bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First-Line Methadone For Cancer Pain. Titration Time Analysis
Authors: Guillermo Mammana , Mariela Bertolino , Eduardo Bruera , Fernando Orellana , Fanny Vega , Gabriela Peirano , Sofía Bunge , Arnaldo Armesto , Dran Graciela
Published: March 2021

Background. Methadone is a low-cost, strong opioid that is increasingly used as a first-line treatment for pain in palliative care (PC). Its long and unpredictable half-life and slow elimination phase can make titration challenging. Evidence for titration modalities is scarce.Objective. To describe the titration phase of the treatment with low dose first-line methadone and the use of methadone for breakthrough pain.Methods. Prospective study with strong opioid-naïve patients with moderate to severe cancer pain followed at a tertiary PC unit in Argentina. Starting methadone dose was 2.5-5 mg/day every 8, 12, or 24 hours. Titration allowed daily dose increases from Day 1, and prescription of oral methadone 2.5 mg every 2 hours with a maximum of 3 rescue doses/day for breakthrough pain. Pain control, methadone stabilization dose, and adverse effects, among other variables, were daily assessed over the first 7 days (T0 –T7).Results. 62 patients were included. Initial median (IQR) methadone dose was 5(2.5) mg/day. Pain intensity decreased from a median (IQR) of 8(2.3) at T0 to 4(2.3) at T1 and remained ≤4 until T7 (all p<0.0001 compared to T0). Similar results were obtained through the categorical and tolerability scales for pain. Fifty patients (81%) reached pain control, 66% in the first 48 hours. Methadone daily dose at T2 and T7 were higher than that at T0: 7.5(3) and 6.7(5.5) versus 5(2.5); respectively (all p<0.05). The opioid escalation index at T7 was 1.7%. The median (IQR) number of rescues, stabilization dose and time for stabilization were 0 (1), 5(4.5) mg and 3(2) days, respectively. Two patients were discontinued due to delirium. All the other side effects were mild.Conclusions. First-line, low-dose methadone using rescue methadone resulted in a pronounced and rapid decrease in pain, with minimal need for titration and for breakthrough doses, and no evidence of accumulation or sedation by the end of the week.
Plumbing vs Nudging: The Lasting Effect of Efficiency Improvements on Water Conservation
Authors: Agarwal Sumit , Araral Eduardo , Fan Mingxuan , Yu Qin , Zheng Huanhuan
Published: March 2021

Mega-cities worldwide are facing water security challenges. We investigate two solutions to urban water security: improving plumbing and nudging consumers. We show that improving plumbing alone generates long-lasting effects in water conservation. Using anonymised water consumption data based on water bills from 1.5 million accounts in Singapore over 10 years, our staggered difference-in-differences estimates show that a nation-wide Home Improvement Programme reduces residential water consumption by 3.5%. The effect persists for a decade and is observed across population subgroups. The efficiency improvements also help in mitigating the effect of extreme environmental conditions on water use. Nation-wide nudging through peer comparison may not achieve similar outcomes.
Integration concept of Digital Shadows and BIM for a long-term optimal decision support in factory planning
Authors: Badenko Vladimir , Bolshakov Nikolai , Fedotov Alexander , Becker Florian , Müller Aleksandra
Published: March 2021

Industrial objects nowadays rapidly transform due to the development of digital technologies. The concept of the Factory of the Future (FoF) involves digitization of all parts of the factory. In this paper two technologies are motivated and considered as the basic technologies that should be used in FoF: Digital Shadow (DS) and Building Information Modelling (BIM). Basic theory on these issues is given and potentials of BIM and DS integration is formulated. Based on the ability of digital technologies, their integration and convergence to generate value, definition Digital Asset is introduced from the economic point of view as a digital resource which brings economic benefit. A concept of integrating BIM and DS technologies for decision support in factory planning is formulated, including Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and semantic modeling. The concept includes a description of the aggregate of technologies and their interconnections as a Digital Asset of the FoF. Further research objectives are focused on integration of BIM and DS which requires their interoperability ensured by an Ontology-Based Data Access (OBDA) approach, based on the Semantic web.
Organic acids induce by metal-tolerant Pantoea sp. WP-5 and biogas residues enhanced phytostabilization of cadmium in soil
Authors: Tahir Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Bismillah , Shahid Muhammad , Ahmad Iftikhar , Khalid Umaira , Akram Muhammad , Dawood Ahmad , Kamran Muhammad
Published: March 2021

This study investigated the phytoremediation potential of maize (Zea mays L.) in Cd contaminated soil through co-inoculation of metal tolerant plant beneficial rhzobacteria (MtPBR: Pantoea sp. strain WP-5) with organic manures (PM: poultry manure and BGR: biogas residues). The objectives of this study were to i) examine comparative efficiency of MtPBR, PM and BGR alone or in combined form to improve maize biomass and physiology, and ii) understand the role of organic acid production in root exudates of maize for Cd accumulation and translocation. Pantoea sp. WP-5 showed tolerance to high Cd concentration (1000 mg L− 1), thereby inoculated to maize seeds sown in soil spiked with 75 mg Cd kg− 1 soil and 500 g each of the organic manures per pot. The co-inoculation of MtPBR + BGR significantly (P < 0.05) increased chlorophyll contents, root/shoot dry weight, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and relative water contents, whereas decreased electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde contents, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase activity in maize over the control treatment. The co-inoculation of MtPBR + BGR produced significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentrations of acetic and citric acid (52.7 ± 0.5 and 22.8 ± 0.08 µg g− 1 root fwt, respectively) in root exudates of maize, which immobilized Cd within plant roots inferred by the positive relation (root Cd vs. organic acids; R2 = 0.80–0.92) and reduced Cd translocation to shoots inferred by the negative relation (shoot Cd vs. organic acids; R2 = 0.81–0.90). It is concluded that the application of MtPBR + BGR enhanced organic acid induced phyto-stabilization and accumulation of Cd in roots and restricted its translocation to shoots.
NCOA3 as a critical oncogene in Thyroid cancer via modulating major signaling pathways
Authors: Li Yujun , Liang Junrong , Dang Hui , Zhang Rui , Chen Pu , Shao Yuan
Published: March 2021

Nuclear Receptor Coactivator (NCOA3) enhances transcriptional activation of nuclear hormone receptors. This study was designed to explore the role of NCOA3 in thyroid cancer. Our data demonstrated that protein expression of NCOA3 was significantly upregulated in thyroid cancer tissues. NCOA3 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and invasion, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in thyroid cancer. Conversely, ectopic expression of NCOA3 promoted cell proliferation and invasiveness in thyroid cancer. Mechanically, NCOA3 promotes thyroid cancer cell survival and invasiveness through modulating PI3K/AKT, MAPK and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. Collectively, these findings suggest that NCOA3 is critical in the initiation and development of thyroid cancer, and maybe a possible marker for prognostic and therapeutic.
Single-cell tumor-immune microenvironment of BRCA1/2 mutated high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Launonen Inga-Maria , Lyytikäinen Nuppu , Casado Julia , Anttila Ella , Szabó Angéla , Haltia Ulla-Maija , Jacobson Connor , Lin Jia-Ren , Maliga Zoltan , Santagata Sandro , Elias Kevin , D'Andrea Alan , Konstantinopoulos Panagiotis , Sorger Peter , Färkkila Anniina
Published: March 2021

The majority of high-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSCs) are deficient in homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair, most commonly due to mutations or hypermethylation of the BRCA1/2 genes. We aimed to discover how BRCA1/2 mutations shape the cellular phenotypes and spatial interactions of the tumor microenvironment.
Using a highly multiplex immunofluorescence and image analysis on 112 tumor cores we generated single-cell spatial data for 21 markers in 124,623 single cells from 31 tumors with BRCA1/2 mutation (BRCA1/2mut), and 13 tumors without any alterations in HR genes (HRwt). We identified a phenotypically distinct tumor microenvironment in the BRCA1/2mut tumors with evidence of increased immunosurveillance. Importantly, we found an opposing prognostic role of a proliferative tumor-cell phenotypic subpopulation in the HR-genotypes, which associated with enhanced spatial interactions in the tumor-immune cellular communities. The single-cell spatial landscapes indicate distinct patterns of spatial immunosurveillance with the premise to improve immunotherapeutic strategies and patient stratification in HGSC.
Occurrence of titanium dioxide nanoparticle in Taihu Lake (China) and its removal at a full-scale drinking water treatment plant
Authors: Liu Zhiyuan , Rui Min , Yu Shuili
Published: March 2021

The occurrence of titanium dioxide nanoparticle (TNP), an emerging contaminant, in Taihu Lake of China was investigated. Ti was present at a concentration of 224 ± 59 µg/L in the water source of east Taihu Lake. Approximately 0.19% of the Ti-containing matter was at the nano-scale. Scanning Electron Microscope analysis verified the existence of Ti-containing components, such as TiOX and FeTiOX. Furthermore, Ti K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy was used to detect the phase composition of nano-scaled Ti-containing matter. The spectra showed the three characteristic peaks of TiO2 in the samples, suggesting the occurrence of TNP in Taihu Lake. A least-squares linear combination fitting analysis indicated that the TNP concentration in the water source was 0.86 µg/L, with a crystal composition of 0.44 ± 0.1 µg/L amorphous, 0.14 ± 0.03 µg/L anatase and 0.28 ± 0.06 µg/L rutile. The removal performance of the TNP at a full-scale conventional drinking water treatment plant indicated that 58.8% of TNP was removed via coagulation/sediment, sand filtration and disinfection/clear water reservoir. The coagulation/sediment process accounted for approximately 76.6% of the total removed TNP. The finished water contained 0.33 µg/L TNP with a crystal composition of 0.24 ± 0.13 µg/L anatase and 0.09 ± 0.05 µg/L rutile. This study is the first that reported the presence and transport of TNP in a drinking water treatment system.
Year-round high abundances of the world’s smallest marine vertebrate (Schindleria) in the Red Sea and worldwide associations with lunar phases
Authors: Robitzch Vanessa , Molina-Valdivia Victor , Solano-Iguaran Jaiber , Landaeta Mauricio , Berumen Michael Lee
Published: March 2021

Very little is known about the ecology and biology of the smallest marine vertebrates, fishes in the genus Schindleria. Even though over half of named Schindleria species have been described from the Red Sea, very few specimens have been identified. Here, we assessed abundance patterns of nearly two thousand Red Sea adults and found evidence for putative seasonal and spatial differences, likely related to differing habitat and environmental conditions. Within the Red Sea, the highest abundances were neither found during seasonal temperature extremes nor during peaks of coral reef fish recruitment. We also found evidence for global trends in abundances related to lunar cycles, for which data from a recently published large collection of specimens from the DANA Expedition (1928-1930) were included. The abundance of Schindleria in relation to lunar phases differed significantly, with most Schindleria being caught outside the full moon. Adult specimens in our Red Sea collections were most abundant during the new moon, while the 3rd quarter moon yielded the highest abundances in the DANA collection. We further suggest that the abundances of Schindleria at coral reefs may be related to reproductive cycles and that these cycles may be timed with the moon, since back-calculations of hatch dates from otoliths resulted significantly around the new moon. Schindleria may be the most numerous coral reef fish in the world, for which we encourage increased research.
Influence of kaolin filler on the mechanical properties of Luffa cylindrica/ polyester composite
Authors: Yaro Aliyu , Kuburi Laminu , Moshood Musa Abiodun
Published: March 2021

Polymeric materials are used in different industrial applications because they retain good environmental properties, low-cost, and easy to produce compared to conventional materials. This study investigated the effect of adding kaolin micro-filler (KF) on the mechanical properties of Luffa Fiber (LCF) reinforced polyester resin. Luffa cylindrica fiber treated with 5% NaOH, varied in weight fraction (5, 10, and 15%wt) was used to reinforce unsaturated polyester resin using hand lay-up method, whereas for the hybrid composite kaolin filler were kept constant at 6wt% fraction while the fibers varied as in the mono-reinforced composite. The samples were machined for mechanical and microstructural analysis. Analysis of the result revealed that the addition of kaolin has enhanced greatly the mechanical properties of Luffa-fibre based composites. The result reveal of the microstructure analysis, shows that there is an improvement in fiber-matrix adhesion.
Foreign Direct Investments and Environmental Quality in Sub-Sahara Africa: The Merits of Policy and Institutions for Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Duodu Emmanuel , Kwarteng Evans , Oteng-Abayie Eric Fosu , Frimpong Prince Boakye
Published: March 2021

Environmental concerns in today’s world cannot be overemphasised. These concerns have interested policymakers and researchers to delve into the causes in order to help mitigate environmental deterioration and support policies and institutions for environmental sustainability. This study, therefore, investigates the association between foreign direct investment (FDI) and environmental quality, taking into account policies and institutions for environmental sustainability across 23 Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) countries. Employing the generalised method of moment (system-GMM) for the analysis, the results revealed, among others things, that FDI improves environmental quality in the long run, whereas in the short run, FDI diminishes environmental quality when interacted with policies and institutions for environmental sustainability. Furthermore, policies and institutions for environmental sustainability and domestic investment improve environmental quality in SSA in both the long and short run. The study, thus, concludes that policies and institutions for environmental sustainability in SSA are important as they improve environmental quality as well as complement FDI to improve environmental quality in the long run. The study further establishes that domestic investment is important to improve environmental quality in SSA. The study recommends policies for improving environmental quality to policymakers and stakeholders in SSA.
Overcoming patient-provider language barrier: Impact of a tailored language training on health professionals’ language proficiency
Authors: Mekuria Thomas , Urgie Tadesse , Tolu Lemi Belay , Abbas Ferid , Gashawbeza Biruck
Published: March 2021

Background Provider-patient miscommunication in the health care setting can have fatal consequences. Our quality improvement project aims to evaluate an intervention deployed to overcome patient provider language barrier at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC).Method A baseline assessment was conducted to assess the language mix of patients presenting to the hospital. Medical Afaan Oromoo (MAO) project was then designed to teach Afaan Oromoo to health care professionals in a 3-month period. The effectiveness of the project was evaluated with standardized pre and post training assessment tools.Results Most patients seeking care at the hospital speak Afaan Oromoo (56%), while only 8.9% of health care providers were able to communicate in Afaan Oromoo. The language training project was able to improve language proficiency from a baseline of Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale Level 0 to Level 2 in 96% of trainees. Conclusions The tailored language training project was able to bring about a significant change in health professionals Afaan Oromo language proficiency. However, further research is needed to ascertain its impact in actual Afaan Oromoo language incongruous clinical settings.
Deploying new generation sequencing for the study of flesh color depletion in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Vo Thu Thi Minh , Nguyen Tuan Viet , Amoroso Gianluca , Ventura Tomer , Elizur Abigail
Published: March 2021

Background: The flesh pigmentation of farmed Atlantic salmon is formed by accumulation of carotenoids derived from commercial diets. In the salmon gastrointestinal system, the hindgut is considered critical in the processes of carotenoids uptake and metabolism. In Tasmania, flesh color depletion can noticeably affect farmed Atlantic salmon at different levels of severity following extremely hot summers. In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed to investigate the reduction in flesh pigmentation. Library preparation is a key step that significantly impacts the effectiveness of RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) experiments. Besides the commonly used whole transcript RNA-Seq method, the 3’ mRNA-Seq method is being applied widely, owing to its reduced cost, enabling more repeats to be sequenced at the expense of lower resolution. Therefore, the output of the Illumina TruSeq kit (whole transcript RNA-Seq) and the Lexogen QuantSeq kit (3’ mRNA-Seq) was analyzed to identify genes in the Atlantic salmon hindgut that are differentially expressed (DEGs) between two flesh color phenotypes.Results: In both methods, DEGs between the two color phenotypes were associated with metal ion transport, oxidation-reduction processes, and immune responses. We also found DEGs related to lipid metabolism in the QuantSeq method. In the TruSeq method, a missense mutation was detected in DEGs in different flesh color traits. The number of DEGs found in the TruSeq libraries was much higher than the QuantSeq; however, the trend of DEGs in both library methods was similar and validated by qPCR.Conclusion: Flesh coloration in Atlantic salmon is related to lipid metabolism in which apolipoproteins, serum albumin and fatty acid-binding protein genes are hypothesized to be linked to the absorption, transport and deposition of carotenoids. Our findings suggest that Grp could inhibit the feeding behavior of low color-banded fish, resulting in the dietary carotenoid shortage. Several SNPs in genes involving in carotenoid-binding cholesterol and oxidative stress were detected in both flesh color phenotypes. Regarding the choice of the library preparation method, the selection criteria depend on the research design and purpose. The 3’ mRNA-Seq method is ideal for targeted identification of highly expressed genes, while the whole RNA-Seq method is recommended for identification of unknown genes, enabling the identification of splice variants and trait-associated SNPs, as we have found for Duox2 and DuoxA1.
Obstructive Hydrocephalus in Children: Predictive factors of ventriculocisternostomy dysfunction at the CHU of Conakry.
Authors: Souare Ibrahima Sory , Sylla Mohamed Lamine , Souaré Ibrahima Sory Jnr , Atakla Hugues Ghislain , Cherif Mohamed , Diawara Seylan , Kezely Beavogui Luc
Published: March 2021

Context and Objective: The treatment of hydrocephalus is surgical and uses two (2) main methods to date: ventriculoperitoneal shunt and endoscopic ventriculocisternostomy. The latter offers the advantage of avoiding the implantation of a foreign body (valve) in the body. However, there are sometimes dysfunctions that can lead to the evolutionary continuation of hydrocephalus. The objective of this study is to identify factors predictive of endoscopic ventriculocisternostomy dysfunction in cases of obstructive hydrocephalus in children at the University Hospital Center in Conakry.Methods and Materials: This is a mixed analytical study of 32 cases of children aged 0-15 years who received endoscopic ventriculocisternostomy during the study period. Outcomes were evaluated according to Drake and Canadian Pediatric Neurosurgery Group clinical criteria. Results: The hospital frequency was 17% and a sex ratio (M/F) of 1.13. Clinical signs were dominated by progressive macrocraniality (93.8%), bulging fontanel (84.4%), ectasia of scalp veins (68.8%). cerebrospinal fluid leakage (9.4%) was the most frequent post-operative complication. According to age, VCS was successful in 16 infants (55.2%) and dysfunction in 13 (44.8%) while 2 children (66.7%) were successful with VCS versus 1 (33.3%) with dysfunction. We recorded one case of death.Conclusion: The factors often associated with the dysfunction of the endoscopic ventriculocisternostomy found in this study are essentially: age, bulging fontanelle, ectasia of the scalp veins, arachnoid adhesions, closure of the Sylvius aqueduct and pulsation of the bottom of the third ventricle. In the absence of a statistically significant relationship, it would be useful to analyse these parameters closely on a much larger sample.
Effect of Anterior Capsule Polishing on the Rate of Neodymium: YAG Laser Capsulotomy in Multifocal Intraocular Lens
Authors: Li Honglei , Bai Huiran , Liu Dongle , Han Yanfeng , Wu Xiaoming
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Herein, we elucidated the effect of anterior capsule polishing (ACP) during cataract surgery on the rate of neodymium: YAG (Nd: YAG) laser capsulotomy in multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL).
Methods

We extracted the medical records of patients who underwent phacoemulsification with MIOL between May 2016 and April 2017 from the files of the patients, and the follow-ups of fewer than 3 years were excluded. The participants were divided into the ACP group and the non- ACP group based on whether the anterior capsule was polished. The primary outcome was whether to perform Nd: YAG capsulotomy during the follow-up. We analyzed the time from IOL implantation to Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy using the Kaplan-Meier survival curves.
Results

The ACP group comprised 70 eyes and non-ACP group, 60 eyes. One year postoperatively, 7.14% of the eyes in the ACP group and 8.33% in the non-ACP group required Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy (P > 0.99). After 2 years, it was 24.29% and 18.33%, respectively (P = 0.52). After 3 years, it was 30.0% and 28.33% respectively (P = 0.85). There was no distinct difference in the probability for Nd: YAG laser between the ACP group and the non-ACP group evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival curves (P = 0.81). Patients with implantation of diffractive MIOL (AT LISA tri 839MP) had a high probability of requiring Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy.
Conclusion

Polishing the anterior capsule had no remarkable effect on reducing the rate of Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy after phacoemulsification in MIOL.
Aging power spectrum of membrane protein transport and other subordinated random walks
Authors: Fox Zachary , Barkai Eli , Krapf Diego
Published: March 2021

Single-particle tracking offers detailed information about the motion of molecules in complex environments such as those encountered in live cells, but the interpretation of experimental data is challenging. One of the most powerful tools in the characterization of random processes is the power spectral density. However, because anomalous diffusion processes in complex systems are usually not stationary, the traditional Wiener-Khinchin theorem for the analysis of power spectral densities is invalid. Here, we employ a recently developed tool named aging Wiener-Khinchin theorem to derive the power spectral density of fractional Brownian motion coexisting with a scale-free continuous time random walk, the two most typical anomalous diffusion processes. Using this analysis, we characterize the motion of voltage-gated sodium channels on the surface of hippocampal neurons. Our results show aging where the power spectral density can either increase or decrease with observation time depending on the specific parameters of both underlying processes.
Comparing NeuroQuant and volBrain Software for Automated Brain Analysis
Authors: Koussis Panagiotis , Glotsos Demetrios , Lamprou Eleni , Toulas Panagiotis , Gyftopoulos Anastasios , Kehagias Demetrios , Lavdas Eleftherios
Published: March 2021

Background and PurposeAutomated brain volume analysis from MRI images, is gaining an important role in computer-aided diagnosis. This study compares the volumes of brain segments that measured by two automated brain analysis software: NeuroQuant and volBrain. The aim is to investigate the quantitative and qualitative reliability of automated brain analysis.MethodsWe compared same brain segment volume measurements, from 45 patients, that calculated with both NeuroQuant and volBrain software. The statistical two-tailed unpaired t-test method used to determine if there is a significant difference on the same segment measurements performed from each software. Additionally, least square method used, to provide any evidence of linear correlation between them. In a case of extreme difference, manual volume measurement of a segment was performed, with JIM8 software.ResultsFrom the comparison of brain segments volumetric measurements made by NeuroQuant and volBrain, the differences for the Intracranial Cavity, Putamen, Thalamus and Amygdala considered extremely significant, the Whole Brain, Cerebellum, Hippocampus considered not significant, White Matter considered quite significant. In most cases strong linear correlation between the two software measurements found.ConclusionsThe unexpected significant differences found in some segments raised questions about the reliability of automated volume analysis as a quantitative tool. Strong linear correlation of the volumes presents that both software finally provides good qualitative information on brain structures, which is an important factor for computed aided diagnosis.
Survival rate of primary molar restorations is not influenced by hand mixed or encapsulated GIC: 24 months RCT
Authors: Oliveira Rodolfo de Carvalho , Camargo Lucila Basto , Novaes Tatiane Fernandes , Pontes Laura Regina Antunes , Olegário Isabel Cristina , Gimenez Thais , Pássaro Ana Laura , Tedesco Tamara Kerber , Braga Mariana Minatel , Mendes Fausto Medeiros , Raggio Daniela Prócida
Published: March 2021

Background: Glass ionomer cements (GIC) have been considered the top option to restore primary teeth by dentists. The most common supply forms are hand-mixed and encapsulated GIC. There is a lack of information about the impact of different GIC supply forms on restoration survival. This randomized clinical trial compared the survival rate of occlusal and occlusoproximal restorations in primary molars using two of glass ionomer cements versions: hand-mixed (H/M) and encapsulated (ENC) after 24 months. Children aged 3-10 years who presented dentin caries lesions in primary molars were selected at School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Brazil. They were randomly assigned to groups: H /M (Fuji IX®, GC Europe) or ENC (Equia Fill®, GC Europe). The occurrence of restoration failure was evaluated by two blinded and calibrated examiners. The analyses were performed in Stata 13 (StataCorp, USA). To evaluate the primary outcome (restoration survival), we performed an intention to treat (ITT) analysis at 24 months of follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to verify the survival of the restorations while Cox Regression with shared frailty was performed to assess association between restoration failure and independent variables (α=5%). Results: A total of 324 restorations were performed in 145 children. The survival for H/M group was 58.2% and 60.1% for ENC, with no difference (p=0.738). Occlusoproximal restorations had lower survival rate when compared to occlusal ones (HR=3.83; p<0.001). Conclusions: The survival rate in primary molar is not influenced by the different supply forms of GIC This randomized clinical trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.Gov on 10/15/2014 under protocol (NCT 02274142).
Effect of Time-Varying Moving Structures on the Spatial Accuracy of Five-Axis Machine Tools
Authors: Chan Tzu-Chi , Yang Jyun-Sian
Published: March 2021

Machine tools are constantly in motion during machining; however, studies have not considered the effect of the dynamic and static characteristics of the machine caused by the movement of the structure over time. In this study, the time-varying moving structure in the spatial coordinate arm is analyzed to improve the spatial accuracy of the motion of a five-axis machine tool in the cutting area. The objective is to design a high-speed five-axis moving-column machine tool and to perform structural analysis of spatial accuracy. We studied the static and dynamic characteristics of a five-axis machine tool, designed and improved its mechanical structure, and optimized its structural configuration. With further analysis, the entire machine structure was enhanced to improve its static and dynamic characteristics. The static and dynamic characteristics of the machine structure were found to directly affect its processing performance and the precision of the workpiece machined by the tool. Through this study, the design technology for speed, accuracy, and surface roughness of the machine tool was further improved.
Wear Properties of Nanoclay Modified Basalt Fibre Composites Under Dry Adhesive Sliding, Two-body Abrasive and Slurry Pot Erosive
Authors: Talib Anis Adilah Abu , Jumahat Aidah , Jawaid Mohammad , Sapiai Napisah , Rajini Nagarajan
Published: March 2021

This paper reports the effect of 1.0 wt%, 3.0 wt% and 5.0 wt% nanoclay loadings on specific wear rate properties of basalt fibre reinforced polymer (BFRP) composites. The specific wear rate properties of the BFRP composites were analysed at three different wear conditions, i.e. dry adhesive sliding, two-body abrasion and slurry pot erosion in which the composites slide against smooth steel, rough silicon carbide and medium coarse sand mixture, respectively. The operating parameters for the wear tests were set at 30 N load, 300 rpm speed and 10 km distance. The results demonstrated that nanoclay incorporation enhanced the adhesive and erosive wear properties of BFRP composites up to 32% and 51%, respectively. In contrast, nanoclay incorporation deteriorated the abrasive wear properties of BFRP with increasing in nanoclay loading. The morphology of worn surfaces was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study the wear behavior of the nanoclay modified BFRP composites. It concluded that nanoclay incorporation exhibited significant influence on wear properties of the polymer composites depending on the wear environment condition.
Analytical Investigation Into Feather Decoration Technique of 17th-18th Century Chinese Royal Hanging Screen
Authors: Gu An , Wang Na , Kong Yan-ju , Hou Jia-yu , Li Gen , Lei Yong
Published: March 2021

Decoration with feather was a universal phenomenon in human history. Objects decorated with feathers were regarded as fine artworks and hence were enormously prized. In ancient China, dotting a surface with kingfisher-feather blue was the most famous, complex and delicate feather decoration technique, called diancui. Although various ancient diancui artworks appear in many museums around the world and some researches have achieved significant results on the history, technique and conservation of diancui, but some key historical details are still not clear. In this research, by the opportunity of restoration, an important collection of the Palace Museum - the “Feather Decoration Hanging Screen with Birds and Flowers Pattern” was rounded analyzed by various scientific technologies. This object is a Chinese royal artwork of Qing dynasty (17th-18th century), decorated with kingfisher and several other bird’s feathers, and present the highest level of this period. As a typical and valuable case, the result provides important clues for solving unclear questions for related academic field.
The Effect of Induced Diabetes Mellitus on the Cerebellar Cortex of Adult Male Rat and the Possible Protective Role of Oxymatrine: A Histological, Immunohistochemical and Biochemical Study
Authors: Shalaby Amany Mohamed , Aboregela Adel Mohamed , Alabiad Mohamed Ali , Sadek Mona Tayssir
Published: March 2021

Diabetes mellitus (DM) represents a widespread metabolic disease with a well-known neurotoxicity in both central and peripheral nervous systems. Oxymatrine is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has various pharmacological activities including; anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory potentials. The present work aimed to study the impact of diabetes mellitus on the cerebellar cortex of adult male albino rat and to evaluate the potential protective role of oxymatrine using different histological methods. Fifty-five adult male rats were randomly divided into three groups: group I served as control, group II was given oxymatrine (80 mg/kg/day) orally for 8 weeks and group III was given a single dose of streptozotocin (50mg/kg) intaperitoneally to induce diabetes. Then diabetic rats were subdivided into two subgroups: subgroup IIIa that received no additional treatment and subgroup IIIb that received oxymatrine similar to group II. The diabetic group revealed numerous changes in the Purkinje cell layer in the form of multilayer arrangement of Purkinje cells, shrunken cells with deeply stained nuclei as well as focal loss of the Purkinje cells. A significant increment in GFAP and synaptophysin expression was reported. Transmission electron microscopy showed irregularity and splitting of myelin sheaths in the molecular layer, dark shrunken Purkinje cells with ill-defined nuclei, dilated Golgi saccules and dense granule cells with irregular nuclear outlines in the granular layer. In contrast, these changes were less evident in diabetic rats that received oxymatrine. In conclusion, Oxymatrine could protect the cerebellar cortex against changes induced by DM.
Terahertz Absorption Characteristics of Guar Gum Determined via Microfluidic Technology
Authors: Zhang Fengxuan , Wang Guoyang , Huang Haiyun , Chen Menghan , Zhang Sijia , Su Bo , Zhang Cunlin
Published: March 2021

The vibrational energy levels of many biomolecules correspond to the terahertz band; thus, terahertz technology can be used to identify these substances. Moreover, as the biological activity of most biomolecules can be observed only in aqueous solution, the characteristics of such biomolecules must be studied in aqueous solution. In this study, a simple microfluidic chip, a temperature control device and a strong electric field device were designed to study the terahertz absorption characteristics of guar gum for different temperatures, concentrations and electric field exposure durations, thus enabling the use of terahertz technology to analyse the characteristics of guar gum.
Appraisal of Various Predictors for Complicated Appendicitis in Adults; A Comparative Study Between Complicated and Non-Complicated Appendicitis
Authors: Mohammed Ayad Ahmad
Published: March 2021

Background: Acute appendicitis is the most common non traumatic surgical abdominal emergency, and is the first operation done by most of the general surgeon during their training period. The most important aspect in the management of acute appendicitis, is early diagnosis and intervention to avoid the development of complications.Patients and methods: This prospective study included 184 patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis who were grouped into complicated and non- complicated appendicitis. Both groups were compared to detect predictors for complicated appendicitis to prevent delay management. Results: About 82.6% of our patients were below 30 years (mean: 23.8 years) and 59.2% were females. Histopathology confirmed acute appendicitis in 86.5 %, chronic appendicitis in 12.5%, and normal appendix in 1.1%. About 81.5% have ALVARADO score equal or greater than 7. Complicated appendicitis was diagnosed in 23.37% of patients. There was a significant correlation between complicated appendicitis and gender, rebound tenderness, elevated temperature, elevated WBC, shift to left of WBC and Modified Alvarado Scoring (P values 0.000,0.002,0.001,0.000,0.000, and 0.006), other parameters showed no significant correlations. Conclusion: The rate of complicated appendicitis should be reduced to decrease the associated morbidity, the presence of rebound tenderness, fever, high WBC count and sift to left, a score of 7 or more by modified ALVAADO score, and male sex are highly suggestive. The presence of these factors mandates early and prompt intervention.
An Eco-friendly Fabrication of Silver Chloride Nanoparticles (AgCLNPs) using Onopordum acanthium L extract Induces Apoptosis in Breast Cancer MDA-MB-232 Cells
Authors: Shahcheraghi Seyedeh Negin , Shandiz Seyed Ataollah Sadat , Pakpour Bahareh
Published: March 2021

In the current experimental work, silver chloride nanoparticles (AgClNPs) were fabricated using Onopordum acanthium L extract and their apoptotic and cytotoxicity properties on breast cancer MDA_MB232 and normal HEK293 cell lines were also evaluated. AgClNPs formation was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) profile. Effect of fabricated AgClNPs on MDA_MB232 and HEK293 cells viability was performed using colorimetric MTT assay. Alterations in the mRNA expression levels of CAD and Bax genes in MDA-MB-232 cells were done using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) method. Subsequently, apoptotic properties were determined using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy studies. MTT results investigated that AgCLNPs have a significant dose-dependent lethal activity on MDA_MB232 compared to HEK293 cell lines. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) results have also shown that AgCLNPs could up-regulate the apoptotic Bax and CAD gene expressions in the MDA_MB232 cells. Additionally, apoptotic assessment was performed by cell cycle analysis, annexin V/PI test, Hoescht 33258 dye, acridine orange and ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining along with the detection of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Our results suggest that novel silver chloride nanoparticles fabricated by Onopordum acanthium L extract can display some promising cytotoxic properties through inducing apoptosis pathway.
Recombinant Human Soluble Thrombomodulin Suppresses Arteritis in a Mouse Model of Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Nakayama Hironobu , Inada Hiroyasu , Inukai Tatsuya , Kondo Kenta , Hirai Kazuyuki , Tsutsumi Tomonari , Adachi Yoshiyuki , Nagi-Miura Noriko , Ohno Naohito , Suzuki Koji
Published: March 2021

Background: Kawasaki Disease (KD) is associated with diffuse and systemic vasculitis of unknown aetiology and mainly affects infants and children. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment reduces the risk of developing coronary aneurysms, but some children have IVIG-resistant KD, and they are at an increased risk of developing coronary artery injury. Here, we investigated the effect of recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (rTM), which has anticoagulation, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties, on the development of coronary arteritis in a mouse model of vasculitis. Methods: To prepare an animal model of KD-like vasculitis, Candida albicans water-soluble fraction (CAWS) was intraperitoneally injected into DBA/2 mice for 5 consecutive days, and then rTM (0, 0.2, 1, and 4 mg/kg body weight) was injected. rTM administration was performed at two intervals: one is for 10 consecutive days from the first day and the other is for 5 consecutive days from the 1st to 15th days. Histopathological analysis of the heart was performed 20, 27, 34, and 48 days after CAWS treatment, and the gene expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10), pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and tissue factor (TF) in the heart and spleen was investigated.Results: Five consecutive doses of rTM (4 mg/kg) from 1 to 14 days after CAWS treatment significantly suppressed cardiac hypertrophy and arteritis by 34 days after CAWS treatment. The gene expression analysis of samples prepared from the heart and spleen of mice treated with CAWS and/or rTM showed that rTM administration increased the level of IL-10 in the heart. This increase was observed until day 27 and was not observed thereafter. The expression of TNF-α was observed in the heart of mice treated with CAWS and was not altered by rTM treatment. However, in the spleen, CAWS treatment reduced the IL-10 level and increased the TF level, whereas rTM treatment restored normal levels of both factors.Conclusions: These findings suggest that rTM specifically increases IL-10, decreases TF, and suppresses CAWS-induced vasculitis without affecting TNF-α production. Therefore, rTM can be used as a treatment for KD.
Chemotherapy for T1 pN0M0 Breast Cancer Patients: A Propensity Score Matching Study Based on SEER Database and External Data
Authors: Shen Kaiwen , Yao Longdi , Cao Huihua , Gu Ximing , Wang Jie , Zhu Jingyuan , Fu Deyuan
Published: March 2021

Background

There is no definitive, unified view on chemotherapy for T1 pN0M0 breast cancer. Our study explored the effects of chemotherapy on T1 pN0M0 breast cancer.
Methods

75,139 patients diagnosed with T1 pN0M0 breast cancer were selected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Multivariate Cox analyses were performed to investigate the effects of chemotherapy on T1a, T1b, and T1c pN0M0 breast cancer, various tumor grades, and four molecular subtypes. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to eliminate confounding factors and further verify the results between chemotherapy and no chemotherapy. Finally, 545 T1pN0M0 breast cancer patients treated at the Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital were included for external validation. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were used to confirm the role of chemotherapy in T1a, T1b, and T1c pN0M0 breast cancer. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan–Meier method for tumor grades and molecular subtypes.
Results

Chemotherapy demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in T1b and T1c breast cancer, not in T1a breast cancer. With T1b breast cancer, chemotherapy had effects on grade III and molecular subtypes hormone receptor+ [HR+]/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2+ [HER2+], HR-/HER2+, and HR-/HER2-. Chemotherapy was beneficial to overall survival for grade II/III and T1c breast cancer. After PSM, identical results were obtained. We also obtained similar results with external validation, except that chemotherapy made a difference in grade II and T1b breast cancer of external validation.
Conclusion

Partial T1 pN0M0 breast cancer patients with tumor grade III T1b pN0M0 except HR+/HER2-, those with tumor grade II and III T1c pN0M0 can obtain overall survival benefits from chemotherapy.
A Study on Evaluation and Influencing Factors of Carbon Emission Performance in China’s New Energy Vehicle Enterprises
Authors: Zhao Min , Sun Tao , Feng Qiang
Published: March 2021

Vehicle industry has made great contribution to human progress. However, in the process of vehicle operation, a large number of carbon compounds are emitted, which brings serious environmental problems. As one of the important means of vehicle carbon emission governance, the development of new energy vehicles(NEVs) has attracted much attention. The behavior and performance of NEV enterprises are highly concerned. Using Chinese 23 NEV vehicle enterprises’ data from 2011 to 2018, this paper evaluates the carbon emission performance with the super-efficiency slacks-based measure (SE-SBM) model based on unexpected output, and then constructs STIRPAT model to analyze the influencing factors of carbon emission performance. The results indicate that, firstly, the carbon emission performance of China’s NEV enterprises is not ideal at present, but it is increasing year by year. Secondly, the carbon emission performance of different NEV enterprise is distinct in the same year, and the carbon emission performance of the same NEV enterprise is distinct in different year. Thirdly, technological innovation, government support and free cash flow have significant positive impact on the carbon emission performance of NEV enterprises, while debt constraint, energy intensity and enterprise size have a significant negative impact on the carbon emission performance of NEV enterprises.
Tracking oxidation-induced alterations in fibrin clot formation by NMR-based methods
Authors: Lau Wai Hoe , White Nathan J. , Yeo Tsin Wen , Gruen Russell L. , Pervushin Konstantin
Published: March 2021

Plasma fibrinogen is an important coagulation factor that is susceptible to post-translational modification by oxidants. We have reported altered fibrin polymerization and increased methionine oxidation in fibrinogen after exposure to hypochlorous acid (HOCl), and similarly in the fibrinogen of severely injured trauma patients. Molecular dynamics suggests that methionine oxidation offers a mechanistic link between oxidative stress and coagulation through fibrin protofibril lateral aggregation by disruption of AαC domain structures. However, experimental evidence explaining how HOCl oxidation impairs fibrinogen structure and function has not been demonstrated. We used polymerization studies and two dimensional-nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (2D-NMR) to test the hypothesis that HOCl oxidation alters fibrinogen conformation in the prefibrillar state and T2 water surface relaxation of fibrin fiber assemblies. We found that both HOCl oxidation of purified fibrinogen and addition of HOCl-oxidized fibrinogen to plasma disrupted fibrin polymerization similarly to competitive inhibition of polymerization using a recombinant AαC fragment (AαC 419–502). DOSY NMR measurement of 1H fibrinogen at 25oC demonstrated that fibrinogen oxidation increased translational diffusion coefficient by 17.4%, suggesting a more compact and rapidly translational motion of the protein with oxidation. 2D-NMR analysis of control plasma fibrin gels indicated that water existed in two states, namely intermediate (T2i) in the hydration shell of fibrin fibers, and bulk (T2) within the gel. T2 relaxation of bulk water protons was decreased 2-fold in oxidized fibrin gels and was inversely proportional to gel fiber density (T2). The fast exchange of water protons between hydration shell (T2i) and bulk water, indicating oxidation increased fiber hydration and formed densely packed fibrin gels. We have confirmed experimentally that HOCl oxidation affected native fibrinogen and fibrin gel structures and have demonstrated that NMR can serve as a valuable tool to probe the oxidative rearrangement of fibrin clot structure.