bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Application of 3D Printing Technology in the Classification and Preoperative Planning of Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures
Authors: Chen Fuyang , Huang Chenyu , ling chen , Zhou Jinming , Wang Yufeng , Zhang Po , jiang xiao , xu xiaoming , jian jian , Li Jiayi , Wang LIMING , Yao Qingqiang
Published: August 2021

Background: Tibial plateau fracture is one of the common intra-articular fractures in clinic. And its accurate classification and treatment is a difficult problem for orthopedic surgeons. Our research aims to investigate the application value of 3D printing in the classification and preoperative planning of complex tibial plateau fractures.Methods: 28 cases of complex tibial plateau fractures diagnosed and treated in our hospital from January, 2017 to January, 2019.01 were analyzed. Preoperative spiral CT scan was performed and then DICOM data were input into the computer. We use Mimics to process data. And 3D printing technology was applied to print the 3D model of fracture (1:1). Combined with the 3D printed model, the tibial plateau fractures were subdivided into seven types according to the geometric plane of the tibial plateau. The surgical approach was determined on the 3D printed model. And then simulated operations such as accurate reduction of fracture and selection of plate placement were performed.Results: The reconstructed 3D model of tibial plateau fracture can accurately reflect the direction of fracture components displacement and the degree of plateau collapse. Also, it can help with the preoperative reconstructive plan for the tibial plateau fracture. The intraoperative fracture details were basically the same as the 3D printed model. And The fracture surface of the tibial plateau of all 28 patients was well improved in terms of restoring the anatomical structure.Conclusion: 3D printing technology can be used to guide the classification and preoperative planning of complex tibial plateau fractures.
Clinical Study of The Novel Antiseptic Olanexidine Gluconate in Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Kubo Naoki , Furusawa Norihiko , Takeuchi Daisuke , Imai Shinichiro , Masuo Hitoshi , Umemura Kentaro , Terada Masaru
Published: August 2021

Background

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication of digestive surgery .Olanexidine gluconate (OLG) is a novel developed skin antiseptic and effective against a wide range of bacteria. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the bactericidal efficacy of OLG in gastrointestinal cancer surgery.
Methods

This retrospective study included a total of 281patients who underwent gastrointestinal cancer surgery (stomach or colon). There were two group: 223 patients were treated with OLG (OLG group), and 58 patients were treated with povidone-iodine (PVP-I) (control group). The efficacy and the safety outcomes were measured as the rate of surgical SSI within 30 days after surgery. In addition, we also conducted subgroups defined according to the surgical approach (open or laparoscopic) or primary lesion (stomach or colon).
Results

There was a significant difference in the rate of SSI between the control group and OLG group (10.3% vs. 2.7% ; p = 0.02). There was a significant difference in the SSI rate in superficial infection (8.6% vs. 2.2% ; p = 0.0345) but not in deep infection (1.7% vs. 0.5% ; p = 0.371). There was no significant difference between the control group and OLG group in the overall rate of adverse skin reaction (5.2% vs. 1.8% ; p = 0.157).
Conclusion

This retrospective study demonstrates that OLG is more effective than PVP-I for preventing SSI during gastrointestinal cancer surgery.
FPGA Based Hardware Abstraction of Quantum Computing System
Authors: Khalid Madiha , MUHAMMAD Najam ul Islam , Khokhar Umar Mujahid , Jafri Atif , Choi Hongsik
Published: August 2021

The number of transistors per unit area are increasing every year by virtue of Moore’s law. It is estimated that the current rate of evolution in the field of chip design will reduce the transistor to atomic scale by 2024. At atomic level the quantum mechanical characteristics dominate, affecting the ability of transistors to store information in the form of bits. The quantum computers have been proposed as one way to effectively deal with this predicament. The quantum computing circuits utilize the spinning characteristics of electron to store information. This paper describes a proposition of resource efficient FPGA based quantum circuit abstraction. A non-programmable embedded system capable of storing, introducing a phase shift in the qubit and its measurement is implemented. The main objective of the proposed abstraction is to provide a FPGA based platform comprising of fundamental sub blocks for designing quantum circuits. A primary quantum key distribution algorithm i.e BB84 is implemented on the proposed platform as a proof of concept. The distinguishing feature of the proposed design is the flexibility to enhance the quantum circuit emulation accuracy at the cost of computational resources. The proposed emulation exhibits two principal properties of the quantum computing i.e. parallelism and probabilistic measurement.
Olanzapine (5 mg) Plus Standard Triple Antiemetic Therapy for the Prevention of Multiple-Day Cisplatin Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Gao Jiali , Zhao Jun , Jiang Caihong , Chen Feng , Zhao Lanzhen , Jiang Ying , Li Hui , Wang Wenjuan , Wu Yungaowa , Jin Yilan , Da Lenggaowa , Liu Guang , Zhang Yajuan , Li Hongxia , Zhang Zewei , Jin Gaowa , Li Quanfu
Published: August 2021

Objective A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare 5 mg olanzapine plus standard triple antiemetic therapy for the prevention of nausea and vomiting induced by multiple-day cisplatin chemotherapy. Methods Patients received 3-day cisplatin-based chemotherapy(25mg/m2/d) were given either 5mg olanzapine quadruple therapy (aprepitant, tropisetron, dexamethasone) or 5mg olanzapine-based triplet therapy. The primary end-point was the complete response(CR) in the overall phase(OP)(0-120h) between quadruple regimen group and triplet regimen group. The secondary end-points were the CR in the acute phase(AP)(0-24h), delayed phase(DP)(25-120h) between two groups. The first time of vomiting was also compared by Kaplan-Meier curves. The impact of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting(CINV) on the quality of life was assessed by the Functional Living Index-Emesis(FLIE). Aprepitant-related adverse effects (AEs) was also recorded. Results (1) The primary end-point CR during overall phase was 76.0% (45/59) vs 67.0% (41/61) between the quadruple regimen group and triplet regimen group(P =0.271). The secondary end-point CR during the AP was significantly higher in the quadruple group than in the triple group, which was 100.0%(59/59) vs 93.0%(57/61)(P=0.045). The difference between the groups was especially greater in the delayed phase(quadruple group 76.0% (45/59) vs triple group 67.0%(41/61)(P=0.271)). The rate of patients who achieved total protection in the overall phase was also larger in the quadruple group than in the triple group(28.8% (17/59) vs 23.0%(14/61)(P=0.463)). During the OP, the incidence of no vomiting in quadruple group and triple group was 93.2%(55/59) vs 80.3%(49/61)(P=0.038)respectively.(2) Kaplan-Meier curves of time to first emesis were obviously longer in the quadruple group than in the triple group(P=0.031). According to FLIE, no impact of CINV on daily life was defined as total score of questionnaire >108, this study exhibited identical life quality in quadruple group and the triplet group.(3) The most common aprepitant- and olanzapine-related AEs included sedation, fatigue and constipation. The occurrences between two groups were identical. Conclusion It may been recommended that combined 5mg olanzapine with aprepitant, tropisetron, dexamethasone quadruple therapy for the prevention of multiple-day cisplatin induced nausea and vomiting due to the better CINV control rate and safety.
Evaluating Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Etodolac Co-Crystals: Nitric Oxide, IL-6 And TNF-a As Potential Markers
Authors: Parashar Poonam , Gautam Shalini , Singh Neelu , Kanoujia Jovita , Yadav Abhishek , Singh Indu , Dwivedi Monika , Saraf Shubhini A
Published: August 2021

The present investigation deals with solubility enhancement of Etodolac (ETD) through co-crystals technique utilizing various co-formers and to evaluate their therapeutic efficacy against carrageenan-induced inflammation. Co-formers citric acid anhydrous and tartaric acid were selected to formulate ETD co-crystals to improve solubility and dissolution employing neat grinding technique. The prepared co-crystals were characterized for solubility enhancement, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), in vitro dissolution and stability studies. The co-crystals were further investigated for in vivo studies to assess their potential to cure paw edema in mice. The outcome of the study illustrated significantly improved solubility and dissolution of ETD up to 6.15 folds using citric acid. Approximately a two-fold reduction in nitric oxide and cytokines levels was observed with optimized formulation. Also, substantial inhibition of inflammation was observed in paw edema induced animals. In sight of the above results the co-crystal approach could be an alternative for enhanced therapeutic potential.
Identification of Possible Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease from some Bioactive Compounds of Artemisia annua: An in silico Approach
Authors: Johnson Titilayo Omolara , Adegboyega Abayomi Emmanuel , Ojo Oluwafemi Adeleke , Yusuf Amina Jega , Iwaloye Opeyemi , Ugwah-Oguejiofor Chinenye Jane , Asomadu Rita Onyekachukwu , Chukwuma Ifeoma Felicia , Ejembi Stephen Adakole , Ugwuja Emmanuel Ike
Published: August 2021

The inhibitory potential of Artemisia annua, a well-known antimalarial herb, against several viruses including the coronavirus is increasingly gaining recognition. The plant extract has shown significant activity against both the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the novel SARS-CoV-2, that is currently ravaging the world. It is therefore necessary to identify the bioactive compounds of the plants that are responsible for this activity, for the purpose of designing drugs against SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we employed in silico techniques comprising of molecular docking, binding free energy calculations, pharmacophore modelling as well as druglikeness, pharmacokinetics and toxicity predictions, to identify potential inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) from 168 bioactive compounds of Artemisia annua. Rhamnocitrin, Isokaempferide, Kaempferol, Quercimeritrin, Apigenin, Penduletin, Isoquercitrin, Astragalin, Luteolin-7-glucoside and Isorhamnetin were ranked highest; with docking scores ranging from -7.84 to -7.15 kcal/mol compared with -6.59 kcal/mol demonstrated by the standard ligand. Rhamnocitrin, Isokaempferide and Kaempferol, like the standard ligand interacted with important active site amino acid residues like HIS 41, CYS 145, ASN 142, and GLU 166, among others. These compounds also possess acceptable druglike properties and safety profile. Hence, they could be considered for experimental studies and further development into drugs against SARS-CoV-2.
Anaerobic Biofilm Enriched With an Ammonia Tolerant Methanogenic Consortium to Improve Wastewater Treatment in The Fishing Industry
Authors: Alarcon Manuel , Ruiz-Tagle Nathaly , Gonzalez Fidelina , Jopia-Contreras Paz , Aspé Estrella , Urrutia Homero , Sossa Katherine
Published: August 2021

The digestion efficiency of liquid industrial wastes increases when using bioreactors colonized by microbial biofilms. High concentrations of proteins derived from the fish processing industry lead to the production of ammonia, which inhibits methane production. Two bioreactors were constructed to compare methanogenic activity: one enriched with mMPA consortia (control bioreactor), and the second with NH3 tolerant consortia (treatment bioreactor). Ammonia tolerant activity was assessed by applying an ammonia shock (755 mg NH3/L). Methane production, consumption of total organic carbon (TOC) and the taxonomic composition of bacteria and archaea was evaluated using 16S rDNA in the acclimatization, ammonia shock, and recovery phases. The ammonia shock significantly affected both methane production and the consumption of TOC in the control reactor (p<0.05) and taxonomical composition of the microbial consortia (OTU). These values remained constant in the treatment reactor. The analysis of biofilm composition showed a predominance of Methanosarcinaceae (Methanomethylovorans sp., and probably two different species of Methanosarcina sp.) in bioreactors. These results demonstrate that using acclimated biofilms enriched with ammonia tolerant methanogens control the inhibitory effect of ammonia on methanogenesis.
WITHDRAWN: Chemical Modification of Nisin With Homocysteine Thiolactone And Its Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Özer Ezgi Demir , YILDIRIM Metin
Published: August 2021

The objective of this study was to prepare N-homocysteine conjugate of nisin, and to evaluate the effect of N-homocysteinylation reaction on the antibacterial activity of nisin. Progression of the modification was monitored by measuring free sulfhydryl groups, and by using both acetic acid urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (AAU-PAGE) and tricine sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (tricine SDS-PAGE). Optimum conditions to attain the maximum N-homocysteinylation degree (6.30%) were determined as 6 mg/mL nisin, 150 mM homocysteine thiolactone, 150 rpm shaker speed, 3.0 pH and 6 hrs reaction time. Antibacterial activity of N-homocysteinylated nisin was determined against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris AÜ, Enterococcus faecium ATCC 9097, Listeria monocytogenes NCTC 5348 and Escherichia coli RSKK. Of all the bacteria tested only the growth of E. faecium was inhibited slightly by modified nisin having just about 10% of antibacterial activity of unmodified nisin. Tricine SDS-PAGE analysis applied after trypsin and thermolysin hydrolysis showed that side chains of Lys12 and Lys22 were both modified with homocysteine thiolactone reaction.
A Green Energy Research: Forecasting of Wind Power For A Cleaner Environment Using Robust Hybrid Metaheuristic Model
Authors: Kerem Alper , Saygin Ali , Rahmani Rasoul
Published: August 2021

Wind is a stochastic and intermittent renewable energy source. Due to it’s nature, it is extremely hard to forecasting of wind power. Accurate wind power forecasting can be encouraging and motivating for investors to shed light on future uncertainties caused by global warming. Thus, CO2 and other greenhouse gases which are harmful to the environment will not be released into the atmosphere, while generating electrical energy. This paper presents a novel precise, fast and powerful hybrid metaheuristic wind power forecasting approach based on statistical and mathematical data from real weather stations. The model was developed as a hybrid metaheuristic algorithm based on Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Radial Movement Optimization (RMO). Real-time wind data was gathered from Wind Measuring Stations (WMS) at two separate places in Burdur and Osmaniye cities, Turkey. The key contribution of this new model is the ability to perform wind power forecasting studies, without needing wind speed data, with high accuracy and rapid solutions. Also, it has been carried out wind power forecasting studies with high accuracy despite the height differences between the sensors. That is, for WMS-1 and WMS-2, it has succeeded the wind power forecasting at 61m and 60.3m using temperature (3m), humidity (3m), and pressure (3.5m) data. The performance results were presented in tables and graphs.
A Bipartite Techno-Policy Model for River Based Water Resource Management for Sustainable Future with Special Reference To Haora River in Tripura, India
Authors: Prasad Nami , Barman Prabir , GHOSH Jayanta , Roy Prantik
Published: August 2021

Surface water serves most of the water requirements to sustain lives on earth. Of all fresh water on earth, only 1.2% is making up of surface water and the rest is confined in ice and ground. As the rivers provide for the significant sources of surface water, there is a need for river-based water resource management to meet global water quality challenge. Haora River that originated in the India’s north-eastern state of Tripura and meets ultimately with the Titas River in the Bangladesh carries a significant impact on life in and around the river both on the Indian side and Bangladesh side. Thus, study emphasizes the test of water quality of the river and corresponding impact therefor based on a detail explanation of the monitoring data obtained through published sources, laboratory analysis of samples and relevant field observations. ANOVA revealed year wise significant variations in physicochemical and biological properties of the river water tested except for pH. Abnormalities were mostly observed in the values of T, DO, BOD, PO4-P and FC. Water Quality Index (WQI) revealed water quality status of the river fall under the category of very poor to unfit, and require proper treatment before the water is being used for drinking and other domestic purposes. Adversities in the water are also found to be affecting the aquatic life and overall river ecosystem. Cause and effect analogy of these abnormalities were established for taking corrective measures. Existing statutory law to prevent and control such anomalies have been found lacking enforcement in the state of Tripura. The broad-based state level water policy to protect and improve water resources has also been found lacking in the state. The study recommends policy level interventions at the earliest considering the specific measures suggested in this study.
PON1 Deficiency Promotes TREM2 Pathway-Mediated Microglial Phagocytosis and Inhibits Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines Release in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Zhang Li , Dong Wei , Ma Yuanwu , Bai Lin , Zhang Xu , Sun Caixian , Li Jingwen , zhang lianfeng
Published: August 2021

Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) plays an anti-inflammatory role in the cardiovascular system. Levels of serum PON1 and polymorphisms in this gene were linked to Alzheimer disease (AD) and Parkinson disease (PD), but its function in the neuroimmune system and AD are not clear. To address this issue, we used PON1 knockout rats previously generated by our lab to investigate the role of PON1 in microglia. Knockout of PON1 in rat brain tissues protected against LPS-induced microglia activation. PON1 deficiency in rat primary microglia increased TREM2 (triggering receptor expressed in myeloid cells 2) expression, phagocytosis and IL-10 (M2-phenotype marker) release, but decreased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, IL-18 especially TNF-α (M1-phenotype markers) induced by LPS. PON1 deficiency in rat primary microglia activated TREM2 pathway but decreased LPS-induced ERK activation. The phagocytosis promoting effect of PON1 knockout could be reversed by administration of recombinant PON1 protein. The interaction between PON1 and TREM2 was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) using rat brain tissues or over-expressed BV2 cell lysates, which might be involved in lysosomal degradation of TREM2. Furthermore, PON1 knockout may also enhance microglial phagocytosis and clearance of exogenous Aβ by an intrahippocampal injection and decrease the transcription of cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in vivo. These results suggest an inhibitory role of PON1 in microglial phagocytosis dependent on its interaction with TREM2. These findings provide novel insights into the role of PON1 in neuroinflammation and highlight TREM2 as a potential target for Alzheimer’s disease therapy.
Gestational and Neonatal Outcomes of a New Three-Step Procedure for Emergency Cerclage
Authors: Castellano Manuel Gómez , Morente Lorena Sabonet , Mesa Ernesto González , Lopez Jesús S Jiménez
Published: August 2021

Background: The objective of our study was to evaluate a new technique for emergency cerclage performed in a cohort of patients with cervical incompetence in the second trimester of pregnancy. Design: Prospective observational study in Regional university hospital. Population: Twenty-four pregnant women at 15 to 24 weeks gestation with cervical dilatation and bursa prolapseMethods: Depending on the clinical condition of the patient, a new emergency cerclage was performed with a technical consisting of a first cerclage in a purse-string and a second occlusive cerclage located inferiorly to the first one. The technique ended with the performance of a cervical cleisis, depending on the presence or absence of prolapse of the vaginal bag. This procedure is called the Three-Step Procedure for Emergency Cerclage (TSEC). Outcome measure: The latency period to deliveryResults: Latency from procedure to delivery, pregnancy duration, infant birth weight, rate of premature amniorrhexis. The mean latency from procedure to delivery was 14 weeks + 6 days, the mean weight of the newborns was 2550 g, and the mean age at delivery was 35 weeks. The neonatal survival rate was 95.8%. The rate of premature amniorrhexis <34 weeks was 8.3% (two cases) with successful perinatal outcomes. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) between groups when we sub-divided the cohort in terms of history of conization, preterm delivery, and bursal prolapse. The multivariate regression model showed that best predictor variables for latency to delivery were cervical dilatation at diagnosis, the use of the three step cerclage, cervical length after the procedure, and gestational age at diagnosis.Conclusion: The excellent results obtained with the TSEC procedure in terms of the latency from procedure to delivery, gestational age at delivery, birth weight, and few reported complications, highlight the importance of collecting new data on this promising novel procedure.
High Performing Sentiment Analysis based on Fast Fourier Transform over Temporal Intuitionistic Fuzzy Value
Authors: Nandi Basanti Pal , Jain Amita , Tayal Devendra Kumar , Narang Poonam Ahuja
Published: August 2021

Sentiment analysis or opinion mining has an extensive area in the field of research. Today we consider the huge amount of structured and unstructured data available in the web for a particular subject to get an opinion. The surplus data handling termed as big data requires some new technology to deal with. This paper considers the requirement of sentiment analysis of such huge data for fast processing. Based on Fast Fourier Transform on Temporal Intuitionistic fuzzy set generated from text, this algorithm (FFT-TIFS) expedites the sentiment classification. Fourier analysis converts a signal from its time domain to its representation in frequency domain. Such frequency domain algorithm on Temporal Intuitionistic fuzzy set is used in Sentiment analysis for the first time. This algorithm is useful for short twitter text, document level as well as sentence level binary sentiment classification. It is tested on aclImdb, Polarity, MR, Sentiment140 and CR dataset which gives an average of 80% accuracy. The proposed method shows significant improvement in required time complexity where the method achieves 17 times faster processing in comparison to sequential Fuzzy C Means(FCM) method and again it is at least 7 times faster than distributed FCM method present in literature. The method presented in this paper has a novel approach towards fastest processing time and suitability of various sizes of the text sentiment analysis.
WITHDRAWN: Electrical and thermal analysis of Symmetric and Asymmetric metal contacts in Resistive Switching Devices
Authors: kaushik shikha , Pandey Sujata , Singhal Rahul
Published: August 2021

Resistive Random-Access Memory (ReRAM) is considered for next generation non-volatile memory applications. ReRAM has gained interest due to its simple structure, lower switching voltages, high packaging density, fast switching speeds, and feasible integration into CMOS processing. Transition-Metal-Oxides have shown to be compatible materials for RRAM applications. Among them, ZnO is one of the most promising materials owing to being fab-friendly and having a high dielectric constant of 10. ReRAM devices with ZnO as the active material are characterized and investigated in this work. Both symmetric and asymmetric metal contacts are used for designing the ReRAMs. The current-voltage and thermal characteristics of different devices are studied, and underlying mechanisms are analyzed. It was observed that the metal with low thermal conductivity, dissipates less heat and causes high temperature in the ON state. Also, a resistance ratio of the order of 1.3 x 105 is obtained, which shows the robustness of the device with an optimal memory window performance. Further, the devices are fabricated and compared with the simulated devices.
Purification of Native Histidine-Rich Protein 2 (nHRP2) from Plasmodium Falciparum Culture Supernatant, Infected Rbcs, and Parasite Lysate
Authors: Singh Balwan , McCaffery Jessica N. , Kong Amy , Ah Yong , Wilson Scott A. , Chatterjee Sayan , Tomar Deepak , Aidoo Michael , Udhayakumar Venkatachalam , Rogier Eric
Published: August 2021

Background: Despite the widespread use of histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2)-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), purified native HRP2 antigen is not standardly used in research applications or assessment of RDTs used in the field.Methods: This report describes the purification of native HRP2 (nHRP2) from the HB3 P. falciparum culture strain. As this culture strain lacks pfhrp3 from its genome, it is an excellent source of HRP2 protein only and does not produce the closely-related HRP3. The nHRP2 protein was isolated from culture supernatant, infected red blood cells (iRBCs), and whole parasite lysate using nickel-metal chelate chromatography. Biochemical characterization of nHRP2 from HB3 culture was conducted by SDS-PAGE and western blotting, and nHRP2 was assayed by RDT, ELISA, and bead-based immunoassay.Results: Purified nHRP2 was identified by SDS-PAGE and western blot as a ~60 kDa protein that bound anti-HRP-2 monoclonal antibodies. Mouse anti-HRP2 monoclonal antibody was found to produce high optical density readings between dilutions of 1:100 and 1:3,200 by ELISA with assay signal observed up to a 1:200,000 dilution. nHRP2 yield from HB3 culture by bead-based immunoassay revealed that both culture supernatant and iRBC lysate were practical sources of large quantities of this antigen, producing a total yield of 292.4 µg of nHRP2 from two pooled culture preparations. Assessment of nHRP2 recognition by RDTs revealed that Carestart Pf HRP2 and HRP2/pLDH RDTs detected purified nHRP2 when applied at concentrations between 20.6 to 2060 ng/mL, performing within a log-fold dilution of commercially-available recombinant HRP2. The band intensity observed for the nHRP2 dilutions was equivalent to that observed for P. falciparum culture strain dilutions of 3D7 and US06 F Nigeria XII between 12.5 and 1,000 parasites/µl.Conclusions: Purified nHRP2 could be a valuable reagent for laboratory applications as well as assessment of new and existing RDTs prior to their use in clinical settings. These results establish that it is possible to extract microgram quantities of the native HRP2 antigen from HB3 culture and that this purified protein is well recognized by existing monoclonal antibody lines and RDTs.
Insight into festival ushered pollutants in Indian metro cities: concerns, differences and similarities
Authors: Radhadevi Latha , Anand Vrinda , Korhale Nikhil , Kori Pramod , Bandaru Murthy
Published: August 2021

Multi-fold increase in particulate matter (PM) and trace gases in connection with celebrations associated with firework displays is a matter of concern all over the world. The current study, commenced as an assessment of pollutant escalation due to the key Indian festival event through observations online and cumulative sampling along with chemical speciation of particulates and trace gases over four SAFAR networked mega and metro cities of India viz. Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Pune. It is seen that the amplitude and duration of the event is largely dependent on the attitude and culture of the inhabitants of each city; PM2.5 and PM10 in Delhi are observed to increase by 353% and 213% respectively. In Pune and Ahmedabad, enhancement in PM2.5 is half of that of Delhi while the effect in Mumbai is just 1/7th of Pune, where variation is atypical to other cities. The enhanced pollution levels may lead to chronic or acute health emergency if they persist for long hours under unfavourable weather conditions. Metal content (K, Mg, Na, Mn and Pb) in PM 2.5 has nearly doubled in all the cities; huge increase in pulmonary range particulates and the steep elevation in their heavy metal content is a matter of concern due to their toxicity and acute health effects. Trace gases, NOx and CO which are also a health worry indicate a continuing increase due to the festival episode that happened in a non-conducive weather.
Distribution of Leptospira Serogroups In Swine Herds In France, 2007 - 2017
Authors: Naudet Jeanne , Crespin Laurent , Cappelle Julien , Kodjo Angeli , Ayral Florence
Published: August 2021

Background: Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira and is responsible for significant economic losses in porcine livestock. Knowledge of Leptospira serogroups and their distributions is important for evaluating the relevance of leptospirosis management measures, including the use of the prophylactic vaccine recently made available in France.A retrospective study was conducted to determine the distribution of Leptospira serogroups. Pigs from across France presenting clinical signs suggestive of leptospirosis were tested by micro-agglutination test between 2007 and 2017. We used a weighted average to determine the serogroup distributions according to the MAT results, considering cross reactions.Results: A total of 19,395 pig sera, mostly from Brittany, were tested, and 22.7 % were found to be positive for at least one Leptospira serogroup. In analysing the 4346 seropositive results for which the putative infective serogroup could be defined, we found that two serogroups out of ten were much more frequent than the others: Australis (48.5 %) and Icterohaemorrhagiae (38.2 %). Other serogroups, including Autumnalis, Panama, Ballum, Tarassovi, Sejroe, Grippotyphosa, Bataviae, and Pomona, were less common. Conclusion: Although data from diagnostic laboratories are prone to selection bias, using such a large amount of data provides a relevant overview of Leptospira distribution in space and time. Extracting epidemiological information with a standardized approach could be used for surveillance and support prophylactic strategies. Along the last decade, provide protection against the serogroups Australis and Icterohaemorrhagiae could prevent most of the clinical porcine leptospirosis in France.
Establishment of Optimal Housekeeping Genes for Urinary Extracellular Vesicle Biomarker Development: A Step Towards Non-Invasive Diagnostics
Authors: Singh Anula Divyash , Koyyada Rajeswari , Samal Rasmita , Alvi Syed Baseeruddin , Patnam Sreekanth , Rengan Aravind Kumar , Mudigonda Soma Sekhar , Maitra Sanjay , Manda Sasidhar Venkata
Published: August 2021

Background. Urinary extracellular vesicles (UEVs) hold RNAs and can find their application in multiplex biomarker development. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is the most commonly used method for gene expression studies. However, there are no reported optimal housekeeping genes available to normalize qPCR data for the UEVs RNA pool.Methods. UEVs were precipitated by Polyethylene glycol (P.E.G. Mn6000) from the urine of 40 human individuals and characterized for their molecular, biophysical, and biochemical purity and integrity. In addition, the expression of five commonly used housekeeping genes B2M, RPL13A, PPIA, HMBS, and GAPDH, were quantified by qPCR in the UEV RNA pool and analyzed through algorithms of NormFinder, geNorm, BestKeeper, and Delta Ct integrated into ReFinder.Results: 12% PEG precipitation yielded round and cup-shaped UEVs. The size and distribution profile of UEVs were around 30 – 100nm through electron microscopy, NTA, and DLS. Acetylcholine esterase and Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV activity were used to arrive at their functional purity. B2M and RPL13A genes were identified as stable genes with a mean stability score of 1.5(geNorm) and below 1 (NormFinder) through ReFinder, which yield comprehensive ranking analysisConclusions: B2M and RPL13A are optimal reference genes and can be used for UEVs based gene expression studies.
Diagenesis of Hydrocarbon-bearing Concretions in South-central Puerto-rico: Tectonism and Early hydrocarbon Generation
Authors: ding ting , González Luis A. , Guo Fu sheng , Xu Yang
Published: August 2021

Carbonate concretions within tuffaceous mudstones in the Upper Cretaceous Cariblanco Formation of south-central Puerto Rico that contain solid and liquid hydrocarbons were affected by: 1) Three distinct events of vein/fracture formation accompanied or followed by sediment infilling; 2) pyrite formation throughout the concretion matrix, in foraminiferal chambers, and sediment vein fills; 3) four events of larger vein and fracture formation infilled by distinct calcite cements that postdate sediment infilled veins; 4) a late quartz void filling cement; and 5) formation of calcite-filled veinlets that crosscut all components. Petrographic and isotopic data suggest early concretion formation and septarian vein fills, close to the sediment-water interface, prior to any significant dewatering of infilling sediments. The δ13C values of the matrix and sediment infills (-15 to -30‰ PDB), their brightly luminescent character, and the sequestering of Fe into pyrite indicate formation in a sulfate-reducing environment with influx of diffusing methane. Fluid inclusion data, isotopic composition of carbonate cements (13C enrichments from − 18 to -8‰ and 18O depletion from − 4 to -12‰), and organic matter maturation suggest maximum burial temperatures of 150 to 200°C. Calcite cements and microspars were formed by the circulation of progressively warmer fluids, with warming induced by the gradual emplacement of the nearby Los Panes intrusion. The intrusion probably caused intense normal faulting, induced extensive warm fluid circulation, and resulted in a high geothermal gradient responsible for early hydrocarbon generation.
A Theoretical Investigation on the Hydrodesulfurization Mechanism of Hydrogenated Thiophene Over Cu-mo Modified Fau Zeolite
Authors: Li Suyang , Sun Yingxin , Han Sheng , Li Qianggen
Published: August 2021

We have carried out a two-layer our own n-layered integrated molecular orbital and molecular mechanics (ONIOM) study on the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) mechanism of three hydrogenated thiophene derivatives over Cu-Mo modified FAU zeolite. The thiophene is hydrogenated relatively easily to 2,3-dihydrothiophene (2,3-DHT), 2,5-dihydrothiophene (2,5-DHT) and tetrahydrothiophene (THT) due to low free energy barriers. Hydrogenolysis desulfurization (HYD) and direct desulfurization (DDS) are discussed. Ring-opening, hydrogen transfer and C−S bond cleavage steps of thiophene derivatives are involved in the HYD process. The rate-determining steps are the hydrogen transfer step for 2,5-DHT and C−S bond cracking step for 2,3-DHT and THT. The concerted DDS pathway is probably more favorable than the HYD pathway in the desulfurization of 2,5-DHT. The hydrogenation of thiophene to 2,5-DHT, 2,3-DHT and THT and their HDS process are entropy-decreased; the formation of sulfur vacancy is entropy-increased. The difference charge density (DCD) analysis reveals that for the ring-opening process, the electrons are migrated from the organic chain to the Cu-Mo catalytic center. The reduced density gradient (RDG) plots indicate that both a steric hindrance and a weak van der Waals attractive interaction exist between organic fragment and catalytic center for all transition states (TSs). The localized orbital locator (LOL) maps for all TSs suggest that there are strong covalent interactions between the atoms in the forming chemical bonds and weak van der Waals interactions between the atoms in the breaking chemical bonds.
Anti-Inflammatory and Chondroprotective Effects of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB on Osteoarthritis Rat Models
Authors: Cai Yu , Wang Zhengchao , Liao Bokai , Sun Zhenxing , Zhu Pengfei
Published: August 2021

Background: It has been proved that PDGF-BB could protect the chondrocytes via multiple mechanisms. The present study aims to further investigating the anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB on osteoarthritis (OA).Methods: We established an osteoarthritis model in Sprague-Dawley rats through intraarticular injection of 3 mg/50 µL monosodium iodoacetate (MIA). The effects of PDGF-BB on MIA-induced OA were assessed by histopathological staining, real-time PCR, and western blotting. Chondrocytes were transfected with or without SOX-9 siRNA, induced by MIA and treated with PDGF-BB, and cell viability, proinflammatory cytokines, and specific markers were analyzed. For mechanistic analysis, the expression of p-SOX-9/SOX-9, p-RunX-2/RunX-2, and p-PKA/PKA and activation of the JAK2/STAT3, PI3K/AKT, and p38 pathways were analyzed.Results: PDGF-BB significantly inhibited the degeneration of cartilage in MIA-induced OA with reductions in proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, collagen Ⅹ, MMPs and ADATMS) and increases in collagen II, aggrecan, and integrin α5β1, and these effects could be reversed by a PDGFR-β antagonist. Consistently, the in vitro results showed similar effects. PDGF-BB treatment suppressed the activation of the JAK2/STAT3, PI3K/AKT, and p38 signaling pathways after MIA induction in both cartilage and chondrocytes. In addition, activation of PKA by PDGF-BB enhanced SOX-9 phosphorylation, which increased anabolic activity, and attenuated RunX-2 phosphorylation, which decreased catabolic activity. The PKA inhibitor and SOX-9 siRNA suppressed PDGF-BB-mediated chondroprotection.Conclusions: PDGF-BB could attenuate OA development by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 PI3K/AKT and p38 signaling pathways by inhibiting inflammation and enhancing cell proliferation via PKA-mediated regulation of SOX-9/RunX-2.
Sulforaphane prevents and reverses allergic airways disease in mice via anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and epigenetic mechanisms
Authors: Royce Simon , Licciardi Paul , Beh Raymond , Bourke Jane , Cooper Mark , Donovan Chantal , Hung Andrew , Khurana Ishant , Liang Julia , Maxwell Scott , Mazarakis Nadia , Pitsillou Eleni , Snibson Kenneth , Tobin Mark , Ververis Katherine , Vongsvivut Jitraporn , Ziemann Mark , Samuel Chrishan , Tang Mimi , El-Osta Sam , Karagiannis Tom
Published: August 2021

Sulforaphane has been investigated in human pathologies and preclinical models of airway diseases. To provide further mechanistic insights, we explored L-sulforaphane (LSF) in the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced chronic allergic airways murine model, with key hallmarks of asthma. Histological analysis indicated that LSF prevented or reversed OVA-induced epithelial thickening, collagen deposition, goblet cell metaplasia, and inflammation. Well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms contribute to the beneficial effects of LSF. Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy revealed altered composition of macromolecules, including lipids, following OVA-sensitization, which were restored by LSF. RNA sequencing in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells highlighted the anti-inflammatory signature of LSF. Novel findings indicated that LSF reduced the expression and activity of histone deacetylase 8. Further, LSF resulted in histone and α-tubulin hyperacetylation in vivo. More generally, this study identified new epigenetic regulatory mechanisms accounting for the protective effects and provide support for the potential clinical utility of LSF in allergic airways disease.
Pre-fertilization Barrier, Crossability and Meiotic Behavior of Interspecific Hybrids Among Brassica Species
Authors: Pant Usha , Joshi Shikha , Lohani Preeti , Dahiya Neha
Published: August 2021

Inter-specific hybridization is an important driving force in plant evolution, speciation and creation of novel genetic variations those are not available with the naturally occurring species. Present investigation includes study of pre-fertilization barriers, phenotypic characterization and the meiotic abnormalities during microsporogenesis in the interspecific hybrids. Mean pollen tube germination percent in interspecific hybrids was recorded to be highest in case of B. carinata x B. nigra (33.67±11.35) and lowest between B. carinata x B. napus (18.68±6.62) whereas in the reciprocal crosses it was highest for B. napus x B. carinata (33.06±13.41). Siliqua set ranged from 33% in B. carinata x B. napus to 72% in selfedB. carinata. Seed set % ranged from 0% in B. rapa x B. carinata and B.nigra x B.carinatato 25.64 % for B. carinata x B.nigra. Mean pollen tube growth was recorded highest in B. carinata x B. nigra (21.23±5.33) while was lowest in B. carinata x B. napus (10.18±3.17) and among reciprocals it was highest for B. nigra x B. carinata (21.39±7.53). Pollen tube abnormalities viz., coiling and bending of pollen tube, hairpin shaped pollen tube, swelling of tube tip, tube bifurcation, more than one tube emerging from pollen, tubes growing in wrong direction were observed. B. carinata as pollen parent showed highest mean pollen tube abnormality percent with B. napus (36.32±8.62) whereas lowest with B. nigra (18.09±6.73). It was observed highest with B. rapa (49.170 ±13.55) when B. carinata was used as pollen parent. Some of the pre fertilization barriers related to stylar and ovule region can also be observed through fluroscent microscopy. As per the observations B. carinata performed better as a seed parent with B. nigra, B. juncea and B. rapa whereas, with B. napus it performed good as a pollen parent. Correlation study gave the association the above traits with each other. The meiotic abnormalities showed improper alignment at M-I, M-II, A-I, A-II and Telophase.
Are Strokes Mostly Genetically Based or Acquired? Stenosis vs Hypoplasia of Vertebral Artery Anomalous as The Leading Cause of Stroke (Anatomical Study of VA Anomalies in Neck Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Angiography)
Authors: Mohammadi Farzaneh , Soleimantabar Hussein , Mohamadi Fatemeh , Sabouri Sofia
Published: August 2021

Background

A thorough understanding of the vertebral artery (VA) variations and course of the artery and its related branches could significantly enhance the efficacy and safety of interventions involving the neck and spine. Here, we aimed to investigate the incidence of various VA variations in individuals presenting with signs and symptoms of stroke with our neurology team. In this cross-sectional study, all patients referred to our specialized medical imaging center and underwent neck CT-angiography (CTA) were enrolled in this study for two years from September 2019 onward. Patients' information forms were obtained to collect demographic data.
Results

An experienced board-certified radiologist evaluated the CTA images, recording the characteristics of VA, regarding dominance and any possible anomalies. These included anomalous origin, anomalous route, anomalous branching, stenosis, hypoplasia, atresia, thrombosis, and dissection. A total of 125 patients (53.6% females; mean age, 60.7 (11–87)) were included. In the case of VA dominance, 66.4% of cases were co-dominant while 16.0% were right, and 12.8% were left dominant. Overall, males had more VA anomalies than females, 24.8% and 17.6%, respectively (in general, 42.4% of all participants) (p = 0.020). Among patients, 4.0% (n = 5) had an anomalous origin and anomalous branching was reported in 5 patients (4.0%). Among the variations, significant stenosis (18.4%) and hypoplasia (17.6%) were the most prevalent anomalies with the earliest one having the higher rate. While anomalous branching was reported in 5 patients (4.0%).
Conclusions

VA variations are relatively common and should be addressed during procedures involving the neck region and would allow surgeons to avoid life threatening injury.
ERK1/2 is an ancestral organising signal in spiral cleavage
Authors: Seudre Océane , Carrillo-Baltodano Allan , Liang Yan , Martín-Durán Jose
Published: August 2021

Animal development is classified as conditional or autonomous based on whether cell fates are specified through inductive signals or maternal determinants, respectively. Yet how these two major developmental modes evolved remains unclear. During spiral cleavage—a stereotypic embryogenesis ancestral to 15 invertebrate groups, including molluscs and annelids—most lineages specify cell fates conditionally, while some define the primary axial fates autonomously. To identify the mechanisms driving this change, we studied Owenia fusiformis, an early-branching, conditional cleaving annelid. In Owenia, ERK1/2-mediated FGF receptor signalling specifies the endomesodermal progenitor. This cell acts as an embryonic organiser, inducing mesodermal and posterodorsal fates in neighbouring cells and repressing anteriorising signals. The organising role of ERK1/2 in Owenia is shared with molluscs, but not with autonomous cleaving annelids. Together, these findings indicate that conditional specification of an ERK1/2+ organiser is ancestral in spiral cleavage, repeatedly lost in annelid lineages as they evolved autonomous development.
The Numerical Simulation of Uplifted Street Canyon On Flow Field Structure And Pollutant Diffusion
Authors: Sun Mengru , Song Yuqing , Tao Changfa , Liu Xiaoping , Wang Quanli , Wang Tao , Shi Qin
Published: August 2021

The flow field structure, pollutant concentration distribution and dimensionless concentration evolution of uplifted street canyon has been analyzed in this study. Different from the ideal street canyon, the pollutant concentration distribution of the uplifting street canyon is higher at the bottom, lower at the top, higher at the windward side and lower at the leeward side. The total pollutant concentration (TPC) generally decreases with the increase of leeward building lifting height while the lift height increases with the same total building height or the total building height increases with increase in the lifting height. It is beneficial to the pollutant emission of in street canyon. On the contrary, the TPC increases when the total building height increases with the same lift height. The main reason is that the vertical length of the vortex increases, which is more difficult for pollutants to be discharged from the street canyon.
Learning to Diversify for Ensembling of An Amount of Classifiers
Authors: Yang Chun , Yin Xu-Cheng
Published: August 2021

Not only common man but also intelligent machine always merge all available decisions to solve problems. However, given an amount of learned classifiers, how to select and combine diverse classifiers for machine is still a grand challenge in the literature for decades of history. In this paper, we introduce a novel approach for classifier ensemble, learning to diversify, which learns to adaptively combine classifiers by considering both accuracy and diversity. Specifically, our approach, learning to diversify via weighted kernels, performs classifier combination by optimizing a direct but simple criterion: maximizing ensemble accuracy and adaptive diversity simultaneously by minimizing a loss function. Given a measure formulation, the diversity is calculated with weighted kernels, i.e., the diversity is measured on the component classifiers’ outputs which are kernelized and weighted. Moreover, we propose an iterative training algorithm for weights optimization, where this loss function is iteratively minimized by estimating the kernel weights in conjunction with the classifier weights. Extensive experiments on a variety of classification benchmark datasets show that the proposed approach consistently outperforms state-of-the-art ensembles.