bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New information on the bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica (Linnaeus, 1758) and red-throated diver Gavia stellata (Pontoppidan, 1763) on the Crimean Peninsula (the Black Sea)
Authors: Giragosov V. E. , Beskaravayny M. M. , Drapun I. E.
Published: September 2021

New data on the distribution of the bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica (Linnaeus, 1758) and red-throated diver Gavia stellata (Pontoppidan, 1763) on the Crimean Peninsula are presented. Against the backdrop of aquatic and coastal ecosystems’ transformation under natural and anthropogenic impact, even single finds of hydrophilic avifauna representatives in atypical spatiotemporal conditions are of interest for the analysis of emerging trends in migration phenology and abundance of both separate species and taxonomic and ecological groups of birds. The aim of the study was to clarify the distribution boundaries and terms of stay on the Crimean Peninsula of two hydrophilic bird species: semiaquatic species, bar-tailed godwit, and true water bird, red-throated diver. Bird observations were carried out during scheduled accountings on the Isthmus of Ak-Monay (March 2012) and in the Kruglaya Bay (Sevastopol) (July 2019). The bar-tailed godwit is registered in Crimea during spring and autumn migration periods. For the first time, it was found in the north of the Crimean Peninsula in 1972; later, there were an increase in its abundance and expansion of a distribution area. Recent records of this species in southern Crimea significantly expanded the known boundaries of its distribution on the peninsula during the migration period. The observation of the bar-tailed godwit in eastern Crimea on 14 March, 2012, specified the date its spring migration begins; the observation in Sevastopol (western foothill) on 27 July, 2019, was the first one in Mountain Crimea. Off the Crimean coast, the red-throated diver is a rare overwintering and migratory bird. The find of the red-throated diver individual in the Kruglaya Bay on 19 January, 2020, was the third reliable record of this species overwintering in Crimea and the first one in Sevastopol area. The registration of the red-throated diver at a considerable distance from its usual overwintering areas (off the southwestern coast of the Black Sea), along with numerous facts of the expansion of nesting or winter ranges of different bird species northward, confirms the ongoing climatic and ecological changes. Particular attention should be focused on the problem, associated with low ecological culture of the use and disposal of fishing tackles, which have a detrimental effect on hydrophilic birds. Measures have to be developed to regulate fishing with nets, hooks, and line tackles in the areas of bird mass overwintering and seasonal migrations.
Brief overview on study of genetically modified organisms and assessment of potential risks of their usage for natural species
Authors: Kartavtsev Yu. Ph.
Published: September 2021

Brief information is summarized on the genetically modified organisms (GMOs), methods of their construction, spheres of usage, potential risks of GMOs propagation, necessity, and ranges of control of their usage, inter alia their application to aquatic organisms. The data available allow concluding that the expert community currently has no exact answer concerning the scale of GMOs usage in the country, as well as about the degree of genetic safety of their usage in several fields of industry, especially in semi-closed systems for growing plants and rearing of animals and other living beings in the Russian Federation and other countries. Application of molecular genetic markers and new law regulations will help in monitoring GMOs usage in agriculture and other industries in Russia and responding to requests from the Russian Government and social institutions, as well as many challenges on genetic safety.
Integration of autonomous electric transport vehicles into a tactical microgrid : final report
Authors: Rolufs Angela , Trout Amelia , Palmer Kevin , Boriack Clark , Brilhart Bryan , Stumpf Annette
Published: September 2021

The objective of the Autonomous Transport Innovation (ATI) technical research program is to investigate current gaps and challenges and develop solutions to integrate emerging electric transport vehicles, vehicle autonomy, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging and microgrid technologies with military legacy equipment. The ATI research area objectives are to: identify unique military requirements for autonomous transportation technologies; identify currently available technologies that can be adopted for military applications and validate the suitability of these technologies to close need gaps; identify research and operational tests for autonomous transport vehicles; investigate requirements for testing and demonstrating of bidirectional-vehicle charging within a tactical environment; develop requirements for a sensored, living laboratory that will be used to assess the performance of autonomous innovations; and integrate open standards to promote interoperability and broad-platform compatibility. This final report summarizes the team’s research, which resulted in an approach to develop a sensored, living laboratory with operational testing capability to assess the safety, utility, interoperability, and resiliency of autonomous electric transport and V2G technologies in a tactical microgrid. The living laboratory will support research and assessment of emerging technologies and determine the prospect for implementation in defense transport operations and contingency base energy resilience.
Interactive Effects of Major Insect Pest of Watermelon on its Yield in Wukari, Nigeria
Authors: Okrikata Emmanuel , Ogunwolu E. Oludele , Otabor J. Itohan , Ogunmola A. Oyewole
Published: September 2021

Watermelon is known to be infested by multiple insect pests both simultaneously and in sequence. Interactions by pests have been shown to have positive or negative, additive or non additive, compensatory or over compensatory effects on yields. Hardly has this sort of relationship been defined for watermelon vis-à-vis insect herbivores. A 2-year, 2-season (4 trials) field experiments were laid in the Research Farm of Federal University Wukari, to investigate the interactive effects of key insect pests of watermelon on fruit yield of Watermelon in 2016 and 2017 using natural infestations. The relationship between the dominant insect pests and fruit yield were determined by correlation (r) and linear regression (simple and multiple) analyses. Multimodel inference was used to define the predictor that impacted on fruit yield the most. Results indicated that, each pest had highly negative and significant (p < 0.05) impact on yield (range of r = -0.78 to -0.92), and that the coefficient of determination (R2) values (which were indicative of the effect of pests or their complexes on yield) did not rise on addition of interaction terms. This reveals a non additive negative impact of insect interactions on the fruit yield of watermelon. This may be due to among others; competition by the pest, phenology, plant defenses or changes in nutritional content of the plant. The need to therefore employ discriminate analysis to ascertain the contribution of each pest to yield loss when multiple pest infest a crop is thus highlighted.
On Hereditarily Codiskcyclic Operators
Authors: Jamil Zeana Zaki
Published: September 2021

Many codiskcyclic operators on infinite-dimensional separable Hilbert space do not satisfy the criterion of codiskcyclic operators. In this paper, a kind of codiskcyclic operators satisfying the criterion has been characterized, the equivalence between them has been discussed and the class of codiskcyclic operators satisfying their direct summand is codiskcyclic. Finally, this kind of operators is used to prove that every codiskcyclic operator satisfies the criterion if the general kernel is dense in the space.
Attacking Jacobian Problem Using Resultant Theory
Authors: Jony Alaa , Al-Rashed Shawki
Published: September 2021

This paper introduces a relation between resultant and the Jacobian determinant by generalizing Sakkalis theorem from two polynomials in two variables to the case of (n) polynomials in (n) variables. This leads us to study the results of the type:  ,            and use this relation to attack the Jacobian problem. The last section shows our contribution to proving the conjecture.
Protection of Galvanized steel from corrosion in salt media using sulfur nanoparticles
Authors: Jassim Rasha A. , Sando Muna S. , Farhan Ahlam M.
Published: September 2021

The characteristics of sulfur nanoparticles were studied by using atomic force microscope (AFM) analysis. The atomic force microscope (AFM) measurements showed that the average size of sulfur nanoparticles synthesized using thiosulfate sodium solution through the extract of cucurbita pepo extra was 93.62 nm. Protecting galvanized steel from corrosion in salt media was achieved by using sulfur nanoparticles in different temperatures. The obtained data of thermodynamic in the presence of sulfur nanoparticles referred to high value as compares to counterpart in the absence of sulfur nanoparticles, the high inhibition efficiency (%IE) and corrosion resistance were at high temperature, the corrosion rate or weight loss decreased with increasing temperature in the presence of sulfur nanoparticles. The positive value of enthalpy ∆H* for galvanized steel with and without sulfur nanoparticles indicates that the reaction was endothermic. Therefore, the sulfur nanoparticles can be suggested as good inhibitor for galvanization in salt media.
Collection, Storage and Protein Extraction Method of Gingival Crevicular Fluid for Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Mohammed-Salih Harraa S. , Saloom Hayder F.
Published: September 2021

Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) may reflect the events associated with orthodontic tooth movement. Attempts have been conducted to identify biomarkers reflecting optimum orthodontic force, unwanted sequallea (i.e. root resorption) and accelerated tooth movement. The aim of the present study is to find out a standardized GCF collection, storage and total protein extraction method from apparently healthy gingival sites with orthodontics that is compatible with further high-throughput proteomics. Eighteen patients who required extractions of both maxillary first premolars were recruited in this study. These teeth were randomly assigned to either heavy (225g) or light force (25g), and their site specific GCF was collected at baseline and after 1hr, 1day, 7days, 14days, 21days and 28days post force application. Periostrips were used for GCF collection and subsequent phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was used for immediate protein elution with centrifugal speed of 10000rpm for 5min and stored at -80°C. Protein concentration was estimated using Bradford colorimetric assay. Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was carried out to resolve the purity of proteins in the collected samples and the method of collection was validated by western immuno-blotting of alpha amylase salivary enzyme. The current collection, storage and protein extraction protocol showed the best protein recovery and purity with validated collection free of salivary contamination. In conclusion, tiny GCF volume from healthy sites and evaporation issues of such promising non-invasive fluid motivate us to investigate a standardized protocol enabling optimal preservation of GCF sample and the currently followed protocol may serve as a reference for future proteomic studies searching for GCF biomarkers in diagnosing and monitoring orthodontic tooth movement.
Improved Firefly Algorithm with Variable Neighborhood Search for Data Clustering
Authors: Al-Behadili Hayder Naser Khraibet
Published: September 2021

Among the metaheuristic algorithms, population-based algorithms are an explorative search algorithm superior to the local search algorithm in terms of exploring the search space to find globally optimal solutions. However, the primary downside of such algorithms is their low exploitative capability, which prevents the expansion of the search space neighborhood for more optimal solutions. The firefly algorithm (FA) is a population-based algorithm that has been widely used in clustering problems. However, FA is limited in terms of its premature convergence when no neighborhood search strategies are employed to improve the quality of clustering solutions in the neighborhood region and exploring the global regions in the search space. On these bases, this work aims to improve FA using variable neighborhood search (VNS) as a local search method, providing VNS the benefit of the trade-off between the exploration and exploitation abilities. The proposed FA-VNS allows fireflies to improve the clustering solutions with the ability to enhance the clustering solutions and maintain the diversity of the clustering solutions during the search process using the perturbation operators of VNS. To evaluate the performance of the algorithm, eight benchmark datasets are utilized with four well-known clustering algorithms. The comparison according to the internal and external evaluation metrics indicates that the proposed FA-VNS can produce more compact clustering solutions than the well-known clustering algorithms.
Tourism Companies Assessment via Social Media Using Sentiment Analysis
Authors: AL-Bakri Nadia F. , Yonan Janan Farag , Sadiq Ahmed T.
Published: September 2021

In recent years, social media has been increasing widely and obviously as a media for users expressing their emotions and feelings through thousands of posts and comments related to tourism companies. As a consequence, it became difficult for tourists to read all the comments to determine whether these opinions are positive or negative to assess the success of a tourism company. In this paper, a modest model is proposed to assess e-tourism companies using Iraqi dialect reviews collected from Facebook. The reviews are analyzed using text mining techniques for sentiment classification. The generated sentiment words are classified into positive, negative and neutral comments by utilizing Rough Set Theory, Naïve Bayes and K-Nearest Neighbor methods. After experimental results, it was determined that out of 71 tested Iraqi tourism companies, 28% from these companies have very good assessment, 26% from these companies have good assessment, 31% from these companies have medium assessment, 4% from these companies have acceptance assessment and 11% from these companies have bad assessment. These results helped the companies to improve their work and programs responding sufficiently and quickly to customer demands.
A Robust Short-Term Oil Production under a Bow-Tie Uncertainty Set for the Gas Lift Performance Curve
Authors: Ramos André , Gamboa Carlos , Valladão Davi , Pagnoncelli Bernardo K. , Homem-de-Mello Tito , Vieira Bruno , Gutierrez Tomás , Teixeira Alex
Published: September 2021

The method of continuous gas lift has been commonly used in the oil industry to enhance production. Existing optimization models consider an approximate performance curve anchored by production test data, often disregarding reservoir uncertainty. We propose a robust optimization model that jointly considers the most recent data and an uncertainty set for the reservoir pressure, a critical parameter that is usually not measured precisely. As a result, we obtain what we call a “bow-tie” uncertainty set for the performance curves, in which the performance uncertainty increases when we move away from the production test’s operational point. We test our model with real data from an offshore oil platform and compare it against a fully deterministic model. We show superior out-of-sample performance for the robust model under different probability distributions of the reservoir pressure.
Dynamic Analysis of Ocular Fundus Changes After Different Doses of Bevacizumab in the Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Threshold Period
Authors: Chen Feng , Xiang Daoman , Yu Ying , Wang Jianxun , Liu Tian
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To analyze the efficacy of three different doses of bevacizumab treatment on Threshold retinopathy of prematurity during different periods . Methods: 36 cases (72 eyes) of infants with threshold ROP were analyzed, whom were treated with intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg, 0.75 mg or 0.5 mg bevacizumab respectively from October 1st, 2016 to September 30th, 2017. After treatment, fundus examination results during five time points were recorded and classified into four grades according to the efficacy. Results: There were significant differences in the changes of fundus among the 3 groups from the 4th day to the 4th week after treatment （P<0.01）. In the 1.25 mg group, there was a significant difference in the changes of fundus on the 4th day after treatment VS. the 2nd week after treatment (P<0.001). In the 0.75 mg and 0.5 mg group respectively, the changes of fundus were significantly different between each consecutive time points of the 4th day, 2nd week, 4th week and 2nd month after treatment (P<0.001,P=0.001,P=0.002; P<0.001,P=0.001,P=0.003). The proportion of normal retinal vessels respectively in 1.25 mg , 0.75 mg and 0.5 mg group is 66.67%、43.48% and 50% in the 3rd month after treatment.Conclusion: Retinal complete vascularization was slightly better in 1.25 mg group, but failed to reach a statistical significance. Based on results, the lowest dose 0.5 mg may be preferred since our final results were similar (p>0.05). Long-term follow-up of fundus changes was still needed to avoid recurrence of ROP whatever the dose of bevacizumab was uesed.
Title: GPC3 in the Exosomes from Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells
Authors: Pu Chunwen , Wang Qi , Sun Aijun , Sun Ping , Huang Hui , Zhang Qiqi , Sun Xueying , Wang Zhidong , Zhang Yong
Published: September 2021

Background

Exosomes play an important role in regulating the growth in normal and abnormal cells. Exosomes secreted from tumor cells are also involved in regulating the growth behaviors of normal cells and tumor cells.
Methods

HepG2 cells, LO2 and HepG2 cells with GPC3 knocked down using shRNA (HepG2-shGPC3), were treated with different concentrations of GPC3. The effects of different concentrations of GPC3 on cell growth and apoptosis were determined using CCK8 and flow cytometry. HepG2 exosomes (Exo) and exosomes of HepG2 cells with GPC3 knocked down using shRNA (shGPC3-Exo) were used to treat LO2 and HepG2 cells separately. Cell growth was measured by CCK8 kit. The cell cycle and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. The expression of GPC3/WNT3A/β-catenin signal protein was determined by Western blotting.
Results

We found GPC3 has a two-way regulation between normal cells and HCC cells, which is the innovation of this research. After treating LO2 cells and HepG2 cells with GPC3, the LO2 cell cycle was blocked in the G0/G1 phase, while cell growth was inhibited and apoptosis was promoted; however, it appeared to promote the growth of HepG2 cells. Knocking down GPC3 can inhibit the growth and promote cell apoptosis of HepG2. In subsequent experiments, we found that GPC3 was expressed in both LO2 and HepG2 exosomes, and the expression of GPC3 in HepG2 exosomes is significantly higher than that of LO2 exosomes. These results suggested that GPC3 in exosomes has the potential to become a biomarker of HCC. In addition, HepG2 exosomes (Exo) can inhibit the growth of LO2 cells and promote apoptosis, which is consistent with the effect of GPC3 treatment. Further, we found that GPC3 in shGPC3-Exo had the same effect on LO2 cells as HepG2 exosomes (Exo), but the degree of influence was reduced. shGPC3-Exo showed a promoting effect on the growth of HepG2 cells. Therefore, GPC3 in exosomes plays a role in the growth of LO2 cells and HepG2 cells. Further studies have shown that GPC3 in liver cancer exosomes regulates the proliferation, apoptosis of LO2 and HepG2 cells through the Wnt /β-catenin signaling pathway.
Conclusion

GPC3 in the exosomes of liver cancer cells inhibits the growth of normal liver cells and promotes apoptosis by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and assists the occurrence and development of HCC.
Professional Status of Infectious Disease Specialists in Korea: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kim Bongyoung , Eun Byung Wook , Lee Eunjung , Kim Tae Hyong , Park Suyeon , Park Se Yoon
Published: September 2021

Backgrounds: Emergence of more antimicrobial-resistant pathogens and repeated occurrence of infectious disease (ID) outbreaks highlight the importance of ID specialists. This study aimed to assess the working status of ID specialists and identify problems faced by ID professionals in Korea.Methods: This was a nationwide cross-sectional study in Korea. An online-based survey was conducted over 11 days (from December 17–27, 2020), targeting all active adult (n=281) and pediatric (n=71) ID specialists in Korea (total=352). Questions regarding the practice areas of the specialists were divided into five categories: (1) clinical practices of outpatient care, inpatient care, and consultations; (2) infection control; (3) antibiotic stewardship; (4) research; and (5) education and training. We investigated the weekly time-use patterns for these areas of practice.Results: A total of 144/281 (51.2%) adult ID specialists and 51/71 (71.8%) pediatric ID specialists participated in the survey. Among them, 144 (73.8%) respondents were involved in all practice categories investigated. The most common practice area was outpatient service (93.8%), followed by consultation (91.3%) and inpatient service (87.7%). Specialists worked a median of 57 (interquartile range: 50–65) hours weekly: patient care, 29 (14–37) hours; research 11 (5–19) hours; infection control 4 (2–10) hours; antibiotic stewardship, 3 (1–5) hours; and education/training, 2 (2–6) hours. Conclusions: ID specialists in Korea simultaneously undertake multiple tasks and work long hours, highlighting the need for training and employing more ID specialists.
Factors Associated with Follow-Up of Children Exposed to Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV: A Historical Cohort Study Form 2000 to 2017, in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Authors: Calvo Karen da Silva , Knauth Daniela Riva , Hentges Bruna , Leal Andrea Fachel , Silva Mariana Alberto da , Silva Danielle Lodi , Vasques Samantha Correa , Hamester Letícia , Silva Daila Alena Raenck da , Dorneles Fernanda Vaz , Fraga Fernando Santana , Bobek Paulo Ricardo , Teixeira Luciana Barcellos
Published: September 2021

Background: There are many inequalities in terms of prevention and treatment for pregnant women with HIV and exposed children in low and middle income countries. The Brazilian protocol for prenatal care includes rapid diagnostic testing for HIV, compulsory notification, and monitoring by the epidemiological surveillance of children exposed to HIV until 18 months after delivery. The case is closed after HIV serology results are obtained. Loss to follow-up is defined as a child who was not located at the end of the case, and, therefore, did not have a laboratory diagnosis. Loss to follow-up is a current problem and has been documented in other countries. This study analyzed the incidence of loss to follow-up of children exposed to HIV and the sociodemographic, behavioral and health variables of associated pregnant women. Methods: This historical cohort study included information on pregnant women living with HIV and the outcome of the child’s exposure to HIV. The association between predictors and the child’s outcome as a loss to follow-up was investigated using the Poisson Regression model. Relative Risk calculations were performed. The significance level of 5% was adopted for variables in the adjusted model. Results: Between 2000 and 2017, of 6,836 children exposed to HIV, 1,763 (25.8%) were classified as loss to follow-up. The factors associated were: maternal age of up to 22 years (aRR 1.25, 95% CI: 1.09-1.43), the mother’s self-declared race/color being black or mixed (aRR 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.25), up to three years of schooling (aRR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.26-1.67), between four and seven years of schooling (aRR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02-1.28), intravenous drug use (aRR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.12-1.50), and HIV diagnosis during prenatal care or at delivery (aRR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.24-1.52). Conclusion: Variables related to the individual, social and programmatic vulnerability of pregnant women were evidenced.
Study of Ventricular Interdependence in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Abdelrehim Ahmad Bahieldeen Ahmad , Ahmed Ahmed Abdel Haleem , Elgendi Salwa Salah , Muhammad Walaa Hosny
Published: September 2021

Background and objectivesStudy of respiratory variations in mitral valve (MV) Doppler flow in hemodialysis (HD) patients has not been investigated and normal adult referenced echocardiographic value is used as an echocardiographic reference to HD patients who have unique hemodynamic. This work aimed to study the respiratory variation in MV Doppler flow in HD patients to determine if it has a unique pattern in these patients, and to study any relation between this variation and volume-related parameters.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study, carried out on 118 patients who underwent regular HD. A standard echocardiography was performed on the patients before and within 6 hs after dialysis. During quiet breathing, the transmitral spectral Doppler E wave was measured during inspiratory and expiratory phases using plethysmography breath-cycle chest-adhesive electrodes. The mathematic differences and the percent changes (ventricular interdependent; VI) in E wave were calculated pre-and post-dialysis. Post dialysis difference in the percent changes (∆ E wave % changes) was calculated as follows: pre-dialysis percent changes of E wave – post dialysis percent changes of E wave/pre dialysis percent changes E wave x 100. ResultsThe means of the mathematic differences between the MV inspiratory and expiratory E pre-and post-dialysis were 0.07 ± 0.18 m/s and 0.08 ± 0.22 m/s respectively with an insignificant difference between both phases; p = 0.337. Meanwhile, the means of the percent variation in the MV inspiratory and expiratory E pre-and post-dialysis were 56 ± 7 % and 44 ± 1.1 % respectively, with a significant reduction after dialysis; P = 0.000. Spearman correlation showed a significant positive correlation between post- dialysis ∆ E wave % change and post-dialysis % change of weight (r = 0.318; P = 0.000). Moreover, post- dialysis % change of weight and post- dialysis % changes of most other volume-related variable were independent predictors of post- dialysis ∆ E wave % in HD patients. ConclusionThe pre- and post- dialysis respiratory changes in the MV E wave in HD patients were higher than the normal adult referenced values. This marked variation could be explained by the unique overloading condition and could explain the LV diastolic dysfunction and the unexplained pulmonary hypertension in HD patients.
Seasonal and Spatial Variations of Ecological Risk from Potential Toxic Elements in the Southern Littoral Zone of İzmir Inner Gulf, Turkey
Authors: Ozkan Ebru Yesim , Fural Şakir , Kükrer Serkan , Büyükışık Hasan Baha
Published: September 2021

This study aimed to investigate the ecological risk level of İzmir Inner Gulf. Based on the findings, port, industry, settlement and transportation activities generated Mo, Pb, Cu, Cd, Zn enrichment. Modified hazard quotient (MHQ) point to a high level of pollution and toxic effects for Ni and Cr; significant pollution and toxic effects for As and Hg, and moderate pollution and toxic effects for Pb, Zn, Cu. According to the ecological contamination index (ECI), the inner gulf is significantly-highly polluted. Toxic risk index (TRI) and potantial ecological risk index (PERI) are also consistent with these data. According to the ECI, the inner gulf is significantly/highly polluted. TRI and the PERI are also consistent with these data. Cd has created a significant ecological risk in all seasons due to its high toxicity. Cu and Pb have caused moderate ecological risk in local areas near the port. A moderate potential ecological risk has been identified in all seasons throughout the inner gulf.
Integrated Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses of the Molecular Mechanisms of Two Highland Barley Genotypes with Differential Pyroxsulam Responses
Authors: Weng Hua , Yan Jiahui , Guo Liangzhi , Chen Hongyu
Published: September 2021

Background: Highland barley is one of the few crops that can be grown at high elevations, making it a key resource within the Tibet Plateau. Weeds are a significant threat to highland barley production and new herbicides and tolerant barley varieties are needed to control this ever-growing problem. Results: A better understanding of existing herbicide resistance mechanisms is therefore needed. In this study, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were used to identify molecular and physiological changes in two highland barley genotypes with differing sensitivities to pyroxsulam. We identified several stress-responsive metabolites, including flavonoids and antioxidants, which accumulated to significantly higher levels in the pyroxsulam-resistant genotype. Additionally, we found key genes in both the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway and the antioxidant system were up-regulated in pyroxsulam-resistant barley. Conclusions: This work significantly expands on the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying differing pyroxsulam tolerance among barley genotypes and provides several new avenues to explore for breeding or engineering tolerant barley.
Experimental And Theoretical Studies of Green Synthesized Cu2O Nanoparticles Using Datura Metel L
Authors: Chinnaiah Karuppaiah , Maik Vivek , Kannan Karthik , Potemkin V. , Grishina M. , Gohulkumar M. , Tiwari Ratnesh , Gurushankar K.
Published: September 2021

In biomedical applications, Cu2O nanoparticles are of great interest. The bioengineered route is eco-friendly for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Therefore, in the present study, there is an attempt to synthesis of Cu2O nanoparticles using Datura metel L. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis, XRD, and FT-IR. UV-Vis results suggest the presence of hyoscyamine, atropine in Datura metel L, and also, nanoparticles formation has been confirmed by the presence of absorption peak at 790 nm. The average crystallite size (19.56 nm) obtained by XRD. Further, the various functional groups have been confirmed through FT-IR. To highlight the peak of the dominant frequencies, Fourier Power Spectrum was also used to analyze the synthesized nanomaterials spectrum results. Density functional theory (DFT) further also used over a period of time to measure the energy of the substance, which seems to suggest a stable compound. Furthermore, the calculated energies, thermodynamic characteristics (such as enthalpies, entropies, Gibbs-free energies), modeled structures of complexes, crystals, and clusters, and predicted yields, rates, and regio- and stereospecificity of reactions were in good agreement with the experimental ones. Overall, the findings indicate the successful synthesis of Cu2O nanoparticles using Datura metel L. correlates with theoretical study.
Densification of Carbon Nanotubes During Growth
Authors: Alzahrani Ahmed Obaid M , Alayash Meshari , Alghamdi Salem
Published: September 2021

Carbon nanotubes are highly attractive for research purposes due to their field emission properties. However, when the nanotubes are vertically aligned on a substrate to form a continuous film, screening effect is observed, which reduces the efficiency. To densify the tubes into bundles and eliminate this screening effect, costly lithography patterning of catalysts and post-growth chemical treatments have been previously reported. In this work, we report a novel, cheap, and reproducible technique of densifying the growth of carbon nanotubes by utilizing a colloidal catalyst and microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. A qualitative investigation was carried out, and a possible densification mechanism was proposed.
The Risk Factors For The Failure of Hook Wire Localization of Ground Glass Nodules Prior To Thoracoscopic Surgery
Authors: Ala Musu , Liu Junzhong , Kou Jieli , Wang Xinhua , Sun Minfeng , Hao Changcheng , Wu Jianlin
Published: September 2021

Objectives: To retrospectively analyse the potential influencing factors of CT-guided hook wire localization failure prior to thoracoscopic resection surgery of ground glass nodules (GGNs), and determine the main risk elements for localization failure.Methods: In all, 372 patients were included in this study, with 21 patients showing localization failure. The related parameters of patients, GGNs, and localization were analysed through univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis to determine the risk factors of localization failure.Results: Univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that trans-fissure (odds ratio [OR]: 4.896, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.489–13.939); trans-emphysema (OR: 3.538, 95%CI: 1.343–8.827); localization time (OR: 0.956, 95%CI: 0.898–1.019); multi-nodule localization (OR: 2.597, 95%CI: 1.050–6.361); and pneumothorax (OR: 10.326, 95%CI: 3.414–44.684) were risk factors for localization failure, and the p-values of these factors were <0.05. However, according to the results of multivariate analysis, pneumothorax (OR: 5.998, 95%CI: 1.680–28.342) was an exclusive risk factor for the failure of preoperative localization of GGNs.Conclusion: CT-guided hook wire localization of GGNs prior to thoracoscopic surgery is often known to fail; however, the incidence is low. Pneumothorax is an independent risk factor for failure in the localization process.
The association of maternal postpartum depression with infant weight growth: a prospective birth cohort study
Authors: He Qiong , Cheng Gang , He Simin , Tian Gang , Xie Xiaowei , Jiang Ni , Min Xianying , Li Chao , Li Rui , Shi Yan , Zhou Tong , Yan Yan
Published: September 2021

Background

Untreated maternal postpartum depression has consequences for infant weight, which may vary with infant growth time and postpartum depression duration. Dynamic assessment of the association between maternal postpartum depression and infant weight growth is crucial for early detection of the suspicious abnormal effects of maternal postpartum depression on infant weight growth and taking corresponding intervention measures. But, none of published studies continuously and dynamically evaluated these effect changes on infant weight growth. This study was aimed to evaluate the dynamic effects of maternal postpartum depression on infant weight growth at a prospective birth cohort.
Methods

960 mother-infant pairs between 2015 to 2018 in Changsha, China were followed up at ages of 1, 3, 6, 8, and 12 months. Data were obtained through household surveys. Depression of mothers was assessed at 1 month postpartum. Linear mixed models and generalized estimating equation models were used to test the connection and its changes between maternal postpartum depression and infant weight growth at five different periods of 1–12 months.
Results

8.0% of mothers reported postpartum depression. Adjusted linear mixed models showed a negative association between maternal depression at 1-month postpartum and infant weight at 1 month, 1–3 months, 1–6 months, 1–8 months, and 1–12 months, in which infants with depressed mothers were the lighter weight of 0.14kg (95%CI:0.02, 0.25), 0.13kg (95%CI:0.02, 0.24), 0.13kg (95%CI:0.02, 0.24), 0.13kg (95%CI:0.02, 0.24), and 0.16kg (95%CI:0.04, 0.27) relative to not depressed respectively. Generalized estimating equation models showed a positive association between maternal depression at 1-month postpartum and infant underweight at 1 month and 1–3 months, in which infants of maternal depression had higher risk ratio of underweight in 3.19 (95%CI:1.38, 7.34) and 3.19(95%CI:1.32, 7.70) compared to those mothers were not depressed accordingly.
Conclusions

Maternal postpartum depression was continuously associated with a lighter weight of ifants from 1 to 12 months and higher risk of being underweight in infants from 1 to 3 months. It seems important to put early prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of maternal depression into practice as soon as possible to avoid adverse consequences.
Comparison of Chemotherapy With PD-1/L1 or CTLA-4 Inhibitors Alone Or In Combination In Advanced Or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta- Analysis
Authors: Gu Lihu , Liang Jiali , Dai Wei , Li Jiayu , Si Yuexiu , Ren Wei , Lu Yan , Chen Ping
Published: September 2021

Background: In spite of the wide use of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), whether ICIs or conventional chemotherapy is more effective still remains controversial. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of giving patients programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), or cytotoxic T-lymphocyte protein 4 (CTLA-4) alone or in their combination (PD-1/L1 + CTLA-4) versus simply applying chemotherapy in patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC.Methods: This meta-analysis was conducted from PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library up to March 2021 to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoint was adverse events (AEs). Results: The search process has identified 13 studies containing 7918 patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC. The benefit of PD-1/L1 or CTLA-4 inhibitors alone or in combination compared with chemotherapy for advanced or metastatic NSCLC was elucidated in both overall survival (OS) [HR=0.75, 95%CI (0.70-0.80), P<0.001] and progression-free survival (PFS) [HR=0.83, 95%CI (0.73-0.95), P<0.001]. Sex is another vital factor that affects the efficacy of ICIs. Male [HR=0.71, 95%CI (0.63-0.81)] benefits more from ICIs than the female [HR 0.80, 95%CI (0.68-0.94)] in OS. Besides, ICIs were associated with fewer AEs compared to chemotherapy.Conclusion: PD-1/L1 or CTLA-4 inhibitors alone or in combination, with fewer AEs, was associated with significant improvements in terms of OS and PFS than chemotherapy in treatment of advanced or metastatic NSCLC.
Improvement Lipophagy by Restoring Rab7 Cycle: Protective Effects of Quercetin on Ethanol-Induced Liver Steatosis
Authors: Lin Hongkun , Guo Xiaoping , Liu Jingjing , Liu Peiyi , Mei Guibin , Li Hongxia , Li Dan , Chen Huimin , Chen Li , Zhao Ying , Jiang Chunjie , Yu Yaqin , Liu Wen , Yao Ping
Published: September 2021

Background: Chronic alcohol consumption induces lipophagy retard which contributes the pathogenesis of liver steatosis. Lipophagy-related Rab7 responsible for the fusion between autophagosomes and lysosomes has been presumed as a crucial regulator on the progression of alcohol liver disease (ALD) despite elusive mechanisms. More importantly, whether hepatoprotective quercetin targets Rab7-associated lipophagy disorder or not, still remains uncertain. Results: ALD mice were induced by chronic-plus-single-binge ethanol feeding that manifested by hampering autophagosomes formation with lipid droplets (LDs) and fuse with lysosomes compared with the normal control, which was normalized partially by quercetin. GST-RILP pulldown assay of Rab7 indicated an improved GTP-Rab7 as quercetin treatment for ethanol-feeding mice. Lipophagy was blocked when HepG2 cells were transfected with siRNA-Rab7, which was reversed through co-transfection of Rab7Wt plasmid. Rab7-specific inhibitor CID1067700 aggravated ethanol-induced steatosis and autophagic flux disruption visualized by immunofluorescence co-localization analysis and mCherry-GFP-LC3 transfection. HepG2 cells overexpressing Rab7Wt show a stronger alleviation on alcohol-induced lipophagy dysfunction than Rab7Q67L. Furthermore, TBC1D5 responsible for Rab7 inactivation was downregulated after alcohol administration, but regained by quercetin. Rab7 circulation retarded by ethanol and corrected by quercetin was further revealed by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). Conclusions: Chronic alcoholic not only inactivates Rab7 but also retards TBC1D5-mediated Rab7 turnover, synergistically obstructing lipophagy flux and promoting ethanol-induced steatosis. Quercetin attenuates adipohepatic degeneration by normalizing ethanol-imposed Rab7 disorders and subsequent lipophagy disturbance, highlighting a novel mechanism and promising prospect of quercetin-like phytochemicals against the crucial first hit from the alcohol.
Adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey of UK and European hand surgery units
Authors: Shaw Abigail V , Holmes David GW , Jansen Victoria , Fowler Christy L , Wormald Justin CR , Wade Ryckie G , Reay Emma K , Gardiner Matthew D , Collaborative* on behalf of the #RSTNCOVID Hand
Published: September 2021

Hand surgery services had to rapidly adapt to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of the Reconstructive Surgery Trials Network #RSTNCOVID hand surgery survey was to document the changes made in the United Kingdom and Europe and consider which might persist.A survey developed by the Reconstructive Surgery Trials Network, in association with the British Association of Hand Therapists, was distributed to hand surgery units across the UK and Europe after the first wave of COVID-19. It was completed by one consultant hand surgeon at each of the 44 units that responded.Adult and paediatric trauma was maintained but elective services stopped. Consultations were increasingly virtual and surgery was more likely to be under local anaesthetic and in a lower resource setting.Many of the changes are viewed as being beneficial. However, it is important to establish that they are clinically and cost effective. These survey results will help prioritise and support future research initiatives.*The authors wish to acknowledge the RSTN Hand Collaborative; an official list of collaborators/individuals and institutions that participated in the study can be found in its entirety in the Declarations section.
Molecular Evolution of Hepatitis B Virus Genotype F in Latin America
Authors: Wolf Jonas , Mazeto Thiago Kastell , Pereira Vagner Reinaldo Zingalli Bueno , Simon Daniel , Lunge Vagner Ricardo
Published: September 2021

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype F evolution is not completely understood in Latin America. This study aims to evaluate the molecular evolution of HBV-F in Latin America by comparing 224 whole-genome sequences. Bayesian coalescent analysis was performed to estimate the time to the most recent common ancestor. Four main clades were formed dated back between 1245 and 1730. Also, four subclades were identified dated back between 1705 and 1801. HBV-F overall effective population size grew in the 18th century and showed an initial circulation of HBV-F from Venezuela to other countries from Latin America.
Towards a Green Economy in Europe: Does Renewable Energy Production Has Asymmetric Effects On Unemployment?
Authors: Naqvi Sameen , Wang Jinchao , Ali Rizwan
Published: September 2021

Renewable energy production is necessary for digital society; it is also beneficial for labour market and sustainable development. This paper examines the impact of renewable energy production on unemployment rate by employing panel NARDL-PMG and robust asymmetric quantile regression for European countries from 1991 to 2019. The results reveal that renewable energy production is significantly reduced unemployment in European countries in long run. The renewable energy production effect is found significant in the asymmetric model, specifically, in European countries; a positive change in renewable energy production has a negative significant impact on unemployment, and a negative change in renewable energy production has a positive significant impact on unemployment in long-run. The GDP, investment, and technology innovation process is found to be triggered in labour market by reducing the unemployment rate in the long-run. In addition, the asymmetric effects of renewable energy production on unemployment growth are robust in the different quantile regression. The findings suggest some insightful policy implications for government officials and policymakers.
Pectolinarin Inhibited LPS-stimulated Inflammation in Microglial BV 2 Cells via NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Feng Xiao , Jian Shao-Qin , Yu Hao-Heng , Li Jing-Jing , Ma Ting , Zhang Jun , Wang Lei , Zhang Yao-Dong , Yang Hai-Jie , Cheng Bin-Feng
Published: September 2021

Background: Neuro-inflammation is regarded as one of the critical pathogenesis in neurodegenerative diseases, which is characterized by the activated microglial cells. Pectolinarin (Pec), a natural flavonoid exists in many Chinese herbal medicines, has been reported to have various biological activities. However, the effects and mechanisms on neuro-inflammation are not clear. Methods: In this study, the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of Pec on neuro-inflammation were investigated in the LPS-stimulated microglial BV2 cells. BV2 microglial cells were treated with Pec or vehicle (1% DMSO), followed by LPS. ELISA, RT-PCR, NO assay, and Western blot were performed to examine the effects of Pec on neuro-inflammatory responses. Results: We showed that Pec significantly inhibited the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in mRNA and protein levels induced by LPS. Moreover, the production of NO, iNOS and COX-2 were suppressed by Pec in LPS-stimulated microglial BV2 cells. In addition, Pec inhibited LPS-induced inflammation via NF-κB signaling pathway, as evidenced by reduction of the phosphorylation of IKK, the degradation of IκBα and the nuclear translocation of p65.Conclusions: Taken together, Pec exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated microglial BV2 cells via NF-κB signaling pathway, which might provide therapeutic potential for neuro-inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.
Whole-Exome Sequencing Reveals Molecular Characterization of Early-Onset and Peritoneal Metastasis in Gastric Cancers
Authors: Zhou Zhi-wei , Qiu Hai-bo , Wang Xu-jun , Wang Wei , Wu Ting , Chen Ying-bo , Sun Xiao-wei , Nie Run-cong , Li Yuan-Fang , Yuan Shu-qiang , Wang Jiping
Published: September 2021

Background: Increasing numbers of Gastric cancer(GC) patients were diagnosed at younger age with aggressive behavior including early disease recurrence, more frequent peritoneal metastasis and poor overall survival. To investigate the driver genes and mechanisms of the early-onset and more aggressive nature of the GC.Methods: Gastric adenocarcinoma and matched germline samples were obtained from patients in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center between 2007 and 2013. Exome sequencing were performed for 198 pairs of primary gastric adenocarcinoma fresh tissue and blood samples from young or elder patients. Besides, matched tumor / blood exome sequencing was performed in 80 patients with peritoneal seeding and 51 patients without. Then bioinformatics analysis was performed to find genomic variants and their clinical meanings.Results: Early-onset gastric cancers (EOGCs) have fewer somatic mutations but some deleterious germline variates in FAT genes, patients carried none, one, two, three of the 4 Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the mean ages of diagnosis are 60, 50, 40 and 35 respectively. Somatic mutations in CDH1, TGFBR1 and CTNNB1 are related to early-onset cancers. These variants are all linked to WNT pathways. Somatic mutations in genes involved in cancer aggressiveness like MAP2K7, CDH1 and RhoA are related to cancer progression and metastasis. Patients carrying RhoA, ITGAV, TGFBR1, CDH1, CTNNB1, MYO9B, VAV1, SALL1, CDX4 somatic mutations or simultaneously carrying three FAT germline SNPs have been diagnosed at younger age than those have only TP53 mutations.Conclusions: The molecular characterization gives us a novel insight into the carcinogenesis and tumor progression mechanisms and may provide a guide to developing novel targeted therapy in GC.