bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostics of systemic malignancy ICD-O topography and morphology types on brain metastases: an NCDB time-to-event cohort
Authors: Alexopoulos Georgios , Zhang Justin , Karampelas Ioannis , Patel Mayur , Mercier Philippe
Published: April 2022

Purpose: The site and histology of primary cancer are known predictors of progression to brain metastases(BM). We investigated the combinational interactions of ICD-O primary topography and morphology types on the survival of BM after adjusting for relevant clinical and demographic prognostic factors.Methods: The cohort included all adult patients with BM at diagnosis of an invasive malignancy in the National Cancer Database(2010-2018). The sample consisted of 180,150 entries out of 14,279,749 cancer patients screened. A survival analysis of the topography- and histology- specific time to death was performed. Multivariate Cox regression revealed violations of the proportional hazard assumption for multiple covariates. Parametric models using a log-logistic distribution best described the population survival pattern. Results: The primary topography “prostate” and morphology “choriocarcinoma” provided the strongest survival benefit among ICD-O types, while BM from prostate demonstrated a 14-month median overall increase in survival probability. Favorable prognostics were BM from breast, bone/joints, and testis; also, the morphologies of carcinoid tumor, mature B-cell lymphoma, and papillary adenocarcinoma. Poor prognostics were BM from gastrointestinal(liver, biliary tree, pancreas, gallbladder) and gynecologic malignancies. All morphologies of spindle cell carcinoma, hemangiosarcoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, Ewing sarcoma, pseudosarcomatous carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma/sarcomatoid, signet ring cell carcinoma, spindle cell sarcoma, and squamous cell carcinoma/spindle cell were associated with poor survival.Conclusions: This is the largest cohort providing an unbiased estimate of the adjusted ICD-O topography and morphology effect sizes. The results can be summarized as a booklet for prognostic classification of disease in patients with BM secondary to systemic malignancy.
Mechanical and corrosion characteristics of 6061-T6 Aluminum alloy samples reinforced with alumina micro and nanoparticles fabricated by Friction Stir Processing
Authors: Karami Ramin , Abdollahi Mir Ali Asghar
Published: April 2022

The present study investigates the mechanical and corrosion properties of reinforced 6061\(-\)T6 Aluminum samples after friction stir processing. Three different composites are fabricated: one without any powder and the others with micrometer and nanometer alumina powder (\({Al}_{2}{O}_{3}\)) as reinforcing particles. The hardness, tensile, and Potentiodynamic polarization tests are performed to compare the new samples with the base metal. The results show that friction stir processing has increased the tensile and ultimate strength of the composites by an average of 181 % comared to the base metal. The strength of the composites with additives is significantly affected by the size of the particles. The hardness of the processed samples has also increased compared to the base metal by 200 %. Depite these enhancements, corrosion resistance of new samples has decreased, which can be due to the numerous dislocations in the stress-induced stir zone, creating lattice deformations and causing the breakdown of the passive protective layer. The analysis of fracture surface topography through a Fractography method revealed a specific anaglyph consisting of dimples of various shapes, sizes, and dispersion and further confirmed the tensile test results.
A Synthesis on Enablers of Digital Finance in Emerging Economies. Lessons from Zambia.
Authors: Ndimbwa Derick , Qutieshat Abubaker
Published: April 2022

Using Zambia as a case study, this study conducted a brief literature review on the synthesis of facilitators of digital finance in emerging economies. The study stated what several academics have argued regarding the weather that drive the expansion of digital finance in emerging nations, like political, legal, economic, and technical settings. An exhaustive electronic mining of peer-reviewed papers and books on Springer, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect to locate appropriate material on the subject matter is required for productive study. To narrow down on acceptable articles from which to extract information for the research, a good evaluation fit was undertaken. The conclusions of the review revealed that changes within the political, economic, legal, and technical settings have an honest and negative influence on digital finance in emerging nations. for instance, this research found that, in terms of legislative reforms, there has been a positive adoption of digital money following the passage of the National Payment Systems Act in 2007. On the financial front, digital financial inclusion innovation brings long-term financial performance benefits, like cheaper expenses and fewer bank branches. External elements like political, legal, economic, and technological settings even have an influence on the expansion of digital finance, in step with this text. Furthermore, this research suggests that exogenous elements like political, legal, economic, and technological settings have a sway on the emergence of digital finance in emerging economies. Countries with more complex financial systems, per this study, enjoy better economic development, faster poverty reduction, and greater income equality.
Geochemical constraints on the origin of phonolites from the Lužické hory Mts., the Ohře (Eger) Rift, Bohemian Massif
Authors: Krmíčková Simona , Krmíček Lukáš , Řanda Zdeněk , Ulrych Jaromír , Jelínek Emil , Ackerman Lukáš , Mizera Jiří
Published: April 2022

Geochemical and petrological data are reported for phonolites of the Lužické hory Mts. in the northeastern part of the Ohře (Eger) Rift near the junction with the Lusatian Fault. The phonolites of the Lužické hory Mts. are enriched in incompatible trace elements such as Rb, REEs, Zr, Hf, U, Th, Nb, Ta and volatile components such as F and Cl. The phonolites are significantly impoverished in Ti and P and partly also in Sr and Ba contents. The K-Ar dating of phonolites provided scattered ages in the range of 34.2 ± 1.4 to 26.7 ± 1.1 Ma. Two geochemically different phonolite types were recognized. Phonolites of type A (higher Sr > 90 ppm, Ba > 130 ppm) have following initial Sr–Nd isotope characteristics: 87Sr/86Sr = 0.7032–0.7094; εNd = 3.0–3.4, similar to those known from phonolites of the nearby České středohoří Mts. Prevailing phonolites of type B (lower Sr < 20 ppm, Ba < 60 ppm) are decoupled and show a broad range of initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios (up to 0.7142) at narrow εNd (3.2–3.9). Both phonolite types are characterized by relatively restricted variations in 206Pb/204Pb (19.2–19.5), 207Pb/204Pb (15.61–15.66) and 208Pb/204Pb (39.07–39.30), indicating their derivation from a similarly metasomatically enriched mantle source. The geochemical characteristics of the phonolites can associate with various (i) lower and higher clinopyroxene and feldspar crystallization of primary basanitic magma, (ii) degree of assimilation-fractional crystallization (AFC) processes during the magma ascent, and/or (iii) late-magmatic to post-magmatic hydrothermal contribution of incompatible elements.
Fragment-based virtual screening identifies a first-in-class preclinical drug candidate for Huntington’s disease
Authors: Galyan Simon , Ewald Collin , Jalencas Xavier , Masrani Shyam , Meral Selin , Lamottke Kai , Mestres Jordi
Published: April 2022

Currently, there are no therapies available to modify the disease progression of Huntington’s disease (HD). Recent clinical trial failures of antisense oligonucleotide candidates in HD have demonstrated the need for new therapeutic approaches. Here, we developed a novel in-silico fragment scanning approach across the surface of mutant huntingtin (mHTT) polyQ and predicted four hit compounds. Two rounds of compound analoging using a strategy of testing structurally similar compounds in an affinity assay rapidly identified GLYN122. In vitro, GLYN122 directly binds and reduces mHTT and induces autophagy in neurons. In vivo, our results confirm that GLYN122 can reduce mHTT in the cortex and striatum of the R/2 Huntington’s disease mouse model and subsequently improve motor symptoms. Thus, the in-vivo pharmacology profile of GLYN122 is a potential new preclinical candidate for the treatment of HD.
Ultrafast Carrier Dynamics in 2D NbTe2 Films
Authors: Moss David
Published: April 2022

As one of the representatives of emerging metallic transition metal dichalcogenides, niobium ditelluride (NbTe2) has attracted intensive interest recently due to its distorted lattice structure and unique physical properties. Here, we report on the ultrafast carrier dynamics in NbTe2 measured using time-resolved pump-probe transient reflection spectroscopy. A thickness-dependent carrier relaxation time is observed, exhibiting a clear increase in the fast and slow carrier decay rates for thin NbTe2 flakes. In addition, pump power dependent measurements indicate that the carrier relaxation rates are power-independent, with the peak amplitude of the transient reflectivity increasing linearly with pump power. Isotropic relaxation dynamics in NbTe2 is also verified by performing polarization-resolved pump-probe measurements. These results provide an insight into the light-matter interactions and charge carrier dynamics in NbTe2 and will pave the way for its applications to photonic and optoelectronic devices.
The thermal instability of a horizontal nanofluid layer in a porous medium with high porosity
Authors: Ruo An-Cheng , Chang Min-Hsing , Yan Wei-Mon
Published: April 2022

A linear stability analysis is performed in this paper to explore the instability characteristics of nanofluids in a horizontal porous medium uniformly heated from below. The theory employs Buongiorno’s model for nanofluids and Brinkman model for porous media, and the results are restricted to the case with high porosity in order to avoid the particles interacting with the walls of the pores. Different from the previous studies, a novel base-state solution is derived by considering the dependence of thermophoresis on particle concentration. The solution of concentration turns out to be a nonlinear function in terms of NA (a parameter denoting the relative strength of thermophoresis and Brownian diffusion for nanoparticles). As NA is large, the thermophoretic effect prevails over Brownian diffusion and drives the particles into the upper region of layer, which substantially changes the stability. Results show that the system is extremely unstable for common nanofluids as long as the layer is heated from below. Since the neutral curve does not exist, the dispersion spectra are created instead to illustrate the instability characteristics. It is found that the thermophoretic effect together with buoyancy is a very strong destabilizing mechanism that is sufficient to overcome the Darcy resistance and trigger the onset of convection in porous media.
Co-occurrence probabilities between mosquito vectors of West Nile and Eastern equine encephalitis viruses using Markov Random Fields (MRFcov)
Authors: Sallam Mohamed F. , Whitehead Shelley , Barve Narayani , Bauer Amely , Guralnick Robert , Allen Julie , Tavares Yasmin , Britch Seth C. , Linthicum Kenneth J. , Giordano Bryan V. , Campbell Lindsay P.
Published: April 2022

Mosquito vectors of eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and West Nile virus (WNV) in the US reside within broad multi-species assemblages that vary in spatial and temporal composition, relative abundances, and vector competence. These variations impact the risk of pathogen transmission and the operational management of these species by local public health vector control districts. However, most models of mosquito vector dynamics focus on single species and do not account for co-occurrence probabilities between mosquito species pairs across environmental gradients. In this investigation, we use for the first time conditional Markov Random Fields (MRFcov) to evaluate spatial co-occurrence patterns between host-seeking mosquito vectors of EEEV and WNV around sampling sites in Manatee County, FL. Specifically, we aimed to 1) quantify dependencies between mosquito vector species and other mosquito vector and non-vector species, 2) quantify dependencies between mosquito vectors and landscape and climate variables, and 3) investigate whether the strength of dependencies between species pairs are conditional on landscape or climate variables. We hypothesized that either mosquito vector species co-occur with other species in patterns driven by the landscape and/or climate variables, or those landscape variables unconditionally predict species abundances individually. Results indicated that landscape and bioclimatic covariates did not substantially improve the overall model performance and that the log abundances of the majority of WNV and EEEV vector species were positively dependent on other vector and non-vector mosquito species, unconditionally, but only weakly dependent or not at all dependent on environmental variables with one exception, Culiseta melanura, the primary vector for EEEV. Culiseta melanura showed a strong dependency on cropland and precipitation seasonality but not other species. Our analyses showed that some of the mosquito vector species may be habitat generalists, indicated by unconditional dependency, which could have confounded our analysis, but also indicated that the approach could be operationalized to leverage species co-occurrences as indicators of vector abundances in unsampled areas, or under scenarios where environmental variables are not informative.
A systematic review of the Treatment and dissemination in vestibular schwannoma: Pearls and Pitfalls for Minimizing Complication
Authors: Arabestanino Ali Reza , Irvani Sina Naghibi
Published: April 2022

Background
VS account for approximately 6–8% of intracranial tumors in adults and are the most common tumor in the CPA ranging between 80% and 95%. hearing loss associated with vestibular schwannomas of this size is typically unilateral, progressive, and commonly affects high-frequency thresholds and speech perception. Gross total resection is the goal of surgery while maintaining good facial function, in all sizes of tumors, and hearing preservation, in small to moderate size tumors in patients with serviceable preoperative hearing status. We provide an overview of vestibular schwannoma and discuss anatomical factors and their methods and publication, as well as the management strategies we should adopt when they occur.
Methods
A review was conducted that follows the preferential reporting guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE, Library Genesis were used to search for vestibular schwannoma.
Results
Vestibular schwannomas constitute 6% of all intracranial neoplasms and are the most common benign lesions of the IAC and CPA cistern constituting between 60% and 90% of the entire lesions seen in this area.
Conclusions
In the foreseeable future, Play better methods and treatments for vestibular schwannoma management in the age of precision medicine.
Who and why: a study of British distrust in the government and media during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Balaet Maria , Kurtin Danielle , Gruia Dragos , Lerede Annalaura , Custovic Darije , Trender William , Jolly Amy , Hellyer Peter , Hampshire Adam
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic represents a unique context for studying the spread of conspiratorial beliefs within the general population and their role in mediating compliance with government guidance. Here, we apply multivariate and machine learning methods to analyse data from tens of thousands of members of the British public at 6-monthly timepoints during the COVID-19 pandemic. We report that distrust and conspiratorial beliefs significantly predict non-compliant behaviours and covary with sociodemographic variables, being most prevalent for disadvantaged and minority groups. Free text analyses reveal that perceptions of corruption, cronyism, disputing lockdown motivations and the potential of COVID-19 being a lab-leaked bioweapon were common topics motivating non-compliance, with the prevalence and distribution of such beliefs evolving as the pandemic progressed. We propose that survey data could be analysed this way to identify current topics of distrust and map them to demographic variables, enabling the most relevant arguments to be tailored for each individual.
Effects of metabolic syndrome on semen parameters and reproductive hormones in male infertility patients: a retrospective study in 1564 Chinese men
Authors: Xin Song , Long Cheng , Sen-Yao Xue , Zhi-Kang Cai
Published: April 2022

Objective
This study was designed to investigate the effect of metabolic syndrome on semen parameters and reproductive hormones profile in Chinese infertile patients.
Methods
1564 patients who were diagnosed as primary infertility in our hospital from September 2018 to February 2022 were enrolled in this study, and they were divided into MetS group and non-MetS group. 60 healthy men were enrolled as the control group. The general information, blood lipids, reproductive hormones and sperm parameters were collected.The Mann-Whitney U test, the analysis of ANCOVA and Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the relationships between the different parameters.
Results
There were 166 patients with MetS in 1564 primary infertility patients, with a prevalence rate of 10.6%. Compared with non-MetS infertility patients, the patients in MetS group had higher FSH, lower T, SHBG, inhibin B and normal sperm morphology rate(P < 0.05). There was no significant difference of sperm concentration and motility between the MetS and non-MetS groups (P > 0.05). MetS and non-MetS azoospemic infertile only differed in FSH levels (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis of covariance showed that waist circumference,HDL and TG had an influence on sperm morphology (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis failed to prove MetS to be an independent risk factor of sperm morphology, but showed that FSH, inhibin B and BMI are independent predictors of sperm concentration (P < 0.05). Patients with increased age,FSH,BMI or lower inhibin B had lower sperm concentration.
Conclusions
MetS can affect reproductive hormone profile. MetS could be a potential contributing factor to male infertility.
Development and external validation of multivariable risk models to predict incident and resolved neuropathic pain: a DOLORisk Dundee study.
Authors: Hebert Harry L. , Veluchamy Abirami , Baskozos Georgios , Fardo Francesca , Ryckeghem Dimitri Van , Pearson Ewan R. , Colvin Lesley A. , Crombez Geert , Bennett David L. H. , Meng Weihua , Palmer Colin N. A. , Smith Blair H.
Published: April 2022

Neuropathic pain is difficult to treat, and an understanding of the risk factors for its onset and resolution is warranted. This study aimed to develop and externally validate two clinical risk models to predict onset and resolution of chronic neuropathic pain. Participants of Generation Scotland: Scottish Family Health Study (GS; general Scottish population; n = 20,221) and Genetic of Diabetes Audit and Research in Tayside Scotland (GoDARTS; n = 5,236) were sent a questionnaire on neuropathic pain and followed-up 18 months later. Chronic neuropathic pain was defined using DN4 scores (≥ 3/7) and pain for three months or more. The models were developed in GS using logistic regression with backward elimination based on the Akaike information criterion. External validation was conducted in GoDARTS and assessed model discrimination (ROC and Precision-Recall curves), calibration, and clinical utility (decision curve analysis [DCA]). Analysis revealed incidences of neuropathic pain onset (6.0% in GS [236/3,903] and 10.7% in GoDARTS [61/571]) and resolution (42.6% in GS [230/540] and 23.7% in GoDARTS [56/236]). Psychosocial and lifestyle factors were included in both onset and resolved prediction models. In GoDARTS, these models showed adequate discrimination (ROC = 0.636 and 0.699), but there was evidence of miscalibration (Intercept = -0.511 and − 0.424; slope = 0.623 and 0.999). The DCA indicated that the models would provide clinical benefit over a range of possible risk thresholds. To our knowledge, these are the first externally validated risk models for neuropathic pain. The findings are of interest to patients and clinicians in the community, who may take preventative or remedial measures.
Psychometric Performance of the Subjective Memory Complain Scale Among Colombian Elders
Authors: Campo-Arias Adalberto , Reyes-Ortiz Carlos A.
Published: April 2022

Background
The Subjective Memory Complaint Scale (SMCS-15) is a 15-item instrument to explore frequent forgetfulness in daily life in people with possible cognitive impairment. However, knowledge about its psychometric performance is limited.
Objective
To know the dimensionality and internal consistency of the SMCS-15 in Colombian older adults.
Methods
A probabilistic sample of 1,957 older adults from the general Colombian population was taken, aged between 60 and 98 years (mean = 71.0 ± 7.9), and 62.2% were women. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega) and dimensionality (exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis) were calculated for the original and ten-item versions.
Results
The 15-item version showed Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega of 0.91 and one dimension that accounted for 45.3% of the variance. A version of ten items showed Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega of 0.89 and a single factor that explained 50.9% of the variance with better indicators in the confirmatory factor analysis. Convergence with the shortened Mini-Mental State Examination was rs=0.43 (p < 0.001), and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test was rs=0.38 (p < 0.001). The nomological validity with the geriatric depression scale was rs=0.44 (p < 0.001), and women scored higher than men (p < 0.001).
Conclusions
The SMCS-15 shows high internal consistency with poor dimensionality. However, a ten-item version shows high internal consistency and a clear one-dimensional structure. More research is needed.
Effectivity of Flunarizine in controlling acidosis induced headache
Authors: Datta Sagarika
Published: April 2022

In my previous case report, I mentioned about the connection between metabolic acidosis and other diseases. Headache is one of the diseases mentioned in a female patient. For the patient, it was observed that acidosis is the indicator. Acidosis takes place first. There can be many reasons for metabolic acidosis. For this patient it was seen that, food is the trigger. With consistent disbalance in pH level in body it exhibits many symptoms like palpitations, altered mental status such as severe anxiety due to hypoxia, nausea, abdominal pain, altered appetite and weight gain, muscle weakness, bone pain, and joint pain. In acidosis the arterial carbon dioxide tension increases, and it can cross the blood-brain barrier and changes extravascular pH. Headache is trigger. Patient was treated with Pregabalin, Amitriptyline and Duloxetine combination. Frequency of headache was less but it was not stopped. Then patient was treated with CGRP receptor blocker subcutaneous injection but was not able to get rid of the throbbing head pain. On using Flunarizine (Sibelium 10 mg) the headache was stopped on 2 days of medicine taking. It helped in reducing allergy-like symptoms too. The effectivity of Flunarizine in controlling acidosis related headache is well proved.
Why do Chinese older adults in Hong Kong delay or refuse COVID-19 vaccination? A qualitative study based on Grounded Theory
Authors: Lam Wendy Wing Tak , Xiao Jingyi , Ni Michael Yuxuan , Cowling Benjamin John , Liao Qiuyan , YUAN Jiehu
Published: April 2022

Background
Older adults have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. While COVID-19 vaccines are effective for reducing mortality and severe complications, vaccine hesitancy remains a substantial concern particularly among older adults.
Objective
This was a qualitative study to explore the psychological and contextual factors that contribute to Chinese older adults’ delay or refusal of COVID-19 vaccines.
Methods
Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 27 older adults aged ≥ 60 years who had never received COVID-19 vaccines. Grounded Theory approach guided the selection of informants, data collection, data analysis and report writing.
Results
Participants who delayed or refused COVID-19 vaccination exhibited a spectrum of vaccine-resistant and vaccine-hesitant attitudes which were weaved into the contexts of lacking decisional support from doctors, family and the government, and attitude roots of negative perception of ageing, fatalistic risk attitudes, low health literacy, present time perspective and negative values on western biomedicine, and reliance on the peripheral processing of vaccine-related information. While participants refused or delayed COVID-19 vaccination, they turned to alternative coping strategies to regain self-control in the pandemic.
Conclusions
Interventions to address vaccine hesitancy in older adults should focus on addressing attitude roots and strengthening the connectivity of older people with family, doctors, and government to engage older people in the vaccination decision making. Risk communication should shift to provide more personal relevant information in a caring style, meet older adults’ preference for peripheral information processing, and address their existing misperceptions about COVID-19 vaccines.
Performance Analysis of 3D M-Tier Heterogeneous Networks Using Adaptive Multistream Carrier Aggregation (AMCA)
Authors: M Rekha , Bhuvaneswari M
Published: April 2022

In recent days, Heterogeneous Networks (HetNets) gaining enhances range of attention as the promising concept in mobile networking. Several cellular standards like Long Term Evolution (LTE) were introduced for the mobile devices that were not appropriate for lower range of data rate and low-power devices. For addressing these issues, a number of emerging standards are there that aims at addressing the previous cellular standards limitations and becomes a probable key enabling technology for future IoT applications. In this paper, a new-fangled next generation 3D HetNets model is proposed at which the various positions of cells in the network with the realistic constraints are described. An approach of Adaptive Multi-stream Carrier Aggregation (AMCA) is proposed for enhancing the bandwidth amount that is made available to the users for HetNets in the 5G cellular system. The 3D M-tier HetNet is being designed for the elimination of cross-tier interference and to escalate the energy efficiency of 3D HetNets. This method is employed for transmitting health care related data applications. Thus, the presented technique offers anonymous communication among patient and doctor in the wireless cellular network that satisfies efficiency. Therefore, the estimation of performance is made with respect to magnitude, energy efficiency and the phase response metrics, EVM, and absolute in-band emission for varied range of Carrier components (CCs).
Lernen in virtuellen Räumen
Authors: Hartmann Christian , Bannert Maria
Published: April 2022

«Immersive Medien bzw. Lernumgebungen» (vgl. «virtual reality») bezeichnen technologiegestützte Anwendungen, die es Lernenden ermöglichen, einen virtuell erzeugten Raum realitätsnah zu erleben. Innerhalb der Lehr-Lern-Forschung wird immersiven Medien das Potenzial zugesprochen, Lernprozesse zu fördern. Jedoch konnten Studien bislang dieses Potenzial nicht hinreichend belegen. Im Rahmen dieses Beitrags argumentieren wir, dass die heterogene Befundlage bisheriger Untersuchungen u. a. durch die Schwierigkeit erklärbar ist, das Lernen mit immersiven Medien theoretisch zu fassen. Wir adressieren diese Schwierigkeit im Rahmen des vorliegenden Beitrags damit, die räumlich-situative Repräsentation episodischer Inhalte als Alleinstellungsmerkmal immersiver Medien herauszuarbeiten. Die Diskussion dieses Alleinstellungsmerkmals hinsichtlich potenzieller Effekte auf das Lernen macht deutlich, dass das Verhältnis zwischen exklusiven Merkmalen immersiver Medien und damit verbundenen Informationsverarbeitungsprozessen bisher nicht hinreichend durch theoretische Modelle erfasst wird. Ziel des vorliegenden Beitrags ist es, durch die Diskussion eines Alleinstellungsmerkmals immersiver Medien theoretische Beziehungen genauer abzubilden, sodass diese in künftigen Forschungsarbeiten besser zielgerichtet adressiert werden können.
Jar Tests for Water Treatment Optimisation
Authors: Pivokonský Martin , Novotná Kateřina , Čermáková Lenka , Petříček Radim
Published: April 2022

The book is intended as a handbook providing detailed instructions for the correct conducting of jar tests, which are needed for the optimisation of the coagulation/flocculation process. It contains the essential theoretical background of coagulation/flocculation, including a description of the influence of different parameters on the coagulation efficiency of various impurities (e.g. pH value and type/dose of coagulant), and floc properties and their separation (e.g. mixing intensity, mixing time, but also type/concentration of coagulant and impurities). The principle of jar tests is explained and parameters possible to optimize (i.e. coagulation pH, coagulant dose, flocculation aid dose, mixing intensity and mixing time) are discussed. Laboratory equipment for jar tests is proposed, including mixers and instructions for calculating a mixing intensity (necessarily expressed by the global shear rate/velocity gradient G). Mixing intensities for various purposes are recommended. Detailed practical instructions of how to perform jar tests follow, including a determination of the dose of reagents for pH adjustment and coagulant dose, dosing sequence, floc separation after jar tests by sedimentation and/or centrifugation simulating sand filtration, sampling, measuring necessary parameters (pH, coagulant residuals, alkalinity, residual impurity concentrations etc.), data recording, data processing and jar test evaluation (with specific examples). The handbook also contains a supplementary part with tables for conversion of the molar to mass concentration (and vice versa) of coagulants, and instructions for diluting coagulants and reagents for pH adjustment.

ISBN: 9781789062687 (paperback)

ISBN: 9781789062694 (eBook)

ISBN: 9781789062700 (ePUB)
Temporal stability of soil water content in typical paddy soil at Taihu Lake region of China
Authors: Chen Can , Zhu Hongxia , Dai Ziqiang , Cai Peng
Published: April 2022

Soil water content plays an important role in crop production, especially in the main rice production areas of China. The temporal stability of soil water content was studied in a paddy field of Taihu Lake region, southeast China. There were two treatments in this experiment, one was mulch with rice straw and the other was without mulch. Soil water content of the two treatments was monitored at the interval of 10 days by the Time Domain Reflectometer probes which were installed in situ, and measured both at 14 and 33 cm soil layers. The data were evaluated by temporal stability methods and Spearman's correlation. Results showed that mulching with rice straw proved to be efficient in retaining the soil water at the 14 cm soil layer. Based on the relative difference method, the representative positions of the experiment field were identified, which accurately represented the field-mean soil water at the experiment field was detected in terms of root mean square error, less than 2.18%. The Spearman's correlation values were high, which indicates temporal dependence along the experiment period. The data of soil water temporal stability could provide scientific basis for adequate water management in paddy field.
Dihydrochalcones as Antitumor Agents
Authors: De Luca Fabiola , Di Chio Carla , Zappalà Maria , Ettari Roberta
Published: April 2022

Dihydrochalcones are a class of secondary metabolites, possessing several biological
properties such as antitumor, antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, estrogenic,
anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antiviral, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory
properties; therefore, they are currently considered promising candidates in the drug discovery
process. This review intends to debate their pharmacological actions with particular
attention to their antitumor activity against a panel of cancer cell lines and to the description
of the inhibition mechanisms of cell proliferation such as the regulation of angiogenesis,
apoptosis, etc.
Current Research Trends in Cytokine Storm: A Scientometric Study
Authors: Wang Qiang-Song , Cui Yuan-Lu , Wang Kun-Tang , Xu Dong , Wang Yi-Lun , Dong Xin-Ran , Tang Jie , Wang Yue , Qiao Tao , Zhang Han
Published: April 2022

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently rampant worldwide, resulting in unpredictable harm to humans. High blood levels of cytokines and chemokines have been marked in patients with COVID-19 infection, leading to cytokine storm syndrome. Cytokine storms are violent inflammatory immune responses that reveal the devastating effect of immune dysregulation and the critical role of an effective host immune response.

Methods:

Scientometric analysis summarizes the literature on cytokine storms in recent decades and provides a valuable and timely approach to tracking the development of new trends. This re-view summarizes the pathogenesis and treatment of diseases associated with cytokine storms com-prehensively based on scientometric analysis.

Results:

Field distribution, knowledge structure, and research topic evolution correlated with cyto-kine storms are revealed, and the occurrence, development, and treatment of disease relevant to cy-tokine storms are illustrated.

Conclusion:

Cytokine storms can be induced by pathogens and iatrogenic causes and can also occur in the context of autoimmune diseases and monogenic diseases as well. These reveal the multidisci-plinary nature of cytokine storms and remind the complexity of the pathophysiological features, clinical presentation, and management. Overall, this scientometric study provides a macroscopic presentation and further direction for researchers who focus on cytokine storms.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Ginsenoside Rg1 on LPS-Induced Septic
Encephalopathy and Associated Mechanism
Authors: Wang Jiabing , Jin Yong , Chen Yuan , Chi Miaomiao , Qiao Xinyu
Published: April 2022

Background:

Sepsis frequently occurs in patients after infection and is highly associated
with death. Septic encephalopathy is characterized by dysfunction of the central nervous system, of
which the root cause is a systemic inflammatory response. Sepsis-associated encephalopathy is a
severe disease that frequently occurs in children, resulting in high morbidity and mortality.

Objectives:

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective mechanism of ginsenoside
Rg1 in response to septic encephalopathy.

Methods:

Effects of ginsenoside Rg1 on septic encephalopathy were determined by cell viability,
cytotoxicity, ROS responses, apoptosis assays, and histological examination of the brain. Inflammatory
activities were evaluated by expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and MCP-1 using
qPCR and ELISA. Activities of signaling pathways in inflammation were estimated by the production
of p-Erk1/2/Erk1/2, p-JNK/JNK, p-p38/p38, p-p65/p65, and p-IkBα/IkBα using western blot.

Results:

LPS simulation resulted in a significant increase in cytotoxicity, ROS responses, and apoptosis
and a significant decrease in cell viability in CTX TNA2 cells, as well as brain damage in rats.
Moreover, the production of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and MCP-1 was reported to be significantly
stimulated in CTX TNA2 cells and the brain, confirming the establishment of in vitro and in vivo
models of septic encephalopathy. The damage and inflammatory responses induced by LPS were
significantly decreased by treatment with Rg1. Western blot analyses indicated that Rg1 significantly
decreased the production of p-Erk1/2/Erk1/2, p-JNK/JNK, p-p38/p38, p-p65/p65, and p-
IkBα/IkBα in LPS-induced CTX TNA2 cells and brain.

Conclusions:

These findings suggested that Rg1 inhibited the activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling
pathways, which activate the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The
findings of this study suggested that ginsenoside Rg1 is a candidate treatment for septic encephalopathy.
Solvent-free MALI-MGRE Procedure for Synthesizing 1,4-thiazolidin-4-
one MALI (Mercaptoacetic Acid Looking Imine) MGRE (Mechanical
Grinding Reaction Equipment)
Authors: da Silva Santos Jonas , Junior Joel Jones , da Silva Flavia Martins
Published: April 2022

Background:

1,3-Thiazolidin-4-ones are heterocycles whose importance in the pharmaceutical market has already been established. Many of these synthetic derivatives, which contain a thiazolidinone nucleus, are currently used in various commercial formulations or are already in clinical trials for the treatment of disease for their anticonvulsant, antihypertensive and antidiabetic activities in addition to their activity against Streptomyces. 1,3-Thiazolidin-4-ones are produced mainly by cyclo condensation between an imine (generated in situ by the reaction of an aldehyde with an amine) and α-mercaptoacetic acid, known as the MALI (Mercaptoacetic Acid Looking Imine) reaction.

Objective:

A solvent-free methodology was developed to synthesize a 1,3-thiazolidin-4-one family by the MALI reaction. An apparatus was developed to grind a solid-liquid mixture of anilines, benzaldehydes and thioglycolic acid to activate the reaction. This apparatus was named MGRE (mechanical grinding reaction equipment).

Methods:

Substituted aniline 2 (4 mmol), substituted benzaldehyde 1 (4 mmol) and thioglycolic acid 3 (12 mmol) were placed in a mortar. The reagents were macerated using the MGRE at room temperature for a specified time period. At the end of the reaction, the product was poured into ice, the precipitate formed was neutralized (with 5% NaHCO3), and the solution was extracted in ethyl acetate and dried in MgSO4. The solid was recrystallized from MeOH/H2O.

Results:

The developed MGRE is a modification of a rod used in a mechanical stirrer. This adaptation is inexpensive and simple in construction, and it enables reactions to occur over long periods of time that would be exhaustive for manual grinding. Fifteen (1,3) thiazolidin-4-ones were produced. The products were synthesized using the solvent-free MALI-MGRE procedure.

Conclusions:

The MALI-MGRE methodology developed to produce 1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones showed a good reaction scope, has an easy work-up and is solvent-free. Consequently, MALI-MGRE is classified as a green methodology. An innovation of this study is the construction of the MGRE, which involves modifying the rod in a mechanical stirrer. The equipment is easy and inexpensive to construct and may be useful for various reactions involving grinding.
Resorcinol Derivatives as Novel Aldose Reductase Inhibitors: In Silico and In Vitro Evaluation
Authors: Kılınç Namık
Published: April 2022

Background:

The polyol pathway, an alternative way of carbohydrate metabolism, is activated
by hyperglycemia. Aldose reductase (AR), the first and rate-limiting enzyme of the polyol pathway, is
responsible for the reduction of glucose to sorbitol. Inhibiting the aldose reductase enzyme and reducing
the polyol pathway is considered an effective method to prevent and postpone the onset of diabetic complications.

Objective:

Therefore, in this work, we investigate the inhibition effects of certain resorcinol derivatives
and the positive control compound quercetin on the AR enzyme in vitro and in silico. These phenolic
compounds, whose inhibitory effects on the AR enzyme were investigated, were also compared with
known drugs in terms of their drug-like characteristics.

Methods:

Three methods were used to determine the inhibitory effects of resorcinol derivatives on recombinant
human AR enzyme. After the in vitro inhibition effects were determined spectrophotometrically,
the binding energy and binding modes were determined by molecular docking method. Finally, the
MM-GBSA method was used to determine the free binding energies of the inhibitors for the AR enzyme.

Results:

5-pentylresorcinol compound showed the strongest inhibition effect on recombinant human AR
enzyme with an IC50 value of 9.90 μM. The IC50 values of resorcinol, 5-methylresorcinol, 4-
ethylresorcinol, 4-hexylresorcinol, 2-methylresorcinol, and 2,5-dimethylresorcinol compounds were determined
as 49.50 μM, 43.31 μM, 19.25 μM, 17.32 μM, 28.87 μM, 57.75 μM, respectively.

Conclusion:

The results of this research showed that resorcinol compounds are effective AR inhibitors.
These findings are supported by molecular docking, molecular mechanics, and ADME investigations
undertaken to corroborate the experimental in vitro results.
Preeclampsia and Fetal Congenital Heart Defects
Authors: Barros Tânia , Ferreira Bárbara D. , Moleiro Maria L. , Guedes-Martins Luís
Published: April 2022

Endothelial dysfunction, impaired implantation and placental insufficiency have been identified as mechanisms behind the development of pre-eclampsia, resulting in angiogenic factors’ alteration. Angiogenic imbalance is also associated with congenital heart defects, and this common physiologic pathway may explain the association between them and pre-eclampsia. This review aims to understand the physiology shared by these two entities and whether women with pre-eclampsia have an increased risk of fetal congenital heart defects (or the opposite). The present research has highlighted multiple vasculogenic pathways associated with heart defects and preeclampsia, but also epigenetic and environmental factors, contributing both. It is also known that fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease have an increased risk of several comorbidities, including intrauterine growth restriction. Moreover, the impact of pre-eclampsia goes beyond pregnancy as it increases the risk for following pregnancies and for diseases later in life in both offspring and mothers. Given the morbidity and mortality associated with these conditions, it is of foremost importance to understand how they are related and its causative mechanisms. This knowledge may allow earlier diagnosis, an adequate surveillance or even the implementation of preventive strategies.
The Influence of Environmental Air Pollution on Ventricular Arrhythmias:
A Scoping Review
Authors: Pallikadavath Susil , Vali Zakariyya , Patel Roshan , Mavilakandy Akash , Peckham Nicholas , Clegg Matt , Sandilands Alastair J. , Ng G. André
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

Exposure to air pollution is a recognised risk factor for cardiovascular
disease and has been associated with supraventricular arrhythmias. The effect of air pollution on
ventricular arrhythmias is less clear. This scoping review assessed the effects of particulate and
gaseous air pollutants on the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias.

Methods:

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for studies assessing the effects of
air pollutants on ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. These pollutants were particulate
matter (PM) 2.5, PM10, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulphur Dioxide
(SO2), and Ozone (O3).

Results:

This review identified 27 studies: nine in individuals with implantable cardioverter defibrillators,
five in those with ischaemic heart disease, and 13 in the general population. Those with
ischaemic heart disease appear to have the strongest association with ventricular arrhythmias in
both gaseous and particulate pollution, with all three studies assessing the effects of PM2.5 demonstrating
some association with ventricular arrythmia. Results in the general and ICD population
were less consistent.

Conclusion:

Individuals with ischaemic heart disease may be at an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias
following exposure to air pollution.
Arterial Stiffness Assessment in Healthy Participants Using Shear Wave
Elastography
Authors: Alyami Jaber , Almutairi Fahad
Published: April 2022

Background:

Arterial stiffness is an important biomarker for cardiovascular disease. Shear
wave elastography (SWE) provides quantitative estimates of tissue stiffness.

Objective:

This study aimed to provide reference values for arterial wall, assessing the suitability of
SWE to quantify elasticity of the common carotid artery (CCA) and evaluating inter-and intra-observer
reproducibility.

Methods:

A Supersonic Aixplorer ultrasound system with L15-4 probe was used to scan longitudinal
sections of the CCA. Young’s modulus (YM) was measured within 2-mm regions of interest. Reproducibility
was assessed within a subgroup of 16 participants by two operators (one novice and one
experienced) during two sessions >one week apart.

Results:

This study involves seventy-three participants with a mean age of 40±10 years and a body
mass index of 26 ±6 kg/m2. YM estimates were 59 kPa ±19 in men and 56 kPa ±12 in women. The
average YM of the CCA walls was 58 kPa ±15 (57 ±15 kPa for the anterior wall and 58 ±20 kPa for
the posterior wall, p=0.75). There was no significant difference in the mean of YM estimates of the
CCA between the observers (observer: one 51 ±14 kPa and observer two: 55 ±17 kPa[p=0.46]). Interand
intra-observer reproducibility was fair to good (Intra-class correlations, ranging from 0.46 to 0.71).
Inter-frame variability was 28%.

Conclusion:

In healthy individuals, SWE provided an estimate of YM of the CCA (58 kPa) with fair to
good reproducibility. This study demonstrated the potential of using SWE for assessing biomechanical
properties of blood vessels.
Lack of Evidence for Blood Pressure Effects of Caffeine Added to
Ibuprofen
Authors: Weiser Thomas , Lampert Anette , Lange Robert
Published: April 2022

Background:

Caffeine enhances the efficacy of non-opioid analgesics. Data on the cardiovascular
health effects of caffeine intake are controversial, and studies on the cardiovascular effects
of medical caffeine use are lacking.

Objective:

The study aims to explore the cardiovascular effects of an ibuprofen/caffeine combination
in comparison to ibuprofen alone.

Method:

Secondary analysis of a previously reported bioequivalence study of a single dose of a
fixed dose ibuprofen/caffeine combination (400/100 mg) vs. ibuprofen alone in a randomized,
cross-over design in 36 healthy volunteers. Plasma catecholamines were analyzed to enhance
mechanistic interpretation of the data.

Results:

After exclusion of 10 protocol violators (pre-dosing intake of caffeine), vital signs were
comparable over a 24-h period in the absence and presence of caffeine. Plasma catecholamine levels
were also comparable.

Conclusion:

These data do not support the hypothesis that occasional intake of a small dose of caffeine as
part of pain medication imposes a health risk due to vital sign changes. Based on the proven increase in efficacy,
the addition of caffeine to non-opioid analgesics such as IBU has a favorable risk/benefit profile for
occasional use.