bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Safety of Low-Dose Prasugrel Versus Clopidogrel in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome or Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wonngsalap Yuttana , Ungsriwong Supakorn , Kumtepm Wanalee , Saokaew Surasak , Senthong Vichai , Kengkla Kirati
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To assess the efficacy and safety of prasugrel at low doses compared to clopidogrel by looking at the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and major bleeding in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies assessing efficacy and safety of low-dose prasugrel versus clopidogrel in patients with ACS or undergoing PCI up to May 22, 2020. We did a meta-analysis using a random-effects model to estimate relative risks (RRs). The primary efficacy and safety endpoints were MACE and major bleeding, respectively.
Results

Six RCTs (n = 6,131) and six observational studies (n = 31,426) were included. There was no MACE reduction in patients receiving low-dose prasugrel compared with those receiving clopidogrel (RR 1.02, 95%CI 0.91 to 1.14), but there was an increased risk of major bleeding (RR 1.35, 95%CI 1.10 to 1.67).
Conclusions

Low-dose prasugrel yields no increase in efficacy when compared with clopidogrel, but it does expose patients to an increased risk of bleeding. Most studies considered here were conducted in Japan. Studies conducted with non-Asian patients may find that low-dose prasugrel offers a more favorable efficacy and risk profile. Considering the results of this analysis we believe low-dose prasugrel should be prescribed with extreme caution as it may result in bleeding events without any additional benefit over clopidogrel.
Prognostic factors for ovarian metastases in colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Chen Chao , Wang Da , Ge Xiaoxu , Wang Jian , Huang Yuhuai , Ling Tianyi , Jin Tian , Yang Jinhua , Wang Fengping , Wu Weihong , Sun Lifeng
Published: March 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze prognostic factors for ovarian metastases (OM) in colorectal cancer (CRC) using data from a Chinese center. In addition, the study aimed at developing a new clinical scoring system for prognosis of OS of CRC patients after surgery. Patients and methods: Data of CRC patients with OM were collected from a single Chinese institution (n = 67). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate cumulative survival of patients. Factors associated with prognosis of overall survival (OS) were explored using Cox’s proportional hazard regression models. A scoring system for determine effectiveness of prognosis was developed.Results: Median OS values for patients with or without surgery were 22 and 7 months, respectively. Size of OM, number of OM, Peritoneal Metastasis (PM), Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI), completeness of cytoreduction (CC) were associated with OS of patients through univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis using a Cox regression model showed that only CC was an independent predictor for OS. Three variables, (the size of OM >15cm, PCI ≥ 10, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) >40 ng/mL) assigned one point each were used to develop a risk score. The resulting score was used for prognosis of OS.Conclusion: Surgical treatment of metastatic sites is effective and safe for CRC patients with OM. CC-0 is recommended for improved prognosis. The scoring system developed in this study is effective for prediction of OS of patients after surgery.
Efficient photodegradation of Azucryl Red by copper doped TiO2 nanoparticles – Experimental and modelling studies
Authors: Kerrami Ahmed , Khezami Lotfi , Bououdina Mohamed , Mahtout Laila , Modwi Abueliz , Rabhi Souhila , Bensouici Faycal , Belkacemi Hayet
Published: March 2021

This work aims to investigate the effect of copper doping on the photocatalysis performance of TiO2 nanoparticles for disposal wastewater from organic pollutants. X-ray diffraction analysis manifests the crystallization of a rutile phase for pure and copper-doped TiO2 except for 2% resulting in a rutile-to-anatase phase transformation. The crystallite size is found less affected by Cu doping; i.e. ~30 nm. BET analysis indicates a decrease in the specific surface area as the doping loading increases. Scanning electron microscopy observations reveal spherical particles at the nanometer range for pure TiO2 then larger agglomerates of ultrafine particles with Cu doping. FTIR analysis notifies the existence of hydroxyl groups that will promote the photocatalysis process. The photodegradation of Azucryl Red (AR) has been investigated under different conditions; i.e., Cu-loading, initial concentration of AR, and pH. The kinetics of the photodegradation process is further found to comply with the Lagergren kinetic law, regardless the experimental conditions. Nevertheless, the photodegradation process is not only controlled by the intra-particle diffusion mechanism, but also by mass transfer through a liquid film boundary. The maximum degradation of AR, i.e. 86%, has been achieved at pH = 5.0 during 60 minutes of contact time for the 2% Cu-doping, with effective regeneration. The Freundlich model exhibits a better fitting for AR dye photodegradation equilibrium data, compared to Langmuir, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich.
Full Spectrum EEG Response to Eyes Open Versus Eyes Closed in Children and The Development of The Alpha Rhythm
Authors: Isler Joseph R. , Pini Nicolo , Lucchini Maristella , Shuffrey Lauren C. , Morales Santiago , Bowers Maureen E. , Leach Stephanie C. , Condon Carmen , Nugent J. D. , Elliot Amy J. , Friedrich Christa , Andrew Rebecca , Fox Nathan A. , Myers Michael M. , Fifer William P.
Published: March 2021

This report examines spectrum-wide (1 to 100 Hz) differences in electroencephalogram (EEG) power between eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions in children. A high density (60 electrode) system was used to measure EEG power at 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11 years of age. Results showed spatial and frequency band differences as a function of age. Specifically, 1) the alpha peak shifts from 8 Hz at 4 years to 9 Hz at 11 years, 2) EC results in increased power at lower frequencies but decreased power at higher frequencies for all ages, 3) the sign change for the difference between EO and EC occurs in a narrow band of frequencies which changes across childhood, 4) at 4 and 5 years, EC increases lower frequency power most prominently over posterior regions; 5) in contrast, at all ages, EC decreases power above 30 Hz most prominently over anterior regions. These results extend previous findings to show EO/EC differences in higher frequencies and to the presence of developmental changes across childhood. This report demonstrates that the simple EO/EC task can provide important information about maturation of brain states and can be done with a very brief, minimal protocol.
Optimization of Expression, Purification and Secretion of Functional Recombinant Human Growth Hormone in Prokaryotic Hosts Using Modified Staphylococcal Protein A Signal Peptide
Authors: Rigi Garshasb , Rostami Amin , Ghomi Habib , Ahmadian Gholamreza , Mirbagheri Vasiqe Sadat , Jeiranikhamenh Meisam , Vahed Majid , Rahimi Sahel
Published: March 2021

Background: Human Growth Hormone (hGH) is a glycoprotein released from the pituitary gland. Due to the wide range of effects in humans, any disruption in hGH secretion could have serious consequences. This highlights the clinical importance of hGH production in the treatment of different diseases associated with a deficiency of this hormone. The production of recombinant mature hormone in suitable hosts and secretion of this therapeutic protein into the extracellular space can be considered as one of the best cost-effective approaches not only to obtain the active form of the protein but also endotoxin-free preparation. Since the natural growth hormone signal peptide is of eukaryotic origin and is not detectable by any of the E. coli secretory systems, including Sec and Tat, and is therefore unable to secrete hGH in the prokaryotic systems, designing a new and efficient signal peptide is essential to direct hGh to the extracellular space. Results: In this study, using a combination of the bioinformatics design and molecular genetics, the protein A signal peptide from Staphylococcus aureus was modified, redesigned and then fused to the mature hGH coding region. The recombinant hGH was then expressed in E. coli and successfully secreted to the medium through the Sec pathway. Secretion of the hGH into the medium was verified using SDS-PAGE and western blot analysis. Recombinant hGH was then expressed in E. coli and successfully secreted into cell culture medium via the Sec pathway. The secretion of hGH into the extracellular medium was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. Furthermore, the addition of glycine was shown to improve hGH secretion onto the culture medium. Equations for determining the optimal conditions were also determined. Functional hGH analysis using an ELISA-based method confirmed that the ratio of the active form of secreted hGH to the inactive form in the periplasm is higher than this ratio in the cytoplasm.Conclusions: Since the native signal protein peptide of S. aureus protein A was not able to deliver hGH to the extracellular space, it was modified using bioinformatics tools and fused to the n-terminal region of hGh to show that the redesigned signal peptide was functional.
Diversity and Antibiotic Resistance of Aeromonas in Inflow and Outflow Water in Carp Ponds
Authors: Perliński Piotr , Mudryk Zbigniew Jan , Zdanowicz Marta
Published: March 2021

The diversity and antibiotic resistance of the genus Aeromonas were studied in the inflow region and outflow region in three carp ponds of a commercial fish farm. The collected data indicated that the abundance of Aeromonas differed among the research water basins, regions and seasons. The results of the present study showed that Aeromonas inhabiting the water of the studied ponds strongly differed in the resistance level to tested antibiotics. This genus of bacteria was the most resistant to amoxicillin, ampicillin, clindamycin and penicillin and susceptible to streptomycin. The Aeromonas bacteria inhabiting the inflow were more resistant to tested antibiotics than those inhabiting the outflow of the studied ponds. Results of this study showed that multiple antibiotic resistance was observed among Aeromonas isolated from studied water basins which indicates the pollution of this environment with antibiotic substances. Aeromonas inhabiting the inflow and outflow regions of studied three carp ponds show different level resistence to antibiotics belonging to the different classes.
Understanding sources and processes using chemistry of fine and coarse particles simultaneously collected from different windward locations in N-NW India
Authors: Kumar Sushil , Yadav Sudesh
Published: March 2021

PM2.5and PM2.5-10 particles, simultaneously collected from Bikaner (BKR) and New Delhi (DEL) through Jhunjhunu (JHJ) located along S-SW wind pathduring summer in N-NW India were chemically characterized to understand their sourcesand related processes.Winds preferentially picked and trasnported PM2.5 compared to PM2.5-10 in windward direction. Ratios of mass concentrations and WSII in PM2.5 and PM2.5-10 were three or more at all sites. Thermal power plants, vehicles, and plastic burning were major contributors of SO42-, NO3- and Cl- ionsat DEL. Crustal materials, salt lakes/playas and contaminated aged particles were sources of WSIIs in PM2.5 over BKR and JHJ. In PM2.5, burning of wood and cow dung resulted in high OC/EC ratio (6.9) at BKR whereas EC emissions from vehicles lowered this ratio (3.5) at DEL. EC was dominated by char-EC compared to soot-EC. Major elements showed similar concentrations in both size particles but were depleted compared to Upper Continental Crustal (UCC) due to silica dilution effect. Ba and Sr, and Ba, Cr, Sr and Zn content showed site specific variations in PM2.5 and PM2.5-10, respectively. Trace elements in PM2.5 showed high enrichment compared to UCC at DEL due to re-suspension of roadside dust and vehicle related emissions.
How Important Is Income in Explaining Avoidance of Care Due to Cost-Sharing Payments? Results From a Mixed Methods Sequential Explanatory Study.
Authors: Salampessy Benjamin H. , Portrait France R.M. , Donker Marianne , Ismail Ismail , Hijden Eric J.E.
Published: March 2021

Background

The avoidance of healthcare by patients because of the costs involved has become more prevalent in recent years. Certain patient characteristics, such as income, are known to be associated with a stronger demand-response to cost-sharing. In this study, we first assess the relative importance of patient characteristics with regard to the avoidance of healthcare due to cost-sharing payments, and then employ qualitative methods in order to understand these findings better.
Methods

Survey data was collected from a Dutch panel of frequent users of healthcare. Logistic regression models and dominance analyses were performed to assess the relative importance of patient characteristics with regard to the avoidance, i.e., personal characteristics, health, skills and financial situation. Semi-structured interviews (n = 5) were conducted with those who had avoided healthcare. The verbatim transcribed interviews were thematically analyzed.
Results

Of the 7,339 respondents who completed the questionnaire, 1,048 respondents (14.3%) had avoided healthcare because of the deductible requirement. Dominance analyses revealed that an individual’s financial leeway contributed the most (34.8%) to the model’s overall McFadden’s pseudo-R2 (i.e., 0.12), followed by income (25.6%), age (19.6%) and sense of mastery (8.9%). Similar results were observed in stratified models and in population weighted models. Qualitative analyses distinguished four main themes: (1) the financial reasons and (2) personal considerations that affected the decision whether to use healthcare, (3) the perceived uncertainty in payments due to the complex design of cost-sharing programs, and (4) whether the use of healthcare was perceived as compulsory. Furthermore, ‘avoidance of healthcare’ seemed to have a negative connotation.
Conclusion

Our findings show that avoidance of healthcare depends on various factors including income, and imply that focusing solely on lowering cost-sharing payments for certain individuals will only partly reduce this avoidance. Our study underlines the need for a broader perspective in the design of cost-sharing programs.
Is Cardiopulmonary Bypass Standby Still Required for Laser Lead Extractions?
Authors: Volk Lindsay , Verghis Nina , Ikegami Hirohisa , Takebe Manabu , Russo Mark J. , Lee Leonard Y. , lemaire anthony
Published: March 2021

Objective: Over the last two decades there has been an increase in the number of cardiac implantable electronic devices and consequently, there has also been an increased need for lead extractions. Fibrotic attachments develop between the lead and the venous and cardiac structures that may require the use of a laser to mobilize the lead. Cardiothoracic surgeons (CTS) have traditionally provided backup for surgical emergencies for these extractions. This study evaluates the surgical outcomes of patients undergoing transvenous laser lead extractions (TLE) and determines if CTS are still needed for backup.Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing laser lead extractions at a single academic center. Lead extractions using only laser sheaths were analyzed. The clinical characteristics, complications, and mortality of the patients were evaluated.Results: One hundred and twenty-one patients underwent TLEs from January 1st, 2014 to December 31st, 2018. The majority were male (N=80, 66.1%), and the average age was 66.48 ± 14 years. The indication for removal was either laser lead malfunction or infection. A total of 30 patients (24.8%) had complications postoperatively including wound hematomas, superficial infections, and arrhythmias. The average length of stay was 9±12 for all the patients in the study. 2 patients (1.6%) had injuries that required emergency surgical repair with injuries to the posterior superior vena cava and right ventricle. Both patients survived the initial injury with one patient was discharged home on day 4 and the other succumbing to his injuries on postoperative day 20.Conclusion: Although the incidence of surgical emergencies is rare the morbidity and mortality for TLE require that surgical backup be available.
Design and Analysis of an Industrial, Progressive Die for Cutting and Forming
Authors: Skampardonis Nikolaos , TSIRKAS SOTIRIOS , Grammatikopoulos Spyridon
Published: March 2021

Nowadays, many components which were earlier cast or machined have now been replaced by steel metal stampings. Material economy and the resultant reduction in weight and cost, high productivity and a high degree of possible precision have made press-work essential for many mass-produced products such as electronic appliances, utensils and car parts. Although, laser-cut technology is widely developed and more flexible in terms of variety of produced components, it cannot reach the extremely high productivity rates of a progressive die. Progressive die can perform a sequence of operations, in different stations at a single stroke of press. In this work, an innovative progressive die consists of two stations was designed, in order to produce a complex metal part with three different manufacturing processes. The components of the die have been calculated by mathematical formulas and empirical data, designed with Computer Aided Design software and analyzed by Finite Element Analysis tool.
Compound nerve action potential conduction changes in nerve trunk due to tension at various strains and strain rates
Authors: Pu Shanshan , Xie Wei , Wen Hao , Xiang Junhong , Yang Xiuju , Luo Jiang , Fu QianYing , Pan Zhixin , Lian Chunxiao , Shi JingJing , Chen Jie , Liu Shengxiong
Published: March 2021

This study investigated compound nerve action potential (CNAP) changes of nerve trunk subjected to stretch at various strains and strain rates. An animal model of rapid stretch injury to nerve based on traffic accidents was developed in order to study CNAP changes of nerve trunk subjected to acute stretch. 18 bullfrogs were dissected and the sciatic nerves’ trunks were obtained. The nerve trunk was stretched by 6%, 12% or 18% of its length and the tensile strain rates were 30s-1 and 50s-1 respectively. The results showed that at 6% strain and 30s-1 strain rate, the amplitude, action potential duration and conduction velocity of CNAP had a slight change. When the strain and strain rate continued to be increased, the amplitude, conduction velocity and area under the curve would be decreased while the action potential duration would be increased. At 18% strain and 50s-1 strain rate, CNAP conduction was almost completely blocked. The different strains or strain rates had a significant effect on nerve signal conduction. Under the same strain, a higher strain rate would increase the probability of nerve conduction block. These findings are of great significance to study the injury mechanism of rapid nerve stretch and to evaluate the nerve functional damage level in traffic accidents.
Choroidal Thickness in Children With Type 1 Diabetes Depending On the Pubertal Status and Metabolic Parameters Analyzed By Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Marta Wysocka-Mincewicz , Andrzej Olechowski , Marta Baszyńska-Wilk , Aleksandra Byczyńska , Gołębiewska Joanna
Published: March 2021

To assess choroidal thickness (CT) in children with type 1diabetes (T1D) regarding their pubertal status and seek for factors influencing this parameter, using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Material and methods: 333 eyes out of 167 children with T1D without symptoms of diabetic retinopathy (mean age 12,81±3,63 years, diabetes duration 4,59±3,71 years) were enrolled. CT in all quadrants was evaluated. The studied population was divided into three groups: prepubertal, pubertal and postpubertal. The multivariate regression model was carried out using all metabolic parameter and then it was built using only the significant ones. Results: Significant differences in CT between males and females, except nasal and superior quadrants were observed. We revealed significant differences in CT between the three independent groups (Chi-square 18,6, p<0,0001). In the statistically significant multiple regression model (R=0,9, R2=0,82, p<0,0000), the serum level of free thyroxine, triiodothyronine, total hemoglobin, uric acid, low- and high-density cholesterol, daily insulin dose per kilogram, weight and level of vitamin D were significant. Conclusion: In our studied group CT increases during puberty. Metabolic parameters such as cholesterol, uric acid, thyroid hormones, and anemia even within the normal range, significantly influence the CT, which is similarly observed in other blood vessels in the body.
Anxiolytic-Like Effect of Natural Product 2-hydroxy-3,4,6-trimethoxyacetophenone Isolated From Croton Anisodontus in Adult Zebrafish via Serotonergic Neuromodulation Involvement of the 5-ht System
Authors: Silva Antonio Wlisses da , Ferreira Maria Kueirislene A. , Rebouças Emanuela L. , Mendes Francisco Rogenio S. , Moura Atilano Lucas dos S. , Marinho Marcia Machado , de Menezes Jane Eire S. A. , Marinho Emmanuel Silva , Santos Hélcio S. , Teixeira Alexandre Magno Rodrigues
Published: March 2021

Benzodiazepines are highly effective in combating anxiety; however, they have considerable adverse effects, so it is important to discover new safe anxiolytic agents. This study was designed to investigate the anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effect of natural product 2-hydroxy-3,4,6-trimethoxyacetophenone (HTMCX) and its possible mechanisms of action in adult zebrafish. The open field and light / dark tests (n = 6 animals/group) were used to assess anxiety and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) as a seizure inducer. The 96-hour acute toxicity of HTMCX was also investigated. HTMCX (1, 3, and 10 mg / Kg; v.o.) was not toxic and affected locomotor activity. The highest doses (3 and 10 mg / Kg; v.o.) produced signs of anxiolytic action in the light / dark test, and this effect was abolished by the pizotifen (antagonist 5HTR1 and 5HTR2A / 2C), having the potential to form a complex in the same region of the site indicating that the anxiolytic effect via the serotonergic mechanism. However, the anxiolytic effect of HTMCX has not been abolished by flumazenil (antagonist GABARA), cyproheptadine (antagonist 5HTR2A), and granisetron (antagonist 5HTR3A / 3B). Therefore, HTMCX demonstrated an anxiolytic effect, suggesting that the 5HTR1 and 5HTR / 2C receptors may be involved in the pharmacological performance of this acetophenone in the central nervous system.
Translation and validation of the Chinese version of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for measuring perioperative symptom burden in patients with gynecologic cancer
Authors: Zhang Ting , Zheng Ying-ying , Yang Zhi-rong , Shi Qiuling , Wang Xin Shelley , Zhao Jun , Yang Min , Wu Chun-lin , Wang Guo-rong
Published: March 2021

Background: Gynecologic cancers are among the most prevalent malignancies in China, and millions of gynecologic cancer patients are expected to undergo open abdominal surgery as initial treatment. The tumor- and surgery-related symptom burden are not well studied owing to a lack of a standardized and validated assessment tool in Chinese. The study was to translate and validate the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for measuring perioperative symptom burden in gynecologic cancer patients (MDASI-PeriOp-GYN) and examine the utility of the Chinese version.Methods: The MDASI-PeriOp-GYN was translated in a stepwise manner. First, two native speakers independently translated the 9 PeriOp-GYN symptom items. Then the 9 items were translated back into English by another two bilingual translators. After discussion and revision, the four translators reached an agreement. The finalized Chinese version was administered to women with three common gynecologic cancer types (cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancers) recruited from the gynecological oncology department of Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute between July and October 2019. Reliability and validity of the translated version were assessed. Results: Overall, 324 women with gynecologic cancers were enrolled. Cronbach’s α values were 0.826 and 0.735 for the symptom severity and interference scales, respectively. Test-retest reliability values were 0.885, 0.873, and 0.914 for the symptom severity, PeriOp-GYN, and interference scales, respectively. Significant correlations were found between the MDASI-PeriOp-GYN-C and EORTC QLQ-C30 along with the QLQ-OV28 module (-0.608–0.871, P<0.001). Known-group validity was supported by significant differences in the scores of the four scales grouped by time intervals, surgery type, and functional status (all P<0.01). Conclusions: The MDASI-PeriOp-GYN-C is a valid and reliable tool for measuring symptoms in Chinese patients undergoing surgery for gynecologic cancers. The tool could be used in clinical practice and clinical trials to instantly gather patients’ health and quality of life data.
Heterogeneous Droplet Catalyst for Selective Oxidation of Methane
Authors: Wu Yuen , Zhang Haoran , Wang Xiaoqian , Wu Fan , Liu Xiao-Kang , Ma Chunrong , Han Xiao , Ran Yihua , Zhang Yan , Zhang Zhiwen , Zhang Guozhen , Li Xiyu , Cai Jun , Hong Xun , Liu Zhi , Jiang Jun , Yao Tao , Bouwmeester Henny
Published: March 2021

Solid catalysts play vital roles as heterogeneous catalysts in numerous applications in the chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, energy, food and automobile industries, facilitating large-scale production and facile product separation. However, conventional heterogeneous catalysts possess three major shortcomings that hinder their wide-spread application, including i) inferior catalytic activity and selectivity caused by a diversity of active sites, ii) tendency towards deactivation caused by agglomeration of catalyst particles, and iii) undesired carbon deposition in transformation of hydrocarbons. 1-4 In this research, we present a new kind of heterogeneous catalyst that consists of a liquid metal with dissolved catalytically active metal atoms, denoted as a heterogeneous droplet catalyst (HDC). Taking galinstan as the liquid metal with Cu as catalytically active metal solute (denoted as Cu-HDC) as an example, we demonstrate that the dissolved Cu atoms promote selective oxidation of methane into primary oxygenates at room temperature with a superb activity of 1940 mmol·gCu-1·h-1 and a selectivity of over 90%, outperforming state-of-the-art industrial catalysts. The liquid metal solvent ensures a high, entropically driven dispersion of the Cu atoms and prevents carbon deposition. The highly promising Cu-HDC catalyst shows a stable operation over 240 hours. By employing in-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), near ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) and density functional theory (DFT), we show that the narrow d-orbital of the dissolved Cu atoms in HDC facilitates formation of adsorbed methyl radicals *CH3 and impedes their transformation into *CH2 (where the * notation is used to denote an adsorption site) 5,6. These features enhance the selectivity towards primary oxygenates and prevent over-oxidization and formation of C2+ products. As the phase of the HDC is different from those of gas, aqueous and organic solution phases its separation is as facile as that of solid catalysts. Unlike conventional supported catalysts that are designed with well-defined crystal structures, crystal facets and defects, HDCs are characterized by weak interactions between the liquid metal support and the active metal solute, by having mobile surfaces and by dynamic catalytically active centers. These unprecedented features endow HDCs unique adsorption behavior and adaptive activation of molecules. For this reason, HDCs have the potential to become a major category of catalysts in the field of heterogeneous catalysis.
Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) has physio-biochemical adaptation to high altitude
Authors: GAHLAWAT GEETA , Kumar Sunil , Lamo Dolker , Bharti Vijay Kumar , Ranjan Puneet , Chaurasia Om Prakash
Published: March 2021

The high altitude region of India is characterized by harsh climatic conditions that may have an adverse impact on growth and metabolic functions of camels. Thus, the main aim of this study was to evaluate different adaptation parameters related to morphological, physio-biochemical and haematological indices in low lander Dromedarian and high lander native Bactrian camels at high altitude. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have been conducted so far to evaluate these different adaptation parameters in both breeds of camels to understand their adaptive mechanism in high altitude. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate these adaptation parameters in Dromedarian and Bactrian camels. All morphological parameters were within the normal ranges in both the breeds. However, girth of hump, and skin thickness of shank and abdomen were towards the higher side of normal range in Dromedarian camels The heart rate was significantly high and rectal temperature was low in Dromedarian camels than native Bactrian camels (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the erythrocytes sedimentation rate, lymphocytes and platelets counts were significantly high and above the reference range in Bactrian as compared to Dromedarian(p < 0.05), whereas MCV, leukocytes and neutrophils were towards higher side of normal range in Dromedary. Similarly, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were also significantly high, whereas glucose and triglycerides levels were low in native Bactrian as compared to Dromedarian(p < 0.05). These findings suggested that there is species difference in adaptation parameters in response to high altitude. Further, native high lander Bactrian camel having better metabolic adaptation and non-glucose energy substrates dependent metabolism. These parameters could be useful for evaluating their health conditions and load carrying performance for further selection of elite animals as pack animals at high altitude.
Efficacy of an 8-week Bedside Ultrasound Training Program for Surgical Residents in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Im Kyoung Moo , Kim Eun Young
Published: March 2021

BackgroundBedside ultrasound has become one of the most important non-invasive and readily available diagnostic tools especially for critically ill patients. However, the current ultrasound training program is not standardized and is mostly unavailable to all surgical residents equally. The aim of this study was to assess and evaluate the effectiveness of our new training program in bedside ultrasound for surgical residents.MethodsPostgraduate residents (years 1 to 4) from the department of general surgery in a tertiary hospital attended the newly designed, 8-week training course in bedside ultrasound for critically ill patients at the surgical intensive care unit. Didactic and experimental lectures in basic ultrasound physics and machine usage were delivered, followed by daily hands-on ultrasound training to patients. Each participant prospectively documented their ultrasound findings and completed self-assessment of ultrasound skills using a Likert scale.Results44 residents were enrolled in the current study and only 36.4% of them were previously exposed to bedside ultrasound experience. Following the course completion, the proficiency levels and the objective structured assessment of ultrasound skill (OSAUS) scores showed significant improvement in all elements (P < 0.001). The mean differences in pre- and post-course score between post-graduate years were recorded, except for proficiency in peritoneal cavity (P = 0.163). Post-hoc analysis revealed that post-graduate year 2 residents showed a higher improvement in most elements. The training program showed improvement in post-course scores, whether or not residents had previous experience.ConclusionsOur results revealed that the knowledge and confidence of surgical residents in bedside ultrasound could be improved via short-term and impact training curriculum. The authors believe that such education should be encouraged for all surgical residents to enhance competency in performing bedside ultrasound evaluation of critically ill patients.
Investigation of Forging Performance for AA6082
Authors: Tunc Ozkan , Kacar Ilyas , Ozturk Fahrettin
Published: March 2021

6XXX series aluminum alloys are generally excellent alternatives to steels for many forged parts in aerospace and automotive industries. In this study, the forging performance of the 6082 aluminum alloy is investigated in order to replace the existing material for forged steel parts. The effect of artificial aging of the alloy on the microstructure and mechanical properties is studied. Optimum aging conditions are determined. Results reveal that AA6082 could be a good replacement for applications where shock and vibrational loads exist. The rod end part currently manufactured from AISI1045 can be replaced by AA6082 without any design changes. The major drawback is that the cold forging of the aged alloy is poor due to its brittle nature and crack initiations. Therefore, warm or hot forging is recommended to overcome the poor forgeability.
Movement Kinematics and Cortical Activation in Children with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder During Sway Synchrony Tasks: An fNIRS Study
Authors: Su Wan-Chun , Culotta McKenzie , Tsuzuki Daisuke , Bhat Anjana
Published: March 2021

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have difficulties with socially embedded movements such as imitation and interpersonal synchrony (IPS); however, related movement characteristics and underlying neural mechanisms are not well understood. Aim: This study compared the movement characteristics and cortical activation patterns of children with and without ASD during a whole-body, sway synchrony task when different levels of social information were provided. Methods: Thirty children with and without ASD (mean age: 12.6 years, SE: 0.6 years) participated. Movement kinematics and fNIRS-based cortical activation were recorded when the child observed an adult tester sway side to side, when they swayed solo, or when they swayed face to face with the tester with or without fingertips touching (i.e., IPS). Results: Children with ASD showed reduced synchrony and insufficient sway amplitude compared to typically developing children without ASD. They showed reduced cortical activation over the inferior frontal gyrus and superior temporal sulcus during IPS and failed to increase their cortical activation when more social information was provided. The cortical activation findings were significantly associated with IPS behaviors and social communication performance. Conclusion: The ASD-related neurobiomarkers identified in our study could be used as objective measures to evaluate intervention effects in children with ASD.
Failure Mechanism and Numerical Simulation of Splitting Failure for Deep High Sidewall Cavern Under High Stress
Authors: Li Fan , Zhang Qiangyong , Xiang Wen , Yu Guangyuan
Published: March 2021

With the increase of the depth of the underground engineering, the phenomenon of splitting failure of the deep rock will appear, which is very different from the shallow cavern. In order to reveal the formation mechanism of splitting damage, mechanical model tests and numerical simulations of splitting damage were carried out respectively. Using the Pubugou Hydropower Station as the engineering background, a three-dimensional (3D) geomechanical model test was conducted relying on a high stress three-dimensional load test system. The splitting damage phenomenon of high sidewall cavern was observed, and the oscillation variations of displacement and stress were measured. Based on strain gradient theory and continuum damage mechanics, an elastic-plastic damage softening model for splitting damage was established. The relationship between rock damage and energy dissipation was analyzed. Based on the strain energy density theory, the splitting damage criterion based on the strain gradient is established. A numerical analysis method for splitting damage was proposed, and a regional disintegration calculation program was developed based on a commercial finite element code. The numerical simulation results are in basic agreement with the 3D geomechanical model test.
Interactive Effects of Nitrogen and Water Addition on Soil Microbial Metabolic Limitation in Temperate Desert Shrublands
Authors: Li Jiwei , Xie Jiangbo , Zhang Yu , Lingbo Dong , Shangguan Zhouping , Deng Lei
Published: March 2021

Aims Soil microbes play critical roles in regulating the turnover of soil organic carbon (SOC) and nutrients, and microbial metabolic limitation should draw more attention in desert ecosystems. However, soil extracellular enzymes activity (EEA) response and microbial metabolic limitation to atmospheric N deposition and increased precipitation in desert-shrubland are still poorly understood. Methods The study examined the effects of long-term (9 year) N and water additions (i.e., 5 g N m−2 yr−1, 30% ambient precipitation increase and their combination) on EEAs and soil microbial resource limitation, as well as explored their controlling factors in the Gurbantunggut Desert in northwestern China. Results The results showed that N and water additions significantly enhanced soil EEAs and considerably aggravated microbial phosphorous (P) limitation. Water addition and the N-water combination addition alleviated carbon (C) limitation, but N addition alone strengthened microbial C limitation. The interaction of N and water additions relieved the negative impact of N addition on soil microbial C limitation, and positively aggravated microbial P limitation. Soil microbial C limitation was primarily driven by soil moisture and organic C concentration, while the soil microbial N/P limitation was chiefly controlled by soil water and available P contents. Conclusions The influences of either N- or water addition alone on desert ecosystem biogeochemical processes may be altered by their concurrent occurrence. Overall, these findings highlight water availability is more effective at modifying microbial metabolisms than N accumulation in desert ecosystems. Altogether, this may help to predict how terrestrial C and nutrient flow could be induced by global change factors..
Experimental and theoretical study of compressive mechanical behavior of red sandstone after heating-cooling treatment
Authors: Li Dejian , Liu Xiaolin , Shao Yiming , Han Chao
Published: March 2021

In order to investigate compressive mechanical behaviors of rock materials after different heating-cooling treatments, in this paper, a series of uniaxial compressive experiments are carried out on red sandstone samples after various heating temperature (from 25℃ to 1000℃) and water cooling treatments (10℃) to obtain evolution laws of mechanical property. The evolution laws of peak strength, elastic modulus, primary wave velocity and micro-structure are analyzed in details. And for better reflecting compressive stress-strain behaviors of red sandstone after heating-cooling treatments, based on Caputo variable-order fractional calculus, considering strain correlation and constant strain loading rate, we propose a novel variable-order fractional constitutive model to describe stress-strain behaviors of red sandstone samples after heating-cooling treatments. The validation of proposed model is well verified and a comparative study between proposed variable-order fractional constitutive model and constant-order fractional constitutive model is performed to highlight the advantage of proposed model. The evolutions of mechanical characteristics are revealed by presented varying-order function related to strain and the influence of fitting parameters on stress-strain behaviors are also discussed for deeply comprehending compressive mechanical mechanism of red sandstone after heating-cooling treatments.
Glyoxal Damages Human Aortic Endothelial Cells by Perturbing the Glutathione, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential, and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways
Authors: Xie Ming-Zhang , Guo Chun , BA Jia-Qi Dong. , Zhang Jie , Sun Ke-Tao , Lu Guang-Jian , Wang Lei , Bo De-Ying , Zhao Guo-An , Jiao Lu-Yang
Published: March 2021

Background: Exposure to glyoxal, the smallest dialdehyde, is associated with several diseases; humans are routinely exposed to glyoxal because of its ubiquitous presence in foods and the environment. The aim of this study was to examine the damage caused by glyoxal in human aortic endothelial cells. Methods: Cell survival assays and quantitative fluorescence assays were performed to measure DNA damage; oxidative stress was detected by colorimetric assays and quantitative fluorescence, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways were assessed using western blotting. Results: Exposure to glyoxal was found to be linked to abnormal glutathione activity, the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential, and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. However, DNA damage and thioredoxin oxidation were not induced by dialdehydes. Conclusions: Intracellular glutathione, members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, and the mitochondrial membrane potential are all critical targets of glyoxal. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms perturbed by glyoxal and may facilitate the development of new therapeutics and diagnostic markers for cardiovascular diseases.
Immunological repertoire linked to PSTPIP1-associated myeloid-related inflammatory (PAMI) syndrome
Authors: Mendonca Leonardo Oliveira , Terreri Maria Teresa , Osaku Fabiane Mitie , Barros Samar Freschi , Köhler Karen Francine , Prado Alex Isidoro , Barros Myrthes Toledo , Kalil Jorge , Castro Fabio Fernandes Morato
Published: March 2021

Background: Mutations along PSTPIP1 gene are associated to two specific conditions, PAPA syndrome and PAMI syndrome, both autoinflammatory disorders associated to disturbances in cytoskeleton formation. Immunological aspects of PAMI syndrome has not yet been reported neither the clinical impact on therapeutical decisions.Methods: Clinical data of patients records were retrospectively accessed. Genomic DNA were extracted and sequenced following standard procedures. Peripheral lymphocytes were quantified in T, B e FOXP3 phenotypes.Results: We describe two related patients with PAMI syndrome harboring the usual E250K mutation. Anti-IL1 therapy could partially control the disease in the index patient. A broad spectrum of immunological effects as well as an aberrant expression of FOXP3 could be observed.Conclusions. Here we report two related brazilian patients with PAMI syndromes harboring the E250K mutation in PSTPIP1, their immunological aspects and the therapeutical response to canakinumab.
Selection and Validation of Suitable Reference Genes for RT-qPCR Analysis in Bursaphelenchus Xylophilus 
Authors: Liu Yaning , Zhou Jiao , Zhang Hongxia , Ahmad Faheem , Fan Jianting , Ren Lili
Published: March 2021

Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is a powerful technique for studying gene expression, and it is widely used in molecular biology and genetic research. The key to quantitative accuracy depends on the stability of the reference genes used for data normalization under different experimental conditions. The pinewood nematode (PWN; Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) is the causal agent of a devastating disease, the pine wood disease (PWD), demanding extensive and prompt research to understand the molecular mechanism of PWD, but the identification of reference PWN genes for standardized RT-qPCR has not been reported yet. In this study, we have analyzed eight candidate reference genes of PWN under different temperature conditions and at different developmental stages. Delta Ct method, GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and RefFinder algorithms were used to evaluate the expression stability of these genes. 18SrRNA and HIS were selected for gene expression research under temperature treatments, while EF1γ and 18SrRNA for gene expression studies across different developmental stages. In general, the results indicate that 18SrRNA is the most stable gene for RT-qPCR under different conditions. Finally, we use arginine kinase gene (AK) in different temperature and heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) in different developmental stages to confirm the stability of expression. The systematic analysis of qRT-PCR reference gene selection of B. xylophilus will be helpful for future functional analysis and exploration of genetic resources of B. xylophilus.
BMI Trajectory In Relation to Cause-Specific Mortality In Taiwan’s Adult Population.
Authors: Chiu Po-Wei , Yu Tsung , Kukreti Shikha , Strong Carol
Published: March 2021

Background: A dynamic change in weight over time has been known as an important factor that impacts mortality risk. However, it is currently unknown how the dynamic change of body mass index (BMI) contributes to the cause-specific mortality risk.Methods: In this cohort study, we obtained data from a large prospective cohort study in Taiwan between 1998 and 2019, which was linked to National Death Registry for death information. The database accumulated 290,279 participants who were born before 1977. We excluded those who were less than 40 years old at 1998 (n=51,731), less than two waves follow-up (n=145,270), and who had ever been diagnosed at baseline with any of the following self-reported conditions: cancer, stroke (n=3392) with a final 89,886 participants.Results: This study shows that different trajectories are associated with mortality suggests that the mortality risk differs in each trajectory group and in each age and gender stratification. It appears that obesity is a protective factor in cancer-related mortality in females but not in males in the group of old age; low-normal weight is a risk factor in respiratory-related mortality in all participants.Conclusions: Our findings can be used to define the appropriate BMI in each age and gender groups and thereby earlier health interventions can be taken to avoid mortality.
Mitochondrial Alternative Oxidase Contributes to Successful Tardigrade Anhydrobiosis
Authors: Wojciechowska Daria , Karachitos Andonis , Roszkowska Milena , Rzeźniczak Wiktor , Sobkowiak Robert , Kaczmarek Łukasz , Kosicki Jakub Ziemowit , Kmita Hanna
Published: March 2021

Anhydrobiosis can be described as an adaptation to lack of water that enables some organisms, including tardigrades, to survive extreme conditions, even some that do not exist on Earth. The cellular mechanisms underlying anhydrobiosis are still not completely explained including the putative contribution of mitochondrial proteins. Since mitochondrial alternative oxidase (AOX), described as a drought response element in plants, was recently proposed for various invertebrates including tardigrades, we investigated whether AOX is involved in successful anhydrobiosis of tardigrades. Milnesium inceptum was used as a model for the study. We confirmed functionality of M. inceptum AOX and estimated its contribution to the tardigrade revival after anhydrobiosis of different durations. We observed that AOX activity was particularly important for M. inceptum revival after the long-term tun stage but did not affect the rehydration stage specifically. The results may contribute to our understanding and then application of anhydrobiosis underlying mechanisms.