bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity of extracts and major constituents derived from Stachytarpheta indica Linn. leaves and their potential implications for wound healing
Authors: Agampodi Vajira Asela , Katavic Peter , Collet Christopher , Collet Trudi
Published: April 2021

Wounds of various types continue to have a severe socioeconomic impact on the cost of health care. Globally, there has been increased interest surrounding the identification of bioactive compounds that promote or modulate the wound healing process. Stachytarpheta indica Linn. is traditionally used to heal wounds and relieve inflammation, however, the theorised pharmacological properties have not yet been scientifically validated. In this study, dried and ground plant leaves were extracted with water and methanol, which were then subjected to various analyses. Antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts and isolated compounds was determined using well diffusion assays, while the minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined with a colorimetric assay. Morphological changes of human keratinocytes in response to plant extracts were observed with differential interference contrast microscope imaging. Cell viability, proliferation and migratory effects post-treatment with the plant extracts were also evaluated via colorimetric cytotoxicity assays and a real-time cell analyser protocol. Anti-inflammatory effects of plant extracts and isolated compounds were evaluated by flow cytometry and cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzyme inhibition assays. Three active compounds i.e. ipolamiide, verbascoside and iso-verbascoside, were isolated from S. indica leaves. Verbascoside demonstrated broad-range antibacterial activity and imposed strong inhibition at 9.77 μg/mL against Staphylococci spp. S. indica extracts (0.1-0.2 mg/mL) were shown to improve human keratinocyte proliferation up to 60 % and induce morphological changes by producing cytoplasmic projections at concentrations higher than 0.4 mg/mL. Plant extracts (6.25-100 μg/mL) and individual compounds (3.125-50 μg/mL) elicited strong anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing the expression of interleukin-8 and inhibiting cyclooxygenase-1 and 5-lipoxygenase enzymes. Collectively, these results indicate that plant extracts and isolated compounds derived from S. indica have the potential to inhibit bacterial growth, promote tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation, hence, potentially providing the basis for a novel therapeutic for the treatment of wounds.
A scenario analysis of potential long-term impacts of COVID-19 on the Tunisian electricity sector
Authors: Gardumi Francesco , Mhiri Nesrine , Howells Mark , Bock Franziska , Necibi Thameur , Bouden Chiheb
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the economy of Tunisia, like that of many other countries. With electricity consumption dropping, consumption patterns changing, international fuel prices plummeting and uncertainty raging, the pandemic has affected not least the planning of investments in electricity supply. Although the government seems unlikely to revise the decarbonisation targets downwards, questions arise on whether the investments planned before the pandemic are still relevant in the changed global landscape and what effects they may have on the country’s economy.In this study, we analyse post-pandemic scenarios for the electricity supply system of Tunisia with an energy-economy modelling framework, soft-linking the energy modelling tool OSeMOSYS and an open source Input-Output model. We extract insights on the cost-competitiveness of different – previously planned and new – electricity supply solutions and their impacts on job creation and loss in the entire economy. We find that renewable solutions based on solar photovoltaic remain highly competitive with gas-fired generation under different projections of gas prices and that several low-carbon and energy efficiency solutions have high potential for job creation.
Integrated Input-Output and Systems Analysis Modelling: The case of Tunisia. Part 2 - A systems model with IO multipliers
Authors: Howells Mark , Necibi Thameur , Laitner John Skip , Gardumi Francesco , Bock Franziska
Published: April 2021

This work extends a simple open source energy systems model of the Tunisian electricity sector, used for research purposes. The extension includes addition of job creation multipliers from an Input-Output analysis. Test scenarios are then developed, to assess future emissions and job creation trajectories associated with the introduction of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. The results indicate that increased economic efficiency associated with significant (but limited) injections of energy efficiency and renewable energy reduce gas imports, reduce emissions and increase local jobs. The analysis is cursory and initial. Its objective is to enhance open modelling that can be developed and co-created for deeper policy analysis.
Resource utilization of organic spent adsorbent to prepare three-dimensional sulfate-functionalized layered double oxide for superior removal of azo dye
Authors: Zhang Lingjie , Zheng Siyin , Li Peng , Zhu Zhongbang , Zou Youqin , Zhang Ping
Published: April 2021

Developing superior, rapid, cost-effective adsorbents derived from organic spent adsorbent is an economically sustainable way for purifying azo dye wastewater. Herein, we report a precursor-calcination strategy for the recycle of the organic spent adsorbent to a high value-added three-dimensional sulfate-functionalized MgAl-layered double oxide (3S-LDO). Thanks to the unique property of the sulfate group and LDO, 3S-LDO exhibited a superior (4340.71 mg/g) and ultrafast (< 1 hour) adsorption toward methyl orange (MO, as the representative of azo dye). A thermodynamic study revealed that the reaction process was spontaneous and exothermic. FT-IR, XPS, and XRD results confirmed that the sulfate from 3S-LDO played a vital role in MO removal wherein the S = O bond (with the electrophilic character) from SO42− interacted with the N = N double bond (with rich electron) in MO through the electron donor-acceptor mechanism. And the “memory effect” and surface complexation of 3S-LDO further strengthened the MO adsorption. More importantly, 3S-LDO could work efficiently in a wide pH range and even in the presence of competitive anions (e.g., Cl−, NO3−, and CO32−). Multiple cyclic runs and selective tests demonstrated the excellent reusability and explicit selectivity of 3S-LDO. This work not only provides a prospective sulfate-functionalized adsorbent from organic waste for rapid azo dye removal from wastewater but also achieves the high value-added utilization of organic waste.
The societal influences and quality of life among healthcare team members under COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kao Wei-Tsung , Hsu Su-Ting , Chou Frank Huang-Chih , Chou Li-Shiu , Hsieh Kuan-Ying , Li Dian-Jeng , Lin Guei-Ging , Wu Pay-Jen , Chen Wei-Jen , Huang Joh-Jong
Published: April 2021

Background: The corona virus infection disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is likely to put healthcare professionals across the world in an unprecedented situation. Methods: 683 healthcare workers were recruited in this study. Short form-12 items (SF-12), Societal Influences Survey Questionnaire (SISQ), and Disaster-Related Psychological Screening Test (DRPST) were used to survey participants. Multiple linear regression and structural equation model (SEM) were used to explore the possible factors to the societal influences and quality of life. Results: Female, older, more education years, married, regular intake and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequency had positive effects to SISQ. To physical component summary (PCS) of SF-12, chronic illness, sleep score, PTSD frequency and social distance had negative effects and exercise habits had positive effect. To mental component summary (MCS) value of SF-12, age, participate in clubs, volunteer or charity activities and social information had positive effects and PTSD frequency, sleep score, social anxiety and depression had negative effects. Under SEM analysis, PTSD had positive effect to SISQ. Sleep score and MCS value had negative effects to SISQ. PTSD severity, older age, Sleep score, smoking and Nursing staff had negative effects to PCS value. Young age, PTSD frequency, sleep score and depression had negative effects to MCS value. Conclusion: Healthcare team members with severer PTSD symptoms suffered more societal influences. Relative to PTSD severity, PTSD frequency was more important to the quality of life. Members of older age, who frequently participate in clubs, volunteers or charity activities had better mental life quality.
Leveraging the Self-Transition Probability of Ordinal Patterns Transition Network for Transportation Mode Identification Based on GPS Data
Authors: Silva Isadora Cardoso P. , Borges Joao B. , Barros Pedro H. , Loureiro Antonio F. , Rosso Osvaldo A. , Ramos Heitor S.
Published: April 2021

Analyzing people mobility and identifying the transportation mode used by them is essential for cities that want to reduce traffic jams and travel time between their points, thus helping to improve the quality of life of citizens. Mining this type of data, however, faces several complexities due to its unique properties. In this work, we propose the use of Information Theory quantifiers retained from the Ordinal Patterns (OP) transformation, for transportation mode identification. As an initial exploration, our results show that OP satisfactorily characterizes the trajectories. Moreover, in this scenario, the characteristics of OP transformation can be advantageous, such as its simplicity, robustness, and speed.
Phosphorus mass balance and input load estimation from the wet and dry periods in tropical semiarid reservoirs
Authors: Rocha Maria de Jesus Delmiro , Neto Iran Eduardo Lima
Published: April 2021

The dynamics of total phosphorus (TP) in 18 strategic reservoirs of the high-density reservoir network of the Brazilian semiarid was evaluated during the wet and dry periods for the past 12 years. Seasonal TP concentrations presented no significant differences for about 90% of the reservoirs (p > 0.05). This was attributed to a trade-off between the hydrological/limnological processes occurring in the two seasons. Then, a transient complete-mix mass balance model was applied with particular adaptations for the tropical semiarid reservoirs to estimate the TP load for each season. Because of the relatively well mixed conditions and high hypolimnetic dissolved oxygen concentrations during the wet season, the wet load was assumed to represent the external TP load. On the other hand, because of the absence of reservoir inflow during the dry season, phosphorus release under anoxic sediment conditions and wind-induced resuspension under shallow water conditions, the dry load was assumed to reflect the internal TP load. The maximum external loads were related to peak inflows, notably after drought periods. Consistently, the largest internal loads were obtained during the drought periods, when the reservoirs were shallower and more prone to phosphorus release and resuspension. By comparing the impact of the two input load types, the wet period load was predominant in 72% of the reservoirs. The areal phosphorus loads ranged from 0.66 to 7.29 gP.m².yr-1, which were consistent with the literature, despite the very high density of reservoirs. Finally, power-law curves including data for all studied reservoirs were adjusted between the dry period load and volume, dry and wet period loads, wet period load and inflow, and total load and catchment area, resulting in satisfactory R² (0.66–0.82).
Core procedural skills competencies and the maintenance of procedural skills for medical students: a Delphi study
Authors: Green Patricia , Edwards Elizabeth J , Tower Marion
Published: April 2021

Background: It is well recognised that medical students need to acquire certain procedural skills during their medical training, however, agreement on the level and acquisition of competency to be achieved in these skills is under debate. Further, the maintenance of competency of procedural skills across medical curricula is often not considered. The purpose of this study was to identify core procedural skills competencies for Australian medical students and to establish the importance of the maintenance of such skills.Methods: A three-round, online Delphi method was used to identify consensus on competencies of procedural skills for graduating medical students in Australia. In Round 1, an initial structured questionnaire was developed using content identified from the literature. Respondents were invited experts that rated their agreement on the inclusion of teaching 74 procedural skills and 11 suggested additional procedures. In Round 2, experts re-appraised the importance of 85 skills and rated the importance of maintenance of competency (i.e., Not at all important to Extremely important). In Round 3, experts rated the level of maintenance of competence (i.e., Observer, Novice, Competent, Proficient) in 46 procedures achieving consensus. Subjects: Thirty-six experts representing medical education and multidisciplinary clinicians involved with medical students undertaking procedural skills.Results: Consensus, defined as >80% agreement, was established with 46 procedural skills across ten categories: cardiovascular, diagnostic/measurement, gastrointestinal, injections/intravenous, ophthalmic/ENT, respiratory, surgical, trauma, women’s health and urogenital procedures. The procedural skills that established consensus with the highest level of agreement included cardiopulmonary resuscitation, airway management, asepsis and surgical scrub, gown and gloving. The importance for medical students to demonstrate maintenance of competency in procedural skills was assessed on the 6-point Likert scale with a mean of 5.03. Conclusions: The findings from the Delphi study provided critical information about procedural skills for the Clinical Practice domain of Australian medical curricula. The inclusion of experts from medical faculty and clinicians provided opportunities to capture a range of experience independent of medical speciality. These findings demonstrate the importance of maintenance of competency of procedural skills and provides the groundwork for further investigations into monitoring medical students’ skills prior to graduation.
Assessment of heavy metals contamination in soils in the Beskidy mountain forests and their potential impact on soil enzyme activities and microbial community
Authors: Borgulat Jacek , Borgulat Anna , Nadgórska-Socha Aleksandra , Kandziora-Ciupa Marta
Published: April 2021

The research was carried out in the Beskid Śląski and Beskid Żywiecki mountains which were affected, among others, by air pollution from the Upper Silesian Industrial Region, the largest industrial zone in Poland. The aim of the study was to assess the heavy metal load in the soils of the studied area and to determine their potential impact on soil metabolism. The research was carried out on 6 permanent sites. For each site, the total content of zinc (Zn), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) was determined for three soil levels (A, B and C). Moreover, the following were determined: total nitrogen, organic carbon, pH and soil moisture and the amount of heavy metals in soil solutions. The metabolic activity of the soil was assessed by measuring: soil enzymes activity, soil respiration and by studying community-level physiological profiling (CLPP) using Biolog ECO-plates. In the case of Pb and Cd their increased content in the topsoil was found, which indicates their anthropogenic origin. Statistical analysis showed that in the case of very acidic forest soil even slightly elevated lead level probably can affect the functional biodiversity of soil microorganisms. The study showed that it is not easy to assess the impact of heavy metals on soil metabolism. Some indicators such as the activity of soil enzymes used individually may not be sufficient to illustrate the changes occurring in the soil environment.
Situated learning makes easy learning for the biomedical engineering students in blood physiology
Authors: Wang Lin-lin , Zheng Mingzhi , Zhong Jin-jie , Chen Ying-ying
Published: April 2021

Background Blood physiology is difficult to be understood and remembered for biomedical engineering students by traditional teaching method. In this study, we aim to know whether situated learning was helpful for students learning the key points of theoretical knowledge in blood physiology. Methods In the study group (2019), 51 sophomores were randomly divided into two smaller teams. Team A was provided with the script of wisdom tooth extraction, which contains the knowledge of hemostasis and coagulation. Team B was provided with a script of rescue in the intensive care unit, which contains the knowledge of blood type and blood transfusion. In the control group(2018), 52 sophomores participated in traditional lectures given by the teacher with the aid of PowerPoint slides. After class, students from both groups completed the theoretical test, and their test scores were compared. In addition, we designed a questionnaire to get feedback from the study group. Results The theoretical test showed the scores in the study group were higher than those in the control group(2018). The questionnaire analysis showed the positive role of situated learning in learning the key points. Conclusions To sum up, situated learning makes easy learning for undergraduate in blood physiology.
Male-Female Concordance in Reported Involvement of Women in Contraceptive Decision-Making and Its Association With Modern Contraceptive Use Among Couples in Rural Maharashtra, India.
Authors: Dixit Anvita , Johns Nicole E , Ghule Mohan , Battala Madhusudana , Begum Shahina , Yore Jennifer , Saggurti Niranjan , Silverman Jay , Reed Elizabeth , Benmarhnia Tarik , Averbach Sarah , Raj Anita
Published: April 2021

Objective: Women’s involvement in contraceptive decision-making increases contraceptive use and reduces unmet need, but study of this has been limited to women’s self-reports. Less research is available examining couple concordance and women’s involvement in contraceptive decision-making as reported by both men and women. Study Design: We carried out a cross-sectional study using data from rural India (N=961 young married couples). Using multivariable regression we examined the association between concordance or discordance in spousal reports of wife’s involvement in contraceptive decision-making and modern contraceptive use, adjusting for demographics, intimate partner violence, and contraceptive use discussion. Results: More than one third (38.3%) of women reported current modern contraceptive use. Report of women’s involvement in contraceptive decision-making showed 70.3% of couples agreed that women were involved, jointly or alone (categorized as Concordant 1), 4.2% agreed women were not involved (categorized at Concordant 2), 13.2% had women report involvement but men report women were uninvolved (categorized as Discordant 1), and 12.2% had women report uninvolvement but men report that women were involved (categorized as Discordant 2). Discordant 2 couples had lower odds of modern contraceptive use relative to Concordant 1 couples (adjusted RR=0.61, 95% CI 0.45-0.83). No other significant differences between Concordant 1 couples and other categories were observed. Conclusion: One in four couples indicated discordance on women’s involvement in contraceptive decision making, with Discordant 2 category having lower odds of contraceptive use. Couples’ concordance in women’s involvement in contraceptive decision-making offers a target for family planning research and interventions to better meet their needs.Trial registrationClinicalTrial.gov, NCT03514914. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03514914
Study on soil pollution caused by heavy metals in coal mining areas and vegetation restoration in surrounding areas
Authors: Wang Xun
Published: April 2021

In this study, taking a coal mining area as an example, three vegetation restoration modes were designed: Populus L., Ligustrum lucidum Ait., and Amygdalus persica L., and soil and plant samples were collected to determine and evaluate the heavy metals. It was found that all the three modes were effective in eliminating heavy metal pollution in the soil, especially Populus L. and Ligustrum lucidum Ait.; in the soil layer at a depth of 0–20 cm, the content of Cd was the lowest (2.68 mg/kg) in Populus L., and the content of Cr and Pb was the lowest (58.64 mg/kg and 95.36 mg/kg) in Ligustrum lucidum Ait., which was significantly lower than that in the bare land. The evaluation results demonstrated that the pollution under Populus L. and Ligustrum lucidum Ait. modes was moderate. In the aspect of the heavy metal content in plants, the content of Cd was the lowest, and the content of Cr and Pb was high. In the same plant, the content of heavy metals in the leaf was the lowest, followed by the stem and root. The experimental results show that the vegetation restoration mode can relieve the heavy metal pollution, which makes some contributions to solve the ecological restoration problem in coal mining areas.
A positive feedback between HIF1α and lysyl oxidase-like 2 dictates the Warburg Effect in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Li Rongkun , Wang Yahui , Zhu Lili , Zhang Xiaoxin , Liu Dejun , Li Qing , Ni Bo , Hu Lipeng , Zhang Zhi-Gang , Zhang Yanli , Wang Xu , Jiang Shu-Heng
Published: April 2021

Background

Hypoxic microenvironment is common in solid tumors, particularly in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The Warburg effect is known to facilitate cancer aggressiveness and has long been linked to hypoxia, yet the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown.
Methods

The expression pattern and prognostic value of LOXL2 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The effects of LOXL2 on cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, tumor growth and metastasis in vivo were investigated by genetic manipulation of LOXL2 expression in human PDAC cell lines. The effects of LOXL2 on aerobic glycolysis were examined by glucose uptake, lactate production, and Seahorse Flux Analyzer. Quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence and other techniques were conducted to identify molecular mechanism.
Results

Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) is a hypoxia-responsive gene and is essential for the Warburg effect in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). LOXL2 stabilizes hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) from prolyl hydroxylase (PHD)-dependent hydroxylation via hydrogen peroxide generation, thereby facilitating the transcription of multiple glycolytic genes. Therefore, a positive feedback loop is existed between LOXL2 and HIF1α that facilitates glycolytic metabolism under hypoxia. LOXL2 couples the Warburg effect to tumor growth and metastasis in PDAC. Hijacking glycolysis largely compromises LOXL2-induced oncogenic activities.
Conclusion

Our results identify a hitherto unknown hypoxia-LOXL2-HIF1α axis in regulating the Warburg effect and provide an intriguing drug target for PDAC therapy.
High expression of the LAMA3/AC245041.2 gene pair associated with KRAS mutation and poor survival in pancreatic adenocarcinoma: A comprehensive TCGA analysis
Authors: Tian Chengming , LI XIYAO , GE CHUNLIN
Published: April 2021

Background

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is one of the worst cancers with high morbidity and mortality. Given that KRAS mutations may be an early event in PAAD. The present study aimed to identify differentially expression lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs) and differentially expression mRNAs (DE-mRNAs) in KRAS-mutant PAAD. To explore the pathogenesis and molecular mechanism of PAAD development.
Methods

Clinical data of TCGA-PAAD patients were downloaded from the TCGA database and survival analysis was carried out in combination with KRAS mutation information. Through weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and univariate cox regression analysis, we constructed the prognostic risk models to identify the hub DEmRNAs and DElncRNAs associated with PAAD prognosis. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of DE-mRNA was performed. Multivariate cox regression was used to analyze the overall prognosis of age, gender, pathologic_T and KRAS mutations, and then the differences in clinical characteristics of risk score1 and risk score2 were analyzed. Finally, the mRNAs-lncRNA-TFs regulatory network was constructed.
Results

The functional enrichment analysis was performed after screening 1671 DE-mRNAs and 324 DE-lncRNA. It was found that the related pathways were mainly focused on the modulation of chemical synaptic transmission, synaptic membrane, ion-gated channel activity, ligand − receptor interactions that stimulate neural tissue, and so on. Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to screen 117 mRNAs and 36 lncRNAs, and the risk ratio models of mRNAs and lncRNAs was constructed. The LAMA3 (mRNA) and the AC245041.2 (lncRNA) have strong expression correlation in two risk models. The genes in the samples with high expression of the two genes were enriched into many transcription factors (TFs) related pathways, among which transcription factors related pathways including ATF5, CSHL1, NR1I2, SIPA1, HOXC13, HSF2, and HOXA10 were shared by the two groups, the core enrichment genes in the common TFs pathway were collated, and the regulatory network of mRNAs-lncRNAs-TFs was drawn.
Conclusion

In our study, new prognostic mRNAs and lncRNAs were identified, prognostic models were constructed respectively, and nomograms were constructed to guide clinical practice. We had drawn the regulatory network of mRNAs-lncRNAs-TFs, which can provide clues for further research in the future.
Multi-path Aggregation U-Net for Lung Segmentation in Chest Radiographs
Authors: Ma Ling , Hou Xiaomao , Gong Zhi
Published: April 2021

Lung segmentation from chest X-ray images is a fundamental and crucial step for computer-aid diagnosis (CAD) system. Although many techniques for this problem have been proposed, it still remains as a challenge. Recently, Fully Convolutional Networks (FCNs) especially U-Net has been hugely successful for many image segmentation tasks. In this paper, we propose a revised variant of U-Net, specifically, we design two main components. The first component is multi-path dilated convolutions with different dilation rate to extract multi-scale features. It was used to replace the basic convolutions used in the original U-Net. The second component is skip connections with dense deep layer aggregation to further aggregate features across different scales. We perform extensive experiments on three publicly available datasets (in total 951 images). Our proposed method outperforms many other segmentation methods and achieves state-of-the-art segmentation performance (Dice’s coefficient of 96.5%, 97.9% and 96.7% on the three datasets, respectively).
The Clinical Utility of A Comprehensive Psychosomatic Assessment in The Program for Colorectal Cancer Prevention: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gostoli Sara , Montecchiarini Maria , Urgese Alessia , Ferrara Francesco , Polifemo Anna Maria , Ceroni Liza , Gasparri Asia , Rafanelli Chiara , Cennamo Vincenzo
Published: April 2021

Background: Few studies have investigated psychosocial characteristics and lifestyle behaviors of participants at programs for secondary prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed, through a comprehensive psychosomatic assessment based on clinimetric principles, to evaluate psychosocial characteristics and lifestyle behaviors in participants at CRC secondary prevention program, and to investigate the associations between these variables and endoscopic outcomes. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the first 150 consecutive asymptomatic participants at the CRC prevention program who resulted positive to fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and were thus referred to colonoscopy, underwent a psychosomatic assessment including psychiatric diagnoses (DSM-5), psychosomatic syndromes (DCPR-R), psychological distress (SQ), psychological well-being (PWB-I) and lifestyle behaviors. Results: Whereas only 5.3% of the sample showed at least one DSM-5 diagnosis, 51.3% showed at least one DCPR syndrome, such as allostatic overload, alexithymia, Type A behavior, and demoralization. Patients affected by psychosomatic syndromes presented with significantly higher psychological distress, lower psychological well-being and unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, such as tobacco smoking and unhealthy diet, in comparison with patients without DCPR syndromes. Among endoscopic outcomes, the presence of adenomas was significantly associated with DCPR irritable mood. Conclusions: In a clinical context of secondary prevention addressing asymptomatic patients with a positive FOBT, a comprehensive psychosomatic assessment may provide relevant clinical information for those patients who present certain psychosomatic syndromes associated with high psychological distress, impaired psychological well-being, unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and colorectal precancerous lesions. The results of the present study indicate a road to the practice of “preventive” medicine at CRC screening program.
Role of hippocampal location and radiation dose in glioblastoma patients with hippocampal atrophy
Authors: Fèvre Clara Le , Cheng Xue , Loit Marie-Pierre , Keller Audrey , Cebula Hélène , Antoni Delphine , Thiery Alicia , Constans Jean-Marc , Proust François , Noel Georges
Published: April 2021

Background The hippocampus is a critical organ for irradiation. Thus, we explored changes in hippocampal volume according to the dose delivered and the location relative to the glioblastoma.Methods All patients were treated for glioblastoma with surgery, concomitant radiotherapy and temozolomide, and adjuvant temozolomide. Hippocampi were retrospectively delineated on three MRIs, performed at baseline, at the time of relapse, and on the last MRI available at the end of follow-up. A total of 98, 96, and 82 hippocampi were measured in the 49 patients included in the study, respectively. The patients were stratified into three subgroups according to the dose delivered to 40% of the hippocampus. In the group 1 (n = 6), the hippocampal D40% was < 7.4 Gy, in the group 2 (n = 13), only the Hcontra D40% was < 7.4 Gy, and in the group 3 (n = 30), the D40% for both hippocampi was > 7.4 Gy.Results Regardless of the time of measurement, homolateral hippocampal volumes were significantly lower than those contralateral to the tumor. Regardless of the side, the volumes at the last MRI were significantly lower than those measured at baseline. There was a significant correlation among the decrease in hippocampal volume regardless of its side, and Dmax (p = 0.001), D98% (p = 0.028) and D40% (p = 0.0002). After adjustment for the time of MRI, these correlations remained significant. According to the D40% and volume at MRIlast, the hippocampi decreased by 4 mm3/Gy overall.Conclusions There was a significant relationship between the radiotherapy dose and decrease in hippocampal volume. However, at the lowest doses, the hippocampi seem to exhibit an adaptive increase in their volume, which could indicate a plasticity effect. Consequently, shielding at least one hippocampus by delivering the lowest possible dose is recommended so that cognitive function can be preserved.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered.
Influence of alkalinization over MIL-100(Fe) for enhanced VOCs adsorbents
Authors: Xie Xinyu , Thomas Joy , Chang Chang-Tang , Tao Hong
Published: April 2021

Substantial attempts have been undertaken for the improvement of the air quality over decades; and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from the chemical and textile industries are truly listed as severe issue to be controlled. To come up with modus operandi for this issue, a novel composite of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) MIL-100(Fe) with salient tuned features of natrite was designed by a green and facile method. Mineralized composite MIL-100(Fe) exhibited enhanced crystallinity than pure MIL-100(Fe) as well showcased a higher surface area of 1300 m2g− 1. Through dynamic acetone pressure swing adsorption setup, MIL-0.05Na revealed an enhanced acetone adsorption of 210 mg g− 1 at room temperature. Gas phase adsorption isotherms confirmed the mono layer adsorption behavior. The kinetics models evaluated that the external mass transfer was the rate limiting step for surface adsorption. The thermodynamic study manifested that the adsorption reaction was spontaneous and exothermic. The proposed mechanism of adsorption was the act of physisorption which enriched the adsorbents reusability. This research work provides a futuristic vista to design mineralized Fe-MOFs composites for an energy saving adsorbents for VOCs removal.
Effect of Handling on ATP Utilization of Cerebral Na,K-ATPase in rats with Trimethyltin-Induced Neurodegeneration.
Authors: Kalocayova Barbora , Snurikova Denisa , Vlkovicova Jana , Stara Veronika Navarova , Michalikova Dominika , Ujhazy Eduard , Gasparova Zdenka , Vrbjar Norbert
Published: April 2021

Previously it was shown that for reduction of anxiety and stress of experimental animals, preventive handling seems to be one of the most effective methods. The present study was oriented on Na,K-ATPase, a key enzyme for maintaining proper concentrations of intracellular sodium and potassium ions. Malfunction of this enzyme has an essential role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. It is known that this enzyme requires approximately 50% of the energy available to the brain. Therefore in the present study utilization of the energy source ATP by Na,K-ATPase in the frontal cerebral cortex, using the method of enzyme kinetics was investigated. As a model of neurodegeneration treatment with Trimethyltin (TMT) was applied. Daily handling (10 min/day) of healthy rats and rats suffering neurodegeneration induced by administration of TMT in a dose of (7.5 mg/kg), at postnatal days 60-102 altered the expression of catalytic subunits of Na,K-ATPase as well as kinetic properties of this enzyme in frontal cerebral cortex of adult male Wistar rats. Everyday handling of rats, beside the previously published beneficial effect on spatial memory was accompanied by improwed maintenance of sodium homeeostasis in frontal cortex of brains. The key system responsible for this proces, the Na,K-ATPase was able to utilize better the energy substrate ATP. In rats with TMT-induced neurodegeneration handling promoted the expresion of α2 isoform of the enzyme which is typical for glial cells. In healthy rats the handling was followed by increased expression α3 subunit which is typical for neurons.
Ceftazidime-avibactam in combination with in vitro non-susceptible antimicrobials versus ceftazidime-avibactam in monotherapy in critically ill patients with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infection
Authors: Zheng Guan-hao , Zhang Jian-xin , Wang Bei , Cai Jia-qi , Wang Li-li , Hou Kai-xuan , Zhang Yan , Zhang Liang , Yang Zhi-tao , He Juan , Bian Xiao-lan
Published: April 2021

Background: There is no clinical study investigating if using CAZ-AVI combination schemes with an in vitro non-susceptible antimicrobial could be superior to CAZ-AVI monotherapy against CRKP clinically. Methods: We performed a retrospective, cohort study at two tertiary hospitals in China for patients with CRKP infection who treated by CAZ-AVI at least 72 hours. A Cox-proportional hazards regression model was set up to evaluate covariates which potentially affected 30-day mortality. Results: Sixty-two patients were eligible in our study, 41 (66.1%) received CZA-AVI combination therapy and 21 (33.9%) received CZA-AVI monotherapy. The overall 30-day mortality was 33.9% (21 patients): 24.4% (10/41) and 47.6% (11/21), P=0.028, in combination and monotherapy groups, respectively. Combination therapy was significantly associated with lower 30-day mortality (HR 0.167, 95%CI 0.060-0.465, P=0.001), while higher APACHE II score, use of vasoactive drug and comorbidity of organ transplantation were considered as factors on increasing mortality. The propensity score showed no significant alteration with other variables after adding it into the final model. In the subgroup analysis, the protective effect revealed when combination with carbapenems, tigecycline or fosfomycin were applied, and in the following subgroups of patients: with sepsis, with CrCl > 50 mL/min, stayed in ICU ≤30 days or underwent mechanical ventilation. Conclusions: CAZ-AVI combination with another in vitro non-susceptible antimicrobial, especially carbapenems, fosfomycin and tigecycline, could significantly decrease 30-day mortality rate for critically ill patients with CRKP infection. Further investigation should be carried out to confirm this conclusion and find out the autofit antimicrobials in CAZ-AVI combination schemes.
Design and Implementation of V2V and V2I Communication Systems using ML based Li-Fi technology
Authors: T Manimegaai C , muthu kali , gauni sabitha
Published: April 2021

These days population are taking a risk in their drive and in no time dangers are happening, and loosing lives by doing tiny wrongs when on drive near restricted zones. To escape these accidents to make population risk free traffic department are introducing signboards. But then again with the ignorance of the people, dangers are happening again, so “Li-Fi technology” is being used here to decrease the count of accidents. The transmission takes place with the help of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).Text, audio and video can also be transmitted with the help of this li-fi. The transmission is done when the light turns on and off. When this is compared to Wi-Fi it has many advantages like this light is not harmful to human body. The Transmission takes place in the form of zeroes and ones. Therefore to avoid accidents we suggested an intelligent, adaptable, and efficient model that utilizes Machine Learning techniques. The proposed system helps in vehicle to vehicle and vehicle to Infrastructure communication systems.
Ulinastatin improves renal microcirculation by protecting expression of VE-cadherin and inhibiting autophagy in a septic rat model
Authors: Li Tian , Ji Xiao-jun , Liu Jing-feng , Guo Xin-jie , Pan Ran , Zhuang Hai-zhou , Dong Lei , Duan Mei-li , Li Ang
Published: April 2021

Background: Increased permeability of the renal capillary is a common consequence of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury. Vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin is a strictly endothelial-specific adhesion molecule that can control the permeability of the blood vessel wall, and autophagy plays an important role in maintaining cell stability. Ulinastatin, a urinary trypsin inhibitor, attenuates the systemic inflammatory response and visceral vasopermeability. However, it is uncertain whether ulinastatin can improve renal microcirculation by acting on the adhesion junction. Methods: We obserned the effect of Ulinastatin in the septic rat model by using contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) to evaluate perfusion of the renal cortex and medulla. Male adult Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture and divided into the sham, sepsis, and ulinastatin groups. Ulinastatin (50 000 U/kg) was injected into the tail vein 1 hour after the operation. At 24 hours postoperatively, CEUS was performed to evaluate the renal microcirculation blood flow and microcirculation perfusion. Histological staining was used to evaluate kidney injury scores. Western blotting was used to assess the expression of VE-cadherin and LC3II, peripheral serum cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels), renal function (creatinine, urea nitrogen, and S-thrombomodulin level), and the urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin level. Results: Compared with sham group, ulinastatin reduced the inflammatory response, maintained the expression of VE-cadherin, inhibited autophagy, and meliorated cortical and medullary perfusion.Conclusions: Ulinastatin effectively protects the adhesion junction and helps to ameliorate the perfusion of kidney capillaries during sepsis by inhibiting autophagy and the expression of inflammatory factors.
Global Drought Monitoring with Drought Severity Index (DSI) using Google Earth Engine
Authors: Khan Ramla , Gilani Hammad
Published: April 2021

Impacts and repercussions of certain disasters could be seen immediately while other disasters like drought show their deadly effects with time. Droughts are scientifically studied with help of either a simple or a composite indices introduced by researchers and organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and United Nations (UN), etc. DSI or drought severity index is a composite index with vegetation data and evapotranspiration data as input variables. The results are acquired after standardizing the final product. In this study, droughts across the globe with respect to seven continents are identified with DSI in the years 2001 to 2019.
Tracking Recent DDT Contamination in a Northern New England Watershed: A Geosciences Approach
Authors: May Amanda , Doner Lisa , Duncan Jeremiah , Hill Stephen
Published: April 2021

The p,p’ isomers of DDT, DDE, and DDD were analyzed in soils, sediments, and crayfish in the Squam Lake watershed in central New Hampshire (NH), U.S.A. Bennett Brook sources elevated levels of DDT residues to Squam Lake through sediment transport, likely due to legacy contamination from applications to an apple orchard surrounding the stream in the mid 1900s. Results reveal a point source located at a barn used during the orchard operation, which was burned down around 1967, with up to 723 µg/kg p,p’ DDT and 721 µg/kg p,p’ DDE in the soils. Higher DDT than DDE in soil samples, but not in sediment samples, suggests persistence of the contaminant in watershed soils, and faster degradation once mobilized into Bennett Brook and Squam Lake. DDT residues in the lake sediments from 1951 to the present, reveal DDT has consistently been entering Squam Lake since usage began in the U.S. There are likely multiple sources that have contributed to the constant supply, including the orchard soils treated with DDT serving as a nonpoint source, the barn site, and DDT-laden soils vulnerable to erosion, including stream banks and logged or steeply sloped land. Detections of residues in the stream and lake sediments exceed certain sediment quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic life. Higher p,p’ DDE levels in crayfish collected in the mouth of Bennett Brook versus crayfish collected in Squam Lake, distant from Bennett Brook, suggests that residues sourcing from this sub-watershed are entering the aquatic food chain at levels higher than other parts of the lake.
A new perspective of countable and uncountable infinite sets on Georg Cantor’s definition in set theory
Authors: Chen Shee-Ping
Published: April 2021

Georg Cantor defined countable and uncountable sets for infinite sets. Natural number set is defined as a countable set, and real number set is proven as an uncountable set by Cantor’s diagonal method. However, in this paper, natural number set will be proven as an uncountable set using Cantor’s diagonal method, and real number set will be proven as a countable set by Cantor’s definition. The process of argumentation provides us new perspectives to consider about the size of infinite sets.
Effects of Laser Energy Density On Carbide Dissolution, Element Distribution and Microstructure Evolution of AISI P20 Steel During Laser Surface Quenching
Authors: Li Zhuoyuan , Zhang Jian , Liu Yang , Zhang Qingmao , Chen Xizhang , Sun Shufeng , Gangil Namrata , Siddiquee Arshad Noor
Published: April 2021

Laser surface quenching (LSQ) was performed on AISI P20 mould and hot-working die steel with an objective to improve surface characteristics. The steel was treated under three different process parameter conditions. The microstructure, element distribution and residual stresses were investigated through SEM, EDS and XRD analyses. The effect of laser energy density on carbide dissolution/ablation, microstructure evolution were thoroughly investigated. The dissolution/ablation of carbides significantly affected the formation of martensite and retained austenite, and the distribution of elements and phase in the microstructure. The results of the study and analyses of treated surface revealed that the LSQ treatment significantly improved the microstructure, eliminated the pores or other defects. Furthermore, the degree of carbide dissolution/ablation was closely related to the laser energy density. Comparing to Cr7C3, Cr3C2 was more difficult to dissolve at lower laser energy density. Thus, those incompletely dissolved Cr3C2 would hinder the growth of austenite and reduce the carbon content in austenite and lead to the formation of low-carbon martensite. The highest laser energy density (150 J/mm2), was able to produce finer microstructure and significantly reduced the inhomogeneity in distribution of Cr between the poor and the rich Cr areas.
Influence of Gender Roles and Responsibilities on Family Planning Decisions in Adults, in Karachi, Pakistan: a Qualitative Analysis of Open-ended Interviews
Authors: Sajwani Zara , Khan Murad Moosa , Sachwani Saima Abdul Aziz , Ahmed Warda , Ali Tazeen Saeed
Published: April 2021

BackgroundIn Pakistan, the slow pace of declining fertility rate accounts for troubling consequences like multiple pregnancies, induced abortions, the low 34% contraceptive prevalence rate, and overpopulation. This coupled with the lack of literature on this topic in the country makes it pivotal to explore the gender roles and responsibilities of adults in marital life and within the family and their influence on Family Planning decisions in adults, in Karachi, Pakistan.MethodsThe study design involved purposive selection of 12 consenting married adults belonging to Gulberg Town, from whom detailed qualitative data was collected using open-ended, semi-structured interviews, supported by field notes. For the sake of anonymity, participants were assigned codes. Furthermore, all discussions were conducted in English or Urdu language by the female investigator herself and were audio recorded after obtaining participants’ consent. Thereafter, a rigorous thematic analysis of the interviews was carried out, with the results being double-checked before being securely stored in soft or hard copy. ResultsThe study observations identified that gender roles and responsibilities do affect Family Planning decisions in Pakistan. The results were broadly categorized into two themes: superficial reasons and deeper reasons affecting FP decisions. The first theme has three main categories; interpretation of FP, awareness about FP, and couple as representative of FP decision making whereas the second theme has five categories; roles and responsibilities of men in the family, roles and responsibilities of women in the family, women autonomy, mind the gap or taming the women, and way forward. ConclusionsOur study findings suggest that while superficial reasons must be resolved, it is primarily crucial to eliminate the subtler, tap root factors influencing FP decisions by strongly addressing school curricula, nurses and other Health Care Workers (HCWs) to positively impact the society. Further qualitative and quantitative research is ultimately necessary for assessing the viewpoint of important stakeholders and how, using a multiprong approach, the stringent perceptions pertaining to Family Planning can be altered to benefit the society.