bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
As redes sociais em projetos de Extensão de educação em solos:
Authors: Carvalho Liana Beatriz de Oliveira , Santos Mirelle dos , Santos Ana Lívia Clemente dos , Oliveira Gabriel Uehara Vilela de , Couto Gilmara Sthefani Pereira , Santos Gisele Barbosa dos
Published: December 2021

O projeto “Ampliando os Horizontes: o solo, a vida e a arte” busca democratizar o conhecimento científico do solo por meio de divulgação de temas relacionados à Geografia, Biologia, Química e Artes. Este trabalho avaliou a performance da página do projeto no Instagram. Para tanto, traçou-se um panorama dos Projetos de Extensão em Solos nas redes sociais (Instagram, Facebook, Site/Blog e/ou YouTube), catalogados no livro “Iniciativas de Educação em Solos no Brasil”. Mediante o uso de métricas do Instagram como curtidas; interação do público com enquetes dos stories; perfil dos seguidores; e por fim, as impressões por conteúdos postados, foi traçado um panorama do perfil do projeto “Ampliando os Horizontes” em um período de 10 meses. Os resultados mostraram que 65% dos projetos brasileiros possuem algum tipo de rede social, sendo o Instagram a principal. O perfil do projeto possui a maioria de seus seguidores residentes em Juiz de Fora e possuem idade entre 25 a 34 anos. Os temas que mais geraram curtidas foram relacionados à Geografia e a Assuntos Diversos. As enquetes sobre Química e Biologia dos solos foram as de maior interação com o público. Por fim, os temas de maior interação foram Assuntos Diversos e Apresentações. Confirmou-se a importância das redes sociais para projetos extensionistas de educação em solos, incluindo o “Ampliando os Horizontes”, que apontou significativa interação com o público do Instagram, aumentando a popularização deste tema tão caro às questões ambientais, compartilhando conhecimento e demonstrando a importância do solo para a conservação da biodiversidade.
Development of the knowledge test of medical instruments and materials for cancer chemotherapy
Authors: Tanabe Kouichi , Nitta Atsumi , Origasa Hideki , Nishitani Miyuki , Yatsuduka Miki , Yasuda Tomomi , Yasuda Hatsuna , Hosoya Kenichi
Published: December 2021

Background: Focusing on medical instruments and materials used for high-risk medicines for cancer treatments, a test on knowledge of medical instruments requiring acquisition of basic knowledge and materials was developed for students in pharmacy school. The aim of the study is to investigate the reliability and validity of the test (medical instruments and materials for cancer treatment-Questionnaire 45; MIMCT-Q45) we developed.Patients and Methods: Focus group discussion was performed by participants consisting of medical staff considered to have abundant experience of cancer chemotherapy. Content analysis was performed and a list of extracted medical instruments and materials was prepared. A questionnaire survey was performed twice in pharmacy students to confirm reliability employing the retest method. Responses were also collected from nurses and pharmacists to investigate discriminative validity on comparison with the students. Furthermore, difficulty and discrimination were estimated using the item response theory (IRT).Results: Thirteen types of medical instruments and materials were extracted and listed in the knowledge test. In the questionnaire survey, the overall Cronbach’s α and interclass correlation coefficient were high, but Cronbach’s α was slightly low (0.56-0.58) in some categories. The range of discrimination estimated based on IRT was 0.98-3.09, and that of difficulty was -0.91-3.00.Conclusions: A knowledge test on cancer chemotherapy-related medical instruments and materials including palliative care at home (MIMCT-Q45) was prepared, and its reliability and validity were confirmed. MIMCT-Q45 might serve as a guidance on basic knowledge to be acquired by students and resident pharmacists and be useful to confirm the level of acquired knowledge.
Real-world Data Analysis of Immunotherapy in Advanced Lung Cancer
Authors: Sun Meiling , Ji Huaijun , Xu Ning , Jiang Peng , Qu Tao , Li Yu
Published: December 2021

BackgroundThis study was designed to investigate the clinical application, efficacy, and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the treatment of lung cancer in the real world. MethodsA retrospective, observational analysis was conducted on patients treated with ICIs in four tertiary hospitals in the region from January 2015 to March 2021, to evaluate the clinical efficacy of ICI single-agent or combined chemotherapy and anti-vascular drugs in the first-line or second-line treatment of patients with advanced lung cancer. ResultsThree hundred and fifteen patients were enrolled in this study. The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 36.5% (115/315) and 94.0% (296/315), respectively, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 10.8 months, and the median overall survival (OS) was not reached. A total of 165 patients received ICI as the first-line treatment, the median treatment cycle was 8 cycles (2-20 cycles), the short-term efficacy ORR was 41.2%, DCR was 94.5%, and the median PFS was 12.0 months. 150 patients received ICI treatment as second-line treatment, the median treatment cycle was five cycles (2-10 cycles), the short-term efficacy ORR was 31.3%, DCR was 93.3%, and the median PFS was 10.0 months. There were no statistically significant differences in ORR, DCR, or median PFS with ICI as the first-line treatment compared with the second-line treatment(P>0.05). The results of subgroup analysis showed that Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score, EGFR mutation status, and number of treatment lines were not correlated with median PFS((P>0.05). However, there were statistically significant differences in programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1) expression, pathological types, hormone interference, and antibiotic (Abx) treatment among all groups (P< 0.05). In terms of safety, the overall incidence of adverse reactions in 315 patients was 62.5%, and the incidence of immune-related adverse events(irAEs) was 13.7%. Grade 1-2 and 3-4 incidence of adverse events were 34.9% and 27.65%, respectively. There were four patients who experienced fatal irAEs, two cases were liver damage leading to liver failure, one case was immune related pneumonia, and one case was immune related myocarditis. ConclusionIn the real world, immunotherapy has a good effect on patients with advanced lung cancer and significantly improves ORR and PFS.
Effect of Low-dose Lidocaine on Motor Evoked Potentials in Patients Undergoing Intracranial Tumor Resection With Propofol Anesthesia
Authors: Liu Meijuan , Wang Ning , Wang Dong , Liu Juan , Jin Wenjie
Published: December 2021

ObjectTo investigate the effect of low-dose lidocaine on motor evoked potentials (MEP) in patients undergoing intracranial tumor resection with propofol anesthesia.MethodsForty patients undergoing intracranial tumor resection and required MEP monitoring were selected.They were randomly divided into the lidocaine group (Group L, n=20) and control group (Group C, n=20) by computer generated randomization. All patients were given propofol anesthesia under the guidance of bispectral index (BIS).In Group L, lidocaine 1 mg/kg was injected intravenously during anesthesia induction. Then, lidocaine was continuously pumped at the speed of 1 mg/kg·h until the operation start. Group C was given the equal volume of normal saline. Heart rate (HR), mean artery pressure (MAP), and BIS were recorded before anesthesia induction (T0), 2 min after tracheal intubation (T1), 35 min (T2) and 50 min (T3) after anesthesia induction. The amplitude and latency of MEP at T2 and T3, the total dosage of propofol, and adverse events before T3 were recorded.ResultsCompared with Group C, HR and MAP were significantly decreased at T1 in Group L. No significant difference was observed in HR and MAP at T0, T2 and T3 between Group L and Group C. The total dosage of propofol and the incidence of adverse events were significantly lower in Group L than in Group C before T3. There was no significant difference in the amplitude and latency of MEP between the two groups at each time point.ConclusionLow-dose lidocaine has no effect on MEP in patients undergoing intracranial tumor resection. In addition, it increased hemodynamic stability, reduced propofol use, and decreased the incidence of adverse events.
Risk of Developing Depression among Breast Cancer Patients in Palestine
Authors: Sadaqa Dana , Farraj Ahlam , Naseef Hani , Alsaid Hamza , Alshami Nimeh , Abukhalil Abdallah
Published: December 2021

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women. Studies have shown that cancer patients can develop depression impacting their quality of life, treatment outcomes, and survival rates. This study aimed to determine the risk factors, severity and prevalence of depression among females diagnosed with BC in multiple hospitals across Palestine.Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted at different cancer treatment centers in Palestine using a previously developed questionnaire consisting of 23 questions to assess the severity of major depressive disorder among females diagnosed with breast cancer. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was included in the questionnaire. Results: Out of 223 respondents, 79 (35.4%) have developed moderate to severe depression. Chi-square results revealed that the risk of developing moderate to severe depression was higher among females who suffer from side-effects related to BC treatment (P<0.011), females who knew the BC stage at the diagnosis step (P<0.031), and negative implications on BC patients in Palestine (P<0.009).Conclusion: Breast cancer patients have an increased risk of developing major depressive disorder. Patient assessment and treatment for depression at the time of BC diagnosis, during the treatment journey, and monitoring after treatment completion is essential for patient quality of life and BC treatment outcomes.
Study of Prevalence and Characteristics of Long Covid in Spanish Children
Authors: Bergia María , Sanchez-Marcos Elena , Gonzalez-Haba Blanca , Hernaiz Ana Isabel , de Ceano-Vivas María , López-Hortelano Milagros García , García María Luz García , Jimenez-García Raquel , Calvo Cristina
Published: December 2021

ObjectivesProlonged symptoms after acute COVID-19 have been described in the pediatric population. Our objective was to know the prevalence of prolonged symptoms in children with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, and to describe their clinical characteristics and possible risk factors.Patients & methodsMulticentre retrospective study carried by telephone questionnaire of all children under 18 years old diagnosed of symptomatic COVID-19, both hospitalized and outpatient attended in three hospitals in Spain between March and December 2020. Long-COVID was defined as the presence of symptoms longer than 12 weeks. A control group of children attended by other causes was also contacted and compared.Results451 children met criteria and agreed to participate; 370/451 (82%) presented mild outpatient infection, and 23 required admission in PICU (5.1%). The mean age was 5.9 years old (SD 5.3). A control group of 98 children was included.In 66 cases (14.6%) at least one symptom lasted longer than 12 weeks. Insomnia, concentration problems, apathy or sadness and anxiety were the longest (median >90 days). Age above 5 years (48/66; 72.7%, OR: 3, CI 95% (1.8-5)); admission (OR 3.9 CI 95% (2.2-6.8)), the need for PICU (OR 4.3 CI 95% (1.8-10.4)), and to have a relative with prolonged symptoms (OR 2.8 CI 95% (1.5-5.2)) were significantly associated with Long-COVID. When comparing with controls age above 5 years old, myalgia, asthenia, and loss of appetite were significantly associated with Long-COVID.ConclusionsOur study shows that children also suffer prolonged symptoms after COVID-19 infection, and require specific attention.
Urban Flooding Risk Assessment Based on Numerical Simulation of Sub-catchment Area: A Case Study From Chengdu, China
Authors: Ying Xuejin , Ni Ting , Lu Mingxia , Li Zongmin , Lu Yi , Bamisile Olusola
Published: December 2021

Urbanization and climate change usually result in frequent urban flooding. Since the floods cannot be avoided, the scenario simulation combined with risk analysis is an effective way to assess the disaster level and reduce direct damage loss when facing the emergency management problems. Different from the whole city dimension, the paper proposed a sub-catchment multi-index hesitant fuzzy evaluation model for the community planning level, and takes Jinjiang District of Chengdu city as the research object. Firstly, based on the PSR (Pressure-State-Response) model, the risk assessment system has been established in three aspects, including the current situation of urban drainage, the basic geographic information, and the social influence. Secondly, A total of 14 evaluation indexes were selected, among which the pressure index came from the calculation results of ArcGIS and EPASWMM5 model such as runoff coefficient, maximum water depth, etc. Thirdly, the expert hesitate fuzzy evaluation method was used to obtain the weight of 14 indexes of each sub-catchment. Finally, the 224 evaluation results were compared, and the urban flooding disaster risk map has been drawn. It is mainly concluded that 160 medium-higher risk areas were mainly concentrated in high built-up area in study area. Furthermore, the evaluation model is very useful as a decision-making tool for mitigation of the flood hazard and its associated risk.
Outcomes and Risk Factors for Failed Trial of Labor After Cesarean Delivery (TOLAC) in Women with One Previous Cesarean Section: A Chinese Population-Based Study
Authors: He Xiaobo , Dai Qiaona , Wu Xiaoli , Zhou Junjun , Li Jie
Published: December 2021

Background

To evaluate the outcomes and risk factors for trial of labor after cesarean delivery (TOLAC) failure in patients in China.
Methods

Consecutive patients who had a previous cesarean delivery (CD) and were scheduled for TOLAC were included from 2014 to 2020. Patients who successfully delivered were classified into the TOLAC success group. Patients who were scheduled for TOLAC and had a repeat CD due to medical issues were classified into the TOLAC failure group. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the risk factors for TOLAC failure.
Results

In total, 720 women who had a previous CD and were scheduled for TOLAC were identified and included. The success rate of TOLAC was 84.17% (606/720). Seven patients were diagnosed with uterine rupture, none of whom underwent hysterectomy. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the gestational weeks at pregnancy termination (odds ratio [OR] = 3.046, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.962-9.642, P = 0.005) and induction of labor (OR = 2.843, 95% CI: 1.571-5.145, P = 0.001) were positively associated with TOLAC failure. In contrast, the thickness of the lower uterine segment (LUS) (OR = 0.215, 95% CI: 0.103-0.448, P = 0.001) was negatively related to TOLAC failure.
Conclusions

This study suggests that TOLAC is effective in decreasing CD rates in the Chinese population. The gestational weeks at pregnancy termination and induction of labor were positively associated with TOLAC failure. Our findings need to be confirmed in larger samples with patients of different ethnicities.
Characterization and Prediction of Dengue Virus Targeting Peptides Based on Combined Amino Acid Composition Descriptors Using Random Forest Algorithm.
Authors: Elumalai Elakkiya , Muthuvel Suresh Kumar
Published: December 2021

Dengue virus peptides are emerging as potential therapeutics for dengue infection. Due to the important role of dengue peptides in curbing dengue infection, their identification has proven crucial in terms of infection biology. To calculate differences between amino acids and physiochemical attributes, statistical tests and F-scores were used in this work. The random forest algorithm was used to predict dengue peptides using grouped amino acid composition, transition and distribution. Here, we have used three descriptors; Amino acid content, Grouped Amino acid composition and Composition, transition and distribution features (CTDC). We have created models and compared with combined model. Using the grouped amino acid composition as input parameters for the random forest algorithm, Our classifier's overall accuracy increased to 88.80%, which was the greatest overall accuracy found in this investigation. Our classifier produced superior predicting outcomes when compared to previously developed algorithms. In conclusion, we looked at the differences in amino acids and physiochemical properties between dengue viral peptides, using the grouped amino acid composition to build a classifier that predicts these dengue virus inhibitory peptides.
Growth, respiratory activity and chlorpyrifos biodegradation in cultures of Azotobacter vinelandii ATCC 12837
Authors: Avila Victoria Conde , Peña Carlos , Armendáriz Beatriz Pérez , Loera Octavio , Valenzuela Carmen Martínez , Leyva Belisario , Bastidas Pedro de Jesús Bastidas , Lugo Holjes Salgado , Ortega Luis Daniel
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the growth, respiratory activity, and biodegradation of chlorpyrifos in cultures of Azotobacter vinelandii ATCC 12837. A strategy based on the modification of culture media and aeration conditions was carried out to increase the cell concentration of A. vinelandii , in order to favor and determine its tolerance to chlorpyrifos and its degradation ability. The culture in shaken flasks, using sucrose as a carbon source, significantly improved the growth compared to media with mannitol. When the strain was cultivated under oxygen-limited (5.5, 11.25 mmol L- 1 h- 1 ) and no-oxygen-limited conditions (22 mmol L -1 h -1 ), the growth parameters were not affected. In cultures in a liquid medium with chlorpyrifos, the bacteria tolerated a high pesticide concentration (500 ppm) and the growth parameters were improved even under conditions with a reduced carbon source (sucrose 2 g L -1 ). The strain degraded 99.6 % of chlorpyrifos at 60 h of cultivation, in co-metabolism with sucrose; notably, A. vinelandii ATCC 12837 reduced by 50% the initial pesticide concentration in only 6 h (DT 50 ).
NOTCH4 Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Is Associated With Brain Arteriovenous Malformation in a Chinese Han Population
Authors: Zhang Jianbo , Li Zhenjun , Fan Haiyan , Su Hengxian , Meng Hongliang , Zhang Xin , Li XiFeng , Duan Chuanzhi , He Xuying , Zhong Ming , Liu Ziying
Published: December 2021

Background: Brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) are high-flow intracranial vascular malformations characterized by the direct connection of arteries to veins without an intervening capillary bed. It is one of the main causes of intracranial hemorrhage and epilepsy though morbidity is low. Angiogenesis, heredity, inflammation, and arteriovenous malformation syndromes play important roles in BAVM formation. Animal experiments and previous studies have confirmed that NOTCH4 may be associated with BAVM development. Our study identifies a connection between NOTCH4 gene polymorphisms and BAVM in a Chinese Han population.Methods: We enrolled 150 patients with BAVMs confirmed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in the Department of Neurosurgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University from June 2017 to July 2019. Simultaneously, 150 patients without cerebrovascular disease were confirmed by computed tomography angiography/magnetic resonance angiography/DSA. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and NOTCH4 genotypes were identified by PCR-ligase detection reaction. Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test was used to evaluate the difference in allele and genotype frequencies between the BAVM group, control group, bleeding, and other complications.Results: Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs443198 and rs438475, were significantly associated with BAVM. No SNP genotypes were significantly associated with hemorrhage and epilepsy. SNPs rs443198_ AA-SNP and rs438475_ AA-SNP may be associated with lower risk of BAVM (P = 0.011, OR = 0.459, 95% CI 0.250–0.845; P = 0.033, OR = 0.759, 95% CI 0.479–1.204).Conclusion: NOTCH4 gene polymorphisms were associated with BAVM and may be a risk factor in a Chinese Han population.
Impacts of Fracture Roughness and Near-wellbore Tortuous on Proppant Transport Within Hydraulic Fractures
Authors: Wang Di , Bai Bingyang , Wang Bin , Wei Dongya , Liang Tianbo
Published: December 2021

For unconventional reservoirs hydraulic fracturing design, a greater fracture length is a prime factor to optimize. However, core observation results from Hydraulic Fracturing Test Site (HFTS) show the propped fractures are far less or shorter than expected which suggests the roughness and tortuous of hydraulic fractures are crucial to sand transport. In this study a transport model of sands is first built based on experimental measurements on the height and transport velocity of sand bank in fractures with predetermined width and roughness. The fracture roughness is quantified by using surface height integral. Then, three-dimensional simulations are conducted with this modified model to further investigate the impact of fractures tortuous on sand transport, from which an analytical model is established to estimate the propped length of hydraulic fractures at a certain pumping condition. Experiments results show that height of sand bank in roughness fracture is 20-50% higher than that in smooth. The height of sand bank decreases with the reduction of slurry velocity and increases with the sand diameters increasing. Sand sizes do little effect on the transport velocity of sand bank but the increase in slurry velocity and sand volume fraction can dramatically enhance the migration velocity of sand bank. The appearance of tortuous decreases the horizontal velocity of suspended particles and results in a higher sand bank compared with that in straight fractures. When the sand bank gets equilibrium at the tortuous position, it is easy to produce vortices. So, there is a significant height of sand bank change at the tortuous position. Moreover, sand plugging can occur at the entrance of the fractures, making it difficult for the sand to transport deep in fractures. This study explains why the propped length of fractures in HFTS is short and provides an analytical model that can be easily embedded in the fracturing simulation to fast calculate dimensions of the propped fractures network to predict length and height of propped fractures during fracturing.
Quantitative Imaging in Whole-mount Zebrafish Embryos Traces Morphogen Gradient Maintenance and Noise Propagation in BMP Signaling
Authors: Wang Xu , Li Linlin , Bu Ye , Liu Yixuan , Wu Tzu-Ching , Umulis David M.
Published: December 2021

Dorsoventral (DV) embryonic patterning relies on precisely controlled interpretation of morphogen signaling. In all vertebrates, DV axis specification is informed by gradients of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). We developed a 3D single-molecule mRNA quantification method in whole-mount zebrafish to quantify the inputs and outputs in this pathway. In combination with 3D computational modeling of zebrafish embryo development, data from this method revealed that sizzled (Szl), shaped by BMP and Nodal signaling, maintained a consistent inhibition level with chordin (Chd) to maintain the BMP morphogen gradient. Intriguingly, intrinsic BMP morphogen expression is highly noisy at the ventral marginal layer in the early zebrafish gastrula, where the gradient for DV patterning is established, which implies an unexpected role for noise in gradient shaping.
Effects of Inhalable Gene Drug Transfection as A Novel Gene Therapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Ichikawa Misa , Muramatsu Naomi , Matsunaga Wataru , Ishikawa Takahiro , Okuda Tomoyuki , Okamoto Hirokazu , Gotoh Akinobu
Published: December 2021

Gene therapy using vectors has attracted attention in recent years for the treatment of cancers caused by gene mutations. Besides, new treatments are imperative for lung cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), due to its high mortality. We developed a minimally invasive and orally inhalable tumor suppressor gene drug (SFD-p16 and SFD-p53) with non-viral vectors for lung cancer treatment by combining tumor suppressor genes with an inhalant powder that can deliver active ingredients directly to the lung. We used NSCLC (A549 and H1299) and MPM (H2052) cell lines in an air-liquid interface culture. Transfection of A549 and H2052 cells with SFD-p16 significantly increased p16 mRNA expression levels and decreased cell proliferation in both cell lines. Similar results were obtained with transfection of H1299 with the inhalable gene drug SFD-p53. In an in vivo experiment, a mouse model of lung cancer with orthotopically transplanted luciferase-expressing cancer cells was subjected to intratracheal insufflation of SFD-p16. Consequently, SFD-p16 effectively and directly affected lung cancer.This study suggests that inhalable gene drugs are effective treatments for NSCLC and MPM. We expect inhalable gene drugs to present a novel gene therapy agent for lung cancer that patients can self-administer.
Investigation of Potential Environmental Impacts and Sustainable Management of Municipal Solid Waste using the Driving force-Pressure-State-Impact-Response-Outcome (DPSIRO) framework: Case of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Authors: Misganaw Awoke , Akenaw Banchamlak
Published: December 2021

The generation of MSW in urban areas in Ethiopia and elsewhere continues to increase and poses a challenge to city governments and citizens if the wastes are not properly managed. Applying an integrated system for managing MSW and recovering the material for use in new products can reduce the negative impacts on the environment. The purpose of this study is to apply the DPSIRO framework to develop a system that reduces the negative impacts of MSW in Bahir Dar city in a sustainable way. The research started by identifying the main driving forces that lead to the generation of MSW. Then, states because of pressures and the consequent impacts were investigated. Finally, the appropriate responses and outcomes obtained from the responses were dealt with. Methods used to quantify GHG emissions, leachate, and eutrophication potential were applied. According to the findings, the waste disposal site emits an estimated 46Gg of greenhouse gases per year in 2020.The eutrophication capacity of organic waste generated in the city was 0.0594 Kg N-equivalent or 59.4g N-equivalent. The waste also contains an average of 1,112mm of leachate per day on an annual basis. The state of the environment has an impact on human health and the ecosystem. Applying the circular economic system, knowledge transfer, and waste management fees are the main responses suggested to decision and policy makers. The responses correspond with balanced economic, social and environmental situations. Outcomes were quantified in terms of organic fertilizer, income and renewable energy (briquette) when the actions were taken.
Mechanism of Excessive Nitrogen Fertilization Aggravates the Damage of Cacopsylla Chinensis to Pear
Authors: Qin Zifang , Ge Yang , Jia Wantong , Zhang Liu , Feng Mingyue , Huang Xinzhen , Shi Wangpeng
Published: December 2021

Cacopsylla chinensis (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) is one of the most important pests on pear trees. Although nitrogen fertilization is known to often benefit the performance of many herbivores including psyllids, physiochemical and molecular mechanisms of how psyllids respond to excessive nitrogen application remain unclear. Study showed that nitrogen fertilizer concentrations significantly impacted phenolic acids compositions in pear leaves, there was an upward trend in ferulic acid concentration when increasing nitrogen fertilizers. The increased ferulic acid concentration accelerated the C. chinensis development. Moreover, high nitrogen fertilization also caused a significant increase in psyllid honeydew secretion and several amino acids concentrations in honeydew. The increased amino-acid content in pear leaves under high nitrogen fertilization improved the feed intakes of psyllid, however decreased more significantly the expression levels of several C. chinensis genes in amino-acid synthesis pathways. The mechanism of excessive nitrogen fertilization aggravating the damage of C. chinensis to pear trees was defined preliminarily.
Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin Inhibits The Secretion of HBV Via Antigen-Antibody Precipitation in The Multivesicular Body
Authors: Yoon Kyung Chul , Seo Sooin , Lee Kwang-Woong , Oh Seung Cheol , Park Min Young , Hong Suk Kyun , Choi YoungRok , Yi Nam-Joon , Suh Kyung-Suk
Published: December 2021

Although the main action of human hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) of neutralizing the hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) in the serum is known, HBIG is known to be localized in the cell. However, the effect of intracellularly located HBIG is not well elucidated due to the low purity of conventional plasma-derived HBIG (cHBIG). We attempted to clarify the mechanism of action of internalized HBIG using recombinant HBIG (lenvervimab). We used HBsAg cell lines, non-HBsAg cell lines and human HBsAg-producing hepatocytes. Autophagosome lysis pathway related proteins and Rab5, calnexin, giantin, and Rab7 were used to localize HBsAg and anti-HBs-IgG in the cytoplasm with Western blot and confocal microscopy.Intracellular anti-HBs-IgG (lenvervimab and cHBIG) transported by Fc receptor-mediated endocytosis increased the autophagosomes, but there was no change in autolysis. HBsAg and anti-HBs-IgG precipitated in the cytoplasm and co-localized in the multivesicular body. HBsAg secretion in the culture medium was decreased after lenvervimab. Simultaneously, the amount of cellular HBsAg increased in the cell lines but decreased in the human hepatocytes. Furthermore, intracellular lenvervimab was not easily washed out only in the HBsAg cell lines.Lenvervimab decreases the secretion of HBsAg, and HBsAg-antibody precipitation in the multivesicular body might play an important role.
Image Classification With Convolutional Neural Networks In MapReduce
Authors: Chen Min
Published: December 2021

Deep learning (DL) techniques, more specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), have become increasingly popular in advancing the field of data science and have had great successes in a wide array of applications including computer vision, speech, natural language processing and etc. However, the training process of CNNs is computationally intensive and high computational cost, especially when the dataset is huge. To overcome these obstacles, this paper takes advantage of distributed frameworks and cloud computing to develop a parallel CNN algorithm. MapReduce is a scalable and fault-tolerant data processing tool that was developed to provide significant improvements in large-scale data-intensive applications in clusters. A MapReduce-based CNN (MCNN) is developed in this work to tackle the task of image classification. In addition, the proposed MCNN adopted the idea of adding dropout layers in the networks to tackle the overfitting problem. Close examination of the implementation of MCNN as well as how the proposed algorithm accelerates learning are discussed and demonstrated through experiments. Results reveal high classification accuracy and significant improvements in speedup, scaleup and sizeup compared to the standard algorithms.
What Makes Health Systems Resilient? A Qualitative Analysis of The Perspectives of Swiss NGOs
Authors: Grimm Pauline Yongeun , Wyss Kaspar
Published: December 2021

Background: Resilience has become relevant than ever before with the advent of increasing and intensifying shocks on the health system and its amplified effects due to globalization. Using the example of non-state actors based in Switzerland, the aim of this study is to explore how and to what extent NGOs with an interest in global health have dealt with unexpected shocks on the health systems of their partner countries and to reflect on the practical implications of resilience for the multiple actors involved. Consequently, this paper analyses the key attributes of resilience that targeted investments may influence, and the different roles key stakeholders may assume to build resilience. Methods: This is a descriptive and exploratory qualitative study analysing the perspectives on health system resilience of Swiss-based NGOs through 20 in-depth interviews. Analysis proceeded using a data-driven thematic analysis closely following the framework method. An analytical framework was developed and applied systematically resulting in a complete framework matrix. The results are categorised into the expected role of the governments, the role of the NGOs, and practical future steps for building health system resilience. Results: The following four key ‘foundations of resilience’ were found to be dominant for unleashing greater resilience attributes regardless of the nature of shocks: ‘realigned relationships,’ ‘foresight,’ ‘motivation,’ and ‘emergency preparedness.’ The attribute to ‘integrate’ was shown to be one of the most crucial characteristics of resilience expected of the national governments from the NGOs, which points to the heightened role of governance. Meanwhile, as a key stakeholder group that is becoming inevitably more powerful in international development cooperation and global health governance, non-state actors namely the NGOs saw themselves in a unique position to facilitate knowledge exchange and to support long-term adaptations of innovative solutions that are increasing in demand. The strongest determinant of resilience in the health system was the degree of investments made for building long-term infrastructures and human resource development which are well-functioning prior to any potential crisis. Conclusions: Health system resilience is a collective endeavour and a result of many stakeholders’ consistent and targeted investments. These investments open up new opportunities to seek innovative solutions and to keep diverse actors in global health accountable. Strong governance, a bi-directional knowledge exchange, and the focus on leveraging science for impact can draw greater potential of resilience in the health systems. Governments and the NGOs have unique points of contribution in this journey towards resilience and may support governments to prioritise investing in the key ‘foundations of resilience’ in order to activate greater attributes of resilience.
Effect of Flow Induced Parameters on the Output of A High Repetition Rate Dye Laser
Authors: Chaube Rajeev
Published: December 2021

The factors influencing the optical path stability in a dye laser flow cell are studied numerically and experimentally. A specially designed curved metallic dye flow cell providing a gain medium of 25 mm x 0.5 mm x 0.2 mm along with a compact resonator mechanical assembly is used in the study. The same configuration with gain medium of 15 mm x 0.5 mm x 0.2 mm is successfully used for single mode dye laser. The effects of flow induced vibrations on dye flow cell are studied with and without mechanically coupling it with the resonator structure for flow speeds varying from 1.33 m/s to 6.67 m/s at laser pump position. The effect of the mechanical instability, velocity fluctuation and temperature fluctuations in flowing dye solution on dye laser performance are studied at different flow speeds. These results are compared with the dye laser output parameters and found to be in good agreement. This study is useful in designing a high stability narrowband dye laser.
Immobilization of D-allulose 3-Epimerase Into Magnetic Metal-Organic Framework Nanoparticles For Efficient Biocatalysis
Authors: Xue Kai , Liu Chun-Li , Yang Yankun , Liu Xiuxia , Zhan Jinling , Bai Zhonghu
Published: December 2021

D-allulose is a rare low-calorie sugar that has many fundamental biological functions. D-allulose 3-epimerase from Agrobacterium tumefaciens (AT-DAEase) catalyzes the conversion of D-fructose to D-allulose. The enzyme has attracted considerable attention because of its mild catalytic properties. However, the bioconversion efficiency and reusability of AT-DAEase limit its industrial application. Magnetic metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have uniform pore sizes and large surface areas and can facilitate mass transport and enhance the capacity for enzyme immobilization. Here, we successfully encapsulated cobalt-type AT-DAEase into the cobalt-based magnetic MOF ZIF-67@Fe3O4 using a self-assembly strategy. The AT-DAEase@ZIF-67@Fe3O4 nanoparticles had higher catalytic activity (65.1 U mg-1) and bioconversion ratio (38.1%) than the free AT-DAEase. The optimal conditions for maximum enzyme activity of the AT-DAEase@ZIF-67@Fe3O4 nanoparticles were 55°C and pH 8.0, which were significantly higher than those of the free AT-DAEase (50°C and pH 7.5). The AT-DAEase@ZIF-67@Fe3O4 nanoparticles displayed significantly improved thermal stability and excellent recycling performance, with 80% retention of enzyme activity at temperature range of 45-70°C and >45% of its initial activity after eight cycles of enzyme use. The AT-DAEase@ZIF-67@Fe3O4 nanoparticles have great potential for large-scale industrial preparation of D-allulose by immobilizing cobalt-type AT-DAEase into magnetic MOF ZIF-67@Fe3O4.
Interactive Effects of Brassinosteroids and Timber Waste Biochar Enhances the Drought Tolerance Capacity of Wheat Plant
Authors: Lalarukh Irfana , Naeem Zunaira , Mansoora Nida , Amjad Syeda Amjad , Abdel-Hafez Shams , Fawzy Mustafa , Abbas Mohamed , Abdelhafez Ahmed , Al-Ani Laith Khalil Tawfeeq
Published: December 2021

Drought stress is among the major constraints that threat agricultural productivity within the arid and semi-arid regions, worldwide. In this study, wheat (a strategic crop) was selected to test its growth under drought stress and the mechanisms beyond this adaptation while considering two factors, i.e., (1) deficit irrigation at 35% of the water holding capacity (WHC) versus 75% of WHC (Factor A) and (2) the following safe treatments: the control treatment (C), amending soil with biochar (BC) at a rate of 2%, foliar application of 24-epibrassinolide at two different levels (1 (BR1) or 3 (BR2) μmol) and the combination between BC and BR treatments. The obtained results were statistically analyzed, and the heat-map conceits between measured variables were also calculated by using the Python software. This investigation took place under the greenhouse conditions for 35 days following a complete randomized design and all treatments were replicated trice. Results obtained herein revealed that drought stress decreased all studied vegetative growth parameters (root and shoot biomasses) and photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b and total contents while increased oxidative stress indicators. All additives, specifically the combined ones BR1+BC and BR2+BC, were effective in increasing growth attributes, photosynthetic pigments and ion assimilation by wheat plants. They also upraised the levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants while decreased stress indicators. Furthermore, they increased Ca, P and K content within plants. It can therefore be deduced that the integral application of BR and BC is essential to mitigate drought stress in plants.
Molecular Detection of Enteric Viruses in Under-Five Children with Diarrhea in Debre Tabore, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Gelaw Aschalew , Liebert Uwe G.
Published: December 2021

Viral gastroenteritis belongs to the major public health problems of infant and children worldwide. The largest proportion of morbidity and mortality occurs in Sub-Saharan Africa. This preliminary study aimed to assess the burden and genetic diversity of enteric viruses among children with diarrhea in Debre Tabore. A cross-sectional study was undertaken from December 2015 to April 2016. A total of thirty-eight children, who presented with diarrhea at Debre Tabore health centers were included. Fecal samples were collected and screened for enteric viruses by RT-PCR. Data were analyzed by using SPSS statistical software. Descriptive statistical summary techniques were used to display the study findings. Out of the thirty-eight children screened, 52.6% were positive for at least one enteric virus. Six (30.0%) of the children had mixed enteric virus infections. Human adenovirus (HAdV) 7 (18.4%) was predominant followed by noroviruses 5 (13.2%), enterovirus 5 (13.2%), rotavirus 4 (10.5%), human astrovirus (HAstV) 2 (5.3%), and human parechovirus (HPeV) 1(2.6%). Overall nineteen different types of enteric virus genotypes were identified. Diverse adenovirus within species A (HAdV-12,-31), B (HAdV-3), C (HAdV-2), and F (HAdV-4) were detected. Norovirus II (GII.4 and GII.6) and norovirus I (GI.2, GI.3, and GI.5) genotypes were found. Sapovirus genotypes within genogroup II (GII.1, GII.5, and GII.6) were identified. Wild-type rotavirus G9[P8] genotype was detected in one of the rotavirus positive samples. Non-polio enteroviruses within species A (coxsackie A virus (CAV) 5, CAV6, and CAV14) and C (enterovirus (EV-C) 99) were also identified. HPeV-6 genotype was identified in one of the samples. In two of the fecal samples, classic HAstV-2 was detected. Phylogenetic analysis of these enteric viruses revealed that they have close phylogenetic relatedness with previous genotypes reported from Ethiopia. Diverse enteric viruses were detected in fecal samples from under-five children with diarrhea. The detection of heterogeneous enteric viruses in this small data set highlights the need for extended multicenter studies to describe the burden and genetic diversity.
A Simple Micropreparative Gel Electrophoresis Technique For Purification of Nanoscale Materials
Authors: Sajjadi Sayyed Hashem , Wu Shang-Jung , Zubkovs Vitalijs , Ahmadzadeh Hossein , Goharshadi Elaheh K. , Boghossian Ardemis A.
Published: December 2021

Many biochemical, biomedical, and material applications hinge on the ability to effectively separate and purify nanoscale materials. Though this need is largely addressed with biological macromolecules using a variety of chromatographic and electrophoretic purification techniques, such techniques are usually laborious, time-consuming, and often require complex and costly instalments that are inaccessible to most laboratories. Synthetic nanoparticles face similar purification challenges, often relying on techniques that are material-specific. In this work, we introduce a versatile micro-preparative (MP) method based on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) to purify biological samples containing proteins, nucleic acids, and complex bioconjugates, as well as synthetic nanoparticles based on graphene quantum dots (GQDs). Using a conventional vertical slab PAGE, we demonstrate the extraction of purified DNA, proteins, and DNA-protein bioconjugates from their respective mixtures using MP-PAGE. We apply this system to recover DNA from a ladder mixture with yields of up to 90%, compared to the 58% yield obtained using specialized commercial devices. We also demonstrate the purification of folded enhanced yellow fluorescence protein (EYFP) from crude cell extract with 90% purity, comparable to purities achieved using a two-step size exclusion and immobilized metal-ion affinity chromatography purification procedure. Moreover, we demonstrate the successful isolation of an EYFP-DNA bioconjugate that otherwise could not be processed using the two-step chromatography procedure. Finally, the technique was further extended to demonstrate size-dependent separation of a commercial mixture of GQDs into three different fractions with distinct optical properties. MP-PAGE thus offers a rapid and versatile means of purifying biological and synthetic nanomaterials without the need for specialized equipment.
Cost-Effectiveness Of Atrial Fibrillation Screening Strategies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gorji Hassan Abolghasem , Khosravi Majid , Mahmoodi Razieh , Hasoumi Mojtaba , Souresrafil Aghdas , Alipour Vahid , Rezapour Aziz , Hajahmadi Marjan
Published: December 2021

Objective: This study aims to analyze the cost-effectiveness of atrial fibrillation screening strategies.Design: Systematic review Setting: LiteraturePatient(s): Patients with atrial fibrillation.Intervention(s): To find related research and articles in this field, articles published in Iranian and international databases and based on inclusion and exclusion criteria were searched and reviewed. The quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were the main outcome used for measuring the effectiveness.­Main Outcome Measure(s): Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) per gained or additional QALY, additional case detected, and avoided stroke.Result(s): Out of 3,360 studies found in the field of the present study, finally, fifteen studies were included in the research. The lowest ICER numerical value was 78.39 for AF screening using ECG for 65-85-year-old Japanese women. The highest value of this index is equal to 70864.31 for performing ECG monitoring for more than 60 days for Canadians over 80 years without AF history who have been referred to outpatient clinics. In two studies, the results were expressed with the Years of life gained (YLG) measure. Of course, in one study, the results were not reported with this measure and in one study, the results were reported with ICER. Conclusion(s): According to the results of all the studies analyzed, most of the studies acknowledged the cost-effectiveness of different AF screening strategies. However, studies that confirmed the cost-effectiveness of population-based screening were more than studies that confirmed the cost-effectiveness of other screening strategies.
Three-dimensional omnidirectional acoustic illusion
Authors: Hu Chuanjie , Yin Yuhang , Chen Huanyang
Published: December 2021

Acoustic waves are ubiquitous in human everyday experience, therefore, precise control over the deformation of acoustic waves is always extremely desirable, which can be used, for example, to transform or hide objects from incident waves. Acoustic illusion devices are generally implemented by transformation acoustics, which can deceive ears or sonar systems. Challenges remain, the complexed and extreme material parameters prescribed by coordinate transformation theory make the implementations particularly difficult, even with the help of acoustic metamaterials. Here, a novel method based on Fabry-Perot resonances offers a feasible solution for achieve three-dimensional (3D) omnidirectional passive acoustic illusion. We theoretically demonstrated perfect 3D acoustic illusion via Mie theory, reduced version is further designed numerically and implemented experimentally. In the future, our work opens new possibilities for the implementation of modern acoustic illusion devices, such as camouflage for anti-sonar detection.
Privatisation of Central Public Sector Enterprises in India
Authors: Phuntsok Tashi
Published: December 2021

This paper investigates the different phases of reform state owned enterprises (SOEs) that India had been experience since the beginning of reform and analyses the policy objectives behind the policy of SOEs reforms introduced. Having evaluated the policy objectives based on various source the paper seeks to find the degree to which the objectives have been achieved and had an impact on the performance of SOEs. The paper finds three different phases of privatisation with different objectives and that the of performance of SOEs during these phases have been different. The analysis of performances of SOEs in different phases leads to questioning of the need for privatisation and speculation as to whether the actual objective behind the overall privatisation process is to generate revenue to cut the government fiscal deficit.