtypes, coronary heart disease (CHD), and myocardial infarction (MI). About neurological diseases: MIP1b had positively causal effects on Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), and MIG increased the risk of AD. MR-BMA showed that MIP1b was the top priority risk factor for AD and PD; MCP1 was the top risk factor for HF, stroke, and gout; SCF was the top risk factor for ovarian cancer; PDGFbb and SCGFb were the top risk factor for ischemic stroke (IS) (cardioembolic) and type 1 diabetes, respectively. The results of bidirectional MR showed endocrine diseases and autoimmune diseases influenced the circulating levels of cytokines.Conclusions: Our findings showed that cytokines have extensive causal effects on human complex diseases. Chemokines (MCP1, MIP1b) and growth factors (PDGFbb, SCGFb, SCF) could be recommended as valuable biomarkers of chronic diseases.
Functional Analysis of Fis in Aeromonas Veronii TH0426 Reveals a Key Role in the Regulation of Virulence and Adhesion
Authors: Li Xintong , Song Haichao , Wang Jinglin , Zhang Dongxing , Shan Xiaofeng , Yang Bintong , Kang Yuanhuan , Qian Aidong , Zhang Lei , Sun Wuwen
Published: March 2021

Background: Aeromonas veronii is a comorbid pathogen that can infect humans, animals, and various aquatic animals. In recent years, an increasing number of cases of A. veronii infection have been reported, and its virulence and drug resistance have also been increasing gradually, indicating serious risks. This bacterium not only threatens public health and safety but also causes considerable economic loss in the aquaculture industry; however, little is known about its pathogenic mechanism.Results: In this study, we first constructed the A. veronii TH0426 Fis gene deletion strain ΔFis and the complementation strain C-Fis through homologous recombination technology. The results showed that the adhesion and invasion ability of the ΔFis deletion strain towards Epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells and the cytotoxicity were 3.8-fold and 1.3-fold lower, respectively, than those of the wild-type strain. The animal pathogenicity of ΔFis was 2.9-fold lower than that of the wild-type strain. In addition, the bacterial load of the deletion strain ∆Fis in crucian carp was significantly lower than that of the wild-type strain, and the load decreased with time. In summary, deletion of the Fis gene led to a decrease in the virulence of A. veronii.Conclusions: Our research results show that the deletion of the Fis gene significantly reduces the virulence and adhesion ability of A. veronii TH0426. Therefore, the Fis gene plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of TH0426. This preliminary study of the function of the Fis gene in A. veronii will help researchers further understand the pathogenic mechanism of A. veronii.
Evaluation of a Genus Specific rGroEL 1-524 IgM-ELISA and Commercially ELISA Kits During Course of Leptospirosis in Thailand
Authors: Maneewatchararangsri Santi , Doungchawee Galayanee , Kalambaheti Thareerat , Luvira Viravarn , Soonthornworasiri Ngamphol , Vattanatham Pisut , Chaisri Urai , Adisakwattana Poom
Published: March 2021

This work, we developed a genus-specific rGroEL1-524 IgM-ELISA assay for using as screening diagnosis of suspected leptospirosis among acute undifferentiated febrile illness patients during acute fever. Ddiagnostic accuracies of rGroEL1–524 IgM-ELISA, and commercial Panbio IgM-ELISA, and Virion-Serion Classic IgG-ELISA were evaluated with Thai 107 leptospirosis sera, and 189 controls, compared to reference culture and/or MAT methods. Sensitivities were 91.7%, 59.6%, and 17.7% for acute- infection, and were 97.1%, 54.8%, and 9.7% for early detection at 1-3 days post-onset of symptoms (DPO1-3), and the specificities were 87.5%, 86.6%, and 74.8% among controls, respectively. The rGroEL1-524 IgM-ELISA had high sensitivity, at 95.9% and 91.2% among culture and MAT negative cases. Impaired specificity on scrub typhus, possibly from antibody-cross reaction to ortholog GroEL. Commercial Panbio IgM-ELISA had sensitivities of 50%, 63.2%, and 89.9% compared with culture, MAT-negative and single MAT-positive cases whereas Virion-Serion IgG-ELISA provided sensitivities of 13.3%, 10.5% and 71.4%, respectively. A rGroEL1-524 IgM-ELISA could be useful as a screening test for early diagnosis. The performance of the commercial ELISA suggests the applicability of IgM-ELISA for diagnosis, while IgG-ELISA is useful for seroprevalence surveys. However, confirmation by reference tests is recommended.
Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Published in Indexed Portuguese Medical Journals: Time Trends and Critical Appraisal.
Authors: Prada Luísa , Prada Ana , Antunes Miguel , Fernandes Ricardo , Costa João , Ferreira Joaquim F. , Caldeira Daniel
Published: March 2021

Introduction:Over the last years, the number of systematic reviews published is steadily increasing due to the global interest in this type of evidence synthesis. However, little is known about the characteristics of this research published in Portuguese medical journals. This study aims to evaluate the publication trends and overall quality of these systematic reviews.Material and Methods:Systematic reviews were identified through an electronic search up to August 2020, targeting Portuguese Medical journals indexed in MEDLINE. Systematic reviews selection and data extraction were done independently by three authors. The overall quality critical appraisal using the A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR II) was independently assessed by three authors. Disagreements were solved by consensus.Results:Seventy systematic reviews published in 5 Portuguese medical journals were included. Most (n=57; 81,4%) were systematic reviews without meta-analysis. Until 2010, the number of systematic reviews per year increased. Since then, the number of reviews published has not remained stable and no less than 3 SRs were published per year. According to the systematic reviews’ typology, most have been predominantly conducted to assess the effectiveness of health interventions (n=28; 40,0%). General and Internal Medicine (n=26; 37,1%) was the most addressed field. Most systematic reviews (n=45; 64,3%) were rated as being of “critically low-quality”.Conclusions:There were consistent flaws in the methodological quality report of the systematic reviews included, particularly in establishing a prior protocol and not assessing the potential impact of the risk of bias on the results.Through the years, the number of systematic reviews published increased, yet their quality is suboptimal. There is a need to improve the reporting of systematic reviews in Portuguese medical journals, which can be achieved by better adherence to quality checklists/tools.Systematic review registration: INPLASY202090105
Significance of Imaging and Clinical Features in Pulmonary Lymphoma Diagnosed by Bronchoscopy
Authors: Wang Shao-Ting
Published: March 2021

Background: Pulmonary lymphoma is rare while the radiographic lesions are nonspecific. The use of bronchoscopy, the first-line procedure, is controversial, and may be of limited diagnostic value for pulmonary lymphoma diagnosis. Methods: Cases of pulmonary lymphoma diagnosed by bronchoscopy were retrospectively reviewed from January 2010 till December 2020. Clinico-radiological records of these cases were retrieved and bronchoscopy was performed with histopathological evaluation of the biopsy specimens. Results: Of the 41 cases included in our study, 20 were primary pulmonary lymphoma. The majority of subtypes were diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(43.9%) and extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma(29.3%), with high percentage of underlying chronic disease. The common Computed Tomography(CT) abnormalities were mass(43.9%), consolidation(24.4%) or ground-glass opacities(24.4%). To evaluate the pulmonary lesions distribution, 41.5% patients had segmental lesions, 29.3% presences of diffuse lesions, 17.1% of local lesions and 12.2% of hilar lesions, with the maximal value of standard uptake value (SUVmax) median value of 9.6. At bronchoscopy, 41.5% lesions were identified as focal solitary mass, 22% were normal, 17.1% were mucosae asperity or edema, 9.8% were diffuse airway submucosal nodules or thickening and 9.8% were bronchiole stenosis, while certain endobronchial patterns may correspond to specific imaging features. Conclusions: Pulmonary lymphoma sometimes creates significant diagnostic dilemma for the clinicians, while the imaging features and endobronchial patterns are characteristic. Bronchoscopy is still a useful tool, that is minimally invasive, to diagnose pulmonary lymphoma, while accurate analysis of the clinico-radiological records is essential before such procedure.
Large-Scale Functional Brain Networks of Maladaptive Childhood Aggression Identified by Connectome-Based Predictive Modeling
Authors: Ibrahim Karim , Noble Stephanie , He George , Lacadie Cheryl , Crowley Michael , McCarthy Gregory , Scheinost Dustin , Sukhodolsky Denis
Published: March 2021

Disruptions in frontoparietal networks supporting emotion regulation have been long implicated in maladaptive childhood aggression. However, the association of connectivity between large-scale functional networks in the human connectome with aggressive behavior has not been tested. By using a data-driven, machine learning approach, we show that the functional organization of the connectome during emotion processing predicts severity of aggression in children (n=129). Connectivity predictive of aggression was identified within and between large-scale networks implicated in cognitive control (frontoparietal), social functioning (default mode), and emotion processing (subcortical). Out-of-sample replication and generalization of findings predicting aggression from the functional connectome was conducted in an independent sample of children from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study (n=1,791; n=1,701). These results define novel connectivity-based networks of child aggression that can serve as biomarkers to inform targeted treatments for aggression.
Caspofungin suppresses brain cell necroptosis in the ischemic stroke rat via up-regulation of Pellino3
Authors: Zhang Yi-Yue , Tian Jing , Peng Zi-Mei , Peng Ya-Wei , Zhang Xiao-Jie , Hu Zhong-Yang , Luo Xiu-Ju , Peng Jun
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Pellino3, an ubiquitin E3 ligase, prevents the formation of the death-induced signaling complex in response to TNF-α via targeting receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), and bioinformatics analysis predicts the interaction between Pellino3 and caspofungin, a common antifungal drug used in clinic. This study aims to explore the effect of caspofungin on brain injury in ischemic stroke and the underlying mechanisms.
Methods

The SD rat brains (or nerve cells) were subjected to 2h-ischemia (or 8h-hypoxia) plus 24h-reperfusion (or 24h-reoxygenation) to establish the I/R (or H/R) injury model. The cerebral injury was assessed by the methods of triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and Hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining. The correlations among caspofungin, Pellino3 and necroptosis in I/R-treated brain or H/R-treated nerve cells were evaluated by biochemistry, molecular and gene overexpression assays.
Results

The I/R-treated brain showed the injuries (increase in neurological deficit score and infarct volume), downregulation of Pellino3, decreased ubiquitination of RIPK1 and up-regulation of necroptosis-associated proteins [RIPK1, RIPK3, mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), p-RIPK1, p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL]. Caspofungin treatment improved neurological function, reduced infarct volume, up-regulated Pellino3, increased RIPK1 ubiquitination and down-regulated levels of RIPK1, p-RIPK1, p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL. In PC12 cells, H/R treatment caused cellular injury (LDH release and necroptosis), downregulation of Pellino3, decreased ubiquitination of RIPK1 and up-regulation of necroptosis-associated proteins, these phenomena were reversed by overexpression of Pellino3.
Conclusion

Pellino3 has an important role in counteracting necroptosis via ubiquitination of RIPK1 and caspofungin can suppress the brain cell necroptosis in ischemic stroke via upregulation of Pellino3.
Development and Validation of the Autistic Depression Assessment Tool – Adult (ADAT-A) in Autistic Adults.
Authors: Cassidy Sarah , Bradley Louise , Cogger-Ward Heather , Graham Jessica , Rodgers Jacqui
Published: March 2021

BackgroundDepression can be hard to accurately identify in autistic adults due to overlapping characteristics of autism and depression, and depression tools developed for the general population not including unique signs of depression experienced by autistic people. MethodsThree focus groups and 15 cognitive interviews with autistic adults identified response difficulties and missing autism specific items in a widely used depression assessment tool developed for the general population (PHQ-9). Feedback informed new items in the Autistic Depression Assessment Tool (ADAT-A). A further 9 cognitive interviews and two large online surveys with autistic adults refined the ADAT-A items. Subsequently, 236 autistic adults (87 male, 113 female, 33 non-binary, 18-61 years) completed the ADAT-A online, alongside self-report measures of camouflaging autistic traits (CAT-Q), Intolerance of Uncertainty (IUS-12), Suicidality (SBQ-ASC), Defeat and Entrapment (DES). Analyses explored structural validity, internal consistency, convergent and divergent validity of the ADAT-A in a community sample of autistic adults.ResultsExploratory factor analysis of the ADAT-A showed evidence in support of a three-factor solution, capturing cognitive-affective and somatic depression symptoms, and autistic specific depression symptoms. Internal consistency of each subscale and total scores were excellent (.87 - .94). The ADAT-A was significantly correlated with related constructs including self-reported suicidality, defeat and entrapment (rs>.49). The ADAT-A total score and subscales were significantly more strongly correlated with hypothesised proximally related compared to distally related constructs.LimitationsThe samples involved in the development and validation of the ADAT-A were largely female, and largely diagnosed as autistic in adulthood, which is not representative of the wider autistic population. The ADAT-A has initially been developed and validated for research purposes, and has not been validated for use in clinical contexts to screen for possible depression diagnosis.ConclusionsThe ADAT-A is a self-report autism specific depression assessment tool, developed and validated with and for autistic adults, without co-occurring intellectual disability. There is promising initial evidence in support of the measurement properties of this tool for use in research. Future research must explore whether the ADAT-A is useful in better identifying depression in autistic people in clinical settings, compared to other tools developed for the general population.
First Hemispheric Report of Invasive Tick Species Haemaphysalis Punctata Canestrini Et Fanzago, 1878, First State Report of Haemaphysalis Longicornis Neumann, and Range Expansion of Native Tick Species in Rhode Island, USA
Authors: Tufts Danielle M , Diuk-Wasser Maria A
Published: March 2021

Invasive arthropod vectors and the range expansions of native vectors can lead to public and veterinary health concerns, as these vectors may introduce novel pathogens or spread endemic pathogens to new locations. Recent tick invasions and range expansion in the United States has been attributed to climate and land use change, an increase in global travel, and importations of exotic animals. A 10 year surveillance study was conducted on Block Island, Rhode Island from 2010–2020 including sampling ticks from small mammal and avian hosts. We report the discovery and establishment of the red sheep tick for the first time in the western hemisphere and in the United States. This invasive species was first collected in 2010 on Block Island, was collected continuously throughout the study, and was collected from an avian host. We document the first report of the invasive Asian longhorned tick in the state of Rhode Island, first observed at our sites in 2018. Finally, we present data on the range expansion and establishment of two native tick species, the lone star tick and the rabbit tick on Block Island. This study emphasized the importance of long-term surveillance to detect changes in tick host communities, including invasive and expanding native vectors of potential significance to humans and wildlife.
Modest therapeutic effects of low-frequency transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation on insomnia among older adults: A 4-week multi-center, randomized controlled study
Authors: Lee Hyuk joo , Hong Jung Kyung , Choi Hayun , Chung Seockhoon , Yoon In-Young
Published: March 2021

A 4-week, multi-center, randomized controlled study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of low-frequency transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (LF-TENS) for insomnia disorder. A total of 160 individuals aged 40 to 80 years with insomnia disorder were included and randomized to the experimental group receiving active device (n = 81) or control group receiving sham device (n = 79). Both groups used the device for four weeks, more than five days a week. The participants also completed pre- and post-intervention assessment with questionnaires, sleep diaries, wrist actigraphy, and blood tests. We found a significant improvement of subjective sleep quality, depressive/anxiety symptoms, and blood cortisol level in both experimental and control groups. Notably, among patients aged over 60 years, the experimental group showed better improvement after intervention in the change of PSQI score (2.60 ± 0.46 vs. 1.22 ± 0.46, p = 0.039; Cohen’s d = 0.99 vs 0.45) and blood cortisol level (-1.97 ± 0.53 µg/dl vs. -0.16 ± 0.53 µg/dl, p = 0.007; Cohen’s d = 0.56 vs 0.05). We found that LF-TENS was effective in improving subjective sleep quality in older adults aged over 60 years. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis might be related to the therapeutic mechanism.
Oyster Mushroom and its value added products
Authors: Kotasthane Tanmay
Published: March 2021

Cultivation of mushroom is biotechnological process.Two oyster mushroom studied for its consumption and value added products.Pleurotus sajor caju is good in taste and favorite among people as a food.Soup powder made from Pleurotus sajor caju and other ingredients has good flavor and taste.Tomato-mushroom ketchup made from Pleurotus ostreatus and other ingredients has good aroma and taste.Dried oyster mushrooms can be stored for longer period and used in preparation of curries.Oyster mushroom are rich source of proteins, vitamins and minerals.Oyster mushroom cultivation has short duration than other mushroom which makes its good alternative as a food.
Impact of COVID-19 policy measures on food insecurity among urban residents in Blantyre City, Malawi
Authors: Dzimbiri Mastano Nambiro Woleson , Chilanga Emmanuel , Mwanjawala Patrick , Munthali George N. Chidimbah
Published: March 2021

Malawi, a vulnerable country in Sub Saharan Africa is at the helm of experiencing food insecure amidst COVID-19 as the vast majority survives on the hand-to-mouth economy. However, knowledge about how COVID-19 policy measures leads to food insecurity among the urban residents in Malawi is limited or scanty. Understanding this link is crucial for designing the interventions that can help reduce the risk of being food insecure while containing further spread of the virus. Our study explores the nexus between COVID-19 policy measures and food insecurity as experienced by Blantyre residents in Malawi. We interviewed fifteen participants composed of private secondary school teachers and informal workers to understand their experiences of food insecurity linked to COVID-19 policy measures in place by the Malawi government. Our results show that participants face difficulties to access adequate food and have also changed their eating habits by skipping meals in some days as a result of closing night clubs, bars, and schools, restricting public gatherings, and reducing passengers boarding minibus. Therefore, we argue that the COVID-19 policies in place by the Malawi government aggravates the severe challenges to access enough food rendering urban residents vulnerable to food insecurity.
Efficacy and Safety of Arbidol in Treatment of Patients with COVID-19 Infection: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Ghaderkhani Sara , Khaneshan Arezoo Salami , Salami Amir , Alavijeh Parvaneh Ebrahimi , Kouchak Hamid Emadi , Khalili Hossein , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Ahmadinejad Zahra , Rasolinejad Mehrnaz , Hajiabdolbaghi Mahboubeh , Jafari Sirous , Hasannezhad Malihe , Seifi Arash , Abasian Ladan , Ghiasvand Fereshte , Avanaki Foroogh Alborzi , Edalatifard Maryam , Rahimi Mojgan
Published: March 2021

Background: The outbreak of COVID-19has led to a high demand for finding effective antiviral agents. Preliminary experiments showed that Umifenovir could inhibit coronavirus replication in vivo. There is limited data on the clinical efficacy of COVID-19-infected pneumonia. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate this medication based on clinical findings.Methods: The present study was designed as a clinical trial to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of this medicine compared to empirical treatment. For this purpose, multi-stage sampling was considered. 56 people who have mild to moderate symptoms without signs of sever pneumonia , were selected by accidental non-random sampling method. This sample size was subsequently divided into two groups (group A threated with hydroxycloroquine and group B who threated with combination hydroxycloroquine and Umifenovir) by randomized block sampling (1:1). During the study, three patients left the case group. Their clinical sighns and symptoms were evaluated on 3 th and 7 th and 14 th days after oncet illness while taking these medicines in the disease course. The SPSS software was used for data analysis and the significance level was considered to be P<0.05.Results: On the seventh days after visit patients , there were statistically significant differences in recuperation dry cough(p = 0.001), weakness(p = 0.004), gastrointestinal symptoms(p = 0.043) and shortness of breath (p = 0.001) between the two groups, so that in patients who under orescription combination HCQ and Umifenovir group had a faster recovery.Generally during illness , there were statistically significantly faster melioratation myalgia(p = 0.03), gastrointestinal symptoms(p = 0.047), and weakness(p = 0.007)in patients who threated with both HCQ and Umifenovir .Conclusion: Evaluation clinical findings in mild to moderate COVID-19 patients symptoms and sighns recuperation faster in group who under orescription combination HCQ and Umifenovir .regimen. In other words, adding Umifenovir to the empirical treatment accelerated the recovery process of patients’ clinical symptoms.Registration: IR.TUMS.VCR.REC.1399.204, 04.13.2020 , http://ethics.research.ac.ir/IR.TUMS.VCR.REC.1399.204
Audit committee attributes, board attributes and market performance of listed deposit money banks in Nigeria
Authors: Omotoye Oluwatamilore , Aderemi Adeyemo Kingsley , Omotoye Tumininu , Okeme Faith , Leigh Andrew
Published: March 2021

This paper aims to discover the association between various audit committee and board attributes and the market performance of listed deposit money banks in Nigeria. The study intends to determine the influence of audit committee size, gender diversity, expertise, board size and board shareholding on market performance (measured by Tobin Q). Panel data was gathered from twelve (12) banks listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange from 2013 to 2017. The study used fixed and random regression analysis. The results concluded that the association between audit committee size, board size and Tobin Q was negatively significant. There was a positively significant impact of audit committee gender diversity and audit committee expertise on Tobin Q. The study showed a positive but insignificant influence of board shareholding on market performance. The results imply that weakness in governance structures might lead to lower market performance. This study recommends that firms ensure that appointment criteria prioritize knowledge and competence, and regulatory bodies are also encouraged to track the compliance of listed firms with corporate governance regulations.
AcknowledgmentThe authors would like to acknowledge Covenant University for its financial support during the course of this research paper.
Impacts of sedimentation on rainwater quality: case study at Ikorodu of Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: John Chukwuemeka Kingsley , Pu Jaan H. , Pandey Manish , Moruzzi Rodrigo
Published: March 2021

This study investigated the impact of sedimentation on rainwater storage system using a case study at the Ikorodu area of Lagos state, a rural area in Nigeria. In this investigation, the proportions of Escherichia coli (E. coli) that were settleable (due to sedimentation) and those that were at the free phase have been studied. Water samples were collected from different depths in the inspected rainwater storage tank at two different periods (i.e. rainy and dry periods) for 20 days. The samples collected from these periods have been analysed for physical and microbial measures before passing it through the serial filters with pore sizes of 500 μm, 100 μm, 10 μm and 1.5 μm to measure the retained particle mass. From the results, it was observed that: (1) the water quality at the free-phase zone was better than that at the tank's bottom; (2) the settleable bacteria rapidly sank to bottom; (3) the correlation of turbidity, E. coli and total suspended solids (TSS) for all the rain events showed a relatively high Pearson's coefficient of 0.9 to one another; and (4) over 70% of settling TSS occurred within first 36 h. Finally, it has been found that the physical sedimentation process can significantly reduce the microbial measures.
Two-dimensional numerical simulations of soil-water and heat flow in a rainfed soybean field under plastic mulching
Authors: Kader Mohammad Abdul , Nakamura Kimihito , Senge Masateru , Mojid Mohammad Abdul
Published: March 2021

Numerical simulation can help understanding water- and heat-flow systems through plastic-mulched soils. An effective simulation approach is crucial to know the role of plastic mulch in a soil ecosystem, which can save water in agriculture. A field experiment was conducted at Gifu University in a rainfed soybean cultivation under plastic mulch and bare soil treatments to clarify the soil water and heat flow mechanism. Furthermore, the two-dimensional numerical software HYDRSUS-2D model with different boundaries at the soil surface was used to simulate water and heat flows. Firstly, soil hydraulic parameters were estimated by inverse solution using laboratory-measured data and then coupled soil-water and heat flows were simulated by optimizing soil thermal parameters by inverse solution. The HYDRUS-2D model simulated water and heat flow through the root zone depths satisfactorily. The root-mean square error (RMSE) was 0.015–0.030, and 0.046–0.055 cm3 cm−3 for the plastic mulch, and bare soil, respectively, in estimating soil moisture and 0.66–1.28, and 0.70–1.54 °C, respectively in estimating soil temperature. Water infiltration was 61% lower in the plastic-mulched soil, which reduced soil evaporation as well as soil-moisture storage changes compared to bare soil. This study can be applied to design and manage different plastic mulching patterns in rain-fed crop cultivation.
The Motif of Jacob’s Ladder (Gen 28:10–22) in the Ancient Symbolism of Western Christianity
Authors: Bardski Krzysztof
Published: March 2021

The “Jacob’s ladder” episode from the book of Genesis inspired numerous symbolic interpretations in ancient Christianity. Most often we encounter moral symbolism, which basically proceeds in two directions. Following Tertullian, “descending angels” symbolize sinners, and “ascending” – righteous people. According to Augustine, “descending” mean those who take care of the needs of others, while “ascending” are those who direct their hearts to God. For Jerome, ascending and descending angels symbolize not so much people as the mercy of God who descends to the sinner, whereas for Ambrose and Zeno of Verona the ladder represents the Old and New Testament, and its rungs – the Christian virtues. An important literary motif in the story of the “Jacob’s ladder” is the stone under the Patriarch’s head, which in the Christian tradition assumes a Christological meaning.
The Creation Theme in the Gospel of John
Authors: Kubiś Adam
Published: March 2021

The article surveys recent scholarship on the use of creation imagery in the Gospel of John, with the aim of presenting a rather exhaustive register of possible references. Both the obvious and the less clear-cut allusions to Gen 1–3 are discussed, the main focus being to accumulate and assess the evidence (for or against) all the apparent references to creation imagery. Included in this examination are several unconvincing and even far-fetched proposals advanced by some modern scholars, in order to give the fullest possible picture of the current discourse on these issues. After discussing the creation theme in the Prologue (1:1–18), the article explores the presence of creation imagery in the Book of Signs (1:19–12:50) and the Book of Glory (13:1–21:25).
Why Does the Epistle to the Hebrews Evoke the Desires of the Patriarchs?
Authors: Malina Artur
Published: March 2021

The Pontifical Biblical Commission’s document The Jewish People and their Sacred Scriptures in the Christian Bible, calls attention to a threefold connection between the two parts of the Christian Bible: continuity, discontinuity, and newness. The paper offers an analysis of a passage as an example of this relationship. The Epistle to the Hebrews (11:8–22) gives a particular emphasis to the desires of the patriarchs among other attitudes of the heroes of faith. They were looking for what was promised to them and desired by them: a city with the solid foundations planned and built by God. Now these desires can be fulfilled: the everlasting life with God is offered to all who believe in Jesus Christ.