bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Verification of a Leaf Litter Decomposition Model Based on Long-term Field Trials in Gongga Mountain, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China 
Authors: Tang Ronggui , DeLuca Thomas H. , Cai Yanjiang , Sun Shouqin , Luo Ji
Published: February 2021

Background and aimsAlthough litter decomposition is a vital soil ecosystem process in forest ecosystems, most decomposition models are based on short-term decomposition experiments. Prediction of long-term decomposition dynamics using short-term decomposition models may lead to unreliable results. A leaf-litter decomposition model was evaluated and verified using a long-term field trial in Gongga Mountain, on the eastern flank of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. Methods A 90-month experiment employing 360 broad-leaf litter (five species) samples were conducted using the litterbag method at three elevations (2250 m, 2780 m and 3000 m a.s.l.) in Gongga Mountain. The remaining litter mass was measured to fit a mathematical decomposition model by different exponential functions (two-, three-, four- and six-parameters) and akaike information criterion (AIC). ResultsThe four-parameter model (B) employed for each litter type among the four functions showed the highest R2 and lowest AIC value. The fast and slow decomposition rate constant (kf and ks) for a given litter at 2250 m was higher than that observed at 3000 m. Conclusions﻿These results indicated that the four-parameter exponential function (two-pool model) was recommended as a suitable decomposition model of long-term broadleaf litter decomposition at different elevations on Gongga Mountain.
Pseudomonas Can Prevent the Parasitic Fungus, While Keeping the Crop Fungus Unaffected, in the Gardens of Odontotermes Obesus.
Authors: Agarwal Renuka , Gupta Manisha , Antony Abin , Sen Ruchira , Raychoudhury Rhitoban
Published: February 2021

Insects that farm monocultures of fungi are canonical examples of nutritional symbiosis as well as independent evolution of agriculture in non-human animals. But just like in human agriculture, these fungal crops face constant threat of invasion by weeds which, if unchecked, takes over the crop fungus. In fungus-growing termites, the crop fungus (Termitomyces) faces such challenges from the parasitic fungus Pseudoxylaria. The mechanism by which Pseudoxylaria is suppressed is not known. However, evidence suggests that some bacterial secondary symbionts can serve as defensive mutualists by preventing the growth of Pseudoxylaria. However, such secondary symbionts must possess the dual, yet contrasting, capabilities of suppressing the weedy fungus while keeping the growth of the crop fungus unaffected. This study describes the isolation, identification and culture-dependent estimation of the roles of several such putative defensive mutualists from the colonies of the wide-spread fungus-growing termite from India, Odontotermes obesus. From the 38 bacterial cultures tested, a strain of Pseudomonas showed significantly greater suppression of the weedy fungus than the crop fungus. Moreover, a 16S rRNA pan-microbiome survey, using the Nanopore platform, revealed Pseudomonas to be a part of the core microbiota of Odontotermes obesus. A meta-analysis of microbiota composition across different species of Odontotermes also confirms the wide-spread prevalence of Pseudomonas within this termite. These evidence indicate that Pseudomonas could be playing the role of defensive mutualist within Odontotermes.
Effect of Bi2+ ions on the photoluminescence properties of BaTiO3:Dy3+ perovskite phosphors for LEDs application
Authors: A ARULMOZHI , Vishista K. , Lakshmi G.Suba
Published: February 2021

A series of (Ba1-xBi0.01)TiO3 doped with Dy3+ ions of varying concentrations is prepared by single step solid state reaction that promulgates solid state lighting device applications. The cubic phase perovskite structure of the prepared samples is determined by the Powder X-ray diffraction results. The emission spectra show evidence of intensive peaks at 572 nm attributing to the 4F9/2 to 6H15/2 of Dy3+ ions. Dy3+ doped phosphors (Ba1-xBi0.01) TiO3: xDy3+ (x= 0, 0.01, 0.03, 0.05 and 0.07) exhibit yellow emission and the highest intensity of emission demarcates the optimum concentration of Ba1-xBi0.01TiO3:0.05Dy3+. SEM studies to assess the surface morphologies alongside the elemental analyses from Energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) extensively for optimal concentration have been ventured. The Commission International De I-Eclairage (CIE) and Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) analyses authenticate the present phosphor genuine for fabricating light emitting diodes.
Ablation Threshold Measurement and Chemical Modification of UV Nanosecond Laser Micromachining of Polycrystalline Diamond
Authors: Ullah Naveed , Cui Jianlei , Fan Zhengjie , Mei Xuesong
Published: February 2021

In recent years, the influence of pulsed laser interaction with material has become a research hotspot. The micromachining of polycrystalline diamond with pulsed laser is a very important research direction. This study scrutinized the ablation threshold and chemical modification of PCD irradiated by UV nanosecond laser, which were not investigated before. Irradiated a bulk PCD in air using a UV nanosecond laser source to perform multi-pulse processing at a wavelength of 355nm. Based on the linear relation between the laser pulse energy density with crater diameter the Gaussian distribution of the laser intensity on the cross-section the ablation threshold of PCD was determined to be about 3.7326 J/cm2. And also investigated that the photochemical processing of UV nanosecond laser irradiation of PCD the sp3 structure transforms to the sp2 graphite phase. So, this study contributes a theoretical and experimental reference for the UV nanosecond laser micromachining of PCD material in research and manufacturing industries.
Impact of Split and Re-Entrant Type Piston Bowl Geometry Fuelled with Pre Heated Diesel and Biodiesel on a Compression Ignition Engine Characteristics
Authors: Gowda Mohan Das Akkur Neele , Shivanand Hanumanahalli Kambadarangappa , Gangaiah Harish , Bytarangaiah Bhaskar Hindisigere , Doddaiah Jagannatha Tumkur , Nagaraj Shreyas
Published: February 2021

The present investigation is carried out on biodiesel practicability over the existing non-renewable fuel due to its environmental dilapidation effect and oil crisis. Biodiesel was extracted from crude oil by transesterification, and its properties have been compared with those of neat diesel according to ASTM standards. Then, the blends of biodiesel are prepared for experimental analysis. Experimental results from our previous research study, the best blend was optimized. Then, the standard CI engine with Hemispherical Piston Bowl Geometry (HPBG) is modified to Toroidal or Split type Piston Bowl Geometry (TPBG) and Re-Entrant Piston Bowl Geometry (RPBG). Experimental works were carried out for preheated optimized blend, neat diesel with modified Piston Bowl Geometries. The engine characteristics results were compared with these altered conditions. The modified PBG with preheated biodiesel blend resulted in better Performance and Combustion characteristics. The preheated biodiesel blends indicated significant depletion in the emission of harmful particulate matter such as CO, NOx, and unburnt Hydrocarbons.
Female Drivers’ Attitudes and Behavior Regarding Traffic Regulations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Authors: Wahaq Abdulrahman Bin , Bawazir Amen
Published: February 2021

Background: Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are of great concern, as they have the second-highest fatality rate in the world. This is also true in Saudi Arabia. Objectives: This study aims to identify whether females in Riyadh commonly have aggressive, dangerous driving behavior.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from female car drivers in Riyadh City. A validated Dulla index was used as the instrument to identify the level of aggressive, dangerous driving behavior among the study participants.Results: The participants comprised 407 females. The majority were in the age group of younger than 30 years (44.5%), married (54.8%), at university (44.7%), house owners with personal property (64.1%), employees (63.6%), and with a middling monthly income (32.2%). The sum of the scores from the Dula Dangerous Driving Index (DDDI) was categorized into “inadequate” and “adequate”. The overall prevalence for the inadequate index was 48.4% for the negative cognitive/emotional driving (NCED) subscale, 42.3% for the aggressive driving (AD) subscale, and 48.2% for the risky driving (RD) subscale.Conclusion: Generally, all of the females who participated in this study had reasonably good knowledge of traffic rules and regulations based on the DDDI. This research is essential for decision-makers to formulate and set priorities for enhancing adherence to traffic regulations for the safety of the community.
Dense hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with cisplatin in patients with stage III serous epithelial ovarian cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: He Xiaoli , Wei Li , Li Rui , Jing Shuang , Jia Linlin , Ji Danwei , Li Yali , Wang Yue , Zhu Yongxia
Published: February 2021

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and safety of interval debulking surgery (IDS) combined with dense hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with cisplatin in Chinese patients with FIGO stage III serous epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC).Methods: This retrospective single-center study reviewed the demographic and clinical data of 197 patients with primary FIGO stage III serous EOC who were treated with IDS with (n=121) or without (n=76, control group) dense HIPEC between January 2012 and April 2017. The co-primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and the secondary endpoint was the occurrence of adverse events.Results: The median PFS was 24 months in the IDS plus dense HIPEC group, whereas it was 19 months in the IDS alone group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33-0.65, p=0.000). The median OS in patients treated with IDS plus dense HIPEC (51 months) was significantly longer than that in patients treated with IDS alone (40 months, HR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.35-0.78, p=0.001). The demographic and preoperative clinical characteristics of these two groups were comparable (p>0.05). In the IDS alone group, no adverse events were recorded in 42 (55.3%) of the 76 patients, and 14 (18.4%) patients were reported to have grade III/IV adverse events. In the IDS plus dense HIPEC group, no adverse events were recorded in 55 (45.5%) of the 121 patients, and 23 (19.0%) patients were reported to have grade III/IV adverse events. No postoperative deaths occurred within 30 days in either group and neither did severe fatal complications in the IDS plus dense HIPEC group.Conclusion: IDS plus dense HIPEC with cisplatin in Chinese patients with FIGO stage III serous EOC is associated with improved survival and is reasonably well tolerated by patients.
A Modified Method to Calculate Dual Isotope Slopes for the Natural Attenuation of Organic Pollutants in the Environment
Authors: Feng Jin-Ru , Ni Hong-Gang
Published: February 2021

Two-dimensional compound specific isotope analysis has become a powerful tool to distinguish reaction mechanism. Lambda (Λ), an essential and important parameter for processing two-dimensional isotope fractionation data, is specific to a reaction mechanism. In the present article, we modified the existing algorithms for Lambdas based on the review of the current methods. Specifically, through regressing [(1000+δE0,2)*(n1*x2)*ΔδEbulk,1] versus [(1000+δE0,1)*(n2*x1)*ΔδEbulk,2] by York method, a novel method was developed to calculate Λs. The improved method eliminates both the influence of non-reacting position and the initial isotope signatures. Furthermore, this method retains the advantages of two-dimension isotope plot, which eliminates contributions from commitment to catalysis, no need to determine fraction of remaining substrate and can be constructed even from filed data. At the same time, one sample t test is applied to generate 95% confidence interval of data set of Λris for various reaction mechanisms. The range of 5.67-24.8, 8.54-9.80, 0.51-8.35, 25.2-36.8, 7.09-21.9 are responsible for oxidation of C-H bonds (ZC=1, ZH=3), oxidation of C-H bonds (ZC=1,ZH=4), aerobic biodegradation of benzene (ZC=6,ZH=6), methanogenic or sulfate-reducing biodegradation of benzene (ZC=6,ZH=6), and nitrate-reducing biodegradation of benzene (ZC=6,ZH=6). The accumulation and correction of these values will make the data measured in the field easier to interpret.
Modelling Transmission of Hexavalent Chromium Concentration and Its Health Cost with a Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program
Authors: Chen Ying-Chu , Tseng Chao-Heng , Chen Yun-Ting
Published: February 2021

In this study the Water Quality Analysis Simulation Program (WASP7) was used to evaluate the transmission of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) contamination in a water–sediment system and its flux into cultivated soils. The agricultural areas adjacent to the Wu River in Taiwan were taken as the study area, as these soils were found to be heavily polluted with Cr(VI) concentrations of 3,271–16,799 μg/kg. It was found that the rates of accumulation of Cr(VI) are affected by the distance from the source of contamination and the size and type of cultivated areas. Specifically, maximum concentrations of Cr(VI) most rapidly accumulated in the smallest cultivated areas. The highest concentrations of Cr(VI) (4.27 mg/kg) were detected in soil from Changhua city, and correlated with the greater risk of gastric cancer in residents from this area. Specifically, the risk of gastric cancer due to Cr(VI) contamination of agricultural soil was 3X10-7-15.2X10-6 in Taichung city (upstream) and 1.3X10-6-76.3X10-6 in Changhua county (downstream). More worryingly, young children had a threefold greater risk of gastric cancer than adults. The values of statistical life-years (VSLYs) were US$6.2–10 million for rice, US$42–60 million for corn, and US$360–580 million for other vegetables, respectively, each year. It is critical that techniques other than source reduction are used to reduce health costs associated with human exposure to Cr(VI), such as chemical oxidation or ion-exchange treatment to remove Cr(VI) from factory wastewaters, prior to their discharge into rivers.
A Novel Study on The Effects of Minimum Quantity Lubrication and Machining Parameters in Turning of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy By Applying Al2O3-Graphene Hybrid Nanoparticle Enriched Cutting Fluid
Authors: Wattoo Kashif Riaz , Khan Muhammad Zubair , Israr Asif , Amin Muhammad
Published: February 2021

In Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) very small amount of cutting fluids are used. Currently, nanoparticles are added into cutting fluids to magnify the cooling and lubricating properties. Several studies are available on MQL to check the machining performance in terms of cooling and lubrication using nanofluids like Ag, SiO2, MoS2, Al2O3, Cu and MWCNT. However, limited evidences are available in applying hybrid nanoparticles in machining processes. Present research investigates the effect of hybridization of two different nanofluids on machining performance in turning operation of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Moreover, machineability was evaluated and analyzed by performing turning using minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) cooling technique. Cutting temperature and surface roughness of machined surface were taken as technological performance parameters to evaluate the machinability of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Hybridization was performed by mixing alumina based nanofluid into graphene nanoparticles in a fixed volumetric proportion 80:20 using vegetable oil as base fluid. Additionally, machining performance was evaluated by preparing hybrid nanofluid in different concentrations like (0.25,0.50,0.75 and 1.00vol%) and tested for thermophysical properties before experimentation. Significant improvements in thermophysical properties were observed during hybridization of Al2O3 and Graphene. For parametric optimization and design of experiment, Taguchi orthogonal array has been employed. Machining performance of vegetable oil base alumina-graphene hybrid nanofluid was compared with monotype alumina based nanofluid and a significant reduction cutting temperature and surface roughness was observed respectively.
An Application of Mixture Oil of Syzygium Aromaticum(Clove) and Anethum Graveolens (Dill or Sowa) As An Alternative of Salphos For Food Seed Storage of Chickpea
Authors: Kumar Narendra , KHURANA PROF SM PAUL , PANDEY VN
Published: February 2021

Mycological investigations of 25 seed samples of stored chick pea (Cicer arietinum L.) from grocery stores of Gurgaon and Gorakhpur revealed occurrence of seventeen fungal species belonging to genus viz., Alternaria , Aspergillus, Chaetomium,Colletotrichum, Curvularia, Fusarium,Penicillium,Rhizopus,Rhizoctonia, and Sclerotium. In these Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Fusarium oxysporum had dominance in terms of per cent occurrence.Only one species of Bruchid (Callosobruchus chinensis L) occurred in all the 25 samples.The biodeterioration of seeds inoculated with fungi : A. flavus, A. niger ,F.oxysporum and the insect – C. chinensis, revealed their role in seed deterioration. For chickpea food seed protection essential oils were extracted from edible commodity(Lavang(clove bud) and sowa leaf). Lavang oil registered highest antifungal activity inhibiting (100%) mycelial growth of fungi, viz. species Aspergillus flavus, A. niger,Fusarium oxysporum at 300ppm but was fungicidal at 400ppm. Sowa oil showed complete inhibition at 400ppm and was fungicidal at 500ppm.While mixture of both the oils showed complete inhibition (100%) and fungicidal action at 400ppm against the dominant fungi.The oils showed 100% insect repellent activity and were found fungicidal at 0.02ml dose and also insecticidal .The mixture of oils was cidal at 0.02ml dose.The mixture of oils showed a broad antifungal spectrum at 500ppm while only 70-93% inhibitory activity at 300ppm.The oils' mixture's activity was not affected by temp,storage and autoclaving up to 150 days.Oils physico-chemical properties were studied. GC-MS analysis of Lavang oil depicted major components: 75.63 %eugenol while sowa leaf oil had 25.14% apiole. Formulation of Mixture of oils was more effective showing complete seed protection i.e.no growth of fungi and insects upto 150 days storage than salphos (150 days). While salphos controlled only maximum three fungi (A.terreus,C.dematium,F.moniliforme).The formulated oils mixture did not have any adverse effect on the chickpea seeds and increased their shelf life.
Heavy metals in the sediments of the Nile Delta: Anthropogenic-induced hydrologic changes
Authors: Abdelhady Ahmed Awad , Salem Salem Ghonamy , Khalil Mahmoud
Published: February 2021

Aquatic ecosystems act directly or indirectly as sinks for heavy metals, which persists for longer times in the biogeochemical cycle and poses high ecological risks and thus, it represents a major worldwide concern. To evaluate the metal contamination in the Nile Delta, twenty sites along both Rosetta and Damietta branches were investigated. Most heavy metals concentrations are above the sediments quality guidelines. The Contamination Factor (CF), Pollution Load index (PLI), and geo-accumulation index (I geo) indicated that the sediments are moderately to extremely polluted by Ni, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn. A trend of increasing metals concentration towards the Mediterranean was observed and attributed to historical sinking of heavy metals in the sediment, where many agricultural drains bringing mixed wastewater. Cluster analyses support the latter and indicated that the heavy metals, which clustered together, may have the same source (i.e. anthropogenic). Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling, Analysis of Similarity (ANOSIM), and Partial Least Square (PLS) regression confirmed that the distance along the river is the major predictor of the observed metal concentrations, while sediment grain–size has no or very minor effect. The lower hydrodynamics associated with the construction of Aswan High-Dam in 1964 and the developed agricultural system in addition to arid climate with scarce rainfall, all leave no chance for natural annual flooding. Therefore, freshening up of the sediments was prohibited. The marinating of well-controlled flooding may erode the upper contaminated portion of river sediments, dilute the metal concentrations, and improve the sediments quality.
Association between the number of prosthetic crowns and periodontitis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kim Yun-Jeong , Lee Jae-Young , Ku Young , Cho Hyun-Jae
Published: February 2021

BackgroundAlthough the presence of prosthetic restorations has been associated with plaque accumulation, gingivitis, and periodontitis, there is a lack of large epidemiological investigations providing credible evidence on the association of prosthetic crowns with periodontitis. The purpose of the study was to analyze the association between the number of prosthetic crowns and the presence of periodontitis.MethodsThis study was based on the Seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2018). A total of 12,689 participants over the age of 19 years were surveyed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the association between the number of prosthetic crowns and periodontitis after adjusting for potential confounders, including demographic variables, socio-economic characteristics, oral health-related variables, and oral and systemic clinical variables. ResultsThe odds ratio of periodontitis showed statistically significant differences in the anterior and posterior regions, and the prevalence of periodontal disease increased as the number of crown prostheses increased. Participants with 6–10 and 11 prosthetic crowns had 1.24 and 1.28 times higher prevalence of periodontitis, respectively, than patients with no prosthetic crown.ConclusionsThe results of this study show that the number of prosthetic crowns present in adults is related to the prevalence of periodontitis.
Recoverable acrylamide-vinylamine copolymer immobilized TEMPO mediated oxidation of cellulose with good catalytic performance and low cellulose degradation
Authors: Sun Tingting , Wang Huimin , Liu Jiaye , Chu Xiaomeng , Xing Xuteng , Liu Shaojie , Tang Erjun , Liu Xinying , Hildebrandt Diane
Published: February 2021

In this work, a recoverable acrylamide-vinylamine copolymer immobilized TEMPO (P(AM-co-VAm)-T) catalyst for selective oxidation of cellulose with good catalytic performance and low cellulose degradation was developed. Firstly, the acrylamide-vinylamine copolymer (P(AM-co-VAm)) was prepared by Hofmann degradation of polyacrylamide (PAM). Then, the condensation reduction reaction between amine groups of P(AM-co-VAm) and carbonyl groups of 4-oxo-TEMPO yielded P(AM-co-VAm)-T. P(AM-co-VAm)-T was used as a catalyst for selective oxidation of C6 primary hydroxyl groups of cellulose to carboxyl groups. The carboxyl content of obtained oxidized cellulose was up to 1.114 mmol/g, which was equivalent to 76% of the free TEMPO level. This macromolecular catalyst was easily recycled and the recycling performance was excellent. Interestingly, it was found that P(AM-co-VAm)-T could effectively reduce the degradation of oxidized cellulose. The corresponding degradation degree was 21%-27%, which was much lower than the degradation degree of free TEMPO (61%-66%) and other macromolecular TEMPO catalysts, such as polyacrylic acid immobilized-TEMPO (41%-53%) and polyamidoamine supported TEMPO (28%-44%). P(AM-co-VAm)-T with positive charge and suitable size could effectively inhibit the formation of C6 aldehydes and C2/C3 ketones, which was the main reason that it could significantly inhibit cellulose degradation.
Sub-Clinical Mastitis and Reproduction: Season, Parity and Stage of Lactation Effects on Conception Rate and Milk Somatic Cell Count
Authors: Mirzaei Abdolah , Ararooti Tahereh , Ghavami Mohsen , Tamadon Amin
Published: February 2021

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of subclinical mastitis (somatic cell count (SCC)>250000 cells/ml) on the fertility of Holstein dairy cows in different parities, lactation stages and seasons. Data of 2437 SCC in a dairy farm including number of insemination, pregnancy detection, date of calving and insemination, SCC after insemination (maximum of 30 days), and parity were evaluated. The rate of subclinical mastitis in the first, second, third and fourth and more lactation number was 18.8%, 25.7%, 26.5% and 35.4%, respectively and in spring, summer, autumn and winter was 24.5%, 19.7%, 18.5% and 33.6%, respectively. Conception rate of cows with subclinical mastitis (24.6%) was lower than cows without subclinical mastitis (30.9%; P=0.003). In addition, the conception rate in the second and third lactation in cows with subclinical mastitis was significantly lower than in cows without subclinical mastitis. The conception rate of cows with subclinical mastitis in summer in the second lactation and in winter in the second and third lactation was significantly lower than in cows without subclinical mastitis. Therefore, subclinical mastitis in mid lactation stage and also in the second and third parities especially in summer and winter can disturb fertility more than the other conditions. Also, considering these facts during these periods of times in managing of subclinical mastitis can improve fertility outcome of the herd.
Computational Study on Novel Natural Inhibitors Targeting BCL2
Authors: Lv Xiaye , Jiang Yuting , Wang Xinhui , Dou Gaojing , Wang Jing , Yang Wenzhuo , Xie HaoQun , Wang Hongyu , Li Zijian
Published: February 2021

Object: Ideal lead compounds and candidate drugs with inhibitory effect on BCL2 were screened from ZINC database, which laid a foundation for drug development and compound improvement of drug treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLCBL). Methods: Identification of potential BCL2 inhibitors by computer-aided virtual screening. Libdock was applied to value 17931 compounds and top20 were selected for further analysis. Selected compounds were performed absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) and toxicity prediction. The binding affinity between the selected ligands and BCL2 was confirmed by Molecular docking. Results: The new natural compounds ZINC00000255131 and ZINC00013298233 were found to bind closely with BCL2. Furthermore, they all scored lower in ames-induced mutagenicity, rodent carcinogenicity, non-developmental toxicity potential, and cytochrome P4502D6 tolerance. Molecular dynamics simulation shows that the combinations of ZINC00000255131 and ZINC00013298233 with BCL2 in the natural environment are more stable. Conclusion: Two new compounds ZINC00000255131 and ZINC00013298233 were found to be potential inhibitors of BCL2. These compounds have been proved to be safe, which is of great significance for the development and improvement of DLCBL drugs.
Eating Disorders and Non-suicidal Self-injury: Cluster Analysis Considering Eating Pathology, Emotion Dysregulation, and Negative Urgency
Authors: Gonçalves Sónia Ferreira , Ramalho Sofia , Machado Bárbara , Vieira Ana Isabel
Published: February 2021

Purpose:Research on the interplay between eating pathology, difficulties in emotion regulation and negative urgency is needed to better inform and tailor the current intervention approaches for patients with eating disorders and non-suicidal self-injury. The current study aimed to investigate the phenotypic characterization of patients with eating disorders and history of lifetime non-suicidal self-injury when considering eating pathology, emotion dysregulation and negative urgency. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study evaluating 73 patients with eating disorders and history of lifetime non-suicidal self-injury (14-55 years; 68 Female). A cluster analysis (K-means) was performed using eating pathology, difficulties in emotion regulation and negative urgency. Differences between clusters were explored on sociodemographic/psychological variables, distribution of the DSM-5 eating disorder diagnostics and past/current non-suicidal self-injury engagement Results: Three clusters were identified. Cluster 1 (n = 29) (moderate severity) was characterized by high levels of eating pathology, but moderate emotion dysregulation and negative urgency. Cluster 2 (n = 29) (high severity) was characterized by the highest scores in eating pathology, emotion dysregulation and negative urgency. Within this cluster there was the highest prevalence of patients with current non-suicidal self-injury. Cluster 3 (n = 15) (low severity) was characterized by the lowest levels of eating pathology, emotion dysregulation and negative urgency and included more patients with past non-suicidal self-injury. Conclusion: The three distinctive profiles highlights the importance of emotion dysregulation and negative urgency as a personalized treatment target for eating disorders patients with current NSSI. Level III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies
Supramalleolar Fornix Osteotomy Combined Fibular Segamental Resection for Varus Ankle Osteoarthritis
Authors: Weng Nengyuan , Li Kainan , Hu Zhengxia , Liu Xuan , Zhang Tao , Lan Hai
Published: February 2021

Background: To investigate the safety and clinical effect of supramalleolar fornix osteotomy combined with fibular segmental resection in the treatment of varus ankle osteoarthritis (VAO). Methods: from July 2014 to July 2020, 38 patients with Takakura stage II - III VAO in Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University were retrospectively analyzed, including 31 males and 7 females, 21 left ankles and 17 right ankles. They were divided into open osteotomy group (21 cases) and fornix osteotomy group (17 cases). According to the American Society of foot and ankle surgery ankle and hindfoot score (AOFAS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain function and pain score; weight-bearing ankle acupoints and lateral X-ray imaging evaluation. Results: 38 patients were followed up for 16-54 months (mean 41 months). The healing time of the supramalleolar osteotomy group (3.33 ± 0.90 months) was significantly shorter than that of the open osteotomy group (6.09 ± 1.74 months) (t = -5.932, P = 0.000). The postoperative FAS score of fornix osteotomy group (85.65 ± 6.49) was significantly better than that of open osteotomy group (63.05 ± 6.42), and the postoperative VAS score of fornix osteotomy group (2.12 ± 1.05) was significantly better than that of open osteotomy group (4.38 ± 1.60) (P < 0.05). The improvement of anterior angle of distal tibia, talus inclination angle and talus lateral displacement in the fornix osteotomy group was significantly better than that in the open osteotomy group (P < 0.05); the postoperative lateral angle of distal tibia in the fornix osteotomy group was 82.05 ± 1.74 ° on average, and that in the open osteotomy group was 80.17 ± 1.34 ° on average, with no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The treatment of VAO with supramalleolar fornix osteotomy combined fibular segamental resection can effectively solve the anterior and talus lesions. The deformity correction around CORA can avoid the lateral displacement of the talus and effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative ankle degeneration. Short term follow up convinced better function restoration compared with open supramalleolar osteotomy.
Synthesis, Crystal Structures, Hirshfeld Surfaces Analysis and Physico-Chemical Characterization of Two New ZnII and CdII Halidometallates
Authors: rayes ali , moncer Manel , Ara Irene , Necmi Dege , Ayed Brahim
Published: February 2021

Two new organic-inorganic hybrid materials, based on 1,3-CycloHexaneBis-(Methyl Amine), abbreviated CHBMA, namely(H2CHBMA)ZnCl4.2H2O (CP1) and (H2CHBMA)CdI4.2H2O (CP2), have been synthesized under mild conditions in acidic media and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, spectroscopic techniques (13C NMR, FT-IR, RAMAN) and thermal analysis. The crystal structures of the two compounds were solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Both compounds show a 3-dimensional supramolecular structure directed by various interactions between tetrahalidometallate anions (ZnCl42-, CdI42-), water molecule and organic cations (H2CHBMA)2+. For both compounds, the cyclohexane ring of the template cation is in a chair conformation with the methyl-ammonium substituent in the equatorial positions and the two terminal ammonium groups in a cis conformation but with two different orientations (upward for CP1 and downward for CP2) which influences the supramolecular architecture of the two structures. Hirshfeld surface analysis and the associated two-dimensional finger print plots were used to explore and quantify the intermolecular interactions in the crystals.
Biomimetic hygroscopic nanofibrous membrane with gradient honeycomb-like network structure for efficient atmospheric water harvesting
Authors: Zhang Yufei , Wu Lei , Zhao Xinglei , Wang Xianfeng , Yu Jianyong , Ding Bin
Published: February 2021

Honeycomb-like nanofibrous membranes (NFMs) are promising nanomaterials that can be used in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and water harvesting; however, enhancing the mechanical properties of these nanomaterials has proven extremely challenging. Herein, we report a biomimetic, super-flexible, highly elastic, and tough NFM-based water/fog harvester with a highly-ordered gradient honeycomb-like network structure self-assembled from electrospun spider-silk-like humped nanofibers. The resultant NFM exhibits super flexibility, strengthening (2.9 MPa), high elasticity, and toughening (3.39 MJ m− 3), allowing it to be used as the framework of hygroscopic materials. The resulting hygroscopic NFM displays excellent moisture absorption performance. It can be used as a water/fog harvester with superhigh equilibrium moisture absorption capacity of 4.60 g g− 1 at 95% RH, fast moisture absorption and transport rates, and long-term durability, achieving directional transport and collection of tiny water droplets. This work paves the way for the design and development of multifunctional NFMs with gradient honeycomb-like network structure.
The circular economy concept in the municipal wastewater and sewage sludge management – site-specific cases from Poland
Authors: Kacprzak Małgorzata Jadwiga
Published: February 2021

Introduction of the circular economy package as a result of the necessity to protect natural resources has also forced a new approach for effective wastewater and biowaste treatment and management. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have become crucial elements of regional bioeconomy - mainly through energy (waste to energy) and matter (nutrients-energy-water) recovery as an element of sustainable development of a smart city. In Poland in 2019 operated 3278 municipal wastewater treatment plants. To achieve specific effluent goals for BOD, nitrogen and phosphorus, different adaptations and modifications have been made. Modernization of technological lines of wastewater treatment has led to a significant improvement in the quality of treated sewage, at the largest WWTPs in Warsaw, Cracow or Gdansk. Eleven WWTPs produce approx. 34% of the total volume of approx. 337 GWh of electricity from biogas in Poland. The potential of producing electricity from biogas in WWTPs in Poland can be estimated at approx. 700–850 GWh per year. According to the data of the Statistics Poland in 2019 in Poland approx. 25% of sewage sludge was used directly in agriculture and for land reclamation. Simultaneously more than 100 WWTPs produce compost at high quality. However only few produce organic/organic-mineral fertilizers, mainly with addition of calcium.
Working Conditions in Primary Care: A Qualitative Interview Study with Physicians in Sweden Informed by the Effort-Reward-Imbalance Model
Authors: Nilsen Per , Fernemark Hanna , Seing Ida , Schildmeijer Kristina , Ericsson Carin , Skagerström Janna
Published: February 2021

Background: Many problems with primary care physicians’ psychosocial working conditions have been documented. Many studies on working condition have used the Effort-Reward-Imbalance (ERI) model, which posits that poor health and well-being may result from imbalances between the level of effort employees perceive that they put into their work and the rewards they receive. The model has not been used in qualitative research or applied to investigate primary care physicians’ working conditions. The aim of this study was to apply the ERI model to explore the perceived efforts and rewards by primary care physicians in Sweden and approaches they take to cope with potential imbalances between these efforts and rewards.Methods: The study has a qualitative design, using semi-structured interviews. A purposeful sampling strategy was used to achieve a heterogeneous sample of primary care physicians who represented a broad spectrum of experiences and perceptions. We recruited 21 physicians; 15 were employed in public health care and 6 by private health care companies.Results: The analysis of the interviews yielded 11 sub-categories: 6 were mapped to the efforts category, 3 were attributed to the rewards category and 2 were approaches to coping with effort/reward imbalances. Many of the statements concerned efforts in the form of high workload, restricted autonomy and administrative work burden. They also perceived resource restrictions, unpredictability of work and high expectations in their role as physicians as efforts. Three reward factors emerged; the physicians found their job to be stimulating and meaningful, and the work climate to be supportive. The physicians coped with imbalances by means of job enrichment and using decisional latitude.Conclusions: This study of primary care physicians suggests a lack of reciprocity in terms of high costs and low gains, providing a plausible explanation for work stress and associated consequences that have been shown in previous primary care research. We found the ERI model to be useful to explore physicians’ primary care work and working conditions and to identify effort and reward factors as well as approaches to managing effort/reward imbalances of relevance for their job satisfaction.
The Death Risk Factors of Patients Undergoing Re-Exploration For Bleeding or Tamponade After Isolate Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Luan Tongxiao , Zhuang Yingzhu , Nie Weihong , Yang Sumin , Wu Yuhui , Wang Rongmei , Dai Yunyan , Zhang Hong
Published: February 2021

Background: The purpose of this study is to analysis the death risk factors of re-exploration for bleeding or tamponade after isolate off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG).Methods: We analyzed the data of 3256 consecutive patients undergoing isolate OPCABG in our heart center from 2013 through 2020. Fifty-eight patients undergonere-exploration after OPCABG. The 58 patients were divided into death group and survival group according to their discharge status, and the risk factors of death were analyzed.Results: The mortality rate was 27.59% (16/58).We found the patients indeath group had higherbody mass index (BMI) (P=0.03), higher cardiac troponin T (cTnT) (P =0.028) and higher incidence of heart failure before OPCABG (P = 0.003). The levels of lactic acid before and after re-exploration (P =0.011 and P <0.001) were higher in death group. And the levels of creatinine (P = 0.003) and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) (P = 0.021) were higher in the death group after re-exploration. The death group had longer reoperation time (P = 0.002).In addition, the perioperative utilization rate of intra-aortic ballon pump (IABP) (P = 0.029), continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) (P = 0.001) and platelet transfusion (P = 0.009) were higher than survival group. Conclusions: The mortality rate of patients undergoing re-exploration for bleeding or tamponade after isolate OPCABG is high. More attention should be paid to patients withabove risk factors and appropriate measures should be taken in time.
Selection and Validation of Appropriate Reference Genes for qRT-PCR Analysis of Flowering Stages and Different Genotypes of Iris Germanica L.
Authors: Wang Yinjie , Zhang Yongxia , Liu Qingquan , Tong Haiying , Zhang Ting , Gu Chunsun , Liu Liangqin , Huang Suzhen , Yuan Haiyan
Published: February 2021

Iris germanica L. is a perennial herbaceous plant that has been widely cultivated worldwide and is popular for its elegant and vibrantly colorful flowers. Selection of appropriate reference genes is the prerequisite for accurate normalization of target gene expression by quantitative real-time PCR. However, to date, the most suitable reference genes for flowering stages have not been elucidated in I. germanica. In this study, eight candidate reference genes were examined for the normalization of qRT-PCR in three I. germanica cultivars, and their stability were evaluated by four different algorithms (GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and Ref-finder). The results revealed that IgUBC and IgGAPDH were the most stable reference genes in ‘00246’ and ‘Elizabeth’, and IgTUB and IgUBC showed stable expression in ‘2010200’. IgUBC and IgGAPDH were the most stable in all samples, while IgUBQ showed the least stability. Finally, to validate the reliability of the selected reference genes, the expression patterns of IgFT (Flowering Locus T gene) was analyzed and emphasized the importance of appropriate reference gene selection. This work presented the first systematic study of reference genes selection during flower bud development and provided guidance to research of the molecular mechanisms of flowering stages in I. germanica.
The Discovery of Asian Fish Tapeworm (Schyzocotyle Acheilognathi) and Schyzocotyle Sp. In Western Australia May Pose a Threat to the Health of Endemic Native Fishes
Authors: Palermo Cindy Joanna , Morgan David L. , Beatty Stephen J. , Elliot Aileen , Greay Telleasha L.
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe Asian fish tapeworm (Schyzocotyle acheilognathi) is an important fish parasite with a wide host range that infects over 300 species of fish worldwide. Schyzocotyle acheilognathi has been reported from eastern coastal areas of Australia, but has not been previously reported in Western Australia (WA). MethodsDuring a control program for invasive freshwater fishes in south-western WA, a region with a unique and highly endangered freshwater fish fauna, tapeworms identified as S. acheilognathi from their distinctive scolex morphology were found at a prevalence of 3.3% in goldfish (Carassius auratus), 37.0% in koi carp (Cyprinus carpio haematopterus), and 65.0% in eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki). For molecular confirmation, the 18S rRNA gene was targeted at hypervariable region V4 using conventional PCR and Sanger sequencing.ResultsKoi carp isolates were 100.0% identical to S. acheilognathi isolated from varying hosts including the red shiner (Cyprinella lutrensis) and a human sample. Sequences from two eastern mosquitofish were identified as S. acheilognathi, but formed a discrete subclass and may represent a novel genotype. Isolates from two other eastern mosquitofish and two goldfish formed a distinct clade with only 91.9% similarity to previously sequenced isolates of S. acheilognathi, indicating a potentially novel Schyzocotyle species. ConclusionThis emphasises the importance of molecular identification methods in addition to morphological identification. The presence and potential for spread of these parasites in south-western WA may threaten the health of native fishes, which are immunologically naïve to this introduced parasite. Immediate control or containment measures should be implemented to halt the spread of these parasites.
Entropy Based Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Spread in India using Informative Subtype Markers
Authors: Mathur Piyush , Goyal Pratik , Verma Garima , Yadav Pankaj
Published: February 2021

India became one of the most COVID-19 affected countries with more than 4 million infected cases and 71,000 deaths by September 2020. We studied the temporal dynamics and geographic distribution of SARS-CoV-2 subtypes in India. Moreover, we analysed the RGD motif and D614G mutation in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. We used a previously proposed viral subtyping method based upon informative subtype markeIndirs (ISMs). The ISMs were identified on the basis of information entropy using 94,515 genome sequences of SARS-CoV-2 available publicly at the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). We identified 11 distinct positions in the SARS-CoV-2 genomes for defining ISMs resulting in 768 unique ISMs. The most abundant ISM in India was transferred from European countries. In contrast, the second most abundant ISM in India was found to be transferred via Australia. Moreover, the eastern regions in India were infected by the ISM most abundant in China due to geographical linkage. Our analysis confirmed higher rates of new cases in the countries abundant with S-G614 strain compared to countries with abundant S-D614 strain. In India, overall S-G614 was most prevalent compared to S-D614, except a few regions including New Delhi, Bihar, and Rajasthan.
Targeted Sequencing and Integrative Analysis to Prioritise Candidate Genes in Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wang Tao , Wang Yan , Xia Kun , Li Jinchen , Sun Zhongsheng
Published: February 2021

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a group of diseases characterized by highly heterogeneity and frequently co-occur symptoms. The mutational spectrum in patients with NDDs is largely incomplete. Here, we sequenced 547 genes from 1,102 patients with NDDs and validated 1,271 potential functional variants, including 108 de novo variants (DNVs) in 78 autosomal genes and seven inherited hemizygous variants in six X chromosomal genes. Notably, 36 of these 78 genes are the first to be reported in Chinese patients with NDDs. By integrating our genetic data with public data, we prioritised 212 NDD candidate genes with FDR < 0.1, including 17 novel genes. The novel candidate genes interacted or were co-expressed with known candidate genes, forming a functional network involved in known pathways. We highlighted MSL2, which carried two de novo protein-truncating variants (p.L192Vfs*3 and p.S486Ifs*11) and was most frequently connected with known candidate genes. This study provides the mutational spectrum of NDDs in China and prioritises 212 NDD candidate genes for further functional validation and genetic counseling.