bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Three-Dimensional (3D) Carbon-Metal-Polymeric framework: Efficient removal of Chemical and Biological Contaminants
Authors: Venkataramanan Sasidharan , Sachan Deepa , Chauhan Divya , Talreja Neetu , Ashfaq Mohammad
Published: February 2021

The continuously increasing existence of contaminants such as chemical and biological mainly dye, bacteria, and heavy metals ions in water bodies has increased environmental concern due to their hostile effects on living things. Therefore, it the necessity to be developing newer material that skirmishes such environmental menace. The present works focus on the synthesis of a novel three-dimensional (3D) polymer-metal-carbon (3D-PMC) framework for the exclusion of contaminants (chemical and biological) from water bodies. Initially, polyurethane (PU) foam was treated with nitric acid and used as a scaffold for the development of 3D-PMC. The copper nanosheet (Cu-NS) were deposited on to the functionalized PU foam to produce Cu-NS-PU material. The mechanically exfoliated graphene and mixed with chitosan to produce a graphene-chitosan homogenous suspension. The produce homogenous suspension was deposited Cu-NS-PU for the development of the 3D-PMC framework. The prepared 3D-PMC framework was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-rays diffraction (XRD) analysis. The prepared 3D-PMC framework was subjected to various adsorption parameters to assess the sorption ability of the material. The prepared 3D-PMC framework was effectively used for the removal of chromium (Cr) metal ions and Congo-red (CR) dye from the water system. The synthesis of the 3D-PMC framework is simple, novel, cost-effective, and economically viable. Therefore, the prepared 3D-PMC framework has the potential to be used as a filter assembly in water treatment technologies.
Reduction of Pericyte Coverage Leads to Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction Via Endothelial Transcytosis Following Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion
Authors: Sun Zhengyu , Gao Chenhao , Gao Dandan , Sun Ruihua , Li Wei , Wang Fengyu , Wang Yanliang , Cao Huixia , Zhou Guoyu , Zhang Jiewen , Shang Junkui
Published: February 2021

Background: Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) is the leading cause for cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). CCH is strongly associated with blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction and white matter lesions (WML) in CSVD. But the effects of CCH on BBB integrity and constituents as well as the cellular and molecular mechanisms about the consequences of BBB dysfunction remain elusive. Whether maintaining BBB integrity can reverse CCH induced brain damage has also not been explored. Methods: In this study, we used a rat model of CSVD, established via permanent bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2VO) to mimic the chronic hypoperfusive state of CSVD. The progression of BBB dysfunction and components of the BBB was assessed using immunostaining, western blotting and transmission electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using the one-way ANOVA test or two-tailed unpaired Student’s t tests.Results: We noted a transient yet severe breakdown of the BBB in the CC following CCH. The BBB was severely impaired as early as 1 day post operation and most severely impaired 3 days post operation. BBB breakdown preceded WML and neuroinflammatory responses. Moreover, pericyte loss was associated with BBB impairment and accumulation of serum proteins was mediated by increased endothelial transcytosis in the CC. BBB dysfunction led to brain damage by regulating TGF-β/Smad2 signaling. Further, protection of the BBB via inhibition of endothelial transcytosis ameliorated serum proteins leakage, microglial activation, oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) activation and inappropriate TGF-β/Smad2 signaling activation. Conclusions: Our results indicate that reduced pericyte coverage leads to increased BBB permeability via endothelial transcytosis and protection of the BBB integrity ameliorates brain damage by regulating TGF-β/Smad2 signaling following CCH, therefore reversal of BBB dysfunction may be a promising strategy to treat CSVD.
Value Addition to Forecasting: Towards Kharif Rice Crop Predictability Through Local Climate Variations Associated With Indo-Pacific Climate Drivers.
Authors: Amat Hemadri Bhusan , Pradhan Maheswar , Tejavath C. T. , Dey Avijit , Rao Suryachandra A. , Sahai A. K. , Ashok Karumuri
Published: February 2021

The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) has generated seasonal and extended range hindcast products for 1981-2008 and 2003-2016 respectively using the IITM-Climate Forecast System (IITM-CFS) coupled model at various resolutions and configurations. Notably, our observational analysis suggests that for the 1981-2008 period, the tropical Indo-Pacific drivers, namely, the canonical El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), ENSO Modoki, and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) are significantly associated with the observed Kharif rice production (KRP) of various rice-growing Indian states. In this paper, using the available hindcasts, we evaluate whether these state-of-the-art retrospective forecasts capture the relationship of the KRP of multiple states with the local rainfall as well as the tropical Indo-Pacific drivers, namely, the canonical ENSO, ENSO Modoki and the IOD. Using techniques of anomaly correlation, partial correlation, and pattern correlation, we surmise that the IITM-CFS successfully simulate the observed association of the tropical Indo-Pacific drivers with the local rainfall of many states during the summer monsoon. Significantly, the observed relationship of the local KRP with various climate drivers is predicted well for several Indian states such as United Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, and Bihar. The basis seems to be the model's ability to capture the teleconnections from the tropical Indo-Pacific drivers such as the IOD, canonical and Modoki ENSOs to the local climate, and consequently, the Kharif rice production.
Dietary Calcium Intake and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women in Loma District, South West Ethiopia, 2020 
Authors: Tofu Adisu Hailu , Kassa Yibeltal , Amamo Damene Darota
Published: February 2021

Background: Low dietary calcium intakes could cause harmful effects to the pregnant woman by influencing pregnancy outcome. Adequate intake of dietary calcium during pregnancy reduces the risk of complications and aids in improved birth outcome. Many researchers focus on urban areas to address the issue and our study was focused on rural community. Hence the study is aimed at assessing dietary calcium intake in rural communities.Objective: To assess the dietary calcium intakes and associated factors among pregnant women in Loma, south west Ethiopia from May to July, 2019Methods: -A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Loma district, Dawuro zone, southwest Ethiopia. Data were collected from 398 pregnant women after random selection from nine kebeles. Simple random sampling technique was employed to select study subjects. Socio-economic and demographic, and health related data was collected using structured, interviewer administered, and pre tested questionnaire. The 24 hr dietary recall was used for three different days with seven days interval as per the recommendation. When dietary data is collected, often it was converted into nutrients, especially the calcium intake by using Ethiopian food composition table. Collected data was checked for completeness, and entered in to Epi Data version 3.02 for data clearance and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. AOR with 95% C.I results of multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the statistical significance of associations between independent and dependent variables. The level of statistical significance was declared at p <0.05.Result: The median calcium intake was 543mg per day. From 398 participants, 265(66.6%) were at risk of inadequate intake of calcium. Greater than half 249 (62.6%) respondents had practiced avoiding calcium rich food during their pregnancy. The finding of this study identified that nutritional counseling have strong statistical association with dietary calcium intake of mothers during pregnancy. The chance of dietary calcium intakes during pregnancy who were received nutritional counseling 2.4 times higher than those who were not received nutritional counseling (AOR=2.432 95% CI: 1.072-5.517).Conclusion and recommendation: From the present study, it can be concluded that, majority of pregnant mothers 265(66.6%) had a poor dietary calcium intakes during their pregnancy. It is recommended that consumption of enough calcium and dairy products should be included and emphasized in the nutrition education component of maternal health programs.
Linear Diamides Derivative-Nucleated Biodegradable Poly(ethylene succinate) Polyester: Crystallization Kinetics and Aggregated Structure Manipulated by Hydrogen Bond Interaction
Authors: Zhou Shanshan , Sun Yongyan , Ma Huimin , Jia Chunfeng , Sun Xiaoyu , Yang Yubin , Liu Juan , Yang Jinjun
Published: February 2021

A linear diamides derivative (TMC300) as a nucleating agent (NA) was incorporated into biodegradable poly(ethylene succinate) (PES) to investigate effect of TMC300 on nucleation, crystallizability, crystallization kinetics, aggregated structure of PES. TMC300 enhanced significantly crystallizability and crystallization temperature of PES in cooling process at a rate of 10 ℃/min from molten state, indicating that TMC300 exhibits an excellent nucleation effect on PES. IR measurement suggested that TMC300 interacts with amorphous carbonyl and ester group, and crystalline CH2 group of PES via hydrogen bond. Change rate of carbonyl group is comparable to that of C‒C backbone of PES, regardless of the presence or absence of TMC300. Small difference of diffraction peak in WAXD measurement between neat PES and PES/TMC300 is probably attributed to spherulitic orientation on film surface of neat PES, and different spatial arrangements in the same crystal lattice. TMC300 enhanced carbon residue yield of PES/TMC300 composite, probably related to slight flame retardance effect.
Analysis of major sperm proteins in two nematode species from two classes, Enoplus brevis (Enoplea, Enoplida) and Panagrellus redivivus (Chromadorea, Rhabditida), reveal similar localization, but less homology of protein sequences than expected for Nematoda phylum
Authors: Zograf Julia K. , Trebukhova Yulia A. , Yushin Vladimir V. , Yakovlev Konstantin V.
Published: February 2021

Major sperm proteins (MSP) are a nematode-specific system of motor proteins required for amoeboid sperm movement. A number of MSP genes vary in different nematode species, but encoded protein sequences reveal high homology between these proteins. In fact, all studies of MSPs localization and functions are based exclusively on the representatives of the order Rhabditida belonging to the nematode class Chromadorea, while MSP-driven sperm movement in Enoplea, another major clade of the phylum Nematoda is still unconfirmed. In this study, we found out the presence of MSPs in the enoplean nematode Enoplus brevis (Enoplida) and compared MSP localization in sperm of this species with the chromadorean nematode Panagrellus redivivus (Rhabditida). Then, we analyzed the putative MSP sequences of both species. Our results indicate that MSPs are presented in E. brevis spermatozoa and form filamentous structures after sperm activation, which may be considered as the evidence of their motor functions similar to those in the spermatozoa of chromadorean nematodes. We found that E. brevis MSPs show lower homology to known proteins of rhabditids which species reveal hyper-conservatism in MSP protein sequences. It reflects evidently more distant evolutionary relationships of Enoplea and Chromadorea than exist within Rhabditida order. Our data denote necessity of reconsideration of view on MSP evolution within Nematoda.
In Vitro Selection of Irradiated Plantlets of Vanilla Planifolia Jacks. In the Face of Water Stress
Authors: Iglesias-Andreu Lourdes GEORGINA , Ramos-Castellá Alma Laura , Chávez María de Lourdes Palafox
Published: February 2021

Currently, premature fruit fall is one of the major problems of vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Jacks.) cultivation. This phenomenon has been related to its high susceptibility to drought, a consequence of the low genetic variability of this crop. For this reason, it is of great importance to undertake genetic improvement programs in order to obtain genotypes with greater tolerance to this abiotic factor. With this aim, the present work was developed, in order to select in vitro irradiated shoots, with different doses of gamma rays (0.5 to 19 Gy), cultivated in Murashige & Skoog (MS) medium containing: 0, 10 and 15% of polyethylene glycol (PEG). The results showed a greater proliferation of irradiated shoots, with doses of 0.5 and 1 Gy (8.88 ± 3.04 and 6.43 ± 0.98). Shoots irradiated with 0.5 Gy had a faster growth (19.26 ± 6.87 mm) while those irradiated with 3 Gy showed a higher number of leaves (2.38 ± 0.71). Nodal segments of shoots irradiated with 9, 15, 17 and 19 Gy, lost their ability to multiply. Vitroplants from 13 Gy, grown in a medium containing 15 %, showed greater tolerance to water deficit. These vitroplants kept their leaves and showed significant differences in the accumulation of betaine glycine (21.46 ± 4.55 μmol betaine glycine/dry weight), in relation to the accumulation of non-irradiated vitroplants. Therefore, it is considered that the dose of 13 Gy can generate variability and improve tolerance to simulated water stress in vitro.
Continuous Recording of Vital Signs With a Wearable Device in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy for Cancer – an Operational Feasibility Study
Authors: Koenig Christa , Ammann Roland A , Kuehni Claudia E , Roessler Jochen , Brack Eva
Published: February 2021

PurposePediatric patients with cancer are at high risk for severe infections. Infections can trigger changes of vital signs long before clinical symptoms arise. Continuous recording may detect such changes earlier than discrete measurements. We aimed to assess the feasibility of continuous recording of vital sings by a wearable device (WD) in pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.MethodsIn this prospective, observational single-center study pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer wore the Everion® WD for 14 days.ResultsTwenty patients were included (median age, 6 years; range, 2-16). Six patients (predefined feasibility criterion, ≥15 patients) aged 3-16 years fulfilled the patient specific goal, defined as heart rate recorded with good quality during ≥18 hours/day on ≥7 consecutive days. The quality of heart rate recording was good during 3992 of 6576 (61%) hours studied, poor during 300 (5%) hours, and no data was recorded during 2284 (35%) hours. Eighteen of 20 participants indicated that this WD is acceptable to measure vital sings in children undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. ConclusionWe found that continuous recording of vital signs is feasible across a very wide age range in pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. In the configuration studied, however, the predefined feasibility criterion was not fulfilled. This was mainly due to important compliance problems and independent of the WD itself. These results will influence the design of future WD-studies including those aiming to identify patterns predicting fever or infection. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04134429) the 22th of October, 2019.
Long-Term Outcome and Quality of Life After Cavernoma Resection: Eloquent vs. Non-Eloquent Areas.
Authors: Shoubash Loay , Baldauf Jörg , Matthes Marc , Kirsch Michael , Rath Matthias , Felbor Ute , Schroeder Henry
Published: February 2021

Objective: To analyze the long-term quality of life after surgery of cavernoma.Methods: A monocentric retrospective study was conducted on 69 patients with cavernoma treated microsurgically between 2000 and 2016. The eloquence was adopted from Spetzler-Martin definition. A most recent follow-up was elicited between 2017 and 2019, in which the quality of life (QoL) was evaluated with the Short Form-12 questionnaire (SF12).Results: 41 lesions were in eloquent group (EG), 22 in non-eloquent group (NEG), 3 in orbit and 3 in the spinal cord. Postoperative worsening of the modified Rankin scale (mRS) occurred in 19.5% of cases in EG versus 4.5% in NEG. After a mean follow-up of 6.5 years, the neurological status was better or unchanged compared to baseline in 85.4% of EG and 100% of NEG. 44 patients (EG n =27, NEG n = 14) attended the last follow-up. The EG had mostly comparable QoL results matched to NEG except for the physical role (RP). The study population when compared to the norms, did well on only half of the parameters of SF12. Yet, the general health (GH), vitality, physical (RP) and emotional roles (RE) were significantly inferior.Conclusion: At a late follow-up, the surgical morbidity was transient in the NEG and mostly recovered in the EG. Regarding QoL, Patients after eloquent cavernoma resection reported a non-inferior QoL in most SF12 domains (except for physical role) compared to NEG. However, they reported general health perception inferior to norms, which was affected by the limited physical and emotional roles.
Brain-Behavior Dynamics Between The Left Fusiform and Reading
Authors: Beelen Caroline , Wouters Jan , Ghesquière Pol , Vandermosten Maaike
Published: February 2021

The visual word form area (VWFA) plays a significant role in the development of reading skills. However, the developmental course and anatomical properties of the VWFA have only limitedly been investigated. The aim of the current longitudinal MRI study was to investigate dynamic, bidirectional relations between reading and the structure of the left fusiform gyrus at the early-to-advanced reading stage. More specifically, by means of bivariate correlations and a cross-lagged panel model (CLPM), the interrelations between the size of the left fusiform gyrus and reading skills (a composite score of a word and pseudo-word reading task) were studied in a longitudinal cohort of 43 Flemish children (29M, 14F) with variable reading skills in grade 2 (the early stage of reading) and grade 5 (the advanced stage of reading) of primary school. Results revealed that better reading skills at grade 2 lead to a larger size of the left fusiform gyrus at grade 5, whereas there are no directional effects between the size of the left fusiform gyrus at grade 2 and reading skills at grade 5. Hence, according to our results there is behavior-driven brain plasticity and no brain-driven reading change between the early and advanced stage of reading. Together with pre-reading brain studies showing predictive relations to later reading scores, our results suggest that the direction of brain-behavioral influences changes throughout the course of reading development.
Effect of Hydroxyapatite Nano Rods on Sinterability and Bioactivity of Fe-14Mn-6Si Alloy Prepared By Powder Metallurgy
Authors: Zawrah M F , Allah Ibrahim M. Hassab , Awad Ayman R. Abdellah , Ata Moataz Bellah H.
Published: February 2021

Recently, there is a great of industrial interest on the production of biodegradable metal/ceramic composites. The casted Fe-Mn-Si alloys prepared by casting tools have low biodegradable rate; so it is important to seek a method as powder metallurgy (PM) to prepare porous bodies with increased biodegradability. Moreover, the addition of hydroxyapatite (HA) nano rods to that alloy increases its bioactivity and forms composite with improved properties. In the present study, Fe-14Mn-6Si/HA composites were prepared by PM and sintered at different temperatures, i.e. 1100, 1150 and 1200oC. Also, the effect of HA nano-rods content on the composite properties (physical properties, microstructure and micro hardness) and bioactivity were studied. The results revealed that bulk density increased with increasing sintering temperature up to 1150oC; then decreased at 1200oC. Also, the bulk density increased with increasing the HA content. Moreover, the hardness of the sintered composites increased with increasing sintering temperature and HA amount. The maximum hardness values were 1293 & 1792 MPa for the specimens which contain 8 % HA and sintered at 1150 and 1200oC, respectively. The bioactivity of the prepared composites increased with increasing HA amount. The highest bioactivity was for the composite that contains 8 wt.% HA.
Comparison of Chief Complaints and Patient-Reported Symptoms of Treatment-Naive Lung Cancer Patients Before Surgery
Authors: Feng Yaqian , Dai Wei , Wang Yaqin , Liao Jia , Wei Xing , Xie Shaohua , Xu Wei , Li Qiang , Liu Fang , Shi Qiuling
Published: February 2021

BackgroundLung cancer patients without chief complaints have been increasingly identified by physical examination. This study aimed to profile and compare chief complaints with patient-reported symptoms of lung cancer patients before surgery.MethodsData was extracted from a multicenter, prospective longitudinal study (CN-PRO-Lung 1) in China from November 2017 and January 2020. A comparison between chief complaints and patient-reported symptoms was analyzed using the Chi-squared test.ResultsA total of 201 (50.8%) lung cancer patients without chief complaints were found by physical examination at admission, and 195(49.2%) patients had chief complaints. The top 5 chief complaints were coughing (38.1%), expectoration (25.5%), chest pain (13.6%), hemoptysis (10.6%), and shortness of breath (5.1%). There were significantly more patients with chief complaints of coughing (38.1% vs. 15.0 %, P <0.001) and pain (20.5% vs. 6.9%, P<0.001) than those with the same symptoms rated ≥4 via MDASI-LC. There were less patients with chief complaints of fatigue (1.8% vs. 10.9%, P<0.001), nausea (0.3% vs. 2.5%, P=0.006), and vomiting (0.3% vs. 1.8%, p=0.032) than those with the same symptoms rated ≥4 via MDASI-LC. In patients without chief complaints, the five most common moderate to severe patient-reported symptoms were disturbed sleep (19.5%), distress (13.5%), dry mouth (13%), sadness (12%), and difficulty remembering (11.1%).ConclusionsSymptoms of lung cancer patients not included in the chief complaint could be identified via a patient-reported outcome instrument, suggesting the necessity of implementing the patient-reported outcome assessment before lung cancer surgery for better patient care.
Potential Analysis of Baccharis Dracunculifolia and Baccharis Trimera for Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals in Copper Mining Tailings Area, Southern Brazil
Authors: Afonso Thays , Demarco Carolina , Pieniz Simone , Quadro Maurízio , Camargo Flávio , Andreazza Robson
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the phytoremediation potential promoted by Baccharis dracunculifolia DC. and Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. incopper mining tailings area, Southern Brazil. The plants were selected considering their spontaneous growth on tailings. The phytoremediation indexes as a translocation factor (TF), bioconcentration factor (BCF), metal extraction ratio (MER) and plant effective number (PEN) were carried out. Both species showed higher concentration of heavy metals in the roots in relation to the shoots. B. trimera showed potential for phytoextraction of Zn, Cd, Cr, Pb and phytostabilization of Ba and Ni, whereas B. dracunculifolia showed potential for phytoextraction Pb and phytostabilization of Cu, Zn, and Ba. B. trimera showed higher potential in phytoremediation of the metals Cu > Zn > Cr > Ni and Cd than the B. dracunculifolia. B. trimera requires a smaller number of plants to remove 1 g of Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb, Niand Cd than the B. dracunculifolia. The values of PENs for Cu were close to those estimated for B. dracunculifolia, but the PENs (Cu) and PENt (Cu) in B. trimera are much lower, meaning that a smaller number of plants are required for decontamination. Both species showed potential for phytoremediation of metals and grew spontaneously in the tailing mining area.
Pollution, human health risk assessment and spatial distribution of toxic metals in urban soil of Yazd City, Iran
Authors: Soltani-Gerdefaramarzi Somayeh , Ghasemi Mohsen , Gheisouri Morteza
Published: February 2021

Heavy metal pollution significantly reduces the quality of the environment and threatens human health especially in industrial cities. This study investigated toxic metals concentrations, pollution levels and human health risks assessment of urban soils in Yazd city, as an industrial city in center of Iran. Soil surface samples (0–10 cm) were collected from 30 points in the area for geochemical analysis. The concentrations of heavy metals were determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).The values of the mean concentrations of toxic metals (mg kg− 1) in the urban soils decrease in the order of Zn (83.9) > Pb (34.5) > Cr (32.6) > Cu (23.5) > Ni (23.4) > As (5.86) > Co (4.86) > Cd (0.27). The mean concentration of Zn, Pb, As and Cd elements were higher than the background and the crust values. A pollution assessment by Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Pollution Index (PI), Contamination Degree (CD), the Integrated Pollution Index (IPI), the Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Integrated Nemerow Pollution Index (INPI) showed that As, Cd and Pb were moderately enriched and the study area polluted considerably by these toxic metals. Based on PI results, 88.9% of the urban soil samples highly polluted by As. Overall, the quality of the urban soil in Yazd city is clearly affected by toxic metals. Due to the prevailing wind direction, the route of the north-south highway of Iran and the population density and traffic of the northwestern and southern areas of the study area were found the highest level of pollution indicators (IPI > 1.8; LPI > 1.3; CD >15 and INPI > 4.3). The results of Pearson correlation analysis indicated that all pollution evaluation indicators were influenced by As and Cu, and showed high significant correlation with these two elements, while neither of them had a significant relationship with Pb and was found also a weak link statistically with Cd. Health Risk assessment of toxic metals has been performed in both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic sectors. The results indicate that oral intake is the main pathway that toxic metals can harm human health for both the child and adults. The carcinogenic risks (RI) of adults and child by toxic metals were as follows: Ni > Pb > Cr > As > Cd. Hazard quotients (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values for child also were higher than these for adults. Generally, the results demonstrated that the potential carcinogenic health risks for adults of toxic metals was in an acceptable range in study area whereas for Cr, Ni and Pb with RI > 10− 4, the risk of cancer in child probably increase.
Facile Co-precipitation Synthesis of Nanosized MnFe2O4 for Effective Removal of Zn(II) Ions From Aqueous Media
Authors: Alharbi Ahmed , Alluhaybi Ahmad A. , AlReshaidan Salwa , Youssef Hany M.
Published: February 2021

In this work, the spinel nanosized MnFe2O4 (18.14 nm) was facilely synthesized through the co-precipitation method to study the removal of Zn(II) ions from aqueous media. The fabricated MnFe2O4 sample was characterized using VSM, XRD, HR-TEM, EDS, FE-SEM, and FT-IR analyses. The principal XRD peaks, which are ascribed to (4 4 0), (3 3 3), (4 2 2), (4 0 0), (2 2 2), (3 1 1), (2 2 0), and (1 1 1) crystal planes, prove the cubic assembly of nanosized manganese ferrite as shown from JCPDS No. 74-2403. The EDS pattern confirmed that the % Wt of Mn, Fe, and O is 24.12, 48.04, and 28.15, respectively. The FE-SEM image confirmed the cubic nature of the surface of MnFe2O4 nanoparticles which have an average size of 110 nm. The saturation magnetization was 65 emu/g. The impacts of initial pH, concentration of Zn(II) ions, contact time, and temperature on the uptake of Zn(II) ions were accurately investigated. The removal of Zn(II) ions is spontaneous, exothermic, and followed the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity equals 330.03 mg/g.
Electromagnetic Radiation Under Phase Symmetry Breaking in Quantum Systems
Authors: Sinha Dhiraj
Published: February 2021

According to classical mechanics, electron acceleration results in electromagnetic radiation while in quantum mechanics radiation is considered to be arising out of a transition of the charged particle from a higher to a lower energy state. A different narrative is presented in quantum field theory, which considers radiation as an outcome of the perturbation of zero point energy of quantum harmonic oscillator which results in a change in density of electrons in a given state. The theoretical disconnect in the phenomenological aspect of radiation in classical and quantum mechanics remains an unresolved theoretical challenge. As a charged particle changes its energy state, its wavefunction undergoes a spatial phase change, hence, we argue that the spatial phase symmetry breaking of the wavefunction is a critical aspect of radiation in quantum mechanics. This is also observed in Josephson junction, where a static voltage induces spatial phase symmetry breaking of current resulting in emission of electromagnetic waves. As temporal symmetry breaking of the magnetic vector potential generates classical radiation and a wave-function of a charged particle can always be associated with a specific magnetic vector potential; the concept of radiation under spatial phase symmetry breaking offers a novel perspective towards unifying the phenomenon of radiation in quantum mechanics and classical electromagnetism.
Extremely Elevated Total Mercury and Methylmercury in Forage Plants in a World Large-scale Abandoned Hg Mining Site: A Potential Risk of Exposure to Grazing Animals
Authors: Qian Xiaoli , Yang Chendong , Xu Xiaohang , Ao Ming , Xu Zhidong , Wu Yonggui , Qiu Guangle
Published: February 2021

Ninety-five wild forage plants (belonging to 22 species of 18 families) and their corresponding rhizosphere soil samples were collected from wastelands of a world large-scale abandoned Hg mining region for total Hg (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) analysis. The forage plant communities on the wastelands were dominated by the Asteraceae, Crassulaceae and Polygonaceae families. The THg and MeHg concentrations in the forage plants varied widely and were in the range of 0.10 to 13 mg/kg and 0.19 to 23 μg/kg, respectively. Shoots of Aster ageratoides showed the highest average THg concentration of 12±1.1 mg/kg, while those of Aster subulatus had the highest average MeHg concentrations of 7.4±6.1 μg/kg. Both the THg and MeHg concentrations in the aboveground plant parts exhibited positive correlations with the THg (r=0.70, P<0.01) and MeHg (r=0.68, P<0.01) concentrations in the roots but these were not correlated with the THg and MeHg concentrations in their rhizosphere soils. The species A. ageratoides, A. subulatus, and S. brachyotus showed strong accumulation of Hg and are of concern for herbivorous/omnivorous wildlife and feeding livestock. Taking the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) values for IHg recommended by the JECFA (2010) for human dietary exposure of 4 ng/g into account, grazing on 1.0 kg of forage (dry weight) by a 65 kg animal would mean that the daily intake of IHg was between 190-13200 μg, which reaches 3-5 order of magnitude higher than the permitted limit, suggesting a potential risk of exposure.
The Chemical Defensome of Fish: Conservation and Divergence of Genes Involved in Sensing and Responding to Pollutants Among Five Model Teleosts
Authors: Eide Marta , Zhang Xiaokang , Karlsen Odd André , Goldstone Jared V. , Stegeman John , Jonassen Inge , Goksøyr Anders
Published: February 2021

How an organism copes with chemicals is largely determined by the genes and proteins that collectively function to defend against, detoxify and eliminate chemical stressors. This integrative network includes receptors and transcription factors, biotransformation enzymes, transporters, antioxidants, and metal- and heat-responsive genes, and is collectively known as the chemical defensome. Although the types of defensome genes are generally conserved in animals, there are important differences in the complement and function of specific genes between species. Teleost fish is the largest group of vertebrate species and can provide valuable insights into the evolution and functional diversity of defensome genes.In this study, we compared the genes comprising the chemical defensome of five fish species that span the teleosteii evolutionary branch often used as model species in toxicological studies and environmental monitoring programs: zebrafish (Danio rerio), Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), medaka (Oryzias latipes), Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) and three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Genome miningrevealed evolved differences in the number and composition of defensome genes that can have implication for how these species sense and respond to environmental pollutants. The results indicate that knowledge regarding the diversity and function of the defensome will be important for toxicological testing and risk assessment studies.
In Vitro Effects of Bisphenol F on Antioxidant System Indicators in the Isolated Hepatocytes of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss)
Authors: Aykut Handan , Kaptaner Burak
Published: February 2021

Bisphenol F (BPF) has been used frequently in the plastics industry and the production of daily consumer products as an alternative to bisphenol A (BPA). It was aimed herein to determine the cytotoxic effects of BPF on hepatocytes isolated from the liver of rainbow trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss) using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay and antioxidant defence system indicators. The cultured hepatocytes were exposed to seven concentrations (0, 15.63, 31.25, 62.50, 125, 250, and 500 µM) of BPF for 24 h. According to the LDH assay, the percentage of cytotoxicity was increased dose dependently in the cells. The malondialdehyde content, which is indicative of lipid peroxidation, was increased significantly at BPF concentrations between 15.63 and 250 µM, whereas it remained unchanged with a concentration of 500 µM. The activities of superoxide dismutase were increased, while those of catalase were decreased with all of the BPF concentrations. Elevated levels of reduced glutathione content were determined with BPF concentrations between 15.63 and 250 µM, but decreased significantly with a concentration of 500 µM. Significant increases in the activities of the glutathione peroxidase were found in hepatocytes treated with BPF at concentrations of 31.25 to 500 µM. GST activity was only significantly increased with a BPF concentration of 250 µM. The results showed that the toxic mechanism of BPF was mainly based on cell membrane damage and oxidative stress, which have an influence on antioxidant defences. Therefore, BPF was reconsidered as a safe alternative instead of BPA in the manufacturing of industrial or daily products.
Amelioration of Autoimmunity and Inflammation by Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Experimental Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Shaaban Sameh , Fayez Ahmed M. , Abdelaziz Mahmoud , El-ezz Doaa Abou
Published: February 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the lining of the synovial joints and approximately affects 0.5-1% of the total population imposing a socioeconomic burden. Currently, there is no cure for RA, but receiving proper medical care at early stages of the disease is of high importance, to prevent the progressive disability and premature death. Using rat animal model injected with Complete Freund’s adjuvant proved to be successful in induction of a state highly resembling RA in human. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are considered as one of the most important metal oxide nanoparticles due to their exclusive properties, and they are currently merged in several biological applications due to their biocompatibility, low cost, and high safety profile. In this study, we demonstrated the novel possible beneficial effects of using zinc oxide nanoparticles, on such devastating severe disease. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) proved to reduce the adjuvant-induced increased productions of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10, total leukocyte count, rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP levels in rats, suggesting an interesting option to be available either alone or in combinations to better control RA.In conclusion we recommend the expansion of more in vivo studies to highlight the benefits which could be obtained of nanoparticles either alone or in combination with the known anti-arthritic and/or anti-inflammatory agents; giving rise to new protocols to maximize the control of RA.
Optimizing Chemotherapy of Pancreatic Acinar Cell Carcinoma: Our Experiences and Pooled Analysis of Literatures
Authors: Xu Jianying , Guan Wenlong , Lu Shixun , Wei Xiaoli , Shi Wenjie , Ren Chao , Li Yuhong , Li Shengping , Qiu Miaozhen , Wang Fenghua
Published: February 2021

Background: Pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma (PACC) is rare and its appropriate treatment remains unknown dued to limited and selection-biased dataMethods: The data on clinicopathologic characteristics, molecular alteration, treatment and survival of patients diagnosed as PACC in Sun Yat-sen university cancer center from 2005 to 2020 were collected. We explored the optimal treatment by co-analyzing our results and published literatures.Results: 22 PACC patients were enrolled. 8/17 non-metastatic patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. The patients receiving fluoropyrimidine-based regimen (n=3) had better mDFS than those with gemcitabine-based regimen (n=5) (unreached vs. 27 months). 8 metastatic patients received 1st-line chemotherapy. 4/5 patients with FOLFIRINOX regimen achieved partial response (PR) and 3 patients with AG (albumin paclitaxel+gemcitabine) regimen got progressive disease (PD). 4 patients received 2nd-line chemotherapy. 2 patients with FOLFIRINOX regimen achieved PR while 2 patients with AG regimen got PD. One patient who had responded to 1st-line FOLFIRINOX regimen received Olaparib as maintenance treatment for 5 months with good tolerance. 31 published literatures and a total of 86 cases were included in the co-analysis. Objective response rate of 1st-line fluoropyrimidine-based regimen (n=47) was higher than that of gemcitabine-based regimen (n=39) (59.6% vs.15.3%, P<0.001). 8/11 patients treated with FOLFIRINOX regimen achieved PR. Conclusions: The benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy remained unclear; however, fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy deserves attention. For metastatic patients, fluorouracil-based regimen such as FOLFIRINOX is preferred, and maintenance treatment of PARP inhibitors after effective platinum-containing treatment for BRAC mutation patients is worthy of exploration.
Acceptability of saliva-based HIVST among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in Russia: a qualitative study
Authors: Meylakhs Peter , Meylakhs Anastasia , Davitadze Arsen
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic increased actuality of HIV self-testing (HIVST). Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in Russia are highly stigmatized populations vulnerable to HIV infection and hard to reach with facility-based testing strategies. The study explored acceptability of HIV self-testing (HIVST) among these key groups in Russia. 32 semi-structured interviews with MSM and 3 TGW women from 5 Russian cities who underwent HIVST were conducted. Benefits of HIVST included ease of use, convenience and confidentiality. Confidentiality helped participants to avoid stigma related to their identity thus empowering them in conditions of high stigmatization of LGBTQ-people. Participants expressed concerns about accuracy of saliva-based HIVST and lack of counseling in case of reactive result. Our results suggest high acceptability of HIVST among Russian MSM and TGW and indicate that increase in HIVST uptake could be facilitated by popularization of HIVST and addressing the participants’ concerns.
Application of Modified Closed Biopsy in Rabbit Model of VX2 Transplanted Bone Tumor
Authors: peng Bai Lei , xing Lv Jia , wei Kong Ling , ying Cao Hai , Yu Jin
Published: February 2021

Aim To explore the application value of modified closed biopsy technique in puncture biopsy of rabbit VX2 transplanted bone tumor model.Methods VX2 tumor was transplanted into the bilateral tibia of 30 rabbits through the tibial plateau to make the model of VX2 transplanted bone tumor. Seven days after modeling, the proximal tibia biopsy was performed under the guidance of X-ray, and the biopsy specimen was examined pathologically. The left leg was biopsied with modified closed biopsy technique (experimental group) and the right leg was biopsied with hollow needle (control group). After 14 days of modeling, all rabbits were killed after X-ray examination around the puncture hole, and the soft tissue around the puncture hole was taken for pathological examination, and the expression levels of PCNA and CD34 in the tissue extract were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results By the end of the experiment, a total of 3 rabbits died, and finally 27 rabbits were included in the study. Tumor cells were detected in all the intramedullary specimens obtained by puncture biopsy. On the 14th day after modeling, X-ray showed that the occurrence rate of periosteal reaction and extraosseous high density shadow around the puncture hole was 14.81% (4/27) in the experimental group and 40.74% (11/27) in the control group. the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The pathological results of soft tissue around the puncture hole showed that the tumor cell metastasis rate was 29.63% (8/27) in the experimental group and 100% (27/27) in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).The expression levels of PCNA and CD34 in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Both the modified closed biopsy technique and needle aspiration biopsy can provide sufficient biopsy tissue for the diagnosis of VX2 transplanted bone tumor in rabbits. At the same time, the improved closed biopsy technique has a certain application value in preventing local metastasis of tumor cells along the puncture channel.
An Efficient, Three-Component Synthesis of Isoindolin-1-One-3-Phosphonates Under Mild and Solvent-Free Conditions and Their Biological Activities
Authors: Jelali Hamida , Nasr Ibrahim S. Al , Koko Waleed S. , Khan Tariq A. , Deniau Eric , Sauthier Mathieu , Hamdi Naceur
Published: February 2021

In this work, the synthesis of isoindolin-1-one-3-phosphonates by a ‘one-pot’ three-component reaction of 2-formylbenzoic acid with primary amines and dimethyl phosphite under solvent and catalyst free-conditions was reported. 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT-IR and elemental analysis techniques, characterized the obtained compounds. The isoindolin-1-one-3-phosphonates were screened for their antimicrobial activities against bacteria and a fungus (Candida albicans). They were additionally also investigated for their anti-parasitical activities against Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes and Toxoplasma gondii in vitro. Cytotoxicity investigations of the isoindolin-1-one-3-phosphonates were led conducted in two human cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7and vero cells.
Preparation of Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox Thin Film By Pulsed Laser Deposition For Optoelectronic Devices Application
Authors: Ismail Raid , Hasan N. , Shaker Suaad S.
Published: February 2021

In this study, we have prepared Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox (BSCCO) nanostructure films by pulsed laser deposition technique (PLD). The structural and optical properties of nanostructured Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox film were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies of the films prepared at 6.5 and 8 J/cm2 showed that the films are crystalline in nature with orthorhombic phase. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation confirmed that the deposited film has spherical grains and the mean grain size of the film increased from 150 nm to 250 nm as laser energy density increased from 6.5 to 8 J/cm2. The optical energy gap of the film decreased from 2.24 to 1.7eV when the energy density increased. The optoelectronic properties of the Bi2Sr2CaCu2Ox/Si heterojunction photodetector have been investigated. The photodetectors exhibited rectification properties and the ideality factor of the photodetectors deposited 6.5 and 8 J/cm2 were 2.3 and 4.2, respectively. The on/off ratio of the photodetectors was found to be 761 and 385 for the photodetectors prepared with6.5 and 8 J/cm2, respectively. A responsivity of 514 mA/W at 860 nm was found for the photodetector prepared with 6.5 J/cm2 without using post annealing and/or buffer layer.
Utility of Transesophageal Echocardiography in the Identification and Treatment of Occult Mechanisms of Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Heslin Mark Evan , Thon Jesse M. , Caruso Evan , Romiyo Prasanth , Rana Ankit , Yu Siyuan , Thau Lauren , Rana Ameena , Siegler James E.
Published: February 2021

PurposeTo evaluate the diagnostic utility of TEE in identifying cardiac sources of embolism (CSE) in cryptogenic stroke patients and to determine whether the identification of these CSE results in clinically significant management changes. MethodsA prospective registry of consecutively admitted patients with acute ischemic stroke (1/1/2015-8/10/2020) was retrospectively queried. Patients 18 to 60 years of age with stroke due to mechanisms other than large or small vessel disease, or atrial fibrillation were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome was any high-risk CSE identified on TEE following unrevealing TTE. Secondary outcomes included a composite of individual CSEs and subsequent management changes. ResultsOf the 2,404 consecutive stroke patients evaluated during the study period, 263 (11%) met inclusion criteria; 103 (39%) were women and the median age was 53 (IQR 46-57). TEE was performed in 108 patients (41%). A high-risk CSE was identified in 36 patients (33%), the majority of which were PFOs (n=29). TEE led to a clinical management change in 14 patients (39%) after identification of a high-risk CSE; 6 underwent PFO closure and 8 had adjustment to their antithrombotic therapy. ConclusionIn our single-center study of cryptogenic stroke patients, the addition of TEE to the comprehensive stroke evaluation led to the identification of a high-risk CSE in one in three patients resulting in significant management changes. Most high-risk CSEs were PFOs, which likely underestimates the likelihood of management change given the publication of successful PFO closure trials in the middle of our study period.
Microwave-Assisted High-Efficiency Degradation of Methyl Orange by using CuFe2O4/CNTs Catalysts and Insight into Degradation Mechanism
Authors: Liu zhifeng , Zhang Wei , Liang Qinghua , Huang Jinhui , Shao Binbin , Liu Yang , Liu Yujie , He Qingyun , Wu Ting , Gong Jilai , Yan Ming , Tang Wangwang
Published: February 2021

Microwave-assisted catalytic oxidation technology has become an effective technology for rapid removal of organic pollutants in wastewater. In this research, the removal of methyl orange from aqueous solution by CuFe2O4 loaded on carbon nanotubes (CuFe2O4/CNTs) under microwave irradiation was studied. The effects of different loadings (1:2, 1:4, 1:8) of CuFe2O4 on the dielectric loss, magnetic loss, dielectric loss factor, magnetic loss factor and reflection loss of composite materials were studied. The results showed that the microwave adsorption performance was improved by loading CuFe2O4 on CNTs. These different composites were further characterized by SEM, FTIR and XRD techniques. In addition, this article also studied the effects of different microwave irradiation time, pH, and ionic factors on the degradation of methyl orange. In particular, the mechanism of methyl orange degradation by composite materials under different pH conditions was also studied in detail. The results show that the removal rate reaches 97.16% with 5 min under the best conditions, and the composite material has good anti-interference performance. This study may provide a new option to degrade organic dye in wastewater treating.