bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Mechanical Strength, Proton Conductivity and Power Density in an ‘All-protonic’ Ceramic Fuel Cell at Intermediate Temperature
Authors: Azad Abul K. , Abdalla Abdalla M. , Afif Ahmed , Azad Atia , Afroze Shammya , Idris Azam Che , Park Jun-Young , Radenahmad Nikdalila , Hossain Shahzad , Zaini Juliana , Hinai Amer Al , Reza Md. Sumon , Irvine John
Published: June 2021

Protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) have become the most efficient, clean and cost-effective electrochemical energy conversion devices in recent years. While significant progress has been made in developing proton conducting electrolyte materials, mechanical strength and durability still need to be improved for efficient applications. We report that adding 5 mol% Zn to the Y-doped barium cerate-zirconate perovskite electrolyte material can significantly improve the sintering properties, mechanical strength, durability and performance. Using same proton conducting material in anodes, electrolytes and cathodes to make a strong structural backbone shows clear advantages in mechanical strength over other arrangements with different materials. Rietveld analysis of the X-ray and neutron diffraction data of BaCe0.7Zr0.1Y0.15Zn0.05O3-δ (BCZYZn05) revealed a pure orthorhombic structure belonging to the Pbnm space group. Structural and electrochemical analyses indicate highly dense and high proton conductivity at intermediate temperature (400-700 °C). The anode-supported single cell, NiO-BCZYZn05 | BCZYZn05 | BSCF-BCZYZn05, demonstrates a peak power density of 872 mW cm-2 at 700 °C which is one of the highest power density in an all-protonic solid oxide fuel cell. This observation represents an important step towards commercially viable SOFC technology.
TANGO - Effect of Tango Argentino on cancer-associated fatigue in breast cancer patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Oei Shiao Li , Rieser Thomas , Becker Sarah , Groß Jessica , Matthes Harald , Schad Friedemann , Thronicke Anja
Published: June 2021

Background The majority of breast cancer patients suffer from persistent impairments after completion of their primary oncological therapy. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in particular is a multidimensional syndrome having a profound negative impact on the quality of life. To counter CRF symptoms, exercise and physical activity are suggested as first-line interventions, mind-body therapies have been shown to be effective, and music therapy can also reduce anxiety and stress in breast cancer patients. Tango therapy that combines various elements may therefore have beneficial effects in breast cancer patients. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a 6-week tango module is suited as a therapeutic approach for people after primary breast cancer therapy to favorably influence their quality of life, especially CRF levels. Methods Sixty patients with a diagnosis for stage I-III breast cancer 12-48 months before enrollment and with CRF (age > 18) will be recruited and randomized 1:1 to a tango or a waiting-list group. Movement concepts using elements of Argentine tango (self-awareness, musical and spatial perception, self-perception, playfulness, shared experience) will be examined with the participants during six consecutive weekly one-hour tango sessions. The primary outcome will be the improvement of CRF (German version of the Cancer Fatigue Scale) and the secondary outcomes will be the improvement in sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and quality of life (EORTC-QLQ-C30). Patient reported outcomes will be measured at baseline and six weeks later; follow-up will be performed six, twelve and twenty four months after baseline. An evaluation will be performed by means of descriptive data analyses. Discussion Argentine tango, as a music-based movement therapy, can influence physical, psychological and cognitive skills. The therapeutic use of Argentine tango in the care of breast cancer patients has not yet been reported. It is anticipated that participants receiving the tango module will have improved CRF, sleep and quality of life scores compared to a waitlist control. Trial registration Trial registration number DRKS00021601. Retrospectively registered on 21 August 2020.
Improving Well-Being and Survival in the 6-OHDA Lesion Model of Parkinson´s Disease in Mice: Step-By-Step Protocol
Authors: Guillaumin Adriane , Vlcek Bianca , Wallén-Mackenzie Åsa
Published: June 2021

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative motor disorder and primarily affects movement control but also a range on non-motor functions. With unknown cause and lack of cure, much research is dedicated to find treatment. PD is characterized by progressive degeneration of midbrain dopamine neurons, primarily those of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). Due to the complexity of the disease, animal models intended to represent symptoms similar to those observed in PD patients are instrumental to advance treatment prospects for PD. Among these, the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion model, in which dopaminergic neurons are chemically destroyed, is often favoured. However, while reproducing several features of clinical PD, including motor symptoms, mice exposed to 6-OHDA often suffer systemic dysfunction causing premature death. To avoid unnecessary spill of lives of laboratory mice and to increase the reliability of data obtained, there is a need for improved experimental protocols. Here we tested the effects of three parameters; lowered dose of toxin, careful post-operative care, and shortened interval between injection and sacrifice. Results: A detailed 6-OHDA lesion protocol using lower dose of toxin than commonly seen in the literature alongside careful post-operative care and decreased time post-injection resulted in high survival rate. Successful degeneration of midbrain dopamine neurons was confirmed in the SNc using several markers, and nigrostriatal projections were lost in the lesioned hemisphere. Dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) were substantially affected as well. Conclusions: We demonstrate parameters that can be improved to increase well-being and survival of mice while preserving characteristic parkinsonian features in the 6-OHDA lesion model. A step-by-step protocol for implementation in any laboratory is provided.
Antimicrobial compounds were isolated from the secondary metabolites of Gordonia, a resident of intestinal tract of Periplaneta americana
Authors: Ma Yan , Xu Minhua , Liu Hancong , Yu Tiantian , Guo Ping , Liu Wenbin , Jin Xiaobao
Published: June 2021

Microbial secondary metabolites are one of the main sources of bioactive natural products. It is estimated that around 75% of all antibiotics are derived from secondary metabolites produced by filamentous actinomycete. Gordonia sp. are members of the actinomycete family, their contribution to the environment improvement and environmental protection by their biological degradation ability, but there are few studies on the antimicrobial activity of their secondary metabolites. Our team isolated a Gordonia strain WA 4–31 with anti-Candida albicans activity from the intestinal tract of Periplaneta americana in the early stage. In this study, we firstly identified the strain WA 4–31 by the morphological characteristics and the phylogenetic analyses, and found that it homologous to a strain of Gordonia from the Indian desert by 100%. Then four compounds, Actinomycin D (1), Actinomycin X2 (2), Mojavensin A (3) and cyclic (leucine-leucne) dipeptide (4) were purified from the ethyl acetate extract of the fermented broth of the strain. The compounds 1–4 had activities against Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus and Trichophyton rubrum. They also had activities against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli.coli in different degree. Interestingly, we found that when Mojavensin A was mixed with compound 4 ratio of 1:1, the activity of the mixture on anti-Candida albicans was better than the single. Besides, compounds 1–3 had varying degrees of antiproliferative activity on CNE-2 cells and HepG-2 cells. These indicated that Gordonia rare actinomycete from the intestinal tract of Periplaneta americana possessed a potential as a source of active secondary metabolites.
Primary Lung Hyalinizing Clear Cell Carcinoma: A Diagnostic Challenge in Biopsy
Authors: zhang yanling , han wen , zhou jun , yong xiang
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Hyalinizing clear cell carcinomas (HCCCs) are rare, low-grade, malignant tumours. They most commonly involve the minor salivary glands of the head and neck. HCCC that occurs in uncommon locations and examining samples from small biopsy pose a diagnostic challenge for most pathologists.Case presentation: We herein report a primary pulmonary HCCC diagnosed by small biopsy and summarize its histologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular features along with a review of 11 previously reported cases to emphasize the potential diagnostic pitfalls.Conclusions: Small biopsy diagnosis of primary pulmonary HCCC is fall from ideal. A collection of mimics needed to be ruled out. Awareness of the key morphologic features of pulmonary HCCC combined with essential immunohistochemistry and molecular tests contributes to the correct diagnosis.
Optimization of Carotenoids Production from Camelina Sativa Meal Hydrolysate by Rhodosporidium Toruloides
Authors: BERTACCHI STEFANO , Cantù Chiara , Porro Danilo , Branduardi Paola
Published: June 2021

BackgroundPetrochemical synthetic dominates several markets, and carotenoids are not an exception. Since their applications in the food, feed and cosmetic sectors, carotenoids of natural origin are increasingly requested, but the production needs to be sustainable also in terms of initial feedstock. For these reasons we deployed the carotenogenic yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides to obtain such compounds from Camelina sativa meal, an underrated lignocellulosic biomass. As the process starts from hydrolyzed biomass, we separately optimized enzymatic and biomass loadings, to reduce the overall process costs. ResultsThe best conditions (9% w/v biomass, 0.56% w/wbiomass enzymes) were tested in different settings, in which fermentation was separate or co-current with the hydrolysis, showing similar carotenoids productions. The process was implemented in stirred-tank bioreactors, obtaining 3.6 ± 0.69 mg/L of carotenoids, and showing to be robust towards changes in different parameters. ConclusionsThese data pave the way to evaluate a possible industrialization of this bioprocess, considering the opportunity to optimize the use of different amounts of biomass and enzyme loading. In addition, the test in bioreactor is an additional step to further develop the proposed process.
Cutting Mechanical Study of Pick Cutting Coal Seams with Coal and Rock Interface
Authors: Luo Chenxu , Qaio Junbei
Published: June 2021

Shearer provide an effect solution for mining coal, and the cutting performance of pick largely accouts for the ability of a shearer and mining performance. We conducted pick cutting coal experiments in different seam forms on the coal and rock cutting teasted. According to the rotary cutting mechanical model of single pick cutting coal seam, combined with the strength condition of coal seam and coal-rock interface, the rotary cutting mechanical model of pick cutting coal seam with coal-rock interface is established. The stress strain and strength condition of the area in and around the interface are analyzed based on the coal-rock interface crushing theory, which provides basis for further research on the cutting mechanical model of single pick crossing the coal-rock interface. According to the analysis on the ampulitude domain, the phenomenon that force increment between the pick cutting rock and uniform coal seam linearly increases with the increase of compressive strength difference between coal seam and coal-rock interface, and the load fluctuation keep a positive correlation with the compressive strength. Analysis on the signals of the pick cutting coal seam with coal and rock interface at different conditions shows that some basic properties of the cutting load changes over times. In addition, the coal seam with coal-rock interface appears larger impact load and other time-domain characteristics.
CNN with Multiple Input for automatic glaucoma assessment using Fundus Images
Authors: ELMOUFIDI Abdelali , Jai-andaloussi Said
Published: June 2021

In the area of ophthalmology, glaucoma affects an increasing number of people. It is a major cause of blindness. Early detection avoids severe ocular complications such as glaucoma, cystoid macular edema, or diabetic proliferative retinopathy. Intelligent artificial has been confirmed beneficial for glaucoma assessment. In this paper, we describe an approach to automate glaucoma diagnosis using funds images. The setup of the proposed framework is, in order: The Bi-dimensional Empirical Mode Decomposition (BEMD) algorithm is applied to decompose the Regions of Interest (ROI) to components (BIMFs + residue). CNN architecture VGG19 is implemented to extract features from decomposed BEMD components. Then, we fuse the features of the same ROI in a bag of features. These last are very long; therefore, Principal Component Analyses (PCA) are used to reduce features dimensions. Obtained bags of features are the input parameters of the implemented classifier based on the Support Vector Machine (SVM). To train the built models, we have used two public datasets, which are ACRIMA and REFUGE. For testing our models, we have used a part of ACRIMA and REFUGE plus four other public datasets, which are RIM-ONE, ORIGA-light, Drishti-GS1, and sjchoi86-HRF. The overall accuracy of 98.31%, 98.61%, 96.43%, 96.67%, 95.24%, and 98.60% are obtained on ACRIMA, REFUGE, RIM-ONE, ORIGA-light, Drishti-GS1, and sjchoi86-HRF datasets, respectively, by using the model trained on REFUGE. Against an accuracy of 98.92%, 99.06%, 98.27%, 97.10%, 96.97%, and 96.36% are obtained on ACRIMA, REFUGE, RIM-ONE, ORIGA-light, Drishti-GS1, and sjchoi86-HRF datasets, respectively, using the model training on ACRIMA. Obtained experimental results from different datasets demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of the proposed approach. A comparison with some recent previous work in the literature has shown a significant advancement in our proposal.
Chemogenetic stimulation of hippocampal adult-born neurons improves long-term memory accuracy
Authors: lods marie , Mortessagne Pierre , Pacary Emilie , Terral Geoffrey , Farrugia Fanny , Mazier Wilfrid , Masachs Nuria , Charrier Vanessa , Cota Daniela , Ferreira Guillaume , Abrous Djoher , Tronel Sophie
Published: June 2021

Hippocampal adult neurogenesis is involved in many memory processes from learning, to remembering and forgetting. However, whether or not the stimulation of adult neurogenesis can improve memory performance remains unclear. Here, using a chemogenetic approach that combines selective tagging and specific activation of distinct adult-born neuron populations, we demonstrate that this activation can improve remote memory accuracy and strength. These results open up new avenues for remedying memory problems that may arise over time.
Hyperintense Signal on Diffusion-Weighted Imaging for Monitoring The Acute Response and Local Recurrence After Photodynamic Therapy in Malignant Gliomas
Authors: Fujita Yuich , Nagashima Hiroaki , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Hashiguchi Mitsuru , Itoh Tomoo , Sasayama Takashi
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) subsequent to surgical tumor removal is a novel localized treatment for malignant glioma that provides effective local control. The acute response of malignant glioma to PDT can be detected as linear transient hyperintense signal on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and a decline in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values without symptoms. However, their long-term clinical significance has not yet been examined. The aim of this study was to clarify the link between hyperintense signal on DWI as an acute response and recurrence after PDT in malignant glioma.
Methods

Thirty patients (16 men; median age, 60.5 years) underwent PDT for malignant glioma at our institution between 2017 and 2020. We analyzed the signal changes on DWI after PDT and the relationship between these findings and the recurrence pattern.
Results

All patients showed linear hyperintense signal on DWI at the surface of the resected cavity from day 1 after PDT. These changes disappeared in about 30 days without any neurological deterioration. During a mean post-PDT follow-up of 14.3 months, 19 patients (63%) exhibited recurrence: 10 local, 1 distant, and 8 disseminated. All of the local recurrences arose from areas that did not show hyperintense signal on DWI obtained on day 1 after PDT.
Conclusion

The local recurrence in malignant glioma after PDT occurs in an area without hyperintense signal on DWI as an acute response to PDT. This characteristic finding could aid in the monitoring of local recurrence after PDT.
Control tactics and evaluation of clinical efficacy of therapy in children with bronchial asthma associated with mycoplasma infection
Authors: Gorina L. G. , Krylova N. А. , Rakovskaya I. V. , Goncharova S А. , Barkhatova O. I.
Published: June 2021

The uncontrolled course of bronchial asthma (BA) in children and insufficient efficacy of standard therapy regimens may be due to underestimated infectious factors. The objective: to study specific parameters of the course and treatment of mycoplasma infection, improve monitoring over BA therapy in children of the tender and preschool age. Subjects and methods. 320 children with BA in the age from 1 to 7 years old were followed up. In this work, Mycoplasma pneumoniae (FH), Mycoplasma hominis (H-34), Ureaplasma urealyticum (serotype 8), Mycoplasma fermentans (PG18) and Mycoplasma arthritidis (PG6) were used, they were cultured on a liquid medium for cultivation of mycoplasmas and ureaplasmas. To isolate CIC from blood serum samples, we used the method of precipitation with 3.5% polyethylene glycol (PEG, 6000 Da), hemagglutination assays and IFA were used to identify mycoplasma antigens, mycoplasma DNA was detected by PCR with InterLabService diagnostic kits. The data of 47 patients with prolonged mycoplasma antigenemia were assessed at the baseline and in 1.5-3 months after the treatment course of azithromycin.Results. 320 blood serum samples from children with BA were tested, and the detection rate by hemagglutination assays of M. pneumoniae antigens was 60.9%, M. hominis – 43.4%, U. urealyticum – 44.8%, M. arthritidis – 29.7%, M. fermentrans – 45.3%. The assessment of relationship between of M. pneumoniae, M. hominis and asthma exacerbation showed that antigens of M. pneumoniae and M. hominis were found in 216 children (single or associated). After treatment with azithromycin, the frequency of BA exacerbations within 3 months decreased by 2.4 times, as well as there was a reduction in the number of samples positive for antigens and DNA of mycoplasma in a free state and within CIC. The persistence of antigens, DNA of M. pneumoniae and M. hominis before treatment of 47 children was 80.9 and 66.0% of cases, after treatment with azithromycin – 31.9 and 25.5% of cases, respectively (p < 0.001). Within CIC isolated from the blood serum of patients, antigens to M. pneumoniae and M. hominis before treatment were detected by IFA in 63.8 and 70.2% of children, after treatment – in 31.9 and 23.4%, respectively. p < 0.001. In blood samples, DNA of M. pneumoniae and M. hominis was detected by PCR before treatment in 8.5 and 34.0%; after treatment in 6.4% (p = 0.318) and 19.1% of cases, respectively (p = 0.009), and within CIC isolated from blood serum, in 27.7 and 48.9% of cases before treatment and 8.5 and 34.0% after it, respectively (p = 0.009).
Pressure-induced structural phase transitions in natural kaolinite investigated by Raman spectroscopy and electrical conductivity
Authors: Hong Meiling , Dai Lidong , Hu Haiying , Zhang Xinyu
Published: June 2021

We investigated the structural, vibrational, and electrical transport properties of natural kaolinite and its high-pressure polymorphs by Raman scattering and electrical conductivity measurements at 293–673 K and up to 10.0 GPa using diamond-anvil cell. Upon compression, kaolinite underwent two structural transitions from kaolinite I to kaolinite II to kaolinite III phases at pressures of 2.9 and 6.5 GPa, respectively, which was disclosed by the inflection point in the pressure-dependent Raman shifts and electrical conductivity. Upon decompression, kaolinite III directly transformed to kaolinite I at 0.8 GPa without the appearance of kaolinite II. Additionally, the influence of temperature on the structural transformation of natural kaolinite was explored by high-temperature and high-pressure electrical conductivity measurements and negative temperature-dependent transition pressure correlations were obtained. A phase diagram of natural kaolinite was established for the first time and the kaolinite I-kaolinite II and kaolinite II-kaolinite III phase transition boundaries were determined: P (GPa) = 4.298–0.00462 T (K) and P (GPa) = 8.895–0.00799 T (K), respectively. Furthermore, our acquired phase diagram can be applied to understand the stability field of high-pressure polymorphs of kaolinite in the Earth’s interior and may provide a phase transition model for other kaolin-group minerals.
Artificial stepper tensile actuator using Joule-heated twisted and coiled polymer muscles
Authors: Kolivand Hadi , Souri Azita
Published: June 2021

Twisted and coiled polymer muscles (TCPM) are inexpensive, light weight and simple artificial muscles that are introduced recently. For implementation of this muscle as a linear controllable actuator, we need an open loop or closed loop control system. In this paper we proposed a new artificial stepper tensile actuator based on joule-heated TCPM (we name it “stepper TCPM”) that will be used as a stepping straight actuator and can be control via an open loop control system. There are not any sensors in the proposed actuator, so the actuator can be used in an open loop control system for stepping linear movements. This stepper actuator consists of some serial TCPM string with some individual heater isolated wires that twisted around the fiber of each TCPM. The maximum displacement of each TCPM is double of the previous TCPM, therefore the full set or reset of current of these wires result full contraction of each TCPM and stepping displacement control of stepper TCPM. Our experiment shows that we can control step by step displacement of proposed actuator without any sensor or closed loop control system (similar to common stepper motor but in straight motion). Proposed actuator is applicable in low cost and low weight stepping movement mechanism.
Design, analysis and fabrication of a fully articulated helicopter main rotor system
Authors: Ahmed Shamol Arafat , Yaser Ahmed Samin , Islam Shubho Md. Ariful , Rahman Towsibur
Published: June 2021

This study describes an integrated framework in which the basic elements of Aerospace Engineering (performance, aerodynamics and structure) and functional elements (suspension, visibility and production) are integrated and considered. In this study, a fully functional rotor system has been fabricated that can be used as one of the training resources for Aeronautical students. For making the rotor system, various parts of the system have been designed on Solidworks and complete mechanism has been simulated with ANSYS. System analysis has been done at various RPM's and Angles of Attack (AOA). In terms of merit the right items have been selected and processed to provide them with the right shape. In terms of the design and implementation, various machines such as gas welding, arc welding, CNC milling and radial machinery have been used. Certain parts such as electric motors, linear actuators and loading cells have been used. All the fabricated components and electric motor, actuator, load cells are then assembled. This rotor system can produce less lift due to high dead weight and low power motor and having some safety issues.
Global Biomaterials Market: Potential Opportunities for Raw Materials of Animal Origin
Authors: Patshina Marina , Voroshilin Roman , Osintsev Alexey
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Meat processing enterprises are facing the problem of utilization of secondary products with a limited scope of application and a wide range of useful properties. One of the promising ways of slaughter-house by-product utilization is the production of biomaterials that can replace various tissues of a living organism. This review presents an analysis of the global biomaterials market, its volume, and possible ways of using secondary meat resources in various sectors of economy.

Study objects and methods. The article represents some results of a desk research based on open sources, i.e. publications and Internet data portals.

Results and discussion. One of the most important tasks of modern regenerative medicine is to develop fast and effective methods for the restoration of damaged or lost organs and tissue fragments. Its solution directly depends on new advanced biomaterials. Modern biocompatible materials are in great demand in such areas of medicine as orthopedics, ophthalmology, dentistry, general and cardiovascular surgery, restorative medicine, drug delivery, etc. Cosmetology is a rapidly evolving segment of medicine and depends on such biomaterials as hyaluronic acid and collagen. Russian biomedicine occupies 0.7% of the world market. However, the Russian segment is likely to grow and expand its range of biomaterials.

Conclusion. The currently unused resources of meat industry can be an excellent source of valuable raw materials for the advanced biomedical structures used in tissue engineering. A wide variety of structures and properties of secondary resources can produce a wide range of biomaterials. The possibility of manufacturing matrices from internally sourced raw materials within one enterprise is particularly promising.
Adsorption of nitrate and nitrite from aqueous solution by magnetic Mg/Fe hydrotalcite
Authors: Chen Jing , Wei Yawei , Ji Haoyu , Guo Pengliang , Wan Dongjin , Li Bo , Sun Xuzhuo
Published: June 2021

In this study, magnetic Mg/Fe hydrotalcite calcined material (M-CHT) was synthesized through the co-precipitation and calcination method, and was used to effectively remove nitrate and nitrite from water. M-CHT can restore its original layered structure after the adsorption of nitrate or nitrite, and can be easily separated by an applied magnetic field. The first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models (R2 ≥ 0.97) can better describe the adsorption kinetic process. The equilibrium isotherm showed that the Langmuir model provided a better fit to the experimental data than the Freundlich model for nitrates and nitrites. With temperature increased from 298 to 308 K, the maximum adsorption capacity obtained by the Langmuir model increased from 10.60 to 16.90 mg-N/g for nitrate and 7.89 to 14.28 mg-N/g for nitrite, respectively. The adverse effect of coexisting anions ranked in the order of ClO4− > Cl− > SO42− > F− > CO32− > PO43−. The actual Fe2+/Fe3+ value of M-CHT (0.56) is nearly consistent with the theoretical value of 0.5, and the saturation magnetic strength value of M-CHT is 9.15 emu/g, greatly contributing to the solid–liquid separation. Overall, M-CHT with features of magnetic properties and satisfactory adsorption capacity exhibits great promise for application in wastewater purification.
Electrochemical degradation of chloramphenicol using Ti-based SnO2–Sb–Ni electrode
Authors: Li Dan , Zhang Libao , Gao Weichun , Meng Jing , Guan Yinyan , Liang Jiyan , Shen Xinjun
Published: June 2021

Antibiotic residues may be very harmful in aquatic environments, because of limited treatment efficiency of traditional treatment methods. An electrochemical system with a Ti-based SnO2–Sb–Ni anode was developed to degrade a typical antibiotic chloramphenicol (CAP) in water. The electrode was prepared using a sol–gel method. The performance of electrode materials, impact factors and dynamic characteristics were evaluated. The Ti-based SnO2–Sb–Ni electrode was compact and uniform as shown by characterization using SEM and XRD. The electrocatalytic oxidation of CAP was carried out in a single-chamber reactor by using a Ti-based SnO2–Sb–Ni electrode. For 100 mg L−1 CAP, the CAP removal ratio of 100% and the TOC removal ratio of 60% were obtained at the current density of 20 mA cm−2 and in a neutral electrolyte at 300 min. Kinetic investigation has shown that the electro-oxidation of CAP on a Ti-based SnO2–Sb–Ni electrode displayed a pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Free radical quenching experiments presented that the oxidation of CAP on Ti-based SnO2–Sb–Ni electrode resulted from the synergistic effect of direct oxidation and indirect oxidation (·OH and ·SO4−). Doping Ni on the Ti/SnO2–Sb electrode for CAP degradation was presented in this paper, showing its great application potential in the area of antibiotic and halogenated organic pollutant degradation.
Long Non-coding RNA AFAP1-AS1 Facilitates Prostate Cancer Progression by Regulating miR-15b/IGF1R Axis
Authors: Liu Bo , Jiang Hui-Yang , Yuan Tao , Zhou Wei-Dong , Xiang Zhen-Dong , Jiang Qi-Quan , Wu Deng-Long
Published: June 2021

Background:

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a commonly diagnosed malignant cancer and is the second-
highest cause of cancer death in men worldwide. Enzalutamide is the second-generation inhibitor of androgen
receptor signaling and is the fundamental drug for the treatment of advanced PCa. However, the disease
will eventually progress to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and aggressive neuroendocrine
prostate cancer (NEPC) because of androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) resistance. The aim of the
study was to investigate the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) AFAP1-AS1 in ADT resistance.

Methods:

Quantitative real-time PCR analysis (qPCR) was used to assess the expression of AFAP1-AS1 in
PCa cell lines and tissues. Cell proliferation and invasion were assessed after AFAP1-AS1 knockdown using
Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 and Transwell assay, respectively. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was carried
out to validate the regulatory relationship among AFAP1-AS1, microRNA (miR)-15b, and insulin-like
growth factor1 receptor (IGF1R).

Results:

AFAP1-AS1 level was markedly increased in castration-resistant C4-2 cells and NE-like cells (PC3,
DU145, and NCI-H660), compared with androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells. Enzalutamide treatment increased
the expression of AFAP1-AS1 in vitro and in vivo. Functionally, AFAP1-AS1 knockdown repressed tumor cell
proliferation and invasion. Mechanistically, AFAP1-AS1 functioned as an oncogene in PCa through binding to
miR-15b and destroying its tumor suppressor function. Finally, we identified that AFAP1-AS1 up-regulated
IGF1R expression by competitively binding to miR-15b to de-repress IGF1R.

Conclusion:

AFAP1-AS1 facilitates PCa progression by regulating miR-15b/IGF1R axis, indicating that
AFAP1-AS1 may serve as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for PCa.
Enhanced Solubility of Albendazole in Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex: A Molecular Modeling Approach and Physicochemical Evaluation
Authors: de Melo Camila Gomes , da Costa Lucas Amadeu Gonzaga , Rabello Marcelo Montenegro , de Albuquerque Wanderley Sales Victor , Ferreira Aline Silva , da Silva Paulo César Dantas , Nishimura Rodolfo Hideki Vicente , da Silva Rosali Maria Ferreira , de Araújo Rolim Larissa , Neto Pedro José Rolim
Published: June 2021

Background:

Albendazole (ABZ) is the drug of choice for the treatment of a variety of human and veterinary parasites. However, it has low aqueous solubility and low bioavailability. Cyclodextrins (CD) are pharmaceutical excipients with the ability to modulate the solubilization property of hydrophobic molecules.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to analyze through in vitro and in silico studies (Autodock Vina software and CycloMolder platform) the formation of inclusion complexes between ABZ, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and its derivatives Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (M-β-CD) and Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD).

Methods:

The most stable inclusion complexes were produced by the kneading method and characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), determination of the ABZ content and in vitro dissolution profile.

Results:

Molecular modeling revealed that inclusion complexes between HP-β-CD:ABZ (in the proportion 1:1 and 2:1) presented the lowest formation energy and the highest number of intermolecular interactions, showing that the use of more cyclodextrins does not generate gains in the stability of the complex. On the characterization tests, the complexes experimentally obtained by the kneading method demonstrated highly suggestive parameters, including ABZ in HP-β-CD in both molar proportions, suppression of bands in the infrared spectrum, displacement of the drug's melting temperature in DSC, crystallinity halos instead of the characteristic peaks of ABZ crystals in the XRD and a release of more than 80% of ABZ in less than 5 minutes, dissolution efficiency of up to 92%.

Conclusion:

In silico studies provided a rational selection of the appropriate complexes of cyclodextrin, enabling the elaboration of more targeted complexes, decreasing time and costs for elaboration of new formulations, thereby increasing the oral biodisponibility of ABZ.
A Natural Membrane Vesicle Exosome-based Sinomenine Delivery Platform for Hepatic Carcinoma Therapy
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhao Ling , Yuan Wanwen , Liang Leyi , Li Ming , Yu Xuesong , Wang Yan
Published: June 2021

Background:

Recent evidence has been demonstrated that Sinomenine (SIN) exerts antitumor
activity in vitro. However, the clinical utility of SIN remains limited mainly because of its
poor bioavailability. Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles that play crucial roles in intracellular communications
through functionally active substances such as DNA and RNA. Exosomes have been utilized
as nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery of different anticancer drugs.

Methods:

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combined Exosomes-SIN for
the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a rat model. To do so, we prepared a mixture
of SIN and exosomes (Exo-SIN) to improve the bioavailability of SIN to treat liver cancer. The in
vitro releasing profile of the Exo-SIN was examined.

Results:

We observed a continuous, slow release of SIN from Exo-SIN in simulated body fluid as
well as tumor microenvironment. In the cytotoxicity test, Exo-SIN exhibited a significantly
stronger inhibition in HepG2 cells compared to free SIN. The flow cytometry assessments showed
that Exo-SIN could suppress HepG2 cell migration in a Transwell assay and induce cell cycle arrest
and cellular apoptosis. Western blotting showed that survivin, a crucial protein for the survival
of living cells, was significantly downregulated after treatment with Exo-SIN.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, our data suggested that Exo-SIN could serve as a potential, effective delivery
platform for hepatic carcinoma therapy.
Solving the Gap Between HCV Detection and Treatment in Prison HCVRNA
Testing and Treatment in a Cohort of Newly Arrived Convicts in
Southern Italy
Authors: Izzo Carmine , Masarone Mario , Torre Pietro , Melara Giuseppe , De Matteis Giuseppe , De Luna Antonio , Pagano Antonio Maria , Persico Marcello
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

HCV infection elimination is set to be carried out by 2030. To achieve
this goal, the WHO has set minor achievable short-term “mini-goals.” One of these is treating “difficult
to reach and treat populations,” such as prisoners. One of the biggest obstacles to achieving
this mini goal is the poor knowledge of the real HCV prevalence in such a population and the barriers
to its detection, treatment, and follow-up. Even if HCV testing in Italian prisons is feasible and
recommended, it is not however always carried out. To worsen the picture, the peculiar status of
conviction is correlated to difficulty in caring out the antiviral therapy due to loss in follow-up and
to the refusals by inmates.

Aims:

A point-of-care test-and-treat program was set up in a penitentiary in Southern Italy to reduce
the number of patients Lost To Follow-Up (LTFU) between detection and treatment. A secondary
aim was to evaluate the prevalence of HCV-infected patients in a cohort of newly arrived
inmates.

Methods:

This prospective-observational study was carried out from January 2020 to February
2020. We performed an HCV-RNA blood capillary quick test on all newly arrived inmates. As a
routine, the new inmates underwent clinical and laboratory assessments. To those who were detected
HCV-RNA positive, the shortest possible antiviral treatment was offered, according to genotype
and clinical features.

Results:

We observed 122 new inmates in the period between January and February of 2020. Overall,
62 (50.8%) subjects took HCV-RNA quick testing through blood sampling. Four (6.4%) subjects
were found to be HCV-RNA positive; 1 refused antiviral therapy, while 3 accepted, obtaining
100% SVR. None of the HCV-active inmates were lost to follow up between detection and treatment
proposal.

Conclusion:

The use of a high-speed test-and-treat protocol for HCV infection was demonstrated
to be effective in avoiding LTFU in HCV-positive new inmates in the period between detection
and treatment. We observed an apparent prevalence of HCV incident cases in newly arrived inmates
of 6.4%. Antiviral therapy was quickly provided and found to be effective and successful.
The Impacts of Traditional Fermentation Method on the Chemical Characteristics of Arabica Coffee Beans from Bondowoso District, East Java
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematic and Sciences, University of Jember, Oktavianawati Ika , Arimurti Sattya ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences, University of Jember, Suharjono Suharjono ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University
Published: June 2021

Bondowoso district is the predominant supplier of coffee beans, and also known as Republik Kopi. However, there was still insufficient data about the chemical characteristics of coffee from Bondowoso. This research has main aims to characterize the chemical characteristic of Coffea Arabica L. from Bondowoso, and determine the impact of traditional fermentation on them. Coffee beans were naturally-fermented through soaking in water for less than 12 hours. Unfermented coffee beans were used as a control. Both unfermented and fermented coffee beans were subjected to chemical analysis. Results show that total nitrogen and lipid contents of both fermented and unfermented beans decreased after fermentation into 0.19%±0.03 and 10.03%±0.14, respectively. LCMS analysis of coffee beans revealed that the majority of amino acid contents in fermented beans were higher than that found in unfermented beans, while caffeine and derivatives to be lower in fermented coffee beans than in unfermented beans. One exception for this was 7-methylxanthine, which was found only in fermented beans. Other metabolites, including procyanidines A and B, were found to decrease through fermentation. Interestingly, 3-flavanol was found only in fermented coffee beans. This research results would benefit on improving the quality of coffee through fermentation step.
PEDAGOGIA 2.0 NA WEB SOCIAL E O SEU IMPACTO NO AUTOCONCEITO DE ESTUDANTES DE PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO
Authors: Moreira José António
Published: June 2021

A vertiginosa evolução das tecnologias de informação e da comunicação (TIC) e o advento da Internet propiciaram o surgimento de uma sociedade em rede marcada por mudanças acentuadas na economia, impulsionando o nascimento de novos paradigmas, modelos, processos de comunicação educacional e novos cenários de aprendizagem. É precisamente um desses cenários pedagógicos na web social que pretendemos analisar, descrevendo o seu impacto no autoconceito acadêmico de vinte e nove estudantes de pós-graduação, a partir da análise qualitativa das suas perceções e narrativas e tendo como referencial o Modelo Pedagógico Virtual® da Universidade Aberta, Portugal. Os resultados mostram que o design do ambiente, ancorado nos princípios do construtivismo, da autonomia, da flexibilidade, da inclusão e da interação, podem ter efeitos muito positivos no autoconceito acadêmico dos estudantes do ensino superior, em nível das diferentes dimensões consideradas: Motivação, Orientação para a Tarefa, Confiança nas suas Capacidades e Relação com os Colegas. São discutidas as implicações dos resultados encontrados, tanto do ponto de vista de intervenção prática, quanto em termos de investigações futuras.
DOCÊNCIA VIRTUAL E SABERES DOCENTES: UM ESTUDO DA TUTORIA NA REDE E-TEC BRASIL
Authors: Penteado Chaquime Luciane , Mill Daniel
Published: June 2021

Na atuação como mediador do processo de ensino-aprendizagem em cursos de Educação a Distância por meio de tecnologias digitais de informação e comunicação, o tutor virtual mobiliza, por um lado, saberes que compõem a base de conhecimento necessária à docência em geral. Por outro, constrói novos saberes ao refletir sobre sua prática, ampliando e diversificando essa base. Partindo desse contexto, o artigo apresenta resultados de uma pesquisa que buscou mapear os saberes do tutor virtual, identificando sua natureza. Para a realização da investigação, empregouse a triangulação metodológica e percorreu-se as seguintes etapas: levantamento e estudo de bibliografia; coleta de dados utilizando-se questionário com questões abertas e fechadas, entrevista individual, sessões de entrevistas coletivas e análise de documentação oficial; sistematização e análise dos dados. Os resultados observados demonstram que a experiência na tutoria virtual tem potencial formador ao possibilitar a construção de novos saberes e, com isso, ampliar a base de conhecimento necessária à docência
Effects of Telemedicine and mHealth on Systolic Blood Pressure Management in Stroke Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Lv Meina , Wu Tingting , Jiang Shaojun , Chen Wenjun , Zhang Jinhua
Published: June 2021

Background

Stroke is a common, harmful disease with high recurrence and mortality rates. Uncontrolled blood pressure is an important and changeable risk factor for stroke recurrence. Telemedicine and mobile health (mHealth) interventions may have the potential to facilitate the control of blood pressure among stroke survivors, but their effect has not been established.

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to estimate the effects of telemedicine and mHealth interventions on the control of systolic blood pressure among stroke survivors.

Methods

The research literature published up to June 28, 2020, and consisting of RCTs related to telemedicine and mHealth interventions was searched in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB 2.0) was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. The Cochran Q test and I2 statistic were used to assess heterogeneity. Data were meta-analyzed using a random-effects model. Mean difference (MD) with 95% CI and 95% prediction interval (PI) were calculated.

Results

In total, 9 RCTs with a total sample size of 1583 stroke survivors met the inclusion criteria. Compared with the usual care, telemedicine and mHealth had a significantly greater impact on the control of systolic blood pressure (MD –5.49; 95% CI –7.87 to –3.10; P<.001; 95% PI –10.46 to –0.51). A subgroup analysis showed that the intervention mode of telephone plus SMS text messaging (MD –9.09; 95% CI –12.71 to –5.46; P<.001) or only telephone (MD –4.34; 95% CI –6.55 to –2.13; P<.001; 95% PI –7.24 to –1.45) had a greater impact on the control of systolic blood pressure than usual care. Among the stroke survivors with an intervention interval ≤1 week (MD –6.51; 95% CI –9.36 to –3.66; P<.001; 95% PI –12.91 to –0.10) or a baseline systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg (MD –6.15; 95% CI –9.44 to –2.86; P<.001; 95% PI –13.55 to 1.26), the control of systolic blood pressure using telemedicine and mHealth was better than that of usual care.

Conclusions

In general, telemedicine and mHealth reduced the systolic blood pressure of stroke survivors by an average of 5.49 mm Hg compared with usual care. Telemedicine and mHealth are a relatively new intervention mode with potential applications for the control of systolic blood pressure among stroke survivors, especially those with hypertensive stroke.
An Environmental Scan of Virtual “Walk-In” Clinics in Canada: Comparative Study
Authors: Matthewman Spencer , Spencer Sarah , Lavergne M Ruth , McCracken Rita K , Hedden Lindsay
Published: June 2021

Background

Canada has been slow to implement virtual care relative to other countries. However, in recent years, the availability of on-demand, “walk-in” virtual clinics has increased, with the COVID-19 pandemic contributing to the increased demand and provision of virtual care nationwide. Although virtual care facilitates access to physicians while maintaining physical distancing, there are concerns regarding the continuity and quality of care as well as equitable access. There is a paucity of research documenting the availability of virtual care in Canada, thus hampering the efforts to evaluate the impacts of its relatively rapid emergence on the broader health care system and on individual health.

Objective

We conducted a national environmental scan to determine the availability and scope of virtual walk-in clinics, cataloging the services they offer and whether they are operating through public or private payment.

Methods

We developed a power term and implemented a structured Google search to identify relevant clinics. From each clinic meeting our inclusion criteria, we abstracted data on the payment model, region of operation, services offered, and continuity of care. We compared clinics operating under different payment models using Fisher exact tests.

Results

We identified 18 virtual walk-in clinics. Of the 18 clinics, 10 (56%) provided some services under provincial public insurance, although 44% (8/18) operated on a fully private payment model while an additional 39% (7/18) charged patients out of pocket for some services. The most common supplemental services offered included dermatology (15/18, 83%), mental health services (14/18, 78%), and sexual health (11/18, 61%). Continuity, information sharing, or communication with the consumers’ existing primary care providers were mentioned by 22% (4/18) of the clinics.

Conclusions

Virtual walk-in clinics have proliferated; however, concerns about equitable access, continuity of care, and diversion of physician workforce within these models highlight the importance of supporting virtual care options within the context of longitudinal primary care. More research is needed to support quality virtual care and understand its effects on patient and provider experiences and the overall health system utilization and costs.