bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Bioactive Components, Simultaneous Determination and Pharmacokinetic Study of Six Components After Intragastric Administration of Qiling Wenshen Xiaonang Granule.
Authors: Shi Jiawen , Wang Yu , Zhang Yiqian , Liu Yuanxue , Huo Zhipeng , Hou Lihui , He Yi
Published: June 2020

Background: Qiling Wenshen Xiaonang Granule (QLWSG), a compound preparation of traditional Chinese medicine, which was recently approved by the National Medical Products Administration for clinical trials of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is necessary to do further researches about QLWSG for better understanding.Methods: In this study, qualitative and quantitative analysis of QLWSG in rat plasma were conducted by ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UFLC-QqQ-MS). The multi-reaction monitoring mode/electrospray ionization source of the triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was used for detection. The plasma samples were prepared by precipitating protein with organic solvent.Results: 21 prototypes in rat plasma were identified after intragastric administration of QLWSG, and most of the identified components are flavonoids and phenolic acids. Furthermore, a sensitive and specific UFLC-QqQ-MS method was also built, which was used for simultaneous determination and pharmacokinetic study of six active components, astragaloside IV, calycosin, calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, icariin, epimedin C and rosmarinic acid in rat plasma after intragastric administration of QLWSG with three doses (8, 16, 24 g/kg). All the calibration curves showed good linearity (r > 0.9942) in the range of concentration measured. The validated method is stable and reliable, meanwhile, successfully applied for pharmacokinetic evaluation of tested compounds. The results showed that there was no significant difference in half-lives (t1/2) and clearance (CL/F) of six analytes at the three doses were observed.Conclusions: It can be inferred that the pharmacokinetic behavior of QLWSG is positively correlated to dose at the range of 8–24 g/kg. Simultaneous determination of the six compounds in vivo for the first time by UFLC-QqQ-MS. The validated method and the results of this study would benefit therapeutic material basis and clinical application for QLWSG. And the validated method would also be applied to the analysis of other Chinese medicine compound prescriptions.
Stromaphane: A New Type of Two-dimensional Covalent Organic Framework with Subnanometric Slit-Shaped Pores
Authors: Peng Jian-Jhih , Yang Hau-Ren , Pai Chun-Wai , Chen Wei-Ting , Chen Chong-You , Li Chang-Yun , Huang Shou-Ling , Chen Yen-Chen , Lee Shern-Long , Chuang Yu-Chun , Sheu Hwo-Shuenn , Hsu I-Jui , Chen Chun-hsien , Lai Yu-Ying , Lai Guoqiao , Luh Tien-Yau
Published: June 2020

Stromaphane is a new type of two-dimensional covalent organic framework (2D-COF), constituting of multiple layers of ladderphanes where two adjacent ladderphane motifs share a common polymeric backbone. The linkers for each ladderphane moiety are perpendicular to the polymeric backbones and staggered with the linkers in the immediate neighbouring ladderphane layers. The framework of the stromaphane contains numerous slit-shaped pores with a width in subnanometres and length in nanometers. This 2D-COF is synthesized by Grubbs G-I catalyst-mediated stereospecific ring opening metathesis polymerisation of a biscyclopropene derivative having a benzene triad linker. The overall process can be considered as a self-intercalation polymerisation of a biscyclopropene. The structure of the 2D-COF has been proved by XRD measurements, DFT simulation, and STM images. This 2D-COF is composed of substituted poly(methylene-E-vinylene) (PMEV) backbones and benzene triad linkers to form a two-dimensional framework with multiply symmetrically distributed subnanometric slit-shaped pores.
MiR-18a-5p Promotes NPC Cell Proliferation, Invasion, Migration, and EMT by Targeting SMAD2
Authors: Li Pengcheng , Xing Junhui , Jiang Jianwu , Tian Xinyu , Liu Xuemeng , Yao Rui , Wu Leiming , Liang Cui , Zhang Yanzhou , Liu Junqi
Published: June 2020

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common malignant tumor in the head and neck that is characterized by high local malignant invasion and distant metastasis. miR-18a-5p reportedly plays an important role in tumorigenesis and development. However, little is known about the mechanism underlying miR-18a-5p’s role in NPC.Methods：Quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-18a-5p in NPC tissues and cell lines. MTT assay and plate clone formation assay were used to detect the effect of miR-18a-5p on NPC cell proliferation. Woundhealing assays and Transwell assays were used to detect the effect of miR-18a-5p on NPC cell invasion and migration. The expressions of epithelialmesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins N-cadherin, Vimentin, and E-cadherin were detected by Westernblot. Bioinformatics and dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to detect the targeting interaction between miR-18a-5p and SMAD2. Xenotransplantation and metastasis model were used to detect the effect of miR-18a-5p on NPC growth and metastasis in vivo.Results:miR-18a-5p was highly expressed in NPC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-18a-5p promotedNPC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT process, whereas inhibition of miR-18a-5p expression led to the oppositeresults. Results of dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that SMAD2 was the target gene of miR-18a-5p, and SMAD2 could reverse the effect of miR-18a-5p on NPC cell line. Xenotransplantation and metastasis model experiments in nude mice showed that miR-18a-5p promotesNPC growth and metastasis in vivo.Conclusions:Targeting SMAD2 downregulated miR-18a-5p expression, thereby promoting NPC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and EMT.
Physical, Perceptual, Socio-Relational and Affective Limitation of Five-Years-Old Children Born Preterm and Full-Term.
Authors: Gil-Madrona Pedro , Romero-Martínez Sonia , Roz-Faraco Carmen
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To compare the development of physical-motor, perceptual-motor and socio-relational and affective skills of five-years-old children born preterm and full term, completing the Checklist of Psychomotor Activities.Methods: A prospective simple ex-post facto study was conducted. The sample consisted of six hundred ninety-four (694) five-year-old children enrolled in the third year of early childhood education in the Province of Albacete-Spain. This study is based on medical histories - prior parental written consents - and the results of evaluating the motor skills completing the Checklist of Psychomotor Activities (CPA).Results: The study determined that children born preterm have a lower development of their physical-motor skills. In the perceptual-motor field, premature children show lower scores in the variables related to their body image and body schema, motor dissociation and visual-motor coordination, as well as in socio-relational and affective aspects. However, regarding laterality, dynamic coordination, motor execution, tonic-postural control and balance, the development of these skills is not affected.Conclusions: The study demonstrates the needs to establish protocols oriented to the prevention of the difficulties detected in children with psychomotor high-risk and also the needs to reinforce the educational programs in this particular area to improve the integral development of children born preterm since they show less development of physical-motor perceptual-motor, socio-relational and affective skills.
STING Mediates Cytosolic Dna-Induced Muc5ac Mrna Expression in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Ohta Masaya , Nishida Yutaka , Yagi Hisako , Aizawa Aikira , Oyanagi Takahito , Saitoh Akihiko , Yamada Satoshi , Ishige Takashi , Kobayashi Yasuko , Arakawa Hirokzu , Takizawa Takumi
Published: June 2020

Background: Non-autologous and autologous cytosolic DNA are recognized as danger signals by cytoplasmic sensor molecules that activate signal-transduction pathways. An important molecule in cytosolic DNA sensing is stimulator of interferon genes (STING), an endoplasmic reticulum protein activated by cyclic GMP–AMP (cGAMP) produced in response to cytosolic DNA. STING is important for innate immune responses to cytosolic DNA in immune cells; however, knowledge about its role in bronchial epithelial cells is limited. Methods: We stimulated NCI-H292 cells with poly(dA:dT) and silenced STING and other regulatory proteins, and then determined MUC5AC mRNA expression levels. Results: Cytosolic DNA increased the expression of a major respiratory mucin protein, MUC5AC, in the human respiratory epithelial cell line NCI-H292 in a STING-dependent manner. Introducing poly(dA:dT) into the cytoplasm induced MUC5AC and interferon-β (IFNβ) expression. Silencing STING by RNA interference decreased poly(dA:dT)-induced MUC5AC mRNA expression but increased IFN-β mRNA levels. Furthermore, cGAMP treatment increased MUC5AC expression but not IFN-β expression. In contrast, silencing retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I), which is a component of a different nucleic acid-sensing system, suppressed poly(dA:dT)-induced IFN-β expression and increased MUC5AC expression. Conclusions: Unlike its role in other cell types, in human bronchial epithelial cells, STING is central to cytosolic DNA-induced MUC5AC expression, whereas IFN-β expression is dependent on RIG-I. Our data indicate a functional interaction between the STING and RIG-I pathways, suggesting the existence of intricate and cell-specific cytosolic DNA-sensing systems.
Soil foundation and structure interaction effects on the estimating of fundamental period of instrumented buildings
Authors: TORKIA HAITEM , Toufik Maalem , Noureddine Lahbari
Published: June 2020

The aim of this paper is to propose new expressions for fundamental period of reinforced concrete buildings which takes into account of soil foundation and structure interaction SFSI effects and its variation of 215 existing buildings located in the USA, Europe and Asia. Diagrams representing empirical relationship between fundamental period-height in most recent research and building codes. No difference was observed in the value of period T as a result of degradation of the soil bearing capacity in this ranges. It is incorrect to present a single equation or a single diagram for different geotechnical conditions. To evaluate SFSI effects, simplified SFSI modal described in this work using on Van nuys building-VN7SH and are compared with those obtained by different authors. In order to developed a simplifieds equations for estimating fundamental periods of vibration for 03 geomorphological sites, 40 existing buildings recorded over a period of 24 years located in the sites of California are utilized, that encompass a wide range of structural and geotechnical conditions. On the other hand,175 more buildings used from Europe and Asia exposed to earthquake actions were examined to evaluate the accuracy of the relationship.A collective examination of the empirical, measured and procedures show that the fundamental period is fonction of to the building overall height H estimated on empirical formulas provided by earthquake design codes used for buildings under SFSI conditions effects under certain circumstances, underestimate the real response of the structures.
The results reveal the effects of SFSI due to an earthquake recorded motion on the response of buildings depends mainly on the soil mass amplification, as well as secondary influences from type, shape and inertia of foundation.
Number of Pre-Existing Comorbidities and Prognosis of COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Jing Danrong , Su Juan , Ye Lin , Zhang Yan , Cui Yanhui , Liu Hong , Shen Minxue , Pan Pinhua , Chen Xiang
Published: June 2020

Background: Though many studies have described the association of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and different kinds of noncommunicable chronic diseases, information with the combine effects of comorbidities to COVID-19 patients have not been well characterized yet. The aim of this study was to examine the associations of numbers of comorbidities with critical type and death of COVID-19.Methods: This was a single-centered retrospective study among patients with COVID-19. All patients with COVID-19 enrolled in this study were diagnosed according to World Health Organization interim guidance. Six different kinds of noncommunicable chronic diseases were included in this study. The logistic regression model was used to estimate the fixed effect of numbers of comorbidities on critical type or death, adjusting for potential confounders.Results: In total, 475 COVID-19 patients were enrolled in our study, included 234 females and 241 males. Hypertension was the most frequent type (162 [34.1%] of 475 patients). Patients with two or more comorbidities have higher risk of critical type (OR 3.072, 95% CI [1.581, 5.970], p=0.001) and death (OR 5.538, 95% CI [1.577, 19.451], p=0.008) compared to patients without comorbidities. And the results were similar after adjusting for age and gender in critical type (OR 2.021, 95% CI [1.002–4.077], p=0.049) and death (OR 3.653, 95% CI [0.989, 13.494], p=0.052).Conclusions: The number of comorbidities was an independent risk factor for critical type and death in COVID-19 patients.
Determinants of regular demand for antiretroviral therapy in Togo
Authors: Bagnan BATO , OKEY Mawussé K. N.
Published: June 2020

Background: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic reduces the annual growth rate of developing countries by 0.8%. Regular demand for antiretrovirals (ARV) becomes imperative. The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors of regular ARV demand. The study concerns 2269 patients who initiated treatment between January 1 and December 31, 2017 in Togo. Methods: From the study of the behavior of the care consumer, the analysis of the non-monetary determinants of health care demand is based on the Logit model.Results: Most patients are between the ages of 26 and 45 years old. Out of 2269 patients, 32% are irregular at monthly appointments. Sex, occupational status, World Health Organization (WHO) stage of illness, marital status and administrative region of life influence patient compliance. Conclusion: Despite free treatment of HIV, adherence to care remains a crucial problem in the context of HIV treatment. The personalized and differentiated follow-up become important, coupled with the improvement of patients' socio-economic conditions and geographic accessibility to care.
Long term complications of hypospadias repair: A ten-year experience from Northern Zone of Tanzania.
Authors: mohd mbarouk said , Bright Frank bright , Mteta Alfred kien , Mbwambo Jasper said , Ngowi Bartholomew nicolaus , Mbwambo Orgeness jasper , Yongolo Sidney , Mganga Andrew mganga
Published: June 2020

Background Hypospadias is one of the commonest congenital penile abnormalities in new born males. The external urethral opening can be located anywhere from the glans penis along the ventral aspect of the shaft of the penis up to the scrotum or the perineum in extreme cases. The condition has a huge impact on the patient’s psychological, emotional and sexual well-being. Aim To determine the proportion of patient who develop long term complications after hypospadias repair and its associated risk factors. Materials and Methods This was a hospital based analytical cross-sectional study, conducted at KCMC Urology Institute from January 2009 to December 2018.The structural data sheet was used to collect information from patient file. Study parameters include age, location of hypospadias, surgical technique, surgeon experience, chordee, suture size, materials to assess the association with long-term complications. Results: A total of 254 patients were included in the study, majority were aged more than two years (71.83%) with mean age at operation (SD) of 4.74 ± 2.99 years) . Distal types were the most common type of hypospadias 125(50%), where by 51(20%) of patients had severe chordee. TIP repair was most common technique in 130(51.59%). The proportion of long-term complications among patients who underwent hypospadias repair was 156(61.60%) and UCF accounted for 40.5%, the surgeon experience, location of hypospadias, surgical technique and associate chordee were significant predictors of long-term complications of hypospadias repair. Conclusion TIP urethroplasty is a safe and reliable method of hypospadias repair. Proximal hypospadias with severe chordee still remain a challenge.
Awareness, treatment, control, and determinants of dyslipidemia among adults in China: results from the China National Stroke Screening and Prevention Project (CNSSPP)
Authors: Opoku Sampson , Gan Yong , Addo-Yobo Emmanuel , Yue Wei , Wang Zhihong , Lu Zuxun
Published: June 2020

Background:Effective management of dyslipidemia could play a vital role in the control of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to determine the awareness, treatment, control, and determinants of dyslipidemia in middle-aged and older Chinese adults in China. METHODS Using data from the 2015 CNSSPP, a nationally representative sample of 135,403 Chinese adults aged over 40 years were included in the cross-sectional analysis. Dyslipidemia was defined according to the 2016 Chinese guidelines for the management of dyslipidemia in adults. Models were constructed to adjust for sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral characteristics with bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions. RESULTSOverall, 51.1% of the subjects were women. Sixty-four percent (36,958/57760) were aware of their condition, of whom 18.9% (6993/36958) received treatment, and of whom 7.3 % (504 /6993) had controlled lipids. Women versus men had higher proportions of awareness, treatment, and control (69.2% vs. 58.3%, 63.8% vs.64.1% and 7.7% vs.7.0%; p< 0.001), respectively. Dyslipidemia treatment was higher in men from rural than urban areas (15.4% vs. 10.6%; p<0.001). Most subjects (94.3%), had dyslipidemia in their family. The proportion of awareness was higher among urban compared to rural residents across all the socioeconomic regions: low-income (68.8% vs. 60.4%), middle-income (69.4% vs.63.9%), and high-income (66% vs.58.6%), respectively (all p< 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, significant associations were found between awareness and women, urban residents, having a family history, and central obesity. Being a woman, having a personal history of stroke or CHD, being a drinker, having health insurance, and persons who lived in high-income regions had higher odds of receiving treatment. Adults in the 50 - 59 years age group, having health insurance, central and general obesity, living in a stroke belt or northern zone, urban area, and women showed statistically significant relationships with control. CONCLUSIONS Dyslipidemia awareness was moderately high, but treatment and control were low. Improvements in education programs and therapeutic management may be necessary to promote and optimize the management of dyslipidemia.
Early Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Precancerous Lesions can be Detected by white Light Endoscopy with the Aid of White Substance
Authors: Wang Yingbang , Yang Guodong , Zhang Xiaoying , Zhang Xiaoming , Wu Linyi , Yu Xiaogang , Mu Zhao , Chen Yuling , Li Zhen
Published: June 2020

Previous studies have shown that the presence of white substance on the esophageal mucosa is associated with tumor lesions of the flat esophageal mucosa. Since the early lesions of esophageal mucosa are mostly flat, we reasoned that the white substance might also be indicative of early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesions. Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of white substance in the detection of flat esophageal mucosal lesions and precancerous lesions associated with early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma Methods: Clinical and pathological data of patients diagnosed with flat esophageal mucosal disease were collected. The lesions were divided into a neoplastic group and a non-neoplastic group, and the clinicopathological differences between the groups were analyzed. The patients were also divided into two groups based on the presence of white substance after endoscopic examination: a “white substance” group and a “non-white substance” group. The differences between the two groups were analyzed. The diagnostic value of white substance for detection of early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and related precancerous lesions was calculated and the pathological nature of white substance inferred. Results: In total, 183 patients with flat esophageal mucosal lesions were enrolled, including 92 (50.3%) with neoplastic lesions and 91 (49.7%) with non-neoplastic lesions. Forty-nine cases (26.8%) presented white substance in the esophageal mucosa. White substance was mainly found in female patients (57.1%), middle esophagus (75.5%), and 60-69-year-old patients (51.0%). Moreover, white substance was more frequently found in neoplastic than in non-neoplastic lesions (43.5% vs. 11.0%, p < 0.05). Consistently, neoplastic lesions were more represented in the white substance group than in the non-white substance group and the difference was statistically significant (79.6 vs. 20.4%, p < 0.05). 51% of the patients in the white substance group, but only 26.1% of those in the non-white substance group, had hyperkeratosis and necrosis, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The diagnostic sensitivity of white substance for detection of early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesions was 42.4% (95% CI, 32.8%–52.6%),the specificity 89.0% (95% CI, 80.8%–94.1%).Conclusions: White substance in the mucosa of flat esophageal lesions exhibited high specificity for the diagnosis of early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesions. Thus, the presence of white substance in the esophageal mucosa, even in the absence of obvious lesions, may reflect the presence of latent early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous lesions. White substance was associated with hyperkeratosis and necrosis.
Seed Dispersal as A Search Strategy: Dynamic and Fragmented Landscapes Select for Multi-Scale Seed Dispersal
Authors: Treep Jelle , Jager Monique de , Bartumeus Frederic , Soons Merel B.
Published: June 2020

Background – Plant dispersal is a critical factor driving ecological responses to global changes. Knowledge on the mechanisms of dispersal is rapidly advancing, but selective pressures responsible for the evolution of dispersal strategies remain elusive. Recent advances in animal movement ecology identified general strategies that may optimize efficiency in animal searches for food or habitat. We here explore the potential for evolution of similar general movement strategies for plants.Methods – We propose that seed dispersal in plants can be viewed as a strategic search for suitable habitat, where the probability of finding such locations has been optimized through evolution of appropriate dispersal kernels. Using model simulations, we demonstrate how dispersal strategies can optimize key dispersal trade-offs between finding habitat, avoiding kin competition, and colonizing new patches. These trade-offs depend strongly on the landscape, resulting in a tight link between optimal dispersal strategy and spatiotemporal habitat distribution.Results – Our findings reveal that multi-scale seed dispersal strategies that combine short-distance and long-distance dispersal, including Lévy-like dispersal, are optimal across a wide range of dynamic and patchy landscapes. Static patchy landscapes select for short-distance dominated dispersal strategies, while uniform and highly unpredictable landscapes both select for long-distance dominated dispersal strategies.Conclusions – By viewing plant seed dispersal as a strategic search for suitable habitat, we provide a reference framework for the analysis of plant dispersal data. This reference framework helps identify plant species’ dispersal strategies, the evolutionary forces determining these strategies and their ecological consequences, such as a potential mismatch between plant dispersal strategy and altered spatiotemporal habitat dynamics due to land use change. Our perspective opens up directions for future studies, including exploration of composite search behaviour and ‘informed searches’ in plant species with directed dispersal.
Part II: Measuring Media-related Educational Competencies
Authors: Tiede Jennifer
Published: June 2020

Measuring the media-related educational competencies of preservice teachers is important for the context of this dissertation because it functions as a link between the dimensions of modeling and advancing competencies: on the one hand, measurement instruments can validate and operationalize underlying models, which means concretizing and defining what a competency aspect comprises by observable and measurable behavior. On the other hand, measuring competencies is important in terms of evaluating practices of advancement, because it allows for grounded conclusions, e.g., on the success and outcomes of such practices. This evaluative perspective will be stressed below. However, competency measuring is a complex and challenging task. The following part of this dissertation will give an overview of this context, apply the findings to the models analyzed in Part I and then introduce and discuss an example of a measurement with Paper 1, “Media Pedagogy in U.S. and German Teacher Education,” concluded by further considerations.
Effects of Low pH of Hydroponic Nutrient Solution on Plant Growth, Nutrient Uptake, and Root Rot Disease Incidence of Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)
Authors: Gillespie Daniel P. , Kubota Chieri , Miller Sally A.
Published: June 2020

Rootzone pH affects nutrient availability for plants. Hydroponic leafy greens are grown in nutrient solutions with pH 5.5 to 6.5. Lower pH may inhibit plant growth, whereas pathogenic oomycete growth and reproduction may be mitigated. General understanding of pH effects on nutrient availability suggests likely toxicity and deficiency of specific micronutrients. We hypothesized that if adjustments are made to the micronutrient concentrations in solution, plants will grow in lower-than-conventional pH without nutrient disorders, while oomycete disease incidence and severity may be reduced. To develop a new nutrient solution management strategy, we examined pH of 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, and 5.5 with or without micronutrient adjustments for growing two cultivars of basil plants Dolce Fresca and Nufar in a greenhouse hydroponic deep-water culture (DWC) system. Micronutrient adjustments included reduced concentrations of copper, zinc, manganese, and boron by one-half and doubled molybdenum concentration. Plants harvested 20 to 28 days after transplanting did not show significant effects of pH or the micronutrient adjustment. Phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, boron, manganese, and zinc concentrations in leaves significantly declined, while potassium and aluminum concentrations increased with decreasing pH. However, these changes and therefore micronutrient adjustments did not affect basil plant growth significantly. ‘Nufar’ basil plants were then grown in a growth chamber DWC system at pH 4.0 or a conventional 5.5 with and without inoculation of Pythium aphanidermatum zoospores. Fourteen days after inoculation, P. aphanidermatum oospore production was confirmed only for the inoculated plants in pH 5.5 solution, where a significant reduction of plant growth was observed. The results of the present study indicate that maintaining nutrient solution pH at 4.0 can effectively suppress the severity of root rot caused by P. aphanidermatum initiated by zoospore inoculation without influencing basil growth.
Systemic perfusion assessment in patients with univentricular hemodynamics based on blood gas parameters
Authors: Naumov A. B. , Polushin Yu. S. , Khubulava G. G. , Аleksandrovich Yu. S. , Marchenko S. P. , Pshenisnov K. V. , Pilyugov N. G.
Published: June 2020

The objective: to identify laboratory markers of systemic perfusion in newborns with functional single ventricle on mechanical ventilation after surgical correction. Subjects and methods. Blood gas parameters were retrospectively analyzed in 52 newborns with congenital heart defects with univentricular hemodynamic after surgical correction. All samples were divided into three groups based on arterial blood saturation (SaO2): Group 1 – hypoxia (SaO2 ≤ 65%); Group 2 – normoxemia (SaO2 = 65-85%); Group 3 – hyperoxemia (SaO2 > 85%). Stroke volume and cardiac index were evaluated with echocardiography. The oxygen consumption and carbon metabolism were evaluated by arterial and venous blood gases. Results. The mixed central venous pO2 (PvO2) > 29.5 mm Hg, mixed central venous O2 (SvO2) > 54.5%, arteriovenous difference in saturation (Sa-vO2) < 15.8%, total oxygen content in venous blood (CvO2) > 119 ml/l, oxygen extraction ratio (O2ER) < 19% and the arteriovenous difference in partial pressure of carbon dioxide (dPCO2) < 5.4 mm Hg are cut off criteria for adequate systemic perfusion. PvO2 < 26 mm Hg, SvO2 < 44.5%, Sa-vO 2 > 27%, CvO2 < 88 ml/l, O2ER > 27.7%, dPCO2> 7.9 mm Hg have been associated with decreased systemic perfusion. The logistic regression model including combination of O2ER and dPCO2 predicts adequate systemic flow accuracy of 94.3% (sensitivity 87.5%, specificity 94.7%, p = 0.001). Graphics allow to adapt the mathematical model to clinical practice to verify systemic hypoperfusion in newborns with functional single ventricle. Conclusion: The following cut off parameters allow to assess systemic perfusion in newborns with functional single ventricle: PvO2, SvO2, CvO2, Sa-vO 2, O2ER, and dPCO2. The model for predicting the adequacy of systemic perfusion can be used as an effective tool to monitor hemodynamic status in newborns with functional single ventricle.
Lactic acidosis in the practice of a resuscitator
Authors: Skvortsov V. V. , Skvortsova E. M. , Bangarov R. Yu.
Published: June 2020

The objective:to analyze literature and to compile the most accurate and complete view of lactic acidosis and specific parameters of its treatment in anesthesiology and resuscitation practice.Result.Lactate levels are commonly evaluated in critically ill patients. Hyperlactatemia is defined as a lactate level >2 mmol/L and it is common in the critical care setting. Hyperlactatemia and lactic acidosis may develop due to increase in lactate production, a decrease in lactate clearance, or a combination of both. The current review provides an overview of pathophysiology of lactate elevation followed by analysis of different etiologies of hyperlactatemia in critically ill patients.Additionally, approach to differential diagnosis and treatment of elevated lactate levels in this category of patients is discussed.
Analysis of the literature on peruvian rupestre art
Authors: Urbizagástegui-Alvarado Rubén
Published: June 2020

1134 documents on Peruvian rock art published until July 2019 are analyzed. These documents are disseminated through academic journals and are preferably published in Spanish and English. The production of documents conforms properly to Lotka's Law and the generalized inverse power model adequately predicts this distribution. This literature is highly hierarchical and stratified with just 25 authors responsible for 46.3% of the total published documents. The Herfindahl and Gini indices, as well as the Simpson and Shanon diversity and equity indices confirm that the production of documents in this discipline is highly concentrated, not very diverse, nor equitable. In the authors' collaboration, the concentration of documents produced by unique authors is noticeable and only a fifth of the documents were produced in collaboration by two or more authors. However, collaborative production becomes more intense and effective from the 1990s. This literature has entered into an epidemic process since the year 2000 and grows exponentially at a rate of 7% per year doubling its size every 10 years.
Fast and stable determinant quantum Monte Carlo
Authors: Bauer Carsten
Published: June 2020

We assess numerical stabilization methods employed in fermion many-body quantum Monte Carlo simulations. In particular, we empirically compare various matrix decomposition and inversion schemes to gain control over numerical instabilities arising in the computation of equal-time and time-displaced Green's functions within the determinant quantum Monte Carlo (DQMC) framework. Based on this comparison, we identify a procedure based on pivoted QR decompositions which is both efficient and accurate to machine precision. The Julia programming language is used for the assessment and implementations of all discussed algorithms are provided in the open-source software library StableDQMC.jl.
Revisiting the impact of intrinsic financial risks on the firm value of banks in ASEAN-5 countries: a panel data approach
Authors: Olalere Oluwaseyi , Aminul Islam Md. , Zukime Mat Junoh Mohd , Sallha Yusoff Wan , Masum Iqbal Mohammed
Published: June 2020

The paper aims to explore the impact of financial risks on the firm value of banks in ASEAN-5 countries. The study used the panel data regression model to analyze the available data for 63 commercial banks in ASEAN-5 countries from 2009 to 2017, totaling 567 observations. GMM dynamic estimation was also used for robustness and comparison purposes. The financial risk was measured using the non-performing loans ratio (NPL), the loan to deposit ratio (LD), the liquid asset ratio (LATA), the cost to income ratio (CIR), and the net interest margin (NIM), while firm value was measured using the enterprise value. The study used controlled variables proxied by size, GDP growth and the inflation rate, while the correlation between credit risk and interest rate risk (CR•IR) was also determined. Given the results of the study, credit risk proxy by non-performing loans ratio has a significant positive effect on the firm value, the liquidity risk (LD) has a significant positive impact on the firm value of ASEAN banks, while LATA has a significant negative effect on the firm value. Operational risk (CIR) and interest rate risk (NIM) have a significant negative impact on the firm value of ASEAN-5 banks. Bank size and inflation rate significantly and negatively affect the firm value, while GDP growth is found to have a significant positive impact on the firm value of ASEAN-5 banks. An insignificant interaction is found between credit risk and interest rate risk (CR•IR). The GMM estimation also supported these findings. The results obtained will be an important signal for policy makers, which is useful for the effective mobilization and allocation of credits to productive areas and helps manage inherent risks. The study provides implications for all countries regarding the financial risks associated with the value of the firm. Therefore, this study offers new insights into this relationship by providing useful information to the academics, policy makers, governments, and other stakeholders and serves as a benchmark for further study in this area.
Effect of ply angle on nonlinear static aeroelasticity of high-aspect-ratio composite wing
Authors: Lei Shuai , Wang Junli , Li Tuolei , Zhang Wensheng , Ren Zhigui , Cui Hong
Published: June 2020

In order to reduce the weight and improve aerodynamic characteristics, the new aircraft generally adopts lightweight composite materials and high-aspect-ratio layout. Such the structural layout aircraft will produce large nonlinear aeroelastic deformation under the action of aerodynamic loads. Due to the anisotropy of the composite, the composite ply angle of wing skin has a great influence on the elastic deformation of the high-aspect-ratio wing. In order to study the influence of the ply angle on the nonlinear static aeroelastic wing deformation, based on CFD/CSD unidirectional fluid-solid coupling, the structural deformation and stress of high-aspect-ratio composite wing were numerically solved. The wing deformation along the lift direction was taken as the optimization target. The structure strength was taken as the constraint. The ply angle for the composite skin of the high-aspect-ratio composite wing was optimized by the Screening method. The optimization results show the nonlinear static aeroelastic deformation of the wing in the lift direction is reduced by 39.1 %. The maximum stress of the wing beam and rib is reduced by 39.0 %. The maximum Tsai-Wu failure factor of the wing skin is reduced by 47.1 %.
Impact compression properties of artificial cemented sand material under active confining pressure
Authors: Ge Jinjin , Xu Ying
Published: June 2020

In order to explore the mechanical properties of rock with deep in-situ stress under explosive impact, cemented sand material (artificial material) instead of rock was used to carry out impact dynamics test under the condition of confining pressure. The experimental results show that the stress-strain curve of cemented sand specimens tested by triaxial impact compression changes significantly compared with those tested by uniaxial impact compression. The dynamic failure mode of cemented sand specimens placed under confining pressure constraints is one of axial tensile failure, while the dynamic compressive growth factor, peak strain, dynamic elastic modulus, and specific energy absorption of cemented sand specimens all have the characteristics correlated with confining pressure. The research results in this study can be as an important basis for the mechanism analysis of rock breaking by blasting in deep rock mass.
A novel regenerative snubber circuit for flyback topology converters
Authors: Balbayev Gani , Nussibaliyeva Arailym , Tultaev Baurzhan , Dzhunusbekov Erlan , Yestemessova Gulsara , Yelemanova Aliya
Published: June 2020

Switch mode power suppliers based on isolated flyback topology have voltage stresses on semiconductor switches caused by transformer leakage inductance. Those voltage stresses have to be mitigated by implementing active or passive clamp preferably with partial leakage energy recovery. In this paper a new integrated semi-active regenerative (lossless) snubber is proposed. The proposed snubber topology is featured by the snubber inductor integrated into the main transformer thus decreasing component count and saving the PCB space. Partial coupling of snubber inductor with a secondary side makes it possible to recover part of the transformer leakage energy directly to the secondary side with potential to increase snubber efficiency. The operation of the proposed snubber is analyzed and simulation results are presented. Interesting is that with the proposed snubber various side effects can be reached like reduction of RMS current in secondary side, ZCS and ZVS modes for secondary side rectifier and primary main switch along with achieved primary goal – voltage stress limitation and transformer leakage energy recovery.
Early fault diagnosis method for gearbox based on second-order underdamped SR and its application
Authors: Ren Xueping , Kang Jian , Li Zhixing , Wang Jianguo
Published: June 2020

Stochastic resonance (SR) has been proved to be an effective method to extract weak-fault signals from gearboxes under strong noise. In this paper, we propose a method based on underdamped second-order SR with a new potential function. In our testing, we added an appropriate amount of Gaussian white noise to the original signal. When it matched the periodic signal and the potential function, the method showed good noise reduction ability, highlighted the fault signal and extracted fault information more effectively than the traditional SR method. The ant colony algorithm was used to optimize the potential parameters of the SR potential model and obtain the best output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We verified the proposed method by computer simulation and experimental verification, demonstrating that it produced better output than that of the traditional SR method.
In Silico Factorial Screening and Optimization of Chitosan Based Gel for Urapidil Loaded Microparticle using Reduced Factorial Design
Authors: Roy Harekrishna , Nayak Bhabani S. , Nandi Sisir
Published: June 2020

Objective:

Literature study revealed the poor mechanical strength of chitosan-based
microparticles. Our research aimed at developing sufficient strength of microparticle with a
suitable concentration of chitosan and non-ionic surfactants such as poloxamer-188 (pluronic). It
also aimed to develop and study the effect of variables for prepared microparticles utilizing insilico
screening methodology, such as reduced factorial design, followed by optimization.

Methods:

Preliminary trial batches were prepared with variable concentration of chitosan and
poloxamer-188 utilizing cross-linked ion-gelation technique. A 20% w/v sodium citrate solution
was used as a cross-linking solution. The resolution-IV of 24-1 reduced factorial design was
selected to screen the possible and significant independent variables or factors in the dosage form
design. A total number of eight runs were suggested by statistical software and responses were
recorded. The responses such as spreadability, pH, viscosity and percentage of drug released at 12
h were considered in the screening study. Based on the result, selected factors were included in the
optimization technique, including graphical and numerical methods.

Results:

The signified factors based on reduced two-level factorial screening design with
randomized subtype, were identified by Half-normal and Pareto chart. Mathematical fitting and
analysis were performed by the factorial equation during the optimization process. The validation
and fitting of models were suggested and evaluated by p-value, adjusted R2, and predicted R2 values.
The significant and non-significant terms were evaluated, followed by finding the optimal
concentration and region with yellow color highlighted in an overlay plot. Based on the data obtained
by the overlay study, the final formulation batch was prepared and the observed value was found to be
pretty much nearer as compared to predicted values. Drug-polymer interaction study included
attenuated total reflectance, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-Ray diffraction study.

Conclusion:

The principal of the study design was based on finding the prefixed set parameter
values utilizing the concept of in-silico screening technique and optimization with a minimal
number of trials and study expenses. It concluded that Poloxamer-188 (0.94%), chitosan (2.38%),
swelling time (1.81 h), and parts of chitosan (78.51%) in a formulation batch would fulfill the
predetermined parameter with specific values.
In Silico Repurposing of J147 for Neonatal Encephalopathy Treatment: Exploring Molecular Mechanisms of Mutant Mitochondrial ATP Synthase
Authors: Emmanuel Iwuchukwu A. , Olotu Fisayo A. , Agoni Clement , Soliman Mahmoud E.S.
Published: June 2020

Background:

Neonatal Encephalopathy (NE) is a mitochondrial ATP synthase (mATPase) disease, which results in the death of infants. The case presented here is reportedly caused by complex V deficiency as a result of mutation of Arginine to Cysteine at residue 329 in the mATPase. A recent breakthrough was the discovery of J147, which targets mATPase in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Based on the concepts of computational target-based drug design, this study investigated the possibility of employing J147 as a viable candidate in the treatment of NE.

Objective/Methods:

The structural dynamic implications of this drug on the mutated enzyme are yet to be elucidated. Hence, integrative molecular dynamics simulations and thermodynamic calculations were employed to investigate the activity of J147 on the mutated enzyme in comparison to its already established inhibitory activity on the wild-type enzyme.

Results:

A correlated structural trend occurred between the wild-type and mutant systems whereby all the systems exhibited an overall conformational transition. Equal observations in favorable free binding energies further substantiated uniformity in the mobility, and residual fluctuation of the wild-type and mutant systems. The similarity in the binding landscape suggests that J147 could as well modulate mutant mATPase activity in addition to causing structural modifications in the wild-type enzyme.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest that J147 can stabilize the mutant protein and restore it to a similar structural state as the wild-type which depicts functionality. These details could be employed in drug design for potential drug resistance cases due to mATPase mutations that may present in the future.
Application of Phenotype Microarray for Profiling Carbon Sources Utilization between Biofilm and Non-Biofilm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Clinical Isolates
Authors: Ismail Nur S. , Subbiah Suresh K. , Taib Niazlin M.
Published: June 2020

Background:

This is the fastest work in obtaining the metabolic profiles of Pseudomonas
aeruginosa in order to combat the infection diseases which leads to high morbidity and mortality rates.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a high versatility of gram-negative bacteria that can undergo aerobic and
anaerobic respiration. Capabilities in deploying different carbon sources, energy metabolism and regulatory
system, ensure the survival of this microorganism in the diverse environment condition. Determination
of differences in carbon sources utilization among biofilm and non-biofilm of Pseudomonas
aeruginosa provides a platform in understanding the metabolic activity of the microorganism.

Methods:

The study was carried out from September 2017 to February 2019. Four archive isolates
forming strong and intermediate biofilm and non-biofilms producer were subcultured from archive isolates.
ATCC 27853 P. aeruginosa was used as a negative control or non-biofilm producing microorganism.
Biofilm formation was confirmed by Crystal Violet Assay (CVA) and Congo Red Agar
(CRA). Metabolic profiles of the biofilm and non-biofilms isolates were determined by phenotype microarrays
(Biolog Omnilog).

Results and Discussion:

In this study, Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm isolates utilized uridine,
L-threonine and L-serine while non-biofilm utilized adenosine, inosine, monomethyl, sorbic acid and
succinamic acid.

Conclusion:

The outcome of this result will be used for future studies to improve detection or inhibit
the growth of P. aeruginosa biofilm and non-biofilm respectively.