bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study on shear mechanical properties of through-step joints under direct shear
Authors: Xiong Liangxiao , Chen Haijun , Xu Zhongyuan , Zhou Shu , Huang Xiaohua
Published: February 2021

In this study, direct shear tests were carried out on artificial rock mass specimens with single-ladder, single-rectangular, and double-rectangular step joints. Consequently, the shear strength, cohesive force (c), internal friction angle (φ), and crack shape of specimens with these through-step joints were analyzed, in order to understand the influence of the shape of the through-step joint on their direct shear mechanical properties. The results of the investigation were as follows: (1) Under the same normal stress, any increases in the height h of the step joint caused an initial-increase–decrease in the shear strengths of specimens with single-ladder and double-rectangular step joints, with a type-W variation pattern for the specimens with single-rectangular step joint. More essentially, when normal stress and h were constant, the shear strength of specimens with a single-ladder step joint was the greatest, followed by specimens with a double-rectangular step joint, whereas that for specimens with a single-rectangular step joint was the least. (2) For specimens with a single-ladder step joint, a small length of the bottom of the step joint with a large length of the rock bridge allowed c to dominantly influence the specimen shear strength. Conversely, a large length of the bottom of the step joint with a small length of the rock bridge caused φ to play a key role in the specimen shear strength. For specimens with a single-rectangular step joint, when the length of the top of the step joint and that of the rock bridge were large, c had the dominant influence on the specimen. Otherwise, when the length of the top of the step joint and that of the rock bridge were small, φ had the major influence on the specimen shear strength. (3) Furthermore, given a small h and low normal stress, specimens with a single-ladder step joint mainly experienced shear failure, whereas specimens with single-rectangular and double-rectangular step joints mainly generated extrusion milling in the step joints. Any increases in h caused specimens with the three types of step joints to have oblique cracks at the bottom and apex points of the step joint. The number of oblique cracks was expected to increase with greater normal stress.
Regional disparity in clinker emission factors and their potential reduction in China
Authors: Gao Tianming , Shen Lei , Zhao Jianan , Wang Limao , Liu Litao , Dai Tao
Published: February 2021

Detailed analysis the disparity and reduction potential of clinker emission factors at the provincial level is important for regional reduction policies. Using the surveyed data from 185 new suspension and pre-heater (NSP) process lines and 69 Shaft kiln lines, this study firstly analyzed the disparity in emission factors based on production process, production scale, and regional distribution in 2015. We found that the emission factor of the Shaft kiln process (898.24 kg/t) is higher than that of the NSP process (858.59 kg/t), and that small-scale production lines have higher emission factors than large-scale lines both for the two process. China's clinker emission factors increase from the eastern to the western regions. Then we estimated the reduction potential of structural adjustment, raw material substitution, and energy saving and fuel substitution in regional emission factors by 2030. The result shows that emission factors of the surveyed provinces will decrease by 101.41-174.60 kg/t compared to the values in 2015, which is mainly contributes by energy saving and fuel substitution (65.98%), and raw materials substitution (25.72%). And structural adjustment contributes only a small part reduction for most investigated provinces. The national average emission factor is estimated to be 715.33 kg/t in 2030, which indicates a reduction of 16.65%. These results can provide valuable feedback to government officials on the effectiveness of existing measures and also serve as a reference for future decisions on emission reduction polices.
Efficiency Enhancement in Dye Sensitized Solar Cell Using 1D Photonic Crystal
Authors: Fathima M.Ismail , wilson K.S.Joseph
Published: February 2021

1D SiO2/TiO2 photonic crystal based ZnO-Pt DSSC with N719 dye is theoretically designed. The optical properties of theoretically designed DSSC such as transmittivity, Absorptivity and reflectivity are calculated using transfer matrix method in order to calculate numerically the key parameters like open circuit voltage (VOC), Photo current density (Jph) of the DSSC. It is found that the desired integrated system may enable to maximize the absorption in the selective spectrum region (400-900nm) and hence the maximum efficiency achieved is 4.5 % for a 1D SiO2/TiO2 photonic crystal layers with two number of periods.
Patients with high inflammatory tendency induced by malignant stimulation through imbalance of CD28 and CTLA-4 / PD-1 leading to dopamine neuron injury
Authors: Dong Li , Zheng Yumin , Luo Xiaoguang , He Zhiyi
Published: February 2021

Background

Parkinson's Disease is a common neurodegenerative disease in elderly. Parkinson's Disease patients were supposed to have a higher risk of malignant transformation, however, actually the incidence of various cancers in Parkinson's Disease patients is significantly lower than common people.Parkinson's Disease patients are individuals with a high tendency of inflammation, whose peripheral immune represented in an activated state. The secretion of inflammatory factors in peripheral blood of Parkinson's Disease patients is significantly increased. We hypothesized that the hyperinflammatory predisposition of Parkinson's Disease patients is one of pathogenesis.
Method:

DBA/1 mice were used to simulate highly inflammatory individuals, and the carcinogen DEN was treated for malignant stimulation.HE staining was used to observe the formation of lung tumors.Apoptosis of neurons was observed by TUNEL staining.Immunohistochemical and Flow cytometrywere used to observed the expression of CD4, CD28, MHCII, CTLA-4 and PD-1. IBA-1 + iNOS was used to label M1 type microglias, and IBA-1 + Arg1 was used to label M2 type microglias by immunofluorescence. The contents of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-4 in serum and brain tissues of mice in each group were detected by ELISA.
Results

DBA/1 mice with high inflammatory tendency showed continuous increasing of peripheral inflammation, promoting of intracranial inflammation, decreasing the tumor incidence and increasing the neurodegeneration under induction of malignant change.CD28 and CTLA-4/PD-1 reduced the T-cell-dominated inflammatory response, reduce intracerebral inflammatory response, protected the neurodegeneration, and increased the incidence of tumor.Combination of CTLA-4 and PD-1 blocker can over-activate T cells, worsen peripheral and intracranial inflammation, reduce the incidence of tumor, and cause damage to dopamine neurons, promotethe occurrence of neurodegeneration.
Conclusions

High inflammatory tendency induced by malignant stimulation through imbalance of CD28 and CTLA-4 / PD-1 leading to dopamine neuron injury.
A Framework for the Evaluation of Healthcare Data’s Value from the Perspective of Open Data
Authors: Xu Ting , Wu Danmai , Wang Shu , Wei Mingyue , Yu Guangjun
Published: February 2021

Background: This study is aimed at developing a framework for the evaluation of healthcare data’s value, so as to provide a tool for data managers in making decisions on data openness.Methods: In this study, the Delphi method was adopted. Firstly, a rudimentary framework was constructed following a literature review and focus group interviews, and an inquiry letter was designed. After handing out the inquiry letters to experts in related areas, the framework was modified according to the feedbacks. This process was repeated until a consensus was reached.Results: For this inquiry 15 experts were invited; whose levels of activeness and authority were relatively high. This research produced a framework for the evaluation of healthcare data with 2 primary criteria, 7 secondary criteria and 21 tertiary criteria, after two rounds in Delphi method.Conclusion: The framework established in this research lays a solid foundation for the identifying and evaluation of healthcare data’s value, and is expected to drive the process of opening of valuable healthcare data.
Timing for elective cesarean and maternal fetal outcome: a cohort in supplementary health care
Authors: Rosa Marcos Wengrover , Perez Amanda Vilaverde , Muller Gabriel Cardozo , Sbaraini Mariana , Hammes Luciano Serpa , Ghizzoni Flavia , Grossi Fernanda Santos , Ferreira Charles Francisco , Vettorazzi Janete
Published: February 2021

The increase in the number of cesarean sections (C-sections) has been reported in developed and under-developed countriesObjective: To assess the relationship between the timing of antepartum elective cesarean section (C-section) and neonatal outcomes in a Brazilian population.Design: Retrospective cohort study.Setting: large obstetric center in Porto Alegre, BrazilParticipants: women with single gestation submitted to elective C-section at a large obstetric from January 2013 to December 2016. Eligibility criteria included primiparous mothers and those who previously underwent a C-section, with gestational ages of 37–39 weeks (group I) or ≥ 39 weeks (group II), undergoing antepartum elective C-section without clinical indication. Participants under 18 years old, with fetal malformation diagnosis or dead fetus were excluded. Neonatal outcomes were compared between both gestational age groups.Exposure: elective C-section.Main Outcomes and Measures: adverse neonatal outcomes (NICU admission, Fetal trauma, respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, hiperbilirrubinemia, neonatal infection, thick meconium and meconium aspiration syndrome)Results: There were 17,184 live births at Hospital Moinhos de Vento during the study period. Of these, 13,457 were excluded (multiparous women, vaginal birth or C-section with medical indication), remaining 3,722 C-sections without medical indication in nulliparous women or in those with one previous C-section (both with no prior vaginal delivery). Of these, 1,460 were in group I and 2,262 were in group II. Most women were white (97.8%) and the median age was 33.0 (95%CI 33.1–33.5) years. Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization, respiratory distress and hyperbilirubinemia were positively associated with group I in relation to group II (p≤0.0001, p=0.001 and p=0.002, respectively). In logistic regression, overall higher gestational age was associated with reduction on odds of NICU admission (unadjusted OR 0.46, 95%CI 0.36-0.59), respiratory distress (unadjusted OR 0.52, 95%CI 0.33-0.78) and hyperbilirubinemia (unadjusted OR 0.35, 95%CI 0.20-0.61).Conclusion: Elective C-section based on maternal request should not be recommended; however, for women who require elective C-section, neonatal outcomes suggest that delivery between 39 and 39+7 weeks is the optimal timing.
The nasal symbiont Staphylococcus epidermidis shapes the cellular environment to decrease expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry factors in nasal epithelium
Authors: Ji Jeong Yeon , Jo Ara , Won Jina , Gil Chan Hee , Shin Haeun , Kim Sujin , Jeon Yung Jin , Kim Hyun Jik
Published: February 2021

Background

Emerging evidence indicates that severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) targets the human nasal epithelium via the principal entry factors angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), which are highly expressed in the nasal epithelium. However, little is known about suppressive biologics against SARS-CoV-2 entry factors. Here, we report that the nasal commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis altered the host transcriptional response against SARS-CoV-2 in the nasal epithelium by reducing ACE2 and TMPRSS2 gene expression in concert with an increase in serine-peptidase inhibitors.
Results

Our data reveal that ACE2 was more abundantly expressed in nasal epithelial (NHNE) cells than bronchial epithelial cells, and inoculation with S. epidermidis reduced ACE2 transcription in NHNE cells. Our data also show that TMPRSS2 mRNA was significantly decreased in NHNE cells and that S. epidermidis colony number in human nasal mucus was inversely correlated with ACE2 and TMPRSS2 gene expression in the nasal mucosa. In addition, levels of the serine-peptidase inhibitors SERPINE1 and SERPINE2 were significantly increased by S. epidermidis, and this accompanied reduction of TMPRSS2 transcription in nasal epithelial cells.
Conclusion

These results characterize the S. epidermidis-regulated host transcriptional response restricting SARS-CoV-2 entry to the nasal epithelium via downregulation of receptors and host protease for SARS-CoV-2 cellular invasion coupled with SERPINE1 and SERPINE2 induction.
Computer-aided Diagnosis with a Convolutional Neural Network Algorithm for Automated Detection of Urinary Tract Stones on Plain X-ray
Authors: Kobayashi Masaki , Ishioka Junichiro , Matsuoka Yoh , Fukuda Yuichi , Kohno Yusuke , Kawano Keizo , Morimoto Shinji , Muta Rie , Fujiwara Motohiro , Kawamura Naoko , Okuno Tetsuo , Yoshida Soichiro , Yokoyama Minato , Suda Rumi , Saiki Ryota , Suzuki Kenji , Kumazawa Itsuo , Fujii Yasuhisa
Published: February 2021

Background: Recent increased use of medical images induces further burden of their interpretation for physicians. A plain X-ray is a low-cost examination that has low-dose radiation exposure and high availability, although diagnosing urolithiasis using this method is not always easy. Since the advent of a convolutional neural network via deep learning in the 2000s, computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) has had a great impact on automatic image analysis in the urological field. The objective of our study was to develop a CAD system with deep learning architecture to detect urinary tract stones on a plain X-ray and to evaluate the model’s accuracy. Methods: We collected plain X-ray images of 1017 patients with a radio-opaque urinary tract stone. X-ray images (n=827 and 190) were used as the training and test data, respectively. We used a 17-layer Residual Network as a convolutional neural network architecture for patch-wise training. The training data were repeatedly used until the best model accuracy was achieved within 300 runs. The F score, which is a harmonic mean of the sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) and represents the balance of the accuracy, was measured to evaluate the model’s accuracy. Results: Using deep learning, we developed a CAD model that needed 110 ms to provide an answer for each X-ray image. The best F score was 0.752, and the sensitivity and PPV were 0.872 and 0.662, respectively. When limited to a proximal ureter stone, the sensitivity and PPV were 0.925 and 0.876, respectively, and they were the lowest at mid-ureter. Conclusion: CAD of a plain X-ray may be a promising method to detect radio-opaque urinary tract stones with satisfactory sensitivity although the PPV could still be improved. The CAD model detects urinary tract stones quickly and automatically and has the potential to become a helpful screening modality especially for primary care physicians for diagnosing urolithiasis. Further study using a higher volume of data would improve the diagnostic performance of CAD models to detect urinary tract stones on a plain X-ray.
Direct Visualization of Grain Boundaries in Quartzites using Atomic Force Microscopy: Application to Study of Fluid Percolation in Continental Crust
Authors: Dobe Ritabrata , Das Anuja , Mukherjee Rabibrata , Gupta Saibal
Published: February 2021

Hydrous fluids play a vital role in the chemical and rheological evolution of ductile, quartz-bearing continental crust, where fluid percolation pathways are controlled by grain boundary domains. In this study, widths of grain boundary domains in seven quartzite samples metamorphosed under varying crustal conditions were investigated using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) which allows comparatively easy, high magnification imaging and precise width measurements. It is observed that dynamic recrystallization at higher metamorphic grades is much more efficient at reducing grain boundary widths than at lower temperature conditions. The concept of force-distance spectroscopy, applied to geological samples for the first time, allows qualitative estimation of variations in the strength of grain boundary domains. The strength of grain boundary domains is inferred to be higher in the high grade quartzites, which is supported by Kernel Average Misorientation (KAM) studies using Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD). The results of the study show that quartzites deformed and metamorphosed at higher grades have narrower channels without pores and an abundance of periodically arranged bridges oriented at right angles to the length of the boundary. We conclude that grain boundary domains in quartz-rich rocks are more resistant to fluid percolation in the granulite rather than the greenschist facies.
Impact of Ciprofloxacin With Autophagy on Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Park Woo Yeong , Lim Sun-Ha , Kim Yaerim , Paek Jin Hyuk , Jin Kyubok , Han Seungyeup , Ahn Ki Sung , Lee Jongwon
Published: February 2021

Renal tubular injury caused by oxidative stress and inflammation results in acute kidney injury. Recent research reported that antibiotics may restore deteriorated renal tubules, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy and mechanism of action of antibiotics against renal tubular injury. We screened ciprofloxacin, ceftizoxime, minocycline, and netilmicin and selected ciprofloxacin to examine further because of its low toxicity towards renal tubular cells. We evaluated the effect of ciprofloxacin on cell survival by analyzing apoptosis and autophagy. TUNEL assay results showed that the ciprofloxacin group had less apoptotic cells than the control group. The ratio of cleaved caspase 3 to caspase 3, the final effector in the apoptosis process, was decreased, but the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2 located upstream of caspase 3 was not decreased in the ciprofloxacin group. Therefore, apoptosis inhibition does not occur via Bax/Bcl-2. Conversely, the levels of phosphorylated Bcl-2, and Beclin-1, an autophagy marker, were increased, and that of caspase-3 was decreased in the ciprofloxacin group. This indicates that ciprofloxacin enhanced autophagy, increasing the amount of free Beclin-1 via phosphorylated Bcl-2, and inhibited caspase activity. Therefore, ciprofloxacin might increase renal cell viability through the autophagy activation in acute kidney injury.
Eating Disorder Severity and Psychological Morbidity in Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa or Atypical Anorexia Nervosa and Premorbid Overweight/Obesity
Authors: Matthews Abigail , Kramer Rachel A. , Mitan Laurie
Published: February 2021

PurposeA significant proportion of adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) or atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN) experience premorbid overweight/obesity, yet distinct characteristics among this subset of patients remain unclear. This study examined eating disorder (ED) symptom severity, psychological morbidity, and weight stigma in patients with premorbid overweight/obesity as compared to patients with premorbid normal weights.MethodsParticipants included adolescents with AN or AAN (aged 12-18) who received multidisciplinary treatment at a pediatric medical center in the United States. ED symptoms, anxiety, and depression were compared among patients with premorbid overweight/obesity (n = 43) and premorbid normal weights (n = 63). Associations between weight stigma, ED severity, and psychological morbidity were also examined. ResultsPatients with premorbid overweight/obesity reported greater ED severity (p = .04), anxiety (p < .003), depression (p = .02), and a higher frequency of weight-based teasing by peers (p = .003) and parent weight talk about their own weights (p < .001). Weight-based teasing was positively associated with ED symptoms, anxiety, and depression for all patients, regardless of premorbid weight status.ConclusionsAdolescents with AN or AAN and a history of overweight/obesity may present with greater ED symptom severity and psychological morbidity than patients with normal weight histories. Distinct prevention and treatment interventions for adolescents with AN or AAN and premorbid overweight/obesity may be warranted. Level of Evidence﻿Level III, case-control analytic study
Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Improve Cotton Salt Tolerance by Enabling Better Ability to Maintain Cytosolic K+/Na+ Ratio
Authors: Liu Jiahao , Li Guangjing , Chen Linlin , Gu Jiangjiang , Wu Honghong , Li Zhaohu
Published: February 2021

BackgroundSalinity is a worldwide factor limiting the agricultural production. Cotton is an important cash crop; however, its yield and product quality are negatively affected by salinity. Using nanomaterials such as cerium oxide nanoparticles (nanoceria) to improve plant tolerance to stresses, e.g. salinity, is an emerged approach in agricultural production. Nevertheless, to date, our knowledge about the role of nanoceria in cotton salt response and the behind mechanisms is still rare. ResultsWe found that PNC (poly acrylic acid coated nanoceria) helped to improve cotton plant tolerance to salinity, showing the better phenotypic performance, the higher chlorophyll content and biomass, and the better photosynthetic performance in PNC treated cotton plants than the control group. Under salinity stress, in consistent to the results of the enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, PNC treated cotton plants showed significant lower MDA content and ROS level than the control group, both in the first and second true leaf. Further experiments showed that under salinity stress, PNC treated cotton plants had significant higher cytosolic K+ and lower cytosolic Na+ fluorescent intensity in both the first and second true leaf than the control group. This is further confirmed by the leaf ion content analysis, showed that PNC treated cotton plants maintained significant higher leaf K+ and lower leaf Na+ content, and thus the higher K+/Na+ ratio than the control plants under salinity. Whereas no significant increase of vacuolar Na+ intensity was observed in PNC treated plants than the control under salinity, suggesting that PNC enhanced leaf K+ retention and leaf Na+ exclusion, but not leaf vacuolar Na+ sequestration are the main mechanisms behind the PNC improved cotton salt tolerance. qPCR results showed that under salinity stress, the modulation of HKT1 but not SOS1 refers more to the PNC improved cotton leaf Na+ exclusion than the control. ConclusionsNanoceria enhanced leaf K+ retention and Na+ exclusion, but not vacuolar Na+ sequestration are the main mechanisms behind the nanoceria improved cotton salt tolerance. Our results add more knowledge for better understanding the complexity of plant-nanoceria interaction in terms of nano-enabled plant stress tolerance.
Comparison of Culture-Negative and Culture-Positive Sepsis or Septic Shock: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Yuting , Guo Jianxing , Yang Hongmei , Li Hongxiang , Shen Yangyang , Zhang Dong
Published: February 2021

Background: Mortality and other clinical outcomes between culture-negative and culture-positive septic patients have been documented inconsistently and are very controversial. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to compare the clinical outcomes of culture-negative and culture-positive sepsis or septic shock.Methods: We searched the PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases for studies from inception to the 1st of January 2021. We included studies involving patients with sepsis or septic shock. All authors reported our primary outcome of all-cause mortality and clearly comparing culture-negative versus culture-positive patients with clinically relevant secondary outcomes (ICU length of stay, hospital length of stay, mechanical ventilation requirements, mechanical ventilation duration and renal replacement requirements). Results were expressed as odds ratio (OR) and mean difference (MD) with accompanying 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: Seven studies including 22655 patients were included. The primary outcome of this meta-analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the all-cause mortality between two groups (OR=0.95; 95% CI, 0.88 to 1.01; P=0.12; Chi2=30.71; I2=80%) . Secondary outcomes demonstrated that there was no statistically significant difference in the ICU length of stay(MD=-0.19;95% CI, -0.42 to 0.04; P=0.10;Chi2=5.73; I2=48%), mechanical ventilation requirements(OR=1.05; 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.18; P=0.41; Chi2=5.89; I2=66%) and renal replacement requirements(OR=0.82; 95% CI, 0.67 to 1.01; P=0.06; Chi2=1.21; I2=0%) between two groups. The hospital length of stay of culture-positive group was longer than that of the culture-negative group(MD=-3.48;95% CI, -4.34 to -2.63; P<0.00001;Chi2=1.03; I2=0%). The mechanical ventilation duration of culture-positive group was longer than that of the culture-negative group(MD=-0.64;95% CI, -0.88 to -0.4; P<0.00001;Chi2=4.86; I2=38%).Conclusions: Culture positivity or negativity was not associated with mortality of sepsis or septic shock patients. Furthermore, culture-positive septic patients had similar ICU length of stay, mechanical ventilation requirements and renal replacement requirements as those culture-negative patients. The hospital length of stay and mechanical ventilation duration of culture-positive septic patients were both longer than that of the culture-negative patients. Further large-scale studies are still required to confirm these results.
Effects of Inappropriate Empirical Antimicrobial Therapy on the Outcomes of Patients with Community-Onset Bacteremia: Age Matters
Authors: Lin Chih-Hao , Chen Po-Lin , Ho Ching-Yu , Lee Chung-Hsun , Hsieh Chih-Chia , Ko Wen-Chien , LEE CHING-CHI
Published: February 2021

Background: Studies have reported the effects of delayed administration of appropriate empirical antimicrobial (AEA) on the prognosis of patients with bloodstream infections; however, whether there is an age-related difference in these effects remains debated. Methods: In this 4-year multicenter cohort study, patients with community-onset bacteremia were retrospectively included and categorized into “middle aged” (45–64 years), “old” (65–74 years), and “very old” (≥75 years) groups. To determine the timing of AEA administration for each patient, all causative microorganisms were prospectively obtained. For each age group, the effects of delayed AEA administration on 30-day mortality were investigated after adjustment for the independent predictors of 30-day mortality determined using a logistic regression model.Results: Significant differences were observed in the distribution of comorbidity types, comorbidity severity, bacteremia sources, bacteremia severity, and causative microorganisms among 968 (33.2%) middle-aged, 683 (23.4%) old, and 1,265 (43.4%) very old patients. Although significant effects (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.002; P = 0.07) of delayed AEA administration on prognosis were not observed in middle-aged patients, each hour of AEA delay resulted in an average increase in the 30-day crude mortality of 0.036% (AOR, 1.0036; P < 0.001) and 0.38% (AOR, 1.0038; P < 0.001) in old and very old patients, respectively. Practically in critically ill patients, each hour of delayed AEA administration resulted in an average increase of 0.03% (AOR, 1.003; P = 0.04), 0.4% (AOR, 1.004; P < 0.001), and 0.5% (AOR, 1.005; P = 0.001) in 30-day crude mortality in middle-aged, old, and very old patients, respectively. Conclusions: Regardless of bacteremia severity, the adverse effects of delayed AEA administration on the survival of patients with community-onset bacteremia increased with patients’ age. To achieve favorable outcomes, rapid AEA administration is recommended in older patients.
Heterologous Expression of Cyanobacterial PCS Confers Augmented Arsenic And Cadmium Stress Tolerance and Higher Artemisinin In Artemisia Annua Hairy Roots.
Authors: Pandey Neha , Rai Krishna Kumar , Rai Sanjay Kumar , Pandey-Rai Shashi
Published: February 2021

The present study provides the first report of heterologous expression of phytochelatin synthase from Anabaena PCC 7120 (anaPCS) into the hairy roots of Artemisia annua. Transformed hairy roots of A. annua expressing anaPCS gene showed better tolerance to heavy metals viz., arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) owing to 143 and 191 % more As and Cd accumulation respectively as compared to normal roots with a bioconcentration factor (BCF) of 9.7 and 21.1 for As and Cd respectively. Under As and Cd stresses, transformed hairy roots possessed significantly higher amounts of phytochelatins and thiols probably due to the presence of both AaPCS (Artemisia annua PCS) and anaPCS. In addition, artemisinin synthesis was also induced in transformed hairy roots under heavy metals stresses. In-silico analysis revealed the presence of conserved motifs in both AaPCS and anaPCS sequences as well as structural modelling of PCS functional domain was conducted. Interaction of AaPCS and anaPCS proteins with CdCl2 and sodium arsenate gene ontology analysis gave insights to anaPCS functioning in transformed hairy roots of A. annua. The study provides transformed hairy roots of A. annua as an efficient tool for effective phytoremediation with added advantages of artemisinin extraction from hairy roots used for phytoremediation.
Geochemistry and boron isotope compositions of tourmalines from the granite-greisen-quartz vein system in Dayishan pluton, Southern China: Implications for potential mineralization
Authors: Zhao Zhuang , Yang Xiaoyong , Lu Youyue , Zhang Zunzun , Chen Shanshan , Sun Chao , Hou Qi , Wang Yu , Li Shuang
Published: February 2021

Tourmaline occurs widely within Dayishan ore field, Nanling Range, and is associated with magmatic-hydrothermal rare metal mineralization. Four types of tourmaline are recognized: (1) tour-maline in coarse-grained monzogranite (Tur-G1); (2) tourmaline in medium–fine-grained monzogranite (Tur-G2); (3) tourmaline aggregates associated with muscovite in greisen (Tur-Gr), showing a yellow core (Tur-Gry) and blue rim (Tur-Grb); and (4) quartz-vein-hosted tourmaline (Tur-V). In this study, we performed systematic investigations of in situ boron isotopic and elemental compositions of tour-malines in different granite, greisen, and quartz veins by EPMA and LA-MC-ICP-MS. Results show that almost all tourmalines exhibit schorl compositional affinity with extremely low Ca contents, high Fe/(Fe+Mg), and the calculated X-site occupancies in tourmalines show their affinities to the alkali group. Substitution processes of major element variations are dominantly caused by MgFe−1, FeAl−1, (Ca,Mg)(☐–1,Al–2), and R(Na,Mg)–1 exchange vectors. Based on geochemistry and petrology, Tur-G1, Tur-G2, and Tur-Gry precipitated from a boron-rich melt, while Tur-Grb and Tur-V crystallized from hydrothermal fluid. Many trace element concentrations overlap and most are <10 ppm. The significantly higher contents of Sn and Zn and positive Eu anomaly reflect the influence of an external fluid. Magmatic tourmalines fall into a narrow range of δ11B values between –15.58 and –14.09‰, indicating a single boron source of the granitic magma. Hydrothermal tourmalines display slightly lighter B isotopic compositions (–16.31 to –14.91‰), which are consistent with precipitation from externally derived fluids with lighter boron. Based on the isotopic and chemical compositional evidence, Sn and Zn may come from the host rock rather than granite.
AVALIAÇÃO DA CONCENTRAÇÃO E COMPOSIÇÃO INORGÂNICA DO MATERIAL PARTICULADO COLETADO NO ESTADO DO RIO DE JANEIRO
Authors: Beringui Karmel , Quijano Maria , Justo Elizanne , Ventura Luciana , Gioda Adriana
Published: February 2021

ASSESSMENT OF THE CONCENTRATION AND INORGANIC COMPOSITION OF PARTICULATE MATTER COLLECTED IN THE STATE OF RIO DE JANEIRO. Cities urbanization and modernization increase emission sources, contributing to particulate matter (PM) composition heterogeneity and enhance the risk to human health and environment. This paper intends to survey the studies on particulate matter carried out in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The sampling of PM is generally made using Hi-Vol samplers to collect particles in fiberglass filter during 24 h every 6 days. Spectrometric techniques are used for elemental determination and ion chromatography for water-soluble species. The Environmental State Institute (INEA) is responsible for air quality monitoring in RJ. After 30 years, air quality standards have become more stringent and have included new pollutants. The highest PM concentrations were found in urban and industrial sites and the lowest in places away from urban activities or near the coast. Over the years, PM concentrations near steel complexes reduced even below the limits and varied at other places, remaining above the limits. Nitrate and sulfate were the main ionic compounds, and Fe, Al and Zn were the major elements in PM samples. It was also found Ni, V, Cd, Pb and Cu. Although air quality monitoring is efficient, it still needs to be improved to help reduce the environmental impact.
Numerical study of flow characteristics around rectangular cylinders in tandem
Authors: Hossain Md Mosharrof , Nayeem Muhammed Hasnain Kabir , Ali Md Abu Taher
Published: February 2021

The phenomena of mean pressure distribution around two square cylinders in tandem has been carried out. Also the mean velocity distribution in the wake of the two cylinder are studies. The Navier-Stokes equation for conservation of momentum and the continuity equation for conservation of mass are used to study the pressure and velocity distribution for various longitudinal spacing of the cylinder. The turbulent k-ω stationary flow at a high Reynolds number of Re= 6.5e4 is used to simulate single-phase flow. A critical longitudinal spacing equal to four times the side dimension of the square cylinder (L/D= 4) is investigated. Beyond that critical spacing both the cylinders are subjected to drag force. When L/D < 4 only the downstream cylinder is subjected to negative drag. Also, the form of the streamline profile behind upstream cylinder is different from that of single cylinder. However, beyond L/D= 4 the nature of the pressure behind both of the cylinder becomes kind of like that of the single cylinder.
The Demographic Processes in the South of the RSFSR during the Great Patriotic War
Authors:   Southern Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Krinko E. F. , Suschiy S. Ya. ,   Southern Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2021

This article explores demographical processes during the Great Patriotic War in the southern regions of the RSFSR: in the Krasnodar Krai and Ordzhonikidze (Stavropol) Krai, Rostov Oblast, Stalingrad Oblast, and Astrakhan Oblast. The study is based on published and archival documents from the Central Statistical Administration under the Council of Ministers of the USSR Fund in the Russian State Archive of Economics. Demographic dynamics in the southern regions of the RSFSR in 1941–1945 had common features with the main demographic trends elsewhere in the RSFSR and the USSR. This was a deterioration in indicators of natural reproduction in the second half of 1941–1942: a decrease in the birth rate and an increase in mortality, including that of children, and a decrease in natural growth in the first half of 1942. At the end of 1942 and the beginning of 1943, the main trends in demographic dynamics changed: the birth rate stabilized at an extremely low level, followed by slow growth, and mortality decreased markedly in comparison with 1942. Regions in the south of the RSFSR differed by more significant scales of population decrease and directly irretrievable losses. The reasons for this were not only the loss of mobilized cohorts, but also demographic consequences of evacuation and Nazi occupation. After occupation, the population of the southern Russian regions amounted to 60–70 % of the pre-war level.
Spatial distribution, source identification, and health risk assessment of fluoride in the drinking groundwater in the Sulin coal district, northern Anhui Province, China
Authors: Hao Chunming , Liu Min , Zhang Wei , He Peiyong , Lin Dongjian , Gui Herong
Published: February 2021

Previously, systematic studies of distribution, sources, and health risks of high F− groundwater used as a drinking-water source in the Sulin coal district, northern Anhui Province of China have not been carried out. In this study, 30 groundwater samples were collected in May 2019, and the data were analyzed using geographic information system, factor analysis, positive matrix factorization, and risk-based corrective action models. The results indicated that the F− concentration of the groundwater samples ranged from 0.16 to 2.06 mg/L, with a mean value of 1.10 mg/L. The F− concentrations of 53.33% of the groundwater samples exceeded China's maximum permissible limit for drinking water (1.00 mg/L). Quantificational source apportionment revealed that the weathering of F-bearing minerals is the main source (66.20%). Cation exchange (16.30%), agricultural activities (13.20%), and natural geological processes (4.30%) were the other sources of F−. The percentages of infants, children, teens, male adults, and female adults that face health risks due to excess F− intake were approximately 20.00%, 70.00%, 6.67%, 20.00%, and 10.00%, respectively. This research provided useful insights into the proper management of groundwater extraction to mitigate health problems associated with excessive F− intake.
Bioremediation of various aromatic and emerging pollutants by Bacillus cereus sp. isolated from petroleum sludge
Authors: Alhefeiti Manal Ali , Athamneh Khawlah , Vijayan Ranjit , Ashraf Syed Salman
Published: February 2021

The accumulation of toxic chemical constituents in sludge and wastewater has fuelled an interest in investigating efficient and eco-friendly wastewater remediation approaches. In this study, a set of bacterial samples were isolated from petroleum sludge and tested for their ability to degrade different aromatic pollutants, including azo dyes and emerging pollutants. Although exhibiting differential specificity, all bacterial isolates were able to degrade different classes of aromatic dyes efficiently. Ribosomal 16S rRNA sequencing of the 12 bacterial isolates showed that they belonged to two different bacterial genera: Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas guariconensis. Of these 12 strains, MA1 (B. cereus) was the most promising and was chosen for further optimization and biochemical studies. The optimum culture and remediation conditions for MA1 was found to be at pH 7, with 100 ppm dye concentration, and under aerobic condition. In addition to efficiently degrading various aromatic dyes (e.g. Congo Red, Reactive Black 5, PBS, and Toluidine Blue), MA1 was also found to be capable of degrading various emerging pollutants (e.g. prometryn, fluometuron and sulfamethoxazole). Preliminary transcriptome analysis shows that MA1 grown on media containing a mixture of aromatic dyes appears to differentially express a number of genes. Data shown here strongly suggests that petroleum sludge is a rich reservoir of bacteria with powerful remediation abilities.
Development of Secondary Osteoporosis in Teenage Girls with Menstrual
Disorders
Authors: Kaliberdenko Vitalii B. , Nehuliaieva Lilia
Published: February 2021

:

Letter to the editor on research article entitled “Development of Secondary Osteoporosis in
Teenage Girls with Menstrual Disorders” by Popova-Petrosyan E.V, Shanmugaraj Kulanthaivel and
Keerthanaa Balasundaram which was published in CWHR. Nowadays we have more research and
review papers available on osteoporosis in post menopausal women, however we are still lacking on
researches for osteoporosis in teenage girls in our current literature.
Authors did a wonderful research work in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. This research
paper has significant and appreciable scope in the field of pediatrics and pediatric gynecology as
well. It is really interesting and exciting, because there is no research paper published on
osteoporosis in teenage girls due to menstrual disorders such as oligomenorrhea, secondary amenorrhea and polymenorrhea. As osteoporosis is one of the emerging medical and socioeconomic
threat we need more researches similar to this, in order to improve the women health in future.
Hereby we would like to appreciate the work of authors on their significant and interesting
research paper. Further we are eagerly expecting more researches like this from “Current Women`s
Health Reviews”.
A Recent Update on the Clinical Trials and Effectiveness of Drugs Used in
COVID-19, MERS and SARS Coronaviruses
Authors: Balef Seyed Sajad Hosseini , Karimi Zohreh , Azari Aala , Sadraei Seyed Sadeq , Hasanjani Parisa , Sadeghi Yasaman , Ahmadi Samin , Qorbannejad Fateme , Farmoudeh Ali , Irannejad Hamid
Published: February 2021

Background: Coronaviruses including COVID-19, MERS and SARS have affected millions
of people around the world since their emergence. Still, there is not a certain drug treatment
strategy for coronaviruses.

Objective: This review aims at a compilation of a comprehensive study on literature reporting the
treatment strategies and regimens used for COVID-19, MERS and SARS with an emphasis on the
clinical trials and experimentations.

Results: According to the literature, the most effective drugs reported so far for treatment strategies
include: lopinavir/ritonavir, favipiravir, ribavirin, oseltamivir, remdesivir, hydroxychloroquine,
herbal extracts, monoclonal antibodies and anticytokine agents. Some combinations of
drugs have been very effective to reduce the death rate, hospitalization stay and to prevent the
progress of the disease to the later critical and severe stages.

Conclusions: However, a combination of drugs and regimens have been useful and saved millions
of patient’s lives but the clinical data reviewed in this essay indicate that the current drugs do not
make an impervious barrier against coronavirus infections and cannot protect or treat patients completely.
Therefore, there is a much demand for the discovery and introduction of new antiviral
drugs.
In Vivo Anti-Candida Activity of Artemisia herba alba asso and Citrus aurantium Extracts Formulated in Different Ointments
Authors: Boukhennoufa Asma , Louiza Mansar-Ben Hamza , Aicha Tir Touil Meddah , Boumediene Meddah
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

Today, people around the world have resorted to herbal medicine, due to
the increase in antibiotic resistance and the side effects of synthetic drugs.

Methods:

Our research focused on the in vivo antifungal activity of three ointments formulated on
the basis of methanolic extract of Citrus aurantium peel, ethanolic extract of the aerial part of
Artemisia herba alba asso, and essential oil of Artemisia herba alba asso. Wistar rats were made
immunosuppressed by Dexamethazone and Tetracycline. Three strains of Candida albicans, S1, S2
and S3 were inoculated. The fungal load of the area tested, the weight of the rats, as well as the
macroscopic and microscopic appearance of the skins, were determined.

Results:

Cutaneous candidiasis was manifested as red, thick, scabbed lesions, mostly located on
the infected area of t he animals. Microscopic observation of histological skin sections of animals infected
and treated with the ointments, P1, P2 and P3 showed a well-preserved architecture of the
skin. Erythema, edema, ulceration, erosion were seen in the skin of animals receiving placebo or
Nystatin. The P3 ointment exerted a very powerful antifungal effect against especially the strain S1
compared to the other ointments (log 3.07±0.006 CFU/ml). The weight was regained significantly
in the groups of animals receiving the ointments, and regression of growth was observed in the untreated
animals and those treated by Nystatin and placebo.

Conclusion:

The EAH and MCP ointment and the essential oil of Artemisia developed, allowed to
retain their significant antifungal activity against Candida.
Photocatalytic Degradation of 2-propanol Over TiO2-based Thin Films in a Simulated Pilot Microreactor
Authors: Garlisi Corrado , Yusuf Ahmed , Palmisano Giovanni
Published: February 2021

Background:

Microreactor devices have attracted increasing attention over the last years
due to their high surface-to-volume ratio, which ensures a high heat and mass transfer, short molecular
diffusion distance and greater spatial illumination homogeneity compared to the traditional reactors.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to model the kinetics of photo-degradation of 2-propanol over
TiO2-based thin films in a gas-phase batch-reactor and simulate their performance in a microreactor
device.

Methods:

The reaction was carried out in a gas-phase batch-reactor, assessing the reactivity of singlelayer
nitrogen (N)-doped TiO2 and a bilayer consisting of N-doped TiO2 as a bottom layer and copper
(Cu)-doped TiO2 as a top layer. The kinetics of the photocatalytic process was modelled by Langmuir–
Hinshelwood (LH) model. The constants obtained from the LH model were used to simulate the
performance of the photocatalysts in a microreactor, operating in a continuous flow mode and investigating
the effect of the volumetric flow rate (Q), initial concentration of pollutant (Co), number of microchannels
(n) and microchannel length (l) on the photo-degradation of 2-propanol.

Results:

N-Cu-TiO2 exhibited a higher reactivity but a lower adsorption ability towards the target pollutant
compared to N-TiO2. To maximize and leverage the advantages of a microreactor, optimal operating
conditions for a continuous flow mode, at a steady-state, should be moderately low Q and Co,
long l and n that minimizes flow maldistribution in parallel.

Conclusion:

The findings in this work could serve as a basis to design and fabricate efficient microreactors
for the removal of VOC in air purification applications.
glucose reducing effects of a physical regimen combining putu sila and tai chi in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the public health center of bima
Authors: Haris A. , Jubair Jubair , Julhana Julhana
Published: February 2021

Diabetes mellitus hyperglycemia is a chronic disease characterized by the absence of insulin or a relative decrease in cell insensitivity to insulin that requires continuous treatment and ongoing self-management to prevent acute complications and reduce the risk of chronic complications. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is particularly by physical activity. This study aims to understand the difference between two exercise regimens on blood glucose levels reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test post-test control group design. 60 respondents were selected via random sampling and divided evenly into two groups of 30 individuals: 1) the treatment group; and 2) the control group. A Wilcoxon test performed on the treatment group yielded P-value = 0,005 < ? = 0,05 and a Wilcoxon test performed on the control group yielded P-value = 0,046 < ? = 0,05. The conclusion that can be drawn from this study is that physical activity has an effect of reducing blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and, when comparing the differences in blood glucose level reduction, a combined regimen of putu sila and Tai Chi is more effective than Tai Chi alone.
Entre inércia do Cânone Literário e ataques à “italianidade” contribuições para um estado da arte em Itália
Authors: Bucaioni Marco
Published: February 2021

Theoretical reflections from recent decades on literary canons’ formation and the necessity of their re-formulation arrived also in Italy. The reception of these ideas, however, seems to be particularly weak in that country, to the extent that we can say that these strategies, in general, failed to reach their objective. A more prudential attitude – if not an openly conservative one – in maintaining the traditional canons has triumphed. The main objective of this article will be to provide and problematize elements on canon reno-vation in Italy and to contribute to a discussion on the necessity of and the resistance to canon renovation.