bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated NIRS and QTL assays reveal minor mannose and galactose as contrast lignocellulose factors for biomass enzymatic saccharification in rice
Authors: Hu Zhen , Wang You Mei , Liu Jingyuan , Li Yuqi , Wang Yan Ting , Huang Jiangfeng , Ai Yuanhang , Chen Peng , He Yuqing , Aftab Muhammad Nauman , Wang Lingqiang , Peng Liangcai
Published: April 2021

Background: Identifying lignocellulose recalcitrant factors and exploring their genetic properties are essential for enhanced biomass enzymatic saccharification in bioenergy crops. Despite genetic modification of major wall polymers has been implemented for reduced recalcitrance in engineered plant, it could most cause a penalty of plant growth and biomass yield. Alternatively, it is increasingly considered to improve minor wall components, but an applicable approach is required for efficient assay of large population of biomass samples. Hence, this study collected total 100 rice straw samples and characterized all minor wall monosaccharides and biomass enzymatic saccharification by integrating NIRS modeling and QTL profiling. Results: By performing classic chemical analyses and establishing optimal NIRS equations, this study examined a diversity of four minor wall monosaccharides and major wall polymers (acid-soluble lignin/ASL, acid-insoluble lignin/AIL, three lignin monomers, crystalline cellulose), which led to largely varied hexoses yields achieved from enzymatic hydrolyses after two alkali pretreatments were conducted with all rice straws. Correlation analyses indicated that mannose and galactose could play a contrast role for biomass enzymatic saccharification at P < 0.0l level (n=100). Meanwhile, this study found that QTLs controlling mannose, galactose, lignin-related traits and biomass saccharification were co-located. Notably, by combining NIRS assay with QTLs maps, this study interpreted that the mannose-rich hemicellulose may assist AIL disassociation for enhanced biomass enzymatic saccharification, whereas the galactose-rich polysaccharides should be effectively extracted with ASL from alkali pretreatment for condensed AIL association with cellulose microfibrils against enzymatic hydrolysis. Conclusions: By integrating NIRS assay with QTL profiling for large population of rice straw samples, this study identified that the mannose of wall polysaccharides could positively affect biomass enzymatic saccharification, whereas the galactose had a significantly negative impact. It also sorted out that two minor monosaccharides should distinctively associate with lignin deposition for wall network construction. Hence, this study has demonstrated an applicable approach for fast assessments of minor lignocellulose recalcitrant factors and biomass enzymatic saccharification in rice, and it has also provided a potential strategy for bioenergy crop breeding.
Computation modelling method to estimate secondhand exposure potential from exhalations during e-vapor use under various real-world scenarios
Authors: Edmiston Jeffery S. , Rostami Ali , Liang Qiwei , Miller Sandra , Sarkar Mohamadi
Published: April 2021

Background: The potential secondhand exposure of exhaled constituents from e-vapor use, particularly under various real-world setting, is a public health concern. We present a computational modelling method to predict air levels of constituents exhaled from e-vapor product use. Methods: We first conducted a clinical study to measure select constituent levels in exhaled breath from adult e-vapor product users. We then used a computational model to predict levels of these constituents in three scenarios – in a car, office and restaurant to determine likely secondhand exposure to nonusers. Exhaled breath samples (10 controlled puffs) were analyzed after the use of four different e-liquids in a cartridge-based e-vapor product. Seven selected analytes were measured: nicotine, propylene glycol (PG), glycerin, menthol, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein and reported based on a linear mixed model for analysis of covariance. Results: The ranges of nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerin, and formaldehyde in exhaled breath were 89.44-195.70 µg, 1,199.7-3,354.5 µg, 5,366.8-6,484.7 µg, and 0.25-0.34 µg, respectively. Menthol was only detected following mentholated e-vapor product use (21.11-31.01 µg); acetaldehyde and acrolein were below detectable limits. Conclusions: We utilized a previously validated well-mixed model to estimate aerosol dispersion and room air levels of individual constituents. The model was based on physical and thermodynamic interactions between air, vapor, and the particulate phase of the aerosol to predict vapor-particle partitioning and air-levels of constituents over time, as they travel through a defined indoor space. Input variables included space setting (space type and volume such as car, office space, or a restaurant), ventilation rate, the amount of total aerosol exhaled by all users and aerosol composition. The computational model predicted that air levels of nicotine, formaldehyde, acrolein, and acetaldehyde were below the permissible exposure limits set by authoritative bodies and substantially lower during e-vapor use compared to conventional cigarettes. The relatively low levels suggest minimal exposure to nonusers.Trial registration: Awaiting Clintrials Registry Number. In the process of retrospectively registering the study in the US Clinicaltrials Registry (http://www.clintrials.gov) will update the information as soon as registered.
Ag@ZIF-67 decorated cotton fabric as flexible, stable and sensitive SERS substrate for label-free detection of Phenol-soluble modulin
Authors: Xu Jiangtao , Shang Songmin , Gao Wei , Zeng Ping , Jiang Shouxiang Kinor
Published: April 2021

Although strategies of compositing noble materials and Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) have been used to enhance the performance of ZIF-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates, the enhancement process still remains unclear and the sampling process with powder-form substrates is challenging for practical applications. In this study, a flexible SERS substrate with silver (Ag) nanoparticle decorated ZIF-67 as the active materials and cotton fabric as the supporting framework is developed with a facile method in two steps. The proposed flexible SERS substrate not only can reduce difficulties during the sampling process, but also expands future applications for sampling towards irregular target substances. Meanwhile, the enhancement mechanism has been investigated by using Methylene Blue (MB) to probe the molecular interactions. The constructed SERS substrate shows the highest enhancement factor of 6.25×106 and an excellent detection sensitivity with a limitation of detection (LoD) of 10− 14 M/L. Because of its excellent performance in SERS tracing, the proposed SERS substrate shows exceptional ability in detecting and identifying phenol-soluble modulins and is considered to be a label-free approach that requires no adding markers/tags or antibodies. The proposed substrate expands the potential applications of SERS technology for rapid detection of bacterial toxins during clinical diagnoses and treatment.
Overwintering honeybees maintained dynamic and stable intestinal bacteria
Authors: Liu Peng , Zhu Yujie , Ye Liang , Shi Tengfei , Li Lai , Cao Haiqun , Yu Linsheng
Published: April 2021

Honeybee is an important pollinator for maintaining ecological balance. However, scientist found the bizarre mass death of bees in winter. Meanwhile, some reported that the differences composed of intestinal bacteria between healthy honeybees and CCD honeybees. It is essential that explored dynamic changes to the intestinal bacteria in overwintering honeybees. We collected bee samples before overwintering, during prophase of overwintering, metaphase of overwintering, anaphase of overwintering, telophase of overwintering, and after overwintering. By using high-throughput sequencing targeting the V3 − V4 regions of the 16S rDNA, the abundance of the intestinal bacteria were analyzed in overwintering honeybees. A total of 1,373,886 high-quality sequences were acquired and Proteobacteria (85.69%), Firmicutes (10.40%), Actinobacteria (3.66%), and Cyanobacteria (1.87%) were identified as major components of the intestinal bacteria. All core honeybee intestinal bacteria genera, such as Gilliamella, Bartonella, Snodgrassella, Lactobacillus, Frischella, Commensalibacter, and Bifidobacterium were detected. The abundance of Actinobacteria, Bartonella, and Bifidobacterium increased initially and then decreased in winter honeybees. There were no significant differences in the richness and evenness of the microbiota in overwintering honeybees; however, there was a statistically significant difference in the beta diversity of the intestinal bacteria after overwintering compared with that in other groups. Our results suggested that honeybees maintained their intestinal ecosystem balance, and increased the abundance of gut probiotics in response to environmental and nutrition pressures in winter.
Modeling of cutting forces in five-axis milling of sculptured surfaces directly from a CAM tool path
Authors: Hamiche Yacine , Zeroudi Nasreddine , Lamara Rabah
Published: April 2021

The present work is motivated by the fact that for predicting cutting forces, which arise under various cutting conditions, workpiece-tool pairs and machining depths, the numerical methods are slower and less efficient than the analytical methods. In addition, recent developments in Computer Assisted Machining (CAM) techniques have enabled analytical methods to be applied even with a complex workpiece geometry. The present paper presents a practical and powerful analytical method which is based on the use of the toolpath file as the main information source for the machined surface. This method takes into account tool position and orientation in a five-axis milling process with tool ball-end modeled as a sphere called bull-nose. Also assumptions are made to get a good approximation in the calculation of global and local cutting forces, in the aim of developing an analytical model able to predict the cutting forces for five-axis milling process, easy to apply for any practical case.
Mechanism of magnesium transport in spinel chalcogenides
Authors: Sotoudeh Mohsen , Dillenz Manuel , Groß Axel
Published: April 2021

In the area of sustainable energy storage, batteries based on multivalent ions such as magnesium have been attracting considerable attention due to their potential for high energy densities. Furthermore, they are typically also more abundant than, e.g., lithium. However, as a challenge their low ion mobility in electrode materials remains. This study addresses the ionic conductivity of magnesium in spinel host materials based on periodic density functional theory calculations in order to identify the critical parameters which determine the mobility and insertion of ions. We will in particular highlight the critical role that trigonal distortions of the spinel structure play for the ion mobility. In detail, we will show that it is the competition between coordination and bond length that governs the Mg site preference in ternary spinel compounds upon trigonal distortions which can only be understood by also taking covalent interactions into account. Based on our theoretical study, we rationalize the impact of the metal distribution in the host material and the ion concentration on the diffusion process. Furthermore, cathode-related challenges for practical devices will be addressed. Our findings shed light on the fundamentional mechanisms underlying ionic conductivity in solid hosts and thus may contribute to improve ion transport in battery electrodes.
The Overexpression of The VvWRKY2 Transcription Factor in Potato Improved the Agricultural Performance and Tubers’ Physio-Chemical and Industrial Properties Even Under Non‐Stress Conditions
Authors: Chiab Nour , kammoun mariam , charfeddine mariam , mzid rim , gargouri-bouzid radhia
Published: April 2021

The tryptophan-arginine-lysine-tyrosine (WRKY) transcription factors play important roles in plant growth and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Several studies described WRKY factors overexpression in different plant species. In a number of cases, modification in morphology and seed size were described in transgenic plants overexpressing transcription factors from this family. In this work, we aimed to study the effect of a grapevine VvWRKY2 transcription factor on transgenic potato plants growth, yields and chemical properties of tubers produced out of any stress condition in the greenhouse and in the field. The results were compared with the wild type commercial variety "Belle de Fontenay" (WT). Data showed that the overexpression of the VvWRKY2 transcription factor increased significantly the leaf area and stem diameter of transgenic plants in comparison to WT. A modification of leaf shape was also noticed in VvWRKY2 overexpressing potato plants. The tuber yield, caliber, dry matter, starch and mineral content of transgenic tubers was higher than WT, while soluble sugars level decreased. All these results suggest that the VvWRKY2 overexpression in potato plants seems to have positive effect on plant vigor, yield and tuber quality under normal conditions in addition to its positive effect on plant response to stresses.
Effect of Lncrna FER1L4 Overexpression on Prognosis and Cell Proliferation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Jin Xiang , Liu Xingang , Zhu Huiqin , Guan Yinghui
Published: April 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical significance and biological function of lncRNA FER1L4 in NSCLC. Methods: A total of 114 cases of NSCLC tissues and matched normal lung tissues were obtained from The first hospital of Jilin University between January 2009 and December 2016. The clinicopathological characteristics of patients were collected, including age, gender, tumor size, etc. The expression levels of LncRNA FER1L4 were detected by qRT-PCR. Non-small cell lung cancer cell lines (A549, H292 and H1299) were cultured with LncRNA FER1L4 mimics and LncRNA FER1L4 inhibitor. Cell proliferation was evaluated by CCK-8 and colony formation assay. Results: The expression levels of lncRNA FER1L4 were significantly lower in NSCLC tissues compared with those in matched normal lung tissues (P<0.05). Decreased level of lncRNA FER1L4 was significantly correlated with tumor size, TNM stage and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05). Moreover, lncRNA FER1L4 over-expression predicted favorable prognosis in NSCLC (P<0.05). Furthermore, CCK-8 and colony formation assay showed that lncRNA FER1L4 over-expression significantly suppressed cell proliferation. Conclusions: Our results suggested that LncRNA FER1L4 overexpression predicted favorable prognosis and suppressed cell proliferation in NSCLC, which may serve as a promising therapeutic target.
Association Between Carotid Plaque Vulnerability and High Mobility Group Box-1 Serum Levels in a Diabetic Population
Authors: Biscetti Federico , Tinelli Giovanni , Rando Maria Margherita , Nardella Elisabetta , Cecchini Andrea Leonardo , Angelini Flavia , Straface Giuseppe , Filipponi Marco , Arena Vincenzo , Pitocco Dario , Gasbarrini Antonio , Massetti Massimo , Flex Andrea
Published: April 2021

Background: Carotid atherosclerosis represents one of the complications of diabetes mellitus. In particular, plaque instability contributes to disease progression and stroke incidence. High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein involved in promotion and progression of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between HMGB1 serum levels, main inflammatory cytokines, the presence of internal carotid stenosis and unstable plaque in a diabetic population.Research Design and Methods: We studied 873 diabetic patients, including 347 patients with internal carotid artery stenosis (ICAS) who underwent carotid endarterectomy and 526 diabetic patients without internal carotid artery stenosis (WICAS). At baseline, HMGB1 and the main inflammatory cytokines serum levels were evaluated. For ICAS patients, the histological features of carotid plaque were also collected to differentiate them in patients with stable or unstable atherosclerotic lesions.Results: We found that HMGB1 serum levels, osteoprotegerin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, were significantly higher in diabetic ICAS patients compared to diabetic WICAS patients. Among ICAS patients, individuals with unstable plaque had higher levels of these cytokines, compared to patients with stable plaque. A multivariable stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that HMGB1 and osteoprotegerin remained independently associated with unstable plaque in ICAS patients.Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that HMGB1 is an independent risk factor for carotid plaque vulnerability in an Italian population with diabetes mellitus, representing a promising biomarker of carotid plaque instability and a possible molecular target to treat unstable carotid plaques and to prevent stroke.
Making a complex dental care tailored to the person: Population health in focus of predictive, preventive and personalised (3P) medical approach
Authors: Tachalov VV , Orechova LY , Kudriavtseva TV , Loboda ES , Pachkoria MG , Berezkina IV , Golubnitschaja Olga
Published: April 2021

An evident underestimation of the targeted prevention of dental diseases is strongly supported by alarming epidemiologic statistics globally. For example, epidemiologists demonstrated 100% prevalence of dental caries in the Russian population followed by clinical manifestation of periodontal diseases. Inadequately provided oral health services in populations are caused by multi-factorial deficits including but not limited to low socio-economic status of affected individuals, lack of insurance in sub-populations, insufficient density of dedicated medical units. Another important aspect is the “participatory” medicine based on the active participation of population in maintaining oral health: healthcare will remain insufficient as long as the patient is not motivated and does not feel responsible for their oral health. To this end, nearly half of chronically diseased people do not comply with adequate medical services suffering from severely progressing pathologies. Noteworthy, the prominent risk factors and comorbidities linked to the severe disease course and poor outcomes in COVID-19 infected individuals, such as elderly, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, are frequently associated with significantly altered oral microbiome profiles, systemic inflammatory processes and poor oral health. Suggested pathomechanisms consider potential preferences in the interaction between the viral particles and the host microbiota including oral cavity, the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Since an aspiration of periodontopathic bacteria induces the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 – the receptor for SARS-CoV-2, and production of inflammatory cytokines in the lower respiratory tract, poor oral hygiene and periodontal disease has been proposed as leading to COVID-19 aggravation. Consequently, the issue-dedicated expert recommendations are focused on the optimal oral hygiene as being crucial for improved individual outcomes and reduced morbidity under the COVID-19 pandemic condition. Current study demonstrated that that age, gender, socio-economic status, quality of environment and life-style, oral hygiene quality, regularity of dental services requested, level of motivation and responsibility for own health status, and corresponding behavioural patterns are the key parameters for patient stratification considering person-tailored approach in a complex dental care in the population. Consequently, innovative screening programmes and adapted treatment schemes are crucial for the complex person-tailored dental care to improve individual outcomes and healthcare provided to the population.
Physiological Host Range of Trissolcus Mitsukurii, A Candidate Biological Control Agent of Halyomorpha Halys
Authors: Giovannini Lucrezia , Sabbatini-Peverieri Giuseppino , Marianelli Leonardo , Rondoni Gabriele , Conti Eric , Roversi Pio Federico
Published: April 2021

The invasive stink bug Halyomorpha halys is a severe agricultural pest of worldwide importance, and chemical insecticides are largely sprayed for the control of its populations. Negative impacts and several failures in chemical pest management led to consider classical biological control as one of the most promising methods in a long-term perspective. The Asian egg parasitoid Trissolcus japonicus is the main candidate biocontrol agent of H. halys, but more recently a second Asian egg parasitoid, Trissolcus mitsukurii, is getting attention after adventive populations were found on H. halys egg masses in Europe. Before recommending the use of T. mitsukurii for biological control of H. halys, a risk analysis is necessary and therefore here we present the first study on the fundamental physiological host range of this parasitoid in Europe. Tests conducted with T. mitsukurii on different hemipterans, using three different experimental designs, revealed a broad physiological host range, comparable with the host range displayed by T. japonicus under similar laboratory conditions. Specifically, in addition to its coevolved host H. halys, T. mitsukurii successfully parasitized the majority of tested pentatomid species and one scutellerid, although with highly variable emergence rates. Host egg sizes positively affected parasitoid size and female egg load. Further studies, testing more complex systems that involve olfactory cues from host and host plants, will simulate different aspects of the parasitoid host location behavior under field conditions, allowing in-depth evaluation of the possible risks associated with the use of T. mitsukurii as a biocontrol agent of H. halys.
Characteristics and potential malignancy of colorectal juvenile polyps in adults: a single-center retrospective study in China
Authors: Dong Jie , Ma Tian-Shi , Xu Yuan-Hong , Li Peng , Chen Wan-Yuan , Tu Jiang-Feng , Chen Youwei
Published: April 2021

BackgroundColorectal juvenile polyps are rare and usually considered benign in adults. Carcinogenesis or neoplastic changes are rarely mentioned in the literature. We aimed to systematically evaluate the characteristics and potential malignancy of colorectal juvenile polyps in adults.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 103 adults diagnosed with colorectal juvenile polyps from 9/2007 to 5/2020 in our hospital. The characteristics, endoscopic findings, occurrence of intraepithelial neoplasia, carcinogenesis and diagnostic value of chicken skin mucosa (CSM) were analyzed.ResultsThe average age of patients with juvenile polyps was 43.2 years (range, 19 to 78). A total of 101 patients (101/103, 98.1%) had a single juvenile polyp, while two had multiple polyps (107 polyps in total). Polyp sizes ranged from 0.5 to 5 cm. One (1/107, 0.9%) juvenile polyp was cancerous, and 7 (7/107, 6.5%) developed low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia. Neoplasia or cancerization was not associated with the number of polyps. A 27-year-old female had a polyp with well-differentiated adenocarcinoma in the mucosa that was 2 cm in the sigmoid colon with erosion on the surface. According to immunohistochemistry, the Ki-67 was approximately 80%. P53 was mutated with diffuse and strongly positive expression. CSM was observed beside 17 polyps, which were all located in the rectum and sigmoid colon; one polyp had low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia.ConclusionsColorectal juvenile polyps in adults have neoplastic potential. Neither neoplasia nor carcinogenesis was associated with the number of polyps. CSM was not a tumorigenesis marker in colorectal juvenile polyps in the distant colorectum. Colorectal juvenile polyps in adult may go through a ‘low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia to high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia to carcinoma’ path and should be treated and regularly followed up as adenomas.
Psychosocial characteristics of alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver disease recipient candidates in liver transplantation: A prospective observational study
Authors: Shizuku Masato , kimura hiroyuki , Kamei Hideya , Kishi Shinichi , Tokura Tatsuya , Kurata Nobuhiko , Jobara Kanta , Yoshizawa Atsushi , Tsuboi Chisato , Yamaguchi Naoko , Kato Midori , Kawai Keita , Yamashiki Makoto , Kanai Emi , Ishizuka Kanako , Ozaki Norio , Ogura Yasuhiro
Published: April 2021

Background/AimThere are long-standing controversies about the transplant indications for alcoholic liver disease (ALD), because of the recognition that ALD is fundamentally self-inflicted. However, it is unclear whether stigmatization of ALD based on psychosocial aspects is warranted in the selection of liver transplantation (LT) recipients. We aimed to clarify the psychosocial characteristics of ALD recipients (ALD-R)/ALD recipient candidates (ALD-RC) and non-ALD recipients (NALD-R)/non-ALD recipient candidates (NALD-RC).MethodsFrom 2011 to 2019, 75 patients were enrolled in this prospective observational study (ALD-RC, n = 19; NALD-RC, n = 56), LT were carried out as follow; ALD-R, n=6; NALD-R, n=52. We evaluated psychosocial characteristics in the preoperative period and 3, 12 months after LT (ALD-R, n = 3/3; NALD-R, n = 28/25). The following scales were used to evaluate psychosocial characteristics: Visual Analogue Scale, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Brief Evaluation of Medication Influences and Beliefs, Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ), Temperament and Character Inventory, Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).ResultsA comparison of ALD-RC and NALD-RC in the preoperative period identified similar patterns of psychosocial characteristics, except that the NALD-RC scored higher on the PBI item “overprotection from mother” (P < 0.05). The only significant difference between ALD-R and NALD-R after liver transplantation was in SSQ scores at 3 months. ConclusionThe psychosocial characteristics of ALD-RC and NALD-RC were similar. Therefore, stigmatization of ALD-RC based on psychosocial aspects is unwarranted and appropriate evaluation is needed.
Addressing a Silent and Neglected Scourge in Sexual and Reproductive Health in Sub-Saharan Africa by Development of Training Competencies to Improve Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) for Health Workers
Authors: Jacobson Julie , Pantelias Anastasia , Williamson Megan , Kjetland Eyrun Floerecke , Krentel Alison , Gyapong Margaret , Mbabazi Pamela Sabina , Djirmay Amadou Garba
Published: April 2021

Background Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic disease caused by parasitic worms, that can take two main forms: intestinal or urogenital. If left untreated, the urogenital form can lead to female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) in women and girls; frequently resulting in severe reproductive health complications which are often misdiagnosed as sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) or can be confused with cervical cancer. Despite its impact on women’s reproductive health, FGS is typically overlooked in medical training and remains poorly recognized with low awareness both in affected communities and in health professionals. FGS has been described as the one of the most neglected sexual and reproductive health issues in sub-Saharan Africa(1–3). Increased knowledge and awareness of FGS is required to end this neglect, improve women’s reproductive health, and decrease the burden of this preventable and treatable neglected tropical disease. Methods We conducted interactive virtual workshops, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), engaging 64 participants with medical and public health backgrounds from around the world to establish standardized skills (or competencies) for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of FGS at all levels of the health system. The competencies were drafted in small groups, peer-reviewed, and finalized by participants. Results This participatory process led to identification of 27 skills needed for FGS prevention, diagnosis, and management for two categories of health workers; those working in a clinical setting, and those working in a community setting. Among them, ten relate to the diagnosis of FGS including three that involve a pelvic exam and seven that do not. Six constitute the appropriate behaviors required to treat FGS in a clinical setting. Eleven address the community setting, with six relating to the identification of women at risk and five relating to prevention. Conclusion Defining the skills necessary for FGS management is a critical step to prepare for proper diagnosis and treatment of women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa by trained health professionals. The suggested competencies can now serve as the foundation to create educative tools and curricula to better train health care workers on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of FGS.
Genome-wide Identification of Long Non-coding RNAs and Their Potential Functions in Poplar Growth and Phenylalanine Biosynthesis
Authors: Zhang Lei , Ge Xiaolan , Du Jiujun , Hu Jianjun
Published: April 2021

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent a class of riboregulators that either directly act in long form or are processed into shorter microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs. Poplar is an important bioenergy tree species, lncRNAs play important roles in various biological regulatory processes, and its expression pattern is more tissue-specific than mRNA. Results: In this study, P. deltoides ‘Danhong’ (Pd) and P. simonii ‘Tongliao1’ (Ps) with different growth rates and wood quality were used as experimental materials, and the transcriptomes of their shoot apical meristem, xylem, and phloem were sequenced. Furthermore, high-throughput RNA sequencing analysis revealed that the expression patterns of genes and lncRNAs are different between the two genotypes. 6, 355 lncRNAs were identified. Based on targets prediction, lncRNAs and target genes involved in ADP binding, oxidoreductase activity, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and cyanoamino acid metabolism. TCONS_00128372, TCONS_00079190, and TCONS_00174042 co-expressed with transcription factors and structural genes of lignin and flavonoid pathways. In addition, we found the potential target lncRNAs of miRNA.Conclusion: This result provides basic evidence for a better understanding of the regulatory role of lncRNAs in regulating phenylalanine molecular pathways and wood formation.
Assessment of the Quality of Well Dug Water Samples in Nigeria and Their Suitability for Drinking and Irrigation Purposes
Authors: Oluwagbayide Samuel Dare , Abulude Francis Olawale
Published: April 2021

The quality of well-dug water for drinking and irrigation purposes must be measured as part of a sustainable groundwater analysis. The study aimed to assess water quality and to evaluate their usefulness for drinking and irrigation, using the Drinking Water Quality Index (DWQI) and Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI). To achieve this, standard methods were used for the determination of physicochemical parameters of the water samples, while using models (ESP, SSP, SAR, MAR, KR, TDS, and EC) to ascertain their suitability for drinking and irrigation. According to the findings, the determined Physico-chemical parameters were compared to standard limits and found desirable because they were within the guidelines. Low pH (6.4-7), total dissolved solids (106–130 mg/L), total hardness (42–56 mg/L), calcium (3.5–8.3 mg/L), magnesium (1.13.6 mg/L), nitrate (4.6–16 mg/L), chloride (1.8–3.1), and sulphate (14–15. mg/L) in the well samples were found to be the key cause of the low DWQI and IWQI value at these sites. The results also depicted that all the water samples are of exceptional quality (excellent).
Right ventricular assist device with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for bridging right ventricular heart failure to lung transplantation: A single-center case series and literature review
Authors: Lee Jae Guk , Oh Dong Kyu , Kim Ho Cheol , Kang Pil-Je , Lee Geun Dong , Choi Se Hoon , Jung Sung-Ho , Hong Sang-Bum
Published: April 2021

BackgroundRight ventricular heart failure (RVHF) is a critical complication in patients with respiratory failure particularly among those who transitioned to lung transplantation using veno-venous (V-V) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). In these patients, both cardiac and respiratory functions are supported using veno-arterial (V-A) or veno-arterial-venous (V-AV) ECMO. However, these modalities increase the risk of device-related complications, such as thromboembolism, bleeding, and limb ischemia, and they may disturb early rehabilitation. Due to these limitations, a right ventricular assist device with an oxygenator (Oxy-RVAD) using ECMO may be considered for patients with RVHF with V-V ECMO.MethodsThe study included patients who underwent Oxy-RVAD using ECMO due to RVHF while on V-V ECMO as a bridge to lung transplantation (BTT) due to severe respiratory failure. The patients were enrolled at a tertiary care, university hospital between 2018 and 2020.ResultsEight patients underwent Oxy-RVAD using ECMO due to RVHF for BTT. Seven patients were bridged successfully to lung transplantation. One patient died prior to transplantation from complications of interstitial lung disease. There were no major ECMO-related complications during the Oxy-RVAD using ECMO period in any patient. For those patients who were successfully bridged, the average duration of V-V ECMO was 10 days and Oxy-RVAD using ECMO was 12 days. All patients with BTT were discharged with a 30-day survival rate of 100% (7/7 patients). The 180-day survival rate was 85% (6/7 patients).ConclusionsThis study suggests that Oxy-RVAD using ECMO may be a viable option for bridging patients with RVHF to lung transplantation.
MaiValidation the Chinese Version of Work Motivation Scale for Health Workers
Authors: Li Huiwen , YU Yahang , Yu Menggen , Yuan Beibei
Published: April 2021

Background: The Work Motivation Scale for Health Workers (WMSHW) is a 15-item multidimensional scale developed to measuring health workers’ motivation composition based on Self-Determination Theory. The objective of the present study is to translate, adapt, and validate the WMSHW among Chinese health workers.Methods: The process of translation and cross-cultural adaptation followed the recommendations of international guidelines. Participants include 1341 health workers within 75 primary health institutions from 6 provinces in China. The reliability and validity of the scale was analyzed.Results: Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the modified five-factor model had better fit than the other models in accordance with the original English version. The factor loads were high and ranged from 0.70 to 0.94．Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for five dimensions of the Chinese WMSHW ranged from 0.81 to 0.94, indicating the scale’s high internal consistency.Conclusion: The Chinese version of WMSHW showed satisfactory reliability and validity and can be used as an instrument for measuring the work motivation for Chinese health workers.
A highly effective and inexpensive standardized treatment of multidrug- resistant tuberculosis: A muticenter prospective study in china
Authors: Sun Wenwen , Wu Zheyuan , Ying Zhou , Fan Xia , Tang Qin , Wang Jie , Yang Jinhui , Yu Fangyou , Yang Hua , Xiao Heping , Fan Lin
Published: April 2021

BackgroundTo verify the efficacy and safety of an inexpensive standardized treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) based on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) drug sensitivity test(DST), a multicenter prospective study was conducted in eastern China.MethodsPatients diagnosed as MDR-TB with isoniazid resistance at low concentration and rifampicin resistance, second-line/injectable agents sensitive) were prospectively enrolled, given the regimen of Ak Mfx(Lfx)CsPtoPaZ for six months followed by 12 months of Mfx(Lfx)CsPtoPaZ and followed up for treatment outcomes and adverse events (AEs).ResultsA total of 114 patients were enrolled into the study. The overall rate of favorable treatment rate was 79.8% (91/114), among 91 cases with favorable treatment, 86(75.4%)cured and 5 (4.4%) completed treatment. 23 cases got unfavorable outcome including 10 8.8% (10/114) failures, 8.8% (10/114) losing follow up ,0.9%(1/114) withdrawing treatment due to intolerance to drugs and 1.8%(2/114 ) died. Treatment favorable rate was significantly higher in newly treated MDR-TB (91.7%, 33/36) than that in retreated MDR-TB (74.4%, 58/78, p = 0.03). The investigators recorded 42 AEs occurrences in 30 of 114 patients༈26.3%). Clinicians rated most AEs as mild or moderate (95.24%, 40/42) .ConclusionsThe regimen was proved to be effective, safe and inexpensive. It is suitable for specific drug resistant population, especially for newly-treated patients, which could be expected to be developed into a short-course regimen.Clinical Trials RegistrationChina Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR- OPC-16009380
Establishment of a novel scoring model for mortality risk prediction in HIV-infected patients with cryptococcal meningitis
Authors: Zhao Ting , Xu Xiao-Lei , Nie Jing-Min , Chen Xiao-Hong , Jiang Zhong-Sheng , Liu Shui-Qing , Yang Tong-Tong , Yang Xuan , Sun Feng , Lu Yan-Qiu , Harypursat Vijay , chen yaokai
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) remains a leading cause of death in HIV-infected patients, despite advances in CM diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This study was performed with the aim to develop and validate a novel scoring model to predict mortality risk in HIV-infected patients with CM (HIV/CM).Methods: Data on HIV/CM inpatients were obtained from a Multicenter Cohort study in China. Independent risk factors associated with mortality were identified based on data from 2013 to 2017, and a novel scoring model for mortality risk prediction was established. The prediction probability of the novel model was evaluated and verified using data from 2018 to 2020.Results: We found that six predictors, including age, stiff neck, impaired consciousness, intracranial pressure, CD4+ T-cell count, and urea levels, were associated with poor prognosis in HIV/CM patients. The novel scoring model could effectively identify HIV/CM patients at high risk of death on admission (area under curve 0.876; p＜0.001). When the cut-off value of 5.5 points or more was applied, the sensitivity and specificity was 74.1% and 83.8%, respectively. Additionally, our scoring model showed a good discriminatory ability in the validation cohort (area under curve 0·886; p＜0.001).Conclusions: Our developed scoring model of six variables is simple, convenient, and accurate for screening high-risk patients with HIV/CM, which may be a useful tool for physicians to assess prognosis in HIV/CM inpatients.
Mucosal eosinophilic infiltration may be a characteristic of human intestinal spirochetosis
Authors: Ogata Sho , Shimizu Ken , Tominaga Susumu , Matsukuma Susumu
Published: April 2021

Background: Human intestinal spirochetosis (HIS) is an infectious disease of large intestines caused by Brachyspira species, and most HIS cases are asymptomatic or exhibit mild intestinal symptoms. The host reaction to HIS remains unclear, and we examined HIS-related mucosal inflammatory features histologically. Method: From the archival HIS cases in a single medical center, 24 endoscopically taken specimens from 14 HIS cases (M:F = 10:4; 28-73 yrs) were selected as not containing polypoid or neoplastic lesions. Stromal neutrophils, eosinophils, and mast cells, and intraepithelial neutrophils and eosinophils, (sNeu, sEo, sMast, iNeu, and iEo, respectively) were counted, and the presence or absence of lymphoid follicles/aggregates (LFs) was also examined. Association of the above inflammation parameters and spirochetal infection parameters (such as degrees of characteristic fringe distribution, of spirochetal cryptal invasion, and of spirochetal intraepithelial invasion) were also analysed. Results: iNeu was observed in 29.2%, iEo in 58.3%, and LFs in 50.0% of the specimens. Maximal counts of sNeu, sEo, sMast, iNeu, and iEo averaged 8.4, 21.5, 6.0, 0.5 and 1.5, respectively. Strong correlation between the maximum counts of iNeu and iEo (p < 0.001, r = 0.81), and correlations between those of iEo and sNeu (p = 0.0012, r = 0.62) and between those of iEo and sEo (p = 0.026, r = 0.45) were observed. iNeu was influenced by fringe formation (p < 0.05) and spirochetal crypt involvement (p < 0.05). Conclusions: HIS was accompanied by inflammatory reactions, and among these, mucosal eosinophilic infiltration may be a central indicator and host reaction of HIS.
Prevalence of Pathogenic and Potentially Pathogenic Inborn Error of Immunity Associated Variants in Children with Severe Sepsis
Authors: Kernan Kate F. , Ghaloul-Gonzalez Lina , Vockley Jerry , Lamb Janette , Hollingshead Deborah , Chandran Uma , Sethi Rahil , Park Hyun-Jung , Carcillo Joseph A. , Berg Robert A. , Wessel David , Pollack Murray M. , Meert Kathleen , Newth Christopher , Lin John C. , Doctor Allan , Shanley Thomas P , Cornell Tim , Harrison Rick E. , Zuppa Athena F. , Banks Russel , Reeder Ron W , Holubkov Richard , Notterman Daniel A. , Dean J Michael
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Our understanding of the inborn errors of immunity that cause immunodeficiencies is increasing however, their contribution to pediatric sepsis is unknown. Methods: We used whole exome sequencing to characterize variants previously reported in monogenic immunologic disorders in 330 children admitted to intensive care for severe sepsis. Candidate variants were restricted to novel null variants or rare variants classified as pathogenic or potentially pathogenic in Qiagen’s Human Genetic Mutation Database in a disease consistent inheritance pattern. Results: One in two children overall and two of three African American children had immunodeficiency-associated variants. Children with candidate variants had increased odds of isolating a blood or urinary pathogen (blood: OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.16 - 3.65, p- value = 0.014, urine: OR: 2.35, 95% CI 1.02 – 5.41, p- value = 0.04) and laboratory evidence of increased immune activation with increased odds of hyperferritinemia (ferritin ≥ 500 ng/ml, OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.16 – 3.20, p- value = 0.013) and lymphopenia (minimum lymphocyte count <1000/µL, OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.03 – 2.55, p- value = 0.038). Conclusion: Herein, we describe the genetic findings in this pediatric sepsis cohort and their microbiologic and immunologic significance providing rationale for screening children with life-threatening infection for potential inborn errors of immunity.
The Mediterranean diet and Dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH)-style diet are differently associated with lipid profile in a large sample of Iranian adults: Shahedieh cohort study
Authors: Panbehkar-Jouybari Monireh , Mollahosseini Mehdi , Salehi-Abargouei Amin , Fallahzadeh Hossein , Mirzaei Masoud , Hosseinzadeh Mahdieh
Published: April 2021

Background
The association between the Mediterranean diet (MED) or dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors is well-documented. Nevertheless, a consistent relationship in the Middle East population has yet to be identified. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between DASH/MED and blood lipids in Iranian adults.
Methods
We followed 4740 participants 35–70 years (mean: 50.0) of the Shahedieh cohort study in Yazd, Iran. Participants provided dietary and blood lipid data through a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and blood samples were taken after a fasted state. We used binary logistic regression to examine the association between DASH/MED scores and blood lipids.
Results
The DASH diet could reduce the level of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and LDL/HDL (high-density lipoprotein) ratio (P: 0.01; third vs. the first tertile). While the MED diet could increase the HDL level (P: 0.01). In Binary logistic regression, higher adherence to DASH diet shown 19% lower odds of high TC level (OR: 0.81; 95 %CI: 0.69–0.95) and 18% lower odds of high LDL/HDL ratio (OR: 0.82; 95 %CI: 0.70–0.96). Besides, high adherence to the MED diet was associated with lower odds of LDL/HDL ratio (OR: 0.85; 95 %CI: 0.72–0.99).
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that the DASH diet and the MED diet respectively might have a protective effect on TC, TG, LDL, LDL/HDL ratio, and HDL, and the LDL/HDL ratio, subsequently on CVDs risk. Further epidemiological studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Flow Pumping by External Periodic Shear Applied to a Soft Interface
Authors: Nezamipour Shima , Najafi Ali
Published: April 2021

Flow pumping in viscous fluids is of prime importance in micro-fluidic applications. Here we show that a single colloidal particle in front of a soft wall, manipulated by external means like an optical tweezer, can pump the ambient viscous fluid. The particle, moving back and forth parallel to the soft wall, can produce an averaged net flow in a direction perpendicular to the wall. Using a perturbative scheme, we present the results. Analysis show that this flow in terms of capillary number, scales as Ca2.
BRAF-MAD1L1 and BRAF-ZC3H7A: novel gene fusion in Rhabdomyosarcoma and Lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Da Jiang , Jin Hui , Zhou Xinliang , Fan Shaoshuang , Xu Mian , Chen Xiaoyan
Published: April 2021

Background: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and lung adenocarcinoma (LADC) epitomizes the success of cancer prevention by the development of conventional therapy, but huge challenges remain in the therapy of advanced diseases.Case presentation: We reported two cases of novel BRAF gene fusion. The first case was a 34-year-old female with RMS harboring a BRAF-MAD1L1 fusion. She suffered tumor resection, recurrence and rapid progression. The second case was a 72-year-old female with LADC harboring a BRAF-ZC3H7A fusion, and she gained rapid progression after receiving a first-line course of chemotherapy.Conclusions: These two BRAF fusions retain the intact BRAF kinase domain (exon 11-18) and showed poor prognosis in RMS and LADC.
Kaempferol Alleviates Corneal Transplantation Rejection by Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Macrophage M1 Polarization via Promoting Autophagy
Authors: Tian Huiwen , Lin Shumei , Wu Jing , Ma Ming , Yu Jian , Zeng Yuanping , Liu Qi
Published: April 2021

Corneal transplantation rejection remains a major threat to the success rate in high-risk patients. Given the many side effects presented by traditional immunosuppressants, there is an urgency to clarify the mechanism of corneal transplantation rejection and to identify new therapeutic targets. Kaempferol is a natural flavonoid that has been proven in various studies to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties. However, the relationship between kaempferol and corneal transplantation remains largely unexplored. To address this, both in vivo and in vitro, we established a model of corneal allograft transplantation in Wistar rats and an LPS-induced inflammatory model in THP-1 derived human macrophages. In the transplantation experiments, we observed an enhancement in the NLRP3 / IL-1 β axis and in M1 macrophage polarization post-operation. In groups to which kaempferol intraperitoneal injections were administered, this response was effectively reduced. However, the effect of kaempferol was reversed after the application of autophagy inhibitors. Similarly, in the inflammatory model, we found that different concentrations of kaempferol can reduce the LPS-induced M1 polarization and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Moreover, we confirmed that kaempferol induced autophagy and that autophagy inhibitors reversed the effect in macrophages. In conclusion, we found that kaempferol can inhibit the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasomes by inducing autophagy, thus inhibiting macrophage polarization, and ultimately alleviating corneal transplantation rejection. Thus, our study suggests that kaempferol could be used as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of allograft rejection.