bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coronavirus survey; a bibliometric analysis from 2012-2019.
Authors: Owolabi Akinyomade , Folorunsho Joshua Opeyemi
Published: April 2021

Background: Coronaviruses have emerged from animal reservoirs over the past decades to create severe illness and death. They are the SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and more recently, the SARS-CoV2. This study is focused at assessing the characteristics of published works involving SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV at global level; using bibliometric analysis.Methods: Peer-reviewed publications were retrieved from the Scopus database between 2012 and 2019. Data were analyzed in terms of the year, journal and number of publications, international collaboration patterns, research institutes, impact factor, h-index and number of times cited. Visual presentation and analysis of the data were performed using RStudio, Tableau and Microsoft Excel.Results: A total of 1707 research publications were published across the world between 2012 and 2019 with the highest and lowest number of publications in 2016 (288) and 2012 (87). USA had 249 articles, followed by South Korea (186) and Saudi Arabia (111). The total number of citations achieved was 39,094 with Journal of Virology (133) had the highest number of published articles, followed by Emerging Infectious Disease (85) and PLOS One (60).Conclusion: This research showed the international diversity of MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV research with 106 countries. It is also not surprising that United States leads in the number of publications, authors and citations because of its global power and economic strength; this can also be said with the other top countries. Saudi Arabia was among the top rank because of the origination of the MERS-CoV in the middle east.
Biochemical influence of amphidromous shrimps on stream ecosystems in Japan
Authors: Uno Hiromi , Fukushima Keitaro , Kawamura Mariko , Kurasawa Akira , Sato Takuya
Published: April 2021

Not only through species interactions but also through excretion of nutrients, consumers can have profound effects on the ecosystem structure. While many studies in lentic ecosystems address both effects in combination, little is known about their linkages in lotic ecosystems. By a combination of field manipulative experiment, excretion measurements of consumes, and field surveys, we evaluated biochemical effects of amphidromous shrimps on stream ecosystems. The field manipulative experiment showed that the presence of shrimp suppressed the total aquatic insect biomass by 9% but increased the total benthic macroinvertebrate biomass including the shrimps by 196%. The biomass-specific NH4+ excretion rate by shrimp was similar to aquatic insects, and the calculated mean NH4+ excretion by benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage was 144% higher in the presence of shrimps. On the other hand, shrimps excreted much less PO43− than aquatic insects, and the PO43− excretion by the benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage did not change by the presence of shrimps. The field survey showed a positive correlation between NO3− concentration in stream water and shrimp density, suggesting that the excess NH4+ was nitrified and raised NO3− concentration. In contrast, PO43− concentration in stream water was negatively associated with the shrimp density, indicating that the dominance of shrimps that excrete little PO43− decreased the PO43− concentration. While nutrient concentration of stream water is often attributed to the condition of the watershed area, the results of this study indicate downstream connectivity to the ocean can also influence the nutrient dynamics of the stream through the density of amphidromous shrimps.
Structural basis for the strict exclusion of proline from the N-glycosylation sequon
Authors: Kohda Daisuke , Taguchi Yuya , Yamasaki Takahiro , Ishikawa Marie , Kawasaki Yuki , Yukimura Ryuji , Mitani Maki , Hirata Kunio
Published: April 2021

Oligosaccharyltransferase (OST) catalyzes oligosaccharide transfer to the Asn residue in the N-glycosylation sequon, Asn-X-Ser/Thr, where Pro is strictly excluded at position X. Considering the unique structural properties of proline, this exclusion may not be surprising, but the structural basis for the rejection of Pro residues should be explained explicitly. The crystal structure of an archaeal OST in a complex with a sequon-containing peptide and dolichol-phosphate was determined to a 2.7 Å resolution. The sequon part in the peptide forms two inter-chain hydrogen bonds with a conserved amino acid motif, TIXE. We confirmed the essential role of the TIXE motif and the adjacent regions by extensive alanine-scanning of the external loop 5. A Ramachandran plot revealed that the ring structure of the Pro side chain is incompatible with the φ backbone dihedral angle around -150° in the rigid sequon-TIXE structure.
Effect of turbulence intensity of fluid medium interface layer on magnetic liquid seal in liquid environment
Authors: Li Wangxu , Li Zhenggui , Cheng Jie , Xu Lianchen , Li Xinrui
Published: April 2021

In a liquid environment, the instability of the interface layer of the rotating fluid medium is one of the main causes for the failure of magnetic liquid seals. The turbulence intensity of the interfacial layer between the magnetic and the sealing medium fluids in magnetic liquid seals directly affects the layer stability. Reducing the maximum turbulence intensity is an effective way to improve the stability of the magnetic fluid rotating seal. In this study, we simulated magnetic fluid sealing devices with different structures in liquid environments using FLUENT software. The simulation results are verified through experimental analyses and the turbulence intensity at the sealing interface is analyzed. We simulated the magnetic circuit using Maxwell software, and compared the difference between the optimized and traditional structures. The results show that the maximum turbulence intensity of the liquid interface layer increases with the increasing shaft speed. At the same speed, the turbulence intensity is maximized at the shaft interface before gradually decreasing in a multistage linear pattern along the radial direction. The turbulence intensity at the interface of the spindle is relatively large, which seriously affects the stability of the interface. Based on these results, the optimized structure (OS) of the magnetic liquid seal in the liquid environment is designed. The maximum turbulence intensity of the liquid interface layer in the OS is more than 20% lower than that in the traditional structure (TS), and it is independent of the rotation speed. The optimized and the traditional structures have the same magnetic induction intensity distribution at the sealing clearance. The maximum magnetic induction intensity of the OS is 6.25% higher than that of the traditional one. These results provide a reference for designing magnetic liquid sealing devices.
Study on Emission Factors of FCC Flue Gas Pollutants in Petroleum Refineries
Authors: Luan Hui , Wu Cong , Xiu Guangli , Ju Feng , Ling Hao , Pan Helin
Published: April 2021

Fluid Catalytic cracking (FCC) unit is one of the means to lighten heavy oil in refineries, and its regenerated flue gas is also the main source of air pollutants from refinery. However, it is not clear about the type and amount of pollutants discharged from FCC units. The emissions of regenerated pollutants in the stack flue gases of three typical FCC units in China were investigated in this study, including a partial regeneration unit without a CO boiler (U1), a partial regeneration unit with a CO boiler (U2) and a full regeneration unit (U3). Different monitoring methods were used to analyze the concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), and the results showed that Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) monitoring results of SO2 and NOx are approximately 10 times and 5 times larger than that of the Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) data, respectively. Also, the contents of characteristic pollutants such as NH3, C6H6, HCN, C8H8, C2H4, CH4 and CO were also monitored by FTIR, and the emission factors based on coke burn-off rate and throughput were investigated. The pollutants in U1 exhibited relatively higher contents with the NH3, HCN and C6H6 of 116.99, 71.94 and 56.41 mg/Nm3 in flue gas, respectively. The emission of regenerated pollutants in U2 and U3 are significantly different from U1. Regeneration processes (including coke properties, operating modes and presence or absence of CO boilers) affected pollutants emission factors in varying degree. At last, reasonable emission factors based on the different FCC regeneration processes contributes to the prediction, assessment and control for the pollutants emission.
Decoding Activation of ILC2 using Time-Dependent Cell-State Selection
Authors: Tanaka Yumiko , Yamagishi Mai , Motomura Yasutaka , Kamatani Takashi , Oguchi Yusuke , Suzuki Nobutake , Kiniwa Tsuyoshi , Kabata Hiroki , Tsunoda Tatsuhiko , Miya Fuyuki , Goda Keisuke , Ohara Osamu , Fukunaga Koichi , Moro Kazuyo , Uemura Sotaro , Shirasaki Yoshitaka
Published: April 2021

Cell fate determination, a fundamental process of life, is controlled through dynamic intracellular molecular networks. However, the low population of cells at the switching period of fate determination has made it technically difficult to analyze the transcriptome of the stage. Here we developed the Time-Dependent Cell-State Selection (TDCSS) technique, which detects an index of the switching period by live-cell imaging of secretion activity followed by simultaneous recoveries of the indexed cells for subsequent transcriptome analysis. Specifically, we used the TDCSS technique to study the switching period of group2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) activation indexed by interleukin (IL)-13 secretion onset. TDCSS newly classified time-dependent genes, including transiently induced genes (TIGs). The finding of IL4 and MIR155HG as TIGs demonstrated their regulatory function of ILC2s activation.
Effect of combined renin angiotensin aldosterone inhibitors and diuretic treatment among patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 Infection COVID-19
Authors: Palazzuoli Alberto , Tecson Kristen M. , Vicenzi Marco , D’Ascenzo Fabrizio , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria , Monticone Silvia , Secco Gioel G , Tavazzi Guido , Forleo Giovanni , Severino Paolo , Fedele Francesco , De Rosa Francesco , McCullough Peter A.
Published: April 2021

Background: Antecedent use of renin angiotensin aldosterone inhibitors (RAASi) appears crucial to prevent clinical deterioration and protect against cardiovascular and/or thrombotic complications of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), for indicated patients. Doubts have been raised about continuing treatment throughout infection, and nothing is known regarding its effect with concomitant medications. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the differential effect of RAASi continuation in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 according to diuretic use.Methods: We used the Coracle (epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and therapy in real life patients affected by Sars-Cov-2) multi-center registry, which contains data of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 from 4 regions of Italy. We performed analyses on adult (50+ years) records with admission on/after February 22, 2020 with a known mortality or discharge status as of April 1, 2020. We constructed a multivariable Firth logistic regression model to complete our objective.Results: There were 286 patients in this analysis. Overall, 100 (35.0%) patients continued RAASi and 186 (65%) discontinued. There were 98 patients who were treated with a diuretic; 51 (52%) of those continued RAASi. The in-hospital mortality rates among patients treated with a diuretic and continued vs. discontinued RAASi were 7.8% vs 25.5% (p = 0.0179). There were 188 patients who were not treated with a diuretic; 49 (26.1%) of those continued RAASi. The in-hospital mortality rates among patients who were not treated with a diuretic and continued vs. discontinued RAASi were 16.3% vs 9.4% (p = 0.1827). After accounting for age, congestive heart failure, and coronary heart disease/ischemic heart disease, continuing RAASi decreased the risk of mortality by approximately 72% (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.08 – 0.94, p = 0.0391) for patients treated with diuretics, but did not alter the risk in patients who were not treated with diuretics.Conclusion: Diuretic use in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who were on RAASi prior to admission was associated with increased risk of in-hospital mortality. Whether this combined therapy increases risk or is the reflection of a more severe presentation deserves further investigation. Continuing RAASi therapy in patients concomitantly treated with diuretics was associated with reduced in-hospital mortality.
Molecular characterization of virulence factors in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine subclinical mastitis in central Ethiopia
Authors: Teegegne Desiye Tesfaye , Mamo Gezahegne , Waktole Hika , Messele Yohannes Equar
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is the most important pathogen involved in bovine mastitis in dairy production. S. aureus produces a spectrum of extracellular protein toxins and virulence factors which are thought to contribute to the pathogenicity of the organism. The aim of this work was to isolate and molecular characterize S. aureus associated with bovine subclinical mastitis in central part of Ethiopia.Methods: A total of 265 lactating dairy cows from various dairy farms in four different geographical locations were screened by California mastitis test (CMT) for bovine subclinical mastitis. One-hundred thirty CMT positive milk samples were collected and transported to laboratory. Different biochemical tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used for the identification of S. aureus isolates. Finally, PCR was performed for molecular detection of virulence genes. Results: From total of 265 lactating dairy cows screened, 49% (n=130) were positive for bovine subclinical mastitis. One-hundred thirty mastitic milk samples were subjected to bacterial culturing, one hundred (76%) S. aureus isolates were identified based on phenotypic characters. Sixty-eight confirmed S. aureus isolates were obtained using PCR. The confirmed S. aureus isolates were tested for six virulence genes (tsst-1, hlb, eta, sea, clfA and icaD) using PCR. Of the six virulence genes screened from all the isolates, only two (clfA and eta) were detected in the isolates. Out of 68 isolates, 25% and 22% were possessed the eta and clfA genes, respectively. Conclusion: Presence of Staphylococcus aureus having virulence genes (eta and clfA) revealed that mastitis is a major concern nowadays affecting animal health, milk quality, and yield. Further genomic study of these isolates will provide broad new insights on virulence.
Design and characterization of novel zirconium-based amorphous alloys containing scandium for biomedical application
Authors: Cui Hai-Po , Zhang Wei-Dong , Song Cheng-Li
Published: April 2021

In this work, (Zr55Cu30Al10Ni5)100−xScx (x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5) amorphous alloys were fabricated through steel die casting. The effects of scandium on the properties of zirconium-based amorphous alloys have been studied. The results show that the glass-forming ability of amorphous alloys increases at first and then decreases with the increase of Sc content. The highest glass-forming ability is obtained when the atomic fraction of Sc is 0.5%, which enables the production of 2-mm-thick amorphous alloy ingots. Meanwhile, the thermal stability and mechanical properties of the alloy are optimised with the atomic fraction of Sc of 1.0%. In addition, by adding an appropriate amount of Sc, the corrosion resistance of Zr–Cu–Al–Ni alloys is enhanced, particularly in the acid solution. The lowest average corrosion rate for samples in acid solution is obtained with the alloy containing atomic fraction of Sc of 1.0%. Therefore, results of this study indicate that the Zr-based amorphous alloy containing scandium has the potential for manufacturing fracture internal fixation or surgical devices.
Impact of Excessive Weight Loss on Cardiovascular Risk After Two Years of Bariatric Surgery
Authors: PEDRON FLAVIANA FREITAS , Alvarez Glauco da Costa , Patias Luciana Dapieve , Machado Ana Cristina de Assunção , de Lima Lidiany Oliveira , de Moura Deise Silva , Calcing Aline , de Moraes Cristina Machado Bragança
Published: April 2021

Overweightness is related to a high incidence of dyslipidemia, being considered a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.Objective: Analysis of the effect of weight loss in reducing type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular risk 2 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.Methods: A retrospective study with patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass involving accessing the database of an Obesity Surgery Clinic from March 2018 to March 2019. Male and female patients, aged 18 and over, who underwent bariatric surgery from March 2014 to March 2016 were analyzed. The following data were obtained from the medical records of patients: body weight, height, age, sex, glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) after 24 months of surgery.Results: In total, 351 patients were studied, 80.9% of whom were female. There was a reduction in weight and in the concentrations of all biochemical parameters, except HDLc, along with a decrease in the frequency of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk 24 months after surgery. When comparing variations between 6 and 12 months, only group 1 reduced Hb1Ac and decreased CVR. There was a significant reduction in the level of glucose in group 1 (p = 0.036) at T4 (18 months) and T5 (24 months).Conclusion: The positive impact determined by bariatric surgery on weight loss was shown to be effective in improving the dyslipidemic profile, reducing morbidities associated with obesity and, consequently, reducing CVR after 24 months.
Trends in clinical practice and its effect on relapse among patients with severe mental disorders in Ethiopia: a retrospective chart review
Authors: Fanta Tolesa , Hagos Kibrom Haile , Hamda Edao Fejo , Haile Eliyas , Ejigu Alem Kebede , Nassir Zebiba , Yaya Getinet Ayano
Published: April 2021

Background Studies have suggested that developing good trends in clinical practices in adherence to the recommended processes and guidelines for basic care have been associated with good health outcomes. However, no previous studies have explored trends in psychiatric practices and their impact on relapse among patients with severe mental disorders. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 401 patients with severe psychiatric disorders selected by systematic random sampling technique. Trends in clinical practice were assessed by a tool adapted from published evidence based on advice from well-known experts in psychiatric practice. A univariable and multivariable logistic regression model was used to investigate the association between psychiatric practices and relapse. Results This study provided evidence of a significant deficit in adherence to the recommended practices of basic care. The vast majority of professionals were not following the appropriate psychiatry history-taking format at first contact (73.6%), not documented the reasons for drug discontinuation (88.5%), did not follow the correct guideline of shifting across psychrotrophic medications (86.8%), and did not put their name or signature on the chart (61.8%). In multivariable analysis, not following psychiatric history taking format at first contact 1.63 (1.04, 2.56)], the diagnosis of bipolar disorders [4.85 (2.01, 8.36)], drug discontinuation after a short duration of treatment [1.21 (1.02, 2.42)], poor documentation of patient data during follow up [3.10 (2.35, 4.43)], absence of name and signature of treating physician on the chart [7.58 (2.64, 21.79)], and failing to treat medication side effect [2.55 (1.02, 6.39)] were found to significant predictors of relapse among the participants. Conclusions The findings provided evidence of notably higher rates of deficits in adherence to the existing guideline of basic psychiatric care, which resulted in a higher risk of relapse among patients with severe psychiatric disorders.
Pineapple stem-derived bromelain based priming improves pepper seed protein reserve mobilization and germination
Authors: Pérez Lianny , Acosta Yanier , Nápoles Lelurlys , Carvajal Carol , Linares Claudia , Sershen Sershen , Feijoo Jose Carlos Lorenzo , Pérez Aurora
Published: April 2021

Pepper fruit has a great agronomic, nutritional and commercial value given that it is rich in antioxidant compounds such as carotenes, and vitamins C and E. However, pepper seeds are slow to germinate and emergence is often non-uniform and incomplete. Seed priming and invigoration treatments have been explored for a number of pepper varieties but success has been variable and generally limited. The present report describes the effects of pineapple stem – derived protease (stem bromelain) based priming on pepper seed germination in relation to reserve mobilization (specifically, proteins and aminoacids). Germination capacity in bromelain treated seeds was significantly higher on days 7, 14 and 21 than in unsoaked (control) and deionized water-soaked seeds but comparable across the treatments and the control on day 28. Germination rate was significantly highest in bromelain treated seeds. Light microscopy revealed an abundance of protein bodies in the endosperm of the seeds investigated at before imbibition and when observed over a period of 96 h, these bodies were progressively degraded, with the rate of this degradation being fastest in bromelain treated seeds. Quantitative measurements of protein levels (and free amino content) confirmed this observation. The results motivate the use of bromelain extracts for priming pepper seeds based on their proteolytic activity, since germination is dependent on the availability of crude protein and essential amino acids.
Microcavity-Like Exciton-Polaritons can be the Primary Photoexcitation in Bare Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Rao Akshay , Pandya Raj , Chen Richard , Gu Qifei , Sung Jooyoug , Schnedermann Christoph , Ojambati Oluwafemi , Chikkaraddy Rohit , Gorman Jeffrey , Jacucci Gianni , Onelli Olimpia , Willhammar Tom , Johnstone Duncan , Collins Sean , Midgley Paul , Auras Florian , Baikie Tomi , Jayaprakash Rahul , Mathevet Fabrice , Soucek Richard , Du Mathew , Alvertis Antonios , Ashoka Arjun , Vignolini Silvia , Lidzey David , Baumberg Jeremy , Friend Richard , Barisien Thierry , Legrand Laurent , Chin Alex , Yuen-Zhou Joel , Saikin Semion , Kukura Philipp , Musser Andrew
Published: April 2021

Exciton-polaritons (EPs) are quasiparticles formed by the hybridization of excitons with light modes. As organic semiconductors sustain stable excitons at room-temperature, these materials are being actively studied for room temperature polaritonic devices1–3. This is typically in the form of cavity-based systems, where molecules are confined between metallic or dielectric mirrors 4–6 or in a plasmonic gap 7,8. In such systems strong light-matter coupling gives rise to polariton splittings on the order of 200 to 300 meV 6. A wide range of phenomena have been demonstrated in cavity-polariton systems including super-fluidity9, precisely controlled chemical reactions10 and long-range energy propagation11. Here, using a range of chemically diverse model organic systems we show that interactions between excitons and moderately confined photonic states within the (thin) film can lead to the formation of EPs, with a defined lifetime, even in the absence of external cavities. We demonstrate the presence of EPs via angular dependent splittings in reflectivity spectra on the order of 30 meV and collective emission from ~5 ×107 coupled molecules. Additionally, we show that at room temperature these EPs can transport energy up to ~270 nm at velocities of ~5 ×106 m s-1. This propagation velocity and distance is sensitive to, and can be tuned by, the refractive index of the external environment. However, although sensitive to the nanoscale morphology the formation of the exciton-polariton states is a general phenomenon, independent of underlying materials chemistry, with the principal material requirements being a high oscillator strength per unit volume and low disorder. These results and design rules will enable the harnessing of EP effects for a new application in optoelectronics, light harvesting 9,12,13 and cavity controlled chemistry without the limiting requirement of an external cavity.
Geographic Confounding in Genome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: Abdellaoui Abdel , Verweij Karin , Nivard Michel G
Published: April 2021

Gene-environment correlations can bias associations between genetic variants and complex traits in genome-wide association studies (GWASs). Here, we control for geographic sources of gene-environment correlation in GWASs on 56 complex traits (N = 69,772–271,457). Controlling for geographic region significantly decreases heritability signals for SES-related traits, most strongly for educational attainment and income, indicating that socio-economic differences between regions induce gene-environment correlations that become part of the polygenic signal. For most other complex traits investigated, genetic correlations with educational attainment and income are significantly reduced, most significantly for traits related to BMI, sedentary behavior, and substance use. Controlling for current address has greater impact on the polygenic signal than birth place, suggesting both active and passive sources of gene-environment correlations. Our results show that societal sources of social stratification that extend beyond families introduce regional-level gene-environment correlations that affect GWAS results.
Mercury’s Ring Current: MESSENGER Observations and Test-Particle Simulations
Authors: Zhao Jiutong , Zong Qiugang , Yue Chao , Sun Weijie , Zhang Hui , Zhou Xuzhi , Le Guan , Rankin Robert , Slavin James , Raines JIM , Wei Yong
Published: April 2021

Energetic protons can carry a longitudinal electric current via their gradient and curvature drift around a planet and form a current system known as the ring current. The ring current has been observed in the intrinsic magnetosphere of Earth, Jupiter, and Saturn. However, there is still lacking evidence of ring current in Mercury’s magnetosphere, which contains significantly weaker and oppressive “dipolar” magnetic field and the charged particles are thought able to efficiently escape the magnetosphere through magnetopause shadowing and/or directly hitting the surface. Here we present the first observational evidence of Mercury ring current with the measurement of MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER). The ring current is bifurcated under moderate solar wind forcing, which is caused by the off-equatorial magnetic minima on the noon side and tends to vanish during weak solar wind forcing. This morphology is validated by a test-particle simulation with a Mercury’s dynamic magnetic field model. The total energy stored in the ring current exceeds 5x1010 J during active times, indicating that magnetic storms may also occur in Mercury’s magnetosphere.
Ubiquitous Organic Molecule-based Free-standing Nanowires with Ultra-high Aspect Ratios
Authors: Kamiya Koshi , Kamiya Kazuto , Nobuoka Masaki , Sakaguchi Shugo , Sakurai Tsuneaki , Idesaki Akira , Koshikawa Hiroshi , Sugimoto Masaki , Lakshmi G.B.V.S. , Avasthi D.K. , Seki Shu
Published: April 2021

The critical dimension of semiconductor devices is approaching the single-nm regime, and a variety of practical devices of this scale are targeted for production this decade. Planar structures of nano-devices are still the center of fabrication techniques, which limit further integration of devices into a chip. Extension into 3D space is a promising strategy for future device integration; however, the steep increase in the number of surfaces and their interaction in 3D nanospace make it hard to integrate nanostructures with aspect ratios over ~ 10. We report herein a unique technique to produce uniform free-standing 1D nanostructures with extremely high aspect ratios over 100, borrowing from technology developed for cancer radiotherapy with high-energy charged particles. Along the straight trajectory of particles penetrating the condensed phase of a variety of sublimable organic molecules, 1D nanowires were formed with single-nm thickness and perfectly controlled length. An all-dry process was developed to isolate the nanowire plexus, and hetero-junction structures could be facilely built into the nanowires by the new technique. Coaxial extension of nanowires by a chemical process allowed us to freely design the nanowires both in axial and radial directions.
Cerebralcare Granule® enhances memantine hydrochloride efficacy in APP/PS1 mice by ameliorating amyloid pathology and cognitive functions
Authors: Qiao Ou , Zhang Xinyu , Zhang Yi , Ji Haixia , Li Zhi , Han Xiaoying , Wang Wenzhe , Li Xia , Wang Juan , Liu Changxiao , Gao Wenyuan
Published: April 2021

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory deficits and cognitive decline. Current drugs can only relieve symptoms, but cannot really cure AD. Cerebralcare granule® (CG) is a Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) containing a variety of biologically active compounds. In our previous studies, CG has shown a beneficial effect on memory impairment in mice caused by D-galactose. However, whether CG can be used as a complementary medicine for the treatment of AD remains unexplored. Here, we use a combination of CG and memantine hydrochloride (Mm) to treat Alzheimer-like pathology and investigate the effects and mechanisms in vivo.
Methods

The histology of brain was examined with Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Golgi staining and Thioflavin S staining. ELISA was applied to assess the expression levels or activities of CAT, SOD, GSH-Px, MDA, alanine aminotr-ansferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBIL) in serum, as well as the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the mice brain. Western blotting was used to assess the expression of β-secretase (BACE1), amyloid precursor protein (APP), APPβ, APPα, synaptophysin (SYN), growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43), and postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95).
Results

In the present study, the combination group (CG + Mm) significantly attenuated Alzheimer-like behavior without adverse effects in APP/PS1 mice, indicating its high degree of safety and efficacy after long-term treatment. CG + Mm reduced AD pathological biomarker Aβ plaque accumulation by inhibiting BACE1 and APP expression, while Mm has no similar effect. Besides, the combination group markedly inhibited the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the hippocampus, as well as activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px in serum. By contrast, the combination group improved synaptic dysfunction by enhancing SYN, PSD95, and GAP43 expression.
Conclusions

Taken together, these data supported the notion that CG might ameliorate the cognitive impairment through multiple pathways, suggesting that CG could play a role as complementary medicine to increase anti-AD effect of chemical drugs by reducing Aβ deposition, neuroinflammation, oxidative damage, and improving synaptic.
Tensile Mechanical Properties of Natural Fibre Composites – A Statistical Approach
Authors: LAOUICI Hamdi , Benkhelladi Asma , Bouchoucha Ali
Published: April 2021

The main objective and the originality of this work are to create a hybrid-natural fibre composite by the RMS method. Hybrid composites are manufactured by combining two or more dissimilar kinds of fibre in a single matrix. In the first section, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) using a Box-Behnken experimental design and the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) are applied to investigate the effects of the type of fibres, chemical treatment, volume fraction and treatment time on the mechanical properties (ultimate tensile strength and Young’s modulus) in the tensile quasi-static loading when used two resins namely, epoxy and polyester. In the studied range, statistical analysis of the results showed that selected variables had a significant effect on the mechanical properties, except the treatment time that has a very weak significance effect on the mechanical properties. Then, to maximize the mechanical properties, the optimal conditions coded by RSM were found: the type of fibres (X 1 ) of [-0.28 and -0.33], the chemical treatment (X 2 ) of -1, the volume fraction of fibre (X 3 ) of 1 and the treatment duration (X 4 ) of [-0.97 and -1] for epoxy resin matrix. Similarly, when used the polyester resin matrix; the type of fibres (X 1 ) of -0.26, the chemical treatment (X 2 ) of -1, the volume fraction (X 3 ) of 0.99 and the sinking time (X 4 ) of [-0.94 and -0.93]. The obtained optimum parameters were confirmed experimentally in the second section
Lipogenic Potency of Individual Perfluorinated Alkyl Acids (PFAAs) and Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) Mixtures at Human Blood-Based Exposure Levels on Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Cells
Authors: Xie Yuling , Berntsen H.F. , Zimmer K.E. , Ropstad E. , Verhaegen S. , Connolly L.
Published: April 2021

Background In recent decades, the incidence of metabolic disorders has increased internationally. This increase has been linked to exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) but little is known about the metabolic effects of realistic human exposure mixtures at relevant concentrations. Objectives In this study we tested if POPs, representing real life exposure profiles and concentrations, were able to disrupt development and functions of adipose tissue in a direct way. Methods The lipogenic potency of a POP mixture modelled on levels found in human blood as detected in the Scandinavian population was assessed. The Total mixture comprises 29 compounds divided over three groups: chlorinated (Cl), brominated (Br), and perfluorinated compounds (PFAA). Individual PFAA chemicals, the Total mixture, and sub-mixtures (Cl, Br, PFAA, Cl + Br, Cl + PFAA, and Br + PFAA) at five (× 1/10, × 1, × 50, × 100, and × 500) human blood levels were tested in an optimised high content analysis (HCA) 3T3-L1 adipogenesis assay. Results Individual PFAAs; perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) promoted lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. The Total mixture, and the Cl, PFAA, Cl + Br, and Cl + PFAA sub-mixtures, promoted adipogenic differentiation and lipid accumulation. Increased lipid accumulation promoted adipose tissue expansion. Conclusions To the authors knowledge, this is the first in vitro bioassay study assessing the adipogenic effects of POP mixtures modelled on real-life human exposure levels. The findings highlight that such exposures may alter adipose tissue development and function, thus potentially playing a role in the globally increasing escalation of metabolic disorders.
Chitosan-Graft-Poly(N-Tert-Butylacrylamide) Copolymer: Synthesis, Characterization and Optimization of Tetracycline Removal Using RSM
Authors: Tanyol Mehtap , Torğut Gülben
Published: April 2021

In present study, graft copolymer was synthesized by free radical method using N-tertiary butylacrylamide monomer on chitosan which is an environment friendly polymer. The chemical structure and the surface morphology of the newly synthesized graft copolymer were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Thermal behavior was analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). To investigate the applicability of chitosan-graft-poly(N‑tert‑butylacrylamide) graft copolymer, it was used as an adsorbent for rapidly removal of tetracycline from aqueous solution. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed for the optimization of the study conditions such as adsorbent dosage (0.01–0.04 g), reaction time (10–90 minutes), and initial tetracycline concentration (10–100 mg 100 mL− 1). The effects of these conditions on tetracycline uptake capacity were examined by RSM and the results were statistically analyzed. The RSM results showed that maximum tetracycline uptake capacity (104.81 mg g− 1) was achieved at the adsorbent dose of 0.03 mg 100 mL− 1, reaction time of 51.12 minutes, and initial tetracycline concentration of 97.99 mg L− 1. ANOVA analysis based on central composite design combined with RSM showed good agreement between experimental values and quadratic model estimates, thus resulting in 0.9118 R2 for tetracycline uptake. The findings demonstrated chitosan-graft-poly(N‑tert‑butylacrylamide) copolymer is an effective adsorbent for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment.
The Safety, Efficacy, and Tolerability of Microbial Ecosystem Therapeutic-2 in People With Major Depressive Disorder and/or Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Phase 1, Open-Label Study
Authors: Meyyappan Arthi Chinna , Forth Evan , Milev Roumen
Published: April 2021

Background: Recent studies have investigated the potential of treatments that modify the gut microbiome, such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and probiotics, in individuals with psychiatric illnesses. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of a novel gut microbiome therapeutic, Microbial Ecosystem Therapuetic-2 (MET-2), in people with depression and anxiety. Methods: In this phase 1, open-label trial, twelve adults diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder and/or Generalized Anxiety Disorder were recruited. Participants consumed orally once daily an encapsulated microbial therapeutic, containing 40 strains of bacteria purified and lab-grown from a single healthy donor stool, for 8 weeks. Participants were assessed biweekly using clinical scales and questionnaires in order to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of the therapeutic. Results: The therapeutic was found to be generally safe and tolerable, with limited adverse events and side effects, and no serious adverse events. Of the twelve individuals included in this study, nine responded to treatment (50% improvement in MADRS and/or GAD-7 scores from baseline to week 8 visit). Over the course of 10 weeks MET-2 significantly decreased mean MADRS and GAD-7 scores, MADRS [F (5, 55) = 8.784, p<0.0001 and GAD-7 F (5,55) = 9.638, p<0.0001]. Conclusion: The findings of this study are the first to provide evidence for the role of microbial ecosystem therapy in treating depression and anxiety. However, a double-blind, randomized controlled trial with a larger sample size is needed for more conclusive results. Trial Registration: This study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04052451) on 09/08/2019.
Analysis of Alprostadil Injection in Real-World Usage and a Review of Literatures
Authors: Yan Jingchao , Shen Jianwen , Li Ling , Huang Taomin
Published: April 2021

Background：The irrational use of medicines has become a major problem worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than half of all medicines are prescribed, dispensed, or sold inappropriately, and advised the pursuit of the responsible use of medicines.In China regulations require that a pharmacist must audit the prescription.Alprostadil injection is a vasodilator and an inhibitor of platelet aggregation There is no obvious or clear indication for its use in the ear, nose and throat (ENT) Department. It came to our notice that in our hospital, alprostadil injection has been prescribed in the ENT Outpatient Department to treat some diseases. Aim: This utilization review on the use of alprostadil injection was carried out in the ear, nose and throat (ENT) Outpatient Department of our hospital to determine its utilization patterns and promote its rational use. Methods: A prescription survey was conducted, and detailed demographic information, including the patient’s age, gender, diagnosis and so on, were recorded in an Excel spreadsheet. The rationality for these prescriptions were retrospectively evaluated.Results: Based on the evaluation results, all alprostadil injections were found to be used off label in the Otolaryngology Department. Furthermore, 98.3% of the prescriptions were for the treatment of sudden hearing loss, 1.1% of the prescriptions for the diagnosis of hypoacusis were considered empirical and should have been more specific, and 0.6% of the prescriptions were for the treatment of Ménière’s disease and large vestibular aqueduct syndrome. There were various dosage regimens for alprostadil injection in clinical practice. However, there was no statistically significant difference in dosage between the different age groups. Moreover, most of the alprostadil injections were given by IV bolus, while 12.2% of patients received this by intravenous drip.Conclusion: The present review indicated that improvements should be made in the quality of prescriptions for alprostadil injection in the Otolaryngology Outpatient Department. Furthermore, there is no strong evidence to support the use of high doses. Future audits of such use may be combined with an awareness campaign to reduce and discourage the irrational use of off label medications.
Impact of the First COVID-19 wWave on Surgical Training in Flanders: Are we Losing Competence?
Authors: Brouwers Jonas , Leyn Paul De , Depypere Lieven
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has tremendously impacted the healthcare system and residency programs worldwide. Surgical residents were redeployed to COVID-19 units whereas education and scientific didactics were reduced. The aim of this study is to identify the impact of COVID-19 on Flemish surgical residents’ education, personal life and volume of performed surgeries.METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective survey on educational and personal impact during the first COVID-19 wave was administered anonymously to all surgical residents in Flanders. A quantitative comparison of performed surgeries during this period and the same period a year earlier was conducted. RESULTS: 193 surgical residents (46%) completed the survey. 63% of residents were no longer admitted to multidisciplinary oncologic meetings and 107 (55%) residents had no longer any scientific meetings at all. 46% of the residents indicated more than 50% reduction in time in the operating theater. 31% of residents was involved in care for COVID-19 positive surgical patients. 78% of the residents experienced a negative impact on their surgical training and 41% experienced a negative influence on their private situation. Performed surgical cases during the COVID-19 period were on average 40% less for second, third- and fourth-year residents.CONCLUSION: Surgical residents perceived a high negative impact on personal and professional lives during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Flanders. Education and training programs were cancelled and volume of performed surgeries decreased tremendously. Policymakers and surgical program coordinators should ensure surgical education during further evolution of this and future pandemics.
Brass Wire Forming By Friction Stir Back Extrusion: Numerical Modeling and Experiment
Authors: Akbari Mostafa , Asadi Parviz
Published: April 2021

Friction stir back extrusion (FSBE) is used to produce brass wires and then, Numerical modeling is developed to simulate the FSBE of brass based on the Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian technique (CEL) and verified by experiments. Next, the effects of FSBE parameters such as tool rotational and plunging speed on the strain and temperature distributions, microstructure, and patterns of material flow are studied. The results show that, the highest temperature and strain occurs near the tool/workpiece interface, but in a further distance from the tool axis. Additionally, in the cross section of a FSBE wire, the microstructure is finer in the periphery of the sample. A higher rotational speed or a lower plunging speed results in a coarser microstructure. The material flow pattern during the process is conical helix, and does not change meaningfully by the process parameters. The points at the further distance from the tool axis, along with an upward movement, experience an inward spiral movement which is amplified by higher rotational speed. However, the materials very near the tool axis almost take an upward movement and endure a very lower strain.
Quantifying The Relationship Between Lockdowns, Mobility, and Effective Reproduction Number (Rt) During The COVID-19 Pandemic in The Greater Toronto Area
Authors: Dainton Christopher , Hay Alexander
Published: April 2021

Background: The effectiveness of lockdowns in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 has been the subject of intense debate. Data on the relationship between public health restrictions, mobility, and pandemic growth has so far been conflicting. Objective: We assessed the relationship between public health restriction tiers, mobility, and COVID-19 spread in five contiguous public health units (PHUs) in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Ontario, Canada.Methods: Weekly effective reproduction number (Rt) was calculated based on daily cases in each of the five GTA public health units between March 1, 2020, and March 19, 2021. A global mobility index (GMI) for each PHU was calculated using Google Mobility data. Segmented regressions were used to assess changes in the behaviour of Rt over time. We calculated Pearson correlation coefficients between GMI and Rt for each PHU and mobility regression coefficients for each mobility variable, accounting for time lag of 0, 7, and 14 days.Results: In all PHUs except Toronto, the most rapid decline in Rt occurred in the first two weeks of the first province-wide lockdown, and this was followed by a slight trend to increased Rt as restrictions decreased. This trend reversed in all PHUs between September 6th and October 10th after which Rt decreased slightly over time without respect to public health restriction tier. GMI began to increase in the first wave even before restrictions were decreased. This secular trend to increased mobility continued into the summer, driven by increased mobility to recreational spaces. The decline in GMI as restrictions were reintroduced coincides with decreasing mobility to parks after September. During the first wave, the correlation coefficients between global mobility and Rt were significant (p<0.01) in all PHUs 14 days after lockdown, indicating moderate to high correlation between decreased mobility and decreased viral reproduction rates, and reflecting that the incubation period brings in a time-lag effect of human mobility on Rt. In the second wave, this relationship was attenuated, and was only significant in Toronto and Durham at 14 days after lockdown.Conclusions: The association between mobility and COVID-19 spread was stronger in the first wave than the second wave. Public health restriction tiers did not alter the existing secular trend toward decreasing Rt over time.