bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ancillary Service of Voltage Support for a Weak Medium Voltage Grid through Injected Distributed Generation
Authors: Haider Syed Muhammad Aizaz , Yousuf Muhammad Hassan , Idrees Asad , Khan Muhammad Haseeb , Saeed Faisal , Zohaib Abdullah , Raza Ali
Published: April 2022

Voltage Stability & Control, is very crucial compared to other Power System (PS) Quality and Stability issues. Long-Vertical-Power-Flows in Conventional Grids, causes voltage drops which in turn causes huge power losses, especially in the Medium Voltage (MV) and Low Voltage (LV) Distribution Networks. Such technical losses in abysmally-planned weak distribution networks, lead to substantial loss of revenues to the utility grid. Apart from classic Voltage Regulation (VR) techniques, with the rise of Distributed Generation (DG) based on Renewable Energy Sources (RES), Horizontal-Power-Flows can be introduced in the network, through various Smart Grid techniques. Coupling such sources, near load centers shall mitigate long flows from expensive conventional sources at times of huge demands, improving feeders’ Voltage Profile. This Ancillary Service of Voltage Support from DG RESs shall thereby alleviate revenue losses caused by long-power-flows in weak distribution grids. For a developing country like Pakistan, loss of revenue from an already expensive utility gives huge blow to the economy. So, a similar technique for voltage support is proposed for an 11-kV feeder, which faces similar problem, and the results are remarkable. The technique is implemented using OpenDSS Tool by modelling 3MWp PV Penetration along with some future storage.
Exergy Study of Steam Flash Cycle & Kalina Cycle at Waste Heat Recovery Power Generation Operation System
Authors: Rachman Arfidian , Arianto Benny
Published: April 2022

Waste Heat from cement kiln factories has begun developed to power generation in the world. Waste Heat Recovery Power Generation (WHRPG) is the one of power generation with use hot gas from cement kiln to increase water temperature in After Quenching Cooler (AQC) & Preheater (SP) Boiler, and change water into superheated steam stage. Superheated Steam will delivery in to turbine and drive the generator. The quality of hot gasses will affect the turbine work and power generator. The temperature of hot gasses frequently at below 340°C. It will cause turbine not work in optimally condition. This research done for study using ammonia – water on kalina cycle at WHRPG to resolve the problem in WHRPG. From this study found that value of total exergy destruction at Steam Flash Cycle is 19,97 MW with power generator 7,011 MW. While at kalina cycle, total exergy destruction the kalina cycle is 18,33 MW with power generator at 8,459 MW.
Design and Finite Element Analysis of Lawn Mower Machine
Authors: Saferi Rozi , Yanto Asmara , Sucipto Joko
Published: April 2022

Technological advances are now being found in everyday, one of them is an android smartphone. Android can be used to control motor speed without using cables with the help of microcontroller, motor driver and bluetooth module. In this study the autors designed and performed static analysis on the framework an android-based lawn mower using Autodesk Inventor. This grass cutting machine consists of several components, that is: framework, battery, microcontroller, motor driver, relay 5v, bluetooth module and others. The design result of an android-based lawn mower have a whole dimension with length = 298.89mm, width = 334.88mm and high = 241.02mm.  After static analysis is carried out on the framework obtained results: Displacement minimum 0 mm and displacement maximum 0.0909735 mm, Safety factor minimum 1.93351 and safety factor maximum 15.
Effect of Chromium Doping to Hardness Properties in the Manufacture of Spur Gears Made from Ferrous Powder
Authors: Daniel Saragih Albert , Sutjipto Slamet
Published: April 2022

A gear is a part of a machine that has a very complex shape so that it requires special care and expertise in the manufacturing process. Powder metallurgy offers an efficient manufacturing process for the production of these complex machining parts. In this study, Cr metal powder was selected to increase the hardness properties of spur gears made from iron (Fe) powder. Doping Cr by 0%; 0.5%; 10%, 1.5% and 2.0% will be added in gear manufacturing. Water is used as a binder with a ratio of 1:15 which is then packed by 15,000 kg or 15 tons then heated or sintered at a temperature of 1200 oC for 1 hour. The shrinkage ratio of the sample to the sintering treatment averaged 4.6%. 0.2 kg of load applied to the Vickers hardness test. Vickers hardness values ​​obtained were 60, 77, 90, 184 and 211 respectively for the Cr doping of 0%; 0.5%; 10%, 1.5% and 2.0%. From these data it is found that the addition of the element Cr increases the hardness properties of iron gears. The hardness value shown is still too small, this is because there is still a lot of porosity generated in the sintering process because it is not in a vacuum condition.
The Effect of Circulation of 3% HCL Solution On the Corrosion Rate of Aluminum
Authors: Eka Putra Ismet , Burhanuddin Teguh
Published: April 2022

Corrosion is usually called rusting. Corrosion to aluminum is carried out by circulating and non-circulating methods. The specimens were placed in 3% HCl solution, each with 3 specimens in one vessel. There are 9 specimens in 3 vessels. In this study, aluminum was immersed with a circulation of 385 L/hour and 432 L/hour and also without circulation with immersion time for 4 days. The highest corrosion rate was obtained in aluminum soaked in 3% HCl for 4 days with a circulation of 432 L / hour, 0.5215 Mpy. The lowest corrosion rate was obtained for aluminum immersed in 3% HCl for 4 days without circulation, 0.1830 Mpy.
An Application of Decission Tree for Modeling the Direct Kinematic Solution of 5R Planar Parallel Manipulator
Authors: Adriyan Adriyan
Published: April 2022

This article addressed a machine learning approach for determining a solution model for the direct kinematic problems of parallel manipulators. A 5R planar parallel manipulator was utilized for that approach because it had the solution in the closed form. Initially, a dataset was created from an inverse kinematic solution of the manipulator for one of its assembly modes. Then, this dataset was fed as the input (the joint space) and the output (the platform space) for modeling the direct kinematic solution of the manipulator using one of the machine learning algorithms, which was the decision tree. To avoid overfitting during the training, hyperparameter tuning was employed to find the best parameters for the decision tree model, which was later called the best model. Hence, the best model can be validated by using the closed form solution. If the best model failed to model the direct kinematic solution in the validation, remodeling had to be performed and executed the same steps again. For remodeling, the training dataset consisted of all assembly modes of the manipulator. Consequently, the best model after remodeling was able to present the direct kinematic solutions for all possible input domains. Unfortunately, around 5% of solutions shown a higher deviation which had to be investigated in the future.
Failure Analysis of a Heat Exchanger 212-E9
Authors: Wardianto Dedi , Yanel Karnova , Yanto Asmara
Published: April 2022

Heat Exchanger 212-E9 is one part of the working fluid Debutanizer unit with seawater on inner tubes and H2S on the outside of the tubes. These tubes have failed in the form of leakage. Here the analysis of leakage and the remaining life of the tubes are based on data from the inspection and analysis of general corrosion of the tubes. Part inlet tube erosion-corrosion as well as there are some leaks in the tubes. From the results of inspections in the field, erosion-corrosion of the inlet tube caused by the flow of seawater on the inlet tube containing a solution/coarse material. While the leakage that occurs in tubes due to the H2S concentration is too high, which is equal to 2 mol % H2S. In fact, the recommended H2S concentration is 0.32 mol % H2S. The high level of concentration of H2S is not suitable with the level of material resistance tubes. In the analysis of remaining life obtained maximum corrosion rate in the tubes of 0.2372 mm/year. With the usage time now is 6 year obtained remaining life of 2.5 year again. Referring to the results of the analysis of leakage and remaining life on the tubes is recommended that a filtering of the seawater before entering into the tubes and provide tubes protector on the inlet tube so that tubes are protected from erosion-corrosion, and which is necessary to regulate the level of concentration of H2S Heat Exchanger flowing at the recommended standards.
3D Lattice Boltzmann Method-Discrete-Element Method with Immersed Moving Boundary Scheme Numerical Modeling of Microparticles Migration Carried by a Fluid in Fracture
Authors: Wang Dongying , Wang Zhiming
Published: April 2022

Based on the LBM-IMB-DEM (coupled lattice Boltzmann method-discrete-element method with immersed moving boundary scheme) model, the 3D microparticles’ migration carried by a fluid in fracture is numerically investigated both considering and not considering the van der Waals adhesive force. A boundary cells’ tracing method called the layer-by-layer tracing method both applicable to 2D and 3D situations for IMB with high efficiency and accuracy is proposed, and based on its searching results, the contacts in DEM could be detected straightforwardly with a finite amount of computation. In the layer-by-layer tracing method, a limited number of points, including some cell centers and nodes, near the particle boundary are determined whether they are covered by the particle, and then the other cells in one layer could be precisely classified. In the contact detecting process for DEM, based on the boundary cells tracing results in IMB, the cells that are covered by no less than two particles are the potential cells where there may be contacts. For wall boundaries with irregular shapes, the wall solid boundary (WSB) cells are converted to circumcircle (or circumscribed sphere in 3D situation), and then the solid particle-wall interactions could be replaced by the interactions between the solid particles and those circumcircles or circumscribed spheres. Two cases, including single-particle sedimentation in a viscous fluid, two-particle Drafting-Kissing-Tumbling (DKT) simulation for both nonadhesive and adhesive particles, are used to validate the LBM-IMB-DEM method. Besides, multiparticle sedimentation tests for different particle radiuses are conducted to present the advantages of the layer-by-layer tracing method. At last, nonadhesive and adhesive microparticles’ liberation, transport, and retention carried by a fluid in fracture with irregular shapes are simulated. The numerical results show that the adhesive force that plays a dominated role for microparticles has significant effects on the mechanics of solid particles migration. Under the influence of adhesive forces, the microparticles tend to form a stable agglomerate and migrate as a whole, which is different from the situation for nonadhesive particles where they are relatively independent and basically migrate by layer. Besides, even if the fluid velocity is much lower than the critical velocity evaluated through force or torque analysis on a single particle, when the total hydrodynamic forces exerted on the agglomerate overcome the total adhesive force between the wall and the lower layer of particles, the agglomerate can start to move and liberate from the wall.
Do Patient Expectations Represent a More Important Clinical Difference? A Study of Surgical Outcomes in the Cervical Spine
Authors: Lynch Conor P , Cha Elliot DK , Jacob Kevin C , Patel Madhav R , Geoghegan Cara E , Vanjani Nisheka N , Pawlowski Hanna , Prabhu Michael C , Singh Kern
Published: April 2022

Objective: This study aims to compare the impact of achieving an MCID or meeting preoperative expectations on patient satisfaction following cervical spine procedures.Methods: A surgical database was retrospectively reviewed for cervical spine surgery patients from 2016 to 2020. Inclusion criteria were primary or revision, single- or multilevel cervical disc arthroplasty or anterior cervical discectomy and fusions (ACDF). Visual analogue scale (VAS) neck and arm pain was assessed preoperatively and postoperatively (6-week, 12-weeks, 6-months, 1-year). Preoperative patient expectation and postoperative satisfaction were recorded. MCID achievement was determined using previously established values. Expectations met and MCID achievement were compared as possible predictors of satisfaction.Results: One hundred and six cervical spine patients were included. Both meeting expectations and achieving MCID were significant predictors of satisfaction for arm pain at 6-weeks and 12-weeks (all p≤0.007). Achieving MCID significantly predicted satisfaction for neck pain at all timepoints (all p≤0.007) and meeting expectations predicted satisfaction for neck pain at 6-weeks, 12-weeks, and 1-year (all p≤0.003). Comparison of coefficients revealed no significant difference in effect size between meeting expectations and achievement of MCID as predictors of patient satisfaction (all p>0.050).Conclusion: MCID achievement and meeting expectations were significant predictors of satisfaction for neck pain and short-term arm pain. Both measures may be similarly useful for interpretation of patient outcomes and the optimal choice of metric may depend on practice-specific factors.
Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion in the Outpatient Setting with Multimodal Analgesic Protocol: Clinical Case Series
Authors: Jacob Kevin C , Patel Madhav R , Pawlowski Hanna , Parsons Alexander W , Vanjani Nisheka N , Lynch Conor P , Cha Elliot DK , Prabhu Michael C , Singh Kern
Published: April 2022

Objective: Minimally invasive techniques and multimodal analgesia protocols have made spine surgery in the outpatient setting increasingly feasible. A number of spinal procedures have been documented in the outpatient setting, though the feasibility of lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) on an ambulatory basis has not been thoroughly assessed. To present a clinical case series of patients undergoing LLIF in the outpatient setting.Methods: A prospectively maintained surgical database was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients undergoing outpatient spine procedures with an enhanced multimodal analgesia protocol from October 2016 to February 2021. Patient demographics, medical and spinal diagnoses, procedural characteristics, operative duration, estimated blood loss (EBL), postoperative length of stay (LOS), postoperative pain scores, postoperative narcotic consumption, and incidence of any intra- or postoperative complications were collected. The state’s prescription monitoring program was queried to assess rates of filling narcotic prescriptions >6 weeks following surgery.Results: A total of 24 LLIF patients were included. Mean postoperative pain score was 5.8, and mean postoperative narcotic consumption was 26.8 oral morphine equivalents. All patients were discharged on the same day of surgery. No postoperative complications were observed. After the 6-week postoperative timepoint, 16.7% of patients filled a prescription for tramadol, 8.3% for hydrocodone, 4.2% for hydromorphone, 4.2% for cyclobenzaprine, and 4.2% for alprazolam. Conclusion: This clinical case series demonstrates that LLIF can be both safe and feasible in the outpatient setting, with minimal narcotic medication dependence in the postoperative period.
Pilot study: Advanced hemodynamic monitoring after acute spinal cord injury. Keep the pressure up?
Authors: Drotleff Niklas , Jansen Oliver , Weckwerth Christina , Aach Mirko , Schildhauer T. A. , Waydhas Christian , Hamsen Uwe
Published: April 2022

Background: Although the use of vasopressors to maintain hemodynamic goals after acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is still recommended, evidence regarding the target values and possible risks of this practice is limited and data on hemodynamic parameters unaffected by catecholamines are rare. In this pilot study we show the hemodynamic profile of patients with acute SCI mainly unbiased by vasopressor use and other factors that influence the cardiovascular system. Methods: From March 2018 until March 2020, we conducted a prospective, single-center pilot study including 30 patients with acute SCI. Factors that could affect the cardiocirculatory system other than the SCI (sepsis, pre-existing heart disease or multiple trauma) led to the exclusion. A total of 386 measurements were performed using the PiCCO™ system. Results: Mean systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI, 1447.23±324.71 dyn*s*cm-5*m2), mean central venous pressure (CVP, 10.69±3.16) and mean global end-diastolic volume index (GEDVI, 801.79±158.95 ml/m2) deviated from the reference range while mean cardiac index (CI), mean stroke volume index (SI), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and mean heart rate (HR) were within the reference range as indicated in the literature. A mixed model analysis showed a significant negative relationship between norepinephrine treatment and MAP (83.97 vs 73,69 mmHg, p<0.001), SVRI (1463.40 vs 1332,14 dyn*s*cm-5*m2, p=0.001) and GEDVI (808.89 vs 759,39 ml/m2, p=0,001).Conclusion: These findings could lead to an adaptation of the target range for SVRI and MAP in patients with acute SCI and therefore reduce the use of vasopressors.
Activation of autophagy induces monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension by FOXM1-mediated FAK phosphorylation
Authors: Li Shaojun , Zhai Cui , Zhang Nana , Wang Jian , Cao Meng , Luan Jing , Liu Huan , zhang Qianqian , Zhu Yanting
Published: April 2022

Background: Activation of autophagy induces the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and vascular remodeling in rats, and therefore improves the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the possible mechanisms underlying autophagy in PAH have not been completely understood. The aims of this study are to address these issues. Method: Rat models of PAH were induced by intraperitoneally injection of monocrotaline (MCT). The right ventricle systolic pressure (RVSP), right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI), percentage of medial wall thickness (%MT), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) staining and Ki67 staining were performed to evaluate the development of PAH. The protein levels of forkhead box M1 (FOXM1), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), phospho-FAK, and LC3B were determined by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Results: FOXM1 protein level and the activation of FAK and autophagy were significantly increased in MCT-induced PAH rats. Pharmacological inhibition of FOXM1 and FAK suppressed MCT-induced autophagy activation, and reduced RVSP, RVHI and %MT, and ameliorated the proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells in MCT-induced PAH rats. Conclusion: FOXM1 induces the development of PAH by activation of FAK and consequent stimulating autophagy in MCT-treated rats.
Who’s Missing Out? Supply-demand mismatch analysis of urban ecosystem services in Singapore
Authors: Qiu Jiahui , Law Andrea , Richards Daniel R. , Gaw Leon Yan-Feng , Shaikh Shaikh Fairul Edros Bin , Jaung Wanggi , Carrasco Roman L
Published: April 2022

In the face of rapid urban densification, many cities have seen a decline in the extent of urban green spaces which are also the very landscape that provide a myriad of benefits for human well-being. This results in a mismatch between the ecosystem service supply from the urban natural landscape, and demand from the urban dwellers. While the mapping of ecosystem service supply and demand has been widely conducted for ecosystem service assessments, spatially explicit assessments of supply-demand balances and distributions are rarely explored in the urban context. Using Singapore as a case study, we mapped out the distribution of mismatches in six urban ecosystem services. In addition, we investigated the potential influence that a lived experience of ecosystem service supply-demand mismatch may have on residents’ perception towards the importance of ecosystem services. We found that the level of mismatch is predicted by proportion of unmanaged vegetation and distance to nature reserves. This is likely due to the distribution of unmanaged vegetation around the island state. Except for the noise abatement ecosystem service, we failed to find evidence of correlation between mismatch and Singaporeans’ perceived importance of ecosystem services, except in the case of noise abatement. This could potentially be influenced by the hyper-connectedness of Singapore’s landscape, allowing a locally unmet demand for ecosystem services to be fulfilled in a location with higher supply.
Facing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Brazil: A Survey of Therapist Practices
Authors: Cameoka Michelli Carrijo , Santi Luísa Jobim , Vermes Joana Singer , Rodrigues Carlos Manoel Lopes
Published: April 2022

Background
Brazil is a large, diverse, and heterogeneous country, and to date few studies have delved into the prevalence of PTSD within its population, or into how it has been treated. The aim of the present study was to report and discuss the results of a survey addressing the professional approaches adopted by Brazilian clinicians in treating PTSD.
Methods
Exploratory cross-sectional study targeted at therapists that had treated at least one PTSD case throughout their career. The data were collected from February 27th to May 8th, 2020, from a convenience sample (n = 208) of psychologists and physicians using an online form. The main subject matters were the psychotherapeutic treatments; diagnostic procedures; screening and assessment techniques; and difficulties and challenges.
Results
Less than half of the total sample (48.1%) declared they used instruments for screening and diagnosing. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was the most adhered to theoretical model (49%), more than 20 theoretical affiliations were mentioned, and 86 clinicians (41.3%) disclosed adherence to more than one theory, denoting an eclectic group. The individual case analysis, the scientific evidence, and treatment acceptance were ranked the most relevant criteria when selecting treatment. The most empirically supported trauma-focused psychotherapies were not among the more widely used. Lack of PTSD content in undergraduate courses (38.5%) was considered an important barrier to effective treatment.
Conclusions
The results may help mental health policymakers and providers devise strategies to bridge the gap between research and actual service delivery. The apparent short supply of training and supervision on evidence-based therapies poses an opportunity for colleges and other educational centers.
Examining the world’s countries in terms of outbreak, control, and vaccination against COVID-19
Authors: ebrahimi roghaye , Mirzaei Abasat
Published: April 2022

Objective: More than two years has passed from the emergence of COVID-19 challenging worldwide. countries adopted various approaches against this disease, such that some countries could control its outbreak and effects within a shorter time than other counties but many countries are still in an abnormal state. The statistical population used in this research consisted of the published associated with COVID-19 data of countries from WHO website. These data were analyzed through data mining and using R software. k-means algorithm was employed for clustering.
Results: The results indicated that the countries in the third cluster have undergone the worst level of damage in terms of variables related to outbreak, though they have had a better performance in terms of public vaccination compared to the countries of other clusters. The countries in the second cluster were found to be less afflicted in terms of transmission, mortality, and active cases, but regarding individual recovery, the number of tests taken, the variables related to public vaccination, the first cluster counties have shown a better performance. This study indicated that conterminous countries have a similar status against COVID-19. This can be due to similarities in political, cultural, social, economic, and other structures.
Personalized tumor antigen-pulsed dendritic cell therapy synergizes with simultaneous blockade of PD-1/TIM-3 to treat lung cancer
Authors: Hu Weidong , Chen Chen , Huang Jingyu , Wang Yujin , Wang Qingwen , Hu Liwen , Guo Zixin , Li Sheng
Published: April 2022

Background: Immunotherapy has become a promising innovation in human cancer treatment. However, only a minority of patients were benefited from immunotherapy, including PD-1/PD-L1 blockade, dendritic cell vaccine. Why these novel therapies failed and how to improve their therapeutic efficacy in cancer patients, particularly those with lung cancers, remain elusive. Methods: The function of dendritic cells (DCs) was analyzed by various ex vivo and in vivo assays. Bone marrow were exploited in vitro to drive DCs to load whole tumor antigens (thereafter named Ag-DC) for T cell priming in vitro and in vivo. In both syngeneic and endogenous lung tumor models, the therapeutic effect, underlying mechanisms and acquired resistance of Ag-DC therapy were examined. Finally, the safety and efficacy of combination therapy of Ag-DC and simultaneous blockade of PD-1 and TIM-3 were investigated.Results: The function of DCs is repressed with respect to phagocytosis of tumor cells and antigen-dependent T cell priming in lung tumor microenvironment. DCs derived from bone marrow in vitro are able to stimulate tumor antigen-specific T cell activation and subsequent killing of tumor cells. Local or systemic administration of whole tumor antigen-pulsed DCs (Ag-DCs) elicits potent T cell activation, enriched tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, and increased memory T cells, contributing to fewer and smaller lung tumors. In addition, Ag-DC therapy induces expression of immune checkpoint molecules PD-1 and TIM-3 on T cells, which rationalizes the great synergistic efficacy of combination therapy of Ag-DC and simultaneous blockade of PD-1 and TIM-3.Conclusions: These findings suggest that bone marrow derived DCs in vitro loaded with whole tumor antigens can inhibit lung tumor initiation and progression by triggering strong T-cell antitumor activity, pulmonary recruitment, and tumor infiltration. Simultaneous blockade of PD-1 and TIM-3 synergizes with Ag-DC therapy in lung cancer treatment, representing a novel combination therapy for lung cancer.
Curcumin piperidone derivatives induce anti-proliferative and anti-migratory effects in LN-18 human glioblastoma cells
Authors: Chan Kok Meng , Razali Nur Syahirah Che , Lam Kok Wai , Rajab Nor Fadilah , Jamal A Rahman A , Kamaluddin Nurul Farahana
Published: April 2022

Curcumin has demonstrated potential cytotoxicity across various cell lines despite its poor bioavailability and rapid metabolism. Therefore, our group have synthesized curcuminoid analogues with piperidone derivatives, FLDP-5 and FLDP-8 to overcome these limitations. In this study, the analogues were assessed on human glioblastoma LN-18 cells in comparison to curcumin. Results from cytotoxicity assessment showed that FLDP-5 and FLDP-8 curcuminoid analogues caused death in LN-18 cells in a concentration-dependent manner after 24-h treatment with much lower IC50 values of 2.5 µM and 4 µM respectively, which were more potent compared to curcumin with IC50 of 31 µM. Moreover, a significant increase (p<0.05) in the level of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide upon 2-h and 6-h treatment confirmed the oxidative stress involvement in the cell death process induced by these analogues. These analogues also showed potent anti-migratory effects through inhibition of LN-18 cells’ migration and invasion. In addition, cell cycle analysis showed that these analogues are capable of inducing S-phase cell cycle arrest during the 24-h treatment, which explained the reduced proliferation indicated by MTT assay. In conclusion, these curcuminoid analogues exhibit potent anti-cancer effects with anti-proliferative and anti-migratory properties towards LN-18 cells as compared to curcumin.
Lycopene alleviates inflammatory explosion and oxidative stress in lipopolysaccharide-induced reprodu ctive system injury of male rats
Authors: Li Yu , Zhu Jinde , Liang Weining , Cai Hongcai , Shang Xuejun , Zhang Nan , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2022

Male reproductive system infection and inflammation negatively impacts male infertility through various mechanisms, while the factors precipitating these mechanisms remain obscure. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) causes damage to male reproductive system by causing fatty acid metabolism disorder and induces inflammation. It is reported that Lycopene (LYC) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, perhaps being a treatment option for male infertility. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of LYC on LPS-induced testicular injury in male rats. The rats were treated with LPS (5 mg/kg i.p.).LYC was given at 5 mg/kg, i.g. for 4weeks, starting the 24 hours after treatment of LPS. The levels of interleukin1alpha(IL-1α), interleukin1beta(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic pretein1(MCP-1) and interleukin6(IL-6) in serum, testis and epididymis. Testicular and epididymal glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase (CAT) were measured. Testicular histopathological examination and epididymal sperm quality were further evaluated. LPS impaired testicular function by increasing the level of inflammatory cytokines and decreasing antioxidant capacity. LYC supplement reduces cytokines levels in serum, testis and epididymis and increases antioxidant activity. In conclusion, LYC can protect male infertility by extenuating male reproductive system inflammatory burst, and enhancing antioxidant defense, which is a new treatment strategy for male reproductive system infection and male infertility.
Are Happier People More Compliant? Global Evidence on Preventive Health Behaviours During Covid-19 Lockdowns
Authors: Krekel Christian , Swanke Sarah , De Neve Jan-Emmanuel , Fancourt Daisy
Published: April 2022

To combat the public health crisis of Covid-19, governments and public health officials have been asking individuals to substantially change their behaviours for prolonged periods of time. Are happier people more willing to comply with such measures? Using three independent, large-scale surveys covering about 119,000 adult respondents across 35 countries, including longitudinal data from the UK, we find that past and present life satisfaction predicts compliance with preventive health behaviours during Covid-19 lockdowns. The association is stronger for those with higher levels of life satisfaction. A loss in life satisfaction, on the contrary, predicts lower compliance. We explore risk-avoidance and pro-social motivations for this relationship, and find suggestive evidence that people who are older or have certain medical preconditions seem to be behave in line with risk-avoidance, whereas motivations of people who are less at risk of Covid-19 seem more mixed. Overall, our findings indicate that life satisfaction is important, both as a policy end in itself and for complying with new long-term preventive health measures.
Contactless crystallization method of protein by a magnetic force booster
Authors: MAKI Syou , HAGIWARA Masayuki
Published: April 2022

We developed a new type of compact magnetic force booster by which we succeeded in crystallizing proteins (hen egg white lysozyme) while making them levitate in a solution without contacting the container. This technique is noteworthy in the practical merit that we could control the growth of crystals from the initial stage of nucleation merely in a magnetic field of a few Tesla. The shape of the booster was designed in accordance with the dynamical stability against external forces acting on the crystals. Under a stable condition, the crystals condensed spherically, and formed a “shell shaped” crystallization with a hollow interior. Our magnetic force booster has the potential for innovation, especially in the field of protein crystal engineering.
Screening for anti-neoplastic enzymes producing halophilic bacterial extract and their antioxidant activity due to carotenoid synthesis
Authors: Rathakrishnan Deepalaxmi , Gopalan Arun Kumar
Published: April 2022

Out of 1127 halophilic bacteria, salt-loving microorganisms from different geographical locations in India isolated, twenty-eight strains were studied for antioxidant qualities for its usage in cancer medicines. The methanolic extracts were extracted and analyzed for anti-cancer effect through anti-neoplastic enzymes (L-asparaginase and L-glutaminase) screening, while antioxidant capabilities were investigated for fifteen isolates using both radical and non-radical assays.. The extracts also have enhanced radical scavenging ability against the stable 2,2'azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) disodium salt radical cation (86.34 ± 0.007 mM TE/g extract), nitric oxide (64.79 ± 0.004 µg/mL), phosphomolybdenum (1.69 ± 0.024 mg AAE/g extract), ferric reducing power (28.19 ± 0.012 mM Fe (II) E/mg) and showed better Ic50 values on 1,1-diphenyl- 2-picrylhydrazyl (5.48 mg/ml) assay. All of the studies has been done three times, and the results are significantly better than the standards utilized. Finally, four potent halophilic isolates from various antioxidant activities were chosen. These isolates could synthesize carotenoids that possessed anti-oxidant activities when grown in the halophilic medium was identified by UV/Visible spectra analysis. Secondary metabolite investigations using GC-MS study and LC-MS/MS analysis confirmed that isolated strains had the potential to produce compounds that might be used primarily as therapeutics. The enormous anti-oxidant potential of the strains Staphylococcus arlettae, Bacillus subtilis, B. tequilensis, and B. haynesii extracts could be used as a natural free radical scavenger to prevent oxidative-stress-related illnesses like cancer, neurodegeneration, as well as in the food safety markets in general.
MiR-519a/522-5p from pancreatic cancer-secreted exosomes promotes tumor invasion by enhancing Warburg effect
Authors: Ling Qi , Feng Shi , Chen Ruihan , Huang Haitao , Lin Yimou , Jiang Jingyu , Cui Jinlong , Liang Tingbo
Published: April 2022

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis. Exploring novel serum biomarkers and the underlying mechanism is crucial for the early diagnosis and precise therapy of PDAC.Methods: Exosomes were isolated from serum samples of 92 PDAC patients and 44 healthy subjects. Serum exosomal microRNAs (exo-miRNAs) were detected by small RNA sequencing, verified by qRT-PCR, and their diagnostic performance and prognostic value were evaluated. In vitro experiments and orthotopic tumor mouse models were conducted to investigate the effect of miR-519a/522-5p on PDAC. Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to explore the underlying mechanism of miR-519a/522-5p.Results: Compared to the healthy control, all three PDAC subgroups (stage I-III) displayed a specific deregulated serum exo-miRNA profile. A panel of 3 serum exo-miRNAs (let-7g-3p, miR-490-5p, and miR-519a/522-5p) was established as novel diagnostic biomarkers for PDAC, which exhibited high sensitivity and specificity in clinical cohort. Among the three exo-miRNAs, miR-519a/522-5p was found to be an independent prognostic factor for PDAC and associated with tumor features particularly invasion/metastasis. In vitro and in vivo experiment confirmed that miR-519a/522-5p promoted invasiveness/metastasis of PDAC cells. Moreover, miR-519a/522-5p could be effectively delivered via exosomes and increased the invasiveness of recipient PDAC cells. Multi-omics analysis showed a comprehensive miR-519a/522-5p-regulated molecular network, in which glycolysis played a central role. We further validated that miR-519a/522-5p enhanced glycolysis by targeting sestrin2.Conclusion: Serum exo-miRNAs could be novel and promising candidates for precise diagnosis and treatment of PDAC. Tumor-derived exo-miR-519a/522-5p promotes PDAC cellular invasiveness by enhancing Warburg effect.
Knowing the intention behind limb movements of a partner increases embodiment towards the limb of joint avatar
Authors: Hapuarachchi Harin , Kitazaki Michiteru
Published: April 2022

We investigated whether sharing a common goal with a partner and knowing the partner’s intention behind arm movements affect the senses of agency and ownership towards an arm fully controlled by the partner. Participant dyads controlled different limbs (left and right arms) of the same virtual avatar immersed in a virtual environment in first person perspective to collaboratively perform a reaching task that involved joint action as well as separate reaching tasks with the partner’s target visible or invisible to each other. The results showed that the senses of agency and ownership towards the arm controlled by the partner were significantly higher when the participant dyads shared a common intention or when they were allowed to see their partner’s target, compared to when the partner’s target was invisible. The skin conductance was significantly lower towards the arm controlled by the partner compared to the arm fully controlled by the participants in all goal conditions. These results provide insights regarding how sensory information necessary for predicting the partner’s intentions relate to embodiment of the partner’s limbs during virtual co-embodiment.
Effects of systolic and diastolic blood pressure rhythm on coronary artery disease in type 2 diabetic patients: a retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Qian-Li , Li Dan , Xu Xiao-Yang , Wei Xiao-Yuan , Yu Jiang-Chuan , Su Li
Published: April 2022

Background: Studies put it there was an interaction between diabetes and abnormal blood pressure rhythm, and they both increased the morbidity and mortality of coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed at analyzing the effects of abnormal rhythm (AR) of blood pressure (BP) and each kind of systolic or diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) pattern on CAD in patients with type 2 diabetes in Southwest China.Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study involved 853 type 2 diabetic patients with 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring divided into CAD and non-CAD groups through imaging examination of the coronary artery. SBP and DBP were divided into dipper (D), non-dipper (ND), reverse dipper (RD), and extreme dipper (ED) by nocturnal BP decline rate, respectively. The difference in mean 24-hour, daytime, bedtime SBP and DBP, and BP rhythm between groups was compared by variance analysis. The association between different BP rhythms and CAD was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression when adjust for clinical, laboratory, and BP parameters.Results: Most diabetic patients had non-dipper BP patterns in both CAD and non-CAD groups, while the CAD group had a higher percentage of RD in both SBP and DBP than non-CAD. More CAD occurred in RD-SBP than D-SBP (P<0.001), RD-SBP than ND-SBP (P<0.001), RD-DBP than D-DBP (P<0.001), and ND-DBP than D-DBP (p=0.006). AR-SBP (OR=1.622, P=0.015), AR-DBP (OR=1.774, P=0.001), RD-SBP (OR=2.320, P<0.001), RD-DBP (OR=2.140, P<0.001), ND-DBP (OR=1.648, P=0.006) were risk factors for CAD and those relationships were still significant after adjust for different parameters.Conclusion: Abnormal BP rhythm, especially reverse dipper pattern was a risk factor for CAD regardless of SBP or DBP in diabetic patients. While for non-dipper, only the non-dipper DBP pattern had a risky influence.
Plastome sequencing of South American Podocarpus species reveals low rearrangement rates despite ancient Gondwanan disjunctions
Authors: Quiroga María Paula , Zattara E. , Souza Gustavo , Pedrosa-Harand Andrea , Premoli Andrea C.
Published: April 2022

I. Background: Historical reconstructions within Podocarpaceae have provided valuable information to disentangle biogeographic scenarios that begun 65 Mya. However, early molecular phylogenies of Podocarpaceae failed to agree on the intergeneric relationships within the family. The aims of this study were to test whether plastome organization is stable within the genus Podocarpus, to estimate the selective regimes affecting plastome protein-coding genes, and to strengthen our understanding of the phylogenetic relationships and biogeographic history.II. Methods and Results: We sequenced the plastomes of four South American species from Patagonia, southern Yungas, and Brazilian subtropical Amazon. We compared their plastomes to those published from Brazil, Africa, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia, along with representatives from other genera within Podocarpaceae as outgroups. The four newly sequenced plastomes ranged in size between 133,791 bp and 133,991 bp. Gene content and order among chloroplasts from South American, African and Asian Podocarpus were conserved and different from the plastome of P. totara, from New Zealand. Most genes showed substitution patterns consistent with a conservative selective regime. Phylogenies inferred from either complete sequences or protein coding regions were mostly congruent with previous studies, but showed earlier branching of P. salignus, P. totara and P. sellowii.III. Conclusions: Highly similar and conserved plastomes of African, South American and Asian species suggest that P. totara plastome should be revised and compared to other species from Oceanic distribution. Furthermore, given such structural conservation, we suggest plastome sequencing is not useful to test whether genomic order can be climatically or geologically structured.
Market Survey of Disposable E-Cigarette Nicotine Content and E-liquid Volume
Authors: Appleton Scott , Cyrus-Miller Helen , Seltzer Ryan , Gilligan Karin , McKinney Willie
Published: April 2022

Inaccurate labels on some e-cigarette products have prompted calls for routine testing to monitor product label integrity. The objective of this study was to compare label statements of commercial disposable/non-chargeable e-cigarette products for nicotine concentration and e-liquid volume with analytically verified levels. Commercial e-cigarette samples were analyzed for nicotine concentration (N=51), e-liquid volume and total nicotine content (N=39). Twenty-three of the 51 samples analyzed for nicotine deviated from their label statements by more than ±10%. Deviations ranged from -50.1% to +13.9%. Thirty of the 39 samples analyzed for e-liquid volume deviated from their label statements by more than ±10%. Deviations ranged from -62.1% to +13.3%. Only one brand listed total nicotine on the label. In thirty-one of the 39 samples, calculated total nicotine amount in e-liquid deviated from the amounts calculated from the label metrics by more than ±10%. Deviations ranged from -66.8% to -1.43%. These findings underscore the need for regulatory enforcement of manufacturing quality control and product labeling practices to optimize the harm reduction potential and consumer experience associated with the use of e-cigarette products.
Effects of glycosylation on the accumulation and transport of fipronil in earthworm (Eisenia feotida)
Authors: Lin Sukun , Zhang Li , Zhang Peiwen , Huang Rilin , Khan Muhammad Musa , Fahad Shah , Cheng Dongmei , Zhang Zhixiang
Published: April 2022

In this study, the differences in the accumulation of fipronil (F) and the glycosylated product glucose-fipronil (GTF) in earthworm within 48 hours were investigated, and the reason for these differences was explored. The accumulation concentrations of F and GTF for 48 hours in earthworm were determined and studied by HPLC after simple, rapid pretreatment; the mean recoveries were 84.79~95.83%, and the relative standard deviations were 3.39~9.21%, indicating that the method could accurately detect the accumulation concentrations of F and GTF in earthworm. Results showed that the accumulation of F and GTF in earthworm increased with the treatment time, the accumulation concentrations of F in earthworm were significantly higher than those of GTF, and the accumulation concentrations of F were 3.1~6.2 times those of GTF. In addition, the half-lives of GTF in soil (16.90~18.24 days) were significantly lower than those of F (24.75~26.65 days). After adding a hexose transport inhibitor phlorizin, the accumulation change of F in earthworm were not significant, but the accumulation of GTF in earthworm were significantly inhibited, and the accumulation concentrations of GTF in earthworm after adding phlorizin were 32.71~59.07% of those without phlorizin. Overall, our results indicated that the uptake and transport of F and GTF in earthworm were significantly different, the uptake and transport of GTF was relate to monosaccharide transporters, and glycosylation could reduce the toxicity of fipronil to earthworm and the environment, providing an important reference for the application of glucose-fipronil.
PACS-2 deficiency in tubular cells aggravates lipid-related kidney injury in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Zhao Chanyue , Li Li , Li Chenrui , Tang Chengyuan , Cai Juan , Liu Yu , Yang Jinfei , Xi Yiyun , Yang Ming , Jiang Na , Han Yachun , Liu Yan , Luo Shilu , Xiao Li , Sun Lin
Published: April 2022

Background: Lipid accumulation in tubular cells plays a key role in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Targeting lipid metabolism disorders has clinical value in delaying the progression of DKD, but the precise mechanism by which molecules mediate lipid-related kidney injury remains unclear. Phosphofurin acidic cluster sorting protein 2 (PACS-2) is a multifunctional sorting protein that plays a role in lipid metabolism. This study determined the role of PACS-2 in lipid-related kidney injury in DKD.Methods: Diabetes was induced by a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (HFD/STZ) in proximal tubule-specific knockout of Pacs-2 mice (PT-Pacs-2-/- mice) and the control mice (Pacs-2fl/fl mice). Transcriptomic analysis was performed between Pacs-2fl/fl mice and PT-Pacs-2-/- mice.Results: Diabetic PT-Pacs-2-/- mice developed more severe tubule injury and proteinuria compared to diabetic Pacs-2fl/fl mice, which accompanied with increasing lipid synthesis, uptake and decreasing cholesterol efflux as well as lipid accumulation in tubules of the kidney. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis showed that the mRNA level of sterol O-acyltransferase 1(Soat1) was up-regulated in the kidney of control PT-Pacs-2-/- mice. Transfection of HK2 cells with PACS-2 siRNA under high glucose plus palmitic acid (HGPA) condition aggravated lipid deposition and increased the expression of SOAT1 and sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs), while the effect was blocked partially in that of co-transfection of SOAT1 siRNA. Conclusion: PACS-2 has a protective role against lipid-related kidney injury in DKD through SOAT1/SREBPs signaling.