bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduction of effective material loss (EML) using decagonal photonic crystal fiber (D-PCF) for communication applications in the terahertz wave pulse
Authors: Hossain Selim , Sen Shuvo
Published: May 2022

We present an excellent design of five layers of decagonal shape in the cladding area and two elliptical shapes of core area based photonic crystal fiber (PCF) for many types of communiqué arenas in the THz wave pulse in this study. The Finite Element (FEM) method with perfectly matched layers (PML) used the optical parameters of our proposed D-PCF structure numerically to design and analyze. Therefore, D-PCF shows a low effective material loss (EML) of 0.0079 cm−1, an increase in effective area (EA) of 3.49×10-8 m2, a core power fraction of 85%, a low confinement and scattering loss, such as3.35×10-16 dB/m and 1.27×10-10 dB/km respectively at 1 THz of frequency respectively. After analyses all the graphical results, our proposed D-PCF will be highly suitable for communiqué parts in the THz regions.
Patient-Friendly Extemporaneous Formulation of Bisoprolol: Application to Stability and Bioavailability Studies
Authors: Helmy Sally , El-Masry Soha M. , Mazyed Eman A.
Published: May 2022

Background
Community and hospital pharmacists are always face the challenge to prepare oral liquid extemporaneous formulations to fit the needs of a specific patient population when commercial forms or the required strength are unavailable.
Aim
This study was performed to prepare a stable patient-friendly oral liquid extemporaneous formulations of bisoprolol.
Method
Eight different extemporaneous formulations were prepared using various suspending agent(s). The in vitro dissolution of all extemporaneous formulations was examined. A comprehensive accelerated stability study was carried out to evaluate the adequate beyond-use date of the most optimized extemporaneous formulation. A validated UPLC method was used for the analysis and quantification of bisoprolol in the accelerated stability and bioavailability studies. A group of eight healthy volunteers was enrolled in a two-way cross-over experimental design to study the bioavailability of the most optimized extemporaneous formulation. The pharmacokinetic parameters of bisoprolol were estimated.
Results
Extemporaneous suspension contain 0.5% w/v xanthan gum was easily prepared with a simple, natural, safe, sugar free excipients. It achieved the best dissolution behavior among other extemporaneous suspensions. It was an easily pourable viscous suspension with no sedimentation. At least 98% of the initial concentration of bisoprolol remained throughout the 6-month study period in the selected suspension regardless of the storage conditions. There was no perceptible change in color, odor or taste, and no noticeable microbial growth was observed in any sample. The selected formulation was bioequivalent to the commercial tablet in terms of the rate and extent of absorption.
Conclusion
This research may be of great help during development of appropriate extemporaneous formulation of bisoprolol fumarate. The simple preparation method could be utilized to draw up a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) easy to use by different types of pharmacy settings.
Screening and characterization of a nitrilase with significant nitrile hydratase activity
Authors: Zhang Ke , Pan Tingze , Wang Liuzhu , Wang Hualei , Ren Yuhong , Wei Dongzhi
Published: May 2022

Purpose We screened nitrilases with significant nitrile hydratase activity to exploit their potential in aromatic amide biosynthesis. We also investigated the factors affecting their hydration activity to support further research on aromatic amide production by nitrilase.Methods A semi-rational screening method based on previously reported crucial positions identified to be essential for amide-forming capacity of nitrilase (referred to as “amide-formation hotspots”) was built and used for nitrilases identification. Results Based on the previously reported “amide-formation hotspots,” we identified a nitrilase NitPG from Paraburkholderia graminis DSM 17151 that could produce a significant amount of mandelamide toward mandelonitrile and exhibited general hydration activity toward various aromatic nitriles. The time-course experiment with NitPG demonstrated that amide was also a true reaction product of nitrilase, suggesting that the nitrile catalysis by amide-forming nitrilase could be a post-transition state bifurcation–mediated enzymatic reaction. Further research demonstrated that low temperature, metal ion addition, and specific substrate structure could profoundly improve the amide formation capability of nitrilase. Conclusions NitPG with broad hydration activity is a potential candidate for the enzymatic synthesis of aromatic amides for biotechnological applications. Studying the effect of nitrilase hydration activity could promote our understanding of the factors that influence amide and acid distribution.
A systematic bibliometric review of low impact development research articles
Authors: You Jin , Chen Xiang , Chen Liang , Chen Jianghai , Chai Beibei , Kang Aiqing , Lei Xiaohui , Wang Shuqian
Published: May 2022

By collecting the low impact development (LID)-related publications from 2004 to 2021 in Chinese and English based on the WOS and CNKI databases, the information visualization analysis software entitled “CiteSpace” is exploited to carry out statistical analysis and visualization. The scrutiny is conducted based on three main aspects: bibliometrics, hotspot keyword co-occurrence and clustering, and co-citation clustering, in an attempt to perform a systematic review of the current LID research. The obtained results reveal that: (i) studies from countries other than China mainly are aimed to focus on the improvement and expansion of the research framework, while Chinese ones focus on the application of technologies related to sponge city construction; (ii) investigations from other countries emphasize on the impact of global climate change, while Chinese ones focus on the impact of land-use type changes; (iii) performed studies from other countries focus on the optimization of the LID parameters through experimental research, while Chinese ones determine the type, quantity, location, and combination of optimal LID measures based on the model simulation.
Dephenolization pyrolysis fluid improved physicochemical properties and microbial community structure of saline-alkali soils
Authors: Wang Shuai , Chang Hanyu , Dong Zhenfei , Ren Yansen , Tan Tianle , deng hui
Published: May 2022

Because of its acidity, biomass pyrolytic fluid (BPF) had been paid attention in the amelioration of saline soil. However, BPF contained biotoxic phenolic compounds and must be refined before use. Most of the existing refining methods were cumbersome and uneconomical. A simple one-step salting-out extraction system of was developed. BPF was successfully divided into upper and lower phases, and most phenolic substances were concentrated in the upper phase. The lower phase diluted 400 times at the pyrolysis temperature of 500℃ was added into saline-alkali soil, which greatly increased the content of soil available nutrients. Under the action of organic acids, soil pH and total salt content could be reduced effectively, and soil enzyme activities can be increased. Microbial community analysis showed that the addition of LP could increase the proportion of Actinomycetes, which played a beneficial role in improving soil fertility, and then improved the growth of Chinese cabbage.
Compressively strained Triple-layer IrO6/MnO6 Octahedral Nanosheets for Oxygen Evolution in Acid Media
Authors: zhao Wenli , Xu Fenghua , Pan Zhipeng , Liu Min , Weng Baicheng
Published: May 2022

Oxygen electrochemistry plays a key role in renewable energy technologies such as fuel cells and electrolyzers, but its slow kinetics limits the performance and commercialization of such devices. Here, a novel triple-layer IrO6/MnO6 nanosheet was developed by a simple hydrothermal method. During the substitution of Mn by Ir, lattice compressive strain is introduced into the IrO6/MnO6 nanosheets, thereby tuning their electronic structure to suit the favorite oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity. This compressively strained nanosheet catalyst exhibits an excellent mass activity of 7882 A g− 1 at an overpotential of 270 mV in 0.5 M H2SO4, and reaches 10, 50 and 100 mA cm− 2 at overpotentials of only 62 mV, 197 mV and 234 mV, respectively, ranking the highest OER activity among the state-of-the-art values in acid media. The catalyst exhibits a remarkable stability even at 300 mA cm− 2 in 0.5 M H2SO4. Using the nanosheets as OER catalyst and NiMo alloy as hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst, a two-electrode electrolyzer achieves 10 mA cm− 2 with only a cell voltage of 1.46 V for overall water splitting in 0.5 M H2SO4. This strategy enables the material with high feasibility for practical applications on hydrogen production.
Topological transitions in fluid lipid vesicles: activation energy and force fields
Authors: Bottacchiari Matteo , Gallo Mirko , Bussoletti Marco , Casciola Carlo Massimo
Published: May 2022

Topological transitions of fluid lipid membranes are fundamental processes for cell life. For ex- ample, they are required for endo- and exocytosis or to enable neurotransmitters to cross the neural synapses. Inspired by the idea that fusion and fission proteins could have evolved in Nature in order to carry out a minimal work expenditure, we evaluate the minimal free energy pathway for the transition between two spherical large unilamellar vesicles and a dumbbell-shaped one. To address the problem, we propose and successfully use a Ginzburg-Landau type free energy, which allows us to uniquely describe without interruption the whole, full-scale topological change. We also compute the force fields needed to overcome the involved energy barriers. The obtained forces are in excellent agreement, in terms of intensity, scale, and spatial localization with experimental data on typical fission protein systems, whereas they suggest the presence of additional features in fusion proteins.
Feasibility of a physiotherapy-based Godelive Denys-Struyf (GDS) muscle and articulation chain treatment for patients with chronic low back pain and lumbar disc degeneration: a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Grotle Margreth , Lombardo Sidsel , Småstuen Milada Cvancarova , Hilde Gunvor
Published: May 2022

BackgroundPatients with chronic low back pain (LBP) and lumbar disc degeneration are recommended to try out non-surgical treatment options before surgery. There is need for good non-surgical alternatives that can be adapted to the patient’s needs and level of function. The aim of this pilot trial was to test study feasibility of a future full randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the feasibility and benefit of the physiotherapy-based Godelieve Denys Struyf (GDS) muscle and articulation chain treatment for patients referred to surgical assessment in a hospital outpatient clinic. MethodsThis study is a single-centre, two-arm pilot RCT conducted in a regional hospital in Norway. Patients of age 35-75 years with chronic (> 3 months) LBP and degenerative lumbar disc(s) verified by imaging, were included. They filled in a baseline questionnaire prior to randomization, including the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), numerical rating scale for pain in back and pain in leg, and the EuroQoL 5L. Patients in the control group were free to use treatment as usual. Patients in the intervention group received 8 sessions of GDS muscle and articulation chain treatment. ResultsThe recruitment rate was slow, half of the referred patients met the inclusion criteria, but majority of eligible participants (94%) were willing to participate. A total of 30 patients were randomized into the two groups. The randomization led to skewed distribution of radiating leg pain in the two groups. All participants except one (97%) completed four months followup. No serious adverse events attributable to the trial treatments were reported. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and leg pain intensity scale were both suitable as primary outcomes in a full trial. The mean change in the ODI score was 8.7 (SD 16.1) points in the GDS arm whereas there was a minor deterioration in the ODI scores of −3.7 (7.5) points in the control arm. A sample size calculation based on the ODI scores resulted in a Number Needed to Treat of 3. ConclusionsA future full RCT is feasible and would provide evidence about the effectiveness of a GDS treatment for patients with chronic LBP with degenerative disc degeneration.Trial registrationClinical trials.gov ID: 910193
Large-scale climate response to regionally confined extratropical cooling: Effect of ocean dynamics
Authors: Kim Jiyeong , Kang Sarah M , Xie Shang-Ping , Xiang Baoqiang , Zheng Xiao-Tong , Wang Hai
Published: May 2022

This study investigates the effect of ocean dynamics on the tropical climate response to localized radiative cooling over three northern extratropical land regions using hierarchical model simulations that vary in the degree of ocean coupling. Without ocean dynamics, the tropical climate response is independent of the extratropical forcing location, characterized by a southward tropical precipitation shift with a high degree of zonal symmetry, a reduced zonal sea surface temperature (SST) gradient along the equatorial Pacific, and the eastward-shifted Walker circulation. When ocean dynamical adjustments are allowed, the zonal-mean tropical precipitation shift is damped primarily via Eulerian-mean ocean heat transport. The oceanic damping effect is strongest (weakest) for North Asian (American) cooling, associated with the largest (smallest) Eulerian-mean ocean heat transport across the equatorial Pacific. The cross-equatorial ocean heat transport in the Pacific is anchored to the North Pacific subtropical high, the response of which can be inferred from the corresponding slab ocean simulations. Hence, the slab ocean simulations provide useful a priori predictions for oceanic damping efficiency. Ocean dynamics also modulates the spatial pattern of climate response in a distinct manner depending on the forcing location. North Asian forcing induces a pronounced eastern equatorial Pacific cooling extending to the western basin, accompanying the westward shifted Walker circulation. European forcing causes cooling confined to the eastern equatorial Pacific and strengthens the Walker circulation. The tropical precipitation response in these two cases exhibits large zonal variations with a high degree of equatorial symmetry, being essentially uncorrelated with the corresponding slab ocean simulations. By contrast, North American forcing induces a sufficiently strong inter-hemispheric contrast in the tropical Pacific SST response, due to the relatively weak oceanic damping effect, producing a weaker but spatially similar tropical response to that in the slab ocean simulation. This study demonstrates that the effect of ocean dynamics in modulating the tropical climate response depends on the extratropical forcing location. The results are relevant for understanding the distinct climate response induced by aerosols from different continental sites.
Effects of Probiotics on peripheral immunity in Parkinson’s Disease: a pilot, randomized, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of Probiotics in modulating peripheral immunity in subjects with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Martini Stefano , Marino Franca , Magistrelli Luca , Contaldi Elena , Cosentino Marco , Comi Cristoforo
Published: May 2022

Background Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease. No disease-modifying treatment is available and therapy is symptomatic. The histopathologic hallmark is the loss of dopaminergic neurons and accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) in surviving neurons, but the underlying pathophysiology is unclear. Inflammatory mechanisms seem to play a prominent role, with an imbalance of immune functions and neurotoxicity caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). An involvement of peripheral adaptive immunity, with an imbalance in T cell subpopulations and in the expression of transcriptional factors in CD4+ T cells has also been reported in PD patients. Although clinical presentation is defined by the presence of motor symptoms, patients often also report non-motor symptoms, often before the onset of a clinically established disease. Etiopathogenesis of PD is unknown, but an initial aggregation of α-syn in the gut with subsequent propagation along the vagus nerve to the brain has been hypothesised. Interestingly, in an α-syn overexpressing murine model, the absence of gut microbiota prevented both microglia activation and motor impairment, thus pointing to a fundamental role of microbiota in the development of PD. Magistrelli et al. showed that in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of PD patients, probiotics modulate the in vitro production of cytokines toward an antiinflammatory profile and to reduce the production of ROS. Methods This is a pilot randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial. At least 80 patients affected by PD will be recruited and randomly allocated to either the treatment or placebo group in a 1:1 ratio. General inclusion criteria will be onset of PD 2 to 5 years before trial and absence of autoimmune comorbidities or immunomodulating therapy. Our primary endpoint is the assessment of changes in extracellular cytokine levels (Interferon (IFN)-γ, Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α, Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10), and ROS production. Secondary outcomes include changes in lymphocytes subpopulations, transcriptional factors mRNA levels. Discussion This study is designed to highlight the potential beneficial role of probiotics administration on peripheral immunity through modulation of gut microbiota. Explorative outcomes will be evaluated to assess variations in motor and non-motor symptoms and the possible correlation with probiotics administration. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05173701. Registered 08 November 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT05173701
The effect of APN, hs-CRP and APN/hs-CRP in periodontitis with DAA
Authors: Cheng Rui , Xu Xiaojiang , Yang Shurong , mi Zhongqian , Zhao Yong , Wang Chong , Shi Xuexue , gao Jinhua , Yu feiyan , Ren Xiuyun
Published: May 2022

Background: Common chronic infections induced low-grade inflammation has been correlated with atherosclerosis as supported by strong evidence. The balance between pro-and anti-inflammatory factors was exploited to elucidate the effects of chronic periodontitis on diabetes-related atherosclerosis.Methods: Study subjects encompassed 30 SPF male rats randomly divided into four groups: A group (NC), B group (T2DM), C group (CP), D group (DM+CP). After developing the model, blood samples were collected from the angular vein analyze serum APN, hs-CRP, and blood lipid. the carotid artery was isolated for HE staining.Result: Compared with group A, the serum APN in group B, C and D decreased gradually with the progression of the disease. Serum hS-CRP in group B, C and D was significantly increased. At T3, T4 and T5 in group B, C and D, APN/hs-CRP significantly decreased .TC, LDL and TG significantly increased in group B, D; HDL significantly decreased in group C. Carotid artery HE staining showed: compared with group A, different degrees of endothelial defect, destruction of elastic fibers in the middle membrane, disorder of smooth muscle arrangement, and partial dissolution 、 fragmentation and Calcium salt deposition necrosis occurred in group B, C and D.Conclusion: Enhanced systemic inflammation, decreased adiponectin level, and disorganized lipid metabolism with or without type 2 diabetes attributed to local inflammation of periodontitis can result in an imbalance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, it’s more meaningful to predict the progression of diabetes-related atherosclerosis with anti-inflammatory/pro-inflammatory variation.
ML-guided discovery of La-Co-Pb ternary compounds involving immiscible pairs of Co and Pb elements
Authors: Wang Caizhuang , Wang Renhai , Xia Weiyi , Slade Tyler , Fan Xinyu , Dong Huafeng , Ho Kai-Ming , Canfield Paul
Published: May 2022

Ternary compounds with an immiscible pair of elements are relatively unexplored but promising for novel quantum materials discovery. Exploring what third element and its ratio that can be added to make stable ternary compounds out of an immiscible pair of elements remains a great challenge because the number of possible combinatorial combinations of chemical compositions and crystal structures is enormous. In this work, we combine a machine learning (ML) method with ab initio calculations to efficiently search for the energetically favorable ternary La-Co-Pb compounds containing immiscible elements Co and Pb. Three previously reported structures are correctly captured by our approach even though these structures are excluded from the database for ML. Moreover, we predict a new stable La3CoPb compound and 57 low-energy La-Co-Pb ternary compounds whose formation energies are less than 100 meV/atom above the convex hull. Attempts to synthesize La3CoPb via multiple techniques ranging from arc melting and annealing, solid state reactions, and high pressure synthesis produce mixed or multi-phases samples with, at best, ambiguous signals of the predicted lowest-energy La3CoPb and the second lowest-energy La18Co28Pb3 phases.
Magnetic Field Mapping of Inaccessible Regions Using Physics-Informed Neural Networks
Authors: Coskun Umit H. , Sel Bilgehan , Plaster Brad
Published: May 2022

A difficult problem concerns the determination of magnetic field components within an experimentally inaccessible region when direct field measurements are not feasible. In this paper, we propose a new method of accessing magnetic field components using non-disruptive magnetic field measurements on a surface enclosing the experimental region. Magnetic field components in the experimental region are predicted by solving a set of partial differential equations (Ampere's law and Gauss' law for magnetism) numerically with the aid of physics-informed neural networks (PINNs). Prediction errors due to noisy magnetic field measurements and small number of magnetic field measurements are regularized by the physics information term in the loss function. We benchmark our model by comparing it with an older method. The new method we present will be of broad interest to experiments requiring precise determination of magnetic field components, such as searches for the neutron electric dipole moment.
A study on the influencing factors of social support on the quit smoking among community smokers in Beijing,China
Authors: GU Mingyu , LI Xingming , QIN Tingting , QIAO Kun , BAI Xinyuan , WANG Yao
Published: May 2022

Objective
To study the effect of social support on quit smoking, to provide theoretical reference and suggestions for the construction of social support for tobacco control.
Methods
Based on the design idea of case-control study, adult smokers who participated in the community smoking cessation intervention project in Beijing were selected as the study objects, and they were divided into successful quit smoking group and unsuccessful quit smoking group. The status of the public tobacco control policy, community tobacco exposure, and the environment of household tobacco control were compared between groups, and a structural equation modeling was established for ConfirmatoryFactorAnalysis.
Results
Our descriptive results showed that there were statistical differences in quit smoking results among smokers with different household tobacco control regulations, workplace tobacco control regulations and the number of smokers in the family, meanwhile there were differences in the 6-month smoking reduction with different levels of tobacco harm knowledge promotion and the interval between smoking behaviors at home. And the multivariate analysis indicated that household tobacco control regulations (OR = 1.302, 95%CI: 1.003 ~ 1.690), workplace tobacco control regulations (OR = 1.273, 95%CI: 1.052 ~ 1.540), the interval between smoking behaviors at home (OR = 1.145, 95%CI: 1.019 ~ 1.287) have statistical association with quit smoking. while the results of structural equation modeling found that public tobacco control policy (β = 0.388, P = 0.026) and the environment of household tobacco control (β = 0.368, P = 0.022) had statistical influence on quit smoking.
Conclusion
Public tobacco control policies and the environment of household tobacco control have substantial impact on the quit smoking. Specifically, household tobacco control regulations, workplace tobacco control regulations, tobacco harm knowledge publicity and the interval between smoking behaviors at home have a positive impact on the quit smoking effect of smokers, and the number of smokers in the family has a negative impact on the quit smoking.
Prevenance of SCC mec type V, Novel ST 243 Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain from Indian seafood products
Authors: Sivaraman Gopalan Krishnan , Gupta Sobin , Sivam Visnuvinayagam , T Muthulakshmi , Elanovan Ravikrishnan , Perumal Vivekanandan , Balasubramanium Ganesh , Lodha Tushar , Yadav Amit
Published: May 2022

Compared to the clinical sector, the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the food sector is relatively low. However, their presence in seafood is a significant public health concern. In India, fish and fishery products are maximally manually handled compared to other food products. In this study, 498 fish samples were collected at various conditions (fresh, chilled or dressed) and representatives from their surroundings. These samples were screened for the incidence of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus (CPS), determining its antimicrobial resistance, MRSA and genetic profile. It is observed that 15.0% and 3.0% of the total samples were screened positive for CPS and MRSA. The S. aureus strain MRSARF-10 showed higher resistance to linezolid, co-trimoxazole, cefoxitin, ofloxacin, gentamicin, rifampicin, ampicillin/sulbactam and Piperacillin–tazobactam. This MRSA, spa type t021 and SCC mec type V strain isolated from dried ribbon fish (Family Trachipteridae) carried virulence factors for exoenzymes such as aureolysin, serine, toxin genes and a novel MLST ST 243, as revealed from its draft-genome sequence. This highly pathogenic, multidrug-resistant and virulent S. aureus novel strain is circulating in the environment with chances of spreading among the seafood workers and environment. It is further suggested that Good Hygienic Practices recommended by World Health Organization need to be followed during the different stages of seafood processing to provide pathogen-free fish and fishery products to the consumers.
Developing Digital Business Organisations: An interconnected Literature Review
Authors: Nichifor Eliza , Țierean Ovidiu Mircea , Vuță Daniela Roxana , Zamfirache Alexandra , Chițu Ioana Bianca , Foriș Tiberiu , Brătucu Gabriel
Published: May 2022

Internet economy has revolutionized people's lives, and this has led to a major paradigm shift in society, especially in the post-pandemic context. Knowledge areas such as cybersecurity, e-commerce, economic intelligence management, and digital resilience have not been reviewed as a unit so far. Thus, the study aims to demonstrate and promote the interconnection of these four research areas. The authors performed an analysis of 18,684 papers from Web of Sciences that generated four visualized networks, analysed with the metrics mean silhouette, modularity, betweenness centrality, and citation bursts. The mapping process generated results that show that human factor represents the central junction, and the adoption of the e-commerce and mobile commerce are two challenging research lines in the global economic resilience. Moreover, technological change and intelligent operations enabled with big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and even blockchain technology can strengthen the resilience in the post-pandemic context.
Characteristics and risk factors associated with mortality during the first cycle of prone secondary to ARDS due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.
Authors: Gonzalez Cecilia , Musso Gabriel , Louzan Jesica Rodriguez , Dominguez Juan Manuel , Gomez Celeste , Appendino Gabriel , Abarca Analia , Clemente Lucio , Baravalle Ezequiel , Latasa Diana , Lopipi Antonella , Rango Juliana , Stezer Giuliana , Calabrono Santiago , Finos Luisina , Berloni Luciano , Pizzo Estefania , Gerber Fernando , Cavagnari Melina , Suarez Gustavo , Alessio Gustavo , Montagner Florencia , Abbondanzieri Ornella , Idbetan Lucas , Bracconi Faustino , Ramos Agnel , Manago Martin , Lovesio Carlos , Estenssoro Elisa
Published: May 2022

IntroductionEarly identification of patients with failure to prone position allows other treatments which could decrease mortality. The objective of our study was: describe the characteristics, behavior of oxygenation and pulmonary mechanics in mechanically ventilated patients with ARDS due to SARS-CoV-2 treated with prone position. Secondary objectives were identify independent determinants of mortality; particularly, number of prone cycles associated with mortality.MethodsIt was a prospective study. All patients with <150 mmHg PaO2/FiO2 ratio and prone position were included and classified according to the PaO2/FiO2 behavior after the first prone cycle: 1) No increase, 2) Increase < 25%, 3) 25-50% increase 4) Increase >50%. The number of prone cycles was also recorded. Baseline characteristics, severity scores, respiratory mechanics and PaO2/FiO2 ratio behavior were compared between survivors and non-survivors.Statistical analysis was performed by Mann Whitney's, Chi² Test and Wilcoxon range tests. Independent factors associated with in-hospital mortality were identified by means of Cox regression.Results273 were treated with prone position over 18 months. The baseline PaO2/FiO2 was 116 [97-135] mmHg (115 [94-136] in survivors versus 117 [98-134] in non-survivors; p=0.50). After prone position, 22 patients (8%) had the same value in PaO2/FiO2 ratio; 46 patients (16%) showed an increase equal less or equal 25%; in 55 patients (21%) there was an increase between 25 and 50% over baseline; and in 150 patients (55%) the rise was greater than 50%. Mortality was 86%, 87%, 72%, 50% respectively. (p<0.001). Having debuted with PaO2/FiO2, ratio < 100 mmHg did not imply that the patient was refractory to the prone position.Of the 273 patients, 127 (46%) required 1 prone cycle, 57 (20%) 2 cycles, 50 (17%) 3 cycles, 17 (6%) had 4 cycles and 19 (7%) 5 or more cycles. Mortality was 55%, 70%, 70%, 82%, and 70% respectively (p<0.001). Factors independently associated with mortality were the percentage of increase in PaO2/FiO2 after 24 hours in prone, age, and the number of prone cycles. ConclusionsOlder patients unable to improve PaO2/FiO2 after 24 hours in prone and who require more than 1 prone cycle, may be candidates for other treatments for refractory hypoxemia.
Assessment of the Correlation between the Levels of Physical Activity and technology usage among Children with Down Syndrome in Riyadh Region
Authors: Alwhabi Reem. M. , Omer Asma B , Khan Ruqaiyah , Albashir Felwa , Alkuait Noura , alhazmi Rawan
Published: May 2022

Background: Children with Down Syndrome (C-DS) have language, cognitive and communication difficulties, apart from consistent physical inactivity that contribute to poor health and higher disability adjusted life years. The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between use of electronic technology and levels of physical activity in C-DS in Saudi Arabia.Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted with 49 mothers, who had a child (6-12 years in age) with DS, were recruited using purposive sampling, from three DS centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Children’s Physical Activity Questionnaire and Research Questionnaire on the Impact of Technology on Children were used. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographics. Pearson’s correlation, student t-test and Chi-square test were used to find association between technology use, physical activity level and socio-demographic variables.Results: There is no significant correlation between physical activity and use of technology by C-DS. However, there is a negative correlation between high level of physical activity and technology use (R=-0.037). No significant correlation between the mother’s characteristics and technology use was found; but, for the education level of mothers and technology use by C-DS, there is a significant positive correlation (p= 0.05). However, there is no association between the physical activity level and gender of the child with DS.Conclusion: The presented study found that no significant relationship exists between the use of electronic gadgets and the level of physical activity in C-DS.
Powder-Activated Coke Prepared from Coal Fast Pyrolysis: Fractal Characteristics and SO2 Adsorption
Authors: Feng Tai , Kong Qiwen , Xue Jiangwei , Li Longzhi , Liu Peiyi , Li Shanchuan , Zhang Zhen
Published: May 2022

Powder activated coke is a porous material with fractal characteristics. The fractal analysis of powder activated coke prepared under different atmospheres were carried out to understand its surface irregularity and pore complexity. The Frenkel–Halsey–Hill (FHH) method was used to determined two fractal dimensions D1 and D2, under relative pressures of 0–0.5 and 0.5–1, respectively. The relationship between the preparation conditions and fractal dimension was investigated and the influence of the fractal dimensions on the SO2 adsorption characteristics was also studied. The results indicate that the fractal dimensions were influenced by the concentrations of activation agents with D1 ranging from 2.1838 to 2.8643 and D2 ranging from 2.7485 to 2.9257. An n-shaped curve-based relationship between fractal dimensions and coke yields is observed with a peak values of fractal dimensions appearing around 64% yield. The SO2 adsorption capacity shows a consecutively positive linear correlation with D2, while it illustrates distinctly different linear rates with D1 in intervals of 2–2.6 and 2.6–3, respectively.
Persistent lymphopenia after chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy predicted unfavorable outcome in breast cancer patients - a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Dong Minjun , Zhuo Wenying , Luo Liang , Luo Lixi , Shen Jianguo , Yu Haitao , Lu Yi , Chen Danzhi , Chen Wenjun , Zhao Wenhe , Wang Linbo , Wu Zhongyu
Published: May 2022

Background
Lymphopenia was often observed during follow-up for cancer patients, this study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of prolonged lymphopenia for breast cancer patients.
Methods
This was a retrospective cohort analysis of 296 patients with clinical stage I-III operable breast cancer, who had received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Absolute lymphocyte count lower than 1.1×10^3/ul was defined as lymphopenia. Lymphopenia around the 6th month after chemo-radiotherapy was defined as cohort L, while normal Absolute lymphocyte count was defined as cohort N. Predictors of lymphopenia were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between the two cohorts.
Results
The baseline characteristics analysis: comparing to cohort N, cohort L had more Stage III(47.4% vs. 25.5%) and less Stage I cancer(12.3% vs. 20.1%)(p = 0.005), more patients experienced combined chemotherapy regimen(86.0% vs. 69.5%, p = 0.012), more patients experienced radiotherapy(78.9% vs. 64.9%, p = 0.041), and less patients experienced endocrine therapy(54.4% vs. 68.2%, p = 0.049). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed two negative independent factors associated with DFS: pTNM staging (stage II vs. I: HR = 5.346, 95% CI: 2.286–12.504, p < 0.001; stage III vs. II: HR = 3.089, 95% CI:1.739–5.487, p < 0.001), and ALC status 6 months after chemo- and/or radiotherapy (HR = 2.445, 95% CI: 1.577–3.788, p < 0.001). Cohort L had significantly shorter DFS (log rank: p < 0.001), as well as significantly shorter OS (log rank: p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Persistent lymphopenia after chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy was an independent predictor for breast cancer relapse and unfavorable survival.
The 22nd chromatography component of Fasciola gigantica excretory- secretory product decreased the proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from buffalo
Authors: Yuan Xiang-Xiang , Zhai Le-Le , Wei Ke-Long , Chen Ming-Tang , Kong Xin-Ping , Zhang Wei-Yu , Di Wen-Da
Published: May 2022

The 22nd chromatography component of the Fasciola gigantica excretory-secretory product (FgESP), F22, has shown potential diagnostic value, and diagnostic methods based on FgESP have also been established. Thus, exploring its immunomodulatory function and possibility as a molecular vaccine candidate is attractive. In the present study, the effect of F22 on the mitogen-induced proliferation of buffalo peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was studied. PBMCs were incubated with concanavalin A (ConA) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) at optimal (1 µg/well) or suboptimal (0.25 µg/well) doses coupled with FgESP and F22 at different doses (1–16 µg/well). Then, cell proliferation was determined by microenzyme reaction colorimetry (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay). FgESP had a slight effect on the proliferation of buffalo PBMCs stimulated with ConA and PHA, while F22 decreased the proliferation of PBMCs stimulated with ConA and PHA at both optimal and suboptimal doses. Further studies should be performed to investigate the immunomodulatory function of F22.
The diagnostic test accuracy of telemedicine for detection of surgical site infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lathan Ross , Sidapra Misha , Yiasemidou Marina , Long Judith , Totty Joshua , Smith George , Chetter Ian
Published: May 2022

IntroductionThe Sars-CoV-2 pandemic catalysed integration of telemedicine worldwide. This systematic review assesses it’s accuracy for diagnosis of Surgical Site Infection (SSI). MethodsDatabases were searched for telemedicine and wound infection studies. All types of studies were included, only paired designs were taken to meta-analysis. QUADAS-2 assessed methodological quality. Results1400 titles and abstracts were screened, 61 full text reports were assessed for eligibility and 17 studies were included in meta-analysis, mean age was 47.1±13.3 years. Summary sensitivity and specificity was 87.8% (95% CI, 68.4-96.1) and 96.8% (95% CI 93.5-98.4) respectively. The overall SSI rate was 5.6%. Photograph methods had lower sensitivity and specificity at 63.9% (95% CI 30.4-87.8) and 92.6% (95% CI, 89.9-94.5). ConclusionTelemedicine is highly specific for SSI diagnosis is highly specific, giving rise to great potential for utilisation excluding SSI. Further work is needed to investigate feasibility telemedicine in the elderly population group. Registration and no.: Prospero ID - CRD42021290610
Identification of QTLs and Candidate Loci Associated with Drought-Related Traits of the K/Z RIL Rice Population
Authors: Dwiningsih Yheni , Thomas Julie , Kumar Anuj , Gupta Chirag , Gill Navdeep , Ruiz Charles , Alkahtani Jawaher , Baisakh Niranjan , Pereira Andy
Published: May 2022

Background: Rice is the main staple food for the global population and drought is one of the limited factor in rice production. In this research, progeny of a cross between an adapted U.S. rice cultivars with a tropical japonica and an indica rice genotype, were screened for drought resistant (DR) traits to identify DR loci, that would be useful for breeding U.S. rice cultivars for a water saving agricultural system.Results: A recombinat inbred line (RIL) population, generated from selfed progeny of the cross between the drought resistant tropical japonica U.S. cultivar Kaybonnet and an indica drought sensitive cultivar ZHE733, was chosen for quantitative trait locus (QTLs) analysis of drought-resistance related traits. The DR traits were quantified by measuring different parameters of morphological traits, grain yield components and root architectural traits. K/Z RIL population of 198 lines were screened in the field at Fayetteville (AR), by giving controlled drought stress (DS) and well-watered (WW) treatment at the reproductive stage, consequently for three years and the effects of DS were quantify by measuring morphological traits and grain yield components. The effect of abscisic acid (ABA) sensitivity screen on parents and 198 lines at the V3 stage in culture media was quantified by measuring root architectural traits. QTL analysis was performed with a set of 4133 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers by using QTL IciMapping software version 4.2.53. A total of 41 QTLs and 184 candidate genes within the DR-QTL regions were identified for drought related traits. The potential candidate genes were validated by RT-qPCR of parental lines. The results of candidate DR genes revealed that the gene expression of 15 candidate DR genes with known annotations, and two candidate DR genes with unknown annotations within the DR-QTL regions were up-regulated in the drought resistant parent (Kaybonnet) compared to the drought sensitive parent (ZHE733) under DS conditions.Conclusions: In this study, we detected 41 QTLs and 184 candidate genes within the DR-QTL regions, and most of the candidate genes were up-regulated in Kaybonnet as the drought resistant parent. The findings of this research provide important information to develop drought-resistant rice varieties with greater productivity under DS conditions.
4-Phenylcoumarins from Mesua ferrea with selective CYP1B1 inhibitory activity
Authors: Zhou Fengxu , Huang Ruoyue , Cao Tingting , Liu Jia , Yang Weimin , Li Fei , Li Xian
Published: May 2022

Three new 4-phenylcoumarins, mesuaferlinns A–C (1–3), together with ten known 4-phenylcoumarins, 4–13, were isolated from the branches and leaves of Mesua ferrea Linn. (Clusiaceae). The structure of compounds 1–3 were determined on the basis of spectroscopic methods including extensive analysis of NMR and mass spectroscopic data. Ten 4-phenylcoumarins were tested for their cytochrome P450 family 1 enzymes (CYP 1A1, CYP 1A2, and CYP 1B1) inhibitory effects. Compounds 5 and 10 were found to be the most potent two CYP1B1 inhibitors with inhibitory viabilities values of 56.64% and 47.46%.
TPI1 Contributes to the Development of Aortic Aneurysm by Promoting VSMC Phenotypic Switching and MMP2/9 Secreting
Authors: Chen Liangwan , Zheng Hui , Qiu Zhihuang , Zhang Yuling , Wang Chaoyun , Li Yumei , Zhang Li
Published: May 2022

Background:
Triosephosphate isomerase 1 (TPI1) is a crucial enzyme in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and has been associated with a variety of diseases. However, there is little information on TPI1 and aortic aneurysms (AA). This study was designed to reveal the association between TPI1 and aortic aneurysms, and the mechanisms underlying TPI1 activity in AAs.
Methods:
Tandem Mass Tag (TMT)-based Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and the Mann-Whitney test were used to compare variables between AA and normal aortic tissues. Gene ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were analyzed using Fun-Rich software. The expression of the TPI1 protein in human aortic tissues was verified by Western blotting. A mouse AA model was established by infusing Ang-II for 4 weeks, then the expression of TPI1, SM22, α-SMA, OPN and MMP2/9 proteins were evaluated by western blotting. TPI1 overexpression was achieved by transfection of TPI mRNA, and its effect on gene expression was studied by RT-qPCR and western blotting, which included SM22, α-SMA, OPN, and MMP2/9. Ang II-induced expression of TPI1 and phenotypic-related genes in VSMCs.
Results:
TPI1 is closely related to the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway and is higher in AA. Expression of TPI1 was upregulated in AA aortic samples of both human and mouse models, p < 0.05. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) transfected with TPI mRNA induced lower mRNA and protein levels of SM22 and α-SMA, and higher levels of OPN, p < 0.05. Furthermore, the expression of MMP2/9 was also increased, P < 0.05. The same results that from the VSMCs were induced by Ang-II.
Conclusions:
Higher expression of TPI1 is associated with AA and contributes to the phenotypic switching of VSMC and increased expression of MMP2/9 observed in AA. TPI1 represents a novel target warranting further research towards improving treatment outcomes in candidates with AA.
A novel chromosomal fragment deletion in the APRR2 repeated locus modulates dark sterm color in Cucurbita pepo
Authors: Zhu Lei , Wang Yong , Zhang Zhenli , Hu Deju , Wang Zanlin , Hu Jianbin , Ma Changsheng , Yang Luming , Sun Shouru , Li Yanman
Published: May 2022

Stem color is an important agronomic trait in zucchini ( Cucurbita pepo , C. pepo ) for robust seedings and high yield. However, the gene controlling this trait has not been characterized. This study identified a single locus accounting for dark green stem color in C. pepo ( CpDsc-1 ). Genetic analysis of this trait in segregation populations derived from two parental lines (line 296 with dark green stem and line 274 with light green stem) revealed that it was controlled by a single dominant gene (dark green vs. light green). Using the bulked segregant analysis method, CpDsc-1 was mapped to a 2.09 Mb interval on chromosome 15. Then this region was further narrowed down to 65.2 kb using linkage analysis in the F 2 population. Sequencing analysis revealed a 14 kb deletion between Cp4.1LG15g03420 and Cp4.1LG15g03360 , encoding a two-component response regulator-like protein (APRR2). The incomplete structures of the two APRR2 genes and the abnormal chloroplasts in line 274 might be the main reason for the light green phenotype. Gene expression pattern analysis showed that only Cp4.1LG15g03420 was upregulated in line 296. The subcellular localization analysis indicated that Cp4.1LG15g03420 was a nuclear gene. Furthermore, a co-dominant marker G4563 (93% accuracy rate) and a co-segregation marker Fra3 were established in 111 diverse germplasms, and both were tightly linked with the color trait. This study provide new insight into the chlorophyll regulation pathway, and these markers would be valuable for marker-assisted selection in zucchini breeding.
Updated taxonomy of Chinese Clavaria subg. Syncoryne (Clavariaceae, Agaricales): description of two new species and one newly recorded species
Authors: Yan Jun , Li Gui-Wu , Liu Wen-Hao , Chen Zuo-Hong , Zhang Ping
Published: May 2022

Species of Clavaria (Clavariaceae, Agaricales) collected from China were studied using morphological and molecular methods. Two species, C. aspersa and C. hupingshanensis, are here described as new to science; the former possesses simple, scattered to gregarious or with pairs slightly fascicled, white basidiomata, whereas the latter has simple, gregarious to caespitose clusters, rose-white to seashell-pink basidiomata. In addition, C. amoenoides is described as a newly recorded species for China; this species is characterized by simple, very pale orange-yellow to picric-yellow basidiomata. A phylogenetic analysis was conducted based on a combined dataset of internal transcribed spacer, nuclear ribosomal RNA large subunit and the RNA polymerase Ⅱ second largest subunit sequences. The phylogenetic reconstruction resolved accessions of the three species into three independent lineages within the Clavaria. The morphology of the three species is described in detail and is illustrated with line drawings and photographs. Holotypes of the new species are deposited in the Mycological Herbarium of Hunan Normal University. The sequences newly generated in this study have been deposited in GenBank. An updated key to the known Clavaria species in China is provided.