bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Pilot Study Using Nanoparticles and Laser Induced Photothermal Ablation to Treat Low Grade Canine Mast Cell Tumors: Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Parshley Lisa , Miller Lisa A. , Taboada Luis , Tripp Chelsea , Gustafson Scott , Bradley Abbey , Melton Tammy , Sitzman Shane , Pape Evan , Mouat Emily , Rosenfeld Andrew
Published: August 2021

Background: Nanoparticles for over forty years have been the subject of a large number of physical and bioscience research. In the last decade use of these particles in medicine has gone from theoretical to clinical trials. Passive targeting of metal-based nanoparticles takes advantage of inherent abnormalities in tumor vasculature allowing accumulation in solid tumors through a process known as the ‘‘enhanced permeability and retention’’ (EPR) effect. In animal tumor implant models, combination of gold and silicone nanoparticle (GSN) and exposure of tumors to laser light (at 808nm) generated enough heat to cause tumor cell death. Mast cell tumors (MCT) are the most common skin tumor in dogs, with an estimate of MCT being roughly 20% of canine skin tumors. The goal of this pilot study is to evaluate nanoparticle and laser tumor thermal ablation on low grade canine MCT model.Results: 38 dogs with 44 mast cell tumors were enrolled in this prospective pilot study. All control tumors and those biopsied prior to laser therapy were found to be low grade MCT by histopathology (two grade method). After random number generation 8 dogs were assigned to control group and 30 dogs were assigned to treatment group. Treatment group had 36 total tumors and control group had 8 tumors present at time of enrollment. Treatment dogs had a 100% response rate, with 94% achieving clinical remission (34 tumors). Recurrence rate was 17% in those tumors achieving clinical remission. Mean progression free time (PFT) for the treatment group was 552 days and mean PFT for the control group was 1095 days.Conclusion: In conclusion results of this study suggest that photothermal ablation using gold-silicone nanoparticles and exposure to near infrared light (808 nm) provides an effective local therapy of low-grade mast cell tumors. Median progression free time and survival was not reached in our treatment group. Suggesting that long term tumor control is possible with PTA that potentially equals surgery when margins are narrow (<0.3cm) or incomplete. PTA appears to have better and more durable MCT responses than either radiation therapy and electrochemotherapy when used as sole therapies.
Clinical Analysis of Eleven Cases of Spontaneous Umbilical Cord Vascular Rupture During Pregnancy
Authors: Luo Jinying , Zhou Jinfu , Huang KeHua , Li LiYing , Yan JianYing
Published: August 2021

Background: Spontaneous umbilical cord vascular rupture is a rare but catastrophic event during pregnancy, and the perinatal mortality rate is extremely high. Live neonates may have severe asphyxia and require admission to the neonatal intensive care unit for many days. Methods: A retrospective review of the clinical data of eleven patients with spontaneous umbilical cord vascular rupture from 2012 to 2020, was undertaken at our hospital. Results: All patients were diagnosed by postpartum placental examination and pathological examination. The Obstetric Rapid Response Team performed emergency cesarean sections in fetal distress patients, and the time between detection of fetal heart abnormality and delivery was 5 to 13 minutes. Eight patients had bloodstained amniotic fluid and one had III° foul amniotic fluid. Six patients had the umbilical cord around their necks. Furthermore, pathological examination of postpartum placentas found four cases of intrauterine infection.Among the eight live neonates, one neonate died two days after birth due to severe complications and one had neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. No neurological sequelae, or other severe complications were found in the remaining seven neonates after three months of follow-up, and all of them had a positive prognosis.Conclusion: Spontaneous umbilical cord vascular rupture is a serious risk for perinatal birth life and obstetric complications. For this reason, obstetricians should be familiar with and pay attention to its risk factors.
The Long-Term And Short-Term Effects of Green Strategy On Corporate Performance: Evidence From Chinese Listed Companies
Authors: Yu Weihua , Jin Xin
Published: August 2021

While a growing body of literature has examined the link between green strategy and firm performance, little attention has been paid to distinguishing short-term from long-term and effects, and the underlying mechanisms through which green strategy takes effect are also rarely discussed. This paper leverages the context of implementing a green strategy among Chinese listed companies to examine how the green strategy impacts the company’s short-term and long-term financial performance. Drawing from the resource-based view (RBV), we argue that the implementation of the green strategy facilitates the company's long-term performance but inhibits short-term performance due to the mediating effects of firms’ debt ratio. The current research makes substantial contributions to the literature and provides important implications for policymakers and firm managers.
Study of how clinical and sociodemographic variables influence chemotherapy-induced cognitive deterioration in women with breast cancer
Authors: Martín Blanca Rodríguez , Rodríguez Eduardo José Fernández , Gomez Celia Sanchez , Hernandez Juan Jesús Cruz , Galve María Isabel Rihuete
Published: August 2021

Background: Of the many side effects suffered by cancer patients, those related to cognitive performance have become increasingly prominent in clinical practice. We know that chemotherapy generates a series of side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, alopecia, and so on, which can be counteracted by complementary medication. However, in the case of post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment, or chemo brain, these cannot be controlled with drug therapies. However, before any intervention can be considered, it is necessary to know exactly what cognitive impairment is being triggered. For this reason, we decided to study the cognitive status of breast cancer patients. Methods: analytical, prospective, three-measure longitudinal, intrasubject unifactorial, non-probabilistic and accidental assignment study. The sample came from the Medical Oncology Department at Hospital de Salamanca, in Spain. Cognitive function (Trail Making Test and Stroop Test) was established as the primary variable; the presence of sleep disorders (Insomnia Severity Index, ISI) and anaemia (haemoglobin levels in blood) were analysed as secondary variables, in addition to intervening variables (age, stage, type of carcinoma, radiotherapy, menopause, social support network, marital status, years of schooling and employment status). Results: We recruited 151 individuals according to the selection criteria. We can confirm that factors including anaemia, menopause, patient support network and marital status, years of schooling, and employment status did affect the cognitive performance of the patients in the study. In contrast, sleep disorders, age, radiotherapy treatment, stage of disease, and type of carcinoma did not affect the cognitive performance of the cancer patients. Conclusions: Chemotherapy does impact the cognitive performance of breast cancer patients.
The Evolution of COVID-19: A Minimal Invasive Autopsy Cohort Studying in Depth the Different COVID- 19 Disease Stages
Authors: D’Onofrio Valentino , Keulen Lotte , Vandendriessche Annelore , Dubois Jasperina , Cartuyvels Reinoud , Abeele Marie-Elena Vanden , Fraussen Judith , Vandormael Patrick , Somers Veerle , Achten Ruth , Dendooven Amélie , Driessen Ann , Augsburg Lukasz , Hellings Niels , Lammens Martin , Vanrusselt Jan , Cox Janneke
Published: August 2021

Background The WHO defines different COVID-19 disease stages, where pathophysiological mechanisms differ. Clinical, radiological, histological, microbiological, and immunological characteristics of different COVID-19 disease stages were evaluated. Methods Forty-four PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients were included in a prospective minimal invasive autopsy cohort. Patients were classified according to WHO disease classification in mild-moderate (n=4), severe-critical (n=32) and post-acute disease (n=8) and clinical, radiological, histological, microbiological, and immunological data were compared. Results Classified according to Thoracic Society of America, patients with mild-moderate disease had no typical COVID-19 images on CT-Thorax versus 71.9% with typical images in severe-critical disease and 87.5% typical images in post-acute disease (p<.001). Diffuse alveolar damage was absent in mild-moderate disease but present in 93.8% and 87.5% of patients with severe-critical and post-acute COVID-19, respectively (p=.002). Other organs with histopathological changes were liver and heart. Interferon-g levels were significantly higher in patients with severe-critical COVID-19. Overall, 72% of patients had positive anti-SARS CoV-2 IgM and 51% positive IgG. Conclusion Significant differences in pathological and immunological characteristics between patients with mild-moderate disease compared to patients with severe-critical disease were found, whereas differences between patients with severe-critical disease and post-acute disease were limited. This emphasizes the need for tailored treatment of COVID-19 patients.
Association Between Placental Location and Neonatal Outcomes in Manual Fundal Pressure-Assisted Vaginal Deliveries: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kamijo Kyosuke , Shigemi Daisuke , Kaszynski Richard H , Nakajima Mikio
Published: August 2021

Purpose: Manual fundal pressure (MFP) is globally used to assist vaginal deliveries during the second stage of labor; however, there is insufficient evidence on the risk factors in MFP-assisted vaginal deliveries for adverse neonatal outcomes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between placental location and neonatal outcomes in MFP-assisted vaginal deliveries.Methods: The present was a single-center observational study using a cohort of all MFP-assisted vaginal singleton deliveries from 2016 to 2020. Placental location was divided into two categories: posterior-lateral and anterior-fundal. The primary outcome was a neonatal adverse composite including umbilical artery blood pH <7.2, Apgar score <7 at 5 min, neonatal intensive care unit admission and neonatal resuscitation. We used logistic regression models to investigate the association between placental location and neonatal outcomes. Results: We extracted 522 MFP-assisted deliveries among 5053 vaginal deliveries. The proportion of posterior-lateral and anterior-fundal placentation was 239 (45.8%) and 283 (54.2%), respectively. The crude prevalence of neonatal composite outcome for posterior-lateral and anterior-fundal placentation was 69 (28.9%) and 112 (39.6%), respectively. The prevalence of neonatal composite outcome in the anterior-fundal group was significantly higher than that in the posterior-lateral group. Multivariable logistic regression analysis found that the prevalence of neonatal adverse outcome in the anterior-fundal group was significantly higher compared with the posterior-lateral group (adjusted odds ratio, 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.05–2.28).Conclusion: Anterior-fundal placentation was significantly associated with an increased risk of neonatal adverse outcomes compared to posterior-lateral placentation in MFP-assisted vaginal deliveries.
Impact of the first national COVID-19 lockdown on referral of women experiencing domestic violence and abuse in England and Wales
Authors: Panovska-Griffiths Jasmina , Szilassy Eszter , Johnson Medina , Dixon Sharon , Simoni Anna , Wileman Vari , Dowrick Anna , Emsley Elizabeth , Griffiths Chris , Barbosa Estela Capelas , Feder Gene
Published: August 2021

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic, with the related lockdown periods to curb transmission, has made it harder for survivors of domestic violence and abuse (DVA) to disclose abuse and access support services. Our study describes the impact of the first COVID-19 wave and the associated national lockdown in England and Wales on the referrals from general practice to the IRIS (Identification and Referral to Improve Safety) DVA programme. We compare this to the change in referrals in the same months in the previous year, during the school holidays in the three years preceding the pandemic and the period just after the first COVID-19 wave. School holiday periods were chosen as a comparator, since families, including the perpetrator, are together, affecting access to services.
Methods
We used anonymised data on daily referrals received by the IRIS DVA service in 33 areas from general practices over the period April 2017-September 2020. Interrupted-time series and non-linear regression were used to quantify the impact of the first national lockdown in March-June 2020 comparing analogous months the year before, and the impact of school holidays (01/04/2017-30/09/2020) on number of referrals, reporting Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR), 95% confidence intervals and p-values.
Results
The first national lockdown in 2020 lead to reduced number of referrals to DVA services (27%,95%CI=(21%,34%)) compared to the period before and after, and 19% fewer referrals compared to the same period in the year before. A reduction in the number of referrals was also evident during the school holidays with the highest reduction in referrals during the winter 2019 pre-pandemic school holiday (44%,95%CI=(32%,54%)) followed by the effect from the summer of 2020 school holidays (20%,95%CI=(10%,30%)). There was also a smaller reduction (13%-15%) in referrals during the longer summer holidays 2017–2019; and some reduction (5%-16%) during the shorter spring holidays 2017–2019.
Conclusions
We show that the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 led to decline in referrals to DVA services. Our findings suggest an association between decline in referrals to DVA services for woman experiencing DVA and prolonged periods of systemic closure proxied here by both the first COVID-19 national lockdown or school holidays. This highlights the need for future planning to provide adequate access and support for people experiencing DVA during future national lockdowns and during the school holidays.
Traditional usage of underutilized aquatic plants found in the Imphal valley of Manipur
Authors: Devi Okram Abemsana , Saikia Mridula Barooah , Ningthoujam Sanjoy Singh
Published: August 2021

The paper focuses on the traditional usage of aquatic plants found in the wetland areas of the Imphal valley of Manipur. From the survey, 30 aquatic plants have been collected use for the management of various health conditions. Most of the collected plants consume as daily food items, some used for specific remedial purposes in the treatment of certain types of ailments and diseases like cough, fever, ulcer, piles, diarrhea, jaundice, skin diseases, rheumatic pain, diabetes, hypertension, urinary troubles, body pain, respiratory problems, urinary problems, cardiovascular diseases, etc. Accordingly, different parts of the plant are used as a single item or by mixing with other ingredients in various forms of fresh or raw, culinary, or as a tonic or dry or powder form to treat the diseases. The aquatic plants also incorporate in the preparation of various traditional dishes. 70% of collected wetland plants are marketable provides a means of livelihood and source of income for the poor and needy people. Therefore, proper documentation and preservation of traditional knowledge are essential that may provide useful for future generations through research in pharmaceuticals and drug discovery.
A deeper look at carrier proteome effects for single-cell proteomics
Authors: Olsen Jesper , Ye Zilu , Batth Tanveer , Rüther Patrick Leopold
Published: August 2021

We probe the carrier proteome effects in single cell proteomics with mixed species TMTpro-labeled samples. We demonstrate that carrier proteomes, while increasing overall identifications, dictate which proteins are identified. We show that quantitative precision and signal intensity are limited at high carrier levels, hindering the recognition of regulated proteins. Guidelines for optimized mass spectrometry acquisition parameters and best practices for fold-change or protein copy number-based comparisons are provided.
Network Models of Prostate Cancer Immune Microenvironments Identify ROMO1 as Heterogeneity and Prognostic Marker
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Xudong , Liu Zhe , Wang Yafan , Fan Mengdi , Yin Jinyue , Zhang Yu , Ma Ying , Luo Jia , Li Rui , Zhao Xue , Zhang Peiju , Zhao Lijun , Fan Jinke , Chen Yuxuan , Lu Wei , Song Xinqiang
Published: August 2021

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the fifth leading cause of death from cancer in men worldwide. Its treatment remains challenging due to the heterogeneity of the tumor, mainly because of the lack of effective and targeted prognostic markers at the system biology level.Methods: First, samples of PCa were retrieved from UCSC Xena data, and valid samples were obtained by consistent clustering and principal component analysis; next, key genes were analyzed for prognosis of PCa using WGCNA, MEGENA, and LASSO Cox regression model analysis, while key genes were screened based on disease-free survival (DFS) significance. Finally, TIMER data were selected to explore the relationship between genes and tumor immune infiltration, and GSCAlite was used to explore the small-molecule targeted drugs that act with them.Results: In this study, we used tumor subtype analysis and an energetic co-expression network algorithm of WGCNA and MEGENA to identify a signal dominated by the ROMO1 tag to predict PCa prognosis. Cox regression analysis of this signal was an independent influence, and the prognostic value of this biomarker was validated in the training set, the validated data itself, and external data, respectively. This biomarker correlates with tumor immune infiltration and has a high degree of infiltration, poor prognosis, and strong correlation with CD8+ T cells. Gene function annotation and other analyses also implied a potential molecular mechanism for ROMO1.Conclusions: In conclusion, our study suggests ROMO1 as a portal key prognostic gene for the diagnosis and prognosis of PCa. Moveover, we identify nutlin-3, fluorouracil, and other drugs as possible key drugs for diagnosis and prognosis, which provide new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.
A Qualitative Study to Understand the Risk Perception About Exposure to the Bites of Sandflies Among Migrant Workers in the Lowlands of Northwest Ethiopia. A Health Belief Model Perspective.
Authors: Berhe Resom , Spigt Mark , Schneider Francine , Paintain Lucy , Adera Cherinet , Nigusie Adane , Gizaw Zemichael , Tesfaye Yihenewu Alemu , Elnaiem Dia-Eldin A. , Alemayehu Mekuriaw
Published: August 2021

Background: Leishmaniasis is the top health problem among migrant workers in Ethiopia. Poor disease risk perception and inappropriate health-seeking behaviour are significant challenges to prevent and eliminate the disease. Therefore, there is a lack of guidance on supporting migrant workers in taking actions to prevent Leishmaniasis.Method: Between June and November 2019, we conducted qualitative research among migrant workers at risk of Leishmaniasis in Ethiopia. Seventeen Focus Group Discussions and 16 Key informant interviews were conducted to study risk perception in relation to exposure to sandfly bites and the use of sandfly control measures amongst migrant workers. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and translated for analysis. Data were analyzed by qualitative content analysis using ATLASti. Result: Migrant workers feel susceptible to Leishmaniasis due to their past exposure, and the disease is prevalent in the area. However, they feel that Leishmaniasis is a mild illness that is easy to cure. While there is a general acceptance of Insecticide Treated Net (ITN) as a protective measure, hesitations remain in the actual behaviour of utilizing it due to the alternative use of the traditional practice, seasonality, and the inconvenience to hang in the farmland areas. The central cues were the message reminders from health workers and rose in sandfly bite irritation regardless of the high perceived self-efficacy. Based on the findings, three-level intervention modalities are recommended: 1) awareness creation throughout of door media (posters, stickers, billboards) at pre-arrival, 2) the arrival level aims to stimulate the use of protective measures to be initiated and maintained, and 3) the aim at the departure level is to inform about the recognition of late signs and symptoms and the use of the protective measure to be continued at home. Conclusion: This finding proposes that leishmaniasis prevention interventions should focus on individuals' perceptions to promote consistent use of protective measures. Results empowered the researchers to foster comprehension of the content required for effective intervention.
Efficacy of a Novel Large-cell Niti-S stent with a Slim Delivery System for Hilar Biliary Obstruction: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Sugimoto Mitsuru , Takagi Tadayuki , Suzuki Rei , Konno Naoki , Asama Hiroyuki , Sato Yuki , Irie Hiroki , Ishizaki Yuto , Akatsuka Hidenobu , Nakamura Jun , Takasumi Mika , Hashimoto Minami , Kato Tsunetaka , Kobashi Ryoichiro , Yanagita Takumi , Marubashi Shigeru , Hikichi Takuto , Ohira Hiromasa
Published: August 2021

Background: The large-cell Niti-S stent is useful for multiple stenting in malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO) patients. Recently, a novel uncovered self-expandable metallic stent (USEMS) (a large-cell Niti-S slim-delivery stent) was developed. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of this slim-delivery USEMS in MHBO patients.Methods: Outcomes related to USEMS placement, clinical course, and patency period were evaluated in MHBO patients who received multiple USEMSs.Results: Fourteen MHBO patients underwent the placement of multiple USEMSs, including using the novel slim-delivery stent. Three patients had a past history of Billroth-II reconstruction. The number of USEMSs placed in each patient was 2-6. Three procedures were reinterventions. The new slim delivery system was used to place the first stent in three patients and an additional stent in the remaining patients. The technical and clinical success rates were both 100%. According to Kaplan-Meier analysis, the cumulative patency rate 50 days after USEMS placement was 87.5%.Conclusions: Placing multiple USEMSs in patients with a past history of abdominal surgery or in reintervention is difficult. The novel USEMS might overcome these difficulties and be the first choice for MHBO patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable
Bioinformatic Analysis: The Role of LINC00634 in Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Fang , Fu Fengyihuan , Nie Yuqiang
Published: August 2021

Background: LINC00634 is highly expressed in esophageal cancer, and its depletion can suppress the viability and induce the apoptosis of esophageal cancer cells. However, there is a lack of studies that examine the relationship between LINC00634 expression and the clinicopathological features, survival outcomes, prognostic factors and tumor immune cell infiltration of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) patients.Objective: We aim at investigating the role of LINC00634 in colorectal carcinoma.Methods: We obtained data from the TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) public database, GTEx (Genotype-Tissue Expression) database and clinical samples. Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Kruskal-Wallis test and logistic regression analysis were employed to assess the relationship between LINC00634 expression and the clinicopathological characteristics of CRC patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to evaluate the ability of LINC00634 for distinguishing between CRC patients and normal subjects based on the area under the curve (AUC) score. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between prognostic factors and survival outcomes. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analysis were employed to determine the contribution of LINC00634 expression to the prognosis of colorectal carcinoma patients. Immune infiltration analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were conducted to identify the significantly involved functions of LINC00634. Finally, a nomogram was constructed for internal verification based on the Cox regression data.Results: The expression of LINC00634 was upregulated in CRC patients, and markedly associated with N stage, residual tumor, pathological stage, and overall survival (OS) event. ROC curve showed that LINC00634 had strong diagnostic and prognostic abilities (AUC=0.74). The high expression of LINC00634 could predict poor disease specific survival (DSS; P=0.008) and poor overroll survival (OS;P<0.01). The expression of LINC00634 was independently associated with OS in CRC patients (P=0.019). GSEA and immune infiltration analysis demonstrated that LINC00634 expression was involved in gene transcription, epigenetic regulation and the functions of certain types of immune infiltrating cells. The c-index of the nomogram was 0.772 (95％CI: 0.744-0.799).Conclusions: Our study reveals that LINC00634 can serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for CRC patients.
Parental Conflicting Role Mediates Regulation of The Chromatin Structure in The Mouse Zygote
Authors: Ooga Masatoshi , Inoue Rei , Wakayama Sayaka , Kamimura Satoshi , Wakayama Teruhiko
Published: August 2021

Parental pronuclei (PN) are asymmetrical in several points but the underlying mechanism for this is still unclear. Recently, a theory has been become broadly accepted that sperm are more than mere vehicles to carry the paternal haploid genome into oocytes. Here, in order to reveal the formation mechanisms for parental asymmetrically relaxed chromatin structure in zygotes, we investigated histone mobility in parthenogenetic-, androgenic-, ROSI-, ELSI-, tICSI-, and ICSI-zygotes with several numbers of PNs with the use of zygotic fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, a method previous established by our group. The results showed that sperm played a role to cause chromatin compaction in both parental PNs. Interestingly, during spermiogenesis, male germ cells acquired this ability and its resistance. On the other hand, oocytes harbored chromatin relaxation ability. Furthermore, the chromatin relaxation factor was competed for between PNs. Thus, these results indicated that the parental asymmetrically relaxed chromatin structure was established as a result of a competition between the PNs for the chromatin relaxation factor that opposed the chromatin compaction effect by sperm. Together, it was suggested that parental germ cells cooperated for their just arisen newborn zygotes by playing a distinct role in the regulation of chromatin structure.
Genetic editing of GS3 via CRISPR/Cas9 Accelerates the Breeding of Three-line Hybrid Rice With Superior Yield and Grain Quality
Authors: Huang Juan , Gao Lijun , Luo Shuming , Liu Kaiqiang , Qin Dongjin , Pan Yinghua , Dai Gaoxing , Deng Guofu , Zhu Changlan
Published: August 2021

Grain size is one of the major traits that control rice grain yield and quality. The GS3 gene, a major QTL regulating grain length and weight, is the first one been identified. A mutation occurred in its N-terminal organ size regulating domain (OSR)results in a loss of function of the mutant allele gs3 and rice varieties carry this gs3 allele often produce longer grains. In this study, we exploited the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology to introduce an edited gs3 allele, two guide RNAs(gRNA) targeted at the OSR of the GS3 gene were transformed into one of our indica maintainer lines, GM1B, for its grain yield and quality improvement. Through molecular analysis and sequencing, in T1 generation, a homologous edited-gs3 mutant line without tansgene was obtained and name as GM2B, then converted to CMS line GM1A by backcrossing to obtain another superior male sterile line GM2A for further tests. GM2B showed improved grain quality and yield compared to the WT GM1B, with grain length increased by 7.9%, length/width ratio increased from 3.89 to 4.19, TGW increased by 6.7%, and grain yield per plant increased by 14.9%. Meanwhile, genetic improvement of other quality traits including rice length (6.83mm), rice grain length/width ratio (3.61), matched the appearance standards set for traditional Simiao (silk seedling) type cultivars. Two restorer lines were outcrossed to both GM1A and GM2A to produce hybrid rice. Compared to GM1A’s two hybrids, the hybrids of GM2A had longer grains, higher length/width ratio, higher TGW and yield per plant. In addition, hybrids of GM2A showed better performance on grain appearance including better translucency, lower chalky rice rate and chalkiness degree than hybrids of GM1A.These data strongly demonstrate that the introduction of an elite gs3 allele into GM1A via CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology leads to significant genetic improvement. The resultant CMS line GM2A(gs3) performs much better than the original GM1A on grain quality and yield. Thus, our study proves that targeted genetic improvement using gene editing technology can expedite rice breeding, especially the breeding of three-line hybrid rice.
Two octave supercontinuum generation in a non-silica graded-index multimode fiber
Authors: Eslami Zahra , Salmela Lauri , Filipkowski Adam , Pysz Dariusz , Klimczak Mariusz , Buczyński Ryszard , Dudley John , Genty Goëry
Published: August 2021

The generation of a two-octave supercontinuum from the visible to mid-infrared (700–2800 nm) in a non-silica graded-index multimode fiber is reported. The fiber design is based on a nanostructured core comprised of two types of drawn lead-bismuth-gallate glass rods with different refractive indices. This structure yields an effective parabolic index profile, an extended transmission window, and ten times increased nonlinearity when compared to silica fibers. Using femtosecond pulse pumping at wavelengths in both normal and anomalous dispersion regimes, a detailed study is carried out into the supercontinuum generating mechanisms and instabilities seeded by periodic self imaging. Significantly, suitable injection conditions in the high power regime are found to result in the output beam profile showing clear signatures of beam self-cleaning from nonlinear mode mixing. Experimental observations are interpreted using spatio-temporal 3+1D numerical simulations of the generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation, and simulated spectra are in excellent agreement with experiment over the full two-octave spectral bandwidth. These results demonstrate a new pathway towards the generation of bright, ultrabroadband light sources in the mid-infrared.
Local Habitat Characteristics Determine Butterfly Diversity and Community Structure in a Threatened Kihansi Gorge Forest, Southern Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania
Authors: Rija Alfan Abeid
Published: August 2021

Background
Many species inhabiting Kihansi gorge ecosystem in Southern Udzungwa mountains, Tanzania are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss caused by constructed hydropower plant that diverted over 90% of the water off the Kihansi River. Understanding ecological correlates and structure of an animal community in perturbed ecosystems is an important way to enhancing species conservation particularly in this system where several species are already threatened with extinction. This study assessed influences of local habitat characteristics on the butterfly abundance, species richness and diversity and examined how the butterfly community structures across three structurally heterogeneous habitats in the Kihansi gorge forest. Butterfly abundance data were collected using baited traps and measured environmental variables in the field where trapping occurred. To understand the diversity and butterfly richness, these parameters were computed under Primer software. Non-metric multidimensional scaling and analysis of community similarity were used to analyse the butterfly community structure. Further, the generalized linear models were used to assess how the measured variables explained observed species diversity, abundance, and richness.
Results
In total, 72 species of butterfly in five families were recorded. Butterfly, species diversity and richness did not vary across the habitat types or elevation gradient but showed strong correlation with some habitat characteristics. Also, there was evidence of butterfly communities structuring into distinct groups that showed greater separation associated with the habitat characteristics they utilise. Further, across the study area, butterfly species diversity was mostly likely to increase in high canopy and in trees with smaller diameter at breast height and at lower ground cover. Similarly, abundance significantly increased in the woodland and wooded grassland habitats, where there was high canopy and where tree density was high. Furthermore, butterfly species richness was strongly positively associated with high canopy cover and was mostly likely to increase in sites closer to water source.
Conclusion
Assessing habitat correlates of the butterfly communities provide important information on what components of the habitats are most useful to target when planning conservation especially in threatened ecosystems. This also helps to reveal existing gaps in important knowledge that would be useful to improving long-term monitoring of biodiversity in in fragile systems such as the Kihansi gorge forest.
Semiconducting Polymer Nano-Radiopharmaceutical For Combined Radio-Photothermal Therapy of Pancreatic Tumor
Authors: Shi Xiumin , Li Qing , Zhang Chuan , Pei Hailong , Wang Guanglin , Zhou Hui , Fan Longfei , Yang Kai , Jiang Bo , Wang Feng , Zhu Ran
Published: August 2021

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastatingly malignant tumor with a high mortality. However, current strategies to treat PDAC generally have low efficacy and high side-effects, therefore, effective treatment against PDAC remains an urgent need. Results: We report a semiconducting polymer nano-radiopharmaceutical with intrinsic photothermal capability and labeling with therapeutic radioisotope 177Lu (177Lu-SPN-GIP) for combined radio- and photothermal therapy of pancreatic tumor. 177Lu-SPN-GIP endowed good stability at physiological conditions, high cell uptake, and long retention time in tumor site. By virtue of combined radiotherapy (RT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), 177Lu-SPN-GIP exhibited enhanced therapeutic capability to kill cancer cells and xenograft tumor in living mice compared with RT or PTT alone. More importantly, 177Lu-SPN-GIP could suppress the growth of the tumor stem cells and reverse epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), which may greatly reduce the occurrence of metastasis. Conclusion: Such strategy we developed could improve therapeutic outcomes over traditional RT as it is able to ablate tumor with relatively lower doses of radiopharmaceuticals to reduce its side effects.
Investigation of Heavy metalloid pollutants in the Earth's Environment Using Kriging Method and Hydrus Model
Authors: mirzaei farhad , Abbasi Yasser , Sohrabi Teymour , Mirhashemi Seyed Hassan
Published: August 2021

Due to the high cost of the large-scale measurement of heavy metals, the use of statistical land models and techniques is one of the proper ways to study their distribution and level of pollution. To study the distribution of heavy metals including copper, nickel, and lead, the conventional Kriging method in the GIS environment was used. In addition, one-dimensional HYDRUS modeling of water flow and heavy metals in the soil environment was simulated up to a depth of 50 cm for 210 days and the concentration of heavy metals in the depth was simulated. Distribution of lead element in soil surface with spherical model showed that its variation was in the range of 20-70 mg/kg. These values were 50-60 mg/kg for copper and 30 mg/kg for nickel. Investigation of heavy metal concentrations in soil profiles using the HYDRUS-1D model showed that the major accumulation of heavy metals occurred in the surface layer of soil at a depth of 0-15 cm that was higher than the permissible level.
Knockdown of IL-6 Plays a Crucial Role in Protection of Hypoxia-Ischemia in Neonatal Rats via Inhibiting Casp3 and BAX Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Ting-Hua , Bai Xue , Xiong Liu-Lin , Li Ting-Ting , Fang Chang-Le , Xia Qin-Jiu , Wang Qiu-Lin , Yang Si-Jin
Published: August 2021

Background: The effect of interleukin-6 (IL-6) knockdown on hypoxia-ischemia (HI) of neonatal rat models was investigated to explore the underlying molecular regulation mechanism. Methods: To establish the HI model, we treated 7days postnatal Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with the right carotid artery ligation and had them exposed to the environment of 8% oxygen and 92% nitrogen for 2 h, respectively. Then, the neurologic function and morphology changes were assessed. Subsequently, IL-6 siRNA lentivirus was injected into cerebral cortex motor area 2 days before HI; meanwhile, the interference efficiency was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) and Western blot. Immunofluorescence staining of Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Hexaribonucleotide Binding Protein-3 (NeuN) and IL-6 were used to identify the location and interference effect of IL-6. In order to further research the underlying mechanisms, the expressions of downstream molecular including Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) and Casp3 were examined following IL-6 up-regulation by QRT-PCR.Results: It was found that both the growth of cortical neurons and the length of axon were promoted after IL-6 interference, and the cell apoptosis was decreased. In addition, the expression of BAX and Casp3 were closely associated with IL-6. Conclusions: The present findings confirmed that the decreased IL-6 improves the deficiencies in neurologic function and morphology induced by HI, and the potential mechanism may be closely related with the regulation of Casp3 and BAX.
Galvanic Corrosion Inhibition from Aspect of Bonding Orbital Theory: Case Study of Copper/Ruthenium Coupled Film Using 3- Pyridinecarboxylic Acid
Authors: Lee Kangchun , Sun Seho , Lee Ganggyu , Yoon Gyeonghui , Kim Donghyeok , Hwang Junha , Jeong Hojin , Song Taeseup , Paik Ungyu
Published: August 2021

In this report, the galvanic corrosion inhibition between Cu and Ru metal films is studied, based on bonding orbital theory, using pyridinecarboxylic acid groups which show different affinities depending on the electron configuration of each metal resulting from a π-backbonding. The sp2 carbon atoms adjacent to nitrogen in the pyridine ring provide π-acceptor which forms a complex with filled d-orbital of native oxides on Cu and Ru metal film. The difference in the d-orbital electron density of each metal oxide leads to different π-backbonding strength, resulting in dense or sparse adsorption on native metal oxides. The dense adsorption layer is formed on native Cu oxide film due to the full-filled d-orbital electrons, which effectively suppresses anodic reaction in Cu film. On the other hand, only a sparse adsorption layer is formed on native Ru oxide due to its relatively weak affinity between partially filled d-orbital and pyridine groups. The adsorption behavior is investigated through interfacial interaction analysis and electrochemical interaction evaluation. Based on this finding, the galvanic corrosion behavior between Cu and Ru during chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) processing has been controlled.
Protein-ligand dissociation rate constant from all-atom simulation
Authors: Maximova Ekaterina , Postnikov Eugene , Lavrova Anastasia , Farafonov Vladimir , Nerukh Dmitry
Published: August 2021

Dissociation of a ligand isoniazid from a protein catalase was investigated using all-atom Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. Random Acceleration MD (τ-RAMD) was used where a random artificial force applied to the ligand facilitates its dissociation. We have suggested an approach to extrapolate such obtained dissociation times to the zero-force limit that was never attempted before, thus allowing direct comparison with experimentally measured values. We have found that our calculated dissociation time was equal to 36.1 seconds with statistically significant values distributed in the interval 0.2-72.0 s, that quantitatively matches the experimental value of 50 ± 8 seconds despite the extrapolation over nine orders of magnitude in time.
Stock Market Volatility and Macroeconomic Performance in Nigeria
Authors: Falaye Motunrayo Helen , Danladi Jonathan D.
Published: August 2021

This study is on the effect of stock market volatility on some selected macroeconomic performance indicators in Nigeria. The first objective was the identification of the determinants of stock market volatility in Nigeria. The second objective was the investigation of the effects of stock market volatility on some selected macroeconomic performance indicators in Nigeria. The third objective was the examination of the causal relationship between stock market volatility and selected macro-economic performance indicators in Nigeria from 1981-2019. The study used secondary data sourced from central bank of Nigeria and World Bank databank. The variables that turned out to be significant determinants of stock market volatility using the ECM are exchange rate, total savings, consumer price index, foreign direct investment and inflation.The results from the findings reveal the presence of long run relationship between the variables. This was shown using the Johansen co-integration test which helped to check for long run relationship between the variables. The results further reveal that causality exists between the variables.This study therefore recommends that the government of Nigeria should make consensus effort towards the revitalization and improvement in the overall efficiency of the significant determinants of stock market volatility in Nigeria, because if this improves the Nigerian stock market it can boost the growth of the overall economy.
“To be seen” – Older Adults and Their Relatives’ Care Experiences Given By a Geriatric Mobile Team (GerMOT)
Authors: Ekdahl Anne Wissendorff , Ericsson Irene , Ericsson Irene
Published: August 2021

Background: The proportion of older people in the population has increased globally and has thus become a challenge in health and social care. There is good evidence that care based on comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is superior to the usual care found in acute hospital settings; however, the evidence is scarcer in community-dwelling older people.This study is a secondary outcome of a randomized controlled trial of community-dwelling older people in which the intervention group (IG) received CGA-based care by a geriatric mobile geriatric team (GerMoT). The aim of this study is to obtain a better understanding, from the patients’ perspective, the experience of being a part of the IG for both the participants and their relatives.Methods: Qualitative semistructured interviews of twenty-two community dwelling participants and eleven of their relatives were conducted using content analysis for interpretation.Results: The main finding expressed by the participants and their relatives was in the form of feelings related to safety and security and being recognized. The participants found the care easily accessible, and that contacts could be taken according to needs by health care professionals who knew them. This is in accordance with person-centred care as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for older people in need of integrated care. Other positive aspects were recurrent health examinations and being given the time needed when seeking health care. Not all participants were positive as some found the information about the intervention to be unclear especially regarding whom to contact when in different situations. Conclusions: CGA-based care of community-dwelling older people shows promising results as the participants in GerMoT found the care was giving a feeling of security and safety. They found the care easily accessible and that it was provided by health care professionals who knew them as a person and knew their health care problems. They found this to be in contrast to the usual care provided, but GerMoT care did not fulfill some people’s expectations.
Prediction of Undrained Shear Strength of Crushed Tire Mixture with Fine-Grained Soil by using Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Zarei Chia , sihag parveen , Rahimi Leila
Published: August 2021

This research examines the ability of soft computing approaches (i.e. Linear Regression (LR), Gaussian Process regression (GP), Adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS),Support Vector Machine (SVM) and deep neural network (DNN)) to predict the undrained shear strength (SU) of soil mixed waste crushed tires. Data set consisting of 72 different samples were used and obtained from the laboratory experiments. Out of 72 experimental observations randomly separated 50 observations were selected for model development whereas residual 22 were selected for the validation of the developed models. Input data set consist of vertical stress, percentage of the crushed tire, percentage of clay, size of clay, specific gravity of tires, Liquid limit, Plastic limit and Specific gravity of clay samples were considered as inputs whereas undrained shear strength of stabilized soil using waste crushed tires material (SU) was considered as output. Five most popular goodness fit assessment parameters were used for the comparison among developed models. Results suggest that DNN based model works superior to other developed models for the prediction of SU the soil samples mixed with tires waste material with coefficient of correlation values as 0.9975, 0.9736, Root mean square error values as 2.4198, 7.5319, Mean absolute error values as 1.8407, 6.1870, Scatter index values as 0.0311, 0.0959 and Nash Sutcliffe model efficiency values as 0.9943, 0.9387 for training and testing stage respectively. Sensitivity analyses offer that specific gravity of tires, size of clay and vertical stress were the most influencing variables in the prediction SU the soil samples mixed with tires waste material.
The Upside: Coping and Psychological Resilience in Australian Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Beames Joanne R , Li Sophie H , Newby Jill M , Maston Kate , Christensen Helen , Werner-Seidler Aliza
Published: August 2021

Background: Since the COVID-19 outbreak, few studies have investigated the positive psychological consequences on young people. This study examined resilience, positive experiences, and coping strategies reported by Australian adolescents during COVID-19. Methods: Self-report surveys were administered online to a sample of 760 Australian adolescents aged 12-18 years. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to assess resilience, positive experiences, and coping strategies. Regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between resilience and demographics and mental illness history, as well as between resilience and positive experiences. Results: Overall, adolescents were somewhat resilient (M = 20.93, SD = 8.29). They reported positive experiences during COVID-19, including increased empathy, compassion, gratitude, and connection with others, and reported using a range of active coping strategies. Having a mental illness history and identification as female or non-binary gender were associated with lower resilience (Bs > 2.82, ps < .001). Further, resilience was associated with decreased psychological distress (OR = 0.89, p < .001) and with increased positive experiences (ORs > 1.03, ps < .001). Conclusions: Our results indicate that Australian adolescents commonly reported positive experiences and used active coping strategies during COVID-19. Some young people demonstrated higher levels of resilience and were able to make the most out of an unpredictable situation that severely disrupted their daily routine. Resilience-building programs for adolescents may be effective in increasing adaptability after adversity (e.g., climate change, bushfires, pandemics).