bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photophysical study and in vitro approach against Leishmania panamensis of dicloro-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-bromophenyl)porphyrinato Sn(IV)
Authors: Espitia-Almeida Fabián , Diaz-Uribe Carlos , Vallejo William , Gómez-Camargo Doris , Romero Bohórquez Arnold R. , Linares-Flores Cristian 
Published: May 2021

Background:Photodynamic therapy activity against different biological systems has been reported for porphyrins. Porphyrin modifications through peripheral groups and/or by metal insertion inside the ring are main alternatives for the improvement of its photo-physical properties. In this study, we synthesized and characterized 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-bromophenyl)porphyrin and the dicloro-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-bromophenyl)porphyrinato Sn(IV).Methods:Metal-free porphyrin was synthesized using the Alder method, while the Sn(IV)-porphyrin complex was prepared by combining metal-free porphyrin with stannous chloride in DMF; the reaction yields were 47% and 64% respectively. Metal-free porphyrin was characterized by UV-Vis, FT-IR, ESI-mass spectrometry and13C-NMR. Additionally, the Sn(IV) -porphyrin complex was characterized using UV-Vis and FT-IR. Cyclic voltammetry tests in four different solvents. The fluorescence quantum yield (Φf) was measured using fluorescein as a standard, the singlet oxygen quantum yield (ΦD) was estimated using the standard 5,10,15,20-(tetraphenyl)porphyrin (H2TPP) and the quencher of singlet oxygen 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF).Results:UV-Vis assay showed typical Q and Soret bands for porphyrin and its metallo-porphyrin complex. Compounds showed photoluminescence at the visible range of electromagnetic spectrum. The inclusion of the metal in the porphyrin core changed the Φffrom 0.15 to 0.05 and the ΦDincreased from 0.55 to 0.59. Finally, the effect of the compounds on the viability ofL. panamensiswas evaluated by means of the MTT test. The results showed that both compounds decreased the viability of the parasite; this inhibitory activity was greater under light irradiation; the porphyrin compound had IC50of 16.5 μM and the Sn(IV)-porphyrin complex had IC50of 19.2 μM.Conclusion:The compounds were synthesized efficiently, their characterization was carried out by different spectroscopy techniques and their own signals were evidenced for both structures, both compounds decreased the cell viability ofL. panamensis.
A mixed methods protocol to evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of COVID-19 Community Assessment Hubs
Authors: Mulcahy Symmons Sophie , Fox Robert , Mannion Marese , Joyce David , De Brún Aoife , Glynn Liam , Ryan Damien , Keane Niamh , McAuliffe Eilish 
Published: May 2021

Background: Ireland’s health system has been under significant strain due to staff shortages and inadequate capacity. Critical care bed capacity per capita in Ireland is among the lowest in Europe, thus, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has put additional strain on an over-stretched system. COVID-19 Community Assessment Hubs (CAHs) were established to mitigate unnecessary admission to acute hospitals, and reduce infection spread by supporting COVID-19 positive or suspected positive patients to isolate at home, or in isolation facilities. There is some evidence that similar assessment centres may be a successful triage strategy to reduce burden on hospital and acute care. Aim : The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 Community Assessment Hubs on service delivery in two regions in Ireland during the pandemic. Methods: A mixed-methods approach will be used, incorporating co-design to engage stakeholders and ensure informed data capture and analysis. Online surveys will assess CAH patients’ experiences of access to and quality of care. Clinical patient data from CAHs will be collected and analysed using multinomial logistic regression to check for association with patient demographics and COVID-19 symptoms, and CAH early warning scores and outcomes (Transfer to Emergency Department, Transfer to isolation unit, Sent home with care plan). Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with: patients to elicit an in-depth understanding of experiences and acceptability of attending CAHs; and staff to understand challenges, benefits, and effectiveness of CAHs. Interview data will be analysed using thematic analysis. Discussion: This study will provide valuable insights from both patient and staff perspectives on the operation of CAHs. We will evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of CAHs and propose areas for improvement of the service. This will contribute to international literature on the use of community assessment centres during infectious disease pandemics.
Topical oxygen therapy in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: a multicentre, open, randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Serena Thomas E , Bullock Neal M , Cole Windy , Lantis John , Li Lam , Moore Sarah , Patel Keyur , Sabo Matthew , Wahab Naz , Price Patricia 
Published: May 2021

Objectives: Perfusion and blood oxygen levels are frequently insufficient in patients with hard-to-heal wounds due to poor circulation, vascular disruption and vasoconstriction, reducing the wound's capacity to heal. This study aimed to investigate the effect of topical oxygen on healing rates in patients with hard-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) (i.e., non-responsive over four weeks). Method: This multicentre, open-label, community-based randomised clinical trial compared standard care (SOC) with or without continuous topical oxygen therapy (TOT) for 12 weeks in patients with DFUs or minor amputation wounds. SOC included debridement, offloading with total contact casting (TCC) and appropriate moisture balance. Primary endpoints were the number of patients to achieve complete wound closure and percentage change in ulcer size. Secondary endpoints were pain levels and adverse events. Results: For the study, 145 patients were randomised with index ulcers graded Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) 1 or 2, or Wagner 1 or 2. In the intention-to-treat analysis, 18/64 (28.1%) patients healed in the SOC group at 12 weeks compared with 36/81 (44.4%) in the SOC plus TOT group (p=0.044). There was a statistically significant reduction in wound area between the groups: SOC group mean reduction: 40% (standard deviation (SD) 72.1); SOC plus TOT group mean reduction: 70% (SD 45.5); per protocol p=0.005). There were no significant differences in changes to pain levels or adverse events. Conclusion: This study suggests that the addition of TOT to SOC facilitates wound closure in patients with hard-to-heal DFUs.
Procedural and 1-year outcomes following large vessel coronary artery perforation treated by covered stents implantation: Multicentre CRACK registry
Authors: Wańha Wojciech , Januszek Rafał , Kołodziejczak Michalina , Kuźma Łukasz , Tajstra Mateusz , Figatowski Tomasz , Smolarek-Nicpoń Malwina , Gruz-Kwapisz Monika , Tomasiewicz Brunon , Bartuś Jerzy , Łoś Andrzej , Jagielak Dariusz , Roleder Tomasz , Włodarczak Adrian , Kulczycki Jan , Kowalewski Mariusz , Hudziak Damian , Stachowiak Paweł , Gorący Jarosław , Sierakowska Katarzyna , Reczuch Krzysztof , Jaguszewski Miłosz , Dobrzycki Sławomir , Smolka Grzegorz , Bartuś Stanisław , Ochała Andrzej , Gąsior Mariusz , Wojakowski Wojciech 
Published: May 2021

Background
Data regarding the clinical outcomes of covered stents (CSs) used to seal coronary artery perforations (CAPs) in the all-comer population are scarce. The aim of the CRACK Registry was to evaluate the procedural, 30-days and 1-year outcomes after CAP treated by CS implantation.

Methods
This multicenter all-comer registry included data of consecutive patients with CAP treated by CS implantation. The primary endpoint was the composite of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), defined as cardiac death, target lesion revascularization (TLR), and myocardial infarction (MI).

Results
The registry included 119 patients (mean age: 68.9 ± 9.7 years, 55.5% men). Acute coronary syndrome, including: unstable angina 21 (17.6%), NSTEMI 26 (21.8%), and STEMI 26 (21.8%), was the presenting diagnosis in 61.3%, and chronic coronary syndromes in 38.7% of patients. The most common lesion type, according to ACC/AHA classification, was type C lesion in 47 (39.5%) of cases. A total of 52 patients (43.7%) had type 3 Ellis classification, 28 patients (23.5%) had type 2 followed by 39 patients (32.8%) with type 1 perforation. Complex PCI was performed in 73 (61.3%) of patients. Periprocedural death occurred in eight patients (6.7%), of which two patients had emergency cardiac surgery. Those patients were excluded from the one-year analysis. Successful sealing of the perforation was achieved in 99 (83.2%) patients. During the follow-up, 26 (26.2%) patients experienced MACE [7 (7.1%) cardiac deaths, 13 (13.1%) TLR, 11 (11.0%) MIs]. Stent thrombosis (ST) occurred in 6 (6.1%) patients [4(4.0%) acute ST, 1(1.0%) subacute ST and 1(1.0%) late ST].

Conclusions
The use of covered stents is an effective treatment of CAP. The procedural and 1-year outcomes of CAP treated by CS implantation showed that such patients should remain under follow-up due to relatively high risk of MACE.
Downregulation of circ_0037655 impedes glioma formation and metastasis via the regulation of miR-1229-3p/ITGB8 axis
Authors: Zou Wenhui , Cao Yalei , Cheng Kai , Li Changyu , Zhu Fu , Yang Shumao , Jin Maolin , Song Shaojun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
Glioma is the most frequent, highly aggressive primary intracranial malignant tumor. Circular RNA (circRNA) circ_0037655 has been reported to be a vital regulator in glioma. The different functional mechanism behind circ_0037655 was investigated in the current study.

Methods
The expression of circ_0037655, microRNA-1229-3p (miR-1229-3p) and integrin beta-8 (ITGB8) was detected via the quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cellular research was performed via colony formation assay for cell proliferation, flow cytometry for cell cycle and cell apoptosis, scratch assay for cell migration, as well as transwell assay for cell migration and invasion. Western blot was used for detection of ITGB8 protein and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was implemented for the binding analysis of potential targets. In vivo assay was administered via xenograft in mice.

Results
Upregulation of circ_0037655 was affirmed in glioma samples and cells. Tumor formation and metastasis of glioma were inhibited after circ_0037655 was downregulated. miR-1229-3p acted as a target of circ_0037655, and its upregulation was responsible for the function of si-circ_0037655 in glioma cells. miR-1229-3p functioned as a tumor inhibitor in glioma progression by targeting ITGB8. circ_0037655 modulated the ITGB8 expression by targeting miR-1229-3p. In vivo knockdown of circ_0037655 also suppressed glioma tumorigenesis by acting on the miR-1229-3p/ITGB8 axis.

Conclusion
This study showed that downregulation of the expression of circ_0037655 could inhibit glioma progression by acting on the miR-1229-3p/ITGB8 axis. The specific circ_0037655/miR-1229-3p/ITGB8 axis was disclosed in glioma research.
Morphological structures and histochemistry of roots and shoots in Myricaria laxiflora (Tamaricaceae)
Authors: Li Linbao , Wu Di , Zhen Qiaoling , Zhang Jun , Qiu Liwen , Huang Guiyun , Yang Chaodong 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Myricaria laxiflora (Tamaricaceae) is an endangered plant that is narrowly distributed in the riparian zone of the Three Gorges, along the Yangtze River, China. Using bright-field and epifluorescence microscopy, we investigated the anatomical and histochemical features that allow this species to tolerate both submerged and terrestrial environments. The adventitious roots of Myr. laxiflora had an endodermis with Casparian bands and suberin lamellae; the cortex and hypodermal walls had lignified thickenings in the primary structure. In the mature roots, the secondary structure had cork. The apoplastic barriers in stems consisted of a lignified fiber ring and a cuticle at the young stage and cork at the mature stage. The leaves had two layers of palisade tissue, a hyaline epidermis, sunken stomata, and a thick, papillose cuticle. Aerenchyma presented in the roots and shoots. Several Myr. laxiflora structures, including aerenchyma, apoplastic barriers in the roots and shoots, were adapted to riparian habitats. In addition, shoots had typical xerophyte features, including small leaves, bilayer palisade tissues, sunken stomata, a thick, papillose cuticle, and a hyaline epidermis. Thus, our study identified several anatomical features that may permit Myr. laxiflora to thrive in the riparian zone of the Three Gorges, China.
Synthesis and crystal structure of N,N′-bis(4-chlorophenyl)thiourea N,N-dimethylformamide
Authors: Odularu Ayodele T. , Ajibade Peter A. , Oyedeji Opeoluwa O. , Mbese Johannes Z. , Puschmann Horst 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This study is about the synthesis of N,N′-bis(4-chlorophenyl)thiourea N,N-dimethylformamide (C16H17Cl2N3OS) compound. Single crystals of the compound were obtained by slow evaporation of N,N′-bis(4-chlorophenyl)thiourea (C13H10Cl2N2S) in N,N-dimethylformamide (C3H7NO; DMF) through recrystallization under mild condition. Important classical N–H⋯O links the two molecules together. Results revealed that C16H17Cl2N3OS crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21/c with the respective cell parameters of a = 92,360 (4) Å, b = 7.2232 (3) Å, 25.2555 (11) Å, β = 91.376 (3), α = γ = 90°, V = 1684.40 (12) Å3, T = 119.94 (13) K and Z = 4 and Z′ = 1.
Quantitative analysis of volatile compounds of four Chinese traditional liquors by SPME-GC-MS and determination of total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities
Authors: Wang Kai , Ma Bowen , Feng Tao , Chen Da , Yao Linyun , Lu Jun , Sun Min 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The aim of this work was to investigate the volatile compositions of four Chinese functional liquors. For this purpose, volatile compounds of four liquors were extracted with head-space solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and analyzed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) along with the determination of odor activity value (OAV) and relative odor contribution (ROC). Sixty volatiles were tentatively identified and categorized into the following seven groups: alcohols, esters, fatty acids, carbonyl compound, hydrocarbons, phenols, and other components. The differences in chemical composition of volatile compounds were visualized with heat maps. Odorants were compared with different samples using a statistical analysis of Venn diagrams and a multivariate principal component analysis, and ethyl hexanoate, ethyl acetate, and ethyl octanoate were found to be the key odorants. Besides, abundant phenolic contents and high antioxidant ability of four Chinese functional liquors could potentially bring better health-boosting effects.
Funicularity in elastic domes: Coupled effects of shape and thickness
Authors: Accornero Federico , Carpinteri Alberto 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
An historical overview is presented concerning the theory of shell structures and thin domes. Early conjectures proposed, among others, by French, German, and Russian Authors are discussed. Static and kinematic matrix operator equations are formulated explicitly in the case of shells of revolution and thin domes. It is realized how the static and kinematic matrix operators are one the ad-joint of the other, and, on the other hand, it can be rigorously demonstrated through the definition of stiffness matrix and the application of virtual work principle. In this context, any possible omission present in the previous approaches becomes evident. As regards thin shells of revolution (thin domes), the elastic problem results to be internally statically-determinate, in analogy to the case of curved beams, being characterized by a system of two equilibrium equations in two unknowns. Thus, the elastic solution can be obtained just based on the equilibrium equations and independently of the shape of the membrane itself. The same cannot be affirmed for the unidimensional elements without ‚exural stiffness (ropes). Generally speaking, the static problem of elastic domes is governed by two parameters, the constraint reactions being assumed to be tangential to meridians at the dome edges: the shallowness ratio and the thickness of the dome. On the other hand, when the dome thickness tends to zero, the funicularity emerges and prevails, independently of the shallowness ratio or the shape of the dome. When the thickness is finite, an optimal shape is demonstrated to exist, which minimizes the flexural regime if compared to the membrane one.
Zhuangzi, Peirce, and the butterfly dreamscape: concentric meaning in the Qiwulun 齊物論
Authors: Pelkey Jamin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWaking from a vivid dream, the sage finds himself lost between worlds of possibility and ultimately transformed. Zhuangzi’s famous butterfly story may seem familiar, but the text-linguistic structures of its broader interpretive context are little discussed and poorly understood. In this paper I argue that theQíwùlùn齊物論 chapter, like so many other ancient writings, is composed in a concentric, chiastic pattern, with sections in each half mirroring each other throughout, while the central sections provide a pivotal peak and interpretive key that radiate meaning back out to the margins. To quote Mary Douglas, “the meaning is in the middle.” The middle is also the place of Peircean Thirdness. In this paper I map the chapter’s text-level chiastic structures and trace its intimations of Peircean semiotic pragmatism. The core rings of the text endorse contrite fallibilism while also prefiguring triadic structure, the pragmatic maxim, and the continuity thesis. Referencing cultural and historical contexts plus recent scholarship on Zhuangzi and Peirce, I ultimately argue that this ancient text, like the pragmatist semiotic it foreshadows, can be better appreciated and applied by embracing the interplay of centers and margins, discarding debilitating ideologies, and waking up to new degrees of freedom.
STEM investigations of the influence of copper on alumina scale detachment during in-situ wetting experiments of Al-7Si-0.3Mg alloy with 95Sn-5Cu filler metal
Authors: Vayyala Ashok , Aretz Anke , Bobzin Kirsten , Wietheger Wolfgang M. , Hebing Julian , Iskandar Riza , Mayer Joachim , Schmidt Alexander 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Aluminum alloys have a strong tendency to form alumina layers on their surfaces when exposed to atmospheric air, even at room temperature. This is a severe challenge for brazing aluminum alloys as the alumina layer acts as a diffusion barrier and hinders the interactions between the filler metal and the base material. In order to achieve a good metallurgical bond between the filler metal and the aluminum alloy, it is of crucial importance to remove the alumina layer as well as to simultaneously prevent further oxidation of the aluminum alloy.
The current investigation focuses on the detailed micro-structural changes that occur during in-situ brazing of liquid filler metal, 95Sn-5Cu (wt.%) on an aluminum alloy, Al-7Si-0.3Mg. These in-situ studies were performed in a large chamber scanning electron microscope in order to monitor the interactions of the filler metal and the base material, particularly the role of Cu on alumina detachment. After the in-situ experiments, the local surface and cross-sectional regions were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to understand the variation in chemistry across the wetted region, which includes the interfacial region between filler metal and the base material. As the alumina scale present on the aluminum alloy is very thin (<50 nm), nanoscale characterization techniques such as transmission electron microscopy in scanning mode, including selected area electron diffraction for crystal structure determination, were performed. From this investigation, it was found that the Cu in liquid filler metal diffuses into the base material via the oxide layer, resulting in the formation of Al2Cu intermetallic precipitates.
GazeWheels: Recommendations for using wheel widgets for feedback during dwell-time gaze input
Authors: Fernandez Misahael , Mathis Florian , Khamis Mohamed 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
We present GazeWheels: a series of visual feedback methods for dwell-based gaze input in the form of a wheel that is filled gradually until target selection. We evaluate three variations: Resetting, Pause & Resume and Infinite GazeWheel, and study how dwell duration and visual feedback position (co-located vs remote) impact performance. Findings from a user study (N = 19) show that Infinite and Pause & Resume GazeWheels are error prone but significantly faster than Resetting GazeWheel even when including error correction time. We conclude with five design recommendations.
The formulation and efficacy of topical Dorema ammoniacum in treating Melasma: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Javedan Kani , Hydarpur Fatemeh , Mohammadi Pour Pardis , Najafi Fariba , Mirzaeei Shahla , Rahimi Roja , Gravandi Mohammad Mehdi , Farzaei Mohammad Hosein 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Objectives
An acquired melanin-related hyperpigmentation that occurs in sun exposure areas is Melasma which presents as gray-brown ridges and macules with prominent margins on the skin. The aim of this assay was to assess the formulation and efficacy of topical Dorema ammoniacum among Melasma patients.

Methods
This study was a 30 days double-blind, randomized clinical trial in Melasma with a placebo group. The study was carried out on 49 patients with Melasma attending Haji Daii Nursing Center in Kermanshah, Iran. Optimized topical formulation of D. ammoniacum gum extract was prepared by evaluating the characteristics of different topical formulations of this plant. Mean Melasma severity index (MMASI) instrument was applied to assess the product effectiveness and to determine the skin stains. Patients were pursued to receive the treatment throughout the 30 days trial. This scaling was accomplished before the intervention and 30 days after the use of the herbal product. To analyze the quantitative variables, t-test and Mann–Whitney test were evaluated by SPSS 21 software, and p-value <0.05 was considered as the statistically significant.

Results
The survey was performed on 40 female subjects (81.6%) and nine male subjects (18.4%) with the mean age of 32.18 ± 8.69. According to the results, the mean MSI in the drug group was significantly lower than before treatment and decreased from 86.98 ± 69.48 to 31.03 ± 32.62 (p-value <0.05).

Conclusions
In compliance with findings this survey revealed a positive effect of the cream formulation of D. ammoniacum extract on Melasma. As it was represented no side effects, this formulation is appropriate for the treatment of Melasma.