bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal disorder driven magnetic phases in van der Waals magnet CrI3
Authors: Sanches Jaume , Wahab Dina , Luetkens Hubertus , Taniashvili Grigol , Moratalla Efren , Guguchia Zurab , Santos Elton
Published: October 2020

Magnetic phase transitions often occur spontaneously at specific critical temperatures and are instrumental to understand the origin of long-range spin order in condensed matter systems. The presence of more than one critical temperature (Tc) has been observed in several compounds where the coexistence of competing magnetic orders highlights the importance of phase separation driven by different factors such as pressure, temperature and chemical composition. However, it is unknown whether recently discovered two-dimensional (2D) van der Walls (vdW) magnetic materials show such intriguing phenomena that can result in rich phase diagrams with novel magnetic features to be explored. Here we show the existence of three magnetic phase transitions at different Tc's in 2D vdW magnet CrI3 revealed by a complementary suite of muon spin relaxation-rotation (μSR), superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry, and large-scale micromagnetic simulations including higher order exchange interactions and dipolar fields. We find that the traditionally identified Curie temperature of bulk CrI3 at 61 K does not correspond to the long-range order in the full volume (VM) of the crystal but rather a partial transition with less than ~25% of VM being magnetically spin-ordered. This transition is composed of highly-disordered domains with the easy-axis component of the magnetization (Sz) not being fully spin polarized but disordered by in-plane components (Sx, Sy) over the entire layer. As the system cools down, two additional phase transitions at 50 K and 25 K drive the system to 80% and nearly 100% of the magnetically ordered volume, respectively, where the ferromagnetic ground state has a marked Sz character yet also displaying finite contributions of Sx and Sy to the total magnetization. Our results indicate that volume wise competing electronic phases play an important role in the magnetic properties of CrI3 which set a much lower threshold temperature for exploitation in magnetic device-platforms than initially considered.
Development of Highly Efficient Platinum Catalysts for Hydroalkoxylation and Hydroamination of Unactivated Alkene
Authors: Zhou Yali , Xu Xingjun , Sun Hongwei , Tao Guanyu , Chang Xiaoyong , Xing Xiangyou , Chen Bo , Xu Chen
Published: October 2020

Hydrofunctionalization, the direct additon of an X–H (e.g., X = O, N) bond across an alkene, is a desirable strategy to make heterocycles that are important structural components of naturally occurring molecules. Described here is the design and discovery of “donor–acceptor”-type platinum catalysts that are highly effective in both hydroalkoxylation and hydroamination of unactivated alkenes over a broad range of substrates under mild conditions. A number of alkene substitution patterns were accommodated, including tri-substituted, 1,1-disubstituted, (E)-disubstituted, (Z)-disubstituted and even mono-substituted double bonds. Detailed mechanistic investigations suggest a plausible pathway that includes an unexpected dissociation/re-association of the electron-deficient ligand to form an alkene-bound “donor–acceptor”-type intermediate. These mechanistic studies help understand the origins of the high reactivity exhibited by the catalytic system, and provide a foundation for the rational design of chiral catalysts towards asymmetric hydrofunctionalization reactions.
Incipient Gear Fault Detection Using Adaptive Impulsive Wavelet Filter Based on Spectral Negentropy
Authors: Gao Mang , Yu Gang , Li Ning Chang
Published: October 2020

Adaptive wavelet filtering is a very important fault feature extraction method in the domain of condition monitoring, however, due to the time-consuming computation and difficulty of choosing criteria used to represent incipient faults, the engineering applications are limited to some extent. In order to detect the incipient gear faults with a fast speed, a new criterion is proposed to optimize the parameters of modified impulsive wavelet for constructing an optimal wavelet filter to detect impulsive gear faults. Firstly, a new criterion based on the spectral negentropy is proposed. Then, a novel searching strategy is applied to optimize the parameters of the impulsive wavelet based on the new criterion. Finally, envelope spectral analysis is applied to find the incipient fault characteristic frequency. Both the simulation and experimental validation have shown the superiority of the proposed approach
Conflicting objectives of energy development and water security in Africa
Authors: Pappis Ioannis , Sridha Vignesh , Howells Mark , Medarac Hrvoje , Kougias Ioannis , Sánchez Rocío , Shivakumar Abhishek , Usher Will
Published: October 2020

Africa's economic and population growth prospects are likely to increase energy and water demands. This quantitative study shows that pathways towards decarbonization of the energy sector in Africa may lead to higher water withdrawals and consumption than expected. By 2065, investments in low-carbon energy infrastructure increase annual withdrawals from 1% (2.0oC) to 2% (1.5oC) of total renewable water resources compared to 3% in the baseline scenario, despite lower final energy demands in the mitigation scenarios. Water consumption, in comparison to the baseline, increases by 282% (2.0oC) and 300% (1.5oC) by 2065, due to the high water-intensity of the low-carbon energy system. To meet the 1.5oC pathway, the energy sector requires higher water consumption overall and per unit of energy than other scenarios. These findings demonstrate the crucial role of integrated energy planning and water resources management if Africa is to achieve climate-compatible growth.
The influence of peer support worker integration on co-production and co-creation in public mental health and addiction services: Protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Aakerblom Kristina Bakke , Ness Ottar
Published: October 2020

An increasing proportion of countries engage peer support workers (PSW) in their public mental health and addiction services. How PSW are integrated in the services and participate in co-production and co-creation processes will influence both the content and quality of services for service-users related to effectiveness, and the services ability to innovation and change. However, little is known about how PSW contribute in, and to, co-production and co-creation processes in the services, and the described outcomes of such processes. Knowledge from existing research literature about the types, objectives, conditions and outcomes of co-production and co-creation processes with PSW is key knowledge for understanding and developing these processes which in the next step will increase service user participation and ensure better adaptation of services to the target group.A scoping review are chosen to provide an overview of existing evidence base to address questions beyond those related to effectiveness and efficiency and can be useful for bringing together literature in disciplines with emerging evidence. This aim of this scoping review is to achieve an overview of the research status of co-production and co-creation related to or involving PSW in the public mental health and addiction field of studies. The search of the studies will be between August 31 to December 15, 2020. The studies reviewed will be the ones that provide a description of how PSW engage in or contribute in these public services, particularly in collaborative processes as co-production and co-creation in the services. All studies describing PSW roles and activities that PSW might have within the public mental health and addiction services and across organizational or institutional boundaries will be included. Intended database sources for the review are Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, Oria, WorldCat, Google Scholar, Scopus, Academic Search Elite, Cinahl. This scoping review explore how the integration of peer support in public mental health and addiction services influences forms of collaboration in these services, described in the literature both through the process of co-production and co-creation. Research question for this scoping review is: How do peer support workers integration influence co-production and co-creation in public mental health and addiction services and what are the described outcomes?
Electrolyte and renal disorders in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma
Authors: Pierscianek Daniela , Oppong Marvin Darkwah , Ahmadipour Yahya , Rauschenbach Laurèl , Michel Anna , Kebir Sied , Dammann Philipp , Wrede Karsten H. , Glas Martin , Hense Jörg , Pöttgen Christoph , Sure Ulrich , Jabbarli Ramazan
Published: October 2020

BackgroundElectrolyte disturbances and altered renal function have been linked to the prognosis of critically ill patients and recently also of cancer patients. Little is known about the prevalence and prognostic impact of electrolyte and renal disorders in patients with glioblastoma (GBM), the most frequent malignant primary brain tumor. This study aimed to assess electrolyte and renal disorders in GBM patients and evaluate their effect on patients’ outcome.MethodsPatients treated for newly diagnosed GBM between 2005 and 2018 were included. Electrolytes and renal function parameters were assessed preoperatively. Medical records of patients were retrospectively reviewed for demographic and clinical parameters, as well as patients’ survival.ResultsElectrolyte and renal disorders at admission were present in 275 (30.6%) and 544 (60.4%) of 900 GBM patients respectively and were more common in patients with higher age, previous comorbidities and poor initial clinical performance status. In univariate analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival plots, presence of hyponatremia, hypochloremia, hypocalcemia, hyperuricemia and low glomerular filtration rate were associated with poorer survival. Multivariate analysis revealed hypochloremia as an independent prognostic factor for overall (p=0.004) and 1-year (p=0.021) survival. ConclusionsPreoperative electrolyte and renal disorders are common in GBM patients. Of them, only hypochloremia showed a strong association with GBM prognosis, independently of age, sex, extent of resection, clinical performance status, postoperative therapy, and molecular status. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of hypochloremia on GBM survival.
The Association Between Frailty and All-Cause Mortality in Community-Dwelling Older Individuals: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Ekram A R M Saifuddin , Woods Robyn , Britt Carlene , Espinoza Sara E , Ernst Michael E , Ryan Joanne
Published: October 2020

Background Frailty is associated with multiple adverse health outcomes, including mortality. Several methods have been used to characterize frailty, each based on different frailty scales. These include scales based on a phenotype, multidomain, and deficit accumulations. Several systematic reviews have examined the association between frailty and mortality; however, it is unclear whether these different frailty scales similarly predict mortality. This umbrella review aims to examine the association between frailty assessed by different frailty scales and all-cause mortality among community-dwelling older adults. Methods The umbrella review protocol was registered at PROSPERO, and it was conducted following the PRISMA statement. MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) EBP database, and Web of Science database was searched to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining the association between frailty and all-cause mortality. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI. Critical Appraisal Checklist and online AMSTAR-2 critical appraisal checklist. For eligible studies, essential information was extracted and synthesized qualitatively. Results Five systematic reviews were included, with a total of 434,115 participants. Three systematic reviews focused on single frailty scales; one evaluated Fried physical frailty phenotype and its modifications; another focused on the deficit accumulation frailty index. The third evaluated the FRAIL (Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illness, and Loss of weight) scale. The two other systematic reviews determined the association between frailty and mortality using different frailty scales. All the systematic reviews performed meta-analyses and assessed between-study heterogeneity. All of the systematic reviews found that frailty was significantly associated with all-cause mortality.Conclusion This umbrella review demonstrates that frailty is a significant predictor of all-cause mortality, irrespective of the specific frailty scale.
Single channel approach for filtering EEG signals strongly contaminated with facial EMG
Authors: Silva Gustavo Moreira da , Queiroz Carlos Magno Medeiros , Walter Steffen , Peres Luciano Brink , Luiz Luiza Maire David , Costa Samila Carolina , Pereira Adriano Alves , Vieira Marcus Fraga , Andrade Adriano de Oliveira
Published: October 2020

Background Eliminating facial electromyography (EMG) from the electroencephalogram (EEG) is essential for the accuracy of applications such as brain computer interfaces (BCIs) and quantification of brain functionality. Although it is possible to find several studies that address EEG filtering, there is lack of researches that improve the filtering of EEG strongly corrupted by EMG signals with single-channel approaches, which are necessary in situations in which the number of available channels is reduced for the application of filtering methods based on multichannel techniques. In this context, this research proposes an EEG denoising method for filtering EMG from the masseter and frontal. This method, so-called EMDRLS, combines the use of Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) and a Recursive Least Square (RLS) filter to attenuate facial EMG noise from EEG. The results were compared with those obtained from Wavelet, EMD, Wiener and Wavelet-RLS (WRLS) filters. Besides the visual inspection of the resultant waveform of filtered signals, the following objective metrics were employed to contrast the performance of the filtering methods: (i) the signal-noise ratio (SNR) of the contaminated signal, (ii) the root mean square error (RMSE) between the power spectrum of artifact free and filtered EEG epochs, (iii) the spectral preservation of brain rhythms (i.e., delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma rhythms) of filtered signals.Results The EMDRLS method yielded filtered EEG signals with SNR varying from 0 to 10 dB for EEG signals with SNR below -10dB. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient estimated between the SNR of filtered and corrupted signals was below 0.04, suggesting, in the evaluated conditions, the independence of the EMDRLS filtering performance to the SNR of noisy signals. The technique also improved the RMSE between the power spectrum of artifact free and filtered EEG epochs by a factor of 27 (from 5.429 to 0.197) in the most corrupted EEG channels with the masseter muscle contraction. The Kruskal-Wallis test and the Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test (p < 0.05) confirmed the preservation of all brain rhythms given by EEG signals filtered with the EMDRLS method.Conclusions The results showed that the single-channel EMDRLS method can be applied to highly contaminated EEG signals by facial EMG signal with performance superior to that of the compared methods. The method can be applied for the offline filtering of EEG signals contaminated by facial EMG.
Chromatographic and Tandem mass spectroscopic characterization of Ayush Kwath Churnam-an Ayurvedic immunomodulatory drug during COVID-19
Authors: T Sulaiman C , M Deepak , S Madhavankutty T , M Anandan E , Balachandran Indira
Published: October 2020

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the global health crisis. There are no existing solutions to COVID 19 as yet. Ayush Kwath Churnam (AKC) is an Ayurvedic medicine promoted by Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India for the enhancement of body immunity in Covid-19 scenario and promoted many AYUSH clinics all over the country with an aim of enhancing immunity of the people to resist SARS Cov-2.Methods: In this study, chemical evaluation of AKC has been done by High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) and Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectroscopic (LC-MS) analysis. Chemical characterization of AKC was carried out by Electro Spray chemical Ionization (ESI) in both positive and negative mode using Quadrupole Time-of-Flight (Q-TOF) mass spectroscopy. Results: Data processing of molecular ions obtained by mass fragmentation led to the identification of several phytoconstituents belonging to various classes of compounds such as alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids and isoflavones. Conclusion: The study concluded that AKC contains variety of phytochemicals with numerous biological properties like immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.
Dynamics based on analysis of public data for spreading of disease
Authors: Lima Leonardo S.
Published: October 2020

The stochastic model for epidemic spreading of the novel coronavirus disease based on the data set supported by the public health agencies in countries as Brazil, EUA and India is investigated. We performed the numerical analysis using the stochastic differential equation for estimating of the novel cases diary as well as analytical calculations solving the correspondent partial equation for the distribution of novel cases P. Our results display that the model based in the Itô diffusion fits well to the results diary due to uncertain in the official data and to the number of tests realized in the populations of each country.
Don’t stop walking: an in-home rehabilitation program for peripheral artery disease patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authors: Lamberti Nicola , Straudi Sofia , Manfredini Roberto , De Giorgi Alfredo , Gasbarro Vincenzo , Zamboni Paolo , Manfredini Fabio
Published: October 2020

Aims: We studied the outcomes of peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients enrolled in a structured in-home walking program before the lockdown due to the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic emergency, to determine whether this intervention ensured the maintenance of mobility in the case of strict movement restrictions.Methods: We considered 83 patients (age 72±11, males n=65) enrolled in a rehabilitation program based on two daily 8-minute sessions of slow intermittent in-home walking at a prescribed cadence with circa-monthly hospital visits. During the lockdown period, the program was updated by phone. The 6-minute (6MWD) and pain-free walking distance (PFWD) were measured pre- and postlockdown. Body weight (BW), blood pressure (BP), and the ankle-brachial index (ABI) were also determined.Results: Sixty-six patients were measured 117±23 days after their previous visit. A safe, pain-free execution the prescribed sessions, with a median distance covered of 74 km, was reported. Overall, the 6MWD was stable, while PFWD improved (p<0.001). Decreased BW with stable BP and ABI values were also recorded. When considering the outcome values according to the time of enrollment before the lockdown, new-entry subjects (≤3 months; n=35) obtained significant improvements, while those previously enrolled (>3 months; n= 31) were stable.Conclusion: In PAD patients, a structured exercise program easily performed in a home corridor and guided with phone assistance was adhered to by patients and showed effectiveness in maintaining mobility and risk factor control during the COVID-19 pandemic. Safe structured exercise may involve frail subjects regardless of walking ability, type of home and external conditions.
Prevalence of anxiety and depression among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Jiashuo , Yu Hongbiao , Gao Yijie , Xu Qin , Yin Yangxue , Zhou Rong
Published: October 2020

Background COVID-19 has become a global pandemic. Its occurrence has substantially affected the psychological condition of pregnant women. The purpose of this study is to learn about the incidence of anxiety and depression among pregnant women during the pandemic, and to conduct a meta-analysis of the existing research.Methods PubMed, Web of Science and EMBASE were searched without a lower time limit and up to August 13, 2020. The incidences of anxiety and depression among pregnant women were synthesized and discussed.Results The prevalence of anxiety in 8 studies with a total sample size of 7493 individuals was 43% (95% confidence interval: 0.28-0.58), and the prevalence of depression in 7 studies with a sample size of 6116 people was 32% (95% confidence interval: 0.26-0.37). Significant heterogeneity was detected across studies of these incidence estimates. Subgroup analysis included the economic status to explore the sources of heterogeneity, and Egger’s test was conducted to examine the publication bias.Conclusions Since significant heterogeneity has been detected in studies of anxiety and depression, we must interpret the results with caution. As the COVID-19 pandemic will not end in a short time, corresponding psychological interventions must be implemented to address the mental health of pregnant women.
Data suggest COVID-19 affected numbers greatly exceeded detected numbers, in four European countries, as per a delayed SEIQR model
Authors: Tiwari Sankalp , Vyasarayani C. P. , Chatterjee Anindya
Published: October 2020

People in many countries are now infected with COVID-19. By now, it is clear that the number of people infected is much more than the number of reported cases. To estimate the infected but undetected/unreported cases using a mathematical model, we can use a parameter called the probability of quarantining an infected individual. This parameter exists in the time-delayed SEIQR model (Scientific Reports, article number: 3505). Two limiting cases of a network of such models are used to estimate the undetected population. The first limit corresponds to the network collapsing onto a single node and is referred to as the mean-$\beta$ model. In the second case, the number of nodes in the network is infinite and results in a continuum model, treating the infectivity as statistically distributed. We use a shifted Pareto distribution to model the infectivity. This distribution has a long tail and incorporates the presence of super-spreaders that contribute to the disease progression. While both the models capture the {\em detected} numbers equally well, the predictions of {\em affected} numbers from the continuum model are more realistic. Results suggest that affected people outnumber detected people by one to two orders of magnitude in Spain, UK, Italy, and Germany.
Prediction of patients requiring intensive care for COVID-19: development and validation of an integer-based score using data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of South Korea.
Authors: Heo JoonNyung , Han Deokjae , Kim Hyung-Jun , Kim Daehyun , Lee Yeon-Kyeng , Lim Dosang , Hong Sung Ok , Park Mi-Jin , Ha Beomman , Seog Woong
Published: October 2020

Background Unavailability or saturation of the intensive care unit may be associated with the fatality of COVID-19. Prioritizing the patients for hospitalization and intensive care may be critical for reducing the fatality of COVID-19. This study aimed to develop and validate a new integer-based scoring system for predicting patients with COVID-19 requiring intensive care, using only the predictors available upon triage. Methods This is a retrospective study using cohort data from the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that included all admitted patients with COVID-19 between January 19 and June 3, 2020, in South Korea. The primary outcome was patients requiring intensive care defined as actual admission to the intensive care unit; at any time use of an extracorporeal life support device, mechanical ventilation, or vasopressors; death. Patients admitted until March 20 were included for the training dataset to develop the prediction models and externally validated for the patients admitted afterward. Two logistic regression models were developed with different predictors and the predictive performance was compared: one with patient-provided variables and the other with added radiologic and laboratory variables. An integer-based scoring system was developed based on the developed logistic regression model.Results A total of 5,193 patients were considered, with 4,663 patients included after excluding patients with age under 18 or insufficient data. For the training dataset, 3,238 patients were included. Of the included patients, 444 (9.5%) patients required intensive care. The model developed with only the clinical variables showed an area under the curve of 0.884 for the validation set. The performance did not differ when radiologic and laboratory variables were added. Seven variables were selected for developing an integer-based scoring system: age, sex, initial body temperature, dyspnea, hemoptysis, history of chronic kidney disease, and activities of daily living. The area under the curve of the scoring system was 0.880. Conclusions An integer-based scoring system was developed for predicting patients with COVID-19 requiring intensive care, with high performance. This system may aid decision support for prioritizing the patient for hospitalization and intensive care, particularly in a situation with limited medical resources.
Tratamento cirúrgico de abscesso odontogênico em nível hospitalar
Authors: Faverani Leonardo Perez , Ferreira Gabriel Ramalho , Garcia Junior Idelmo Rangel , Souza Francisley Avila , Ibrahim Gabriela Marian Flud , Gaetti Jardim Ellen Cristina
Published: October 2020

A infecção odontogênica é um grave problema de saúde pública. O atendimento hospitalar fica basicamente direcionado a atenção aos casos mais graves que requerem tratamento imediato de antibioticoterapia endovenosa bem como remoção urgente da causa. Sendo assim, o objetivo é apresentar um caso de paciente de 43 anos de idade, sexo feminino, queixando-se de dor em região de dente 24 com aumento volumétrico evidente assim como drenagem espontânea de exsudato via sulco gengival. O tratamento após exames complementares de rotina foi a exodontia do elemento dentário sob anestesia local em atenção hospitalar associado a drenagem da coleção purulenta. Após eliminação da causa bem como a drenagem, 48 horas destas a paciente recebeu alta hospitalar com retorno programado. Segue sem queixas e sem outras afecções semelhantes.Descritores: Abscesso Periapical; Cirurgia; Terapêutica.ReferênciasMardini S, Gohel A. Imaging of Odontogenic Infections. Radiol Clin North Am. 2018;56(1):31-44.DeAngelis AF, Barrowman RA, Harrod R, Nastri AL. Review article: Maxillofacial emergencies: oral pain and odontogenic infections. Emerg Med Australas. 2014;26(4):336-42. Vasconcelos BEC, Cauás M, Albert DGM, Nascimento GJF, Holanda GZ. Disseminação de infecção odontogênica através das fáscias cervicais profundas: relato de caso clínico. Rev Cir Traumat Bucomaxilofac. 2002;2(1):21- 25.Ramos S, Ramos RF, Ramos HF, Ramos BF. O Uso da Tomografia Computadorizada no Diagnóstico do Abscesso Peritonsilar Arq Int. Otorrinolaringol/Intl Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2006;10(1):67-70.Wang J, Ahani A, Pogrel MA. A five-year retrospective study of odontogenic maxillofacial infections in a large urban public hospital. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2005;34(6):646-49.Manor Y, Garfunkel AA. Brain abscess following dental implant placement via crestal sinus lift - a case report. Eur J Oral Implantol. 2018;11(1):113-17.Lima FGGP, Rios LGC, Cunha LTMQ, Rocha LF, Batista JD. Abordagem clínico-cirúrgica de infecção complexa em região maxilo-facial: relato de caso. Rev Odontol Bras Central. 2018;27(81): 112-16.Jundt JS, Gutta R. Characteristics and cost impact of severe odontogenic infections. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2012;114(5):558-66.
Nanocomposite Formulation of Ferulic Acid with Different Metals Using Computational Method
Authors: Hazra Debraj , Pal Rajat
Published: October 2020

Formulation of Nanoparticle – drug composite is becoming a growing field of research in today’s scientific community. In comparison to the research on the experimental methods for these formulations and their application in various fields, the study of the interaction between drug and nanoparticle is less. In this study, we are reporting about the selection of metals for the formulation of nanocomposite with ferulic acid which is a well-known bioflavonoid having different medicinal activities. Ferulic acid contains only one –OH group which may reduce the conflict of selecting the metal atom binding site. For our study, we considered twelve metals which have been reported for having the potentiality to synthesis nanoparticles. These metals are gold, silver, copper, iron, zinc, nickel, platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, cadmium, and antimony. To mimic the actual nanocomposite structure, one metal atom has interacted with two molecules of ferulic acid. All nanocomposite model structures were designed using Avogadro software for windows. It was subjected to energy minimization and O-metal-O bond angle calculation. From the energy levels, it was observed that cadmium exhibited the lowest energy level and antimony showed the highest energy level suggesting their nanocomposite model structures as the most stable and unstable formulation respectively.
Comparison Study for Art Centers in Greater Cairo To Achieve Heritage conservation
Authors: Ahmed Fatma , Fayez Abanoub , Haron Ahmad
Published: October 2020

Art centers Art centers play an important role in building social connections and increasing the artistic sense of community in addition to enhancing peoples' creative skills and developing their analytical and intellectual abilities which lead to success. The vital role of art centers is developing the community traditional culture as well as calling for reviving the spirit of authenticity and preservation of cultural heritage.In Egypt Art Centers are worked asfunctional community centers that focus on supporting arts practice and facilities as art galleries act as museums that reflect many aspects of people’s lives.Educational facilities, workshops, a performing arts theatre, a fine arts library, music library, and dance and drawing studios supporting local communities and cover part of the gap between culture needs and available building and facilities in the city.Cairo’s role as the cultural capital of one of oldest civilizations in the world is reflected in the arts and architecture of all periods. Therefore, the art centers role in Greater Cairo varies to preserve and teach the traditional and new arts. Despite the emergence of museums in Egypt in the early nineteenth century, the establishment of art centers in Egypt in its current form began in the late fifties in the twentieth century. It appeared as new buildings or the reuse of heritage buildings. Its function is to revive and teach different types of art different periods, achieve conservation of identity, Cultural heritage and creating a new artistic value.This study will highlight the complex value of art centers buildings in Cairo with a comparison between its design, roles and methods of development. FromArchitects,Academicians, designers,andstudents point views toward sitting up a methodology for the design and development of arts centers in Greater Cairo.
Antifungal activity of phytochemical compounds of extracts from Mexican semi-desert plants against Fusarium oxysporum from tomato by microdilution in plate method
Authors: Tucuch-Perez Marco Antonio , Arredondo-Valdes Roberto , Hernandez-Castillo Francisco Daniel
Published: October 2020

Introduction: In several regions of the world, Fusarium oxysporum causes losses on tomato crops; for control it, chemical fungicides are used. Nevertheless, these fungicides causing environmental and resistance problems; therefore, ecological alternatives as plant extracts have been developed. Due to the aim of this work, identify phytochemicals present in ethanolic and aqueous extracts from Agave lechuguilla qualitatively, Carya illinoinensis, Jatropha dioica, Larrea tridentata, and Lippia graveolens and determine their antifungal activity against F. oxysporum.Method: The plants collected from the northeast of Mexico; crudes and concentrated plant extracts obtained; the inhibition percentage and inhibitory concentration to 50 % (IC50) of F. oxysporum for each plant extract were determinate trough microdilution in the plate methodResults: The essential phytochemicals were flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and quinones. The antifungal activity showed at 1000 mg/L inhibition around 40 to 60% by aqueous crude extracts from leaves of L. graveolens and concentrated aqueous extracts from the stem of L. graveolens, respectively. The ethanolic extracts presented 100 % of inhibition for crude extracts of husk from C. illinoinensis; in leaves and stem from L. graveolens the inhibition started from 250 mg/L; for resuspended extracts, the inhibition started from 125 mg/L with L. graveolens stem and leaves; and finally in roots of A. lechuguilla and leaves from L. graveolens the inhibition started from to 250 and 500 mg/L respectively. The best IC50 was of 8.02 mg/L from the ethanolic resuspended extract of L. graveolens stem.Conclusion: The ethanolic plant extracts from L. graveolens, A. lechuguilla, and C. illinoinensis, showed 100 % of inhibiting activity against the development of F. oxysporum, representing an alternative for control of F. oxysporum.
Sanitation dynamics: toilet acquisition and its economic and social implications in rural and urban contexts
Authors: Augsburg Britta , Rodríguez-Lesmes Paul
Published: October 2020

This paper uses primary micro-data from Indian households residing in rural villages and poor urban neighbourhoods to shed light on household sanitation decision-making. We use a theoretical economic model to reduce the dimensionality and complexity of this process. Beyond the most commonly analysed motivator, health, we consider economic and non-pecuniary benefits. We provide empirical evidence that each of these margins matter, and do so in both rural and urban contexts, and discuss how our findings can be explored in sanitation policy and programme design.
Modular treatment of arsenic-laden brackish groundwater using solar-powered subsurface arsenic removal (SAR) and membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI) in Vietnam
Authors: Hellriegel U. , Cañas Kurz E. E. , Luong T. V. , Bundschuh J. , Hoinkis J.
Published: October 2020

To evaluate energy efficient concepts for the modular treatment of brackish water, pilot trials for groundwater desalination and arsenic (As) removal were carried out in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Groundwater here is affected by naturally occurring high iron (Fe2+) and As concentrations, while, in coastal regions, groundwater is additionally contaminated by high salinity mostly due to seawater intrusion. Desalination was conducted by membrane capacitive deionization (MCDI), which shows low specific energy consumption (SEC). Anoxic groundwater with As(III) and Fe2+ was treated using a pre-oxidation step called subsurface arsenic removal (SAR) with the main advantage that no As-laden waste is produced. The pilot plant was operated using a photovoltaic system (3 kWp) and a small wind turbine (2 kWp). The SEC of drinking water produced was 3.97 kWh/m3. Total dissolved solids (TDS) of 1,560 mg/L were lowered to 188 mg/L, while Fe2+ was reduced from 1.8 mg/L to the below detection limit and As from 2.3 to 0.18 μg/L. The results show that SAR is a feasible remediation technique for Fe2+ and As removal in remote areas, and demonstrate the potential of MCDI for brackish water desalination coupled with renewable energies. However, improvements in energy demand of the MCDI module can still be achieved.
Production of glycolipid biosurfactant during crude oil degradation by the novel indigenous isolated Achromobacter kerstersii LMG3441
Authors: Kazemzadeh Somayeh , Naghavi Nafiseh Sadat , Emami-Karvani Zarrindokht , Emtiazi Giti , Fouladgar Masoud
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to find biosurfactant producing and crude oil-degrading bacteria able to decontaminate crude oil from wastewater. The bacteria that were isolated from contaminated sites in an oil refinery plant in Isfahan, Iran, were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing as Achromobacter kerstersii strain LMG3441, Klebsiella pneumonia strain SKBA6, and Klebsiella variicola strain SKV2. According to the results obtained from different tests for the production of biosurfactant among three strains, only Achromobacter kerstersii strain LMG3441 was selected for further study. The pattern of residual hydrocarbons was analyzed by high-resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). This novel and indigenous strain was capable of producing the highest amount of a glycolipid biosurfactant (7.81 g/L) in MSM (mineral salt medium) with 1% (v/v) crude oil as the only source of carbon and energy. The compound showed high surface activation capacity with reduction of surface tension from 40 mN m–1 in the control to 23.3 mN m–1 by the bacterium. The results of GC-MS for assessment of residual hydrocarbons in the MSM and comparison with crude oil as a control showed that 53% of the hydrocarbons in the crude oil were consumed by this novel strain.
Optimization of methylene blue degradation by Aspergillus terreus YESM 3 using response surface methodology
Authors: Mohammed Youssef M. M. , Mabrouk Mona E. M.
Published: October 2020

Synthetic dyes released from many industries cause pollution problems in aquatic environments affecting public health. The present study aimed to explore the potentiality of Aspergillus terreus YESM 3 (accession number LM653117) for colour removal of three different dyes: methylene blue (MB), malachite green (MG) and safranin (S). Results showed that the tolerance index of the studied fungus against tested dyes decreased in the order: methylene blue, safranin and malachite green. Removal of methylene blue colour was improved by using Box–Behnken design. Optimum condition for methylene blue biodegradation in Czapek Dox broth was achieved at pH 6, of 31.41 mg/L dye concentration and an inoculum of 5.7778 × 104 (conidia/mL) with biodegradation of 89.41%. Thus, a novel and eco-friendly system for the biodegradation of dyes using Box–Behnken design has been efficiently developed. Accordingly, A. terreus YESM 3 can be professionally used for bioremediation of methylene blue dye in wastewater and removal of environmental pollution.
COVID-19 Related Coagulopathy: What is Known Up to Now
Authors: Pena Ana Luísa Batista , Oliveira Rafael Arantes , Severo Renata Gomes , Simões e Silva Ana Cristina
Published: October 2020

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has
been a global challenge. The complicated forms of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-
19) can evolve to multiple-organ failure, including several coagulopathies related to a sudden
worsening of respiratory status. This article aimed to review studies about hematological and
hemostatic laboratory disorders directly related to COVID-19 and to discuss how SARS-CoV-
2 causes these abnormalities. The coagulation cascade model is associated with both COVID-
19 and pulmonary involvement. Laboratory changes are relevant to evaluate the coagulation
state - D-dimer, prothrombin time (PT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT),
platelet count and fibrinogen. Pregnant women and patients in Extracorporeal Membrane
Oxygenation (ECMO) need special attention. Prophylactic interventions for COVID-19 coagulopathy
should consider patients at risk for thrombotic events and potential contraindications.
The mechanisms exerted by SARS-CoV-2 that impairs hemostatic balance include endothelial
injury, inflammation, and activation of the immune and complement systems. For
diagnosis of coagulopathy, mainly D-dimer, but also PT, APTT and FDP, should be evaluated
in COVID-19 patients. Intervention possibilities vary between low-molecular-weight heparin
(LMWH) and Unfractionated Heparin (UFH). Until now, there is sufficient evidence that
acutely-ill patients with risk factors for coagulopathies will benefit from thrombophylaxis during
hospitalization and post-discharge, but not all patients.
Medicinal Plants Towards Modeling Skin Cancer
Authors: El-Harakeh Mohammad , Al-Ghadban Sara , Safi Rémi
Published: October 2020

Skin cancer remains a major cause of mortality worldwide. It can be divided into melanoma and non-melanoma cancer, which comprise mainly squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Although conventional therapies have ameliorated the management of skin cancer, the search for chemopreventive compounds is still the most effective and safer strategy to treat cancer. Nowadays, chemoprevention is recognized as a novel approach to prevent or inhibit carcinogenesis steps with the use of natural products. Crude extracts of plants and isolated phytocompounds are considered chemopreventive agents since they harbor anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-oncogenic properties against many types of diseases and cancers. In this review, we will discuss the therapeutic effect and preventive potential of selected medicinal plants used as crude extracts or as phytocompounds against melanoma and non-melanoma cutaneous cancers.
Overexpressing Runx2 of BMSCs Improves the Repairment of knee Cartilage Defects
Authors: Hu Jing , Zou Wen-Zhong , Li Ling , Shi Zheng-shuai , Liu Xiang-Zhong , Cai Han-tao , Yang Ao-fei , Sun Da-ming , Xu Liang-liang , Yang Yi , Li Zhang-Hua
Published: October 2020

Background:

Recruitment of gene modifying bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
(BMSCs) has been considered an alternative to single-cell injection in articular cartilage repair.

Purpose:

This study aimed to investigate whether the effect of runt-related transcription factor
2(Runx2) overexpression bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in vivo could improve the quality
of repaired tissue of a knee cartilage defect in a rabbit model.

Methods:

Thirty-two New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into four groups. The blank
group (Con) did not receive anything, the model group (Mo) was administered saline, the simple
stem cell group (MSCs) received MSCs injection, and the Runx2 transfection group (R-MSCs) received
Runx2 overexpression MSCs injection. After adapting to the environment for a week, a 5
mm diameter cylindrical osteochondral defect was created in the center of the medial femoral
condyle. Cell and saline injections were performed in the first and third weeks after surgery. The
cartilage repair was evaluated by macroscopically and microscopically at 4 and 8 weeks.

Results:

Macroscopically, defects were filled and surfaces were smoother in the MSCs groups than
in the Mo group at 4th week. Microscopically, the R-MSCs group showed coloration similar to surrounding
normal articular cartilage tissue at 8 weeks in masson trichrome staining. The COL-II,
SOX9, and Aggrecan mRNA expressions of MSCs were enhanced at 4 weeks compared with R-MSCs,
then the expression reduced at 8 weeks, but was still higher than Mo group level (P<0.05).
The western blot examination revealed that the COL-IIand SOX9 expression of MSCs was higher
than R-MSCs at 4 weeks, then the expression reduced at 8 weeks, but was still higher than the Mo
level (P<0.05). The IL-1β content in the joint fluid also revealed that cartilage repair with R-MSCs
was better than that with MSCs at 8 weeks (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

The R-MSCs group showed cellular morphology and arrangement similar to surrounding
normal articular cartilage tissue, and Runx2 overexpression of MSCs resulted in overall superior
cartilage repair as compared with MSCs at 8 weeks.
Delivery Systems for RNA Interference Therapy: Current Technologies and Limitations
Authors: Wang Yi
Published: October 2020

In recent years, RNA interference technology has been extensively studied for its therapeutic
potential against a wide variety of diseases. It aims to silence the expression of undesired
genes associated with the target disease by the administration of RNA interference agents. However,
these agents (nucleic acids) are unstable in the circulatory system and lack target specificity.
Drug delivery systems are, therefore, crucial for the successful practice of the technique. A wide array
of delivery systems has been developed to conquer these challenges, such as viral vectors, inorganic
drug carriers, polymeric carriers and lipid-based carriers, with, however, significant limitations.
In addition to the existing technologies, novel, innovative drug delivery systems, such as the
configurable xenobot, are emerging at a rapid pace and have the potential to take the realm of
biomedicine to the next level. This review summarizes technical difficulties in the development of
drug delivery systems and current technologies developed for delivering RNAi agents with a discussion
on their limitations.
COVID-19: A Great Mime or a Trigger Event of Autoimmune Manifestations?
Authors: Fatone Maria Celeste
Published: October 2020

Viruses can induce autoimmune diseases, in addition to genetic predisposition and environmental
factors. Particularly, coronaviruses are mentioned among the viruses implicated in autoimmunity.
Today, the world's greatest threat derives from the pandemic of a new human coronavirus,
called “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the responsible
agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). First case of COVID-19 was identified in Wuhan,
the capital of Hubei, China, in December 2019 and quickly spread around the world. This review
focuses on autoimmune manifestations described during COVID-19, including pro-thrombotic
state associated with antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), acute interstitial pneumonia, macrophage
activation syndrome, lymphocytopenia, systemic vasculitis, and autoimmune skin lesions. This offers
the opportunity to highlight the pathogenetic mechanisms common to COVID-19 and several
autoimmune diseases in order to identify new therapeutic targets. In a supposed preliminary pathogenetic
model, SARS-CoV-2 plays a direct role in triggering widespread microthrombosis and microvascular
inflammation, because it is able to induce transient aPL, endothelial damage and complement
activation at the same time. Hence, endothelium might represent the common pathway in
which autoimmunity and infection converge. In addition, autoimmune phenomena in COVID-19
can be explained by regulatory T cells impairment and cytokines cascade.
Diagnostic Value of Dynamic High-frequency Ultrasound for the Slipping Rib and Twelfth Rib Syndrome: A Case Series with Review
Authors: Patel Nalin G. , Patel Dhruvkumar M. , Patel Mukundkumar V. , Patel Maitri M. , Patel Tanmay R. , Patel Suyog Y.
Published: October 2020

Background:

High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) is a mobile, radiation-free imaging
tool for the diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders. We aim to demonstrate the diagnostic value of
dynamic HFUS for undiagnosed lower chest, upper abdomen, and loin pain with this case series.

Case Series:

A cricketer presented with long-standing left-sided dull ache lower chest and upper abdominal
pain, aggravated on exertion and leaning forward. His previous laboratory and previous
imaging tests were unrevealing. Dynamic HFUS of his left ribs during hooking maneuver demonstrated
slipping of the eighth rib over the seventh rib associated with clicking. He also reported tenderness
over this region. He was diagnosed with slipping rib syndrome (SRS), and was treated with
the eighth nerve block under the HFUS guidance. The second and third cases presented with chronic
undiagnosed waxing and waning loin pain despite extensive laboratory and radiological workup.
Both patients demonstrated twelfth rib HFUS probe tenderness in a sitting position with a specific
movement that reproduced the pain during the dynamic HFUS study. The diagnosis of twelfth rib
syndrome (TRS) was confirmed and treated successfully with a local intercostal nerve block.

Review of the Literature:

HFUS is the most underutilized imaging tool for the diagnosis of unexplained
upper abdominal and lower chest pain syndromes. We identified only a few such reported
cases managed with the help of HFUS.

Conclusion:

The dynamic HFUS is a valuable imaging modality for the undiagnosed lower chest,
upper abdominal, or loin pain.