bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Antithrombotic Therapy on Head Trauma and its Management
Authors: Koiso Takao , Komatsu Yoji , Goto Masayuki , Terakado Toshitsugu , Matsumaru Yuji , Ishikawa Eichi
Published: March 2021

To examine the effects of antithrombotics for head trauma, 393 consecutive patients were enrolled. The patients were divided into those that were (group A, n = 117) and were not (group B, n = 276) taking antithrombotics, and the groups’ outcomes were compared. To identify factors that affected functional independence in group A, clinical factors were compared between the patients that exhibited mRS of 0–2 and 3–6 at discharge. Furthermore, to assess the optimal time to restart antithrombotics, cases in which rebleeding occurred after antithrombotics were restarted or thromboembolic events occurred were extracted. The ratio of mRS 3–6 and death within 30 days were significantly higher in group A than in group B. Multivariate analysis of group A revealed that being aged ≥ 70, not receiving antiplatelet therapy, and intracranial hematoma enlargement were poor prognostic factors. Five patients in group A experienced ischemic strokes within 30 days. In 3 of these patients, the ischemic strokes occurred before antithrombotics were restarted. Rebleeding occurred in two cases after anticoagulants restarted within 48 hours. Patients taking antithrombotics are at high risk of poor prognosis after head trauma. To prevent thromboembolic events, the active resumption of antithrombotics after 48 hours is desirable if hemostasis has been achieved.
Reversible amyloids of pyruvate kinase couple cell metabolism and stress granule disassembly
Authors: Cereghetti Gea , Wilson-Zbinden Caroline , Kissling Vera , Diether Maren , Arm Alexandra , Yoo Haneul , Piazza Ilaria , Saad Shady , Picotti Paola , Drummond David , Sauer Uwe , Dechant Reinhard , Peter Matthias
Published: March 2021

Cells respond to stress by blocking translation, rewiring metabolism, and forming transient mRNP assemblies called stress granules (SGs). After stress release, re-establishing homeostasis requires energy-consuming processes. However, the molecular mechanisms whereby cells restore energy production to disassemble SGs and reinitiate growth after stress remain poorly understood. Here we show that, upon stress, the ATP-producing enzyme Cdc19 forms inactive amyloids, and that their rapid re-solubilization is essential to restore energy production and disassemble SGs. Cdc19 re-solubilization is initiated by the glycolytic metabolite fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP), which directly binds Cdc19 amyloids and facilitates conformational changes that allow Hsp104 and Ssa2 chaperone recruitment. FBP then promotes Cdc19 tetramerization, which boosts its activity to further enhance ATP production and SG disassembly. Together, these results describe a molecular mechanism essential for stress recovery, which directly couples metabolism with SG dynamics via regulation of Cdc19 amyloids.
Synthesis and characterization of Architecturally Modified Mesoporous-microporous MFI (Mobil Five) Zeolite with enhanced catalytic activity
Authors: Pathak Dhanju Mani , Ghosh Pankaj Kumar , Shah Kishor Kr , Talukdar Anup K
Published: March 2021

Four samples MFI zeolites were synthesized in presence of carbon black particles with silica-alumina molar ratio of 100 and different silica to carbon mass ratio under autogeneous pressure without adding any promoter or organic solvent. The synthesis temperature and duration of crystallization were 473K and 16h respectively. A sample of MFI was also synthesized without adding carbon black under similar condition. The synthesized samples were characterized by different techniques such as X- ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy, TGA and N2 adsorption desorption. The samples exhibit high crystallinity. The particle size ranged from 2.8 to 7.3 µm. Mesopore to micropore ratios was found to increase with increasing silicon to carbon mass ratio. These structurally modified meso-micro zeolite showed enhanced activity in the benzyl alcohol esterification reaction.
Platelet Transfusion is Not Associated with the Better Outcomes of Patients with Sepsis-Induced Thrombocytopenia: A Propensity Score-Matching Analysis.
Authors: Zhou Aiming , Wu Shanshan , Chen Qin , Chen Lili , Pan Jingye
Published: March 2021

Background: The association of platelet transfusion and short-term mortality in patients with sepsis-induced thrombocytopenia remains unclear. Therefore, we intended to explore whether platelet transfusion could make a difference for patients with sepsis-induced thrombocytopenia.Methods: The study was based on the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) III database. Sepsis patients were divided into those with or without platelet transfusion (Platelet Transfusion group [PT group] and No Platelet Transfusion group [NPT group], respectively) during hospital stay. The primary outcome was 28-day all-cause mortality, and secondary outcomes were length of ICU stay (LOS-ICU) and survival days of 28. Propensity-score matching was used to reduce the imbalance. Results: We included 1733 patients: 296 patients in the PT group and 1437 patients in the NPT group. Overall, 655 patients died by day 28. After propensity score matching, 294 paired patients constituted each group. 28-day mortality did not decreased in PT patients comparing to NPT patients (120 [40.54%] vs. 535 [37.23%] deaths; P=0.29). LOS-ICU was similar between PT group and NPT group (5.84[2.68-11.78] vs. 4.94[2.18-12.72]; P=0.44). After confounders were adjusted for, it showed no difference between PT group and NPT group in 28-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.28;95% confidence interval [CI], [0.96, 1.17]; P=0.09) or lOS-ICU (odd ratio [OR], 0.09; 95%CI, [-1.45, 1.62]; P=0.91). Survival at 28 days showed no difference between the groups according to Kaplan-Meier survival estimates. After propensity score matching, platelet transfusion was also not associated with 28-mortality or LOS-ICU.Conclusions: In the propensity score-matched analysis, there is no evidence that platelet transfusion is beneficial for patients with sepsis-induced thrombocytopenia, neither 28-mortality nor LOS-ICU.
The effect of stress on the magnetic properties of low bandwidth manganites
Authors: Song Guoqiang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Liu Qingqing , Li Sheng , Yang Jing , Bai Wei , Tang Xiaodong
Published: March 2021

The low bandwidth Pr0.9Ca0.1MnO3 (PCMO) thin films prepared by sol-gel method were suffered tensile and compressive stress grown on SrTiO3 and LaAlO3 substrates. The hysteresis loops at different temperatures show that the coercivity field with tensile stress is larger due to the much stronger pinning potential of ferromagnetism motion. The temperature dependence of the ZFC and FC magnetizations indicates that the stress significantly affects the ferromagnetic (FM) and antiferromagnetic (AFM) transition temperature of PCMO, and the Curie temperature (TC) decreases with tensile stress. The films show strong anisotropy properties that the magnetization increases much faster with the magnetic field when H⊥c, but the coercive field and saturation magnetization do not change significantly. In addition, the persistent photoinduced magnetization is investigated, and significant improvement of the ferromagnetic ordering was observed in low temperature.
Structural, Dielectric and Ferroelectric Properties of Cu2+ and Cu2+/Bi3+ doped BCZT Lead-free Ceramics: A Comparative Study
Authors: Kumari Sapna , Kumar Amit , Kumar V. , Dubey S. K. , Goyal P. K. , Kumar Suresh , Sharma A. L. , Arya Anil
Published: March 2021

Perovskite type Ba0.98Ca0.02Zr0.02Ti0.98O3 (BCZT), Ba0.98Ca0.02Zr0.02Ti0.976Cu0.008O3 (BCZTC) and Ba0.9725Bi0.005Ca0.02Zr0.02Ti0.976Cu0.008O3 (BCZTCB) lead-free ceramics were synthesised via solid-state reaction method at a sintering temperature of ~ 1380°C. Effects of CuO and Bi2O3/CuO doping on structural, microstructural, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties were investigated systematically. X-ray diffraction technique confirmed the existence of pure perovskite phase with the tetragonal structure in pure and in the doped BCZT ceramics at room temperature. The dielectric analysis demonstrated two anomalies around 24°C and 126°C for BCZT, which were identified as orthorhombic to tetragonal (TO-T) and tetragonal to cubic (TC) phase transition temperature, respectively. The TO-T temperature shifted to below 16°C, while the TC increased to 132°C for the BCZTCB sample. The physical mechanisms of the conduction processes were investigated through impedance spectroscopy and the values of resistance, conductivity, and activation energies associated with the grain and grain boundaries were evaluated. The activation energy was determined to be higher for doped samples than for pure BCZT. Further, the dopant-dependent ferroelectric nature of the ceramic samples was evidenced by the analysis of characteristic hysteresis loop, and a value of remnant polarisation (Pr = 4.59 µC/cm2) was obtained for the BCZTCB ceramic sample. Furthermore, the d33 value, which was 54 pC/N for pure BCZT, was determined to be 140 pC/N and 64 pC/N for BCZTC and BCZTCB, respectively.
Multi-analytical techniques in characterization and identification of Chinese historical rubbings
Authors: Yao Na , Zhan Xiangsheng , Ma Qinglin , Wei Shuya
Published: March 2021

For authenticity and conservation purposes, the precious historical rubbings preserved in Wuyuan Museum were studied by multi-analytical techniques including Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), SEM-EDS and Herzberg staining method. Through Py-GC/MS analyses, five types of constituents could be detected: (1) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from soot; (2) retene and methyl dehydroabietate from tar of conifer wood; (3) marker compounds of egg; (4) additives of menthol and curcumene compounds; (5) biochemical compounds of bark paper. Based on this analytical results, the ink type, binding media and additives in the ink, as well as the fiber origin source of the rubbing paper could be concluded. The materials information of the rubbings obtained through this study could not only provide evidence for its authenticity, but also supply scientific support for its conservation and restoration.
Combined Analysis of C-reactive Protein in Pleural Fluid and Serum is Effective in the Differential Diagnosis of Exudative Pleural Effusions
Authors: Qu Shuo-yao , Zhang Yong , Wu Shuo , Wang Ming-ming , Liu Ling-li , Yang Xue-min , Shan Hui-liang , Yang Juan-li , Chen Pei , Ti Xin-Yu
Published: March 2021

Background: Exudative pleural effusion (EPE) is one of the common pleural manifestations of various diseases. Differential diagnosis of EPE is imperative clinically as it identifies different causes of EPE, thereby, providing effective treatments. Thoracoscopy is a useful tool for differential diagnosis of EPE. However, some patients would refuse thoracoscopic examination due to its invasive nature. In addition, the specificity and sensitivity of existing routine tests of EPE are less satisfying. Therefore, there is a great need to establish an effective method for differential diagnosis of EPE.Methods: This study was a single-institution retrospective analysis of diagnostic efficiency of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) between March 2018 and September 2018. Eighty-seven patients diagnosed with EPE were enrolled. All patients underwent diagnostic thoracentesis. And the EPE was examined using biochemical, routine, microbiological, and cytological methods. Pathological cytology detection was of necessity for those with the suspicion of malignant PE. Benign PE comes from patients with pneumonia, empyema and tuberculosis. The levels of CRP and PCT of EPE and serum were measured before the treatment. Correlation analysis and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were conducted to determine the underlying relationship between levels of CRP and PCT, and differential diagnosis.Results: Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity for the analysis of pleural fluid CRP (p-CRP) are higher (cut-off: 17.55 pg/mL; sensitivity: 75.00 %, specificity: 83.90%) than that of serum CRP (s-CRP, cut-off: 23.90 pg/mL; sensitivity: 71.00 %, specificity: 80.4%) in the differential diagnosis for EPE. However, the analysis of pleural fluid PCT (p-PCT) and serum PCT (s-PCT) didn’t demonstrate correlations with EPE. Combined analysis of p-CRP (cut-off: 17.55 mg/dL) with s-CRP (cut-off: 23.9 pg/mL) showed the highest diagnostic accuracy (88.4%) in diagnosing infectious EPE.Conclusions: The data support the close relationship between combined analysis of p-CRP with s-CRP and effective and accurate differential diagnosis of EPE, due to its higher sensitivity and specificity. However, as a highly sensitive marker to diagnose bacterial infections, neither s-PCT nor p-PCT, showed correlations with the differential diagnosis of EPE.
Mucopolysaccharidosis VII in Brazil: Natural History and Clinical Findings
Authors: Giugliani Roberto , Barth Anneliese Lopes , Dumas Melissa Rossi Calvão , Franco José Francisco da Silva , Giuliani Liane de Rosso , Grangeiro Carlos Henrique Paiva , Horovitz Dafne Dain Gandelman , Kim Chong Ae , Leão Emilia Katiane Embiruçu de Araújo , Medeiros Paula Frassinetti Vasconcelos de , Miguel Diego Santana Chaves Geraldo , Moreira Maria Espírito Santo Almeida , Santos Helena Maria Guimarães Pimentel dos , Silva Luiz Carlos Santana da , Silva Luiz Roberto da , Souza Isabel Neves de , Nalin Tatiele , Garcia Daniel
Published: March 2021

Background: Mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII), also known as Sly syndrome, caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme β-glucuronidase, is an ultra-rare disorder with scarce epidemiological data and few publications about natural history and clinical spectrum. Methods: We conducted a case series report which included retrospective data from all MPS VII patients diagnosed through the “MPS Brazil Network” who were known to be alive in 2020 in Brazil (N=13). Clinical data were obtained from a review of the medical records and descriptive statistics and variables were summarized using counts and percentages of the total population.Results: The majority of the patients were from the Northeast region of Brazil. Among the signs and symptoms that raised the clinical suspicion of MPS, coarse face was the most frequent; 58% of the patients had a history of non-immune hydrops fetalis. All the subjects presented short neck and trunk. The majority presented typical phenotypical signs of MPS disorders. They all presented neurodevelopmental delay and cognitive impairment. About half of this cohort had knees deformities. Dysostosis multiplex was identified in almost all patients and cardiomyopathy was less frequent than observed in other types of MPSs. The mean age at diagnosis was 5 years, ranging from 1 to 14 years. Almost all patients (12/13) were homozygous for the c.526C>T (p.Leu176Phe) mutation. A novel variant of the GUSB gene was found, the c.875T>C (p.Leu292Pro), in a compound heterozygous with the c.526C>T (p.Leu176Phe) variant.Conclusions: This case series is the biggest data collection of MPS VII patients alive in Latin America. The overall clinical picture of the MPS VII patients is very similar to other MPS disorders, including broad spectrum of severity and delayed diagnosis.
Bio-Sequence Stratigraphy of Asmari Formation in the Southeast of Norabad (Zagros Basin, SW Iran)
Authors: Dehghanian Mohammadsadegh
Published: March 2021

Asmari Formation is the thick sequence of carbonate sediment in the range of Oligocene-Miocene which is deposited in the foreland basins of the Zagros and is considered as the original and most famous reservoir rock of Zagros basin. To study of lithostratigraphic units and sequence stratigraphy of this Formation, the section in the southeast of Norabad was selected. Field study indicated that Asmari Formation possessed the thickness of 401.5m and included 9 lithostratigraphic units. According to the study of microfacies, Stacking pattern and identification of main sequence level, three depositional sequences including two-second order and one-third order sequence were recognized. The sea-level curve in the studied section indicated that it was correspondence to the global sea level curve. These facies deposited in five environmental sedimentations as follow Open Sea Shelf (Fore Barrier), Bar, Lagoon, Back bar shelf, and Shoal. The environment is part of a carbonate platform that has been formed on an open shelf. In addition, according to the Study of foraminifer dispersion pattern the range of Asmari Formation in Norabad was suggested to be Oligocene (Rupelian- Chattian) to lower Miocene (Aquitanian- Burdigalian).
The combination of serum BDNF, cortisol and IFN-gamma can effectively diagnose major depressive disorder
Authors: Chen Suzhen , Zhang Yuqun , Yuan Yonggui
Published: March 2021

Background

Misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment are common in major depressive disorder (MDD) in current clinical practice, while the combination of various proteins involved in the pathogenesis of MDD may assist the correct diagnosis. The study aimed to explore whether the combination of serum inflammatory, stress, and neurotrophic factors could be helpful for the diagnosis of MDD, and to investigate the predictors associated with early symptom improvement.

Methods

Baseline serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IL-1beta, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interferon (INF)-gamma, cortisol and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were detected in 30 MDD patients and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) were applied to assess depressive and anxious symptoms both at baseline and 2 weeks after antidepressant treatment. Stepwise multiple linear regression was employed to identify the early efficacy predictiors; while a logistic regression model was built with above proteins and area under receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve was calculated to evaluate the model’s diagnostic power.

Results

Multiple linear regression revealed that baseline socres of retardation ( β =-0.432, P =0.012) and psychological anxiety ( β =-0.423, P =0.014) factors were negatively associated with the reduction rate of HAMD-17. A simple and efficient diagnostic model was established by forward stepwise logistic regression and the model achieved an AUC of 0.884, with 86.7% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity.

Couclusions

The results showed that combining serum BDNF, cortisol and IFN-gamma could aid the diagnosis of MDD, while baseline retardation and psychological anxiety may negatively predict the early symptom improvement.
Development of arteriolar niche and self-renewal of breast cancer stem cells by lysophosphatidic Acid/protein kinase D signaling 
Authors: Jiang Yinan , Guo Yichen , Hao Jinjin , Guenter Rachael , Lathia Justin , Beck Adam W. , Hattaway Reagan , Hurst Douglas , Wang Qiming Jane , Liu Yehe , Cao Qi , Krontiras Helen , Chen Herbert , Silverstein Roy , Ren Bin
Published: March 2021

Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are essential for cancer growth, metastasis and recurrence. The regulatory mechanisms of BCSC interactions with the vascular niche within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and their self-renewal are currently under extensive investigation. We have demonstrated the existence of an arteriolar niche in the TME of human BC tissues. Intriguingly, BCSCs tend to be enriched within arteriolar niche in human estrogen receptor positive (ER+) BC and bi-directionally interact with arteriolar endothelial cells (ECs). Mechanistically, this interaction is driven by the lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)/protein kinase D (PKD-1) signaling pathway, which promotes both arteriolar differentiation of ECs and self-renewal of CSCs. This study indicates that CSCs may enjoy blood perfusion to maintain their stemness features. Targeting the LPA/PKD-1 signaling pathway in combination with inhibition of CD36 function may have therapeutic potential to curb tumor progression by disrupting the arteriolar niche and eliminating CSCs.
UBE2V2 promotes metastasis by regulating EMT and predicts a poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma.
Authors: Yang Zheng , Xue Qiang , Du Caishen , Zhen Miaosen , Xu Jianxun , Zhang Pengfei , Zhao Jianmei , Shi Guanglin , Liu Xianchen , Tang Zhiyuan , Zhou Xiaoyu
Published: March 2021

Background: Belonging to the ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2s) family, UBE2V2 demonstrated a remarkable tumourigenic ability in many kinds of cancers. However, the interrelationship between UBE2V2 expression and morbidity of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is still unknown. Methods: By using TCGA predictions and clinical tissue samples, we assessed the expression of UBE2V2 mRNA and protein in LUAD and analyzed its relationship with different clinicopathological factors as well as survival prognosis. Besides, we further studied the EMT signaling pathway that promotes LUAD metastasis and other phenotypic experiments by using lentivirus to transfect LUAD cells. Results: Our research results showed that compared with normal tissues, the expression of UBE2V2 mRNA and protein in LUAD was significantly increased (P<0.001). UBE2V2 might be considered as an independent prognostic molecule for LUAD patient survival prognosis based on TCGA prediction (HR:1.497 P=0.012) and immunohistochemical analysis (ICH) (HR:1.842 P=0.042). ICH showed that UBE2V2 was related to the following clinicopathological factors, including gender (P=0.021), stage (P=0.042), lymph node metastasis (P=0.021) and differentiated degree (P=0.015). Finally, knockdown of UBE2V2 significantly reduced the migration ability by regulating the EMT pathway. The knockdown of UBE2V2 inhibited cells proliferation, reduced the proportion of cells in S phase and promoted cell apoptosis. Interestingly, UBE2V2 expression is negatively correlated with B cells, CD4 + T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. Conclusions: In summary, UBE2V2 might play an important role in the progression of LUAD.
A quantitative description of the spatial-temporal distribution and evolution pattern of world cultural heritage
Authors: Liang Yongqi , Ruixia Yang , Pu Wang , Anlin Yang , Guolong Chen
Published: March 2021

Depicting the temporal and spatial evolution pattern of global world cultural heritage systematically and finely is the basis of heritage recognition and protection. In this study, 869 world cultural heritage inscriptions (through 2019) were selected as the research objects, and the times and types of each World Heritage site were manually annotated from more than 5000 pieces of data. Through time series modelling, the advantages of and changes in heritage declarations in different regions and periods were analysed, and the impact of heritage strategy on the number of heritage sites included in each region was evaluated. The results showed that the implementation of heritage policy greatly impacted each region, especially on the number of heritage sites in Asia and the Pacific region. Using the heritage era to carry out modelling analysis, from the perspective of the integrity of historical heritage cultural types, it is considered that there may be cultural heritage sites in the Caribbean and Latin America that have not been given enough attention. The modelling analysis results of era attributes can support the fairness of heritage determination. By calculating the frequency and peak value of heritage sites at the national scale, the frequency and peak value of each country in the top 10 list are used to characterize the ability of national declarations of cultural heritage and reveal the differences in the ability of each member country to declare heritage sites and the heritage era. By calculating the distribution density of the heritage era, this study finds that the world’s cultural heritage is not concentrated in the Middle Ages (600–1450) but the periods of Reformation and Exploration (1450–1700) and Progress and Empire (1850–1914). The above analysis shows that there are imbalances and strategic adjustment effects concerning regions, countries, eras and types in World Heritage list development. The composition types of heritage are complex, and the combination types have obvious changes in different periods. It is suggested that the strategy of world cultural heritage collection should be further optimized to fully guarantee the balance of regions, countries and types, and the heritage value should be fully considered in heritage protection with more diversity and complexity of types.
Development and Delphi validation of a Best Possible Medication History form
Authors: Hoornaert Camille , Pochet Stéphanie , Lorent Sophie
Published: March 2021

Background The Best Possible Medication History (BPMH) form is the first step for medication reconciliation across the continuum of care but getting a complete picture of the patient’s current medication is a particularly difficult challenge.Objective To develop and validate a standardized BPMH form that could be used by clinical pharmacists. Setting Belgium hospitalsMethod The draft version was presented to a focus group and was adapted following their comments. A three-rounds e-Delphi method was used to validate content, usability and face validity of BPMH form. We supplemented the quantitative analysis with a qualitative analysis of comments for each Delphi round.Main outcome measure To select tabs and items to be included in BPMH.Results The draft BPMH form contained 23 items grouped into 8 tabs. Refinement of these tabs and items by the focus group resulted in 7 tabs and 21 items, which were included in the Delphi survey. The consensus was obtained for all tabs within the second round (p= 0,072). The research group included 20 items following the qualitative analysis of the experts' comments despite a level of agreement of 76% (16/21) in third round.Conclusion A structured BPMH form could be a reference as well for inpatient prescribing as for any home medication modification at the time of discharge. Improving medication safety is fundamental for patient safety and is a priority target for healthcare systems. The next step might be to integrate this tool through medical record to assist physicians, nurses and hospital pharmacists in their practice.
Improvement weldability of dissimilar joints (Ti6Al4V/Al6013) for aerospace industry by Laser beam welding
Authors: Ribeiro Anderson C. N. Clayton Nascimento , Siqueira Rafael Humberto Mota de , Lima Milton Sergio Fernandes de , Giorjão Rafael Arthur Reghine , Abdalla Antônio Jorge
Published: March 2021

The discovery of new metal alloys and the technological advancement in welding processes are key resources for the aerospace industry to obtain cost reduction and better reliability. Thus, welded joints of dissimilar materials such as aluminum and titanium alloys has been explored due to its combined low density and high mechanical performance. Otherwise, welding of dissimilar metals may present deleterious factors to the welded joint as the formation of intermetallic and/or brittle second phase and residual stress. This project investigates the weldability of dissimilar welded joint (Al6013/Ti-6Al-4V) by Laser beam welding. The approach will be done in terms of mechanical properties and microstructural characterization. For this purpose, optimal laser offset from the joint line and the related heat input has been found. It was observed that offset controls the amount of the intermetallic compound layer in the fusion zone. Large pores were observed on the Al side of the weld metal when the offset is zero. The microstructure on the aluminum side consisted of \(\alpha\)-Al grains and the dispersed precipitates. Heat input and offset also influenced in the volumetric fraction of the precipitates. Martensite \({{\alpha }}^{{\prime }}\) and secondary acicular \({\alpha }\) phase was found in the titanium side. Furthermore, intermetallic compound of TiAl base phase such as TiAl, Ti3Al4, and Ti2Al3 was formed. Tensile strength of welded joint was 60% of the Al alloy. In addition, for the same offset and higher heat input, there was an increase in the hardness of the interface.
The South Inylchek Glacier Activity Analysis over a Ten-year Interval in Surface Velocity with Multi-source Spaceborne Imagery
Authors: zhang Qimin , Zhang Lu , Lv Mingyang , Sun Yidan , Yan Shiyong
Published: March 2021

Ice movement is one of the most important characteristics in describing mountain glacier activity, which is a sensitive natural indicator of climate change. However, the short-term ice movement with a single data source could not precisely and sufficiently demonstrate the response of glaciers to climate change. In order to extract the reliable signal corresponding to climate change, the long-term monitoring of glacier movement should be widely exploited. This paper presents the ice motion distribution of the South Inylchek Glacier by improving pixel tracking algorithm with both synthetic aperture radar and optical imagery in 2007-2008 and 2017-2018. The analysis in spatiotemporal characteristics of the glacier velocity indicates that the South Inylchek Glacier remained almost stable in a ten-year interval with the average velocity of 32cm/d, which are computed with quasi-synchronization multi-source imagery. And the consistency of the velocity results was also verified with both optical and SAR imagery during the same period. Therefore, it would be valuable in expanding the research temporal cycle of glacier movement by uniting multi-source data. We also suggest that long-term ice motion should be collected for further analysis in mass balance prediction and assessing the climate change effects in the High Mountain Asia.
Ivermectin for Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19 Infection: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Bryant Andrew , Lawrie Theresa A , Dowswell Therese , Fordham Edmund , Mitchell Scott , Hill Sarah , Tham Tony
Published: March 2021

Background Re-purposed medicines may have role in combating the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The antiparasitic medicine ivermectin, which has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties, has been tested in numerous clinical trials with promising results.Methods We assessed the efficacy of ivermectin treatment and/or prophylaxis among people with, or at high risk of covid-19 infection. We searched bibliographic databases up to February 2021 and two review authors sifted for studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Meta-analyses were conducted and certainty of the evidence was assessed using GRADE approach.Findings Twenty-one RCTs involving 2741 participants met review inclusion. Meta-analysis of 13 trials found ivermectin reduced risk of death compared with no ivermectin (average Risk Ratio 0.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14 to 0.72; n=1892; I2=57%; low to moderate-certainty evidence. Low-certainty evidence found ivermectin prophylaxis reduced covid-19 infection by an average 86% (95% CI 79% to 91%). Secondary outcomes provided very-low or low certainty evidence. Low certainty evidence suggests that that there may be no benefit with ivermectin for ‘need for mechanical ventilation’, whereas effect estimates for ‘improvement’ and ‘deterioration’ favoured ivermectin use. Severe adverse events were rare and evidence of no difference was assessed as low to very low-certainty. Evidence on other secondary outcomes was very low certainty.Interpretation Low to moderate-certainty evidence suggests reductions in covid-19 deaths and infections may be possible by using ivermectin. Employing ivermectin early on may reduce the number of people progressing to severe disease. The apparent safety and low cost suggest that ivermectin could have an impact on the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic globally.
Temporal Phylogeny and Molecular Characterization of Echovirus 30 Associated With Aseptic Meningitis Outbreaks in China
Authors: Tian Xiaoling , Han Zhenzhi , He Yulong , Sun Qiang , Wang Wenrui , Xu Wenbo , Li Hongying , Zhang Yong
Published: March 2021

BackgroundAn outbreak of aseptic meningitis occurred from June to August 2016, in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. MethodsTo determine its epidemiological characteristics, etiologic agent, and possible origin, specimens were collected for virus isolation and identification, followed by molecular epidemiological analysis. ResultsMost cases (63.1%, n = 229) were identified between June 22nd and July 17th, with children aged 6 to 12 years constituting the highest percentage (68.9%, n = 250). All viral isolates from this study belonged to genotype C of echovirus 30 (E-30), which dominated transmission in China. To date, two E-30 transmission lineages have been identified in China, of which Lineage 2 was predominant. We observed fluctuant progress of E-30 genetic diversity, with Lineage 2 contributing to increased genetic diversity after 2002, whereas Lineage 1 was significant for the genetic diversity of E-30 before 2002. ConclusionsWe identified the epidemiological and etiological causes of an aseptic meningitis outbreak in Inner Mongolia in 2016, finding that Lineage 2 played an important role in recent outbreaks. Moreover, we found that Gansu province could play an important role in E-30 spread and might be a possible origin site. Furthermore, Fujian, Shandong, Taiwan, and Zhejiang provinces also demonstrated significant involvement in E-30 evolution and persistence over time in China.
Evaluation of the Prevalence of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancers in Khorramadad
Authors: Azadbakht Saleh , Azadbakht Morteza , Azadbakht Salehe
Published: March 2021

BackgroundGastrointestinal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths and its incidence varies based on geographical, demographic, genetic and clinical factors. In this study, we aim to investigate the frequency of upper gastrointestinal cancers in patients referred to the endoscopy department Shohada Ashayer and Shahid Rahimi Hospital of Khorramabad from 2015-2019.MethodsThis research is a descriptive observational study where patients suspected for gastrointestinal cancer were included. These patients underwent endoscopy where samples from suspected cancer patient were subjected to histopathological analysis for confirmation. Demographic data along with the findings from endoscopy and pathology and details regarding the lesions (type and location) and the causes of lesions were recorded in the checklist for all the patients. ResultsOf 1274 patients, 630 (49/5%) were male and 644 (50/5%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 50 years. The Frequency of stomach cancer was 194 (16.7%) and that of esophageal cancer was 123 (9.7%).The most common type of pathology in esophageal cancer was squamous cell carcinoma with 91 cases (73.9%) and in the stomach were all cases were of adenocarcinoma. The distal part of the esophagus was most affected, 88 cases (72.2%) and cardiac end in the stomach. with 98 cases (50.5%) . The frequency of cancer was significantly higher in men and in patients aged above 60 years, p<0.05, respectively.ConclusionAccording to the results of the study, gastric cancer is the most common upper gastrointestinal cancer in regional population, followed by esophageal cancer.
Cyanophage Distribution Across European Lakes of the Temperate-Humid Continental Climate Zone Assessed Using PCR-based Genetic Markers
Authors: Jaskulska Aleksandra , Šulčius Sigitas , Kokociński Mikołaj , Koreivienė Judita , Nájera Arnoldo Font , Mankiewicz-Boczek Joanna
Published: March 2021

Studies of the diversity and distribution of freshwater cyanophages are generally limited to the small geographical areas, in many cases including only one or few lakes. Data from dozens of various lakes distributed at a larger distance are necessary to understand their spatial distribution and sensitivity to biotic and abiotic factors. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the diversity and distribution of cyanophages within the infected cells using marker genes (psbA, nblA, and g91) in 21 Polish and Lithuanian lakes. Physicochemical factors that might be related to them were also analyzed. The results demonstrated that genetic markers representing cyanophages were observed in most lakes studied. The frequently detected gene was psbA with 88% of cyanophage-positive samples, while nblA and g91 were found in approximately 50% of lakes. The DNA sequences analyses for each gene demonstrated low variability between them. Although, the psbA sequences branched within the larger cluster of marine Synechoccocuss counterparts. The principal component analysis allowed to identify significant variation between the lakes that presented high and low cyanobacterial biomass. The lakes with high cyanobacterial biomass were further separated by country and the different diversity of cyanobacteria species, particularly Planktothrix agardhii was dominant in the Polish lakes and Planktolyngbya limnetica in the Lithuanian lakes. The total phosphorous and the presence of cyanophage genes psbA and nblA were the most important factors that allowed differentiation for the Polish lakes, while the pH and the genes g91 and nblA for the Lithuanian lakes.
High Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen in Patients With Haematological Malignancy: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Tetlow Simon , Anandanadesan Rathai , Taheri Leila , Pagkalidou Eirini , De Lavallade Hugues , Metaxa Victoria
Published: March 2021

BackgroundPatients with haematological malignancies (HM) face high rates of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission and mortality. High flow nasal cannula oxygen (HFNCO) is increasingly used to support HM patients in ward settings, but there is limited evidence on the safety and efficacy of HFNCO in this group. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all HM patients receiving ward-based HFNCO, supervised by a critical care outreach service (CCOS), from January 2014 - January 2019. ResultsWe included 130 consecutive patients. Forty-three (33.1%) were weaned off HFNCO without ICU admission. Eighty-seven (66.9%) were admitted to ICU, 20 (23.3%) required non-invasive and 34 (39.5%) invasive mechanical ventilation. ICU and hospital mortality were 42% and 55% respectively. Initial FiO2 <0.4 (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.09-0.81, p=0.019) and HFNCO use on the ward >1 day (OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.04, 0.59, p=0.006) were associated with reduced likelihood for ICU admission. Invasive ventilation was associated with reduced survival (OR 0.27, 95%CI 0.1-0.7, p=0.007). No significant adverse events were reported.ConclusionHM patients receiving ward-based HFNCO have higher rates of ICU admission, but comparable hospital mortality to those requiring CCOS review without respiratory support. Results should be interpreted cautiously, as the model proposed depends on the existence of CCOS.
Long-term Outcome of Incidental Cystic Liver Tumors in the General Population
Authors: Blum Sophia Freya Ulrike , Ittermann Till , Kromrey Marie-Luise , Dreyer Corinna , Seppelt Danilo , Hoffmann Ralf-Thorsten , Völzke Henry , Kühn Jens-Peter
Published: March 2021

Aim of this study was to investigate frequency, incidence and risk factors of liver cysts in the general population in a longitudinal survey. Cyst frequency was investigated in 607 adult volunteers (288 women, 319 men, mean age 55 years) using strong T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Risk factors were investigated for occurrence, frequency and size of cystic lesions at baseline. Incidence and physiological growing of the lesions were observed in a 5-years follow-up. At baseline, 431 volunteers had 1,479 cysts (71.0%). The mean number of cysts per person was 3.4 ± 9.0. The mean size of cysts was 13.1 ± 11.7 mm. Women had a higher number of cysts than men (p = 0.026). Older and male volunteers demonstrated a higher cyst frequency (p = 0.002 and p = 0.025). Per one-year increase in age the chance for a liver cyst increased by 2%. Four-hundred seventeen volunteers had cysts in the follow-up, in 24.6% new lesions had occurred. Lesion size significantly increased in follow-up (p < 0.001). Age and male sex were associated with the occurrence of at least one liver cyst. Women had a higher average number of cysts. Cystic lesion progression is a physiological phenomenon in the long-term follow-up.
Association of Microglia/macrophage Polarization With Perihematomal Edema and Clinical Outcome in Patients With Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Shen Xue-Ming , Han Xiu-Peng , Xu Hong-Qi , Tang Yan-Jun , Han Song , Yan Chang-Xiang
Published: March 2021

Background: Perihematomal edema (PHE) is a marker of secondary injury in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Microglial and macrophage activation, or their polarization could lead to a pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory response in stroke. However, little is known about the association between inflammatory cells and ICH. Thus, we characterized the inflammatory cell response, and assessed its association with parameters such as hematoma, PHE volume, and clinical outcome in patients with acute ICH.Methods: Fifty-two patients with acute ICH were retrospectively enrolled in our study. All patients underwent surgery, and brain tissue from the PHE was acquired. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to evaluate microglia (CD11b+/TMEM119+), macrophages (CD11b+/TMEM119-), and the M1 (MHC+/CD11b+) and M2 (CD206+/CD11b+) phenotypes. The relative PHE (r-PHE) was the main marker for assessing PHE volume. The Wilcoxon test and Spearman correlation analysis were the main statistical analysis methods used.Results: Microglia/macrophages, and their phenotypes were detected within 6 hours after stroke. Microglia and the M2 phenotype were negatively correlated with r-PHE, while macrophages and the M1 phenotype were positively correlated with r-PHE; however, these parameters were not associated with age, sex, or location. There was a positive correlation between the microglia and M2-phenotype levels (r = 0.443, p = 0.001) and between the macrophage and M1-phenotype levels (r = 0.458, p <0.001). Microglia (r = -0.295, p = 0.033) and M2-phenotype (r = -0.384, p = 0.005) levels were negatively correlated with the National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) after treatment.Finally, using lasso Poisson regression models, we developed a score for predicting the NIHSS score after treatment. Decision curve analysis showed notable net benefits of this score.Conclusion: Microglial and macrophage activation, and their polarization were significantly associated with r-PHE and clinical outcomes in ICH, and could provide therapeutic insights for PHE management after hemorrhagic stroke.
Determination Of Trometamol Content In Gadobutrol Solution For Intravenous Administration, 1 mmol / mL Using RP-LC With Refractive Index Detector
Authors: Najana Sanni Babu , Bollikolla Hari Babu
Published: March 2021

Background: Extremely responsive technique designed for the willpower of trometamol for instance tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane in gadobutrol by RP-LC technique. Quantification of trometamol content in gadobutrol samples by HPLC with refractive index detector (RID). Trometamol was UV inactive compound.Methods: Trometamol was determined by RP-LC method using Inertsil NH2 (250x4.6mm, 5µm) column as motionless segment. Column temperature maintained 30°C, inoculation quantity 10µL, flow velocity was 0.3 ml/min, sample cooler temperature 25°C. The mixture of phosphate buffer and cyanomethane in the ratio of 990:10 (volume/volume) was utilized as movable segment. The retention time of trometamol determined 10.95 minutes respectively. The acceptance limit of the trometamol content is 0.9%-1.5%.ConclusionThe proposed RP-LC technique that can determination of trometamol content in gadobutrol solution intravenous administration contain expanded as well as authenticated as per ICH guidelines. The efficiency of the technique was ensure by the specificity, exactitude and accuracy. Hence, the technique well suit for their intended purposes and can be productively useful for the release testing of gadobutrol injection keen on the souk.
Dynamic alteration in the gut microbiota and metabolome during the pregnancy
Authors: Xie Peifeng , Hu Chengjun , He Qinghua , Zhu Qian , Kong Xiangfeng
Published: March 2021

Background

Gut microbiota and their metabolites were associated with obesity. Our previous study showed that maternal body fat percentage increased from days 45 to 110 of gestation in a Huanjiang mini-pig model. Thus, 16S rRNA sequencing and metabonomic techniques were used to investigate the changes of maternal gut microbiota composition and microbial metabolite profile from days 45 to 110 of gestation.
Results

The abundances of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Romboutsia, Turicibacter, and Streptococcus in jejunum contents were higher in day 110 than those in day 45 or 75 of gestation. In ileum, the abundance of Streptococcus was the highest (P < 0.05) at day 110 of gestation, as well as the metabolism function of jejunal and ileal microbiota. The ileal butyrate and acetate concentrations were the highest at day 45 and day 110 of gestation, respectively. In colon, the concentrations of cadaverine and spermine were the highest (P < 0.05) at days 45 and 110 of gestation, respectively. Metabonomic analysis demonstrated that metabolic pathways including glutamine and glutamate metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism changed during gestation.
Conclusions

Microbiota composition and metabolites changed dramatically from the early to the late pregnancy, which might be associated with the maternal fat accumulation.
Microstrucral, Optical and Electrical Characteristics of Cu-doped CdTe Nanocrystalline Films for Desinging of Absorber Layer in Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Alzaid Meshal , Hadia N. M. A. , El-Hagary M. , Shaaban E. R. , ahmed wael
Published: March 2021

This paper reports the microstrcure, optical and electrical characteristics of undoped and Cu doped CdTe nanostructured thin films prepared on glass substrates by electron beam evaporation technique. The Crystallographic study of X-ray diffraction shows that CdTe and Cu doped CdTe films crystallize in the form of a cubic zinc blende structure. Microstructure analysis reveals that as the Cu doping level increases, the average crystallite size increases, while the microstrian decreases due to the improvement of the crystallinty, thereby reducing defects. XRD and AFM investigations confirmed the nanostructure characteristic of undoped and Cu doped films. It was found that the optical band gap energy increases from 1.485 eV to 1.683 eV as the Cu concentration increases from 0 wt. % to 10 wt. %, which may be related to the Burstein-Moss effect. The refractive index is calculated from the Swanepoel envelope method and found to decrease with the increase of the Cu doping due to the decrease in the prolizability. Similarly, the extinction coefficient decreases with the increase of Cu in CdTe matrix. The dc electrical conductivity is found to increase with increasing Cu doping, which is attributed to the increase in the grain size, thereby reducing the scattering of the grain boundary. Furthermore, two conduction mechanisms of the carrier transport in nanostrcutured undoped and Cu doped CdTe films were observed. The low temperature dependence of the conductivity of undoped and Cu doped CdTe nanostructured films is explained based on Mott’s variable range hopping conduction mechanism model (VRH). Interestingly, the calculated values of hopping distance R, the hopping energy W and the the density of states at the Fermi level N(EF) are consistent with the Mott's VRH. Finally, Hall effect measurements show that all the films have p- type conduction behavior. Besides, the results show that as Cu doping level increases, the carrier concentration and the Hall mobility increase due to the decrease in grain boundary scattering with the increase in grain size. Accordingly, it can be concluded that by increasing the Cu doping level in the CdTe film, the conductivity is increased, thereby improving the performance of the CdTe absorber layer in the solar cell structure.