bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting CRABP-II Overcomes Pancreatic Cancer Drug Resistance By Reversing Lipid Raft Cholesterol Accumulation and AKT Survival Signaling
Authors: Yu Shuiliang , Wang Lei , Che Danian , Zhang Mei , Li Ming , Naito Mikihiko , Xin Wei , Zhou Lan
Published: September 2021

Background: Resistance to standard therapy is a major reason for the poor prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Developing novel therapy to overcome PDAC drug-resistance is urgently needed. CRABP-II was highly expressed in all PDAC but not expressed in normal pancreatic tissues and chronic pancreatitis. CRABP-II was shown to promote PDAC migration and metastasis while its potential role in promoting PDAC drug-resistance was not known.Methods: A paired cohort of human primary and relapsing PDAC tissues was assessed for CRABP-II expression by immunohistochemistry. CRISPR/cas9 gene editing was used to establish CRABP-II knockout cell lines and MTT assays were performed to assess gemcitabine sensitivity in vitro. Cleaved caspase-3/PARP blots and Annexin V staining were conducted to detect cell apoptosis. Gene expression microarray, Q-PCR, western blots, Co-IP and RNA-IP were used to study the molecular function of CRABP-II. Sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation was applied to isolate lipid rafts and LC-MS-MS was used to assess cholesterol content. Both subcutaneous and orthotopic PDX models were established to examine the efficacy of SNIPER-11 and the synergistic effect between SNIPER-11 and gemcitabine in vivo. Results: A higher expression of CRABP-II was found in relapsing PDAC tissue and was associated with poor prognosis. Gemcitabine-resistant cell lines exhibited increased level of CRABP-II, while CRABP-II knockout resensitized PDAC cells to gemcitabine. Mechanistically, aberrant expression of CRABP-II increased the stability of SREBP-1c mRNA through cooperation with HuR and upregulated the downstream genes of SREBP-1c to favor cholesterol uptake and accumulation in lipid rafts. Increased lipid raft cholesterol accumulation facilitated ATK survival signaling and PDAC drug resistance. The small compound SNIPER-11 treatment effectively induced CRABP-II protein degradation, induced apoptosis, and suppressed tumor growth. Combination of SNIPER-11 and gemcitabine significantly reduced the lipid raft cholesterol content in PDX and profoundly inhibited tumor progression. Conclusions: These findings identified CRABP-II as a novel regulator of cholesterol metabolism and suggested that CRABP-II is a selective target for overcoming PDAC drug resistance.
Structural equation modelling the relationship between anti-fungal prophylaxis and Pseudomonas bacteremia in ICU patients.
Authors: Hurley James
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Animal models implicate candida colonization facilitating invasive bacterial infections. The clinical relevance of this microbial interaction remains undefined. Observations from studies of anti-septic, antibiotic, anti-fungal, and non-decontamination-based interventions to prevent ICU acquired infection collectively serve as a natural experiment.
Methods

Three candidate generalized structural equation models (GSEM), with Candida and Pseudomonas colonization as latent variables, were confronted with blood culture and respiratory tract isolate data derived from 460 groups from 279 studies including studies of combined antibiotic and antifungal exposures within selective digestive decontamination (SDD) interventions.
Results

Introducing an interaction term between Candida colonization and Pseudomonas colonization substantially improved GSEM model fit. Model derived coefficients for singular exposure to anti-septic agents (-1.23; -2.1 to -0.32), amphotericin (-1.78; -2.79 to -0.78) and topical antibiotic prophylaxis (TAP; +1.02; +0.11 to + 1.93) versus Candida colonization were similar in magnitude but contrary in direction. By contrast, the model-derived coefficients for singular exposure to TAP, as with anti-septic agents, versus Pseudomonas colonization were weaker or non-significant. Singular exposure to amphotericin would be predicted to more than halve candidemia and Pseudomonas bacteremia incidences versus literature benchmarks for absolute differences of approximately one percentage point or less.
Conclusion

GSEM modelling of published data supports the postulated interaction between Candida and Pseudomonas colonization towards promoting bacteremia among ICU patients. The model implicates that anti-fungal agents have greater impact in preventing bacteremia versus TAP, which has no impact.
Large-Capacity Image Data Hiding based on Table Look-up
Authors: Ding Wenjia , Zhang Huyin , Reulke Ralf , Wang Yulin
Published: September 2021

In previous data hiding techniques, binary rules are usually used to guide the fine-tuning of the values of basic objects in the host media to hide bit 0 and bit 1. In this paper, we propose a new data hiding technique for gray images based on querying a 256x256 information table. The information table is constructed by cloning a 3x3 basic block, which we call seed block. Eight unsigned integer values between 0 and 7, i.e., 3 bit binary data, are assigned to different elements of the seed block. Each time, a pair of pixels are chosen from a host image, and their pixel values are used as row and column numbers to look up the information table. If element value obtained by looking up the table is equal to the 3 bit binary data to be hidden, the values of the pixel pair will remain unchanged. Otherwise, take this element as the central point, we call it the focus element, to enclose a 3x3 window in the information table. Then in the window, find the element which is equal to the data to be hidden. Finally, update the pixel values of the pair with the row and column numbers of the found element in the window. Since the row and column numbers are in the range of 0-255, the updated pixel values will not overflow. In the proposed algorithm, a pair of pixels can hide 3 bits of information, so the embedding capacity is very high. Since the adjustment of pixel values is constrained in a 3x3 window, the modification amount of pixel values is small. The proposed technique belongs to fragile digital watermarking, so it can be used for image authentication and tamper localization. By the evaluation of data hiding capacity, security, imperceptibility, computational cost and extensibility, this algorithm is superior to existing information hiding techniques. The proposed technique can also be used in color image and audio data hiding.
Rapid and Concise Quantification of Mycelial Growth by Microscopic Image Intensity Model and Application to Mass Cultivation of Fungi
Authors: Lee Soo Kweon , Lee Ju Hun , Kim Hyeong Ryeol , Chun Youngsang , Lee Ja Hyun , Park Chulhwan , Yoo Hah Young , Kim Seung Wook
Published: September 2021

The microbial food fermentation industry requires real-time monitoring and accurate quantification of cells. However, filamentous fungi are difficult to quantify as they have complex cell types such as pellet, spores, and dispersed hyphae. In this study, numerous data of microscopic image intensity (MII) were used to develop a simple and accurate quantification method of Cordyceps mycelium. The dry cell weight (DCW) of the sample collected during the fermentation was measured. In addition, the intensity values were obtained through the ImageJ program after converting the microscopic images. The prediction model obtained by analyzing the correlation between MII and DCW was evaluated through a simple linear regression method and found to be statistically significant (R2 = 0.941, p <0.001). In addition, validation with randomly selected samples showed significant accuracy, thus, this model is expected to be used as a valuable tool for predicting and quantifying fungal growth in various industries.
Protocol For a Randomised Controlled Feasibility Study Examining the Efficacy of Brief Cognitive Therapy For the Treatment of Panic Disorder in Adolescents (PANDA)
Authors: Waite Polly
Published: September 2021

Background: Panic disorder occurs in between 1-3% of adolescents, is associated with high levels of co-morbidity, and without treatment, appears to have a chronic course. To improve access to effective psychological interventions, briefer versions of CBT have been developed and evaluated for pre-adolescent children with anxiety disorders. However, there are currently no brief evidence-based CBT interventions for adolescents with anxiety disorders that can be delivered in less than eight sessions. Given that a brief version of cognitive therapy has been shown to be effective in adults with panic disorder, with a large effect size, it is possible that an adapted version could be effective for adolescents with panic disorder.Methods: The study will examine whether a definitive trial can be conducted, based on a feasibility RCT using several well-defined criteria. The feasibility RCT is a single centre, randomised control trial. Between 30-48 young people (age 11-18 years) who meet diagnostic criteria for panic disorder, attending a routine clinical service, will be randomly allocated to receive either (i) brief cognitive therapy, or (ii) a general form of CBT treatment that is more commonly used for adolescents with anxiety disorders. Both will be delivered 1:1 by a therapist and involve five treatment sessions and two booster sessions. Young people’s outcomes will be assessed at the end of treatment and at 3 month follow up, and qualitative interviews will be conducted to examine acceptability. We will also explore outcomes 1-year after the completion of treatment. Discussion: This study will test the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial to compare brief cognitive therapy to a general form of CBT for adolescents with panic disorder in the UK. The outputs from the study will provide a clear indication of the feasibility of a future definitive trial and, if indicated, the critical resources that will be required and key information to inform the design and maximise the successful completion of the trial. This has the potential to bring direct benefits to young people and their families, as well as services and society more broadly.Trial Registration: This trial is registered on the ISRCTN Registry, registration number ISRCTN14884288, registered retrospectively on 05/12/2019.
Long-term Outcome of Extensive Mitral Valve Reconstruction With Autologous Pericardium and Artificial Chordae for Treatment of Destructive Active Infective Endocarditis of the Mitral Valve
Authors: Handa Kazuma , Masai Takafumi , Ohata Toshihiro , Sakamoto Tomohiko , Kuratani Toru
Published: September 2021

Objective: Mitral valve (MV) repair is a well-accepted surgical approach for infective endocarditis (IE). In our hospital, extensive MV reconstruction with fresh autologous pericardium (AP) and artificial chordae (AC) has been performed for patients with profoundly extensive and destructive IE in which valve reconstruction would be extremely challenging, especially in young patients to avoid mechanical valve replacement. Long-term outcome including the future performance of the newly created leaflet has not been established. Methods: Five patients (50 ± 30 years of age; 3 men, 2 women) underwent this procedure from January 2011 to December 2020. In all patients, preoperative cardiac function was good (left ventricular ejection fraction, 70% ± 5%). After complete debridement of the infective valve tissue, the MV was reconstructed with large, fresh, trimmed AP and AC.Results: The reconstructed leaflets were anterior in three patients and posterior in four, and AC were placed in four patients. All patients showed an uneventful postoperative course and were discharged to home 35 ± 5 days postoperatively after completion of intravenous antibiotic therapy. Pre-discharge echocardiography revealed no or trivial mitral regurgitation (MR) in all patients. The mean follow-up period was 7.2 (range, 1.3–9.5) years, and no patients developed recurrence of the IE. The latest echocardiography in four patients showed trivial/mild MR with good leaflet function. One patient developed recurrence of MR, 5 months postoperatively. Conclusions: The short- and long-term outcomes of this procedure were satisfactory. This procedure might be considered as an effective and valuable option, especially in young patients.
Higher probability of abrupt shift from drought to heavy rainfall in a warmer world
Authors: Zhang Boen , Wang Shuo , Zscheischler Jakob
Published: September 2021

The abrupt shift from drought to heavy rainfall can lead to consecutive drought-flood hazards with high socioeconomic losses. However, past and future changes in such abrupt shift events remain poorly understood. Here we show that the lagged dependence of drought and heavy rainfall may double the probability of consecutive drought-flood hazards that would be expected from the independent occurrence of both hazards. The average historical probability of abrupt shift is 53% and will increase robustly with warming across mid- and high-latitude areas. Such increases may even emerge in the regions with projected decreases in both droughts and heavy rainfall events. Future droughts are more likely to terminate along with intense convection and strong water vapor convergence exceeding those in future normal periods, potentially amplifying the probability and intensity of heavy rainfall following droughts. Such rainfall intensification would seriously challenge the adaptation of global water infrastructure to rapid drought-flood cycles.
The "unclear problem" category: An analysis of its implications and effects on the emergency medical dispatch process in Copenhagen, Denmark
Authors: Christensen Helle Collatz , Otten Sterre , Rehbock Cassandra , Krafft Thomas , Haugaard Martin Vang , Pilot Eva
Published: September 2021

ObjectiveAn effective emergency medical dispatch process is vital to provide appropriate prehospital care to patients. It increases patient safety and ensures the sustainable use of medical resources. Although Copenhagen has a sophisticated emergency medical services (EMS) system with a significant focus on public welfare, more than 10% of emergency calls are still being categorized as an "unclear problem" and are thus not categorized as "symptom-specific". Therefore, the objective of this research is to gain a better understanding of underlying implications that lead to the categorization of an emergency call as "unclear". This research investigates the effects of the "unclear problem" category (UPC) on the medical dispatching process at the emergency medical dispatch center in Copenhagen. Also, it explores the effectiveness of educating medical dispatchers about the use of the UPC to reduce its use. MethodsThis was a register-based study based on medical emergency call data. Descriptive analyses were conducted to investigate the effect of using the UPC on the medical dispatching process and determine the impact of alerting medical dispatchers to reduce its use. ResultsThe UPC accounted for 11.4% of the calls. Elderly patients were most often dispatched with the UPC. The UPC could impact the medical dispatching process in several potentially harmful, ways. Namely, it could lead to under or over triage and lead to inefficient use of EMS resources. Sensitizing medical dispatchers about the use of the UPC could have contributed to the decrease in the use of the UPC. ConclusionThe use of the UPC could have negative implications on patients' outcomes and the efficient use of EMS resources due to its possible impact on over-or under triage. The UPC is mainly used when dispatching the elderly. Nonetheless, the use of the UPC decreased throughout the study period after the medical dispatchers were alerted about the implications of its use.
Soil microbes influence nitrogen limit on the plant biomass of the alpine steppe, North Tibet
Authors: wu jianbo , Zhao Hui , Wang Xiaodan
Published: September 2021

It is uncertain that plant biomass of grassland was co-limited by nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) or only limited by N or P. Moreover, it is also unclear why plant biomass was not limited by the P when the N was added at grassland ecosystem. The N and P additional experiment was conducted at the alpine steppe from 2013 to 2017. Results from analyzing response ratio of shoot biomass and leaf N and P concentration to N and P addition suggested that N is the main limiting factor for plant biomass of alpine steppe, and P is synergistic with N in contributing to biomass. Based on the N:P stoichiometry, plants have to increase P absorption due to N addition. Results of SEM analysis showed plant and fungi promoted the activity of phosphatase. At the same time, the abundance of fungi and saprotrophic group associated with decomposition were increased due to N addition, which would provide more P for plant. Those results suggested P deficit of plant due to N addition would be alleviated. Similarly, plant have to increase the N absorption when P was added. Although activity of urease was enhanced by soil microbes and plant, there was a little substrate for microbes because plant biomass was not increased due to P addition. Therefore, composition and function of soil microbes were affected by plant and soil N:P due to N addition, and then delivered P for plant, which will influence the effect of N on plant biomass at alpine steppe.
Exploring airshed and watershed exposure pathways as mediators of the association between proximity to surface mining and adverse birth outcomes in Central Appalachia
Authors: Ruktanonchai Corrine Warren , McKnight Molly Xi , Buttling Lauren Grace , Kolivras Korine N , Krometis Leigh-Anne , Gohlke Julia M
Published: September 2021

Background
Previous work has determined an association between proximity to active surface mining in coal producing counties within Central Appalachia and an increased risk of preterm birth (PTB) and low birthweight (LBW); however, the relative importance of specific exposure pathways explaining this association remains poorly understood. Multiple potential exposure pathways to surface mining activities exist during gestation, including inhalation of particulate matter (airshed exposure), or via exposure to impacted surface waters (watershed exposure). Here, we perform a mediation analysis to explore these pathways and the odds of adverse birth outcomes.
Methods
We obtained birth records acquired through health departments in WV, KY, VA and TN between 1990 and 2015. Surface mine extents for each year were identified through remotely sensed Landsat imagery. Corresponding airsheds were estimated using the HYSPLIT4 atmospheric trajectory model, while watersheds were assigned using United States Geological Survey’s Watershed Boundary Dataset boundaries. We performed logistic regression to determine associations between exposure and the odds of preterm birth, low birthweight, and term low birthweight, and iteratively included within our models: a) the percent of active surface mining landcover within a 5 km buffer of maternal residence; b) the cumulative potential exposure to air pollutants via the airshed experienced at the maternal residence, and; c) the percent of land experiencing surface mining within the watershed of residency.
Results
Our baseline models found that active surface mining was associated with an increased odds of PTB (1.09, 1.05 – 1.13) and LBW (1.06, 1.02 – 1.11), while controlling for significant predictors. When mediators were added to the base model, the association between active mining and birth outcomes was reduced (PTB: 1.04, 0.99 – 1.09; LBW 1.04, 0.99 – 1.10), while the odds of PTB and LBW increased with airshed exposure (PTB: 1.14, 1.11 – 1.18; LBW: 1.06, 1.03 – 1.10).
Conclusions
Results were consistent with a hypothesis of mediation via airshed, but suggested mediation via watershed was less likely. These results suggest that air pollution resulting from surface mining activities may be the primary exposure pathway explaining the association between maternal residence proximity to active surface mining and PTB and LBW.
The Proton and Neutron as Distortional Structures in the Geometric Manifold
Authors: Koehler Dale. R.
Published: September 2021

It is shown in the present work that the distorted-space model of matter as extended to mimics of the proton and neutron can be described as muonic-based structures. These distorted-geometry structures exhibit non-Newtonian features wherein the hole or core-region fields of the structure (negative pressure core for a positive-charge positive-pressure large-r structure) do not behave functionally in a r−4 manner and terminate at zero at the radial origin (no singularity). Of particular interest is that of r−6 energy-density behavior at structural radial distances near the core of the distortion, a region also displaying potential-well behavior.
Comparison of fourteen Rapid Point-of-Care Antigen Tests for SARS-CoV-2: Use & Sensitivity
Authors: Pérez-Martínez Zulema , Martín Gabriel , Sandoval Marta , Rojo-Alba Susana , Boga Jose Antonio , Melón Santiago , ÁLvarez-Argüelles Marta Elena
Published: September 2021

Fast sensitive techniques are advisable for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Various rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen detection tests have been developed, but type and quality of the sample, stage of the disease and viral load can all have an impact on their sensitivity. For this study, a total of 486 swabs were processed and checked with various commercially available tests, and then compared with q(RT)-PCR (the gold-standard method). Total sensitivity varied considerably, for example, 42.10% (nal von minden and Tody Laboratories), 68.42% (Cahnos) and 84.78% (PCL). Sensitivity reached 100% when cycle threshold (Ct) was lower than 22 in almost all tests, although this dropped considerably when Ct was higher above 30, where only three tests identified 40% or more positive samples and in 5 cases it was 0%. What is more, only two cases were 100% accurate when viral load was higher than 5 log/103 cells and accuracy was 0% in 12 cases where viral load was lower than 4 log/103 cells. These results, particularly taking into consideration the fact they used normalized viral load, suggest that antigen detection tests have their role in the fast triage of positive patients, but that considerable care should be taken with negative results, which is even more important if they are used for massive screening.
At-home Plant Growing Kits Foster Positive Student Experiences in an Online Horticulture Course
Authors: Nunez Gerardo H. , Neves da Silva Mariana
Published: September 2021

Hands-on activities are an essential part of horticulture education. However, facilitating hands-on activities in online horticulture courses is challenging partly due to a lack of literature that describes remote laboratories in the discipline. Here we describe our experience planning and executing a remote strawberry-growing activity in an online horticulture course at the University of Florida, Gainesville. Students received strawberry-growing kits that contained a strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa) plant, substrate, and fertilizer. Instructions on growing the strawberry plant were delivered online and students had to provide weekly updates about the status of their plant for 5 weeks. At the end of the semester, students provided feedback about the hands-on activity in the form of an essay. Their answers were analyzed using text mining to gauge their perception of the activity. About 77% of students expressed positive sentiments about the remote activity including excitement, enjoyment, and knowledge gain. Students who expressed negative sentiments about the activity (≈23% of the total) focused on plant casualties and difficulties related to management practices. Overall, student essays and weekly updates reflected a relevant and engaging cognitive exercise in horticulture. Our results suggest that remote laboratories can improve the student experience in online courses and provide a footprint for successful implementation of similar activities in online horticulture courses.
Synthesis of Human Voice Fragments Based on Frequency Spectra Reconstruction
Authors:   Tomsk Polytechnic University (NS TPU), Lan G. , Fadeev A. S. ,   Tomsk Polytechnic University (NS TPU), Morgunov A. N. ,   Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (ICT SB RAS)
Published: September 2021

This article details the development of methods for the synthesis of phonemes of the human voice based on the analytical description of individual formants. A technique for analyzing the spectrum and spectrograms of original phonemes to obtain the main amplitude-frequency characteristics of the signal components is presented. An algorithm to reconstruct a speech signal based on the obtained sets of parameters is proposed. A technique to assess the quality of synthesized speech elements is described
Algorithm and Software for Building Aggregated Rankings
Authors:   National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University (NI TPU), Razumnikov S. V.
Published: September 2021

When deciding on the choice of any alternative, it is necessary to find out which of the considered options will be better. In this perspective it is important to establish the assessment criteria and to determine the scale. In this case, the attention should be paid to the non-compensatory nature of the values of the criteria. The method of threshold aggregation allows considering these nuances. Using it, one can build a ranking that will reflect the comparative importance of various alternatives for the enterprise. The use of this method will prevent from compensating the low scores of experts with other higher scores on other criteria. The article presents a noncompensatory aggregation model to compile rankings, which is based on the threshold aggregation rule. A diagram of the assessment stages for this model and an algorithm for the development of software «Compiling an Aggregated Ranking» are presented. This model was programmed in C # in the Visual Studio 2019 environment
Design and Research Process of Microstrip Low-Pass Filters with High Slope Steepness
Authors:   Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR), Lamanov Y. A. , Kudryavtseva T. O. ,   Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics (TUSUR), Drobotun N. B. ,   Research and Production Company "MICRAN"
Published: September 2021

This paper presents the results of design process and scientific investigation of planar low pass filters with cut-off frequencies of 6 and 7 GHz. Main features of this design are high steep performance, high level of rejection out of band (in comparison to conventional topologies), high filter order and small occupied area. The analysis of high absorptive electromagnetic material influence on filter performance are shown as well
Control Algorithms for Multichannel Shunt Voltage Converter with Digital Control System
Authors:   JSK Academician M.F. Reshetnev Information Satellite System, Asochakov A. S. , Druzhinin A. A. ,   JSK Academician M.F. Reshetnev Information Satellite System, Zhuravlyov I. M. ,   JSK Academician M.F. Reshetnev Information Satellite System, Lopatin A. A. ,   JSK Academician M.F. Reshetnev Information Satellite System
Published: September 2021

The operation of multichannel shunt solar array converter with discrete zone voltage regulation was investigated. The «relay» and «ring» switch algorithms for shunt voltage converter of solar array energy are considered. The prototype of multichannel shunt voltage converter has been developed, and the analytical waveforms by dynamic work mode of shunt voltage converter have been obtained
Immune erythrocyte antibodies in adult patients with sickle cell disease and blood donors in Lagos, Nigeria: a comparative study
Authors: Adewoyin A.S. , Daramola O.A. , Ogbenna A.A. , Adeyemo T.A.
Published: September 2021

Sickle cell disease (SCD) poses a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. Blood transfusion is a mainstay in SCD treatment. Erythrocyte alloimmunization is known to complicate the transfusional care of patients with SCD. Immune alloantibodies are associated with hemolytic transfusion reactions and transfusion refractoriness. We aimed to determine the prevalence, specificities, and clinical associations/risk factors of immune erythrocyte alloantibodies among adult patients with SCD compared with healthy blood donors in Lagos, Nigeria, through a cross-sectional study. All participants were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to obtain details on bio-data, hemoglobin phenotype, blood transfusion history, and SCD history where relevant. Blood specimens obtained from each participant were subjected to antibody screening/identification using tube agglutination method. The mean age of the SCD participants and healthy blood donors was 27.92 and 29.04 years, respectively. The majority (72.5%) of the SCD participants had received at least 1 unit of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in their lifetime, compared with only 7.5 percent of blood donors. Six SCD participants (7.5%) tested positive for atypical erythrocyte alloantibodies, with none among blood donors. Most of the antibodies (75%) belonged to the Rh blood group system. The most frequent antibody was anti-E, followed by anti-C and anti-D. Advancing age (30 years or more), recent transfusions (last 4 weeks), higher transfusion rates, and established renal disease were significantly associated with alloimmunization (p values of 0.026, 0.043, 0.002, and 0.043, respectively). This study suggests blood transfusion as a strong risk factor for RBC alloimmunization in SCD patients. Extended RBC phenotyping is recommended for all patients with SCD, especially those receiving regular transfusions.
Un criterio filosófico de orientación educativa a partir de la idea de ingenio de Juan Huarte
Authors: De Bravo Delorme Cristián Alejandro
Published: September 2021

El siguiente artículo propone un análisis de la idea de ingenio de Juan Huarte para la construcción de un criterio filosófico que oriente al individuo a elegir la ciencia que más le corresponda. Este criterio, según Huarte, no se orienta por los gustos o deseos de los individuos, sino por las inclinaciones naturales objetivadas por las capacidades ejercidas. En contraste con un enfoque psicológico, el criterio de Huarte se presenta como un criterio fundado en ideas filosóficas, las cuales se consideran dentro de un sistema de pensamiento que coordina las potencias racionales del individuo con relación a las ciencias, artes y técnicas correspondientes a los distintos ingenios.
Persistent and mobile organic chemicals in water resources: occurrence and removal options for water utilities
Authors: Scheurer Marco , Sandholzer Anna , Schnabel Tobias , Schneider-Werres Stephanie , Schaffer Mario , Börnick Hilmar , Beier Silvio
Published: September 2021

Persistent and mobile (PM) substances are being recognized as serious threats to water resources and drinking water suppliers have to use advanced treatment if raw waters are contaminated with such compounds. In this study, analytical methods for 25 micropollutants for which insufficient or no data on their occurrence in surface waters and on their behavior during drinking water treatment were available, were developed. More than 120 surface water samples were analyzed and laboratory tests were performed to evaluate the compounds' behavior during aerobic bank filtration (BF), activated carbon treatment, and ozonation. Ensulizole, 1,3-diphenylguanidine and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid revealed the highest detection frequencies in the Rhine river. Concentration level and detection frequency correlated positively with the wastewater fraction. However, street run-off is likely an additional discharge pathway for 1,3-diphenylguanidine. In simulated BF, seven (six) substances could be classified as persistent (very persistent). By applying powdered activated carbon, 42% of the substances were well removed as was the case for 50% of the compounds when applying 0.2 mg/L O3. In total, eight of the substances detected in surface waters were weakly removed by at least one of the investigated removal processes and may cause problems for drinking water suppliers.
Investigation of the low impact development strategies for highly urbanized area via auto-calibrated Storm Water Management Model (SWMM)
Authors: Ekmekcioğlu Ömer , Yılmaz Muhammet , Özger Mehmet , Tosunoğlu Fatih
Published: September 2021

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the low impact development (LID) practices on sustainable urban flood storm water management. We applied three LID techniques, i.e. green roof, permeable pavements and bioretention cells, on a highly urbanized watershed in Istanbul, Turkey. The EPA-SWMM was used as a hydrologic-hydraulic model and the model calibration was performed by the well-known Parameter ESTimation (PEST) tool. The rainfall-runoff events occurred between 2012 and 2020. A sensitivity analysis on the parameter selection was applied to reduce the computational cost. The Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) was used as the objective function and it was calculated as 0.809 in the model calibration. The simulations were conducted for six different return periods of a storm event, i.e. 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 years, in which the synthetic storm event hyetographs were produced by means of the alternating block method. The results revealed that the combination of green roof and permeable pavements have the major impact on both the peak flood reduction and runoff volume reduction compared to the single LIDs. The maximum runoff reduction percentage was obtained as 56.02% for a 10 years return period of a storm event in the combination scenario.
Highly efficient scavenging of Cr(VI) by two-dimensional titanium carbide nanosheets: kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics analysis
Authors: Lv Yinzhi , Chang Kaikai , Wu Hui , Fang Ping , Chen Chaogui , Liao Qing
Published: September 2021

In this study, two-dimensional (2D) MXene material (Ti3C2Tx) was employed to investigate its potentials toward the Cr(VI) removal in aqueous system by batch experiments. Characterization techniques such as SEM-EDS, HRTEM, XRD, FI-TR and XPS were used to analyze the structure and interaction of Ti3C2Tx before and after Cr(VI) adsorption. The results indicated that the layered structure of Ti3C2Tx had unique surface functional properties and abundant active sites, such as –OH, Ti–O, C = O, which exhibited high adsorption capacity for Cr(VI) removal. The Cr(VI) adsorption capacity by Ti3C2Tx decreased with the increase of pH, and its maximum value can reach 169.8 mg/g at pH = 2.0. The adsorption kinetic was well-explained by a pseudo-second-order kinetic, indicating that chemical interaction played a dominant role in the adsorption of Cr(VI) on Ti3C2Tx. Meanwhile, the isotherm data was calculated to conform to the Freundlich isotherm model. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the adsorption process of Cr(VI) on Ti3C2Tx was a spontaneous endothermic process. These experimental results revealed that Ti3C2Tx had tremendous potential in heavy metals adsorption from aqueous solutions.
Exendin-4 Improves Cognitive Function of Diabetic Mice via Increasing Brain Insulin Synthesis
Authors: Peng Xuemin , Shi Xiaoli , Huang Jiaojiao , Zhang Shujun , Yan Yongli , Ma Delin , Xu Weijie , Xu Weijie , Dong Kun , Tao Jing , Li Mengni , Yang Yan
Published: September 2021

Background and Objective:

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) patients are more prone to develop
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). We have previously shown that Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist
exendin-4 (Ex-4) reduces tau hyperphosphorylation in T2D animals through upregulating insulin
signaling, and peripheral injected Ex-4 increases insulin levels in the T2D brain. This study
aims to further clarify whether the elevated insulin in the brain is produced by nerve cells under the
action of Ex-4.

Methods:

The neuronal cell line-HT22 was treated with Ex-4 under high glucose or normal cultivation,
and the number of insulin-positive cells as well as the expression levels of insulin synthesis-related
genes were examined. The db/db mice were treated with the peripheral injection of Ex-4
and/or IntraCerebroVentricular (ICV) injection of siRNA to inhibit the expression of insulin synthesis-
related genes and the behavior tests were carried on. Finally, plasma glucose, Cerebrospinal
Fluid (CSF) glucose, CSF insulin, phosphorylation of tau, phosphorylation of AKT and GSK-3β of
db/db mice were detected.

Results :

We found that Ex-4 promoted the expression of insulin synthesis-related genes and induced
an obvious increase of insulin-positive HT-22 neuronal cells in a high glucose environment.
Peripheral injection of Ex-4 improved the cognitive function of db/db mice and increased brain insulin
levels which activated brain insulin signaling and subsequently alleviated tau hyperphosphorylation.
However, when siRNA-neurod1 was injected to block insulin synthesis, the cognitive function
of db/db mice was not improved under the action of Ex-4 anymore. Moreover, the brain insulin
levels dropped to an extremely low level, and the phosphorylation level of tau increased significantly.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that Ex-4 improved cognition function by promoting brain insulin
synthesis followed by the activation of brain insulin signaling and alleviation of tau hyperphosphorylation.
Ultrasound Accelerated Expedient and Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Aryl Sulfonates Using I2As Catalyst At Ambient Conditions
Authors: Zhu Sha , Wang Bin-Bin , Tan Mei-Chen , Qian Xiaofu , Ying Shengneng , Liu Yang , Li Cehua , Jin Zheng , Jiang Hongmei , Gui Qing-Wen
Published: September 2021

:

Aryl sulfonates were developed by ssing an energy-saving and eco-friendly approach, through ultrasound-assisted coupling reaction of readily sodium sulfinates with N-hydroxyphthalimide, under metal-free and mild conditions within 10 min at room temperature.
Advancement of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Regulation of Intestinal Flora: Mechanism-based Role in Disease Management
Authors: Hou Kaijian , Wu Zezhen , Chen Yongru , Zhu Dan , Zheng Yingmiao , Ali Khan Barkat
Published: September 2021

Intestinal microecology is the largest and most complex human microecology. The intestinal microflora plays an important role in human health. Imbalance of intestinal microflora contributes to the occurrence and development of many diseases. Recently, the treatment of human diseases by regulating intestinal microflora has become a research topic of interest. Traditional Chinese medicine considers the whole human body as the central concept in disease treatment strategies. It advocates maintaining the coordination and balance of the functions of various organs and systems of the human body, including the intestinal microflora. Traditional Chinese medicine improves the metabolism and immune function of the human body by regulating the intestinal microflora. The intestinal microflora could trigger pharmacological activity or reduce toxicity of drugs through regulating metabolism, which enables traditional Chinese medicine formulations to exert their best therapeutic effects. This review summarized the relationship between the intestinal microflora and digestive system, tumors, and other diseases. Furthermore, the role of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of tumors, and other diseases is discussed. The relationship among traditional Chinese medicine and the common intestinal microflora, pathogenesis of human diseases, and effective intervention methods were elaborated. In addition, we explored the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of various human diseases by regulating intestinal microflora to provide new treatment concepts. There is a close relationship between traditional Chinese medicine and the intestinal microflora. Traditional Chinese medicine formulations contribute to maintain the natural balance of the intestinal tract and the intestinal microflora to achieve treatment effects. This paper summarizes the mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine formulations in regulating the intestinal microflora in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Furthermore, it summarizes information on the application of the interaction between traditional Chinese medicine preparations and the regulation of intestinal microflora in the treatment of common human diseases. Intestinal microflora plays a key role in traditional Chinese medicine in maintaining the natural balance of physiology and metabolism of human body. It will provide a theoretical basis for the traditional Chinese medicine preparations in the prevention and treatment of common human diseases, and simulate future research on this aspect.
Current Advances and Outlook in Gastric Cancer Chemoresistance: A Review
Authors: Chen Zhe-Sheng , Lin Li-Zhu , Zhang Sheng-Xiong , Liu Wei , Ai Bo , Sun Ling-Ling
Published: September 2021

Background:

Surgical resection of the lesion is the standard primary treatment of gastric
cancer. Unfortunately, most patients are already in the advanced stage of the disease when they
are diagnosed with gastric cancer. Alternative therapies, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy,
can achieve only very limited benefits. The emergence of cancer drug resistance has always
been the major obstacle to the cure of tumors. The main goal of modern cancer pharmacology is to
determine the underlying mechanism of anticancer drugs.

Objective:

Here, we mainly review the latest research results related to the mechanism of chemotherapy
resistance in gastric cancer, the application of natural products in overcoming the chemotherapy
resistance of gastric cancer, and the new strategies currently being developed to treat tumors
based on immunotherapy and gene therapy.

Conclusion:

The emergence of cancer drug resistance is the main obstacle in achieving alleviation
and final cure for gastric cancer. Mixed therapies are considered to be a possible way to overcome
chemoresistance. Natural products are the main resource for discovering new drugs specific for
treating chemoresistance, and further research is needed to clarify the mechanism of natural product
activity in patients.
COVID-19 in Pediatrics: A Systematic Review of Current Knowledge and
Practice
Authors: Mehraeen Esmaeil , Oliaei Shahram , SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Karimi Amirali , Mirzapour Pegah , Afsahi Amir Masoud , Barzegary Alireza , Vahedi Farzin , Soleymanzadeh Mahdi , Behnezhad Farzane , Javaherian Mohammad , Zargari Ghazal , Mirghaderi Seyed Peyman , Noori Tayebeh , Sabatier Jean-Marc
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

SARS-CoV-2 is the novel coronavirus that causes severe acute respiratory
syndrome and could afflict individuals from all walks of life. Children are usually asymptomatic or
represent non-specific mild to moderate symptoms; therefore, they often remain undiagnosed and
could be potential reservoirs and silent carriers of the virus. Despite the global attention to COVID-19
and its importance in public health, some clinical and paraclinical aspects of this disease in children are
still unclear. Thus, we conducted a comprehensive systematic review of available literature to reflect
on the current knowledge and practice of the disease among children.

Methods:

This study was a systematic review of current evidence conducted in October 2020. We
performed a systematic search using the keywords in online databases. The investigation adheres to the
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist to ensure
the reliability and validity of extracted literature and results.

Results:

We selected and reviewed 23 most related studies out of 1744 identified papers in an initial
online search based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the present review; of whom 13 were original
research studies, and 10 were letters to the editors, commentaries, viewpoints, consensus statements,
and perspectives. Although due to the origin of the current pandemic, China was the country with the
most publications (12 articles), data from several countries have been included in this review.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 can also affect children and cause systemic disease with several internal organ
involvements. However, the prevalence, severity, and diversity of the symptoms in children are less
than in adults. Cough and fever appear to be some of the most common symptoms, followed by other
symptoms such as gastrointestinal manifestations. Comorbidities increase the risk of severe COVID-19
in children, and those without underlying conditions are very unlikely to suffer from severe disease.
Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression due to the isolated situation caused by pandemics
are common findings in children of early ages and should be seriously considered in current practice.
Structural and Impedance Analysis of 0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.3PbTiO3
Ceramic
Authors: Mishra Jayanta Kumar , Agrawal Khusboo , Behera Banarji
Published: September 2021

Background:

Since (1-x)[Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3]-(x)PbTiO3 (PMN-PT) ceramic has a high dielectric
constant and piezoelectric coefficient, it has been widely investigated for profound applications
in electro-optical devices, sensors, multilayer capacitors and actuators.

Objectives:

The objective of this paper is to study the structural and electrical properties of
0.7Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.3PbTiO3 (0.7PMN-0.3PT) ceramic to understand the biphasic structural nature
using Rietveld Refinement. Also, it characterises the type of conduction process as well as the role of
grain and grain boundary resistance in the material on the basis of electrical properties such as impedance
and modulus to understand the relaxation process.

Methods:

0.7PMN-0.3PT is synthesised by mixed oxide method using PbO, MgO, Nb2O5 and TiO2 as
precursor materials.

Results:

The XRD data reveals the biphasic structure of the tetragonal phase with the space group of
P4mm and the monoclinic phase with the space group of Pm. The complex impedance analysis clearly
represents the effect of grain on the overall resistance and departs from normal Debye-type behaviour.
Also, the resistance is found to decrease with temperature, thereby confirming the semiconducting nature
of the sample. The presence of long as well as short-range mobility of charge carriers is confirmed
from the modulus and impedance analysis. The influence of long-range motion is observed at high
temperatures and of short-range motion at low temperatures.

Conclusion:

XRD analysis confirmed the biphasic structure of the M+T phase. The frequencydependent
modulus and impedance spectroscopy show the presence of a relaxation effect in the ceramic
which is found to increase with temperature. The Nyquist plot shows that the resistance is decreased
with temperature, thereby confirming the NTCR behaviour in the studied sample.
The anabolic role of plant-based proteins in response to chronic resistance exercise
Authors: Santos Carina Sousa , Oliveira Júnior Eudes Souza , Lopes de Sá Marcus James , Esteves Elizabethe Adriana
Published: September 2021

Proper maintenance of skeletal muscle mass is essential to prevent sarcopenia and ensure health and quality of life as aging progress. The two determinants of muscle protein synthesis are the increased load on skeletal muscle through resistance exercise and protein intake. For an effective result of maintaining or increasing muscle mass, it is relevant to consider the quantitative and adequate intake of protein, and the dietary source of protein since the plant-based protein has differences in comparison to animals that limit its anabolic capacity. Given the increase in vegetarianism and the elderly population, which consumes fewer food sources of animal protein, the importance of understanding how protein of plant-based protein can sustain muscle protein synthesis in the long term when associated with resistance exercise is justified, as well as the possibilities of dietary adequacy in the face of this demand.