bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Processing of Orange Peel Biomass waste of Juice Industries and Valorization to Smart Acoustic Material
Authors: Nath Ganeswar , Singh Priyanka P
Published: August 2021

Non-destructive technique like ultrasonication has played crucial role in fabrication of effective graded acoustic material using carbon rich organic waste material. The peculiar structural configuration inside the fibrous material like orange peel have attract the researcher to create special interest in designing of some building acoustic material as well as many technological products. The noise reduction property of orange peel fibres of different particle size has been improved considerably after ultrasonically mercerization of NaOH.High penetrating and dispersive property of ultrasonic wave to assemble and regrouping among the fibrous material are quite remarkable for enhancing noise attenuation inside the composite. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectra(EDS), Fourier Transform Infra-Red(FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction(XRD) analysis of both untreated and treated orange peel fibre of different particle size indicate the deformation in cellulose as well as anti cellulose with the aid of ultrasonicationpermits the composites to be a suitable acoustic material. The result confirm that ultrasonic treated composite has potential to absorb 88.6% of sound which makes it a class- B noiseabsorber with peripheral mechanism within the composite.
Financial Management Practices And Profitability of Small Scale Enterprises Uganda, A Case of Kabale Municipality
Authors: Eton Marus , Mwosi Fabian , Mpora Eliab Byamukama , Ogwel Bernard Patrick
Published: August 2021

The purpose of the study was to examine how financial Management Practices affect profitability amongst small scale enterprises. The study adopted descriptive and correlational research designs. The study used a multi regression analysis that determined the linear effect of financial management practices on profitability. A multi regression model also provided a basis for hypothesis testing. The findings established a significant influence of financial management practices on profitability. Evidence showed that working capital and cash management practices had strong associations with profitability. This study also established a triad-factor that limits profitability, characterizing operational costs, microeconomic, and personal characteristics. This study provided empirical evidence on the contribution of the innovation theory and managerial efficiency theory of profits to management of operational and production costs in business. The study recommends that Small business firms should ensure sound financial management practices in order to experience positive changes in their profitability levels. Small scale enterprise owners must pay a lot of attention to their working capital dynamics, cash management which highly affect their profitability levels. Small scale entrepreneurs should hire professionals and experts in financial management.
Physiological and Genetic Response Characteristics of Stenotrophomonas Rhizophila JC1 Under Heavy Metal Stress
Authors: Sun Shangchen , Zhang Kexin , Wu Yamiao , Wang Yonggang , Chen Jixiang , Leng Feifan
Published: August 2021

In this study, the Cu2+ (120 mg/L) and Cr6+(80 mg/L) removal rate of S. rhizophila JC1 reached at 79.9% and 89.3%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy showed that Pb2+ and Zn2+ had no obvious effect on cell structure, but the cells became smaller and brighter under Cu2+ stress, and many nanoparticles formed on the cell surface under Cr6+ stress. The physiological response analyses demonstrated that moderate change of membrane permeability was necessary for adsorption. FI-IR and EDS analyses showed that exopolysaccharides (EPS) and the replacement of basic elements (ie., C, O) might be the main means of heavy metals adsorption by strain. In addition, 323 transport proteins were predicted in the genome of S. rhizophila JC1. Among them, two, six and five proteins of the cation diffusion facilitator, resistance-nodulation-division efflux and P-type ATPase families were respectively predicted. The expression of genes showed that the synergistic action of transport proteins played an important role in the process of adsorption. The comparative genomics analysis revealed that S. rhizophila JC1 has long-distance evolutionary relationships with other strains, but the efflux system of S. rhizophila JC1 contained the same types of metal transport proteins as other metal-resistant bacteria.
Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation Decreases Incidence of Liver Cancer in End-Stage Liver Disease Patients: A Retrospective Analysis Over 5 Years
Authors: Luo Le , Lai Cun-You , Feng Tian-Hang , Yao Yu-Tong , Xue Hua , Xiang Guang-Ming , Zou Hai-Bo , Luo Lan-Yun , Wang Guan , Huang Xiao-Lun
Published: August 2021

Background: End-stage liver disease (ESLD) is the final stage of a liver disease, which is characterized by liver cirrhosis. ESLD largely increases possibility of liver cancers in the world. The stem cell transplantation has become an emerging therapy to treat various liver diseases including ESLD, while whether it causes liver cancer remains unclear. The study aims to analysis the long-term therapeutic effect of umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) transplantation in ESLD patients. Patients and Methods: 50 ELSD patients of non-UC-MSCs transplantation and 45 ELSD patients of UC-MSCs transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical outcomes in clinical and biochemical data, complications, and quality of life were recorded at 3, 6, 12, 36, and 60 months. Results: It was found that the incidence of liver cancer was much lower in ESLD patients with UC-MSCs transplantation than in ESLD patients without UC-MSCs transplantation (12% VS 2.2%). The survival percentage was improved by treatment with UC-MSCs transplantation compared with non-UC-MSCs transplantation in ESLD patients during the five years follow-up. The inflammation and fibrosis scores were decreased in the ESLD patients with UC-MSCs transplantation. The liver cirrhosis was largely improved, and Child-Pugh scores were decreased. Conclusions: UC-MSCs transplantation is able to decrease the risks of liver cancers in ELSD patients. The reduction of liver cancer incidence might be related to decrease of inflammation by UC-MSCs transplantation. More efforts should be investigated towards increasing the number of patients and follow-up time to further verify the therapeutic benefits of UC-MSCs translations in treating liver cancers.
Forecasting CO2 Emissions Due To Electricity Power Generation In Bahrain
Authors: Qader Mohammed Redha , Khan Shahnawaz , Kamal Mustafa , Usman Muhammad , Haseeb Mohammad
Published: August 2021

Global warming is one of the biggest challenges among the leaders and scientists from developed and developing countries. Rapid industrialization and urbanization have given the boost to the amount of greenhouse gases’ emission. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a significant of greenhouse gases and is the major contributing factor for global warming. CO2 emissions concentrations in the atmosphere have increased by 47% over the past 170 years due to human activities. As per Doha amendment of the Kyoto protocol in 2012, the target for maximum CO2 emission per capita for Bahrain was set to 20.96 metric ton for 2020. However, the current amount of CO2 emission per capita is 21.64 metric ton as of 2019. This research has applied multiple methods such as neural network time series nonlinear autoregressive, Gaussian Process Regression and Holt’s methods for CO2 emission forecasting. It attempts to forecast the CO2 emission of Bahrain. These methods are evaluated for performance. Neural network model has the RMSE of merely 0.206 while the GPR-RQ model has RMSE of 1.0171 and Holt’s method has RMSE of 1.4096. Therefore, it can be concluded that neural network time series nonlinear autoregressive model has performed better for forecasting the CO2 emission of Bahrain.
Analysis of The Expression And Prognosis For Leukocyte Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor Subfamily B In Human Liver Cancer
Authors: Fan Jing , Wang Lili , Chen Miao , Zhang Jiakang , Li Jiayan , Song Fangnan , Gu Aidong , Yin Dandan , Yi Yongxiang
Published: August 2021

Background: Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B (LILRB), including 5 subtypes, is a group of inhibitory receptors in immune system. The LILRB family is known to be involved in the tumor progression of various cancer types, especially liver cancer. However, the expression patterns and prognostic values of LILRB family members in liver cancer tissues remain unclear.Methods: We used the Oncomine database, GEPIA database, Kaplan–Meier Plotter, Timer, TISIDB and cBioPortal to assess the expression and prognostic value of the LILRB family in liver cancer patients. We also verified the expression of the LILRB family in tumor tissues and tumor-free liver tissues at the protein level by using immunohistochemistry. The STRING website was used to explore the interaction between the LILRB family and their related genes. The DAVID database was used to perform the GO and KEGG analyses. Flow cytometry was used to assess the infiltrated NK cells in liver cancer tissues.Results: Our study revealed that the mRNA expression of LILRB1, LILRB2, LILRB3 and LILRB5 was downregulated, while compared with normal tissues, the mRNA expression of LILRB4 was upregulated in liver cancer tissues. Survival analysis revealed that LILRB2 and LILRB5 mRNA expression levels were significantly associated with OS and DSS and that the mRNA expression of all LILRB family members was significantly correlated with RFS and PFS. Next, we further found that the mRNA expression of all LILRB family members was significantly associated with the infiltration of B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, and neutrophil dendritic cells in liver cancer. Finally, GO and KEGG analyses found that the LILRB family and its related genes were involved in antigen processing and presentation and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity pathways.Conclusions: Our study suggested that LILRB family expression was associated with the prognosis of liver cancer patients and infiltrated immune cells. The LILRB family might be involved in antigen processing and presentation and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity pathways.
Flexible All-biomass Gas Sensor based on Doped Carbon Quantum Dots/nonwoven Cotton with Discriminative Function
Authors: wu zhaofeng , Zhang Min , Cao Shuai , Wang Long , Qin Zhangjie , Zhong Furu , Duan Haiming
Published: August 2021

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) co-doped with N, P and S derived from expired milk was prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. Through the hydrogen bond interaction between CQDs and cellulose of pure cotton face towel (PCFT), CQDs were uniformly anchored on the cotton fibers to form a flexible all-biomass CQDs/PCFT sensor for the first time. Due to the heteroatom doping, extremely small particle size of CQDs and excellent permeability of CQDs/PCFT film, the flexible CQDs/PCFT sensor showed the high sensitivity and bending stability. In the range of 0 ~ 60o bending states, the responses of flexible CQDs/PCFT sensor to four target analytes changed by less 5%. Interestingly, due to the abundant functional groups and defects of CQDs, the flexible CQDs/PCFT sensor displayed sensing curves of different shapes for different target analytes. In this way, by establishing a database of sensing curves of target analytes, multiple analytes can be detected discriminatively by relying only on single sensor with the help of image recognition. In addition, the binary parameter method of response and response time was created, which also showed that a single sensor could achieve the discriminative detection. This work expanded the application of biomass CQDs and cellulose, and made a useful exploration for environment friendly flexible gas sensor.
Mycelium chemistry differs markedly between ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Huang Weilin , Bodegom Peter , Declerck Stéphane , Heinonsalo Jussi , Cosme Marco , Viskari Toni , Liski Jari , Soudzilovskaia Nadejda
Published: August 2021

The chemical quality of soil carbon (C) inputs is a major factor controlling litter decomposition and soil C dynamics. Mycorrhizal fungi constitute one of the dominant pools of soil microbial C, while their litter quality is understood poorly, leading to the major uncertainties in estimating soil C dynamics. For the first time, we examined chemical recalcitrance of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungal species using fungal samples obtained from in vitro cultivation. We show that the chemical composition of AM and EM fungal mycelium differs significantly: EM fungi have higher concentrations of labile (water-soluble, ethanol-soluble) and recalcitrant (non-extractable) chemical components, while AM fungi have higher concentrations of acid-hydrolysable components. Our results imply that differences in chemical decomposability traits among mycorrhizal fungal guilds represent a critically important driver of the soil C cycle, which could be as vital as is recognized for differences among aboveground plant litter.
Hesitancy Towards COVID-19 Vaccine Among Older People in Luzhou, China: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ren Jianlan , Zheng Yu , Luo Yue , Li Mei , Xie Rendie , Zhang Daiying
Published: August 2021

Background:Vaccination is one of the most effective and low-cost health measures to prevent COVID-19. Vaccine hesitancy is an obstacle to COVID-19 vaccination. Objective:This study aims to inform the vaccine hesitancy and analyze related factors towards COVID-19 vaccination among elderly in Luzhou, so as to provide suggestions for increasing vaccines uptake. Methods:A face-to-face questionnaire cross-sectional survey was conducted among the elderly people over 60 years old in Luzhou City in April 2021 by multi-stage sampling method. Results: A total of 1047 valid questionnaires were received. 42.0%（440/1047）vaccine hesitancy was reported among elderly in total. Female (OR=1.282, 95%CI:1.003-1.649), live in the rural (OR=3.659, 95%CI:2.813-4.758), poor health (OR=2.318, 95%CI:1.473-3.649), individuals not having regular medical check-ups (OR=2.669, 95%CI:2.072-3.437) and no history of self-funded influenza vaccination ( OR=2.408, 95% CI:1.656-3.502) reported slightly higher vaccine hesitancy. Being in low-risk areas and no need to get vaccinated (OR=16.877, 95%CI:11.750-24.242), being considered that the current protective measures had been able to avoid infection (OR=5.539, 95%CI:3.596-8.532), being considered that the natural immunity get from the disease was better than getting COVID-19 vaccine (OR=5.297, 95%CI:3.666-7.653), being concerned about side effects (OR=5.155, 95%CI:3.655-7.270) and being concerned that the vaccine was ineffective (OR=10.244, 95%CI:6.831-15.362) had higher prevalence of vaccine hesitancy. Those who believing the COVID-19 vaccine was safe and reliable (OR=0.075, 95%CI:0.044-0.130), the vaccine was free (OR=0.466, 95%CI:0.312-0.697) and individuals with higher education (OR=0.189, 95%CI:0.126-0.284) were more willing to get vaccinated. Conclusion: Confidence in vaccines and perceptions of benefits and risk are associated with vaccine hesitancy. It’s very important to strengthen vaccine health literacy education for older people and enhance vaccine confidence. Countries need to supervise the public opinions in social media, television broadcasting and other media, so as to ensure the correct orientation of public opinion. Open and transparent evidence-based information is also needed which can help improve the vaccination coverage rate of the public.
Anesthesia-Related Airway Patient Safety Incidents Correlated with Major Adverse Cardiac Events: A Single-Center Retrospective Case-Control Analysis from 2009 to 2019
Authors: Zhang Xue , Wu Lingeer , Huang Huizhen , Zhang Yuelun , Shen Le , Huang Yuguang
Published: August 2021

Background: Airway-related patient safety incidents (PSIs) have always been the top concern of anesthesiologists because this type of incident could severely threaten patient safety if not treated immediately and properly. This study aimed to reveal the composition and outcomes of and to identify risk factors related to airway incidents reported by anesthesiologists.Methods: All airway-related PSIs reported by anesthesiologists at a Chinese academic hospital between September 2009 and August 2019 were collected from the PSI reporting system. Patients with reported airway incidents were matched 1:1 with controls based on sex and type of surgery. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with airway incident occurrence and to evaluate the influence of airway PSIs on the prognosis.Results: Among 773 PSIs voluntarily reported by anesthesiologists during the study period, 208 (26.9%) were airway-related incidents, with an overall reporting incidence of 4.59 per 10,000. In patients with reported airway PSIs, postoperative major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were more likely (7 vs 1 case, odds ratio: 7.37 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89 to 60.83], p=0.031) and the extubation time (0.82±1.63 d vs 0.21±0.89 d, mean difference: 0.61 d [95% CI: 0.28 to 0.95 d], p<0.001) and ICU length of stay (LOS) (2.03±6.66 d vs 0.22±0.96 d, mean difference 1.81 d [95% CI: 0.60 to 3.02 d], p=0.004) were longer. Only the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status was found to be a significant independent predictor of these airway PSIs.Conclusions: This single-institutional retrospective case-control study describes the composition of airway-related PSIs reported by anesthesiologists within eleven years. Airway incidents influence the prognosis by increasing the incidence of postoperative MACEs and prolonging both the extubation time and ICU LOS. Airway PSI data are worth analyzing to improve patient safety.
Efficient Loading of Mano Mn Particles On Calcined Laterite Soil (Lt-nMn) For Higher Removal of As(III) Ions From Groundwater: Adsorption And Eco-Scale Analysis
Authors: Prabhakar Roshan , Ghosh Somaparna , Malik Ali , Samadder Sukha Ranjan
Published: August 2021

Occurrence of arsenic in the groundwater has become a cause for concern in many countries. The presence of As(III) species in the groundwater had been one of the biggest challenges for the water workers especially in the south east Asian countries. Nano based adsorption techniques are gaining attention among researchers for the removal of arsenic ions. However, synthesis of nano-adsorbents is a costly affair. Therefore, the present study utilized the cheap and readily available laterite soil as a base material for nano coating. Nano sized manganese (nMn) particles were synthesized by chemical reduction method and later coated on calcined laterite (Lt-nMn). Coating with 0.1 M nMn provided the best As(III) removal efficiency. The prepared material was characterised for its morphological and surface properties. Phase analysis using XRD (X-ray diffraction) showed the presence of zero valent manganese species, which assisted in adsorption. Adsorption studies were conceded by selecting the different affecting parameters such as contact time, concentration, dose, temperature, and pH. Very high removal in less time regime led to the investigation of the oxidation mechanism. Phosphate and sulphate anions insignificantly reduced the removal efficiency. Langmuir model for the sorption isotherms and pseudo-second order kinetic model for the sorption kinetics symbolized the experimental data. Sustainability studies in terms of eco-scaling and cost analysis were performed for the applied method of production of the nano materials. Adsorber design analysis was also conducted to estimate the required amount of Lt-nMn particles for achieving the desired equilibrium As(III) concentration.
Screening The Efficacy of Melatonin On Neurodegeneration Mediated By ER Stress, Inflammation And Oxidative Damage
Authors: Basha Fathima Hajee , Hemalatha S.
Published: August 2021

Neurodegeneration may be defined as a clinical condition wherein neurons gradually lose their structural integrity, viability, functional abilities and the damage inflicted upon the neurons is often irreversible. The number of elderly patients suffering from Neurodegenerative disorders is expected to rise tremendously over the next couple of years. Thus, there is an urgent need to delve into and study the underlying cause and mechanisms, so that we may be able to develop more effective therapeutic strategies and drugs and better understand the origin and progression of the disease.The various mechanisms that have been observed to contribute to neurodegeneration include aggregation and accumulation of misfolded proteins, impaired autophagy, oxidative damage, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial defects, increased SUMOylation of proteins, impaired UPR pathways, disruption of axonal transport.Melatonin, a neurohormone is involved in a variety of functions including scavenging free radicals, synchronizing the circadian rhythm, mitigating immune response.Melatonin has shown to modulate the UPR pathway ,antioxidant pathway through Nrf2 and inflammatory pathway through NFκB. The study aims to determine the efficacy of melatonin on neurodegeneration mediated by ER stress, inflammation and oxidative damage through in silico approaches. The molecular targets chosen were ATF6, XBP1, PERK, Nrf2, NFκB and they were docked against melatonin. Additionally various physiochemical analysis such as ADME were also carried out to determine its drug ability. The findings were that melatonin not only shows excellent interactions with the targets but also possess drug-like physicochemical properties that makes it a valuable choice for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Aldolase A Promotes Proliferation and Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer through Targeting COPS6 and Regulating MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lu Ya , Zhang Yuan , Zhang Hui , Zhu Yue , Zhang Junying , Sha Huanhuan , Zou Renrui , Gan Yujie , Wu Jianzhong , Feng Jifeng
Published: August 2021

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a serious threat to human health, and its underlying mechanisms needs further explored. Aldolase A (ALDOA) has received increasing attention for its reported association with multiple cancers, but the function and mechanism of ALDOA in CRC remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate the biological role of ALDOA in CRC.Methods: The stable ALDOA knockdown or overexpression cell lines were established for subsequent experiments. The qRT-PCR and western blotting were used to detect the expression of ALDOA and COPS6 and the relative protein levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and MAPK signaling pathway. Immunofluorescence (IF) assay was applied to determine ALDOA localization. CCK-8, transwell, and wound healing assays were performed to evaluate CRC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Mouse xenograft models were established to verify the effect of ALDOA on CRC cell growth in vivo. Immunoprecipitation (IP) assay and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis were conducted to identify the interactions between ALDOA and COPS6.Results: ALDOA was overexpressed in CRC tissues and cell lines. Silencing ALDOA significantly impaired the proliferation, invasion and migration of CRC cells in vitro, and obviously decreased the growth of CRC cells in vivo. Mechanically, ALDOA bound to and regulated COPS6, and the promoting effects of upregulated ALDOA on CRC cell proliferation and metastasis were inhibited by the depletion of COPS6. Besides, EMT program and MAPK signaling pathway were activated by ALDOA overexpression.Conclusion: ALDOA facilitated the proliferation, invasion and migration of CRC through binding and regulating COPS6, inducing EMT and activating MAPK signaling pathway.
Melatonin Protects TEGDMA induced Pre-odontoblasts Mitochondrial Apoptosis via JNK/MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yu Qihao , Liu Yi , Wang Konghuai , Weng Xunben , Huang Shengbin , Pan Yihuai
Published: August 2021

Background: Resin monomer induced dental pulp injury presents a mitochondrial dysfunction related pathology. Melatonin has been regarded as a strong mitochondrial protective bioactive compound from pineal gland. However, it remains unknown whether melatonin can prevent dental pulp from resin monomer induced injury. The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of melatonin on TEGDMA, a major component in dental resin, induced mouse pre-odontoblast cell lines (mDPC6T) mitochondrial apoptosis and to verify whether JNK/MAPK signaling pathway mediate the protective effect of melatonin. Methods: We adopted a well-established TEGDMA-induced mDPC6T apoptosis model to investigate the preventive effect of melatonin by detecting cell viability, apoptosis rate, expression of apoptosis related protein, mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) production, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level. Inhibitors of MAPKs signaling were used to explore which pathway was participated in TEGDMA induced apoptosis. Finally, we verified the role of JNK/MAPK pathway during the protective effects of melatonin above by the agonist and antagonists of JNK.Results: Melatonin attenuated TEGDMA induced mDPC6T apoptosis via reducing mtROS production, rescuing MMP and ATP level. Meanwhile, the mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis was alleviated by the JNK/MAPK inhibitor SP600125 but not the other MAPKs signaling inhibitors. Furthermore, melatonin down-regulated the expression of phosphorylated-JNK, and eliminated the active effects of Anisomycin on JNK/MAPK pathway, which mimicked the effects of the SP600125.Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that melatonin protected mDPC6T against TEGDMA induced apoptosis via JNK/MAPK signaling and maintenance of mitochondrial function, which presented a novel therapeutic strategy for prevention against resin monomer-induced dental pulp injury.
Using Virtual Reality in Lumbar Puncture Training Improves Students Learning Experience
Authors: Vrillon Agathe , Gonzales-Marabal laurent , Ceccaldi Pierre-François , Plaisance Patrick , Desrentes Eric , Paquet Claire , Dumurgier Julien
Published: August 2021

Background Lumbar puncture (LP) is a commonly performed medical procedure in a wide range of indications. Virtual reality (VR) provides a stimulating, safe and efficient learning environment. We report the design and the evaluation of a three dimensions (3D) video training for LP procedure.MethodsWe recorded a stereoscopic 180-degrees 3D video from two LPs performed in clinical setting in Fernand Widal Lariboisière University Hospital, Paris, France. Video was administrated to third-year medical students as well as to a residents and attendings group during LP simulation-based training sessions. ResultsOn 168 participants (108 novice third-year medical students, and 60 residents and attendings with prior LP experience), satisfaction after video exposure was high (rated 4.7 ± 0.6 on a 5-point scale). No significant discomfort was reported (comfort score graded 4.5 ± 0.8 on 5). LP-naive students displayed higher satisfaction and perceived benefit than participants with prior LP experience (overall, P < 0.05). Trainees evaluated favorably the 3D feature and supported the development of similar supports for other medical procedures (respectively, 3.9 ± 1.1 and 4.4 ± 0.9 on 5).ConclusionWe report our experience with a 3D video for LP training. VR support could increase knowledge retention and skills acquisition in association to LP simulation training.
Phytotoxicity of atrazine combined with cadmium on photosynthetic apparatus of the emergent plant species Iris pseudacorus
Authors: Wang Qinghai , Xie Dongyu , Peng Lei , Chen Chuansheng , Li Cui , Que Xiaoe
Published: August 2021

The combined pollution, instead of single pollution, has become a widespread contamination phenomenon in aquatic environment. However, little information is now available about the joint effects of the combined pollution, especially co-existed pesticides and heavy metals, on aquatic plants. In the present study, using continuous excitation chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and the OJIP transient, comparisons of herbicide atrazine (ATZ) phytotoxicity on Iris pseudacorus between in the presence and absence of cadmium (Cd) were evaluated over an exposure period of three weeks under laboratory conditions. Results showed that both ATZ and Cd were toxic to I. pseudacorus. The ratio Fv/Fo, specific electron transport energy (ET0/RC) and photochemistry efficiency (PIabs and PItotal) of this emergent plant species at individual ATZ and Cd concentrations were significantly lower than those of the control. ATZ mainly inhibited electron transport beyond QA at PSII acceptor side as indicated by the sharp rise of the J-step level of fluorescence rise kinetics. A pronounced K-step and the loss of I-step due to the damage on the OEC and PSI also occurred when ATZ was at or above 1.0 mg·L− 1. In comparison to ATZ alone, ATZ combined with Cd resulted in a lower amplitude rise in J-step with apparent J-I and I-P phases; and significantly lower Fo with higher Fv/Fo, as well as greater ET0/RC with higher values of PIabs and PItotal. However, the adverse influences of ATZ combined with Cd on the above indicators were still significant as compared with the control. Therefore, the coexistence of Cd alleviated the individual phytotoxicities of ATZ, whereas combined pollution of ATZ and Cd still induced the decline in photosynthetic performance of I. pseudacorus, and its potential ecological impacts on the aquatic vegetation cannot be ignored. Our findings offer a better understanding of the joint effects of the pesticide and heavy metal on non-target aquatic plants, and provided valuable insights into the interaction of these pollutants in aquatic environment.
Immunogenicity of heterologous prime/booster-inactivated and adenoviral-vectored COVID-19 vaccine: real-world data
Authors: Wanlapakorn Nasamon , Suntronwong Nungruthai , Phowatthanasathian Harit , Yorsang Ritthideach , Thongmee Thanunrat , Vichaiwattana Preeyaporn , Auphimai Chompoonut , Wongsrisang Lakkhana , Klinfueng Sirapa , Sudhinaraset Natthinee , Thanasitthichai Somchai , Akksilp Somsak , Poovorawan Yong
Published: August 2021

Limited data are available on the responses to heterologous vaccine regimens for SARS-CoV-2, especially among countries using inactivated and adenoviral-vectored vaccines. A total of 77 participants who received heterologous prime/booster-inactivated COVID-19 vaccine and adenoviral-vectored vaccine were enrolled in our study. There were two comparison groups vaccinated with the homologous CoronaVac (N = 79) and AZD1222 (N = 80) regimen. All sera samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding-domain (RBD) IgG using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). The neutralizing activity in a subset of serum samples was tested against the original Wuhan strain and variants of concern, B.1.1.7 and B.1.351, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT). The CoronaVac followed by the AZD1222 vaccine induced higher levels of spike RBD-specific IgG than that of two-dose CoronaVac or AZD1222 vaccines (p < 0.001). Sera samples of the CoronaVac/AZD1222 vaccine recipients elicited higher neutralizing antibody activity against the original Wuhan and the B.1.351 strain than in the recipients of the two-dose CoronaVac or AZD1222. Following the inactivated CoronaVac/adenoviral-vectored (AZD1222) vaccination administered 14–72 days apart, participants receiving the heterologous vaccine regimen had higher spike RBD-specific IgG and neutralizing activities than the homologous CoronaVac vaccine recipients.
Tissue-specific H2Bub1 is required for cardiomyocyte development
Authors: Barish Syndi , Drozd Jeffrey , Berg Kathryn , Berglund-Brown Isabella , Khizir Labeeqa , Wasson Lauren , Chen Sidi , Brueckner Martina
Published: August 2021

De-novo mutations affecting Histone2B-K120 monoubiquitination (H2Bub1) are enriched in congenital heart disease; however, how H2Bub1 affects heart development beyond its function in establishing left-right asymmetry remains unknown. Here we show that the RNF20-core complex (RNF20-RNF40-UBE2B), which catalyzes H2Bub1, is required for cardiac development in-vivo in mice and in-vitro in iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. Mice with cardiac-specific deletion of Rnf20 have abnormal myocardium and ventricular septal defects; iPSCs with mutations affecting H2Bub1 cannot efficiently differentiate into cardiomyocytes. Sarcomeric gene expression is dependent on normal H2Bub1 both in mice and in iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. Finally, we identify an accumulation of H2Bub1 near the center of tissue-specific genes in cardiomyocytes and MEFs associated with transcriptional efficiency that is reduced in UBE2B-/- cardiomyocytes. In summary, normal H2Bub1 distribution is required in cardiac development, and H2Bub1 accumulation acts as a general mechanism for tissue-specific regulation of transcriptional elongation efficiency.
Occurrences, Distribution and Composition of Microplastics in the Surface Seawater and Beach Sediments of the Southern Shandong Peninsula, China
Authors: Pervez Rashid , Wang Yonghong , Lai Zhongpeng
Published: August 2021

The current work provides the detailed analysis about microplastics contamination of the beach sediments and surface seawater. Sediment samples were collected from the high tidal zone at 13 beaches, and surface seawaters of seven stations along the southern Shandong Peninsula. The presence of microplastics was recorded on both beaches and surface seawater. The mean quantity of microplastics was approximately 664±80 microplastics/kg of dry weight (dw) with 0.5~0.125 mm in beach sediments, and 5.62±0.4 microplastics/liter (L) of surface seawater. Predominant microplastics were fibers (>97%). While other plastic forms had lower percentage. Microplastics possessed different color with polymer composition including polypropylene, polyethylene, and polystyrene. The accumulation of microplastics on beaches is an alarming issue and provides better understanding about microplastics pollution along the coastal regions of the southern Shandong Peninsula. It would also help to establish better monitoring system for future and evaluate possible risks by microplastics due to rapid economic growth of China.
YY1 Activates EMI2 and Promotes the Progression of Cholangiocarcinoma Through the PI3K/Akt Signaling Axis
Authors: zhou Shuai , Qu Kang Lin , Li JinAng , Chen Shilei , Zhang Yi Gang , Zhu Chao , Jin Hao , Wang yong , Pang Qing , Liu Hui Chun
Published: August 2021

Background: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is one of the deadliest cancers of the digestive tract. The prognosis of CCA is poor and the 5-year survival rate is low. Bioinformatic analysis showed that early mitotic inhibitor 2 (EMI2) was overexpressed in CCA but the underlying mechanism is not known.Methods: The data on bile duct carcinoma from TCGA and GEO databases were used to detect the expression of EMI2. The transcription factors of EMI2 were predicted using JASPAR and PROMO databases. Among the predicted transcription factors, YY1 has been rarely reported in cholangiocarcinoma, and was verified using the luciferase reporter gene assay. RT-PCR was performed to predict the downstream pathway of EMI2, and PI3K/Akt was suspected to be associated with it. Subsequently, in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted to verify the effects of silencing and overexpressing EMI2 and YY1 on the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of the bile duct cancer cells.Results: EMI2 was highly expressed in CCA. Silencing EMI2 inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of CCA cells, arrested cell cycle in the G1 phase, and inhibition of apoptosis. The luciferase reporter gene assay showed that YY1 bound to the promoter region of EMI2, and after silencing YY1, the expression of EMI2 decreased and the progression of CCA was inhibited. Moreover, key proteins in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway decreased after silencing EMI2.Conclusion: EMI2 may be one of the direct targets of YY1 and promotes the progression of CCA through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Investigation of Dissimilatory Nitrate Reduction to Ammonium (DNRA) Microbial Communities in Sediments of Urban River Network Along the Huangpu River, china
Authors: Zhang Tong , Zhuang Xuming , Ahmad Shakeel , Lee Taeho , Cao Chengbo , Ni Shou-Qing
Published: August 2021

Dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) is an essential intermediate step in the nitrogen cycle, linking the oxidation and reduction processes of nitrogen compounds. But the detailed research on the environmental nitrogen cycling in urban river networks based on DNRA communities and the functional gene nrfA is lacking. In this study, the flow line of the Huangpu River in Shanghai was analyzed using isotope tracer, quantitative real-time PCR, and high-throughput sequencing techniques to evaluate the role of DNRA on the stability of the river network and marine. The significant positive correlation between the rate of DNRA and sediment organic carbon was identified. At the genus level, Anaeromyxobacter is the most dominant. Notably, both heterotrophic and autotrophic DNRA species were discovered. This study added diversity to the scope of urban freshwater river network ecosystem studies by investigating the distribution of DNRA bacteria along the Huangpu River.
Rotating Object Detection in Remote-Sensing Environment
Authors: Chan Sixian , Zheng Jingcheng , Wang Lina , Wang Tingting , Zhou Xiaolong , Xu Yingkun , Fang Kai
Published: August 2021

Deep learning models have become the mainstream algorithm for processing computer vision tasks. In object detection tasks, the detection box is usually set as a rectangular box aligned with the coordinate axis, so as to achieve the complete package of the object. However, when facing some objects with large aspect ratio and angle, the bounding box has to become large, which makes the bounding box contain a large amount of useless background information. In this study, a different approach is taken, using a method based on YOLOv5, the angle information dimension is increased in head part and angle regression added at the same time of the border regression, combining ciou and smoothl1 to calculate the bounding box loss, so that the resulting border box fits the actual object more closely. At the same time, the original dataset tags are also preprocessed to calculate the angle information of interest. The purpose of these improvements is to realize object detection with angles in remote-sensing images, especially for objects with large aspect ratios, such as ships, airplanes, and automobiles. Compared with the traditional object detection model based on deep learning, experimental results show that the proposed method has a unique effect in detecting rotating objects.
Convergence Study of Water Pollution Emission Intensity in China: Evidence From Spatial Effects
Authors: Han Yixuan , Li Nan , Mu Hailin , Guo Rong , Yao Rongkang , Shao Zhihao
Published: August 2021

One of the challenges that China currently faces is how to reduce the emissions of the water pollution. However, the study of water pollution convergence has certain policy significance for controlling the emissions of water pollution. This article firstly uses chemical oxygen demand（COD）and ammonia nitrogen（NH3-N）as indicators of water pollution. Due to the obvious spillover effect of water in space, this article adds spatial effect to the convergence model. Based on panel data of 30 provinces and cities from 2006 to 2017, this article uses a dynamic spatial Dubin model to analyze the convergence of water pollution emission intensity to address the endogenous problem in the model. The empirical results of this paper show that there is absolute β-convergence and conditional β-convergence in the intensity of water pollution emissions. The spatial autocorrelation test shows that there is a positive spatial autocorrelation of water pollution emissions, which means that the pollution emissions in neighboring areas will affect the emissions in the local area. The industrial structure has a certain promoting effect on the emission of water pollution, which means that adjusting the industrial structure and alleviating the structure of the secondary industry is the trend of future development. Economic growth can curb the emissions of water pollution. The influences of urbanization and foreign investment on the emissions of the two pollutants are inconsistent, and policies can be formulated according to local conditions in the future.
Assimilation of Zinc Metal Ion With Hydroxyapatite for Formation and Dielectric Studies
Authors: K POOVENDRAN , Wilson K.S. Joseph
Published: August 2021

The aim of the present work is to investigate the doping effect of Zn metal ions on hydroxyapatite for different concentrations (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8). The samples for the pure and Zn doped HAp are synthesized by wet chemical precipitation method. The properties and the particle size are identified by using XRD. The functional bands of PO, CO and OH are analyzed through FTIR and the surface morphology and particle shapes are studied through SEM. The elemental analysis such as zinc, calcium and phosphates are analyzed by EDAX. All the designed elements are studied and confirm the (Ca+Zn)/PO ratio is nearly 1.67 and no other elements were identified in this study. The morphological particles of needle shape and the nanoscale particle size and shapes are studied by using TEM. The electrical conductivity of the synthesized ZnHAp ceramic is mainly related to width of the channel and the polarizability. The dielectric loss and nyquist plots were studied by using impedance spectroscopy.
Graphene Oxide-Based Layered Bulk Material Reinforced by Amorphous/Crystalline Heterophase Platelets and Multiscale Interface Crosslinking
Authors: Chen Ke , Tang Xuee , Jia Binbin , Chao Cezhou , Hou Junyu , Dong Leiting , Wei Yan , Xiao Ting-Hui , Goda Keisuke , Guo Lin
Published: August 2021

Graphene oxide (GO) or reduced-GO offer excellent mechanical, electrical and chemical properties. Their nanocomposites have been increasingly explored for attractive applications in diverse fields. However, due to the flexible feature and weak interlayer interactions of GO sheets, flexural mechanical properties of GO-based composites especially for the bulk materials are largely restrained, which would hinder their use in real situations. Here inspired by amorphous/crystalline heterophase features within nacreous platelets, we construct a centimetre-sized GO-based bulk, the building blocks of which consist of crystalline GO and amorphous/crystalline MnO2 phases adhered by polymer-based crosslinkers. The GO/MnO2 heterophase layers are stacked and hot-pressed with further crosslinking between the layers to form bulk artificial nacre. The resultant GO/MnO2-based layered (GML) bulk exhibits the highest flexural strength (up to 203.4 MPa) among all of GO-based bulk materials. Moreover, an excellent fracture toughness, a strong impact resistance and light weight are also achieved. Mechanical and simulation analyses corroborate that the highly ordered heterophase structure together with complex crosslinking interactions across multiscale interfaces, lead to superior mechanical properties. We expect that these results provide interesting insights into the design of structural materials and allow the use of high-performance GO-based bulks in engineering and military applications.
Factors Associated with Pregnancy Among Filipino Women Aged 15-19: Results from the 2017 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Pepito Veincent Christian , Amit Arianna Maever L. , Tang Clinton S. , Co Luis Miguel B. , Aliazas Neil Andrew K. , Reyes Sarah J. De Los , Baquiran Raymundo S. , Tanchanco Lourdes Bernadette S.
Published: August 2021

Background: Teenage pregnancy is an event known to have physical, emotional, and psychosocial implications. Despite such risks, many teenage Filipino women still have unintended pregnancies. This study aims to identify factors associated with pregnancy among Filipino women aged 15-19.Methods: We used data from the individual recode of the 2017 Philippine National Demographic and Health Survey. We used logistic regression for survey data to identify determinants associated with teenage pregnancy. Results: Out of 5,120 respondents, 420 (8.56%) have ever been pregnant. After adjusting for confounding variables, we find that there is strong evidence that belonging to the richer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.51; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.27, 0.97) and richest (aOR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.93) socio-economic strata are protective against teenage pregnancy. Accessing the internet at least once a week (aOR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.74) or almost every day (aOR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.86) are also protective against teenage pregnancy. Among the religions, being Protestant (aOR: 0.46; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.96), or a Muslim (aOR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.58) lower the odds of teenage pregnancy as compared to being Roman Catholic. On the other hand, there is strong evidence that just finishing primary education raises the odds of teenage pregnancy by six times (aOR: 6.25; 95% CI: 1.31, 29.89) as compared to those who did not have any formal education. A year increase in age also increases the odds of teenage pregnancy by 2.93 times (aOR: 2.93; 95% CI: 2.48, 3.46).Conclusions: These findings highlight the need to implement reproductive health education and contraceptive promotion interventions on a nationwide scale. Promoting internet access through investments in internet coverage and speed may also help in further decrease teenage pregnancy. Urgent action is needed considering the prevalence of teenage pregnancy in the country and its rapid increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Multifunctional Ba(10-x) Nix La30 Si60 Glassy Composites for Thermoluminescent, and Opto-electronic Use
Authors: GUNTU RK
Published: August 2021

Past three decades to current literature, lanthanum silicates embedded with nickel ions are notable for different opto-electronic and semiconducting use. Current days of opto-electronics, including advanced semiconducting resources, need different assemblies of glass resources employing elastic, luminescent, and electronic characteristics. In this view, the opto-electronic resource of chemical composition Ba(10-x)NixLa30Si60 has planned for synthesis followed by mechanical, thermoluminescent, and opto-electronic characterization. The materials developed are showing glassy behavior, and which was confirmed by the structural characterization. The glass with 0.6 mol% NiO concentration exhibiting better thermal stability. Observations made on the elastic characterization of glasses suggested covalent structure. DTA results which include thermal stabilities of glasses, suggest materials are capable of high thermal stability. Molecular structure of glasses studied with the help of FT-IR spectra. Different structural units and their waves number positions are identified and analysed. Which also suggested glassy behavior. D.C. Conductivity reports suggest that the materials are electrically active, and they are showing few orders of ionic conductivity. A decrease in optical basicity with increasing NiO mol% of glasses suggests high order of covalence. Trap depth parameters (Tm, E𝛕, E𝛅, E𝛚 & ms) under thermoluminescence studies suggest glass with 0.6 mol% NiO concentration is a beneficial TL resource. Optical absorption spectra of glasses is recorded, and which helps to calculate the Racah parameters of glasses. Refractive index, emissive cross-section, optical band gap, and transition probability of nickel hosted present glasses evaluated with the help of photoluminescence characterization. This suggests glasses embedded with nickel ions are highly photonic. All the outcomes from the various characterization of glasses which include mechanical, thermoluminescent, and photo-electronic results, suggest a glass with 0.6 mol% NiO concentration is a helpful thermoelement and opto-electronic resource.