bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mediastinal lymph node enlargement in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: relationships with disease progression and pulmonary function trends.
Authors: Sgalla Giacomo , Larici Anna Rita , Golfi Nicoletta , Calvello Mariarosaria , Farchione Alessandra , Ciello Annemilia Del , Varone Francesco , Iovene Bruno , Manfredi Riccardo , Richeldi Luca
Published: September 2020

Background and objectivesEvidence of mediastinal Lymph Node Enlargement (LNE) on CT scan is a common finding in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). We sought to investigate whether the involvement of mediastinal lymph nodes is associated with accelerated disease progression, and explored the changes occurring in mediastinal lymph nodes during the radiological follow up of these patients.MethodsThis retrospective study included IPF patients referred to a single ILD centre in Italy. A consensus-based assessment of mediastinal LNE on chest CT scan was performed by two thoracic radiologists. Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression were used to assess hazard ratios for mortality and disease progression (defined as categorical FVC decline ≥10%). The annualized rates of change in functional parameters for each patient were calculated using mixed linear models.Results152 IPF patients were included in the analysis, of whom 135 (89%) received antifibrotic treatment for IPF during the study follow up. Patients having evidence of 3 or more enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes on baseline CT scan showed increased rates of mortality (HR 5.03, 95% CI 1.86-13.62, p≤0.001) and significant disease progression (HR 2.99, 95% CI 1.22-7.33, p=0.17) as compared to patients without LNE, after adjusting for GAP stage. Among 62 patients with LNE who underwent a follow up CT scan of the chest and received antifibrotic treatment, 57 (92%) maintained evidence mediastinal LNE over time.ConclusionsDiffuse mediastinal lymph node involvement predicts clinically meaningful functional deterioration in patients with IPF.
Broncho-alveolar inflammation in COVID-19 patients: a correlation with clinical outcome
Authors: Pandolfi Laura , Tommaso Fossali , Vanessa Frangipane , Sara Bozzini , Monica Morosini , Maura D’Amato , Sara Lettieri , Mario Urtis , Alessandro Di Toro , Laura Saracino , Elena Percivalle , Stefano Tomaselli , Lorenzo Cavagna , Emanuela Cova , Francesco Mojoli , Paola Bergomi , Davide Ottolina , Daniele Lilleri , Guido Corsico Angelo , Eloisa Arbustini , Riccardo Colombo , Federica Meloni
Published: September 2020

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) rapidly reached pandemic proportions. Given that the main target of SARS-CoV-2 are lungs leading to severe pneumonia with hyperactivation of the inflammatory cascade, we conducted a prospective study to assess alveolar inflammatory status in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. Methods: Diagnostic bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed in 33 adult patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection by real-time PCR on nasopharyngeal swab admitted to the Intensive care unit (ICU) (n=28) and to the Intermediate Medicine Ward (IMW) (n=5). We analyze the differential cell count, ultrastructure of cells and Interleukin(IL)6, 8 and 10 levels.Results: ICU patients showed a marked increase in neutrophils (1.24 x 105 ml-1 , 0.85-2.07), lower lymphocyte (0.97 x 105 ml-1, 0.024-0.34) and macrophages fractions (0.43 x 105 ml-1, 0.34-1.62) compared to IMW patients (0.095 x 105 ml-1, 0.05-0.73; 0.47 x 105 ml-1, 0.28-1.01 and 2.14 x 105 ml-1, 1.17-3.01, respectively) (p<0.01). Ultrastructural study of ICU patients BAL showed viral-like particles in cytopathic mononuclear cells and an extensive cytopathic damage in all cell lineages. Immunostaining with anti-viral capsid and spike antibodies specifically immunoreacted with BAL cells, mostly cytopathic ones. IL6 and IL8 were significantly higher in ICU patients than in IMW (IL6 p<0.01, IL8 p<0.0001), and also in patients who did not survive (IL6 p < 0.05, IL8 p = 0.05 vs. survivors). IL10 did not show a significant variation between groups. Dividing patients by treatment received, lower BAL concentrations of IL6 were found in patients treated with steroids as compared to those treated with tocilizumab (p<0.1) or antivirals (p<0.05). Conclusions: Alveolitis, associated with COVID-19, is mainly sustained by innate effectors which showed features of extensive activation. The burden of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL6 and IL8 in the broncho-alveolar environment is associated with clinical outcome.
The identification of a cannabinoid-like compound (adrenoyl-EA), in the flowers of a South African medicinal plant (Leonotis leonurus)
Authors: Hunter Ethan , Stander Marietjie , Kossmann Jens , Chakraborty Suparna , Prince Sharon , Peters Shaun , Loedolff Bianke
Published: September 2020

Objective Current global trends on natural therapeutics suggest an increasing market interest toward the use and discovery of new plant-derived therapeutic compounds, often referred to as traditional medicine (TM). The Cannabis industry is currently one such focal area receiving attention, owing to the occurrence of phytocannabinoids (pCBs) which have shown promise in health-promotion and disease prevention. However, the occurrence of pCBs in other plant species are often overlooked and rarely studied. Leonotis leonurus (L.) R. Br. is endemic to South Africa with a rich history of use in TM practices amongst indigenous people and, has been recorded to induce mild psychoactive effects akin to Cannabis. While the leaves have been well-reported to contain therapeutic phytochemicals, little information exists on the flowers. Consequently, as part of a larger research venture, we targeted the flowers of L. leonurus for the identification of potential pCB or pCB-like compounds.Results Flower extracts were separated and analyzed using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). A single pCB candidate was isolated from HPTLC plates and, using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), identified as 7,10,13,16-Docosatetraenoylethanolamine (adrenoyl-EA). Adrenoyl-EA is a known bioactive pCB-like compound reported to occur in only one other plant species, Tropaeolum tuberosum.
Identification microflora related to growth performance in pigs based on 16s rRNA sequence analyses
Authors: Li Xin-Jian , Wang Mingyu , Xue Yahui , Duan Dongdong , Li Cong , Han Xuelei , Wang Kejun , Qiao Ruimin , Li Xiu-Ling
Published: September 2020

Intestinal microorganisms have been shown to be important factors that affect the growth performance of pigs. Therefore, to investigate the effect of the intestinal microflora structure on the growth performance of pigs, samples from Duroc (n=10), Landrace (n=9) and Yorkshire (n=21) pigs under the same diet and feeding conditions were collected. The fecal microbial composition was profiled via 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. And we also analyzed their growth performance. We found that Duroc and Landrace had significant differences in average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency ratio (FER), growth index (GI), and 100kg daily age ( P<0.05 ). Moreover, through the analysis of the intestinal flora, we also identified that there were 18 species of intestinal flora with significant differences between Duroc and Landrace ( P<0.05 ). In order to eliminate the influence of genetic background, the intestinal differential flora of 21 Yorkshire pigs with different growth performance was analyzed. The results showed that there were significant correlations between Barnesiella , Dorea , Clostridium and Lactobacillus and pig growth performance. To explore the effect of intestinal flora on the growth performance of pigs at the molecular level, Lactobacillus , which has the highest content in the intestine, was selected for isolation and purification, and co-cultured with intestinal epithelial cells. The qPCR was used to determine the effect of Lactobacillus on MC4R gene expression in intestinal epithelial cells. The results showed that Lactobacillus inhibited MC4R gene expression in intestinal epithelial cells. The results provided useful reference for the further study on the relationship between intestinal flora and pig growth performance.
Diagnostic accuracy of physical examination for detecting pelvic fractures among blunt trauma patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Okada Yohei , Nishioka Norihiro , Ohtsuru Shigeru , Tsujimoto Yasushi
Published: September 2020

Background: Pelvic fractures are common among blunt trauma patients, and timely and accurate diagnosis can improve patient outcomes. However, it remains unclear whether physical examinations are sufficient in this context. This study aims to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of physical examination for pelvic fracture among blunt trauma patients. Methods: Studies were identified using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases starting from the creation of the database to January 2020. A total of 20 studies (49,043 patients with 8,300 cases [16.9%] of pelvic fracture) were included in the quality assessment and meta-analysis. Two investigators extracted the data and evaluated the risk of bias in each study. The meta-analysis involved a hierarchical summary receiver operating curve (ROC) model to calculate the diagnostic accuracy of the physical exam. Subgroup analysis assessed the extent of between-study heterogeneity. Clinical utility was assessed using decision curve analysis. Results: The median prevalence of pelvic fracture was 10.5% (interquartile range: 5.1–16.5). The pooled sensitivity (and corresponding 95% confidence interval) of the hierarchical summary ROC parameters was 0.859 (0.761–0.952) at a given specificity of 0.920, which was the median value among the included studies. Subgroup analysis revealed that the pooled sensitivity among patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score ≥ 13 was 0.933 (0.847–0.998) at a given specificity of 0.920. The corresponding value for patients with scores ≤ 13 was 0.761 (0.560–0.932). For threshold probability < 0.01 with 10%–15% prevalence, the net benefit of imaging tests was higher than that of physical examination. Conclusion: Imaging tests should be performed in all trauma patients regardless of findings from physical examination or patients’ levels of consciousness. However, the clinical role of physical examination should be considered given the prevalence and threshold probability in each setting.
Satellite observations indicate increasing proportion of population exposed to floods
Authors: Tellman Beth , Sullivan Jonathan , Kuhn Catherine , Kettner Albert , Doyle Colin , Brakenridge G. , Erikson Tyler , Slayback Dan
Published: September 2020

Flooding affects more people than any other environmental hazard and hinders sustainable development1–3. Investing in flood adaptation can reduce loss of life and livelihoods 4,5. However, where and how floods occur, and who is exposed, is changing due to rapid urbanization 6, new flood mitigation infrastructure 7,8, and increasing human settlements in floodplains9. Previous studies estimating population exposed to floods are limited by lack of observational data, relying instead on global models with high uncertainty4,10–14. Here we use nearly two decades of daily satellite imagery at 250 meter resolution (MODIS) to develop new estimates of flood extent and population exposure for 913 large flood events from 2000-2018, estimating 2.23 million km2 of flooded area and 290 million people directly affected. We find the at least 86 million people newly settled in a location where satellites observed inundation in the past 20 years. This represents a 20% increase in the proportion of population exposed to floods, ten times higher than previous estimates10. Near-future climate change projections (2030), indicate the proportion of population exposed to floods will continue to expand. Our findings can aid prioritization of global flood adaptation investment and inform adaptation strategies, from insurance to managed retreat, at local scales15–17. As satellite coverage and resolution increase, we anticipate observation of flood events to aid understanding where floods change and how to adapt. This flood event database will contribute to improved accuracy of global and local flood models, vulnerability assessments, efficacy of adaptation intervention, and understanding interactions of land change, climate, and floods.
Remote learning of biochemistry during the COVID-19 pandemic: case of undergraduate students in Bogota, Colombia
Authors: Contreras-Rodríguez Luis Ernesto , Sandoval-Hernández Adrian G. , Maya-Hoyos Milena , Soto Carlos Y.
Published: September 2020

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic forced the implementation of global emergency measures based on social distancing. In Colombia, remote classes in universities have avoided the spread of the disease. However, the implementation of remote classes demands virtual pedagogical strategies that are not traditionally used for teaching basic sciences in the Colombian public education system. This study describes student perception of remote biochemistry classes at Universidad Nacional de Colombia (Bogota).Methods: A virtual survey was applied to undergraduate students of dentistry and biology programs to assess their perception of the quality and academic impact of remote classes during the mandatory lockdown decreed by the Colombian government for semester I of 2020. Results: The students demonstrated an overall acceptance of the remote biochemistry classes, highlighting that the quality of the classes facilitated the understanding of the topics, increased assessment performance, and significantly promoted self-learning (according to 84.6% of the respondents). Although some students reported having experienced reduced attention to the classes throughout the semester, most of them (80.8%) would remotely attend the biochemistry course again.Conclusions: Under confinement, the remote biochemistry classes were well accepted by undergraduate students of dentistry and biology programs of the Colombian public university system. The students acknowledged the quality of the classes, which significantly contributed to understanding basic concepts and motivated the students to develop a deeper comprehension of the reviewed topics. These findings suggest that combining remote learning with traditional lectures could be a suitable choice to enhance the learning process of biochemistry for students of medical and basic sciences. Undoubtedly, virtual learning is a good option for public education in the post-COVID-19 future in developing countries, such as Colombia, which generally have problems related to student desertion and failure due to economic problems.
Household Catastrophic Health Expenditure and Its Effective Factors: A Case of Iran
Authors: Jafari Abdosaleh , Jalali Farideh Sadat , Bayati Mohsen , Palmer Andrew J. , Bastani Peivand , Ravangard Ramin
Published: September 2020

The authors have withdrawn this preprint due to author disagreement.
Orbital- and millennial-scale variability of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current over the past 140,000 years
Authors: Wu Shuzhuang , Lembke-Jene Lester , Lamy Frank , Arz Helge , Nowaczyk Norbert , Xiao Wenshen , Zhang Xu , Hass H. Christian , Titschack Jürgen , Zheng Xufeng , Liu Jiabo , Dumm Levin , Diekmann Bernhard , Nürnberg Dirk , Tiedemann Ralf , Kuhn Gerhard
Published: September 2020

The Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) plays a crucial role in global ocean circulation by fostering deep-water upwelling and formation of new water masses. On geological time-scales, ACC variations are poorly constrained beyond the last glacial. Here, we reconstruct changes in ACC strength in the central Drake Passage over the past 140,000 years, based on grain-size and geochemical characteristics. We found significant glacial-interglacial changes of ACC flow speed, with reduced ACC intensity during glacials and a more vigorous circulation in interglacials. Superimposed on these orbital-scale changes are high-amplitude millennial-scale fluctuations, with ACC strength maxima correlating with diatom-based Antarctic winter sea-ice minima, particularly during full glacial conditions. We hypothesize that the ACC is closely linked to Southern Hemisphere millennial-scale climate oscillations, amplified through Antarctic sea ice extent changes. These strong ACC variations regulated Pacific-Atlantic water exchange via the “cold water route” and affected the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation and marine carbon storage.
Air quality change due to COVID-19 lockdown in India and its perception by public
Authors: Sekar Abinaya , S Jasna R , V Binoy B , Mohan Prem , Varghese George Kuttiparichel
Published: September 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
CoV2-ID, a MIQE-compliant sub-20-minute 5-plex RT-PCR assay targeting SARS-CoV-2 for the diagnosis of COVID-19
Authors: Bustin Stephen , Coward Amy , Sadler Garry , Teare Louise , Nolan Tania
Published: September 2020

Accurate, reliable and rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 is essential not only for correct diagnosis of individual disease but also for the development of a rational strategy aimed at lifting confinement restrictions and preparing for possible recurrent waves of viral infections. We have used the MIQE guidelines to develop two versions of a unique fiveplex RT-qPCR test, termed CoV2-ID, that allows the detection of three viral target genes, a human internal control for confirming the presence of human cells in a sample and a control artificial RNA for quality assessment and potential quantification. Viral targets can be detected either separately with separate fluorophores or jointly using the same fluorophore, thus increasing the test’s reliability and sensitivity. It is robust, can consistently detect two copies of viral RNA, with a limit of detection of a single copy and can be completed in around 15 minutes. It was 100% sensitive and 100% specific when tested on 23 RNA samples extracted from COVID-19 positive patients and five COVID-19 negative patients. We also propose using multiple cycle fluorescence detection, rather than real-time PCR to reduce significantly the time taken to complete the assay as well as assuage the misunderstandings underlying the use of quantification cycles (Cq). Finally, we have designed an assay for the detection of the D614G mutation and show that all of the samples isolated in the Chelmsford, Essex area between mid-April and June 2020, have the mutant genotype whereas a sample originating in Australia was infected with the wild type genotype.
Diversity of Tree Species Used in Wood Carving and the Impact of Their Use on Forest Conservation in Benin.
Authors: Dossou-Yovo Hubert O. , Kindomihou Valentin , Sinsin Brice
Published: September 2020

This research aimed at assessing the diversity of timber species used in wood carving in southern Benin, impact of this activity on forest conservation, and carvers’ willingness to contribute to species conservation. A preliminary survey was conducted to determine the number of wood carvers in three districts of Southern Benin. Then, a semi-structured questionnaire served to collect data from twelve wood carvers. Twenty-two species were used in wood carving with most species having red or yellow wood. The purchase of wood in industrial markets was the predominant source followed by the direct purchase from plantation and tree owners. Diospyros mespiliformis, Chlorophora excelsa,Tectona grandis and Gmelina arborea were species of which woods were most However, Gmelina arborea and Chlorophora excelsa exhibited the highest Use Value meaning their relative importance in terms of diversity of uses. All carvers reported the scarcity of woods and the destruction of forests and plantations for logging were the main cause; 25% of them own plantations of G. arborea and A. auriculiformis. Carvers indicated their willingness to have plantations of T. grandis and G. arborea for personal use and trade. Promoting reforestation and timber species plantation through sustainable tools is needed, and sensitizing them about forest conservation.
Unconventional band structure and pseudogap of liquid metals on a crystalline insulator
Authors: Kim Keun Su , Ryu Sae Hee , Huh Minjae , Park Do Yun , Jozwiak Chris , Rotenberg Eli , Bostwick Aaron
Published: September 2020

A key to understand how electrons behave in crystalline solids is the band structure that connects the energy of electron waves to their wavenumber (k). Even in the phase of matter with only short-range order (liquid), the coherent part of electron waves still possesses a band structure. Theoretical models for the band structure of liquid metals were formulated more than 5 decades ago1-15, but so far, it has remained unobserved experimentally. Here, we reveal the band structure of liquid metals using the interface between liquid dopants (alkali metals) and a crystalline insulator (black phosphorus). We find that the conventional parabolic band structure of free electrons bends back towards zero k with the isotropic pseudogap of 30-240 meV from the Fermi level. This is the k renormalization caused by resonance scattering that leads to the formation of quasi-bound states in the scattering potential of liquid alkali-metal ions. The depth of this potential tuned by different kinds of alkali metal (Na, K, Rb, and Cs) allows us to classify the pseudogap of p-wave and d-wave resonance. Our results provide a key clue to the pseudogap phase of various materials16-20, a common aspect of which is the crystalline insulator doped by disordered (liquid) dopants.
The analysis of short-term forecast models for oak forest damage by gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.).
Authors: Лямцев Н.И.
Published: September 2020

Проведена предварительная верификация четырех моделей краткосрочного прогнозирования дефолиации дубрав непарным шелкопрядом путем их сравнительного анализа. Модели характеризуют два подхода в определении будущей дефолиации по числу зимующих яиц насекомого: а) оценка кормовой нормы (количества зеленой массы, уничтоженной средней гусеницей в условиях нормальной смертности); б) использование соотношения между потерями листвы и величиной плотности популяции. Эффективность прогнозирования зависит от точности определения количества зеленой массы дерева и насаждения и численности питающихся гусениц (варьирования смертности насекомых). В моделях использовались разные элементарные единицы учета для оценки плотности популяции (деревья разного возраста или стволы разного диаметра, побег текущего года, 100 г листвы). По установленным соотношениям между этими единицами модели были пересчитаны и приведены к единой шкале. В качестве предиктора использован возраст насаждений. Прогнозные оценки, полученные по разным моделям, относительно близки в молодняках и средневозрастных древостоях. При увеличении возраста растет и варьирование оценок. Необходимы дальнейшая верификация моделей и их корректировка, так как для производственного прогнозирования они достаточно надежны только при возрасте насаждений до 60 лет. Вероятно, требуется в большей степени учитывать и региональные различия в средней массе листьев дуба.

Preliminary verification of 4 short-term forecast models with their comparative analysis is presented. The models specify two approaches to identify future defoliation by insects that hibernate as eggs: a) feeding rate assessment (foliage mass consumed by an average caterpillar in normal mortality conditions); b) application of a ratio between foliage loss and population density. Forecast efficiency depends on accuracy of tree and whole stand foliage mass assessment and feeding caterpillar population (insect mortality variation). Various units were applied in population density assessment (trees of various age or diameter, current year shoot, 100 g of foliage). The models were recalculated and reduced to a unified scale based on found ratios between these units. Forest age was used as a predictor. The forecast assessments derived in various models are relatively close for young and mid-aged stands. Variation of the assessments grows with stand age increase. Further verification and adjustment of the models is necessary since they are only reliable in forecast for stands younger than 60 years. Probably regional difference in oak foliage mean phytomass should be taken more into consideration.
Rationale for improving technology for the maintenance of urban roadside areas
Authors: Яхяев Д.Б. , Мясищев Д.Г.
Published: September 2020

Одними из актуальных и социально значимыми проблемами наших дней являются проблемы поддержания экологической стабильности и безопасности дорожного движения. Значимую роль в оптимизации окружающей среды и безопасности дорожного движения играют зелёные насаждения, то есть городские придорожные территории. Зеленые насаждения в виде газона являются биологическим фильтром, выполняют средообразующие, средозащитные, рекреационные, а также социальные функции. Улучшая окружающую среду, городские придорожные территории нуждаются в постоянном бережном уходе и защите, в данном случае в измельчении напочвенного покрова. Напочвенный покров – это в основном массив листьев, в которых содержатся такие необходимые для почвы элементы, как калий, железо, фосфор, магний, азот, кальций и сера. Необходимость измельчения массива листьев аргументируется тем, что опавшие листья не успевают быстро гнить и впитываться в почву. Рассмотрены экспериментальные образцы машин для уборки и измельчения напочвенного покрова, предложенные В.Н. Коршуновым. Выявлен главный недостаток данного рода образцов – это большие габариты и высокие энергозатраты. Из-за больших размеров такие машины не смогут использоваться на городских придорожных территориях, лесопарковых зонах с близким расположением деревьев. Для решения данной задачи авторами ведется работа по обоснованию параметров роторного струнного рабочего органа для измельчения мелкой напочвенной растительности. Также представлена основная функция в математической модели роторного струнного измельчителя.

One of the urgent and socially significant problems of our days are the problems of maintaining environmental stability and road safety. A significant role in optimizing the environment and road safety is played by green plantations, that is, urban roadside areas. Green plantations in the form of a lawn are a biological filter, perform environment-forming, environmental protection, recreational, and social functions. Improving the environment, urban roadside areas need constant care and protection, in this case in the grinding of the ground cover. The soil cover is basically an array of leaves containing such elements necessary for soil as potassium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, nitrogen, calcium and sulfur. The need to grind the array of leaves in this article is argued by the fact that the fallen leaves do not have time to quickly rot and soak into the soil. The experimental samples of machines for harvesting and grinding the soil cover, proposed by VN Shirshov, are considered. Korshunov. The main drawback of this kind of samples is revealed – these are large dimensions and high energy costs. Due to their large size, such machines can not be used in urban roadside areas, forest park areas with a close arrangement of trees. To solve this problem, the authors work on justifying the parameters of the rotary string working organ for grinding fine ground vegetation. The basic function in the mathematical model of a rotary string shredder is also presented.
Improvement of operational properties and technology of plywood of increased water resistance, manufactured with the use of melaminecarbamideformaldehyde resins
Authors: Соколова Е.Г.
Published: September 2020

В настоящее время к производству плитной продукции и фанеры предъявлены ужесточенные требования, которые регулируются законодательством. Одной из проблем фанерного производства является уменьшение токсичности фанеры повышенной водостойкости до уровня, определяемого современными мировыми требованиями. Снижение содержания свободного формальдегида в фанере можно достичь с помощью применения специализированных связующих, модифицированных меламином. Использование меламина признано перспективным направлением развития современного фанерного производства. Изложены результаты исследования меламинокарбамидноформальдегидных смол с со- держанием меламина от 20 до 25%, а также результаты исследования влияния содержания меламина в меламинокарбамидноформальдегидной смоле на проч- ность и токсичность фанеры, изготовленной с применением этих смол. Даль- нейшие исследования направлены на совершенствование эксплуатационных свойств (прочность склеивания и токсичность продукции) и технологии фанеры повышенной водостойкости с применением МКФС с содержанием меламина 20%. Одним из эффективных способов повышения прочности клеевого соедине- ния и снижения токсичности фанеры является применение аэросила технического в качестве модификатора для синтетических смол. Разработан рациональный состав клея на основе меламинокарбамидоформальдегидной смолы для склеива- ния шпона. Приведены технологические параметры склеивания фанеры, изго- товленной с применением меламинокарбамидноформальдегидных смол, показатели ее прочности и токсичности.

Currently, tightened requirements to production of particleboard and plywood products are presented which are regulated by law. One of the problems in plywood production is the reduction of the toxicity of plywood increased water resistance to the level determined by the modern world requirements. The decrease in the content of free formaldehyde in the plywood can be achieved through the use of special binders modified with melamine. The use of melamine is recognized as a promising direction of development of modern plywood production. The research results of melamine-carbamide-formaldehyde resins containing melamine from 20 to 25% and also results of research of influence of melamine in the melamine-carbamide-formaldehyde resin strength and current-sicnosti plywood, manufactured using these resins. Further research aimed at improving the operational properties (bonding strength and toxicity of products) and technologies of plywood increased water resistance with the use of MKFS resins containing 20% of melamine. One effective way of increasing the bonding strength and reduce the toxicity of the plywood is the use of Aerosil technical as a modifier for synthetic resins. Developed rational adhesive composition based on melamineformaldehyde resin for bonding veneers. The technological parameters of the bonding of plywood, manufactured melamine-carbamide-formaldehyde resins, indicators of its strength and toxicity.
Emergence of generalized hydrodynamics in the non-local Luttinger model
Authors: Moosavi Per
Published: September 2020

We propose the Luttinger model with finite-range interactions as a simple tractable example in 1+1 dimensions to analytically study the emergence of Euler-scale hydrodynamics in a quantum many-body system. This non-local Luttinger model is an exactly solvable quantum field theory somewhere between conformal and Bethe-ansatz integrable models. Applying the recent proposal of generalized hydrodynamics, we show that the model allows for fully explicit yet non-trivial solutions of the resulting Euler-scale hydrodynamic equations. Comparing with exact analytical non-equilibrium results valid at all time and length scales, we show perfect agreement at the Euler scale when the interactions are short range. A formal proof of the emergence of generalized hydrodynamics in the non-local Luttinger model is also given, and effects of long-range interactions are briefly discussed.
CEO power and bank risk in the UAE
Authors: Tadele Haileslasie , Kalyebara Baliira
Published: September 2020

The lessons from the 2008 global financial crisis show that excessive risk taking and governance failures contribute to the failure of several banks. As a result, the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and risk taking has been the subject of many studies. However, extant studies report inconclusive results. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between CEO power and bank risk in the UAE using data over the period of 2015–2018 and a sample of 19 UAE banks. The study uses a Pearson pairwise correlation to analyze the relationship between CEO power and bank risk. In addition, a two-tailed t-test is used to examine the differences between conventional and Islamic banks in terms of CEO power and risk-taking. The results of the study show that CEO power measured using CEO duality and CEO tenure reduces risk. Furthermore, the paper indicates that larger boards and higher CEO ownership tend to increase risk. The study also reports that conventional banks have higher return variability, larger boards and powerful CEOs than Islamic banks. However, Islamic banks tend to have higher non-performing finances than conventional banks. The study provides important insights on the relationship between CEO power and bank risk and concurs with earlier studies. The findings can be of interest to policy makers and can be used as input data for the development of corporate governance mechanisms. Shareholders can also use the survey results as input when appointing a CEO for their banks.
Perspective of Molecular Hydrogen in the Treatment of Sepsis
Authors: Qi Bo , Yu Yang , Wang Yaoqi , Wang Yuzun , Yu Yonghao , Xie Keliang
Published: September 2020

Sepsis is the main cause of death in critically ill patients with no effective treatment. Sepsis is lifethreatening
organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated host response to infection. As a novel medical gas, molecular
hydrogen (H2) has a therapeutic effect on many diseases, such as sepsis. H2 treatment exerts multiple biological
effects, which can effectively improve multiple organ injuries caused by sepsis. However, the underlying
molecular mechanisms of hydrogen involved in the treatment of sepsis remain elusive, which are likely related
to anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis, regulation of autophagy and multiple signaling pathways.
This review can help better understand the progress of hydrogen in the treatment of sepsis, and provide a theoretical
basis for the clinical application of hydrogen therapy in sepsis in the future.
Potential Cardio-Protective Agents: A Resveratrol Review (2000-2019)
Authors: Houacine Chahinez , Khan Iftikhar , Yousaf Sakib Saleem
Published: September 2020

With a 2030 projection of 23.6 million deaths per year, the prevalence and severity of cardiovascular
disease are astoundingly high. Thus, there is a definitive need for the identification of novel compounds with
the potential to prevent or treat the disease and associated states. Moreover, there is also an ever-increasing
need for drug delivery systems (DDS) that cope with poor and ranging physiochemical properties of therapeutic
compounds to achieve the clinical effect. The usage of resveratrol (RES) is a growing area of interest with innumerate
pieces of research, evidencing the drug’s efficacy. This drug is, however, marred; its notably poor physiochemical
properties (namely poor water solubility) limit its use for oral drug delivery. RES analogues, however,
potentially possess superior physiochemical characteristics offering a remedy for the aforementioned
drawback. However, particulate based DDS are equally able to offer property amelioration and targeting. This
review offers an extensive examination into the role of RES as a potential cardioprotective agent. The prevalence
and suitability of associated analogues and the role of nanotechnology in overcoming physicochemical
boundaries, particularly through the development of nanoparticulate formulations, will be discussed in detail.
The Language Development Via FOXP2 in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review
Authors: Chen Panpan , Li Zhongying , Li Yanfei , Ahmad Syed S. , Kamal Mohammad A. , Huo Xiao
Published: September 2020

Background:

An increasing number of newborn children in numerous nations are enrolled in early childhood education programs, and instructors, in this way, assume a focal job in invigorating language improvement in these youthful kids. Kids with language issues are found to have a higher risk for future scholarly challenges and learning inabilities. Language advancement among kids is an intricate procedure and vital for correspondence. The shortcomings in the utilization of grammatical structures may lessen the useful utilization of language for verbally expressive kids with autism spectrum disorder and exacerbate troubles with academic and social expertise advancement.

Results:

FOXP2, the single principal gene connected to a speech and language issue, is significant for the right execution of complex motor behaviors used for speech. In any case, changes in FOXP2 lead to a speech/language issue portrayed by childhood apraxia of speech. These days, language learning is fundamentally required for kids who need to move to different nations to pursue the instructive frameworks and be helpful individuals or residents of those nations.

Conclusion:

The purpose of this study was to explore the role of FOXP2 in language disorder and its management for children’s language and communication development.
Hypoglycaemia and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Katsiki Niki , Kotsa Kalliopi , Stoian Anca P. , Mikhailidis Dimitri P.
Published: September 2020

Hypoglycaemia represents an important side effect of insulin therapy and insulin secretagogues. It can occur in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Also, some associations between hypoglycaemia and cardiovascular (CV) risk have been reported. Several mechanisms may be involved, including the sympathoadrenal system, hypokalaemia, endothelial dysfunction, coagulation, platelets, inflammation, atherothrombosis and impaired autonomic cardiac reflexes. This narrative review discusses the associations of hypoglycaemia with CV diseases, including coronary heart disease (CHD), cardiac arrhythmias, stroke, carotid disease and peripheral artery disease (PAD), as well as with dementia. Severe hypoglycaemia has been related to CHD, CV and all-cause mortality. Furthermore, there is evidence supporting an association between hypoglycaemia and cardiac arrhythmias, potentially predisposing to sudden death. The data linking hypoglycaemia with stroke, carotid disease and PAD is limited. Several factors may affect the hypoglycaemia-CV relationships, such as the definition of hypoglycaemia, patient characteristics, co-morbidities (including chronic kidney disease) and antidiabetic drug therapy. However, the association between hypoglycaemia and dementia is bilateral. Both the disorders are more common in the elderly; thus, glycaemic goals should be carefully selected in older patients. Further research is needed to elucidate the impact of hypoglycaemia on CV disease.
Phytochemicals as Potential Curative Agents against Viral Infection: A Review
Authors: Kumar Abhijeet , Singh Anil Kumar , Tripathi Garima
Published: September 2020

The present pandemic erupted due to highly contagious coronavirus SARS-CoV- 2, and lack of any efficient therapy to restrain its infection and treatment, led the scientific community to re-evaluate the efficacy of commonly available phytochemicals as potential therapeutic agents. The vast pharmacological activities and medicinal significance of the plant-derived natural products against a diverse range of physiological disorders and diseases are well documented. Under the current health emergency across the world, there is an urgent requirement of repurposing of the available FDA approved drugs and natural products which could help in controlling the infections and alleviating the severity of the diseases as discovering entirely new chemical entity as a novel drug would be a protracted and costly journey. Some of the phytochemicals have already displayed potential anti-viral activity against different targets of SARS-CoV-2 virus. The present review would provide an account of the prevalent phytochemicals with antiviral activities, which would help in the development of promising drug therapy for the treatment of COVID-19 and similar such highly infectious viruses.
The Activating Receptors of Natural Killer Cells and Their Inter-Switching Potentials
Authors: Rowaiye Adekunle Babajide , Asala Titilayo , Oli Angus Nnamdi , Uzochukwu Ikemefuna Chijioke , Akpa Alex , Esimone Charles Okechukwu
Published: September 2020

The global incidence of cancer is on the increase and researchers are prospecting for specific and non-selective therapies derived from the immune system. The killer activating receptors of NK cells are known to be involved in immunosurveillance against tumor and virally-infected cells. These receptors belong to two main categories, namely the immunoglobulin like and C-lectin like families. Though they have different signal pathways, all the killer activating receptors have similar effector functions which include direct cytotoxicity and the release of inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. To transduce signals that exceed the activation threshold for cytotoxicity, most of these receptors require synergistic effort. This review profiles 21 receptors: 13 immunoglobulin-like, 5 lectin-like, and 3 others. It critically explores their structural uniqueness, role in disease, respective transduction signal pathways and their status as current and prospective targets for cancer immunotherapy. While the native ligands of most of these receptors are known, much work is required to prospect for specific antibodies, peptides and multi-target small molecules with high binding affinities.
Synthesis, Antimicrobial Evaluation and Docking Study of Novel Thiosemicarbazone Clubbed with 1,2,3-Triazoles
Authors: Badar Adinath D. , Sulakhe Shubham M. , Muluk Mahesh B. , Rehman Naziya N. M. A. , Dixit Prashant P. , Choudhari Prafulla B. , Bondle Giribala M. , Haval Kishan P.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Thiosemicarbazone, 1,2,3-triazole and their derivatives received great
pharmaceutical importance due to their prominent biological activities. In the present study, the
molecular hybrid thiosemicarbazone-1,2,3-triazoles derivatives were synthesized and screened for
their antimicrobial activities.

Methods:

A series of thiosemicarbazone clubbed with 1,2,3-triazole derivatives were synthesized
via click chemistry approach in good yields. The structures of synthesized compounds were assigned
by their spectral data. The in vitro antimicrobial activity was performed by the agar well diffusion
method. A molecular docking study was performed to identify the possible mode of action
of synthesized derivatives.

Results:

The compounds 5d, 5h, 5i and 5k exhibited excellent antimicrobial activities against both
antibacterial and antifungal pathogens. The active thiosemicarbazone-1,2,3-triazole derivatives
showed excellent binding affinity towards DNA gyrase.

Conclusion:

The molecular hybrid thiosemicarbazone-1,2,3-triazole derivatives were synthesized.
The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities. Few of the
thiosemicarbazone-1,2,3-triazoles derivatives have exhibited good antimicrobial activities. They
have shown excellent binding affinity towards DNA gyrase.
Design and Optimization of Chronotherapeutic Dosage Form for the Treatment of Angina Pectoris
Authors: Singh Rupali , Malviya Rishabha
Published: September 2020

Background:

The chronotherapy concept attains considerable focus towards itself due
to its pulsatile fashion rather than continuous delivery. The delivery of the right amount of drug to
the target organ at the most appropriate time is fulfilled by using the chronotherapeutic dosage
form.

Aim:

The present study aims to develop and evaluate a chronotherapeutic drug delivery system by
using natural polymer for time-specific drug delivery at the target site.

Methods:

Tamarind seed polysaccharide was extracted and used in the preparation of core tablets.
Nine formulations of core tablets were prepared with nifedipine at 5 tonnes of pressure on a 6 mm
punch. The core tablets were prepared by using the compression coating method. The three batches
F1, F2, and F3 were prepared by using tamarind gum in different concentrations i.e., 45%,
22.5%,and 67.5%, respectively, and compressed at 8 tonnes of pressure on 12 mm of punch. The finally
compressed tablet was coated with different concentrations of ethyl cellulose in which isopropyl
alcohol was used as a solvent. In a controlled medium, a stability study was performed to
evaluate the physical appearance, drug content, and release of the prepared core tablet.

Results and Discussion:

All the nine formulations of tablets were prepared successfully and the
evaluation studies (thickness, weight variation, hardness, friability, etc.) revealed that all the formulations
were within the official range. The release study of the drug revealed that the formulation
F7 containing 67.5% of tamarind polymer, coated with 2%, 4%, and 5% of ethylcellulose solution
released 59.68 ± 1.03% (Q50%) drug within 5 h whereas 87.09 ± 2.08% (Q80%) within 6 h and 97.74
± 2.19% of the drug was released within 12 h. The formulation F7 was found to be more effective
as it released the maximum amount of drug in a short period as compared to other formulations.

Conclusion:

The coating of core tablets allowed to prepare pharmaceutical dosage form for timespecific
drug delivery. These chronotherapeutic core tablets can be used for the treatment of angina
pectoris and hypertension, etc.
Влияние природы подложки на состав пленок CdPbS и механические напряжения на интерфейсе "пленка--подложка"
Authors: Маскаева Л.Н. , Поздин А.В. , Марков В.Ф. , Воронин В.И.
Published: September 2020

Исследована роль подложки различной природы на фазовый состав, морфологию и механические напряжения на интерфейсе "пленка---подложка" при химическом осаждении слоев CdPbS на кремнии (111), ситалле, плавленом кварце, ITO-покрытии, предметном и пористом стеклах. Высказано предположение, что выявленные особенности связаны с различными условиями зарождения и роста пленок. Установлено, что на плавленом кварце формируется однофазная пленка твердого раствора CdxPb1-xS в отличие от остальных субстратов, на которых осаждаются слои, содержащие дополнительно от 2 до 8 мол% рентгеноаморфной фазы CdS. Показано, что увеличение величины механических напряжений сжатия на интерфейсе "пленка--подложка" с -9.32 до -121.79 кН/м2 в ряду пористое стекло--предметное стекло--ситалл--кремний (111)--плавленый кварц асимбатно значениям температурных коэффициентов расширения этих подложечных материалов. Ключевые слова: химическое осаждение, тонкие пленки, твердые растворы CdxPb1-xS, механические напряжения сжатия.
Наносетчатые пленки из углеродных нанотрубок с Х-соединениями для электронных и фотовольтаических приложений
Authors: Глухова О.Е. , Слепченков М.М. , Асанов К.Р.
Published: September 2020

The atomic structure, electronic and optoelectronic properties of nanosized films of carbon nanotubes with seamless cross-shaped X- junctions are studied. It is established that the topology of the arrangement of non-hexagonal elements in the contact region of nanotubes determines the energy stability of the atomic structure. It is revealed that the pore size of the film determines the type of conductivity. At the smallest pore sizes, the film is characterized by a metallic type of conductivity; with an increase in pore size, the gap in the band structure also increases and the film becomes semiconductor. Films with a minimum gap size exhibit good photovoltaic properties. The photocurrent for the considered film models can reach 2.4 mA•cm-2 in the atmosphere and 3.25 mA•cm-2 outside the atmosphere. The presence of a gap in the band structure makes nanosized films promising for nanoelectronics and optoelectronics.
Теплопроводность и термоэдс соединений системы Cu-Ge-As-Se
Authors: Щетников О.П. , Мельникова Н.В. , Бабушкин А.Н. , Кисеев В.М.
Published: September 2020

The effect of temperatures (300 - 400 K) and concentrations on electrical conductivity, thermoelectric power, and thermal conductivity of crystalline materials based on copper chalcogenides with the general formula (GeSe)1-x (CuAsSe2)x is analyzed. The mechanisms of heat transfer are determined. The non-monotonicity of the temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity with an anomaly at 358 K. The thermoelectric figure of merit ZT is calculated.