bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Compact Low-Profile High Isolation MIMO Antenna For X-Band Applications
Authors: Singh Akanksha , Kumar Arvind , Kanaujia Binod Kumar
Published: July 2021

A novel compact low profile MIMO antenna is designed and implemented with high isolation for the X band applications. Proposed MIMO geometry is incorporated with two monopoles which are excited by 50 Ω feed line. To enhance the isolation between inter-elements meander line structures are is identically placed. These meander line structures are reducing the mutual coupling up to 26 dB. In the proposed MIMO antenna two elements cover the entire frequency range between 7.4-11.8 GHz for the X band applications. Meander line structure is working as a decoupling network which improves the isolation considerably. The overall size of the MIMO antenna is 25 × 30 × 1 mm3, and it offers inter-element isolation of >26 dB, envelope correlation coefficient is less than 0.2, and directivity gain >9.99 over the resonating frequency range. The proposed MIMO antenna model is fabricated, and measurement results are verified with simulated results. The antenna shows the satisfactory gain of around 4.8 dB in entire frequency range. The antenna shows the satisfactory gain of around 4.5 dB in entire frequency range.
Sucrose Hydrolysis in a Continuous Packed-Bed Reactor with Auto-Immobilised Aspergillus Niger Biocatalyst Obtained by Solid-State Fermentation
Authors: Martínez-Ruiz Antonio , Tovar-Castro Luz , Aguilar Cristóbal N. , Saucedo-Castañeda Gerardo , Favela-Torres Ernesto
Published: July 2021

Invertase from Aspergillus niger C28B25 was produced by solid-state fermentation (SSF), and fermented solids were used directly as a biocatalyst for batch and continuous hydrolysis of sucrose in a packed-bed reactor under different operational conditions with varied temperature, sucrose concentration and feed flow rate. The SSF allowed obtaining a biocatalyst with an invertase activity of 82.2 U/g db. The biocatalyst maintained its activity in the range of 40 to 70ºC for at least 70 h of continuous operation. The highest hydrolysis rate (12.3 mg/U h) was obtained at 70ºC with 2M sucrose under batch conditions. Continuous hydrolysis in 20-mL and 200-mL bioreactors at 60ºC led to sucrose hydrolysis above 60% (8.5 residence times) and above 55% (4.5 residence times), respectively. The auto-immobilised biocatalyst produced by SSF without recovery, purification and immobilisation stages offers an economical alternative for the development of accessible biocatalysts that can be applied in batch or continuous sucrose hydrolysis processes. This study shows the potential of biocatalyst production by SSF for other enzymatic systems.
Software Design of Veriloghdl Code Generation for Ladder Diagram and Data Acquisition Using LABVIEW
Authors: Dhanabalan G , S Tamil Selvi
Published: July 2021

The powerful advantages of programmable logic controller (PLC) dominate the process industries. Scan time of the PLC increases with the number of inputs, rungs added in ladder diagram (LD). Researchers have identified and proved that field programmable gate array (FPGA) is more suitable than PLC for high speed applications. PLC executes the instructions represented through LD. FPGA does not support LD. PLC programmers are not familiar with FPGA programming. This work has developed application software to generate equivalent VerilogHDL code for LD using LabVIEW. Novelty in this work is that each rung is defined using an "assign" statement to ensure concurrent execution of all the rungs. A data acquisition system was created to monitor the digital signals handled by the FPGA. The software was verified with a case study of substances mixing and traffic light control system.
ISSR Marker Based Genetic Diversity in Morinda Spp. For Its Enhanced Collection, Conservation and Utilization
Authors: Arya Lalit , Narayanan Ramya Kossery , Kak Anjali , Pandey Chitra Devi , Verma Manjusha , Gupta Veena
Published: July 2021

Morinda (Rubiaceae) is considerably recognized for its multiple uses viz. food, medicine, dyes, firewood, tools, oil, bio-sorbent etc. The molecular characterization of such an important plant would be very useful for its multifarious enhanced utilization. In the present study, 31 Morinda genotypes belonging to two different species Morinda citrifolia and Morinda tomentosa collected from different regions of India were investigated using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. Fifteen ISSR primers generated 176 bands with an average of 11.7 bands per primer, of which (90.34%) were polymorphic. The percentage of polymorphic bands, mean Nei’s gene diversity, mean Shannon’s information index in Morinda tomentosa and Morinda citrifolia was [(69.89%, 30.68%); (0.21 ± 0.19, 0.12 ± 0.20); (0.32 ± 0.27 0.17 ± 0.28)] respectively, revealing higher polymorphism and genetic diversity in Morinda tomentosa compared to Morinda citrifolia. Structure, and UPGMA cluster analysis placed the genotypes into well-defined separate clusters belonging to two species Morinda tomentosa and Morinda citrifolia revealing the utility of ISSR markers in species differentiation. Distinct ecotypes within a particular species could also be inferred emphasizing the collection and conservation of Morinda genotypes from different regions, in order to capture the overall diversity of respective species. Further higher diversity of M. tomentosa must be advanced for its utilization in nutraceutical, nutritional and other nonfood purposes.
Determination of the Material Properties of the Reinforcement for Textile-Reinforced Concrete Elements
Authors: Rempel Sergej , Ricker Marcus , Feiri Tânia
Published: July 2021

Textile-reinforced concrete has emerged in recent years as a new and valuable construction material. The design of textile-reinforced concrete requires knowledge on the mechanical properties of different textile types as well as their reinforcing behaviour under different loading conditions. Conventional load-bearing tests tend to be complex, time-consuming, costly and can even lack consistent specifications. To mitigate such drawbacks, a standardised tensile test for fibre strands was developed aiming at characterising the material properties needed for the design of a textile-reinforced concrete component. For the sake of this study, an epoxy resin-soaked AR-glass reinforcement was considered. The standardised tensile test uses a fibre strand with 160 mm length, which shall be cut out of a textile grid. The results show that the textile reinforcement has a linear-elastic behaviour, and the ultimate tensile strength can be statistically modelled by a Gumbel distribution. Furthermore, the results indicate that the modulus of elasticity is not influenced by the length or the number of fibre strands. Therefore, the mean value from the standardised test can be used for the design purpose. These findings are essential to derive an appropriate partial safety factor for the calculation of the design values of the tensile strength and can be used to determine the failure probability of textile-reinforced concrete components.
MONISEDA project. Improving analgosedation monitoring in Spanish pediatric intensive care units.
Authors: Mencia Santiago , Cieza Raquel , Castillo Jimena Del , López-Herce Jesús , SEDUCIP Sedation Group of Spanish Pediatric Critical Care
Published: July 2021

Background

Analgosedation (AS) assessment using clinical scales is crucial to follow the international recommendations about analgosedation. The Analgosedation workgroup of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Intensive Care (SECIP) carried out two surveys in 2008 and 2015, which verified the gap in analgosedation assessment in Spanish PICUs. The objective of the study was to analyze how analgosedation assessment by clinical scales changed after a multicenter intervention program.
Methods

multicenter pre-post study comparing the use of sedation, analgesia, withdrawal and delirium scales before and after the MONISEDA project. Results were also compared with a control group formed by non-participating units. A survey about analgosedation management and monitoring was filled out before (year 2015) and after (year 2020) the implementation of the Moniseda project in 2016. Results were compared between those periods of time, but also between participant and non-participants PICUs in the Moniseda project (M-group and non-M group, respectively). Data related to analgosedation of all patients admitted to a Moniseda-participant PICU were also collected for 2 months.
Results

15 Spanish PICUs were enrolled in the Moniseda project and other 15 non-participant PICUs formed the control group. In the M-group, the number of PICUs with a written analgosedation protocol increased from 53 to 100% (p = 0.003) and withdrawal protocol from 53 to 100% (p = 0.003), whereas in non-M group the written AS protocol increased from 80 to 87% and withdrawal protocol stayed on 80%.
Human Health Risk Assessment Through the Detection of Organochlorine Pesticides in Vegetables and Fruits from Dhaka, Bangladesh by Gas Chromatography Coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
Authors: Hasan G. M. M. Anwarul , Das Anuj Kumer , Satter Mohammed A.
Published: July 2021

This study investigated the levels of Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in vegetables and fruits from local markets of Dhaka, Bangladesh using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and analyzed the possible health risks of peoples through consumption of those fruits and vegetables. A total of 100 vegetables and 100 fruits samples were analyzed and 45% of vegetable samples and 40% of fruit samples were found to be contaminated with OCPs residues. Aldrin, p,p-DDE, Cis-Chordane, p,p-DDT, Endrin, α-Endosulfan and Lindane-I were detected in vegetable samples while Aldrin, p,p-DDE, p,p-DDT, α-Endosulfan and Lindane-I were detected in fruit samples. The HI values of Aldrin, p,p-DDE, Cis-Chordane, p,p-DDT, Endrin, α-Endosulfan and Lindane-I in vegetables were 0.109, 0.006, 0.396, 0.008, 0.153, 0.882 and 0.019 respectively while HI values of Aldrin, p,p-DDE, p,p-DDT, α-Endosulfan and Lindane-I in fruit samples were 0.0155, 0.0005, 0.0002, 0.0339, 0.0019 respectively. The average concentration of detected OCPs residues were below the FAO’s recommended maximum residue limits (MRL). It is therefore concluded that, even though OCPs residues are within the maximum tolerance range but continuous accumulation in consumer body through consumption of such vegetables and fruits may lead to chronic effects that could be fatal.
An Adaptive Lossly Quantization Technique for Key Extraction Applied in Vehicular Communication
Authors: Ali Ibraheem Abdelazeem Ibraheem , Weibin Zhang , Zeng Zhenping , saleh Abdeldime mohamed
Published: July 2021

Security in Vehicular Ad Hoc Network (VANET) is one of the major challenging topics and the secure key

interchange between two legitimate vehicles is an important issue. The multi-environment of VANET has

been exploited to extract the secret key and employed security services in VANET. However, it offered more

excellence randomness owed to fading, noise multi-path, and velocity difference. Some of the factors like

Bit-rate, complication and memory requests are reduced by using a process known as quantization. This

paper proposes a new quantization method to extract the secret key for vehicular communications that uses

a lossy quantizer in combination with information reconciliation and privacy amplification. Our work focuses

on the quantization phase for the secret generation procedure. The comprehensive simulations display the

propose method increases the zone and number of the quantization levels to utilize the maximum number

of measurements to reduce reasonably the wasted measurements.
Comparison of Sampling Methods for Small Oxbow wetland Fish Communities
Authors: Osterhaus Dylan M , Leberg Samuel S , Pierce Clay L , Stewart Timothy W , McCombs Audrey
Published: July 2021

The value of wetland ecosystems is becoming increasingly recognized, promoting actions needed to preserve and restore them. Post-restoration monitoring is necessary to analyze restoration success or failure, thereby informing subsequent management decisions. Standardized monitoring protocols enable comparison of responses to restoration actions. Within the Midwestern United States, restoration of oxbow wetlands has become the focus of targeted restoration. Management objectives include recovery of biodiversity and sensitive species, and enhanced ecosystem services. The fish communities of oxbows have been the subject of many monitoring studies as endangered Topeka Shiner ( Notropis topeka ) use these habitats for spawning. However, an optimal method for monitoring Topeka Shiner and other fishes in oxbows has not been described, thereby limiting our capacity to effectively manage these ecosystems. With a primary objective of identifying a standardized protocol for sampling fish in oxbow wetlands, we compared efficacy of four sampling methodologies (backpack electrofishing, fyke netting, minnow trapping, and seining) for fish community data collection. Seining and fyke netting were determined to be the most effective methods for sampling oxbow fish communities. Although seining and fyke netting produced similar taxonomic diversity and abundance values, qualitative analysis revealed that seining caused greater habitat disturbance and stress to fish. Therefore, consideration must be given to how species present within the wetland could be impacted by sampling disturbance when choosing between seining and fyke netting.
Derivation and Validation of Urinary TIMP-1 for Prediction of Acute Kidney Injury and Mortality in Critically Ill Children
Authors: Huang Hui , Lin Qiang , Dai Xiaomei , Chen Jiao , Bai Zhenjiang , Li Xiaozhong , Fang Fang , Li Yanhong
Published: July 2021

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Multiple urinary biomarkers have been identified to associate with the prediction of AKI and outcomes. However, the accuracy of these urinary biomarkers for AKI and associated outcomes has not been clearly defined, especially in heterogeneous populations. The aims of the study were to compare the ability of 10 existing or potential urinary biomarkers for prediction of AKI and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) mortality, and identify and validate the best biomarker of urinary tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (uTIMP-1) for early prediction in heterogeneous critically ill children.Methods: A derivation-validation approach with separate critically ill cohorts was designed. We first conducted a prospective cohort study to determine the ability of 10 candidate urinary biomarkers serially measured in 123 children during the first 7 days of PICU stay and identify the best biomarker for predicting AKI and PICU mortality (derivation study). The best biomarker of uTIMP-1 from derivation was validated in a separate cohort of 357 critically ill children (validation study). AKI diagnosis was based on KDIGO classification with serum creatinine and urine output.Results: In the derivation cohort, 17 of 123 (13.8%) children developed AKI stage 3 or died during PICU stay, and both the initial and peak uTIMP-1 displayed the highest AUC of 0.87 (0.79-0.94) and 0.90 (0.84-0.96), respectively, for predicting AKI stage 3 or death. In the validation cohort, 47 of 357 (13.2%) developed AKI during the first week after admission, and 38 (10.6%) died during PICU stay. The initial uTIMP-1 level was validated to be independently associated with AKI (AOR=1.88, P=0.001), severe AKI (AOR=2.35, P<0.001), AKI stage 3 (AOR=2.87, P<0.001) and PICU mortality (AOR=1.92, P=0.019) after adjustment for potential confounders. The predictive values of uTIMP-1 for AKI, severe AKI, AKI stage 3 and PICU mortality were 0.82 (0.75-0.88), 0.84 (95%CI 0.77-0.91), 0.87 (0.81-0.94) and 0.83 (0.76-0.89), respectively.Conclusions: Urinary TIMP-1 level has been identified and validated to be independently associated with AKI and PICU mortality in independent prospective cohorts, and may be an early potential indicator of AKI and PICU mortality in critically ill children.
Magnitude of Preterm Birth Admission, Immediate Outcomes and Their Predictors in Debre Markos Referral Hospital, North West, Ethiopia.
Authors: Assefa Birtukan , Abate Abebe , Yirga Tadesse
Published: July 2021

Background: Each year 15 million preterm babies are born. Pre-term birth complications account for 35% of the estimated 3.1 million global neonatal deaths and are the second leading cause of death in children less than 5 years aged.Objective: we assessed the magnitude of preterm birth admissions, immediate outcomes and their predictors in Debre Markos Referral Hospital, North West, Ethiopia, 2019. Methodology: An institutional based retrospective cross- sectional study design was conducted among 212 neonates registered from January 1, 2014, to January 1, 2019. Data was entered using Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressional analysis were done. Variables with p value <0.05 in multivariate analysis were declared as statistically significant at a 95% confidence interval. Results: Out of 212 neonates involved in the study, 27.8% were preterm birth admissions. From this 36.3% of neonates was died before discharge. In the final multivariate analysis hypertension during pregnancy was significantly associated for preterm admissions (P= 0.013, AOR= 4.464, 95% CI: (1.375, 14.498)) and being extreme low and very low birth weight (P= 0.005, AOR= 2.107, 95% CI: (0.023, 0.508)) and those with low APGAR score (P= 0.016, AOR= 3.113, 95% CI: (0.019, 0.669)) was significantly associated with death before discharge. Conclusion: Preterm admissions accounted for a significant percentage of neonatal admissions with significant death outcomes. Maternal medical problems like hypertension during pregnancy, premature rupture of membrane had significant association for preterm admissions. Also, being extreme low weight and very low weight baby, low APGAR score had significant association with death outcome of preterm neonates. Therefor, strategies should be designed to prevent preterm birth and their complications. Special attention should be given for pregnant mothers having medical problems especially hypertension. Furthermore, health institutions should have organised ANC follow up for regular screening of pregnant mothers for medical and obstetric complications.
Satisfaction of Township Hospitals Health Workers on Performance-based Salary in China
Authors: Yuan Beibei , Zhao Xuan , Yu Yahang , Zhang Hongni , Li Huiwen , Kong Chen , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2021

Background: Township hospitals (THs) are crucial primary health care providers in China health delivery system. Low job satisfaction of THs health workers has been one of biggest challenges to strengthening the primary health system in China. Even huge amount of studies confirming THs health workers ranked low remuneration level as one most important demotivating factor, few published studies explored the feelings of health workers on existing payment method design -- a kind of Performance-based Salary System. Objective: To analyze how key design of PBS influences the satisfaction of health workers with the intention to provide policy suggestions on how to improve the design of PBS, the motivation and performance of health workers in primary healthcare facilities. Method: This study is a cross-sectional study, conducted in 47 THs in Shandong China. A total of 1,136 PCPs were recruited in the quantitative analyses. Expectancy theory was applied to design the measurements on designs of PBS. We analyzed the associations between PBS design and satisfaction of health workers using logistic regression. Results: The three key components of PBS design were all related to the satisfaction status of health workers. Those health workers were aware of assessment methods were more likely to be satisfied with how they were paid (OR=2.44, p<0.001) compared with those being not aware of the assessment criteria and targets. The knowledge on personal performance was also associated with being satisfied with the payment methods (OR=3.34, p<0.001). The percentage of floating income in total income was negatively associated with the satisfaction, and one percentage point increase in floating income proportion could result in the possibility of feeling satisfaction decreased by 2.82% (95%CI -4.9 to -0.7, p=0.01). And when we grouped the health workers based on their value on monetary rewards, we found that only in those with lower value on monetary income, the negative influence of more floating income was significant. Conclusions: When policymakers or managers tried to apply the performance-related payment methods to incentivise certain work behavior, they should pay attention to some design details, including keeping transparency in the performance assessment criteria, clear performance feedback each health worker, and setting the proportion of performance-related income based on the preference of health workers in certain cultural setting.
National Pharmacy Associations in the Commonwealth -current scenario and future needs to maximise effective contributions of the pharmacy profession towards Universal health coverage
Authors: Iqbal Ayesha , Rutter Victoria , Gülpınar Gizem , Halai Manjula , Awele Briella , Elshenawy Rasha Abdelsalam , Anderson Claire , Hussain Rabia , Chan Amy Hai Yan
Published: July 2021

Background: The Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA) is a charity representing pharmacists across the Commonwealth, with the vision of empowering and collaboratively develop the profession and fully utilise the potential of pharmacists to strengthen health systems through supporting better access to, quality and use of medicines and related services. Commonwealth comprises predominantly of low and middle-income countries where limited data often exists in pharmacy practice. There is a recognised need across the Commonwealth to focus on developing, implementing and fully utilising pharmacy professional services to progress universal health coverage and achieve the sustainable development goals, particularly in low and middle-income countries; however, currently a knowledge gap exists in understanding the national priorities in Commonwealth nations. CPA is ideally positioned to access to these nations. The aim of this study was thus to explore the priorities and focus areas of NPAs across the Commonwealth and create evidence for a needs-based approach to inform the support that the Commonwealth pharmacists association can collaboratively and strategically provide to its members to progress towards shared goals.Methods: Data was collected virtually on Zoom by conducting interviews using a semi-structured interview guide developed for this study with CPA councillors representing NPAs or their equivalents if no official body existed. An inductive, reflexive, thematic analysis was performed for data analysis. Results: In total, 30 councillors were interviewed from 30 low- and medium-income countries. The three main overarching priority areas identified across respective Commonwealth nations developing extended pharmacy services, improving pharmacy education, and developing and redefining the role of NPAs.Conclusions: This novel study highlights the collective priorities for the pharmacy profession across the low and middle-income countries of the Commonwealth and the urgent need for supporting NPAs around the three identified overarching priority areas. The mapped-out priorities will inform an evidence-based approach for the CPA to better support NPAs in their mission through advocacy and practitioner development, to fully harness pharmacists’ unique skill set and maximise their contribution to progressing universal health coverage.
The Economic Impact of Compassionate Use of Medicines
Authors: Jommi Claudio , Pantellini Federico , Stagi Lisa , Verykiou Maria , Cavazza Marianna
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND: Compassionate use programs (CUP) for medicines respond to the ethical imperative of providing earlier access to medicines to patients not recruited in trials. While the economic impact of clinical trials has been already investigated, no evidence on the net economic benefit of CUP exists. This research aims to fill the information gap by estimating the economic consequences of 11 CUP in Italy conducted between May 2015 and December 2020 from the perspective of health care payers. Eight programs concern cancer treatments, two refer to drugs for spinal muscular atrophy, and one is indicated for multiple sclerosis.METHODS: The net economic benefit includes the avoided costs from the Standard of Care (SoC) the patients would have received if they had not joined the CUP, and costs not covered by the pharmaceutical industry but instead sustained by payers, such as those associated to adverse events (only severe sides effects resulting in hospitalisation and attributed to CUP medicines), and costs for combination therapies and diagnostic procedures not used with the SoC. The SoC costing relied on publicly available data. Information on adverse events and diagnostic procedures was retrieved from the CUP and monetized using the relevant fee for episode or service. One CUP was excluded since a SoC was not identified.RESULTS: 2,712 patients were treated in the 11 CUP, where SoC was identified. The SoC mean cost per patient ranges from €11,415 to €20,299. The total cost of the SoC ranged between €31.0 and €55.1 million. The mean cost per patient covered by hospitals hosting CUP was equal to €1,646, with a total cost of €4.5 million. The net economic benefit ranged from €26.5 million to €50.6 million (€17.8 million - €42.0 million for cancer treatments). CONCLUSIONS: Despite research limitations, this paper illustrates for the first time the net economic impact of CUP in oncology patients from a payer perspective. It is important to integrate these estimates with the prospective effects of CUP implementation, i.e., the economic value of the comparative benefit profile of medicines used in CUP versus the SoC, including effects from a societal perspective.
Metformin Collaborates With PINK1/Mfn2 Overexpression Prevented Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiomyocyte Injury By Improving Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Ma Zhuang , Liu Zuheng , Xue Yuting , Zhang Hao , Xiong Wenjun , Zhou Haobin , Zeng Qingchun , Ren Hao , Xu Dingli
Published: July 2021

Background: Both mitochondrial quality control and energy metabolism are critical in maintaining the physiological function of cardiomyocytes. Previous studies indicated that PGC-1α is a transcription co-activator in promoting mitochondrial energy metabolism which would be beneficial for cardiomyocytes. However, PGC-1α overexpression in heart tissues could also result in the development of cardiomyopathy. This discrepancy in vivo and in vitro might be due to neglecting the elimination of damaged mitochondrial. Thus, an integration strategy of mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy might be beneficial.Methods: We studied the function of PINK1 in mitophagy in isoproterenol (Iso)-induced cardiomyocyte injury. Adenovirus was used to provoke an overexpression of the PINK1/Mfn2 protein. Mitochondrial morphology was examined via electron microscopy and confocal microscopy. Cardiomyocytes injury were measured by mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis. Metformin was used to increase mitochondrial biogenesis, the level of which was detected via immunoblotting. Additionally, mitochondrial respiratory function was measured by ATP production and oxygen consumption rate (OCR). Results: Cardiomyocytes treated with Iso had high levels of PINK1 and low levels of Mfn2 in a time-dependent manner. PINK1 overexpression promoted mitophagy, alleviated Iso-induced reduction in MMP, reduced ROS production and the apoptotic rate. In addition to increasing mitophagy, metformin could promote mitochondrial biogenensis and the overexpression of Mfn2 induce mitochondrial fusion. Moreover, metformin treatment and PINK1/Mfn2 overexpression reduced the mitochondrial dysfunction by inhibiting the generation of ROS, and leading to an increase in both ATP production and mitochondrial membrane potential in Iso-induced cardiomyocytes injury. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that a combination strategy may help ameliorate myocardial injury through mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis.
Contemporary Integrated Community Planning – Mixed-age, Sustainability, and Disaster Resilient Approaches
Authors: Wang Jieh-Jiuh , Tsai Ning-Yu
Published: July 2021

In recent years, conventional concepts of social reform planning for sustainable, secure, and disaster-resilient communities have continuously driven the thought and practice of community planning and management; furthermore, environmental safety has become the common foundation of these visionary community models. Additionally, low birth rates and aging populations have become common social problems in numerous developed countries. This study integrated the design and planning of sustainable, disaster-resilient, and intergenerational collective communities to develop factors and models of an intergenerational community. Moreover, this study constructed evaluation indicators for intergenerational communities under a safety basis, which were used as the foundation for planning and designing strategies.
Unexpected Systolic Murmur in an Extremely Low Birth Weight Infant Undergoing Insulin Therapy
Authors: Salvatori Guglielmo , Brindisi Giulia , Colantonio Mario , Zicari Anna Maria
Published: July 2021

Background Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in newborns is a rare and pathological condition with heterogeneous etiologies. Among all the different causes of HCM, hyperinsulinism is not generally reported but the relationship between hyperinsulinism and cardiac hypertrophy (CH) is known. Case presentation We report the case of cardiac hypertrophy (CH) in an Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) infant who underwent insulin therapy after the onset of a persistent hyperglycemia due to parenteral nutrition (PN); the finding supports the hypothesis of a newborn’s iatrogenic hyperinsulinemia in cardiac involvement. Despite the effects of hyperglycemia on myocardial cells are well known and infants of diabetic mother may develop cardiac malformations, the consequences of an early administration of insulin in preterm infants have never been fully clarified and are often underestimated. The present case underlines the importance of a close cardiological follow-up in infants undergoing insulin infusion for an alteration in the glucose metabolism PN-related, that is a common finding in preterm infants. Conclusion: This case report, also considering the scientific literature, reiterates the importance of taking into account hyperinsulinism in the differential diagnosis of cardiac hypertrophy.
Role of LncRNA H19/miR-93-5p/Orai1 axis in the regulation of human bronchial smooth muscle cell functions and airway remodeling in murine models of asthma
Authors: Xiang Lin-Li , Wan Qian-qian , Wang Yi-min , He Shao-jun , Xu Wen-juan , GAO Ya-dong
Published: July 2021

Background

Type 2 cytokine Interleukin (IL)-13 regulates airway remodeling in asthma by acting on store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) in airway smooth muscle cells. The underlying mechanisms of this regulating effect of IL-13 are not fully understood.
Methods

Bioinformatic analysis identified interactions of microRNA 93-5p with Orai1, the pore-forming molecule of SOCE, and long non-coding RNA H19 respectively. We investigated the role of H19/miR-93-5p/Orai1 axis in the regulation of proliferation and migration of in vitro cultured human bronchial smooth muscle cells (hBSMCs) induced by IL-13. Functional relevance of H19 in airway inflammation and airway remodeling was investigated in acute and chronic murine models of asthma.
Results

IL-13 dose-dependently increased the expression of H19 and Orai1 and decreased the expression of miR-93-5p in hBSMCs; H19 siRNA reversed IL-13-induced miR-93-5p and Orai1 expression, and the proliferation and migration of hBSMCs. IL-13-promoted expression of H19 and Orai1 was reduced by miR-93-5p mimic and enhanced by miR-93-5p inhibitor. IL-13-promoted hBSMCs proliferation was enhanced by miR-93-5p inhibitor but not changed by miR-93-5p mimic; whereas IL-13-promoted hBSMCs migration was enhanced by miR-93-5p inhibitor and reduced by miR-93-5p mimic. MiR-93-5p mimic enhanced the inhibiting effect of H19 siRNA on IL-13-induced Orai1 mRNA expression, whereas miR-93-5p inhibitor reversed the inhibiting effects of H19 siRNA on IL-13-induced H19 and Orai1 mRNA and protein expression. The inhibiting effect of H19 siRNA on IL-13-induced hBSMCs proliferation and migration was reversed by miR-93-5p inhibitor but not changed by miR-935p mimic. In the lungs of both asthma mice models, the expression of H19 and Orai1 was higher than in control mice. In acute asthma mice, H19 siRNA reduced Orai1 expression, inflammatory cell infiltration and goblet cell hyperplasia in the lungs, and IL-13 levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In chronic asthma mice, H19 siRNA reduced Orai1 expression, inflammatory cell infiltration, goblet cell hyperplasia, collagen deposition and smooth muscle mass in the lungs, as well as IL-13 levels in the BALF.
Conclusion

IL-13 increases the proliferation and migration of airway smooth muscle cells by acting on H19/miR-93-5p/Orai1 axis, which also regulates airway inflammation and airway remodeling in murine models of asthma.
New Insight into Dynamic Mechanical Relaxation in N-butyl-N-(2-nitroxy-ethyl) Nitramine Plasticized Nitrocellulose through Molecular Dynamic Simulations
Authors: Qi Xiaofei , yan ning , Li Hongyan , Zhao Yu , Liu Peijin , Yan Qilong
Published: July 2021

We performed dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) on nitrocellulose (NC) plasticized by an insensitive plasticizer N-butyl-N-(2-nitroxy-ethyl)nitramine (Bu-NENA). NC/Bu-NENA blend shows two mechanical relaxation processes in the temperature ranges of -50~-40oC and 30~40oC, and their variations with deformation frequencies were studied. To explore further the effect of temperature on relaxation, the binary mixture model of NC/Bu-NENA was constructed, and molecular dynamic simulations were conducted. The simulated mean square displacements (MSD) show abrupt increase in the temperature range of -50~-40oC and 30~40oC, which are consistent with those of the two relaxation processes observed in the DMA curves. Moreover, the free volume (Vfree) and torsion energy obtained from molecular dynamic simulations exhibit distinct increase at the temperature above 30oC and -50oC respectively, reflecting the sudden enhancements on the mobility of polymer chain elements and the rotation of molecular bonds. Furthermore, the radial distribution function (RDF) associated with the intermolecular interactions reveals that the intensities of both hydrogen bond and van-der-vaals forces decrease with the increase of temperature, which is responsible for the decrease of storage modulus at high temperature. These computational and experimental studies reveal guidance to strengthening the NC base propellants in broad temperature range.
Exhaled Breath Temperature Predicts Maximal Exercise Performance In A Population Of Males With COPD
Authors: Eaton Andrew
Published: July 2021

Background: Patients with COPD present with debilitating symptoms that negatively impact both physical and mental quality of life.Objective: Examine the physiological variables of Spirometry, Gas Diffusion and Exhaled Breath Temperature (EBT) in an attempt to predict maximal exercise performance in a group of male subjects with COPD.Methods: 62 male subjects with a clinical diagnosis of COPD (GOLD Stages 1-2), aged between 40-70 years were included. A Stepwise multiple regression model was constructed to assess variable suitability. The regression model was compared to the actual Peak VO2 data using a two-tailed Student T test.Results: The stepwise model revealed that peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) was predicted best by the following variables: Exhaled Breath Temperature (°C), Height (m), Age (Years) and Diffusing Capacity (mmol.min.kpa). Adjusted R-Squared = 0.5 RSE = 4.28.Conclusions: That exercise tolerance was predicted reasonably well from measurements of exhaled breath temperature, lung function and gas diffusion in this group of patients with COPD. This study adds to the growing literature displaying the utility of Exhaled Breath Temperature as a biomarker.
Probabilistic Liquefaction Potential of Kathmandu Soil Based On Standard Penetration Tests
Authors: Subedi Mandip , Acharya Indra Prasad
Published: July 2021

Despite being a liquefaction susceptible zone, Kathmandu Valley soil in Nepal has limited studies on liquefaction potential and most of them are based on the deterministic approach. Although this method is widely used, it ignores the uncertainties of seismic parameters such as peak ground acceleration, amax, and earthquake magnitude, Mw as well as the inherent variabilities of soil layers, in-situ testing procedures, and geotechnical properties. On the other hand, the probabilistic approach helps assess the liquefaction potential by considering all these uncertainties. In this study, we assess the liquefaction hazard in the Kathmandu Valley using the first-order second-moment (FOSM) method as a probabilistic approach for liquefaction hazard assessment. The assessment is done for three likely-to-recur scenario earthquakes utilizing the geotechnical data of 1510 boreholes. The soils are characterized geotechnically to further assess susceptibility criteria of liquefaction in the valley. The assessment reveals that the central part of the valley is more vulnerable to liquefaction than other parts and the liquefaction probability increases with increasing depth up to 9 m, after which has geared down the value. Moreover, a relationship between the probability of liquefaction (PL) and the factor of safety (FS) against liquefaction is established. The hazard maps prepared for different earthquake scenarios can be useful for future infrastructure planning in Kathmandu Valley.
A Comparative Study on Insect Longevity: Tropical Moths Do Not Differ From Their Temperate Relatives
Authors: Holm Sille , Kaasik Ants , Javoiš Juhan , Molleman Freerk , Tammaru Toomas
Published: July 2021

If the evolutionary determinants of longevity were mainly extrinsic, related species from different habitats should systematically differ in individual lifespans. Comparative studies of insects can significantly contribute to understanding the evolution of lifespan, as the trait can feasibly be measured in a high number of species. We recorded adult longevities for 110 species of geometrid moths from a tropical community. Comparative analyses based on an original phylogenetic reconstruction were applied to reveal the correlates of species-specific values of lifespan. Larger moth species were found to live longer, and females tended to have shorter lifespans than males. Average adult lifespans in tropical geometrids, and the relationships of lifespan with other variables, were found to be highly similar to those reported for their temperate region relatives. The among-region similarity leads to the conclusion of the dominance of intrinsic (physiological) determinants of longevity over the extrinsic (ecological) ones: the contrasting environments of tropical and temperate forests have not produced detectable differences in moth longevities.
Gender-Specific Associations of Pregnancy-Related Anxiety with Placental Epigenetic Patterning of Glucocorticoid Response Genes and Preschooler’s Emotional Symptoms and Hyperactivity
Authors: Liu Hui , Liu Yuwei , Huang Kun , Yan Shuangqin , Hao Jiahu , Zhu Peng , Tao Fangbiao , Shao Shanshan
Published: July 2021

Backgroud: We have recently reported that maternal prenatal pregnancy-related anxiety predicts preschoolers’ emotional and behavioral development in a gender-dependent manner. This study aims to test for this gender-specific effect in a different cohort and investigate whether the gender difference was specific to placental methylation of genes regulating glucocorticoids.Methods: A total of 2405 mother–child pairs from the Ma’anshan Birth Cohort Study were included in present study. The maternal pregnancy-related anxiety symptoms were evaluated with the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire in the third trimester of pregnancy. Child neurobehavior was assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at 4 years old. Placental methylation of FKBP5, NR3C1 and HSD11B2 genes was quantified using the MethylTarget approach in 439 pregnant women. After exploratory factor analysis, the associations between methylation factor scores and pregnancy-related anxiety and child neurobehavior were examined using logistic regression analysis.Results: After controlling for confounding factors, pregnancy-related anxiety in the third trimester of pregnancy increased the risk of hyperactivity only in boys and emotional symptoms only in girls. Decreased scores of the factor characterized by FKBP5 methylation were associated with maternal pregnancy-related anxiety only in boys. Furthermore, increased scores of the factors characterized by NR3C1 and HSD11B2 methylation were associated with hyperactivity (NR3C1: adjusted OR = 1.80, 95 %CI = 1.15–2.83) and emotional symptoms (HSD11B2: adjusted OR = 0.53, 95 %CI = 0.29–0.97; NR3C1: adjusted OR = 1.64, 95 %CI = 1.03–2.59) only in boys. However, the scores of the factor characterized by FKBP5、NR3C1 and HSD11B2 did not mediate the relationship between maternal pregnancy-related anxiety and preschoolers’ emotional symptoms and hyperactivity.Conclusions: Our results suggested that pregnancy-related anxiety in the third trimester of pregnancy predicted preschoolers’ emotional symptoms and hyperactivity in a gender-dependent manner. Although we did not find the mediation role of the placental methylation of genes regulating glucocorticoids, we found it was associated with both maternal pregnancy-related anxiety and preschoolers’ emotional symptoms and hyperactivity in a gender-dependent manner.
Retrospective Review of Safety and Efficacy of Anlotinib in Advanced Osteosarcoma With Metastases After Failure of Standard Multimodal Therapy
Authors: Li Hanqing , Li Yang , Song Lei , Ai Qiuchi , zhang shuai
Published: July 2021

To study and observe the safety and efficacy of anlotinib in the treatment of advanced osteosarcoma with metastases. We retrospectively studied patients with advanced osteosarcoma and metastases who received anlotinib treatment in our hospital from June 2018 to April 2020. All patients had received standard multimodal therapies, before taking anlotinib. Therapeutic doses of anlotinib were 12 mg for adults and 10 mg for children and adolescents once a day for 2 consecutive weeks, followed by a week of withdrawal. This 3-week cycle of treatment was continued until the tumor progressed rapidly or the patients failed to tolerate the side effects. Adverse drug reactions were recorded, and therapeutic efficacy was evaluated based on progression free survival (PFS), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), and objective response rate (ORR). The median PFS was 9.81 ± 0.9 months, and the 6-month and 10-month PFS rates were 73.3% and 33.3%, respectively. The median OS was 11.43 ± 0.58 months. No patients achieved complete response. After 6 months of treatment, the DCR and ORR were 80% and 13.3%, respectively. No drug-related deaths or Grade 4 adverse events occurred in the patients. Five patients (33.3%) had Grade 3 adverse events. The most common drug-related adverse events were hand-food syndrome, fatigue, high blood pressure, anorexia, and pneumothorax. Anlotinib had a certain curative effect on patients with advanced osteosarcoma and metastases after failure of standard treatment. The adverse events were mostly tolerable or relieved after treatment.
Phytoremediation of Heavy Metals by Typha angustifolia in Hokersar Wetland of Kashmir
Authors: Ahmad Syed Shakeel , Reshi Zafar , Shah Manzoor A , Ara Roshan , Rashid Irfan
Published: July 2021

Remediation of heavy metals by macrophytes in wetlands is gaining importance, particularly in the wetlands and game reserves of international importance. Hokersar wetland, a Ramsar site, is a game reserve of international importance and is facing anthropogenic disturbances over the years. Keeping in view deleterious effect of heavy metals on all the facets of contaminated ecosystems need for removal of these contaminants has received lot of attention in the recent past. It is in this backdrop, heavy metal sequestration by Typha angustata, one of the common and abundant species growing in the wetland, was explored. The study was aimed to assess sequestration of heavy metals, such as Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn by T. angustata in the Hokersar wetland. The EF for all the investigated heavy metals was greater than one and TF of T. angustata was greater than one for Zn, Cr and Pb thereby making the species a hyper-accumulator for these elements. In conclusion, it can be stated that T. angustata, being a hyperaccumulator of Zn, Cr and Pb and accumulator for Fe, Mn, Al, Co, Cu, Ni and Cd can be exploited for heavy metal sequestration in the wetland system.
Bioinformatics Analysis to Identify Key Genes and Pathways Associated with Sex Differences in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Su Siwei , Jiang Wenjun , Wang Xiaoying , Du Sen , Zhou Lu , Qi Jianhong , song hongqiang
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the key genes and investigated the different signaling pathways of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) between males and females.Data and MethodsThe gene expression data of GSE55457, GSE55584, and GSE12021 were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using R software. Then, the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways enrichment analysis of DEGs were conducted via Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). The protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks of DEGs were constructed by Cytoscape 3.6.0. ResultsA total of 416 upregulated DEGs and 336 downregulated DEGs were identified in males, and 744 upregulated DEGs and 309 downregulated DEGs were identified in females.IL6, MYC, EGFR, FOS and JUN were considered as hub genes in RA pathogenesis in males, while IL6, ALB, PTPRC, CXCL8 and CCR5 were considered as hub genes in RA pathogenesis in females. ConclusionIdentified DEG may be involved in the different mechanisms of RA disease progression between males and females, and they are treated as prognostic markers or therapeutic targets for males and females. The pathogenesis mechanism of RA is sex-dependent.
The Effect of Doping Thiourea In CdO Thin Films For Electronic Applications
Authors: Soylu Murat
Published: July 2021

Cadmium oxide (CdO) and Thiourea (Th) doped CdO thin films were deposited on soda lime glass (SLG) and crystalline p-type Si (100) substrates for various Th doping concentrations (0.3, 0.5, 0.7 at.%) using spin coating method. Some structural parameters such as the crystallite size, lattice constant, dislocation density (δ) and strain in the films were obtained from XRD analysis in which the polycrystalline structure with cubic nature and (111) prefential orientation was confirmed. CdO thin film has not shown any change in crystal phase after Th doping. The optical study emerged that the Th doping caused important changes in the transmittance, absorbance and reflectance spectra. A maximum optical transmittance (above 80%) have been obtained for 0.3% Th doped CdO thin films. Th doped CdO/p-Si heterojunctions exhibited low rectifying character and were not found to be the light sensitive.