bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood-Pool or Myocardial 3D Printing, Which One is Better for the Diagnosis of Types of Congenital Heart Disease?
Authors: Liang Jixiang , Zhao Xin , Pan Guangyu , Zhang Gen , Zhao Dianjiang , Xu Jianping , Li Diangyuan , Lu Bingheng
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of blood pool and myocardial rigid models made by stereolithography in the diagnosis of different types of congenital heart disease (CHD). Two modeling methods were applied in the diagnosis of 8 cases, and two control groups consisting of cardiac experts and cardiac students diagnosed the cases using computed tomography (CT), blood pool models, and myocardial models. The importance, suitability, simulation degree, and preference of different models were analyzed. The average diagnostic rate of CT and 3D printing in the 8 cases was 88.75% and 95.9% in the expert group and 60% and 91.6% in the student group, respectively. 3D printing was considered to be more important for the diagnosis of complex CHDs (very important; average, 87.8%) than simple CHDs (very important; average, 30.8%). Myocardial models were considered most realistic regarding the structure of the heart (average, 92.5%). In cases of congenital corrected transposition of great arteries, Williams syndrome, coronary artery fistula, tetralogy of Fallot, patent ductus arteriosus, and coarctation of the aorta, blood pool models were considered more effective (average, 92.1%), while in cases of double outlet right ventricle and ventricular septal defect, myocardial models were considered optimal (average, 80%).
Cellulose Beads as Novel Support of Copper Active Site for the Catalytic Abatement of Water Emerging Contaminant
Authors: Devard Alejandra , Taleb M. Claudia , Olmos Graciela V. , Marchesini F. Albana , Gutierrez Laura B.
Published: July 2021

Different regenerated cellulose (RC) beads were synthesized as supports of copper as the active site for catalytic degradation of emerging contaminants (ECs) in water. Starting from a commercial dissolving pulp, RC beads were prepared from the direct dissolution and from both cellulose carbamate and viscose solutions. Copper was added to the supports by a simple green method. The material characterization by FTIR, TGA, SEM and XPS confirmed the successful incorporation of copper in all the prepared supports. Phenol was adopted as EC test molecule, and catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) at 70°C was used to analyse the Cu-cellulosic beads catalytic performance. The novelty and importance of preparing bead-shape catalysts with cellulose reside in the use of an economic, renewable and biodegradable matrix, and the simple separation of the structured catalyst from the heterogeneous solid/liquid reaction media.
Upregulation of Leukocyte Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor B4 on Interstitial Macrophages in COPD; Their Possible Protective Role Against Emphysema Formation
Authors: Mitsune Ayumi , Yamada Mitsuhiro , Fujino Naoya , Numakura Tadahisa , Ichikawa Tomohiro , Suzuki Ayumi , Matsumoto Shuichiro , Mitsuhashi Yoshiya , Itakura Koji , Makiguchi Tomonori , Koarai Akira , Tamada Tsutomu , Endo Shota , Takai Toshiyuki , Okada Yoshinori , Suzuki Satoshi , Ichinose Masakazu , Sugiura Hisatoshi
Published: July 2021

Background: Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B4 (LILRB4) is one of the inhibitory receptors in various types of immune cells including macrophages. Previous reports suggested that LILRB4 could be involved in a negative feedback system to prevent excessive inflammatory responses. However, its role has been unclear in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in which macrophages play a crucial role in the pathogenesis. In this study, we aimed to examine the changes of LILRB4 on macrophages both in the lung specimens of COPD patients and the lungs of a mouse emphysema model. We then tried to compare the differences in both inflammation and emphysematous changes of the model between wild-type and LILRB4-deficient mice in order to elucidate the role of LILRB4 in the pathogenesis of COPD.Methods: We prepared single-cell suspensions of resected lung specimens of never-smokers (n = 21), non-COPD smokers (n = 16), and COPD patients (n = 14). The identification of LILRB4-expressing cells and the level of LILRB4 expression were evaluated by flow cytometry. We analyzed the relationships between the LILRB4 expression and clinical characteristics including respiratory function. In the experiments using an elastase-induced mouse model of emphysema, we also analyzed the LILRB4 expression on lung macrophages. We compared inflammatory cell accumulation and emphysematous changes induced by elastase instillation between wild-type and LILRB4-deficient mice.Results: The levels of surface expression of LILRB4 are relatively high on monocyte linage cells including macrophages in the human lungs. The percentage of LILRB4+ cells in lung interstitial macrophages was increased in COPD patients compared to non-COPD smokers (p = 0.018) and correlated with the severity of emphysematous lesions detected by CT scan (rs = 0.559, p < 0.001), whereas the amount of smoking showed no correlation with LILRB4 expression. Increased LILRB4 on interstitial macrophages was also observed in elastase-treated mice (p = 0.008). LILRB4-deficient mice showed severer emphysematous lesions with increased MMP-12 expression in the model.Conclusions: LILRB4 on interstitial macrophages was upregulated both in human COPD lungs and in a mouse model of emphysema. This upregulated LILRB4 may have a protective effect against emphysema formation, possibly through decreasing MMP-12 expression in the lungs.
Metal Coordination Bonds Crosslinked Polydopamine/Cellulose Nanofibril Composite Aerogels with Significantly Improved Thermal Stability, Flame Resistance, and Thermal Insulation Properties
Authors: Han Fuyi , Huang Hong , Wang Yan , Liu Lifang
Published: July 2021

Cellulose nanofibril (CNF) aerogels have attracted great interests in recent years due to the low cost, sustainability and biocompatibility of raw CNFs. However, the poor thermal stability and flammable feature of CNF aerogels have limited their wider applications. In this paper, polydopamine/CNF composite aerogels with good comprehensive properties are fabricated by modification of CNF with polydopamine and metal coordination bonds crosslinking. The microstructure and properties of composite aerogels are thoroughly characterized by a variety of tests. It is found that the microstructure of aerogels are more regular and the compressive strength of aerogels are enhanced by the incorporation of polydopamine and Fe3+ crosslinking. Importantly, the thermal stability and flame resistance of aerogels are significantly improved, which permit the application of composite aerogels in high-temperature thermal insulation. In addition, the reversible characteristic of metal coordination bonds allows the water induced healing of fractured composite aerogels. This study is expected to provide information for future development of green and high-performance aerogels.
Weight Stigma and Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Among Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Individuals
Authors: Carels Robert , Shonrock Abigail MT , Miller J Caroline , Byrd J. Rhonda , Carraway Marissa , Sall Kayla E , Wuensch Karl L
Published: July 2021

Purpose: The current study aims to examine weight stigma and sociocultural attitudes toward appearance among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals and heterosexual men and women. Methods: The sample consisted of heterosexual and LGB men and women. Participants were drawn from introductory psychology classes and a variety of supplemental recruitment methods (Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, MTURK, etc.). Results: Individuals identifying as male and individuals identifying as heterosexual had significantly greater weight bias than individuals identifying as female and individuals identifying as LGB. Additional gender identity and sexual orientation mean group differences among sociocultural attitudes were observed. While there were modest associations between weight bias and overall sociocultural attitudes, gender identity and sexual orientation had little impact on the strength of these associations. Conclusion: This investigation contributes to knowledge of the impact of gender identity and sexual orientation on weight stigma and sociocultural attitudes toward appearance.Level of EvidenceIII: Evidence obtained from cohort or case–control analytic studies.
Electron Ultra-High Dose Rate FLASH And Conventional Irradiation Induce Distinct Regulations of Inflammatory Cytokines And CD8 T Lymphocytes Ratio In Mice
Authors: Xie De-Huan , Li Yi-Chuan , Ma Sai , Yang Xin , Lan Ruo-Ming , Mei Yan , Peng Li-Xia , Chen Ao-Qiang , Lang Yan-Hong , Li Zuo-Feng , Huang Bi-Jun , Chen Yan , Huang Xiao-Yan , Qian Chao-Nan
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Ultra-high dose rate FLASH irradiation has been shown to cause less normal tissue damage compared with conventional irradiation, also termed “FLASH effect”. However, the underlying mechanism was scarcely known. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether FLASH and conventional irradiation would induce differential inflammatory cytokines expression. Materials and methods: Female FvB mice were randomly assigned to three different groups: non-irradiated control, conventional (CONV) and FLASH groups. Mice were irradiated at 6 to 19 Gy of CONV (0.1 Gy/s) or FLASH (38.5-600 Gy/s) irradiation using an Elekta Synergy linac (6 MeV). Mice were immobilized in prone position in a custom-designed applicator with dosimetry films positioned under the body. Dose were verified by Gafchromic films. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed in serum samples of the mice at 6, 18 and 31 days after irradiation for four inflammatory cytokines: tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10. Flow cytometry using antibodies for CD3, CD8, CD4 and CD45 in blood were performed pre- and 1-week post irradiation. Results: At D6 (18-19 Gy), both IL-6 and TNF-α were elevated, and IL-10 was reduced in FLASH and CONV group, while IFN-γ was only significantly increased in conventional group, compared with control group. At D18 (10 Gy) and D31 (13-19 Gy), conventional RT significantly elevated levels of IL-6, IFN-γ and TNF-α and reduced IL-10 level compared with FLASH group and control group. Additionally, even low dose conventional irradiation (13 Gy) could induce higher level of pro-inflammatory cytokines and lower level of anti-inflammatory cytokine than high dose (17-19 Gy) FLASH irradiation at D31. Flow cytometry showed that the CD8+/CD45+ ratio in the blood were higher in the conventional than in FLASH. These data indicate that minor inflammatory cytokine levels of serum in FLASH could be result of the absent of immune overactivation induced by conventional irradiation. Conclusions: Ultra-high dose rate electron FLASH caused less inflammatory cytokine levels of serum which might be a result from less CD8+/CD45+ ratio in the blood. Thus, differential cytokines and CD8+ T cell expression between FLASH and conventional irradiation would be a potential mechanism for “FLASH effect”.
Modeling and Forecast of COVID-19 Vaccinations Population Size in China: A Non-Clinical Study
Authors: Du Wenbin , Hua Fengrui , Xu Shengyuan , Wu You
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUNDSince its outbreak in December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has considerably affected the worldwide population. Health authorities and the medical community identify vaccines as an effective tool for managing public health.METHODSIn this study, the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model built-in Python was adopted to establish the COVID-19 vaccination forecast model. In this study, the sample data were selected from the Our World in Data website. COVID-19 vaccinations administered daily in China from December 16, 2020 to March 21, 2021 were analyzed to establish an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model.RESULTSThe built-in ARIMA module function of Python was used, and the optimum model was ARIMA (3, 2, 3) according to the established time series analysis. The analysis showed that the predicted COVID-19 vaccination uptake supplemented well with the actual values with a small relative error.CONCLUSIONSThis indicated that the ARIMA(3, 2, 3) model could be used to forecast the number of COVID-19 vaccinations in China.
Choroidal and Retinal Thickness in Patients with Vitamin C Deficiency
Authors: Qian Yiwen , Wang Luoziyi , Qiang Xinfang , Weng Huan , Jiang Jing , Che Xin , Li Qingjian , Wang Zhiliang
Published: July 2021

Purpose: to investigate the effects of vitamin C on central retinal thickness and choroidal thickness.Methods: A total of 72 patients diagnosed with vitamin C deficiency and 1:1 age- and gender-matched 72 healthy individuals with normal serum vitamin C were included in this study. Demographic characteristics of the individuals were collected. All patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination. Subfoveal choroidal thickness and retinal thickness were measured using a swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Results: The average retinal thickness was 268.96 ± 14.01um in the vitamin C deficiency group and 276.69 ± 13.28um in the control group. The average choroidal thickness was 195.06 ± 66.35um in the in the vitamin C deficiency group and 238.53 ± 56.20um in the control group. There was a significant decrease in both average choroidal thickness and retinal thickness in vitamin C deficiency group compared with normal individuals (p < 0.001, and = 0.003 respectively).Conclusion: The central retinal and choroidal thickness were thinner in vitamin C deficiency group compared with normal individuals. These findings suggested that vitamin C deficiency might play an important role in retinal and choroidal diseases.
Effect of Landscape Fragmentation on Soil Quality and Ecosystem Services in Land Use and Landform Types
Authors: Mirghaed Fazlolah Ahmadi , Souri Bubak
Published: July 2021

This study was carried out according to the following objectives in the Shoor River Basin in southwestern Iran: (i) Evaluation of ecosystem services (ES) including habitat quality (HQ), carbon storage (CS), nutrient export (NE), and soil export (SE) using the InVEST approach as well as soil quality (SQ) using an integrated quality index; (ii) Assessment of the relationship between ES and SQ with landscape metrics using Pearson correlation test; and (iii) Investigation of the interaction between ES efficiency, SQ and landscape fragmentation using a ternary plot. The results showed that the northern and eastern parts of the region are prioritized for HQ, CS, and SQ but the southern and western parts for NE and SE. The highest ES efficiency and SQ were found for the forests as well as for the ridge/tops landforms. Statistical analysis clarified that there was a positive and significant relationship between HQ and CS (R>0.8) while the relationship of the two with NE was inverse and significant (-0.55<R<-0.50). The correlation between SE and NE was also positive and significant (R>0.50). SQ was also correlated positively and significantly with HQ and CS (0.43<R<0.5) while no relation with NE and SE was found. It was also perceived that increasing the landscape fragmentation decreases HQ, CS, and SQ but increases NE and SE. Besides, the interaction between ES, SQ, and landscape fragmentation across the sub-basins of the study area can change under the influence of the dominant land use and landform types.
Endogenous N-oleoylethanolamine Crystals loaded Liposomes with Enhanced Hydrophobic Drug Loading Capacity for Efficient Stroke Therapy
Authors: Wu Shichao , Liao Di , Li Xi , Liu Zeyu , Zhang Lin , Mo Fanny , Hu Shuo , Xia Jian , Yang Xiangrui
Published: July 2021

Background. Although the preparation of liposomes achieves great success and many have received regulatory approval, their retention of highly hydrophobic drugs is still problematic. Results. Herein we report a novel strategy for efficiently loading hydrophobic drug to liposomes for stroke therapy. N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA), an endogenous highly hydrophobic molecule with outstanding neuroprotective effect, was successfully loaded to OEA-SPC&DSPE-PEG liposomes (OSDP LNPs) with a drug loading of 15.9 ± 1.2 wt%, four times higher than those prepared via traditional methods. Efficient retention in OSDP LNPs greatly improved the pharmaceutical property and therefore enhanced the neuroprotective effect of OEA. Through the data of positron emission tomography (PET) and TTC-stained brain slices, it could be clearly visualized that the acute ischemic brain tissues were preserved as penumbral tissues and bounced back with reperfusion. The in vivo experiments stated that OSDP LNPs could significantly improve the survival rate, the behavioral score, the spatial learning and memory ability of the MCAO (middle cerebral artery occlusion) rats. Meanwhile, the cerebral infarct volume, the edema degree, the apoptosis of the neurons and the inflammation within the brain were also greatly decreased. Conclusions. These results suggest that the OSDP LNPs have a great chance to develop hydrophobic OEA into a potential anti-stroke formulation.
Impact of Mild to Moderate U-shape Hearing Loss on Listening Effort in School-aged Children with Alport Syndrome
Authors: Chen Zhe , Zhang Yue , Zhang Zhikai , Ren Lei , Wei Chaogang , Liu Yuhe
Published: July 2021

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of mild to moderate U-shape hearing loss on listening effort in Alport syndrome (AS) children by pupillometry. Subjects were required to answer questions after listening to conversations that simulate real scenes in daily life. We recorded the accuracy rate and pupil data of two conditions: SNR = + 15 dB and SNR = -2 dB. A mixed effect model was established to analyze the influence of SNR, mid-frequency energy proportion and hearing status on the accuracy and pupil response. The results showed SNR had a main effect on the accuracy. The baseline pupil diameter of AS children was always smaller than normal hearing children. When analyzing the time window including the stages of listening to the conversation, listening to the question and thinking, SNR and the hearing status had main effect on mean pupil dilation. We concluded that AS children with hearing loss were often in a state of low arousal before auditory task. Both hearing status and task difficulty have impact on listening effort of AS children. The effort of AS children with U-shape hearing loss might come mainly from consequent cognitive processing (as a consequence of effortful listening) instead of passive listening during speech communication.
Performance Evaluation of Epitaxial Layer Based Gate Modulated TFET (GM-TFET)
Authors: Saha Rajesh , Goswami Rupam , Bhowmick Brinda , Baishya Srimanta
Published: July 2021

This paper reports the performance of an epitaxial layer (ETL) based gate modulated (GM-TFET) through 3D Technology Computer Aided Design (TCAD) simulations. The architecture utilizes effects of both vertical tunneling and lateral tunneling phenomena to improve the device performance. Attributes of the ETL, its thickness (tepi) and doping concentration (Nepi) are varied and their impact on device electrical parameters such as transfer characteristic, output performance, subthreshold swing (SS), and threshold voltage (VT) is highlighted. It is observed that both tepi and Nepi significantly influence the different electrical parameters of the ETL based TFET architecture.
Application of Precut Papillotomy in Patients With Surgically Altered Gastrointestinal Anatomy
Authors: Yin Linlin , Zhao Si , Zhu Hanlong , Ji Guozhong , Zhang Xiuhua
Published: July 2021

It is challenging to perform ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) in patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy. The failure rate of selective bile duct cannulation by the standard method is high. To explore the application of precut papillotomy (PP) technique in patients with gastrectomy, we carried out this retrospective analysis. From January 2017 to September 2020, 107 patients with surgically altered gastrointestinal anatomy were referred to our department for ERCP examination. Among them, 11 cases were duodenal stricture or jejunal stricture, resulting in the inability to reach the duodenal papilla. Eleven patients stopped cannulation because they could not tolerate the further operation. 60 patients were intubated successfully by standard method. Finally, 25 patients using the precut papillotomy technique were included in our analysis. Of the 25 patients who used pp, 21 completed selective biliary cannulation, with a success rate of 84% (21/25). Compared with standard intubation, the PP technique increased the success rate of intubation in patients with altered anatomy by 21.9%. Among the patients we included, 2 cases had adverse events, including 1 case of acute pancreatitis and 1 case of perforation; the incidence of adverse events was 8%. All adverse events were mild and cured after conservative treatment. In patients with gastrointestinal anatomical changes, PP is effective and relatively safe to improve the selective biliary cannulation success rate.
Birth weight and nutrient restriction affect jejunal enzyme activity and gene markers for nutrient transport and intestinal function in piglets
Authors: Wellington Michael O. , Rodrigues Lucas A. , Li Qiao , Dong Bingqi , Panisson Josiane C. , Yang Chengbo , Columbus Daniel
Published: July 2021

Background
Significant variations in live birth weight of piglets have arisen due to increased sow prolificacy. Intestinal development and function may be affected by birth weight. Low birth weight (LBW) pigs may also have reduced feed intake, leading to further impairment of intestinal development. The objective of this study was to examine the intestinal development pattern of low and normal birth weight (NBW) piglets with normal (NN) or restricted (RN) neonatal feed intake.
Results
Jejunal intestinal samples were analyzed for target gene expression and enzyme activity at d 28 (weaning) 56 post-birth (post-weaning). At d 28, EAAC1 and B0AT1 were downregulated in LBW compared to NBW pigs (P < 0.05). On d 56, B0AT1 and ASCT2 were downregulated in RN compared to NN pigs (P < 0.05), regardless of birth weight. PepT1 expression was downregulated in LBW compared to NBW pigs at 28 d (P < 0.05), with no effects of treatments at 56 d. SGLT1 was upregulated in NBW-NN compared to LBW-NN pigs (P < 0.05) at 28 d. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was upregulated in LBW-RN at d 28. At d 56, CLDN-3 and ZO-1 were upregulated in NN compared to RN pigs (P < 0.05). There were no treatment effects on ALP, maltase, or sucrase activity at 28 d. However, at 56 d, ALP was upregulated in NBW-NN pigs while sucrase activity was upregulated in NN pigs.
Conclusion
The results demonstrate differences in jejunal gene expression associated with birth weight, with reduced expression of protein/amino acid transporters (PepT1, EAAC1, B0AT1) in LBW compared to NBW pigs. While neonatal nutrient restriction had minimal effects at 28 d, intestinal barrier function (Claudin-3 and ZO-1) and neutral amino acid transport (B0AT1 and ASCT2) were improved in pigs under normal compared to restricted feeding pre-weaning at d 56.
The Cervantes Scale for Measuring Health-Related Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Survivors During Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy
Authors: Custódio Isis Danyelle D. , Mazzutti Fernanda S. , Lima Mariana T. M. , de Carvalho Kamila P. , Canto Paula P. L. , Paiva Carlos Eduardo , Maia Yara Cristina de Paiva
Published: July 2021

Background: Potentially, instruments to manage adverse effects may improve adherence and persistence of treatment, health-related quality of life (HRQL) and breast cancer (BC) outcomes. In this sense, we consider the Cervantes Scale an appropriate option to assess HRQL in BC survivors undergoing adjuvant endocrine therapy with Aromatase Inhibitors (AI), as it is a specific HRQL questionnaire that considers particularities of the perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. The purpose of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the 31-item Cervantes Scale (CS-31), 16-item Cervantes Short-Form Scale (CS-16) and 10-item Cervantes Scale (CS-10) and to promote the additional validation for breast cancer (BC) survivors during adjuvant endocrine therapy.Methods: This prospective study included 89 postmenopausal BC survivors in endocrine therapy. The women completed the CS, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - fatigue (FACIT-F) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The internal consistency, convergent validity, responsiveness analyses and known-group validity of CS were evaluated. Also, simple linear regression assessed the predictive capacity of the CS in relation to the FACIT-F.Results: The internal consistency was good (Cronbach's alpha: CS-10=0.76; CS-16=0.80; CS-31=0.89). For convergent validity, in general, we identified negative and strong correlations (r>0.6) with exception of moderate correlation between Social/Family Well-Being of FACIT-F and Sexual (r=-0.453) and Couple (r=-0.436) of CS-31, and weak correlation between Social/Family Well-Being of FACIT-F and Sexual (r=-0.289) and Couple (r=-0.287) of CS-16. A prospective improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQL) were identified, except for domains Sexual and Couple of CS-16/CS-31, as well as FACT-G, Social/Family and Functional Well-Being of FACIT-F. The CSs were able to predict changes in the FACIT-F. Furthermore, women with anxiety and depression by HADS presented worse HRQL by CS (p<0.001).Conclusions: We identified that the CS, highlighting the CS-31, proved to be appropriate for use in routine medical oncology with BC survivors during adjuvant endocrine therapy, although larger studies are needed to confirm these results.
MicroRNA-155 Expression Is Associated With Pulpitis Progression By Targeting SHIP1
Authors: Li Baishun , Guo Liyang , He Ying , Tu Xinran , Zhong Jialin , Guan Hongbing , Jiang Yiguo , Jiang Qianzhou
Published: July 2021

Pulpitis is a commonly seen oral inflammation condition in clinical practice, it can cause much pain for the patient and may induce infections in other systems. Much is still unknown for the pathogenic mechanism of pulpitis. In this work, we discovered that the expression of miR-155 was associated with dental pulpal inflammation both in vivo and in vitro. Experiments on odontoblast cell line MDPC-23 showed miR-155 could act as a positive regulator by increasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 during inflammatory responses, whereas knockdown of miR-155 can reverse the effects. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that SHIP1 is a direct target of miR-155 in odontoblasts, this result was further verified at both mRNA and protein level. Inhibition of miR-155 resulted in the downregulation of inflammation factors, while co-transfection of si-SHIP1 and miR-155 inhibitor promoted the inflammatory responses. Treatment with miR-155 mimic or si-SHIP1 up-regulated the protein level of p-PI3K and p-AKT. By contrast, miR-155 inhibitor exerted the opposite effects. miR-155 mimics could upregulated the gene expression of IL-1β and IL-6. Co-transfection of LY294002 and miR-155 mimic attenuated the inflammatory responses. Consistent with in vitro results, miR-155-/- mice could alleviate inflammatory response, as well as decrease the activation of p-PI3K and p-AKT, whereas increase the activation of SHIP1. In conclusion, these data revealed a novel role for miR-155 in regulation of dental pulpal inflammatory response by targeting SHIP1 through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
In-Situ Fabrication of ZrB2-ZrC-SiCnws Hybrid Nanopowders With Tunable Morphologies of SiCnws
Authors: Liu Changqing , Yuan Xiaoxiao , Wang Wanting , Liu Hulin , Li Chengxin , Wu Heng , Hou Xianghui
Published: July 2021

SiC nanowires (SiCnws) with different morphologies have great potential for the reinforcement of ceramic materials. But it is a big challenge in the in-situ synthesis of SiCnws in the ceramic powders which is critical to ensure high reinforcing effects. For the reinforcement of ZrB2-ZrC composites, a simple method is developed to in-situ fabricate SiCnws with various morphologies in nano-sized ZrB2-ZrC powders through pyrolyzing ZrB2-ZrC-SiC gel precursors. The prepared ZrB2-ZrC ceramic powders have mean diameter of about 100 nm with uniformly distributed SiCnw in morphologies of nanocylider, bead-like, bamboo-shape with tunable nodes, chain-like and hexagonal prisms were prepared by optimizing the preparation process. Moreover, the SiCnws were in a diameter of ranging from 100 to 400 nm, while the length was controlled from tens to hundreds of microns. The generation of ZrB2/ZrC can determine the formation of SiCnws with specific morphologies by producing CO gas to affect the local supersaturation of the SiO and CO vapors. The study provides an opportunity for fabricating SiCnw reinforced ceramic materials with enhanced strengthening effect and also overcome its critical fabrication process.
Electrical Properties of Double Perovskite LaPbFeTiO6 Synthesized by Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Nassar K. Iben , Slimi M. , Rammeh N. , Graça Manuel. P. F.
Published: July 2021

The double perovskite structure is interesting for many researches in various fields of physics and their technological applications. The LaPbFeTiO6 (LPFTO) compound is a very important for many technologies because it has dielectric and electrical properties. It has made an attractive semiconductor material for the electronic field, such as the realization of filters or capacitors. In this work, LaPbFeTiO6 was prepared by the sol-gel method.The structural, morphological and electrical properties of this sample were studied using different techniques. X-ray diffraction analysis, the sample crystallized in the rhombohedral system with space group R C. The surface of the sample and the average grain size were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The electrical conductivity and dielectric characterizations were studied as a function of frequency and temperature (200-380K) by impedance spectroscopy. Indeed, the dielectric constant increases with increasing temperature. The AC conductivity obeys the Jonscher power law. The activation energy obtained from the complex impedance and the conductivity are close. The frequency dependence of the electrical impedance shows the existence of a relaxation phenomenon.
Advanced Digital Health Care Information Sharing for Covid19- Version 2.0
Authors: yadav Kusum , G Suhasini , Kartha Ranju S , Le Trung-Hieu , M Nazargi Mahabob , Kumar Anil , Bommisetti Ravi kumar
Published: July 2021

The covid-19 virus has been linked to an acute outbreak of the disease that has passed for years. Clear explanations of these should be provided by trained professionals and those with healthcare experience who have the energy to work on intensive care. The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken various steps to address this. These can be audited by NETCCN (National Emergency Telecritical Care Network) using digital technology. This section explains a lot. It is proposed by the National Emergency Telecritical Care Network (NETCCN). This digital health information will be solved as an updated version 2.0, which will greatly improve future emergencies. The proposed method of digital predication support for Artificial Intelligent (AI). Use these to learn historical information about the virus. This technology can detect telemetry, complex maintenance robotics and monitoring intelligence. These can be developed to integrate multiple virus-related information. All of these will be coordinated by health professionals. Frequently testing should be done to ensure continued readiness to protect against emergency disasters.
Determination of laminar burning velocity of methane/air flames in sub atmospheric environments
Authors: Cardona Vargas Arley , Arrieta Carlos E. , Tumay Hernando Alexander Yepes , Echeverri-Uribe Camilo , Amell Andrés
Published: July 2021

The global energy demand enhances the environmental and operational benefits of natural gas as an energy alternative, due to its composition, mainly methane (CH4), it has low polluting emissions and benefits in energy and combustion systems. In the present work, the laminar burning velocity of methane was determined numerically and experimentally at two pressure conditions, 0.85 atm and 0.98 atm, corresponding to the city of Medellín and Caucasia, respectively, located in Colombia. The environmental conditions were 0.85 atm, 0.98 atm, and 295±1 K. The simulations and experimental measurements were carried out for different equivalence relations. Experimental laminar burning velocities were determined using the burner method and spontaneous chemiluminescence technique, flames were generated using burners with contoured rectangular ports to maintain laminar Reynolds numbers for the equivalence ratios under study and to reduce the effects of stretch and curvature in the direction of the burner's axis. In general, the laminar burning velocity fits well with the numerical results. With the results obtained, a correlation is proposed that relates the laminar burning velocity with the effects of pressure, in the form SL=aPb, where a and b are model constants. Sensitivity analysis was performed using the GRI-Mech 3.0 mechanism which showed that the most sensitive reaction was H+O2=O+OH (R38). Additionally, it was found that the reactions H+CH3 (+M)=CH4 (+M) (R52), 2CH3 (+M)=C2H6 (+M) (R158), and O+CH3=H+CH2O (R10) dominate the consumption of CH3 which is an important radical in the oxidation of methane, this analysis is carried out for equivalence ratios of 0.8 and 1.0, and atmospheric pressures of 0.85 atm and 0.98 atm
Implementation of marble waste as aggregate material rigid pavement
Authors: Aditya Candra , Irawan Dafid , Silviana Silviana
Published: July 2021

The rigid pavement is used for the pavement with soft ground conditions (subgrade). On the other hand, in recent years, marble waste for civil construction has been widely used to substitute conventional materials such as fine and coarse aggregate in concrete. This study aims to optimize marble sand waste as a substitute for river sand aggregates on concrete pavements. This research creates innovation in the production of rigid pavement. The study used an experimental method to test the raw material, namely fine aggregate (river sand and marble sand) and rigid pavement testing, with various variations in the material's composition, including loading, strain, and concrete slab stress tests. The use of marble sand as a substitute for river sand affects the compressive strength of concrete. The maximum compressive strength of 34.67 N/mm² occurs at 60 % marble sand content. Calculation of the optimum level of marble sand by the regression method yielded 48.90 % with an average compressive strength of 32.37 N/mm². In terms of strain, rigid pavement concrete slabs with 60 % marble sand content showed the best performance among all specimens. The stretch is relatively small so that it is not so fluctuating, the flexibility is relatively small, and the stiffness is the highest. The strain character tends to be compressive so that the dependence on reinforcement will decrease. Dynamically at the shock load, the three concrete slabs are quite good and very far from resonance in both the traffic service load frequency and the large shock load. Rigid pavement concrete slabs with a marble sand content of 40 % show the best performance because they are damping faster and have less tension. Statically, rigid pavement concrete slabs with a marble sand content of 60 % are the best
Development of surface roughness model in turning process of 3X13 steel using TiAlN coated carbide insert
Authors: Nguyen Nhu-Tung , Trung Do Duc
Published: July 2021

Surface roughness that is one of the most important parameters is used to evaluate the quality of a machining process. Improving the accuracy of the surface roughness model will contribute to ensure an accurate assessment of the machining quality. This study aims to improve the accuracy of the surface roughness model in a machnining process. In this study, Johnson and Box-Cox transformations were successfully applied to improve the accuracy of surface roughness model when turning 3X13 steel using TiAlN insert. Four input parameters that were used in experimental process were cutting velocity, feed rate, depth of cut, and insert-nose radius. The experimental matrix was designed using Central Composite Design (CCD) with 29 experiments. By analyzing the experimental data, the influence of input parameters on surface roughness was investigated. A quadratic model was built to explain the relationship of surface roughness and the input parameters. Box-Cox and Johnson transformations were applied to develop two new models of surface roughness. The accuracy of three surface roughness models showed that the surface roughness model using Johnson transformation had the highest accuracy. The second one model of surface roughness is the model using Box-Cox transformation. And surface roughness model without transformation had the smallest accuracy. Using the Johnson transformation, the determination coefficient of surface roughness model increased from 80.43 % to 84.09 %, and mean absolute error reduced from 19.94 % to 16.64 %. Johnson and Box-Cox transformations could be applied to improve the acuaracy of the surface roughness prediction in turning process of 3X13 steel and can be extended with other materials and other machining processes
Development of a mathematical model of the trolleybus steering system using a rolling rotor switched reluctance motor
Authors: Pavlenko Tatyana , Petrenko Оleksandr , Shavkun Viacheslav , Aharkov Ivan
Published: July 2021

An important part of the overall task of social and economic development of many developed countries is the creation of a unique transport infrastructure or improvement of transport services for the population.

The cumulative solution to many problems is to improve the quality and reliability of elements and equipment in any vehicle design. This determines its efficient operation and the safety of passengers.

A common urban electric transport in megacities is a trolleybus, the reliability of which depends on individual components and assemblies, power supply systems and traffic control.

But this type of transport requires modern scientific and technical solutions for the design of individual components and assemblies, for example, steering, which is directly related to the safe and comfortable transportation of passengers.

An innovative technical solution has been proposed that will increase the energy efficiency of the trolleybus steering system through the use of an electric power steering based on a rolling rotor electric motor. The analysis of the design is carried out and the principle of control of the rolling rotor motor is determined. Functional diagrams of the components of the trolleybus steering system with an electric power steering based on a rolling rotor motor are developed. The electromagnetic and mechanical connections of the motor with the rolling rotor are determined and mathematically described. Factors affecting the steering system when turning the steered wheels are reasoned. A mathematical model of a trolleybus steering system with an electric booster based on an electric rolling rotor motor has been developed. The mathematical model is based on the differential equations of the electrical and mechanical parts. Algebraic equations were used to characterize the electromagnetic connections of the rolling rotor motor. The proposed solution will allow simulating dynamic processes in the trolleybus steering system and evaluating the results. Determination of the efficiency of the steering system was carried out by comparative analysis of the following factors: the control action created by the driver, the condition of the road surface, dynamic and transient electromechanical processes of the system, and the like
Adaptive technology for constructing the kinetic equations of reduction reactions under conditions of a priori uncertainty
Authors: Demin Dmitriy , Domin Oleh
Published: July 2021

The object of research is the process of oxide reduction in a reaction system of mass m due to the reaction on a contact surface with an area of S.

An adaptive technology is proposed that allows one to construct the kinetic equation of the process in which the oxide is reduced from the initial product under conditions of a priori uncertainty. A priori uncertainty regarding the behavior of a physicochemical system is understood as the fact that the following information is not available to the researcher:

– about the change in the mass of the reaction system and the area of the contact surface;

– about the rate of accumulation of the finished product;

– about the time of withdrawal of the finished product from the system.

The proposed adaptive technology includes five sequential stages to eliminate a priori uncertainty. This is ensured through the use of an adaptive algorithm, which allows obtaining the maximum accuracy in estimating the output variable by selecting the optimal parameter of the adaptive algorithm, and the subsequent canonical transformation. The introduced concept "canonical transformation of the kinetic equation" has the following meaning: having received some adequate description of the kinetic equation in a Cartesian coordinate system, a transformation is carried out that allow representing the equation in a new Cartesian coordinate system in such a way that its structure corresponds to the canonical form. The basic postulate of chemical kinetics can be such a canonical type.
Internal employer branding as a way to improve employee engagement
Authors: Staniec Iwona , Kalińska-Kula Magdalena
Published: July 2021

In the turbulent environment of modern business, attracting and retaining valuable human resources have become one of the main means of competitive edge. The satisfaction of current employees and talent retention are essential elements of organizational success. Against this background, this study aims to examine whether the process approach to internal employer branding, including internal branding activities (IBA) and conducting intra-organizational research (CIR), allows for the improvement of the current employee involvement. The study used the method of regression analysis. In addition, a survey was used as to collect necessary data. The sample included 120 personnel, selected by a convenience sampling method. In the light of the conducted analysis, it was confirmed that CIR significantly increases the employee value proposition (EVP). Likewise, IBA directed at current employees has a significant impact on EVP shaping. In this context, assuming EVP as a measure of employee involvement, it has been shown that the adoption of a process approach to employer branding can lead to the improvement of the current employee commitment and productivity. Thus, employer branding seen as a process in line with the human resource management and corporate strategy can contribute to building a competitive advantage.
Natural Products with Tandem Anti-inflammatory, Immunomodulatory and Anti-SARS-CoV/2 Effects: A Drug Discovery Perspective against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: da Cunha Luana N.O. Leal , Tizziani Tiago , Souza Gabriella B. , Moreira Monalisa A. , Neto José S.S. , dos Santos Carlos V.D. , de Carvalho Maryelle G. , Dalmarco Eduardo M. , Turqueti Leonardo B. , Scotti Marcus Tullius , Scotti Luciana , de Assis Francisco F. , Braga Antonio Luiz , Sandjo Louis Pergaud
Published: July 2021

Background:

COVID-19 is still causing long-term health consequences, mass deaths, and collapsing healthcare systems around the world. There are no efficient drugs for its treatment. However, previous studies revealed that SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV have 96% and 86.5% similarities in cysteine proteases (3CLpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro) sequences, respectively. This resemblance could be important in the search for drug candidates with antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2.

Objective:

This paper is a compilation of natural products that inhibit SARS-CoV 3CLpro and PLpro and, concomitantly, reduce inflammation and/or modulate the immune system as a perspective strategy for COVID-19 drug discovery. It also presents in silico studies performed on these selected natural products using SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro and PLpro as targets to propose a list of hit compounds.

Method:

The plant metabolites were selected in the literature based on their biological activities on SARS-CoV proteins, inflammatory mediators, and immune response. The consensus docking analysis was performed using four different packages.

Results:

Seventy-nine compounds reported in the literature with inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV proteins were reported as anti-inflammatory agents. Fourteen of them showed immunomodulatory effects in previous studies. Five and six of these compounds showed significant in silico consensus as drug candidates that can inhibit PLpro and 3CLpro, respectively. Our findings corroborated recent results reported on anti-SARS-CoV-2 in the literature.

Conclusion:

This study revealed that amentoflavone, rubranoside B, savinin, psoralidin, hirsutenone, and papyriflavonol A are good drug candidates for the search of antibiotics against COVID-19.
Optimization of Growth Conditions for Oxalate Decarboxylase Production
from Pseudomonas sp. OXDC12 and in vitro Inhibition of Calcium Oxalate
Crystallization by Oxalate Decarboxylase
Authors: Gupta Shruti , Kanwar Shamsher S.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Kidney stones have become a common disease worldwide, and their incidence
and recurrence rates have drastically increased over the past few decades. Oxalate decarboxylase
(OxDC) enzyme which catalyzes the disproportionation reaction of oxalate monoanions into
formate and CO2 could exhibit significant potential in the treatment of hyperoxaluria.

Objective:

The present work describes isolation and screening of new OxDC producing bacterial
strain from oxalate-rich soils and one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) and response surface methodology
(RSM) statistical approaches were used to optimize the production media to obtain an improved intracellular
OxDC production.

Methods and Results:

An OxDC producing bacterial strain, isolated from spinach soil sample(s),
was identified to be Pseudomonas sp. OXDC12 by 16S rRNA sequencing. The OFAT approach
was used to determine the effect of supplementation of carbon, nitrogen, and other physical conditions
like pH, temperature, etc. on intracellular OxDC production by Pseudomonas sp. OXDC12.
The three factors screened by Plackett Burman design (PBD) were further used by the central composite
design (CCD) approach of RSM to determine their interactive effects on OxDC production.
The anti-urolithiatic activity of the enzyme OxDC was determined by carrying out in vitro calcium
oxalate crystallization in the presence and absence of OxDC. The factorial values selected by 23
CCD for OxDC were temperature 30ºC, manganese ion concentration 5 mmol l-1, and inoculum
size 3.25% (v/v). The highest predicted value of OxDC was 5.7 U ml-1 while the actual value obtained
was 6.7 U ml-1 which was 79.1% and 2.92 fold greater than the initial activity of OxDC produced
by Pseudomonas sp. OXDC12. As depicted by the light micrographs, OxDC displayed a significant
reduction in the crystallization and formation of calcium oxalate stones as compared to the
control under in vitro conditions.

Conclusion:

OFAT and RSM statistical optimization approaches led to improved OxDC production
with a final activity of 6.7 U/mL and a 2.92 fold increase in the enzyme activity. The study
suggests that OFAT and RSM optimization approaches significantly enhanced OxDC production
from Pseudomonas sp. OXDC12. The enzyme may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for hyperoxaluria
or kidney stones as it significantly inhibited the formation of calcium oxalate crystals under
in vitro conditions.