bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation an assisting electrode powder mixed electrical discharge machining of nonconductive ceramic
Authors: Rodic Dragan , Gostimirovic Marin , Sekulic Milenko , Savkovic Borislav , Strbac Branko
Published: April 2021

It is well known that electrical discharge machining can be used in the processing of nonconductive materials. In order to improve the efficiency of machining modern engineering materials, existing electrical discharge machines are constantly being researched and improved or developed. The current machining of non-conductive materials is limited due to the relatively low material removal rate and high surface roughness. A possible technological improvement of electrical discharge machining can be achieved by innovations of existing processes. In this paper, a new approach for machining zirconium oxide is presented. It combines electrical discharge machining with assisting electrode and powder-mixed dielectric. The assisting electrode is used to enable electrical discharge machining of nonconductive material, while the powder-mixed dielectric is used to increase the material removal rate, reduce surface roughness, and decrease relative tool wear. The response surface method was used to generate classical mathematical models, analyzing the output performances of surface roughness, material removal rate and relative tool wear. Verification of the obtained models was performed based on a set of new experimental data. By combining these latest techniques, positive effects on machining performances are obtained. It was found that the surface roughness was reduced by 18%, the metal removal rate was increased by about 12% and the relative tool wear was reduced by up to 6% compared to electrical discharge machining with supported electrode without powder.
Durable tracking anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies of cancer patients recovered from COVID-19
Authors: Huang Yongsheng , Yu Jing , Li Dan , He Kai , Liu Wenyang , Wang Lin , Chen Yeshan , Xie Conghua , Wu Xiaowei
Published: April 2021

Cancer patients are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection and generally have higher mortality rate. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG is an important consideration for the patients in this COVID-19 pandemic. Recent researches suggested the rapid decay of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the general population, but the decline rate of the antibodies in cancer patients was unknown. In this observational study, we reported the clinical features of the 53 cancer patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 from two hospitals in Wuhan, China and tracked the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the patients for more than 12 months. We found the duration (days) of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in the patients was significant longer in chemotherapy (mean: 175; range: 75 to 315) and radiotherapy groups (mean: 168; range: 85 to 265) than in non-chemo- or radio-therapy group (mean: 58; range:21 to 123) after their recovery from COVID-19. We also used single-cell RNA sequencing to track the immunologic changes in a representative patient infected by COVID-19 for more than one year, and found that CD8 + effective T cells, memory B cells and plasma cells were persistently activated in the patient undergoing chemotherapy. Together, our findings show that chemotherapy and radiotherapy might be beneficial to extend the duration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG.
Single-center Experience with Perioperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis and Surgical Site Infections in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Ostaszewska Agata , Domagala Piotr , Zawistowski Michał , Karpeta Edyta , Wszola Michal , Kosieradzki Maciej
Published: April 2021

Background
Infections in kidney transplant recipients are particularly challenging owing to the immunosuppressive treatment, usually long history of chronic illness, comorbidities and prior exposures to antibiotics. Among the most common complications early after surgery are surgical site infections. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors and evaluate epidemiological data regarding surgical site infections. Moreover, we were able to compare the current results with historical data from our institution when different perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis was practiced.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective case-control study in a group of 254 deceased donor renal graft recipients transplanted in a single Central European institution. We evaluated epidemiological findings and resistance patterns of pathogens causing surgical site infections. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine risk factors for surgical site infections.
Results
We revealed no differences in baseline characteristics between patients with and without surgical site infections. Ten surgical site infections (3.9%) were diagnosed (six superficial incisional, two deep incisional, and two organ/space). Eight species (19 strains) were identified, most of which were multi-drug resistant (63%). The most common was extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (26%). We showed that statistically significant differences were present between reoperated and non-reoperated patients (adjusted odds ratio: 6.963, 95% confidence interval: 1.523–31.842, P = .012).
Conclusions
Reoperation is an individual risk factor for surgical site infection after kidney transplantation. According to our experience, cefazolin-based prophylaxis can be safe and is associated with relatively low prevalence of surgical site infections.
Dynamic Alterations of Anti-S-Protein Igg Subclasses and of Th1/Th2 Responses are Hallmarks of Acute Severe COVID-19 Disease
Authors: Goh Yun Shan , Fong Siew-Wai , Amrun Siti Naqiah , Lee Cheryl , Hor Pei Xiang , Young Barnaby , Chia Po Ying , Tambyah Paul , Kalimuddin Shirin , Pada Surinder , Tan Seow-Yen , Sun Louisa , Chen Mark , Leo Yee-Sin , Lye David , Ng Lisa , Renia Laurent
Published: April 2021

PurposeCOVID-19, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has a wide disease spectrum ranging from asymptomatic to severe. While it is widely accepted that specific humoral immune responses are critical in controlling the infection, the relationship between the humoral immune response and disease severity is currently unclear.MethodsUsing a flow cytometry-based assay to detect specific antibodies against full length S protein, we compared the antibody levels between patients from different severity groups. We also analysed the cytokine profiles of patients from different severity groups by multiplex microbead-based immunoassay.ResultsWe found an association between specific IgM, IgA and IgG against the spike protein and disease severity. By comparing the ratio of Th1 IgG1 and IgG3 to Th2 IgG2 and IgG4, we observed that all severity groups exhibited a ratio that was skewed towards a stronger Th1 response over Th2 response. In addition to the strong Th1 response, patients with severe disease also developed a Th2 response, as exemplified by the smaller ratio of IgG1 and IgG3 over IgG2 and IgG4 and the smaller Th1/Th2 cytokine ratios, compared to patients with mild disease severity. ConclusionThe results suggest that acute severity or disease resolution is associated with a specific immunological phenotype. A smaller skew towards a Th1 response over Th2 response, during infection, may contribute to disease progression, while a greater skew towards a Th1 response over Th2 response may contribute to a better disease outcome. This may suggest potential therapeutic approaches to COVID-19 disease management.
Telemedicine-delivered cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia in alcohol use disorder (AUD): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Arnedt J.Todd , Hobson Libby , Conroy Deirdre A. , Graham Mandilyn , Amin Sajni , Bohnert Kipling M. , Krystal Andy , Ilgen Mark
Published: April 2021

Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a leading preventable cause of morbidity and mortality, but relapse rates are high even with available treatments. Insomnia is a robust predictor of relapse and pilot studies have shown that CBT for insomnia improves insomnia and daytime functioning in adults with AUD and insomnia. The impact of CBT for insomnia on relapse, however, is unclear. This trial will compare telemedicine-delivered CBT for insomnia (CBT-TM) with sleep hygiene education (SHE-TM) on improving insomnia/sleep, daytime symptom, and drinking outcomes in treatment-seeking AUD adults with insomnia. The study will also determine the effects of treatment on sleep mechanisms and their association with clinical outcomes. Methods: This is a single-site randomized controlled trial with planned enrollment of 150 adults meeting criteria for both AUD and chronic insomnia. Eligible participants will be randomized 1:1 to 6 weeks of telemedicine-delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-TM) or Sleep Hygiene Education (SHE-TM) with clinical assessments conducted at pre-treatment, post- treatment, and at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-treatment. Overnight polysomnography will be conducted before and after treatment. Primary clinical outcomes will include post-treatment scores on the Insomnia Severity Index and the General Fatigue subscale of the Multidisciplinary Fatigue Inventory, and the percent of days abstinent (PDA) on the interview-administered Time Line Follow Back. EEG delta activity, derived from overnight polysomnography, will be the primary endpoint to assess the sleep homeostasis mechanism. Discussion: This adequately powered randomized controlled trial will provide clinically-relevant information about whether targeting insomnia is effective for improving treatment outcomes among treatment-seeking adults with AUD. Additionally, the study will offer new scientific insights on the impact of an evidence-based non-medication treatment for insomnia on a candidate mechanism of sleep dysfunction in this population - sleep homeostasis.Registration: NCT, NCT # 04457674. Registered 07 July 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04457674?cond=alcohol+use&cntry=US&state=US%3AMI&draw=2&rank=1
Geodiversity Increases Biodiversity of Plants in a Semi-arid Region
Authors: Falco Natalie , Tal-Berger Reut , Yizhaq Hezi , Stavi Ilan , Rachmilevitch Shimon
Published: April 2021

Geodiversity refers to the variety of geological and physical elements as well as to geomorphological processes of the earth surface. Heterogeneity of the physical environment has an impact on plant diversity. In recent years, the relations between geodiversity and biodiversity has gained attention in conservation biology, especially in the context of climate change. In this study, we assessed the effect of hillslope geodiversity – as expressed by stoniness and depth of the soil profile – on plant’s community structure. The study was conducted in the Sayeret Shaked LTER station in the semi-arid north-western Negev of Israel. Vegetation survey was conducted for two consecutive years (2016 and 2017), of which the second year was a drier and hotter than the first year. The results show that (1) geodiversity increases vegetation biodiversity, and that (2) the effect of geodiversity on plants’ community structure and species richness is greater in the drier year than that in a wetter year. The main insight is that in drylands, hillslopes with higher geodiversity better buffer the effect of drier years, and supported a more diverse plant community than lower geodiversity hillslopes.
Observation of Nonlinear Optical Phenomenon in Vacuum by Four Waves Mixing
Authors: Shukla Pramila , Prakash Ranjana
Published: April 2021

In the present paper, we studied possibility of observation and detection of nonlinear optical effects in free space. We studied four wave mixing process in which signal is generated opposite to the direction of probe beam. We observed that large number of photons are generated in signal beam, which should be detectable.
Acute Limb Ischemia in a Cancer Patient Has High Morbidity, High Mortality, and Atypical Presentation: A Tertiary Cancer Center’s Retrospective Study
Authors: Bryce Yolanda , Amoateng Emmanuel Jnr , Agrusa Christopher , Ziv Etay , Harnain Christopher , Huq Samantha , Martin Ernesto Santos
Published: April 2021

Background
Acute Limb Ischemia (ALI) carries a high morbidity and mortality rate that is compounded in the cancer patient. Though it is a relatively uncommon event, it is of extremely high adverse impact and carries poor awareness among clinicians.
Methods
Cancer patients presenting with acute limb ischemia (ALI) to the tertiary cancer center’s urgent care center or as inpatient between January 1, 2014 and January 1, 2020 were reviewed.
Results
Out of the 29 cancer patients with ALI, 12 (41%) died within 3 month and 9 (31%) patients died within 1 months of ALI diagnosis. 65% had long term adverse outcome after ALI – 31% with death in 1 month, 2 (7%) with an amputation, 5 (17%) with lifestyle-limiting claudication, and 3 (10%) with subsequent wound ulceration or gangrene. Patients not eligible for standard of care (12 patients, 41%) (RR 2.3333 95% CI [1.2743–4.2724], p = 0.0022) and heparin administration ≥ 6 hours from presentation (19 patients, 65%) (RR 2.8070 [1.0677–7.3795], p = 0.0364) were at increased risk of adverse outcome. Atypical/confounded presentation of ALI (13 patients, 45%) (RR 1.8367 95% CI [1.0266–3.2862], p = 0.0405), pulse exam not documented (12 patients, 41.4%) (RR 1.9479 [95% CI [1.1439–3.3169], p = 0.0141), and patients with services other than a vascular specialist initially consulted (8 patients, 27.6%) (RR 1.9091 95% CI [1.2698–2.8703], p = 0.0019) were significant risk factors for heparin administered ≥ 6 hours from presentation.
Conclusions
ALI is devastating in cancer patients, with a high number presenting with atypical/confounded signs and symptoms which delays treatment. Heparin administered ≥ 6 hours from presentation is associated with adverse outcome.
Application of Nomogram Based on Radiomics Label in Prediction of Treatment Scheme for Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Yu Gang , Yang Wenlong , Zhang Jingkun , Zhang Qi , Zhou Jian , Hong Yuan , Luo Jiaojiao , Zhang Kangyu , Yang Zhidan , Tu Hong
Published: April 2021

Objective: To investigate and verify the efficiency and effectiveness the the value of nomogram based on radiomics label in predicting the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Methods: The clinical medical records and imaging data of 200 patients with LDH diagnosed in the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the past 3 years have been analyzed retrospectively. The collected cases are randomly divided into a training group (n=140) and a test group (n=60) with ratio of 7:3. Two radiologists with experience in reading orthopaedics images are independently segmented ROI, the whole intervertebral disc with the most obvious protrusion in the sagittal plane T2WI of lumbar MRI as a mask (ROI) are sketched. The LASSO algorithm is used to filter the features after extracting the radiomics features. The multivariate Logistic regression model is used to construct a quantitative imaging Rad‑Score for the selected features with non-zero coefficients. The radiomics labels and nomogram were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and the area under the curve (AUC). The calibration curve is used to evaluate the consistency between the nomogram prediction and the actual treatment plan. The DCA decision curve is used to evaluate the clinical applicability of nomogram. Result: Following the feature extraction, 11 radiomics features are used to construct the radiomics label for predicting the treatment plan of LDH, The nomogram was then constructed. The AUC was 0.930 (95%CI:0.865-0.995) with a sensitivity of 96.8% and a specificity of 90%. The calibration curve shows that there is a good consistency between the prediction and the actual observation. The DCA decision curve analysis shows that the nomogram of imaging group has a great potential for clinical application when the risk threshold is over 10%. Conclusion: The nomogram based on radiomics label has a good predictive value for the treatment of LDH and therefore can be used as a reference for clinical decision-making.
Pharmacological Modulation of Neurite Outgrowth in Human Neural Progenitor Cells by Inhibiting Non-Muscle Myosin II
Authors: Lilienberg Julianna , Hegyi Zoltán , Szabó Eszter , Hathy Edit , Málnási-Csizmadia András , Réthelyi János M. , Apáti Ágota , Homolya László
Published: April 2021

Studies on neural development and neuronal regeneration are mainly based on animal models. The establishment of pluripotent stem cell technology, however, opened new perspectives for better understanding these processes in humans by providing unlimited cell source for hard-to-obtain human tissues. Here, we aimed at identifying the molecular factors that confine and modulate an early step of neural regeneration, the formation of neurites in human neural progenitor cells (NPCs). eGFP was stably expressed in NPCs differentiated from human embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cell lines, and the neurite outgrowth was investigated under permissive and restrictive conditions using a high-content screening system. We found that the non-muscle myosin II (NMII) inhibitor blebbistatin and its novel, non-toxic derivatives initiate extensive neurite outgrowth in human NPCs. We observed that the extracellular matrix components greatly influence the rate of neurite formation, but NMII inhibitors are able to override the inhibitory effect of the restrictive environment. Similar, non-additive stimulatory effect on neurite generation was detected by the inhibition of ROCK1 kinase, the upstream regulator of NMII, whereas inhibition of JNKs had negligible effect, suggesting that ROCK1 signal is dominantly manifested by the actomyosin activity. In addition to providing a reliable cell-based in vitro model for identifying intrinsic mechanisms and environmental factors responsible for impeded axonal regeneration in humans, our results demonstrate that NMII and ROCK1 are important pharmacological targets for the augmentation of neural regeneration at the progenitor level, and may open novel perspectives in to development of more effective pharmacological and cell therapies for various neurodegenerative disorders.
Two new species of Chalciporus (Boletaceae, Boletales) from tropical China
Authors: Xu Chang , Liang Zhi-Qun , Xie Hui-Jing , Jiang Shuai , Fu Xin-Hua , Zeng Nian-Kai
Published: April 2021

Two new species of Chalciporus (Boletaceae, Boletales), viz. C. nigrofuscus and C. vulparius, are described based on morphological and molecular data. Detailed descriptions, color photographs of fresh basidiomata, and line drawings of microscopic features of the two new taxa are presented. In addition, a key to all known species of Chalciporus in China is provided.
Hidden blood loss and its influencing factors after minimally invasive percutaneous transpedicular screw fixation in thoracolumbar fracture
Authors: Yue Xin , Mao Kaige , Yang Ming , Zhang Wentao , Li Zhonghai
Published: April 2021

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the amount of hidden blood loss (HBL) and its influencing factors after minimally invasive percutaneous transpedicular screw fixation (MIPTSF) in thoracolumbar fracture.Summary of Background Data: MIPTSF is generally accepted as a minimally invasive treatment for thoracolumbar fracture. However, HBL caused by this procedure is usually disregarded.Materials and Methods: Between October 2017 and December 2020, a total of 146 patients (106 males and 40 females, age range 21–59 years) were retrospectively examined, and their clinical and radiological data were recorded and analyzed. The Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate an association between patient’s characteristics and HBL. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to elucidate the related clinical or radiological factors of HBL.Results: A substantial amount of HBL (164.00 ±112.02 ml, 40.65% of TBL) occurred after transpedicular screw internal fixation. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that HBL was positively associated with total blood loss (TBL) (P=.000), percentage of vertebral height loss (VHL) (P=.000), percentage of vertebral height restoration (VHR) (P=.000), numbers of fractured vertebrae (P=.013), and numbers of fixed vertebral segments (P=.002).Conclusion: A large amount of HBL was incurred in patients undergoing MIPTSF in thoracolumbar fracture. More importantly, TBL, percentage of VHL, percentage of VHR, the numbers of fractured vertebrae and fixed vertebral segments were independent risk factors for HBL.
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Authors: Jardim Roger Carvalho , de Sousa Tamara Silva , Santos Wueyla Nicoly Nascimento dos , Matos Areolino Pena , Iosimuta Natália Camargo Rodrigues
Published: April 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Material- and Size-selective Separation Mechanism of Micro Particles in Frequency-modulated Dielectrophoretic Particle Chromatography
Authors: Giesler Jasper , Weirauch Laura , Thöming Jorg , Baune Michael , Pesch Georg R.
Published: April 2021

Separation of (biological) particles (<< 10 µm) according to size or other properties is an ongoing challenge in a variety of technical relevant fields. Dielectrophoresis is one method to separate particles according to a diversity of properties, and within the last decades a pool of dielectrophoretic separation techniques has been developed. However, many of them either suffer selectivity or throughput. We use simulation and experiments to investigate retention mechanisms in a novel DEP scheme, namely, frequency-modulated DEP. Results from experiments and simulation show a good agreement for the separation of binary PS particles mixtures with respect to size and more importantly, for the challenging task of separating equally sized microparticles according to surface functionalization alone. The separation with respect to size was performed using 2 µm and 3 µm sized particles, whereas separation with respect to surface functionalization was performed with 2 µm particles. The results from this study can be used to solve challenging separation tasks, for example to separate particles with distributed properties.
Patient Perceptions of the Challenges to Recruitment Into a Renal Rct Registry : A Pilot Questionnaire Based Study
Authors: Murphy Ellen , Shea Niamh O , Long Eva , Eustace Joseph A , Shiely Frances
Published: April 2021

Background Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for demonstrating the efficacy of new therapies. Despite this, nephrology trials, especially of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are much fewer in number than other medical subspecialties. Recruitment difficulties are cited as a particular challenge. Using registries to conduct RCTs is a reasonably new practice but is appealing as it combines the benefits of both observational studies and clinical trials. There is limited literature on patient motivators, barriers, and consent to these registries. The purpose of our study was to establish the factors that motivate and/or inhibit patients from joining a registry for randomised controlled trial, and to determine what information matters to patients when making an enrolment decision to participate in such a registry. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study at a dialysis centre in Southwest Ireland representing a catchment patient population of approximately 430,000. Quantitative data were coded and analysed in SPSS (v16). Descriptive statistics were produced, and open-ended questions were analysed by thematic analysis. Results 87 patients completed the questionnaire. Reasons for participation in the registry included personal and altruistic benefits. Barriers were time and travel requirements associated with registry participation, data safety concerns, risks, and side effects, along with concerns that registry participation would impact their current treatment. Although 29.8% of patients expressed, that they would have concerns regarding their data being stored in a registry, 79.3% of patients were still willing to consent to have their data uploaded and stored in a registry for conducting RCTs. It was important to patients to have their GP (general practitioner) involved in the decision to participate, despite little day-to-day contact with their GP for renal dialysis management. ConclusionChallenges to recruitment to registries for RCTs exist but addressing the identified concerns of potential participants may improve recruitment to registries, and by extension, to RCTs conducted using the registry.
Optimized procedures for diagnostic testing for pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma in patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Pamporaki Christina , Prejbisz Aleksander , Małecki Robert , Pistrosch Frank , Peitzsch Mirko , Bishoff Steffen , Mueller Petra , Meyer Iris , Reimann Doreen , Hanus Katarzyna , Januszewicz Andrzej , Bornstein Stefan , Parmentier Simon , Kunath Carola , Lenders Jacques , Eisenhofer Graeme , Passauer Jens
Published: April 2021

Background
Diagnosis of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas in patients receiving hemodialysis is troublesome.
Aim
To establish optimal conditions for blood sampling for mass spectrometric measurements of normetanephrine, metanephrine and 3-methoxytyramine in patients on hemodialysis and specific reference intervals for plasma metanephrines under the most optimal sampling conditions.
Methods
Blood was sampled before and near the end of dialysis, including different sampling sites in 170 patients on hemodialysis.
Results
Plasma normetanephrine concentrations were lower (P < 0.0001) and metanephrine concentrations higher (P < 0.0001) in shunt than in venous blood, with no differences for 3-methyxytyramine. Normetanephrine, metanephrine and 3-methoxytyramine concentrations in shunt and venous blood were lower (P < 0.0001) near the end than before hemodialysis. Upper cut-offs for normetanephrine were 34% lower when the blood was drawn from the shunt and near the end of hemodialysis compared to blood drawn before hemodialysis.
Conclusion
This study establishes optimal sampling conditions using blood from the dialysis shunt near the end of hemodialysis with optimal reference intervals for plasma metanephrines for the diagnosis of pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas among patients on hemodialysis.
Neighborhood matters: high phylogenetic diversity of experimental plant assemblages improves community performance
Authors: Chaves Rocío , Ferrandis Pablo , Escudero Adrián , Luzuriaga Arantzazu L.
Published: April 2021

Background and AimsAlthough the role played by phylogeny in the assembly of plant communities remains as a priority to complete the theory of species coexistence, experimental evidence is lacking. It is still unclear to what extent phylogenetic diversity is a driver or a consequence of species assembly processes. We experimentally explored how phylogenetic diversity can drive the community level responses to drought conditions in annual plant communities. To this end, we manipulated the phylogenetic diversity of the species assemblages and the water availability in a common garden experiment with two treatments: average natural rainfall and drought.MethodsWe recorded plant survival and the numbers of flowering and fruiting plants per species in each assemblage. High phylogenetic diversity favored species coexistence over time with higher plant survival and more flowering and fruiting plants, especially under severe drought.Key Results. Our results demonstrate the existence of niche complementarity and the convergence of water economy strategies as major mechanisms for promoting species coexistence in plant assemblages in semiarid Mediterranean habitats.ConclusionsOur findings point to high phylogenetic diversity among neighboring plants as a plausible feature underpinning the recent “united we stand” framework, which states that diffuse positive interactions may promote mechanisms for the persistence of rare species in the community. We suggest that the large species number in the regional species pool may be the consequence of assembly processes occurring at small spatial scales, because the success of each species in terms of surviving and producing offspring was greater when the phylogenetic diversity was higher. Our study is a step forward to understand how phylogenetic relatedness is connected to the mechanisms determining the maintenance of biodiversity.
Study on Deformation and Compensation for Micromilled Thin Walls With High Aspect Ratios
Authors: Li Yang , Cheng Xiang , Ling Siying , Zheng Guangming , He Lei
Published: April 2021

In order to further improve the dimensional accuracy of micromilled thin walls with high aspect ratios, the machining process should be actively controlled. An active cutting force measurement and cutting parameter compensation device is developed to realize the real-time measurement of radial cutting forces and compensation of radial cutting parameters in thin wall cutting process. Firstly, based on the cantilever beam deformation theory, a mathematical model is established to calculate the deformation and cutting force of thin walls. By measuring the cutting force, the thin wall deformation in the cutting process could be estimated. Then, the obtained incremental thin wall deformation is to be compared with the compensation threshold, which is set at 0.5 μm. If the value of the incremental deformation is less than 0.5 μm, compensation will not be processed. Otherwise, the incremental deformation is used as the compensation value for iterative compensation, until the incremental deformation of the thin wall is less than 0.5 μm. At last, a contrast experiment is carried out. The experimental results show that the introduced device and method are feasible. Machining quality of the thin wall has been obviously improved in dimension precision after the cutting parameter compensations.
Natural Phytoalexin Stilbene Compound Resveratrol and its Derivatives as Anti-tobacco Mosaic Virus and Anti- Phytopathogenic Fungus Agents
Authors: Song Pengfei , Yu Xiuling , Yang Wenqiang , Wang Qingmin
Published: April 2021

Plant diseases caused by plant viruses and pathogens seriously affect crop yield and quality, and it is very difficult to control them. The discovery of new leads based on natural products is an important way to innovate pesticides. In this work, based on the resveratrol is a kind of natural phytoalexin, but it cannot be used as candidate for the development of new drug due to its poor druggability, novel resveratrol derivatives with improved water solubility and highly potent biological activity could be obtained by chemical modifying of chemical structure of resveratrol, the phenolic hydroxyl groups in the resveratrol structure are easily destroyed by oxidation, in order to improve its stability, ester formation is the most commonly used modification method in drug design, which can protect the hydroxyl groups from oxidation and improve its solubility, stability and druggability. The present study was designed to synthesize ester derivatives of E-resveratrol and evaluate their activities against TMV (Tobacco mosaic virus). A series of resveratrol ester derivatives have been successfully synthesized via a feasible chemical modification. Their structures were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS. The activity against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) of these ester derivatives has been tested for the first time. The bioassay results showed part of the target compounds exhibited good to excellent in vivo activities against TMV. The optimum compounds III-2 (inhibitory rates of 50, 53, and 59% at 500 µg/mL for inactivation, curative, and protection activities in vivo, respectively), III-4 (inhibitory rates of 57, 59, and 51% at 500 µg/mL for inactivation, curative, and protection activities in vivo, respectively), and II-5 (inhibitory rates of 54, 52, and 51% at 500 µg/mL for inactivation, curative, and protection activities in vivo, respectively) displayed higher activity than commercial plant virucide ribavirin (inhibitory rates of 38, 37, and 40% at 500 µg/mL for inactivation, curative, and protection activities in vivo, respectively). Compounds I-9 and I-10 also showed excellent activities. The systematic study provides strong evidence that these simple resveratrol derivatives could become potential TMV inhibitors. The novel concise structure provides another new template for antiviral studies.
Transcriptional Regulation of Exopolysaccharide-related Genes in Lactiplantibacillus Plantarum VAL6 Under Environmental Stresses
Authors: Le Trung-Son , Nguyen Phu-Tho , Nguyen-Ho Song-Hao , Nguyen Tang-Phu , Nguyen Thi-Tho , Thai My-Ngan , Nguyen-Thi To-Uyen , Nguyen Minh-Chon , Hoang Quoc-Khanh , Huu-Thanh NGUYEN
Published: April 2021

Environmental factors can alter exopolysaccharide biosynthesis in LAB. To further clarify this potential relationship, the mRNA expression of exopolysaccharide-related genes such as glmU, pgmB1, cps4E, cps4F, cps4J and cps4H genes in Lactiplantibacillus plantarum VAL6 under different conditions including high temperature, acidic or alkaline pH, sodium chloride (NaCl) and carbon dioxide (CO2) intensification culture was studied. The transcriptomic data revealed that the exposure of L. plantarum VAL6 to acid at pH 3 increased the expression level of cps4H but decreased the expression levels of pgmB1 and cps4E. Under pH 8 stress, cps4F and cps4E were significantly upregulated, whereas pgmB1 was downregulated. Similarly, the expression levels of cps4F, cps4E and cps4J increased sharply under stresses at 42 or 47oC. In the case of NaCl stress, glmU, pgmB1, cps4J and cps4H were downregulated in exposure to NaCl at 7-10% concentrations while cps4E and cps4F were upregulated at 1 h of 10% NaCl treatment and at 5 h of 4% NaCl treatment. Remarkably, CO2 intensification culture stimulated the expression of all tested genes. In addition, simultaneous changes in expression of cps4E and cps4F under environmental challenges may elicit the possibility of an association between the two genes. These findings indicated that the expression level of exopolysaccharide-related genes is responsible for changes in the yield and monosaccharide composition of exopolysaccharides under environmental stresses.
Title page An insight of anopheline larvicidal mechanism by a novel entomopathogen – Trichoderma asperellum (TaspSKGN2)
Authors: Ghosh Swapan Kumar , Podder Dipanjan , Mukerjee Anirvan
Published: April 2021

Anopheline larvicidal property of T. asperellum has been found recently in medical science. The mechanisms of action exhibited by T. asperellum to infect mosquito larvae is the pivotal context of our present study. To infect an insect, entomopathogens must undergo some events of pathogenesis. We performed some experiments to find out the mechanisms of action of T. asperellum against anopheline larvae and compared its actions with other two well recognized entomopathogens like Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana. The methodology adopted for this includes Compound light and SE Microscopic study of host-pathogen interaction, detection of fungal spore adhesion on larval surface (Mucilage assay), detection of cuticle degrading enzymes (Spore bound pr1, Chitinase and Protease ) by spectro-photometric method, Quantitative estimation of Chitinase and Protease enzymes, and determination of nuclear degeneration of hemocyte cells of ME treated larvae by T. asperellum under florescence microscope. Compound light microscopic studies showed spore attachment, appressorium and germ tube formation, invasion and proliferated hyphal growth of T. asperellum on epicuticle and inside of dead larvae. SEM study also supported them. After 3 hrs of interaction, spores were found to be attached on larval surface exhibiting pink coloured outer layer at the site of attachment indicating the presence of mucilage surrounding the attached spores. The enzymatic cleavage of the 4-nitroanilide substrate yields 4-nitroaniline which indicates the presence of spore-bound PR1 protein and it was highest (absorbance 1.298 ± 0.002) for T. asperellum in comparison with control and other two entomopathogens. T. asperellum exhibited highest enzymatic index values for both chitinase (5.20) and protease (2.77) among three entomomethogens. Quantitative experiment showed that chitinase enzyme concentration of T. asperellum (245 µg/mL) was better than other two M. anisopliae (134.59 µg/mL) and B. bassiana (128.65 µg/mL). Similarly Protease enzyme concentration of this fungus was best (298.652 µg/mL) among three entomopathogens. Here we have detected and estimated fragmentized nuclei of hemocyte cells by fluorescence microscopy in treated larvae with different ME doses of T. asperellum, and also observed that mosquito larvae exposed to 0.1mg/ml dose of ME showed maximum (100%) nuclear fragmentations of hemocytes and while 20, 45, 70 and 85% of nuclear deformities were recorded at 0.02, 0.04, 0.06 and 0.08 mg/ml concentration of ME. The knowledge of this work certainly will help in understanding of mechanism of action of T. asperellum for anopheline larval killing and consequently in eradication of malaria vector.
sABLATE: A Simplified ABLATE Score for Prediction of Complications and Outcome in Percutaneous Thermal Ablation of Renal Lesions
Authors: Papa Maurizio , Biondetti Pierpaolo , Colombo Roberta , Ierardi Anna Maria , Angileri Salvatore Alessio , Lucignani Gianpaolo , Boeri Luca , Montanari Emanuele , Cardone Gianpiero , Scagnelli Paola , Carrafiello Gianpaolo
Published: April 2021

Objectives To evaluate the performance of a simplified-ABLATE score (sABLATE) in predicting complications and outcome in respect to RENAL, mRENAL and ABLATE scores. Methods This study included 136 renal lesions in 113 patients (M:F ratio=2.5; mean age 70.8 years). 98 tumors underwent cryoablation at San Raffaele hospital between 01/2015 and 03/2020, 37 microwave ablation at San Paolo or Policlinico hospitals between 07/2016 and 03/2020. RENAL, mRENAL, ABLATE and sABLATE scores were calculated using preprocedural imaging. Data regarding complications and follow-up were registered. Mann-Whitney U test, ROC analyses, and logistic regression analyses were used for complications. Cox-regression analyses were performed for outcome Results Mean tumor diameter was 23.2mm. Mean and median RENAL, mRENAL, ABLATE and sABLATE scores were 6.8 and 7, 6.9 and 7, 5.3 and 5, and 3.5 and 3, respectively. During a mean follow-up of 21.9 months (range 1-73) we registered 7 complications, 3 cases of residual disease and 10 local tumor progressions. Mann-Whitney U test p-values for complications for RENAL, mRENAL, ABLATE and sABLATE were 0.51, 0.49, 0.66 and 0.056 respectively. ROC analyses for complications showed an AUC for RENAL, mRENAL, ABLATE and sABLATE of 0.57, 0.57, 0.55 and 0.71 respectively. Regarding outcome, HR and p-values of Cox-regression analyses were 1.30 and 0.36 for RENAL, 1.33 and 0.35 for mRENAL, 2.16 and 0.01 for ABLATE, 2.29 and 0.004 for sABLATE.Conclusion sABLATE was the only score close to significance for complications, representing a progress even if not definitive. Regarding outcome, ABLATE confirmed its value, and sABLATE maintained validity despite being a simplification.
Removal of Murexide Dye from Aqueous Solution Using A Novel Schiff Base Tin(IV) Compound
Authors: BOZBAS SEDA KARAYÜNLÜ , Aras Begüm Canan Yıldız , Karabulut Muhammed , Kayan Asgar
Published: April 2021

A Schiff base tin (IV) compound was synthesized by reactions between 2-((E)-(p-tolylimino)methyl)phenol (TIMPH) and butyltin trichloride in 2:1 mole ratio in ethanol at room temperature. [SnBuCl3(TIMPH)2] was characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry. Optimization of Murexide dye from aqueous solution was performed by examining; effect of contact time, initial pH, adsorbent amount, initial dye concentration and temperature on the tin adsorbent. The highest adsorption recovery value of was 98.00% and the adsorption capacity was 248.8 mg/g at the end of 20 minutes at 100 mg/L dye concentration while the temperature was 25°C and the pH was 3. Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin adsorption isotherms were calculated at 25 ºC. The highest R2 value was found 0.099 for the Langmuir isotherm model. The adsorption characteristics of murexide dye showed that adsorption kinetic obeyed the pseudo-second-order kinetics, and the thermodynamic data suggested the spontaneous and exothermic process.
Researching, Co-creating and Testing Innovations in Paper Health Information Systems (PHISICC) to Support Health Workers Decision-making: Protocol of a Multi-country, Transdisciplinary, Mixed-methods Research Programme in Three Sub-saharan Countries
Authors: Bosch-Capblanch Xavier , O’Donnell David , Krause L Kendall , Auer Christian , Oyo-Ita Angela , Samba Mamadou , Matsinhe Graça , Garba Abdullahi Bulama , Rodríguez Damaris , Zuske Meike , Njepuome Anthonia Ngozi , Lee Sofia Micael Mandjate , Ross Amanda , Gajewski Suzanne , Muloliwa Artur Manuel , Yapi Richard B , Brown David W
Published: April 2021

BackgroundHealth Information Systems are crucial to provide data for decision-making and data demands are constantly growing. However, the link between data and decisions is not always rational nor linear and the management of data ends up overloading frontline health workers, who may have to compromise the health care. Despite limited evidence, there is an increasing push for the digitalisation of Health Information Systems, which faces enormous challenges, particularly in remote, rural settings in low- and middle-income countries. Paper-based tools will continue to be used and this warrants efforts to make them more responsive to local needs. Paper Health Information Systems (PHISICC) is a transdisciplinary, multi-country research initiative to create and test innovative paper-based Health Information Systems in three Sub-Saharan African countries.MethodsThe PHISICC initiative is taking place in remote, rural settings, in Côte d’Ivoire, Mozambique and Nigeria, through partnership with Ministries of Health and research institutions. We began with research syntheses to acquire the most up to date knowledge on Health Information Systems. These were coupled with field work in the three countries to understand the current design, patterns and contexts of use, and health care worker perspectives. Frontline health workers, with designers and researchers, used co-creation methods to produce the new PHISICC tools. This suite of tools is being tested in the three countries. Throughout the project, we have engaged with a wide range of stakeholders and have kept the highest scientific standards to keep it relevant to health policy in each of the three countries.DiscussionWe have deployed a comprehensive research approach to ensure the robustness and future policy uptake of the finding. Beyond the resulting paper-based tool design innovations, our process itself was innovative. Rather than emphasizing the data management compliance aspects we focused instead on frontline health workers’ decision-making; by tackling the whole scope of health care areas in Primary Health Care rather than incremental improvement to existing tools, we developed an entirely new design approach and language for a suite of tools in Primary Health Care. The initiative is being tested in remote, rural areas where the most vulnerable live.
Financial risk protection for neurosurgical care in Indonesia and the Philippines: a primer on health financing for the global neurosurgeon
Authors: Ferraris  , Yap  , Bautista Maria Cristina G. , Wardhana Dewa Putu Wisnu , Maliawan  , Wirawan  , Rosyidi  , Seng Kenny , Navarro Joseph Erroll
Published: April 2021

Which conditions treated by neurosurgeons cause the worst economic hardship among patients in low- and middle-income countries? Might a responsive health financing be the solution to the inequities in the delivery of neurosurgical care? In this review article, we attempt to answer these questions that are relevant to global neurosurgery. Based on the results of a survey of neurosurgeons from Indonesia and the Philippines, socioeconomically disadvantaged patients with malignant intracranial tumors were found to incur the highest out-of-pocket expenses. The surveyed neurosurgeons also observed that treatment of traumatic brain injury may have to require greater financial subsidies. It is therefore imperative to frame health financing alongside the goals of equity, efficiency, and quality of neurosurgical care for the impoverished. Using principles and perspectives from managerial economics and public health, we conceptualize an implementation framework that addresses both the supply and demand sides of healthcare provision as applied to neurosurgery. For the supply side, strategic purchasing enables a systematic and contractual management of payment arrangements that provide performance-based economic incentives for providers. For the demand side, the scheme of conditional cash transfers similarly leverages on financial incentives to reward certain health-seeking behaviors of patients that significantly influence their clinical outcomes. We formulate these health financing strategies in order to ultimately build neurosurgical capacity in LMICs, improve access to care for patients, and ensure financial risk protection.
Megavolt Bremsstrahlung Measurements from Linear Induction Accelerators Demonstrate Possible Use as a FLASH Radiotherapy Source to Reduce Acute Toxicity
Authors: Sampayan Stephen , Sampayan Kristin , Caporaso George , Chen Yu-Jiuan , Falabella Steve , Hawkins Steven A. , Hearn Jason , Watson James , Zentler Jan-Mark
Published: April 2021

Recent studies indicate better efficacy and healthy tissue sparing with high dose-rate FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) cancer treatment. This technique delivers a prompt high radiation dose rather than fractional doses over a longer period of time. The threshold is >40 Gy-s-1 with a maximal effect at >100 Gy-s-1 that must be maintained in the treatment volume. Mechanisms are still widely debated, but toxicity is minimized while inducing apoptosis in malignant tissue. Delivery technologies to date show that a capability gap exists with clinic scale, broad area, deep penetrating, high dose rate capability. Based on present trends, if FLASH-RT is adopted, it may become a dominant approach except in the least technologically advanced countries. The linear induction accelerator (LIA) developed for high current, high repetition rate, species independent charged particle acceleration, has yet to be considered for this application. We briefly review the status of LIA technology, explore the physics of bremsstrahlung-converter-target interactions and our work on stabilizing the electron beam. While the gradient of the LIA is low, we present our preliminary work to improve the gradient by an order of magnitude, presenting a point design for a multibeam FLASH-RT system using a single accelerator for application to conformal FLASH-RT.
From the Editor-in-Chief: New Projects and Partnerships
Authors: Krys Svitlana (Lana)
Published: April 2021

Editorial.
Bohdan Medwidsky (14 September 1936 - 28 March 2021)
Authors: Nahachewsky Andriy
Published: April 2021

Obituary for Bohdan Medwidsky (14 September 1936 - 28 March 2021)