Exploration of medical radiation countermeasures (MRCs) has great implications in protection of mammals from radiation damages. While flagellin has been recently reported to show radioprotective effects, the relationships between flagellin structure and radioprotective activity are rarely explored. Herein, we deliberately edited the amino acid sequence of flagellin in its binding domain with toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) for exploration of potent flagellin derivatives (Fds). An in vitro screening paradigm was developed to examine the radioprotective effects of six engineered Fds. Notably, mutation of 103 threonine on flagellin into asparagine resulted in a potent MRC candidate (Fd-T103N) displaying 1.28-fold increment of interactions with TLR5. Fd-T103N was able to further activate NF-κB pathway, induce immune protective cytokine (e.g. G-CSF) release, and significantly ameliorate γ-irradiation induced cell death. The protection effects of Fd-T103N were further validated in mice exposed to 10 Gray γ-irradiations. Compared to parent flagellin, Fd-T103N treatment showed higher G-CSF release in mouse blood, lower intestine damages, and 13% increments of mouse survival rates. In short, the established predictive paradigm could greatly reduce the labor-, time- and animal-costs in exploration of MRC candidates. Fd-T103N is a promising candidate of investigational new drug for radioprotection.

The asymmetric sulfoxidation catalyzed by soybean pod peroxidase (SPP) in water-in-oil microemulsions were carried out with the yield of 91.56% and e.e of 96.08% at the activity of SPP of 3200 U ml-1 and 50℃ for 5 h. The mechanism with a two-electron reduction of SPP-I is accompanied with a single-electron transfer to SPP-I and nonenzymatic reactions, indicating that three concomitant sub-mechanisms contribute to the asymmetric oxidation involving five enzymatic and two nonenzymatic reactions, which can represent the asymmetric sulfoxidation of organic sulfides to form enantiopure sulfoxides. With 5.44% of the average relative deviation, a kinetic model fitting experimental data very well was developed. The enzymatic reactions may follow ping-pong mechanism with substrate inhibition of H2O2 and product inhibition of esomeprazole, while nonenzymatic reactions, a power law. Those results indicate that SPP with a lower cost and higher thermal stability may be used as an effective substitute for Horseradish Peroxidase.

We used Satellite data, quantitative precipitation forecasts and rainfall-runoff model for short term flood forecasting in Sebeya catchment. The Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) product was used as satellite rainfall product for model calibration and validation and forecasted European Centre Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) rainfall products were evaluated for flood forecasting. The performance of the model was assessed using visual inspection of simulated and observed hydrographs and a set of performance indicators. Real time flow forecast assessment was conducted with respect to three different flood warning threshold levels for 3 to 24 hours lead times. The forecast skill was assessed and the result for 3 hours lead time showed that 144 hours out of 199 hours were hit hours and there were only 15 hours of false alarms and 19 hours of missed forecast. The number of hits decreased as the lead time increased. The accuracy of both the operational and real-time satellite rainfall products was too poor to serve as model inputs without bias correction. The flood forecasts have limitations in reproducing flood magnitudes. The findings of this study can provide a base for future studies to establish a flood early warning system in the study area and beyond.

Liver abscess after pacemaker operation has not been reported before. We reported a 68-year-old male patient who developed a liver abscess after permanent pacemaker implantation. After 2 weeks of anti-infection treatment, the patient's symptoms were relieved.

Fragmented landscapes are becoming the norm in tropical regions. Understand how fragmentation can affect the ‘biodiversity-productivity’ relationship is essential to access the biomass budget and understand forest dynamics in these landscapes. Here, we used data from 108 permanent plots (4,000 m² each) of the National Forest Inventory to test the effect of tree species richness, species composition, leaf area index (LAI) and edge effect on biomass stock and change (5-year interval) in Santa Catarina, Brazil. We found an average biomass stock of 133.59 (± 67.24) Mg ha-1, and biomass change of 9.36 (± 12.08) Mg ha 5yr-1. Distance to forest edge interacted with species richness and composition limiting biomass stock, while LAI positively affected the stock. Biomass change increased in plots with higher number of pioneer species and located distant from the forest edge. Our results show how pervasive human pressure can be in fragmented landscapes.

A substantial body of evidence sustains that biodiversity enhances ecological stability in changing environments, but the underlying mechanisms in intact natural forest ecosystems remain unresolved. Using data from seven permanent plots, we test the influence and driving factors of plant diversity on stability and variability of diameter at breast height (DBH). We show that species richness under different soils and climate variability indirectly increases stability by species asynchrony rather than a direct influence. Beta diversity (plant species composition dissimilarities over time) has a strong positive effect on stability and soils indirectly increase stability by beta diversity. Soils and climate variability cause a larger effect on variation in standard deviation of DBH by species richness, beta diversity and species asynchrony relative to mean DBH. The study provides a new insight into how plant species diversity affects the process of ecosystem stability under various soil conditions and climatic variability.

Abstract Background: From January 24, 2020 to May 18, 2020, Chaoshan took measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, such as restricting public gatherings, wearing masks, and suspending classes. This study explored the effects of these measures on the pathogen spectrum of children in the Chaoshan area. Methods: Pharyngeal swab samples were collected from children hospitalized for respiratory tract infection. We used liquid chip technology to analyze 14 respiratory pathogens. Data were used to explore group differences, age related differences and seasonal variations in respiratory pathogens. Results: The study included 4075 children. The number of cases in the outbreak group (1222) was 42.8% of that in the pre-outbreak group (2853). The virus-detection rate was similar in the outbreak (48.3%, 590/1222) and pre-outbreak groups (51.5%, 1468/2853; χ2 = 3.446, P = 0.065), while the bacteria-detection rate was significantly lower in the outbreak group (26.2%, 320/1222) than in the pre-outbreak group (44.1%, 1258/2853; χ2 = 115.621, P < 0.05). With increase in age, the proportions of RSV and CMV infections gradually decreased, while those of MP, SP, and Adenovirus infections increased. SP, CMV, and Rhinovirus infections peaked in autumn and winter, while RSV infections peaked in summer and winter. Conclusion: Anti-COVID-19 measures significantly reduced the number of children hospitalized for respiratory tract infections, significantly altered the pathogen spectrum of respiratory tract infections, and decreased the overall detection rates of 14 common respiratory pathogens. The proportion of bacterial infections decreased, but that of viral infections did not.

Rationale, aims and objectives Establishing the biopsychosocial profile of patients with low back pain is essential to personalize care. The Pain and Disability Drivers Management model (PDDM) has been suggested as a useful framework to help clinicians establish the profile. Yet, there is no tool to facilitate its integration into clinical practice. Thus, the aim of this study is to develop and validate a rating scale, in order to rapidly establish the patient’s profile based on the domains of the PDDM. Method The tool was developed in accordance with the principles of COSMIN methodology. We conducted 3 steps: 1) item generation from a comprehensive review, 2) refinement of the scale with clinicians’ feedback, and 3) statistical analyses to assess the content validity. To validate the item assessing with Likert scales, we performed Item level-Content Validity Index (I-CVI) analyses on three criteria with an a priori threshold of >0.78. We conducted Average-Content Validity Index (Ave-CVI) analyses to validate the overall scale with a threshold of >0.9. Results Coherent with the PDDM, we developed a 5-item rating scale with 4 score options. We selected clinical instruments to screen the presence or absence of the categories of each domain. 42 participants provided feedback to refine the clarity, presentation and clinical applicability of the scale. The statistical analysis of the latest version presented I-CVI above the threshold for each item (between 0.94 and 1). The analysis of the overall scale supported its validation (Ave-CVI=0.95 [0.94;0.97]). Conclusion From the 51 biopsychosocial elements contained within the 5 domains of the PDDM, we developed a rating scale that allows to rapidly screen for problematic issues for categories within each domain. The involvement of clinicians in the process allowed us to validate the content of the first scale to establish the patient’s biopsychosocial profile for people with LBP

It is possible to differentiate the behaviour between intentional and unintentional of sellers through surfing the e-market. Thus, based on above views sellers can be divided into two groups i.e. with the intention of selling and the other without the intention of selling.In this work we proposed model for probabilistic model used upon HMM has the ability to predict the intention of seller behaviour in E-market. E-market broker site can adopt this method for implement customize selling environment on the basis of cognitive and social features of sellers. If buyer detects that seller has intention of selling in advance through the E-commerce web site which can offer him some considerate attributes such as Brand name, offers, price and relative sales information with a preferential price to retain the buyer and hence buyer has an electronic market which contain various types of seller with buyer preferenciable attributes in various dimensional values. Actually the intention of seller agent is hidden state and it is based upon the commitment given by seller. Through this hidden state buyer agent can observe the trust of seller agent. Through this work buyer agent have two different category of seller agents sets, one whose intention is favourable and second whose intention is unfavourable for selling the items in e-market. Using learning algorithm buyer agent can get optimize result.

Objective: To examine the success rate of simple needle aspiration (SNA) for acute Bartholin’s gland abscess (ABGA). Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Academic Hospital of La Conception, Marseille, France. Population or Sample: Women who presented with AGBA between June 2013 and October 2017. Methods: The study cohort was subdivided into two treatment groups, SNA or incision and drainage (ID), according to their preference. Success was considered the absence of surgical treatment (failure treatment) within one month of the initial treatment. Recurrence was considered the occurrence of a new ABGA requiring surgical treatment (recurrence treatment) between one and 12 months after the initial treatment. Main Outcome Measures: Rate of women without failure or recurrence treatment after SNA. Comparison of success and recurrence rates between SNA and ID treatment for ABGA. Results: The rate of women without failure or recurrence treatment after SNA was 68/134 (51% (95% CI: 42-59%)). The success rate was lower in the SNA group than in the ID group: 93/134 (69%) versus 38/42 (90%) (relative risk [RR]: 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66-0.89, p < 0.05). The rate of women without failure or recurrence treatment was similar in the SNA and ID group, respectively: 68/134 (51%) versus 25/42 (60%) (RR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.63-1.15, p = 0.3). Conclusions: SNA can be offered as first-line treatment for ABGA. SNA can be performed as an outpatient procedure without anaesthesia and remove the need for secondary surgery in half of the cases one year post-treatment surgery.

To demonstrate modified surgical technique of the laparoscopic cerclage (LAC) in non-pregnant women with clinical diagnosis of cervical incompetence. Patient was discharged in the first day postoperatively and became pregnant 3 months after surgery, with a final C-section delivery of a healthy term newborn at 38 weeks of gestational age.

This work dealt with the chiral separation of the R- and S-valsartan mixture, where R- is an undesired coproduct formed in the production of S-valsartan. 1H NMR and molecular simulation calculation indicated the dehydroabietylamine (DHAA) has well chiral recognition ability to valsartan enantiomers. DHAA successfully employs the resolution of R- and S-valsartan via diastereomeric crystallization. The main parameters affecting the enantio-separation process, such as solvent, the molar ratio DHAA/valsartan, liquid-solid ratio of solvent/valsartan, reaction and crystallization temperature, were investigated and optimized by employing a Box-Behnken design and the response surface methodology (RSM). At the optimal resolution conditions, the chiral separation gave purity of 99.1% and yield of 87.2% for the S-valsartan. These results provide an industrially viable and efficient separation of valsartan enantiomers. Consequently, the established separation method can use to recycle the S-valsartan from the R-/S-valsartan mixture and promote sustainable development for the manufacturing of S-valsartan.

This paper shows a python based GUI simulation software, named DSoft, which underlies the analytical approach to the McCabe-Thiele graphical method to simulate the equilibrium stage model for a continuous feed binary distillation column. The software, DSoft, calculates theoretical stages, actual stages at all ranges of Murphree tray efficiency, feed tray location, and boil-up ratio for any given input of feed quality, product compositions, and reflux ratio. Along with the analytical solution, it plots the McCabe-Thiele diagram, Composition Profile, and Feed Tray Optimisation curve. Moreover, two case studies are carried out and the results are verified with existing commercial software. As a result of the case study simulation, further research studies, observations & inferences are carried out. DSoft is a simple, compatible, platform-independent, standalone software that can be used for educational, research & development, industrial purposes, etc., demonstrating both analytical & graphical approach with a detailed solution to the user.

Tanzania was one of the countries that were heavily affected by the 2006/07 Rift Valley fever (RVF) epizootic that affected the entire Eastern Africa region. In this study we used information on the geographical locations of the reported cases (abortions and serological data) to explore the eco-epidemiologic characteristics of the 2006/07 RVF outbreak in the north-eastern Tanzania. A total of 3819 small ruminant serological samples were investigated, of which 68.40% (2614) had serological results on IgM antibodies, and positive history of abortions. Of the 2614 data, 1826 (69.9%), and 1135 (43.4%) had information on abortion and IgM positive status respectively. Suitability analysis showed that 80% of the study area favours the occurrence of RVF. While a pair wise comparison of the risk difference indicated short distances (≤ 15Km) to the points of livestock congregations such auctions (Z = 20.32; P < 0.00001), dip tanks (Z = 7.997; P < 0.00001), water bodies (Z = 19.209; P < 0.00001), and transport network (Z = 13.589; P < 0.00001) were highly associated with the IgM seropositivity. Also, proximity (≤ 30 Km) to the wildlife reservoirs was significantly (Z = 14.51; P < 0.00001) associated with the occurrence of RVF. The same risk factors were highly (P < 0.00001) associated with the occurrence of RVF related abortions. This work could have future implications in informing a collaborative approach to develop and adapt prevention and control strategies that will help manage the disease risks, and the associated socio-economic and public health impacts.

Onchocerca lupi is an emerging, zoonotic filarioid nematode associated with ocular disease in companion animals. We report the first autochthonous case of O. lupi in a dog from Hidalgo County, southern Texas, USA. An 11-year-old, castrated male, Pitbull dog from McAllen, Hidalgo County, southern Texas with no travel history, was diagnosed with a perforating corneal ulceration of the right eye. Enucleation was performed, and tissues submitted for histopathology. Sections of two filarioid nematodes were observed. Parasite identification relied on morphological features seen on histopathology and molecular confirmation by PCR of the cox1 gene of the mitochondrial DNA, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Our finding suggests Texas as an additional endemic state for this zoonotic nematode. Further investigations are required to understand the epidemiology of this parasite along the United States/Mexico border.

Introduction: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is an old Egyptian norm. Its effect on genital self-image is not fully explored. Aim: To detect if FGM/C is still a “norm”, and to evaluate its impact on genital self-image. Methods: A cross-sectional survey involved 1952 women. Data recruited from personal interviews and examinations to determine the type of FGM/C. Results: There was a statistically non-significant difference in female genital self-image scores between type I, II FGM/C and non-FGM/C (P > 0.05). Conclusions: FGM/C is still a “norm” in the present. Key words: AVFGSI scale, AVFSFI score, Female genital mutilation/cutting, Female genital self-image, norm, Self-image.

Background. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection elicit polyfunctional CD8+ T cell response. Follicular CD8+ T cells with high C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CXCR5) expression have antiviral effects in chronic viral infection. However, the role of follicular CXCR5+CD8+ T cells during primary EBV infection remains unclear. Methods. Using multicolor flow cytometry, we investigated the dynamic changes of circulating follicular CXCR5+CD8+ T cells in EBV-infected infectious mononucleosis (IM) patients. Evaluation of CXCR5+CD8+ response to EBV peptides was performed. EBV DNA viral loads in PBMC were also determined. Results. Circulating follicular CXCR5+CD8+ T cells emerged gradually but EBV DNA viral loads steadily decreased over time after EBV infection. Importantly, the upregulation of CXCR5+CD8+ T cells was correlated with EBV DNA reduction. Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) on CXCR5+CD8+ T cells emerged over time. Furthermore, CXCR5+CD8+ T cells were demonstrated to be polyfunctionality (IFN-γ and IL-2 secretion) with enhanced cytotoxicity to EBV peptides. Conclusions. Polyfunctional CXCR5+CD8+ T cells emerge during persistent EBV infection.

The effect of ammonium and nitrate, as the sole source of nitrogen (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 mM) and in mixtures (4+1, 4+2, 4+4, 4+8, and 4+16 mM, nitrate+ammonium), on the productivity of biomass, lipids, carbohydrates, proteins and total pigments of S. dimorphus was determined. The experiments were conducted in 450 mL photobioreactors with BG11 medium. S. dimorphus showed growth under all nitrate concentrations tested with the highest productivity at 4 mM. However, there was no growth in media amended with only ammonium. The nitrate and ammonium mixture (4+1 mM) increased by 38.37% of the biomass productivity, compared to nitrate 4 mM. This combination also increased lipid, carbohydrate, and total pigment productivity by 65%, 69%, and 51.8%, respectively. Nitrate was suitable to produce S. dimorphus biomass. Unexpectedly, ammonium in any concentration inhibited S. dimorphus growth, nevertheless ammonium 1mM with nitrate 4 mM significantly increased productivities.

Primary hepatocytes as liver stem cells can proliferate under liver injury. Hepatocytes are the major parenchymal cells (PC) in the liver and play an important role in liver metabolism. Hepatocytes are considered as a gold standard tool for drug toxicity/screening or liver disease modeling. Though the maturation and functions of hepatocytes are lost under routine 2-dimensional (2D) culture conditions. Recent studies revealed that interactions of hepatocytes with non-parenchyma cells (NPC) under 3D culture conditions can be an alternative option to overcome these problems. Co-culture of hepatocytes with NPC facilitated in-vitro liver disease models such as fibrosis, steatosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cholestasis, and viral hepatitis. This review described the co-culture of liver PC with NPC under 2D and 3D culture systems.

Introduction – Determining factors for sufficient QRS amplitude and discernible P-wave sensing in ILR are unknown. We aimed to investigate determining factors and ILR implantation angle that may improve QRS complex and P-wave sensing in ILR. Methods and Results – We retrospectively reviewed 220 patients who underwent ILR implantation or follow-up analysis. Patient demographic, clinical, echocardiography, electrocardiography, heart angle, and ILR angle data were collected as predictor variables. Associations between ILR QRS amplitude/P-wave detectability and each predictor variable were investigated. Univariate linear regression showed that ILR QRS amplitude was significantly associated with age, height, ILR angle, and QRS amplitudes of 12-Lead ECG [lead I, II, -aVR (inverted aVR), aVF, V1-V6] and Holter ECG (lead V3, V5). Among discrete variables, only left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) affected ILR QRS amplitude (P=0.016). A multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that ILR angle (β= -0.008, P<0.001), lead -aVR amplitude (β=0.469, P=0.003), Holter lead V5 amplitude (β=0.116, p=0.049), Age (β=-0.005, P=0.014), and LVH (β=0.213, P= 0.031) were independent determinants of ILR QRS amplitude. Logistic regression revealed that heart angle significantly affected ILR P-wave detectability (β=0.12, P=0.008). Multiple logistic regression revealed that heart angle (β=0.121, P= 0.013) and lead V1 amplitude (β=28.1, P= 0.034) were independent determinants of ILR P-wave detectability. Conclusion – ILR insertion angle, lead -aVR QRS amplitude, Holter lead V5 QRS amplitude, age, and LVH are determinants of ILR QRS amplitude. Heart angle and lead V1 P-wave amplitude of 12-Lead ECG are determinants of ILR P-wave detectability.

In this paper, an attempt has been made to developed a numerical scheme for numerical approximation of the convection-diffusion problem in convection dominant situations. Applying Lagrange interpolation technique, new expressions are obtained to approximate the variable at spatial interfaces of the computational domain. Subsequently, these interface approximations are used to developed a numerical scheme based on upwind approach in the finite volume method. Crank-Nicolson technique is used for the approximation along temporal direction. This newly constructed numerical scheme is unconditionally stable with second order accuracy along space and time both. The numerical experiments are performed using the proposed upwind approach and numerical results confirm the theoretical algorithm. Numerical results produce by our constructed numerical are compared with conventional finite volume method. This comparison indicates for convection dominant phenomena the numerical solution of conventional finite volume method contains with non-physical oscillations where are our proposed numerical schemes give a high accurate and stable solution.

Opsin is a fellow of the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) superfamily. It can be divided into visual and non-visual opsins according to whether they are directly involved in visual imaging. Opsin plays an important role in visual image formation and the regulation of non-image forming functions such as circadian entrainment in the growth, development and evolution of fish. Crimson snapper is mainly found in the Indo-West Pacific and the southern part of the East China Sea and the South China Sea. It is one of the most influential economic fish in the South China Sea. In order to study the existence and expression of opsin gene in Crimson snapper, we sequenced the genome and tissue sample transcriptome of Crimson snapper. In this study, 32 opsin genes were identified from the genome with the length of 1061 bp - 86203 bp distributed on 15 different chromosomes. The analysis of opsin gene family of Crimson snapper showed that the sws2 was expanded with two copies than that of Zebrafish. Domain and motif analysis revealed that all the 32 opsin sequences had 7TM receptors, and Crimson snapper opsin family contained 10 common motifs. The expression level of opsin gene, confirmed by RT-qPCR, was analyzed by using nine tissues transcriptome databases of Crimson snapper. The results showed that almost opsin genes were highly expressed in the retina and brain,except opn7a and opn7b which were expressed in intestine and red skin, and almost no expression in other tissues.

We introduce a novel three-dimensional (3D) mapping technique to approach a mid-septal accessory pathway (AP) ablation in a 21-year-old male with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, this technique allowed the correct identification and localization of the AP and lead to a successful single shot ablation.

Introduction: Left atrial (LA) lesion size, function and tissue damage have not been compared following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) by high-power short-duration (HPSD) radiofrequency (RF) and second-generation cryoballoon (CB2) ablation. Methods: We enrolled 40 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who underwent PVI by HPSD RF (n=21) or CB2 (n=19). Every patient underwent LA CT angiography and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) to assess LA anatomy and function. Biomarker levels (hs-cTnT, hs-CRP, LDH) were compared pre-and postprocedurally. Pre- and postablation high-density mapping (HDM) was performed. Isolation area was defined under 0.2 mV bipolar voltage (low voltage area, LVA). We calculated the post-PVI LVA/LA surface ratio using LA CT-HDM merge images. At 3-month follow-up, TTE was performed to assess changes in LA function. Results: Postablation hs-cTnT level was significantly higher in the RF group (RF: 1249 ± 469 ng/L, CB2: 995 ± 280 ng/L, p=0.024). Post-PVI hs-CRP (RF: 9.53 ± 10.30 mg/L, CB2: 12.36 ± 5.76 mg/L, p=0.034) and LDH levels (RF: 349.9 ± 65.6 U/L, CB2: 451.6 ± 91.3 U/L, p <0.001) were significantly higher following CB2 ablation. Post-PVI LVA/LA surface ratios were 8.37 ± 6.42% in the RF group and 13.58 ± 8.92% in the CB2 group (p=0.022). LA function did not change significantly by TTE after the PVI procedure. Conclusions: Our data indicate that second-generation cryoballoon ablation produces significantly larger LA lesion size compared with ”point-by-point” HPSD radiofrequency. Both techniques preserve LA function. The myocardial component of tissue loss appears to be higher using HPSD radiofrequency ablation, with less collateral damage.