bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated System for Recycling and Treatment of Hazardous Pharmaceutical Wastewater
Authors: El-Shamy Ashraf Moursi , Abdelfattah Ibrahim , Abuarab  , Mostafa Ehab , El-Awady  , Aboelghait Karim
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to investigate an integrated system that can deal with different pharmaceutical wastewater. Pharmaceutical wastewater was subjected to biological, chemical, and advanced oxidation according to its pollutant’s nature. Wastewater with high Total Suspended Solids (TSS 480 mg/l) was subjected to a conventional chemical treatment process utilizing different coagulants. The best results obtained by using Calcium Oxide and Alum aided with Calcium Oxide where, the removal efficiency of COD was 46.8% and 51 %. Highly loaded pharmaceutical wastewater (COD 9700 mg/l, BOD/COD 0.16) had been subjected to Fenton oxidation, removal of COD reached 80.4%, and the ratio of BOD/COD is enhanced to 0.6. Photocatalysis by using different nanomaterials was applied to pharmaceutical wastewater containing 10 mg/l of phenols. Phenol is completely removed by using Mesoporous TiO2 after 90 min irradiation and after 120 min in the case of TiO2/P25 and TiO2/UV 100 nanocomposites while it is removed by 40% in case of using Mesoporous TiO2/Ta2O5. Effluent treated water from previous routes was subjected to biological treatment and followed with disinfection by using UV as post-treatment. Final COD was 40 and it matches with Egyptian practice code for water reuse in agriculture. Results showed also using treated wastewater in irrigation of Barley and Bean seeds achieved germination ratio up to 71% in Barely and 70% in Bean compared with that irrigated with Nile water which reached 70% and 75%, while it was about 16.6% and 30% in case of irrigation with untreated wastewater.
Occurrence, Distribution and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soil and Water Around a Lead-zinc Mine in Southwest China
Authors: Jiang Yunchuan , Li Hanhan , Li Zhijian , Liu Yongfu , Li Zhiqiang , Shao Jirong , Zhang Xiaohong , Yang Yuanxiang , Yang Zhanbiao , Wang Chenglong , Zhu Xuemei
Published: June 2021

Mining activities could induce severe heavy metal pollution in soil and surface water, which would consequently pose potential ecological environment risks and human health risks. In this research, total 82 agricultural soil samples and 34 water samples were collected from a special area that surrounding a lead-zinc mine. Pollution level, source apportionment, ecological and health risks of heavy metals were evaluated based on the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn). According to the results, Cd and Zn were obviously enriched metals in agricultural soil in the study area, meanwhile, the potential risks which calculated by geo-accumulation index were showed a high ecological risk due to high concentration of Cd found in local agricultural soil. Additionally, heavy metal sources analyzed by the PMF model could be classified into four categories: mining activity (Mn), parent material (Cr, Ni), atmospheric deposition caused by industrial and mining activities (Pb, Zn, Cd) and agricultural activities (Cu). Compared with the values specified by corresponding water quality standard, the heavy metals content in surface water were below these values except Cd, while the content of seven heavy metals in drinking water was within the safe limits. The bioavailability of Cd, Pb and Zn in soil were higher than other metals, and when the bioavailability of metals was consideration into health risk assessment, the total HI and TCR values were far below the accepted risk levels. Though human health risks were within the safe margin, the toxic hazards of heavy metals to residents and ecological should be taken into consideration.
Structure-based Assessment of Homologous Analogues of NAtural products -SAHANA: A novel approach to screen bioactive compounds in comparison with their synthetic drug counterparts
Authors: Rao Aditya , Shetty Nandini
Published: June 2021

Background The present study describes a novel strategy to screen natural products (NPs) for their therapeutic effects with predicted most-probable mode of action. The method entitled ‘Structure-based Assessment of Homologous Analogues of NAtural products-SAHANA’ follows a strategy to compare natural products against synthetic drugs based on their molecular properties and 2-dimensional structural similarities. The method is based on a well-established hypothesis that, the molecules with similar structural properties will have similar functions.Methods The method was validated by implementing it for the screening of NPs against different disease conditions. The biological effect of the identified NPs were evaluated based on their binding affinity with the target of their synthetic drug counterpart, prior to which, their in-silico pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics properties were assessed. The stability of binding was validated using molecular dynamics simulation studies.Results The study yielded NPs with significant structural similarities to synthetic drugs and binding interactions stabilizing the macromolecular structures.Conclusions The results envisage a strong indication that the natural product drugs can work in a manner similar to that of synthetic drugs if administered individually. Further, the results encourage the application of the current strategy to screen competent drugs against any disease condition ad libitum.
Randomized Controlled Trial of DDS for Covid-19 ARDS
Authors: Lee Jong Hoon , Kanwar Badar , Lee Chul Joong , Balentine Jenny , Khattak Asif , Kast R. E. , Oh Sang-Suk , Sergi Consolato
Published: June 2021

Background Clinicians considered DDS administration to treat SARS-CoV-2 inflammasome. DDS is helpful in the molecular regulation of Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3).Objective To study the targeting of NLRP3 itself or up-/downstream factors of the NLRP3 inflammasome by DDS must be responsible for its observed preventive effects, functioning as a competitor.Methods This is a randomized controlled trial (RCT). We set out to use objective criteria of improvement. We treated the patients with standard Covid-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) treatment with DDS. The RCT results were analyzed.Results ARDS progression was blocked in 17 of 19 total patients at the first period. The 44 subjects were analyzed during the second period. It is significant at the ARDS onset stage. The mortality of ARDS-onset patients was 0% with DDS and 40% without DDS among the total of 65 cases. The t-value of RCT is -1.5, and the p-value is .075475. The result is significant at p < 0.10. ARDS onset with DDS prescribed group survived more 90% than ARDS onset without DDS group. The chi-square is 5.8108. The p-value is .015928. (Significant at p < .05) (RR 0.15, OR 0.09)Conclusion There was a significant difference in DDS treatment results in the ARDS-onset group. We confirmed that DDS clinically treated the onset of ARDS by targeting SARS-CoV-2-activated inflammasomes. Like chemically reacting substances, inflammasome and DDS compete, proving that it is effective in early ARDS.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04918914
Valorization of Restaurant Waste Oil Over Cow-bone Doped Siliceous Termite Hills Catalysts Towards Biodiesel Production
Authors: Olubunmi Babatunde Esther , Bamidele Saka H , Alade Aderibigbe F , Adeyinka Yusuff , Karmakar Bisheswar , Rokhum Lalthazuala , Halder Gopinath
Published: June 2021

Treated termite hill is a potent heterogeneous catalyst in the synthesis of biodiesel from restaurant waste oil (RWO). Two catalysts (raw cow-bone supported on silica; R-SC1.5 and calcined cow bone supported on silica; K-SC1.5) were developed and used in biodiesel production. The maximum conversion of RWO was 95.12 % using K-SC1.5 at reaction time 2.5 h, methanol to oil ratio 9:1, temperature 65°C and catalyst loading of 2 %w/w. The prepared catalysts were characterized using SEM, EDAX, FTIR, XRD and BET analysis. The kinetics of the RWO with R-SC1.5 and K-SC1.5 was further studied. The Ea and A were found to be 41.4 kJ mol− 1, 53.41 kJ mol− 1 and 2.24 ×104 min− 1, 2.29×106 min− 1 respectively. The transesterification reaction adhered to first order law, while physicochemical properties were within ASTM limits. Reusability of K-SC1.5 was also examined, which revealed effectiveness up to 5 reuses without significant reduction in biodiesel yield.
CTR9-Mediated JAK2/STAT3 Pathway Promotes The Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Human Glioma Cells
Authors: Xu Yang , Chen Jiaguo , He Gao , Zhang Yuhai
Published: June 2021

Background

CTR9 (Cln three requiring 9) has been reported to be implicated in protein modification and oncogenesis of several human cancers. However, the protein expression and mechanism of CTR9 in glioma progression remain unclear.
Methods

We analyzed mRNA expression of CTR9 and CTR9-related survival curves in the public database. Then we detected CTR9 expression in glioma tissues and constructed U251 and U87 cells with stable silencing or overexpression of CTR9. Cell function tests and Western blot were conducted to explore the effects of CTR9 on glioma proliferation, invasion and migration, as well as the specific mechanism. All the date was presented as means ± SEM. Two-sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to identify whether there was a significant difference between each group of data.
Results

We found that CTR9 was overexpressed in glioma and inversely associated with glioma patient survival. The results manifested that knockdown of CTR9 suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of glioma cells, while overexpression facilitated them. The underlying molecular mechanism may involve the regulation of JAK2/STAT3 pathway by CTR9.
Conclusion

Our present study indicates that CTR9 is highly expressed in glioma and related to glioma grading and prognosis. CTR9 regulates malignant behaviors of glioma cells by activating JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Therefore, CTR9 is a promising biomarker for the diagnosis,targeted therapy and prognosis evaluation of glioma.
Impact of ERT and Follow up of 17 Patients from the Same Family with Mild form of MPS II
Authors: Stephan Bruno de Oliveira , Quaio Caio Robledo , Spolador Gustavo Marquezani , de Paula Ana Carolina , Curiati Marco Antônio , Martins Ana Maria , Leal Gabriela Nunes , Tenorio Artur , Finzi Simone , Chimelo Flavia Teixeira , Matas Carla Gentile , Honjo Rachel Sayuri , Bertola Debora Romeo , Kim Chong Ae
Published: June 2021

Background: Mucopolysaccharidosis type II, also known as Hunter syndrome, is a rare X-linked recessive disorder caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme iduronate-2- sulfatase (IDS), leading to progressive accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in several organs. Over the years, Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) has provided significant benefit for patients, retarding natural progression of the disease.Results: We evaluated 17 patients from the same family with a mild form of MPS type II; proband had developed acute decompensated heart failure refractory to clinical measurements at 23 years and needed a rather urgent heart transplant; however, he died from surgery complications shortly after the procedure. Nevertheless, subsequently to his tragic death, 16 affected male relatives were detected after biochemical tests identifying low or absent activity of IDS enzyme and confirmed by molecular analysis of IDS gene.Following diagnosis, different options of treatment were decided: 6 patients startedERT with Elaprase® (Idursulfase) soon after, while other 10 remained without ERT;eventually, 4 patients among the latter group began ERT with Hunterase® (Idursulfase Beta). None presented adverse effects to neither forms of the enzyme. Among the 6 individuals without any ERT, two died of natural causes, after reaching 70 years. Despite the variable phenotype within same family (mainly heart dysfunctions and carpal tunnel syndrome), all 14 remaining patients are alive with independent style of life.Conclusion: Here we report the variable progress of disease with and without ERT in a large Brazilian family with attenuated form of MPS II, harboring the same missense variant in the IDS gene.
Bone Mineral Density, Body Composition, Physical Activity Level, Muscle Strength and Smoking Status in Adults Men After Spinal Cord Injuries
Authors: Kopiczko Anna , Cieplińska Joanna
Published: June 2021

Background

In this cross-sectional study we aimed to investigate the association of physical activity level, muscle strength, body composition and smoking status with bone mineral density in adults men after spinal cord injuries.
Methods

The study covered 50 men after spinal cord injuries aged 35.6 ± 4.9 years (25 wheelchair rugby players and 25 without sports training). Bone mineral density was measured by densitometry. Body Mass Index and body fat percentage was calculated. Fat mass and fat-free mass were estimated from somatic. An interview method using the Global Adult Tobacco Survey. Muscle strength- maximal hand grip strength was measured using a Jamar dynamometer.
Results

The active men after SCI were significantly higher bone parameters BMD prox, BMC dis and prox, and T-score prox (large effect). Of all the variables analysed, the strongest relationships with bone parameters were consistently found for PA, FM, and age. The strength of bone status relationships with PA is mostly higher than that of the relationships with FM except BMD dis (F = 4.4 v. 12.4). The BMC parameter proved to be the most reliable (for both dis and prox) and the highest values of R^2 corr were found, ranging at 7–8% of the analysed set of traits exhausting the variance of this parameter. HGS and AS in years proved to be relevant only for BMD dis. Age when injury occurred (years) proved to be relevant only for T-score prox. Nonsmoking activity men after SCI had the most advantageous values of means BMD in forearm.
Conclusion

Despite its high injury rates, rugby can be considered a sport that has a beneficial effect on BMD. Physical activity level in the form of 5 and more years wheelchair rugby training has been shown to be the strongest factor affecting bone health. Active smoking especially in rugby players influenced lower averaged BMD values.
Microglial ApoD Induced NLRC4 Inflammasome Activation Promotes Alzheimer’s Disease Progression
Authors: Yu Yaliang , Lv Jianzhou , Ma Dan , Han Ya , Zhang Yaheng , Xu Pinli , Wang Shanlong , Wang Zhitao
Published: June 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no effective therapies. It’s well-known that chronic neuroinflammation plays a critical role in the onset and progression of AD. Proper neuronal-microglial interactions are essential for brain functions. However, as the main existence of immune cells, determining the role of microglia in Alzheimer’s neuroinflammation and the associated molecular basis has been challenging. Herein, the inflammatory factors in the sera of AD patients were detected and the association with microglia activation was analyzed. The mechanism regarding the microglial inflammation was investigated. The IL6 and TNF-α were found to be significantly increased in the AD stage. Further analysis revealed microglia were extensively activated in AD cerebra releasing mounts of cytokines to impair the neural stem cells (NSCs) function. Moreover, ApoD induced NLRC4 inflammasome was activated in microglia, which gave rise to the proinflammatory phenotype. Targeting the microglial ApoD promoted NSCs self-renewal and inhibited neuron apoptosis. These findings demonstrate the critical role of ApoD in microglial inflammasome activation, and for the first time reveal that microglia-induced inflammation suppresses neuronal proliferation. Our studies establish the cellular basis for microglia activation in AD progression, and shed lights on cellular interactions important for AD treatment.
The Influence of Physical Exercise on College Students' Ego Effect, Psychological Resilience and Negative Emotions: A Descriptive, Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Li Jian , Li Mei-yue , Zhang Chong
Published: June 2021

Background

At present, college students mental health problem has drawn a wide attention. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of physical exercise on college students' ego effect, psychological resilience and negative emotions.
Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with a targeted sample of 1500 college students and above who were 1–3 undergraduate students. The participants were randomly selected. Data were collected using apaper-based questionnaire. One-way ANOVA and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis.
Result

college students' physical exercise can positively predict ego effect and psychological resilience (personal strength), and negatively predict negative emotions. College students' ego effect and psychological resilience (personal strength) can negatively predict their negative emotions. The mediating effects between physical exercise and negative emotions accounted for 26.78% and 31.7% of the total effects. Family support dimension plays a significant negative regulatory role between physical exercise and negative emotion, while the interaction between interpersonal assistance and physical exercise is not significant, which can not regulate the relationship between physical exercise and negative emotion.
Conclusion

Ego effect and psychological resilience (personal strength) play an important role in the process of improving negative emotions in college students' physical exercise, and family support dimension in psychological resilience (power of support). Negative regulation of the effect of physical exercise on negative emotions. It is further confirmed that ego effect and psychological resilience have intermediary effect and regulatory effect between physical exercise and negative emotion. It is recommended that college students: choose interesting, challenging and able to adhere to the completion of sports ,3 times a week should be high-intensity physical exercise. It is not only conducive to relieving bad emotions, improving interpersonal communication, improving ego effect and psychological resilience, but also can actively promote and maintain the physical health of college students.
BTN3A2 Expression Is Connected With Favorable Prognosis and High Infiltrating Immune in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhou Hao , Lin Yuansheng
Published: June 2021

Background: butyrophilin subfamily 3 member A2 (BTN3A2) as a important mediator in immune activation, its reported to be linked to many cancers progress. However, the relation with infiltrating immune and prognosis of BTN3A2 in Lung adenocarcinoma are not clear.Methods: In our study, we checked the mRNA expression and protein expression profile of BTN3A2 in Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and its relation to clinical outcomes using TIMER, UALCAN database. Besides, we analyzed the survival of BTN3A2 in LUAD by Kaplan-Meier Plotter and PrognoScan database. Moreover, we analyzed Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) of the BTN3A2. Next, we explored the relation of BTN3A2 expression with the immune infiltration by TIMER. At last, In order to enrich the regulatory mechanism of BTN3A2, we used miRarbase, starbase and miRDB dadabase to look for miRNAs targets of BTN3A2.Results: the mRNA along with protein expression of BTN3A2 in the LUAD group was lower in contrast with that in the normal group. Besides, high BTN3A2 expression was connected with good first progression (FP) and overall survival (OS) in LUAD. Then, the GSEA analysis demonstrated that T cell receptor signaling cascade, B cell receptor signaling cascade, natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity, immune receptor activity, immunological synapse, T cell activation were enriched differentially in BTN3A2 high expression phenotype of LUAD. Moreover, BTN3A2 expression is remarkable positively correlation with invading levels of tumor purity, B cells, neutrophil, CD4+ T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and CD8+ T cells in LUAD, and B cells and dendritic cells were linked with good prognosis of LUAD. To further enrich the possible regulatory mechanisms of BTN3A2, we analyzed the miRNA targets. The results showed that hsa-miR-17-5p may be miRNA targets of BTN3A2.Conclusion: Taking together, we provide evidence of BTN3A2 as possible prognosis biomarkers of LUAD. Besides, high BTN3A2 expression in LUAD may influence prognosis because of immune invasion. Moreover, our findings provide a potential mechanism that hsa-miR-17-5p may be miRNA targets of BTN3A2.
Wetlands of the South American Pacific Coast: A Bibliometric Approach
Authors: RIVERA Gabriel , GONZALES Sergio , Aponte Héctor
Published: June 2021

Wetlands are ecosystems susceptible to anthropogenic impacts; analysis of the scientific publications on these ecosystems can be used as a reference for the adopting of measures to facilitate research and conservation. This bibliometric analysis aimed to evaluate the temporal evolution of scientific publications and trends in research topics related to the wetlands of Ecuador, Peru, and Chile; this region includes an extended desertic region in the southern Pacific. A total of 411 articles published during the period from 2000 to 2019 were reviewed. The most frequent subject areas were 'birds' and 'other types of fauna' (20.7% and 19.2%, respectively); the diversity of publications was similar, but the proportions of the total subject areas for each country varied. The number of papers published per year was found to be increasing. The thematic areas related to these ecosystems that require strengthening in Ecuador, Peru and Chile are identified (e. g. 'hydrology and sediment' in Peru, 'microscopic organisms' in Chile, and 'birds' in Ecuador). Decision-makers should use this information to promote the development of the lines of research identified for each country.
Dynamic Evolution Law of Roof Deformation in Continuous Mining and Continuous Backfilling Method
Authors: Xu Bin , Yang Renshu , Li Yongliang , Lu Bin
Published: June 2021

To investigate the dynamic evolution law of roof deformation in the continuous mining and continuous backfilling (CMCB) method, the alternating bearing characteristics of coal and the backfilling body were obtained through statistical analysis. On the basis of two-step mining and the elastic foundation beam theory, the mechanical model of the entire stage roof deformation was established, and the dynamic change law of roof settlement was obtained. On the basis of the working face of CMCB in Haoyuan Coal Mine, the deformation rule of the two-step mining roof was analyzed. In the first stage of mining, the coal pillar is the main bearing structure, the deformation of the roof is small, and the distribution is wavy. In the second stage, the backfilling body gradually becomes the main bearing structure, and the deformation of the roof significantly increases and exhibits a U-shaped distribution. The results obtained by numerical simulations reveal that four-step mining increases the width of the coal pillars and the roof deformation is effectively controlled during the filling process. After the filling is completed, the roof remains stable under the support of the filling body under different filling modes; therefore, its final settlement remains consistent. Through field measurement, it was found that the CMCB method can effectively control the roof subsidence in Haoyuan Coal Mine.
The Stability, Structural, Electronic, and Optical Properties of Hydrogenated Silicene Under Hydrostatic Pressures: A First-principle Study
Authors: Kumar V , Santosh R
Published: June 2021

The structural, electronic, and optical properties of hydrogenated silicene have been studied under different hydrostatic pressures using first-principle calculations. The binding energy and band structure have been calculated for Chair (C-) and Boat (B-) structures, which are having good stability at 0 GPa, 3 GPa, 6 GPa, 9 GPa, 12 GPa, 15 GPa, and 18 GPa hydrostatic pressures. Stability has been verified using binding energy and phonon calculations. The C- and B- structures have become metallic and unstable at 21 GPa. The optical properties of B-configuration have been studied in the energy range of 0-20 eV. Five optical parameters such as conductivity threshold (σth), dielectric constant ε(0), refractive index n(0), birefringence Δn(0) and plasmon energy (ħωp) have been calculated for the first time under different hydrostatic pressures. The calculated values are in good agreement with the reported values at 0 GPa.
Point-Of-Care Testing in Paediatric Settings in the UK and Ireland: a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Pandey Meenu , Lyttle Mark D , Cathie Katrina , Munro Alasdair , Waterfield Thomas , Roland Damian
Published: June 2021

Background: Point-of-care testing (POCT) is diagnostic testing performed at or near to the site of the patient. Understanding the current capacity, and scope, of POCT in this setting is essential in order to respond to new research evidence which may lead to wide implementation.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey study of POCT use was conducted between 6th January and 2nd February 2020 on behalf of two United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland-based paediatric research networks (Paediatric Emergency Research UK and Ireland, and General and Adolescent Paediatric Research UK and Ireland). Results: In total 91/109 (83.5%) sites responded, with some respondents providing details for multiple units on their site based on network membership (139 units in total). The most commonly performed POCT were blood sugar (137/139; 98.6%), urinalysis (134/139; 96.4%) and blood gas analysis (132/139; 95%). The use of POCT for Influenza/Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) (45/139; 32.4%, 41/139; 29.5%), C-Reactive Protein (CRP) (13/139; 9.4%), Procalcitonin (PCT) (2/139; 1.4%) and Group A Streptococcus (5/139; 3.6%) and was relatively low. Obstacles to the introduction of new POCT included resources and infrastructure to support test performance and quality assurance.Conclusion: This survey demonstrates significant consensus in POCT practice in the UK and Ireland but highlights specific inequity in newer biomarkers, some which do not have support from national guidance. A clear strategy to overcome the key obstacles of funding, evidence base, and standardising variation will be essential if there is a drive toward increasing implementation of POCT.
Clinical Impact of Hemorrhagic Lesion Progression Following Moderate-to-Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Fletcher-Sandersjöö Alexander , Tatter Charles , Tjerkaski Jonathan , Bartek Jiri , Maegele Marc , Nelson David W , Svensson Mikael , Thelin Eric Peter , Bellander Bo-Michael
Published: June 2021

Background

Hemorrhage progression following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not fully understood, and preventing it would be a potential therapeutic opportunity in TBI management. The aim of this study was to determine how non-operated hemorrhagic lesions progress following TBI, and how this affects outcome.
Methods

This was a retrospective observational cohort study of adult patients (≥ 15 years) with moderate-to-severe TBI. Hemorrhage volumes were calculated from computed tomography (CT) scans using semi-automated volumetric segmentation.
Results

In total, 643 patients were included, with a median Glasgow Coma Scale of 7. Contusions were the most common form of traumatic intracranial hemorrhage. The mean total lesion volume on the first CT scan was 4.29 ml, and the mean lesion progression volume (LPV), i.e. the increase in volume from first CT scan until the lesion had stopped progressing, was 3.85 ml. Contusions showed a significantly larger LPV than SDH and EDH (p < 0.001). The median lesion progression time (LPT), i.e. the time from injury until all lesions had stopped progressing, was 5.98 hours, with contusions progressing for a longer time than tSAH, SDH and EDH (p < 0.001). Hemorrhage progression also slowed exponentially over time, with almost no further expansion occurring 24 hours after trauma. In multivariable regression analysis, LPV was independently associated with 12-month Glasgow Outcome Score after adjusting for known TBI outcome predictors (p < 0.001).
Conclusions

Contusions were the most common form of traumatic intracranial hemorrhage, and exhibited both a larger LPV and longer LPT than extra-axial hematomas. Regression analysis indicated that LPV was independently related to, and possibly a driver of, unfavorable outcome. Interventions to prevent lesion progression are therefore likely to improve outcome in TBI patients. Moreover, this study suggests a wider window of opportunity to prevent lesion progression than what has previously been suggested.
Selected Micro RNAs Regulate Drug Resistance Genes in Breast Cancer.
Authors: Zaib Shumaila , Yasmin Azra , Masood Nosheen
Published: June 2021

Background: Breast cancer initiation is an unresolved phenomenon although many genes are known to be involved in its initiation but its exact etiology is still unexplained in many aspects and recently microRNAs are found to regulate many genes expressions. Method: This case control study has been designed to evaluate the role of selected miRNAs in gene expression and subsequent association with drug resistance. Genetic polymorphisms were confirmed by PCR-SSCP followed by sequencing and microRNA expression was measured by realtime PCR with specific primers. Follow up was done for patients whose samples were used in the study. Results: This study revealed 15 germline mutations in mdr1, 5 in ABCG2, 8 in BRCA1 and 8 in PTEN gene. These mutations were significantly associated with breast cancer compared with control tissues (P<0.05). miR-21, miR-146a and miR-328 were over expressed whereas miR-451 was under expressed. Progression free survival (PFS) was linked with reduced polymorphisms in genes as well as microRNAs. Conclusion: Over expression of miRNA-21 and miRNA-146a may lead towards lower expression of PTEN and BRCA1 genes causing cancer progression. miRNA-328 and miRNA-451 reduced expression resulted in overexpressed ABCG2 and MDR1 genes in this study.
WITHDRAWN: Evaluation of Polarimetric Eigenvector Based Decomposition for Types of Wetland Mapping
Authors: Adhikari Ruma
Published: June 2021

ContextThe Kosi mega fan landscape is an alluvial deposited site that have led to several devastating floods. A considerable portion of the land comprises of different types of wetlands and persistent surface wetness. Detection of these wet patches is important in terms of understanding morphology of this sediment deposited fan.ObjectivesThis study identifies different wetland patches in monsoon time with critical reaches of rail-road and waterlogged intersections.MethodsSAR Polarimetry based H-A-Alpha decomposition and Wishart classification is used to identify different backscatter intensities of vegetated wetland, wet soil and open water using dual-pol Sentinel-1 10m data.ResultsThis study showed that Wishart classification offers a good potential for herbaceous waterbody mapping. The presence of a varieties types of wetlands is identified based on their scattering properties. Preliminary it has identified wet soil, low land, marshy patches as well as open water. Though at some places it mistakenly classified vegetation covered water as forest land. Some dry soil also exhibits low entropy volume scattering which is similar to certain type of vegetation cover. This study also identifies the vulnerable zone of waterlogging to existing rail and road network.
Complement 4 Aids in Prediction of Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma Outcome in Patients
Authors: Zhang Lihua , Ling Xiaosui , Li Fan , Yang Tonghua , Shi Keqian , Zhao Shixiang , Yu Liqun , Li Zengzheng , He Haiping
Published: June 2021

Background and aim: A cure for the heterogeneous hematological malignancy Multiple Myeloma (MM) is yet to be developed. To date, the early risk factors associated with poor outcomes in MM have not been fully elucidated. Studies have shown an aberrant complement system in MM patients, but the precise association necessitates elucidation. Therefore, this study scrutinizes the correlation between serum complement level and the disease outcome of MM patients.Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of 72 MM patients (new diagnosis) with complement C4 and C3 along with common laboratory indicators was done. The Pearson’s χ2 test and the Mann–Whitney U test were done to evaluate categorical or binary variables and inter-group variance, respectively. Kaplan-Meier test and Cox’s proportional hazards regression were employed for quantitation of overall survival (OS) and univariate or multivariate analyses, respectively.Results: The Cox proportional hazard model analysis unveiled the following: platelet≤115.5×10^9/L(HR=5.82，95%CI=2.522-13.436, P<0.001)， complement C4≤0.095g/L(HR=3.642, 95%CI=1.486-8.924,P=0.005), age≥67 years(HR=0.191, 95%CI=0.078-0.47, P<0.001)，bone marrow plasma cell percentage≥30.75% (HR=0.171, 95%CI=0.06-0.482, P=0.001) can be employed as independent predictors of OS. Of these, advanced age, low platelet level, and a high proportion of bone marrow plasma cells have been implicated in poor outcomes in MM patients. Interestingly, a low complement 4 level can function as a new indicator of poor prognosis in MM patients.Conclusion: Low levels of C4 are indicative of a poor outcome in newly diagnosed MM patients.
Chaotic Fitness Dependent Optimizer for Planning and Engineering Design
Authors: Mohammed Hardi M. , Rashid Tarik A.
Published: June 2021

Fitness Dependent Optimizer (FDO) is a recent metaheuristic algorithm that mimics the reproduction behavior of the bee swarm in finding better hives. This algorithm is similar to Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) but it works differently. The algorithm is very powerful and has better results compared to other common metaheuristic algorithms. This paper aims at improving the performance of FDO, thus, the chaotic theory is used inside FDO to propose Chaotic FDO (CFDO). Ten chaotic maps are used in the CFDO to consider which of them are performing well to avoid local optima and finding global optima. New technic is used to conduct population in specific limitation since FDO technic has a problem to amend population. The proposed CFDO is evaluated by using 10 benchmark functions from CEC2019. Finally, the results show that the ability of CFDO is improved. Singer map has a great impact on improving CFDO while the Tent map is the worst. Results show that CFDO is superior to GA, FDO, and CSO. Both CEC2013 and CEC2005 are used to evaluate CFDO. Finally, the proposed CFDO is applied to classical engineering problems, such as pressure vessel design and the result shows that CFDO can handle the problem better than WOA, GWO, FDO, and CGWO. Besides, CFDO is applied to solve the task assignment problem and then compared to the original FDO. The results prove that CFDO has better capability to solve the problem.
Determinants of consistent condom use among Filipino women: Results from the 2017 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Pepito Veincent Christian , Amit Arianna Maever L , Tang Clinton S , Molen Ryan Gabriel C , Co Luis Miguel B , Aliazas Neil Andrew Kiamco , Reyes Sarah J De Los , Tanchanco Lourdes Bernadette Sumpaico
Published: June 2021

Background: Consistent condom use had been perennially low in the Philippines, despite being a tested and proven public health intervention to promote unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Considering the high fertility rate, teenage pregnancy rate, and the rapidly increasing incidence of HIV in the country, we identify the determinants of consistent condom use in the country. Methods: We used data from the individual recode of the 2017 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey. We used logistic regression for survey data to identify factors associated with consistent condom use. Results: Out of 25,074 respondents, only 261 (1.13%) have used condoms consistently with their most recent partner. Reach of information and education campaigns on contraceptive use via different media ranged from 62% via television to 7% via SMS. After adjusting for confounders, we find that respondents who can ask their partners to use a condom during intercourse have 6.31 times higher odds (95% CI: 2.08, 19.16) of using condoms consistently as compared to respondents who are unable to do so. We also find that current non-users of any form of contraceptive method but intend to use it later have 8.94 times greater odds (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 2.41, 33.18) and those who use modern contraceptive methods have 59.67 times greater odds (95% CI: 21.14-168.47) of being a consistent condom user as compared to non-users of any contraceptive method who do not intend to use it later. Conclusions: The low percentage of those who use condoms consistently, together with the low reach of information and education campaigns highlight the need to further intensify these efforts especially in older women beyond the reach of school-based sex education interventions. Interventions to improve sexual agency, such as improving sex education, living conditions, and social support should also be implemented to increase the prevalence of consistent condom use in the Philippines.
Leonotis Nepetifolia Mediated Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Zno Nps: Photocatalytic, Antioxidant Activities and Their Applications to Nano-Composite Electrode Material for Supercapacitor
Authors: Pavithra Gajendran , kannappan Santhakumar
Published: June 2021

The present paper describes the green synthesis of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) from the flowers of L. nepetifolia. The synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and examined by using Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction analysis, Dynamic Light Scattering analysis, Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Thermogravimetric Analysis. The photocatalytic studies were followed using methylene blue (MB) dye by ZnO nanoparticles by using sunlight as a source. The degradation of MB dye is found to be 90 %. Then the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles help to evaluate the antioxidant activities. The antioxidant activities of ZnO nanoparticles were exhibiting through scavenging of Nitric oxide, Hydrogen peroxide, and DPPH free radicals. Furthermore, the electrochemical analysis of reduced Graphene Oxide-Zinc oxide (rGO-ZnO) nanocomposite shows that the prepared rGO-ZnO nanocomposite has a high specific capacitance of about 667 F g-1 in comparison with the pure Zinc oxide nanoparticles (200 F g-1) and has good cycling stability of around 1000 cycles. The synthesis of multifunctional ZnO nanoparticles by using natural plant products like seeds, leaves, flowers, etc may help to explore as environment-friendly which is opposite to chemical synthesis.
High prevalence of Sarcocystis funereus sp. nov. (Apicomplexa, Sarcocystidae) in offspring of Tengmalm’s owls Aegolius funereus (Aves, Strigidae)
Authors: Máca Ondrej , Kouba Marek , Korpimäki Erkki , González-Solis David
Published: June 2021

Background

Birds act as intermediate or definitive hosts of cyst-forming coccidia parasites of the genus Sarcocystis Lankester, 1882. However, the spectrum of species of Sarcocystis in birds and the role of the latter in the transmission of coccidia are still incomplete for many avian species including Tengmalm’s owl Aegolius funereus (Linnaeus, 1758). During a research of Tengmalm’s owls in Finland some fledglings were found dead and subsequently parasitologically examined. Therefore, this study is focused on the morphological and molecular description of a new Sarcocystis species found in the intestine of the Tengmalm’s owl and its possible role as definitive host.
Methods

Eleven fledgling owls from the Kauhava region of west-central Finland were found dead and subsequently were submitted for necropsy, parasitologically examined through flotation-centrifugation coprological technique for the presence of oocysts/sporocysts of genus Sarcocystis by light microscopy. Wet mounts were used for the examination of muscle samples (breast, legs, heart). Polymerase chain reaction and nested-PCR were carried out by using primers for 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS1 region and cox1 genes.
Results

All eleven examined birds were parasitized by numerous sporocysts and oocysts in the intestinal mucosa scrapings (prevalence 100%). Sporulated oocysts and sporocysts measured 16.34 − 16.96 × 11.47 − 12.09 µm and 11.85 − 13.52 × 7.77 − 9.25 µm, respectively. Skeletal and heart muscles were negative for sarcocysts. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that Sarcocystis funereus sp. nov. is closely related to Sarcocystis strixi from the barred owl (Strix varia Barton, 1799) from the USA and Sarcocystis sp. isolate 5 from the European shrew (Sorex araneus Linnaeus, 1758) from the Czech Republic, but a valid species.
Conclusions

This work provided the first and the most comprehensive record on Sarcocystis from owls obtained in Finland, thus highlighting the importance of molecular data in the species identification.
Fe3O4@SiO2-L-Cu(II): An efficient and easily recoverable catalyst for reducing/degrading environmental pollutants in aqueous medium
Authors: Dadashi Jaber , Khaleghian Mohammad , Tamizdoust Babak Mir
Published: June 2021

In the present study, a magnetically recoverable catalyst is synthesized through immobilizing copper (II) over the Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) surface [Fe3O4@SiO2-L-Cu (II)] (L = pyridine-4-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazide). Accordingly, synthesized catalysts were determined and characterized by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) procedures. Using [Fe3O4@SiO2-L-Cu (II)], 4-Nitrophenol (4-NP), Cr(VI), and organic dyes, e.g., Methylene blue (MB) and Congo Red (CR) were reduced in aqueous media. As shown by results of Catalytic performance investigations, [Fe3O4@SiO2-L-Cu (II)] performance was outstanding concerning reduction reactions in mild conditions. Remarkable attributes of this method are high efficiency, removal of a homogeneous catalyst, easy recovery from the reaction mix, and uncomplicated route. The amount of activity in this catalytic system was almost constant after several stages of recovery and reuse. The results show that the catalyst was efficient and easily recoverable in the successive run without a significant loss of catalytic efficiency.
Timing of cholecystectomy after percutaneous cholecystostomy for acute cholecystitis- A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: VASAVADA BHAVIN , Patel Hardik
Published: June 2021

Introduction: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate outcomes of early versus late cholecystectomy after percutaneous cholecystostomy.Methods:The study was conducted according to the PRISMA statement and MOOSE guidelines. Heterogeneity was measured using Q tests and I2 statistics. The random-effects model was used.Results: Six studies including 18640 patients were included in the final analysis. There was no difference in overall complications within or after 72 hours cholecystectomy group, but mortality and biliary complications were significantly high in the less than 72 hours group (p=0.05 and 0.0002 respectively). There was no difference in mortality, overall complication, biliary tract complications in less than 1 week versus more than 1 week and less than 10 days versus more than 10 days group. Overall complications were significantly less in the less than 2 weeks group compared to the more than 2 weeks group. There was no difference in mortality and biliary tract complications between less than 2 weeks and more than 2 weeks group. Overall complication rate (risk ratio 0.67, p <0.0001), postoperative mortality (risk ratio 0.46, p=0.003), bile duct injury (risk ratio 0.62, p=0.01) was significantly less in earlier than 4-week group. Hospital stay was not significantly different between less than 4 weeks versus more than 4 weeks group. (Mean difference= -2.74, p=0.12). Ove all complication rates were significantly more in less than 8 weeks group. (Risk ratio 1.07, p=0.01).Conclusion:Early cholecystectomy preferably within 4 weeks after percutaneous cholecystostomy is preferable.
Enhancing the 3rd order nonlinear optical response of integrated micro-ring resonators with graphene oxide 2D films
Authors: Moss David
Published: June 2021

Layered two-dimensional (2D) graphene oxide (GO) films are integrated with micro-ring resonators (MRRs) to experimentally demonstrate enhanced nonlinear optics in the form of four-wave mixing (FWM). Both uniformly coated and patterned GO films are integrated on CMOS-compatible doped silica MRRs using a large-area, transfer-free, layer-by-layer GO coating method together with photolithography and lift-off processes, yielding precise control of the film thickness, placement, and coating length. The high Kerr nonlinearity and low loss of the GO films combined with the strong light-matter interaction within the MRRs results in a significant improvement in the FWM efficiency in the hybrid MRRs. Detailed FWM measurements are performed at different pump powers and resonant wavelengths for the uniformly coated MRRs with 1 − 5 layers of GO as well as the patterned devices with 10 − 50 layers of GO. The experimental results show good agreement with theory, achieving up to ~ 7.6-dB enhancement in the FWM conversion efficiency (CE) for an MRR uniformly coated with 1 layer of GO and ~ 10.3-dB for a patterned device with 50 layers of GO. By fitting the measured CE as a function of pump power for devices with different numbers of GO layers, we also extract the dependence of GO’s third-order nonlinearity on layer number and pump power, revealing interesting physical insights about the evolution of the layered GO films from 2D monolayers to quasi bulk-like behavior. These results confirm the high nonlinear optical performance of integrated photonic resonators incorporated with 2D layered GO films.
Root system architecture traits diversity and association with grain yield for drought adapted sorghum genotypes
Authors: Tamir Habtamu Demelash , Menamo Temesgen Matiwos , Mindaye Taye Tadesse
Published: June 2021

Background and aims The roots system architecture of sorghum is a major morphological trait which strongly influences the capacity to access soil moisture and forage nutrients under drought condition. This study was conducted aiming to the extent of genetic diversity among sorghum genotypes adapted the dryland; to identify promising genotypes for key root and shoot traits for breeding purposes; and to determine the contribution of root related traits of sorghum on moisture stress area. Methods The experiment was conducted using 214 genotypes in greenhouse of Horticulture and Plant science Department, Jimma University using randomized complete block design. Results Cluster analysis indicated that the genotypes grouped into eight cluster. Number of genotypes per cluster varied from 100 (46.72%) in Cluster II and 2 (0.93%) genotypes both in Cluster III and VI .The maximum genetic distance (D 2 =151.36) obtained between cluster III and VIII and minimum genetic distance (D 2 =9.38) was found between cluster V and VII also the intra-cluster distance was highest in the cluster II (D 2 =43.93) and the lowest cluster found VI (D 2 =0.93). Root angle and root length exhibited strong negative(r=- 0.24 ) and positive correlation (r= 0.32 ) with grain yield. Genotypes Acc#220249(58); Acc#220254(#59); Acc#234102(#102); Acc#235811(#118) Acc#20710(27) the most divergent on the principal axis of biplot and used direct sorghum improvement. Conclusion The information generated from this study could help to identified promising genotypes with suitable root traits for potential breeding under specific environmental conditions.