bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation on Wear Characteristics of Cemented Carbide Tools in Finish Turning Spherical Shells of Pure Iron
Authors: Chen Yu , Kong Jinxing , Zhang Zhenyu , Du Dongxing
Published: April 2021

A thin-walled spherical shell made of pure iron material is a key part of precision physical experiments. Tool wear is an important factor restricting its geometric accuracy. And tool wear characteristics of curved surface parts are significantly different from those of single-point turning due to the movement of the contact point between the tool and the workpiece. Hence, this article takes the pure iron spherical shell as the research object, which is aimed at investigating the formation mechanisms of flank wear land. Tool wear characteristics are compared between spherical shell turning and end face turning. The results show that uniform flank wear land and notable notch wear occur when turning end face, but notch wear disappears and only flank wear land exists when turning spherical shell. Based on major notch position and minor notch position, a mathematical model is developed to explain formation mechanisms of flank wear land during turning spherical shell of pure iron materials. Theoretical and experimental results show that flank wear land results from the major and minor notch movement. Spherical shell turning and end face turning have the same wear mechanisms, mainly composed of adhesive wear, diffusion wear and oxidation wear.
Nonstationary Signal Extraction Based on Bat Algorithm Sparse Decomposition Technique
Authors: Ge Shuangchao , Zhou Shida
Published: April 2021

For nonstationary time series i.e. natural electromagnetic field and acoustical signal, effective signal extraction always requires prior knowledge or hypothesis, and hardly do without artificial judgment. We proposed bat algorithm sparse decomposition (BASD) to realize adaptive recognition and extraction of nonstationary signal in a noisy background. We designed two general atomics for typical signals, and developed dictionary training method based on correlation detection and Hilbert transform. The sparse decomposition was turned into an optimizing problem by introducing bat algorithm with optimized fitness function. By contrast with variational modal decomposition, it was indicated that BASD can effectively extract short time target without inducing global aliasing of local feature, and no preset mode number and late screening were needed.
Agrophysiological responses of cotton to time and type of stress moderators on different planting date under saline conditions
Authors: Borzouyi Zeinab , Armin Mohammad , Harvi Mamid
Published: April 2021

Background: Today, stress moderators are employed for mitigating the negative effects of environmental stress as the main cause of reduced yields of crops. In this study, the impacts of time and types of stress moderators on agrophysiological responses of cotton under saline conditions on different planting dates were investigated during 2017 and 2018. A split-plot factorial experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Sowing dates (early and late) were considered as the main plots and stress moderator type at 4 levels (control, 2mM Salicylic acid (SA), 100 mM Glycine betaine (GB), and 100 μM sodium nitroprusside (SNP)) and application time (flowering and flowering+bolling stages) were regarded as the sub plots. Results: The delayed planting reduced plant height, reproductive branch number, number of bolls, boll weight, 1000-seed weight, biological yield, seed cotton yield, lint yield, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, total chlorophyll, sodium, potassium and proline content. Spraying with the stress moderators alleviated soil salinity effects on yield, yield components and biochemical traits of cotton. SA spraying led to maximum height, 1000-seed weight, biological yield, seed cotton percentage, seed cotton yield, and potassium content. SNP spraying yielded the greatest number of bolls per plant, boll weight, lint yield, and proline content. The highest plant height, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids and total chlorophyll content resulted from GB spraying. Yield, yield components, and biochemical traits did not respond to the stress moderator types in the delayed sowing date, while the highest chlorophyll a, carotenoids, proline content, the number of bolls per plant and seed cotton yield was resulted from spraying with SNP in early planting. No statistically significant differences were observed between spraying with SNP and SA in most studied traits. Conclusions: The result suggests that cotton planting at an appropriate date and SNP spraying could be recommended for producing the most suitable yield under saline conditions.
Comparison of the Outcomes With Suture Anchors Versus Anatomical Locking Plates for Humeral Greater Tuberosity Fractures: a Case Control Study.
Authors: Shi Yihong , Zhang Guorui , Yang Yuanhua , He Liangliang , Jiang Tianqi , Wang Shubin
Published: April 2021

Background: Humeral greater tuberosity fractures account for approximately one-fifth of the fractures of the proximal humerus. There are a variety of internal fixation devices used in the treatment of fractures. Suture anchors and anatomical locking plates are the two commonly used internal fixation devices. However, there are no systematic studies on which device is more advantageous for the treatment of greater tuberosity fractures.Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records and radiological results of patients with humeral greater tuberosity fractures who underwent surgical treatment and were followed up for at least one year from June 2017 to March 2020. A total of 31 patients were included in the study, including 13 males and 18 females, with an average age of 51.4 years old (18 to 75 years old). According to the different fixation methods, the patients were divided into the suture anchor treatment group (13 cases) and the anatomical plate treatment group (18 cases). The clinical and radiological results of these two internal fixation devices were evaluated by various criteria.Results: All 31 patients were followed up successfully, with a mean follow-up time of 27.74 months. There were no differences in patient demographic and characteristic information between the two groups. The blood loss in the suture anchor treatment group was less than that in the anatomical plate treatment group. In contrast, the average operation time of the anatomical plate treatment group was shorter than that of the suture anchor treatment group, but the results were not significantly different. The postoperative Visual analog scale score, Constant-Murley shoulder joint function score and range of motion of the two groups were not significantly different. In addition, there was no significant difference in the postoperative complication rate between the two groups.Conclusion: Both suture anchors and anatomical plates can achieve satisfactory clinical results in the treatment of humeral greater tuberosity fractures, and there is no significant difference in the long-term functional results between the two groups. These two fixation devices can be flexibly selected according to the surgeon's experience and fracture characteristics.
Which TAD and CALTAD Cut-Offs Best Predict Cut-Out Risk for Intramedullary Fixation of Proximal Femur Fractures?
Authors: Caruso Gaetano , Corradi Nicola , Caldaria Antonio , Bottin Daniele , Re Dario Lo , Lorusso Vincenzo , Morotti Chiara , Valpiani Giorgia , Massari Leo
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Cut-out is one of the most common mechanical failures in the internal fixation of trochanteric hip fractures. The tip-apex distance (TAD), and the calcar-referenced tip apex distance (CalTAD) are the radiographic parameters that most predict the risk of cut-out. The optimal CalTAD value has not yet been defined, but the optimal TAD value is reported as 25 mm or less. However, this cut-off is highly specific but poorly sensitive. The aim of this study was to determine highly specific and sensitive TAD and CalTAD values and shed light on the role of other clinical variables.Methods: A total of 604 patients were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. For each patient the following data were recorded: number of cut-out, AO/OTA classification, quality of the reduction, type of nail, cervicodiaphyseal angle, type of distal locking, post-operative weight-bearing, TAD and CalTAD values, and the position of the screw head in the femoral head according to the Cleveland system.Results: The incidence of cut-out across the sample was 3.1%. The median TAD in the cut-out group was 38.72, while in the no cut-out group it was 22.16. The median CalTAD in the cut-out group was 39.34, while in the no cut-out group it was 22.19. The cut-off values for TAD and CalTAD with highest value of sensitivity and specificity for the risk of cut-out were 34.8 and 35.2, respectively. Conclusions: The incidence of cut-out can be reduced by performing careful minimal reduction and ensuring stable fixation by avoiding TAD>34.8mm and CalTAD>35.2 mm.
Climate Change in Mechanical Systems: The Snapshot View of Parallel Dynamical Evolutions
Authors: Janosi Daniel , Karolyi Gyorgy , Tel Tamas
Published: April 2021

We argue that typical mechanical systems subjected to a monotonous parameter drift whose time scale is comparable to that of the internal dynamics can be considered to undergo their own climate change. Because of their chaotic dynamics, there are many permitted states at any instant, and their time dependence can be followed - in analogy with the real climate - by monitoring parallel dynamical evolutions originating from different initial conditions. To this end an ensemble view is needed, enabling one to compute ensemble averages characterizing the instantaneous state of the system. We illustrate this on the examples of (i) driven dissipative and (ii) Hamiltonian systems and of (iii) non-driven dissipative ones. We show that in order to find the most transparent view, attention should be paid to the choice of the initial ensemble. While the choice of this ensemble is arbitrary in the case of driven dissipative systems (i), in the Hamiltonian case (ii) either KAM tori or chaotic seas should be taken, and in the third class (iii) the best choice is the KAM tori of the dissipation-free limit. In all cases, the time evolution of the chosen ensemble on snapshots illustrates nicely the geometrical changes occurring in the phase space, including the strengthening, weakening or disappearance of chaos. Furthermore, we show that a Smale horseshoe (a chaotic saddle) that is changing in time is present in all cases. Its disappearance is a geometrical sign of the vanishing of chaos. The so-called ensemble-averaged pairwise distance is found to provide an easily accessible quantitative measure for the strength of chaos in the ensemble. Its slope can be considered as an instantaneous Lyapunov exponent whose zero value signals the vanishing of chaos. Paradigmatic low-dimensional bistable systems are used as illustrative examples whose driving in (i, ii) is chosen to decay in time in order to maintain an analogy with case (iii) where the total energy decreases all the time.
Neuregulin-1-dependent control of amygdala microcircuits is critical for fear extinction
Authors: Chen Ming , Liu Ying , Li Ying , Xu Haibo , Bi Linlin
Published: April 2021

Anxiety disorders, especially posttraumatic stress disorder, are marked by an impaired ability to understand that a conditioned stimulus previously paired with a noxious stimulus is no longer noxious. Although previous studies suggest that fear extinction depends on the function of the amygdala, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We found that NRG1 receptors (ErbB4) were abundantly expressed in the intercalated amygdala (ITC). The NRG1-ErbB4 pathway in the ITC promotes fear extinction. The NRG1-ErbB4 pathway in the ITC did not affect excitatory input to ITC neurons from BLA neurons but increased feed-forward inhibition of CeM neurons through increased GABAergic neurotransmission of ITC neurons. We also found that the NRG1-ErbB4 signaling pathway in ITC might regulate fear extinction through P/Q-type voltage-activated Ca2+ channels (VACCs) but not through L- or N-type VACCs. Overall, our results suggest that the NRG1-ErbB4 signaling pathway in the ITC might represent a potential target for the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Grapevine Red Blotch Disease Affects Carbohydrate Homeostasis and Cell Call Characteristics in Vitis Vinifera L.
Authors: Swamy Prashant , Pattathil Sivakumar , Unda Faride , Mansfield Shawn D.
Published: April 2021

BackgroundGrapevines are commonly infected with one or more viruses causing a significant threat to the sustainability of quality wine grape production worldwide. The recently identified Grapevine red blotch disease (GRBD) significantly affects the yield and quality of wine grapes. It is largely unknown how the red blotch disease affects carbohydrate homeostasis and regulate the source-to-sink relationship in grapevines. We took an integrative approach to determine the consequences of viral infection in commercially grown, two popular wine grape cultivars from distinct locations in the eastern Washington.ResultsThe deep sequencing approach revealed that Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV) was found in all symptomatic vines, while asymptomatic vines were free of this virus. Analysis of mature berries at commercial harvest in virus-infected vines indicated significant changes in the soluble sugar accumulation along with the increase in leaf sucrose and starch content. To follow up with the altered carbohydrate homeostasis, we analyzed cell wall components in winter canes of virus-infected vines and compared them to their virus-free counterparts. Major cell wall monosaccharide contents and total lignin content was not affected due to red blotch disease in either cultivar. However, high-resolution glycome profiling revealed consistent changes in loosely bound cell wall pectin matrices and tightly bound non-fucosylated xyloglucans in virus-infected vines. Furthermore, in cv. Syrah, co-infection with other viruses leads to additional cell wall compositional variations.ConclusionsThese changes highlighted that virus infection in woody perennial leads to detrimental adjustments in the soluble and storage carbohydrates, and in the cell wall layers that could be attributed to lower vine performance or vine decline in a relatively short time. The information gained from such qualitative cell wall structural fine-tuning could be used in assessing how viruses or other pathogenic agents affect perennial longevity.
Factors Influencing the Patient Safety Climate in Intensive Care Units: Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Nunes Ranielle de Lima Silva , Silva Ana Elisa Bauer de Camargo , de Lima Juliana Carvalho , Carvalho Dayse Edwiges , Bernardes Cristina Alves , Sousa Tanielly Paula , Gimenes Fernanda Raphael Escobar , Pires Ana Cláudia Andrade Cordeiro
Published: April 2021

Background:Measuring the patient safety climate of a health service provides important information about the safety status at a given time. This study aimed to determine the factors influencing the patient safety climate in Intensive Care Units.Methods:An analytical and cross-sectional study conducted in 2017 and 2018 in two adult Intensive Care Units of a Brazilian Teaching Hospital. The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire instrument was applied with the multidisciplinary teams to determine the factors influencing the patient safety climate. Data were double entered into a database and processed using the R (version 3.5.0) statistical software. Position, central tendency and dispersion measures were taken and absolute and relative frequencies, mean and confidence intervals were calculated for the quantitative variables. Linear regression was performed to verify the effect of variables on the SAQ domains. Variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 were selected for multivariate analysis.Results:A total of 84 healthcare providers participated in the study. The mean Safety Attitudes Questionnaire score was 59.5, evidencing a negative climate. The following factors influenced the safety climate: time since course completion, professional category, type of employment contract, complementary professional training, and weekly workload. Conclusions:The factors identified indicate items for planning improvements in communication, teamwork, work processes, and management involvement, aiming to ensure care safety and construct a supportive safety climate.
Laparoscopic Colectomy for Caecal Cancer on the 8th Day After Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Case Report
Authors: Tateno Yuki , Kanada Yasuaki , Hayashi Takahiro , Hataji Ken-ichiro
Published: April 2021

BackgroundAbdominal surgery immediately after acute myocardial infarction is associated with a high risk of intraoperative complications and postoperative cardiac complications. It is recommended that elective surgery be postponed for 6 months after acute myocardial infarction. However, for oncological emergencies due to tumour bleeding, postponing surgery could cause tumour growth or metastasis, making early surgery preferable. There is no established evidence on how surgery can be performed immediately after acute myocardial infarction, while minimising the risk.Case presentationOur case involved an 85-year-old Asian man who underwent laparoscopic ileocaecal resection for haemorrhagic caecal cancer on the 8th day after acute myocardial infarction, with good outcomes.ConclusionLaparoscopic surgery can be an effective method compared to open surgery immediately after acute myocardial infarction with regard to preventing intraoperative complications and postoperative cardiac complications.
Effect of preoperative anxiety, depression, and insomnia on acute postoperative pain after non-cardiac surgery
Authors: Lin Dandan , Huang Xiao , Wang Jing , Hao Yanan , Geng Mengwen , Wei Changwei
Published: April 2021

Background

The mental diseases especially anxiety, depression, and insomnia are common in patients at perioperative period. This study aims to investigate the association of preoperative mental diseases with acute postoperative pain of patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.
Method:

The patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery from August 1, 2019 to January 23, 2020 at Capital Medical University, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital were included in this retrospective study. The demographics, clinical data and assessments of depression, anxiety, and insomnia by Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were collected and analyzed. The patients with any of depression, anxiety or insomnia were divided into mental disease group, and others were in non-mental disease group according to the. We compared the postoperative visual analog score between patients in mental diseases group with propensity score matching cohort from patients in non-mental diseases. The primary outcome was acute postoperative pain according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) 24h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included VAS at other time points and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), rescue analgesia, and length of hospital stay (LOS).
Results

The analysis included 397 patients (274 in the group and 123 in the mental disease group). Patients in mental disease group (anxiety, depression and insomnia) were associated with higher VAS scores and increased times of rescue analgesia. Each of the 3 mental diseases was associated with higher VAS scores independently.
Conclusion

In this retrospective study, preoperative anxiety, depression and insomnia were associated with increased the level of acute postoperative pain and increased times of rescue analgesia of patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.
Level of Exclusive Breastfeeding and Its Enabling Factors Among Lactating Women Who Delivered in Health Facilites of Asosa Town, Ethiopia: a Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Kumera Megersa , Haidar Jemal
Published: April 2021

Background: Despite the enormous benefit of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) to mothers and infants, the practice of exclusive breastfeeding is globally low. In sub-Saharan Africa and Ethiopia, the prevalence of EBF stands at 35% and 58%, respectively. The low EBF practice in Ethiopia calls for further study and thus we studied the EBF practice in the study area since little is known about its current magnitude and factors influencing its practice for some programmatic improvements. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June-July 2019 among 412 mothers who delivered in health facilities of Asosa town. Data on socio demographic characteristics and other important variables were collected through face to face interview by trained health extension workers in accordance with relevant ethical guidelines and regulations. The collected data were then cleaned and entered into Epi-data software version 3.02. Analysis was done by SPSS version 20. Binary and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify the contributing factors. P-value of less than 0.05 and 95% confidence interval was considered to determine statistical significance.Results: Of the 412 respondents, the majority (88.1%) were multi-gravida and above. Less than a quarter (26.0%) and over half (55.4%) had neither received antenatal nor postnatal care. The proportion of mothers who exclusively breastfed their children was 76.0% and the overall aggregated good practice of EBF score was 64.1%. mothers who completed primary school [AOR=4.5; 95%CI=1.1,18.2], had three or more ANC [AOR=0.018;95CI=0.003-0.12], and postnatal follow-up [AOR=0.218;95%CI=0.07-0.67], and had male infants [AOR= 2.3; 95%CI=1.0-4.95] were among the enabling factors influencing the exclusive breastfeeding practice score.Conclusion: Women’s retention on the continuum of the maternal care pathway is low with about a quarter of mothers were not practicing EBFand one in two had no postnatal care. To narrow the observed maternal and child health disparities, it is essential to intervene through focused actions that address the above enabling factors.
Association of Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Depression with Restless Leg Syndrome in the Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Yaseen Mahjabeen , Jarullah Furqan Ahmad , Yaqoob Sadia , Shakeel Hassan Abdullah , Maqsood Hamza , Naveed Sadiq
Published: April 2021

ObjectivesRestless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is commonly known to cause morbidity in patients on hemodialysis, making them prone to chronic mental health illnesses such as depression and anxiety, and also adversely impact quality of life. In this study, we examined the association of quality of life, anxiety, and depression with restless leg syndrome in the hemodialysis patients at Karachi Institute of Kidney Diseases. ResultsAbout 26.7% of the participants reported RLS among the sample size Presence of RLS was not associated with quality of life, depression, and anxiety. However, p-values <0.05 were significant for body-mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus as a cause of end-stage renal disease, and serum albumin levels. Majority (82.5%) of the RLS-diagnosed patients had moderate to severe symptoms with 16 (40%) and 17 (42.5%) clients, respectively.
Effects of Sodium Pyruvate on Exercise-Induced Lactic Acidosis and Exercise Performance
Authors: Yang Yanping , Qiu Junqiang , Wang Mengyue , Feng Lin , Luo Dan , Gao Ruirui , Zhou Fangqiang
Published: April 2021

Background: The beneficial effects of pyruvate on lactic acidosis and energy metabolism have been studied. The ability to attenuate acidosis and improve aerobic system contribution are essential for team sports athletes to perform multiple sprints in a limited time. This study aimed to investigate the impact of pyruvate supplementation on energy metabolism and lactic acidosis during high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and to evaluate its role in repeated sprint exercise (RSE) performance.Methods: Fourteen national-level male soccer athletes from China Football College (age: 20 ± 2 years, body fat: 13.11 ± 3.50%) participated in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Each subject underwent two HIIE and RSE tests after one week of supplementation with 0.1g/kg/d of pyruvate or placebo. Venous blood gas (pH, bicarbonate (HCO3-), base excess (BE) and oxygen partial pressure (pO2)) were measured at baseline, pre-HIIE, post-HIIE, pre-RSE and post-RSE. Finger-stick capillary lactate were collected at baseline, immediately after each bout of HIIE, and 3, 5, 7 and 10 min post HIIE. The energy system contributions during HIIE and exercise performance of RSE were analyzed. Results: Blood pH (p < 0.01), HCO3- (p < 0.01) and BE (p < 0.01) were significantly lower than their baseline levels at post-HIIE, pre-RSE and post-RSE in both Group pyruvate (PYR) and Group placebo (PLA), respectively. Blood pH, HCO3- and BE were significantly improved in PYR at pre-HIIE (p < 0.01), post-HIIE (p < 0.01) and pre-RSE (p < 0.01) than in PLA. Furthermore, blood BE remained higher in PYR than in PLA until the end of RSE (p < 0.05). Blood pO2 was higher at post-HIIE (p < 0.05), pre-RSE (p < 0.01) and post-RSE (p < 0.01), compared to baseline, in two groups and further higher in PYR than in PLA at post-HIIE (p < 0.05) and post-RSE (p < 0.05). During HIIE, the contribution of the aerobic system in the fourth bout of HIIE was higher in PYR than in PLA (p < 0.05). The contribution of the anaerobic energy was higher than that of the aerobic energy in PLA (p < 0.01), but without difference in PYR (p > 0.05). In addition, compared with PLA, the relative peak power (RPP) of the first and fifth sprints, the relative average power (RAP) of the fifth sprint and the average of RPP and RAP during RSE were significantly improved in PYR (p < 0.05). However, the blood lactate (p > 0.05), PD% of each bout (p > 0.05) or average PD% of RSE (p > 0.05) showed no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Pyruvate supplementation with 0.1g/kg/d for a 1-week enhances aerobic metabolism and buffers exercise-induced metabolic acidosis but not lactic acidosis during HIIE, improving RSE performance in moderate acidosis. Thus, after 1 week pyruvate supplementation, athletes are expected to balance aerobic and anaerobic energy contributions and attenuate metabolic acidosis during team sports, improving exercise performance.
Velocity vector imaging echocardiography and N- terminal pro- brain natriuretic peptide study of people with preclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Yu Li , Zhou Qichang , Long Xiangdang , Peng Qinghai , Yang Zurong
Published: April 2021

Background: To investigate whether familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) gene mutation carriers without overt left ventricular hypertrophy have subclinical changes in left ventricular function.Methods: We studied Eighteen HCM families with pathogenic mutations, 45 patients with overt HCM (gene positive/phenotype positive (G+/P+)), 40 patients without myocardial hypertrophy (gene positive/phenotype negative G+/P-)), and 48 genotype-negative related healthy controls. Conventional echocardiography and velocity vector imaging (VVI) were performed, and blood levels of N- terminal pro- brain natriuretic peptide (NT- pro- BNP) were analyzed.Results: Although the global longitudinal, circumferential and radial strain was similar between the G+/P- group and the control group, the longitudinal strain of basal inferoseptum and basal anteroseptum was lower in G+/P- patients than in controls, while the basal and middle inferolateral longitudinal strains were significantly higher. Compared with the controls, G+/P+ patients had significantly lower global and segmental longitudinal and radial strains. There were no significant differences between the normal control and G+/P+ groups for global and segmental circumferential strains. The middle of the left ventricle (LV) was clockwise in G+/P+ patients (opposite to normal).The rotation angle of the mid LV rotation in the G+/P+ group were significantly higher than those in the G+/P- subjects and controls. The NT-proBNP levels were higher in G+/P+ patients than in G+/P- people and controls.Conclusions: Sarcomere gene mutation carriers without overt left ventricular hypertrophy have subclinical segmental systolic dysfunction. Velocity vector imaging is feasible for differentiating HCM, G+/P- patients from controls.
High Photodegradation Performance of ZnO Nanoparticles Supported on Porous Zeolite Na-a: Effects of ZnO Loading
Authors: Munguti Lawrence Kioko , Dejene Francis Birhanu
Published: April 2021

Zeolite Na-A supported ZnO nanocomposites (ZnO/Zeolite Na-A NCs) were synthesized at low temperature (70 ℃) via the sol-gel process and characterized by X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for structural, morphological, optical and bonding properties. The textural properties and porosity were obtained by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) technique. The obtained XRD and microscopy results indicated that the obtained nanopowders were crystalline in nature and no collapse of the structure of zeolite Na-A. In addition, the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles occurred mainly on the surface of the zeolite support. It is clear that the zeolite supported ZnO nanoparticles were more dispersed as compared to the pure ZnO with improved porosity and high surface area. Photocatalytic activity for the ZnO/zeolite Na-A was tremendously increased which was attributed to the synergetic combined effects of both ZnO and zeolite aluminosilicate network such as increased surface area (SBET), high adsorption and restrained charge recombination.
Artificial Selection Optimizes Clonality in Chaya (Cnidoscolus Aconitifolius)
Authors: Munguía-Rosas Miguel A.
Published: April 2021

In angiosperms, clonality is a derived trait and is present in several wild and cultivated plant species. Therefore, over time, natural and artificial selection have optimized the novel function of being a propagule in organs whose previous function was exclusively vegetative. Although increased resource storage and resistance to desiccation have been suggested as the main adaptations for clonality in crops, there is little empirical evidence to support this assertion. Here, I assessed the changes that the stems of chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius), a clonal crop, have undergone through domestication and evaluated their performance as propagules. To infer which traits have been optimized by artificial selection, I compared stem traits and their performance in root development and clone survival between wild and domesticated plants. I found that, relative to their wild ancestors, the stems of domesticated chaya have a greater storage capacity for water and starch. Additionally, the stems of domesticated plants produced more roots, shoots and leaves, and their clones lived longer. My results strongly suggest that artificial selection has optimized water and starch storage by stems in chaya. Because these traits also confer greater fitness, they could be considered adaptations to clonal propagation.
Prognostic Impact of the Controlling Nutrition Status Score in Patients With Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma
Authors: Nakamura Nobuhiko , Kanemura Nobuhiro , Lee Shin , Fujita Kei , Morishita Tetsuji , Takada Eri , Shibata Yuhei , Kasahara Senji , Goto Hideko , Fukuno Kenji , Hara Takeshi , Yamada Toshiki , Sawada Michio , Tsurumi Hisashi , Shimizu Masahito
Published: April 2021

The controlling nutritional status (CONUT) is a simplified nutritional index calculated from serum albumin, total cholesterol, and the total lymphocyte count. Although the CONUT score is an independent prognostic factor in several hematological malignancies, the prognostic impact of the CONUT score in peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is unclear. This study evaluated the prognostic impact of the CONUT score on overall survival (OS) in patients with PTCL. A multicentre, retrospective, cohort study including 99 patients with PTCL was conducted. The CONUT score was significantly higher in the non-survivor group (median 5, range 0-12) than in the survivor group (median 3, range 0-11) (P = 0.026). The CONUT score was an independent prognostic factor in a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model (hazard ratio 1.118, 95% confidence interval 1.020-1.225, P = 0.017). The Cox proportional hazards model with restricted cubic spline showed an S-shaped relationship between the CONUT score and OS. No significant effect-modification by the International Prognostic Index (IPI) was observed, and the CONUT score affected the prognosis of PTCL regardless of the IPI (P for interaction = 0.208). In conclusion, the CONUT score is an independent prognostic factor in patients with PTCL irrespective of IPI categories.
Multiple Synaptic Connections Into a Single Cortical Pyramidal Cell or Interneuron in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex of Adult Mice
Authors: Lee Jung-Hyun Alex , Miao Zhuang , Chen Qi-Yu , Li Xu-Hui , Zhuo Min
Published: April 2021

The ACC is an important brain area for the processing of pain-related information. Studies of synaptic connections within the ACC provide an understanding of basic cellular and molecular mechanisms for brain functions such as pain, emotion and related cognitive functions. Previous study of ACC synaptic transmission mainly focused on presumably thalamic inputs into pyramidal cells. In the present study, we developed a new mapping technique by combining single neuron whole-cell patch-clamp recording with 64 multi-channel field potential recording (MED64) to examine the properties of excitatory inputs into a single neuron in the ACC. We found that a single patched pyramidal neuron or interneuron simultaneously received heterogeneous excitatory synaptic innervations from different subregions (ventral, dorsal, deep, and superficial layers) in the ACC. Conduction velocity is faster as stimulation distance increases in pyramidal neurons. Fast-spiking interneurons (FS-IN) show slower inactivation when compared to pyramidal neurons and regular-spiking interneurons (RS-IN) while pyramidal neurons displayed the most rapid activation. Bath application of non-competitive AMPA receptor antagonist GYKI 53655 followed by CNQX revealed that both FS-INs and RS-INs have AMPA and KA mediated components. Our studies provide a new strategy and technique for studying the network of synaptic connections.
Case report of A 72-year-old Man with Diaphragmatic Hernias and Thoracic Gastropericardial Fistula after Esophagectomy for 18 Years
Authors: Xu Xinjian , Yan Zhaoyang , He Ming
Published: April 2021

Background: Both diaphragmatic hernias and thoracic gastropericardial fistula rarely occurred simultaneously on patients with radical esophagectomy.Case presentation: A 72-year-old man presented to our hospital with one day of nausea, vomiting and acute left chest pain. He had radical esophagectomy for esophageal cancer 18 years ago. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest revealed diaphragmatic hernias and air collection within pericardial space. While an operation of diaphragmatic hernia repair was decisively performed to prevent further serious complications, the thoracic gastropericardial fistula was also found unusually. Conclusion: Diaphragmatic hernias and thoracic gastropericardial fistula may occasionally coexist in patients with esophagectomy. Upper GI radiograph with water-soluble contrast agent is a better diagnosis tool than CT in visualizing the fistula.
Effect of Proximity to Bed on 30° and 45° Inclined Dense Jets: A Numerical Study
Authors: Ramezani Mohammadmehdi , Abessi Ozeair , Firoozjaee Ali Rahmani
Published: April 2021

Employing inclined dense jets is a common way for the disposal of brine effluent from coastal desalination plants. This paper numerically analyzes the mixing and geometrical properties of 30° and 45° inclined dense jets when they discharge close to the bed. For this purpose, two series of numerical simulations were developed. First, the nozzle acts as a free jet when it is placed far enough from the lower boundary. Meanwhile, in the second series, the distance between the nozzle tip and seabed is substantially reduced. Consequently, by comparing these two series, the effect of proximity to bed on the behavior of dense jets is investigated. The governing equations are solved by modifying a solver within the CFD package of OpenFOAM. The numerical results are presented in comparative figures and compared to the previous works. Comparisons indicated that the numerical model predicts the geometrical characteristics of dense jets in good agreement with the past experimental studies. However, the dilution predictions are conservative. It has been observed that proximity to the bed has almost no appreciable effects on the behavior of 45° jets. However, for 30° jets, when the bed proximity parameter ( Y0/LM ) falls below 0.14, normalized values of horizontal and vertical locations of centerline peak and return point dilution are slightly reduced while the terminal rise height remains untouched.
HSPB1 Promotes Doxorubicin-induced Cardiomyocyte Pyroptosis by Inhibiting AATF
Authors: Tang Yao , Liu Yaxiu , Fu Shuang , Zheng Xinbin , Li Mingrui , Hu Jia , Ma Yeshuo , Yin Deling
Published: April 2021

Background: Doxorubicin (DOX) has been widely used for the treatment of different kinds of cancers. However, the adverse effects, especially cardiotoxicity, which limit the long-term use of DOX. Although some signaling pathways have been investigated to be participated in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, however, the mechanisms underlying DOX-induced cardiotoxicity need to be further investigated. Recent study suggested that heat shock proteins (HSPs) play a role in cell apoptosis and pyroptosis. However, we do not know yet whether heat shock protein beta-1 (HSPB1), a member of HSPs family, is involved in DOX-induced cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of HSPB1 and apoptosis antagonizing transcription factor (AATF) in DOX-induced pyroptosis in cardiomycytes.Results: We found that DOX remarkably enhanced the expression of HSPB1 but reduces AATF expression in cardiomyocytes. We also found that either inhibition of HSPB1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) or overexpression of AATF by transfection of AATF plasmid significantly attenuated DOX-induced cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. Moreover, HSPB1 interacts with AATF. Furthermore, inhibition of HSPB1 and AATF restores the DOX-induced cardiomyocyte pyroptosis. Conclusion: Our findings reveal a novel pathway that cardiomyocyte pyroptosis is regulated through HSPB1-AATF-caspase-3-GSDME pathway following DOX treatment, suggesting that HSPB1-AATF-dependent pyroptosis may provide a novel therapeutic strategy to reduce cardiotoxicity induced by DOX.
A Case of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome With Cerebral Sparganosis and Review of the Literature.
Authors: Liu Chun , Zhong Chen , Wang Min , Zhou Guoqiang , Wang Nin , Liu Yan , Shaban Ummulbanin
Published: April 2021

BackgroundAIDS existing with cerebral sparganosis is rare. Due to atypical symptoms of sparganosis, diagnosis and treatment are difficult and the misdiagnosis rate is very high. This paper analyzes the clinical data of the first case of AIDS existing with cerebral sparganosis in our hospital and reviews the relevant literature. It discusses the clinical manifestations, imaging features, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease and provides a reference for the treatment of AIDS existing with parasitic encephalopathy (cerebral sparganosis). Cerebral sparganosis has been reported worldwide especially in Asian countries. To date, this is the first reported case of sparganosis in HIV/AIDS patient.Case presentationA 34-year-old newly diagnosed HIV Chinese woman from Guanxi province presented at our hospital with a history of recurrent seizures for 5 years. The initial diagnosis was epilepsy but she was later diagnosed with cerebral sparganosis at our facility after thorough history, examination and investigations. Considering her immune status, she was treated with high dose praziquantel instead of surgery with significant improvement. She also received Zidovudine + Lamivudine + Nevirapine as the first-line antiretroviral treatment due to its high permeability across the blood-brain barrier.ConclusionClinicians should pay attention to this rare entity in cases of HIV/AIDS-related encephalopathies which can be easily misdiagnosed as toxoplasmosis or cerebral tuberculosis. Thorough epidemiological history, clinical presentations, serologic and radiological tests are essential to reach the correct diagnosis and rule out other infections. Although the standard treatment for cerebral sparganosis is surgery, we opted for pharmacological treatment in consideration of immunological complications.This case calls for more studies for standard treatment in HIV patients with cerebral sparganosis and requires clinicians to consider this rare entity when dealing with HIV related encephalopathies.
Lamp1 controls CXCL10-CXCR3 axis regulated macrophage polarization and autophagy
Authors: Gu Wei , Li Lexing , Sun Xueyan , Ali Mohammad Ishaque , Yao Lun , Liu Jie , Dai Hanchuan , Liu Guoquan
Published: April 2021

BackgroundHigh expression of CXCL10 and its receptor CXCR3 is a response in inflammatory tissues and cells. Macrophage polarization and autophagy play important roles in macrophage related inflammatory. The cellular function of CXCL10-CXCR3 axis in macrophages is not well addressed. In this report, we determined the roles of CXCL10-CXCR3 axis in macrophage polarization and autophagy. ResultsFirst CXCL10 promotes the expression of M2 polarization markers (Arg1, Mrc1, Mmp9, VEGFa) and decreases the expression of M1 markers (IL-1b, IL-6, TNFa). In contrast, CXCR3 antagonist AMG487 promotes the expression of M1 markers and inhibits that of M2 markers. Next, we found that activation of CXCR3 by CXCL10 promotes the expression of autophagy proteins (Atg5-Atg12 complex, p62, LC3-II, and Lamp1) and AMG487 inhibits their expression. Moreover, knockdown Lamp1 by siRNA not only inhibits CXCR3 activation induced autophagy, but also switches the CXCL10-CXCR3 from M2 polarization to M1 polarization. CXCR3 activation caused the JNK expression decreased, and JNK inhibitor SP600125 treatment potentiates the CXCR3 activation induced Lamp1 expression and M2 polarization. In conclusion, ConclusionsCXCL10-CXCR3 axis regulates the macrophage polarization and autophagy via the inhibitory JNK and Lamp1, and Lamp1 controls the switch of CXCR3 mediated M1/M2 polarization and acts as a linker between polarization and autophagy.
Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Among Hong Kong Chinese Childhood Cancer Survivors
Authors: HO Ka Yan , Lam Katherine K.W. , W Xia , Chung J.O.K. , Cheung Ankie T. , Ho Laurie L.K. , Chiu S. Y. , Chan G.C.F. , Li William H.C.
Published: April 2021

BackgroundSleep disruption is a prevalent symptoms reported by survivors of childhood cancer. However, there is no validated instrument for assessing this symptom in this population group. To bridge the literature gap, this study translated and adapted the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for Hong Kong Chinese cancer survivors and examined its psychometric properties and factor structure. Methods A convenience sample of 402 Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors aged 6–18 years were asked to complete the Chinese version of the PSQI, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC), Fatigue Scale-Child (FS-C)/Fatigue Scale-Adolescent (FS-A), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL). To assess known-group validity, 50 pediatric cancer patients and 50 healthy counterparts were recruited. A sample of 40 children were invited to respond by phone to the PSQI 2 weeks later to assess test–retest reliability. A cutoff score for the translated PSQI used with the survivors was determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results The Chinese version of the PSQI had a Cronbach alpha of 0.71, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.90. Childhood cancer survivors showed significantly lower mean PSQI scores than children with cancer, and significantly higher mean scores than healthy counterparts. We observed positive correlations between PSQI and CES-DC scores and between PSQI and FS-A/FS-C scores, but a negative correlation between PSQI and PedsQL scores. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the translated PSQI data best fit a three-factor model. The best cutoff score to detect insomnia was 5, with a sensitivity of 0.81 and specificity of 0.70.Conclusion The Chinese version of the PSQI is a reliable and valid instrument to assess subjective sleep quality among Hong Kong Chinese childhood cancer survivors. The validated PSQI could be used in clinical settings to provide early assessments for sleep disruption. Appropriate interventions can therefore be provided to minimize its associated long-term healthcare cost. Trial registrationThis study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov with the reference number NCT03858218.
Factors associated with caregiving status and caregiver burden for patients with Alzheimer's disease in China
Authors: Li Yuxian , Jin Haiqiang , Zhou Jiong , Xu Jun , Tian Jiayu , Chen Siwei , Luan Xiaoting , Du Ailian , Zhu Feiqi , Kou Xiaowen , Sun Wei , Chen Luzeng , Qiu Jianxing , Wang Huali , Xie Hengge , Sun Yongan
Published: April 2021

Background

The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is rapidly in China, which puts a great deal of pressure on the patient’s family and society. The way of patient care deserves social attention. This study focused on the caregiving status and the relationship between caregivers’ burden and patient factors based on the Chinese pension system.
Methods

This is a large-scale, multicenter cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the two types of caregiving (family care and nursing care), and the caregiver burden of patients with AD. A total of 1675 patients with a definite diagnosis of probable AD from 30 provincial, municipal, and autonomous regions of mainland China were enrolled from August 2019 to December 2019. Caregivers of AD patients completed the questionnaire under the guidance of trained investigators. The characteristics of patients and caregivers were summarized by descriptive statistics.
Results

Among the 1675 AD patients, 1522 (90.87%) patients adopted family care. There was a significant correlation between the housing condition, annual income, self-care ability, and the choice of caregiving (P < 0.05). According to the caregiver burden inventory score, 28.90% of the caregivers had a low burden, 57.01% had a medium burden and 14.09% had a heavy burden, concerning the patient's age, caring style, self-care ability, etc. The burden of the caregivers in the nursing facilities is relatively high than that of family care (P < 0.05).
Conclusion

Family care is the main way of care for AD patients in China. Caregiving status is affected by living place, patient income and severity of the disease. The burden of family caregivers of AD is generally high, especially patients with disabilities.