bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Physical and Chemical Properties of Industrial Silicon Slag
Authors: Qiao Dan , Liang Shuai , Zhao Jian Guo , Peng Xiu Jing , Nie Yong , Li Ye Xin , Cui Yu , Sun Guoxin
Published: April 2021

Silicon slag is a secondary refining byproduct from industrial silicon. The content of industrial silicon in silicon slag is about 20% , which has extremely high economic value. To better achieve the recovery and reuse of industrial silicon slag, the morphology of industrial silicon slag, the occurrence state of elements and especially the interfacial structure between silicon and slag were deeply studied in this paper. The macro and micro morphology and surface composition distribution of the silicon slag were observed by microscope, SEM-EDS and Raman spectroscopy. The phase and composition of the silicon slag were analyzed by XRF and XRD. The results showed that the purity of silicon particles in silicon slag is high up to 99% . The size and shape of silicon in silicon slag were quite different. The interface between silicon and slag is clear and there is no obvious two-phase transition zone, which is conducive to the recycling of silicon. The crushing behavior of silicon slag under different pressure was investigated. These results provide a theoretical basis for further crushing silicon slag and recovering silicon particles. When silicon slag was crushed under certain pressure, the fracture surface of large-size silicon was mostly silicon-silicon interface. Therefore, in order to realize the complete dissociation of slag and silicon, the size of the crushing particle needs to be small enough. In this paper, the physical and chemical properties of industrial silicon slag were studied, which provides a theoretical basis for the efficient separation and recovery of silicon in the slag.
A mechanism of spring Barents Sea ice effect on the extreme summer droughts in northeastern China
Authors: Du YiBo , Zhang Jie , Zhao Siwen , Chen Zhiheng
Published: April 2021

The frequency of extreme drought events in northeastern China (NEC) has increased since the 2000s, and such a decadal anomalous trend may lead to significant stress on agriculture and economic development. The correlation between Arctic sea ice loss in spring and extreme summer droughts over NEC was investigated. The results show that the loss of sea ice over the Barents Sea in spring is associated with extreme droughts and positive height anomalies over NEC in summer. The physical processes include two pathways. First, Arctic ice loss from the Barents Sea to the Kara Sea results in reducing baroclinicity over the ice loss region but increasing baroclinicity over the ice melting region, which is favorable to the wave ridge over northern Europe and negative-phase Summer North Atlantic Oscillation (SNAO). One wave train originates from negative-phase SNAO over North Atlantic–Europe and spreads to central Europe, central Asia, and NEC. Second, another wave motion flux originates from the Barents–Kara Sea propagating eastward, and then disperses southward to NEC. Both wave trains lead to anomalous anticyclonic circulation and westward subtropical high, which favors descending motion and less water vapor flux, thereby contributing to extreme drought.
Extreme windstorms and sting-jets in convection-permitting climate simulations over Europe
Authors: Manning Colin , Kendon Elizabeth J. , Fowler Hayley J. , Roberts Nigel M. , Berthou Ségolène , Suri Dan , Roberts Malcolm J.
Published: April 2021

Extra-tropical windstorms are one of the costliest natural hazards affecting Europe, and windstorms that develop a sting-jet are extremely damaging. A sting-jet is a mesoscale core of very high wind speeds that occurs in Shapiro-Keyser type cyclones, and high-resolution models are required to adequately model sting-jets. Here, we develop a low-cost methodology to automatically detect sting jets, using the characteristic warm seclusion of Shapiro-Keyser cyclones and the slantwise descent of high wind speeds, within pan-European 2.2km convection-permitting climate model (CPM) simulations over Europe. The representation of wind gusts is improved with respect to ERA-Interim reanalysis data compared to observations; this is linked to better representation of cold conveyor belts and sting-jets in the CPM. Our analysis indicates that Shapiro-Keyser cyclones, and those that develop sting-jets, are the most damaging windstorms in present and future climates. The frequency of extreme windstorms is projected to increase by 2100 and a large contribution comes from sting-jet storms. Furthermore, extreme wind speeds and their future changes are underestimated in the GCM compared to the CPM. We conclude that the CPM adds value in the representation of extreme winds and surface wind gusts and can provide improved input for impact models compared to coarser resolution models.
Benefit of combining curcumin, harpagophytum and bromelain to reduce inflammation in osteoarthritic synovial cells
Authors: Brochard Sybille , Pontin Julien , Bernay Benoit , Boumediene Karim , Conrozier Thierry , Baugé Catherine
Published: April 2021

Background: Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of arthritis affecting millions of people worldwide, characterized by joint pain and inflammation. It is a complex disease involving inflammatory factors and affecting the whole joint including synovium. Since drug combination is widely used to treat chronic inflammatory diseases, a similar strategy may be worth of interest to design plant-derived natural products to reduce inflammation in OA joint. Here, we characterized the response of OA synovial cells to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and investigated the biological action of the combination of curcumin, harpagophytum and bromelain in this original in vitro model of osteoarthritis.Methods: Primary, human synovial cells from OA patients were stimulated with LPS and proteomic analysis was performed. Bioinformatics analysis were performed using Cytoscape App and SkeletalVis databases. Additionally, cells were treated with curcumin, harpagophytum and bromelain alone or the three vegetal compounds together. The expression of genes involved in inflammation, pain or catabolism were determined by RT-PCR. The release of the encoded proteins by these genes and of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were also assayed by ELISA. Results: Proteomic analysis demonstrated that LPS induces the expression of numerous proteins involved in OA process in human OA synovial cells. In particular, it stimulates inflammation through the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Interleukin-6, IL-6), the catabolism through an increase of metalloproteases (MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13), and the production of pain-mediating neurotrophin (Nerve Growth Factor, NGF). These increases were observed at level of mRNA levels and of protein release. LPS also increases the amount of PGE2, another inflammation and pain mediator. At doses tested, vegetal extracts had little effects: only curcumin slightly counteracted the effects of LPS on NGF and MMP13 mRNA, and PGE2, IL-6 and MMP13 release. In contrast the association of curcumin with harpagophytum and bromelain reversed lots of effects of LPS in human OA synovial cells. It significantly reduced the gene expression and/or the release of proteins involved in catabolism (MMP3 and 13), inflammation (IL-6) and pain (PGE2 and NGF).Conclusion: We show that the stimulation of human OA synovial cells with LPS permit to induce protein changes similar to an inflamed OA synovial tissues. In addition, using this model, we demonstrate that the combination of three vegetal compounds, namely curcumin, harpagophytum and bromelain have anti-inflammatory and anti-catabolic action in synovial cells and may thus reduce OA progression and related-pain.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Li HuiFang , Huang Wei , Zheng Wei , Li Qing , Dai YunZhu , Zheng Lie , Zou RuHai
Published: April 2021

Background: Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (CEUS LI-RADS) released by American College of Radiology was a widely used reporting system for patients at risk with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In CEUS LI-RADS, the categories range from definitely benign (LR-1), probably begin (LR-2), intermediate probability of malignancy (LR-3), probably HCC (LR-4) to definitely HCC (LR-5), malignancy (LR-M), or definite tumor in vein (LR-TIV). Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, and Chinese databases to obtain eligible studies reporting on the diagnostic performance of CEUS LI-RADS in patients at risk for HCC. Results: Twelve studies were eligible in the analysis, including 5275 patients, 5739 observations, and 4066 HCCs. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 70% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 65%-74%), 94% (95% CI, 91%-96%) of LR-5 category as predictors of HCC, respectively. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of LR-M category as a predictor of non-HCC malignancy were 83% (95% CI, 71%-91%), 94% (95% CI 88%-97%), respectively. The pooled proportions of HCCs were 1% (95% CI 0%-6%) for LR-2, 20% (95% CI, 9%-34%) for LR-3, 78% (95% CI, 67%-88%) for LR-4, 97% (95% CI, 94%-99%) for LR-5, 40% (95% CI, 23%–58%) for LR-M and 100% (95% CI, 93%–100%) for LR-TIV.Conclusion: CEUS LI-RADS is an important tool for the diagnosis of HCC.
RAC1/miR-3613/RAC1 feedback loop contributes to ovarian cancer progression
Authors: Li Changzhong , Leng Ruobing , Meng Yunfang , Li Na , Li Feifei , Zhao Yingzi
Published: April 2021

The RAC1 signal pathway is involved in various tumor cell biological processes. Here, the role of RAC1-miR-3613-RAC1 negative feedback loop in ovarian cancer was explored. Results showed that RAC1 knockdown up-regulated miR-3613, which in turn inhibited RAC1 expression. RAC1 counteracted the inhibitory effect of miR-3613 on the proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells in vitro and on the tumor growth in vivo. In ovarian cancer, miR-3613 expression was negatively correlated with RAC1, and patients with low miR-3613 expression had poor prognosis. These findings indicate the role of RAC1-miR-3613-RAC1 negative feedback loop in the malignant progression of ovarian cancer and its possible therapeutic values.
The Impact of Early Achievement of Therapeutic Levels of Vancomycin in Critically Ill Patients With Confirmed Gram-Positive Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sulaiman Khalid Al , Alshaya Abdulrahman , Alsaeed Amjad , Alshehri Nadiyah , Vishwakarma Ramesh , Alzahrani Hamdan , Harbi Shmeylan Al
Published: April 2021

BackgroundVancomycin is a commonly used antibiotic in critically ill patients for various indications. Critical illness imposes pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamics challenges which makes optimizing vancomycin in this population cumbersome. Data are scarce on the clinical impact of time to therapeutic trough levels of vancomycin in critically ill patients. Objective (s)The aim of this study to evaluate the timing to achieve therapeutic trough level vancomycin on 30-day mortality in critically ill patients.SettingAdult critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) between January 1st, 2017 and December 31st, 2018 at a tertiary teaching hospital.MethodA retrospective cohort study for all adult critically ill patients aged 18 years or older with confirmed gram-positive infection and received vancomycin. We compared early (<48 hours) versus late (≥ 48 hours) attainment of vancomycin therapeutic trough levels. Main outcomesPrimary outcome was the 30-day mortality in critically ill patients. Secondary outcomes were development of resistant organisms, eradicating microorganisms within 4-5 days of vancomycin initiation, vancomycin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI), and ICU LOS. ResultsTwo hundred and nine patients were included. No significant differences between comparative groups in baseline characteristics. Achieving therapeutic levels were associated with better survival at 30 days (OR: 0.48; 95% CI [0.26-0.87]; p<0.01). Additionally, patients who achieved therapeutic levels of vancomycin early were less likely to develop resistant organisms (OR=0.08; 95% CI [0.01-0.59]; p=0.01). Acute kidney injury (AKI) and ICU length of stay (LOS) were not significant between the two groups.ConclusionEarly attainment of vancomycin therapeutic levels was associated with possible survival benefit.
Amplification of Oxidative Stress With Lycorine and Gold-Based Nanocomposites for Synergistic Cascade Cancer Therapy
Authors: Hu Hongzhi , Yang Wenbo , Liang Zihui , Zhou Zezhu , Song Qingcheng , Liu Weijian , Deng Xiangtian , Zhu Jian , Xing Xin , Zhong Binglong , Wang Baichuan , Wang Shangyu , Shao Zengwu , Zhang Yingze
Published: April 2021

BackgroundDespite advances of surgery and neoadjuvant chemotherapy during the past few decades, the therapeutic efficacy of current therapeutic protocol for osteosarcoma (OS) is still seriously compromised by multi-drug resistance and severe side effects. Amplification of intracellular oxidative stress is considered as an effective strategy to induce cancer cell death. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel strategy that can amplify the intracellular oxidative stress for synergistic cascade cancer therapy.Methods and resultsA novel nanocomposite, composed of folic acid (FA) modified mesoporous silica–coated gold nanostars (GNS@MSNs-FA) and traditional Chinese medicine Lycorine (Ly), was rationally designed and developed. Under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, the obtained GNS@MSNs-FA/Ly could promote a high level of ROS production via inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and potent endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Moreover, glutathione (GSH) depletion during ER stress could reduce ROS scavenging and further enable efficient amplification of intracellular oxidative stress. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that GNS@MSNs-FA/Ly coupled with NIR irradiation exhibited excellent antitumor efficacy without noticeable toxicity in MNNG/HOS tumor-bearing mice.Conclusion﻿All these results demonstrated that GNS@MSNs-FA/Ly coupled with NIR irradiation dramatically was able to amplify the intra-tumoral oxidative stress, exhibiting excellent antitumor ability without no obvious systemic toxicity. Taken together, this promising strategy provides a new avenue for the effective cancer synergetic therapy and future clinical translation.
Cordyceps Militaris Carotenoids Protect ARPE-19 Cells From Oxidative Stress Damage Induced By Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Lan Lin , Ren YuZhi , Zhou XiangYu , Wang ShengYu , Zhang JinSen , Xie Ling , Qian YeQian , Li YuHang , Li YuFeng , Zhang Liang
Published: April 2021

A retinal disorder known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can be very damaging, which may result in vision loss. Cordyceps militaris has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer activity and immunomodulatory functions. carotenoids were considered potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. In this study, we evaluated for the first time the protective effect of purified carotenoids (CMCT) extracted from Cordyceps militaris on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced damage to human retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19). The pretreatment of ARPE-19 cells with CMCT (1, 2.5μg/ml) for 12h after exposure to H2O2 (400μM) greatly improved cell viability and injury tolerance. and reduced reactive oxygen species production (ROS) and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) formation. Furthermore, Bax and Caspase-3 showed increased protein expression and less protein expression of Bcl-2 in cellular oxidative stress by flow cytometry analysis but showed the opposite expression by adding CMCT. Besides, cells were treated with H2O2 and then CMCT restored catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) enzyme activities to normal levels. Our results suggest that CMCT can protect RPE cells from oxidative stress damage by regulating oxidative activity and anti-apoptotic function. It indicates that CMCT has a potential therapeutic role in oxidative stress-directed protection and prevention of AMD.
Microbiology and Outcome of Peritoneal Dialysis-related Peritonitis in Elderly Patients: a Retrospective Study in Hunan Province, China
Authors: Song Panai , Yang Dong , Li Jine , Zhuo Ning , Fu Xiao , Zhang Lei , Liu Hong , Sun Lin , Liu Yinghong
Published: April 2021

The microbiology and outcomes of peritoneal dialysis (PD) related peritonitis in elderly patients have not been thoroughly investigated. We aimed to investigate the microbiological distribution and clinical outcome in elderly patients with PD-associated peritonitis to guide clinical practice. We conducted a prospective, one center cohort study in Hunan province, China from September 1, 2014 to December 31, 2020. Among incident patients (n =279), basic clinical characteristics, pathogen distribution and prognosis of elderly PD patients (up to 65 years, n = 64) were compared with those of PD patients aged under 65 years (n = 215). The survival rate and technical survival rate were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method. Among the 279 patients there were 394 peritonitis episodes, including 88 in elderly group, and 306 in younger groups. G+ bacteria were the main pathogenic bacteria in both groups (43.2% and 38.0%, respectively). Staphylococcus was the most common G+ bacteria. Peritonitis caused by fungal infection was significantly higher in elderly patients (P = 0.01), however, there is no significant difference in the proportions of G + bacteria and G- bacteria between the two groups. The most common G- bacteria was Escherichia coli. Interestingly, we found that Acinetobacter baumannii, polymicrobial infection and culture negative peritonitis in the elderly patients was significantly higher than that in other patients. Additionally, elderly PD patients had higher peritonitis-related mortality (HR=7.27, P = 0.01). However, the technical survival rate was similar (P = 0.67) in both elderly and other patients. Taken together, this retrospective cohort study found that elderly patients had a higher probability of peritonitis caused by of Acinetobacter baumannii, fungi and polymicrobial infections. In addition, the elderly peritonitis patients had a higher risk of mortality. Understanding the characteristics of microbiology and clinical outcome in elderly patients will help us to take effective measures to reduce the incidence of elderly PD-associated peritonitis.
Bound in the continuum modes in indirectly-patterned hyperbolic media
Authors: Koppens Frank , Herzig-Sheinfux Hanan , Orsini Lorenzo , Jung Minwoo , Torre Iacopo , Ceccanti Matteo , Maniyara Rinu , Barcons-Ruiz David , Castilla Sebastian , Hesp Niels , Janzen Eli , Pruneri Valerio , Edgar James , Shvets Gennady
Published: April 2021

A conventional optical cavity supports one or more modes, which are confined since they are unable to leak out of the cavity. Bound state in continuum (BIC) cavities are an unconventional alternative, based on confinement by destructive interference, even though optical leakage channels are available. BICs are a general wave phenomenon, of particular interest to optics, but BICs have never been demonstrated at the nanoscale level. Nanoscale BIC cavities are more challenging to realize, however, as they require destructive interference at the nanometer scale. Here, we demonstrate the first nanophotonic cavities based on BIC and find an unprecedented combination of quality factors and ultrasmall mode volume. In particular, we exploit hyperbolic media, HyM, as they can support large (in principle unlimited) momentum excitations, which propagate as ultra-confined rays, so that HyM cavities can in principle be extremely small. However, building a hyperbolic BIC (hBIC) cavity presents a fundamental challenge: an hBIC has an infinite number of modes, which would all need to interfere simultaneously. Here, we bring the BIC concept to the nanoscale by introducing and demonstrating a novel multimodal reflection mechanism of the ray-like optical excitations in hyperbolic materials. Using near-field microscopy, we demonstrate mid-IR confinement in BIC-based nanocavities with volumes down to 23x23x3〖nm〗^3 and quality factors above 100 – a dramatic improvement in several metrics of confinement. This alliance of HyM with BICs yields a radically novel way to confine light and is expected to have far reaching consequences wherever strong optical confinement is utilized, from ultra-strong light-matter interactions, to mid-IR nonlinear optics and a range of sensing applications.
Impact of Super Heavy Load Vehicles on Transportation Infrastructure: Economic Aspects
Authors: Nguyen Thach , Morovatdar Ali , Ashtiani Reza , Kosheleva Olga
Published: April 2021

Sometimes, there is a need to transport very heavy equipment, so heavy that
the resulting load is several times larger than the maximal load that the
corresponding road segment was designed to withstand. Such super heavy load vehicles
decrease the remaining service life of the road segment, and sometimes even make the
segment unusable and needing repairs. In both cases, the need for earlier-than-expected repairs
means additional costs. It is therefore desirable to estimate the expected value of this additional cost. In locations where the owner of the super heavy load vehicle pays for the vehicle passage, this is necessary to decide how much to charge the owner. In other locations, where the agreement is that the cost of additional repairs comes from the additional taxes that the vehicle owners pay, such an estimate is needed to the road owners -- e.g., to the county or to the state -- so as to select the route for which the expected additional cost of repairs is the smallest.
Three-dimensional Semi-Automated Volumetric Assessment of the Pulp Space of Teeth with Regenerative Dental Procedures
Authors: Shetty Heeresh , Shetty Shishir , Kakade Adesh , Shetty Aditya , Karobari Mohmed Isaqali , Pawar Ajinkya M. , Marya Anand , Heboyan Artak , Venugopal Adith , Nguyen The Hanh , Rokaya Dinesh
Published: April 2021

Volumetric change of the pulp space over time is a critical measure to determine the outcome of regenerative endodontic procedures (REP). There is a paucity in the literature on the accuracy of domain specialized medical imaging tools for three dimensional (3D) volumetric assessment. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare two different medical image computing platforms (OsiriX MD and 3D Slicer) to estimate the volume of pulp space post REP. Pre and post CBCT Scans of 35 immature permanent teeth (n = 35) with necrotic pulp and periradicular pathosis treated with a cell-homing concept-based REP were processed using two biomedical DICOM software programs: OsiriX MD (commercially available, FDA approved) 2) and 3D Slicer (open source). Volumetric changes in the pulp space were assessed using semi-automated techniques in both the programmes. The data were statistically analyzed using t-test and paired t-test (P = 0.05). The pulp space volume measured with both the programmes showed a statistically significant decrease in pulp space volume post REP (P < 0.05), with no significant difference between the two programmes (P > 0.05). The mean decrease in pulp space volume with OsiriX MD and 3D Slicer were 25.06% ± 19.45% and 26.10.% ± 18.90% respectively. The open-source software (3D Slicer) was as accurate as the commercially available software for the volumetric assessment of the pulp space post REP. This study demonstrates the step-by-step application of 3D Slicer, a user-friendly, easily accessible, open-source multiplatform software for the segmentation and volume estimation of the pulp-space of teeth treated with REP.
Characteristic and Expression of Hsp70 and Hsp90 Genes from Tyrophagus Putrescentiae and Their Response to Thermal Stress
Authors: Wang Jing , Que Sheng-quan , Jin Meng-ru , Liu Xin-yu , Xin Tian-rong , Zou Zhi-wen , Xia Bin
Published: April 2021

Tyrophagus putrescentiae (T. putrescentiae) is a worldwide tored grain pest mite which has do great harm to human’s economy and health. Temperature has a great influence on the population dynamics of T. putrescentiae. In this study, the cDNA of T. putrescentiae HSP70 and HSP90 (designated TpHSP70-1, TpHSP70-2 and TpHSP90) were cloned, and their expression were determined by fluorescent real time quantitative PCR. Results indicate that TpHSP70-1, TpHSP70-2 and TpHSP90 contained an open reading frame of 1,998 bp, 1,984 bp and 2,157 bp that encoded 665, 661 and 718 amino acid residues, respectively. Sequences and phylogenetic analyses suggested that TpHSP70 and TpHSP90 showed high homology with other species. The RT-qPCR results indicated the relative expression level of TpHSP90 and TpHSP70 gene at different stages were different. Also thermal stress could increase its expression significantly. This study indicates that TpHSP70 and TpHSP90 are very important genes for T. putrescentiae to defend against thermal stress.
Growth Differentiation Factor-15 and Incident Chronic Kidney Disease: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Bao Xue , Xu Biao , Borné Yan , Orho-Melander Marju , Melander Olle , Nilsson Jan , Christensson Anders , Engström Gunnar
Published: April 2021

Background

The relationship between growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) and the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is still unclear. We sought to examine whether plasma GDF-15 was related to incident CKD and kidney function decline using a large prospective cohort study.
Methods

4,318 participants of the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study-Cardiovascular Cohort were examined in 1991–1994 and followed prospectively until 2013 for incidence of CKD, as detected from national registers. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was available for all participants at baseline, and was re-measured in a subgroup of 2,744 subjects after 16.6 ± 1.49 years. Incidence of CKD was examined in relation to GDF-15 using Cox regression analysis. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of GDF-15 with eGFR change and eGFR-based CKD. Models were carefully corrected for potential confounders including baseline eGFR, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, and competing risk from death.
Results

165 patients developed CKD after 19.2 ± 4.04 years of follow-up. The adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval, CI) for CKD in 4th versus 1st quartile of GDF-15 was 2.37 (1.33, 4.24) (p for trend < 0.01). Each per 1 standard deviation increase in GDF-15 was associated with a decline in eGFR of -0.97 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI, -1.49~-0.45; p < 0.001). GDF-15 was also significantly associated eGFR-based CKD in 2,713 subjects with baseline eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2.
Conclusions

GDF-15 predicted incidence of CKD and eGFR decline in the general population, independent of a wide range of potential risk factors and competing risk of death.
High parity is associated with increased risk of cervical cancer: Systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies
Authors: Tekalegn Yohannes , Sahiledengle Biniyam , Woldeyohannes Demelash , Atlaw Daniel , Desta Fikreab , Bekele Kebebe , Assefa Tesfaye , Gezahegn Habtamu , kene chala
Published: April 2021

Background: Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women. High parity has long been suspected with an increased risk of cervical cancer. Evidence from the existing epidemiological studies regarding the association between parity and cervical cancer is variable and inconsistent. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize the best available evidence on the epidemiological association between parity and cervical cancer. Methods: MEDLINE/PubMed, HINARI, Google scholar, Science direct, and Cochrane Libraries were systematically searched. Cochrane Q statistics and I2 tests were performed to assess heterogeneity among included studies. Begg's test and egger's regression analysis were performed to assess publication bias. A random-effect meta-analysis model was used to compute pooled odds ratio of the association between parity and cervical cancer. Results: A total of 6975 participants (1998 patients; 4977 controls) were incorporated in the 13 articles included in the final meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that women with parity greater than or equal to three had 2.4 times higher odds of developing cervical cancer compared to women with parity less than three [pooled odds ratio (POR) = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.9-3.2]. Conclusion: High parity is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. Strong epidemiological studies are recommended to further explore the mechanisms and role of parity in the causation of cervical cancer.
Insights into the Generalized Fourier's and Fick's Laws for Simulating Mixed Bioconvective Flows of Radiative-Reactive Walters-B Fluids Conveying Tiny Particles subject to Lorentz Force
Authors: Wakif A. , Animasaun I. L. , Khan Umair , Alshehri Ahmed Mohammed
Published: April 2021

The current improvement in nanoscience and nanotechnology areas has attracted researchers' attention to biofuel, bioengineering, and biomedical and mechanical engineering applications. However, there is no report on the extension of Buongiorno's model incorporating the Cattaneo-Christov theory and the generalized Fick's law to reflect the significant impacts of Brownian motion, thermophoresis diffusion, thermal radiation, and activation energy. The governing partial differential equations (PDEs) suitable to model the case as mentioned above were converted into a unified set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by applying appropriate similarity transformations and solved numerically by using the Spectral Local Linearization Method (SLLM) and MATLAB in-built package. The SLLM numerical method provides robustness results with a higher level of exactness and low‐computational cost. It is worthy to conclude that the nanoparticles concentration distribution can be heightened considerably either by diminishing the Prandtl number and concentration relaxation parameter or increasing the values of nanoparticles concentration Biot number and activation energy parameter. An attractive reduction in the surface drag force coefficient is achievable via the intensifying values of the non-Newtonian parameter.
Development And Research Of The Press Operating Mechanism, Made In The Form Of The Wedge-Joint Mechanism With A Curving Wedge For Separation Operations
Authors: Karnaukh Sergii G. , Chosta Nataly V. , Markov Oleg E. , Kukhar Volodymyr V.
Published: April 2021

The applicability of a wedge-joint mechanism with a curving wedge in presses for the implementation of metal forming separation processes was substantiated. The paper states the fact, that the wedge-joint mechanism graph of the deformation force change is the closest to the technological typical graph of the force change during separation. At the same time, the wedge-joint mechanism with a curving wedge has a lower height of the parts in comparison with the traditional crank mechanisms, which provides less elastic deformation and press dynamics. The use of the additional wedge mechanism in a press with the wedge-joint mechanism with a curving wedge to ensure the approximation motion is proved. This makes it possible to reduce the energy consumption for elastic deformation and further reduce the dynamic force. The mathematical models of the wedge-joint mechanism with a curving wedge, presented in the form of a two-slide link mechanism, were developed, allowing to perform its structural, kinematic and dynamic analysis. Based on the analysis of the proposed mathematical models, dependencies were identified and a procedure for calculating the geometric, kinematic and power parameters of wedge-joint mechanisms with a curving wedge for separation processes was developed. Comparison of the kinematic and dynamic analyzes results carried out by analytical and graphic-analytical methods confirms the reliability of estimates, since their discrepancy is not more than 2.5%. Experimental studies have confirmed the adequacy of mathematical models. The error between the calculated and measured values ​​of the forces on the slide does not exceed 10%.
Autonomous 3D geometry reconstruction through robot-manipulated optical sensors
Authors: Mineo Carmelo , Cerniglia Donatella , Ricotta Vito , Reitinger Bernhard
Published: April 2021

Many industrial sectors face increasing production demands and need to reduce costs, without compromising the quality. Whereas mass production relies on well-established protocols, small production facilities with small lot sizes struggle to update their highly changeable production at reasonable costs. The use of robotics and automation has grown significantly in recent years, but extremely versatile robotic manipulators are still not commonly used in small factories. Beside of the investments required to enable efficient and profitable use of robot technology, the efforts needed to program robots are only economically viable in case of large lot sizes. Generating robot programs for specific manufacturing tasks still relies on programming trajectory waypoints by hand. The use of virtual simulation software and the availability of the specimen digital models can facilitate robot programming. Nevertheless, in many cases, the virtual models are not available or there are unavoidable differences between virtual and real setups, leading to inaccurate robot programs and time-consuming manual corrections. This could be avoided by measuring the real-geometry and the position of the specimen, which creates the paradox of having to plan robot paths for surface mapping purposes, before the originally intended robot task can be approached. Previous works have demonstrated the use of robotically manipulated optical sensors to map the geometry of samples. However, the use of simple user-defined robot paths, which are not optimized to the part geometry, typically causes some areas of the samples to not be mapped with the required level of accuracy or to not be sampled at all by the optical sensor. This work presents an autonomous framework to enable adaptive surface mapping, without any previous knowledge of the part geometry being transferred to the system. The article gives an overview of the related work in the field, a detailed description of the proposed framework and a proof of its functionality through both simulated and experimental evidences.
A multicenter prospective study on the efficacy and safety of denosumab in gastrointestinal cancer patients receiving short-term periodic steroid premedication for prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (ESPRESSO-02/HGCSG1602).
Authors: Nakamura Michio , Muranaka Tetsuhito , Yagisawa Masataka , Kawamoto Yasuyuki , Yuki Satoshi , Ishiguro Atsushi , Dazai Masayoshi , Kobayashi Yoshimitsu , Sogabe Susumu , Harada Kazuaki , Sawada Kentaro , Miyagishima Takuto , Tsuji Yasushi , Kikuchi Yasuka , Komatsu Yoshito
Published: April 2021

Purpose
We previously reported that the periodic premedication of glucocorticoids during chemotherapy for gastrointestinal cancer (GIC) caused the reduction of bone mineral densities (BMD) (ESPRESSO-01). We conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of denosumab in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced decreased BMD.
Methods
Forty-two Japanese patients were studied. Denosumab was administered as a single 60 mg subcutaneous injection before the start of chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was BMD change in the lumbar spine from baseline to 16 weeks. Secondary endpoints were changes in serum cross-linked N-telopeptides of type I collagen (sNTX) and bone alkaline phosphatase (sBAP), complications including hypocalcemia and osteonecrosis of the jaw, new bone fractures, changes in the Japanese Osteoporosis Quality of Life Questionnaire.
Results
Lumbar spine BMD significantly increased in 71.4% of cases: 2.772% (95% CI, 1.350–4.195%: P < 0.0001). There were also significant decreases in sNTX (P = 0.034) and sBAP levels (P < 0.001). Although one case (2.4%) of jaw osteonecrosis was diagnosed, no fractures occurred. In a cross-trial comparison with ESPRESSO-01, there was no significant difference in the incidence of National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) grade 3 or higher adverse events. However, inclusion of grade ≤ 2 showed significantly higher incidence of hypocalcemia with any CTCAE grade in ESPRESSO-02 (28.4% in ESPRESSO-01, 54.8% in ESPRESSO-02, P = 0.006)
Conclusion
Denosumab administration prevented secondary BMD reduction in GIC patients undergoing chemotherapy, and was associated with decreased serum levels of the bone turnover markers BAP and NTX.
Molecular Typing of Human Adenovirus Infection among Hospitalized Patients with Respiratory Tract Infections in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Wang Xinye , Wang Dawei , Umar Sajid , Qin Sheng , Lin Qiong , Gray Gregory C. , Liu Yuntao
Published: April 2021

Background Human Adenoviruses (HAdVs) cause a wide array of illnesses in all age groups. They particularly cause frequent morbidity among children. In China, human adenovirus types 3, 4, 7, 11, 14, 21, and 55 have caused at least seven outbreaks since 2000. However, limited studies are available regarding the epidemiological patterns and diversity of HAdVs types among hospitalized patients with respiratory tract infections (RTIs). Methods To understand the epidemiology and type distribution of HAdV infections associated with RTIs in China, nasal swab (NS) clinical samples were collected from 4129 patients in a Guangzhou hospital between August 2017 and October 2019. PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis were performed on these specimens to identify HAdV virus types. Results HAdV was detected in 99 (2.4%) of the 4,129 NS specimens, with the highest HAdV prevalence (6.3%) found in children between the ages of 5 and 10 years. Among HAdV-positive specimens, the most prevalent genotypes identified were HAdV-B3 (55.6%) and HAdV-B7 (25.3%). The most common symptoms in the HAdV-infected patients were fever (100%), cough (80.8%) and rhinorrhea (71.8%). HAdV infections were detected throughout the year with a relatively higher prevalence in summer. Conclusion All ages suffer adenovirus infections, but young children are at greatest risk. These study data demonstrate that at least three species of HAdVs (species B, C, and E) are circulating in Guangzhou City, China. As antiviral therapies and type-specific vaccines become available, such epidemiological data will be useful in guiding therapy and public health interventions.
Examining the Effects of Social and Economic Freedoms on the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Noviello Alexander , Menghani Sameer , Bondarenko Maksym , Mohanraj Bhushan , Solensky Oliver , Lee Ian , Vermut Jordyn , Guha Deyaan , Choudhri Shaan , Sabat William , Noviello Andrew
Published: April 2021

Background
Since early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has dominated people’s lives around the globe and, even with the start of vaccination efforts in late 2020, the virus is likely to continue to affect global economies and individual routines long after the end of 2021. As a result, numerous pandemic-related analyses have been completed. However, few of these studies focus on the impact of pre-existing societal and economic factors that may have played a role in the spread of COVID-19. This study evaluated the impact of social and economic freedoms, gross domestic product, and population density in nations around the world on COVID-19 cases, deaths, testing and vaccination rates.
Methods
To explore the effects of social and economic freedoms, gross domestic product, and other parameters on the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple datasets, including the Economic Freedom Index and the Human Freedom Index were used, along with COVID-19 data, to examine both direct and indirect relationships. The K-Means clustering algorithm was used for many analyses.
Results
High economic and social freedoms were associated with increased numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths throughout 2020. Countries within the highest category of economic freedoms reported their first COVID-19 case 44 days before and their first virus death 91 days before low-economic-freedom nations, on average. Countries with the highest overall freedoms exhibited average COVID-19-stringency scores of 4.4, 12.85, and 4.49 points less than countries in the lowest freedom categories for the Spring, Summer, and Fall of 2020, respectively, representing less strict pandemic responses. Despite these relationships, countries with higher overall freedoms had a lower average fatality rate of 2.03% compared with countries in the lower freedom categories of up to 2.98%. Freedoms were also shown to correlate with other pandemic-influencing factors, including GDP, political systems, and population density.
Conclusion
High economic and social freedoms were associated with increased numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths throughout 2020. Future analyses should address whether the enjoyment of freedoms can be balanced with the preservation of safety to improve responses to future pandemics.
Electrodeposition polyaniline nanofiber on the PEDOT:PSS-coated SiNWs for high performance supercapacitors
Authors: Shen Xiaojuan , Zhang Xuan , Wang Tongfei , Li Songjun
Published: April 2021

In this article, a novel silicon-based electrode was designed with the facile solution methods. With the modification of highly conductive PEDOT:PSS layer on the SiNWs by the spin-coated method (SiNWs-PSS), three-dimensional (3D) porous network polyaniline nanofibers (PANI) film was uniformly electrodeposited on the silicon surface (SiNWs-PSS@PANI). The sheet resistances of the PEDOT:PSS layer with different surfactants as well as the deposition time of the PANI were investigated. After optimization, the fabricated SiNWs-PSS@PANI electrode displayed high capacitance about 301.71 mF cm-2 at the current density of 1mA cm-2, which enhanced ~29 fold comparing to 10.18 mF cm-2 of electrode without the PEDOT:PSS layer between the SiNWs and PANI (SiNWs@PANI), outperforming most values of the reported silicon-based electrodes. The electrode designed in this paper provides a new idea to fabricate high-performance of silicon-based micro-supercapacitors with the simple and low-temperature method.
Management practice, and quality of life and its associated factors among ambulatory psoriatic patients attending Dermatological Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Kumsa Seifu Megersa , Tadesse Tamrat Assefa , Woldu Minyahil Alebachew
Published: April 2021

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation and aberrant differentiation with great negative impact on patients’ quality of life (QoL). This study aimed at assessing management practice, and quality of life (QoL) and its associated factors among ambulatory psoriatic patients visiting All Africa Leprosy, Tuberculosis and Rehabilitation Training (ALERT) Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 207 patients with psoriasis attending the dermatology clinic of ALERT Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and patients’ chart review. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was used to measure patients’ QoL. Data was analyzed entered and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS®) version 25. Descriptive statistics like frequency, percent, mean and standard deviation were used to summarize patients’ characteristics while binary logistic regression was utilized to identify predictors of quality of life. Results: Among 207 study participants, 122(58.9%) were females. The mean age of the study population was 37.92(SD=14.86) years (ranging from 16 to 68 years). The mean age at which diagnosis of psoriasis made was 32.0(SD=13.7) years ranging from 10 to 62 years. The duration of the disease in 112(54.1%) patients were more than or equal to 5 years. Among study participants, the majority of them, 145(70.0%) had plaque psoriasis followed by sebopsoriasis, 24(11.6%). The majority of plaque psoriasis (80%) cases were managed by topical corticosteroids with or without salicylic acid or coal tar and only 21(14.5%) treated by methotrexate alone. Other forms of psoriasis were treated by only topical corticosteroids with or without salicylic acid. The mean DLQI was 6.25 corresponding to a moderate effect. Symptoms and feelings were the most affected domains of QoL. Factors associated with poor QoL were female gender [AOR=0.17 (95%CI: 0.06, 0.48)], low, above average and high family income ([AOR=0.12(95% CI: 0.02, 0.56)], [AOR=0.06(95% CI:0.01, 0.32)], and [AOR=0.03 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.22)]) respectively and primary education level [AOR=0.14 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.64)] while being on systemic therapy [AOR=4.26 (CI: 1.18, 15.35)] was predictor of better QoL.Conclusion: Topical corticosteroids were the mainstay of psoriasis treatment in our study. The mean DLQI was 6.25, corresponding to a moderate effect on QoL. Study participants with female gender, primary education level, and low, above average, and high monthly family income were considered to have worse QoL whereas receiving systemic therapy significantly associated with better QoL. Hence, future interventions targeting improving QoL and widening treatment options for psoriasis deemed to be necessary.
Characteristics of Cu(II) and Zn(II) adsorption on sediments from typical urban polluted rivers in Dianchi Lake
Authors: Ma Xiang-shu , Liu Leng , Fang Yi-chuan , Sun Xiao-long
Published: April 2021

This study was conducted to determine the spatial distribution characteristics of Cu and Zn adsorption on the sediments of the estuary of Dianchi Lake, as well as the adsorption laws of Cu and Zn on combinations of sediment organic matter, metal oxides, and organic-inorganic composites.A static adsorption experiment was applied to four groups of sediments from the estuary of Dianchi Lake, and results were generated through correlation analysis and redundancy analysis. The four groups were as follows: (1) Untreated, Group A, (2) Organic matter removed, Group B, (3) Iron and aluminium oxide removed, Group C, (4) Organic matter and iron and aluminium oxide removed, Group D. The adsorption capacity was correlated with the spatial distribution along the direction of river flow and vertical depth. High contents of various components of the sediment did not correlate with high adsorption capacities for Cu and Zn, according to the use of four groups of sediments subjected to different treatment processes. The adsorption of Cu fit the Freundlich isotherm adsorption model for all four sediment groups. For Zn adsorption, the untreated and removed organic matter and Fe-Al oxide groups were in good agreement with the Freundlich model, while the removed organic matter and removed Fe-Al oxide groups were in good agreement with the Langmuir isothermal adsorption model. The results indicate that there is a quantitative relationship between the adsorption of heavy metals and organic and inorganic complexes in sediments.
Ultrasound-Guided Quadratus Lumborum Block as A Postoperative Analgesia for Total Abdominal Hysterectomy: A Case Report
Authors: Mohamed Haytham El Sayed
Published: April 2021

Background and aim: Total Abdominal Hysterectomy is a major invasive abdominal surgery which is accompanied with severe postoperative pain. Multimodal analgesia techniques can provide efficient analgesics coverage with minimal side effects, Quadratus Lumborum Block is an abdominal wall block which gives a good analgesic effect for abdominal surgery with lower pain score and less opioids requirements. Case presentation: A 67 years old female was scheduled to undergo total abdominal hysterectomy surgery, she had comorbidities; morbid obesity, bronchial asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, and hypothyroidism. We performed General Anesthesia and by the end of surgery, a Quadratus Lumborum Block was done ultrasound-guided technique. Conclusion: We successfully performed Quadratus Lumborum Block bilaterally which was able to provide a sufficient analgesic effect for Total Abdominal Hysterectomy surgery, giving our patient the opportunity of early ambulation and avoiding opioids side effects especially the respiratory adverse effect.