bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Energy Efficient and Bandwidth Aware Optimal Routing for IoT in Agriculture
Authors: Jain Jay Kumar , Chauhan Dipti , Jain Palash
Published: April 2021

The agriculture that is enabled with the Internet of Things (IoT) in addition to Wireless Sensors Networks (WSN) can aid the farmers in monitoring their product along with conditions in real-time. The indispensable issues that one has to confront with WSN are Energy-saving along with effective bandwidth usage. Lately, for the amelioration of network stability together with lifetime, disparate cluster-centered solutions are modeled. Nevertheless, most techniques are merely modeled in an energy-aware manner and utilize merely a distance parameter aimed at the data communication. It is imperative for satisfying the bandwidth use of IoT. Here, a cluster-centered energy as well as bandwidth aware routing model is proposed for agriculture data on IoT-centered WSN. Optimal Clusters Head (CH) selection as well as clustering is performed on the WSN for carrying out cluster-centered Data Aggregation (DA). The novel chaos mapping and Opposition centered Learning Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (CO2GA) chooses the collection of CH as of agricultural Sensor Nodes (SN). Next, centered upon the distance betwixt the chosen CH and SN, the clusters are generated. The clusters share the data to their CH, and the Chaos key generated Advanced Encryption Standard with Rivest–Shamir–Adleman (CKAES-RSA) algorithm encrypt the aggregated data of CH. Lastly, the encrypted data of IoT data are shared with the Base Stations (BS) or Sink Node (Sn) by means of the optimal routing. Aimed at Optimal Route Selection (ORS), the paper utilizes a Deep Learning (DL) approach, explicitly crossover and mutation-based optimal Multi-Layer Perceptrons (CM-OMLP), which computes the fitness of hidden layer by regarding energy, bandwidth, trust, delay, along with congestion level. The proposed encryption and routing mechanism’s results are weighted against the first-rate techniques. The proposed work achieves the highest level of security aimed at the IoT data and fulfills the QoS requirements regarding packet delivery, throughput, delay, along with Network LifeTimes (NLT).
Gut Microbiota Alteration Influences Colorectal Cancer Metastasis to the Liver By Remodeling the Liver Immune Microenvironment
Authors: yuan na , Li Xiaoyan , Wang Meng , Zhang Zhilin , Qiao Lu , Gao Yamei , Xu Xinjian , Zhi Jie , Li Yang , Li Zhongxin , Jia Yitao
Published: April 2021

Background: The gut microbiota regulates the liver immune microenvironment in colorectal cancer (CRC) through gut-liver axis. Kupffer cells (KCs) contribute significantly to the formation of pre-metastatic niches (PMNs) for CRC liver metastasis. The aim of our study was to explore the effect of gut microbiota regulating KCs in CRC liver metastasis. Results: Mice treated with different antibiotics were divided into Control group, vancomycin (Vanc) group, colistin (Coli) group, and a group of ampicillin, streptomycin and colistin (ASC). Fewer liver metastases were identified in mice in the ASC group and Coli group than in those in the Control group (P = 0.003, P = 0.041, respectively). An increased proportion of Parabacteroides_goldsteinii, Bacteroides_vulgatus, Bacteroides_ thetaiotaomicron, Bacteroides_uniformis in mice of the Coli group were observed in 16S rDNA sequencing. Consistent with the Tax4Fun functional prediction, a prominent expansion of hepatic KCs was identified in mice in the ASC and Coli groups compared to those in the Control group (P = 0.001, P = 0.038, separately). Meanwhile, Bacteroides_vulgatus was a positive correlation with KCs contents (P = 0.011, r = 0.705). On the other hand, more liver metastases were observed in mice of the Vanc group than those in the Control group (P = 0.028). An increased abundance of Parabacteroides_distasonis, Proteus_mirabilis and a remarkable reduction of hepatic KCs were observed in mice in the Vanc group (P = 0.027). Pearson correlation analysis showed Proteus_mirabilis was a negative related to KCs contents (P = 0.028, r = 0.632). Conclusions: An increased abundance of Proteus_mirabilis and a decreased abundance of Bacteroides_vulgatus may be a key factor in CRC liver metastasis, which may be related to the reduction of KCs in the liver.
CRAHN Routing Protocol: An Accrual of Security and QOS Using IntServ Model.
Authors: Ahuja Pooja , Sethi Preeti , Chauhan Naresh
Published: April 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Novel type of References for Weight Aligned for Onset of Puberty - using the QEPS Growth Model
Authors: Albertsson-Wikland Kerstin , Niklasson Aimon , Gelander Lars , Holmgren Anton , Nierop Andreas
Published: April 2021

Background: Growth references are traditionally constructed relative to chronological age, despite inter-individual variations in pubertal timing. A new type of height reference was recently developed allowing growth to be aligned based on onset of pubertal growth. We here aim to develop a corresponding reference for pubertal weight. Methods: To model QEPS-weight, 3595 subjects (1779 girls) from GrowUp1974Gothenburg and GrowUp1990Gothenburg were used. The QEPS-height-model was transformed to a corresponding QEPS-weight-model; thereafter, QEPS-weight was modified by an individual, constitutional weight-height-factor. Longitudinal weight and length/height measurements from 1418 individuals (698 girls) from GrowUp1990Gothenburg were then used to create weight references aligned for height at pubertal onset (the age at 5% of P-function growth, AgeP5). GrowUp1974Gothenburg subgroups based on pubertal timing, stature at pubertal onset, and childhood body composition were assessed using the references. Results: References (median, SDS) for total weight (QEPS-functions), weight specific to puberty (P-function), and weight gain in the absence of specific pubertal growth (basic weight, QES-functions), allowing alignment of individual growth based on age at pubertal onset. For both sexes, basic weight was greater than average for late maturing, tall and high-BMI subgroups. The P-function-related weight was greater than average in short and lower than average in tall children, in those with high BMI, and in girls but not boys with low BMI. Conclusions: New pubertal weight references allow individual variations in pubertal timing to be taken into consideration when evaluating growth. When used together with the comparable pubertal height reference, this will improve growth monitoring in clinical practice for identifying abnormal growth, and serve as a valuable research tool providing insight into human growth.
Effect of Carvacrol on Inflammatory Factors and Myelin Repair in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis on Female Lewis Rats
Authors: Ahmadi Mahdie , Eidi Akram , Khaksarian Mojtaba , Ahmadvand Hassan , Sotoodehnejadnematalahi Fattah
Published: April 2021

Carvacrol is a phenolic monoterpene constituent of essential oils produced by plants such as Nigella sativa. This study examined the therapeutic effects of carvacrol in a model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). EAE induction was performed on female Lewis rats and, after appearance of the first clinical signs, a second EAE group received carvacrol intraperitoneally each day for 17 days. Clinical symptoms and body weight were assessed daily. All animals sacrificed and histological and gene expression analysis of the spinal cord were performed. The carvacrol treated group scored lower for disease after therapeutic administration than the control group. Gene expression analysis on the carvacrol treated group showed a decrease in TNF-α, NF-ҚB and IL-17 (pro-inflammatory) gene expression and an increase in MBP and OLIG2 remyelination markers. In the carvacrol treated group, H&E stain of spinal cord sections revealed a remarkable decrease in the amount of inflammatory cell infiltration. Immunostaining of lumbar spinal cord sections demonstrated a remarkable increase in MBP and a decrease in IL-17 secretion in the carvacrol treated group. These results demonstrate that carvacrol had a beneficial therapeutic effect and anti-inflammatory properties that significantly reduced the clinical scores and promoted myelin repair.
Effect of Astragaloside IV On Precartilaginous Stem Cells to Promote Bone Development in Rats
Authors: Jiang Zhizhou , Yin Hang , Zhao Lei , Jiang Jianyong , Ni Jinbo , Sun Jiewei
Published: April 2021

Objective To explore the effect of astragaloside IV in promoting bone development by promoting the proliferation of precartilaginous stem cells. Methods To co-cultured the cells from the resting chondrocyte of growth plate and LaCroix of 24-hours old rats,and identified by FGFR-3 staining. Choosing astragaloside IV induce precartilaginous stem cells cultured in vitro, using Collagen type Ⅱ monoclonal antibody staining and MTT to test cell biological characteristics. Four 4 weeks old SD rats were selected and divided into an experimental group and control group, 24 rats in each group. The rats in the experimental group were injected with astragalus injection in a dose of 8.0g / kg once a day. The rats in the other group were injected with the same amount of normal saline. The 3rd and 5th week after feeding, 12 rats were killed, and the tibial length was measured by vernier caliper.Rusults The FGFR-3 staining was positive, which proved that the cultured cells were precartilaginous stem cells. Collagen typeⅡmonoclonal antibody staining is positive and the OD value detected by MTT test was higher, after astragaloside IV induced the precartilaginous stem cells. After astragaloside IV injection, the tibial length of experimental group measured by vernier caliper was significantly higher than that of the control group.Conclusion astragaloside IV can promote the proliferation and biological characteristics of precartilaginous stem cells, and then promote bone development.
Improving the Experience of Patients in Contact Isolation by Human-centred Design: A Proof of Concept Study Using Patient Journey Mapping
Authors: Dekker Mireille , Koning Judith P.M. de , Melles Marijke , Sonneveld Marieke H. , Mansfeld Rosa van , Jongerden Irene P.
Published: April 2021

Background Patient information provision about isolation measures is often not standardised. Moreover, it is unclear what information patients and informal caregivers need to optimize their knowledge and actual experience of contact isolation. We explored opportunities for improving the experience of patients in contact isolation from a human-centred design perspective.Methods We used patient journey mapping and created patient personas based on observations and interviews with patients and health care workers from a haematology, surgery and acute admission ward of a Dutch university hospital.Results Patients differed in their experience of contact isolation; three personas were identified. The first liked being in contact isolation, the second had to get used to the measures, the third experienced contact isolation as overwhelming. Patients experienced a lack in structured and tailored information about contact isolation. Nurses confirmed this lack of structure and reported their need for clear instructions on how to inform patients and their informal caregivers and what information to provide at which point in time. By using a human-centred design approach, we created a first draft of an interactive information path for patients, informal care givers and health care workers.Conclusion To improve the patient experience in contact isolation, patient information could be structured throughout the patient journey. Information should emphasize the shared responsibility of isolation between patient, health care workers and informal caregivers.
Two-stage Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Treatment of Advanced Knee Septic Arthritis: A Single-center Experience
Authors: Wang Hong , Teng Yuanjun , Wang Xingwen , Zhang Shifeng , Xu Tianen , Han Hua , XIA Yayi
Published: April 2021

Background: Septic arthritis (SA) is defined as the joint inflammation secondary to bacterial infection with a potentially fatal condition, but with no established approach treatment currently. Two-stage primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with an antibiotic-laden cement spacer has been shown to be effective in treating SA of the knee in individual cases. We reported our cases to contribute to current information on two-stage TKA for the treatment of advanced SA in the knee jointMethods: We retrospectively screened the clinical profiles of 11 patients who were suffering from SA in their knee joints and underwent two-stage TKA with an antibiotic-laden cement spacer. Information on inflammatory serological markers was summarised, and statistical comparisons of Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores were performed. The degrees of the range of motion (ROM) in the pre-, interval- and post-operation periods were obtained, and the significance level was set at a p value of <0.05.Results: Infection in the knee joint was eliminated in all 11 patients with the two-stage TKA with an antibiotic-laden cement spacer. C-reactive protein levels returned to normal after 3.4 ± 1.4 weeks (range, 1–6 weeks), whereas erythrocyte sedimentation rate returned to normal levels after 16.3 ± 3.0 weeks (range, 13–23 weeks). The means of HSS scores and ROM degrees significantly increased after the first and second stages of surgery (p < 0.05). No difference in HSS score was observed in three periods between age groups, genders, microorganism culture results or comorbidities in our study.Conclusions: Two-stage TKA appears to be an a reliable alternative for the treatment of advanced knee SA, providing an encouraging final clinical outcome in controlling infection, relieving clinical severity and improving the function of the keen joint.
D-Pinitol Protected Against Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis in Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Via Modulation of AFT4-CHOP/GRP78 and Caspase-3 Signaling Pathways
Authors: Yan Lei , Luo Heng , Li Xingsheng , Li Yongyong
Published: April 2021

Background: Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major unavoidable clinical problem often occurs during various liver surgery and transplantation. D-Pinitol, a cyclic polyol, showed its hepatoprotective efficacy in clinical and experimental settings. Aim: To determine the potential and possible mechanism of pinitol against ER stress regulation-mediated hepatic IRI in experimental rats.Materials and methods: Male SD rats were pre-treated with pinitol for 21 days and then subjected to 60 min. of partial hepatic ischemia followed by 24 h. of reperfusion. Various parameters were evaluated, including liver function tests, inflammatory release, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, apoptosis, and structural modifications.Results: Pre-treatment with pinitol (10 and 20 mg/kg) effectively protected IRI-induced hepatic damage reflected by attenuation of elevated AST, ALT, oxidative stress (SOD, GSH, MDA and NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL’s) release. Interestingly, western blot and ELISA analysis suggested that pinitol significantly down-regulated the expression of ER stress apoptotic markers, namely GRP78, CHOP, AFT-4, AFT-6α, XBP-1, and caspase-3, 9 and 12. Additionally, pinitol pre-treatment improved mitochondrial function and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and P38. Pinitol markedly protected IRI-induced hepatic apoptosis determined by flow cytometry. The hepatic histological and ultrastructural aberration induced by IRI was effectively protected by pinitol. Conclusion: Findings of the present investigation suggested that pinitol offered protection against ER stress-mediated phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38, thereby inhibited AFT4-CHOP/GRP78 signaling response and induction of caspase-3 induced hepatocellular apoptosis during hepatic ischemia-reperfusion insults.
Intramedullary antibiotic perfusion for the control of fracture-related infection early after osteosynthesis
Authors: Maruo Akihiro , Oda Takahiro , Miya Hidetoshi , Muratsu Hirotsugu , Fukui Tomoaki , Oe Keisuke , Kuroda Ryosuke , Niikura Takahiro
Published: April 2021

BackgroundIn our hospital, cases of bone and soft tissue infections have been treated with continuous local antibiotic perfusion, which allows for continuous circulation of antibiotics throughout the infected lesion. We call this treatment “intramedullary antibiotic perfusion (iMAP)” for bone infection, such as fracture-related infection (FRI), and “intra-soft tissue antibiotic perfusion” for soft tissue infection. Many cases are treated with both modalities. To introduce “iMAP,” this study focused on FRI patients treated with only iMAP and reviewed their treatment outcomes.MethodsWe included ten patients who developed FRI early after osteosynthesis and were treated with CLAP, between 2004 and 2017. The iMAP needles were inserted near the deep-seated infected lesion, and an aminoglycoside antimicrobial was continuously administered slowly. Intravenous and oral antibiotics were administered after CLAP. Patient characteristics, age, pathogenic bacteria, used antimicrobials and duration of administration, concentrations of antimicrobial agents in blood and drainage fluid, fracture union rate, implant retention rate, duration of follow-up, and complications were evaluated.ResultsThe mean patients’ age was 59.9 years, and the mean follow-up was 2.5 years. The affected bones were the tibia (8 patients), humerus (1 patient), and fibula (1 patient). Internal fixation was performed at an average of 7.5 days after the injury. Deep infections developed on average 29.9 days after the operation. Pathogenic bacteria included methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus in six patients, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in two patients, and were unknown in two patients. CLAP was performed with astromicin, arbekacin, or gentamicin. The average duration of iMAP was 17.1 days. Antimicrobial concentrations were adjusted to appropriate levels. In all patients, the deep infection was eradicated while preserving the implants, and fracture union was achieved without any complications.ConclusionsiMAP is a novel local drug delivery system allowing high concentrations of antimicrobial agents without systemic adverse effects. It is a useful option in the treatment of FRI where implant retention is desired.
Fast Detection and Traceback-based Mitigation of Interest Flooding Attack
Authors: Kumar Naveen , Srivast Shashank
Published: April 2021

NDN Pending Interest Table (PIT) helps NDN by storing the state of a request within the router. This state information helps the router to redirect the data packet towards the requester. However, an attacker can send malicious requests, which could flood the PIT; this attack is known as Interest Flooding Attack (IFA). In our previous work, we have found the most relevant features needed to detect IFA and applied a few machine learning approaches for the offline detection of IFA. In this article, a trained Artificial Neural Network (ANN) classifier has been deployed on each NDN router for the online detection of IFA. A novel traceback-based mitigation is proposed, which is triggered after the detection. The proposed approach is found better than the previous approach in terms of the satisfaction ratio and throughput of the legitimate consumers.
Capsaicin Inhibits Migration and Invasion via Inhibiting Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma By Up-Regulation of Cldn3 Expression
Authors: Feng Ji , Xu Yin , Wei Zhouling , Xia Yiju , Zhang Haoxiang , Shen Caifei , Wang Pu , Ran Wu , Fang Dianchun , Fang Yu
Published: April 2021

Purpose To investigate the effects of capsaicin on migration and invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and the roles of claudin-3 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).Methods Cldn3 expression was detected in paired cancerous and adjacent normal esophageal tissues by IHC. The association of Cldn3 with clinical data was analyzed. The migration and invasion of ESCC cells were investigated by exposure of capsaicin. The migration and invasion of ESCC cells with Cldn3 silencing or Cldn3 overexpression were also evaluated. The effects of capsaicin on lung metastasis of ESCC with or without Cldn3 silencing were evaluated.Results: The positive expression of Cldn3 was associated with better prognosis of ESCC patients. Capsaicin attenuated migration and invasion of ESCC and inhibited EMT in a dose-dependent manner. Cldn3 silencing enhanced migration and invasion and EMT in ESCC cells. Cldn3 overexpression inhibited migration and invasion and EMT, similar to exposure of capsaicin. Cldn3 silencing also attenuated inhibition of migration and invasion and EMT by exposure of capsaicin. Cldn3 silencing attenuated inhibition of lung metastasis of ESCC by exposure of capsaicin in vivo.Conclusion The positive expression of Cldn3 showed a better prognosis of ESCC, which was a potentially prognostic indicator. Capsaicin inhibited migration and invasion of ESCC through up-regulation of Cldn3 and inhibition of EMT.
Glucose Metabolic Reprogramming in Cancer Microenvironment
Authors: Zhang Ze , Lin Nan , Zhang Xingwang , Meng Zihui
Published: April 2021

Background: Energy metabolism reprogramming (EMR) exerts a critical role in tumor progression and activation of tumor-associated immune cells. Understanding the structural changes upon metabolic networks of both cancer cells and immune settings is vital for the potential and effective incorporation of metabolism-targeted therapeutics clinically.Methods: In the present study, we used 33 tumor types’ transcriptome data from TCGA & UCSC and proteomic data from CPTAC to elaborate the EMR under the “Warburg Effect” in cancer. We assessed the role of metabolic enzymes in prognosis by redrawing the metabolic network and proportional hazards model (Cox) analysis. Based on machine learning, we identified determinants of tumor immune subtypes and used a scoring scheme for the correlation between immune cell infiltration and metabolic enzymes. Considering the immunophenotype relationship, we illustrated a novel bioinformatics horizontal alignment method.Results: Systematic profiling of EMR would shed light on the common and divergent metabolic characteristics between tumor cells as well as the tumor-associated microenvironment, and whether the metabolic characteristics of these cells remain stable or change in course of tumor progression, indicating metabolic plasticity. Conclusions: This article reviewed the recent understanding of metabolic changes in tumor progression and tumor-associated microenvironment’ phenotype and function, which could help clinical doctors to understand EMR in tumor progression and treatment resistance.
Genetic Profiles of Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma in Japanese patients
Authors: Tokunaga Mamoru , Okimoto Kenichiro , Akizue Naoki , Ishikawa Kentaro , Hirotsu Yosuke , Amemiya Kenji , Ota Masayuki , Matsusaka Keisuke , Nishimura Motoi , Matsushita Kazuyuki , Ishikawa Tsubasa , Nagashima Ariki , Shiratori Wataru , Kaneko Tatsuya , Oura Hirotaka , Kanayama Kengo , Ohta Yuki , Taida Takashi , Saito Keiko , Matsumura Tomoaki , Chiba Tetsuhiro , Mochizuki Hitoshi , Arai Makoto , Kato Jun , Ikeda Jun-ichiro , Omata Masao , Kato Naoya
Published: April 2021

The genetic characteristics of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in the Japanese population is unclear. This study aims to investigate the genetic characteristics from nondysplastic BE (NDBE) to early EAC in Japan. Clinical information was collected. Moreover, the genetic profile of NDBE without concurrent dysplasia, early EAC, and surrounding BE were also investigated using endoscopic biopsy samples and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens from Japanese patients by targeted next-generation sequencing. Immunohistochemical staining for p53 was also performed for EAC lesions. Targeted NGS was performed for 33 cases with 77 specimens. No significant difference exists in the NDBE group between the number of putative drivers per lesion in the short-segment Barrett’s esophagus (SSBE) and long-segment Barrett’s esophagus (LSBE) [0 (range, 0–1) vs. 0 (range, 0–1). p = 1.00]. TP53 putative drivers were found in two patients (16.7%) with nondysplastic SSBE. TP53 was the majority of putative drivers in both BE adjacent to EAC and EAC, accounting for 66.7% and 66.7%, respectively. More putative drivers per lesion were found in the EAC than in the NDBE group [1 (range, 0–3) vs. 0 (range, 0–1). p < 0.01]. The genetic variants of early EAC in the Japanese were similar to those in western countries. However, TP53 putative drivers were detected even in Japanese patients with nondysplastic SSBE. The risks of progression may not be underestimated and appropriate follow-ups may be necessary even in patients with SSBE.This study was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN000034247).
Knockdown of C3G Mitigates Post-Infarct Remodeling Via Regulation of ERK1/2, Bcl-2 and Bax in Rat Myocardial Cells
Authors: LI Gang , Deng Qin , Hu Sulei , Laukkanen Jari A. , Liu Cheng , Tang Ning
Published: April 2021

Cardiomyocyte-specific knockout of pro-survival integrin β1 subunit and its downstream components have been demonstrated to aggravate remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). However, as a component of integrin pathway, it is unclear whether knockdown of pro-survival C3G (rap guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1) in cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts could have effect on myocardial remodeling. A rat model of MI was established by ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery. Infarcted myocardium and its border zones in Sprague-Dawley rats were transiently infected with C3G knockout lentivirus via local injection to knockdown C3G in the myocardium. Twelve weeks after injection with the lentiviruses, cardiomyocytic apoptosis and collagen in surviving myocardium, and left ventricle (LV) end-diastolic diameter were decreased, whereas LV weight / body weight ratio and LV ejection fraction were increased in MI group via down-regulation of pro-survival C3G, phosphorylated (p) ERK1/2 (phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinase 1/2) and Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma-2), and up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bax in the surviving myocardium. On the other hand, treatment with the lentiviruses was found to delete C3G and diminish cell proliferation in vitro cardiac myocytic and fibroblastic cell lines respectively via down-regulation of p-ERK1/2 and Bcl-2, and up-regulation of Bax. In conlusion, knockdown of pro-survival C3G in myocardium may mitigate surviving myocardial remodeling after MI, possibly through regulation of p-ERK1/2, Bcl-2 and Bax in vivo cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts.
Facile Synthesis of CeO2 Blended CoWO4 Nanocomposites For High Photocatalytic Performance And Investigation of Their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Selvi S. , Jayamani N. , Barathi D.
Published: April 2021

In this work, novel CeO2/CoWO4 hetero structured nanocomposites (NCs) was synthesized via a hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy(HRTEM), UV-VisDRS and photo luminescence (PL) spectroscopy were categorized herein to gain the crystal structure, deep morphology, optical assets, and charge separation of the as-produced photocatalysts (PCs)respectively. Related by the pristine CoWO4,CeO2 and CeO2/CoWO4 photocatalyst was considered by enriched activity of them ethylene blue (MB)aqueous dye photodegradation under visible light exposure. Chiefly, the photodegradation efficacy of as-attained CeO2/CoWO4 photocatalyst exposed the premier decomposition ratio (92.5%) of MB dyein105 min among all samples, which was noticeably 1.8 and 2.2 folds over the pristine CeO2 (43 %) and CoWO4(60 %), separately. Likewise, the CeO2/CoWO4 PCs sustained satisfactory activity even after 4sequentialrecycling runs, signifying its great photocatalytic steadiness and robustness. Hence the ensuing superior PCs preferred the further efficient charge (e−-h+) separation, solid visible light fascination, and worthy interfacial energy transfer leads amid CoWO4 and CeO2nanoparticles (NPs).A likely mechanism liable for photodegradation was eventually projected. The synergistic things of antibacterial motion via CeO2/CoWO4 NCs were probed by the weld diffusion scheme. Thus, effort finding deals with a novel avenue for the growth of stable and proficient visible-light active PCs for environmental purification.
Clinical treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia caused by extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: single-centre retrospective study
Authors: Fang Changquan , Xu Limin , Lin Junhong , Li Yujun , Wei Shuquan , Zhao Zhuxiang , Zhao Ziwen
Published: April 2021

Background: Extensively drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (XDRAB) has strong ability to acquire drug resistance genes, which are then rapidly cloned and transmitted, leading to worldwide spread posing a significant treatment challenge. Currently, limited drugs are available for the treatment of XDRAB infection, and their clinical effects are not clear; therefore, the specific factors that affect the treatment response and patient outcome require further exploration. The aim of this was to clarify effective treatment methods during XDRAB infection and the factors affecting patient prognosis according to a retrospective review of cases at our hospital.Methods: Hospital-acquired XDRAB pneumonia cases clinically diagnosed at Guangzhou First Municipal People’s Hospital from January 2016 to December 2017 were selected, and their clinical features, treatment, and prognosis were retrospectively analysed.Results: Forty-eight patients met the diagnostic criteria of hospital-acquired pneumonia caused by XDRAB in the study period, 20 of whom survived and 28 of whom died for an overall mortality rate of 58.3%. There was no significant difference in anti-A. baumannii activity according to the type of antibiotic administered or their combinations between the patients that survived and those that died from the infection. The use of antibacterial drugs during infection did not effectively improve the clinical outcome. Advanced age, multiple organ failure, and disease severity (APACHE score) were significantly negatively correlated with bacterial clearance, whereas effective airway management (tracheotomy and sputum suction during infection) had a positive impact on bacterial clearance. In multivariate analysis, age [odds ratio (OR) 1.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0–1.3] and APACHE score (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.0) were independent risk factors affecting prognosis. Tracheotomy during infection (OR 0.0, 95% CI 0.0–0.55) was a protective factor contributing to survival.Conclusion: XDRAB hospital-acquired pneumonia has a high mortality rate. Advanced age and severe disease are independent risk factors that affect patient prognosis. The use and type of antibacterial drugs for treatment do not appear to substantially affect the prognosis during XDRAB infection. Overall, timely and effective airway management is the key to improving the prognosis of patients with hospital-acquired XDRAB infection.
Management and Molecular Diagnosis of Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome in Chinese Patients
Authors: Tian Hongjuan , Wu Dehua , Ru Wei , Wu Dingwen , Tao Chang , Chen Guangjie , Yuan Jinna , Fu Junfen , Tang Daxing
Published: April 2021

Background: To report the management and molecular findings of patients with persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS).Materials and Methods: The hospital records of PMDS patients seen in our center between 2012 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Exome sequencing and Sanger verification were performed for accurate diagnosis. We also reviewed reported clinical and molecular data on PMDS.Results: A total of 12 PMDS patients with a median age of 13 months and a median follow-up time of 25 months were included in the study. Preoperative diagnoses were obtained on the basis of ultrasound (7/12) and exome sequencing (1/12). Twelve different AMH variants in 9 patients (2 frameshift/nonsense, 1 deletion, 8 missense, 1 in-frame) and 6 different AMHR2 variants in 3 patients (5 missense, 1 splicing) were identified. Not all patients with AMH defects showed low serum AMH concentrations (2/9), but all patients with AMHR2 defects showed elevated AMH levels (3/3). During surgery, an abnormal vas deferens was observed in half of the patients. Patients with orchidopexy with uterine preservation presented complications including irreducible cryptorchidism (2/8) and Müllerian remnant cysts (3/8). Patients with subtotal hysterectomy had complications of injury to the vas deferens (1/3) and hemorrhage (1/3).Conclusions: This is the first report involving a large Chinese population. The present study not only expands the variation spectrum but also provides new insights into the management of the uterus.
Taguchi Grey Relational Analysis on the Mechanical Properties of Natural Hydroxyapatite: Effect of Sintering Parameters
Authors: Abifarin Johnson Kehinde
Published: April 2021

Our previous study have reported synthesis and mechanical properties of natural hydroxyapatite (HA), but optimization of the measured hardness and compressive strength has not been examined. This paper presents optimization of mechanical characteristics (hardness and compressive strength), using Taguchi-grey relational analysis design. In the design, three factors with mixed levels (2 and 3) is employed with the consideration of sintering parameters (0 and 500 Pa compaction pressure, and 900, 1000 and 1100 oC sintering temperature), reported in the previous study. The orthogonal array L18 having 18 rows corresponding to the number of tests and the required columns was selected. Results obtained shows that HA with good hardness and compressive strength is feasible with less or no compaction pressure sintering parameter. An optimum grey relational grade (GRG) of the synthesized HA is 0.7171 and has experimental value within 95% confidence interval.The optimal sintering parameters are gotten to be 500Pa compaction pressure and 1100 oC sintering temperature. Result shows that sintering temperature having 99.90 percentage of contribution is the most significant factor, while compaction pressure and error are insignificant on the overall hardness and compressive strength of the synthesized HA.
The Impact of Carbon Source on Cell Growth and the Production of Bioactive Compounds in Cell Suspensions of Hancornia speciosa Gomes
Authors: Dantas Luciana Arantes , Faria Paula Sperotto Alberto , Dário Bruno Matheus Mendes , Arantes Ana Luíza Martins , Silva Fabiano Guimarães , Avila Roniel Geraldo , Pereira Paulo Sérgio , Neto Aurélio Rubio
Published: April 2021

Belonging to the Brazilian flora, the species Hancornia speciosa (Gomes), known as mangabeira, has bioactive compounds of interest, such as flavonoids, xanthones, and proanthocyanidins. The objective of this study was to determine how the supplementation of sugars in culture medium affects the osmotic potential of the medium, as well as its influence on cell growth and on the concentration of phenolic compounds. For this purpose, after 90 days of subculture, 20 ml aliquots of the cultures were added to flasks containing 20 ml of medium with different sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose, mannitol, and sorbitol) under a 16-h photoperiod with a spectral range between 400 and 700 nm of photosynthetically active radiation (45-55 μmol m -2 s -1 ) in a shaker at 110 rpm. After 30 days, the pH, electrical conductivity, osmotic potential, biomass accumulation, and concentrations of phenolic compounds were evaluated. Regardless of their concentration in the medium, the sugars sorbitol and mannitol provided more unfavorable conditions for water absorption at the cellular level, reducing the water potential of the medium. Sucrose favored greater water absorption and biomass accumulation. Among the various sugar concentrations, 3% (30 g/L) sucrose or glucose improved the accumulation of fresh and dry cell weight and the production of polyphenols such as chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, rosmarinic acid, hesperidin, rutin, and quercetin. In addition, they resulted in a higher osmotic potential of the medium and larger cells than other carbon sources. Despite the differences in cell size, no culture conditions compromised cell survival.
Improving the Quality of Routing Service using Metaheuristic PSO algorithm in VANET Networks
Authors: Javadpour Amir , Rezaei Samira , Sangaiah Arun Kumar , Slowik Adam , Khaniabadi Shadi Mahmoodi
Published: April 2021

VANETs are organized to progress road protection with no specific need for any fixed infrastructure. Subsequently, the movement of all vehicles can be planned in the upcoming future, based on perceived information, Quality of Services Routing (QoSR) algorithms can be pressured on its available options, paths, and links and according to criteria and reliability of the QoSR. Awareness of QoSR to the environmental conditions of the network of vehicles, such as the location of vehicles, direction and speed that can be obtained. This study is to reduce the effects of unpredictable problems on the best pathway to replace the broken path / link. In this article, A QoSR with Particle Swarm Optimization (QoSR-PSO) for improving QoSs in vehicular ad-hoc networks has been used. The particle swarm optimization algorithm by modeling the behavior of a set of particles looks for the optimal solution of the problem. In order to perform simulation experiments, NS2 simulator and VanetMobisim have been used. The comparison results with benchmark studies show the improvement in packet delivery rate (PDR), delay, Packet Drop and overload.
Chemical and Statistical Studies on Water and Stream Sediments Around the Coal Mine Area in Dazhu, China
Authors: Deng Dongping , Wu Yong , Ren Bangzheng , Yin Heng
Published: April 2021

Coal mine pollution has become one of the most serious environmental problems in China and elsewhere. Water, in the form of groundwater and streams, as well as stream sediment samples, were collected from the coal mine area in Dazhu, Southwestern China. Different analyses, including the hydro-geochemical, multivariate analyses and X-ray analyses, were conducted to examine the coal mine pollution effect. The study results show that the groundwater and stream samples are slightly acidic to alkaline with pH values of 6.36 to 7.17 and 6.51 to 7.39, respectively. With the dissolution of carbonate and sulfate, a large amount of Ca2+, Mg2+, and SO42- is found in the groundwater and stream samples, which is higher than the environmental background value. Typically, the water samples are dominated by Ca2++Mg2+-HCO3- and Ca2++Mg2+-Cl-. According to Chinese standard and the World Health Organization’s guidelines, the water in the coal mine area is of good quality in terms of its physical and chemical properties, except for the concentrations of Fe and Mn (1925.14 and 12872.882 μg/L, respectively). Principal component analysis reveal two groups that explained the variance in the data consisting of SO42−, Ca2+, Mg2+, and low pH as well as HCO3−, Na+, and Cl−, which can reflect the acid mine drainage effects as well as different human activities or the evaporation found in low mountains and hills, respectively. Hence, the concentrations of metals and metalloids in the stream sediments are affected by the coal mine drainage, which are generally enriched in Cr, Mn, Zn, Sr, Co, Ni, Cu, Al, Ca, Fe, and Mg. Mn and Fe average concentrations are higher in the downstream Kongjiagou drain stream sediment samples were 2035.03 ppm and 6%, respectively, relative to the Mn and Fe average concentrations in Xiaojiagou of 453.04 ppm and 2.96%, respectively. Both Mn and Fe concentrations are higher than the background values. Ultimately, mine closures can help with the process of ecological and environmental recovery.
Site-Controlled Telecom Single-Photon Emitters in Atomically-thin MoTe2
Authors: Zhao Huan , Pettes Michael , Zheng Yu , Htoon Han
Published: April 2021

Quantum emitters (QEs) in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDCs) have advanced to the forefront of quantum communication and transduction research1 due to their unique potentials in accessing valley pseudo-spin degree of freedom (DOF)2 and facile integration into quantum-photonic, electronic and sensing platforms via the layer-by-layer-assembly approach.3 To date, QEs capable of operating in O-C telecommunication bands have not been demonstrated in TMDCs.4-7 Here we report a deterministic creation of such telecom QEs emitting over the 1080 to 1550 nm wavelength range via coupling of 2D molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) to strain inducing nano-pillar arrays.8,9 Our Hanbury Brown and Twiss experiment conducted at 10 K reveals clear photon antibunching with 90% single photon purity. Ultra-long lifetimes, 4-6 orders of magnitude longer than that of the 2D exciton, are also observed. Polarization analysis further reveals that while some QEs display cross-linearly polarized doublets with ~1 meV splitting resulting from the strain induced anisotropic exchange interaction, valley degeneracy is preserved in other QEs. Valley Zeeman splitting as well as restoring of valley symmetry in cross-polarized doublets are observed under 8T magnetic field. In contrast to other telecom QEs,10-12 our QEs which offer the potential to access valley DOF through single photons, could lead to unprecedented advantages in optical fiber-based quantum networks.
Comparison of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT with [18F]FDG PET/CT for Nodule Characterization and Staging in NSCLC Patients
Authors: Zhou Xin , Wang Shuailiang , Xu Xiaoxia , Meng Xiangxi , Zhang Huiyuan , Zhang Annan , Song Yufei , Zhu Hua , Yang Zhi , Li Nan
Published: April 2021

Purpose:The aim of this study is to explore the nodule characterization and staging efficacy of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and to compare with that of [18F]FDG PET/CT lesion-by-lesion.Methods:Sixty-five patients with clinically diagnosed or suspected NSCLC were enrolled in this prospective study (ChiCTR2000038080). All patients received both [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT, and they were assigned into three groups by different research directions as nodule characterization, node (N) staging and metastatic (M) staging. Imaging characteristics in PET/CT of lung nodules and suspected metastatic lesions were obtained and analyzed.Results:In the nodule characterization group, [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 SUVmax ≥ 2.5 was set as the predictor of NSCLC, and the diagnostic sensitivity of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 was higher than [18F]FDG (0.88 vs. 0.67). And for adenocarcinoma with partial-solid density, SUVmax of 68Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 was higher than [18F]FDG with significant differences (4.8 ± 2.8 vs. 2.1 ± 1.1). In N staging group, lymph nodes SUVmax of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 was lower than [18F]FDG in nonmetastatic group (3.1 ± 1.3 vs. 6.1 ± 2.3) and higher than [18F]FDG (10.7 ± 4.7 vs. 6.5 ± 3.3) in metastatic group. Set 6 and 1.1 as the cut-off value for [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 SUVmax and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 SUVmax/FDG SUVmax, diagnostic accuracy of metastatic lymph nodes using each criterion and their combination was 95%, 93% and 97% respectively. In multi-metastatic NSCLC patients, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 identified more lesions than [18F]FDG (206 vs. 106 lesions) and the uptake value of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 was higher too, but no patients’ staging was changed.Conclusion:Compared with [18F]FDG, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT imaging has higher sensitivity in primary and metastatic lesion detection of NSCLC patients, it also increases the specificity of metastatic lymph nodes diagnosis.
[177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE Versus Standard of Care in Adult Patients With Gastro-Enteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours (GEP-NETS): A Cost-Consequence Analysis From an Italian Hospital Perspective
Authors: Spada Francesca , Campana Davide , Lamberti Giuseppe , Laudicella Riccardo , Dellamano Renato , Dellamano Luca , Leeuwenkamp Oscar , Baldari Sergio
Published: April 2021

Purpose
To assess and compare clinical outcomes and costs, to the Italian healthcare system, of three therapeutic options approved in the management of adult patients with gastro-enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NETs).
Methods
We compared the efficacy, safety and costs of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE, everolimus (both originator and generic products) and sunitinib in patients with advanced GEP-NETs (NET G1 and G2) that had progressed following treatment with somatostatin analogues (SSAs). A cost-consequence model was developed and validated by a panel of clinical experts from three NET reference centres in Italy. The clinical outcomes included in the model were median progression-free survival and the incidence of grade 3 or 4 adverse events (AEs), as reported in pivotal clinical trials. The costs for acquisition and administration of each treatment, and of managing AEs, were calculated from the perspective of the Italian national health service. Treatment costs per progression-free month were calculated separately for patients with NETs of pancreatic (PanNETs; all three treatments) and gastrointestinal (GI-NETs; [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE and everolimus only) origin.
Results
In patients with PanNETs, total costs per progression-free month were €2989 for [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE, €4975 for originator everolimus, €3472 for generic everolimus, and €5337 for sunitinib. In patients with GI-NETs, total costs per progression-free month were €3189 for [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE, €4990 for originator everolimus, and €3483 for generic everolimus.
Conclusions
[177Lu]Lu-DOTA-TATE was associated with lower costs per progression-free month versus relevant treatment options in patients with GI-NETs or PanNETs (NET G1–G2; progressed following SSA treatment), although acquisition and administration costs are higher. These findings provide further economic arguments in the overall context of treatment decision making.
Co-administration of Toll-like Receptor (TLR)-3 Agonist Poly I:C with Different Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) Vaccines Improves IBD Specific Immune Response in Chicken
Authors: Ramasamy Kannaki T , Priyanka E , Abhilash Manda , Haunshi Santosh
Published: April 2021

Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists are emerging as promising vaccine adjuvants and immunomodulators in poultry against many diseases. Infectious bursa disease (IBD) still remains as a major threat in poultry industry. Improving the vaccine mediated immune response would help in better protection against IBD virus infection. Adjuvant potential of TLR3 agonist, Poly I:C with different IBD vaccines has been analyzed in chicken in the present study. Intermediate, intermediate plus IBD vaccine, bursaplex vaccine and their respective poly I:C combinations were used for immunization of chicken. IBD specific antibody titre, bursa to body weight ratio, body weight gain and bursal lesion scores were evaluated at weekly interval in different immunization groups. Fold changes in cytokines IL-1β and IFN-γ mRNA expression levels were also analyzed in different groups. Intermediate IBD plus vaccine induced significantly (P≤0.05) higher IBD specific antibody response at 35 days of age than other groups with comparatively lower body weight gain and moderate bursal lesion score. Poly I:C co-administration with intermediate IBD vaccine and bursaplex vaccine improved the IBD specific antibody titres, better body weight gain and moderately less bursal lesion score. However, Poly I:C combination with intermediate plus IBD vaccine did not improve the specific immune response. IL-1β levels were up-regulated in intermediate plus and bursaplex group, whereas IFN-γ m RNA expression levels were upregulated in intermediate IBD with Poly IC group. In conclusion, poly I:C co-administration with intermediate IBD and bursaplex vaccine was beneficial and improved the specific immune response with least immunosuppression and bursal damage.