bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aerobic capacity of professional soccer players before and after COVID-19 infection
Authors: Parpa Koulla , Michaelides Marcos
Published: July 2022

This investigation aimed to assess the aerobic capacity of professional soccer players pre-and post-COVID-19 infection. Twenty-one division-1 elite soccer players (age 24.24 ± 5.75 years, height 178.21 ± 5.44 cm, weight 74.12 ± 5.21 kg) participated in this study. This observational study compared the same players' aerobic capacity pre-, and 60-days post COVID-19 recovery. The statistical analysis demonstrated that the infected players had significantly lower VO2maxvalues [t(20) = 5.17, p < 0.01, d = 0.613 (medium effect)], and significantly lower VO2values at respiratory compensation point (RC) [t(20) = 2.97, p < 0.05, d = 0.39 (small effect)] after recovery. Furthermore, results indicated a significantly lower running time (RT) on the treadmill [t(20) = 4.84, p < 0.01, d = 0.46 (small effect)] when compared to the results that were obtained before they got infected. In addition, velocity at VO2max(VVO2max) was significantly lower [t(20) = 2.34, p < 0.05, d = 0.41 (small effect)] and the heart rate values at ventilatory threshold (VT) [t(20) = −2.79, p < 0.01, d = 0.55 (medium effect)] and RC [t(20) = −3.72, p < 0.01, d = 0.52 (medium effect)] were significantly higher post-recovery. The aforementioned findings indicate that post COVID-19 soccer players may not reach full recovery at two months. Therefore, our results highlight that further adaptations and improvements are needed with regard to aerobic capacity before soccer players return to professional games.
Use of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes and probiotic in finely ground starters to improve calf performance
Authors: Khademi A. R. , Hashemzadeh F. , Khorvash M. , Mahdavi A. H. , Pazoki A. , Ghaffari M. H.
Published: July 2022

The present study investigated the effects of adding wheat straw treated with exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) and a probiotic supplement to finely ground starters on growth performance, rumen fermentation, behavior, digestibility, and health of dairy calves. A total of 48 Holstein dairy calves (39.8 ± 1.67 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to one of 4 nutritional treatments (n = 12 calves per treatment). The experiment was conducted in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments consisting of two diets with or without EFE-treated wheat straw (2 g/day/calf) and diets with or without probiotics (2 g/day/calf). All calves were weaned on day 63 and remained in the study until day 84. The addition of EFE to wheat straw had no effect on starter feed intake, increased neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility and recumbency, but decreased average daily gain (ADG) after weaning (240 g/d). The addition of probiotics to the diet had no effect on starter feed intake, improved feed efficiency, ADG (150 g/d), final weight (11.3 kg), and NDF digestibility, and decreased the ratio of acetate to propionate in the rumen. The addition of probiotics to starter feed for calves could improve their growth.
Test performance data demonstrates utility of a cattle DIVA skin test reagent (DST-F) compatible with BCG vaccination
Authors: Jones Gareth J. , Konold Timm , Hurley Shellene , Holder Tom , Steinbach Sabine , Coad Mick , Neil Wedlock D. , Buddle Bryce M. , Singh Mahavir , Martin Vordermeier H.
Published: July 2022

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), an attenuated strain of Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), is the lead candidate vaccine for control of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in cattle. However, BCG vaccination sensitises cattle to bovine tuberculin, thus compromising the use of the current bovine TB surveillance tests. To address this, we have developed a diagnostic skin test that is not compromised by BCG vaccination and is able to detect BCG vaccinated animals that subsequently develop bovine TB following exposure to M. bovis. Building on previous work using ‘in house’ formulated protein cocktail reagents, we herein present test performance data for a single fusion protein (DST-F) containing the mycobacterial antigens ESAT-6, CFP-10 and Rv3615c formulated as a ‘ready to use’ reagent by a commercial manufacturer. Our results demonstrate that, unlike tuberculin reagents, a diagnostic skin test using DST-F maintained high specificity in BCG vaccinated animals. Furthermore, the DST-F skin test demonstrated a high relative sensitivity in identifying M. bovis infected animals, including those where BCG vaccination failed to prevent bovine TB pathology following experimental exposure to M. bovis. The DST-F is currently undergoing field trials in Great Britain to support its licensure and commercialisation.
Comparison of circulating tumor cells and AR-V7 as clinical biomarker in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients
Authors: Schlack Katrin , Seitzer Konstantin , Wüstmann Neele , Humberg Verena , Grundmann Norbert , Steinestel Julie , Tiedje Dorothee , Rahbar Kambiz , Krabbe Laura-Maria , Bögemann Martin , Schrader Andres J. , Bernemann Christof
Published: July 2022

Biomarker in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treatment are rare. We aimed to compare the clinical value of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and androgen receptor splice variant 7 (AR-V7) as biomarker in mCRPC patients undergoing androgen receptor-targeted agent (ARTA) treatment. Overall cohort (65 patients) was stratified regarding either CTC or AR-V7 status followed by further sub-stratification of the respective other marker. Subsequently, prostate specific antigen (PSA) response, progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS)) of subgroups was compared. CTCs and AR-V7 were detected in 54 (83%) and 33 (61%) patients, respectively. All AR-V7 + were CTC +. We detected PSA response in all subgroups. For PFS and OS, biomarker stratification revealed differences between all subgroups. Interestingly, no significant differences of AR-V7 transcript copy numbers were detected between responding and non-responding patients. Additionally, multivariable analysis revealed no independent prognostic value of AR-V7 positivity. Both biomarkers show clinical value in prognosticating clinical outcome. Nonetheless, AR-V7 stratification underestimates the heterogenous subgroup of CTC − and CTC + patient, the latter requiring more intense clinical surveillance. Additionally, AR-V7 level does not correlate with clinical response. Thus, the value of AR-V7 as a clinical biomarker must be considered skeptically.
Comparing machine learning and deep learning regression frameworks for accurate prediction of dielectrophoretic force
Authors: Ajala Sunday , Muraleedharan Jalajamony Harikrishnan , Nair Midhun , Marimuthu Pradeep , Fernandez Renny Edwin
Published: July 2022

An intelligent sensing framework using Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) architectures to precisely quantify dielectrophoretic force invoked on microparticles in a textile electrode-based DEP sensing device is reported. The prediction accuracy and generalization ability of the framework was validated using experimental results. Images of pearl chain alignment at varying input voltages were used to build deep regression models using modified ML and CNN architectures that can correlate pearl chain alignment patterns of Saccharomyces cerevisiae(yeast) cells and polystyrene microbeads to DEP force. Various ML models such as K-Nearest Neighbor, Support Vector Machine, Random Forest, Neural Networks, and Linear Regression along with DL models such as Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architectures of AlexNet, ResNet-50, MobileNetV2, and GoogLeNet have been analyzed in order to build an effective regression framework to estimate the force induced on yeast cells and microbeads. The efficiencies of the models were evaluated using Mean Absolute Error, Mean Absolute Relative, Mean Squared Error, R-squared, and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) as evaluation metrics. ResNet-50 with RMSPROP gave the best performance, with a validation RMSE of 0.0918 on yeast cells while AlexNet with ADAM optimizer gave the best performance, with a validation RMSE of 0.1745 on microbeads. This provides a baseline for further studies in the application of deep learning in DEP aided Lab-on-Chip devices.
Bubble velocimetry using the conventional and CNN-based optical flow algorithms
Authors: Choi Daehyun , Kim Hyunseok , Park Hyungmin
Published: July 2022

In the present study, we introduce new bubble velocimetry methods based on the optical flow, which were validated (compared) with the conventional particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) for various gas–liquid two-phase flows. For the optical flow algorithms, the convolutional neural network (CNN)-based models as well as the original schemes like the Lucas-Kanade and Farnebäck methods are considered. In particular, the CNN-based method was re-trained (fine-tuned) using the synthetic bubble images produced by varying the density, diameter, and velocity distribution. While all models accurately measured the unsteady velocities of a single bubble rising with a lateral oscillation, the pre-trained CNN-based method showed the discrepancy in the averaged velocities in both directions for the dilute bubble plume. In terms of the fluctuating velocity components, the fine-tuned CNN-based model produced the closest results to that from PTV, while the conventional optical flow methods under- or over-estimated them owing to the intensity assumption. When the void fraction increases much higher (e.g., over 10%) in the bubble plume, the PTV failed to evaluate the bubble velocities because of the overlapped bubble images and significant bubble deformation, which is clearly overcome by the optical flow bubble velocimetry. This is quite encouraging in experimentally investigating the gas–liquid two-phase flows of a high void fraction. Furthermore, the fine-tuned CNN-based model captures the individual motion of overlapped bubbles most faithfully while saving the computing time, compared to the Farnebäck method.
Effects of human adipose tissue- and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells on airway inflammation and remodeling in a murine model of chronic asthma
Authors: Choi Joon Young , Hur Jung , Jeon Sora , Jung Chan Kwon , Rhee Chin Kook
Published: July 2022

It is challenging to overcome difficult-to-treat asthma, and cell-based therapies are attracting increasing interest. We assessed the effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) treatments using a murine model of chronic ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged asthma. We developed a murine model of chronic allergic asthma using OVA sensitization and challenge. Human adipose-derived MSCs (hADSCs) or human bone marrow-derived MSCs (hBMSCs) were administered. We measured the levels of resistin-like molecule-β (RELM-β). We also measured RELM-β in asthma patients and normal controls. OVA-challenged mice exhibited increased airway hyper-responsiveness, inflammation, and remodeling. hBMSC treatment remarkably decreased airway hyper-responsiveness but hADSC treatment did not. Both MSCs alleviated airway inflammation, but hBMSCs tended to have a more significant effect. hBMSC treatment reduced Th2-cytokine levels but hADSC treatment did not. Both treatments reduced airway remodeling. The RELM-β level decreased in the OVA-challenged control group, but increased in both treatment groups. We found that the serum level of RELM-β was lower in asthma patients than controls. MSC treatments alleviated the airway inflammation, hyper-responsiveness, and remodeling associated with chronic asthma. hBMSCs were more effective than hADSCs. The RELM-β levels increased in both treatment groups; the RELM-β level may serve as a biomarker of MSC treatment efficacy.
Border tissue morphology is associated with the pattern of visual field progression in open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Kee Hyun Joo , Han Jong Chul , Song Eui Do , Choi Eui Jun , Son Dong Ook , Lee Eun Jung , Jang Yoon Kyoung , Kee Changwon
Published: July 2022

The etiology of open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is yet unclear. This study investigated possible risk factors, such as the morphology of the border tissue that affect the pattern of visual field (VF) progression in eyes with OAG. 166 eyes of 166 OAG patients with an externally oblique border tissue (EOBT) at least in one direction were included. EOBT was obtained by analyzing enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images. A pointwise linear regression was used to determine VF progression by measuring the deterioration rate of each point in the VF. The odds ratio of VF progression for each risk factor was estimated using logistic regression analysis. Seventy (42.2%) eyes showed VF deterioration. In multivariate analysis, longer follow-up period, higher baseline intraocular pressure (IOP), lower mean ocular perfusion pressure (MOPP), and smaller angular location of the longest EOBT were associated with VF progression (all p values were below 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, the location of the longest EOBT was significantly associated with inferior (p = 0.002) and central (p = 0.017) VF progression. In conclusion, VF progression pattern in OAG eyes is associated with the location of the longest EOBT as well as other known risk factors.
Effects of extraction methods for a new source of biostimulant from Sargassum horneri on the growth of economically important red algae, Neopyropia yezoensis
Authors: Han Sol , Park Ji-Sook , Umanzor Schery , Yarish Charles , Kim Jang K.
Published: July 2022

Sargassum horneri is a major bloom forming species in Korea and China. It is important to find a way to utilize the huge biomass of Sargassum horneri in the region. Seaweed-derived biostimulants are primarily derived from brown algae and are known to improve terrestrial crop growth and tolerance to abiotic stresses. Neopyropia yezoensis is the most important seaweed cultured species in Korea, and research is required to increase heat resistance as a solution against climate change. In this study, various extraction methods were used to obtain Sargassum horneri extract, and it was applied to Neopyropia yezoensis to evaluate the effect on physiological activity. Metabolites of Sargassum horneri were extracted by using four different methods: boiling (SBE), soaking (SSE), autoclaving (SAE) and ethanol (SEE). The SBE, SSE and SAE derived extracts showed increased tolerance to high-temperature stress that had inhibited the growth of Neopyropia yezoensis, and show improved growth compared to the control group. The SBE and SSE extraction methods improved the content of phycobiliprotein, but also the SBE increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Based on the results of this study, the boiling extraction method appears to be the most suitable method for the extraction of plants stimulants from Sargassum horneri.
A survey on computational spectral reconstruction methods from RGB to hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Zhang Jingang , Su Runmu , Fu Qiang , Ren Wenqi , Heide Felix , Nie Yunfeng
Published: July 2022

Hyperspectral imaging enables many versatile applications for its competence in capturing abundant spatial and spectral information, which is crucial for identifying substances. However, the devices for acquiring hyperspectral images are typically expensive and very complicated, hindering the promotion of their application in consumer electronics, such as daily food inspection and point-of-care medical screening, etc. Recently, many computational spectral imaging methods have been proposed by directly reconstructing the hyperspectral information from widely available RGB images. These reconstruction methods can exclude the usage of burdensome spectral camera hardware while keeping a high spectral resolution and imaging performance. We present a thorough investigation of more than 25 state-of-the-art spectral reconstruction methods which are categorized as prior-based and data-driven methods. Simulations on open-source datasets show that prior-based methods are more suitable for rare data situations, while data-driven methods can unleash the full potential of deep learning in big data cases. We have identified current challenges faced by those methods (e.g., loss function, spectral accuracy, data generalization) and summarized a few trends for future work. With the rapid expansion in datasets and the advent of more advanced neural networks, learnable methods with fine feature representation abilities are very promising. This comprehensive review can serve as a fruitful reference source for peer researchers, thus paving the way for the development of computational hyperspectral imaging.
DNA methylation profile in beef cattle is influenced by additive genetics and age
Authors: Ribeiro André Mauric F. , Sanglard Leticia P. , Wijesena Hiruni R. , Ciobanu Daniel C. , Horvath Steve , Spangler Matthew L.
Published: July 2022

DNA methylation (DNAm) has been considered a promising indicator of biological age in mammals and could be useful to increase the accuracy of phenotypic prediction in livestock. The objectives of this study were to estimate the heritability and age effects of site-specific DNAm (DNAm level) and cumulative DNAm across all sites (DNAm load) in beef cattle. Blood samples were collected from cows ranging from 217 to 3,192 days (0.6 to 8.7 years) of age (n = 136). All animals were genotyped, and DNAm was obtained using the Infinium array HorvathMammalMethylChip40. Genetic parameters for DNAm were obtained from an animal model based on the genomic relationship matrix, including the fixed effects of age and breed composition. Heritability estimates of DNAm levels ranged from 0.18 to 0.72, with a similar average across all regions and chromosomes. Heritability estimate of DNAm load was 0.45. The average age effect on DNAm level varied among genomic regions. The DNAm level across the genome increased with age in the promoter and 5′ UTR and decreased in the exonic, intronic, 3′ UTR, and intergenic regions. In addition, DNAm level increased with age in regions enriched in CpG and decreased in regions deficient in CpG. Results suggest DNAm profiles are influenced by both genetics and the environmental effect of age in beef cattle.
Protective effects of statins on COVID-19 risk, severity and fatal outcome: a nationwide Swedish cohort study
Authors: Santosa Ailiana , Franzén Stefan , Nåtman Jonatan , Wettermark Björn , Parmryd Ingela , Nyberg Fredrik
Published: July 2022

The impact of statins on COVID-19 remains unclear. This study aims to investigate whether statin exposure assessed both in the population and in well-defined cohorts of COVID-19 patients may affect the risk and severity of COVID-19 using nationwide Swedish population-based register data. A population ≥ 40 years was selected by age/sex-stratified random sampling from the Swedish population on 1 Jan 2020. COVID-19 outcomes were identified from the SmiNet database, the National Patient Register and/or Cause-of-Death Register and linked with the National Prescribed Drug Register and sociodemographic registers. Statin exposure was defined as any statin prescriptions in the year before index date. In Cox regressions, confounding was addressed using propensity score ATT (Average Treatment effect in the Treated) weighting. Of 572,695 individuals in the overall cohort, 22.3% had prior statin treatment. After ATT weighting, protective effects were observed among statin user for hospitalization and COVID-19 death in the overall cohort and onset cohort. In the hospitalized cohort, statin use was only associated with lower risk for death (HR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.79–0.95), but not ICU admission. Statin-treated individuals appear to have lower COVID-19 mortality than nonusers, whether assessed in the general population, from COVID-19 onset or from hospitalization.
Lanthanoid-containing polyoxometalate nanocatalysts in the synthesis of bioactive isatin-based compounds
Authors: Daraie Mansoureh , Mirzaei Masoud , Bazargan Maryam , Amiri Vadjiheh Sadat , Sanati Bita Abdolahi , Heravi Majid M.
Published: July 2022

Lanthanoid-containing polyoxometalates (Ln-POMs) have been developed as effective and robust catalysts due to their Lewis acid–base active sites including the oxygen-enriched surfaces of POM and the unique 4f. electron configuration of Ln. As an extension of our interest in Ln-POMs, a series of as-synthesized nanocatalysts K15[Ln(BW11O39)2] (Ln-B2W22, Ln = La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Gd, and Er) synthesized and fully characterized using different techniques. The Ln3+ ion with a big ionic radius was chosen as the Lewis acid center which is sandwiched by two mono-lacunary Keggin [BW11O39]9− units to form Ln-containing sandwiched type cluster. Consequently, the catalytic activity of nanocatalysts with different Ln was examined in the synthesis of bioactive isatin derivatives and compared under the same optimized reaction conditions in terms of yields of obtained products, indicating the superiority of the nano-Gd-B2W22 in the aforementioned simple one-pot reaction. The effects of different dosages of nanocatalyst, type of solvent, reaction time, and reaction temperature in this catalytic system were investigated and the best results were obtained in the presence of 10 mol% of nano-Gd-B2W22 in water for 12 min at the reflux condition.
Modeling the tunable thermal conductivity of intercalated layered materials with three-directional anisotropic phonon dispersion and relaxation times
Authors: Wang Chengjie , He Maogang , Liu Xiangyang , Malen Jonathan A.
Published: July 2022

The three-directional anisotropic dispersion and an anisotropic relaxation time relation are developed to investigate the thermal conductivity of intercalated layered materials, paving the way for the design of TE devices with high TE efficiency.
Simulation study of domain formation in a model bacterial membrane
Authors: Gupta Shivam , Mandal Taraknath
Published: July 2022

Recent experimental studies revealed that functional membrane microdomains (FMMs) are formed in prokaryotic cells which are structurally and functionally similar to the lipid rafts formed in eukaryotic cells.
Radical umpolung chemistry enabled by dual catalysis: concept and recent advances
Authors: Chen Jun-Jie , Zhang Ying , Huang Huan-Ming
Published: July 2022

We present a perspective on recent advances in radical umpolung chemistry; some selected examples in this area have been highlighted.
Evidence for zero-field slow magnetic relaxation in a Co(ii) complex with a pseudo-tetrahedral N2I2 environment
Authors: Yureva E. A. , Korchagin D. V. , Anichkin A. A. , Shilov G. V. , Babeshkin K. A. , Efimov N. N. , Palii A. V. , Aldoshin S. M.
Published: July 2022

We report a unique pseudo-tetrahedral complex CoII(dmpz)2I2 with an N2I2 local coordination environment, exhibiting slow magnetic relaxation at zero dc field.
Garnet-structured persistent luminescence phosphor Ca3Al2Ge3O12:Cr3+ for dynamic anticounterfeiting applications
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Wang Zhijun , Huo Xiaoxue , Wang Yu , Yang Zhiping , Wang Dawei , Zhao Jinxin , Li Panlai
Published: July 2022

Fluorescent materials have gradually become a hot spot in the field of anti-counterfeiting. Multifunctional phosphors used in anti-counterfeiting designs still have the problems of disordered reading sequences, difficulty in detection, and easy forging.
Dual-platination and induced oxidation of uridine by a photoactivatable diazido Pt(iv) anticancer prodrug
Authors: Gao Fang , Zhang Jishuai , Wu Xiaoqin , Zhao Yao , Wang Fuyi , Wu Kui
Published: July 2022

The dual-platination and induced oxidation of uridine by a photoactivatable diazido Pt(iv) anticancer prodrug brings the last piece of puzzle for its interactions with nucleic acid which strongly suggests RNA as a potential target.
Phase state of organic aerosols may limit temperature-driven thermodynamic repartitioning following outdoor-to-indoor transport
Authors: Cummings Bryan E. , Shiraiwa Manabu , Waring Michael S.
Published: July 2022

Monte Carlo simulations suggest that organic aerosol repartitioning during transport indoors is often kinetically limited due to a low bulk diffusivity, but liquid and some semisolid particles can achieve equilibrium repartitioning during indoor particle lifetimes.
Isomaltulose alleviates acute colitis via modulating gut microbiota and the Treg/Th17 balance in mice
Authors: Zhou Zihan , Yu Shengnan , Cui Luwen , Shao Kaidi , Pang Hao , Wang Zhipeng , He Ningning , Li Shangyong
Published: July 2022

Isomaltulose was found to be a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention and adjunctive treatment of UC by maintaining intestinal immune homeostasis and remodelling the gut microbiota.
An innovative, low-cost and environment-friendly approach by using a deep eutectic solvent as the water substitute to minimize waste in the textile industry and for better clothing performance
Authors: Jiang Zhe , Cui Yifan , Zheng Guolin , Wei Yimin , Wang Qiang , Zhou Man , Wang Ping , Yu Yuanyuan
Published: July 2022

A natural deep eutectic solvent was employed as a green dyeing medium to avoid effluent generation and for a better textile-dyeing effect.
Mechanochemistry-induced recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries for synergistic treatment of mixed cathode powders
Authors: Jiang Youzhou , Chen Xiangping , Yan Shuxuan , Ou Yudie , Zhou Tao
Published: July 2022

Engineering a green and efficient process towards the simultaneous recycling of metals from different types of spent LIBs through a mechanochemical method.
Assessment of a low-energy high repetition rate DPSS laser for quantitative analysis of marine ferromanganese nodules by LIBS
Authors: Popov Andrey M. , Akhmetzhanov Timur F. , Zaytsev Sergey M. , Drozdova Anastasiya N. , Kalko Ildar A. , Labutin Timur A.
Published: July 2022

A comparison of two LIBS systems (CCD vs. ICCD) with compact DPSS laser to a benchtop XRF system was carried out to estimate the practicality and the advantages of both methods for in situ quantification of the Fe/Mn ratio in ferromanganese nodules.
Challenges and limits of upconversion nanoparticles for cationic photopolymerization with UV initiators excited at 980 nm
Authors: Hermes Paul , Hermsen Andrea , Jäger Martin , Gutmann Jochen S. , Strehmel Veronika , Strehmel Bernd
Published: July 2022

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) with various modifications around the NaYF4:Tm/Yb core served as a source for generating UV light upon excitation with laser light at 980 nm resulting in initiation of cationic photopolymerization.
Barbier single-atom polymerization induced emission as a one-pot approach towards stimuli-responsive luminescent polymers
Authors: Shi Quan-Xi , Xiao Hang , Sheng Yu-Jing , Li De-Shan , Su Min , Sun Xiao-Li , Bao Hongli , Wan Wen-Ming
Published: July 2022

A one-pot strategy for the design of stimuli-responsive luminescent polymers has been demonstrated through Barbier PIE, where theN,N-dimethyl moiety endows the polymers with both stimuli-responsive and red-shifted nonconjugated emission properties.
Photoelectrochemical performance of ligand-free CsPb2Br5 perovskites
Authors: Xu Luyao , Yang Yu , Wu Weihua , Wei Chaoguo , Luo Guanying , Huang Zhongnan , Chen Wei , Peng Huaping
Published: July 2022

A pure aqueous synthesis strategy for ligand-free CsPb2Br5 nanoplatelets and pure-phase single crystal is reported. The CsPb2Br5 perovskite displays excellent photoelectrochemical activity in the absence of other electron acceptors.
Nanoconfining red phosphorus within MOF-derived hierarchically porous carbon networks for high performance potassium storage
Authors: Cheng Jinqian , Liang Zibin , Wu Yingxiao , Wang Degao , Qiu Tianjie , Tang Yanqun , Shi Jinming , Xia Dingguo , Zou Ruqiang
Published: July 2022

In this work, we combined red phosphorus and hierarchically porous carbon networks by the evaporation–condensation method to obtain a red phosphorus/porous carbon composite with outstanding performance for potassium storage.
Study on the anhydrous condensation of collagen polypeptide and tricyanogen chloride
Authors: Liu Donglei , Zhang Jiaxing , You Chuanrui , Chen Hui , Shan Zhihua
Published: July 2022

The molecular weight of collagen-degrading polypeptides (CDPs) extracted using the alkali method from leather scraps must be expanded to improve its utilization effect.
A validated LC-MS/MS analytical method for the quantification of pemigatinib: metabolic stability evaluation in human liver microsomes
Authors: Attwa Mohamed W. , Abdelhameed Ali S. , Alsaif Nawaf A. , Kadi Adnan A. , AlRabiah Haitham
Published: July 2022

PMB showed a moderate extraction ratio suggesting good bioavailability. The developed analytical method is the first LC-MS/MS method specific for PMB quantification with application to metabolic stability assessment.
Effect of concentration of glycidol on the properties of resorcinol-formaldehyde aerogels and carbon aerogels
Authors: Zhu Xiurong , Hope-Weeks Lousia J. , Yu Yi , Yuan Jvjun , Zhang Xianke , Yu Huajun , Liu Jiajun , Li Xiaofen , Zeng Xianghua
Published: July 2022

The sol-gel mechanism of glycidol-catalyzed RF aerogels is the opening of the epoxy ring rather than the preservation the of epoxy ring.
Research progress on the effects of nanoparticles on gas hydrate formation
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Hao-Yang , Xu Chun-Gang , Huang Zhuo-Yi , Li Xiao-Sen
Published: July 2022

The use of nanoparticles and their effects on thermodynamics and kinetics during the hydrate formation process is summarized. For their application in drilling fluid and cement slurry, it is found nanoparticles must be used in conjunction with surfactants to be effective.
Learning size-adaptive molecular substructures for explainable drug–drug interaction prediction by substructure-aware graph neural network
Authors: Yang Ziduo , Zhong Weihe , Lv Qiujie , Yu-Chian Chen Calvin
Published: July 2022

SA-DDI is designed to learn size-adaptive molecular substructures for drug–drug interaction prediction and can provide explanations that are consistent with pharmacologists.
Correction: The oxygen-resistant [FeFe]-hydrogenase CbA5H harbors an unknown radical signal
Authors: Heghmanns Melanie , Rutz Andreas , Kutin Yury , Engelbrecht Vera , Winkler Martin , Happe Thomas , Kasanmascheff Müge
Published: July 2022

Correction for ‘The oxygen-resistant [FeFe]-hydrogenase CbA5H harbors an unknown radical signal’ by Melanie Heghmanns et al., Chem. Sci., 2022, 13, 7289–7294, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC00385F.
IoT and Arduino Based Design of a Solar, Automated and Smart Greenhouse for Vegetable
Authors: Nouadjep Serge Narcisse , Djouodjinang Husserl Fonou
Published: July 2022

Seasonal farming practiced in Cameroon is a major limitation to our gross domestic product. In this context, introduction of a standalone solar, automated and smart greenhouse system to improve agricultural yield in quality and quantity could provide a solution for all year round crop production while minimizing the total power demand for industrial, mechanical, chemical and commercial uses. This system comes to solve the problem of too much reliance on seasonal climatic conditions by increasing our total crops produced and reducing the amount of farmland exploited as well as environment preservation. Regulated automatically, proposed solution incorporates several modules including: a solar power system and all the physicochemical parameters (room temperature, room humidity, light intensity, amount of CO2, pH, soil humidity, amount of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium) necessary for good production of vegetables in quantities and qualities regardless of the weather. The electronic modules were designed and realized based on Arduino and Internet of Things (IoT). Using a Wi-Fi module and a Geogebra software, an android application was developed for monitoring, displaying, and analyzing those parameters. This enables the control of all aforementioned components of the greenhouse system from any device capable of using Wi-Fi regardless, of the distance of the operator. A mathematical correlation were established between the voltage and various physicochemical parameters. With a daily consumption of 653Wh, the overall system has an efficiency of 65% with a peak power of 400W.
Design and construction of a hybrid gas and biogas dryer for fruits, vegetables, meat and fish
Authors: Dongmo Michel , Aloyem Kaze Claude Vidal , Sayouba Jean Pierre D.
Published: July 2022

The problem of food loss due to lack of proper conservation and preservation scheme is pertinent. In an attempt to reduce such losses, the agronomic sector is constantly innovating with technological accessories to solve the related problem. The problem with such accessories lies in the fact that most of them do not consider present global developmental objectives coupled to the fact that they are expensive and have a high cost of maintenance regarding the amount and type of energy needed to run them. As such, local tools were used to design and construct a hybrid biogas/liquefied gas dryer for food products with a wide range of application spanning from fruits and vegetables to meat and fish. The advantage with this dryer lies in its energy sources which are readily more available and the ability of alternative fuel which is biogas can readily be produced even in remote / rural zones for domestic and industrial use. The use of a renewable alternative makes it not only cost effective but also tied to the millennium development goals. The addition of a solar powered fan and an Arduino control unit solves a major problem of temperature and humidity control. The prototype constructed has the following characteristics: A functional hybrid dryer of external dimensions 125 cm × 75 cm × 65 cm; useful volume: 420,000 cm3; number of trays : 10 trays of dimensions : 60 cm × 70 cm; drying surface : 46,200 cm2 ;Volume / surface ratio : 10. The products dried successfully include: White cabbage, Lemon Grass, Bitter leaf and Green Aramanth.
Marine fish parasites of Vietnam: a comprehensive review and updated list of species, hosts, and zoogeographical distribution
Authors: Truong Van Thuong , Ngo Huong Thi Thuy , Bui Te Quang , Palm Harry W. , Bray Rodney A.
Published: July 2022

With a long coastline stretching from tropical to subtropical climate zones, and an immense exclusive economic zone with over 4000 islands, the Vietnamese marine waters support a rich and biodiverse parasite fauna. Although the first parasitological record was in 1898, systematic studies of the parasite fauna have increased during the last 50 years. This comprehensive review covers the current state of knowledge of marine fish parasites in Vietnam and lists 498 species found in 225 fish species, and their geographical distribution. In addition, 251 marine parasite species have newly been added to the already known fauna of 247 species since 2006 (more than two-fold increase). The most speciose group was the Digenea, which accounted for 43% of the total parasite species biodiversity, followed by Monogenea (23.5%), Crustacea (11.6%), Nematoda, and Acanthocephala (8.0% each). The shallow and muddy Gulf of Tonkin showed a rich parasite fauna, accounting for 66.3% of the whole marine parasite fauna of Vietnam, with Digenea accounting for 51% of the regional total parasite richness, followed by Monogenea (27%), Acanthocephala (8.8%), and Nematoda (5.8%). Only a few species belonged to Hirudinea, Myxozoa, and Cestoda, suggesting that these taxa may be understudied. Despite significant progress in studies of marine fish parasites in Vietnam since 2006, only about 12% and 13% of the total fish species have been examined for parasites in the whole country and the Gulf of Tonkin, respectively.
Occurrence, genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of Blastocystis sp. in forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) in Southwest China
Authors: Chen Shanyu , Meng Wanyu , Shi Xianpeng , Chai Yijun , Zhou Ziyao , Liu Haifeng , Zhong Zhijun , Fu Hualin , Cao Suizhong , Ma Xiaoping , Shen Liuhong , Deng Lei , Peng Guangneng
Published: July 2022

Blastocystis sp. is a common anaerobic protist with controversial pathogenicity that can infect various animals and humans. However, there are no reports of Blastocystis sp. infections in forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii). The present study was designed to examine the occurrence, subtype distribution and genetic characterization of Blastocystis sp. in forest musk deer in southwestern China, and to assess the potential for zoonotic transmission. A total of 504 fresh stool samples were collected from captive forest musk deer in four distinct areas of southwestern China. Overall, 14.7% of the forest musk deer (74/504) were found to be infected with Blastocystis sp. The highest occurrence of Blastocystis sp. was observed in Dujiangyan (27.5%), followed by Maerkang (23.3%). The occurrence of Blastocystis sp. was 7.9% and 4.1% in Shimian and Hanyuan, respectively. Significant differences in the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. among different areas were observed (p < 0.05), while we did not observe significant differences among animals of different age and sex (p > 0.05). Two known zoonotic subtypes (ST1 and ST5) and three animal-predominant subtypes (ST10, ST13, and ST14) were identified, of which ST10 was the most common (36/74, 48.6%). Our findings highlight that forest musk deer may be potential reservoirs of zoonotic human Blastocystis sp. infections.
Probabilistic representation of integration by parts formulae for some stochastic volatility models with unbounded drift
Authors: Chen Junchao , Frikha Noufel , Li Houzhi
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we establish a probabilistic representation as well as some integration by parts formulae for the marginal law at a given time maturity of some stochastic volatility model with unbounded drift. Relying on a perturbation technique for Markov semigroups, our formulae are based on a simple Markov chain evolving on a random time grid for which we develop a tailor-made Malliavin calculus. Among other applications, an unbiased Monte Carlo path simulation method stems from our formulas so that it can be used in order to numerically compute with optimal complexity option prices as well as their sensitivities with respect to the initial values or Greeks in finance, namely the Delta and Vega, for a large class of non-smooth European payoff. Numerical results are proposed to illustrate the efficiency of the method.
Therapieoptionen von primären Motilitätsstörungen des Ösophagus
Authors: Denzer Ulrike W. , Müller Michaela , Kreuser Nicole , Thieme René , Hoffmeister Albrecht , Feisthammel Juergen , Niebisch Stefan , Gockel Ines
Published: July 2022

Ösophagusmotilitätsstörungen sind Erkrankungen, bei denen es aufgrund einer Veränderung der neuromuskulären Strukturen zu Fehlfunktionen des Schluckakts kommt. Das Leitsymptom ist daher die Dysphagie für feste und/oder flüssige Speisen, häufig begleitet von Symptomen wie Thoraxschmerz, Regurgitation, Sodbrennen, und Gewichtsverlust. Die Ösophagusmanometrie ist der Goldstandard in der Diagnostik. Endoskopie und Radiologie dienen dem Ausschluss entzündlicher oder maligner Veränderungen.

Durch die Einführung der hochauflösenden Ösophagusmanometrie (HRM) hat sich die Diagnostik der Ösophagusmotilitätsstörungen verbessert und mit der Chicago-Klassifikation zu einer neuen Einteilung geführt, die im letzten Jahrzehnt mehrfach modifiziert wurde, zuletzt 2020 mit der Chicago-Klassifikation v4.0. Verglichen mit der Vorversion v3.0 finden sich einige wichtige Änderungen, die anhand der im klinischen Alltag wichtigsten Ösophagusmotilitätsstörungen vorgestellt werden.
COVID-19 and Lipid Disorders
Authors: Julius Ulrich , Schatz Ulrike , Tselmin Sergey , Morawietz Henning
Published: July 2022

An elevated cholesterol concentration has been suspected to increase the
susceptibility for SARS-COV-2 infection. Cholesterol plays a central role in the
mechanisms of the SARS-COV-2 infection. In contrast, higher HDL-cholesterol
levels seem to be protective. During COVID-19 disease, LDL-cholesterol and
HDL-cholesterol appear to be decreased. On the other hand, triglycerides (also
in different lipoprotein fractions) were elevated. Lipoprotein(a) may increase
during this disease and is most probably responsible for thromboembolic events.
This lipoprotein can induce a progression of atherosclerotic lesion formation.
The same is suspected for the SARS-COV-2 infection itself. COVID-19 patients are
at increased risk of incident cardiovascular diseases, including cerebrovascular
disorders, dysrhythmias, ischemic and non-ischemic heart disease, pericarditis,
myocarditis, heart failure, and thromboembolic disorders. An ongoing
lipid-lowering therapy, including lipoprotein apheresis, is recommended to be
continued during the COVID-19 disease, though the impact of lipid-lowering drugs
or the extracorporeal therapy on prognosis should be studied in further
investigations.
Is TSH a Reliable Indicator of Thyroid Hormone Status in
Pregnancy?
Authors: Karavani Gilad , Daoud-Sabag Lina , Chay Cherut , Gillis David , Strich David
Published: July 2022

Thyroid screening is recommended during pregnancy with serum thyrotropin (TSH) as
the primary test. However, since human chorionic gonadotropin, the serum
hallmark of pregnancy, has TSH-like effects, the adequacy of TSH as a screening
tool in this constellation requires further study. This study aimed to evaluate
the relationship between TSH and thyroid hormones during pregnancy in order to
determine if TSH is an adequate screening tool. This was a retrospective study
utilizing the Clalit Health Service, Jerusalem district database between
2006–2017 in which we analyzed TSH, FT4 and FT3 measurements from 32430
pregnancies resulting in live birth. We grouped FT4 and FT3 levels by trimester
and by the following TSH levels: (1) below
0.1/0.2/0.3 mIU/l, (2)
0.1–2.5/0.2–3.0/0.3–3.0 mIU/l,
(3) 2.6–4.0/3.1–4.0 mIU/l, (4)
4.1–10.0 mIU/l and (5) above 10.0 mIU/l.
In the first trimester, the most important for fetal brain development, FT3 was
below normal, defined as below the 2.5th percentile for the population, in only
15.3% of tests with TSH over 10 mIU/l. FT4 was below
normal in only 12.8% of such tests. Similar findings were noted for the
second and third trimesters. As expected, there were far less abnormal tests
when lower TSH cutoff levels were tested. In conclusion, TSH levels beyond the
range accepted as normal do not, in most cases, reflect abnormal thyroid hormone
levels during pregnancy. TSH is not a good screen for overt hypothyroidism in
pregnancy. This may be due, at least in the first trimester, to thyrotropic
effects of HCG.
Medical Text Prediction and Suggestion Using Generative Pretrained Transformer Models with Dental Medical Notes
Authors: Sirrianni Joseph , Sezgin Emre , Claman Daniel , Linwood Simon L.
Published: July 2022

Background Generative pretrained transformer (GPT) models are one of the latest large pretrained natural language processing models that enables model training with limited datasets and reduces dependency on large datasets, which are scarce and costly to establish and maintain. There is a rising interest to explore the use of GPT models in health care.

Objective We investigate the performance of GPT-2 and GPT-Neo models for medical text prediction using 374,787 free-text dental notes.

Methods We fine-tune pretrained GPT-2 and GPT-Neo models for next word prediction on a dataset of over 374,000 manually written sections of dental clinical notes. Each model was trained on 80% of the dataset, validated on 10%, and tested on the remaining 10%. We report model performance in terms of next word prediction accuracy and loss. Additionally, we analyze the performance of the models on different types of prediction tokens for categories. For comparison, we also fine-tuned a non-GPT pretrained neural network model, XLNet (large), for next word prediction. We annotate each token in 100 randomly sampled notes by category (e.g., names, abbreviations, clinical terms, punctuation, etc.) and compare the performance of each model by token category.

Results Models present acceptable accuracy scores (GPT-2: 76%; GPT-Neo: 53%), and the GPT-2 model also performs better in manual evaluations, especially for names, abbreviations, and punctuation. Both GPT models outperformed XLNet in terms of accuracy. The results suggest that pretrained models have the potential to assist medical charting in the future. We share the lessons learned, insights, and suggestions for future implementations.

Conclusion The results suggest that pretrained models have the potential to assist medical charting in the future. Our study presented one of the first implementations of the GPT model used with medical notes.
Intra-Abdominal Pressure Monitoring in Acute Severe Pancreatitis—A Boon or Bane?
Authors: Ahamed Niyas , Patchiannan Kanagaraj
Published: July 2022

Background

Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is increasingly reported in patients with acute pancreatitis, and is caused by visceral edema, massive fluid resuscitation, paralytic ileus, and retroperitoneal inflammation. Patients with acute severe pancreatitis actually suffer from abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS)/IAH and since there is a strong correlation between early organ dysfunction and mortality in these patients, IAH appears to be an active and attractive target for early analysis and intervention.[1]

Aim

The study is undertaken to estimate the significance of intra-abdominal pressure monitoring in acute severe pancreatitis.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to evaluate relationship between intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and severity of acute pancreatitis and measure outcome in the form of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, hospital stay, treatment modality, and condition on discharge.

Methodology

A total of 50 patients diagnosed as acute severe pancreatitis were enrolled in this observational study. IAP monitoring was started on admission, once after controlling pain and then every 4 hours. IAP was measured via transvesical route. Data were collected on the length of the hospital stay, the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), multiorgan failure, the extent of necrosis, the presence of infection, and mortality.

Results

IAH was present in 86% of patients with acute severe pancreatitis, which shows IAP monitoring is essential in managing these patients. Severity estimation by IAP monitoring is consistent with alternative laboratory parameters like Ranson’s score (p = 0.002), SIRS (p = 0.013), organ failure/multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (p = 0.009). Two deaths were incurred during the study period.

Conclusions

IAP measurement in acute severe pancreatitis is a cost-effective and prognostic marker. Timely diagnosis and management of IAH/ACS through IAP monitoring can prevent major comorbidity (ICU/hospital stay) and mortality.
Metachronous Osteoid Osteoma of the Mid-Diaphysis of the Fibula and Distal Humerus: A Case Report
Authors: Adlan Amirul , Azzopardi Christine , Davies Mark , James Steven , Botchu Rajesh
Published: July 2022

Osteoid osteomas are mostly solitary. We report a case of metachronous osteoid osteoma of mid-diaphysis of fibula followed by distal humeral osteoid osteoma after a 7-year interval.