bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of Photo-bromination of Phenol by Anthraquinone-2-sulphonate and Benzophenone: Implication for Photo-production of Organic Brominated Compounds by Dissolved Organic Matter in Marine Environment
Authors: Liu Hui , Qiu Xiaojun , Zhu Xiaomei , Sun Bing , Zhang Xiaoxing
Published: March 2021

Organobromine compounds are of great ecological risks due to their high toxicity on organisms. Photochemical halogenation reaction may represent an important natural formation process of natural organobromine compounds in marine environment. Here we reported the enhanced formation of bromophenols from phenol by sunlit anthraquinone-2-sulphonate (AQ2S) and benzophenone (BP) in aqueous bromide solutions. Quinones and aromatic ketones are ubiquitous components of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in surface waters, and AQ2S and BP were adopted here as proxies of DOM. Bromophenols’ formation increased with the increasing of the concentrations of AQ2S and BP, and the promotion effect was in the order AQ2S > BP, indicating that sunlit DOM plays an important role for the formation of reactive bromine species. Chloride was found to promote the formation of bromophenols obviously, suggesting a possible role of the mixed reactive halogen species. Finally, the natural DOM from Suwannee River was found to enhance photobromoination at a low concentration (1 mg L-1) in aqueous bromide solution. Our results demonstrated the importance of reactive halogen species generation from sunlit DOM, which possibly contributes to the abiotic source of organohalogen compounds in marine environment.
Machine Learning the Metastable Phase Diagram of Materials
Authors: Sriniva Srilok , Batra Rohit , Luo Duan , Loeffler Troy , Manna Sukriti , Chan Henry , Yang Liuxiang , Yang Wenge , Wen Jianguo , Darancet Pierre , Sankaranarayanan Subramanian
Published: March 2021

A central feature of materials synthesis is the concept of phase diagrams. Phase diagrams are an invaluable tool for material synthesis and provide information on the phases of the material at any given thermodynamic condition (i.e., state variables such as pressure, temperature and composition). Conventional phase diagram generation involves experimentation to provide an initial estimate of the set of thermodynamically accessible phases and their boundaries, followed by use of phenomenological models to interpolate between the available experimental data points and extrapolate to experimentally inaccessible regions. Such an approach, combined with high throughput first-principles calculations and data-mining techniques, has led to exhaustive thermodynamic databases (e.g. compatible with the CALPHAD method), albeit focused on the reduced set of phases observed at distinct thermodynamic equilibria. In contrast, materials during their synthesis, operation, or processing, may not reach their thermodynamic equilibrium state but, instead, remain trapped in a local (metastable) free energy minimum, that may exhibit desirable properties. A phase diagram that maps these metastable phases and their thermodynamic behavior is highly desirable but currently lacking, due to the vast configurational landscape. Here, we introduce an automated workflow that integrates first-principles physics and atomistic simulations with machine learning (ML), and high-performance computing to allow rapid exploration of the metastable phases of a given elemental composition and construct "metastable" phase diagrams for materials far-from-equilibrium. Using carbon, a prototypical system with a vast number of metastable phases without parent in equilibrium, we demonstrate automated metastable phase diagram construction to map hundreds of metastable states ranging from near equilibrium to those far-from-equilibrium (400 meV/atom). Moreover, we incorporate the free energy calculations into a neural-network-based learning of the equations of state that allows for efficient construction of metastable phase diagrams. We use the metastable phase diagram and identify domains of relative stability and synthesizability of metastable materials. High temperature high pressure experiments using a diamond anvil cell on graphite sample coupled with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) confirm our metastable phase predictions. The workflow presented here is general and broadly applicable to single and multi-component systems.
Breakthrough adsorption study using activated carbon and molecular sieve for CO2 capture
Authors: Danish Mohd , Parthasarthy Vijay , Mesfer Mohammed K. Al
Published: March 2021

The increased levels of carbon dioxide in the environment have incited the search of breakthrough technologies to lessen their impact on climate. The fixed bed CO2 adsorption study has been carried out using two-grades of adsorbents from CO2/N2 feed. The molecular sieve 3Å and porous carbon prepared from low-cost date stone were used for the adsorption study. BET analyser and a scanning electron microscope were used to analyze the surface and morphological characteristics of activated carbons. The result of temperature, flow rate, initial carbon dioxide concentration levels in feed on breakthrough behaviour was analysed. The adsorption response was explored in terms of breakthrough and saturation points, CO2 uptake, temperature profiles, effective column efficiency, usable bed height, utilization factor and length of mass transfer zone. The vastly steep breakthrough curves produced under different operating conditions reveals satisfactory utilisation of adsorbent capacity at breakthrough condition. The CO2 uptake of 73.08 mg/g was attained having high effective column capacity of 0.938 at 298 K for synthesized activated carbon. The activated carbon AC-SY performs better with lessen LMTZ of 1.20 cm and improved utilization factor of 0.97 at Co=5 % and 298 K. The findings of study suggest that activated carbon developed from date stone is highly encouraging to capture CO2 from CO2/N2 mixture using continuous fixed bed column
Use of prophylaxis in patients with hemophilia and its relationship with medical expenditure in urban China
Authors: Chen Siyuan , Ye Xin , Zhu Dawei , Ding Ruoxi , Shi Xuefeng , He Ping
Published: March 2021

Background

The advantage of prophylaxis treatment has been proved to significantly improve the average life expectancy and quality of life in patients with hemophilia (PWH). However, few studies have examined the use of prophylactic treatment in PWH in China. Our study aims to investigate the prophylactic treatment use of PWH and its association with medical costs in China.
Methods

The study population included 815 patients with hemophilia between 2010 and 2016. The chi-square test was used to analyze the factors influencing usage of prophylactic treatment. Univariate analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of treatment costs for hemophilia A and hemophilia B.
Results

The proportion of hemophilia A patients and hemophilia B patients using prophylactic treatment in urban China was 3.2% and 3.4%. PWH in urban China have a heavy financial burden. The total annual per capita medical expenses for hemophilia A patients were ¥31022, of which 69.0% (¥21400) was caused by hemophilia. And the total annual per capita medical expenses for hemophilia B patients were ¥46084, of which 91.5% (¥42055) was caused by hemophilia. The out-of-pocket (OOP) costs from hemophilia account for more than 30% of per capita disposable income. Besides, we found that there was a statistically significant difference in total annual costs between patients who took prophylactic treatment and those who did not. (P < 0.001)
Conclusion

The proportion of PWH receiving prophylaxis treatment in China is very low due to the high cost of medical treatment and the shortage of medicines. There was a statistically significant difference in total annual costs between patients with and without prophylactic treatment.
Natural Radioactivity of Rocks from the Historic Jeroným Mine in the Czech Republic
Authors: Malczewski Dariusz , Dziurowicz Maria , Kalab Zdenek , Rosnerova Marketa
Published: March 2021

This study reports the natural radioactivity of characteristic rocks found in the historic Jeroným Mine of the Czech Republic as measured under the laboratory conditions. The rocks analyzed included granites and schists weathered to varying degrees and collected from different levels of the underground workings of the Jeroným Mine. The mine itself has been subject to metal extraction (mainly tin and tungsten) since the 16th century and has recently been developed as a cultural and scientific attraction open to the public. Activity concentrations of 40K, 232Th and 238U were measured from nine rock samples using gamma-ray spectrometry. The activity concentrations of 40K varied from 595 Bq kg− 1 to 1244 Bq kg− 1, while 232Th varied from 25 Bq kg− 1 to 55 Bq kg− 1. The activities associated with 238U ranged from 46 Bq kg− 1 to 386 Bq kg− 1. The measured activities were used to estimate two radiation hazard indices typically applied to building materials, the activity concentration index I and the external hazard index Hex. Mean respective values of 1.02 and 0.77 for I and Hex indicate that the rocks found in the Jeroným Mine meet radiological safety standards for building materials and do not pose a risk to potential tourists and staff.
Regioisomerism and 5-substitution as promising approaches for molecular design of safer acetaminophen derivatives
Authors: Gustavo Kayo Silva , Morais Roberto Barbosa de , Ferreira Luan Oliveira , Mourão Valéria Bittencourt Pessoa , Coelho Gerson Maciel , Silva Tamires Ferreira da , Pinto Laine Celestino , Palheta Dulcidéia da Conceição , Oliveira Flávia Cristina Matos , Soares Natália Lopes , Martins-Filho Arnaldo Jorge , Yamada Elizabeth Sumi , Lopes Dielly Catrina Favacho , Borges Rosivaldo dos Santos
Published: March 2021

Acetaminophen is a widely used over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic drug, but in large doses can produce hepatic and/or renal injury. Based on its human toxicity by N-acetyl-p- benzoquinone imine formation as reactive toxic intermediate, an acetaminophen regioisomer substituted on 5-position, named chloraminophen, was proposed. The electron and hydrogen transfers were related to the ionization potential and bond dissociation energies on phenol and acetamide moieties. These calculations were performed by using quantum chemical calculations at the density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP) with the 6-311 + + G(d,p) basis set. For acute toxicity study was performed using a single dose test of 300 or 2000 mg/kg. No differences were found in the biochemical parameters except for aspartate aminotransferase levels, probably due to corn oil used as dilution solvent. The second energy of hydrogen abstraction may have great impact on amino-phenols toxicity. The regioisomerism can be a useful strategy in drug design for safer acetaminophen derivatives.
Risk of autoimmune diseases in patients with RASopathies: systematic study of humoral and cellular immunity
Authors: Siano Maria Anna , Marchetti Valeria , Pagano Stefano , Candia Francesca Di , Alessio Maria , Brasi Daniele De , Luca Alessandro De , Pinna Valentina , Sestito Simona , Concolino Daniela , Tartaglia Marco , Strisciuglio Pietro , D'Esposito Vittoria , Cabaro Serena , Perruolo Giuseppe , Formisano Pietro , Melis Daniela
Published: March 2021

Abnormalities of the immune system are rarely reported in patients affected by RASopathies. Aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of immune system dysfunction in a cohort of patients affected by RASopathies.Study Design. A cohort of 69 patients was enrolled: 60 at the Federico II University, Naples, 7 at University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 2 at “ScuolaMedicaSalernitana”, Salerno. An age- and sex-matched control group was also enrolled. Autoimmune disorders were investigated in the study cohort according to international consensus criteria. Immune framework was also evaluated by immunoglobulin levels,CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD56 lymphocyte subpopulations, autoantibodies levels and panel of inflammatory molecules, in both patients and controls.Results. Frequent upper respiratory tract infections were recorded in 2 patients; pneumonia, psoriasis and alopecia in single patients. Low IgA levels were detected in 8/44 patients (18.18%),low CD8 T cells in 13/35 patients (37.14%).Anti-tg and anti-TPO antibodies were detected in 3/24 patients (12.5%), anti r-TSH in 2 cases (8.33%), all in euthyroidism. Serum IgA and CD8 levels were significantly lower in patients than in controls (p 0,00685; p 0,000656 respectively). All tested patients showed increased inflammatory molecules compared to controls. These findings may anticipate the detection of overt autoimmune disease.Conclusions. Patients affected by RASopathiesare at risk to develop autoimmune disorders. Routine screening for autoimmunity is recommendedin patients with RASopathy.
Medical Researchers’ Ethical Awareness of Transgenic Monkeys with Human Genes: A Quantitative Case Study from China
Authors: Du Yingjie , Zhang Jinying , Zhang Jianbo , Zhang Xinqing , Wang Guyan
Published: March 2021

Background: In 2019, a Chinese medical research team constructed a human MCPH1 gene transgenic rhesus monkey model to understand the human genetic mechanism in the developing brain. The case has attracted worldwide attention and raised a heated ethical debate, but the voices of Chinese medical researchers have not been heard. This study is an attempt to assess Chinese medical researchers’ ethical awareness of transgenic monkeys with human genes.Methods: A questionnaire that consisted of two parts was developed. The first part surveyed demographic information. The second part surveyed ethical awareness. The premise of all the questions in the second part is that “The researchers transferred a specific human brain gene, MCPH1, into rhesus monkeys to create a transgenic rhesus monkey with human genes to understand how the human gene works in the developing brain”. ① Are there ethical issues in this study? ② What ethical problems do you think exist in this study? ③ Do you agree that it can be carried out as long as it is approved by the ethics committee of their own organization? Between April 1 and 15, 2020, the questionnaire was distributed to members of all research institutions across the National Natural Science Foundation of China system. Basic descriptive statistical analyses were performed.Results: In total, 70.9% of Chinese medical researchers believe that there are ethical problems in using transgenic monkeys for medical research. Chinese medical researchers believe that the three most important ethical issues involved were unacceptable risk-benefit ratio (49.1%), harm to rhesus monkeys (33.7%) and inadequate scientific evidence (26.7%). A total of 68.9% disagreed that it could be carried out as long as it was approved by the ethics committee of their organization.Conclusions: Chinese medical researchers are wary of using transgenic monkeys for medical research, and their greatest concerns are the risk-benefit ratio, the harm to rhesus monkeys and the lack of scientific evidence supporting the study. It is necessary to strictly implement 3R in the medical research of transgenic monkeys with human genes.
Role of anti-beta-1-adrenergic receptor antibod ies in cardiac dysfunction in patients with cirrhotic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ma Lixia , Liu Xiaohui , Wu Qingshan , Hu Xing , Liu Hongqun , Zhang Jing , Lee Samuel
Published: March 2021

Background and aim: Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is a recognized complication of cirrhosis and is associated with poor outcomes, especially under challenges such as surgery/liver transplantation. However, the mechanism is not clear, and the treatment is not specific. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of anti-β1-adrenergic receptor antibodies (anti-β1-AR) in CCM.Methods: We enrolled 3 groups: healthy controls, cirrhotic patients without CCM and patients with CCM. The serum anti-β1-AR and N-terminal (NT)-pro hormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), fractional shortening (FS), the ratio of peak early (E wave) and atrial (A wave) flow velocities (E/A) and left ventricular posterior wall minor motion amplitude were measured by echocardiography. Results: The anti-β1-AR levels in the CCM group were significantly higher than that in the non-CCM group (0.97±0.37 vs 0.74±0.37 ng/mL, P<0.05); anti-β1-AR was positively correlated to NT-proBNP (r=0.48, P < 0.05), negatively correlated to LVEF (r = - 0.466, P < 0.05), FS (r = - 0.488, P < 0.05) and E/A (r=-0.475, P < 0.05) in CCM patients. The area under the receiver-operating-characteristic (AUROC) of serum anti-β1-AR on CCM was 0.678 (95% CI 0.515-0.768). At a cutoff value of 0.669 ng/mL, the sensitivity of anti-β1-AR to diagnose CCM was 89.5%, and the specificity was 57%. Conclusion: The anti-β1-AR level in the CCM group was significantly elevated compared with that in the non-CCM group, and this increase was correlated with cardiac function. Anti-β1-AR is a useful predictive biomarker for the presence of CCM and eventually may also have therapeutic implications.
Molecular Dynamics Investigation of Structure Evolution and Thermodynamics of Ni-fe Nanoparticles During Inert Gas Condensation
Authors: Li Bei , Pan Lei , Liu Changan , Zhang Xu
Published: March 2021

Synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles is relevant to many applications in the fields of catalysis, energy storage and biomedicine, etc. Understanding the growth mechanisms and morphology of nanoparticles during inert gas condensation is crucial to rationally improve the performance of the final nanoparticles. In this work, molecular dynamics simulations are carried out to study the structural and thermodynamic behavior of Ni-Fe nanoparticles from homogenous vapor phase in Ar atmosphere. It is revealed that the final morphology of the resulting nanoparticles presents a spherical shape by cluster coalescence at high temperatures where the small clusters are liquid droplets prior to their collisions. However, probabilistic nucleation and cluster growth indicate that the occurrence of spherical shape is more controlled by the probability limits for different Fe concentrations. Meanwhile, a larger inert gas density induces a more efficient cooling effect leading to a larger probability control of the cluster formation with non-spherical shape by agglomeration. Furthermore, the solidification of the as-formed Ni-Fe clusters is examined by evaluating the evolution of crystalline and amorphous structure. The linear scaling-down dependence of the solidification temperature on the reciprocal of the nanoparticle size clearly signifies a linear size-depression effect for the liquid-to-solid phase change of Ni-Fe nanoparticles. Our findings thus extend the current understanding of inert gas condensation behavior and mechanisms of Ni-Fe nanoparticles from an atomic/molecular perspective.
Theoretical investigations on the antioxidant potential of a non-phenolic compound thymoquinone: a DFT Approach
Authors: Hossen Jewel , Ali M. Abbas , Reza Sultanur
Published: March 2021

Thymoquinone (TQ) is a natural compound occurred in black cumin ( Nigella sativa L.), which possesses potent antioxidant activity without having any phenolic hydroxyl group believed to be responsible for antioxidant activity of a molecule. In the present study, computational calculation based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) have been executed to assess systematically the worth of antioxidant behavior of this compound. Geometrical characteristics, HOMO-LUMO and MEP surface have been studied. Thermochemical parameters correlated to the leading antioxidant mechanisms such as HAT, SETPT and SPLET have been studied in gas and water media. In addition, the changes of thermochemical parameters such as ∆G and ∆H have been computed for HA from TQ to hydroxyl radical in gas and water phases to investigate its free radical scavenging potency. The low and comparable values of BDE, PDE, IP, PA and ETE suggest the antioxidant activity. The ∆G and ∆H also convey apposite thermodynamic evidence in favor of antiradical capability of TQ. The attack of the free radical takes place preferentially at 3CH position of the molecule.
Hidden Consumers in Wave-exposed Boulder Beaches: Implications to Trophic Studies in Marine-terrestrial Ecotones
Authors: Hyndes Glenn A. , McCleod Rebecca , Jimenez Rocio Suarez , Richards Derek
Published: March 2021

Invertebrate communities and ecological processes are well understood in high-energy sandy beaches, where beach-cast wrack (macrophyte detritus) often accumulates and forms hotspots of nutrient cycling as well as enhancing diversity and driving food webs. Grazing invertebrates play a key role in recycling wrack and facilitating the transfer of nutrients for spatial subsidies across this marine-terrestrial ecotone. Cobble and boulder beaches can also form a prominent feature of wave-exposed coasts and accumulate wrack, yet we know far less about the invertebrates in these beaches and their possible role for recycling wrack. Here, we determine the biomass of detrital macrophytes on, and embedded in, the boulder matrix, as well as the density and biomass of macroinvertebrates in high-energy, boulder beaches in south-eastern New Zealand. We use these data to compare densities and biomass of wrack and invertebrates with published data for sandy beaches to examine the possible importance of these understudied coastal habitats in recycling wrack and facilitating trophic subsidies. The biomass of beach-cast macroalgae exceeded 100 g DW 0.1m-2 on boulder beaches, where the kelps Durvillaea spp. and Macrocystis pyrifera were the main forms of wrack on both types of beaches. This was comparable to many other sandy beaches across the globe. However, the total biomass of invertebrates on boulder beaches in our study was higher than that reported for sandy beaches in the region and across the globe, while densities were similar or higher than those found on sandy beaches. Like sandy beaches across the globe, amphipods were abundant on boulder beaches, however, the relatively large gastropod Diloma nigerrimum was particularly dominant in this habitat. With its known high grazing rates, combined with high densities and biomass, this grazer is likely to play a disproportionately important role in the processing of beach-cast kelp and a key role in transferring nutrients back into the ocean or to adjacent terrestrial food webs.
Accurate and High-speed FBG Demodulator Using STM32 and DOG Algorithm
Authors: JIA LU WEI , Zhang Lin Yan , Yi Liu , HENG Pan YU , GuoYan Li
Published: March 2021

A multi-channel and high-speed FBG demodulator based STM32 is designed in this paper. The wavelength detection accuracy is improved using a difference of Gaussian (DoG) peak detection algorithm. The 16-channel FBG wavelengths are demodulated simultaneously and that the demodulation frequency can reach 1kHz. The experimental results show that the temperature sensitivity is 13.17 pm/ ºC. And meanwhile, the standard deviation and the average error of the FBG wavelength demodulated at the same temperature is 1.9 pm and 2.1 pm respectively.
Efficient Photocatalytic and EMI Shielding Properties of CdO/ La2O3 Nanocomposites
Authors: S Senthil , S SRINIVASAN , T THANGEESWARI , J MADHU B , M SILAMBARASAN
Published: March 2021

The pure CdO and CdO/La 2 O 3 , and CdO/La 2 O 3 /PVP nanocomposites were synthesized by microwave irradiation method. The prepared samples are analyzed by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), UV visible spectrometer, Photoluminescence (PL), and Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). XRD and FTIR studies confirmed the formation of binary metallic nanocomposites. SEM and TEM analysis authenticate that the addition of lanthanum oxide and PVP influences the size and morphology of CdO nanoparticles the bandgap value can be tuned by the addition of La 2 O 3 and PVP. Photoluminescence spectra show the violet emission in the region between 432 nm to 460 nm and the green emission peak at 529 nm for all three synthesized samples. CIE color coordinates for CdO and CdO/La 2 O 3 , and CdO/La 2 O 3 /PVP nanocomposites were also estimated from emission spectrum. The VSM results confirmed that the nanocomposites possess the weak ferromagnetic properties due to the inclusion of La 2 O 3 and PVP. The dielectric constant, electrical conductivity and dielectric loss values at room temperature have been analyzed for CdO and CdO/La 2 O 3 , and CdO/La 2 O 3 /PVP nanocomposites. Among the three synthesized samples, the CdO/La 2 O 3 /PVP nanocomposite attain high electromagnetic shielding efficiency. Furthermore, the rare earth element lanthanum oxide and PVP enhances the efficiency of photocatalytic degradation of MB dye.
Atypical COVID-19 dynamics in a patient with Mantle Cell Lymphoma Exposed to Rituximab
Authors: Marcacci Gianpaolo , Fiorentino Giuseppe , Volzone Francesco , Falcone Umberto , Parrella Roberto , Donnarumma Daniela , D'Ovidio Silvia , Annunziata Anna , Micallo Giovanni , Portella Giuseppe , Chiara Annarosaria De , Filippi Rosaria DE , Crisci Stefania , Pinto Antonio
Published: March 2021

Patients with non-hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) represent a population of special interest during the current Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemics. NHLs are associated with disease- and treatment-related immunodeficiencies which may generate unusual COVID-19 dynamics and pose unique management challenges. We report the unusual clinical course of COVID-19 in a patient with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) exposed to nine doses of Rituximab shortly before infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). He had a prolonged asymptomatic phase, with negative molecular and antibody testing for SARS-CoV-2, followed by a rapidly progressive evolution to severe COVID-19. Despite detection of viral RNA overlapped with first symptoms occurrence, anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies displayed an asynchronous pattern, with IgG first appearing two days after RNA positivity and IgM never being detected throughout the entire clinical course. While disease-associated immune derangements and/or previous treatments involving anti-CD20 antibodies might have contributed to COVID-19 dynamics in our patient, data suggests that antibody testings, without concurrent molecular assessment for SARS-CoV-2, may turn inadequate for monitoring of MCL patients, and in general NHL patients heavily exposed to anti-CD20 antibodies, during the current pandemics. Since these patients should not be denied or delayed effective treatments, we suggest that repeated molecular testing of nasopharyngeal swab should be implemented in these subjects despite a negative serology and absence of symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. For the same reasons, a customized strategy needs to be developed for patients exposed to anti-CD20 antibodies, based on different features and mechanism of action of currently available SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
The protective effects of Fuzhengzhiyanghefuzhiyang decoction (FZHFZY) on imiquimod-induced psoriasis in mice through suppression of P38/Erk/NF-κB signaling
Authors: Chen Haiming , Lu Yue , Tang Bin , Li Xiong , Zhang Hongyu , Zhang Junhong , Yu Jingjie , Yan Yuhong , Deng Hao , Li Shaoping , Yang Lei , Han Ling , Lu Chuanjian
Published: March 2021

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin disease affecting approximately 2–3% of world's population. Fuzhenghefuzhiyang decoction (FZHFZY), a Chinese medicine formula created by Prof. Lu Chuanjian, has been shown to have remarkable anti-psoriasis effect in clinical practice. However, the mechanism of action of FZHFZY is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of FZHFZY in psoriasis-like skin inflammation both in vitro and in vivo and elucidate the mechanism of action of FZHFZY.
Methods

In vivo study, we evaluated the protective effect of FZHFZY in imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mice model. Results indicated that FZHFZY can obviously decrease psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) scores. FZHFZY also suppressed the mRNA levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-23 and IL-8 in the skin and its anti-inflammatory activity may be related to its suppression of the P38/Erk/NF-κB signaling. In addition, immunohistochemistry (IHC) data showed that FZHFZY can suppress the expression of F4/80 which is the marker of macrophages in the psoriasis skin. Therefore, we designed to investigate the roles and underlying mechanisms of FZHFZY in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages in vitro.
Results

Our results revealed FZHFZY treatment could significantly inhibit inflammation by modulating the expression of mediators, such as IL-6, TNF-α, IL-23 and IL-8, which expression was increased remarkably in the activated RAW264.7 cells. Our results also showed that FZHFZY inhibited the P38/Erk/NF-κB signaling pathways in RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS.
Conclusions

Taken together, our present study demonstrates that FZHFZY alleviated inflammatory response by suppressing the P38/Erk/NF-κB signaling in imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mice model and LPS-stimulated RAW264.7.
Sex Dependent Effects of Amyloid Precursor-Like Protein 2 in The SOD1-G37R Transgenic Mouse Model of MND.
Authors: Truong Phan Hong , Crouch Peter J. , Hilton James B.W. , McLean Catriona A. , Cappai Roberto , Ciccotosto Giuseppe D.
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by progressive destruction of motor neurons, muscle paralysis and death. The amyloid precursor protein (APP) is highly expressed in the central nervous system and has been shown to modulate disease outcomes in MND. APP is part of a gene family that includes the amyloid precursor-like protein 1 (APLP1) and 2 (APLP2) genes.
Methods

In the present study, we investigated the role of APLP2 in MND through the examination of human spinal cord tissue and by crossing APLP2 knockout mice with the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1-G37R) transgenic mouse model of MND.
Results

We found the expression of APLP2 is elevated in the spinal cord from human cases of MND and that this feature of the human disease is reproduced in SOD1-G37R mice at the end-stage of their MND-like phenotype progression. APLP2 deletion in SOD1-G37R mice significantly delayed disease progression and increased the survival of female SOD1-G37R mice. Molecular and biochemical analysis showed female SOD1-G37R:APLP2-/- mice displayed improved innervation of the neuromuscular junction, ameliorated atrophy of muscle fibres with increased APP protein expression levels in the gastrocnemius muscle.
Conclusion

These results indicate a sex-dependent role for APLP2 in mutant SOD1-mediated MND and further support the APP-family as a potential target for further investigation into the cause and regulation of MND.
Conversion of Waste Plastics to Liquid Fuels by Micro-Mesoporous HZSM-5 Catalysts
Authors: Munir Dureem , Usman Muhammad Rashid
Published: March 2021

Three micro-mesoporous HZSM-5 catalysts were synthesized using three different mesoporous templates and studied for the conversion of a model municipal waste plastic mixture to produce liquid fuels of high value. For the comparison, the conversion of an actual waste plastic mixture and HDPE was also studied. The experiments were performed in a batch stirred reactor at three reaction temperatures (350, 375, and 400 °C) and at fixed cold H2 pressure (20 bar), reaction time (60 min), and plastic to catalyst ratio (20:1 by wt.). The micro-mesoporous catalysts produced better activity and selectivity than their parent HZSM-5 catalyst. The catalyst, prepared by combining two different templates, was found to be the most favorable catalyst offering 67.1% liquid yield at 400 °C with actual waste plastic. The best performing catalyst has shown the prospects for commercial applications.
Effect of topography and weather on call to automatic electrical defibrillator attach time by drone for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a virtual flight simulation study
Authors: Choi Dong Sun , Hong Ki Jeong , Shin Sang Do , Lee Chang-Gun , Kim Tae Han , Cho Youngeun , Song Kyoung Jun , Ro Young Sun , Park Jeong Ho
Published: March 2021

Background Delivery of automatic electrical defibrillator (AED) by unmanned aerial vehicle like drones was suggested to improve early defibrillation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. We developed a drone-AED flight virtual simulator using 3-dimensional topographic and meteorological information. The goal of this study is to assess the effect of topography and weather on call to AED attach time in drone-AED program. Methods We included patients from 2013 to 2016 in Seoul, South Korea, registered in the Korean out-of-hospital cardiac arrest registry. We developed a drone-AED flight simulation using topographic information of Seoul for Euclidean flight pathway and topographic flight pathway including vertical flight to overcome high-rise structures. We used 4 drone flight scenarios according to weather conditions or visibility: flight and control advanced drone, flight advanced drone, control advanced drone and basic drone. Primary outcome was emergency medical service call to AED attach time. Secondary outcome was success rate of call to AED attachment within 5 or 10 minutes, and pre-arrival rate of drone-AED before AED delivery by ground ambulance. Results 16,596 patients were included. Median flight time of drone-AED was 2.6 and 1.0 minute for topographic flight simulation and Euclidean pathway. Call to AED attach time in topographic pathway was 7.0 minutes in flight and control advanced drone and 8.0 minutes in basic drone. The time in Euclidean pathway was 6.5 minutes in flight and control advanced drone and 7.0 minutes in basic drone. Pre-arrival rate of drone-AED in Euclidean pathway was 38.0% and 16.3% for flight and control advanced drone and basic drone. whereas, pre-arrival rate in the topographic pathway was 27.0% and 11.7%, respectively. Conclusions Drone-AED took longer call to AED attach time in basic drone than flight and control advanced drone. Pre-arrival rate of flight and control advanced drone was decreased in topographic flight pathway compared to Euclidean pathway. Trial registration This study used cases retrospectively registered in the Korean out-of-hospital cardiac arrest registry.
Prevalence and predictors of dyslipidemia on HAART and HAART naive HIV positive clients attending Debre Tabor Hospital, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
Authors: Mulu Anemut Tilahun , Yitbarek Getachew Yideg , Admasu Fitalew Tadele , Denekew Chalachew Yenew , Melese Biruk Demissie
Published: March 2021

Background: HAART has been reported to be associated with a number of side effects in human immunodeficiency virus patients among which dyslipidemia is a common metabolic disorder. Methods: A facility based comparative cross-sectional study among 228 HIV positive persons was conducted from July to August 2020. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using structured questionnaires. Fasting venous blood sample was drawn for Lipid profiles and CD4 cell determination. Anthropometric measurement was done. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22 for windows. Result: A total of 228 HIV patients were enrolled in the study. Prevalence of dyslipidemia in HAART naive and on HAART HIV positive persons was 61(53.5%) and 84 (73.7%), respectively. The prevalence of TC≥200 mg/dl was 50% and 30%; HLD-c<40 mg/dl was 43.8% and 36%; LDL-c≥130mg/dl was 48.3% and 28.1%; and TG≥150 mg/dl 59.6% and 39% among on HAART and HAART naïve, respectively. Age greater than 40 years (AOR = 3.27, 95% C.I: 1.47 - 7.25), blood pressure ≥ 140/90 (AOR = 16.13, 95% C.I: 5.81 - 44.75), being on HAART (AOR = 2.73, 95 % C.I: 1.35 - 5.53) and body mass index > 25kg/m2 (AOR = 1.92, 95 % C.I: 1.20 - 4.81) were identified as determinants of dyslipidemia. Conclusion: The mean value of lipid profile was significantly higher among HIV positive clients on HAART as compared to those HAART naïve HIV positive clients.
Manifestations of Different El Nino types in the Dynamics of Extratropical Stratosphere
Authors: Ermakova Tatiana , Pogoreltsev Alexander , Smyshlyaev Sergei , Koval Andrey , Chen Wen , Wei Ke
Published: March 2021

The behavior of planetary wave with zonal wave number 1 (PW1) at the heights of middle and upper stratosphere during different El Nino types has been considered. The sets of 5 winters have been chosen for each El Nino type using the table of available extended Multivariate El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Index values and index for identifying different types of El Nino Modoki events. Comparing planetary wave response and residual circulation under various conditions caused by Modoki I, II, and canonical El Nino, it has been revealed identical features associated with any of this type. The activity of travelling waves has been presented at three latitudes (2.5, 27.5, and 62.5) of Northern Hemisphere to follow the changes in behavior of waves. Travelling waves determined at 2.5°N latitude during every El Nino type have similar wave activity distribution despite the different location of SST anomaly. The standing waves activity at 27.5°N latitude during Modoki II type is similar to this activity during canonical one. This similarity disappears at lower latitudes, where wave amplitudes every canonical winter do not distinguish each other greatly especially standing and westward propagating waves.
The Association Between the Serotonin Receptor Type 1B (HTR1B) Gene rs13212041 Polymorphism and Trait Anxiety in China Han College Subjects
Authors: Ruan Xiaofei , Fang Suwen , zheng qi , Qi Senqing , Tian Yingfang , Ren Wei
Published: March 2021

Trait anxiety is a vulnerable personality factor for anxiety and depression. High levels of trait anxiety confer elevated risk for the development of anxiety and other psychiatric disorders. There is evidence that serotonin receptor type 1B (5-HT1B) gene polymorphisms play an important role in emotional disorders. Genotyping for four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) (rs11568817, rs130058, rs6297 and rs13212041) was conducted for 388 high trait-anxious (HTA) individuals and 463 low trait-anxious (LTA) individuals in China Han college subjects. The results showed that the frequency of the C-allele and TC+CC genotype in rs13212041 in the LTA individuals was higher than that in the HTA individuals (p = 0.025 and p = 0.014, respectively). Both the C-allele and TC+CC genotype were associated with trait anxiety decreasing (OR = 0.771 and OR = 0.71, respectively). Furthermore, different gene models analysis also showed that the C allele is a protective factor in trait anxiety in Chinese Han college subjects. These findings suggest that the variance in 5-HT1B gene polymorphisms may play a role in trait anxiety in China Han college subjects. The rs13212014 polymorphism may be involved in decreasing the risk of trait anxiety. These results also provide a novel insight into the molecular mechanism about trait anxiety.
Women’s Experiences in the Antenatal and Perinatal Period Following a Stillbirth or Neonatal Death: A Multicentre Cohort Study
Authors: Thomas Suzanne , Stephens Louise , Mills Tracey A , Hughes Christine , Kerby Alan , Arundale A. Michael , Smith Debbie M , Heazell Alexander E. P.
Published: March 2021

Background

The death of a baby before or shortly after birth is a profoundly distressing experience for women and their families. Although grieving the death of their baby, most women will embark on another pregnancy. Specialist antenatal services have been proposed to address the increased biomedical and psychological risks in pregnancies after perinatal death. This study aimed to explore the experiences of women in and shortly after pregnancy after loss to determine the psychological and economic impact and the effect of a specialist service.
Methods

This study adopted a mixed-methods approach using several sources of data: i) validated measures of psychological state (Cambridge Worry Score, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Score (EPDS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item score), ii) measurement of hair cortisol, iii) face-to-face semi-structured interviews to explore women’s views and experiences of care during their pregnancy, and iv) a Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis with a subgroup of women and staff participants at the lead site.
Results

In total 112 women participated in the study. Measures of anxiety and depressive symptoms decreased from the highest levels at 15 weeks’ gestation to 6-weeks postnatal (for example mean GAD-7: 15 weeks 8.2 ± 5.5, 6 weeks postnatal 4.4 ± 5.0, p < 0.001). Hair cortisol levels fell in a similar profile to anxiety and depression symptoms (p < 0.05). Thematic analysis of interviews (n = 20) described how stillbirth was a quiet, unspoken subject and that navigating subsequent pregnancies relied on expecting the worst and hoping for the best; mapping these themes onto the Dual Process Model of Bereavement found being pregnant complicated the grieving process as increased awareness of the risk of stillbirth drew parents focus back to loss. Attendance at a specialist service was valued; SROI analysis found that for £1 invested, £6.10 of value was generated, mostly relating to reduced negative psychological symptoms.
Conclusions

This mixed-methods study demonstrated heightened anxiety and depressive symptoms and elevated cortisol levels which decrease as pregnancy progresses. Specialist care was viewed favourably, and is cost-effective, but comparative studies are required to determine whether this model is superior to routine high-risk care and to identify which components are most valued.
Comparison of the clinical efficacy of two fixation methods combined with OLIF in the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis
Authors: Zhang Xinliang , Guo Yunshan , Li Yibing
Published: March 2021

Background

To observe the clinical efficacy of an anterior single rob-screw fixation (ASRSF) combined with the oblique lumbar intervertebral fusion (OLIF) approach compared with a posterior percutaneous screw fixation(PPSF) combined with OLIF in the treatment of lumbar spondylolisthesis.
Methods

This is a retrospective case-control study. Patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis treated with either ASRSF combined with OLIF or PPSF combined with OLIF from January 2016 to January 2018 were enrolled in this study. None of the patients had posterior decompression. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) were used for clinical efficacy assessment. The pre- and post-operational disc height, height of foramen, subsidence and migration of cages, fusion rate, and surgery-related complications were compared between the two groups.
Results

Fifty-three patients were included in this single-center study. According to the fixation methods, patients were divided into the ASRSF group (group A, 25 cases) and the PPSF group (group B, 28 cases). There was no statistical difference in surgery-related complications between groups. There was a significant difference in the VAS score at 1 week post-surgery(2.3 ± 0.5Vs3.5 ± 0.4, P = 0.01), and 3 months post-operation (2.2 ± 0.3VS 3.0 ± 0.3, P = 0.01). Comparison of post-operative imaging data showed that there was a significant difference in the height of the foramen between groups at 3 months post-surgery(18.1 ± 2.3 mm Vs 16.9 ± 1.9 mm, P = 0.04). At 24 months post-surgery, the ODI was 12.65 ± 3.6 in group A and 19.1 ± 3.4 in group B (P = 0.01). Twelve months after surgery, the fusion rate in group A was 72.0% and78.6% in group B (not statistically significant, P = 0.75). Fusions were identified in all patients at 24 months post-surgery.
Conclusion

Compared to PPSF, ASRSF combined with OLIF for lumbar spondylolisthesis can reduce post-operative low back pain in the early stages, maintain the height of the foramen superiorly, and improve the performance of lumbar function.
Improved DC Performance Analysis of a Novel Asymmetric Extended Source Tunnel FET for Fast Switching Application
Authors: DUTTA RITAM , Subash T.D. , Paitya Nitai
Published: March 2021

A two-dimensional analytical model for asymmetric extended source tunnel field effect transistor (AES-TFET) has been developed to obtain better device performance. The proposed device model has been analytically modelled and performed by solving 2-D Poisson’s equation. Surface potential distribution, electric field variation and band-to-band tunneling (BTBT) rate have been investigated by this numerical modelling. The source region of novel structure of TFET has been extended (varied 2 nm to 6 nm) to incorporate corner effect, which allows BTBT through a thin tunneling barrier, with controlled ambipolar conduction. This eventually produces better source-channel interface tunneling for a n-channel AES-TFET. 2-D numerical device simulator (SILVACO TCAD) has been used for simulation work. The simulated work has been finally validated by analytical modelling of AES-TFET. Better ION, IOFF and switching ratio has been obtained from this novel TFET structure.
Implantation of DDD Pacemaker in a Patient With Dextrocardia and Sick Sinus Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Luo Junqian , Zhou Zihao , Chen Kaicong , Lin Junyao , Cai Chaogeng , Zeng Zhihuan
Published: March 2021

Background: Dextrocardia is a congenital abnormal position of the heart in which the main part of the heart is in the right chest and the long axis of the heart points to the lower right, cases with combination of dextrocardia and sick sinus syndrome are rare.Case presentation: A 65-year-old female patient was admitted with palpitations and dizziness for 1 week. Mirror-image Dextrocardia and sick sinus syndrome was diagnosed by electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography, Holter monitoring, and X-ray. The rarity of the case and the specificity of anatomy brought great challenges to our interventional treatments. Finally, we successfully implanted a DDD pacemaker into the patient.Conclusion: For dextrocardia, using active fixation leads in both atrial and ventricular leads is easier to find the position with optimal sensing and pacing threshold, which also have a lower and more stable pacing threshold and can reduce the incidence of falling off at the same time. During operation, combine the multiple positions under fluoroscopy to confirm the leads position, which can improve the success rate of implantation.
Nutrient Intake, Dietary Patterns, and Anthropometric Indices of Children With ADHD in Comparison to Healthy Controls: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Salvat Habibeh , Mohammadi Mehriar Nader , Molavi Parviz , Mostafavi Seyed Ali , Rostami Reza , Salehinejad Mohammad Ali
Published: March 2021

Objective: Poor health behaviors and indices are recently reported in Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) lifestyle which might be relevant to the pathophysiology of this disorder. The objective of this case-control study was to assess the nutrient intake, dietary patterns, and anthropometric indices in ADHD children compared to normal peers. Method: 100 children diagnosed with ADHD were included and compared to healthy, sex-matched normal children as the control group. Anthropometric indices, macronutrients, and micronutrients were measured and compared in both groups. Results: ADHD children were significantly consuming more simple sugars, tea, ready-made meals but less protein, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin C, zinc and calcium compared to the control group. The body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference of ADHD children were significantly higher and were related to the severity and type of the disease. Conclusion: Unhealthy lifestyle behavior is higher in ADHD which might warrants lifestyle intervention in this disorder.