bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active Optical Signal Conditioning and Monitoring System
Authors: Chatterjee Kalipada , Sahu Subrat , Arumuru Venugopal , jha Rajan
Published: March 2022

An optical signal conditioning technique for dynamic modulation of signals and real-time monitoring of events is pivotal for developing various optical systems at micro/nano dimensions. The utilities of such technique include controllable signal enhancement and distinctive response towards external stimuli, with reconfigurable operational range. Here, we propose and demonstrate an optical technique based on the parallel integration of fiber modal interferometers for optical response enhancement and multi-signal monitoring. Overlap of the interferometers’ characteristic spectra facilitates controllable signal filtering, attenuation, and amplification of interferometer’s response towards dynamic field over wide frequency range of 1 Hz – 1 kHz. Signal to noise ratio (SNR) enhancement of 9 dB is achieved by applying 1 volt about the reference interferometer. The system enables real-time modulation of optical signals and multipoint signal monitoring using machine learning for various applications such as mechanical vibrations, acoustic fields, biological samples, fluid movement, and other similar dynamic fields.
Complex congenital coronary artery malformations: A case report
Authors: Cai Mei-lian , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2022

Background: Congenital type R-I left coronary artery (LCA) absence, combined with myocardial bridge (MB) over the right coronary artery, is a rare congenital coronary artery malformation, and may have fatal consequences.Patient: A 52-year-old man presented with chest pain for 3 days and 2 hours. The patient was advised for admission. He underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA) examination of the coronary artery to screen for coronary artery disease (CAD).Results: The coronary artery CTA showed the absence of LCA and the MB was confined to the second right ventricular branch. Coronary angiography (CAG) examination confirmed congenital absence of LCA combined with MB over the right coronary artery and 20% stenosis in the right coronary artery. Treatment was given according to the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD). After 3 days of treatment, the symptoms of chest pain did not recur,and the electrocardiogram (ECG) was normal.Conclusion: If the patient has ischemia changes in ECG but no detectable changes in myocardial enzymes, myoglobin and serum troponin T, a coronary artery computed tomography angiography (CTA) examination can be utilized to screen for single coronary malformations and other varieties of cardiovascular malformation. CAG can be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Serum IGF-1 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Correlation with disease activity
Authors: Hanna Lee , Sun Suh Young , Sang-Il Lee , Yun-Hong Cheon , Mingyo Kim , Sook Noh Hae , Hyun-Ok Kim
Published: March 2022

Objective: Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 participates in modulating immunity and inflammation. Its bioactivity is controlled by six IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP-1 to IGFBP-6). In particular, the IGFBP-3 level is reportedly linked to the disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), consistent with our previous study. Therefore, the present study aimed to reproduce the previous results.Results: The serum IGFBP-3 level was not significantly different among the three groups according to disease activity based on the DAS28-ESR/CRP (p > 0.05) but was significantly different between the low- and high-disease-activity groups based on the DAS28-CRP (p = 0.036). Meanwhile, the interleukin-6 (IL-6) level moderately correlated with DAS28-CRP (Spearman’s rho = 0.583, p < 0.001).
How to make cancer patients have less pain during subcutaneous implantable venous access devices insertion: the effect of buffered lidocaine.
Authors: belaid Imtinene , Kahloul Mohamed , Ferhi Fahmi , Jebali Chawki , Khouaja Hosni , Hafsa Alaa , Tarmiz Khalil , Ahmed Slim Ben , Benjazia Khaled
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Subcutaneous implantable venous access devices are of great importance for the administration of chemotherapy in cancer patients. They are routinely implanted under local anesthesia. However, patients complain of pain during the injection of local anesthesia. Alleviating pain for cancer patients is of high importance. Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate-buffered lidocaine with epinephrine on reducing pain and patients’ satisfaction during subcutaneous implantable venous access devices insertion.Methods: A prospective double-blind study was conducted over a period of 6 months (January 2017 to June 2017) in a department of anesthesiology in Tunisia. Cancer patients were randomized to receive either buffered (PH= 7.33) or plane lidocaine (PH= 3.50). Pain and satisfaction were evaluated on a VAS score (0-100 mm). Results: One hundred twenty patients were enrolled in this study with sixty patients in each group. Mean pain scores during local anesthesia infiltration were 15.7 ± 7.6 mm vs.46.9 ± 12.3 mm respectively in the study and control group (p<0.001). Mean VAS satisfaction was 95.75±8 mm in the intervention group and 70.2±20.1 mm in the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Adjusting the pH of anesthetic agents could minimize pain during PortACath insertion and improve satisfaction of cancer patients.
Efficacy and safety of pomalidomide and low-dose dexamethasone in Chinese patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: a multicenter, prospective, single-arm, phase 2 trial
Authors: Lu Jin , Fu Wei-Jun , Wang Ya-Fei , Zhao Hong-Guo , Niu Ting , Fang Bai-Jun , Liao Ai-Jun , Bai Hai
Published: March 2022

Background: Pomalidomide in combination with dexamethasone has demonstrated positive results in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), but no data are available in China. We conducted a multicenter, single-arm trial to examine the efficacy and safety of a generic pomalidomide in combination with low-dose dexamethasone in Chinese RRMM patients. Methods: Adult (≥18 years of age) RRMM patients who progressed after at least two previous treatments, including bortezomib and lenalidomide, were eligible. Pomalidomide was given orally at 4 mg/day on days 1 to 21 of the 28-day cycle. Dexamethasone was given at 40 mg/day (either orally or intravenously; 20 mg/day at 75 years or older) on days 1, 8, 15, and 22 of each cycle. Treatment continued until disease progression or intolerable adverse events (AEs). The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Results: A total of 74 patients were enrolled between February 2017 and February 2019. All patients had progressed within 60 days of their last therapy. 74.3% of the patients were resistant to lenalidomide, 31.1% had renal injury and 33.8% had high-risk cytogenetic RRMM. The median follow-up was 33.0 months (range, 31.1-34.8). The ORR was 37.8% in the overall analysis, 32.7% in lenalidomide-refractory patients, 36.0% in high cytogenetic risk patients and 34.8% in RRMM patients with renal impairment. The median progression-free survival was 5.7 months (95%CI 3.7, 8.8) . The median overall survival was 24.3 months (95%CI 14.4, 41.1) . The most common grade 3 and 4 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were neutropenia (63.5%), leukopenia (37.8%), thrombocytopenia (28.4%), and anemia (31.1%). Pulmonary infection (27.0%) was the most frequent grade 3 and 4 nonhematologic TEAE. No previously unreported AEs were observed. No venous thromboembolism was reported.Conclusions: Pomalidomide in combination with low-dose dexamethasone is effective and safe in Chinese RRMM patients.Trial registration: The study is registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) (ChiCTR-OIC-17013234, first registered on 03/11/2017).
Studying the Formation of Choline Chloride and Glucose Based Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent at the Molecular Level
Authors: Aldongarov Anuar , Sailau Zhassulan , Almassov Nurlan , Toshtay Kainaubek
Published: March 2022

In our work, we have studied the formation of choline chloride based NADESs using DFT calculations, and all-atom classical Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. In our DFT calculations, the ground state geometry optimizations were performed in the gas phase using DFT B3LYP 6-31+G(d) level of theory. Moreover, all-atom classical Molecular Dynamics simulations were implemented using Gromos force field. The DFT calculation results revealed the formation of NADESs via formation (creation) of binding between chlorine and choline, and chlorine and glucose. Next, the results of all-atom classical Molecular Dynamics simulations, based on the time average of the equilibrated production run of MD simulations, stated that the nitrogen atom of choline ion, and chloride ion have greater interactions, while chloride ion have also greater interaction with glucose during formation of NADES.
Metabolomics Analysis of the Effects of Chelerythrine on Ustilaginoidea virens
Authors: Wei Qinghui , Song Weifeng , Li Zhiyong , Pan Yaqing , Zhai Xihai , Li Baoying , Jiao Zhanli
Published: March 2022

Background: Rice false smut (RFS), caused by Ustilaginoidea virens, is widely distributed in major rice-producing regions. Previous studies showed that treating RFS with chelerythrine can decrease fungus spore germination by 86.7% and induce fungal cell apoptosis. Result: In the present study, the effects of chelerythrine on the metabolism of U. virens were explored using metabolomics, and analysing differentially expressed genes and altered metabolic pathways. A total of 1153 features (740 in positive ion mode, 401 upregulated, 339 downregulated; 413 in negative ionisation mode, 190 upregulated, 223 downregulated). The top 15 metabolites in Random Forest analysis were significantly different between groups. In positive ion mode, purine metabolism (map00230), phenylalanine metabolism (map00360), phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis (map00400), pyrimidine metabolism (map00240) and nitrogen metabolism (map00910) were dominant. Alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism (map00250) and phenylalanine metabolism (map00360) were enriched in negative ion mode. Conclusion: Differentially expressed genes and altered metabolic pathways of U. virens were effected by chelerythrine. The findings support future research on the prevention and treatment of RFS by chelerythrine, and provide a theoretical basis for targeted drug delivery.
Biomass composting combined with dicyandiamide influence greenhouse gas emission and microbial community in rice paddy
Authors: Lantian Ren , Thertully Clevie , Wang Yachun , Huang Xingchen , Min Hongzhi , Zou Yuning , Hao Bing , Ren Lantian , Qiao Cece
Published: March 2022

Characterizing the rhizosphere microbial community composition associated with enhanced crop yield and (or) greenhouse gases is an important first step towards understanding the role of the microbiota in rice paddies. This research aimed to decipher the influence of straw tea composting product combined with dicyandiamide amendment on greenhouse gas emission and microbial community in rice paddies.The results indicated that amendment of biological nitrification inhibitors can mitigate gas emissions and significantly increase rice yield by 41.70%, and improve the growth and development of the root system. Furthermore, composting product can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and bionitrification inhibitor combined with straw compost tea can effectively increase the growth and development of rice, the number of panicles, which are respectively 9.75% and 18.34%. However, the biological nitrification inhibitor impacted the communities of nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Proteobacteria), bacteria capable of eliminating nitrogen (Nitrospirae) as well as Verrucomicrobia known to be one of the most common and diverse phyla in soil habitats. As with bacteria, a distinct community structure and distribution patterns for archaea were observed in soils; however, the abundance, richness, regularity and diversity of archaea communities were significantly less in the different samples. In addition, biological nitrification inhibitors have had an impact in Euryarchaeota, responsible for the elimination of methane.
The Frequency of Positive Cases of Fecal Calprotectin, and Related Factors in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Fatemi Alireza , Zahedpasha Reza , Hedayatmofidi Hale , Abdolahi Nafiseh , Hadi Gharib , Livani Somayeh , Aghaie Mehrdad
Published: March 2022

Background and aim: SSc (Systemic sclerosis) is a systemic inflammatory heterogeneous disease, characterized by fibrosis of skin and internal organs particularly the gastrointestinal tract by affecting any part of it. Calprotectin is a calcium- and zinc-binding protein and its level increases during an inflammatory process in the presence of neutrophils, measurable in plasma, urine, saliva, and feces. FC (Fecal calprotectin) is a non-invasive and repeatable marker for the diagnosis of intestinal inflammation and unlike other inflammatory markers, the FC level is not affected by other sources of inflammation other than intestines. The quality of life in SSc patients is severely affected by gastrointestinal disorders. So, we decided to examine FC as a simple and accessible method with no complication to diagnose gastrointestinal disorders and the extent of disease activity.Materials and methods: Totally 46 patients with SSc were invited to include in our study. Seven patients did not enter our study because of having the items in exclusion criteria. For the remaining 39 patients, a questionnaire about gastrointestinal disorders symptoms (UCLA SCTS 2.0) was filled in and then their skin was examined and the skin score was determined. Stool samples were collected to measure the calprotectin level. Barium Swallow and CT Enterography was done to determine gastrointestinal disorders. FC level wasn’t less than 50µgr/gr in any of our cases, therefore the patients was divided into two groups: the one with FC level less than 200 µgr/gr and the one with FC level as 200 µgr/gr or more than 200 µgr/gr and the latter was considered as positive. Chi-Square test was used and to determine the correlation between FC level and age, disease type, qualitative findings in radiography and quantitative variables like skin score.Results: The correlation between FC level and sex was not verifiable cause all patients were female. Increased levels of FC didn’t have any correlation with age (P Value=0.79), disease type (P Value=0.59), skin score (P Value=0.25), final GI score (P Value=0.30), esophageal dilatation (P Value=0.18), small intestine wall thickening (P Value=0.10), and none of serum tests. Also, no signs of micronutrient deficiencies related to FC level was found due to vitamin and mineral supplements consumption in most of our patients.Discussion and Conclusion: Although there was no statistical correlation between FC level and variables, but the results are in favor of FC specificity to assess intestinal wall thickness, which due to the small sample size requires to be assessed in future researchers’ study with a larger sample size.The main cause of the lack of statistical significance in the relationships of our study can be the low sample size. Therefore, it is recommended that in future researchers’ study with a larger sample size.
New Correlation for the CHTC of Building Surface Using Wind-Tunnel Measurement and Numerical Analysis
Authors: Fakhim Hamed Agabalaei , Zamzamian Kamiar , Hanifi Masoud
Published: March 2022

This paper has been attempted to present a relation for CHTC based on effective parameters using numerical modeling and simulations, laboratory work, and mathematical analysis. Firstly, the experimental model in numerical analysis software was simulated and the results were compared with laboratory results. The influence of different parameters such as wind speed, wind angle, temperature difference, and roughness height on the CHTC of the top and windward faces of the building were investigated. Comparison of the effect of the parameters showed that for both the front and top of the cubic plane, the wind velocity and temperature difference had the highest and lowest effects on the upper and front faces, respectively. It was also found that in the front face, the angle effect was greater than the roughness, whereas in the upper face the roughness height had more influence on the CHTC. Finally, for the obtained results and considering the amount, two relational methods have been derived to calculate CHTC for the top and front face. Also, using the analyzed results, the neural network design was performed. it was found that using this neural network, the CHTC of building surfaces can be calculated with high accuracy.
Adaptive Amino Acid Substitutions Enhance the Virulence of a Novel Swine-Origin Canine H1N1 Influenza Virus in Mice
Authors: Zeng Hao , He Jianqiao , Zhu Min , Liu Linlin , Guo Jinfan , Guo Jianing , Zhou Huabo , Wei Zuzhang , Ouyang Kang , Huang Weijian , Chen Ying
Published: March 2022

Swine-origin H1N1 influenza virus caused an outbreak in human in 2009 (H1N1/pdm09). We isolated several novel reassortant influenza A viruses bearing the H1N1/pdm09 segments (PB2, PB1, PA and NP) from dogs, which showed high similarity with H1N1 swine influenza virus in the previous study. To understand the molecular basis of swine-origin H1N1 reassortant canine influenza virus adaptation to new host species, the mouse-adapted variants of H1N1 canine virus were obtained by serial lung-to-lung passages in BALB/c mice. After thirteen passages, the virus significantly enhanced replication in MDCK cells and became lethal to mice. Six adaptive mutations mapped to two in the ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex (PB2-E578D, PA-T97I), two in hemagglutinin (HA-N198D and A227E), two in the non-structural protein 1 and nuclear export protein (NS1-A53D and NEP-R42K), indicating that they may contribute to the increased virulence and replication. The results provided valuable insights into how the swine-origin influenza virus adapt to a new host that deserves more attentions.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Infusion Reactions in Breast Cancer Patients Administered Pertuzumab Combination Chemotherapy
Authors: Tabuchi Yusuke , Tsujimoto Masayuki , Yamamoto Kosuke , Kosaka Tadashi , Sakaguchi Koichi , Dobuchi Naoya , Nishiguchi Kohshi , Shikata Keisuke
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Pertuzumab (Per) is a humanized monoclonal antibody used in combination with trastuzumab (Tra) in the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. The administration of biologics, such as Tra and Per, frequently causes infusion reactions (IRs) with fever and chills. The purpose of this study was to clarify the characteristics of and risk factors for IRs in Tra+Per combination therapy.Methods: Between March 2013 and December 2019, 65 breast cancer patients who started Tra+Per combination therapy and 106 breast cancer patients who started Tra therapy alone were included in the study. The severity of IRs was graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0.Results: The incidence of IRs in the Tra+Per group was 47.7% (31/65) and was significantly higher than that in the Tra alone group (18.9%, 20/106), with a risk ratio of 2.53 (p < 0.001). The severity of IRs in the Tra+Per group (Grade 1, 9 patients; Grade 2, 22 patients) was significantly higher than that in the Tra alone group (grade 1, 16 patients; grade 2, 4 patients) (p < 0.001). Lymphocyte counts were significantly different between the IR and non-IR groups in patients receiving Tra+Per combination therapy (univariate analysis, p = 0.005; multivariate analysis, p = 0.029).Conclusion: Our study indicates that the concomitant use of Per increases the risk of IRs caused by Tra, and the risk of IRs is higher in patients with higher lymphocyte counts.
A Reconfigurable Smart Antenna Beamforming Architecture for Secure Localization Applications
Authors: Biswas Rathindra Nath , Saha Anurup , Mitra Swarup Kumar , Naskar Mrinal Kanti
Published: March 2022

Beamforming of an adaptive array antenna often becomes effective for the precise localization of nodes in wireless sensor networks. In an erratic channel, a link with possibly a narrower beamwidth is always suitable for sending data to target nodes. It can also cancel interference from other nearby nodes while steering deep nulls and keeping the lower sidelobe level in the pattern. This paper presents a custom design for such a beamforming network on a reconfigurable architecture. It includes all the desired attributes of the beam on a reference template characterized by the parabolic function. It also considers a linear array with non-uniform element excitations. Using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, the weight vector containing the excitations of the array elements is iteratively optimized. It is then implemented adopting the concept of the Finite State Machine with Datapath (FSMD) model and using appropriate COordinate Rotation DIgital Computer (CORDIC) blocks. Its performance is tested on a dedicated Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) board with multiple fixed-point hardware-level simulations for beamforming accuracy and computational overhead. The results corroborate its competence comparable to existing systems.
The Transcription Factor LaMYC4 From Lavender Regulates Terpenoid Biosynthesis
Authors: Dong Yanmei , Zhang Wenying , Li Jingrui , Wang Di , Bai Hongtong , Li Hui , Shi Lei
Published: March 2022

Background
The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors (TFs), as one of the largest families of TFs, are important regulators of plant terpenoid biosynthesis and response to stresses. Lavender has more than 75 volatile terpenoids, yet few TFs have been identifified to be involved in the terpenoid biosynthesis.
Results
Based on RNA-Seq, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and transgenic technology, this study characterized the stress-responsive transcription factor LaMYC4 regulates terpenoid biosynthesis. Treatment with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) increased volatile terpenoid emission, and the differentially expressed gene LaMYC4 was isolated. LaMYC4 expression level was higher in leaves than in other tissues. The expression of LaMYC4 decreased during flower development. The promoter of LaMYC4 contained hormone and stress-responsive regulatory elements and was responsive to various treatments, including UV, MeJA treatment, drought, low temperature, Pseudomonas syringae infection, and NaCl treatment. LaMYC4 overexpression increased the levels of sesquiterpenes, including caryophyllenes, in Arabidopsis and tobacco plants. Furthermore, the expression of key node genes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis and glandular trichome number and size increased in transgenic tobacco.
Conclusions
we have shown that the stress-responsive MYC TF LaMYC4 from ‘Jingxun 2’ lavender regulates terpenoid synthesis. This study is the first to describe the cloning of LaMYC4, and the results help understand the role of LaMYC4 in terpenoid biosynthesis.
One-step synthesis of rod-on-plate like 1D/2D-NiMoO4/BiOI nanocomposite for an efficient visible light driven photocatalyst for pollutant degradation
Authors: Bavani Thirugnanam , Vinesh Vasudevan , Neppolian Bernaurdshaw , Murugesan Sepperumal , Selvaraj Manickam , Madhavan Jagannathan
Published: March 2022

A visible light driven 1D/2D-NiMoO4/BiOI nanocomposite photocatalyst was constructed by single step solvothermal method. Here, various composition of NiMoO4/BiOI nanocomposites were prepared by loading different amounts of NiMoO4 (1, 2, 3 wt %) to the BiOI. Among the as-prepared photocatalysts, 1 wt % of NiMoO4 on BiOI (NMBI-1) showed superior photocatalytic activity (92.7 %) under visible light irradiation. On analysis, the optimized NMBI-1 exhibited a lower bandgap energy value of 1.64 eV and also found to show around 2 and 3.7-times higher degradation ability for the removal of MB than the pure NiMoO4 and BiOI respectively. In addition, the optimized NMBI-1 nanocomposite photocatalyst exhibited excellent photostability and recyclability properties. The charge carriers on the interface of the NiMoO4 and BiOI enabled the easy transfer via the newly formed heterojunction, thereby increasing the photocatalytic performance. Additionally, the radical scavengers such as h+ and .OH were found to be the major species in the removal of MB under visible light illumination. Therefore, the 1D/2D-NiMoO4/BiOI nanocomposite photocatalyst materials could possibly be considered for the wastewater remediation processes.
Potential anti-inflammatory effects of Pingyin Rose Essential Oil on Lipopolysaccharide-induced HaCaT Cells
Authors: Song Jingyi , Raka Rifat Nowshin , Yuan Yue , Park Suyeon , Wang Juan , Liu Fei , Wu Hua , Xiao Junsong , Huang Mingquan , Yang Suzhen
Published: March 2022

Background: Skin is the primary defense to human body from external exposure of harmful stimulation. Excessive and improper immune-regulation could cause chronic inflammation resulting in different skin diseases. Pingyin Rose is a well-known component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) because of its wide range of bioactivities and so do PREO.Aim: The present work aims to characterize the Pingyin rose essential oil (PREO) composition, investigate the beneficial effects of PREO on the skin inflammation in vitro and determine ligands for OR2AT4 in silico from PREO components.Materials and Methods: PREO was quantified by GC-MS and molecular docking was performed for OR2AT4 with top two components. HaCaT cells were induced with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to study downregulation of oxidative stress and inflammation through NF-κB signaling. Result and Discussion: According to our results, Citronellal (54.28%) and geraniol (9.26%) are the principal compounds of PREO and both deemed to be potential ligand for OR2AT4. PREO could significantly reduce the expression of the TLR4-NF-κB pathway in LPS-induced HaCaT cells. PREO could also prevent LPS-mediated oxidative stress, including the increase of SOD and MDA, decrease of mRNA expression for inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and several genes involved in TLR4 pathway, that is also an evident for PREO as potential anti-inflammatory therapeutic. PREO also inhibits NF-κB p65 and IκB-α protein phosphorylation. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that PREO could decrease inflammatory protein expressions, possibly functioning with the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines via downregulating NF-κB pathway. PREO component can interact with OR2AT4 and paly roles in other physiological activities.
Efficiency and mechanism of phosphorus removal by iron-organic matter associations in peatland
Authors: Yang weilin , Xiang Wu , Bao Zhengyu , Huang Chunlei , Ma Ming , Lu Xinzhe , Yao Lingyang , Wang Yong
Published: March 2022

This study was carried out to evaluate the efficiency and mechanism of P removal by different types of Fe-OM associations in peatlands. Humic substance (HS) and particulate organic matter (POM) were isolated from peat soils, and different types of iron-organic matter associations (Fe-HS and Fe-POM) were prepared. In addition, the natural combination of Fe3+ with peat was simulated. Then, isothermal adsorption experiments were carried out on the synthesized Fe-OM and iron-contained peat soils. All the adsorption data can be well fitted by the Langmuir adsorption model. The theoretical maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) of Fe-HS associations can reach 36.90 mg/g, which is approximately two times higher than that of ferrihydrite (19.23 mg/g) and ten times higher than that of hematite (3.26 mg/g) and goethite (2.08 mg/g). The adsorption capacities of peat soils and POM were significantly enhanced by combinations with exogenous Fe3+. The Qmax of the original peat and iron-contained peat were 2.83 mg/g and 7.36 mg/g, respectively, and those of the original POM and Fe-POM association were 4.31 mg/g and 5.89 mg/g, respectively. The contribution of Fe-OM associations to phosphorus removal in peatlands is much higher than that of inorganic iron oxide. In addition, exogenous Fe3+ could also participate in other phosphorus removal processes.
Serum creatinine / cystatin C ratio is a surrogate marker for sarcopenia in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Fujita Kohei , Ohkubo Hirotsugu , Nakano Akiko , Takeda Norihisa , Fukumitsu Kensuke , Fukuda Satoshi , Kanemitsu Yoshihiro , Uemura Takehiro , Tajiri Tomoko , Maeno Ken , Ito Yutaka , Oguri Tetsuya , Ozawa Yoshiyuki , Murase Takayuki , Niimi Akio
Published: March 2022

Background
The serum creatinine / cystatin C (Cr/CysC) ratio has attracted attention as a marker for sarcopenia, but has not been studied in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This study aimed to confirm the utility of the serum Cr/CysC ratio in predicting sarcopenia and to investigate its clinical relevance.
Methods
This cross-sectional pilot study prospectively enrolled patients with stable IPF. IPF was diagnosed through multidisciplinary discussions according to the 2018 international guidelines, and sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the 2019 consensus report of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were evaluated using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test (CAT), and King’s Brief Interstitial Lung Disease (K-BILD) questionnaire. The associations between serum Cr/CysC ratio and the presence of sarcopenia and other clinical parameters, including PROs scores, were examined.
Results
A total of 49 Japanese patients with IPF with a mean age of 73.0 ± 7.7 years and a percent predicted forced vital capacity of 80.4 ± 15.5%, were enrolled. Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 18 patients (36.7%), and the serum Cre/CysC ratio was 0.86 [0.76–0.94] (median [interquartile range]). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses for detection of sarcopenia according to the serum Cr/CysC showed that the area under the curve, optimal cutoff value, specificity, and sensitivity were 0.85, 0.88, 0.65, and 0.94, respectively. Sarcopenia was identified in 13% of patients with a high serum Cr/CysC ratio (≥ 0.88) and 60% with a low serum Cr/CysC ratio (< 0.88) (P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the serum Cr/CysC ratio was an independent predictive marker of worse PROs evaluated using mMRC (P < 0.05), CAT (P < 0.05), and K-BILD (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
This study showed that the serum Cr/CysC ratio can be used as a surrogate marker of sarcopenia in patients with IPF. Furthermore, it is important to pay attention to the serum Cr/CysC ratio because a lower serum Cr/CysC ratio is associated with worse PROs.
Design of an untethered magbot: mimicking fruit fly larvae using magnetothermal actuation
Authors: Ding Jianning , Xu Lin , Liu Siyuan , Wagner Robert , He Qingrui , Zou Xiang , Fu Yu , Shi Xingling , Zhao Dongliang , Vernerey Franck
Published: March 2022

Soft, worm-like robots show promise in complex and constrained environments due to their robust, yet simple movement patterns. Although many such robots have been developed, they either rely on tethered power supplies and complex designs or cannot move external loads. To address these issues, we here introduce a novel “magbot” that utilizes temperature-sensitive actuation and surface pattern-induced anisotropic friction to achieve peristaltic locomotion inspired by fly larvae. This simple, untethered design can carry cargo that weighs up to three times its own weight with only a 17% reduction in speed over unloaded conditions thereby demonstrating, for the first time, how soft, untethered robots may be used to carry loads in controlled environments. Given their small scale and low cost, we expect that these magbots may be used in remote, confined spaces for small objects handling or as components in more complex designs.
Nanocrystalline Cellulose Based on Chitosan Hydrogel Structure as a Biological Adsorbent for Effluent of Fish Culture Farms
Authors: Darabitabar Fatemeh , yavari vahid , Hedayati Aliakbar , Zakeri Mohammad , Yousefi Hossein
Published: March 2022

Natural hydrogels have replaced synthetic hydrogels due to their properties such as long life, high water absorption capacity, high strength and resistance. Recently, hydrogels have been defined as two- or multi-component systems consisting of three-dimensional networks of polymer chains that fill the space between macromolecules, and the efficiency of their water absorption depends on the polymeric nature and density of the polymer network connections. Due to climate change and frequent droughts, supply of fresh water has become one of the major barriers of sustainable aquaculture development in Iran. Therefore, wastewater treatment and reuse can be a suitable solution to meet the water requirement of expanding aquaculture industry. The purpose of the present study is to assess the efficiency of a new hydrogel prepared from agricultural waste (bagasse) in removal of nitrogen and phosphate compounds from the effluent of fish farms. First, the hydrogel was prepared during the polymerization process and then, in order to determine the optimal adsorption, it was tested in a discontinuous system by performing adsorption isotherm calculations. In cellulose/chitosan nanocrystalline hydrogel nanosorbent, the removal rates for nitrate, nitrite and phosphate were 84.3, 86 and 90.9%, respectively. Optimal adsorption were determined at acidity 6, time 30 minutes, temperature 40 ° C, concentration 100 mg / l and adsorbent weight 0.5 g. Comparison of adsorption isotherm models showed more conformity with Freundlich and Tamkin absorption models with correlation coefficients of 0.99 and 0.97 for nitrate, 0.98 and 0.91 for nitrite and 0.99 and 0.93 for phosphate, respectively.
Postoperative Complications following Lumpectomy and Mastectomy in Women with Pregnancy Associated Breast Cancer
Authors: Chichura Anna , ElSherif Ayat , Yao Meng , Kollikonda Swapna , Risal Djohan , Valente Stephanie , AlHilli Zahraa
Published: March 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to delineate postoperative complications following lumpectomy and mastectomy in women with pregnancy associated breast cancer (PABC).Methods: This is a single institution retrospective study of 74 patients with PABC treated with lumpectomy (n=28) or mastectomy (n=46). Patient demographics, presentation, tumor characteristics, staging, genetic testing, and postoperative complications were recorded. Results: PABC was diagnosed in 74 patients; 28 (37.8%) were diagnosed with PABC during pregnancy (PABC-P) and 46 patients (62.2%) were diagnosed with postpartum PABC within the first 12 months after delivery (PABC-PP). The overall clinical stage distribution at diagnosis was: Stage 0, 6.9%; I, 18.1%; II, 47.2%; III, 22.2%; and IV, 5.6%, with no significant difference between PABC-P and PABC-PP (p=0.18). There was no significant difference in the rate of lumpectomy (25.0% vs 23.9%, p=0.92), mastectomy (75.0% vs 76.1%, p=0.92), sentinel lymph node biopsy (39.3% vs 52.2%, p=0.28), axillary dissection (14.3% vs 4.3%, p=0.19), or rate of immediate reconstruction (42.9% vs 65.7%, p = 0.094) performed in patients with PABC-P and PABC-PP, respectively. Contralateral prophylactic surgery was performed in 43.2% of patients (39.3% PABC-P vs 47.5% PABC-PP, p=0.59). Most (79.9%) patients did not experience any postoperative complications, regardless of whether they underwent lumpectomy or mastectomy (83.3% vs 78.6%, p=0.99) or if they had PABC-P or PABC-PP (89.3% vs 73.9%, p=0.11). There was a statistically significant difference in the rate of complications between PABC-P patients undergoing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (n=0/9, 0%) as compared to the PABC-PP patients (n=9, 39%; p=0.035). Seroma was the most commonly observed complication after both lumpectomy and mastectomy (n=3 vs n=5, p=0.39). Conclusions: There was no increased risk of postoperative complications in women with PABC treated with lumpectomy as compared to mastectomy. There is an increased risk of postoperative complications in patients with PABC-PP treated with mastectomy and immediate reconstruction.
Fast and efficient Pre-Trip health examination using pulsogram
Authors: Dzyuba Evgeny , Shlipakov Sergey , Gutor Ekaterina , Zhidkova Elena , Gurevich Marina , Rudnikova Natalia , Pankova Vera , Vilk Mikhail , Gurevich Konstantin , Zaborova Victoria , Drapkina Oksana
Published: March 2022

Relevance: The train drivers are responsible for the safety of transported people and goods. Therefore, medical monitoring of their state of health is an integral part of ensuring the safety of railway traffic.Purpose: to study the possibilities of using a pulsogram for analyzing the parameters of heart rate variability during pre-trip health examination of members of train crews.Materials and methods: 183 male train crew members (106 engine train drivers, 77 train drivers’ assistants) were examined; the average age was 37.7 ± 9.4 years. ECG and pulsogram were measured simultaneously, and heart rate variability was analyzed.Results: A high degree of coincidence of mean values and variances of heart rate variability parameters, calculated on the basis of ECG (electrocardiogram) and pulsogram, was found. A high degree of reliable positive correlation was established between these parameters. Significant differences in the parameters of heart rate variability were revealed between the members of train crews who underwent and those who did not undergo the first-time pre-trip medical examination.Conclusion: Measurements of heart rate variability parameters based on the pulsogram can be used to solve a number of urgent problems of pre-trip medical examination of members of train crews.
Potential of Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Cultivars to Mitigate Methane Emissions from Irrigated Systems in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: SOREMI Paul Abayomi Sobowale , Chirinda Ngonidzashe , Graterol Eduardo , Alvarez Maria F.
Published: March 2022

Irrigated rice, represents a methane (CH4) emissions source. In rice fields, the dominance of plant-mediated transportation of CH4 from submerged soils to the atmosphere raises the possibility of varietal differences in CH4 emissions. Previous findings remain inconclusive and no study has explored varietal differences in CH4 emissions of rice in Latin America. A field experiment was conducted in Colombia to investigate the potential of a breeding line, a commercial variety, and two rice hybrids to mitigate CH4 emissions from irrigated rice. Data on CH4 emissions, phenotypic, physiological, root traits, and grain yield were collected. Results showed CH4 emissions, grain yield, root length and root surface area differences followed the order Hybrid 2 > Hybrid 1 > breeding line > Commercial variety. Whereas CH4 emissions per unit area for the two rice hybrids were within the of range 29–62% higher than the commercial variety and breeding line, CH4 emission per unit grain yield were similar across the rice genotypes. Our data suggests that differences in root development and grain yields explain genetic influence on CH4 emissions. We conclude that by exploiting differences in productivity and root characteristics among rice cultivars the transition towards low emission rice production systems can be accelerated.
The Application Of Remodeled Glove Puppetry For Children With Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Lai Chia Ching , Hsieh Hsieh-Chun , Chen Hsin-Yung , Lin Chien-Heng
Published: March 2022

Objective: To study the improvement of hand performance and play behavior in children with developmental disabilities using remodeled glove puppetry. Method: A pretest-posttest design was used in this randomized controlled trial to evaluate the intervention. Sixty-two children with developmental disabilities were randomly divided into experimental and control groups (n=31 each). Both groups underwent puppet play sessions once daily in playrooms. The children in the experimental group underwent rehabilitation by playing with the remodeled glove puppetry for 12 weeks, while the children in the control group played with non-remodeled glove puppetry. The Chinese puppet was remodeled using the Lego EV3® robot. We analyzed the motion kinematics of the hand using Siliconcoach® Pro 7 software and measured the force produced by the Baseline® hydraulic pinch gauge. The revised Knox Preschool Play Scale was used to score the play behavior. Results: Improvement in hand kinematics and play scales in the experimental group indicated that glove puppetry remodeled with EV3® robots had a good training effect. Discussion: Remodeled glove puppetry improved the range of motion and the qualities of play behavior, such as material management and participation of play quality. Further studies using remodeled glove puppetry with different disability populations are needed.
CD36 accelerates the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by promoting FAs absorption
Authors: Tao Lide , Ding Xiangmin , Yan Lele , Xu Guangcai , Zhang Peijian , Ji Anlai , Zhang Lihong
Published: March 2022

Background: CD36 is emerging as a potential strategy for cancer treatment because of its function of regulating fatty acid intake. The purpose of this study was to clarify the molecular mechanism of CD36 in the progression of HCC.Methods: TCGA database was used to analyze the relationship of CD36 with HCC. The expression of CD36 in HCC clinical samples and cell lines was detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. Huh7 cells and HCCLM3 cells were transfected and treated into different group. CCK-8 and clone formation assay were used to detect the cell proliferation ability. Wound healing and transwell experiment were used to detect the metastatic ability. HCC xenografts were constructed in nude mice by subcutaneous injection of stably transfected Huh7 cells. The expression of CD36 in HCC was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The contents of phospholipids and triglycerides in HCC cells were detected by ELISA. And the content of neutral lipids in HCC cells was detected by staining with BODIPY 493/503 and DAPI dye. Then transcriptional sequencing was used to determine the downstream mechanism of CD36 in HCC, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed. Results: CD36 was up regulated in HCC. Knockdown of CD36 could suppress the proliferation and metastasis of HCC in vitro and in vivo by regulating FAs intake in HCC. In addition, the expression of AKR1C2 was suppressed by sh-CD36, and which was also involved in the regulation of FAs intake.Conclusion: The molecular mechanism by which CD36 accelerated the progression of HCC was to promote the expression of AKR1C2 and thus enhance fatty acids (FAs) intake.
Design of High-Sensitivity Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor Based on Nanostructured Thin Films for Effective Detection of DNA Hybridization
Authors: Ghayoor Reza , Zangenehzadeh Soraya , Keshavarz Alireza
Published: March 2022

With the increasing ability to control infectious diseases in developed countries, there has come the realization that genetic diseases are a major cause of disability, death, and human tragedy. Recently, Coronavirus as an epidemic, has spread worldwide and the ability to identify low concentrations and the mutations of the virus can effectively reduce the spread of the disease. In this paper, A surface plasmon resonance sensor based on nanostructured thin films and graphene as a 2D material has been designed with high sensitivity and accuracy to identify DNAbased infectious diseases such as SARS-CoV-2. The effects of different structural factors, including nanolayers thickness on the sensor’s performance are assessed through the transfer matrix method. The results demonstrated that the sensor with the Kretschmann configuration has ultra-high sensitivity (192.19 deg/RIU) and a high figure of merit (634.68 RIU -1 ).
Antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of bioactive compounds isolated from Onosma bourgaei
Authors: Erenler Ramazan , Yildiz Ilyas , Aydin Ali , Genc Nusret
Published: March 2022

Onosma species have been used commonly for traditional medicine for years due to their bioactive compounds content. Onosma bourgaei aerial part was extracted with hexane and methanol successively. The methanol extract was subjected to chromatographic techniques to isolate allantoin (1), 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (2), luteolin-7-O-glucoside (3), apigenin-7-O-β-glucoside (4), diosmetin-7-O-β-glucoside (5), rosmarinic acid (6), globoidnan A (7). The structure of isolated compounds were identified by spectroscopic techniques such as 1D-NMR, 2D-NMR, FTIR, and LC-TOF/MS/MS. Antiproliferative activity of extract and natural compounds were carried out using HeLa (human epithelial cervix adenocarcinoma, ATCC® CCL-2™), HT-29 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma, ATCC® HTB38™), MCF-7 (human mammary gland adenocarcinoma, ATCC® HTB22™) and A549 (human lung carcinoma, ATCC® CCL185™) cancerous cells and normal cells, FL (human epithelial amnion cell, ATCC® CCL62™). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was performed for cytotoxicity. The compounds, 4, 6, and 7 displayed the strong antiproliferative activity against corresponding cell lines. Apigenin-7-O-β-glucoside (4) revealed the excellent activity on HeLa, HT29, A549, MCF6 cancer cell lines with the values of (IC50, µM) 167.3, 196.8 181.1, 203.5 respectively compared standard compound, cisplatin.
Effect of multiple washing operations on removal of heavy metals from an alkaline farmland soil and the strategy for agricultural reuse
Authors: Guo Xiaofang , Gao Yu , Han Wei , Zhao Guohui , Zhang Guixiang , Liu Dandan
Published: March 2022

Little study carried out the soil washing experiments using pot experiments to simulate in-situ soil washing operation, particularly for the alkaline soil. This study explored the effect of multiple washing operation using pot experiments on the removal efficiencies of heavy metals from the alkaline farmland soil and the reuse strategy of the washed soil for safe agricultural production. The results showed that the removal efficiencies of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn after the seven times washing with the mixed chelator (EDTA, GLDA and citric acid) were 41.1%, 47.1%, 14.7% and 26.5%, respectively, which were close to those from the results of EDTA treatment. For the alkaline soil studied, the 2nd washing with the mixed chelator most effectively removed heavy metals owing to the activation of heavy metals after the first washing operation. The mixed chelator more effectively increased the proportion of stable speciation of heavy metals and maintained soil nutrients such as nitrogen content in soil than EDTA did, indicating the little disturbance of alkaline soil quality after being washed by the mixed chelator. After application of amendment into the washed soil, there was no visible difference in biomass weight of crops from the soil washed with different agents, indicating that the inhibitory effect of both washing agents on the plant growth was effectively alleviated. The Cd and Pb in Z. may were below the threshold of Hygienical Standard for Feeds of China (GB 13078 − 2017) (1 and 30 mg·kg− 1). Moreover, after three times of cropping, the concentrations of available heavy metals in the soil washed with the mixed chelator were lower than those in the washed soil with EDTA, indicating the value and potential of agricultural reuse of alkaline farmland soil being washed with the mixed chelator here.