bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between Maternal Infection and Infant Cholestasis
Authors: Mulia Liofelita Christi Adhi , Ranuh I Gusti Made Reza Gunadi , Ernawati Ernawati
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Infant cholestasis has been associated to viral infection. Cytomegalovirus in the pathogenesis of neonatal hepatitis has been already known and it is one of the possible etiological of biliary atresia. The aim of this study was to outline the correlation between maternal infection and infant cholestasis (aged 0-1 year old) in Department of Pediatrics Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya. Methods: A case-control study of pregnant women who gave birth in Dr. Soetomo General Hospital from June 2016 to June 2017. The data were taken from medical records. The cases were defined as pregnant women with babies who had cholestasis, and the control was pregnant women who gave birth to a baby without cholestasis within the age of 0-1 year old. Sample cases in this study were drawn from the total population, with the inclusion criteria babies who had cholestasis, and exclusion criteria that include complications of pregnancy and a history of infant’s parent with genetic disorders. The control variable studied was maternal infection history and sex. Samples were taken by purposive control. The data were obtained then summarized and analyzed by univariate and bivariate, using the chi-square table analysis. Results: The number of cases that met the inclusion criteria were 68 patients, and the amount of control taken was 110 patients. The total number of patients studied was 178 patients. Univariate analysis found the cholestasis was more common in mother with infection during pregnancy (73.53% from the total of  cholestasis). Bivariate analyzes found relationship between pregnancy infection and cholestasis (p = <0.001, or = 20.726). Conclusion:The maternal infection is significantly associated with cholestasis in infants.
The Influence of Student Teams Achievement Division combined with Discovery Learning to Improve Student Learning Outcomes and Activeness
Authors: Hermanto Arief , Efendi Agus , Prakisya Nurcahya Pradana Taufik
Published: February 2021

This research aims to find out the influence of learning outcomes as well as the activeness of students in the classroom who apply the learning model of student teams achievement division combined with discovery learning with classes that apply conventional learning models. The method used is a quantitative quasi-experimental design using pretest-posttest control. The sample used in this study was 72 students consisting of 2 classes. The sampling techniques in this study used total sampling. Data is obtained from pretest and posttest results based on indicators of student learning outcomes and activeness. The results showed differences and improved learning outcomes and student activity that implemented the student teams achievement division learning model combined with discovery learning compared to conventional learning models. This is evidenced by the results of the first hypothesis test using a t-test that confirms that the posttest result is 0.00 which means the value is less than the error level of 0.05 so it can be concluded that the two classes have a significant difference (H0 rejected). Furthermore, the results of the second hypothesis test used again to test showed a score of 0.52 in the experiment class and a score of 0.28 in the control class which meant there was an increase in learning outcomes and liveliness in the experiment and control classes.
La intervención del traductor en la difusión del teatro tradicional chino: pasado y presente
Authors: Liu Liu
Published: February 2021

Entre los numerosos componentes de la cultura china, el teatro tradicional es uno de los proyectos de difusión cultural más populares en Occidente. Debido a su valor histórico y su encanto artístico, a partir del siglo XVIII, los traductores occidentales ya empezaron a traducirlo a distintas lenguas. En los últimos años, la promulgación de una serie de políticas que procuran promover la salida de la cultura china hacia el exterior ha dado lugar a un considerable aumento de traducciones de esta joya teatral. En un contexto así se hace conveniente un estudio sobre la difusión de este arte y sobre el papel de sus traductores en este proceso, ya que es el traductor el que decide qué texto traducir y cómo verterlo. Este artículo estudia el pasado y el presente de la traducción del teatro tradicional chino, con el propósito de analizar el papel del traductor en la comunicación intercultural e inter-temporal desde un enfoque funcionalista, y además, plantear algunos problemas con los que se enfrentan los traductores.
How does machine translation and post-editing affect project management? An interdisciplinary approach
Authors: Plaza-Lara Cristina
Published: February 2021

Machine translation (MT) and post-editing (PE) are two services that are increasingly in demand in the translation industry. In a context in which large-scale projects are required within tight deadlines, the deployment of this technology to increase productivity is a reality. However, this increase in productivity can only be achieved with appropriate management of the project: MT must not be understood as a tool, but as a process, and project managers, who are usually responsible for the project from start to finish, have to cope with new MT and PE workflows that pose different challenges. Although much has been written about the use of MT and PE in professional practice (resulting in different lines of research in this field), little attention has been paid to the role of the project manager in MT and PE projects. For this reason, the main objective of this paper is to analyse how MT and PE affect the factors that project managers must keep in mind when managing projects, taking as a starting point the most important reference frameworks in project management. The main objective is to offer an interdisciplinary perspective that explains the new challenges the industry is facing and how these challenges affect the different stakeholders involved in the project.
Autoeficacia de los estudiantes de la carrera traducción inglés-español en instituciones de educación superior chilenas
Authors: Ramirez Solange
Published: February 2021

Resumen: El presente trabajo corresponde a un estudio exploratorio cuantitativo-cualitativo, de diseño secuencial-explicativo, cuyo objetivo es comprender a nivel a macro y micro la autoeficacia de los estudiantes de la carrera de Traducción inglés-español de instituciones de educación superior chilenas. Para el logro de dicho objetivo, en una primera fase cuantitativa, se aplicó la Escala de Autoeficacia General a 160 estudiantes entre todas las instituciones de educación superior chilenas que imparten la carrera profesional de traducción inglés-español y, para la fase cualitativa subsecuente, se recurrió a una triangulación de las técnicas de protocolo verbal retrospectivo y entrevista en profundidad a 3 participantes de distintas universidades de la V región de Chile. Lo resultados indican que la Escala de Autoeficacia General, a pesar de su frecuente uso en el campo de los estudios de traducción, presenta muy poca especificidad para medir la autoeficacia en estudiantes de traducción inglés-español y, en cuanto a los resultados la etapa cualitativa, los factores que tienen mayor influencia en la autoeficacia de los estudiantes de traducción inglés-español corresponden al manejo disciplinar que estos presentan en las distintas áreas al momento de traducir,  al rol que tienen sus docentes y compañeros de curso, y a los distintos estados fisiológicos y emocionales que experimentan.

Palabras clave: Autoeficacia, Estudiantes de traducción, Escala de Autoeficacia General, Traducción, Educación superior.
Looking through the lens of Bourdieu: A corpus-based Study of English Romance Fiction Translation
Authors: Mohammadpour Fahime , Shahnazari-Dorcheh Mohammadtaghi , Afrouz Mahmoud
Published: February 2021

Habitus is one of the key concepts of the Bourdieusian sociology which Translation Studies has benefited. Based on the Bourdieusian sociological model, this study investigated the translatorial habitus of the Iranian translators of English romance novels as far as the translation strategies of culture-specific items (CSIs) are concerned before and after the Cultural Revolution of 1980 in Iran. The research data include 4282 sentences containing CSIs extracted from Rebecca, Sense and Sensibility, and The Great Gatsby, and their two Persian translations. The extracted data were analyzed, adopting a consolidated typology of translation procedures for CSIs. The strategies employed for translating CSIs are presented with frequencies and percentages using descriptive statistics. Moreover, the results were corroborated with a qualitative analysis of some archived interviews printed in Motarjem [the translator] journal. The investigation revealed three essential findings: a marked source-oriented tendency among Iranian translators of the English romance novels when translating CSIs in the Pre-Cultural Revolution era, maintaining the same tendency in the Post-Cultural Revolution era, and finally a growing tendency in moving from Pre- to Post-Cultural Revolution era. The results of the Chi-square test highlighted a significant difference between various strategies used in two eras.
Oaknín, Mazal. Feminism, Writing and the Media in Spain. Oxford, Peter Lang, 2019, 209 pp., ISBN 978-3-0343-1865-5
Authors: Rodríguez Muñoz Maria Luisa
Published: February 2021

In line with the sociological shift in translation and literary studies, which is experiencing increasing success nowadays, Professor Mazal Oaknín offers us an essential work to delve into the evolution of women’s writing in Spain in the twentieth century and how it is represented and constructed through the media. Unlike descriptive research focusing on cultural products, this scholar bases her research on the influence that historical context and marketing constraints have exerted on the image through which three emblematic female Spanish writers (Ana María Matute, Rosa Montero and Lucía Etxebarría) have introduced themselves to the world of letters and their readerships.
Biomarkers-based personalized follow-up in chronic heart failure improves patient’s outcomes and reduces care associate cost.
Authors: Justel Antonio Leon , Garcia-Polavieja Jose Ignacio Morgado , Rios Ana Isabel Alvarez , Fernandez Francisco Jose Caro , Merino Pedro Agustin Pajaro , Rios Elena Galvez , Rico Ignacio Vazquez , Fernandez Jose Francisco Diaz
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND Heart failure (HF) is a major and growing medical and economic problem, with high prevalence and incidence rates worldwide. Cardiac Biomarker is emerging as a novel tool for improving management of patients with HF with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF).METHODS This is a real-world, before and after interventional study, that assesses the impact of a personalized follow-up procedure for HF on patient’s outcomes and care associated cost, based on a clinical model of risk stratification and personalized management according to that risk. A total of 192 patients were enrolled and studied before the intervention and again after the intervention. The primary objective was the rate of readmissions, due to a HF. Secondary outcome compared the rate of ED visits and quality of life improvement assessed by the number of patients who had reduced NYHA score. A cost- analysis was also performed on these data. RESULTS Admission rates significantly decreased by 65,6% after the intervention, the total hospital admissions were reduced by 41% and the total length of stay was reduced by 46%. The rate of ED visits was reduced by 55%. Thirty-one percent of patients had an improved functional class score after the intervention, whereas only 7.8% got worse. The overall cost saving associated with the intervention was €139,717.65 for the whole group over 1 year.CONCLUSIONS A personalized follow-up of HF patients led to important outcome benefits and resulted in cost savings, mainly due to the reduction of patient hospitalization readmissions and a significant reduction of care- associated costs, suggesting that greater attention should be given to this high-risk cohort to minimize the risk of hospitalization readmissions.
Pressure Change Of Fixed Rotational Deformities In The Femur In Human Cadaver Knees-A Biomechanical Study
Authors: Yuwen Peizhi , Lv Hongzhi , Zhu Yanbin , Chang Wenli , Wei Ning , Guo Jialiang , Wang Haicheng , Ding Kai , Zhang Yingze , Chen Wei
Published: February 2021

Objective: To reveal the contact pressure change on tibial plateau in malalignment femur. Methods: Fourteen cadaveric Lower limbs were selected and autopsied, rotatory fixation model with different angles were then made. Connect each model on the biomechanical machine and apply a vertical load to 400N. The contact pressure was quantitatively measured using ultra-low-pressure sensitive film technology. FPD-305E density meter and FPD-306E pressure converter were used to read relative pressure values. Contact pressure on medial and lateral tibial plateau in different femoral rotational deformities were compared. Analysis were done using SPSS software.Results: The medial group show a significant difference on tibial plateau (F=92.114, P<0.01), further test showed statistically significant differences of pairwise comparisons between 0°, 5°, 10°, 15° internal rotation deformity (P<0.05). There is no significant difference in lateral group (c2=9.967, P<0.01). The medial contact pressure is 0.940±0.177 MPa and the lateral is 1.008±0.219 MPa at neutral position, no statistically significant was found, so is 5° of internal rotational deformity. But the medial contact pressure are all higher than the lateral side at 5°, 10°, 15° of external rotation, and 10°, 15° of internal rotation. Conclusion: Obvious contact pressure changes on tibial plateau were observed in rotatory deformity femur, which is closely related to the occurrence of knee osteoarthritis. Doctors should detect rotational deformity as much as possible during operation and perform anatomical reduction, for patients with residual rotational deformities, indication of osteotomy should not be too broad.
Flow Radiocytometry Using Droplet Microfluidics
Authors: Ha Byunghang , Kim Tae Jin , Moon Eui Jung , Giaccia Amato , Pratx Guillem
Published: February 2021

Flow-based cytometry methods are widely used to analyze heterogeneous cell populations. However, their use for small molecule studies remains limited due to bulky fluorescent labels that often interfere with biochemical activity in cells. In contrast, radiotracers require minimal modification of their target molecules and can track biochemical processes with minimal interference and high specificity. Here, we introduce flow radiocytometry (FRCM) that broadens the scope of current cytometry methods to include radiotracers as probes for single cell studies. FRCM uses droplet microfluidics and radiofluorogenesis to translate the radioactivity of single cells into a fluorescent signal that is then read out using a high-throughput optofluidic device. As a proof of concept, we quantitated [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose radiotracer uptake in single human breast cancer cells and successfully assessed the metabolic flux of glucose and its heterogeneity at the cellular level. We believe FRCM has potential applications ranging from analytical assays for cancer and other diseases to development of small-molecule drugs.
Effects of perioperative managements on ocular surface microbiota in intravitreal injection patients
Authors: Hu Yaguang , Wu Qiong , Sui Fang , Zhang Ming , Zhang Zhen , Shi Rui , Hui Na , Qin Li , Li Li
Published: February 2021

Background: We investigated the effects of perioperative managements on ocular surface microbiota in patients who received intravitreal injections.Methods: Samples of ocular surface microbiota were obtained from 41 eyes of 41 patients who received intravitreal injections at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University and People’s Hospital in Shaanxi Province. The microbial 16s rDNA from samples were analyzed using an Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing platform. Operating classification units (OTU) clustering and alpha/beta diversity analysis was performed for species classification.Results: High-throughput sequencing yielded 1697337 sequences and 1396, indicating an equivalent number of ocular surface microbiota. OTU was significantly lower in the eyes that received intravitreal injections, compared with those who did not received injections (P<0.05). The number of OTUs was inversely correlated with the administered of perioperative managements and the times of intravitreal injections. Beta diversity showed a significant difference among each groups (P<0.05). With the increased perioperative managements, the prevalence of gram-positive bacteria (Clostridium) had decreased and the prevalence of gram-negative bacteria (Neisseria) had increased.Conclusions: Microbiota on the ocular surface were significantly different between treated and control eyes. And the composition of microbiota on the ocular surface was dramatically changed over time in eyes that received intravitreal injections. Perioperative managements might disrupt the balance of the ocular surface microbiota, increasing risk of infectious disease. Therefore, perioperative managements including local antibiotic eye drops should be applied cautiously before intraocular surgery.
High Efficiency Microwave Absorption Performance of Cobalt Ferrite Microspheres/multi-walled Carbon Nanotube Composites
Authors: Liu Hongmei , Zhang Min , Hu Kang , Kong Xiangkai , Li Qiang , Liu Qiangchun
Published: February 2021

In this article, spinel ferrite CoFe2O4 and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composites are constructed by a facile one-step solvothermal method. The pure phase of CoFe2O4 particles is confirmed by X-ray diffraction patterns. Microstructure analysis demonstrates that monodisperse CoFe2O4 microspheres are wound by MWCNTs. By the introduction of CNTs, there is a significant enhancement in the imaginary part of permittivity (ε″) with the composites. The champion microwave absorption performance can be achieved in the composites by the balance of complex permittivity and permeability. When the mass fraction of CNTs is 3%, a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of the composites is as high as -46.65 dB at 14.4 GHz at a thin thickness of 1.5 mm, and the corresponding effective absorption bandwidth below − 10 dB reaches 4.91 GHz ranging from 12.41 to 17.32 GHz which covers almost the whole Ku band (12.0–18.0 GHz). In other words, this as-synthesized composites show the most outstanding specific RLmin of -31.1 dB•mm− 1. Such superior microwave absorption behaviors of CoFe2O4/CNTs originate mainly from multiple dielectric relaxation processes, enhanced impedance matching and magnetic loss, as well as the considerable interface between mesoporous CoFe2O4 hollow microspheres and CNTs, and thereby promoting microwave reflection and scattering within the samples. Our results indicate that as-fabricated CoFe2O4/CNTs composites can be a promising microwave absorbent integrating with thin thickness, strong absorption ability, and broad bandwidth absorption.
Synbiotic Goat Milk Kefir Lowered Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor Gamma (PPARγ) Gene Expression in Rat Adipose and Liver Tissue
Authors: Nurliyani Nurliyani , Harmayani Eni , Sunarti Sunarti
Published: February 2021

Background

Kefir is a fermented milk product containing bacteria and yeast, whereas glucomannan from porang (Amorphophallus oncophyllus) tuber is known as a prebiotic in vivo. Diets with a high fat and high sugar will stimulate metabolic syndrome associated with changes in gene expression including peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of goat milk kefir enriched with porang glucomannan (synbiotic kefir) and goat milk kefir without glucomannan (probiotic kefir) on blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), free fatty acid (FFA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), gene expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and insulin-producing cells in rats fed a high-fat and high-fructose (HFHF) diet.
Methods

Male Sprague Dawley rats 8–12 weeks old (n = 30) treated with HFHF diets for two weeks, and then divided into five dietary groups (each group consisted of 6 rats): 1) normal control (received a standard diet only); 2) rats fed HFHF; 3) rats fed HFHF + probiotic kefir; 4) rats fed HFHF + synbiotic kefir; and 5) rats fed HFHF + simvastatin. The dose of kefir was 3.6 mL/200 g body weight/day and simvastatin was 0.72 mg/day. All of these treatments were carried out for 4 weeks.
Results

There were no significant differences in plasma blood glucose in HFHF rats after and before treatment, but decreased in plasma HbA1c and TNFα (p < 0.05) and inhibited the increase of FFA in rats after synbiotic kefir treatment (paired-samples t-test). Probiotic and synbiotic kefir decreased the gene expression of PPARγ2 (p < 0.05) in both of adipose and liver tissue in HFHF rats but had no effect on the total number of Langerhans islets and insulin-producing cells (one way ANOVA).
Conclusions

Synbiotic kefir could ameliorate the health of rats fed HFHF diet through decreasing HbA1c, TNFα, and PPARγ2 gene expression and preventing an increase in FFA. The results indicate that goat milk synbiotic kefir potentially improve metabolic syndrome.
Rapid Pyrosequencing Method for FMO3 Non-Synonymous Genetic Variant Evaluation in A Korean Population
Authors: Park Jin-woo , Park In-Hwan , Kim Jong-Min , Kim Kyoung-Ah , Park Ji-Young
Published: February 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to develop a feasible pyrosequencing method to detect non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the flavin-containing monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) gene and compare the ethnic differences in the frequencies of these alleles. Methods and Results: This pyrosequencing method was used to identify four non-synonymous FMO3 SNPs, including c.855C>T (rs909530), c.441C>T (rs1800822), c.923A>G (rs2266782), and c.472G>A (rs2266782). The allele frequencies of these SNPs in 122 unrelated Korean subjects were analyzed, and were as follows: 44.7% for c.855C>T, 23.4% for c.441C>T, 23.0% for c.923A>G, and 27.1% for c.472G>A. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis showed that c.923A>G and c.472G>A were in strong LD (D′ = 0.8289, r2 = 0.5332). Conclusions: The designed pyrosequencing method was successfully applied to identify the c.855C>T, c.441C>T, c.923A>G, and c.472G>A SNPs. The frequencies were similar to those reported previously in a Japanese population. However, in general, large differences between ethnicities were found.
ZDHHC22-Mediated mTOR Palmitoylation Determines Breast Tumor Growth and Endocrine Therapy Sensitivity
Authors: Huang Jiefeng , Li Jie , Tang Jun , Wu Yushen , Yi Ziying , Wang Yan , Li Yunhai , Tan Yiqing , Wu Yue , Ren Guosheng , Xiang Tingxiu
Published: February 2021

BackgroundPalmitoylation is essential for classic hallmarks of cancer, regulating protein stability and protein-protein interactions. Targeting palmitoylation or palmitoyltransferases has become a novel strategy for therapeutic intervention in cancer. However, few studies have reported the expression pattern, pathological functions and underlying mechanism of ZDHHC22 in breast cancer.MethodsPublic database analysis, quantitative reverse transcription PCR, and western blot were used to analyze ZDHHC22 expression. Methylation-specific PCR was employed to detect the promoter methylation status. Expression of mTOR was examined by immunofluorescence staining and western blots, and palmitoylation of mTOR was detected by acyl-biotin exchange assays. Cellular functions were evaluated via corresponding molecular biological and cellular approaches. Nude mice were used to generate a xenograft tumor model.ResultsWe investigated the expression profiles of 23 palmitoyltransferases using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and found that ZDHHC22 is frequently expressed at minimal levels in multiple cancers. Downregulation of ZDHHC22 is associated with methylation of its promoter in breast cancer. Ectopic ZDHHC22 expression inhibits the malignant properties of breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo. The enzyme-active site-mutation ZDHHC22-(C111A) mutation reversed these effects, demonstrating that ZDHHC22 suppresses the malignant properties of breast cancer through palmitoylation. Bioinformatics analysis predicted mTOR as the substrate of ZDHHC22. mTOR palmitoylation for the first time was detected and we found ZDHHC22 reduced the stability of mTOR via regulating the palmitoylation of mTOR. Additionally, mTOR expression was frequently negatively correlated with ZDHHC22 in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells and ectopic ZDHHC22 could restore endocrine sensitivity in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cell line.ConclusionOur results demonstrating the hypermethylated status and potential tumor suppressor function of ZDHHC22 in breast cancer for the first time established a regulatory mechanism between ZDHHC22 and mTOR palmitoylation, which may pave the way for the development of promising therapeutics that restore endocrine sensitivity.
Immobilization of β-Glucosidase on Different Supports and Evaluation of Its Activity in Cellobiose Hydrolysis
Authors: Silva Karolline Christiny Szeremeta da , Carvalho Yuri , Sousa-Aguiar Eduardo Falabella
Published: February 2021

β-glucosidase was used as catalyst for the hydrolysis of cellobiose, immobilized on different supports, including two silicas (MSNS and MCM-41) and three carbon supports (GAC, BDH and Norit). It was observed that mesoporous nanoparticles are better candidates as supports for the β-glucosidase, and that silica has a better performance, probably due to the presence of silanol groups. The MSNS showed better recovered activity compared to other supports, showing an optimum temperature at 70 0 C and an optimum pH of 5. The enzyme immobilized in MSNS showed results 80% to 98% better than those immobilized on other supports. However, for the recycling test, from the second cycle onwards, the MSNS showed a performance drop of around 40%, reaching a relative activity of 41.9% for both the fourth and the final cycle. MCM-41, on the other hand, did not show as much discrepancy in the recycling test. However, its relative activity in the first cycle was 20% of the activity achieved by MSNS, at its optimum temperature of 60 0 C. Such results indicate that the smaller particle size favours enzymatic activity. Notwithstanding, a larger available intra-pore surface area protects the enzyme from denaturation.
The Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in Critical Hospital Settings by Means of Ultraviolet C Lamps: Examples of Their Use and Some Practical Advice
Authors: Lualdi Manuela , Cavalleri Adalberto , Bianco Andrea , Biasin Mara , Cavatorta Claudia , Clerici Mario , Galli Paola , Pareschi Giovanni , Pignoli Emanuele
Published: February 2021

Background

UltraViolet-C (UV-C) lamps may be used to supplement current hospital cleaning and disinfection of surfaces contaminated by SARS-CoV-2. Our aim is to provide some practical indications for the correct use of UV-C lamps.
Methods

We studied three UV-C lamps, measuring their spatial irradiance and emission over time. We quantify the error that is committed by calculating the irradiation time based exclusively on the technical data of the lamps or by making direct irradiance measurements. Finally, we tested specific dosimeters for UV-C.
Results

Our results show that the spatial emission of UV-C lamps is strongly dependent on the power of the lamps and on the design of their reflectors. Only by optimizing the positioning and calculating the exposure time correctly, is it possible to dispense the dose necessary to obtain SARS-CoV-2 inactivation. In the absence of suitable equipment for measuring irradiance, the calculated irradiation time can be underestimated. We therefore consider it precautionary to increase the calculated times by at least 20%.
Conclusion

To use UV-C lamps effectively, it is necessary to follow a few simple precepts when choosing, positioning and verifying the lamps. In the absence of instruments dedicated to direct verification of irradiance, photochromic UV-C dosimeters may represent a useful tool for easily verifying that a proper UV-C dose has been delivered.
The Association of Lipoprotein(a) and Intraplaque Neovascularization in Patients With Carotid Stenosis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Xia Shuang , Qiu Weida , Li Liwen , Kong Bo , Xu Lan , Wu Zejia
Published: February 2021

Background: Lipoprotein(a) is increasingly recognised as a major risk factor for atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease. We examined whether plasma lipoprotein(a) concentrations were associated with intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) levels in patients with carotid stenosis and in terms of increasing plaque susceptibility to haemorrhage and rupture. Methods: We included 85 patients diagnosed with carotid stenosis as confirmed using carotid ultrasound who were treated at Guangdong General Hospital. The IPN level was determined using contrast-enhanced ultrasound through the movement of the microbubbles. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used to determine whether lipoprotein(a) affected IPN levels, and whether lipoprotein(a), cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol affected IPN levels, respectively. Results: Lipoprotein(a) was a significant predictor of higher IPN levels in binary logistic regression before adjusting for other risk factors (P = 0.031, odds ratio [OR]: 1.238, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.020,1.503) whereas cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were not predicators of IPN in univariate analysis. After adjusting for other risk factors, including age, diabetes mellitus, and smoking status, lipoprotein(a) remained statistically significant in predicting IPN (P = 0.012, OR: 1.335, 95% CI: 1.065,1.674). Conclusions: Plasma lipoprotein(a) concentrations were found to be independently associated with higher IPN levels in patients with carotid stenosis, but not cholesterol, triglyceride, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Lowering plasma lipoprotein(a) levels may decrease the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.
Participant Factors That Contribute to Magnetic Resonance Imaging Motion Artifacts in Children With Mild Traumatic Brain Injury or Orthopedic Injury
Authors: Ware Ashley L. , Shukla Ayushi , Guo Sunny , Onicas Adrian , Geeraert Bryce L. , Goodyear Bradley G. , Yeates Keith Owen , Lebel Catherine
Published: February 2021

Background: Motion can compromise image quality and confound results, especially in pediatric research. This study evaluated qualitative and quantitative approaches to motion artifacts detection and correction, and whether motion artifacts relate to injury history, age, or sex in children with mild traumatic brain injury or orthopedic injury relative to typically developing children. The concordance between qualitative and quantitative motion ratings was also examined.Method: Children aged 8-16 years with mild traumatic brain injury (n=141) or orthopedic injury (n=73) were recruited from the emergency department and completed an MRI scan roughly 2 weeks post-injury. Typically developing children (n=41) completed a single MRI scan. T1- and diffusion-weighted images were visually inspected and rated for motion artifacts by trained examiners. Quantitative estimates of motion artifacts were derived from FreeSurfer and FSL. Results: Age (younger > older) and sex (boys > girls) were significantly associated with motion artifacts on both T1- and diffusion-weighted images. Children with mild traumatic brain or orthopedic injury had significantly more motion-corrupted diffusion-weighted volumes than typically developing children, but mild traumatic brain injury and orthopedic injury groups did not differ from each other. The exclusion of motion-corrupted volumes did not significantly change diffusion tensor imaging metrics. Discussion: Results indicate that automated quantitative estimates of motion artifacts, which are less labour-intensive than manual methods, are appropriate. Results have implications for the reliability of structural magnetic resonance imaging research and highlight the importance of considering motion artifacts in studies of pediatric mild traumatic brain injury.
Research on Comparison of Simulation and Experiment in Warpage Defects in Roll Forming Process of the Cap-Shaped Part Using a Five-Boundary Condition Forming Angle Distribution Function
Authors: Wang Mingyan , Feng Zhengyang , Wang Rui , Zhang Guosong , Lv Yuting , Lou Shumei , Su Chunjian
Published: February 2021

Warpage is one of the main defects in multi-pass roll forming. It manifests as the horizontal deviation in the sheet flange part after forming, impacting the final quality of the sheet. In this manuscript, we focus on the cap-shaped part of a small section profile. Considering the lack of previous scientific guidance on the distribution of forming angles—angles that lead to warpage defects and other defects reducing the quality of these products—a five-boundary condition distribution function of forming angle is proposed. We propose a mechanism for warpage defects in roll bending of a cap-shaped part based on this five-boundary condition forming angle distribution function. Furthermore, we examine the effects of forming angle, sheet thickness, and material yield strength on the warpage defects by examining the designed fluctuation of the edge wave, ∆z, and the maximum deviation of the profile curves of the flange edge, z', to test this theory, roll bending experiments are compared to simulation.
Cellulose Nanofiber, Lignin, and Hemicellulose as Value-Added Products From Recycled Old Corrugated Box (OCB)
Authors: Lal Sumit S , Patil Ajit P , Phalak Ganesh A , Mhaske Shashank
Published: February 2021

Herein, preparation and modification of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) from recycled old corrugated box (OCB) raw material is reported. CNF were synthesized from cellulose microfiber obtained after the pre-treatment of alkaline, acetic acid/sodium chlorite followed by bleaching with hydrogen peroxide. Intermediate fractions during the pre-treatment were collected and examined for the lignin and hemicelluloses contents using FTIR, GPC, GC-MS and HPLC methods. Both the treated and untreated OCB microfibers were analyzed using XRD, TGA, and SEM to confirm the removal of non-cellulosic contents. Resultant pre-treated microfiber was break-down into nanofibers under high-pressure using high-pressure homogenizer at ≈1600 bar pressure for 30 cycles. Nanofibers were characterized by SEM which shows the average diameter of ≈66 nm. XRD analysis confirms the crystalline nature and a cellulose type-I structure of the nanofiber. In addition, obtained nanofibers were chemically surface modified by 12.91% of acetyl and 72.23% of carboxyl groups by varying reaction conditions.
Pre-Protection Analysis of Unearthed Water-Saturated Lacquered Woodware -- With Lacquered Woodware Unearthed from the Zeng Guo Cemetery of Guojiamiao, Hubei Province as Examples
Authors: Chen Zifan , Wei Shuya , Fu Yingchun
Published: February 2021

Wooden lacquerware cultural relics are very characteristic cultural relics in China. Ancient wooden lacquerware excavated underground has relatively intact paint cover, but its bodies are mostly decayed, generally with a moisture content of 100-400%, and in some cases going as high as 700%. Therefore, dehydration and reinforcement of water-saturated bamboo, wood, and lacquer artifacts is the most critical step for restoration and protection. In order to protect the unearthed wooden lacquerware in a targeted manner, it is necessary to conduct a detailed pre-protection analysis of the cultural relics. In 2014 and 2015, the Hubei Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology worked with Jingzhou Cultural Relics Conservation Center and many other organizations to respectively carried out a more comprehensive excavation of the Caomenwan and Guojiamiao Cemeteries, and cleared more than 110 tombs. The tomb in question was inscribed on the list of China's Ten Major Archaeological Discoveries in 2014. From the tomb 186 water-saturated pieces of lacquered woodware were unearthed. Due to the biological and microbial corrosion in the buried environment, the lacquered woodware urgently needed protective dehydration. In order to better protect the cultural relics and retain as much of the original information as possible, it is necessary to analyze this batch of lacquered woodware before placing them under protection.
Analysis of IoT-Enabled Applications in Domestic Waste Management
Authors: Neffati Seifedin , Elomri Adel , Mekkawy Tarek El , Kerbache Laoucine
Published: February 2021

This research paper addresses the application of the internet of things (IoT) to waste collection systems. It compares the traditional periodic review strategy versus an IoT-enabled strategy where we assume that the waste bins are equipped with smart sensors proving continuous monitoring of waste volume and weight per bin. A simulation model was developed for each strategy and tested using six different waste generation scenarios and different collection policies. The models were evaluated based on economic, environmental, and citizen satisfaction measures. Our results show that each collection model was best in a specific setting. For instance, the three collections per week policy performed the best for high waste scenarios whereas the IoT-enabled model with a 70% threshold was best for low waste scenarios. To the best of our knowledge this paper is among the first attempt to model the use of smart bins in domestic waste management and to analyze its implications on three main features including economic, environmental and citizen satisfaction.
Alcohol Quantity and Type on Risk of Gouty tophi
Authors: Han Lin , Li Renze , Ren Wei , Pang Jingyuan , Sun Jian , Wang Yao , Sun Wenyan , Liu Zhen , Wang Can , Wang Xuefeng , Wang Jing , Chen Ying , Li Changgui
Published: February 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of drinking alcohol on tophi and its surrounding inflammation in the joints by ultrasound. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 356 gout patients and collected their information of drinking history, clinical biochemical parameters and ultrasound results. Multiple regression analyses including several variables and potential confounders were then performed. Results: Relative to no drinking, more alcohol intake (>200 g/week), longer drinking time (>20 years) and higher frequency of drinking (>2 times/week) had significant positive effects on the size of tophus after controlling for potential confounders (P=0.024; P=0.002; P=0.040). Further subgroup analysis of different ages illustrated that more alcohol consumption had positive effects on the size of tophi only in the younger gout patients (≤50 years old), rather than in older ones (>50 years old). However, alcohol consumption had no significant association with the formation and number of tophus, and the associations between type of drinking and tophi was not observed in the current study. Moreover, except for tophi, there was no relationship between alcohol consumption and other ultrasound signs including double-contour sign (DCS), bone erosion, effusion and synovial hypertrophy.Conclusion: Alcohol consumption is closely associated with ultrasound-detected tophi in gout patients. More alcohol intake, longer drinking time and higher frequency of drinking are crucial factors that positively affect the size of tophus, especially in younger gout patients. However, significant association between type of alcohol and tophi was not observed in the current study.
Novel Intratumoral Treatment With 5-Androstene-3b, 17a-Diol Inhibits Tumor Size and Metastasis In a Mice Model
Authors: Ruiz-Manzano Rocio Alejandra , Palacios-Arreola Margarita Isabel , Hernandez-Cervantes Rosalia , Rio-Araiza Victor Hugo Del , Nava-Castro Karen Elizabeth , Segovia-Mendoza Mariana , Morales-Montor Jorge
Published: February 2021

Background: Breast cancer treatment-failure is related to low compliance rates, high costs, and long-term toxicities. Thus, it is necessary to find less toxic and cheaper treatments. The epimereandrostene-3beta,17alpha-diol (α-AED) has been proven to inhibit breast tumor cell proliferation in vitro, being an ideal candidate to treat mammary tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in situ effects of α-AED on tumor mammary growth. 4T1 tumors with 14 days of growth were injected with an equivalent dose to the IC50 (100 mM) and its double concentration (200 mM) of α-AED. Methods: The cell viability and cell proliferation of murine and human cancer cell lines after the treatment of α-AED were evaluated with sulforhodamine assay and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, respectively. We also evaluated the size and tumor growth of the orthotopic tumor model after the treatment with α-AED. The tumor infiltration changes and cytokine determination into the tumor microenvironment were determined by flow cytometry and ELISA methods, respectively. The humoral response denoted by the production fo IgG anti-4T1 antibodies were also determined by ELISA methd. Results: Low and high concentrations of α-AED administrated intratumorally reduce the size and average tumor. α-AED also increased the percentages of NK, plasmatic and plasmablast cells in mice tumors injected with 100 mM of a-AED. Meanwhile, tumors injected with 200 mM of a-AED contained an elevated proportion of plasmablast and B cells. Of notice, VEGF levels in all a-AED-treated tumors were lower than the control and vehicle group. The tumor in situ response was reflected systemically by the increase of the anti-4T1 IgG in serum from a-AED-treated mice, but no other associated systemic changes were detected. The reduction in tumor size for to the local injection of a-AED is produced by the anti-proliferative effect of this hormone, that maybe associated to the VEGF reduction and metastasis. Conclusion: We observed an astonishing tumor size reduction and metastasis after the treatment with a-AED. The above suggest that a-AED can be used in clinical studies in order to prove its efficacy as an alternative of novel breast tumor treatment.
Real-Manufacturing-Process Finite Element Modeling of Aramid Honeycomb for Cutting Mechanism Revealing
Authors: Yang Yuxing , Bao Yongjie , Xu Qihao , Wang Jinlong
Published: February 2021

A finite element model for honeycomb cutting was proposed to reveal its cutting mechanism in the process of cutting with disc cutter, which solves the problem of efficient honeycomb cutting modeling by imitating the real manufacturing process of the aramid honeycomb and solves the problem of honeycomb material assignment by developing a material calculation method. Cutting experiment of ACCH-1-1.83-48 aramid honeycomb specimen concerning on the cutting forces response and cutting damages was conducted. The comparison between the finite element model results and the experimental results validated that the proposed method was effective for investigating the cutting process and mechanism for the aramid honeycomb. Predicted cutting mechanism results show that: (a) cutting process of the aramid honeycomb can be divided into 3 stages with 4 characteristic states: initial state, cut-in state, cut-out state and final state; (b) cell wall bending in the cutting direction relieves the cutting force, and strong plasticity of the aramid fiber makes it hard to break, which lead to uncut fiber and burr damages; (c) using sharp tip cutter as well as bonding both top and bottom of the honeycomb to two stiffer parts individually are beneficial to obtain good cutting quality with less damages.
Effect of Diltiazem Hydrochloride on Cardiac Function and Prognosis in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation–Mediated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: liu yongrong , Wang Dan
Published: February 2021

BackgroundIn previous studies, faster heart rates in patients with atrial fibrillation combined with heart failure have been associated with poor long-term patient prognosis. However, the classical pharmacological regimen of beta-blockers has not reduced mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation combined with heart failure. Therefore, in patients with atrial fibrillation combined with heart failure with an ejection fraction >40%, we further screened patients with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation cardiomyopathy and compared the combination of diltiazem with standard anti-heart failure drug therapy.Objective:To observe the effect of diltiazem hydrochloride on cardiac function and prognosis in patients with Atrial Fibrillation–Mediated Cardiomyopathy.Methods: A total of 186 patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation–mediated cardiomyopathy who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from August 2018 to June 2020 were randomly divided into two groups: 93 cases in the experimental group and 93 cases in the control group, both groups were given standardized pharmacological treatment for heart failure (diuretics, digoxin, β-blockers, perindopril), and the experimental group was given diltiazem 30 mg on the basis of standardized treatment, 3 times a day. The patients were followed up for 30 days to observe the target heart rate <110 beats/min, left ventricular ejection fraction, proBNP, the rate of decrease in activity tolerance during the treatment period, and readmission rate within 30 days.Results:After the addition of diltiazem, the attainment rate of target heart rate was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p<0.05) . The improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction and proBNP was more significant in the experimental group than in the control group (p<0.05). The incidence of decreased activity tolerance during the follow-up period was higher in the experimental group than in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The readmission rate for heart failure within 30 days was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.05).Conclusion：Diltiazem hydrochloride is effective in improving cardiac function and prognosis in patients with atrial fibrillation–mediated cardiomyopathy, and is a safe and effective method.
Impact of Alkaline Pretreatment Condition on Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Sugarcane Bagasse and Pretreatment Cost
Authors: Wang Chaojun , Qi Wei , Liang Cuiyi , Wang Qiong , Wang Wen , Wang Zhongming , Yuan Zhenhong
Published: February 2021

A combined severity factor (RCSF) which is usually used to evaluate the effectiveness of hydrothermal pretreatment at above 100 ºC had been developed to assess the influence of temperature, time and alkali loading on pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose. It is not suitable for evaluating alkaline pretreatment effectiveness at lower than 100 ºC. According to the reported deducing process, this study modified the expression of RCSF = log[CnOH- x t x e(Tr-Tb)/14.75] as RCSF = log{COH- x t x e[-13700/(Tr+273)+36.2]} which is easier and more reasonable to assess the effectiveness of alkaline pretreatment. It showed that RCSF exhibited linear trend with lignin removal, and quadratic curve relation with enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency (EHE) at the same temperature. The EHE of alkali-treated SCB could attain the maximum value at lower RCSF, which indicated that it was not necessary to continuously enhance strength of alkaline pretreatment for improving EHE. Within a certain temperature range, the alkali loading was more important than temperature and time to influence pretreatment effectiveness and EHE. Furthermore, the contribution of temperature, time and alkali loading to pretreatment cost which was seldom concerned was investigated in this work. The alkali loading contributed more than 70% to the pretreatment cost. This study laid the foundation of further optimizing alkaline pretreatment to reduce cost for its practical application.