bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TNF‐α Induces Neutrophil Apoptosis Delay and Promotes Intestinal Ischemia‐Reperfusion‐Induced Lung Injury through Activating JNK/FoxO3a Pathway
Authors: Chen Daili , Chen Chaojin , Xiao Xue , Huang Ziyan , Huang Xiaolei , Yao Weifeng
Published: December 2021

Background. Intestinal ischemia is a common clinical critical illness. Intestinal ischemia‐reperfusion (IIR) leads to acute lung injury (ALI), but the causative factors of ALI are unknown. The aim of this study was to reveal the causative factors and mechanisms of IIR‐induced lung injury. Methods. A mouse model of IIR was developed using C57BL/6 mice, followed by detection of lung injury status and plasma levels of inflammatory factors in sham‐operated mice and model mice. Some model mice were treated with a tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) inhibitor lenalidomide (10 mg/kg), followed by observation of lung injury status through hematoxylin and eosin staining and detection of neutrophil infiltration levels through naphthol esterase and Ly6G immunohistochemical staining. Additionally, peripheral blood polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) were cultured in vitro and then stimulated by TNF‐α to mimic in vivo inflammatory stimuli; this TNF‐α stimulation was also performed on PMNs after knockdown of FoxO3a or treatment with the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125. PMN apoptosis after stimulation was detected using flow cytometry. Finally, the role of PMN apoptosis in IIR‐induced lung injury was evaluated in vivo by detecting the ALI status in the model mice administered with ABT‐199, a Bcl‐2 inhibitor. Results. IIR led to pulmonary histopathological injury and increased lung water content, which were accompanied by increased plasma levels of inflammatory factors, with the TNF‐α plasma level showing the most pronounced increase. Inhibition of TNF‐α led to effective reduction of lung tissue injury, especially that of the damaging infiltration of PMNs in the lung. In vitro knockdown of FoxO3a or inhibition of JNK activity could inhibit TNF‐α‐induced PMN apoptosis. Further in vivo experiments revealed that ABT‐199 effectively alleviated lung injury and decreased inflammation levels by promoting PMN apoptosis during IIR‐induced lung injury. Conclusion. TNF‐α activates the JNK/FoxO3a pathway to induce a delay in PMN apoptosis, which promotes IIR‐induced lung injury.
Classification on Digital Pathological Images of Breast Cancer Based on Deep Features of Different Levels
Authors: Li Xin , Li HongBo , Cui WenSheng , Cai ZhaoHui , Jia MeiJuan
Published: December 2021

Breast cancer is one of the primary causes of cancer death in the world and has a great impact on women’s health. Generally, the majority of classification methods rely on the high-level feature. However, different levels of features may not be positively correlated for the final results of classification. Inspired by the recent widespread use of deep learning, this study proposes a novel method for classifying benign cancer and malignant breast cancer based on deep features. First, we design Sliding + Random and Sliding + Class Balance Random window slicing strategies for data preprocessing. The two strategies enhance the generalization of model and improve classification performance on minority classes. Second, feature extraction is based on the AlexNet model. We also discuss the influence of intermediate- and high-level features on classification results. Third, different levels of features are input into different machine-learning models for classification, and then, the best combination is chosen. The experimental results show that the data preprocessing of the Sliding + Class Balance Random window slicing strategy produces decent effectiveness on the BreaKHis dataset. The classification accuracy ranges from 83.57% to 88.69% at different magnifications. On this basis, combining intermediate- and high-level features with SVM has the best classification effect. The classification accuracy ranges from 85.30% to 88.76% at different magnifications. Compared with the latest results of F. A. Spanhol’s team who provide BreaKHis data, the presented method shows better classification performance on image-level accuracy. We believe that the proposed method has promising good practical value and research significance.
A Lightweight AES Coprocessor Based on RISC-V Custom Instructions
Authors: Pan Lihang , Tu Guoqing , Liu Shubo , Cai Zhaohui , Xiong Xingxing
Published: December 2021

With the increasing popularity of the Internet of Things (IoT), the issue of its information security has drawn more and more attention. To overcome the resource constraint barrier for secure and reliable data transmission on the widely used IoT devices such as wireless sensor network (WSN) nodes, many researcher studies consider hardware acceleration of traditional cryptographic algorithms as one of the effective methods. Meanwhile, as one of the current research topics in the reduced instruction set computer (RISC), RISC-V provides a solid foundation for implementing domain-specific architecture (DSA). To this end, we propose an extended instruction scheme for the advanced encryption standard (AES) based on RISC-V custom instructions and present a coprocessor designed on the open-source core Hummingbird E203. The AES coprocessor uses direct memory access channels to achieve parallel data access and processing, which provides flexibility in memory space allocation and improves the efficiency of cryptographic components. Applications with embedded AES custom instructions running on an experimental prototype of the field-programmable gate array (FPGA) platform demonstrated a 25.3% to 37.9% improvement in running time over previous similar works when processing no less than 80 bytes of data. In addition, the application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) experiments show that in most cases, the coprocessor only consumes up to 20% more power than the necessary AES operations.
Efficacy of Plasmapheresis in Nivolumab-Associated ANCA Glomerulonephritis: A Case Report and Pathophysiology Discussion
Authors: Laamech Reda , Terrec Florian , Emprou Camille , Toffart Anne Claire , Pierret Thomas , Naciri-Bennani Hamza , Rostaing Lionel , Noble Johan
Published: December 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized solid organ and hematologic cancer treatments by improving overall prognoses. However, they can lead to overactivation of the immune system and several immune-related adverse events and sometimes affecting the renal system. Although acute interstitial nephritis is well described, we know little about ICI-associated glomerular injury. Herein, we report an exceptional case of renal ANCA positive-associated vasculitis (AAV) after nivolumab therapy. Three weeks after the last nivolumab injection, the patient presented with proteinuria at 1.73 g/g of creatininuria, hematuria, and acute kidney injury needing dialysis associated with lung hemorrhage; anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA titer ≥1,280 with myeloperoxidase specificity of 780 U/mL) was positive, and kidney biopsy confirmed glomerular injury with crescents. The patient underwent treatment with steroid pulses, rituximab, and plasmapheresis, resulting in an improvement of the renal function and lung hemorrhage and produced a negative ANCA titer. Despite the results of the PEXIVAS study and the absence of clear benefit of plasmapheresis demonstrated in idiopathic AAV, we suggest that drug-induced AAV may be effectively treated by plasmapheresis, steroids, and rituximab.
Acute Herpes Simplex Esophagitis in an Immunocompetent Adult with Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Wichelmann Thomas Adam , Hoff Ryan T. , Silas Dean N.
Published: December 2021

Herpes simplex esophagitis (HSE) represents a rare entity in immunocompetent patients and has infrequently been described in association with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Causality in this rare association remains a debated topic. We present a case of HSE occurring in an immunocompetent adult with EoE and review the literature in support of EoE induced mucosal disruption predisposing to increased risk of HSE.
Consistent Response on Challenge and Rechallenge of Liposomal Irinotecan in a Patient with Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Previously Treated with Gemcitabine plus Nab-Paclitaxel: A Case Report
Authors: Kim Seong-Ryong , Lee Hyun Jung , Kim Dalyong
Published: December 2021

Approximately 80% of pancreatic cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage, due to lack of or vague symptoms when the cancer is still localized, leading to a high mortality rate. Known risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer are family history, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and alcohol and tobacco use. There has been a remarkable development in diagnosis modalities and molecular testing, but early detection is still infrequent. The majority of clinical trials have not shown significant efficacy in pancreatic cancer, and treatment strategy remains limited. Additional prognostic factors should be highlighted to obtain appropriate treatment options, including precision medicine, and improve survival outcomes. After the PRODIGE study in 2011 and the MPAC trial in 2013, a new drug (liposomal irinotecan; Onivyde ®) appeared in the strategy, especially after failure of gemcitabine-based treatment. In 2016, the NAPOLI-1 trial showed evidence of the efficacy of the liposomal irinotecan combination (liposomal irinotecan +5-fluorouracile + folinic acid); now, it is considered the standard treatment for relapsing patients. Since NAPOLI-1, real-world data have provided similar results. Herein, we report the story of a 61-year-old woman who was treated with liposomal irinotecan combination (nal-IRI/5-FU/LV) for 8 months with good surgical response, but treatment was discontinued due to economic burden. After the start of treatment (or 1? cycle of liposomal irinotecan treatment), the patient was in a better condition. The liver metastases had disappeared. The combination with liposomal irinotecan was re-administered with patient’s approval. Upon rechallenge with the liposomal irinotecan combination, she showed a partial response, and the treatment was given for 7 months. In this report, we tried to identify the prognostic factors leading to the efficacy of the liposomal irinotecan combination.
Imaging High-Risk Atherothrombosis Using a Novel Fibrin-Binding Positron Emission Tomography Probe
Authors: Izquierdo-Garcia David , Diyabalanage Himashinie , Ramsay Ian A. , Rotile Nicholas J. , Mauskapf Adam , Choi Ji-Kyung , Witzel Thomas , Humblet Valerie , Jaffer Farouc A. , Brownell Anna-Liisa , Tawakol Ahmed , Catana Ciprian , Conrad Mark F. , Caravan Peter , Ay Ilknur
Published: December 2021

Background and Purpose:

High-risk atherosclerosis is an underlying cause of cardiovascular events, yet identifying the specific patient population at immediate risk is still challenging. Here, we used a rabbit model of atherosclerotic plaque rupture and human carotid endarterectomy specimens to describe the potential of molecular fibrin imaging as a tool to identify thrombotic plaques.

Methods:

Atherosclerotic plaques in rabbits were induced using a high-cholesterol diet and aortic balloon injury (N=13). Pharmacological triggering was used in a group of rabbits (n=9) to induce plaque disruption. Animals were grouped into thrombotic and nonthrombotic plaque groups based on gross pathology (gold standard). All animals were injected with a novel fibrin-specific probe
68
Ga-CM246 followed by positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging 90 minutes later.
68
Ga-CM246 was quantified on the PET images using tissue-to-background (back muscle) ratios and standardized uptake value.

Results:

Both tissue-to-background (back muscle) ratios and standardized uptake value were significantly higher in the thrombotic versus nonthrombotic group (
P
<0.05). Ex vivo PET and autoradiography of the abdominal aorta correlated positively with in vivo PET measurements. Plaque disruption identified by
68
Ga-CM246 PET agreed with gross pathology assessment (85%). In ex vivo surgical specimens obtained from patients undergoing elective carotid endarterectomy (N=12),
68
Ga-CM246 showed significantly higher binding to carotid plaques compared to a D-cysteine nonbinding control probe.

Conclusions:

We demonstrated that molecular fibrin PET imaging using
68
Ga-CM246 could be a useful tool to diagnose experimental and clinical atherothrombosis. Based on our initial results using human carotid plaque specimens, in vivo molecular imaging studies are warranted to test
68
Ga-CM246 PET as a tool to stratify risk in atherosclerotic patients.
General Anesthesia Versus Conscious Sedation for Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zhang Liqun , Dinsmore Judith , Khan Usman , Leyon Joe , Ogungbemi Ayokunle , Trippier Sarah , Clarke Brian , Luong Chan , Campbell Rebecca , Clifton Andrew , Cluckie Gillian , Elwishi Mazen
Published: December 2021

Background

Retrospective studies suggested that general anesthesia (GA) for mechanical thrombectomy has worse outcomes compared with conscious sedation (CS). However, randomized single‐center trials suggested noninferiority of GA to CS. We investigated the impact of anesthesia techniques on thrombectomy, and hypothesized that the routine use of GA with a defined protocol would not adversely affect thrombectomy delivery or outcomes.

Methods

A total of 451 consecutive patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation ischemic stroke from 2016 to 2019 were identified from the local registry. Patients were divided into cohort A when both GA and CS were used, and cohort B (from October 2017) when GA became the default method. Favorable functional outcome was defined as modified Rankin scale of 0 to 2 at 3 months. Intraprocedural blood pressures were audited annually.

Results

In cohort A, compared with patients receiving CS, patients with GA had prolonged median arrival to arterial puncture time (26 versus 18 minutes;
P
<0.001) and comparable favorable functional outcome at 3 months (37.7% versus 45.1%;
P
=0.355). In cohort B, the median arrival to arterial puncture was reduced to 10 minutes, with comparable favorable functional outcome of 46.7%, and reduced mortality compared with cohort A (14.2% versus 22.7%;
P
=0.024). Yearly audits demonstrated good adherence to the protocol. Binary logistic regression analysis showed only old age (odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02–1.07 [
P
=0.003]), high National Institute of Health Stroke Scale at presentation (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.08–1.26 [
P
<0.001]), and poor collateral status (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.12–0.72 [
P
=0.008]) were independent factors predicting for poor prognosis, not GA (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.32–1.60 [
P
=0.408]).

Conclusions

Patients treated under GA for mechanical thrombectomy achieved comparable functional outcome at 3 months compared with those under CS. Through practice and a defined protocol, GA for mechanical thrombectomy can achieve sustainable good functional outcomes. Large clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Looted Libraries and Legitimation Policies: Ptolemy, the Library of al-Arawšī and the Translation Movement in Toledo
Authors: Bellver José
Published: December 2021

MS Tunis, Dār al-kutub al-waṭaniyya, 7116, is the only extant manuscript containing a complete copy of the Isḥāq/Ṯābit version of the Almagest. Paul Kunitzsch has underlined the close similarities between the marginal notes in the Tunis manuscript and those in Gerard of Cremona’s Latin translation of the Almagest, so that Kunitzsch has concluded that Gerard of Cremona had a manuscript close to the Tunis manuscript before him during the revision of his translation of the Almagest. A note in MS Tunis, Dār al-kutub al-waṭaniyya, 7116, points out that this manuscript was copied from a model owned by al-Arawšī, a bibliophile living in Valencia famous for the size of his library, a significant part of which was looted by al-Maʾmūn b. Ḏī l-Nūn and sent to Toledo, arguably shortly before Ṣāʿid al-Andalusī wrote his Ṭabaqāt al-umam. Based on MS Tunis, Dār al-kutub al-waṭaniyya, 7116, the present contribution explores the significance of al-Arawšī’s looted library as an important link between Umayyad Cordoba and Toledo. It also calls attention to the highly unusual paper of MS Tunis, Dār al-kutub al-waṭaniyya, 7116, made of woven fibers, maybe flax.
A Nineteenth-Century Blueprint for Recasting the Muslim Mindset in British India
Authors: Belmekki Belkacem
Published: December 2021

The reformist endeavour famously known as the Aligarh Movement, initiated by the prominent Muslim intellectual Sir Sayyid Aḥmad Ḫān in the wake of the fateful happenings of 1857, indisputably represents a significant modernist movement among Indian Muslims in nineteenth-century British India. Despite having a limited base among the community, given its elitist character, the role that this movement played in shaping the Muslims’ destiny during the twentieth century cannot be overstated. As a reformist project, this movement set as its main objective the remodelling of the Muslim mindset as well as the resuscitation of the hitherto moribund community to bring it back to the mainstream. In line with this intention, the reform-minded Sayyid Aḥmad put forward an elaborate three-pronged scheme. This article, therefore, seeks to shed light on the Aligarh’s ambitious programme which targeted every aspect of Muslim life, political, religious and socio-cultural.
Laitan: The Making of a Chan Cave Temple Site in Sichuan
Authors: Howard Angela F.
Published: December 2021

Laitan 淶灘 is a monumental site in Sichuan, built during the Song Dynasty (960–1279), located approximately 69 km northwest of present day Chongqing. It is the only site in China whose sculpture derives from a comprehensive records of Chan developments. A crowded gathering of famous Chan prelates and anonymous personages of all sizes animate the cave’s walls; they were inspired both by the early Chan phase in Sichuan and the subsequent Song outside Sichuan.
New and interesting species of Agaricomycetes from Panama
Authors: RESCHKE KAI , LOTZ-WINTER HERMINE , FISCHER CHRISTIAN W. , HOFMANN TINA A. , PIEPENBRING MEIKE
Published: December 2021

Panama forms part of the Central American biodiversity hotspot, one of the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world. While plants are relatively well studied in Panama, the documentation of fungal diversity is still in a pioneer phase. In this publication, four species of Agaricomycetes recently collected in Panama are described as new to science, two in Agaricales, namely Gliophorus roseus and Humidicutis roseorubra, a lichenised species in Cantharellales, called Multiclavula caput-serpentis, and a species in Gomphales, called Gloeocantharellus salmonicolor. These species are described and illustrated. Their phylogenetic affinities are discussed based on morphological characters and molecular phylogenies. Further six species of Agaricales, which have not been reported from Panama before, are presented as new records for the country, along with data on their morphology, ecology and taxonomy.
Taxonomic notes on Catasetum roseoalbum (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae): reaffirming Catasetum ciliatum as a synonym
Authors: BARBERENA FELIPE FAJARDO V. A.
Published: December 2021

N/A
A new synonym in Bulbostylis (Cyperaceae) from China
Authors: LI BANG-ZE , ZHANG SHU-REN
Published: December 2021

N/A
Dothidea kunmingensis, a novel asexual species of Dothideaceae on Jasminum nudiflorum (winter jasmine) from Southwestern China
Authors: GAO YING , MONKAI JUTAMART , GENTEKAKI ELENI , REN GUANG-CONG , WANASINGHE DHANUSHKA N. , XU JIAN-CHU , GUI HENG
Published: December 2021

During a survey of saprobic microfungi in Southwest China, a coelomycetous fungus was found on dead twigs of Jasminum nudiflorum in Kunming, Yunnan Province. Based on a detailed morphological characterization coupled with multi-locus phylogenetic analyses, the fungus was identified as a new species in the genus Dothidea. Phylogenetic analyses using a combined matrix consisting of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit rRNA (LSU), small subunit rRNA (SSU), beta tubulin (tub2) and translation elongation factor-1 alpha (tef1-α) confirmed its placement in Dothideaceae and revealed a sister relationship to Dothidea eucalypti. The new species is characterized by pycnidial conidiomata, ampulliform or doliiform conidiogenous cells as well as aseptate, subglobose to ovoid, hyaline to pale-brown conidia. Comprehensive descriptions and illustrations are provided. Morphological characteristics of asexual morph taxa in Dothideaceae are also summarized and discussed.
­Redescription of Panonychus caglei Mellott, 1968, with ontogenetic development (Acari: Tetranychidae)
Authors: NEGM MOHAMED W. , GOTOH TETSUO
Published: December 2021

A redescription of the adult stages of Panonychus caglei Mellott, 1968 (Acari: Tetranychidae), is presented based on new material collected from Japan, and type specimens (holotype and paratypes). Morphological differences in the setation of legs have been reported and measurements of taxonomic characters are added. We also have described the ontogenetic development of the juvenile stages. The ventral idiosomal chaetotaxy in larval stage lacks pregenital and genital setae which are added consecutively through development. The pregenital pair of setae appears in the protonymphs while the first pair of genital setae is firstly observed in the deutonymphal stage.
Morphological ontogeny of Neoseiulus zwoelferi (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: ZHANG BIN , MA MIN , FAN QING-HAI
Published: December 2021

The morphological ontogeny of Neoseiulus zwoelferi (Dosse, 1957) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) was studied based on specimens from a laboratory culture originally collected from the leaves of Xanthium sibiricum Patrin ex Widder (Asteraceae) in Taigu County, Shanxi province, China. All life stages including larva, protonymph, deutonymphal female and male, adult female and male were described and illustrated. The morphological characters of Neoseiulus species with both immature and adult stages are discussed. Neoseiulus subreticulatus (Wu, 1987) is considered a junior synonym of Neoseiulus zwoelferi (Dosse, 1957).
Cardioprotective Effects of HO-1-Loaded Collagen-Targeted Phase Change Nanoparticles on Cardiomyocytes Following Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Liu Shangjun , Duan Wentao , Zhou Xiangqun
Published: December 2021

Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of death worldwide. This study utilized collagen-targeted phase change material (PCM) nanoparticles (NPs) to co-encapsulate HO-1 and explored the efficacy of composite PCM NPs on cardiomyocyte progression and development of MI. In this
study, we enrolled 32 acute MI patients and 32 healthy participants, and ELISA assay was used to assess the content of creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB). Mice with MI received tail vein administration of HO-1-loaded PCM NPs, followed by RT-qPCR detection of expressions of hypoxia-reoxygenation
related genes (SpA, SpB, SpC, Occludin, KGF, and CK18). Patients with acute MI had a higher level of CK-MB. Treatment with HO-1-loaded collagen-targeted PCM NPs decreased expressions of SpA, SpB, SpC, Occludin, KGF, and CK18, facilitating repair of damaged tissues. Of note, NPs loaded with
siRNA HO-1 up-regulated the expression of these genes. Collagen-targeted PCM NPs carrying HO-1 effectively promoted the repair of myocardial cells and relieved MI through down-regulation of hypoxia-reoxygenation related genes, which may enhance prevention and treatment for acute MI.
Magnetic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Incorporated with miR-451 Suppress Development of Cervical Cancer and Enhance Radio Sensitization in Cervical Cancer
Authors: Ma Jingwen , Han Shuxia , Nian Yan , Li Hongmei , Yang Zhijuan
Published: December 2021

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies with high mortality, threatening female’s health and reducing their life quality. This study evaluated the synergistic effect of magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MMSNs), miR-451 on radio sensitivity
and cell apoptosis in CC. Magnetic mesoporous silica (Fe3O4/SiO2) nanoparticles were prepared and loaded with miR-451. Then the CC cells were treated with Fe3O4/SiO2 nanoparticles, miR-451-loaded Fe3O4/SiO2
nanoparticles (control group) and untreated (blank group). Cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay, while apoptosis and Hoechst were assessed by flow cytometry. As colony formation assay was conducted to evaluate cell sensitivity to radiotherapy, Western blot analysis detected the expression
of apoptosis- and radiosensitization-related genes. Iron oxide particles were present inside and outside the SiO2 channel with characteristic peaks for Fe and skeleton of silica. The miR-451-loaded Fe3O4/SiO2 nanoparticles had an obvious absorption
peak with drug loading rate and encapsulation rate reaching 6% and 91%. The release content of drugs increased with decreased pH. Of note, combined treatment with miR-451 and Fe3O4/SiO2 nanoparticles significantly decreased cancer cell proliferation and increased
apoptosis (34.36±2.31%), compared to control group and blank group. Furthermore, the levels of D0 (1.67), Dq (0.94), N (1.56), and SF2 (0.43) declined in the presence of miR-451-Fe3O4/SiO2 nanoparticles, accompanied with elevation of ATM and γ-H2AX
expression. Meanwhile, the treated CC cells had decreased expressions of DNA damage repair related genes ATM and γ-H2AX. MMSNs carrying miR-451 decreased cell proliferation activity and increased apoptosis and sensitized the CC cells to radiotherapy, to improve tissue repairing.
These findings may provide a novel insight into pathogenesis of CC.
Lightweight, Flexible and Hydrophobic Cotton Fiber/Silica Aerogel Composite by Freeze-Drying for Organic Solvent/Water Separation and Thermal Insulation
Authors: Huo Jian-Chun , Yang Hai-Xia , Ma Yuan , Bai Jie
Published: December 2021

Natural cotton fiber used for reinforcement is low-cost, environmentally friendly, good flexibility and easy to obtain. In this study, a new cotton fiber/silica aerogel composite was developed by sol–gel method via freezedrying. The obtained composite has excellent flexibility
and can be restored to its original state after bending for 180° without obvious cracks. After 20 cycles continuous compression, the total unrecoverable strain loss is only 20% under strain of 60%. The composite also shows very prominent hydrophobicity, and the contact angle with water
reaches 145 degrees. It has strong adsorption capacity for organic reagents and oil, with adsorption ratios of 500% and 600%, respectively. In addition, the composite has a low thermal conductivity of 0.038 W/(m·K) at room temperature. The obtained composite exhibits considerable promise
in oil-water separation and thermal insulation.
Application of Gold Nanoparticles in Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Targeted Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer
Authors: Wu Yuli , Song Junwei , Liu Shengcui , Wei Xianglei , Chen Weiwei
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to explore the application of super paramagnetic gold magnetic nanoparticles (Au-M-NPs) in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images for targeted diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The reducibility of ethylene glycol to ferric chloride (FeCl3) was
adopted to synthesize the Au-M-NPs by solvothermal method by taking acetic acid as the base source and trisodium citrate as the stabilizer. Besides, the synthesized Au-M-NPs were applied in the MRI images for targeted therapy of breast cancer. Patients from a blank group (group A), a control
group (group B), and an experimental group (group C) received the traditional clinical diagnosis treatment, MRI diagnosis, and Au-M-NPs targeted therapy with MRI in turn. The results showed that the prepared Au-M-NPs were featured with small particle size and good dispersibility, and were
monodispersive after surface modification. The intraoperative blood loss of patients from group A (115.3±9.33 mL) and group B (94.6±9.72 mL) was obviously higher than the loss of group C (68.4±8.7 mL) (P < 0.05). The drainage volume of patients from group B (162.4±12.3
mL) and group C (131.9±11.8 mL) decreased sharply after surgery compared with group A (193.7±11.8 mL), and that in group C was the lowest (P < 0.05). The proportion of local recurrence in patients from group B (12.3%) and group C (6.4%) dropped steeply in contrast to
the proportion of group A (13.2%) (P < 0.05). The proportion of tumor metastasis in patients from group B (11.2%) and group C (8.4%) was greatly lower than that of group A (14.8%) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the application of Au-M-NPs in the diagnosis and treatment of breast
cancer with MRI could effectively reduce the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative adverse reactions.
The Role of Oxymatrine in Regulating Hematopoietic Stem Cell (HSC) Mitochondrial Apoptosis and Improving Prognosis of Rats with Liver Cirrhosis Through AMP-Activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) Signal Pathway
Authors: Huang Xueqing , Wang Lizhou , Zhou Shi
Published: December 2021

Our study was aimed to study the mechanism of oxymatrine in regulating the Hematopoietic Stem Cell (HSC) mitochondrial apoptosis and improving prognosis of rats with liver cirrhosis through AMPK signal pathway. The HSC cells were cultivated and identified by IHC method. The inhibition
rates for active HSC cells by oxymatrine at several concentrations were as follows; 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 mg/mL, as detected by MTT method. The optimum interfered concentration was confirmed. The condition for apoptosis in HSC cells interfered with oxymatrine at 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/mL concentrations.
The variation of apoptosis in control group and model group was also observed through TEM. The active presentation of AMPK, PAMPK, Caspsase-3 and BCL-2 was detected with RT-PCR. The index of hepatic function in venous blood of rats’ eyeball was tested, and degree of hepatic fibrosis
in liver tissue homogenate was also tested. Expression of AMPK/PAMPK, Caspsase-3 and BCL-2 was detected with Western Blot assay. Results showed that, proliferative rate was elevated along with prolonged cultivation duration. The optimum drug interfered concentration was 0.5 mg/mL. The expression
of AMPK, PAMPK, Caspsase-3 and BCL-2 in model group was notably higher than in the control group. There was splitting decomposition in cell nucleus and cohesion in cytoplasm after HSC cells were disposed with oxymatrine. The expression of AMPK, Caspsase-3 and BCL-2 was prompted to induce generation
of mitochondrial apoptosis, and level of liver function and indicators of hepatic fibrosis were reduced effectively. The prognosis of rats with liver cirrhosis could then be improved.
Selective Apoptosis and Growth Impairment of Cancer Cells Induced by Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (hTERT) Targeting Artificial MicroRNA
Authors: Lin Hongjun , Xin Pengliang , Li Huangen , Tang Mingqing
Published: December 2021

Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is a promising cancer target, and amiRNA particle displays the siRNA’s specificity and miRNA’s safety, suggesting that cancers can be treated more effective and safely by hTERT targeting amiRNA particles. Hela,
NCI-H446, U2-OS and Huvec cells were transfected by hTERT targeting amiRNA particles. hTERT expression, telomerase activity and cell viability were evaluated by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot (WB), telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP)
assays, MTT method, transwell protocol, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) technologies, angiogenesis assay, and xenograft tumor models. Results: hTERT expression and telomerase activity in Hela and NCIH446 were significantly inhibited by amiRNA. Anti-proliferation and
pro-apoptosis effects were only observed in transfected Hela and NCI-H446 cells, but anti-migration and anti-angiogenesis effects were presented in transfected Huvec cells. More interestingly, low to 1.56 nM amiRNA can inhibit the proliferation of Hela cells by 80.99±5.24%. Conclusion:
amiRNA selectively and effectively impairs the growth, and assists the apoptosis of telomerase-positive cancer cells.
Wellbeing as Defined by Resident Physicians: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Slama Eliza M. , Batarseh Laith , Bryan Francesca , Roberts Andrew , Bokhari Faran , Cunningham Steven C. , Kowdley Gopal C.
Published: December 2021

The importance of resident wellbeing is increasingly recognized by the ACGME as essential. While prior studies have quantified wellbeing/burnout, few have defined wellbeing from the resident–physician perspective. A REDCap® survey was distributed to residents in various programs, responses were grouped by theme, and data analyzed via chi-square. From 19 institutions, 53/670 responded, from university (34.0%), community (30.2%), and community/university-affiliated (30.2%) programs, mostly surgical (84.9%), followed by medical (9.4%). Wellbeing was defined by mental and spiritual/religious health (33.8%), overall health (23.0%), free time/time management (23.0%), and job/salary satisfaction (18.9%). Proposed changes to traditional training included fewer hours and more schedule flexibility (38.2%), and increased/improved support/feedback (14.7%). Nearly half of the respondents perceived lacking education on career longevity. Wellbeing is paramount to the personal/professional development of residents. Data on resident-defined wellbeing are lacking. The improved understanding of wellbeing defined here can be used to improve residency training programs.
Standoff Detection of Oil and Powder Mixtures at 12 Meters Using a Tunable Quantum Cascade Laser-Based System with a Close Focus Telescope and Uncooled Infrared Detector
Authors: Carter J. Chance , Paul Phillip H. , Ottaway Joshua M. , Haugen Peter , Manuel Anastacia M.
Published: December 2021

We have designed and demonstrated a quantum cascade laser (QCL) based standoff system that utilizes an uncooled mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) detector with lock-in signal processing for chemical identification at a distance of 12.5 meters in indoor ambient light conditions. In the system, a tunable quad-QCL operating (1 MHz) in quasi-continuous wave mode between 8.45 and 10.03 μm (∼1182 to 1000 cm−1) serves as the active mid-infrared source for remotely interrogating mineral, powder, and thin film oil samples including powder mixtures (6, 12.5, 25, and 50%) of crystalline quartz (SiO2) in KBr. Light as reflected from a given sample is collected using a 10-inch (25.4 cm) Dall Kirkham telescope and coupled with ZnSe optics to an uncooled MCT detector. The mixture dependence of the highly transparent KBr and strongly absorbing quartz was found to fit a modified version of the Schatz reflectance model for compacted powder mixtures. All reflectance spectra reported are relative to an Au-coated diffuse reflector. A NIST traceable polystyrene standard reflector was also used to determine the QCL wavelength tuning range and calibration.
When Post-Incarcerated Individuals Return to High-Risk Neighborhoods: Staying Out of Trouble, Social Withdrawal, and Mental Health
Authors: Liu Lin , Visher Christy A. , O’Connell Daniel J. , Sun Dayu
Published: December 2021

Studies show that residents from urban, high-risk neighborhoods fair worse on multiple behavioral and health outcomes than their counterparts from more socially and economically advantaged neighborhoods. However, few research efforts have been devoted to examining how formerly incarcerated individuals’ concerns over neighborhood environment are associated with reentry outcomes. Using longitudinal data that captured the reentry experiences of individuals released from prison, the present study quantifies how returning citizens’ concerns over neighborhood environment predict their social withdrawal and mental health deterioration. Findings suggest that when respondents’ post-release family bonds, financial difficulty, drug use, and past mental health histories are all taken into account, their concerns over neighborhood environment exert a significant and positive effect on social withdrawal, depression, and hostility. Returning citizens who believe it is hard to stay out of trouble and prison in their neighborhoods tend to avoid social interactions with others and experience depression and increased hostility and vigilance. Implications for reentry programing and interventions are discussed.
To Keep the Law or to Repeal It: Views of Parliamentarians On the Call to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide in Ghana
Authors: Quarshie Emmanuel Nii-Boye , Oppong Asante Kwaku , Andoh-Arthur Johnny , Akotia Charity Sylvia , Osafo Joseph
Published: December 2021

We explored the views of members of parliament (MPs) in Ghana on the call to decriminalise attempted suicide. We applied reflexive thematic analysis to Parliamentary Hansards (2017–2020) on calls to decriminalise attempted suicide in Ghana. 11 MPs shared their stance for or against the call. We developed three major themes that entailed, often, opposing views: (1) deterrent effect of the law (against: the law punishes and deters to protect life; for: the law is insensitive and has ironic effects), (2) enforcement of the law (against: leave things as they are, the law is not enforced, anyway; for: crime is not self-inflicted) and (3) prioritisation of suicide prevention (against: focus on more pressing issues, but resource support systems; for: the law and legitimate support systems cannot co-exist). The findings indicate two needs: to extend suicide literacy to Ghanaian MPs, and to initiate a public/private member’s bill on attempted suicide decriminalisation.
Numerical approach for partial eigenstructure assignment problems in singular vibrating structure using active control
Authors: Yu Peizhao , Wang Chuang , Li Mengmeng
Published: December 2021

In the paper, the partial eigenstructure assignment problems are investigated using acceleration–velocity–displacement active control in a singular vibrating structure. The problems are transformed into solving matrix equations using the receptance matrix method. Iterative sequences are constructed, and the iterative feasibility is presented for solving the matrix equations. The partial eigenvectors of the closed-loop system are reassigned by imposing modal constraints. An algorithm is proposed to get numerical solutions of the derived matrix equations. The initial value condition is discussed to obtain the minimum norm solution of the partial eigenstructure assignment problems. The designed acceleration–velocity–displacement active control can solve the partial eigenstructure assignment problems depending only on original vibrating structure information. The proposed numerical algorithm can obtain the minimum norms of controller gain, which implies minimum energy consumption. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Pain assessment tools in paediatric palliative care: A systematic review of psychometric properties and recommendations for clinical practice
Authors: Chan Adrienne YL , Ge Mengqin , Harrop Emily , Johnson Margaret , Oulton Kate , Skene Simon S , Wong Ian CK , Jamieson Liz , Howard Richard F , Liossi Christina
Published: December 2021

Background:

Assessing pain in infants, children and young people with life-limiting conditions remains a challenge due to diverse patient conditions, types of pain and often a reduced ability or inability of patients to communicate verbally.

Aim:

To systematically identify pain assessment tools that are currently used in paediatric palliative care and examine their psychometric properties and feasibility and make recommendations for clinical practice.

Design:

A systematic literature review and evaluation of psychometric properties of pain assessment tools of original peer-reviewed research published from inception of data sources to April 2021.

Data sources:

PsycINFO via ProQuest, Web of Science Core, Medline via Ovid, EMBASE, BIOSIS and CINAHL were searched from inception to April 2021. Hand searches of reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews were performed.

Results:

From 1168 articles identified, 201 papers were selected for full-text assessment. Thirty-four articles met the eligibility criteria and we examined the psychometric properties of 22 pain assessment tools. Overall, the Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R) had high cross-cultural validity, construct validity (hypothesis testing) and responsiveness; while the Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry and Consolability (FLACC) scale and Paediatric Pain Profile (PPP) had high internal consistency, criterion validity, reliability and responsiveness. The number of studies per psychometric property of each pain assessment tool was limited and the methodological quality of included studies was low.

Conclusion:

Balancing aspects of feasibility and psychometric properties, the FPS-R is recommended for self-assessment, and the FLACC scale/FLACC Revised and PPP are the recommended observational tools in their respective age groups.
Facilitating family needs and support at the end of life in hospital: A descriptive study
Authors: Bloomer Melissa J , Poon Peter , Runacres Fiona , Hutchinson Alison M
Published: December 2021

Background:

Caring for family members of dying patients is a vital component of end-of-life care, yet family members’ needs at the end of life may be unmet.

Aim:

To explore hospital clinician assessment and facilitation of family needs and practices to support families at the end of life.

Design:

Descriptive study utilising a retrospective medical record audit.

Setting and Sample:

Undertaken in a large public hospital, the sample included 200 deceased patients from four specialities; general medicine ( n = 50), intensive care ( n = 50), inpatient palliative care ( n = 50) and aged rehabilitation ( n = 50). Data were analysed according to age; under 65-years and 65-years or over.

Results:

Deceased patients’ mean age was 75-years, 60% were Christian and Next-of-Kin were documented in 96% of cases. 79% spoke English, yet interpreters were used in only 6% of cases. Formal family meetings were held in 64% of cases. An assessment of family needs was undertaken in 52% of cases, and more likely for those under 65-years ( p = 0.027). Cultural/religious practices were supported/facilitated in only 6% of all cases. Specialist palliative care involvement was more likely for those aged 65-years or over ( p = 0.040) and social work involvement more likely for those under 65-years ( p = 0.002). Pastoral care and bereavement support was low across the whole sample.

Conclusions:

Prioritising family needs should be core to end-of-life care. Anticipation of death should trigger routine referral to support personnel/services to ensure practice is guided by family needs. More research is needed to evaluate how family needs assessment can inform end-of-life care, supported by policy.
Prevalence of grief disorders in bereaved families of cancer patients: A meta-analysis
Authors: Kustanti Christina Yeni , Chu Hsin , Kang Xiao Linda , Huang Tsai-Wei , Jen Hsiu-Ju , Liu Doresses , Shen Hsiao Shu-Tai , Chou Kuei-Ru
Published: December 2021

Background:

Cancer caregiving is a distressing experience and loss of a loved one can lead to intense grief and other adverse effects. However, the prevalence of grief disorders among families associated with cancer-related deaths remains unknown.

Aim:

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of grief disorders among families of patients with cancer to better inform clinicians, researchers, and policymakers.

Design:

Meta-analysis, PROSPERO number CRD42020209392.

Data sources:

The databases of CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Web of Science were comprehensively searched with no language restrictions. The quality of included studies was assessed with Hoy’s criteria.

Results:

Among the 3046 records screened, 19 studies were eligible for meta-analysis, with a total of 14,971 participants. The pooled prevalence rate of grief disorders was estimated at 14.2% (95% CI, 11.7%–16.7%), ranging from 7% to 39%. The prevalence was higher in females (10%; 95% CI, 8.2%–12.1%), those who are religious (9.55%; 95% CI, 8.97%–10.16%), spouses of the deceased (7.78%; 95% CI, 6.08%–9.69%), and families of patients with neurological cancers (6.4%; 95% CI, 0.10%–19.9%). Educational levels, study locations, diagnosis tools, time post-after loss, and study methods seemed not to affect the prevalence of grief disorders in families of patients with cancer.

Conclusions:

As the prevalence of grief disorders in cancer-related bereavement is substantial, therefore, support including palliative care is important to reduce the burden of caregiving. In addition, future studies are needed to identify and explore effective strategies that can help reduce the burden caused by grief disorders after the death of the patient.
Effect of Mo addition on microstructure, mechanical and machinability properties of Cr-PM steels
Authors: Erden Mehmet A , Akgün Mahir
Published: December 2021

In this work, it was investigated the effect of molybdenum (Mo) addition on machinability, mechanical properties, and microstructure of Cr steels produced by using powder metallurgy method. Tensile and hardness experiments were applied to define the mechanical properties of the produced Cr-PM steels. The machining experiments have been also performed without coolant on a CNC vertical machining center at three different cutting speeds (150, 210, and 270 m/min), two different feed rates (0.4 and 0.8 mm/tooth), and constant depth of cut (0.5 mm). The machinability of the alloys was evaluated in regard to surface roughness (Ra) and tool wear (Vb). The results indicated that that Cr-PM steel with 5% Mo addition by weight had the highest yield, tensile strength, and hardness, and the best surface quality was obtained in this sample in terms of surface roughness. However, according to Vb measurement results, the cutting performance of the cutting inserts wasnegative affected by MoC(N), CrC(N), and MoCrC(N) precipitates formed in the microstructure of PM steel.
Synthesis and characterization of spent alumina catalyst and grinding sludge reinforced aluminium-based composite material
Authors: Dwivedi Shashi Prakash , Maurya Manish , Saxena Ambuj , Sharma Shubham
Published: December 2021

In this investigation, an attempt has been made to use the waste material in the fabrication of aluminium-based composite material. Waste spent alumina catalyst (SAC) generated from oil refinery industries has been considered as primary reinforcement particle. Waste grinding sludge (GS) produced from iron forging industry was used as secondary reinforcement material in the preparation of composite. Further, chromium (Cr) has been added to SAC and grinding sludge (GS) reinforced aluminium-based composite material to prevent grain growth as well as to control the grain structure of composite material. Experimental results concluded that by adding 4.5% of GS and SAC with 1.5% Cr in aluminium alloy, mechanical properties such as hardness, compressive strength and tensile strength were significantly improved. Hardness compressive strength and tensile strength was increased by 40.06%, 7.24% and 18.86%, respectively, with respect to the aluminium alloy. However, the reduction in toughness was observed. SEM results depicted uniform distribution of SAC and GS particles in Al/4.5% SAC/4.5% GS/1.5% Cr composite. Thermal expansion behaviour and corrosion weight loss of composite have been also investigated to observe the influence of reinforcement in the aluminium alloy.