bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
pH-Dependent Structural Dynamics of Cathepsin D-family Aspartic Peptidase of Clonorchis Sinensis
Authors: Kang Jung-Mi , Lê Hương Giang , Na Byoung-Kuk , Yoo Won Gi
Published: May 2021

Cathepsin D (CatD; EC 3.4.23.5) family peptidases of parasitic organisms are regarded as potential drug targets as they play critical roles in the physiology and pathobiology of parasites. Previously, we characterized the biochemical features of cathepsin D isozyme 2 (CatD2) in the carcinogenic liver fluke Clonorchis sinensis (CsCatD2). In this study, we performed all-atomic molecular dynamics simulations by applying different systems for the ligand-free/bound forms under neutral and acidic conditions to investigate the pH-dependent structural alterations and associated functional changes in CsCatD2. CsCatD2 showed several distinctive characteristics as follows: 1) CsCatD2-inhibitor complex formed more hydrogen bonds; 2) acidic pH caused major conformational transitions from open to closed state in this enzyme; 3) neutral pH induced displacement of the N-terminal part to hinder the accessibility of the active site and open allosteric site of this enzyme; and 4) the flap dynamics metrics, including distance (d1), TriCα angles (θ1 and θ2), and dihedral angle (ϕ), account for the asymmetrical twisting motion of the active site of this enzyme. These findings provide an in-depth understanding of the pH-dependent structural dynamics of CsCatD2 and basic information for the rational design of an inhibitor as a drug targeting CsCatD2.
Definition of the Ecological Flow (Eflow) Using the Indicators of Hydrological Alteration and IARI as an Operative Tool for Water Management
Authors: Greco Michele , Arbia Francesco , Giampietro Raffaele
Published: May 2021

According to the Water Framework Directive, the Ecological Flow (Eflow) is assumed to be the minimum water discharge required to achieve and maintain the environmental objectives of “good quality status” in a natural water body. It is highly recognized that, the hydrological regime of natural flow plays a primary and crucial role influencing the physical conditions of habitats, which in turn determines the biotic composition and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, the simple assumption to supply a minimum instream during dry periods is not enough any longer in order to protect the river environment. The recent hydro-ecological understanding states that all flow components might be considered as operational targets for water management, starting from base flows (including low flows) to high and flood regimes in terms of magnitude, frequency, duration, timing and rate of change. Several codes have been developed and applied on different case studies in order to define common tools to be implemented for the Eflow assessment. The study proposes the application of the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration methodology (IHA by TNC) coupled to the valuation of the Index of Hydrological Regime Alteration (IARI by ISPRA) as an operative tool to define the ecological flow in each monitoring cross section to support the sustainable water resources management and planning. The case study of Agri River, in Basilicata (Southern Italy) is presented. The analyses have been carried out on monthly discharge data derived applying the HEC-Hydrological Modelling System at the basin scale using the daily rain data measurements obtained by the regional rainfall gauge stations and calibrated through the observed inlet water discharge registered at the Lago del Pertusillo reservoir station.
Pharmacotherapy of COVID-19: Considerations for Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Authors: Naseri Amirreza , Seyedi Sahebari Sepideh , Hosseini Mohammad-Salar
Published: May 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become the chief concern of the international community in almost no time. As of May 9th, 2021, more than 150 million cases and 3.2 million deaths have been recorded. Considering the early struggle in treating COVID-19 patients, the researchers and clinicians have decided to try the previously available drugs according to their mechanisms of action. Hence, many antivirals, antibiotics, antiparasitics, and antipyretics have been proposed. Pregnant women, fetuses, and infants are known high-risk populations that are threatened during disease outbreaks. Therefore, this article reviews the safety of potential drugs for COVID-19 patients during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The Steelmaking Process Parameter Optimization with a Surrogate Model Based on Convolutional Neural Networks and the Firefly Algorithm
Authors: Horng Ming-Huwi , Liu Yung-Chun , Sun Yung-Nien , Yang Yung-Yi , Hsu Jian-Han , Chen Yen-Ting , Hung Yu-Chen , Tsai Yu-Hsuan
Published: May 2021

High-strength low-alloy steels (HSLAs) are widely used in the structural body components of many domestic motor vehicles owing to their better mechanical properties and greater resistance. The real production process of HSLA steelmaking can be regarded as a model that builds on the relationship between process parameters and product quality attributes. A surrogate modeling method is used, and the resulting production process model can be applied to predict the optimal manufacturing process parameters. We used different methods in this paper to build such a surrogate model, including linear regression, random forests, support vector regression, multilayer perception, and a simplified VGG model. We then applied three bio-inspired search algorithms, namely particle swarm optimization, the artificial bee colony algorithm, and the firefly algorithm, to search for the optimal controllable manufacturing process parameters. Through experiments on 9,000 test samples used for building the surrogate model, and 299 test samples for making the optimal process parameter selection, we found that the combination of a simplified VGG model and the firefly algorithm was the most successful at reaching a success rate of 100%—in other words, when the product quality attributes of all test samples satisfy the mechanical requirements of the end products.
The Dynamical Structure of a Warm Core Ring as Inferred from Glider Observations and Along-Track Altimetry
Authors: Meunier Thomas , Pallas Sanz Enric , de Marez Charly , Correa Perez Juan Gabriel , Tenreiro Miguel , Ruiz Angulo Angel , Bower Amy
Published: May 2021

This study investigates the vertical structure of the dynamical properties of a warm-core ring in the Gulf of Mexico (Loop Current ring) using glider observations. We introduce a new method to correct the glider’s along-track coordinate which is, in general, biased by the unsteady relative movements of the glider and the eddy, yielding large errors on horizontal derivatives. Here, we take advantage of the synopticity of satellite along-track altimetry to apply corrections on the glider’s position, by matching in situ steric height with satellite-measured sea surface height. This relocation method allows to recover the eddy’s azimuthal symmetry, to precisely estimate the rotation axis position, and to compute reliable horizontal derivatives. It is shown to be particularly appropriate to compute the eddy’s cyclo-geostrophic velocity, relative vorticity, and shear strain, which are otherwise out of reach when using the glider’s raw traveled distance as an horizontal coordinate. The Ertel potential vorticity (PV) structure of the warm core ring is studied in details, and we show that the PV anomaly is entirely controlled by vortex stretching. Sign reversal of the PV gradient across the water column suggests that the ring might be baroclinically unstable. The PV gradient is also largely controlled by gradients of the vortex stretching term. We also show that the ring’s total energy partition is strongly skewed, with available potential energy being 3 times larger than kinetic energy. The possible impact of this energy distribution on the Loop Current rings longevity is also discussed.
Associating Stochastic Modelling of Flow Sequences With Climatic Trends
Authors: Patidar Sandhya , Tanner Eleanor , Soundharajan Bankaru-Swamy , Sen Gupta Bhaskar
Published: May 2021

Water is essential to all life-forms including various ecological, geological, hydrological, and climatic processes/activities. With changing climate, associated El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events appear to stimulate highly uncertain patterns of precipitation (P) and evapotranspiration (EV) processes across the globe. Changes in P and EV patterns are highly sensitive to temperature variation and thus also affecting natural streamflow processes. This paper presents a novel suite of stochastic modelling approaches for associating streamflow sequences with climatic trends. The present work is built upon a stochastic modelling framework HMM_GP that integrates a Hidden Markov Model with a Generalised Pareto distribution for simulating synthetic flow sequences. The GP distribution within HMM_GP model is aimed to improve the model's efficiency in effectively simulating extreme events. This paper further investigated the potentials of Generalised Extreme Value Distribution (EVD) coupled with an HMM model within a regression-based scheme for associating impacts of precipitation and evapotranspiration processes on streamflow. The statistical characteristic of the pioneering modelling schematic has been thoroughly assessed for their suitability to generate/predict synthetic river flows sequences for a set of future climatic projections. The new modelling schematic can be adapted for a range of applications in the area of hydrology, agriculture and climate change.
APPLICATION OF EMPATHY AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF TEAMS IN A PANDEMIC CONDITION
Authors: Rusan Nadiia , Bushuyev Sergey
Published: May 2021

The ability to recognize what a colleague or subordinate is feeling and to respond properly to his emotions is necessary in many areas, from trade to community service. This is especially important in today's uncertainty and pandemic. At the Global Nexus Conference on emotional intelligence, Daniel Goleman stressed that managers must now look at the relational side of leadership. At the same conference, his colleague Annie Mackie concluded that today's leader must be attentive, compassionate and reliable. Project managers may have all the skills in the world, but if the basic attitude towards themselves and others is imperfect, then managers will not achieve the integrity and authenticity that is essential for today's leaders. Albert Mehrabian found in his research that words convey only 7% of a message. The rest is delivered through non-verbal communication. People are very sensitive to the energy they receive from other people – hence the undoubted importance of resonance. If the leader says one thing and his body shows something else. If project managers are inconsistent, they will not be able to achieve the effect of being followed by employees. It is important to note the difference between the "push" of reactive change imposed by organizational necessity and the "thrust" of proactive change made by an individual leader as a choice of self-development. There is a consensus among both academics and practitioners that there is a need to move from transactional leadership – leadership through “command and control” to transformational leadership – when managers create the conditions through their own behaviors. To create the desired product or service, you need to know well who will use it. The general characteristics of the target audience: gender, age and profession - are certainly important, but for the best companies in the market, this information about the client is clearly insufficient. This requires empathy - the ability to empathize with another person, the ability to put yourself in her place. This is what this article is about. Researched: the key role of empathy in project management; the essence of empathy and its types; built a map of empathy; aspects of emotionally intellectual team are developed; emotional intelligence is applied to different types of teams.
MODERN RISKS OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS AND DEVELOPMENT OF MANAGEMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS ON THE BASIS OF THE BALANCE MODEL OF MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS
Authors: Kadykova Iryna , Ovsiuchenko Yurii , Peresada Olena
Published: May 2021

The work is devoted to the study of changes in modern challenges and threats to the development of higher education in Ukraine and the construction of a model of balance of managerial functions based on the use of the methodology of I. Adizes. The current conditions of the pandemic and its impact on reforming approaches to the transformation of higher education management are analyzed from the standpoint of the project approach. It is established that the current state of work in the education system is accompanied by insufficient readiness of teachers, difficulties in technical equipment, low efficiency of production and training practices, increased individual work of teachers with students and low culture of distance learning. It is noted that the higher education system and some universities responded as quickly as possible to the force majeure situation and changed working conditions, introduced measures and practices aimed at reducing the spread of coronavirus infection and maintaining the quality of staff and student education. Areas for protection against the existing threat of a pandemic and further development of the higher education system are singled out, namely: measures of international cooperation, measures by the state and measures taken within the institutions of higher education themselves. The use of the Adizes code to build a balanced and effective management of a higher education institution that will help the organization to function effectively now and in the long run is considered. Managers must be proactive to be effective. Only integrated organic systems can be truly effective, in which there is interchangeability of the components of the overall structure, and the internal interdependence between them is carried out at the physical level.
The use of distance learning through whatsapp and google meeting to identify differences in biology learning outcomes
Authors: Permana Fendy Hardian , Sukma Ellisa , Wahyono Poncojari
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned face-to-face learning into distance learning using online media. Educational institutions strive to provide a system to meet students' needs in conducting distance learning using online media. Educational institutions also try to familiarize teachers and students with using online media in the learning process. Educators and students can utilize distance learning media in Whatsapp groups and google meetings to carry out the learning process. This study aims to determine whether there are differences in student biology learning outcomes between the experimental class I learning using WhatsApp group and the practical class II learning using google meetings. This type of research is a quasi-experimental design with a posttest-only control design. The study population was all class X MIPA (mathematics and science) Public Senior High School 02 Batu (There are five classes). The sampling technique used purposive sampling. The experimental class I was class X MIPA 4 with 28 students and the practical class II was class X MIPA 5 with 28 students. Descriptive and inferential statistical data analysis techniques using Ms. Excell and the Independent Sample T-Test (SPSS Statistics 17.0). This study indicates that there is a difference in the average learning outcomes of students between experimental class I (74.75) who carry out learning using WhatsApp group and experimental class II (64.75) who carry out learning using google meetings. In conclusion, learning using the WhatsApp group is better.
Rare Fungal Infection in Arthritic Knee After Stem Cell Injection Managed by Novel Staged Primary Arthroplasty
Authors: Maniar Adit R , Bhatnagar Nishit , Mishra Abhinav , Vinchurkar Kshitija , Jain Ditesh
Published: May 2021

Update

This article was updated on June 11, 2021, because of an error. The acknowledgment was not included. The note should read: The authors would like to thank Dr. Rajesh N Maniar for allowing us to report his case and his guidance.

An erratum (JBJS Case Connect. 2021;11[2]:e20.00354ER) has been published for this article.

Case:

A 72-year-old man with bilateral knee osteoarthritis treated elsewhere with bilateral intraarticular stem cell injections (SCIs) presented to us 2 months later with signs of infection in his left knee. Aspiration culture grew fungus Penicillium sp. First-stage total knee arthroplasty (TKA) included thorough joint debridement, lavage, standard bone cuts, and insertion of antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer. Second stage included spacer removal and final implantation. At the 1.5-year follow-up, he has a satisfactory clinical outcome without evidence of infection.

Conclusion:

As far as we know, this is the first reported case of infective fungal arthritis secondary to intraarticular SCI successfully managed by a staged primary TKA.
Arthroscopic Resection of Distal Clavicular Osteochondroma
Authors: Lopez-Ovenza Juan M. , San Roque Mariamar , Olvi Liliana G.
Published: May 2021

Case:

A 23-year-old boy presented with a 3-month history of right shoulder pain. Radiographs and computed tomography showed an exostosis on the inferior aspect of the distal clavicle. It was osteotomized and removed by arthroscopy. The histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of osteochondroma. The patient was found asymptomatic with full range of motion in the last clinical control at 1 year of follow-up.

Conclusion:

This case report shows an arthroscopic resection of distal clavicular osteochondroma achieving complete resection of the tumor with an excellent clinical outcome. The technique offers a direct view of the inferior aspect of the clavicle and preserves the acromioclavicular joint.
Brachial Plexus Reconstruction Using Long Nerve Grafts as Spare Parts From an Amputated Limb
Authors: Curran Matthew W.T. , Chan K. Ming , Morhart Michael J. , Olson Jaret L.
Published: May 2021

Case:

The reconstruction of large nerve gaps remains a reconstructive challenge. Here, we present a case report of brachial plexus reconstruction using nerve grafts harvested as spare parts from an amputated limb. It also allowed us to use motor nerve grafts to reconstruct defects in the posterior cord and musculocutaneous nerve. The patient recovered good shoulder and elbow function at 2.5 years with evidence of innervation distally on electromyography.

Conclusion:

Spare part surgery should always be kept in a surgeons' reconstructive algorithm. Reconstruction of large nerve gaps can be achieved with autologous nerve grafts in certain circumstances.
Low-carbon future opens opportunities for water sector
Authors: Tawona Neville
Published: May 2021

The list of countries that have committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 is growing. All Australian states and territories have committed to this target. It has prompted businesses in both the public and private sectors to begin developing and investing in strategies that contribute to a low carbon future. The global climate policy instruments, particularly the Paris Agreement, provides the legal framework for countries to plan and deliver on their commitments to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. While the traditional energy sources (coal, gas, oil, solar and wind) will continue to play an important role in Australia’s future, the transition to a low carbon economy will require a diverse mix of other transformational low emission technologies. Energy-from-waste technologies like direct combustion, gasification and anaerobic digestion will play a major role in the waste management sector to support state and national resource recovery goals including the transition to a circular economy. Renewable gas and hydrogen production, as well as carbon capture and storage will complement current efforts to decarbonise the industrial, transport, domestic and energy sectors. This paper presents an overview of the policies relating to climate change and emissions reduction strategies in Australia, as well as a review of low emission technologies and investment opportunities for the water and waste sectors.
New Technique for Evaluating Fracture Geometry and Preferential Orientation Using Pulsed Field Gradient Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Elsayed Mahmoud , El-Husseiny Ammar , Kwak Hyung , Hussaini Syed Rizwanullah , Mahmoud Mohamed
Published: May 2021

In-situ evaluation of fracture tortuosity (i.e., pore geometry complexity and roughness) and preferential orientation is crucial for fluid flow simulation and production forecast in subsurface water and hydrocarbon reservoirs. This is particularly significant for naturally fractured reservoirs or postacid fracturing because of the strong permeability anisotropy. However, such downhole in-situ characterization remains a challenge. This study presents a new method for evaluating fracture tortuosity and preferential orientation based on the pulsed field gradient (PFG) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique. Such an approach provides diffusion tortuosity, τd, defined as the ratio of bulk fluid diffusion coefficient to the restricted diffusion coefficient in the porous media. In the PFG NMR technique, the magnetic field gradient can be applied in different directions, and therefore anisotropy in diffusion coefficient and τd can be evaluated. Three 3D printed samples, characterized by well controlled variable fracture tortuosity, one fractured sandstone, and three acidized carbonate samples with wormhole were used in this study. PFG NMR measurements were performed using both 2- and 12-MHz NMR instruments to obtain τd in the three different principal directions. The results obtained from the NMR measurements were compared with fracture tortuosity and preferential orientation determined from the microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) images of the samples. The results showed that τd increases as the fracture tortuosity and pore geometry complexity increases, showing good agreement with the image-based geometric tortuosity values. Moreover, the lowest τd values were found to coincide with the preferential direction of fracture surfaces and wormhole body for a given sample, whereas the maximum τd values correspond to the nonconnected pathway directions. These results suggest that the implantation of directional restricted diffusion measurements on the NMR well logging tools would offer a possibility of probing tortuosity and determining preferential fluid flow direction via direct downhole measurements.
Environmental Effects from the Use of traditional biomass for heating in rural areas. A case study of Anogeia, Crete
Authors: Savvakis Nikolaos , Tournaki Stavroula , Tarasi Dimitra , Daras Tryfon , Kallergis Nikolaos , Tsoutsos Theocharis
Published: May 2021

In several European rural communities, woody biomass is considered amongst the most important energy sources for heating and cooking. However, the use of old-fashioned fireplaces may affect indoor and outdoor air quality. To depict this situation and to plan the necessary improvement interventions, a pilot action was implemented in a typical mountainous Mediterranean area (town of Anogeia, Crete). The action involved: (i) identification of the quantities, use and source of the woody biomass used in the community based on the analysis of data collected through a systematic survey; (ii) on-site indoor and outdoor measurements of air quality (CO2, CO, NOX, PM), during wintertime and summertime. Based on the current survey, around 70% of the study area households in Anogeia using woody biomass for heating purposes in low energy efficiency systems resulted in high annual consumption of firewood. Fifty-three per cent of occupants didn’t consider indoor air quality as a result of wood burning. The analysis of the air quality showed very high concentrations of indoor air pollutants in the majority of old buildings with seniors using traditional heating systems. The type of main/supplementary heating system used in a dwelling depends on factors such as the size of the dwelling, year of construction, education level and age of occupants. The results also demonstrate a strong correlation/liaison between the heating season (summertime/wintertime), and the (significant increase in the) concentrations of air pollutants in the sampling sites.
Hospital Paperless Communication Technologies
Authors: Unluturk Mehmet , UTKU Semih
Published: May 2021

Nowadays, patient-related records are kept in cumbersome file cabinets that result in wasted effort, during burdensome searches. As a result, when a patient goes to a different hospital, all those records need to be copied or all those tests have to be repeated for the same patient. In the present research, a secure, paperless operating room architecture (PORA) has been implemented which provides easily accessible patient information that can be safely shared between different hospitals. PORA is composed of three modules. The modules are the patient data input module, operating room server module, and treated patient information output module. In all, the modules allow researchers to edit, review and analyze patient-related data easily; as well as giving patients access to their healthcare information. Near Field Communication (NFC) technology supported with symmetric encryption is employed in PORA to provide the information security of transmitted data. NFC is utilized during the collection of medical records through wireless communication. This solution achieves better communication and accuracy among OR staff members. The PORA has been effectively used to help healthcare personnel and patients receiving treatment across different hospital operating rooms. PORA might be a unique solution for seamless patient information sharing between independent operating rooms.
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) decreases recovery time and improve the recovery effect versus for elective gastric cancer surgery: a single-center randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lv Shuhong , Fan Xin , Li Yan , Yan Jinling , Xu Jing , wei qing
Published: May 2021

Background

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) can help patients improve recovery speed, improve patient satisfaction, reduce postoperative pressure and reduce postoperative hospital stay. This study evaluated ERAS feasibility and effectiveness compared with conventional perioperative care and their significance in gastrectomy for patients with gastric cancer.
Methods

This article is a prospective cohort analysis of 272 patients. This paper investigates tumor morphology, operation information, exhaustion time, ambulation time, walking distance on the operation day and 1 day, 2 days and 3 days after the operation, While blood test indexes related to postoperative recovery and postoperative complications are evaluated.
Results

The recovery of gastrointestinal function was faster in ERAS patients. There was a significant difference in the time of first exhaust between ERAS group and CC group (54.60 ± 17.41 h vs. 76.71 ± 9.47 h; P < 0.001). There were significant differences in the amount of diet on the day of operation, 1 day, 2 days and 3 days after operation between the two groups (P < 0.001); There was a significant difference in the time of first ambulation between eras group and CC group (1.14 ± 0.76 D vs. 2.74 ± 0.98 D; P < 0.001). There were significant differences in walking distance between the two groups at operation day, 1 day, 2 days and 3 days after operation (P < 0.001). The postoperative hospital stay in the ERAS group was significantly shorter than that in the routine perioperative nursing group (8.38 ± 1.68 D, 11.18 ± 1.38 D; P < 0.001).
Conclusion

ERAS can reduce the stress after radical resection of gastric cancer, promote intestinal recovery, reduce pain intensity, and improve the recovery ability and satisfaction of patients.
Prediction of the disease controllability in a complex network using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Tripathi Richa , Reza Amit , Garg Dinesh
Published: May 2021

The application of machine learning (ML) techniques span a vast spectrum ranging from speech, face and character recognition, medical diagnosis, anomaly detection in data to the general classification, prediction and regression problems. In the present work, we solve the problem of predicting R0 for disease spreading on complex networks using the regression-based state-of-art ML techniques. R0 is a metric that determines whether the disease-free epidemic or an endemic state is asymptotically stable and hence indicates the controllability of the disease spread. We predict R0, based on training the ML models with structural properties of complex networks, irrespective of the network type. The prediction is possible because: (a) The structure of complex networks plays an essential role in the spreading processes on networks (b) The regression techniques such as Support Vector Regression and Artificial Neural Network Model can be very efficiently used for prediction problems, even for non-linear data. We obtained good accuracy in the prediction of R0 for the simulated networks as well as real-world networks using these techniques. Moreover, the ML model training is a one-time investment cost in terms of training time and memory, and the trained model can be used for predicting R0 on unseen/new examples of networks.
The Role of Spirituality in Symptom Experiences among Adults with Cancer
Authors: Miller Megan , Kwekkeboom Kristine , Cherwin Catherine
Published: May 2021

PurposeAdults with cancer experience symptoms such as pain, fatigue, depression and sleep disturbance, which can impede quality of life. Research suggests that addressing spirituality may be one route to support holistic symptom management. The purpose of this study is to explore how spirituality relates to common cancer-related symptoms (including severity, distress, and interference) among a sample of adults with cancer.MethodsThis is a secondary analysis of data from N = 200 solid tumor cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Symptom experiences were assessed with a modified version of the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale and the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory–Interference Subscale. Spirituality was assessed using a subset of items from the Fox Simple Quality of Life Scale. A series of ordinal and linear regressions were used to examine the relationship between spirituality and symptom severity, symptom-related distress and symptom interference across four cancer-related symptoms (pain, fatigue, depression and sleep disturbance).ResultsHigher spirituality trended toward an association with lower pain severity, although results were not significant (p< .058). Higher spirituality was significantly associated with lower severity of fatigue (p < .003), depression (p< .006) and sleep disturbance (p < .004). Spirituality was not significantly associated with any of the four symptom-related distress outcomes. Higher spirituality was significantly associated with lower overall symptom interference (p < .004).DiscussionThis study highlights the role of spirituality in the experience of cancer-related symptoms. Additional research is needed among more diverse samples of people with cancer. This foundational work could lead to the development of symptom management interventions that incorporate aspects of spirituality.
Nitrogen availability controls plant carbon storage with warming
Authors: Zhou Guiyao , Terrer César , Hungate Bruce , Gestel Natasja van , Zhou Xuhui , Groenigen Kees Jan van
Published: May 2021

Plants may slow global warming through enhanced growth, because increased levels of photosynthesis stimulate the land carbon (C) sink. However, the key drivers determining responses of plants to warming remain unclear, causing uncertainty in climate projections. Using meta- analysis, we show that the effect of experimental warming on plant biomass is best explained by soil nitrogen (N) availability. Warming-induced changes in total, aboveground and belowground biomass all positively correlated with soil C:N ratio, an indicator of soil N availability. In factorial N × warming experiments, warming increased plant biomass more strongly under low N than under high N availability. Together, these results suggest that warming stimulates plant C storage most strongly in ecosystems where N limits plant growth. Thus, incorporating the soil N status of ecosystems into Earth system models may improve predictions of future carbon-climate feedbacks.
Environmental quality and the role of economic policy uncertainty, economic complexity, renewable energy, energy intensity: the case of G7 countries
Authors: Chu Lan Khanh , Le Ngoc Thi Minh
Published: May 2021

This study explores the environmental impacts of economic policy uncertainty, economic complexity, renewable energy, and energy intensity for G7 countries. To this end, the study employs Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares and fixed effect model with Driscoll and Kraay (1998) robust standard errors for a panel dataset from 1997 to 2015. The findings demonstrate a long-term relationship between interested variables and carbon dioxide emissions and ecological footprint. Specifically, high energy intensity propels environmental pollution while economic policy uncertainty and renewable energy prove effective in controlling environmental degradation. The environmental Kuznet curve of economic complexity and environmental quality holds for G7 countries. Moreover, economic policy uncertainty strongly moderates the environmental effect of renewable energy, economic complexity, and energy intensity. While economic policy uncertainty amplifies the beneficial environmental effects of renewable energy and economic complexity, it magnifies the harmful effect of energy intensity on environmental quality. These empirical outcomes allow us to draw useful implications for policymakers to mitigate the environmental degradation.
A reusable, locally manufactured, half- face respirator provides better protection than fitted disposable N95 masks: development and quantitative fit-testing comparison
Authors: Hondjeu Arnaud Romeo Mbadjeu , Ng William C. K. , Anwari Vahid , Xiao Maggie Z.X. , Rozenberg Dmitry , Kazlovich Kate , Afenu Edem Andy , Hiansen Joshua Qua , Mashari Azad
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to persistent supply shortages of respiratory protective equipment in many jurisdictions. Reusable industrial respirators have been proposed and deployed as an alternative, but also face severe supply limitations. In addition, industrial respirators do not filter the user’s expired breath, a major limitation in health care settings where bidirectional protection is required. We present the development and quantitative testing of a reusable silicone respirator that can be locally manufactured using low-cost desktop infrastructure. Using standardized quantitative fit-testing (QNFT including resting and activity components according to CSA Z94.4-18) in a cohort of 41 healthcare workers (HCWs), we compared the performance of the mask to the individually-fitted disposable N95 masks that the HCWs had been assigned by our institution. Overall QNFT pass rates for disposable N95 respirators were 58.5% vs. 100% for the reusable mask. For a production run of 1000 masks, unit cost is approximately $25 CAD in materials and 35 minutes in labor per mask. The device requires further testing to assess flow resistance, carbon dioxide rebreathing, and full conformance with technical standards required for regulatory approval.
Consumption situation of Chinese medicine in Shanghai: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Xiaohui , Zhou Heng , Hu Qing , Zhu Yin , Cai Qiang , Ji Shen
Published: May 2021

Background This cross-sectional study aimed to construct a database of Chinese medicine consumption, including the annual intake, the number of days of intake, and the daily intake of Chinese medicine, which is helpful for risk assessment and understanding of consumer trends.Methods About 40 million rows of data used in this study were derived from the hospitals in Shanghai, which contains the prescription number, the name of consumers, the date of the dispensing, the name of Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs), dosage, and the number of days taken. All data were stored in a MySQL database. R language was used as the main tool for statistical analysis and graphical work.Results The result shows the annual consumption, annual consumption days, and average daily consumption of 20 types of common TCMs and all TCMs consumed. The result shows Astragali radix, Coicis semen, and Danshen are the top three of consumption among the selected Chinese medicines. An easy-to-use software called the Chinese medicine consumption database (CMCD) was designed to search and download consumption data. It is built using the Shiny package in the R, is free to access on any device with an internet browser, and requires no programming knowledge to be used.Conclusions A Chinese medicine consumption database was constructed, which included the consumption situation of 20 types of common TCMs and all TCMs consumed. This database plays a pivotal role in the risk assessment of the pollutants in TCMs and the prediction of the consumption trend of TCMs.
An RNA-immunoprecipitation via CRISPR/dCas13 reveals an interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 5'UTR RNA and the process of human lipid metabolism.
Authors: Shimizu Yurika , Bandaru Srinivas , Hara Mari , Young Sonny , Sano Toshikazu , Usami Kaya , Kurano Yuta , Lee Suni , Kumagai-Takei Naoko , Sano Shunji , Ito Tatsuo
Published: May 2021

We herein elucidate the function of SARS-CoV-2 derived 5'UTR in the human cells. 5'UTR bound cellular RNA was immunoprecipitated by gRNA-dCas13 targeting luciferase RNA fused to SARS-CoV-2 5'UTR in HEK293T and A549 cells. The 5'UTR bound RNA extractions were predominantly enriched for regulating lipid metabolism. Overexpression of SARS-CoV-2 5'UTR RNA altered the expression of factors known to be involved in the process of the human Mevalonate pathway. Besides, HMMG-CoA reductase inhibitors suppressed 5'UTR-mediated translation activity, which is derived from the SARS-CoV-2 model. In conclusion, we deduce the array of host RNAs interacting with SARS-CoV-2 5'UTR that drives SARS-CoV-2 translational initiation and influences metabolic pathways.
CRISPR-Cas9 Activated Graphene Biointerfaces for Capture and Real-Time Monitoring of Cell-Free DNA on a Microneedle Patch
Authors: Yang Bin , fang Xueen , Kong Jilie
Published: May 2021

Recent advances in biointerfaces have led to the development of wearable devices that can provide insights into personal health. As wearable modules, microneedles (MNs) can extract analytes of interest from interstitial fluid (ISF) in a minimally invasive fashion. However, some MNs are limited by their ability to perform high-effective extraction and real-time monitoring for macromolecule biomarkers simultaneously. Herein, we explored the synergetic effect of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-activated graphene biointerfaces, and reported an on-line CRISPR wearable microneedles patch for extraction and in vivo monitoring of Epstein-Barr virus cell-free DNA (EBV CfDNA) in ISF. This wearable system can orientally capture and directly quantify unamplified ISF CfDNA in vivo within 75 min, with anti-interference ability of 60%, and has good electrochemical stability within 3 days (RSD = 9.04%). The experimental results of immunodeficient mouse models shows the feasibility and practicability of this proposed method. This wearable patch holds great promise for long-term in vivo monitoring ISF CfDNA and could be used for early disease screening and prognosis.
Injectable Methylcellulose and Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel containing silver nanoparticles for their effective anti-microbial and wound healing activity in nursing care for burn injuries in children
Authors: Jiang Jianye , Han Xiaojing , Xu Huan
Published: May 2021

Currently, the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was utilized for various life-saving biomedical applications. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of methylcellulose and hyaluronic acid (MC-HA) hydrogels containing AgNPs dressing materials were investigated for their wound healing efficiency to treat surgical excision wounds and the findings were studied and discussed. The effect of the ratio of AgNPs and MC-HA hydrogels on the gelation time, in vitro degradation, and equilibrium swelling of MC-HA/AgNPs hydrogels was examined. The prepared MC-HA hydrogels containing AgNPs were studied using various characterization techniques such as UV–Visible spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The MC-HA/AgNPs showed excellent antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. Additionally, the superior wound recovering potential of AgNPs with MC-HA hydrogels compared to conventional formulations was illustrated in vitro in animals utilizing visual observations and histological study. The MC-HA/AgNPs hydrogels showed excellent antimicrobial activity and burn wound healing. Therefore, these MC-HA hydrogels containing AgNPs have great potential medicinal applications in nursing care in children after surgery.
Clinical findings of Talaromyces marneffei infection among patients with anti-interferon-γ immunodeficiency: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Zhao-Ming , Li Zheng-Tu , Li Shao-Qiang , Guan Wei-Jie , Qiu Ye , Lei Zi-Ying , Zhan Yang-Qing , Zhou Hua , Lin Sheng , Wang Xinni , Li Zhun , Yang Feng , Zeng Wen , Lin Ye , Liu Jing , Zhang Jian-Quan , Ye Feng
Published: May 2021

Background: Talaromyces marneffei (T. marneffei) infection has been associated with adult-onset immunodeficiency due to anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies. We aimed to investigate the clinical features of non-HIV-infected patients with T. marneffei infection in southern China.Methods: Between January 2018 and September 2020, we enrolled patients aged 18 years or older who were HIV-negative. Patients were further stratified into four main groups: patients with T. marneffei infection (group 1, n=42), including anti-IFN-γ autoantibody-positive (group 1P) and anti-IFN-γ autoantibody-negative (group 1N) patients; patients with NTM infection (group 2, n=20); patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis (group 3, n=20); and healthy controls (group 4, n=40). Anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies were detected by ELISA. Clinical characteristics and clinical laboratory parameters were recorded.Results: High anti-IFN-γ autoantibody titers were found in both groups 1 and 2. Compared with anti-IFN-γ autoantibody-negative patients with T. marneffei infection, anti-IFN-γ autoantibody-positive patients did not have underlying respiratory disease; more frequently exhibited dissemination of systemic infections with severe pleural effusion; had higher WBC counts, C-reactive protein levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rates, and neutrophil and CD8+ T cell counts; had lower hemoglobin levels; and were more likely to have other intracellular pathogen infections. However, the anti-IFN-γ autoantibody level did not correlate with the clinical disease course. Most of these patients had poor outcomes despite standardized antimicrobial therapy.Conclusion: T. marneffei-infected patients with higher anti-IFN-γ autoantibody titers have more severe disease and complex clinical conditions.
Quality attributes of maize-based supplementary diets in the in vitro for the management of moderately acute malnourished children
Authors: Ade ADESANMI Raymond , John OKORIE Ijioma , Ugu NWAMARAH Joy
Published: May 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
CircRNA1615 Inhibits Ferroptosis via Modulation of Autophagy by the miRNA152-3p/LRP6 Axis in Cardiomyocytes of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Li Rui-lin , Fan Cheng-hui , Gong Shi-yu , Kang Sheng
Published: May 2021

Background Searching for new molecular targets of ferroptosis is gradually becoming the focus in the field of cardiovascular disease research. This study was aimed to explore the biological function and molecular mechanism of ferroptosis of circRNA modulation in cardiomyocytes of myocardial infarction (MI).Method We explored the regulatory effect and molecular mechanism of LPR6 on myocardial cell ferroptosis by establishing a model of MI in vivo and in vitro, constructed the regulatory network of circRNA-miRNA-LRP6 by the bioinformatics analysis, and focused on the biological function and molecular mechanism of circRNA1615 regulating ferroptosis in MI by the overexpression or knockdown of circRNA1615, the RIP experiments, and double luciferase reporter gene assay.Results Ferrostatin-1(ferroptosis inhibitor) can improve the pathological process of MI; LRP6 was involved in the process of ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes; LRP6 deletion regulates ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes through autophagy; Screening and identification of circRNA1615 targets LRP6; circRNA1615 inhibits ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes; circRNA1615 regulates the expression of LRP6 through sponge adsorption of miR-152-3p, and then prevent LRP6-mediated autophagy-related ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes, finally regulate the pathological process of MI.Conclusions CircRNA1615 inhibits ferroptosis via modulation of autophagy by the miRNA152-3p/LRP6 molecular axis in cardiomyocytes of myocardial infarction.
Study Structural properties of Nanocomposite (polyvinyl Alcohol\ (CdO/NiO) via Sol-Gel Method
Authors: Al-Jezbi Amatalkareem Mohammed
Published: May 2021

This study deals with the synthesis of some physical properties of (CdO/NiO) nanocomposite via Sol-Gel method and their antibacterial activities. The NiO and CdO nanoxides as well as the CdO/NiO oxide mixture were prepared in five samples with different concentrations where the ratio of CdO/NiO was [(1: 0), (3: 1), (1: 1), (1: 3), (0: 1)], by using the gel solution by means of a polyvinyl alcohol solution ( PVA ). The samples were platelimb at (500̊C) for three hours. The structural properties of the prepared oxides resulting from the cracking process were studied. The XRD results showed the presence of pure cadmium oxide diffraction patterns in the sample (S 1 ) as well as pure nickel oxide in the sample (S 5 ), and confirmed the presence of the CdO / NiO oxide mixture in the samples (S 2 , S 3 , S 4 ). The results of XRD also showed, through calculations, that the specific surface area increased with increasing granular size and decreased with decreasing granular size. XRD calculations also showed that the intensity of eruptions decreased as the granular volume increased and, inversely, increased with decreasing granular size.
Acoustoelectric Current in Graphene Nanoribbon due to Landau Damping
Authors: Dompreh K. A. , Adu K.W. , Sakyi-Arthur D. , Mensah N. G. , Mensah S. Y. , Twum A , Amekpewu M.
Published: May 2021

We perform self-consistent analysis of the Boltzmann transport equation for momentum and energy in the hypersound regime i.e., ql >> 1 (q is the acoustic wavenumber and l is the mean free path). Here, we investigate Landau damping of acoustic phonons (LDOAP) in graphene nanoribbon that leads to acoustoelectric current generation. Under a non-quantized field with drift velocity, we observed an acoustic phonon energy quantization which depends on the energy gap, the width and the sub-index of the material. An effect similar to Cerenkov emission was observed where the electron absorbs the confined acoustic phonons energy, causing the generation of acoustoelectric current in Graphene Nanoribbon. A qualitative analysis of the absorption and versus phonon frequency is in agreement with experimental reports. We observed a shift in the peaks when the energy gap and the drift velocity were varied. Most importantly, a transparency window appears when making graphene nanoribbon a potential candidate as an acoustic wave filter with applications in phonon spectrometers and also as tunable gate-controlled quantum information device.