bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Mutations on Improving Oxidative Stability of Tobacco Etch Virus Protease for Tag-removal in Refolding of Two Disulfide-rich Proteins
Authors: Fan Jun , Bayar Enkhtuya , Ren Yuanyuan , Hu Yafang , Chen Yinghua , Yu Xuelian 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Tobacco etch virus protease (TEVp) is a useful tool for removing fusion tag, but wild type TEVp shows less oxidative stability, which limits its application under the oxidized redox state to facilitate disulfide bonds formation for refolding disulfide-bonded proteins. Previously, we combined six mutations into the TEVp to generate the TEVp5M for obviously increasing the protein solubility and decreasing the auto-cleavage. In this work, we introduced and combined C19S, C110S and C130S mutations into the TEVp5M to generate seven variants, analyzed protein solubility and the cleavage activity of the constructs in each of three E. coli strains including BL21(DE3), BL21(DE3)pLys, and Rossetta(DE3), and those of the optimized soluble variants in the oxidative cytoplasm of Origami(DE3) under the same induction conditions. The results suggested that desirable protein solubility, cleavage activity and oxidative stability are not combined. Unlike that of the C19S, introduction of the C110S and/or C130S less affected protein solubility but increased tolerance to the oxidative redox state. Use of the TEVp5MC110S/C130S variant, the refolded disulfide-rich bovine enteropeptidase or maize peroxidase was released via cleaving the sequence between the target protein and the cellulose-binding module bound to regenerated amorphous cellulose.
Evaluation of Drought Events in Various Climatic Conditions using Data-Driven Models and A Reliability-Based Probabilistic Model
Authors: Barzkar Ali , Najafzadeh Mohammad , Homaei Farshad 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Due to a wide range of socio-economic losses caused by drought over the past decades, having a reliable insight of drought properties plays a key role in monitoring and forecasting the drought situations, and finally generating robust methodologies for adapting to various vulnerability of drought situations. The most important factor in causing drought is rainfall, but increasing or decreasing the temperature and consequently evapotranspiration can intensify or moderate the severity of drought events. Standardized Precipitation Evaporation Index (SPEI), as one of the most well-known indices in definition of drought situation, is applied based on potential precipitation, evapotranspiration, and the water balance. In this study, values of SPEI are formulated for various climates by three robust Artificial Intelligence (AI) models: Gene-Expression Programming (GEP), Model Tree (MT), and Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline (MARS). Meteorological variables including maximum temperature (Tmax), minimum temperature (Tmin), average temperature (Tmean), relative humidity (RH), 24-hour rainfall (P24) and wind speed (U2) were used to perform the AI models. Dataset reported from four synoptic stations through Iran, dating back to a 58-year period beginning in 1957. Each AI technique was run for all the climatic situations: Temperate-Warm (T-W), Wet-Warm (W-W), Arid-Cold (A-C) and Arid-Warm (A-W). Results of AI models development indicated that M5 version of MT provided the most accurate SPEI prediction for all the climatic situations in comparison with GEP and MARS techniques. SPEI values for four climatic conditions were evaluated in the reliability-based probabilistic framework to take into account the influence of any uncertainty and randomness associated with meteorological variables. In this way, the Monte-Carlo scenario sampling approach has been used to assess the limit state function from the AI models-based-SPEI. Based on the reliability analysis for all the synoptic stations, as the probability of exceedance values declined to below 75%, drought situations varied from “Normal” to “Very Extreme Humidity”.
What matters in the patients' decision to choose a family physician? A qualitative inquiry of Iran
Authors: Bazyar Mohammad , Feyzabadi Vahid Yazdi , Sadeghifar Jamil , Bahmani Mona 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Creating a stable and long-term relationship also called “longitudinality” between the population and general practitioners is crucial for the family physician program. Constant change of family physician can deteriorate longitudinality. In this study we aim to reveal what factors people usually take into account when it comes to choosing a new family physician or changing their current family physician.Method: A qualitative study with content analysis approach and case study was carried out in Ilam province, Iran, in 2019. Purposeful sampling with maximum variations was followed to select the key. Data was analyzed and main themes of framework were extracted by using MAXQDA software. Results: The content of interviews was categorized in two main themes, 6 sub-themes and 38 codes. General behaviors, social and physical characteristics, professional expertise, and pharmaceutical prescriptions of family physician and also location and physical features and properties of the health center were the main sub-themes extracted from interviews which can influence the people’s choice of family physician.Conclusion: Some of the factors extracted from the interviews may have different effect on the choice of different people with different demographics. For instance, different patients may have different ideas about the age, gender, years of medical practice, language and origin of birth place of doctors. Quantitative studies are needed to rank the factors identifies in this study according to their significance for choosing FP and reveal preferences of patients for each factor.
Gender Stereotypes About Intellectual Ability in Japanese Children
Authors: Okanda Mako , Meng Xianwei , Kanakogi Yasuhiro , Uragami Moe , Yamamoto Hiroki , Moriguchi Yusuke 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Japan has a large gender gap; thus, this study examined whether Japanese 4- to 7-year-old children exhibit a “brilliance = males” stereotype and whether parental attitudes toward gender roles were related to children’s stereotypes. We also explored whether children exhibit such stereotypes in response to various stimuli. We showed children photo (Study 1) and stick-figure (Study 2) stimuli of men, women, boys, and girls, asking them to attribute traits (smart or nice) to each. Unlike previous studies in the U.S., there were sex differences early in boys’ and girls’ attribution of smart or nice; however, a developmental transition was observed in 7-year-olds. In Study 1, 7-year-old girls were more likely to attribute nice, and 6-year-old boys were more likely to attribute smart, to their own sex, respectively. In Study 2, girls generally attributed nice to their own sex compared to boys, while only 7-year-old boys were more likely to attribute smart to their own sex compared to girls. Parental attitudes toward gender roles were unrelated to children’s gender stereotypes. The results indicated that Japanese children may acquire “brilliance = males” stereotypes later than American children (7-years-old). Further, the results were clearer when children were presented with stick figure stimuli.
Treatment of Distal Radial Fracture Fixation Using Volar Rim Distal Radius Plate:A Prospective Study
Authors: Liu Yang , Waheed Muhammad Zeeshan , Wang Dong , Zhou Junlin 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Unstable distal radial fractures are difficult to manage and so various treatment and management modalities have been introduced and described. The use of Volar Rim Distal Radius Plate is promoted for the management of such fractures. Objective: This study aimed to to investigate the clinical effect and functional output of Volar Rim Distal Radius Plate in the treatment of distal radius fractures. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional and radiological results of treating distal radial fractures with Volar Rim Distal Radius Plate Methods: In our study from March 2017 to may 2019, the clinical efficacy of Volar Rim Distal Radius Plate in the treatment of distal radius fractures was retrospectively analyzed. Case Description: During the study period, 23 patients met the inclusion criteria. According to the AO lassification of distal radius, there were 9 patients with Ao-23b3 and 14 patients with Ao-23c3. The follow-up ime was 13-17 months (average 14.6 months). All patients achieved bony union without internal fixation failure or racture displacement. The Garland and Werley functional system score was used to evaluate the limb function. Among them, 9 cases were evaluated as excellent, 13 cases as good, and 1 case as fair. Radiological parameters such as radial inclination, length, tilt, and ulnar variance were measured at six weeks and at the final follow-up. The functional evaluation was conducted by measuring the range of motion at the wrist joint as well as the grip strength. Gartland and Werley’s demerit scoring system was used to assess the final outcome. Literature Review: Results without nonoperative treatment of these fractures are not satisfactory and may often require a subsequent corrective osteotomy.Good and Satisfactory results Can be achieved with operative treatment of the fracture when the fragments are well reduced by using theVolar Rim Distal Radius Plate。 Results: There was a significant improvement in the functional indices from six weeks to the final follow-up, while the radiological parameters were maintained. According to Gartland and Werley, excellent results were reported in 65% cases, while good results were present in 35% cases. Clinical Relevance: Volar Rim Distal Radius Plate can give an adequate buttress to volar projection of the lunate facet and it do not interfere with wrist mobility. More-ever, the dorsal fragments can be fixed through the volar approach which may eliminate our need for a secondary posterior incision. Furthermore, patients would be informed for the potential problems and let them know about the need of the removal of the plate if unfortunately symptoms develop. Conclusions: The use of Volar Rim Distal Radius Plate is an effective fixation method to treat distal radius fractures which can provide more firm stability, meet the needs of early functional exercise and improve the prognosis with excellent to good functional outcomes with minimal complications.
Mass Drug Distribution Strategy Efficacy for Schistosomiasis Control in Mali (West Africa)
Authors: Dabo Abdoulaye , Diallo Mouctar , Agniwo Privat Koba , Danté Salim , Traoré Assitan , Diawara Sidy , Doucouré Boubou 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background - Schistosomiasis is a water-based parasitic disease caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma. Mass Drug Distribution (MDD) with Praziquantel is periodically recommended in schistosomiasis-endemic countries to prevent morbidity. In Mali, schistosomiasis still remains endemic, especially in Senegal and Niger rivers basin, although the strategy has been adopted since 2005. Our study aimed to assess the impact of annual school-based MDD. Materials and methods – The study was conducted at twelve sentinel sites across Kayes and Koulikoro regions. A cross-sectional study design was performed in April 2018 after four-or five-years post treatment with praziquantel (PZQ) depending on the statute of sites. At baseline (2014-2015) and for the control year (2018), 734 (386 boys and 347 girls) and 1708 (844 boys and 864 girls) school children of 7-14 years of age, were successfully examined respectively. Infections with Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni were diagnosed with the urine filtration and the Kato-Katz method respectively. Results – From eight schools treated in 2014, the four annual rounds of MDD with PZQ were associated with a significant decrease in S. haematobium prevalence in five sites (p<0,001) and a significant increase in one site (p<0,001). Of them, the prevalence of high-intensity (≥50 eggs/10mL of urine) significantly decreased in four previous sites but not in Diakalele where it increased ((p<0.001). In all the four sites treated in 2015, S. haematobium prevalence increased significantly in Kokoun and Samaya (P<0.05). The heavy infection increased slightly in Dougourakoro and Samaya (P>0.05). The prevalence of S. mansoni significantly decreased in three sites (p<0.001), increased in three and remains zero in the six others sites. Conclusion – Our findings show that five of the twelve sentinel sites have achieved the criterion of elimination of schistosomiasis due to Schistosoma haematobium as a major public health problem (Prevalence of heavy infection <1%); three have achieved the criterion of morbidity control (Prevalence of heavy infection <5%), whereas two sites remain confined below the control criterion. These results call for a strong improvement in the therapeutic coverage associating, education and provision of safe water, sanitation and hygiene to interrupt the transmission cycle of the schistosome.
Construction of a Prognostic Signature in Ewing’s Sarcoma: Based on RNA-binding Genes
Authors: Wu Bo , Xie Haoqun , Yibo Wang , Zhen Guo , Yuanyuan Hou , Zhu Dong 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Ewing’s sarcoma is the second most prevalent primary malignant bone neoplasm. RNA-binding proteins(RBPs) play a crucial role in post-transcriptional events. In tumor cells, the alterations of post-transcription enable cells to adapt to adjacent environment rapidly. Thus, the functions of RBPs in Ewing’s sarcoma can be of high value in the prognostic[1]. The underlying mechanism between Ewing’s sarcoma and RBPs remained unclear. Methods: Based on the GEO dataset, we investigated the global protein expression profile of Ewing's sarcoma patients. Differentially expressed proteins and survival-related RNA-binding protein related genes (RRGs) were evaluated by computational difference algorithm and COX regression analysis. In addition, we also explored the mutations in these RRGs. A new prognostic indicator based on RRGs was developed and tested afterwards using multivariate COX analysis.Results: The results showed that a total of 16 RRGs which closely associated with the overall survival in Ewing’s sarcoma patients using multivariate Cox regression analysis. The prognosis-related RRGs signature established using Cox regression model consists of 8 RRGs that can divide patients into high-risk and low-risk groups. Our results suggested that overall survival rate of high-risk group patients was shorter than the patients in low-risk group. According to multivariate Cox analysis, risk score index was an independent prognosis factor for Ewing’s sarcoma. In addition, the area under the curve of the corresponding receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of survival is 0.947.Conclusion: The 8 RRGs marker can predict the prognosis of Ewing’s sarcoma and thus help individualized treatment of patients at different risks.
Health Related Quality of Life and Its Determinants Among Breast Cancer Patients in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bitew Teshome Demelash , Ayenew Wondim , Baye Tenaw , Eshetu Eskinder 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer disease in the world. Higher breast cancer incidence and poor survival is also seen in different African countries. Diagnosed with breast cancer and treatment is a very stressful event that greatly diminished the quality of life of the patient. Therefore, the aim of this review was to assess health related quality of life and its determinants among breast cancer patients in Africa.
Methods

A systematic search of literatures was conducted from August 10 to September 5, 2020 without limitation of publication year in PubMed, HINARI, Science direct and Google scholar. The review followed PRISMA guidelines. Data were extracted in a well prepared Microsoft excel and exported to open meta-analysis software for analysis. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed based on 14 item modified quality of life assessment checklist. The pooled estimate quality of life scales were analyzed by open Meta analyst software and presented with forest plot. The results of included studies which were not suitable for meta-analysis were synthesized narratively. The heterogeneity of included studies was evaluated with I2 statistics.
Results

A total of ten studies which reported 2,190 breast cancer patients were included in the systematic review and meta- analysis. This review summarized five different standard instruments that used to measure health related quality of life. The pooled estimates mean score of general quality of life based on EORTC QLQ-C30 standard tool was 52.77 (95% CI: 42.199 to 63.345; I2 = 99.21%, P < 0.001). Age, level of education, marital status and financial difficulties were determinants health related quality of life in breast cancer patients in Africa.
Conclusions

The general health related quality of life of African breast cancer patients was not good. Therefore, more attention must be paid to the quality of life of breast cancer patients along with proper access to treatment.
Protocol registration:

The study protocol is registered at PROSPERO with reference ID CRD42020213726 and available at https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/displayrecord.php?id=crd42020213726
Comparative Genomics Reveals a Convergent Signature on the Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) in Herbivorous Mammals
Authors: Wang Ziming , Liu Zhijin , Wang Xiaochen , Tan Xinxin , Qi Jiwei , Shen Ying , Zhou Xuming , Li Ming 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background: Dietary adaptation is one of hot topics in adaptive evolution of mammals. Herbivorous mammals generally digest structural carbohydrates (such as cellulose and hemicellulose) via intestinal microbial fermentation. However, the mechanism by which the host supports the intestinal fermentation capacity is still not well understood. To address this question, we conducted convergent amino acid scanning to identify candidate genes involving intestinal fermentation across mammalian phylogeny. Results: Among 4886 one-to-one orthologous genes, we found that 122 genes showed a significant increase of convergent signature in two foregut-fermenting families (Cercopithecidae: Rhinopithecus roxellana, Bovidae: Bos taurus and Ovis aries ) and particularly, in the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a convergent cysteine to serine substitution at amino acid 410 (VDR C410S) occurred in 14 mammalian families with intestinal fermentation capacity. As a critical role of VDR in the regulation of intestinal microbes and adaptive immunity, we employed phylogenetically independent contrast analysis to test whether the evolution of the VDR gene influenced intestinal fermentation and found this convergent amino acid substitution (VDR C410S) possess significant positively correlations with the intestinal fermentation capacity and the dietary components (plant parts except for fruits, seeds and nectar) consumed by 107 mammalian species, which indicated VDR have a positive impact on the herbivorous adaptation of intestinal fermentation. Conclusions: Our results suggest that nuclear receptor gene VDR involved in intestinal adaptive immune show rapid adaptive fixation of convergent amino acid substitutions (C410S) among herbivorous mammals with convergent methodology.
Screening of Iranian Tarragon Accessions Based on Physiological and Phytochemical Responses Under Water Deficit: Applications for Development and Breeding
Authors: Mumivand Hasan , Ebrahimi Amin , Shayganfar Alireza , Khoshro Hamid Hassaneian 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In this study, screening of tarragon accessions based on physiological and phytochemical traits was investigated under water deficit. The compounding impacts of water deficit * accessions significantly altered the chlorophyll and carotenoid contetnt, malondialdehyde, electrolyte leakage, superoxide dismutase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase. The HPLC analyse revealed the presence of chlorogenic, syringic, ferulic, vanilic, chicoric and p-coumaric acids as major phenolic acids, while quercetin and herniarin were detected as the predominant flavonoid and coumarin compounds in the extracts. The quality and quantity of tarragon secondary metabolites were impacted by water deficit, suggesting that drought stress either increased the amounts of some common compounds or introduced some new compounds that were not present under normal conditions. In some genotypes, the content of some secondary metabolites in tarragon had the highest values under severe water deficit stress. The results indicated that Hamadan, Varamin and Estahbanat accessions could be introduced as tolerant accessions. Due to the very different response of tarragon accessions to water deficit and the existence of diversity between these accessions, the findings of the present study could be an effective step in identifying and achieving homogeneous, drought-tolerant and high-yield potential accessions, and may help tarragon breeding programs and development of cultivation.
A Comprehensive Study on Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Concerning Dengue Fever Among Inhabitants of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Md Ariful , Ying Xiong , Qazi Tariq Siraj , Jami Sayed Abdulla , Hussein Dahir , Antora Rifath Jahan , Tong Wu , Mobarak Siam Al , Bhuiyan Md Rifat Al Mazid , Jiayu Xiao 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background

Each year around the globe, thousands of people are affected by Dengue fever. Dhaka is a very highly populated city. The rate of Dengue transmission in Dhaka is increased over the year. Authority takes numerous steps to reduce the Dengue transmission. Nevertheless, without proper Knowledge of folks on Dengue government may not alone prevent Dengue. In these circumstances, this paper will find out the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Dhaka people. This study will help policymakers access the KAP among the people and set goals to improve the Dengue prevention program.
Methods

This study determines 57 questions under three components. Preliminary data were collected from Dhaka dwellers throughout the internet survey using convenience sampling is a non-chance sampling method. The mean value of variables and Standard deviation (SD) is used to investigate the characteristics of the Socio-demographic profile of the sample. The data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation and regression method.
Results

The study finds that in Dhaka, urban people have much better KAP of Dengue than people who live in the countryside area. Between Male and Female at Dhaka, male does have much better KAP rather than women. Gender influences the practice level regarding DHF but does not affect the Knowledge and Attitude towards DHF. That means people's Income can change the knowledge level on DHF. People affected by Dengue fever at any stage of life have a better understanding of KAP than people do who are never affected by Dengue fever. People affected by Dengue fever at any stage of life have a better understanding of KAP than people do who are never affected by Dengue fever.
Conclusion

This study will help the dengue prevention in Dhaka and will help to increase the KAP towards the general people