bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention and management of peri-procedural TAVR complications
Authors: Khokhar Arif A. , Ruggiero Rossella , Chandra Kailash , D’Agostino Alessandro , Toselli Marco , Mangieri Antonio , Dudek Dariusz , Colombo Antonio , Giannini Francesco
Published: January 2022

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a safe and effective treatment strategy for severe aortic stenosis. However, peri-procedural complications can have a significant impact on acute and longer-term morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this review article provides a practical overview on how to prevent and manage the common and also rare but life-threatening peri-procedural TAVR complications.
HDAC inhibitors with potential to overcome drug resistance in castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Biersack Bernhard , Nitzsche Bianca , Höpfner Michael
Published: January 2022

Epigenetic mechanisms play an important role in the development and persistence of cancer, and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are promising anticancer drugs targeting epigenetic modes. Efficient anticancer drugs for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) are sought, and approved HDAC inhibitors have shown promising results on the one hand and severe drawbacks on the other hand. Hence, ways to break the drug resistance mechanisms of existing HDAC inhibitors as well as the design of new promising HDAC inhibitors which can overcome the disadvantages of the classic HDAC inhibitors are of great importance. In this work, HDAC inhibitors with the potential to become a mainstay for the treatment of CRPC in the future as well as suitable combination treatments of HDAC inhibitors with other anticancer drugs leading to considerable synergistic effects in treated CRPCs are discussed.
Approaches to identifying drug resistance mechanisms to clinically relevant treatments in childhood rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Ghilu Samson , Morton Christopher L. , Vaseva Angelina V. , Zheng Siyuan , Kurmasheva Raushan T. , Houghton Peter J.
Published: January 2022

Aim: Despite aggressive multiagent protocols, patients with metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) have poor prognosis. In a recent high-risk trial (ARST0431), 25% of patients failed within the first year, while on therapy and 80% had tumor progression within 24 months. However, the mechanisms for tumor resistance are essentially unknown. Here we explore the use of preclinical models to develop resistance to complex chemotherapy regimens used in ARST0431. Methods: A Single Mouse Testing (SMT) protocol was used to evaluate the sensitivity of 34 RMS xenograft models to one cycle of vincristine, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide (VAC) treatment. Tumor response was determined by caliper measurement, and tumor regression and event-free survival (EFS) were used as endpoints for evaluation. Treated tumors at regrowth were transplanted into recipient mice, and the treatment was repeated until tumors progressed during the treatment period (i.e., became resistant). At transplant, tumor tissue was stored for biochemical and omics analysis. Results: The sensitivity to VAC of 34 RMS models was determined. EFS varied from 3 weeks to > 20 weeks. Tumor models were classified as having intrinsic resistance, intermediate sensitivity, or high sensitivity to VAC therapy. Resistance to VAC was developed in multiple models after 2-5 cycles of therapy; however, there were examples where sensitivity remained unchanged after 3 cycles of treatment. Conclusion: The SMT approach allows for in vivo assessment of drug sensitivity and development of drug resistance in a large number of RMS models. As such, it provides a platform for assessing in vivo drug resistance mechanisms at a “population” level, simulating conditions in vivo that lead to clinical resistance. These VAC-resistant models represent “high-risk” tumors that mimic a preclinical phase 2 population and will be valuable for identifying novel agents active against VAC-resistant disease.
Epigenetic modulation in sensitizing metastatic sarcomas to therapies and overcoming resistance
Authors: Rytlewski Jeff , Brockman Qierra R. , Dodd Rebecca D. , Milhem Mohammed , Monga Varun
Published: January 2022

Sarcomas are a class of rare malignancies of mesenchymal origin with a heterogeneous histological spectrum. They are classically associated with poor outcomes, especially once metastasized. A path to improving clinical outcomes may be made through modifying the epigenome, where a variety of sarcomas demonstrate changes that contribute to their oncogenic phenotypes. This Perspective article identifies and describes changes in the sarcoma genome, while discussing specific epigenetic changes and their effect on clinical outcomes. Clinical attempts at modulating epigenetics in sarcoma are reviewed, as well as potential implications of these studies. Epigenetic targets to reverse and delay chemotherapy resistance are discussed. Future directions with primary next steps are proposed to invigorate the current understanding of epigenetic biomarkers to enact targeted therapies to epigenetic phenotypes of sarcoma subtypes. Modifications to prior studies, as well as proposed clinical steps, are also addressed.
Effects of tamoxifen inducible MerCreMer on gene expression in cardiac myocytes in mice
Authors: Rouhi Leila , Fan Siyang , Cheedipudi Sirisha M. , Olcum Melis , Jeong Hyun-Hwan , Zhao Zhongming , Gurha Priyatansh , Marian Ali J.
Published: January 2022

The Cre-LoxP technology, including the tamoxifen (TAM) inducible MerCreMer (MCM), is increasingly used to delineate gene function, understand the disease mechanisms, and test therapeutic interventions. We set to determine the effects of TAM-MCM on cardiac myocyte transcriptome. Expression of the MCM was induced specifically in cardiac myocytes upon injection of TAM to myosin heavy chain 6-MCM (Myh6-Mcm) mice for 5 consecutive days. Cardiac function, myocardial histology, and gene expression (RNA-sequencing) were analyzed 2 weeks after TAM injection. A total of 346 protein coding genes (168 up- and 178 down-regulated) were differentially expressed. Transcript levels of 85 genes, analyzed by a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in independent samples, correlated with changes in the RNA-sequencing data. The differentially expressed genes were modestly enriched for genes involved in the interferon response and the tumor protein 53 (TP53) pathways. The changes in gene expression were relatively small and mostly transient and had no discernible effects on cardiac function, myocardial fibrosis, and apoptosis or induction of double-stranded DNA breaks. Thus, TAM-inducible activation of MCM alters cardiac myocytes gene expression, provoking modest and transient interferon and DNA damage responses without exerting other discernible phenotypic effects. Thus, the effects of TAM-MCM on gene expression should be considered in discerning the bona fide changes that result from the targeting of the gene of interest.
In vitro modeling of the complex retinal condition age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Plössl Karolina , Webster Emily , Kiel Christina , Grassmann Felix , Brandl Caroline , Weber Bernhard H. F.
Published: January 2022

Aim: To model a complex retinal disease such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in vitro, we aimed to combine genetic and environmental risk factors in a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell culture model generated via induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from subjects with an extremely high and an extremely low genetic disease risk. As an external stimulus, we chose defined oxidative stress conditions. Methods: Patients were genotyped for known AMD-associated genetic variants and their individual genetic risk score (GRS) was calculated defining individual iPSC-RPE cell lines which reflect the extreme ends of the genetic risk for AMD. Sodium iodate (NaIO3, SI) was used to induce oxidative stress and cellular responses were followed by analyzing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway activation by mRNA and protein expression. Results: We present a collection of eight iPSC-RPE cell lines, with four each harboring an extreme low or an extreme high GRS for AMD. RPE identity was verified structurally and functionally. We found that 24 and 72 h of SI treatment induced a significant upregulation of NRF2 response genes HMOX1 and NQO1, without showing cytotoxic effects or negatively influencing RPE cell integrity. High- vs. low-risk cell lines revealed similar first line defenses in oxidative stress response mediated through the NRF2 pathway. Conclusion: Delineating the NRF2-mediated oxidative stress response was sought in iPSC-RPE cell lines with maximally divergent genetic AMD risk profiles. Under the specific stress conditions chosen, our data indicate that genetic predisposition to AMD may not exert a major influence on the NRF2 signaling pathway.
Impact of type of winemaking vessel on the chemical composition of Sauvignon blanc wines
Authors: Gil Mariona , Ubeda Cristina , Laurie V. Felipe , Peña-Neira Álvaro
Published: January 2022

Recently, the use of alternative vessels to oak barrels during winemaking has become increasingly popular (Rubio-Bretón et al., Nevares et al., Gil i Cortiella et al.), but little is known about their impact on the chemical composition of the final wines. To address this issue, a Sauvignon blanc wine was produced using cylindrical stainless-steel tanks, egg shape concrete vessels, egg shape polyethylene vessels and clay jars. The wines were fermented and aged on their lees for six months and chemically characterised as described hereafter.
SLANG LANGUAGE AS REPRESENTATIVES OF SOCIAL CULTURE IDENTITY IN FILM STEP UP 2 THE STREETS
Authors: Alawiyah Sufi , Zuriyati  , Lustiyantie Ninuk
Published: January 2022

Slang is an innovation of language change created by a group of people in highlighting their group. Speakers build a cohesive identity and a separate social class that becomes a culture in society. The purpose of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of slang as a manifestation of a person's social-cultural identity in the community group in the film Step Up 2 The Street. The method used is descriptive qualitative. Data was collected using documentation. The data is in the form of utterances in the dialogue of film players that contain slang words. Data analysis through the stages of data reduction, presentation and concluding. The results of the study conclude that the use of slang in the film Step Up 2 The Street shows the diversity of social and cultural identities in people's lives. The group of slang users refers to the context of similarity in the race, kinship or group, level of intimacy, group localization, and social culture that characterizes each group.
GENÓMICA Y COMPUTACIÓN: UNA VISIÓN DESDE LA FILOSOFÍA DE LA TECNOLOGÍA
Authors:   Corporación Universitaria Republicana, BUITRAGO ELIAS
Published: January 2022

This paper presents some reflections of the author, bounded from the point of view of the philosophy of technology, in relation to the role played by computer science in current research in human genetics. The initial question, which arises as a structuring framework is the following: Can a relationship be derived between the philosophy of technology and new research in the field of computational genomics? Topics such as the notions about computer ethics raised by Mitcham and Zimmerli are discussed, as well as the bioethical questioning posed by genetic responsibility.
Student Sustainability Disposition: Where Are Students’ Levels?
Authors: Putra Nanda Syah , Permanasari Anna , Desmiawati Desi
Published: January 2022

Education for sustainability development (ESD) is a way to realize that every individual lives interdependently with each other and their environment. Research has been conducted with survey methods to reveal the level of students’ disposition/attitude to sustainable living, being a basis for the development of appropriate learning.  The research sample was 95 students at SMPN Garut. The data in this study is primary data, which is obtained directly from the research subject. The research was conducted by delivering questionnaires to students consisting of 51 closed question items. The results of the study obtained the average of student disposition score from several ESD themes, namely the environment, waste, water, energy, natural disasters, and health respectively is 2.99, 3.15, 3.24, 3.11, 3.08 and 3.33. The average of these all themes is 3.15.  Based on this study, the results were obtained that students' sustainability disposition/attitude are at a high level. The positive response given by students shows the attitude of students who support the efforts to realize sustainable development. In this case, there is no guarantee if someone who have good sustainability disposition will have good sustainability practice. Sustainable disposition/attitude must be supported by sustainable behaviors and practices so that sustainable living goals can be achieved. The last, Indonesia government can make the policy and guidelines related to how to do effective sustainability education in Indonesia to support sustainability awareness of students and society.
Development of Self-assessment Instruments to Measure Student Affective Domains on Online Biology Learning
Authors: Prajoko Setiyo , Anjani Alfi , Oktaviani Rezti Dwi , Fathimah Padmaning , Kamaludin Wimba
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the process of developing a self-assessment assessment instrument that measures the affective domain in online biology learning that meets the content and construct validity. The type of research and development that adopted the Plomp development model was used in this study. The subjects of this study were students of class XI MIPA at SMA Negeri Padamara, Purbalingga Regency, Central Java, totalling 40 students in May 2021. The instruments used in this study were self-assessment questionnaires and teacher questionnaires. The validity test results with the calculation of the validity coefficient value show a value of 0.45 so that the assessment instrument can be valid. The reliability test results obtained a coefficient value of 0.957 so that the assessment instrument can be said to be reliable. Furthermore, the results of expert validation got a score of B. These results met the criteria well and could be used with slight revisions. Thus, it can be concluded that the evaluation instrument produced in this development has met content and construct validity.
Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction
Authors: Maheshwer Bhargavi , Parvaresh Kevin C. , Williams Brady T. , Polce Evan M. , Schloss Daniel , Chahla Jorge
Published: January 2022

Background:

Anatomic posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction is utilized for ligamentous knee instability associated with PLC injury in patients who desire a return to active lifestyles
1,2
. The fibular collateral ligament (FCL) and popliteal tendon (PLT) are reconstructed in anatomic fashion according to techniques described by LaPrade et al.
3–7
.

Description:

Various PLC reconstruction techniques have been described; however, the preferred reconstruction technique of the senior author is the method developed by LaPrade et al. that restores the anatomy of the 3 primary stabilizers of the PLC, including the FCL, PLT, and popliteofibular ligament
3,5,6
.

Alternatives:

Alternative nonoperative treatments include knee immobilization for 4 weeks and physical therapy. Surgical alternatives include PLC repair, which involves repair of the lateral collateral ligament, PLT, and/or popliteofibular ligament if structures can be anatomically reduced to their attachment site. However, repair of acute grade-III PLC injuries with staged treatment of concurrent cruciate injuries is associated with a substantially higher postoperative PLC failure rate
8–10
.

Rationale:

Clinical outcomes have demonstrated that primary repairs have significantly higher rates of reoperation compared with reconstruction; therefore, reconstruction is recommended. Treatment of grade-III PLC injuries with reconstruction of midsubstance tears and any associated cruciate ligament tears results in significantly improved objective stability
11
. In addition, anatomic PLC reconstruction has demonstrated improved subjective and objective patient outcomes compared with nonsurgical treatment or repair
5,11,12
.

Expected Outcomes:

Reconstruction of the PLC offers excellent outcomes after surgery. Studies have shown that the fibular-based technique for treatment of a chronic isolated PLC injury showed good results in terms of clinical outcome, restoring knee varus and rotational stability
13
.

Important Tips:

Patients with associated proximal tibiofibular joint instability will benefit from this reconstruction because this technique will add stability to the joint.

This surgical approach is technically demanding, requiring proficiency with surgical dissection.

Damage to the common peroneal nerve can potentially occur. Careful dissection and placement of retractors should be observed.

Risks include surgical failure due to unrecognized malalignment; especially in chronic cases, the patient should have a complete evaluation of the standing alignment and tibial slope
12
.

Acronyms and Abbreviations:

FCL = fibular collateral ligament

PFL = popliteofibular ligament

PLC = posterolateral corner

IT = iliotibial

IKDC = International Knee Documentation Committee

ACL = anterior cruciate ligament

PCL = posterior cruciate ligament

PEEK = polyetheretherketone

PROM = passive range of motion
MEASUREMENT OF CYP1A2 PHENOTYPE USING FEMALE VOLUNTEER PLASMA: A FOCUS ON CAFFEINE AND PARAXANTHINE AS A PROBE
Authors:   shagufta kamal, Rehman Saima
Published: January 2022

Caffeine neither causing didn't decrease the risk of cancer, yet it used just to note the activity of cytochrome P-4501A2 (CYP1A2) by converting into its metabolite i.e., paraxanthine. The purpose of the present study was to determine the caffeine and its metabolite phenotypes and their relation to cancer risk in healthy female volunteers of local population in Pakistan. The average value of metabolic ratio [(1,7-dimethylxanthine (17X) and Caffeine 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine (137X)] was found to be 1.182995 Â± 0.21137. BMI (used to categorize into different groups, i.e., overweight, underweight etc.) of all volunteers were found to be 19.93Kg/m2. Retention time was 15 and 37 min for 1,7-dimethylxanthine (17DMX) and 1,3,7 trimethylxanthine (137TMX), respectively.
HPTLC AND GC-MS PROFILE OF BARLERIA LUPULINA LINDL. EXTRACTS AND THEIR EFFECT ON ENTERIC BACTERIAL PATHOGENS
Authors:   Ramesh Chandra Dubey, Kumari Reshma
Published: January 2022

The antibacterial activity of acetone, methanol, and water-soluble extracts of both leaf and stem of Barleria lupulina were evaluated against some human pathogens viz., Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. The highest antibacterial activities were exhibited at 100% concentrationof all the extracts against the bacterial pathogens. Acetone-soluble leaf (AL) and acetone-soluble stem (AS) extracts caused the maximum zone of inhibition against P. aeruginosa, and methanol-soluble leaf (ML) and methanol-soluble stem (MS) extracts against of Salmonella typhi. However, Klebsiella pneumoniae was inhibited by all the extracts.
NANOPATTERNING: IMPLICATIONS IN REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
Authors: nasr Maha
Published: January 2022

Regenerative medicine is based on stem cells, which have the ability to differentiate into special type of body cells, and hence, they were proven clinically successful in organ transplantation, as well as in the functional treatment of several diseases (1).
Challenges in Applying Night Work Norms in Indonesia
Authors: Pratama Rio Arif , Prasetyo Bayu
Published: January 2022

Everyone has the right to have and determine the desired work, get a fair treat and get a decent wage, it is governed by the Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. In general, working in the morning until evening, but there is also work carried out at night. The lawmakers pay special attention to the execution of work at night by providing a number of excusive rights as part of legal protection for workers. This research aims to determine the opportunities and challenges of applying the night work norms based Law No. 13 of 2003 on legal systems through legal substance, legal structure and legal culture analysis in the field of employment. TThe results of the research are in several Indonesian Regions there are still similar challenges regarding the implementation of night work norms. The authors also assess there are a number of opportunities for improvement in order for nighttime work norms to run well.
The Problems of Compensation Employement Termination Due to Covid-19
Authors: Setyorini Betty Yunita
Published: January 2022

This study aims to answer employers dilemma during the Covid-19 pandemic to carry out labor efficiency by termination of work. The Cipta Kerja regulation number 11 of 2020 which is complemented by Government Regulation number 35 of 2021, as a normative basis for providing compensation for layoffs is considered a sufficiently mitigating solution when compared to previous labor legislation. However, what about the company's financial condition is not sufficient to provide compensation in accordance with the normative provisions of the legislation. To overcome this problem, an agreement is made between the employer and the workforce so that they can get a solution together. The agreement must also be registered with the Industrial Relations Court to protect the parties having an interest in it. Therefore, in writing this article, the Juridical Normative writing method is used, which analyzes cases based on applicable laws and regulations, analyzes legal concepts and qualitative descriptive methods.
A New Model for Predicting the Maximum Gas Entrapment Concentration in a Yield Stress Fluid
Authors: Pan Shaowei , Wang Zhiyuan , Sun Baojiang
Published: January 2022

Gas entrapment is a typical phenomenon in gas-yield stress fluid two-phase flow, and most of the related research focuses on the entrapped condition of the single bubble. However, the amount of entrapped gas, which is more meaningful for engineering, is rarely involved. In this paper, a theoretical model for calculating the maximum gas entrapment concentration (MGEC) is established for the first time. The critical distance between horizontal and vertical entrapped bubbles was determined by the yielded region caused by the buoyancy and the coupled stress field around the multiple bubbles. The MGEC is the ratio of a single bubble volume to its domain volume, which is calculated from the distance between the vertical and the horizontal bubbles. By comparing with the experimental results, the average error of MGEC calculated by this model is 4.42%, and the maximum error is 7.32%. According to the prediction results of the model, an empirical equation that can be conveniently used for predicting MGEC is proposed.
Effect of 2D Alpha-Zirconium Phosphate Nanosheets in Interfacial Tension Reduction and Wettability Alteration: Implications for Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: Qing Song , Chen Hong , Han Li-juan , Ye Zhongbin , Liao Yihao , Luo Yang , Zhang Faxue , Wang Jingfan , Yang Ning
Published: January 2022

α-Zirconium phosphate (α-ZrP) nanocrystals were synthesized by refluxing method and subsequently exfoliated into extremely thin 2D nanosheets by tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAOH) solution. Dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the size distribution and morphology of α-ZrP nanosheets. Interfacial tension (IFT) and contact angle measurement were conducted by different concentrations of α-ZrP nanosheets solutions. The results displayed that the wettability of porous media surface was altered from oleophilic to hydrophilic and the IFT decreased with the increasing of α-ZrP nanosheets concentrations. A new method was proposed to calculate the Hamaker constant for 2D α-ZrP nanosheets. The calculated results displayed that α-ZrP nanosheets were not easy to agglomerate under experimental environment and when the interaction energy barrier increased, the transport amount of α-ZrP nanosheets also increased. Coreflooding tests were also performed with various concentrations and the oil recovery efficiency increased from 33.59 to 51.26% when α-ZrP nanosheets concentrations increased from 50 to 1,000 ppm.
Modified Corn Starch as an Environmentally Friendly Rheology Enhancer and Fluid Loss Reducer for Water-Based Drilling Mud
Authors: Ricky Emanuel , Mpelwa Musa , Wang Chao , Hamad Bahati , Xu Xingguang
Published: January 2022

Drilling fluid rheology and fluid loss property are fundamental parameters that dictate the effectiveness and easiness of a drilling operation. Maintaining these parameters under high temperatures is technically challenging and has been an exciting research area for the drilling industry. Nonetheless, the use of drilling mud additives, particularly synthetic polymers, threaten ecological environments. Herein, modified corn starch (MCS) was synthesized, characterized, and investigated as an environmentally friendly rheology enhancer and filtration loss controlling agent for water-based mud (WBM) at high temperatures. The experimental results indicated that MCS exhibits better performance in improving rheological properties and fluid loss controlling ability for WBM than the commonly used mud additives. With the addition of an optimal concentration (0.3 wt%), MCS improved the rheology and fluid loss behavior of WBM formulation at harsh aging temperature (220°C) by practically 4 times and 1.7 times, respectively. The MCS was revealed to perform superbly over polyanionic cellulose (PAC) addition at all investigated temperatures. The better performance of the MCS was ascribed to the improved entanglements in the mud system owing to the additional hydroxyl (OH) groups. Besides, the Herschel-Bulkley model was found to be a constitutive model that described the rheological properties of the investigated muds satisfactorily. Moreover, the MCS was found to exhibit acceptable biodegradability properties.
Fabrication of Fe-doped ZnO/Nanocellulose Nanocomposite as an Efficient Photocatalyst for Degradation of Methylene Blue Under Visible Light
Authors: Farahani Mohammad Saeed Vasheghani , Nikzad Maryam , Ghorbani Mohsen
Published: January 2022

In this work, a photocatalytic nanocomposite, Fe-doped ZnO/nanocellulose, was synthesized using an in-situ method and examined for methylene blue (MB) degradation. For this purpose, pure ZnO (PZ) was synthesized by the chemical precipitation method and then subjected to Fe+3 doping with different concentrations of Fe3+ (1, 3, and 5 mol%). The PZ and Fe-doped ZnO (FZ) samples were characterized using several standard analyses. UV-vis DRS analysis was also used to investigate the effect of Fe3+ doping on the bandgap of PZ. The doping of Fe3+ enhanced the photocatalytic activity of ZnO under visible light. The degradation efficiency of FZ samples (> 50%) was enhanced compared to the pristine ZnO (36.91%) during the same period. The catalyst with the highest degradation efficiency (94.21%) was then conjugated with broom corn stalk-derived nanocellulose (NC) at varying NC/ Zn2+ molar ratios (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4) and characterized by various analyses. The NC enhanced the hydroxyl group at the surface of the nanocomposite, consequently improved the photocatalytic performance of the synthesized samples. The ability of the optimized photocatalyst for MB degradation was assessed. The effect of operating parameters such as pH, catalyst dosage, and initial MB concentration was investigated and degradation efficiency of 98.84% was achieved at the optimum condition. Besides, photocatalyst regeneration study indicated the great photocatalytic performance of this nanocomposite with no loss in its degradation efficiency. The facile synthesis and fast degradation rate of this nanocomposite make it a promising candidate for real-world wastewater treatment.
Caving Impacts on Cave Microbial Diversity: Case Study of Morca Cave, Turkey
Authors: RACHID Nahdhoit AHAMADA , Güngör Nihal Doğruöz
Published: January 2022

Some microorganisms identified in cave ecosystems have been reported to play a permanent and significant role for maintaininglife in such environments. Human entrance into caves can induce some changes on cave physic-ochemical parameters which altimately affects the living organisms. In this regard, for the first time, Morca Cave was explored to evaluate the impacts that human activities may have on the microbial diversity of the cave in a limited period of time. During this expedition at a depth of 1040 m, a camp was established for four days. Before the installation and at the end of the camp, sediments and surface samples were taken from different points of the camp area and the area around it. Sequencing of 16s rRNA of each sample was performed using the next generation sequencing method. The profile of the microbial diversity before the camping reaveled that Thermoplasmata dominated the archaea group and Gamma- and Alpha-proteobacteria were the most dominant bacterial group. After the camp, a decrease in the microbial diversity especially the previously mentioned classes strains is observed at the most of the sampled areas. The results also showed that Bacilli strains significantly increased after the camp and increase of Bacteroidia strains is observed at the most active sampled areas. This present study therefore highlights how microbial diversity inside a closed cave can respond to the human activities within a short period. Furthermore, it may constitute a solid basis to support efforts targeted at improving technics for cave management and expedition for the conservation of cave nature.
Investigation of Er:YAG laser-activated irrigation for the removal of biofilm and observations of laser-induced cavitation behavior
Authors: Nagahashi Taiji , Yahata Yoshio , Handa Keisuke , Nakano Masato , Suzuki Shigeto , Kakiuchi Yusuke , Tanaka Toshinori , Kanehira Masafumi , Venkataiah Venkata Suresh , Saito Masahiro
Published: January 2022

Background

We investigated the biofilm removal effects of LAI using a pig model, focusing on the impact of the fiber tip position, and used a high-speed camera to observe the occurrence and positioning of the cavitation associated with laser irradiation.
Methods

A total of 16 roots of deciduous mandibular second premolars from 4 pigs were used. After a pulpectomy, the canals were left open for two weeks and sealed for 4 weeks to induce intraradicular biofilm. Then, root canal irrigation was performed with Er:YAG laser activation. The fiber tip was inserted at two different positions, i.e., into the root canal in the intracanal LAI group and into the pulp chamber in the coronal LAI group. Intracanal needle irrigation with saline or 5% NaOCl was utilized in the positive control and CNI groups. SEM and qPCR were carried out to evaluate treatment efficacy. For qPCR, ANOVA and a Tukey-Kramer post hoc test were performed with α = 0.05. A high-speed camera was used to observe the generation of cavitation bubbles and the movement of the induced bubbles after laser irradiation.
Results

The intracanal and coronal LAI groups showed significantly lower amounts of bacteria than either the positive control or CNI groups. There was no significant difference found between the intracanal and coronal LAI groups. SEM images revealed opened dentinal tubules with the destruction of biofilm in both LAI groups. High-speed camera images demonstrated cavitation bubble production inside the root canal after a single pulse irradiation pulse. The generated bubbles moved throughout the entire internal multi-rooted tooth space.
Conclusions

Coronal LAI can generate cavitation in the root canal with a simply placed fiber inside the pulp chamber, leading to effective biofilm removal. This method could thus contribute to the future development of endodontic treatments for refractory apical periodontitis caused by intraradicular biofilm.
A Comparison of Pollution, Environmental Hazards, Sedimentology, and Geochemistry, in Five Economic Harbors Along the Egyptian Coast of Mediterranean Sea
Authors: El-Sadaawy Manal , El-Said Ghada F. , Khalil Mona , Morsy Fadia A.M. , Draz Suzan E.O.
Published: January 2022

Heavy metal pollution and its environmental and human risks have become one of the most important global environmental problems. In the current study, the potential heavy metals ecological risks and their pollution status were assessed in five important harbors (Sidi Krir, Dekhila, Western, Damietta, and Port Said) along the Egyptian coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Twenty-six sediment samples were collected from five harbors, where eight heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb and Cd) were identified as well as their texture and geochemistry. To gain deeper insights into the human and ecological hazards of the heavy metals, thirteen ecological indices, sediment quality guidelines and multivariate analysis as well as two pathways of exposures to non- carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk of heavy metals for children and adults were evaluated. The data shown that Sidi Kriri harbor recorded the lowest values for heavy metals, for Cu, while Western Harbor had the highest average for Zn Multivariate analysis revealed the contribution of heavy metals to sediment contamination and the geochemical characteristics as well as nearby sources of pollution. Geo-accumulation index, Contamination factor, Toxic units, sum of toxic units, sediment modified hazard quotient, and sediment hazard quotients reflected the significant contribution of Cd to sediments along all harbors. Non-carcinogenic hazard risk index (HI) values along the harbors gave the order: Western> Port Said> Damietta> Dekhila> Sidi Krir. Also, TLCR values for children and adults indicated the irregularly high abundance of heavy metals in harbor sediments that may cause adverse public health effects.
Venus’ light slab hinders its development of planetary-scale subduction and habitability
Authors: Chen Junxing , Jiang Hehe , Tang Ming , Hao Jihua , Tian Meng , Xu Chu
Published: January 2022

Terrestrial planets Venus and Earth have similar sizes, masses, and bulk compositions, but only Earth developed planetary-scale plate tectonics. Plate tectonics generates weatherable fresh rocks and transfers surface carbon back to Earth’s interior, which provides a long-term climate feedback, serving as a thermostat to keep Earth a habitable planet. Yet Venus shares a few common features with early Earth, such as stagnant-lid tectonics and the possible early development of a liquid ocean. Given all these similarities with early Earth, why would Venus fail to develop global-scale plate tectonics? In this study, we explore solutions to this problem by examining Venus’ slab densities under hypothesized subduction-zone conditions. Our petrologic simulations show that eclogite facies may be reached at greater depths on Venus than on Earth, and Venus’ slab densities are consistently lower than Earth’s. We suggest that the lack of sufficient density contrast between the high-pressure metamorphosed slab and mantle rocks may have impeded self-sustaining subduction. Although plume-induced crustal downwelling exists on Venus, the dipping of Venus’ crustal rocks to mantle depth fails to transition into subduction tectonics. As a consequence, the supply of fresh silicate rocks to the surface has been limited. This missing carbon sink eventually diverged the evolution of Venus’ surface environment from that of Earth.
Simulation of Contaminants Transport in Groundwater From Nickel Mining Waste Dump Southeast Sulawesi
Authors: Setiawan Kadek Nando , Cahyadi Tedy Agung , Amri Nur Ali , Ernawati Rika , Nurkhamim Nurkhamim , Ansori Muhammad Iqbal , Firmansyah Ilham , Makarao Sri Lastri
Published: January 2022

The irregularities of nickel resource mining in Indonesia cause many serious environmental problems. Piles of leftover rocks on nickel mining waste dumps have the potential to be a source of heavy metal seepage into the water. This study was conducted to assess the impact of nickel mining in the Langgikima Subdistrict of the North Konawe Regency of Southeast Sulawesi Province. The focus is to assess the migration of hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) and iron (Fe) using MT3DMS to model the transport of solutes. The study's goal was to identify cr6+ and Fe concentrations in waste dumps and predict the spread of contaminants over a 20-year period of time. XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) is done to determine the content of elements and minerals in rocks. Toxicity Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP) is performed to estimate the concentration of Cr6+ and Fe in waste dumps. AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer) to find out the content of Cr6+ and Fe in surface water and land water samples. The results showed the highest concentrations of Cr6+ of 0.0462 mg/L and Feat 0.8709 mg/L. Simulations without compacted clay coatings, Cr6+ and Fe contaminants could be transported consecutively by 2.7 km and 2.42 km while simulations used compacted clay layers with a hydraulic conductivity of 1 × 10−9 m/s of Cr6+ and Fe contaminants could be transported consecutively by 0.412 km and 0.467 km. It can therefore be concluded that heavy metals in the remaining rock piles from the waste dump can be transported into groundwater, and the action of using a compacted layer of clay must be taken to prevent contaminant migration into groundwater.
Energy and Environmental Analysis of a Solar Evacuated Tube Heat Pipe Integrated Thermoelectric Generator Using IoT
Authors: Manivannan SakthiPriya , Gunasekaran DivyaLaxmi , Jaganathan Gowthami , Natesan Shanthi , Muthusamy SabariMuthu , Kim Sung Chul , Kumar Balaji , Poongavanam GaneshKumar , Duraisamy Sakthivadivel
Published: January 2022

This paper investigates the solar evacuated tube heat pipe system (SEHP) coupled with a thermoelectric generator (TEG) using the internet of things (IoT). The TEGs convert heat energy into electricity through the Seebeck effect that finds application in the waste heat recovery process for the generation of power. The present work deals with the theoretical study on solar evacuated tube heat pipe integrated TEG and it is validated experimentally using with and without parabolic trough concentrating collector. And the carbon credit of the TEG system is determined to find its potential in the environmental aspect. Also, the boost type converter is used to raise the power output by increasing the voltage from the TEG for rural electrifications. However, it is found that the maximum power output due to the influence of the parabolic trough concentrator results in increased efficiency when compared with the non-concentrating SEHP-TEG system. The TEG output power can be boosted up to a maximum of 5.98 V using a power electronic boost converter. Besides, the recorded real sensor data with Arduino is implemented in the experimental process for automatic remote monitoring of the temperature.
Epidemiological Characteristics of Traumatic Spinal Cord Injuries in Multi-Center Retrospective Study in Northwest China, 2017-2020.
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , Jiang Chao , Du Jinpeng , Zhang Yongyuan , Tian Fang , Chen Zhe , Zhang Yuyang , Wang Zhiyuan , Zhang Ying , Yan Liang , Hao Dingjun
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Traumatic spinal cord injuries (TSCI) are worldwide public health problems. There has been a lack of extensive multi-center study of TSCI epidemiology in Northwest China in pre- and post-pandemic period of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A multi-center retrospective study of 14 hospitals of Northwest China was conducted on patients with TSCI between 2017 and 2020. Variables assessed included patient demographics, etiology, segmental distribution, treatment, waiting time for treatment and outcomes.Results: The number of patients with TSCI showed an increasing trend from 2017 to 2019 while there were fewer patients in 2020 than in 2019. The male-to-female ratio was 3.67:1 and the mean age was 48±14.9. The major cause of TSCI was high fall (38.8%), low fall (27.7%), traffic accidents (23.9%), sports (2.6%) and others (7.0%). The segmental distribution showed a bimodal pattern, peak segments were C6 and Tl1, L1(14.7%) was the most frequently injured segments. Incomplete injury (72.8%) occurred more often than complete injury (27.2%). ASIA scale of most patients did not change before and after treatment both in operational or conservative group. 975 patients from urban and 1646 patients from rural areas were conducted, most urban residents could rush to get treatment after injured immediately (<1 h), whereas most rural patients get treatment spend several hours since injured. The rough annual incidence from 2017-2020 are 112.4, 143.4,152.2 and 132.6 per million people calculated by the population-coverage-rate.Conclusion: The incidence of TSCI in Northwest China is high and growing. However, under the pandemic policy reasons, it has decreased in 2020. The promotion of online work may be an effective primary prevention measures for trauma. Also, due to the distance from the hospitals with proper conditions, rural patients need to spend long time to there, the timely treatment of them should be paid attention.
Cellular and Humoral Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination in Immunosuppressed Patients
Authors: Mohanraj Dinesh , Baldwin Samuel , Singh Satbeer , Gordon Alun , Whitelegg Alison
Published: January 2022

Objective: SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations have demonstrated vaccine-immunogenicity in healthy volunteers, however, efficacy in immunosuppressed patients is less well characterised. There is an urgent need to address the impact of immunosuppression on vaccine immunogenicity. Methods: Serological, T-cell ELISpot, cytokines and immunophenotyping assays were used to assess vaccine responses (either BNT162b2 mRNA or ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) in double-vaccinated patients receiving immunosuppression for renal transplants or haematological malignancies (n=13). Immunological responses in immunosuppressed patients (VACC-IS) were compared to immunocompetent vaccinated (VACC-IC, n=12), unvaccinated (UNVACC, n=11) and infection-naïve unvaccinated (HC, n=3) cohorts. All participants, except HC, had prior COVID-19 infection. Results: T-cell responses were identical between VACC-IS and VACC-IC (92%) to spike-peptide (S) stimulation. UNVACC had the highest T-cell non-responders (n=3), whereas VACC-IC and VACC-IS both had one T-cell non-responder. No significant differences in humoral responses were observed between VACC-IC and VACC-IS, with 92% (12/13) of VACC-IS patients demonstrating seropositivity. One VACC-IS failed to seroconvert, however had detectable T-cell responses. All VACC-IC participants were seropositive for anti-spike antibodies. VACC-IS and VACC-IC participants elicited strong Th1 cytokine response with immunodominance towards S-peptide. Differences in T-cell immunophenotyping were seen between VACC-IS and VACC-IC, with lower CD8+ activation and T-effector memory phenotype observed in VACC-IS. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are immunogenic in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, with responses comparable to vaccinated immunocompetent participants. Lower humoral responses were seen in patients treated with B-cell depleting therapeutics, but with preserved T-cell responses. We suggest further work to correlate both protective immunity and longevity of these responses in both healthy and immunosuppressed patients.
Ground Subsidence Response Conditional On Large-Scale Geothermal Exploitation In A Karst Reservoir Area of North China
Authors: Yao Yahui , Jia Xiaofeng , Li Shengtao , Zhang Qiuxia , Song Jian , Xiang Hong , Wang Junzhao
Published: January 2022

Carbonate karst geothermal resources are widely distributed and have large reserves in North China. Nowadays, the scale of exploitation and utilization of the carbonate karst geothermal resources is gradually increasing. In this work, a geothermal exploitation area where the karst geothermal reservoirs are exploited on a large scale, is selected as the study area, and methods including experiment and numerical simulation are used to study the exploitation-induced ground subsidence problems based on the long-term water level monitoring data of the geothermal reservoir. Through analyses of ground subsidence caused by water level change of the geothermal reservoir, the following conclusions were obtained. The water level drawdown of different types of geothermal reservoirs had different effects on ground subsidence. The maximum ground subsidence of the study area caused by the water level decline of the Jx w carbonate geothermal reservoir was only 0.29 mm/a from 1983 to 2019, which is generally insignificant. In contrast, the same water level change of the N m sandstone geothermal reservoir was predicted to cause 8.9 mm/a ground subsidence. To slow down or even prevent the ground subsidence, balanced production and reinjection are required. From the result of this work, the decline of the water level of the Jx w carbonate geothermal reservoir caused by current large-scale geothermal exploitation will not cause serious ground subsidence. However, attention should be paid to the N m sandstone type geothermal reservoirs as their structures are much more sensitive to the water pressure change.