bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of 3D-Printed Hearts Used in Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Wang Xianzhi , Liang Jixiang , Mu Cunfu , Zhang Wenlin , Xue Chunzhu , He Yang , Zhang Gen , Li Dianyuan
Published: January 2022

Objective:The purpose of this research was to explore the application value of a three-dimensional (3D)-printed heart in the operation for left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction. Methods: From August 2019 to October 2021, 46 patients with LVOT obstruction underwent surgical treatment at Peking University International Hospital, Southwest Medical University Affiliated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Guangyuan First People's Hospital. According to the treatment method, 22 cases were allocated to the experimental group and 24 cases to the control group . The operation time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, postoperative ejection fraction (EF), left ventricular flow velocity (LVFV), LVOT pressure difference (LVP), postoperative interventricular septal thickness (IST), inner diameter of the left ventricular outflow tract (IDLV), systolic anterior motion (SAM), atrioventricular block rate, aortic regurgitation (AR) rate and surgical complication rate of the two groups were compared. Results: The operation time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, LVP, postoperative IST, AR, SAM, and postoperative LVFV of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The IDLV was larger than that of the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the postoperative EF, atrioventricular block rate or complication rate between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: A 3D-printed heart model for in vitro simulation surgery is conducive to formulating a more reasonable surgical plan and reducing surgical trauma and operation time, thereby promoting the recovery and maintenance of the heart.
Identification of VCAM1 as a Novel Biomarker in the Immune Microenvironment of Gastric Cancer by Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Jiang Xin , Chen Di , Wang Mengmeng , Xu Yushuang , Qiu Mengjun , Xiong Zhifan
Published: January 2022

Background and Purpose
Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract worldwide and has high morbidity and mortality. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), especially the immune cell infiltration, plays an important role in the progression and prognosis of GC. In this study, we investigated the TIME-related genes and explored their role in the GC immune microenvironment.
Method
We used ssGSEA to assess the immune cell infiltration in 375 patients with GC downloaded from TCGA. Then GC samples were divided into high-, medium-, and low-immune cell infiltration groups by hierarchical clustering. Differentially expressed genes analysis were further proceed between groups to determine TIME-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). By protein interaction network and Cox analysis, the angiogenesis gene was intersected. The results showed that vascular cell adhesion molecular 1 (VCAM1) was the most critical gene. We further analyze the importance of VCAM1 in the progression of GC and its role in the GC microenvironment.
Results
We identified 463 TIME-associated DEGs and found that VCAM1 was involved in development and prognosis of GC. Further analysis revealed that VCAM1 was involved in the regulation of immune, vascular, and metastasis-related signaling pathways. Immuno-correlation analysis showed that VCAM1 expression was associated with various immune infiltrating cells, including macrophages and T cells. In addition, combined with online database prediction analysis, we speculated that VCAM1 expression in GC could be enhanced by AC104211.1 sponge Has-mir-183-5p.
Conclusion
VCAM1 may be involved in the regulation of immune state and angiogenesis in the TIME in GC. This protein could be a promising therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for GC.
Characterization of Subtilosin Gene In Wild Type Bacillus Spp. And Possible Physiological Role
Authors: Alajlani Muaaz Mutaz
Published: January 2022

In a designed study to screen for antimicrobial exhibiting bacteria using molecular aspects, Bacillus species were considered to investigate antibiotic biosynthesis genes. 28 bacterial strains and 3 induced mutants were screened for the presence of subtilosin gene (sbo) and subtilosin through PCR and Mass spectrometry respectively. Sbo gene was detected in 16 out of 28 Bacillus strains. The results from gene sequences deliberated by multiple sequence alignments revealed high-level homology to the sequences of the sbo-alb gene locus of B. subtilis 168 and the other limited reported strains. Hence, this report provided additional strains to support the idea of subtilosin gene predominance amongst Bacillus strains isolated from environment and to find different species containing homologous genes, furthermore the utilization of its conserved region as a means of identifying Bacillus spp. that produce subtilosin. This is the first report to confirm the detection of subtilosin production from B. amyloliquefaciens.
Insight Into Supersonic Combustion Using High-order Simulations
Authors: Kokkinakis Ioannis , Drikakis Dimitris , He Yun-qin , Liang Guo-zhu
Published: January 2022

High-order simulations of supersonic combustion are presented to advance understanding of the complex chemically-reacting flow processes and identify unknown mechanisms of the high-speed combustion process. We have employed 11th-order accurate implicit large-eddy simulations in conjunction with thermochemistry models comprising 20 chemical reactions. We compare the computations with available experiments and discuss the accuracy and uncertainties in both. Jets emanating from above and below the hydrogen plumes influence the combustion process and accuracy of the predictions. The simulations reveal that high temperatures are sustained for a long-distance downstream of the combustion onset. A barycentric map for the Reynolds stresses is employed to analyse the turbulent anisotropy. We correlate the axisymmetric contraction and expansion of turbulence with the interaction of reflected-shock waves with the supersonic combustion hydroxyl production regions. The physics insights presented in this study could potentially lead to more efficient supersonic combustion and scramjet technologies.
Efficient Drilling of Amorphous Alloy Foils Using Low-Energy Long Pulses of a Nd:YAG Laser
Authors: Tsuji Takeshi , Yamamoto Shota , Ikemoto Shun , Hara Hiromasa , Ohta Motoki , Nakamura Daisuke
Published: January 2022

Laser drilling of amorphous alloy foils was conducted using low-energy long-pulses (LP) generated using a Nd:YAG laser. Results showed that LP can drill an amorphous alloy foil more efficiently than a nanosecond pulse (NSP) can: an LP at 1 mJ can open a through-hole on an amorphous alloy foil with 25 mm thickness although single shot NSP at 20 mJ formed a crater with ca. 3 mm depth. From these findings, we infer that the markedly higher drilling efficiency of a low-energy LP than that of NSP is attributable to 1) lower plasma generation by LP than by NSP, and 2) repeated irradiation of the target material by multiple sub-pulses in an LP. Results also demonstrate that low-energy LP drilling is applicable to various metal foils and that the drilling efficiency depends on the metal species.
Solvent Screening, Optimization and Kinetic Parameters of The Biocatalytic Epoxidation Reaction of Beta-Pinene Mediated by Novozym®435
Authors: Martins Gustavo Dos Santos , Staudt Amanda , Sutilli Felipe Korbus , Malafaia Camila Adão Rodrigues , Leal Ivana Correa Ramos
Published: January 2022

Monoterpenes are secondary metabolites widely used in the flavors and fragrance industries and can have their structure altered to enhance their applicability, such as producing epoxides, which are used as synthetic blocks for pharmaceuticals. Epoxides are commonly synthesized by the use of inorganic acids as catalysts, although the acid medium induces epoxide degradation. To overcome these limitations biocatalysis is shown as an alternative, in view that lipases can perform the reaction in a non-acidic medium. Related to, this work aimed to perform the synthesis of beta-Pinene epoxide using Pseudozyma antarctica lipase B (Novozym®435) as biocatalyst and to determine the independent variables that influence the reaction using experimental design tools. Different solvent systems were evaluated for until 72 h, in reactions with molar ratio of 2:2:1 (beta-Pinene, octanoic acid, and urea-hydrogen peroxide - UHP) at 40°C, 250 rpm, and 10%(w/v) of the biocatalyst. Ethyl acetate showed higher conversion (40% in 24 h) into the product without the formation of by-products. The atom economy (AE) was determined using metrics of green chemistry and ethyl acetate proved to have a higher atom economy (67.8%), while the other solvents that used octanoic acid as an acyl donor had 41.3%. In the following reactions, ethyl acetate was maintained as the solvent, while the temperature, molar ratio, and the percentage of the biocatalyst were varied. The increase in the molar ratio (beta-Pinene:UHP, 1:1) and percentage of biocatalyst (20%w/v) resulted in 80% of the product after 3 hof reaction at 40°C. To evaluate the impact of each independent variable, an FFD was performed by varying temperature, molar ratio, stirring, and percentage of enzyme, in one level. All variables were statistically significant, with different rates of impact. Due to this, the same variables were maintained on the CCRD, varying in two levels. The conversion ranged from good to excellent (32 - 93%). The independent variables that influenced the direction were temperature > stirring > molar ratio. In conclusion, the combination of two different tools of experimental design provided the development of an optimized model for beta-Pinene epoxidation, achieving high yields within 3 h.
Exploring the Characterization of biodegradable plastic “polyhyroxybutrate” (PHB) from Bacillus siamensis PHB 01 (MW440618) isolated from termite mound soil of Western Ghats of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
Authors: Mani Subasri , Veu Gomathi , Jackson Kavitha Mary
Published: January 2022

The present study was aimed to explore the characterization of polyhydroxy butrate extracted from the bacterial strain under optimized conditions for the production of bioplastic. Under optimized fermentation conditions, Polyhydroxy butrate (PHB) was extracted and subjected to examine their properties via Thin Layer Chromotogram (TLC), Gas Chromotogram- Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS), Fourier Transform Infrared spectrum (FTIR). The presence of a brown spot in the TLC plate indicates the presence of hydroxylgroup which is similar to the polymer group. GC-MS analysis of extracted PHB shows peaks at the retention time of 3.8, 11.6 which is corresponding to octadecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, butyl -2-ethylester confirms the presence of polymeric nature in the extracted PHB. The absorption bands of FTIR at 1719–1720 cm −1 indicate the presence of C=O group of PHB. The absorption peaks at wave numbers 500-1000 cm -1 , 1055 cm -1 and 1230 cm -1 denotes (OH) group, (C–O) stretch and (C=O) ester group. From these results, it was confirmed that the extracted PHB is having the potential to replace petroleum plastic.
Improvement of Robusta Coffee Aroma with L-leucine Powder
Authors: LEE Kwang-Geun , Jo Ara , Park Hyunbeen , Park Jooyeon , Ha Seungwoo , Kim Yuri
Published: January 2022

L-leucine powder (LP) were added to improve the aroma of Robusta coffee beans. Treatment was a short soaking (M1) or spraying procedure (M2), then LP was added at varying levels up to 3% (w/w). All samples were roasted (240 °C/15 min) and extracted using an espresso machine. Volatile compounds were analysed by solid-phase microextraction−gas chromatography−mass selective detection. Thirty volatile compounds (6 pyrroles, 8 pyrazines, 3 phenols, 9 furans, 2 ketones, 2 aldehydes) were analysed. In 15 coffee samples, the levels of total volatile compounds (based on peak area ratios) ranged from 8.9 (M1-1) to 15.5 (non-treated Robusta: NTR). Robusta coffee has lower levels of bitter aroma compounds when pre-treated with LP. The sum of bitter volatiles (phenols, pyrroles, pyrazines) was lowest in M1-5 (3% LP), M2-1 (1% LP; both dried at 50 °C/15 min) and M2-7 (3% LP, dried at 70 °C/15 min) compared with NTR (p < 0.05).
An analysis of the Gender and Social Determinants of Health in Urban Poor Areas of the Most Populated Cities of Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Khawaja Aftab , Grundy John , Hashmat Lubna , Ahmed Imran , Farrukh Saadia , Bersonda Dexter , Shah Muhammad Akram , Yunus Soofia , Banskota Hari Krishna
Published: January 2022

Background: Recent surveys, studies and reviews have highlighted the impacts of social inequities on access of women and children to health services for women and children in Pakistan. Utilising mixed methods for urban slum profiles, and facility and coverage surveys in 4431 urban poor areas of the top 10 highly populated cities of Pakistan, this paper describes and analyses the complex interactions between economic, social and gender determinants of health care access and considers health policy and program options for addressing them. Results: Findings are classified into six analytic categories of (1) access to health services, (2) female workforce participation, (3) gender friendly health services, (4) access to schools and literacy, (5) social connections, and (6) autonomy of decision making. Out of a national sample of 14,531 children in urban poor areas of 10 cities, the studies found that just over half of the children are fully immunised (54%) and 14% of children had received zero doses of vaccine. There are large shortages of health facilities and female health workforce in the slums, with significant gaps in the quality of health infrastructure, which all serve to limit both demand for, and supply of, health services for women and children. Results demonstrate low availability of schools, low levels of female literacy and autonomy over decision making, limited knowledge of the benefits of vaccination, and few social connections outside the home. All these factors interact and reinforce existing gender norms and low levels of health literacy and service access. Conclusion: The Urban Slum profiles and coverage studies provide an opportunity to introduce gender transformative strategies that include expansion of a female health workforce, development of costed urban health action plans, and an enabling policy environment to support community organisation and more equitable health service delivery access.
Predictive Value of Left Atrial Appendage Functional Parameters on Left Atrial Thrombus or Spontaneous Echo Contrast in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Ma Changsheng , Wang Li , Miao Yuzhu , Fan Jiali , Zhou Bingyuan , Gao Songxia , Zhao Xin , Su Bo , Wang Heng
Published: January 2022

Background: Left atrial appendage (LAA) spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC), sludge and thrombus were associated with a high incidence of thrombus formation and thromboembolic events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). We aim to identify the main echocardiographic parameters associated with LAA SEC or LAA sludge/thrombus in nonvalvular AF patients.Methods and results: 298 patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation were included in the current study between September 2019 and January 2021. Transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal echocardiography were performed before scheduled electrical cardioversion. LA diameter and maximum left atrial appendage area were increased in the LAA SEC group than control group, and were further increased in patients with LAA sludge or thrombus. LAA-EV, LAA-FV, anterior mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) and LAA FAC were lower in the group with LAA SEC than control group, and were further reduced in LAA sludge or thrombus group. Lower LAA FAC and anterior MAPSE were associated with an increased risk of LAA SEC or LAA sludge/thrombus, and LAA FAC and anterior MAPSE showed high accuracy on predicting LAA SEC or LAA sludge/thrombus.Conclusion: Left atrial appendage FAC and anterior MAPSE improves left atrial appendage stasis in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.
CRISPR screens identify gene targets and drug repositioning opportunities at breast cancer risk loci
Authors: Rosenbluh Joseph , Tuano Natasha , Beesley Jonathan , Manning Murray , Shi Wei , Malaver-Ortega Luis , Paynter Jacob , Black Debra , Civitarese Andrew , McCue Karen , Hatzipantelis Aaron , Hillman Kristine , Kaufmann Susanne , Sivakumaran Haran , Polo Jose , Reddel Roger , Band Vimla , French Juliet , Edwards Stacey , Powell David , Chenevix-Trench Georgia
Published: January 2022

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified >200 loci associated with breast cancer (BC) risk. The majority of candidate causal variants (CCVs) are in non-coding regions and likely modulate cancer risk by regulating gene expression. However, pinpointing the exact target of the association and identifying the phenotype it mediates is a major challenge in the interpretation and translation of GWAS. Here, we used pooled CRISPR activation and suppression screens to evaluate predicted GWAS target genes, and to define the cancer phenotypes they mediate. We measured proliferation in 2D, 3D, and in immune-deficient mice, as well as the effect on DNA repair. We performed 60 CRISPR screens and identified 21 genes predicted with high confidence to be GWAS targets that drive a cancer phenotype by driving a proliferation or DNA damage response in breast cells. We validated the regulation of a subset of these genes by BC-risk variants, and show the utility of expression profiling for drug repurposing. We provide a platform for identifying gene targets of risk variants, and present a blueprint of interventions for BC risk reduction and treatment.
Porphyrin tripod as a monomeric building block for guest-induced reversible supramolecular polymerisation
Authors: Lee Hosoowi , Hwang Jun Ho , Lee Dajung , Kim Inhye , Lee Eunji , Jang Woo-Dong
Published: January 2022

Reversible supramolecular polymerisation and depolymerisation of biomacromolecules are common and fundamental phenomena in biological systems, which can be controlled by the selective modification of biomacromolecules through molecular recognition. Herein, a porphyrin tripod (DPZnT) connected through a triazole bridge was prepared as a monomeric building block for guest-induced supramolecular polymerisation. Although the lone pair electrons in triazolic nitrogen potentially bind to the zinc porphyrin units through axial ligation, the intrinsic steric hindrance suppressed the coordination of the triazole bridge to the porphyrin unit in DPZnT. Therefore, DPZnT formed spherical nanoparticles through π-π interactions. The addition of 1,3,5-tris(pyridine-4-yl)benzene (Py3B) caused the guest-induced fibrous supramolecular polymerisation of DPZnT by forming a 1:1 host-guest complex, which was further assembled into a fibrous polymer. Furthermore, addition of Cl− to DPZnT induced the transformation of spherical nanoparticles to fibrous supramolecular polymers. The fibrous supramolecular polymers of DPZnT obtained by adding Py3B or Cl− were depolymerised to their original spherical particles after adding Cu(ClO4)2 or AgNO3, respectively.
A More Complete Story of the Genetic Bases of Resistance to the Rice Hoja Blanca Virus
Authors: Silva Alexander , Montoya María Elker , Quintero Constanza , Cuasquer Juan , Tohme Joe , Graterol Eduardo , Cruz Maribel , Lorieux Mathias
Published: January 2022

Rice hoja blanca is one of the most serious diseases in rice growing areas in tropical Americas. Its causal agent is the Rice hoja blanca virus (RHBV), transmitted by the planthopper Tagosodes orizicolus Müir. Genetic resistance is the most effective and environment-friendly way of controlling the disease. So far, only one major quantitative trait locus (QTL) of Oryza sativa ssp. japonica origin, qHBV4.1, that alters incidence of the virus symptoms in two Colombian cultivars has been reported. This resistance has already started to be broken, stressing the urgent need for diversifying the resistance sources. In the present study we performed a search for new QTLs of O. sativa indica origin associated with RHBV resistance. We used four F2:3 segregating populations derived from indica resistant varieties crossed with a highly susceptible japonica pivot parent. Beside the standard method for measuring disease incidence, we developed a new method based on computer-assisted image processing to determine the affected leaf area (ALA) as a measure of symptoms severity. Based on the disease severity and incidence scores in the F3 families under greenhouse conditions, and SNP genotyping of the F2 individuals, we identified four new indica QTLs for RHBV resistance on rice chromosomes 4, 6 and 11, namely qHBV4.2WAS208, qHBV6.1PTB25, qHBV11.1 and qHBV11.2. We also confirmed the wide-range action of qHBV4.1. Among the five QTLs, qHBV4.1 and qHBV11.1 had the largest effects on incidence and severity, respectively. These results provide a more complete understanding of the genetic bases of RHBV resistance in the cultivated rice gene pool, and can be used to develop marker-aided breeding strategies to improve RHBV resistance. The power of joint- and meta- analyses allowed precise mapping and candidate genes identification, providing the basis for positional cloning of the two major QTLs qHBV4.1 and qHBV11.1.
Treponema Endosymbionts are the Dominant Bacterial Members with Ureolytic Potential in the Gut of the Wood-Feeding Termite, Reticulitermes Hesperus
Authors: Lin Jonathan Y , Huang Laibin , Won Sung J , Rodrigues Jorge L.M.
Published: January 2022

Termites are remarkable for their ability to digest cellulose from wood as their main energy source, but the extremely low nitrogen (N) content of their diet presents a major challenge for N acquisition. Besides the activity of N 2 -fixing bacteria in the gut, the recycling of N from waste products by symbiotic microbes as a complementary N-provisioning mechanism in termites remains poorly understood. In this study, we used a combination of high-throughput amplicon sequencing, quantitative PCR, and cultivation to characterize the microbial community capable of degrading urea, a common waste product, into ammonia in the guts of termites ( Reticulitermes hesperus ) from a wild and laboratory-reared colony. Taxonomic analysis indicated that a majority of the urease ( ureC ) genes in the termite gut (53.0%) matched with a Treponema endosymbiont of gut protists previously found in several other termites, suggesting an important contribution to the nutrition of essential cellulolytic protists. Furthermore, analysis of both the 16S rRNA and ureC amplicons revealed that the laboratory colony had decreased diversity and altered community composition for both prokaryotic and ureolytic microbial communities in the termite gut. Estimation by quantitative PCR showed that microbial ureC genes decreased in abundance in the laboratory-reared colony compared to the wild colony. In addition, most of our cultivated isolates appeared to originate from non-gut environments. Together, our results underscore a more important role for ureolysis by endosymbionts within protists than by free-swimming bacteria in the gut lumen of R. hesperus .
Myogenic Differentiation of Human Myoblasts and Mesenchymal Stromal Stem Cells under GDF11 on Poly-ɛ-Caprolactone-Collagen I-Polyethylene-Nanofibers
Authors: Cai Aijia , Schneider Paul , Zheng Zeng-Ming , Beier Justus P. , Himmler Marcus , Schubert Dirk W. , Weisbach Volker , Horch Raymund E. , Arkudas Andreas
Published: January 2022

Primary myoblasts (Mb) and adipose derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADSC) can be co-cultured and myogenically differentiated in the process of skeletal muscle tissue engineering. Electrospun composite nanofiber scaffolds represent suitable matrices for tissue engineering of skeletal muscle, combining biocompatibility and stability. Although growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) has been proposed as a rejuvenating circulating factor, restoring skeletal muscle function in aging mice, some studies have also described a harming effect of GDF11.Therefore the aim of the study was to analyze the effect of GDF11 on co-cultures of Mb and ADSC on poly-ε-caprolacton (PCL)-collagen I-polyethylene oxide (PEO)-nanofibers.Human Mb were co-cultured with ADSC two-dimensionally (2D) as monolayers or three-dimensionally (3D) on aligned PCL-collagen I-PEO-nanofibers. Differentiation media were either serum-free with or without GDF11, or serum containing as in a conventional differentiation medium. Cell viability was higher after conventional myogenic differentiation compared to serum-free and serum-free + GDF11 differentiation as was creatine kinase activity. Immunofluorescence staining showed myosin heavy chain expression in all groups after 28 days of differentiation. Gene expression of myosin heavy chain (MYH2) increased after serum-free + GDF11 stimulation compared to serum-free stimulation alone. The results of this study show that PCL-collagen I-PEO-nanofibers represent a suitable matrix for 3D myogenic differentiation of Mb and ADSC. In this context, GDF11 seems to promote myogenic differentiation of Mb and ADSC co-cultures compared to serum-free differentiation without any evidence of a harming effect.
Comparison of ICSI and Conventional IVF in Non-Male Factor Patients with Less Than Four Oocytes
Authors: Isikoglu Mete , Ceviren Ayşe Kendirci Kendirci , Çetin Tuğba K , Avci Ayşenur , Aydınuraz Batu K , Akgül Özlem K Karabay , Karaca Mehmet K
Published: January 2022

Background: We aimed to analyse our clinical results for a particular subgroup of patients with poor ovarian response (POR) in order to clarify if lower number of oocytes is a drawback for proceeding to C-IVFMaterials and methods: In this retrospective study, patient files of all couples (#1733) who underwent oocyte retrieval between January 2017 and December 2019 were reviewed and 191 cases diagnosed with non-male factor infertility in which ≤3 cumulus-oocyte-complexes available for fertilisation were analysed. Exclusion criteria were: woman age>42, patients with a history of previous ART trial, prenatal genetic testing cycles and couples undergoing total cryopreservation for any indication. Three groups were constructed depending on the method of fertilisation and on semen quality as follows: IVF non-male factor (Group 1,n=77); ICSI non-male factor (Group 2, n=65); ICSI male factor- ICSI/MF n=49 according to WHO reference values. Main outcome parameters were: fertilisation rate, implantation rate and live birth rate. Results: Fertilisation rate per collected COC was significantly higher in group 1 compared to the other two groups (85,68%, 72,58%, 73,33% respectively, p=0,004). FR per inseminated oocyte also tended to be higher in group 1 but not reaching a statistically significant level. Both techniques yielded similar implantation rates (20,42%, 28,49%, 23,33% respectively, p=0,407) and live birth rates (26,8%, 30,6%, 31,1% respectively, p=0.643).Conclusions: In the presence of normal semen parameters, low egg number is not an indication to perform ICSI. The choice of fertilisation method should be based primarily on semen quality, in combination with the patient’s previous history regardless of the ovarian reserve.
Preparation and Ignition Properties of Tantalum Nitride Thin-Film Energy Transducers
Authors: Ren Xiaoming , Yu Kexin , Xie Ruizhen , Liu Lan , Liu Wei , Cheng Junxia , wu shenjiang
Published: January 2022

Tantalum nitride (TaN) has excellent electrical properties that can be used as an energy transducer in the ignition field. In this study, TaN film transducers with different bridge parameters were designed and fabricated in an attempt to reduce its energy consumption. The ignition sensitivity of the film transducers was tested using the Langley method. The results revealed that the ignition voltage is the lowest when the thickness of the film is 0.9 µm. If the thickness and length of the bridge film are fixed, the ignition voltage of the transducer first decreases and then increases with the width of the bridge film increases. When the thickness and width of the bridge film are fixed, the ignition voltage of the transducer is first decrease and then increase with the length of the bridge film increases. We also evaluated the ignition mechanism of TaN film transducers. By comparing the performance of TaN, semiconductor bridge (SCB), and nickel–chromium (Ni–Cr) film transducers, the TaN and SCB transducers are proven to have similar ignition performances, which are better than the Ni–Cr transducer. The negative temperature coefficient of TaN and the positive feedback after the initial electrothermal ignition promoted the growth and strengthening of plasma in the bridge film, allowing the medicament to ignite quickly. When the feasibility of the process and the influence of the bridge film parameters on ignition sensitivity are considered, the preferred design parameters of the transducer are a thickness of 0.9 µm and a bridge film size of 0.3 mm×0.3 mm. This study shows that TaN can be utilized as a high-performance transducer.
Open landfill site and threat to the proximity resident’s: Addressing perceived consequences of unscientific solid waste dumping using GIS techniques
Authors: Roy Subham , Bose Arghadeep , Basak Debanjan , Chowdhury Indrajit Roy
Published: January 2022

Municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal is a rapidly expanding sector that caters to the rising demand for disposal facilities; as a result, MSW treatment is becoming a significant challenge in concern to environmental and public health. The by-products of solid waste dumped in landfills have negative consequences on the environment and people living near disposal sites. This research aimed to assess whether the disposal of garbage in landfills affected the people who live near them. Consequently, residents living near MSW disposal facilities are exposed to various risks. A systematic questionnaire was devised and disseminated in this research to examine the adjacent people's concerns and attitudes around the landfill of the rapidly expanding Siliguri city of West Bengal. It was accomplished by assessing the opinions of persons living within the 1000m of the landfill site and how it impacts their life. The novelty of the research includes geographical analysis of physical impressions, including odour nuisance, breathing problems, impacts of flies and mosquitoes, water contamination, issues due to illegal burning, and health-related problems, which was conducted using geographic information system methodologies. Besides, the Landfill satisfaction index (LSI) tool was used to assess the perception of the people residing near the landfill. Also, to statistically validate the perception of the people related to the impact of landfills on their life, gamma coefficient (y) test of Goodman-Kruskal was applied. The findings reveal that the majority of the respondent within 600m are more susceptible to various risks due to unscientific landfill. Subsequently, a large portion of the responding sample was aware of the detrimental effects of landfills on the health and environment, therefore, individuals living near the dump yard preferred to live farther away. The findings also reveal that geographical proximity has a clear relationship between respondent perception and distance to the landfill. The study concludes with a discussion on how the research results may be beneficial for designing landfill sites and can be utilized by urban planners, environmentalists, and engineers.
Exploring Yak (Bos grunniens) Rumen Bacterial and Fungal Communities from 5 Days after Birth to Adulthood
Authors: Yang Shuli , Zhang Guangrong , Deng Mingyue , Sun Liyuan , He Shichun , Mao Huaming , Wu Dongwang
Published: January 2022

The gut microbial community of mammals, especially ruminants, plays an important role at different ages of the host. Ruminants have a unique compartment in their digestive tract; the rumen, comprising microorganisms that can effectively decompose plant fibers for the host to transform into milk and for growth and development, which is important for meat production. Colonization of rumen microorganisms is closely related to host developmental stage and affects host performance production. There is little information regarding initial colonization and subsequent changes of the rumen microbial population in wild grazing animals, from birth to adulthood. This study investigated the rumen bacterial and fungal populations of grazing yaks in five experimental groups, ranging from a few days after birth to adulthood using amplicon sequencing. Results indicated that rumen microbial communities of these yaks undergo a gradual change from 5 to 180 days after birth, with the bacterial and fungal diversity stabilizing at the age of 2 years. Additionally, Ruminococcus was detected in 5-day-old yak rumens, with a high percentage of Penicillium and other microbial species are important for normal rumen function detected in the adult rumen. The changes to the yak rumen microbial community after birth were reflected in the increased anaerobic fiber degradation group, and decreased aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria. Microbial diversity and abundance in the yak rumen increased with age. Rumen microbial composition of 6-month and 2-year-old yaks had obvious homogeneity. There were some differences in dominant rumen microorganisms among the different age groups. Further studies are required to confirm the functions of these differential and dominant microorganisms in each age group.
Malonic Acid-Type Fullerene Derivatives Strongly Inhibit The SARS-Cov-2 Main Protease
Authors: Katagishi Daiki , Yasuda Daisuke , Takahashi Kyoko , Nakamura Shigeo , Mashino Tadahiko , Ohe Tomoyuki
Published: January 2022

COVID-19 is a disease that is causing a global pandemic. There is an urgent need to develop new drugs to treat it. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory activities of a series of fullerene derivatives against the main protease of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. As a result, it was found that the malonic acid-type fullerene derivatives showed strong inhibitory activities.
Application of magnetic method to characterize Abaya campus building site, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Mulualem Abraham
Published: January 2022

A geophysical survey involving magnetic method is conducted using ENVI-MAG proton precision magnetometer. The study is carried out with the aim of identifying the possible geological structures which may responsible for the failure of engineering structures. Three traverses having east –west orientation with a ten meters profile spacing and a readings station spacing and one traverse across the three traverses and randomly collected magnetic data were used. At each station three readings were taken and averaged out in order to increase the accuracy of data and diurnal and geomagnetic corrections were made. With the corrected data different anomalous maps were produced like total magnetic field anomaly map, residual magnetic anomaly map and analytical signal map using Oasis montaji6.4 software for further interpretation. The result of this research has shown that the area is affected by different geological structures which may be the cause for the crack and the failure of the building in the area.
The GCDM Model
Authors: Johnson Martin Reid
Published: January 2022

A model for the reduction in Universal density over time, the “GCDM” model, is derived using gas thermodynamics with z = 1089 as the starting point. In the GCDM model, the Universe is pushing itself apart with internal gas pressure. A simple three-term Hubble expression HG is derived and found to be independent, or zero-order, in temperature and molecular weight of the gas. Isoentropic expansion of the gas at any z yields an entropic energy term which is modified to include energetic electrons, derived in turn from high-energy photons. These electrons are proposed as the source of the “dark energy” term found in the ΛCDM model.
A 12-month Randomised Pilot Trial of the Alzheimer’s and Music Therapy Study: A Feasibility Assessment of Music Therapy and Physical Activity in Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Matziorinis Anna Maria , Flo Birthe Kristin , Skouras Stavros , Dahle Kathrine , Sudmann Tobba Therkildsen , Gold Christian , Koelsch Stefan
Published: January 2022

Background: The Alzheimer’s and Music Therapy (ALMUTH) study is the first randomised controlled trial (RCT) design with 12 months of active non-pharmacological therapy (NPT) implementing music therapy (MT) and physical activity (PA) for participants with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The aim of the present article is to retrospectively examine the inclusion of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s Disease patients into the main ALMUTH study protocol and to determine if continued inclusion of AD patients is warranted. Methods: The randomised pilot trial was conducted as a parallel three-arm RCT, reflecting the experimental design of the ALMUTH study. The trial was conducted in Bergen, Norway and randomisation (1:1:1) was performed by an external researcher. The study was open label and the experimental design features two active NPTs: MT and PA, and a passive control (no intervention, CON) in Norwegian speaking patients with AD who still live at home and could provide informed consent. Sessions were offered one time per week (up to 90 minutes) up to 40 sessions over the period of 12 months. Baseline and follow-up tests included a full neuropsychological test battery and three magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements (structural, functional, and diffusion weighted imaging). Feasibility outcomes were assessed and were determined as feasible if they met the target criteria. Results: 18 participants with a diagnosis of mild-to-moderate AD were screened, randomised, and tested at baseline and after a 12-month follow-up interval. Participants were divided into three groups: MT (n=6), PA (n=6), and CON (n=6). Results of the study revealed that the ALMUTH protocol in patients with AD is not feasible. Adherence to protocol was poor (50% attended sessions), the presence of 50% attrition rates, 50% retention rates, insufficient and costly recruitment, issues with study fidelity, and many issues raised by staff. Recruitment status is still ongoing and the main study has been expanded to include milder forms of memory impairment. No adverse events were reported by the patients or their caregivers. Conclusions: The pilot trial was not deemed feasible in patients exclusively with AD. To mitigate this, the ALMUTH study has expanded the recruitment criteria to include participants with milder forms of memory impairment (pre-AD) in addition to expanding the neuropsychological test battery. The ALMUTH study is currently ongoing. Trial Registration: Norsk Forskningsråd (NFR) funded. Regional Committees for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REC-WEST: reference number 2018/206). ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03444181 (registered retrospectively 23 February 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03444181).
Graviton in condensed photon sea
Authors: LEE JONG HOON
Published: January 2022

The ground-based device simulates the graviton explosion between gravity and magnetic seas. Trapped graviton was set to behave as free relativistic quantum particles, making it possible to induce magnetic fields as a function of time in the space Hieut (H). Our result is grounded on rigorous proof based on the photon sea for different initial superpositions of positive- negative-graviton spinor states. This explains that the interactive inducing protocol can be used to test the ability of the magnetic field not to communicate but to explode with relativistic quantum gravity.
Appraisal of hydro-ecology, geomorphology, and sediment behavior during low and high floods in the Lower Indus River Estuary
Authors: Boota Muhammad Waseem , Yan Chaode , Soomro Shan-e-hyder , Li Ziwei , Zohaib Muhammad , Ijaz Muhammad Wajid , Yousaf Ayesha , Zafar Muhammad Awais
Published: January 2022

The riverine ecosystem is reliant on freshwater; however, morphological changes and sediment load destabilize the natural river system which deteriorates the ecology and geomorphology of the river ecosystem. The Lower Indus River Estuary (LIRE) geomorphological response was synthesized using satellite imagery (1986–2020) and evaluated against the field measurements. The estuary sinuosity index has an increasing trend from 1.84 (1986) to 1.92 (2020) and the estuary water area is increased from 101.41 km2 (1986) to 110.24 km2 (2020). The sediment load investigation at Kotri barrage indicated that the median size of bed material samples during the low-flow period falls between 0.100 and 0.203 mm and the bed material after the high flow has clay and silt (<0.0623 mm) ranging from 17–95% of the total weight of samples. The vegetated land loss on the banks is positively correlated with the peak runoff at Kotri barrage (r2=0.92). The bank erosion was computed with high precision (r2=0.84) based on an improved connection of the coefficient of erodibility and excess shear stress technique. This study will be helpful for policymakers to estimate the ecological health of LIRE, and sediment fluxes play an essential role in the mega-delta system and coastal management.
Antibacterial effect of TiO2 modified with poly-amidoamine dendrimer – G3 on S. aureus and E. coli in aqueous solutions
Authors: Matboo Soudabeh Alizadeh , Nazari Shahram , Niapour Ali , Niri Mehdi Vosoughi , Asgari Esrafil , Mokhtari Seyyed Ahmad
Published: January 2022

This study investigated bacterial removal using TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) modified with poly-amidoamine dendrimer macromolecule (PAMAM, G3). The PAMAM G3/TiO2 (nanohybrid) was used to specify antibacterial properties via broth microdilution (MBC-Minimum Bactericidal Concentration and MIC-Minimum Inhibitory Concentration-determination), paper disc diffusion, and surface plate count methods. The nanohybrid was characterized via the different techniques. The effects of different factors including initial bacteria count, run time, solution pH, and the nanohybrid concentration were studied. The nanohybrid cytotoxicity was studied on AGS and MKN45 cells line by MTT assay. It was revealed that the nanohybrid was effective in intercepting both bacterial strains growth. The MIC value for S. aureus and E. coli were determined to be 4 and 2 μg/mL, respectively. The MBC value for both strains were calculated to be 32 μg/mL. The results showed removal efficiency of 100% for S. aureus and E. coli bacteria in optimum situation. The decrease in cell viability in the dosage of 32 μg/mL after 72 h treatment for AGS and MKN45 cells line were shown to be 6.2 and 4.6%, respectively. The nanohybrid was able to decrease the S. aureus and E. coli count in solution, which meets the drinking water criterions aligned with WHO guidelines.
Pedagogia chrześcijańskiej służby Bogu, bliźnim i ojczyźnie kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego
Authors: Śliwerski Bogusław
Published: January 2022

Przedmiotem analizy są zawarte w dziennikach kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego poglądy na temat chrześcijańskiej służby Bogu, bliźnim i ojczyźnie z punktu widzenia czasu jego życia i działalności oraz ich ponadczasowej aktualności. Zwrócenie uwagi na socjalizacyjne oraz społeczno-polityczne źródła i głębię mądrości Prymasa Tysiąclecia pozwala na zrozumienie uwikłania jego życia w złożoność konfliktów społeczno-politycznych w dziejach powojennej Polski. Jest to zarazem szansa na przywrócenie w dyskursie naukowym roli chrześcijańskiej pedagogiki i nauczania społecznego Kościoła katolickiego w świetle ustawicznie eksponowanych przez zmieniające się siły politycznej władzy różnice światopoglądowe obywateli oraz potrzeby budowania jedności państwa dla dobra wspólnego. Konieczna jest refleksja na temat skutków sporów politycznych, w które uwikłana jest także pedagogika i praktyka wychowawcza różnych środowisk społecznych.
Reakcje fizjologiczne i behawioralno-poznawcze dzieci w młodszym wieku szkolnym w sytuacjach stresowych
Authors: Cywińska Małgorzata
Published: January 2022

Stres i związane z nim negatywne emocje wywołują określone reakcje fizjologiczne i behawioralno-poznawcze u jednostek, rzutujące na ich funkcjonowanie w różnych obszarach życia. W artykule - na podstawie badań własnych  analiza tychże reakcji została odniesiona do dzieci w młodszym wieku szkolnym: uczniów trzecich klas szkoły podstawowej, ich matek oraz nauczycieli i wkomponowana w kontekst środowiska rodzinnego, szkolnego i rówieśniczego wspomnianych dzieci.
Psychoterapia w szkole? Dylematy w kontekście pandemii COVID-19
Authors: Gulczyńska Anna
Published: January 2022

Celem artykułu jest udzielenie odpowiedzi na pytanie, dlaczego szkoła nie jest miejscem, w którym powinno prowadzić się psychoterapię. Podjęcie tego tematu wydaje się być szczególnie istotne w momencie wzrostu zapotrzebowania na specjalistyczną pomoc – świadczoną przez szkołę, a dedykowaną uczniom, w kontekście pandemii COVID-19. Artykuł może wypełnić pewną lukę w polskojęzycznej literaturze przedmiotu, ponieważ aktualnie brak jest prac o tym temacie. W pierwszej kolejności przedstawiono podstawowe dane związane ze zmianami, jakie w zakresie zdrowia psychicznego w grupie dzieci i młodzieży spowodowała pandemia. W dalszej części zaprezentowano specyfikę procesu psychoterapii, z uwzględnieniem definicji naukowych. Następnie wskazano, dlaczego w szkole nie należy prowadzić psychoterapii, a nawet jej podejmowanie byłoby szkodliwe dla uczniów. W ostatniej części przestawiono krótki zarys proponowanych form wsparcia, stanowiący pewne dopełnienie pracy. W artykule tym, co jest zgodne z literaturą przedmiotu, słowa psychoterapia i terapia traktowane są zamiennie.
Enneagram w pracy koordynatora rodzinnej pieczy zastępczej
Authors: Franc Małgorzata
Published: January 2022

Nad prawidłowością funkcjonowania rodziny zastępczej czuwa koordynator rodzinnej pieczy zastępczej. Poprzez wizyty w środowisku społecznym i kontakty z przedstawicielami środowiska wychowawczego dziecka (wychowanka) koordynator – zgodnie z ideą metody indywidualnych przypadków – diagnozuje problemy rodziny zastępczej i dziecka w niej umieszczonego, sporządza plan pomocy dziecka oraz pracuje z danym dzieckiem. Z myślą o podniesieniu efektywności pomocy dzieciom i rodzinom zastępczym w realizacji ich zadań wychowawczych wobec małoletnich oraz podniesieniu poziomu świadomości dziecka (wychowanka) w zakresie radzenia sobie z własnymi problemami metodę indywidualnych przypadków (etap: praca z przypadkiem) wzbogacono metodą Enneagramu.