bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel strain of Stenotrophomonas acidaminiphila produces super-active alkaline protease during cassava effluent fermentation: process optimization, kinetic modeling and scale-up
Authors: Asitok Atim , Ekpenyong Maurice George , Takon Iquo , Antai Sylvester , Ogarekpe Nkpa , Antigha Richard , Edet Philomena , Antai Agnes , Essien Joseph
Published: August 2021

Microbial fermentations for value-added metabolites production are exploited for efficient bioconversion of agro-industrial wastes for the dual purposes of pollution abatement and cost-effectiveness. In the present study, the regular 2-level factorial design was employed to screen fermentation parameters that enhance production of a novel alkaline protease by a strain of Stenotrophomonas acidaminiphila using cassava processing effluent as substrate. Data from randomized experiments of central composite rotatable design for improved enzyme activity, guided by path of steepest ascent experiments, were modeled and optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). Shake flask kinetics of production under optimized conditions was modeled by logistic and modified Gompertz models and determinations of maximum specific growth rate, µmax, maximum volumetric rate of substrate consumption, rsm, maximum volumetric rate of biomass formation, rxm and specific yield of product, Yp/x were made. Logistic model poorly fitted RSM-generated product formation and substrate consumption data. However, biomass formation was accurately fitted (adjusted r2 >99%), with µmax of 0.471 h-1. The modified Gompertz model, on the contrary, more accurately fitted all three major response data with minimal mean squared error. Potential for scale-up of bioprocess evaluated in 5-L bioreactor satisfactorily revealed 8.5-fold more substrate consumption in bioreactor than in shake flask. The 86.76-fold aqueous two-phase system-purified protease had a specific activity of 1416.73 Umg-1 which improved with increasing surfactant concentration. These results suggest significant bioprocess potential for sustainable cassava effluent management and concomitant commercial production of alkaline protease for industrial detergent application.
Outcomes of 27 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Resections of Paired Primary Pulmonary and Brain Metastatic Tumours: Is EGFR Negative Mutation of Brain Metastasis Bring More Benefit?
Authors: Xu Shuonan , Zhu Jianfei , Zhong Daixing , Xia Yanmin , Wen Yingsheng , Zhang Lanjun , Jiang Tang
Published: August 2021

Background: To analyze the heterogeneity and clinical outcomes of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation in primary tumour and corresponding brain metastasis(BM) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods: Primary pulmonary tumours and paired metastatic brain tumours were surgically removed from twenty-seven NSCLC patients from July 1999 to November 2013 in our hospital. All brain lesions were confirmed as metastases stemming from NSCLC by pathological examination. EGFR gene (exons 18-21) mutant status was detected in matched tumour by using amplification refraction mutation system (ARMS). If inconsistency was detected, the paired tumour was evaluated again. The McNemar test was performed to compare the consistency of the paired tumour, and the Kappa test was used to quantify the agreement of both methods.Progression free survival(PFS) and overall survival(OS) were exhibited by the Kaplan-Meier.Results: In this study, of the 27 patients, nine (33.3%) cases were found to have EGFR mutations in BMs, and ten (37.0%) patients were detected positive EGFR status in primary lung tumour tissue. The rate of consistency of the matched tumour was 24/27 (88.9%, P≤0.001), and the Kappa coefficient was 0.757. Among the three cases presenting EGFR mutational heterogeneity, two patients harbored EGFR mutation in primary tumors but was negative in BMs, meanwhile, the other patient had the opposite pattern. Comparing to patients with consistent EGFR mutations(both mutant or wild),patients with inconsistent EGFR mutations tended to have better outcomes, including PFS(37.2months vs 25.0months vs 16.5months,P=0.159) and OS(53.6months vs 27.5months vs 26.8months,P=0.380), further analysis showed that two patients whose EGFR mutant-type primary tumor progressing to wild-type cerebral metastastic tumor might have longer overall survival(53.6months,37.8months) than one patient harboring reverse mutant difference(EGFR wild-type primary tumor progressing to mutant-type brain metastastic tumor) (16.7months). Also we found that patients with wild type in brain metastatic tumour had longer overall survival (OS)(mOS, 36.3 months vs 29.1months, P = 0.944).Conclusions: EGFR mutation status in NSCLC patients between primary lung tumour and paired BM was heterogeneous, patients harbored wild type EGFR mutation in BM might have better outcomes, especially for positive status transferred to wild.
The Spectrum of COVID-19 in Children in Spain
Authors: Tagarro Alfredo , Cobos-Carrascosa Elena , Villaverde Serena , Sanz-Santaeufemia Francisco Javier , Grasa Carlos , Soriano-Arandes Antoni , Hernanz Alicia , Navarro María Luisa , Pino Rosa , Epalza Cristina , Batista Rosa , Rizo Jana , Iglesias-Bouzas María Isabel , Rodríguez-Molino Paula , Villanueva-Medina Sara , Carrasco-Colom Jaime , Alonso Jose Antonio , Mellado María José , Herrero Blanca , Melendo Susana , Torre Mercedes De la , Calleja Lourdes , Calvo Cristina , Urretavizcaya-Martínez Maria , Astigarraga Itziar , Menasalvas Ana , Penin María , Neth Olaf , Berzosa Arantxa , De Ceano-Vivas María , Vidal Paula , Romero Isabel , González Raúl , García María Luz , Mesa Juan Miguel , Ballesteros Alvaro , Bernardino Maria , Moraleda Cinta
Published: August 2021

Background: We aimed to identify the spectrum of disease in children with COVID-19, and the risk factors for admission in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs).Methods: We conducted a multicentre, prospective study of children with SARS-CoV-2 infection in 76 Spanish hospitals. We included children with COVID-19 or multi-inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) younger than 18 years old, attended during the first year of the pandemic.Results: We enrolled 1 200 children. A total of 666 (55.5%) were hospitalized, and 123 (18.4%) required admission to PICU. Most frequent major clinical syndromes in the cohort were: mild syndrome (including upper respiratory tract infection and flu-like syndrome, skin or mucosae problems and asymptomatic), 44.8%; bronchopulmonary syndrome (including pneumonia, bronchitis and asthma flare), 18.5%; fever without a source, 16.2%; MIS-C, 10.6%; and gastrointestinal syndrome, 10%. In hospitalized children, the proportions were: 28.5%, 25.7%, 16.5%, 19.1% and 10.2%, respectively. Risk factors associated with PICU admission were MIS-C (odds ratio [OR]: 37.5,95% CI 22.7 to 57.8), moderate or severe liver disease (OR: 9,95% CI 1.6 to 47.6), chronic cardiac disease (OR: 4.8,95% CI 1.8 to 13) and asthma or recurrent wheezing (OR: 2.8,95% CI 1.3 to 5.8). However, asthmatic children were admitted into the PICU due to MIS-C or pneumonia, not due to asthma flare. Conclusion: Hospitalized children with COVID-19 usually present as one of five major clinical phenotypes of decreasing severity. Risk factors for PICU include MIS-C, elevation of inflammation biomarkers, asthma, moderate or severe liver disease and cardiac disease.
A 10-Year Experience of Leiomyosarcoma of the Inferior Vena Cava
Authors: Pan Jun , Qiu Chenyang , He Yangyan , Xue Xing , Li Donglin , Tian Lu , Cheng Fei , Wu Zi-heng , Hongkun Zhang
Published: August 2021

Background: Leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava (IVC) is rare. The study reviewed patients with IVC leiomyosarcoma in our hospital in the past ten years.Methods: 20 patients diagnosed with IVC leiomyosarcoma between October 2010 and October 2020 were enrolled. Their clinical manifestations, treatments and follow-up results were analyzed.Results: The sarcoma was located in the lower IVC segment in six patients, with 13 in the middle IVC segment and one in the upper IVC segment. The median tumor size was 8.5 cm (range 2.5-27.0). Except for two patients who underwent partial resection, other patients underwent R0 resection. After resection, 16 patients (80%) had primary repair of the IVC, while four patients underwent ligation. Three patients with tumors invading the renal vein but not the kidney underwent renal vein revascularization. There was no perioperative death. During a mean follow-up of 37.7 months, seven patients died due to tumor metastasis, four patients were alive with the tumor recurrence and other nine patients were alive without recurrence.Conclusion: The perioperative mortality was low. The management of the IVC after tumor resection depended on the tumor location and size. R0 resection provided a chance for long term survival.
Personnel Emotion Recognition Model for Internet of Vehicles Security Monitoring
Authors: Fu Erkang , Li Xi , Yao Zhi , Ren Yuxin , Wu Yuanhao , Fan Qiqi
Published: August 2021

In recent years, the Internet of vehicles (IOV) with intelligent networked automobiles as the terminal node has gradually become the development trend of the automotive industry and the research hot spot in related fields. This is due to its characteristics of intelligence, networking, low-carbon and energy saving. Real time emotion recognition for drivers and pedestrians in the community can be utilized to prevent fatigue driving and malicious collision, keep safety verification and pedestrian safety detection. This paper mainly studies the face emotion recognition model that can be utilized for IOV. Considering the fluctuation of image acquisition perspective and image quality in the application scene of IOV, the natural scene video similar to vehicle environment and its galvanic skin response (GSR) are utilized to make the testing set of emotion recognition. Then an expression recognition model combining codec and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier is proposed. Finally, emotion recognition testing is completed on the basis of Algorithm 1. The matching accuracy between the emotion recognition model and GSR is 82.01%. In the process of model testing, 189 effective videos are involved and 155 are correctly identified.
Observation of photoacoustic Smith-Purcell radiation
Authors: Shen Dongyi , Zhou Zhihao , Zhao Guolin , Chen Xianfeng , Wan Wenjie
Published: August 2021

Relativistic electrons moving over a periodic metal grating can lead to an intriguing emission of light, known as Smith-Purcell radiation (SPR), the precursor of the free-electron laser. During the radiation process, the speed of light plays a critical role in determining the emitted angle and frequency spectrum. Inspired by the photonic SPR, here we experimentally demonstrate a photoacoustic version of the Smith-Purcell effect using laser-induced surface shock waves generation. We observe similar acoustic radiation pattern and their associated frequency spectrum in the far-field, perfectly predicted by a universal theory working for both the photonic and acoustic SPR. Moreover, our numerical studies reveal non-constant frequency components due to the supersonic traveling of the shock waves in the near field, greatly contrasting its photonic counterpart. This scheme extends the SPR into the acoustic domain by levitating the wave’s speed limit, paves the way towards coherent acoustic wave generation and microstructure metrology.
Exploration of Key Genes Combining with Immune Infiltration Level and Tumor Mutational Burden in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Jing , wu shuzhen , ge sijia , Ji ran , Chen Yuyan , Huang Wei , Lu Cui-hua
Published: August 2021

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still a lethal malignancy because of its heterogenicity and aggressive behavior, with unsatisfactory early diagnosis and poor prognosis. Recently, few somatic mutations have been reported to associated with HCC carcinogenesis and function in predicting HCC progression. Interactions of tumor cells with surrounding immune microenvironment in HCC participate in orchestrating the onset and development. Herein, our aim is to investigate the associations of tumor mutational burden (TMB) with immune microenvironment in HCC. Then we will seek for differential expression genes (DEGs) in terms of immune and TMB scores and discuss whether their latent functions affect HCC prognosis and progression.Methods: The expression, clinical and mutational data were downloaded from TCGA database, then calculated the immune infiltration of these HCC samples by R package “ssGSEA”, “CIBERSORT” and “ESTIMATE”. Then the samples were clarified to 2 groups according to the immune levels. TMB was also calculated and differential expressional genes (DEGs) in the low and high TMB group were intersected and the different immune level groups. Then the cox analyses and prognostic model were performed and tested by R package “glmnet”. Then the selected genes BCL10 and TRAF3 were tested their expression by qrt-PCR and IHC and tested their clinical correlation by chi-square analyses and their biological processes enriched by GSEA, and their immune infiltration by “ssGSEA” individualy. Last, pearson algorithm was employed to judge the relevance of BCL10 and TRAF3.Results: Upregulated degrees of immune infiltration correlated with TMB, they synergistically predicted poor prognosis in HCC. DEGs enriched in immune-related pathways could serve as an indicator of therapeutic effect of HCC immunotherapy. Among these DEGs, BCL10 and TRAF3 were highly expressed in HCC tissues, especially in TP53 mutation group. BCL10 and TRAF3 corporately exhibited immunological function, thereby affecting HCC progression and prognosis.Conclusions: We identified that BCL10 and TRAF3 exhibited good prognostic value in predicting the clinical outcome of HCC patients, which may influence TMB and tumor microenvironment (TME) and help us moving towards immune-based therapies with HCC patients, ultimately improving their long-term survival.
LncRNA JPX Promotes Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression by Targeting miR-516b-5p/VEGFA Axis
Authors: He Yi , Li Bin , Yang Yang , Hua Rong , Li Zhigang
Published: August 2021

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are reported act as important regulators in various cancers. LncRNA JPX was identified as an oncogenic regulator in lung cancer. However, the function of lncRNA JPX in the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. Methods: The effects and molecular mechanism of JPX on the progression of ESCC were investigated using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), cell proliferation, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot, dual luciferase, cell cycle, 5-Ethynyl-2′-Deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation, transwell, RNA pull-down, tube formation and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Results: In the present study, we found JPX was highly expressed in tissues of ESCC patients and different ESCC cell lines. Functional assays demonstrated that JPX promoted ESCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, we found JPX promoted ESCC mobility in vitro. Mechanistically, the results showed that JPX functions as a sponge of miR-516b-5p, which targets an oncogene vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in ESCC cells. Interactions between miR-516b-5p and JPX or VEGFA were confirmed by luciferase reporter assays. Furthermore, inhibition of JPX significantly attenuated the cell growth and mobility ability of ESCC cells in vitro. In addition, miR-516b-5p overexpression abrogated JPX enhanced proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of ESCC cells. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that JPX played an important role in promoting ESCC progression via the miR-516b-5p/VEGFA pathway and might serve as a promising novel therapeutic target for ESCC patients.
Multiplex Immunofluorescence Analysis of Infiltrating Mononuclear Cell Subsets in Acute T-cell-mediated Rejection and Bk Virus-Associated Nephropathy in The Allograft Kidney
Authors: Kim Yong-Jin , Lim Jeong-Hoon , Han Man-Hoon , Kim Mi Sun , Kim Sang-Yeob , Kim Yun Jae
Published: August 2021

Transplant rejection has been diagnosed by mononuclear cell infiltration patterns light microscopically. Although infiltration involves different types of mononuclear cells, analysis of the rejection-associated variation was difficult by usual immunohistochemistry; one antibody staining on each slide and laborious cell counting. The authors applied the newly developed multiplex immunofluorescence staining(MIF) and image analysis system to overcome those disadvantages. By using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded slides of acute T-cell–mediated rejection (TCMR, 9 cases) and BK virus-associated nephropathy (BKVAN, 5 cases), the immunologic analysis was done because both had similar mononuclear cell infiltration patterns histologically. Antibodies to CD4, CD8, CD20, CD68, Foxp3, and cytokeratin were used.The cellular subsets were similar to each other. CD68+ cells were dominant in the cortical interstitium. However, by using this method, we could find differences in cellular distributions in the area by area. In the medullary rays, albeit the location being in the cortex, cellular subsets were similar to those of the medulla. In areas surrounding large vessels thought of as non-diagnostic areas, the CD20+ cells were dominant. This MIF could use as an ancillary method of diagnosis and follow up the cellular changes during rejection or treatment. Further large samples with rejection condition-matched studies should be followed.
Impacts of Gain Versus Loss Frame Messages About Beverages on Boy Students, an Application of Extended Parallel Process Model
Authors: Zareharofteh Fateme , Karimi Masoud
Published: August 2021

Background: Unhealthy diet including consumption of high amounts of Sugar-sweetened beverages is a key modifiable risk factor for obesity and NCDs which begin in childhood and adolescence. The study aimed to compare the effect of gain frame vs. loss frame messages on SSBs consumption intention and behavior of high school boy students. Methods: In this three-arm educational randomized controlled trial, 270 students from three boy’s high schools which were selected through a multistage random sampling. data collection was done through a 15 items self-reported questionnaire before and two months after the intervention. each of the two intervention groups received one of the two types of gain frame or loss frame designed pamphlets inspired with extended parallel process model. The control group received no pamphlet. Results: In control, GFM and LFM groups 91, 86 and 89 students participated in the study, respectively. After the intervention significant differences were observed in perceived efficacy and threat of the GFM group and perceived efficacy, threat and intention in the LFM group compared with before the intervention. The GFM group had higher perceived self-efficacy than the control group and lower perceived severity than the LFM group. Intention to consume SSBs reduced significantly in LFM group, compared with the control group.Conclusions: A combination of LFM and GFM messages could more effectively lead to nutritional behavior change regarding the consumption of SSBs. results help to design messages for educational programs and nutritional campaigns.
Eszett (ẞ; ß)-Glucuronidase, a False Positive of Beta (β)-Glucuronidase: Focus on Plant Genetic Transformation
Authors: Silva Jaime A. Teixeira da
Published: August 2021

The Escherichia coli beta (β)-glucuronidase gene ( GUS ), coded for by the uidA gene, is a popular reporter gene in plant genetic transformation experiments. As a result of a typographic-type error, leading to confusion between Eszett (uppercase ẞ; lowercase ß), a German special character, and Greek lowercase beta (β), some published papers claimed to have used Eszett (ẞ/ß)-glucuronidase, which does not exist. Attention was paid to the 114 false positive entries, i.e., ẞ/ß-glucuronidase, that were detected on PubMed on July 6, 2021. From the 114 entries, 81 (71.1%) were in papers in the field of plant science. After screening 79 of the full texts, the error was quantified in the article’s location. The error was detected in 100% of abstracts on PubMed and also in 100% of the abstracts on the original journal/publisher websites, while 62.0% of papers had this error in the text (once or multiple times). The origin of these errors is unclear. Given that there are approximately 4000, 1100 and 10,600 hits for this false positive on sciencedirect.com, Springer Link, and Google Scholar, respectively, the quantification of this error based on PubMed suggests that a large and thorough quantitative post-publication analysis of papers claiming erroneously to have used non-existent Eszett (ẞ/ß)-glucuronidase is needed. Importantly, where possible, those errors should be corrected.
Evaluation of the stability of cucurbit[8]uril-based ternary host−guest complexation in physiological environment and the fabrication of a supramolecular theranostic nanomedicine
Authors: Wu Han , Chen Zuobing , Qi Shaolong , Bai Bing , Ye Jiajun , Wu Dan , Shen Jie , Kang Fei , Yu Guocan
Published: August 2021

PurposeTo evaluate the stability of cucurbit[8]uril-based 1:1:1 ternary host−guest complexation in physiological environment for the fabrication of supramolecular theranostics with promising potentials in precise cancer imaging and therapy. MethodsThe host−guest complexation between cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]), 4,4′-bipyridinium, and napththyl guest was fully studied using various characterizations, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H NMR), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The association constants of this ternary complex were determined using isothermal titration calorimetry. The stability of the non-covalent interactions and self-assemblies form from this molecular recognition was confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS). A supramolecular nanomedicine was constructed on the basis of this 1:1:1 ternary recognition, and its in vitro and in vivo anticancer efficacy were thoroughly evaluated. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging was used to monitor the delivery and biodistribution of the supramolecular nanomedicine. ResultsVarious experiments confirmed that the ternary complexation between 4,4′-bipyridinium, and napththyl derivative and CB[8] was stable in physiological environment, including phosphate buffered solution and cell culture medium. Supramolecular nanomedicine (SNM@DOX) encapsulating a neutral anticancer drug (doxrubincin, DOX) was prepared based on this molecular recognition that linked the hydrophobic poly(ε-caprolactone) chain and hydrophilic polyethylene glycol segment. The non-covalent interactions guaranteed the stability of SNM@DOX during blood circulation and promoted its tumor accumulation by taking advantage of the enhanced permeability and retention effect, thus greatly improving the anti-tumor efficacy as compared with the free drug. ConclusionArising from the host-enhanced charge-transfer interactions, the CB[8]-based ternary recognition was stable enough in physiological environment, which was suitable for the fabrication of supramolecular nanotheranostics showing promising potentials in precise cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Neuronally-Enriched Exosomal miR-27b Reveals Mechanism for Ibuprofen-Induced Acute Effects on Reward-Related Brain Processing in a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial
Authors: Burrows Kaiping , Figueroa-Hall Leandra K. , Kuplicki Rayus , Stewart Jennifer L. , Alarbi Ahlam M. , Ramesh Rajagopal , Savitz Jonathan B. , Teague T. Kent , Risbrough Victoria B. , Paulus Martin P.
Published: August 2021

This double-blind, randomized, repeated measures study evaluated whether acute administration of an anti-inflammatory drug modulates neuron-specific, inflammation-modulating microRNAs linked to macroscopic changes in reward processing. Twenty healthy subjects (10 females,10 males) completed a monetary incentive delay (MID) task and provided blood samples after administration of placebo, 200 mg, or 600 mg of ibuprofen. Neuronally-enriched exosomal microRNAs were extracted from plasma and sequenced. Results showed that: (1) 600 mg of ibuprofen exhibited higher miR-27b-3p, miR-320b, miR-23b and miR-203a-3p expression than placebo; (2) higher mir-27b-3p was associated with lower insula activation during MID loss anticipation; and (3) there was an inverse relationship between miR-27b-3p and MID gain anticipation in bilateral putamen during placebo, a pattern attenuated by both 200 mg and 600 mg of ibuprofen. Our findings indicate that miR-27b could be an important messaging molecule altered by anti-inflammatory drugs that relates to the processing of positive or negative valenced information.
Prevention of OUD: The HOME (Housing, Opportunities, Motivation and Engagement) Feasibility Study
Authors: Kelleher Kelly , Famelia Ruri , Yilmazer Tansel , Mallory Allen , Ford Jodi , Chavez Laura J. , Slesnicka Natasha
Published: August 2021

Young adults experiencing homelessness are at high risk of opioid and other substance use, poor mental health outcomes, exposure to trauma, and other risks. Providing access to stable housing has the potential to act as a powerful preventive intervention, but supportive housing programs have been studied most often among chronically homeless adults or adults with serious mental illness. The Housing First model, which does not precondition supportive housing on sobriety, has been shown to reduce drug use in homeless adults. In the present study, we piloted an adapted model of Housing First that was tailored to the needs of young adults (18–24 years) experiencing homelessness. Supportive services were added to the Housing First model and included youth-centered advocacy services, motivational interviewing, and HIV risk prevention services. This model was piloted in a single-arm study (n = 21) to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of a Housing First model over a 6-month period. We use repeated measures ANOVA to test for changes in alcohol and drug use (percent days of use; alcohol or drug use consequences), housing stability, social network support, and cognitive distortions over 6 months of follow-up. A total of 17 youth completed the study (85% retention) and a high proportion of youth were stably housed at 6-month follow-up. Participation in intervention services was high with an average of 13.57 sessions for advocacy, 1.33 for MI, and 0.76 for HIV prevention. Alcohol use did not change significantly over time. However, drug use, drug use consequences, and cognitive distortions, and the size of youths’ social networks that were drug using individuals decreased significantly. The Housing First model appeared to be feasible to deliver and youth engaged in the supportive intervention services. The study demonstrates the potential for an adapted Housing First model to be delivered to youth experiencing homelessness and may improve outcomes.
Effect of the finite speed of light in ionization of extended molecular systems
Authors: Ivanov I. A. , Kheifets Anatoli S. , Kim Kyung Taec
Published: August 2021

We study propagation effects due to the finite speed of light in ionization of extended molecular systems. We present a general quantitative theory of these effects and show under which conditions such effects should appear. The finite speed of light propagation effects are encoded in the non-dipole terms of the time-dependent Shrödinger equation and display themselves in the photoelectron momentum distribution projected on the molecular axis. Our numerical modeling for the H + 2 molecular ion and the Ne 2 dimer shows that the finite light propagation time from one atomic center to another can be accurately determined in a table top laser experiment which is much more readily affordable than the ground breaking synchrotron measurement by Grundmann et al [Science 370, 339 (2020)].
Health-related Quality of Life and Health Literacy in Patients With Systemic Mastocytosis and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
Authors: Schmidt Tobias Jürgen , Sellin Julia , Molderings Gerhard J. , Conrad Rupert , Muecke Martin
Published: August 2021

Background: Systemic mastocytosis is a rare genetic disease characterized by aberrant proliferation and/or activation of mast cells, resulting in multi-organ, allergy-like symptoms. Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a clinically similar, but more prevalent disease with unclear etiology. In this study, the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and health literacy of people suffering from SM and MCAS were assessed. Results: Two validated questionnaires (QLQ-C30 / QLQ-INFO25) from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) were used to analyze HRQOL and level of information of SM and MCAS patients. In addition, a control group without any health issues was included. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and linear regression to detect significant differences. Questionnaire data from 66 patients with MCAS (83% female, mean 44 years), 32 patients with SM (78% female, mean 53 years) and 52 healthy participants (67% female, mean 48 years) resident in Germany were analyzed. HRQOL as measured by the Global health status was significantly worse in patients suffering from MCAS or SM compared to control group. Individuals with MCAS showed a slightly, but insignificantly lower score on Global health status, and a significantly lower score with respect to role function and fatigue. Patients with the rare disease SM felt significantly better informed on their disease compared to MCAS patients. Linear regression performed separately for both groups showed a direct influence of the level of information on patients' HRQOL.Conclusion: Overall, our study showed a significant negative impact on the HRQOL of both diseases, but only a small difference in quality of life and severity of symptoms between patients with MCAS and the supposedly more severe form, the rare disease SM. Our results demonstrate that the level of information patients receive impacts HRQOL, and that this is not only an issue in rare disease, but also diseases with unclear etiology and pathology. Our data shows that even slight improvements in the patient's level of information can have a positive effect on their quality of life, further highlighting the importance of gaining more knowledge on rare and incompletely understood diseases and communicating these insights to patients.
Influence of pre- and intraoperative factors on hospital mortality after elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. A retrospective study
Authors: Berikashvili Levan B. , Kuzovlev A. N. , Yadgarov M. Ya. , Ovezov A. M. , Ryabova E. V. , Kadantseva K. K. , Perekhodov S. N. , Likhvantsev V. V.
Published: August 2021

Introduction. The Vasoactive-Inotropic Score has been shown as a good predictor of adverse events in postoperative period. Nevertheless, the score is not included in modern predictive models.
Objectives. To modify the nomogram that was created as a result of the E-CABG registry trial, and to evaluate the efficacy of the modification to predict 30-day mortality after elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.
Materials and methods. Pre- and intraoperative data of 158 patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass was analyzed. Based on the obtained results, the SYNTAX value in the original nomogram was replaced with the VIS value. The predictive model was evaluated in ROC-analysis.
Results. The frequency of 30-day mortality in group was 5,06 %. According to the results of ROC-analysis the modified nomogram has AUC = 0,897 (0.844– 0.951) (p < 0.001). The cut-off value was 12.75 points (sensitivity — 87.5 %; specificity — 86.7 %).
Conclusions. The modified nomogram has an excellent predictive ability for 30-day mortality.
Prolonged Disorder of Consciousness — a New Concept in the Evaluation of Chronical Disorders of Consciousness in ICU Patients. A Multi-Disciplinary Concensus
Authors: Belkin Andrey A. , Suponeva N. A. , Voznyuk I. A. , Zaytsev O. S. , Zampolini M. , Ivanova N. E. , Ivanova G. E. , Kondratyeva E. A. , Lubnin A. Yu. , Petrova M. V. , Petrikov S. S. , Piradov M. A. , Popugaev K. A. , Pryanikov I. V. , Ryabinkina Yu. V. , Savin I. A. , Sergeev D. V. , Shchegolev A. V. , Zabolotskikh I. B.
Published: August 2021

Chronic disorders of consciousness (DOC) develop after severe traumatic and non-traumatic brain damage and are characterized by the restoration of wakefulness in a patient after a coma without the recovery of consciousness. To optimize the diagnosis and treatment of patients with chronic DOC, a Russian working group on the problems of chronic DOC was organized, which included specialists in various areas, primarily anesthesiologists, critical care physicians and neurologists. While discussing the terminology of chronic DOC, the group identified that currently there is no definition for the state that falls into the period from the recovery of wakefulness and until 28 days after the brain damage when vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS) or minimally conscious state (MCS) may be diagnosed. In the intensive care unit (ICU) setting, there is often no consultant to provide critical care physicians with the correct diagnosis of the latter clinical syndromes, and neurophysiological tests are not feasible either. Therefore, there is a need to create a set of simple, understandable and easily reproducible strategies for managing this category of patients in the ICU. Thus, the working group proposed the term “prolonged disorders of consciousness” to be used for the patients with the signs of VS/UWS or MCS syndromes during their stay in the ICU until 28 days after initial brain damage and/or until the correct differential diagnosis of a type of chronic DOC is made. With the introduction of prolonged disorders of consciousness definition, the regular ICU staff will better understand how to provide an optimal set of supportive therapy and early rehabilitation activities in the lack of specific diagnostics techniques and dedicated specialists. Allocation of this category of patients allows us to create an algorithm for their better diagnosis and management and ensures consistent and effective interdisciplinary care at various levels. On the one hand, this approach will help us allow to free up ICU beds that are in high demand, while on the other, it will maximize the opportunity to realize the rehabilitation potential of DOC patients due to timely transfer to specialized centers.

Conclusion. If the term “prolonged disorder of consciousness” is accepted by professional communities of specialists (critical care physicians, neurologists, neurosurgeons, etc.), it will be used in guidelines for the management of DOC patients.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMS: A TOOL FOR ALLEVIATION OF RURAL POVERTY
Authors:   Research Scholar, School of Commerce REVA University, Bangalore., Shivananda M. , B Harani ,   Assistant Professor, School of Commerce REVA University, Bangalore.
Published: August 2021

This paper examines the progress of Indias rural development programmes and reviews the countrys rural development programmes. Over the years, Indias rural development has undergone several changes in terms of emphasis, approaches, strategies, and programmes. As a result, it has acquired a new dimension and provided new opportunities. Indias rural economy is a vital component of the countrys overall economy. Poverty eradication remains a significant obstacle to planned economic development. Its difficult to make broad policy recommendations because different states experiences with economic growth and poverty reduction have been so varied. Rural development programmes (RDP) have significant implications for India in terms of poverty alleviation.
THYROID HORMONE ABNORMALITY IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE STROKE- A HOSPITAL BASED CASE CONTROL STUDY
Authors:   Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, Jorhat Medical College &Hospital, Jorhat-1, Assam., Rani Pegu Usha , Choudhuri Alakesh ,   Demonstrator, Department of Biochemistry, Gauhati Medical College & Hospital, Guwahati, Assam., Kr Nath Uttam ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Jorhat Medical College & Hospital, Jorhat-1, Assam.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Stroke or Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is a major cause of disability worldwide. The estimation of serum Total T3, Total T4 and TSH are very much essential in patients with stroke. Any disturbances in thyroid hormones may have negative influence on the outcome of acute phase of strokes. Aims And Objectives: Aims and objective was to estimate the Total T3, Total T4 and TSH of patients with acute Stroke and to compare it with age/sex matched healthy controls. Materials & Methods: This Hospital Based Case Control Study, consist of total 100 subjects out of which 50 were control ,was carried out in Jorhat Medical College & Hospital, Assam for a period of one year, from July 2017 to June 2018. Age more than 40 years of both sexes was included. Estimation for total T3, total T4, and TSH was carried out in Access 2 ImmunoAssay Systems (Beckman Coulter). Cases were selected randomly . Results And Observations: Out of 50 Stroke patients ,the age group of 50 - <60 years constituted the majority of cases(32%) . Greater preponderance of stroke was seen in males (62%) with male to female ratio of 1.63:1. Hemorrhagic stroke was found to be more common than ischemic stroke (54% V/s 46%). Hemorrhagic strokes occurred more in early age than ischemic strokes. The mean ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â± SD of serum Total T3 levels in stroke patients and controls were 0.960 ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â± 0.327 and 1.248 ÃƒÂ‚Ã‚Â± 0.269 respectively, with statistically significant mean value difference (p<0.05) when cases were compared to the controls. A greater number of low T3 was present in ischemic strokes (43.5%) when compared to hemorrhagic strokes (18.5%). Conclusion: Nonthyroidal illness syndrome (Low T3 syndrome) is observed in the present study with decreased T3 values without alteration of T4 and TSH levels. Further studies with a large sample size should attempt to investigate whether treatment of low T3 syndrome can improve the final outcome.
INVESTORS AWARENESS AND PERCEPTION TOWARDS MUTUAL FUND INVESTMENT:AN EXPLORATORY STUDY
Authors:   Professor, Jagan Institute of Management Studies, Rohini., Dhall Neelam , Khandelwal S.K. ,   Professor, Jagan Institute of Management Studies, Rohini., Malik Rashika ,   Research Scholar, Jagan Institute of Management Studies, Rohini., Chawla Nitya ,   PGDM Student, Jagan Institute of Management Studies, Rohini.
Published: August 2021

Mutual Fund as an investment option gives a platform to risk averse investors who do not prefer to take high risk on their hard earned money. In India, Mutual Fund Industry is growing at a rapid pace and has emerged as a vital segment of the financial markets, specifically in channelizing and mobilizing the financial savings of hundreds of individuals in equity and debt instruments. Since investment in mutual funds is influenced by investors perception, the purpose of the present study is to examine investors awareness and perception towards mutual fund as a means of investment. The study is based on primary data collected though a questionnaire from 105 respondents residing in Delhi-NCR.Major reasons for investors preference for mutual fund investment were found to be tax benefit, security, liquidity, return and reliability. Research findings suggest that there is a significant relationship between gender and investors perception with respect to returns in mutual funds. Also, a significant relationship exists between age and investors perception with regard to higher tax shield provided by mutual funds.
GREEN SYNTHESIS OF IRON AND ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES FROM MORINGAOLEIFERAPOD PEEL EXTRACT AND IN-VITRO ANALYSIS OF THEIR ANTIBACTERIAL POTENTIAL
Authors:   Department of Life Science, Mount Carmel College Autonomous, Bengaluru, India., Verma Kumud , Ghosh Shruti ,   Department of Life Science, Mount Carmel College Autonomous, Bengaluru, India., N. Pradeep ,   Department of Nano Science and Technology, Mount Carmel College Autonomous, Bengaluru, India., G.A. Manuel Suba ,   Department of Life Science, Mount Carmel College Autonomous, Bengaluru, India.
Published: August 2021

With the enormous applications nanomaterials offer, this study focuses on antibacterial property of nanoparticles. The study involved green synthesis of iron and zinc oxide nanoparticles from Moringa oleiferapod peel extract and comparison of the bactericidal efficiency of chemically and green synthesized nanoparticles against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus). The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV spectroscopy, SEM-EDS and XRD. In-vitro analysis of antibacterial potential of both chemically and green synthesized iron and zinc oxide nanoparticles was assessed. A comparison of the activity of nanoparticles against E. coli and S. aureus suggested that Gram-positive bacteria are more susceptible to zinc oxide nanoparticles than Gram-negative bacteria. The exact mechanism of the action that justifies this difference in the susceptibility based on the structural differences in cell wall composition is yet to be deciphered. Nevertheless, green synthesis of nanoparticles is emerging as a popular branch of bio-nanotechnology its popularity is attributed to the lesser energy consumption, biocompatibility and less toxicity of the green synthesized nanoparticles to living systems.
ROLE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN RURAL SOCIETY OF INDIA
Authors:   RNB Global University, Bikaner (Rajasthan) - India., a Babita
Published: August 2021

There is a famous saying in Upanishads called SARVESANTU NIRAMAYA means may no one suffers from illness. Medical plants can prevent and cure many diseases and also boosts immunity which is very essential in COVID era. Indian farmers are suffering from poverty, debt traps, health and nutritional issues. Rural farmers by growing medical plants can promote health and nutrition status of the entire population as well as their own socio economic and health status. In this paper we have discussed what are medical plants, how they aid rural India, their spillover effects to entire population problems, solutions, best practices for their cultivation. By tapping the potential of medical plants in rural India, we can make our county ATMANIRBHAR and self-sufficient villages that can realize the dream of Mahatma Gandhi.
EFFECT OF WEARING DIFFERENT TYPES OF FACE MASKS FOR PROLONGED PERIOD OF TIME ON BREATHLESSNESS & PERCEPTION IN HEALTH CARE WORKERS - AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Authors:   Intern Student of Dr. Vithalrao Vikhe Patil College of Physiotherapy, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India., Sunil Bhavthankar Rohit , Kumar Das Arijit ,   Associate-Professor in Dept. of PT in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, Dr. Vithalrao Vikhe Patil College of Physiotherapy, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India., D. Diwate Abhijit ,   Professor & HOD, Dept of Physiotherapy in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, DVVPF's COPT, Ahmednagar.
Published: August 2021

Background- The coronavirus disease, which originated in the city of Wuhan, China, has quickly spread to various countries, with many cases having been reported worldwide. As of May 8th, 2020, in India, 56,342 positive cases have been reported. Masks can help prevent the spread of the virus from the person wearing the mask to others. HCWs need to wear the mask for prolonged period of time as they come in contact with various people and so there are many adverse effects of the mask on the body such as breathlessness etc. Masks include mainly 3 types: N-95 respirators, surgical masks, cloth masks. Methods-The study was conducted at vikhe patil medical hospital and college of Physiotherapy, Ahmednagar.Pre and Post experiences of breathlessness and perception were compared. Result- We have analyzed that N-95 Respirators cause maximum Breathlessness compared to Surgical and cloth masks. In case of feeling stress, N-95 Respirators were the major reason, followed by Surgical Masks.Surgical and N95 Respirators create equal difficulties in communication.Causing pain on posterior aspect of the ear, as well as headache is seen more in N-95 respirators. But while using masks, N-95 has created less agitation compared to Surgical and Cloth Masks. Conclusion- We can conclude that even N-95 is major cause of difficulties, Other masks are creating near about same difficulties but N-95 gives maximum safety. So,preferring N-95 Respirators is a good choice even after having more difficulties.
Effect of Oxygen and Nitrogen Sparging during Grape Fermentation on Volatile Sulphur Compounds
Authors: Lyu X. , Araujo L.D. , Quek S-Y. , du Toit W.J. , Kilmartin P.A.
Published: August 2021

Elemental sulphur is a common fungicide applied in vineyards before harvest, and has been found toincrease the production of desirable polyfunctional mercaptans, but also H2S and unwanted reductivesulphur aroma compounds. This paper investigates the effectiveness of oxygen and nitrogen sparging,applied during fermentation, on the removal of volatile sulphur compounds in Sauvignon blanc wines.Increasing the amount of elemental sulphur added to grapes after pressing, from nil to 10 to 100 mg/L,led to an increase in the formation of 3-mercaptohexanol (3MH), of 3-mercaptohexyl acetate (3MHA) forthe 10 mg/L additions only, and of some unwanted reductive compounds. Few changes were observed inthe concentrations of aroma compounds when the juices were sparged with nitrogen during fermentation.Additions of oxygen during fermentation led to some decrease in the concentration of polyfunctionalmercaptans for the 10 mg/L sulphur additions, but did not significantly remove reductive aroma compounds.Few differences were observed in the concentration of wine phenolics or of further wine aroma familieswith any of the treatments.
Assessing the water quality of Suva foreshore for the establishment of estuary and marine recreational water guidelines in the Fiji Islands
Authors: Lal Praneel Pranesh , Juste-Poinapen M.S. Natacha , Poinapen Johann
Published: August 2021

The Standards for water quality in Fiji defined in the Environment Management Regulations 2007 only relate to effluent discharge into the environment. Urbanisation is contributing to wastewater contamination in receiving estuary and marine recreational waters, thus requiring specific guidelines. To create a baseline for this, a sampling programme with relevant physico-chemical and biological parameters was implemented at 3 sites along the Suva foreshore, for 8 consecutive months, during low and high tides. Analysis was done in triplicates, using standard methods approved for the examination of water and wastewater. In the absence of relevant Fiji guidelines, the results were compared with ANZECC (2000) guidelines for estuary and marine waters. Low DO levels, high COD, TN, NH3, TP, OP and heavy metal concentrations were measured in all 3 sites. For instance, TN and NH3 concentrations as high as 4.44 ±0.99 mg/L and 2.58 ± 0.89 mg/L respectively were recorded in Wailea river (Site 2). The colony counts for the TC, FC and E. coli were in most cases above the limits. These results confirm that wastewater discharges add to the inherent levels of parameters in receiving water bodies and support the need for specific, robust Fiji standards to better monitor water quality in foreshore areas.