bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pollution, Ecological Risk and Source Identification of Heavy Metals in Sediments from the Huafei River in the Eastern Suburbso Kaifeng, China
Authors: Jin Bingyan , Wang Jinling , Lou Wei , Wang Liren , Xu Jinlong , Qian Jing , Liu Dexin , Peng Jianbiao , Ma Qingxia
Published: July 2021

Rivers in urban environments are significant components of their ecosystems but remain under threat of pollution from unchecked discharges of industrial sewage and domestic wastewater. Such river pollution, particularly over the longer term involving heavy metals, is an issue of worldwide concern regarding risks to the ecological environment and human health. In this study, we investigate the long-term pollution characteristics of the Huafei River, an important urban river in Kaifeng, China. River sedimentary samples were analyzed, assessing the degree and ecological risk of heavy metal pollution using the geo-accumulation index and potential ecological risk index methods; whilst Pearson’s correlation, principal component, and cluster analyses were used to identify the sources of pollution. The results show that heavy metal concentrations are significantly higher than their corresponding fluvo-aquic soil background values in China, and the geo-accumulation indexes indicate, that of the 8 heavy metals identified, Hg is most prevalent, followed in sequence by Cd > Zn > Cu > Pb > Ni > As > Cr. The potential ecological risk index of the Huafei river is very high, with the potential ecological risk intensity highest in the midstream and downstream sections where it is recommended that pollution control is carried out, especially concerning Hg and Cd. Long-term sequence analysis indicates that Cu and Pb dropped sharply from 1998 to 2017, but rebounded in 2019, and that Zn shows a continuous decreasing trend. Four main sources for the heavy metal contaminants were identified: Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and Hg derived mainly from industrial activities, traffic sources and natural sources; Cd originated mainly from industrial and agricultural activities; whilst As was mainly associated with industrial activities. It is anticipated that the findings of this study will provide theoretical references for the effective control and scientific management of heavy metal pollution in the Huafei River and its surrounding areas.
Fuzzy Decision-Making Soft Model for Family Financial Planning in The Post COVID-19 World
Authors: SUN Chia-Chi
Published: July 2021

With COVID-19 making headlines around the world, it is normal to feel uncertain about many aspects of life right now, including family financial planning and wealth management. With the increase in family wealth and the size of organizations, there is a comparable increase in their assets. There is considerable demand for professionals to manage these assets and coordinate investment activities in order to maintain growth. The issue arises of how to increase a wealth management bank’s competitive advantages by segmenting a set of the selection criteria for a wealth management bank to effectively manage personal wealth. The results showed that the management’s learning and growth perspective was the most important causal dimension of wealth management bank selection. This paper also draws on the research results for managerial practice implications.
“From Where I Stand”: Using Multiple Anchors Yields Different Benchmarks for Meaningful Improvement and Worsening in the Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare Questionnaire (RA-FQ)
Authors: Bartlett Susan J. , Bykerk Vivian P. , Schieir Orit , Valois Marie-France , Pope Janet E , Boire Gilles , Hitchon Carol , Hazlewood Glen , Bessette Louis , Keystone Edward , Thorne Carter , Tin Diane , Bingham Clifton O
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare Questionnaire (RA-FQ) is a patient-reported measure of disease activity in RA. We estimated minimal and meaningful change from the perspective of RA patients, physicians, and using a disease activity index.

Methods

Data were from 3- and 6-month visits of adults with early RA enrolled in the Canadian Early Arthritis Cohort. Participants completed the RA-FQ, the Patient Global Assessment of RA, and Patient Global Change Impression at consecutive visits. Rheumatologists recorded joint counts and MD Global. Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) scores were computed. We compared mean RA-FQ change across categories using patients, physicians, and CDAI anchors.

Results

The 808 adults were mostly white (84%) women (71%) with a mean age of 55 and moderate-high disease activity (85%) at enrollment. At V2, 79% of patients classified their RA as changed; 59% were better and 20% were worse. Patients reporting they were a lot worse had a mean RA-FQ increase of 8.9 points whereas those who were a lot better had a -6.0 decrease. Minimal worsening and improvement were associated with a mean 4.7 and -1.8 change in RA-FQ, respectively, while patients rating their RA unchanged had stable scores. Physician and CDAI classified more patients as worse than patients, and minimal and meaningful RA-FQ thresholds differed by group.

Conclusion

Thresholds to identify meaningful change vary by anchor used. These data offer new evidence demonstrating robust psychometric properties of the RA-FQ and offer guidance about improvement or worsening, supporting its use in RA care, research and decision-making.
Changes in the Contents of the Oral Flora, in Gingival Hypertrophy Caused by Fixed Orthodontic Appliances
Authors: Robo Ilma , Heta Saimir , Gjumsi Enxhi , Ostreni Vera
Published: July 2021

Background: The placement of orthodontic apparatus in the oral cavity, according to the literature, should influence the alteration of oral flora, especially the subgingival one. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the subgingival flora of patients with fixed orthodontic appliances, regardless of placement time. In 3 cases of patients with fixed orthodontic appliances, a bacterial sample of the gingival sulcus was taken for laboratory examination. Patients were clinically evaluated for the presence or tendency, of having gingival hypertrophy.Results: Results from the 3 cases included in the study, 1 of them came up with Streptococcus Anginosus positive, Doxycilin-sensitive. The tendency for gingival hypertrophy was maximal 3% to 1.5% respectively in each patient. In the patient with different oral flora, daily topical treatment with tetracycline, placed in the gingival sulcus, was applied.Conclusions: Alteration of the oral flora with the placement of fixed orthodontic appliances is not a fully verifiable fact, as it indicates the patient's follow-up, at the time of placement of the apparatus and until removal after orthodontic treatment, depending on the 2-3-year period of treatment. The tendency for gingival hypertrophy is apparently high, versus the presence of fixed orthodontic apparatus.
Evaluation Of Intra-Arterial Nimodipine Therapy In Post-Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Refractory Cerebral Vasospasm
Authors: Jain Shrey , Sinha Ajit Kumar , Goyal Sumit
Published: July 2021

Background: Cerebral vasospasm is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Vasospasm is managed with triple H and vasodilators but sometimes, patients do not respond. Intra-arterial vasodilator infusion has been shown to improve outcome in such patients. In this study, we try to evaluate the efficacy of intra-arterial nimodipine therapy in 43 patients of post-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage refractory cerebral vasospasm. Methods: It is a prospective observational study of a group of 43 patients presenting with refractory cerebral vasospasm as per the inclusion criteria. Pre-procedure neurological assessment and Transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring were done. Endovascular spasmolysis was conducted and post-operative morbidity and outcomes were noted. Follow up of the patients was done at the time of discharge and at 6 months according to the Modified Rankin Scale and NCCT head. Results: Most of the patients developing refractory cerebral vasospasm belonged to Hunt and Hess Grade 2 and 3 and Fisher grade 3 and 4. 87.5% of the patients showed clinical recovery following endovascular spasmolysis and 58% of the patients showed complete angiographic recovery. Outcome after 6 months was good in 76%, moderate in 12% and poor in 12% patients. NCCT head showed no infarct in 58%, minor infarct in 28% and major vascular territorial infarct in 14% patients. Conclusions: Intra-arterial nimodipine infusion is a safe and effective therapy with minimum risk of complications if adhered to standard endovascular practice. By timely intervention, major ischemic insult to the brain can be averted, thereby significantly improving the prognosis.
Evaluating The Impact of Strigolactone GR24 On Capparis Spinosa L. Callus Production And Phenolic Compound Content
Authors: Issah Hafsatu , Duran Ragbet Ezgi
Published: July 2021

The effect of strigolactones on plants, which has been recently described as a new group of plant hormones, has not been fully characterized. Capparis spinosa L. callus formation using synthetic strigolactone GR24 (0.1 and 0.2 μM) alone or in combination with 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (2 mg / L) and 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) (1 mg / L) and its effect on phenolic substance production were evaluated. 2 mg/L NAA+1 mg/L BAP+0.1 μM GR24 was the medium with the highest callus formation (60.3%) and callus fresh weight (120.8 mg). In the phytochemical analysis, the highest total flavonoid and phenolic substance and the highest rutin, quercetin, chlorogenic acid content were found in this application and their amounts increased at various rates compared to the control. Aromatic substances in caper calluses were grouped as sulfur compounds (66.97% -87.53%), aldehydes (4.88% -7.90%), ketones (0.34% -19.3%), hydrocarbons and derivatives (0.56%-5.8%), alcohols (% 1.62-6.08%), others (0.61% -2.37%) and their amounts varied at various hormone applications. When 0.1 μM GR24 was applied alone, the total sulfur compound in callus samples was 87.53% and the dominant substance was found to be methyl isothiocyanate.
Comparison of Raw And Regression Approaches To Capturing Change On Patient Reported Outcome Measures
Authors: Andrae David A. , Foster Brandon , Peipert J. Devin
Published: July 2021

PurposePatient-reported outcome (PRO) analyses often involve calculating raw change scores, but limitations of this approach are well documented. Regression estimators can incorporate information about measurement error and potential covariates, potentially improving change estimates. Yet, adoption of these regression-based change estimators is rare in clinical PRO research. Methods Both simulated and PROMIS® pain interference items were used to calculate change employing three methods: raw change scores and regression estimators proposed by Lord and Novick (LN) and Cronbach and Furby (CF). In the simulated data, estimators’ ability to recover true change was compared. Standard errors of measurement (SEM) and prediction (SEP) with associated 95% confidence limits were also used to identify criteria for significant improvement. These methods were then applied to real-world data from the PROMIS® study. Results In the simulation, both regression estimators reduced variability compared to raw change scores by almost half. Compared to CF, the LN regression better recovered true simulated differences. Analysis of the PROMIS® data showed similar themes, and change score distributions from the regression estimators showed less dispersion. Using distribution-based approaches to calculate thresholds for significant within-patient change, smaller changes could be detected using both regression estimators.ConclusionsThese results suggest that calculating change using regression estimates may result in more increased measurement sensitivity. Using these scores in lieu of raw differences can help better identify individuals who experience real underlying change in PROs in the course of a trial, and enhance the established methods for identifying thresholds for meaningful within-patient change in PROs.
Detection of Vigil And Fatigue States During The Execution of Laparoscopic Tasks Based On EEG Patterns
Authors: Pérez Yeremi , Borboa-Gastelum Roberto , Alonso-Valerdi Luz Maria , Ibarra-Zarate David I. , Flores-Villalba Eduardo A. , Rodríguez-González Ciro A.
Published: July 2021

Fatigue decreases performance in several professional activities. Fatigue can lead to commit technical mistakes which consequences might be lethal, such as in health area, where a surgical error due to the absence of rest can provoke the patient death. Therefore, this study aims to detect vigil and fatigue (due to lack of sleep) states in medical students through the classification of electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns. The EEG signals of 18 physician students were analyzed within theta band (4 - 8 Hz) over front-central recording sites, and alpha band (8 - 13 Hz) rhythms over temporal and parieto-occipital recording sites during the execution of laparoscopic tasks before and after their medical duties. The EEG signal processing pipeline consisted in pre-processing based on individual component analysis, absolute band power estimates, and Support Vector Machine classification. The F-score to differ between vigil and fatigue states was 90.89%, where the first class was slightly more identifiable reaching a sensitivity of 90.18%. Based on this outcome, the detection of fatigue in medical students while their laparoscopic training seems achievable and feasible to diminish technical mistakes that could be lethal in health area. For this purpose, EEG recording are provided.
The Impact of Travelling On The COVID–19 Infection Cases in Germany
Authors: Schäfer Moritz , Wijaya Karunia Putra , Rockenfeller Robert , Götz Thomas
Published: July 2021

Background COVID–19 continues to disrupt social lives and the economy of many countries and challenges their healthcare capacities. InGermany, the number of cases increased exponentially in early March 2020. As a political reaction, social restrictions wereimposed by closing e.g. schools, shops, cafés and restaurants, as well as borders for travellers. This reaped success as theinfection rate descended significantly in early April. In mid July, however, the numbers started to rise again. Of particularreasons was that from 15 June onwards, the travel ban has widely been cancelled or at least loosened. Methods Here, we present an extended susceptible–exposed–infected–recovered–deceased (SEIRD) model to describe the diseasedynamics in Germany, taking into account German travellers which returned infected from abroad. Epidemiological parameterslike transmission rate, lethality or detection rate of infected individuals, as well as a rate measuring the impact of these travellers,were estimated by fitting the model output to available data. Parameter estimation was performed via Bayesian inference withthe aid of the Monte–Carlo–based Metropolis algorithm. Results We found that travellers had a strong impact on the overall infection cases. Until the end of August, roughly 50,000 casesdirectly or indirectly related to travellers were estimated. These obviously caused even higher infection cases later on, whichamong other causes lead to a second wave of infection cases in late 2020. Conclusions We conclude that travel restrictions are an important tool for controlling infection cases during pandemics which can still havean impact on the upcoming summer in case the currently high vaccination rates can not prevent further infection waves.
Effect of Vertebroplasty Combined with Facet Joint Block in Relieving Acute Pain of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture
Authors: Dang Sha-Jie , Wei Wen-Bo , Duan Da-Peng , Wei Ling , Xu Jin
Published: July 2021

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) combined with facet joint block (FB) on osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs).Methods: 190 patients were reviewed in the study: PVP (Group P, n=90), PVP combined with FB (Group PF, n=100). Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were measured during pre-operation, 1 day, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the operation, repectively. And hospitalization time, operation time, complications and recurrence were compared in the two groups.Results: Patients showed significantly decreased VAS and ODI at each observation point of the post-operation than the pre-operation in both groups (P < 0.05). The VAS and ODI scores in Group PF were significantly lower than that in Group P 1 day and 1 month after the operation (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in hospitalization time, operation time, complication rate, VAS and ODI score at the pre-operation (P > 0.05).Conclusion: Both PVP combined with FB and PVP alone are effective treatment methods for OVCFs. But PVP combined with FB could provide better back pain relief than PVP alone in the short term after the operation for OVCFs.
Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture: The Case of Small Southern Mediterranean Country
Authors: Maatoug Abderrazek Ben , bilel triki , aloui donia
Published: July 2021

In this study, we examined the effect of climate change on the incomes of farmers in a southern Mediterranean country. We proposed that crop insurance could be potentially used as a means to adapt to climate change. Using panel data for Tunisian regions, we were able to highlight the important effects of climate change on crops yields by considering two scenarios of the Representative Concentration Pathways, namely RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. In the long term (i.e., in 2050 and 2100), we expect increasingly frequent heat waves to occur, leading to a rise in droughts for all regions of Tunisia. We therefore recommend that farmers seek to insure themselves against the risks of drought and flood to their crops, because we feel this may be an attractive device for compensating them for any potential losses of income.
Chaos-Directed Genetic Algorithms for Water Distribution Network Design: An Enhanced Search Method
Authors: N POOJITHA S. , Jothiprakash Vinayakam , Sivakumar B.
Published: July 2021

The design of a water distribution network (WDN) is an ever-challenging problem. Development and application of optimization techniques for WDN design have been an important area of research. Recently, the introduction of chaos theory-based evolutionary algorithms (EAs) in addition to traditional random-based ones has elevated the scope for further improving the performance of EAs. The present study proposes a chaos-directed genetic algorithm (CDGA) by incorporating chaos ergodicity in GA mechanics for WDN optimal design. Two novel frameworks, the non-sequential approach (NSA) and sequential approach (SA) are introduced. The influence of chaotic systems with high dimensionality maps in improving the search efficacy of GA when compared to the low dimensionality maps is explored. Considering four widely studied WDN benchmark problems, the performance of the proposed GA and CDGA models is evaluated. From the results, it is observed that the CDGA models outperform GA with better search efficacy, requiring fewer function evaluations to locate the optimal solution. Also, concerning the different chaotic maps used in the present study to induce chaos ergodicity, the results highlight the usefulness of chaos-directed search in improving the computational efficiency of GA. From the computational results, the study suggests the usage of a chaotic system with other bio-inspired techniques for their improved search and computational efficiency.
Efficacy of Closantel, Ferula Asafetida and Common Dewormer Against Haemoncus Contortus in Small Ruminants
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Zahid , Jabbar Abdul , Ashraf Muhammad , Ghauri Muhammad Shair Zaman , Imran Muhammad , Wana Mohammed Nasiru , Sajjad Hira , Ahmad Hafiz Ishfaq
Published: July 2021

Background

Haemonchosis caused by H. contortus has been recognized as one of the main limitations to the beneficial goat farming, worldwide. Albendazole, Oxfendazole, and Ivermectin are the most common drugs used against Haemonchosis, development of allopathic drugs resistance with time, availability, and price are another critical issues; these are absent in herbal drugs. It is important to establish a most effective protocol for the treatment of Haemonchosis. Closantel and herbal plant Ferula asafetida are reported to be effective against roundworms infestation.
Methodology:

The current study was conducted on goat and sheep farms of Tehsil Pattoki District Kasur, Pakistan. Coprological examination was performed and animals n = 720 (n = 360 caprines & n = 360 Ovines) positive Haemonchosis were selected, each breed animals were divided into six groups (A-F), n = 60 animals were assigned in each group for therapeutic trails. By oral route, Albendazole, Oxfendazole, Ivermectin, Closantel and Ferula asafetida were given to A-E groups while F served as control. All animals treated with single dose and EPG performed by McMaster technique at day 0 (pre-treatment), 7th, and 14th (post-treatment).
Results

Closantel and Ferula asafetida showed the highest efficacy in both caprines and ovines.
Conclusion

Allopathic drug Closantel and herbal drug Ferula asafetida proved as an efficient dewormer against Haemonchosis.
Unfolding Water Quality Status During COVID-19 Lockdown for The Highly Polluted Santiago River in Jalisco, Mexico
Authors: Kutralam-Muniasamy Gurusamy , Pérez-Guevara Fermín , Martínez Ignacio Elizalde , Chari Shruti Venkata
Published: July 2021

Santiago River is one of the most contaminated waterways in Mexico and its surface water quality evaluation during COVID-19 outbreak is critical to assess the changes and improvements, if any, from the nationwide lockdown (April-May 2020). Hence, the data for 12 water quality parameters from 13 sampling stations during April-May 2020 (lockdown) were compared with the levels for the same period of 2019 (pre-lockdown) and with the same interval of previous eleven-years (2009–2019). The values of BOD (14%), COD (29%), TSS (7%), f. coli (31%), t. coli (14%) and Pb (20%) declined, while pH, EC, turbidity, total nitrogen and As enhanced by 0.3–21% during the lockdown compared to the pre-lockdown period suggesting decrements of organic load in the river due to the temporary closure of industrial and commercial activities. An eleven-year comparison estimated the reduction of pH, TSS, COD, total nitrogen and Pb by 1–38%. The analysis of water quality index estimates showed short-term improvements of river water quality in the lockdown period, compared to pre-lockdown and eleven-year trend as well as indicated very poor quality of the river. The contamination sources identified by factor analysis were mainly related to untreated domestic sewage, industrial wastewaters and agriculture effluents influencing the river water quality. Overall, our findings demonstrated positive responses of COVID-19 imposed lockdown on water quality of the Santiago River during the study period, providing a foundation for the government policy makers to identify the sources of pollution, to better design environmental policies and plans for water quality improvements.
MCGDM Based on VIKOR and TOPSIS Methods Using Spherical Interval Valued Fuzzy Soft With Aggregation Operators
Authors: K ARULMOZHI , M Palanikumar
Published: July 2021

Spherical interval valued fuzzy soft set (SIVFS set) has much stronger ability than Pythagorean interval valued fuzzy soft set and interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy soft set. Now, we talk about aggregated operation for aggregating SIVFS decision matrix. TOPSIS and VIKOR methods are strong point of view for multi criteria group decision making (MCGDM), which is a various extensions of interval valued fuzzy soft sets. We talk through a score function based on aggregating TOPSIS and VIKOR method to the SIVFS-positive ideal solution and the SIVFSnegative ideal solution. Also TOPSIS and VIKOR methods are provides the weights of decision makings. To nd out the optimal alternative under closeness is introduced.
Lens-Related Ocular Emergencies (LROE) in Dogs: Treatment and Visual Outcome
Authors: Ali Khaled M. , Mostafa Ayman A.
Published: July 2021

Background

Lens-related emergencies need immediate medical intervention to reduce complications, minimize pain, and improve chances of retaining vision. The present study aimed to demonstrate the common lens-related ocular emergencies in dogs and evaluate the short-term outcomes after treatment of these cases. Sixty dogs (90 eyes) of different breeds were presented with unilateral (30 eyes, OD = 18, OS = 12) and bilateral (60 eyes) ocular abnormalities related to crystalline lens injury. Clinical, ultrasonographic, and laboratory examinations were achieved. Different treatment protocols were conducted after complete ophthalmic examination and the associated clinical outcomes were evaluated.
Results

Mean (± SD) age of dogs at initial evaluation was 3.65 (± 2.4) years (range, 1˗12 years). Lens luxation and subluxation were diagnosed in 45 eyes (25 with anterior lens luxation, 15 with subluxation, and 5 with posterior lens luxation). Lens-induced anterior uveitis without glaucoma (n = 25 eyes), uveitic glaucoma (n = 15 eyes), and lens capsule disruption (n = 5 eyes) were also diagnosed. The vision was lost in all 5 eyes with posterior lens luxation (100%), 18/25 eyes with anterior lens luxation (72%), and 5/15 eyes with lens subluxation (33.3%). Vision impairment was also identified in 10/25 eyes (40%) with unresponsive lens-induced anterior uveitis and in 5/5 eyes (100%) with traumatic rupture of the anterior lens capsule.
Conclusion

Crystalline lens injury can cause a wide variety of ocular emergencies that may result in blindness. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for handling lens-related emergencies in dogs.
Structural, Linear and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Some Al-free and Al-doped ZnO Nanopowder Samples
Authors: Moussa N.M. , Ebrahim F.M. , Gomaa Hosam Mohamed , Adly K. , Hassaan M.Y
Published: July 2021

This research work aims to prepare and characterization some Al-doped ZnO nanoparticles. The co-precipitation method was used for preparing the desired samples, where ZnO replaced by AlCl3. Then the resulted materials were characterized and their structural phases identified using the XRD technique, where eight crystalline phases were identified and then assigned to some of the interatomic planes, (100), (002), (101), (102), (110), (103), (112), and (201). Both the average crystalline size and the micro-strain were calculated for each sample, where it was found that both of them increase when Ai-content increases. UV-vis spectra showed an absorption peak centered at 3.34 eV which represents the optical bandgap of ZnO. Al-Impurities acted to improve and increase the value of the optical transmittance, especially in the visible light region. The increase of Al-content influenced, where their values increase when AL-content increases. the value of the calculated nonlinear refractive index may be considered promising for different optoelectronic applications.
Dabigatran and Remdesivir Synergistically Inhibit Coronavirus Replication
Authors: Nelson Alfred D. , Bi Yan , Ji Baoan
Published: July 2021

Background & Aims: Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) due to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) is an ongoing global pandemic causing more than three million deaths. Protease inhibitors had been shown to decrease viral entry. However, the role of dabigatran, an inhibitor of multiple proteases, on coronavirus remains unknown.Methods: MRC-5 cells, HCT-8, or Huh-7 cells were infected with Beta-coronavirus OC43 and SARS-CoV-2. Cytopathic effects (CPE) were monitored by imaging. Viral load was measured by quantitative RT-PCR. Viral protein was detected by Western blot.Results: Camostat, a serine protease inhibitor, had no effect on the replication of OC43 and SARS CoV-2 even at higher doses. Dabigatran inhibited replication, viral entry and CPE of OC43 in a dose-dependent manner. Dabigatran and Remdisivir synergistically inhibited OC43 virus replication. Conclusions: Dabigatran may be beneficial in treating SARS-CoV-2 both for anticoagulation and viral replication inhibition need to be evaluated further.
Development and Characterization of Microsatellite Markers, Genetic Diversity and Population Structure Analysis in Sapota (Manilkara Zapota (L.) P. Royen)
Authors: Ravishankar Kundapura Venkataramana , Sathanandam Pavithra , Patil Prakash , Rekha Ajitha , Muthuvel Iyyamperumal , Patel Amrutlal , Boggala Ramesh , Shirol Adiveppa
Published: July 2021

Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen, a widely adaptable and popular tree meant for its appetizing fruits in tropics with no genomic resources like microsatellite markers. In order to develop genomic markers primarily for sapota, we sequenced partial genomic DNA using next generation sequencing technology on the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. We analyzed a total of 3.3 Gb data that were assembled into 6396224 contigs. From these contigs, 3591 simple sequence repeats were identified. Among the different type of repeats mononucleotide repeats (59.1%) were predominant followed by dinucleotide (28.6%) and trinucleotide repeats (8.2%). Primers were designed for 1285 microsatellite regions from which 30 randomly selected primers were standardized and employed for amplification in 53 genotypes of sapota. We observed 692 alleles from 30 loci with a polymorphic information content ranged from 0.85 to 0.96 with a mean of 0.9118. The probability of identity ranged from 0.002 to 0.043 with a mean of 0.012. Genetic diversity assessed by neighbour-joining and STRUCTURE assignment tests showed admixed population with 3 groups. Analysis of molecular variance revealed a significant F st value of 0.69659 indicating high genetic differentiation among the 53 genotypes. The developed microsatellites will be advantageous in assessing genetic diversity, developing linkage map and also molecular characterization of genotypes
DFF40-iRGD, As A Novel Chimeric Protein With Efficient Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effects Against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Amrollahi-nia Raheleh , Akbari Vajihe , Shafiee Fatemeh
Published: July 2021

Purpose

DNA fragmenting factor (DFF40), an endonuclease inducing irreversible apoptosis protein, is down-regulated in many types of tumor cells. iRGD is a tumor-penetrating peptide with high affinity to cancer cells overexpressing αVβ3 receptors. The aim of this study was to produce the recombinant DFF40-iRGD protein as a new molecule to selectively induce cytotoxicity in cancer cells and to evaluate its biological effects.
Methods

The three-dimensional structure of DFF40-iRGD was predicted using Modeller software and its interaction with αVβ3 receptor was evaluated by HADDOCK web-server. Recombinant DFF40 and DFF40-iRGD proteins were produced using intein fusion system in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). To improve the soluble expression, the inducer concentration, temperature and incubation time were optimized. After purification of DFF40 and DFF40-iRGD using chitin column, the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of the proteins against MDA-MB-231 (αVβ3 positive) and MCF-7 (αVβ3 negative) cell lines were evaluated using cell viability assay and flow cytometric analysis.
Results

The results of molecular docking indicated the proper interaction of DFF40-iRGD with the integrin receptor comparable to iRGD. The optimum conditions of soluble expression of proteins were the induction with 0.5 mM and 0.1 mM of IPTG for DFF40 and DFF40-iRGD, respectively, at 7 ºC for 24 hours. After 48 hours of incubation, DFF40-iRGD exhibited significantly higher cytotoxic effect against MDA-MB-231 cells than MCF-7 cells as IC50 values of 0.77 and 1.64 µg/ml were found for MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells, respectively. However, DFF40 cytotoxicity was not significantly different in two cell lines. Furthermore, Flow cytometry results showed that the fusion protein can induce remarkably apoptotic cell death in cancer cells.
Conclusion

in this study, DFF40-iRGD protein was produced in soluble form and its inhibitory effects on cancer cell survival and induction of apoptosis were demonstrated; therefore, it has the potential to be used as a drug candidate for targeted treatment of breast cancer, especially Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells.
In-Vivo Study of Green Synthesised Gold Nanoparticles on Inflammatory Cytokines as Diagnostic Biomarker in Acetaminophen Induced Immunotoxicity in Rat Model
Authors: Mitra Mousumi , Mitra Sudeep , Nandi Dilip Kumar
Published: July 2021

Nanomedicines are widely used as possible therapeutics and diagnostics for wide variety of diseases. It have been used for successful delivery of hydrophilic and hydrophobic small molecules drugs, and biomacromolecules, such as enzymes, recombinant proteins, peptides, hormones, monoclonal antibodies and also used for the delivery of nucleic acids of different sizes and structures.Gold nanoparticles possess promising ameliorative effects due to their distinctive properties such as high surface reactivity, biocompatibility, flexibility in functionalization and a broad range of delivery targets. This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of green synthesised gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using aqueous bark extract of Terminaliaarjunaon acetaminophen induced immunotoxicityin the experimental rat model.Group1- Control group; Group 2- Acetaminophen administered intraperitoneally at concentration of 500mg /kg of body weight for 14 days; Group 3- Co-administration of Terminaliaarjuna aqueous bark extract (175µg/kg/day) along with acetaminophen (500mg/kg/day) treatment for 14 days; Group 4- Co-administration of AuNPs (175µg/kg/day) along with acetaminophen treatment (500mg/kg/day) intraperitoneally for 14 days. After 14 days all animals were sacrificed for the immunological analysis.Immunological analysis revealed that there was significant decrease in the IL-10 level with acetaminophen treatment but marked increase in the KIM-1, Cystatin C, TNF-alpha and, IL-18 level.After co-administration with AuNPs along with acetaminophen showed effective significant recovery in theexpression of inflammatory biomarkers. Hence, the results highlighted on the protective effectsAuNPs against acetaminophen inducedimmunotoxity.
Deployment of Hub-Spoke Tethered Satellite Formation with Adaptive Sliding Mode Tension Control
Authors: Liu Chenguang , Wang Wei , Kang Junjie , Zhu Zheng H.
Published: July 2021

This paper studies the deployment control of a spinning hub-spoke tethered satellite formation, which is a challenging issue due to the strong nonlinear coupling between the hub and sub-satellites, and the underactuated nature of the system if no thrust is used for control. The mathematical model of the formation system is established based on the assumption of rigid body of the hub, inextensible tether, and lumped masses of the sub-satellites. Two novel formation deployment controllers are proposed based on tension control and hybrid tension-thrust control strategies, where underactuated sliding mode control and nonsingular terminal sliding mode control method are used, respectively. The adaptive control theory is adopted to estimate the unknown upper bound of the gravitational perturbation caused by the rotation of the system around the hub. It can be proven by the Lyapunov theory that the close-loop systems have bounded and asymptotic stability under these two deployment controllers, respectively. Finally, numerical simulations are conducted to validate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed controllers.
Applications of Rough Soft to Extensions Semihypergroups Induced by Operators and Corresponding Decision Making Methods
Authors: Khorshid Noreh Rakhsh , Ostadhadi-dehkordi Sohrab
Published: July 2021

In this article, we apply rough soft set to a special algebraic hyperstructure, which obtained of disjoint Γ-semihypergroups, and give the concept of rough soft semihypergroup. We propose the notion of lower
and upper approximations with respect to a special semihypergroup and obtain some properties of them. Moreover, we consider a connection between lower(upper) approximation of a special semihypergroup
and lower(upper) approximation of associated Γ-hypergroupoid. In the last section of this research, we discuss the decision making algorithm of rough soft semihypergroups and we obtain a relation between the decision making algorithm of rough soft semihypergroups and their associated rough soft Γ-hypergroupoid for a special semihypergroup.
Modeling Method of CNC Machine Tools’ Volume Error Considering Abbe Error
Authors: CHEN GUOHUA , Zhang Lin , WANG XIANGJIE , WANG CHAO , XIANG HUA , TONG GUANGQING , ZHAO DIANZHANG
Published: July 2021

Abbe error is an important factor affecting high-precision machine tools, and the traditional modeling method does not consider Abbe error. Aiming at this problem, based on the traditional error model of machine tools and the formation mechanism of Abbe error, this paper establishes a machine tool spatial error model that considers Abbe error. Then combined with a specific machine tool, based on the measurement of 21 geometric errors of the machine tool to obtain relevant error data, through the combination of qualitative and quantitative accuracy evaluation methods, two models of traditional error model and error model considering Abbe error are analyzed. The accuracy of the machine tool is compared, and the comparison of the compensation effects of the two error models after compensation is also analyzed. The example verification shows that the machine tool spatial error model considering Abbe error is effective and feasible, and the compensation effect is better. It provides an important modeling method for improving the machining accuracy of precision machine tools.
Biomechanical Evaluation of a New Anatomic Locking Buttress Plate for Posteromedial Tibial Plateau Fixation.
Authors: Lin Kai Cheng , Tarng Yih Wen , Wei Hung-Wen , Lin Kun-Jhih
Published: July 2021

Background: Dealing with high-energy fractures of the tibial plateau remains a challenge despite advances in implants, surgical approaches, and imaging methods. Posterior buttress plate is most commonly used implant but the fixation stability is still a challenge. Recently, a newly designed tibial locking plate was introduced that aims to provide better fixation strength for tibial plateau split fracture. This study compared the biomechanical strength of three different posteromedial tibial plateau split fracture fixation methods. Methods: The tibial plateau fractures were simulated using a human tibiae model. Each fracture model was virtually implanted with one of the three following constructs, proximal medial tibial plate (PMT), proximal posterior medial tibial plate (PPMT), and posterior T-shaped buttress plate (TBP). Posteromedial fragment vertical subsidence was measured under 2000 N joint contact force. The maximum Equivalent stress on the bone plate and bone screw and the construct stiffness were determined.Results: The proximal medial tibial plate (PMT) allowed the least posteromedial fragment subsidence and produced higher construct stiffness than each of the other two constructs. However, the proximal posterior medial tibial plate (PPMT) showed higher stiffness than the T-shaped buttress plate (TBP). The maximum Equivalent stress was the smallest for the proximal medial tibial plate (PMT).Conclusion: This study showed that the proximal medial tibial locking plate or proximal posterior medial tibial locking plate were biomechanically more stable fixation methods for posteromedial split tibial plateau fractures.
Vertical Graphene Arrays for AC Line-Filtering Capacitors
Authors: Zhang Jin , Xu Shichen , Wen Yeye , Chen Zhuo , Ji Nannan , Wu Mingmao , Zou Zhigang , Qu Liangti
Published: July 2021

High-frequency responsive electrochemical capacitor (EC), which can convert alternating current (AC) in the circuit to direct current (DC), is an ideal filtering capacitor with lightweight superiority to replace the bulky aluminum electrolytic capacitor (AEC). However, current electrodes are difficult to achieve high energy density and high-frequency response properties simultaneously, primarily due to the electrode structure dilemmas of maximizing the electrode area or accelerating the ion transport. Herein, strictly vertical graphene arrays (SVGAs) directly prepared by electric-field-assisted plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition have been successfully designed as the main electrode material of ECs to ensure the ions rapidly adsorb/desorb within the richly available surface spaces. The SVGAs exhibit an excellent specific areal capacitance of 1.72 mF‧cm− 2 at Φ120 = 80.6° even after 500,000 cycles in the aqueous ECs, which is far better than that of most quasi-vertical electrodes and carbon-related materials. Impressively, the output voltage could also be improved to 2.5 V when using the organic electrolyte, and an ultra-high energy density of 4.75 mF‧V2‧cm− 2 at Φ120 = 80.6° can also be handily achieved. Moreover, both aqueous and organic ECs-SVGAs can well smooth arbitrary AC waveforms into DC signals, indicating that ECs-SVGAs have colossal potentials to replace outmoded AECs.
A Rare Case of Aggressive Systemic Mastocytosis Involving the Gastrointestinal System and Review of Literature
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Zheng Zhong , Niu Feng-nan , Wang Ting , Zhang Biao , Fan Xiang-shan , Yu Hui-ping
Published: July 2021

Background Systemic mastocytosis is a rare disease and most patients have pigmented urticarial skin lesions. It can be easily missed and misdiagnosed in small biopsies, especially in those patients with nonspecific clinical complaints or untypical skin lesions. Case presentation We report a case of 69-year-old man who have presented with 2-year of diarrhea, progressive weight loss of 20kg and abdominal distention for 3 months. Ultrasound and abdominal CT scan showed massive effusions in abdominal and pelvic cavity. Colonoscopy was performed and showed intensive mucosal proliferations forming polypoid appearances. Microscopically, monotonously uniform, small, round tumor cells with slightly rich cytoplasm were concentrated between the residual glands in the colonoscopic biopsy. The tumor cells showed positive expression of CD117 and S-100, and low Ki-67 proliferation index of 2%, while Trypsin, CK, CD68, CD1a, Langerin, Syn, CgA, CD56, SATB2, CD20, CD3, α-inhibin and SMA were all negative. KIT D816V mutation was detected as well. Liver biopsy showed that CD117 positive cells were more than 15 cells in aggregates around the hepatic portal area and less than 15% mast cells were found in bone marrow smears. No multiple or diffuse pattern of mast cells infiltration was seen by repeated skin biopsies of skin lesions. With all these considered, the diagnosis of aggressive systemic mastocytosis was made. Conclusions The diagnosis of aggressive systemic mastocytosis is challenging for untypical clinical manifestations and subtle or inconspicuous lesions, especially in endoscopic biopsies, which requires awareness and a close teamwork of pathologists and clinicians.
Effect of Lead on the Development and Nutrient Accumulation Ability of Musca Domestica
Authors: Wang Wanqiang , Tang Wenzheng , Zhang Jie , Wen Yiting , Wang Xiaoping , Zhu Fen
Published: July 2021

Lead pollution poses a threat to the survival of animals, plants and humans. Environmental pollution conversion with insects is a new type of environmental management. Housefly (Musca domestica) may be an efficient, economical, and safe choice for lead pollution control. However, this needs to make sure that houseflies are strongly resistant to lead contamination. In this study, housefly larvae, pupae and adult growth parameters and adult fecundity under lead treatment were counted, and changes in digestive enzyme activities and gene expression levels were detected to comprehensively analyze the tolerance of housefly to lead exposure. As a result, lead accumulated in the larvae under 5000 mg/kg lead treatment and caused a decrease in the survival rate of the larvae, extension of the developmental duration, decrease of the body weight, and dynamic changes in oviposition dynamics. The total sugar and total protein content of the larvae decreased, while the amylase and trypsin activities decreased, the total lipid content increased, and the lipase activity increased, the expression of all digestive enzyme genes changed. 20 mg/kg lead treatment has no significant effect on the growth and development of housefly. In conclusion, lead exposure mainly affected the growth rate of larvae and adult fecundity by affecting the efficiency of housefly nutrient accumulation.
Promising Diagnostic Accuracy of Plasma GFAP and NfL Within The AD Continuum
Authors: Parvizi Tandis , Koenig Theresa , Wurm Raphael , Silvaieh Sara , Altmann Patrick , Klotz Sigrid , Rommer Paulus , Furtner Julia , Regelsberger Guenther , Lehrner Johann , Traub-Weidinger Tatjana , Gelpi-Mantius Ellen , Stögmann Elisabeth
Published: July 2021

Background: Blood-based biomarkers may add a great benefit in detecting the earliest neuropathological changes in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We examined the utility of neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) regarding clinical diagnosis and amyloid positivity in an outpatient memory clinic - based cohort. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, we included a total of 185 patients, 141 patients along clinical the AD continuum, i.e. subjective cognitive decline (SCD, n=18), mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n=63), AD (n=60) and 44 age-matched healthy controls (HC). CSF and plasma concentrations of NfL and GFAP were measured with single molecule array (SIMOAâ) technology using the Neurology 2-Plex B kit from Quanterix. Amyloid-PET was performed in 75 patients and graded as amyloid positive and negative by visual rating. To assess the discriminatory potential of different biomarkers, age- and sex-adjusted receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated and the area under the curve (AUC) of each model was compared using DeLong’s test for correlated AUC curves.Results: We constructed a panel combining plasma NfL and GFAP with known AD risk factors (age+sex+APOE4+GFAP+NfL panel). Using this panel, AUC was 91.6% for HC vs. AD, 81.7% for HC vs. MCI, 85% for SCD vs. AD, 81.3% for SCD vs. MCI, 77.7% for HC vs. SCD and 72.3% for MCI vs. AD. In terms of predicting amyloid PET status, we computed an AUC of 88.4%. Conclusion: The combination of plasma GFAP and NfL with well-established risk factors could contribute crucially to the identification of patients at risk, and thereby facilitate inclusion of patients in clinical trials for disease modifying therapies.