bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Stability of Exit Slope of Chenjiapo Tunnel Under Condition of Long-term Rainfall
Authors: Hou Tian-shun , Duan Xiang , Liu Hao-yu
Published: June 2021

The exit slope of Chenjiapo Tunnel is located directly above the exit of Chenjiapo Tunnel on Enshi to Laifeng expressway. During the excavation of the exit of the right line of the tunnel, the left side of the front edge of the slope slips. Under the joint action of excavation and rainfall, a large landslide of 6.27×10 4 m 3 and a huge unstable slope of 8.69×10 5 m 3 are formed. The landslide body and unstable slope body not only cause the tunnel to be shut down, but also directly threaten the operation safety of the later expressway. Therefore, in order to study the stability change process of the exit slope of Chenjiapo tunnel under the condition of long-term rainfall, the finite element calculation of the slope is carried out by GeoStudio software. The results show that under the condition of long-term continuous rainfall, the safety factor of the slope decreases with the increased rainfall time, but the reduction rate gradually slows down, and finally tends to be stable. The safety factor of the slope is reduced from 1.187 in the natural state to 1.015, which indicates that the slope is still in a stable state under the condition of long-term continuous rainfall, but the safety reserve is not high, and it is easy to lose stability and damage due to the influence of external adverse factors. As the rainfall continues, the seepage line inside the slope is rising, and the saturated area of the soil at the toe of the slope is increasing. Until the slope begins to drain outwards, the seepage field inside the slope is basically stable. The maximum horizontal displacement of the slope increases with the increased rainfall time, but the increase rate gradually slows down until it tends to be stable. The maximum horizontal displacement of the slope occurred in the middle surface of the slope at the beginning of the rainfall, and gradually transferred to the toe of the slope within 7 days of the rainfall and continued until the end of the rainfall. At the end of the rainfall, the maximum horizontal displacement of the toe of the slope is 0.128 m, and the toe of the slope will be damaged first. At the beginning of the rainfall, the plastic zone of the slope is only scattered at the slope surface and the slope toe. And then as the rainfall continues, the distribution range of the plastic zone in the slope surface, the slope toe and the slide zone gradually widen, and the slope stability gradually decreases. The maximum horizontal displacement and plastic zone of the slope are concentrated at the toe of the slope, the slope presents obvious traction failure characteristics. According to the results of field survey, there are small-scale gravel soil collapses and shear outlets at the front edge of the slope, and the survey results are consistent with the simulation results. It is suggested to set up perfect drainage engineering in the middle and back of the slope, and set anti slide piles and drainage holes at the toe of the slope to reinforce the slope.
Distributed Adaptive Formation Control for Underactuated Quadrotors with Guaranteed Performances
Authors: Shao Xingling , Yue Xiaohui , Liu Jun
Published: June 2021

This paper investigates a distributed adaptive formation control problem for underactuated quadrotors with guaranteed performances. To ensure a robust and stable formation pattern with predefined behavior bounds, by transforming the original constrained formation synchronization error dynamics into an equivalent unconstrained one, a prescribed performance mechanism is introduced in the translational loop to render the formation regulation as a prior. Based on the graph theory and Lyapunov stability analysis, a state estimator-based minimal learning parameter (SE-MLP) neuroadaptive consensus strategy is developed for follower quadrotors to achieve a distributed cooperative formation with prescribed tracking abilities via exchanging local information with neighbors. The presented control scheme has the following salient merits: 1) the formation synchronization errors can be guaranteed within pre-assigned bounds with desired transient behaviors despite of uncertain disturbances; 2) by using a state estimation error to update neural network (NN) parameters, rather than the tracking error that widely applied in traditional NN approximators, and with the help of MLP technique, the proposed SE-MLP observer capable of decreasing the computational complexity can achieve a fast identification of lumped disturbances without causing high-frequency oscillations even using a large adaptive gain, and the transient solutions of L 2 norm of the differential of neural weights are established to illustrate the mechanism of SE-MLP observer in reducing chattering behaviors. Simulation results are given to validate the efficiency of developed technique.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids Effect on the Vascular Calcification Biomarkers Fetuin A and Osteoprotegerin in Hemodialysis Patients.
Authors: Werida Rehab H. , Abou-Madawy Sohaila , Abdelsalam Mohamed , Helmy Maged
Published: June 2021

Chronic Renal failure patients on dialysis are at a high risk of death due to vascular calcification (VC). This study aimed at investigating the effect of omega3- fatty acids on the vascular calcification biomarkers fetuin-A and Osteoprotegerin (OPG) in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) who are undergoing hemodialysis. This prospective, open-label, controlled, parallel study included 60 hemodialysis patients who were randomized to receive either omega-3 fatty acids capsule along with their standard care of treatment (omega-3 group) or their standard care of treatment only (control group). Serum levels of fetuin-A, OPG, calcium, phosphorus, hemoglobin, parathyroid hormone (PTH), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin (ALB), serum creatinine (SCr), and serum triglycerides (TG) were measured at baseline and after six months of intervention and follow-up of both groups. Significantly increased levels of fetuin-A and OPG (p<0.001) were observed in the omega-3 group six months after the intervention compared with the control group. Levels of calcium, phosphorous, hemoglobin, parathyroid hormone, BUN, albumin, SCr, and TG were not significantly changed in the omega-3 group or the control group after six months of intervention. Our study concluded that omega-3 may have a clinically beneficial effect in decreasing cardiovascular events by increasing the levels of the protective vascular calcification inhibitors fetuin-A and osteoprotegerin in chronic renal failure patients who are undergoing hemodialysis.
Comparison of Ureteroscopy (URS) Complementary Treatment after Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy Failure with Primary URS Lithotripsy with Holmium Laser Treatment for Proximal Ureteral Stones Larger than 10mm
Authors: Yao Feng , Jiang XiaoLiang , Xie Bin , Liu Ning
Published: June 2021

Background: To compare ureteroscopy (URS) complementary treatment following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) failure with primary URS lithotripsy for proximal ureteral stones ＞ 10 mm, and try to find out optimal SWL session followed by safe URS.Methods: This was a retrospective study following approval from Medical Ethics Committee of People's Hospital of Chongqing Banan District. Patients (n=340) who received URS in our hospital for stones ＞10 mm from Jan 2015 to June 2020 were divided into two groups according to their previous SWL history. Group 1 consisted of 160 patients that underwent unsuccessful SWL before URS. Group 2 encompassed 180 patients without SWL before URS. Patient’s operative outcomes were compared. Receiver operator characteristics were used to identify the optimal SWL session, regarding the intra-operative complications of URS.Results: The group 1 required more surgery time (41.38 ± 11.39 min vs. 36.43 ± 13.36 min, P=0.01). At the same time, more intra-operative (68.1% VS 22.8%, p = 0.000) and post-operative (35% VS 18.0%, p = 0.001) complications occurred in group 1. Need more hospital stay in group 1 (2.7 ± 1.2 days vs 1.6 ± 1.1 days, p < 0.05). More patients in group 1 need further URS (16.3% VS 6.7%, p = 0.004). After second URS, the SFR of URS was insignificant differences (82.5% VS 88.9%, p＞ 0.05). The median (25% - 75%) of SWL sessions before URS was 2(1-3) in group 1. The optimal SWL session followed by URS were 0.5 (Area Under Curve = 0.718, p ＜ 0.001) with a sensitivity of 67.7% and specificity of 71.5%. Intra-operative complication rates of URS treatment were higher in patients who suffered ＞ 1 SWL failure (72.6% vs 57.4%, p = 0.047).Conclusion: There was no optimal SWL session that could be followed by URS with fewer intra-operative complications. Patients who underwent previous SWL were likely to suffer more intra-operative complications, the average operating time, hospitalization time, and needing further treatment, during URS treatment for proximal ureteral stones larger than 10 mm.
High-performance cavity-enhanced quantum memory with warm atomic cell
Authors: Ma Lixia , Lei Xing , Yan Jieli , Li Ruiyang , Chai Ting , Yan Zhihui , Jia Xiaojun , Xie Changde , Peng Kunchi
Published: June 2021

High-performance quantum memory for quantized states of light is a prerequisite building block of quantum information technology. Despite great progresses of optical quantum memories based on interactions of light and atoms, physical features of these memories still can not satisfy the requirement for applications in practical quantum information systems, since all of them suffer from trade off between memory efficiency and excess noise. Here, we report a high-performance cavity-enhanced electromagnetically-induced-transparency memory with warm atomic cell in which a scheme of optimizing the spatial and temporal modes based on the time-reversal approach is applied. A quantum memory with the efficiency up to 78 + 1% and the noise level close to quantum noise limit has been experimentally achieved. The realized quantum memory platform has been capable of preserving quantized optical states, and thus is ready to be applied in quantum information systems, such as distributed quantum logic gates and quantum-enhanced atomic magnetometry.
Operando MRI for quantitative mapping of temperature and redox species concentrations in thermo-electrochemical cells
Authors: O'Dell Luke , Gunathilaka Isuru , Pringle Jennifer , Forsyth Maria
Published: June 2021

Low-grade waste heat is an abundant and underutilised energy source, and the promise of thermo-electrochemical cells to harvest this resource and power applications such as wearable devices and sensors is increasingly being realised. However, despite substantial advances in performance in recent years, understanding the interior processes occurring within these devices remains a challenge. Here we report an operando magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach that can provide quantitative spatial maps of electrolyte temperature and redox ion concentrations in functioning thermo-electrochemical cells. Time-resolved images are obtained from liquid and gel electrolytes, allowing the effects of redox reactions and competing mass transfer effects such as thermophoresis and diffusion to be visualised and correlated with the device performance via simultaneous electrochemical measurements. This method offers valuable insights into these devices and will greatly aid their future design and optimisation.
Graphene Oxide and Polyethyleneimine Cooperative Construct Ionic Imprinted Cellulose Nanocrystals Aerogel for Selective Adsorption of Dy(III)
Authors: Zheng Xudong , Sun Wen , Li Ang , Wang Bin , Jiang Rong , Song Zhiqiang , Zhang Yuzhe , Li Zhongyu
Published: June 2021

Because of dysprosium's unique physical and chemical properties and limited supply, the price of rare earth dysprosium has been high in recent years. Therefore, the study of the method of high efficiency selective separation of dysprosium has the double value of scientific research and practical economy. In this paper, we used periodic cellulose nanocrystals as the basic structure, polyethylenimine and graphene oxide were introduced, combined with imprinting technology, to construct porous imprinted aerogel and use it for selective adsorption of Dy(III). The physical and chemical properties were characterized by SEM, TEM, FT-IR and TGA. It was proved that both polyethylenimine and graphene oxide were crosslinked effectively with cellulose nanocrystals. Adsorption experiments showed that the composite imprinted aerogel could selectively adsorb dysprosium effectively, and the maximum adsorption capacity for Dy(III) was 39.027 mg g− 1. The reproducibility experiment showed that aerogel had good regeneration ability. In conclusion, cellulose nanocrystals aerogel, which is environmentally friendly, efficient and repeatable, is expected to provide a new direction for the recovery of rare earth elements.
Association of Hearing Loss With Total and Cause-specific Mortality in US Adults
Authors: Feng Xiaobing , Li Wenzhen , Cheng Man , Qiu Weihong , Liang Ruyi , Li Minjing , Chen Weihong , Wang Dongming
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesWe expected to explore the associations of hearing loss and hearing thresholds at different frequencies with total and cause-specific mortality.Methods11,732 individuals derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2012 were included in this study. Data of death was extracted from the NHANES Public-Use Linked Mortality File through December 31, 2015. Cox proportional hazards models were used to explore the associations between hearing loss, hearing thresholds at different frequencies and total or cause-specific mortality. ResultsA total of 1,253 deaths occurred with a median follow-up of 12.15 years. A significant positive dose-response relationship between hearing loss in speech frequency and total mortality was observed, and the HRs and 95% CIs were 1.16 (0.91, 1.47), 1.54 (1.19, 2.00) and 1.85 (1.36, 2.50), respectively for mild, moderate and severe speech-frequency hearing loss (SFHL) with a P trend of 0.0003. In addition, moderate (HR: 1.90, 95%CI: 1.20-3.00) and greater (3.50, 1.38-8.86) SFHL significantly elevated risk of heart disease mortality. Moreover, hearing thresholds of >25 dB at 500, 1000, or 2000 Hz were significantly associated with elevated mortality from all causes (1.40, 1.17-1.68; 1.44, 1.20-1.73; and 1.33, 1.10-1.62, respectively) and heart disease (1.89, 1.08-3.34; 1.95, 1.21-3.16; and 1.89, 1.16-3.09, respectively). Conclusion﻿Hearing loss is associated with increased risks of total mortality and heart disease mortality, especially for hearing loss at speech frequency. Preventing or inhibiting the pathogenic factors of hearing loss is important for reducing the risk of death.
Monitoring of Post-Transplant MLL-PTD as Minimal Residual Disease Can Predict Relapse After Allogeneic HSCT in Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Authors: Kong Jun , Gao Meng-Ge , Qin Ya-Zhen , Wang Yu , Yan Chen-Hua , Sun Yu-Qian , Chang Ying-Jun , Xu Lan-Ping , Zhang Xiao-Hui , Liu Kai-Yan , Huang Xiao-Jun , Zhao Xiao-Su
Published: June 2021

Background: MLL-PTD is a special MLL rearrangement gene that occurs in about 5-10% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a normal karyotype and in 5-6% of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is currently one of the curative therapies available for AML and MDS with excess blasts (MDS-EB). However, how the prognosis of patients with high levels of MLL-PTD after allo-HSCT, including AML and MDS, and whether MLL-PTD could be used as a reliable indicator for minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring in transplant patients remains unknown. Our study purposed to analyze the dynamic changes of MLL-PTD peri-transplantation and the best threshold for predicting relapse after transplantation.Methods: We retrospectively collected the clinical data of 48 patients with MLL-PTD AML or MDS-EB who underwent allo-HSCT in Peking University People’s Hospital. The MLL-PTD was examined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) at the diagnosis, before transplantation and the fixed time points after transplantation. Detectable MLL-PTD/ABL>0.08% was defined as MLL-PTD positive in this study.Results: The 48 patients included 33 AML patients and 15 MDS-EB patients. The median follow-up time was 26(0.7-56) months after HSCT. In AML patients, 7 patients (21.2%) died of treatment-related mortality (TRM), 6 patients (18.2%) underwent hematological relapse and died ultimately. Of the 15 patients with MDS-EB, 2 patients (13.3%) died of infection. The 3-year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR), overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and TRM were 13.7%±5.2%, 67.8%±6.9%, 68.1%±6.8% and 20.3%±6.1%, respectively. ROC curve showed that post-transplant MLL-PTD≥1.0% was the optimal cut-off value for predicting hematological relapse after allo-HSCT. There was statistical difference between post-transplant MLL-PTD≥1.0% and MLL-PTD<1.0% groups (3-year CIR: 75%±15.3% vs. 0%, P<0.001; 3-year OS: 25.0±15.3% vs. 80.7%±6.6%, P<0.001; 3-year DFS: 25.0±15.3% vs. 80.7%±6.6%, P<0.001; 3-year TRM: 0 vs. 19.3±6.6%, P=0.277). However, whether MLL-PTD≥1% or MLL-PTD<1% before transplantation has no significant difference on the prognosis. Conclusions: Our study indicated that MLL-PTD had a certain stability and could effectively reflect the change of tumor burden. The expression level of MLL-PTD after transplantation can serve as an effective indicator for predicting relapse.
Longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Portugal and antibody maintenance 12 months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Castro Luísa Canto e , Gomes Andreia , Serrano Marta , Pereira Ana Helena , Ribeiro Rita , Napoleão Patrícia , Domingues Inês , Silva Cláudia , Fanczal Júlia , Afonso Ângela , Lopes Andreia , Toader Ionela , de Sousa Maria José Rego , de Sousa José Germano Rego , de Sousa Germano , Mota Maria , Silva-Santos Bruno , Veldhoen Marc , Ribeiro Ruy
Published: June 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Portugal has experienced three distinct SARS-CoV-2 infection waves. We previously documented the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 immunity, measured by specific antibodies, in September 2020, six months after the initial moderate wave. Here we show the seroprevalence changes six months later, up to the second week of March 2021, shortly following the third wave, which was one of the most severe in the world, and two months following the start of the vaccination campaign. A longitudinal epidemiological study was conducted, with a stratified quota sample of the Portuguese population. Serological testing was performed, including ELISA determination of antibody class and titres. The proportion of seropositives, which was 2.2% in September 2020, rose sharply to 17.3% (95% CI: 15.8% – 18.8%) in March 2021. Importantly, circulating IgG and IgA antibody levels were very stable six months after the initial determination and up to a year after initial infection, indicating long-lasting natural immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, vaccinated people had higher IgG levels from 3 weeks post-vaccination when compared with previously infected people at the same times post-infection.
A Research on the Determination of Phenological and Molecular Characterization in Open-pollinated Genotypes in Walnut
Authors: Sütyemez Mehmet , BOYACI selma , Kuscuoglu Nur , Ozcan Akide , Bukucu Sakir Burak , Yıldırım Esra , Bardak Adem
Published: June 2021

This research was carried out to reveal the phenological and genetic differences between the S-1/1 walnut genotype and 94 F1 genotypes obtained from this genotype with each other and with the maternal parent. In the phenological observations made, it was observed that bud burst in genotypes took 52 days, leafing 50 days, leaf yellowing 31 days, and defoliation date 27 days. When the maternal parent (S-1/1) and the genotypes were compared, it was found that there was a phenological variation of 75.54 % in budburst, 73.41 % in the leafing, 34.05 % in leaf yellowing, and 93.62 % in defoliation date, while the average variation was 69.15 %. In molecular genetic analyzes, 7 ISSR primers were used to determine genetic variations, as a result, 7 monomorphic and 45 polymorphic bands were obtained, and the rate of polymorphism was found to be 86.53 %. The average number of alleles was calculated to be 7.42. In genotypes, the polymorphism information content (PIC) value varied between 0.48 and 0.95, while the average PIC value was calculated to be 0.73. As a result of cluster analysis, it was seen that genotypes were divided into 2 main clusters and 2 subsets. At the end of the study, it was determined that the S-1/1 walnut genotype and F1 genotypes obtained from this genotype have a significant variation both phenologically and genetically.
Filipino Nurses in Cebu City Reveal High Level of Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Willingness in Providing Care to COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Denney Brian , Astor Alexandra , Cabrilles Joanna , Codera Kristiane , Forteza Edzil Marice , Ihara Mugen , Lagudas Mary Farrah , Pesante Kathleen Kaye , Tam Jae Christelle
Published: June 2021

Background: COVID-19 is a rapidly spreading illness and has resulted in a global pandemic. In the Philippines, active cases of COVID-19 are rising and have threatened both local health and healthcare workers given the limited information on this new disease. Despite several studies conducted to assess the awareness, knowledge, attitude, practices, and willingness of nurses to provide care during this pandemic, there are scarce reports regarding Filipino nurses. Thus, our study assessed such criteria in staff nurses across different Cebu hospitals.Methods: This study utilized a descriptive research design using the cross-sectional survey method. A web-based survey and convenience sampling method was adopted to collect the data from Filipino nurses from any hospital in Cebu, of which, 137 participated in the study. A 43-item questionnaire was developed, which was spread out into 5 parts that comprised of the demographic profile, knowledge (15 items), attitude (10 items), practices (9 items), and willingness to care for patients with COVID-19 (9 items). The data was processed and analyzed using inferential statistical tools.Results: Majority of the nurses were females (70.80%), whose ages were 20-25 years old (54.01%), single (89.78%), mostly college degree holder (90.51%), and employed in hospitals for 1-3 years (64.96%). They also rely on the internet (99.27%) as a source of information related to COVID-19. They also displayed an overall knowledge of 65% especially about the COVID-19 causative agent, its transmission, and pathogenesis. Furthermore, the respondents were generally knowledgeable of the various information regarding COVID-19 at a rate of 79.56%. The mean values for attitude, practices, and willingness to provide care were 4.45 (very favorable), 4.65 (always), and 4.52 (very willing) respectively.Conclusions: Generally, the results of our study were favorable across the 5 parts of the survey. Overall knowledge and extent of practice was high, which can be attributed to government efforts of educating healthcare workers and observance of the mandated protocols. In addition, attitude significantly affected the willingness of the nurses to provide care. However, knowledge and practice did not affect the nurses’ willingness as the drawbacks and demands of their occupation outweighed and decreased their willingness.
An Improved Third-order HWCNS for Compressible Flow Simulation on Curvilinear Grids
Authors: Cheng Mingyang , Tang Lingyan , Liu Yu , Zhu Huajun
Published: June 2021

Due to the very high requirements on the quality of computational grids, stability property and computational efficiency, the application of high-order schemes to complex flow simulation is greatly constrained. In order to solve these problems, the third-order hybrid cell-edge and cell-node weighted compact nonlinear scheme(HWCNS3) is improved by introducing a new nonlinear weighting mechanism. The new scheme uses only the central stencil to reconstruct the cell boundary value, which makes the convergence of the scheme more stable. The application of the scheme to Euler equation on curvilinear grids is also discussed. Numerical results show that the new HWCNS3 achieves the expected order in smooth region, captures discontinuities sharply without obvious oscillation, has higher resolution than the original one and preserves freestream and vortex on curvilinear grids.
Assessment of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies post-Coronavac Vaccine in the Amazon region of Brazil
Authors: Bichara Carlos David Araújo , Queiroz Maria Alice Freitas , Amoras Ednelza da Silva Graça , Vaz Gergiane Lopes , Vallinoto Izaura Maria Vieira Cayres , Bichara Cléa Nazaré Carneiro , Amaral Isabella Pinheiro Costa , Ishak Ricardo , Vallinoto Antonio Carlos Rosário
Published: June 2021

Background. The race to develop a protective vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) has raised questions regarding the safety of immunizers, the efficacy in the production of neutralizing antibodies, the longevity of the immune response, especially when related to variables such as sex and age.Objective. The present study evaluated the frequency of seroreactivity for anti-SARS-CoV-2 (S1 and S2) total antibodies and anti-SARS-CoV-2 (RBD - S1) neutralizing antibodies in individuals vaccinated with the immunizing agent Coronavac (Sinovac).Method. The study was cross-sectional and involved a total of 358 individuals divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 205 volunteers who were tested for anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies (S1 and S2) and group 2 of 153 individuals tested for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (RBD - S1).Results. Seroreactivity was above 70% in both groups, with approximately 20% of individuals showing no reactivity. The frequency of anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies (S1 and S2) showed a significantly different distribution between sexes, but not according to age. The frequency of anti-SARS-CoV-2 (RBD - S1) neutralizing antibodies was 100% in the age group from 20 to 40 years, reducing significantly with advancing age to 88.9% (41 to 60 years), 78.7% (61 to 80 years) and 58.3% (>80 years).Conclusion. Our results demonstrate a high prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 total antibodies (S1 and S2) and anti-SARS-CoV-2 (RBD - S1) neutralizing antibodies in individuals who received both doses of Coronavac vaccine, suggesting a lower efficiency of the humoral immune response among the elderly over 60 years of age, which could be associated with the senescence of the immune system.
Genome-wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the Eyloglucan Endotransglucosylase/hydrolase Gene Family in Poplar
Authors: Cheng Zihan , Zhang Xuemei , Yao Wenjing , Gao Yuan , Zhao Kai , Guo Qing , Zhou Boru , Jiang Tingbo
Published: June 2021

Background: Xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) plays an important role in the process of plant cell wall reconstruction, and also involved in plants stress resistance. However, its characteristics of XTH family genes have not been reported in poplar. Results: In this study, we found 43 PtrXTH genes from Populus simonii × Populus nigra, and most of them contain two conserved structures (Glyco_hydro_16 and XET_C domain). The promoter regions of the PtrXTH genes contain many cis-acting elements related to growth and development and adverse stresses responses. Collinearity analysis revealed that the XTH family from poplarhave an evolutionary relationship with other five species, including Eucalyptus robusta, Solanum lycopersicum, Glycine max, Arabidopsis, Zea mays and Oryza sativa. Through RNA-Seq analysis, we found that the PtrXTH genes have different expression patterns in the roots, stems and leaves, and many of them are highly expressed in the roots. In addition, we found 11 differentially expressed PtrXTH genes in the roots, 9 in the stems, and 7 in the leaves under salt stress, and verified the accuracy of RNA-Seq analysis by RT-qPCR.Conclusion: All the results indicated that XTH family genes may play an important role in tissue specificity and salt stress response. This study laid a theoretical foundation for further study on the functions of XTH genes in poplar.
Lidocaine Inhibits Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation and Induces Cell Apoptosis via Regulating MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT Signalling Pathways
Authors: Wang Xu , Xi Shi-Hang , Li Qin , han ting
Published: June 2021

Background: Lidocaine is a commonly used local anesthetic in clinic, which is mainly used for anesthesia and analgesia. Lidocaine has been recently found to have an inhibitory effect on a variety of cancers.Materials and Methods: We used MTT assay and cell proliferation assay to detect the inhibition of lidocaine on proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Flow cytometric analysis was used to detect cell cycle and apoptosis. Western blot was used to detect protein levels of cyclin-dependent kinase 1(CDK1) ,cyclinB1, BCL2, BCL-XL, p62, LC3B, p-ERK,p-AKT, ERK and AKT.Results: Lidocaine inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, increased the percentage of G2 / M phase cells , apoptosis and autophagy by reducing the mRNA of CDK1 and cyclinB1, decreasing protein levels of CDK1,cyclinB1,BCL2, BCL-XL, p62, p-ERK and p-AKT protein, and increasing LC3B-II/LC3B-I protein levels.Conclusion: Lidocaine may be a potential candidate for treatment of breast cancer.
Alda-1, an Activator of ALDH2, Protects Cardiac and Neurological Function Postresuscitation by Inhibiting Pyroptosis in Swine
Authors: Diao Mengyuan , Xu Jiefeng , Wang Jiangang , Zhang Minhai , Wu Chenghao , Zhu Ying , Zhang Mao , Hu Wei
Published: June 2021

PurposeThe enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) has been shown to protect the heart and brain from oxidative stress injury, and this effect is related to the inhibition of pyroptosis. In the present study, we hypothesised that the ALDH2 activator N-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylmethyl)-2,6-dichloro-benzamide (Alda-1) would mitigate cardiac and neurological injury postresuscitation in a preclinical swine model of CA.MethodsFollowing 8 minutes of untreated ventricular fibrillation, and another 8 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the swine randomly received either Alda-1 (0.88 mg/kg, n = 6) or saline (n=5) after restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Hemodynamic parameters and cardiac function were monitored, and serial blood samples were collected postresuscitation to detect biomarkers of cardiac and neurological injury. At 24 hours postresuscitation, first, neurological scores were evaluated, and then, the swine were sacrificed and pyroptosis-related proteins, proinflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress were assessed in heart and brain samples.ResultsCardiac and neurological injury were significantly improved in the Alda-1 group compared with the CPR group postresuscitation. In addition, after treatment with Alda-1, the NLR family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, Gasdermin D (GSDMD), and proinflammatory cytokine levels were markedly suppressed. Moreover, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) and malondialdehyde (MDA), indicators of oxidative stress, were also significantly inhibited after Alda-1 administration, which was accompanied by increased ALDH2 activity and protein expression.Conclusion﻿Alda-1 improves cardiac and neurological dysfunction postresuscitation in a swine model of CA, at least partly by inhibiting oxidative stress-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptosis.
Magnitude of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus and associated factors among middle aged urban residents in west Ethiopia.
Authors: Feyissa Alemu A , Tamiru Dessalegn , Belachew Tefera
Published: June 2021

Background

People die due to biologically impairment than chronological aging worldwide. Diabetic mellitus is becoming public health problem and undiagnosed diabetes is a challenge for health providers. Nevertheless, the prevalence and associated factors of undiagnosed diabetes in west Ethiopian unnoticed at community level.
Objective

To Investigate the magnitude of undiagnosed diabetes(T2DM) and associated factors among middle aged urban residents in west Ethiopia.
Methods

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in March 01–30, 2019 on 266 undiagnosed middle aged urban residents. Data were collected using questionnaires, anthropometric measures and biomarkers. Fasting blood glucose ≥ 126mg/dl at morning were taken as diabetes. With SPSS version 24 multivariable logistic regression analyses was applied and associated factors at 95%CI with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results

The overall prevalence of undiagnosed diabetic mellitus was 7.14% among urban residents in west Ethiopia. Being having sleep apnea, sedentary life, high (waist circumference, waist to height ratio, BMI, triglycerides, and blood pressure) were significantly associated with elevated fasting blood glucose. On multivariable logistic regression analysis: being high BMI four times (AOR: 4.87; p = 0.049), elevated blood pressure five times (AOR: 5.22; p = 0.005), and sleep apnea (p = 0.023) were associated significantly.
Conclusion

This study revealed undiagnosed diabetes was prevalent and associated to its risk factors in west Ethiopia. Therefore, community based education and early detection were significant to reduce the burden of diabetic mellitus.
Expansion of the Prime editing Modality with Cas9 from Francisella novicida
Authors: Lee Seung Hwan , Oh Yeounsun , Lee Wi-jae , Kim Hanseop , Gwon Lee Wha , Kim Young-Hyun , Park Young-Ho , Kim Chan Hyoung , Lim Kyung-Seob , Song Bong-Seok , Huh Jae-Won , Kim Sun-Uk , Jun Bong-Hyun , Jung Cheulhee
Published: June 2021

Prime editing can induce a desired base substitution, insertion, or deletion in a target gene using reverse transcriptase (RT) after nick formation by CRISPR nickase. In this study, we developed a technology that can be used to insert or replace external bases in the target DNA sequence by linking reverse transcriptase to the Francisella novicida Cas9, which is a CRISPR-Cas9 ortholog. Using FnCas9(H969A) nickase, the targeting limitation of existing Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 nickase [SpCas9(H840A)]-based prime editing was dramatically extended, and accurate prime editing was induced specifically for the target genes in human cell line.
Postoperative Outcome in Non-Preterm Infants Under One Year Old in Non-Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Kumba Claudine
Published: June 2021

Background and Objective : An observational study conducted earlier to determine predictors of postoperative outcome in non-cardiac surgical pediatric patients showed that factors which influenced postoperative evolution were multiple. These included American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, transfusion, age, emergency surgery, and surgery. The objective was to describe in details outcomes in non-preterm children under one year old included in the initial study.
Methods : Secondary analysis of the initial retrospective observational study in 594 patients with a mean age of 90.86±71.80 months. The Ethics Committee approved the study under the registration number 2017-CK-5-R1.
Results : There were 97 non-preterm children included with a mean age of 4.4±3.5 months. Mean weight was 5.1±2.7 kilograms. There were 48 abdominal surgical patients (49.5%), 48 neurosurgical patients (49.5%) and 1 orthopedic surgery patient (1%). 30 patients had intra-operative and or postoperative complications (organ failure or sepsis) (30.9%). The most common intra-operative complication was hemorrhagic shock (5.2%); the most affected system in the postoperative period was the respiratory system in terms of organ failure and pulmonary sepsis with an overall rate of 12.4%; the most common postoperative infection was septicemia (7.2%). The rate of postoperative renal failure was 1%. There were 5 in-hospital deaths (5.2%).
Conclusion : In this cohort of 97 non-preterm infants under one year old, the rate of patients with intra-operative and or postoperative complications was 30.9%. It is time to reconsider integrating goal directed therapies in intra-operative patient management to improve postoperative outcome.
Compulsive buying gradually increased during the first six months of the Covid-19 outbreak
Authors: Maraz Aniko , Yi Sunghwan
Published: June 2021

Background and Aims: The current Covid-19 situation offers a natural experiment to explore the effect of a chronic stressor on compulsive buying tendencies over an extended period of time. Design: Survey method of sampling every three days a new cohort during the first six months of the Covid-19 pandemic (March-October 2020) in the United States. Participants: Total (clean) sample of N = 1430 (39.3% female, mean age = 36.4 years). Measurements: Online and offline compulsive buying separately, distress, SES, income and age were assessed. Findings: Both online and offline compulsive buying increased during the data collection period (𝜏 = 0.24, 𝜏 = 0.22, respectively, both p < 0.001). High-SES individuals reported the highest tendency for compulsive buying throughout the entire time frame, although the increase in compulsive buying tendencies over time was the highest among the socioeconomically less privileged. Online compulsive buying increased as a result of the CARES Act (first stimulus package) by an effect size of d = 0.33. When entered into a regression model, SES had the strongest effect on compulsive buying after accounting for the effect of distress, income and age (online: ßPSS = 1.3***, ßSES = 5.13***, ßincome = 2.6***, ßage = -0.20*, F(4, 709) = 53.01, R2 = 0.23, RSE = 29.5; offline: ßPSS = 1.45***, ßSES = 4.86***, ßincome = 2.16***, ßage = -0.08 p > 0.4; F(4, 695) = 49.54, R2 = 0.22, RSE = 30.41). The high-income group reported the strongest correlation between distress and compulsive buying (r = 0.67, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.57–0.76). Conclusions: Compulsive buying tendency gradually increased during the first six months of the Covid-19 pandemic especially as a result of the CARES Act.
An update on Rodgers and Chido, the antigenic determinants of human C4
Authors: Giles C.M.
Published: June 2021

Rodgers (Rg) and Chido (Ch) blood groups are antigenic determinants of the fourth component of human complement (C4). Nine determinants have been defined by means of hemagglutination-inhibition (HAI) with polyspecific human antiserums. The association of C4A isotypes with Rg and of C4B isotypes with Ch is strong but not complete. Derived amino acid sequences from the C4d region of selected C4 allotypes of known antigenic expression have provided support for the previously reported complex serologic interrelationships. A structural model for antigenic determinants at four polymorphic sites, incorporating sequential and conformational epitopes, was subsequently proposed. Allotype and Rg/Ch data obtained from donors and patients, many with accompanying families, have augmented the model and revealed no exceptions. The antigenic determinants, therefore, make an important contribution to the complex polymorphism of C4.
A review: low-frequency red cell antigens
Authors: Lubenko A. , Contreras M.
Published: June 2021

The study of low-frequency red cell antigens and their corresponding antibodies is an eccentricity in immunohematology. Quite often, antigens that have very low frequencies in one population are not that infrequent in another;1 e.g., the antigens Mur, Hut, and Hil of the MilII phenotype. In addition, “low-frequency” antigens (LFAs) of one ethnic group (e.g., K, Jsa) can have an appreciable incidence in another ethnic group within the same population. Hence, there is no rigid definition as to what constitutes a LFA. Antibodies to LFAs, most of which have little, if any, clinical significance, are most often encountered in autoimmune and hyperimmune states.2 Nevertheless, despite their general clinical irrelevance, LFAs and their antibodies still exert a strong fascination for many red cell serologists.
DNA probe technology in parentage testing
Authors: Walker R.H.
Published: June 2021

Paternity tests involve laboratory procedures on blood samples obtained from the alleged father, mother, and child to determine if the alleged father is the true father. Conclusions are based on the principle that the child inherits half of the characteristics (markers) in his/her blood from each true parent. DNA probe analysis has emerged from the research laboratory and is currently being utilized by laboratories engaged in parentage testing to improve their efficiency in discriminating between fathers and nonfathers. This new technique provides a very powerful tool.
Investigation of transfusion reactions through microcomputer education software
Authors: Hardman P.K. , Hardman J.T. , Brown P.J. , Borek D.A. , Beck M.L.
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to develop educational software to simulate laboratory investigation of transfusion reactions. An interactive, branching-style program was developed using, a 256K Personal Computer (International Business Machines, Boca Raton, FL). Over 75 institutions in the United States and Canada are currently using the software in preprofessional and continuing in professional education programs.
Case report: ABO discrepancy due to vancomycin complicating a transfusion reaction investigation
Authors: Gilbert D.M. , Domen R.E.
Published: June 2021

A 3-year old patient with acute myelogenous leukemia developed fever and chills during transfusion of packed red cells. A preliminary workup suggested that a group AB donor unit had been issued to a Group A patient. However, a discrepancy between the ABO group of the original donor unit segment (A) and blood taken from the IV tubing (AB) and the patient’s pre- and posttransfusion samples (A and AB, respectively) suggested another reason for the weak reactivity of some samples with anti-B. The patient’s chart revealed that vancomycin, reported to be a cause of non-immune agglutination of red cells, had been injected into the IV tubing one hour prior to transfusion. Further testing confirmed that the patient’s febrile response to transfusion was consistent with a nonhemolytic transfusion reaction and was unrelated to the drug-induced, pseudo ABO problem.
Investigating key funds characteristics influencing their investment performance in Saudi Arabia: A dynamic panel data approach
Authors: Ben Belgacem Samira , Ghardallou Wafa , Alshebel Razan
Published: June 2021

The study examines if specific characteristics of funds influence the performance of Saudi equity mutual funds. Previous research has explored various aspects of mutual funds. However, the Saudi Arabia literature focuses on evaluating the funds’ performance. Hence, this study seeks to close this gap by providing a framework to explain the equity fund performance. Several risks adjusted performance measures are applied such as Jensen’s alpha, lower partial moment alpha, Sharpe ratio, LPM-Sharpe ratio using the dynamic panel specification over the period 2010–2019. Based on the LPM alpha, the risk-adjusted return analysis reveals that the Saudi equity funds outperformed their benchmark over the full sample period. The empirical results show that major fund-specific characteristics such as fund size, past performance, and flow explain future performance. Besides, the evidence confirms that Saudi funds benefit from the economies of scale and expertise, while funds requiring higher levels of initial investment tend to exhibit lower performance levels. These findings provide investors and fund managers with useful information to make the optimal investment decisions in the mutual fund industry.
Etiopathogenetic therapy effect on the microcirculation of the bulbar conjunctiva in patients with dyslipidemia after COVID-19 associated pneumonia
Authors: Kalyuzhnaya E. N. , Ponomareva M.N N. , Petrov I. M. , Karpova D. A. , Gapon L. I. , Petelina T. I. , Yaroslavskaya E. I.
Published: June 2021

Purpose:to study the hemodynamics of the bulbar conjunctiva in patients with dyslipidemia and a history of COVID-19 associated pneumonia who received etiopathogenetic therapy. Material and methods. 54 patients (108 eyes) aged 61 ± 14 with a documented diagnosis of COVID-19-associated pneumonia and dyslipidemia were prospectively examined 3 months after the discharge from hospital. Patients were divided into two groups, identical in gender and age, depending on the presence or absence of metabolic syndrome. For 1 month, both groups received etiotropic therapy: statins, antioxidants thioctic acid pills and topical antioxidant instillations (1 % solution of Emoxipine®three times a day, and instillations of NSAID Broxinac®(in the form of 0.09 % Bromfenacum eyedrops) 1 drop 2 times a day. Results.Improvement was achieved in perivascular parameters (of 54 % of patients of group 1 and 50 % of patients of group 2); in the shape of bloodvessels (in 10 and 11 % of cases, respectively); intravascular parameters (in 71 and 78 %, respectively). Conclusion. The proposed etiopathogenetic therapy has a positive effect on the state of damaged bulbar conjunctiva microcirculation.
New g-C3N4/GO/MoS2 composites as efficient photocatalyst for photocathodic protection of 304 stainless steel
Authors: Zheng Hongai , Sun Xin , Liu Yue , Jiang Shuangyan , Wang Derui , Fan Yankun , Hu Lili , Zhang Daquan , Yao Weifeng , Zhang Lizhi
Published: June 2021

Photocathodic protection is an economical and environmental metal anticorrosion method. In this research, we successfully synthesized the g-C3N4/GO (15 wt%)/MoS2 catalytic materials by a facile hydrothermal method. The results show that the as-prepared g-C3N4/GO (15 wt%)/MoS2 composites prominently enhanced photocatalytic activities for the photocathodic protection of 304 stainless steel (SS) compared with the corresponding pristine g-C3N4 and MoS2. Notably, the AC impedance results demonstrated that the Rct value of 304 SS coupled with g-C3N4/GO (15 wt%)/MoS2 decreased to 35.66 Ω•cm2, which is 29 and 37 times lower than that of g-C3N4 and MoS2 alone. In addition, g-C3N4/GO (15 wt%)/MoS2 provided the highest current density (77.19 μA•cm2) for the 304 SS, which is four times that of pristine g-C3N4. All results indicate that as-prepared g-C3N4/GO (15 wt%)/MoS2 photocatalysts have produced a distinct enhancement on photocathodic protection performance. An optimum decorating amount of MoS2 onto g-C3N4 forms heterojunctions of g-C3N4/MoS2, which favor the separation of electrons and holes efficiently. Furthermore, the addition of GO further promotes the separation and transfer of photo-induced carriers.
Clay-based Formulations for Bioavailability Enhancement of Poorly Water-soluble Drugs
Authors: Tran Phuong H.L. , Tran Thao T.D.
Published: June 2021

Clays have been used in various health care products, including drug delivery systems. Advanced formulations
have been investigated to take full advantage of clays or clay-based materials. The remarkable properties of
clays, such as high adsorption, high surface area and high ion exchange capacities, provide an ideal system for the
delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs. Currently, there is still limited information on the classification and discussion
of clay-based formulations for poorly water-soluble drugs. This review aims to describe efficient delivery systems
that use clay as the main excipient in formulations. More details regarding the strategies of using clays in formulations
as well as fabrication methods will be discussed. Moreover, combinations with other excipients in hybrid
formulations will also be mentioned and the efficacy of these systems will be evaluated. The recent studies on claybased
formulations for poorly water-soluble drugs provide fundamental approaches and prospects to be applied in
drug development.