bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Engineering Geological and Petrological Characterization of Paleoweathered Rock in The K1/j2 Contact Zone in the Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Zhu Tingen , Li wenping , Wang Qiqing , Hu Yanbo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Various geological processes (mineral composition, structure, tectonics and weathering, etc.) affect the physical-mechanical properties of rock. Petrological and engineering geological characteristics of paleoweathered rock (PWR) from the K1/J2 contact zone are described in detail via field investigation and experimental testing. This PWR exhibits mainly sandy grains and mud structures, layered and massive strata, and calcareous and argillaceous cements; fissures are developed and often filled with argillaceous and detrital materials; 9 minerals and 7 oxides are present, and quartz is present in each sample. Long-term weathering results in a consistent bulk density and high porosity due to the transformation of primary minerals into secondary clay minerals, forming PWR that undergoes argillization in water. The axial point load strength (PLS) is the largest among the tested PLSs, followed by the diametral PLS, and the irregular PLS. The uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) varies widely, but the results are reliable. The mineralogical, physical and mechanical properties of the PWR are compared to predict one parameter from another and study their mutual influence. The PLS and UCS of the PWR are negatively correlated with the elastic mineral group (EMG) content, weathering alteration indexes, water content, and total porosity and positively correlated with the quartz content, brittle mineral group (BMG) content, bulk density, real density, and longitudinal wave velocity. The UCS and the PLS, axial (diametral) PLS and irregular PLS are positively correlated. These results provide a theoretical basis for physical and mechanical property prediction of PWR masses and rapid estimation of UCS in engineering.
Hydrothermal-alkaline conversion of sewage sludge: Focus on optimization of process parameters and characterization of humic acid
Authors: Qiu Chen , Xu Wenbing , Wang Yanjie , Yang Jiakuan , Su Xintai , Lin Zhang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Sewage sludge (SS) dewatering is a key step in sludge disposal, which plays an important role in reducing sludge volume, facilitating transportation and subsequent treatment. In recent years, many studies have focused on sludge hydrothermal dewatering, while resource recovery during this process is less studied, especially humic substances. In this paper, a facile and low-cost hydrothermal-alkaline treatment for SS was proposed, which can be used for sludge dewatering and humic acid (HA) recycling at the same time. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the optimal conditions, and a mathematical model was established to accurately predict the change of sludge water content and the extraction rate of HA. Under the optimal conditions of 170 °C/42 min/0.05 (for hydrothermal temperature, hydrothermal time and mass ratio of KOH to wet sludge, respectively), the water content decreased to 46.7% and the extraction rate of HA (with a purity of 96.2%) was 89.1%. The improvement of the dewatering performance effectively facilitates the subsequent disposal of the sludge. The extraction of HA not only solves the problem that the sludge separation liquid needs further treatment, but also has potential economic value in agriculture, biological medicine, environment and other fields.
Potassium Modified Carbon Nitride as a Highly Efficient and Recyclable Catalyst in Knoevenagel Reaction
Authors: Di Jia-Qi , Chen Yu-Xuan , Zhang Zhanhui 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A simple calcination method has been developed to prepare potassium-doped carbon nitride (K-CN). The prepared K-CN was characterized and analyzed by fourier infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction technology (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and other techniques. It has been proved to be a green and recyclable catalyst for Knoevenagel condensation of benzaldehydes with malononitrile. The reaction system has the characteristics of mild reaction conditions, simple operation, and environmental protection. The catalyst still maintains high catalytic activity and excellent chemical stability after being recycled for six times.
Refinement of future Arctic sea-ice projections
Authors: Docquier David , Koenigk Torben 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Arctic sea ice has been retreating at unprecedented pace over the past decades. Model projections show that the Arctic Ocean could be almost ice free in summer by the middle of this century. However, the uncertainties related to these projections are relatively large. Here we use 33 global climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 (CMIP6) in order to reduce these uncertainties. We select the models that best capture the observed Arctic sea-ice area and volume and northward ocean heat transport to refine model projections of Arctic sea ice. This model selection leads to smaller Arctic sea-ice area and volume relative to the multi-model mean without model selection and summer ice-free conditions could occur as early as around 2035. These results highlight a potential underestimation of the future Arctic sea-ice loss when including all models.
Rhizophagus Proliferus Genome Sequence Reiterates Conservation of Genetic Traits in AM Fungi, but Predicts Putative Higher Saprotrophic Activity
Authors: Singh Pushplata Prasad , Srivast Divya , Shukla Sadhana , - Varsha , Adholeya Alok 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Unavailability of the genome sequences of several species of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi limits the opportunities for optimizing these biofertilizer species for agricultural benefits. The present work comprises the first draft of the genome sequence of Rhizophagus proliferus, which is an important AM species present in biofertilizer consortia for agricultural purpose. The estimated genome size of Rhizophagus proliferus is ~ 110 Mbps and the created genomic assembly using the paired-end Illumina reads is 94.35% complete. Genome mining was carried out to identify putative gene families important for biological functions. A total of #22,526 protein-coding genes were estimated in the genome, with an abundance of kinases and reduced number of glycoside hydrolases as compared to other fungal classes. A striking finding in the R. proliferus genome was a higher number of carbohydrate esterases (CE), which may suggest towards presence of higher saprotrophic activity in this species as compared to the previously reported AM fungi. The genome sequence and annotation of R. proliferus presented here would serve as an important reference for functional genomics studies required for developing biofertilizer formulations in future. In addition, the findings from this work may also prove important in deciphering molecular mechanisms in AM fungi that govern the host-specific interaction and associated agriculture benefits.
Effect of Time of Cord Clamping on Serum Bilirubin Level among Full Term Babies Born at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital: A Three Arm Randomized Control Trial.
Authors: Tesfaye Biruk Hailu , Gebremariam Mulugeta Betre , Estifanos Abiy Seifu , Gebremedhin Asrat D. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Delayed cord clamping (DCC) above one minute is associated with nutritional and developmental benefits for newborns. DCC could also lead to elevated serum bilirubin, leading to jaundice that require phototherapy at the early ages of life. However, evidence on the relationship between DCC and outcomes is limited in resource-limited settings.
Objective

To evaluate the effect of the time of cord clamping on serum bilirubin level at 24 hours post-birth in an Ethiopian Tertiary Care hospital.
Methods

A three-arm, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted between October 2019-January 2020 targeting healthy, full-term neonates. Study participants were randomly assigned into one of the following interventions depending on the timing of cord clamping: immediate cord clamping (< 30 seconds), intermediate cord clamping (60 sec), and delayed cord clamping (180 seconds). The primary outcome is serum bilirubin level in the newborns, which was assessed at 24−hour after birth and before they were discharged home.
Descriptive analysis was applied to
assess differences between groups in terms of demographic,
obstetric, and social characteristics of participants, while a
linear regression model was employed to examine the association
between cord clamping time and serum bilirubin level.
STATA version 14 was used for statistical analyses.
Result

A total of 141 term newborns were included and randomized into the three categories. Demographic, social and obstetrics factors of the women were not different across groups except labor duration that had a P-value < 0.05. Time of cord clamping was not a significant predictor of total serum bilirubin levels at 24 hours post-birth, whereas cord blood total serum bilirubin (coef. 0.24; p < 0.05) and bilirubin nomogram high-risk zone (Coef. 6.25; p < 0.001) were significant predictors.
Conclusion

Time of umbilical cord clamping does not affect the total serum bilirubin level of neonates at least within 24 hours of birth.
Bleeding In Head And Neck Malignancy : Institution Based Management And Review
Authors: Saldanha Elroy , Jain Amar , Patel Dhruv , Joseph Bonny , Ghosh Sandeep , Dhakad Vinod , Desai Sanjay 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Introduction:Squamous cell carcinoma constitutes for >90% of head and neck cancers. Acute rupture of irradiated, large vessels is life-threatening complication. The distribution of bleeding foci is diverse and can range from internal or common carotid arteries to branches of the external carotid artery. We intend to assess the management of patients presented in our institution with such acute bleeding episodes and also review the management of carotid blowout syndrome which is an oncological emergency.Methods:Retrospective observational study of 27 cases presented in our institution with acute bleeding due to head and neck cancer for period of two years. After resuscitation and necessary consents, emergency open tracheostomy was done with universal precautions. ECA/CCA ligation was done. All the patients were started on low molecular weight heparin 8 hours post surgery. Therapeutic outcomes were assessed based on simple frequencies and proportions.Results:Of the 27 cases presented in our institution, 19 of them underwent ECA ligation while 8 of them CCA ligation for the control of active bleeding. 12 of 27 patients were receiving definitive chemoradiation of which 7 of them were ongoing. Remaining 15 patients were receiving adjuvant radiotherapy following surgery.19 patients who underwent ECA ligation, had no further bleeding episodes. 8 patients who underwent CCA ligation, had only wound related complications and none of them had neurological deficits. 11 patients were operated during covid-19 period. 4 patients turned out covid positive. None of the medical personnel contacted the infection.Conclusion:Radiotherapy is one the major contributor for CBS. Endovascular procedures can be used for local tumour bleed, threatened, impending and stable acute CBS. Surgical CCA ligation done in bleeds unsuccessful by endovascular procedure and in acute unstable CBS. ECA ligation is safe and effective method to control local tumor bleed. Surgical finesse, careful planning, adherence to universal precautions and institutional protocol can reduce Covid-19 transmission to medical personnel in this testing times.
Effect of EPA on Hsp 90 and GRα Protein Expression in Multiple Myeloma Drug-resistant Cells
Authors: Wu Shenghao , Chen Yuemiao , Wang Xueshuang , Weng Shanshan , Zhou Wenjin , Liu Zhen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundApproximately 20% of MM patients harbor glucocorticoid(GC) resistance and are not responsive to therapeutic effect. Chaperoneheat-shock proteins Hsp90 is needed for ligand docking, The imbalance of Hsp90/GRα(glucocorticoid receptor α) may be an important cause of GC resistance. Recent studies have indicated that EPA could repress cancer cell growth by regulating critical influential factors in progression of cancer, consisting of resistance to drugs, chemosensitivity. The aim of the present study was to test the cytotoxic effects of EPA alone or EPA+Dexamethasone in dexamethasone-resistant MM cell(MM.1R) and investigate whether DHA can induce apoptosis and reverse acquired glucocorticoid resistance in dexamethasone-resistant MM cell(MM.1R).MethodsCell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to detect the proliferation of MM.1R cells after treating with EPA alone and EPA combined with DEX. Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by flow cytometry and GRα and Hsp90 protein expression were assessed by western blot analysis.ResultsEPA alone was able to inhibit cell proliferation as evidenced by CCK-8 assay and the tumor growth was remarkably suppressed by EPA+Dexamethasone, Cell apoptosis after EPA treatment was obviously observed by Flow cytometry analysis of the mitochondrial membrane potential. Analysis of Hsp90 and GRα proteins in MM.1R cells incubated with EPA revealed down-regulation of Hsp90 and up-regulation of GRα. Accordingly, the Hsp90/GRα ratio was significantly decreased with the increase of EPA concentration. ConclusionsEPA might be used as a new effective treatment for reversal of glucocorticoid-resistance in multiple myeloma.
Emergence of Multidrug-resistance Bacteria Isolated of Drinking Water, Groundwater and Hospital Wastewater in Southern Benin: Antibiotic Resistance Profile and Resistomes Determination
Authors: Koudokpon Hornel , Dougnon Victorien , Lougbegnon Christelle , Agbankpe Alidehou Jerrold , Avodagbe Gérardine , Saidou Souad , Bankole Honoré , Baba-Moussa Lamine 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The environment plays an important role in the dissemination of multidrug resistant bacteria, especially through the aquatic ecosystem, which is made up of liquid hospital effluents, rivers, but also spring water and drinking water. This study aims to determinate resistomes in some aquatic matrices in southern Benin.Methods: These samples were filtered through a membrane 0.22 µm thick. After filtration, the membrane was deposited on Muëller Hinton agar. Then the colonies resulting from this subculture were subjected to a microbiological examination by the conventional method. The antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out by the Kirby Bauer method according to the recommendations of the French Society of Microbiology. Resistance genes were looked for by standard PCR and the PCR products were used for agarose gel electrophoresis.Results: Of the 222 water samples collected, 265 bacterial strains were isolated, the majority of which were strains of Coagulase Negative Staphylococcus (CNS) with 37.74% (n = 100), followed by strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae (21.89%; n = 58), Escherichia coli (10.57%; n = 28). All isolated gram-negative bacilli strains are multidrug resistant with resistance of all strains to amoxicillin, ampicillin and amoxicillin + clavulanic acid. Of the 15 resistance genes sought in the genome of Gram-negative bacilli strains, only 8 were detected, namely the TEM, SHV, CTX-M15, VIM, NDM, SUL1, SUL2 and AADA genes. Strong resistance of CNS strains to amoxicillin, oxacillin and cefoxitin was observed. The Mec A gene was detected in all CNS strains. While the Van A and Van B genes were only detected in strains isolated from drinking water in sachets collected from producers and street sellers.Conclusion: These results show the dissemination of resistance genes in the aquatic ecosystem of Benin and once again confirms the urgency of a global fight against antimicrobial resistance.
A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study on Activated Protein C Resistance (Factor V Leiden): an Independent, Gender-dependent Risk Factor for Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Takhviji Vahideh , Zibara Kazem , Maleki Asma , Azizi Ebrahim , Hommayoun Sanaz , Tabatabaei Mohammadreza , Ahmadi Seyed Esmaeil , Soleimani Maral , Ghalesardi Omid Kiani , Farokhian Mina , Davari Afshin , Khosravi Abbas 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Activated protein C resistance (APCR) due to factor V R506Q (Leiden) mutation is a major risk factor in patients with venous thromboembolism. The present study investigated the symptoms patterns and the risk for venous thromboembolism regarding multiple clinical, laboratory, and demographic properties in APCR patients.Material and Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a total of 288 APCR patients with age interval ranging between 1 to 80 years. In addition, 288 control samples, reported healthy after confirmatory tests, were also randomly selected. Demographic information, clinical manifestations, family and treatment history were recorded, and specific tests applied.Results: APCR was found to be 2.3 times significantly more likely in men (OR: 2.1, p < 0.05) than women. The risk of DVT and PE in APCR patients was 4.5 and 3.2 times more than the normal group, respectively (p < 0.05). However, APCR could not be an independent risk factor for arterial thrombosis and pregnancy complications. Moreover, patients were evaluated for thrombophilia panel tests and showed significantly lower protein C and S than the control group and patients without DVT (p<0.0001).Conclusion: Factor V Leiden mutation and APCR abnormality are noticeable independent risk factors for venous thromboembolism. Screening strategies for factor V Leiden mutation in patients undergoing surgery, oral contraceptive medication, and pregnancy cannot be recommended, but a phenotypic test for activated protein C resistance should be endorsed in patients with venous thromboembolism.
Low Expression of SCN4B Correlated with DNA Hypermethylation and Poor Prognosis in Non-small Cell Lung&nbsp;Cancer
Authors: Yu Meixiang , Wang Zi , Lv Qianzhou , Yang Wanhua 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background:Voltage-gated sodium channels β subunits 4 (SCN4B), a tumor suppressor, was previously reported to be associated with DNA methylation and poor prognosis in multiple cancers except lung cancer. This study aimed to explore whether the low expression of SCN4B was correlated with DNA methylation and clinical prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) . Methods:The gene expression profiles (GDS3837and GSE50081) were extracted from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis was performed to explore the expression of SCN4B in NSCLC tissue compared with normal tissue, with the cut-oﬀ value p < 0.05 and the absolute value of the log2 fold change ≥ 1.5. Immunohistochemistry staining was used to validated its expression using The Human Protein Atlas database. And MPRESS was used to analysis the relations of SCN4B expression between DNA methylation. Then, the Fisher exact and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to calculate the associations of SCN4B expression with NSCLC clinicopathological features such as clinical grade and tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, while Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and cox regression analysis were performed to estimate the prognostic value of SCN4B expression in NSCLC. Results: Our DEGS analysis results showed a significantly decreased expression of SCN4B (p=6.5e-22) in NSCLC, which were validated by immunohistochemistry staining. Besides, this decreasing trend continued as the clinical grade and T stage advanced (p<0.05). There was a negative correlation between the SCN4B expression and DNA promoter methylation (p<0.01). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicated that NSCLC patients with low expression of SCN4B had a worse prognosis than those with high expression (p < 0.004). Meanwhile, univariate and multivariate analysis indicated SCN4B expression was an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for OS in NSCLC (Hazard Ratio= 0.236, p = 0.009; Hazard Ratio=0.219, p = 0.003, respectively).Conclusions: SCN4B expression was significantly downregulated in NSCLC, which might be attributed to DNA promoter hypermethylation. The low expression of SCN4B indicated a potential unfavorable prognostic factor for NSCLC patients.
Unified Strategy to Prostaglandins: Chemoenzymatic Total Synthesis of Cloprostenol, Bimatoprost, PGF2α, Fluprostenol, and Travoprost Guided by Biocatalytic Retrosynthesis
Authors: Zhu Kejie , Jiang Meifen , Ye Baijun , Zhang Guotai , Li Weijian , Tang Pei , Huang Zedu , Chen Fener 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Development of efficient and stereoselective synthesis of prostaglandins (PGs) is of utmost importance, owing to their valuable medicinal applications and unique chemical structures. We report here a unified synthesis of PGs cloprostenol, bimatoprost, PGF2α, fluprostenol, and travoprost from the readily available dichloro-containing bicyclic ketone 6a guided by biocatalytic retrosynthesis, in 11-12 steps with 2.9-6.5% overall yields. A Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase (BVMO)-catalyzed stereoselective oxidation of 6a (99% ee), and a ketoreductase (KRED)-catalyzed diastereoselective reduction of enones 12 (87 : 13 to 99 : 1 dr) were utilized in combination for the first time to set the critical stereochemical configurations under mild conditions. Another key transformation was the copper (II)-catalyzed regioselective p-phenylbenzoylation of the secondary alcohol of diol 10 (3.8 : 1 rr). This study not only provides an alternative route to the highly stereoselective synthesis of PGs, but also showcases the usefulness and great potential of biocatalysis in construction of complex molecules.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin-based Adjuvant Therapy for Severe COVID-19: a Single-center Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hou Xiao , Tian Li , Zhou Lei , Jia Xinhua , Kong Li , Xue Yitao , Hao Hao , Meng Xianqing , Zhang Feihu , Dong Xiaobin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a major challenge facing the world. Certain guidelines recommend intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for adjuvant treatment of COVID-19. However, there is a lack of clinical evidence to support the use of IVIG.Methods This single-center retrospective cohort study included all adult patients with laboratory-confirmed severe COVID-19 in the Respiratory and Critical Care Unit of Dabie Mountain Regional Medical Center, China. Patient information, including demographic data, laboratory indicators, the use of glucocorticoids and IVIG, hospital mortality, the application of mechanical ventilation, and the length of hospital stay was collected. The primary outcome was the composite end point, including death and the use of mechanical ventilation. The secondary outcome was the length of hospital stay.Results Of the 285 patients with confirmed COVID-19, 113 severely ill patients were included in this study. Compared with the non-IVIG group, more patients in the IVIG group reached the composite end point [12 (25.5%) vs 5 (7.6%), P=0.008]. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the primary outcome between the two groups (P=0.167) after adjusting for confounding factors. Patients in the IVIG group had a longer hospital stay [23.0 (19.0-31.0) vs 16.0 (13.8-22.0), P<0.001]. After adjusting for confounding factors, there was still a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.041).Conclusion Adjuvant therapy with IVIG did not improve the in-hospital mortality rate or the need for mechanical ventilation in patients with severe COVID-19. In contrast, the application of IVIG was related to a longer hospital stay.