bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bio-Resorption Control and Biological Response of Magnesium Alloy AZ31 Coated with Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate
Authors: Wang Lu , Hou Zhengjun , Tian Jie , Liang Shuang , Ge Shuping , Chen Yu , Aversa Raffaella , Perrotta Valeria , Apicella Davide , Apicella Antonio , Wang Guixue
Published: May 2021

Magnesium and its alloys are not normally used as bio-resorbable temporary implants due to their high and uncontrolled degradation rate in physiological liquid environment. The improvement of corrosion resistance to simulated body fluids (SBF) of a Magnesium alloy (AZ31) coated with poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and contact angle measurements were used to characterize surface morphology, material composition and wettability, respectively. pH modification of the SBF corroding medium, mass of Mg2+ ions released, and weight loss of the samples exposed to the SBF solution, and electrochemical experiment were used to describe the corrosion process and its kinetics. Materials biocompatibility was described by evaluating the effect of corrosion by products collected in the SBF equilibrating solution on hemolysis ratio, cytotoxicity, Nitric Oxide (NO), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). The results showed that the PHB coating can diffusively control the degradation rate of Magnesium alloy improving its biocompatibility: hemolysis rate of materials was lower than 5%, while in vitro Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells（HUVECs) compatibility experiments showed that PHB coated Mg alloy promoted cell proliferation and had no effect on the NO content, the T-AOC was enhanced compared with the normal group and bare AZ31 alloy. PHB coated AZ31 Magnesium alloy extraction fluids have a less toxic behavior due to the lower concentration of corrosion by-products deriving from the diffusion control exerted by the PHB coating films both from metal surface to the solution and vice versa. These findings provide more reference value for the selection of such system as tunable bioresorbable prosthetic materials
Preventive Activity of the Extract of the Darkling Beetle Ulomoides Dermestoides in the Diet of C57Bl/6JSTO Mice in a Neurotoxic Model of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Kovalzon Vladimir M. , Ambaryan Alexander V. , Revishchin Alexander V. , Rybalkina Ekaterina Y. , Bastrakov Alexander I. , Ushakova Nina A.
Published: May 2021

The effect of aqueous extracts of the biomass of the adult beetle Ulomoides dermestoides on the delayed effects of defoliant paraquat causing parkinsonism in experimental mice was evaluated. The motor activity of the animals was analyzed in behavioral tests using a rotarod and a vertical pole. The number of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunopositive neurons in the ventral part of the substantia nigra of the midbrain of experimental and control mice were studied by immunohistochemistry. In the model in vitro system with SH-SY5Y–human neuroblastoma, the effect of the extracts on cell proliferation was examined in the absence and in the presence of the neurotoxin MPP+. The isolation of biologically active substances from raw biomass using cavitation effects made it possible to obtain extracts with protective properties in the model of an early stage of Parkinson's disease used.
Assessment of Radio Communication System Reliability by System Dynamics Method
Authors: Bazargur Batzorig , Bataa Otgonbayar , Budjav Uuganbayar
Published: May 2021

Radio communication system in an underground mine is one of the very essential systems for the underground mine. It is required that the radio communication system must be reliable from the starting to construct the underground mine to the closure of the mine. However, underground mine radio communication systems reliability is required to be tested on an active radio communication system in a real environment. In the study was suggested a new research methodology that is studied reliability using dynamic system modeling on Vensim software instead of traditional method to study the reliability of radio communication systems calculating large-scale differential equations. In other words, we suggest a new research methodology. The Motorola Dimetra (TETRA) radio communication system's availability readiness information was used to simulate the reliability of the underground mine radio communication system probability of reliability using Vensim software for system dynamic modeling.Also, the factors that affect the reliability of underground mining radio communication systems was studied. The study was determined factors that affect the underground mine radio communication system from the following risks. The study was in the examples of the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine. The factors that affect the reliable operation of the underground mine radio communication system were determined using the failure statistics of TETRA radio communication system in the Oyu Tolgoi mine in 2015-2018.
Milestones in the History of Intelligence – Oradea as a Nodal Centre
on the Regional Geopolitical Axis in the Security Equation
Authors: Golea Daniela Georgiana
Published: May 2021

The East European region has always created a space of interaction between the great powers of the Eastern and Western Europe of the different epochs in European history. Not just a contact and an interaction region between Europe, Asia and the Middle East (Africa), but also a pivot of the European security environment, most often forming a real axis on which this scene of confrontation between powers can bend into one or the other part. We can say that the Eastern European region has formed hundreds of years ago (with the emergence of Ottoman power and its pressure on the Western powers, the emergence of the Tsarist and later Soviet power) a pivotal axis which determined the geopolitical configuration of the world and led successively to the advancement or decay of an empire or another. Indeed, the balance between Western powers and the Ottoman Empire, and later between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Eastern Powers, such as the Ottoman Empire and the Tsarist Empire, has been established for several hundred years right in this pivotal axis of Eastern Europe. For this reason, the political and military situation of the territories covered by the pivotal axis have always been a special one. This pivotal axis of Europe started from the Baltic Sea and was generally disposed over the continental strip where today are countries like Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, a part of Poland (Pomerania and a part of Silesia), the Czech Republic, the western part of today Romania and a part of Serbia. This geographical positioning of the pivotal axis has led to a permanent political turmoil and change of borders in the mentioned regions. Referring exclusively to the manner in which this pivot axis intersected the current territory of Romania, we observe that in its passage from north to south it included Satu Mare, Oradea, Arad, Timişoara and Reşita. Oradea has always played an important role in Central-Eastern Europe, NATO recognizing the NATO HUMINT Centre of Excellence (HCOE) as a strategical organization with a remarkable contribution to the development of the Human Intelligence capability within the Alliance.
Cancer Vaccines for Genitourinary Tumors: Recent Progresses and Future Possibilities
Authors: Maiorano Brigida Anna , Schinzari Giovanni , Ciardiello Davide , Rodriquenz Maria Grazia , Cisternino Antonio , Tortora Giampaolo , Maiello Evaristo
Published: May 2021

Background: In the last years, many new treatment options have widened the therapeutic scenario of genitourinary malignancies. Immunotherapy has shown efficacy, especially in the urothelial and renal cell carcinomas, with no particular relevance in prostate cancer. However, despite the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, there is still high morbidity and mortality among these neo-plasms. Cancer vaccines represent another way to activate the immune system. We sought to summarize the most recent advances in vaccine therapy for genitourinary malignancies with this review. Methods: We searched Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Database for clinical trials conducted in the last ten years, focusing on cancer vaccines in the prostate, urothelial and renal cancer. Results: Various therapeutic vaccines, including DNA-based, RNA-based, peptide-based, dendritic cells, viral vectors, and modified tumor cells, have been demonstrated to induce specific immune responses in a variable percentage of patients. However, these responses rarely corresponded to significant survival improvements. Conclusions: Further pre-clinical and clinical studies will improve the knowledge about cancer vaccines in genitourinary malignancies to optimize dosage, select targets with a driver role for tumor development and growth, and finally overcome resistance mechanisms. Combination strategies represent possibly more effective and long-lasting treatments.
Microbiological Evaluation of the Antibacterial Vicryl Suture in the Mandibular Third Molar Surgery
Authors: Etemadi Sh Milad , Rahgozar Sameen , Tajmiri Golnaz , Alizargar Javad , Wu Shu-Fang Vivienne
Published: May 2021

Background: Selection and application of suture materials, has gained more importance especially with the increasing number of patients seeking oral surgeries. Since lying in a bacterial-filled environment, sutures make the tissue prone to infection. Suture material plays an important role in the reduction of the risk of infection. This study aimed to assess the success rate of an antibacterial suture named Vicryl Plus in preventing bacterial growth in the surgical site of the mandibular third molar. Methods: 27 patients were included in this double-blinded randomized clinical trial study. Surgical Extraction of the mandibular wisdom tooth was done and the incision was managed by randomly using Vicryl Plus and Vicryl sutures. After 7 days, sutures were removed and assessed microbiologically. Predominant species of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus were assessed as well as the total number of colonies on each suture. Results: There was a significant difference between two suture materials in colony number-length ratio of lactobacillus (p-value= 0.031) and total bacterial colonies (p-value=0.016); but not for S. mutans species (p-value=0.201). Conclusion: Antibacterial Vicryl suture can be a useful tool for the reduction in the rate of surgical site infection in high-risk cases and situations.
A Multi Scale Minero-chemical Analyses of Biomass Ashes: A Key to Evaluate their Danger vs Benefit
Authors: Comodi Paola , Zucchini Azzurra , Susta Umberto , Cambi Costanza , Vivani Riccardo , Cavalaglio Gianluca , Cotana Franco
Published: May 2021

A multi-methodic analysis was performed on 5 samples of fly ashes coming from different biomasses. The aim of the study was to evaluate their possible re-use and their dangerousness for men and environment. Optical granulometric analyses indicate that the average diameter of the studied fly ashes is around 20 µm, whereas only ~1 vol% has diameter lower that 2.5 µm. The chemical composition, investigated with electron probe microanalysis, indicates that all the samples have a prevalent Ca composition, followed by Si and Al. A large content in K and P was observed in some samples, whereas the content in potentially toxic elements is always below the Italian law thresholds. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are completely absent in all the samples coming from combustion plants, whereas they are present in the fly ashes from the gasification center. Quantitative mineralogical content, determined by Rietveld analysis of X-ray powder diffraction data, indicates that all the samples have a large amorphous content, likely enriched in Ca, and several K and P minerals, such as sylvite and apatite. The results obtained from the performed chemo-mineralogical study allowed to point out that the biomass fly ashes could be interesting materials (1) as amending in clayey soils, in substitution to lime, to stimulating pozzolanic reaction and improve their geotechnical properties, on the one hand, avoiding to mine raw materials and, on the other hand, re-cycling wastes; (2) as agricultural fertilizes made by a new and ecological source of K and P.
Influence of wt. % and Specific Area of HRGO Nanoplatelets Addition on Physical, Thermal, Mechanical Behaviour and Processing Evolution of PMMA Bone Cement for Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery
Authors: Pastor Ynés Yohana , Orellana Jaime , Calle Fernando , Pastor José Ygnacio
Published: May 2021

Bone cement, mainly based in PMMA, is commonly used in different arthroplasty surgical proce-dures, and its use is essential for prosthesis fixation. However, its manufacturing process reaches high temperatures that can produce necrosis in the patients' surrounding tissues. In order to con-tribute to avoid this problem, the addition of graphene could delay the polymerisation of the MMA and, simultaneously, contribute to the optimisation of the composite material's properties. This article analysed the effect of the addition of different percentages of Highly Reduced Graphene Oxide (HRGO) with different wt. % (0,10, 0,50 and 1,00) and surface densities (150, 300, 500 and 750 m2/g) on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of commercial PMMA-based bone cement and its processing. It was noticed that a lower sintering temperature would be reached with this addition, making it less harmful to use in surgery and as it reduces its adverse effects.
In contrast, the materials' density does not show significant changes, which indicates that the addi-tion of HRGO does not significantly increase its porosity. Lastly, the mechanical properties are re-duced by almost 20 %. Nevertheless, these properties are high enough so that these new materials can still fulfil their structural function.
Acute Pericarditis after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Case Report
Authors: Rodevič Greta , Budrys Povilas , Davidavičius Giedrius
Published: May 2021

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is known as a very rare possible trigger of pericarditis. Most frequently it develops after a latent period or early in case of periprocedural complications. In this report, we present an atypical early onset of pericarditis after the uncomplicated PCI. Case Summary: A 58-year-old man was admitted to the hospital for the PCI of the chronic total occlusion of left anterior descending (LAD) artery. An initial electrocardiogram (ECG) was unremarkable. PCI attempt was unsuccessful. There were no procedure related complications observed at the end of PCI attempt and patient was symptom free. Six hours after interventional procedure the patient complained of severe chest pain. The ECG demonstrated ST-segment elevation in anterior and lateral leads. Troponin I was mildly elevated but coronary angiogram did not reveal impairment of collateral blood flow to the LAD territory. Because of pericarditic chest pain, typical ECG findings and pericardial effusion with elevated C-reactive protein, the diagnosis of acute pericarditis was established, and a course of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was initiated. Chest pain was relieved and ST-segment elevation almost completely returned to baseline after three days of treatment. The patient was discharged in stable condition without chest pain on the fourth day after symptom onset. Conclusions: Acute pericarditis is a rare complication of PCI. Despite the lack of specific clinical manifestation, post-traumatic pericarditis should be considered in patients with symptoms and signs of pericarditis and a prior history of iatrogenic injury or thoracic trauma.
Assessing Bound States in a One-Dimensional Topological Superconductor: Majorana versus Tamm
Authors: Traverso Ziani Niccolò , Vigliotti Lucia , Carrega Matteo , Cavaliere Fabio
Published: May 2021

Majorana bound states in topological superconductors have attracted intense research activity in view of applications in topological quantum computation. However, they are not the only example of topological bound states that can occur in such systems. We here study a model in which both Majorana and Tamm bound states compete. We show both numerically and analytically that, surprisingly, the Tamm state remains partially localized even when the spectrum becomes gapless. Despite this fact, we demonstrate that the Majorana polarization shows a clear transition between the two regimes.
Trojan Horse Treatment Based on Peg-Coated Extracellular Vesicles to Deliver Doxorubicin to Melanoma in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Patras Laura Ioana , Ionescu Aura E. , Munteanu Cristian V. A. , Hajdu Renata , Kosa Andreea C. , Porfire Alina , Licarete Emilia , Rauca Valentin Florian , Sesarman Alina , Luput Lavinia , Bulzu Paul , Chiroi Paul , Tranca Rares A. , Meszaros Marta S , Negrea Giorgiana , Barbu-Tudoran Lucian , Potara Monica , Szedlacsek Stefan S. , Banciu Manuela
Published: May 2021

Tailoring extracellular vesicles (EVs) as targeted drug delivery systems to enhance the therapeutic efficacy showed superior advantage over liposomal therapies. Herein, we developed a novel nanotool for targeting B16.F10 murine melanoma, based on EVs stabilized with Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and loaded with doxorubicin (DOX). Nanosized EVs were efficiently enriched from melanoma cells cultured under metabolic stress by ultrafiltration coupled with size exclusion chromatography (UF-SEC) and characterized by size, morphology, and proteome. To reduce their clearance in vivo, EVs were PEGylated and passively loaded with DOX (PEG-EV-DOX). Our data suggested that the low PEG coverage of EVs might still favor EV surface protein interactions with target proteins from intratumor cells, ensuring their use as “Trojan horses” to deliver DOX to the tumor tissue. Moreover, our results showed a superior antitumor activity of PEG-EV-DOX in B16.F10 murine melanoma models in vitro and in vivo compared to that exerted by clinically applied liposomal DOX in the same tumor model. The PEG-EV-DOX administration in vivo reduced NF-κB activation and increased BAX expression, suggesting better prognosis of EV-based therapy than liposomal DOX treatment. Collectively, our results highlight the promising potential of EVs as optimal tools for systemic delivery of DOX to solid tumors.
Pembelajaran IPA Berbasis Android Video di Masa Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Huda Dian Khoirul
Published: May 2021

Pembelajaran IPA Berbasis Android Video  di Masa Pandemi Covid-19
Strategi PIGELTIK Menuju Sekolah Adiwiyata di SMP Negeri 4 Bobotsari Purbalingga
Authors: Warsono Miswadi
Published: May 2021

Strategi PIGELTIK Menuju Sekolah Adiwiyata  di SMP Negeri 4 Bobotsari Purbalingga
Grounding Pancasila Values as Nusantara Character Building
Authors: Solin Sahala Martua , Hasugian Lisnawati
Published: May 2021

Indonesia is increasingly showing a more civilized humanity through incessant social practices in times of pandemic pressure and natural disasters. Various difficulties experienced by all levels of society have raised the attention of others to help help in locations affected by the economic crisis and losing their jobs. Almost all lines are trying to push the values of Pancasila by the impulse of the cultural conscience of the people's wisdom. It seems that the movement of the ideological spirit by the residents has not yet been realized that the character building of Pancasila values is moving. Therefore, a phenomenological research is needed on the implementation of Pancasila values from government, institutional and community activities as character building. The purpose of this research is to prove that the values of Pancasila are the character of the Nation which is a reflection of National resilience. The research method used is the method of interview and observation to determine the qualitative awareness of understanding the values and their implementation that is being carried out by the community. The findings obtained are that the local community carries out social service activities to reduce the burden of food, clothing, shelter and economic congestion in the family to create psychological and life resilience. The second finding is that the public is increasingly aware of the power of citizen unity driven by the spirit of the Pancasila ideology among pluralist communities. From these findings, it is concluded that the values of Pancasila must be grounded through community coaching / learning activities with the colors of the characters and local wisdom according to the culture of the environment.
The Internalization of Pancasila Values through Ethics and Character Education of Nations (Balinese Social-Cultural Perspective)
Authors: Renawati Pande Wayan
Published: May 2021

Indonesia is a country with a massive cultural diversity in every region. The cultural community certainly has its own characteristics to show their respective traditions with the natural forces of the region both real (sekala) and intangible (niskala). In that case, to live the socio -cultural life is certainly not independent of the procedures, attitudes and ethics when dealing with society. now, ethical attitudes in character seem almost extinct and neglected. This is becoming more viral with the participation of unethical attitudes by young people through youtube content, InstaGram, and other electronic media that have been rapidly developing lately. So it is necessary the role of parents, the role of educators, and the role of the government to be able to filter the food on the media and always direct the students to always improve the values of Pancasila as the basis of being ethical as a moral teaching. In this case, Pancasila will be discussed through ethical education from the point of view of Balinese Theology and Culture.
Augmented Lateral Rectus Muscle Recession for treatment of Infantile Exotropia
Authors: Huang Lijuan , Li Ningdong
Published: May 2021

Background: For the majority of the patients, surgical treatment of primary infantile exotropia (PIE) with large exodeviation angels of more than 50 prism diopters (PD) is not satisfactory. We evaluate the effectiveness of augmented lateral rectus (LR) muscle recession in treatment of congenital exotropia with large deviation angles. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed for 25 patients with congenital exotropia who had at least 60 prism diopters (PD). Augmented LR recession was performed using a hemi hang-back technique. The ocular alignment, ocular motility and binocular vision were evaluated pre- and postoperatively. Results: There were 14 male and 11 female affected individuals with congenital exotropia included in this study, with a mean age of (3.92±2.02) years (range, 1 - 7 years). The average exodeviation angle was (68.0±8.78) PD (range, 60 - 80 PD) preoperatively. All patients underwent bilateral LR recession, of whom 3 patients underwent bilateral inferior oblique muscle transposition in the same operation. The mean surgical dosage was (11.08±1.19) mm for each lateral rectus muclse. All patients did not have abduction deficiency after a large amount of lateral rectus recession. 21 of 25 patients (84.0%) acquired orthophoria at the primary gaze position at the final visit. 13 patients obtained binocular vision. Conclusions: Augmented bilateral LR recession is an effective and safe surgical procedure for treatment of congenital exotropia with large deviation angles.
Comparative analysis of latex transcriptomes reveals the potential mechanisms underlying rubber molecular weight variations between the Hevea brasiliensis clones RRIM600 and Reyan7-33-97
Authors: Xin Shichao , Hua Yuwei , Li Ji , Dai Xuemei , Yang Xianfeng , Udayabhanu Jinu , Huang Huasun , Huang Tiandai
Published: May 2021

Background: The processabilities and mechanical properties of natural rubber depend greatly on its molecular weight (MW) and molecular weight distribution (MWD). However, the mechanisms underlying the regulation of molecular weight during rubber biosynthesis remain unclear. Results: In the present study, we determined the MW and particle size of latex from 1-year-old virgin trees and 30-year-old regularly tapped trees of the Hevea clones Reyan7-33-97 and RRIM600. The results showed that both the MW and the particle size of latex varied between these two clones and increased with tree age. Latex from RRIM600 trees had a smaller average particle size than that from Reyan7-33-97 trees of the same age. In 1-year-old trees, the Reyan7-33-97 latex displayed a slightly higher MW than that of RRIM600, whereas in 30-year-old trees, the RRIM600 latex had a significantly higher MW than the Reyan7-33-97 latex. Comparative analysis of the transcriptome profiles indicated that the average rubber particle size is negatively correlated with the expression levels of rubber particle associated proteins, and that the high-MW traits of latex are closely correlated with the enhanced expression of isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) monomer-generating pathway genes and downstream allylic diphosphate (APP) initiator-consuming non-rubber pathways. By bioinformatics analysis, we further identified a group of transcription factors that potentially regulate the biosynthesis of IPP. Conclusions: Altogether, our results revealed the potential regulatory mechanisms involving gene expression variations in IPP-generating pathways and the non-rubber isoprenoid pathways, which affect the ratios and contents of IPP and APP initiators, resulting in significant rubber MW variations among same-aged trees of the Hevea clones Reyan7-33-97 and RRIM600. Our findings provide a better understanding of rubber biosynthesis and lay the foundation for genetic improvement of rubber quality in H. brasiliensis.
The difference of lipid profiles between psoriasis with arthritis and psoriasis without arthritis and sex-specific downregulation of methotrexate on the apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-1 ratio
Authors: Wang Bing , Deng Hui , Hu Yao , Han Ling , Huang Qiong , Fang Xu , Yang Ke , Wu Siyuan , Zheng Zhizhong , Nikhil Yawalkar , Zhang Zhenghua , Yan Kexiang
Published: May 2021

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) has a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases (CVD), but the mechanism is unclear.Objective: To investigate the effect of MTX on lipid profiles and the difference between psoriasis without arthritis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).Methods: In this prospective study, we recruited 288 psoriatic patients (136 PsA and 152 PsO) who completed 12 weeks of MTX treatment. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), lipoprotein A [LP(a)], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and ApoB were measured.Results: Compared with sex and age-matched healthy controls, psoriatic patients had significantly (p<0.0001) higher levels of proatherogenic lipids and lower levels of anti-atherogenic lipids. PsA patients had a higher ApoB/ApoA1 ratio than PsO patients(p<0.05). Stepwise regression analysis found a positive correlation between the inflammatory marker hCRP and the psoriasis area severiy index (PASI), ApoB/ApoA1 ratio, BMI, and smoking. ApoB was positively associated with concomitant arthritis, diabetes and hypertension. MTX decreased the levels of pro-atherogenic and anti-atherogenic lipids. However, a significant reduction of the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio by MTX was only observed in male patients.Conclusion: PsA patients had a significantly higher percentage of concomitant disease than PsO. The decrease of MTX on CVD might be related with sex.Trial Registration: ChiCTR2000036192
Subcortical Structures and Creative Divergent Thinking: A Resting-State functional MRI Analysis
Authors: Gao Zhenni , Liu Xiaojin , Zhang Delong , Liu Ming , Hao Ning
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to testify whether spontaneous fluctuations in the subcortex contribute to creative divergent thinking. Individuals at high- and low levels of creativity were recruited and the resting-state fMRI data was collected. Seed-wise and dynamic functional connectivity (FC) were used to identify differences between the two groups. The topological properties of the subcortical network were measured, and their relationship with performance of creative divergent thinking was calculated using brain-behaviour correlation analyses. The results revealed higher FC between the putamen, pallidum, and thalamus in high creativity group (HCG) compared to low creativity group (LCG) within the subcortex. Whole-brain FC results showed stronger connection across subcortical (i.e., the thalamus and pallidum) and cerebral regions (i.e., the insula, middle frontal gyrus, and middle temporal gyrus) in HCG compared to LCG. In addition, the subcortical FC demonstrated a positive correlation with performance of creative thinking across the pallidum, putamen, and thalamus. Our findings may provide novel insights into the relationship between creative divergent thinking and the activities of the subcortex. It is likely that not only fronto-striatal dopaminergic pathways, but also “motor” pathways, are involved in creative thinking processing.
Synthesis of Amid-MCM-41-SO3H Electrospun Nanofiber Mat: Candidate for Trapping of Microorganisms
Authors: Golshekan Mostafa , Hemmati Hossein , Ashoobi Mohammad Taghi , Asadi Khatereh
Published: May 2021

In the present study, amid-MCM-41-SO3H nano-composite is fabricated through the electrospinning process, which will a significant step toward air filtration for removal of microrganism from air particularly ICU hospital. The filtration mechanism of the amid-MCM-41-SO3H composite is based on the interaction of nanofiber functionalized group (-SO3H) with surface active groups of lipids and protein of microorganisms such as SARS-CoV-2. For the characterization of the synthesized nano-composite, various instrumentation methods were used. the SEM and TEM showed that the MCM-41- SO3H nanoparticles were uniformly distributed throughout the fiber length. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy confirms with the synthesized Amid-MCM-41-SO3H filter. X-ray Diffractometry (XRD) pattern indicated that the structure of the MCM-41-SO3H composite was well-preserved after modification. These results suggested that the amid-MCM-41-SO3H composite has higher performance in interaction with similar NPs of virus.
Impacts of soil and water conservation measures and slope position on selected soil attributes at a watershed scale
Authors: Retta Melaku Alene , Addis Hailu Kendie , Beyene Tesfaye Feyisa
Published: May 2021

Background: The Ethiopian highlands are affected by soil loss caused by soil erosion resulted in soil properties deterioration. To reverse this, different soil and water conservation (SWC) measures were spatially practiced; however, the effect of SWC and slope gradient on soil properties is not studied well in the area. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of SWC and slope gradient on selected soil physicochemical properties at Dawnt watershed, North-western Ethiopia. The treatments were a combination of four different SWC measures with three slope gradients replicated at three sites. Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from 0-20cm soil depth and physicochemical properties were determined following standard laboratory procedures. Results: The lab results depict that sand, bulk density, moisture, particle density, porosity, pH, organic carbon (OC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), total nitrogen, and available phosphorus were significantly (P<0.05) affected by SWC measures and slope gradient. High OC (2.44%), CEC (45cmol (+) kg-1), and moisture (19.55%) were obtained from Stone-Faced Soil Bund stabilized with Grass (SFSBG) and high available phosphorus (7.83ppm) from Soil Bund (SB) while lower bulk density (1.13gm/cm3) from SFSBG. Additionally, higher clay (41.67%) and moisture (19.81%) and lower bulk density (1.14g/cm3) were obtained from the lower slope. Higher pH (6.75) and OC (2.89%) were recorded at lower slope under SFSBG and lower pH and OC (6.03 and 1.02%) at the upper slope with non-conserved. Soil chemical properties, except available potassium, were increased down the slope.﻿Conclusion: The interactions of slope position and SWC measures affect soil texture; pH, organic carbon, and available phosphorus but do not affect soil bulk density, moisture content, particle density, total porosity, cation exchange capacity, total nitrogen, and available potassium. In generally, the soil properties were improved through integrating conservation practices with multipurpose grass species across the study watershed. Therefore, in the study watershed and other similar agro-ecologies, farmers should use integrated SWC measures to avert the rainfall-driven soil nutrient loss.
Cannabidiol and refractory epilepsy: parental and caregiver perspectives of participation in a compassionate access scheme
Authors: Harte Suzanne , Singh Yeeshu , Malone Stephen , Heussler Helen , Wallace Geoffrey
Published: May 2021

Background The Compassionate Access Scheme (CAS) being delivered through the Queensland Children’s Hospital is designed to allow access to an investigational purified Cannabidiol oral solution to paediatric patients with severe refractory epilepsy. The objectives of this study were to conduct semi-structured interviews to: 1. Understand families’ expectations and attitudes about the use of an investigational cannabinoid product for their child’s seizures; 2. Understand families’ perceptions of Cannabidiol’s efficacy for their child’s seizures; and other aspects of their child’s behaviour, quality of life and/or cognition.Methods Children aged 2-18 years had been enrolled in, or were enrolled in a compassionate access scheme for Cannabidiol at the time of the study. Semi-structured interviews (n=19) with parents or caregivers (n=23) of children diagnosed with refractory epilepsy were voice-recorded, transcribed and analysed to generate common themes.Results Key themes emerged relating to seizure activity, family and school engagement, drug safety and legal access, efficacy, clinical support, social acceptance of the medication and program delivery. The use of Cannabidiol was perceived to have benefits in relation to reducing the severity and frequency of seizure activity for some, but not all patients experiencing refractory epilepsy. For other patients, benefits included improved social engagement, wakefulness and a reduction of side effects related to a reduction of conventional medication dosage.Conclusion This study provided unique perspectives of families’ experiences managing untreatable epilepsy, their experiences with conventional and experimental pharmacological treatments and health services. Whilst families’ perceptions showed the use of Cannabidiol did not provide a therapeutic reduction in the seizure activity for all patients diagnosed with refractory epilepsy, it’s use as an additional pharmacological agent was perceived to provide other benefits by some patient families.
Characterization of Fish Community Structure And Development of An Estuarine Fish Community Index For Temporarily Closed Estuaries (TCEs) From India’s Western Coast
Authors: Bella Kiranya , Sahadevan Pramila , Bhavan Sreekanth Giri , Bijukumar Appukuttannair , Raghavan Rajeev
Published: May 2021

We present for the first-time data on fish assemblage structure for ten temporarily closed estuaries (TCEs) along the western coast of India. Fish community structure differed significantly between TCEs based on species presence/absence, estuarine use and feeding mode - differences based on estuarine surface area and geographical position (northern and southern locations). Marine migrant and freshwater stragglers dominated the ‘fish guilds’ in all estuaries, while piscivores and zoobenthivores were the major feeding guilds. We used the estuarine fish community index (EFCI) and a combined anthropogenic pressure index (CPI) to determine ecological quality of the TCEs. The application of functional guilds and EFCI could represent the use of TCEs by fish communities, and functional similarities existing between fish assemblages of these estuaries, despite considerable taxonomic, physical and chemical differences. Analysis of EFCI indicated that the ecological health of TCEs in south-western India ranges from “poor” to “good”. Through this index, we also established a significant relationship between CPI, EFCI and ecological quality in various TCEs (EFCI = A + (b X CPI)). Thus, the EFCI provides an integrated measure of the ecological status of fish community for TCEs along Indian coast.
Soliton Molecules, Rational Positon Solution and Rogue Waves for the Extended Complex Modified KdV Equation
Authors: Huang Lin , Lv Nannan
Published: May 2021

We consider the integrable extended complex modified Korteweg–de Vries equation, which is generalized modified KdV equation. The first part of the article considers the construction of solutions via the Darboux transformation. We obtain some exact solutions, such as soliton solution, soliton molecules, positon solution, rational positon solution, rational solution, periodic solution and rogue waves solution. The second part of the article analyzes the dynamics of rogue waves. By means of the numerical analysis, under the standard decomposition, we divide the rogue waves into three patterns: fundamental patterns, triangular patterns and ring patterns. For the fundamental patterns, we define the length and width of the rogue waves and discuss the effect of different parameters on rogue waves.
The green thorns of Ulex europaeus play both defensive and photosynthetic roles: consequences for predictions of the Enemy Release Hypothesis
Authors: Medina-Villar Silvia , de Aldana Beatriz R. Vázquez , Méndez Asier Herrero , Pérez-Corona M. Esther , Gianoli Ernesto
Published: May 2021

Ulex europaeus , a thorny shrub native to NW Europe, is one of the worst invasive species worldwide. The mechanisms underlying its invasive success are not completely understood. According to the Enemy Release Hypothesis (ERH), lower pressure by vertebrate herbivores in the invaded areas should lead to lower investment in physical defenses, allowing the plant to invest more in growth and/or reproduction. However, antiherbivore physical defenses in U. europaeus (thorns) are also the main photosynthetic tissue of the plant. Therefore, reduced investment in thorns could compromise growth of Ulex europaeus in the invaded range. We hypothesized that changes in physical defenses of U. europaeus in invaded ranges should reflect reduced effectiveness (e.g., softer, and more palatable tissues) but not reduced biomass allocation. We compared U. europaeus plants from the invaded (Chile) and native (Spain) ranges of distribution regarding: i) spinescence traits (thorn length, width, biomass, slenderness and bending strength) in adult plants, ii) thorn fiber content and digestibility (as proxies for palatability) in adult plants, and iii) spine density in seedlings grown in a common garden. As expected, plants in the invaded range invested more mass in larger thorns, which contained less cellulose, were slenderer and easier to bend than those from plants in the native range. Likewise, seedlings from the invaded range showed lower spine density and more diameter growth, thus supporting the ERH. Our study shows functional changes in spinescence traits between distribution ranges that account for the fact that thorns are both defensive and photosynthetic organs in U. europaeus, and these changes may contribute to explain its invasiveness.
Sub-MHz spectral dip in a resonator-free twisted gain medium
Authors: Choksi Neel , Liu Yi , Ghasemi Rojina , Qian Li
Published: May 2021

Ultra-narrow optical spectral features have broad applications in spectroscopy, slow light, and sensing. Features approaching sub-MHz, or equivalently, Q-factors approaching 1 billion and beyond, are challenging to obtain in solid-state systems, ultimately limited by loss. We present a new paradigm to achieve tunable sub-MHz spectral features at room temperature without resonators. We exploit gain-enhanced polarization pulling in a twisted birefringent medium where polarization eigenmodes are frequency-dependent. Using Brillouin gain in a commercial spun fiber, we experimentally achieve a 0.72 MHz spectral dip, the narrowest backward Brillouin scattering feature ever reported. Further optimization can potentially reduce the linewidth to <0.1 MHz. Our approach is simple and broadly applicable, offering on-demand tunability and high sensitivity, opening a new paradigm for microwave photonic filters, slow light, and optical sensing.
Simultaneous High-Efficiency Removal of Sulfamethoxazole and zinc (II) From Livestock and Poultry Breeding Wastewater by a Novel Dual-Functional Bacterium, Bacillus sp. SDB4
Authors: Chen Xi , Lin Hai , Dong Yingbo , Li Bing , Yin Tingting , Liu Chenjing
Published: May 2021

The complex mixtures of antibiotics and heavy metals are commonly existed in livestock and poultry breeding wastewater. Effective and simultaneous removal of these toxic compounds by microorganisms, especially single strains remains a considerable challenge. In this study, a novel functional strain SDB4, isolated from duck manure and identified as Bacillus sp., has been shown to possess high removal abilities for both sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and Zn2+. The maximum removal efficiency achieved 73.97% for SMX and 84.06% for Zn2+ within 48 h in sole system. It has great potential for eliminating SMX along with Zn2+, 78.45% of SMX and 52.91% of Zn2+ were removed in the 20 mg·L-1 SMX and 100 mg·L-1 Zn2+ binary system. Furthermore, the SMX-biotransformation ability of SDB4 was enhanced at low concentrations of Zn2+ (below 100 mg·L-1). N4-acetyl-SMX was identified as the main stable transformation product during SMX bioremoval. FTIR analyses revealed that OH, NH2, C=O, C-N/N-H and C-O-C played major roles in the biosorption of Zn2+. Our study of the dually functioning strain SDB4 provides a potential application for the simultaneous biological removal of antibiotics and heavy metals.
Nanocurcumin alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress in LPS-induced mastitis model via activation of Nrf2 and suppressing TLR4 mediated NF-κB and HMGB1 signaling pathways
Authors: Lebda Mohamed A. , Elmassry Ingi H. , Taha Nabil M. , Elfeky Mohamed S.
Published: May 2021

Mastitis is a worldwide serious disease of the mammary gland. Curcumin is a pleiotropic polyphenol obtained from turmeric, but it is hydrophobic and rapidly eliminated from the body. However, nanoformulation of curcumin significantly improves its pharmacological activity by enhancing its hydrophobicity and oral bioavailability. Our study aimed to investigate the possible anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of nanocurcumin as a prophylactic against LPS-induced mastitis in rat model; where LPS was extracted from a field strain of Escherichia coli (bovine mastitis isolate). The study was conducted on twenty lactating Wistar female rats divided into four equal groups and the mastitis model was initiated by injection of LPS through the duct of the mammary gland. The results showed that nanocurcumin significantly attenuated the lipid peroxidation (MDA), oxidized glutathione, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-𝛼 and IL-1β) as well as the gene expression of TLR4, NF-κB p65, and HMGB1. Meanwhile, it improved the reduced glutathione level, Nrf2 activity and preserved the normal alveolar architecture. These findings suggested that nanocurcumin supplementation can be a promising potential protective approach for coliform mastitis.
Prevalence of suicidality, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety among female sex workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Millan-Alanis Juan Manuel , Carranza-Navarro Farid , de León-Gutiérrez Humberto , Leyva-Camacho Paloma Calafia , Guerrero-Medrano Andrea Fernanda , Barrera Francisco J , Lopez Elizabeth Garza , Uribe Erasmo Saucedo
Published: May 2021

Purpose: To assess prevalence of suicidality, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety among female sex workers (FSW).Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. Search strategy was performed in MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Ovid and Cochrane Central Database from inception until March 2020. Considered for inclusion were cross-sectional studies performed on FSW that assessed prevalence of any of the following: suicide attempt or suicidal ideation, depression, PTSD, or anxiety. Five reviewers independently and in duplicate to select all eligible articles in an abstract and full-text screening phase and to moreover extract information from each study. A binomial-normal generalized linear mixed model was employed to estimate prevalence of the conditions.Results: From 8,035 studies yielded in the search strategy, 55 were included for analysis. The overall prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt was 27% (95% C.I. 18-39%) and 20% (95% C.I. 13-28%), respectively. Furthermore, overall prevalence of depression and PTSD was 44% (95% C.I. 35-54%) and 29% (95% C.I. 18-44%), respectively. Eleven studies were classified as high quality.Conclusion: Findings indicate there is an overall high prevalence of suicidality, depression, and PTSD among FSW. Development of accessible large-scale interventions that assess mental health among this population remains critical.PROSPERO Registration CRD42020196164
Glycine transporter-1 antagonist provides 1 neuroprotection in vivo
Authors: Bergeron Richard , Cappelli Julia , Khacho Pamela , Wang Boyang , Sokolovski Alexandra , Bakkar Wafae , Raymond Sophie , Ahlskog Nina , Pitney Julian , Wu Junzheng , Chudalayandi Prakash , Wong Adrian
Published: May 2021

Glycine fulfills several roles in biology including protein synthesis, inhibitory transmission via glycine receptor activation and excitatory transmission through glutamate-sensitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Low glycine doses enhance NMDAR function while high doses trigger glycine-induced NMDAR internalization (GINI) in vitro. The physiological relevance of GINI has been questioned given that the high-affinity glycine transporter type 1 (GlyT1), located on astrocytes and neurons, maintains synaptic glycine concentrations far below the level that would saturate the glycine binding site (GBS) on NMDARs. Here, we report evidence that GINI occurs also in vivo and is neuroprotective following ischemic insult. Mice pre-treated with a GlyT1 antagonist (GlyT1-A), which increased glycine levels, exhibited smaller stroke volume, reduced cell death, and minimized behavioural deficits following stroke induction by either photothrombosis or endothelin-1. We demonstrate that in a modified in vitro ischemic paradigm, glycine is released at levels surpassing what occurs during ischemia alone. Therefore, glycine accumulates in the synaptic cleft, enhances occupancy of GBS and reaches the set point to trigger GINI. We report that GINI is observed during stroke, in vivo, only in the presence of a GlyT1-A. Moreover, we show evidence of a protective effect on the vasculature in the peri-infarct area. Therefore, these data strongly suggest that GlyT1 is a therapeutic target to prevent cell death following an ischemic event.