bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial Fuel Cell: Study of Bioresource Potential of Dairy Effluent and Associated Process Limitations
Authors: Fazal Umair , Tabish AN , Akbar Samina , Farhat Iqra , Irshad Muneed , Kazmi Mohsin , Ali Haider , Irfan Muhammad 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are devices that exploit the electrochemically active microorganisms for the oxidative conversion of organic compounds into electricity. MFC technology is therefore expected to be a viable solution for domestic and industrial wastewater treatment as an alternative to the currently applied activated-sludge process. Despite its potential, the technology is facing application challenges because of high cost, low stability, and limited understanding of cell design and operation. In this experimental study, a double-chambered MFC with graphite electrodes and a proton-conducting membrane is used in a batch mode to study the potential of resource recovery from dairy effluent and identify the process limitations. Results showed a promising cell performance as the chemical oxygen demand of the wastewater reduced from 4520 mg/l to 850 mg/l in 10 days including the time required for biofilm development. The highest open-circuit voltage of 396 mV was recorded on the third day along with the highest power density of 36.39 mW/m 2 corresponding to a current density of 0.30 A/m 2 . Further, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that the activation polarization of aerated cathode is the main contributor to cell internal resistance followed by the ohmic resistance.
Risk assessment in interstitial lung disease: the incremental prognostic value of cardiopulmonary ultrasound
Authors: Zhu Wei-wei , Li Hong , Li Yidan , Sun Lanlan , Kong Lingyun , Ye Xiaoguang , Cai Qizhe , Lv Xiu-zhang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background The mortality risk of chronic interstitial lung disease (ILD) is currently assessed using the ILD-GAP score. The present study evaluates whether the addition of cardiopulmonary ultrasound parameters to the ILD-GAP score can further improve the predictive value of ILD-GAP.Methods Medical records from 91 patients with ILD hospitalized from June 2015 to March 2016 were retrospectively examined. The Lung ultrasound (LUS) score, right ventricular (RV) function, and mechanics were obtained from the cardiopulmonary ultrasound. The ILD-GAP score was calculated from demographic characteristics and pulmonary function parameters. Patients were followed up with until May 2020. The primary endpoint was all-cause death.Results After exclusions, 74 patients with ILD were included in the analysis. During the follow-up period, 36 patients with ILD survived (ILDs), and 38 patients died (ILDd). Compared to ILDs, the ILDd cases exhibited a higher number of B-lines, LUS score, and RV end-diastolic base dimension (RVD), but lower RV function. In multivariate analysis, the ILD-GAP score (hazard ratio, 2.88; 95%CI 1.38–5.99, P = 0.005), LUS score (hazard ratio 1.13; 95%CI 1.04–1.24, P = 0.006), and RVD (hazard ratio 1.09, 95%CI 1.03–1.16, P = 0.004) were significantly related to the risk of death. Adding the LUS score and RVD to the ILD-GAP score significantly improved the predictive value compared to the ILD-GAP score alone (C statistics 0.90 vs 0.76, P=0.018 ).Conclusion We investigated the utility of a new prognostic model for ILD that includes both cardiopulmonary ultrasound parameters (LUS score and RVD) and the ILD-GAP score. This model better reflects the severity of pulmonary fibrosis and cardiac involvement, and has incremental predictive value over the ILD-GAP score alone.
Combination of Ad-SGE-REIC and Bevacizumab Modulates Glioma Progression by Suppressing Invasion and Angiogenesis
Authors: Hattori Yasuhiko , Kurozumi Kazuhiko , Otani Yoshihiro , Uneda Atsuhito , Tsuboi Nobushige , Fujii Kentaro , Tomita Yusuke , Oka Tetsuo , Matsumoto Yuji , Shimazu Yosuke , Michiue Hiroyuki , Kumon Hiromi , Date Isao 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Reduced expression in immortalized cells/Dickkopf-3 (REIC/Dkk-3) is a tumor suppressor and its overexpression has been shown to exert anti-tumor effects as a therapeutic target gene in many human cancers. Recently, we demonstrated the anti-glioma effects of an adenoviral vector carrying REIC/Dkk-3 with the super gene expression system (Ad-SGE-REIC). Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatments such as bevacizumab have demonstrated convincing therapeutic advantage in patients with glioblastoma. However, bevacizumab could not improve overall survival in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. In this study, we examined the effects of Ad-SGE-REIC on glioma treated with bevacizumab. Treatment of Ad-SGE-REIC resulted in significant reduced numbers of invasion cells treated with bevacizumab.. Western blot analyses revealed increased expression of several endoplasmic reticulum stress markers in cells treated with both bevacizumab and Ad-SGE-REIC and decreased β-catenin protein levels. Expressions of apoptosis markers were also increased in cells with combination therapy. In malignant glioma mouse models, overall survival was extended in the combination therapy group. These results suggest that the combination therapy of Ad-SGE-REIC and bevacizumab exerts anti-glioma effects by suppressing angiogenesis and invasion of tumors. Combined Ad-SGE-REIC and bevacizumab might indicate a promising strategy for the treatment of malignant glioma.
Emergence of mobilized colistin resistance-1 in multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli isolates from the Henan province in China: a multicentre study
Authors: Li Yi , Yan Wenjuan , Zhang Qi , Jing Nan , Yuan Youhua , Zhang Yi , Ren Siying , Hu Dongmei , Zhao Wenmin , Shi Caiqin , Wang Meiyun , Zhang Xiaojuan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

The increased clinical use of polymyxin led to the emergence of polymyxin-resistant strains, especially those carrying plasmid-borne mobilized colistin resistance (mcr) gene variants. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of polymyxin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli isolates from the Henan province, China.
Methods

A total of 16 polymyxin-resistant isolates among 2301 E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates collected in 6 local hospitals in the Henan province were studied. The isolates were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using the microbroth dilution technique. Polymyxin-resistant isolates were further analysed for mcr-1 and carbapenemase-mediated resistance using the modified carbapenem inactivation method, the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-modified carbapenem inactivation method, and polymerase chain reaction. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) were performed to disclose the phylogenetic relationships of the polymyxin-resistant isolates. The clinical characteristics of patients infected with the polymyxin-resistant isolates were also retrospectively analysed.
Results

5/1499 (0.3%) and 11/802 (1.4%) E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates, respectively, were polymyxin-resistant. The MICs of polymyxin were in the range of 4–64 µg/mL and all of the 16 polymyxin-resistant isolates were susceptible to tigecycline. Additionally, four of the five E. coli polymyxin-resistant isolates were mcr-1 positive; one of them was also carbapenem-resistant, carrying blaNDM−5. Conversely, only 1/11 K. pneumoniae isolates was mcr-1 positive, while 9 polymyxin-resistant isolates were also carbapenem-resistant (PRCRKP), carrying blaKPC−2 but not mcr-1. MLST results showed that the five E. coli isolates belonged to four sequence types (STs), including ST2, ST132, ST632, and ST983, while all PRCRKP isolates belonged to ST11. However, all 16 isolates showed different PFGE types using a genetic similarity of ≥ 95%. Furthermore, 33.3% (5/15) of the patients carrying polymyxin-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates showed a history of polymyxin use, and 10/15 (66.7%) patients displayed good clinical outcomes.
Conclusion

The polymyxin resistance rate of K. pneumoniae was slightly higher than that of E. coli in the Henan province; however, mcr-1 was only detected in one K. pneumoniae isolate. Thus, close monitoring is needed to prevent and control the spread of PRCRKP.
Degradation analysis with characteristics and simulations of 265 nm UVC-LED
Authors: Zhu Xinglin , Su Mengwei , Chen Zhiqiang , Deng Shaodong , Yao Huilu , Wang Yukun , Chen Ziqian , Deng Jianyu , Sun Wenhong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We report the degradation study on AlGaN-based 265 nm ultraviolet light emitting diodes (UV-LEDs) under a series of constant current stress. The failure mechanisms were investigated systematically by measuring the optical and electrical characteristics of the LEDs before and after aging. The variation of carrier concentration in the active region was analyzed by capacitance-voltage. Combining the extracted apparent charge distribution profiles with the simulation results of the devices before and after the stress, we found that the change of carrier concentration in the multiple quantum wells was related to the donor diffusion on the n-side. On the p-side, both the acceptor concentration of electron blocking layer (EBL) and the defects in p-GaN contact layer were also found to be under constant change. The reduction of the EBL doping concentration has contributed to an increase of the diode depletion width during the stress. The changes in the LEDs before and after stressing indicate a compensating effect occurred in the p-type EBL close to the quantum wells, which leads to the degradation of the optical power of the 265 nm UV-LEDs.
Effect of early Trimetazidine on infarct size in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: QIAN GENG , Zhang Ying , A Xin , Jiang Xiaosi , Jiang Zichao , Li Tao , Dong Wei , Guo Jun , Chen Yundai 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Trimetazidine, a metabolic agent with anti-ischemic effects, was reported to reduce reperfusion injury in animal models. In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, we investigated the effects of trimetazidine on reducing infarction size in patients undergoing revascularization for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: Patients with STEMI randomly received trimetazidine (n=87) or placebo (n= 86) in a double-blind manner before primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and study treatment was maintained for 12 months after the procedure. The primary endpoint was infarction size measured by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) after primary PCI. Results: The clinical characteristics of patients (90% male, mean age 57±12 years) in both groups were well-matched on the baseline. Compared with patients in control group, the percentage and weight of infarction size of patients in trimetazidine group were both significantly lower (22.1±11.8% [n =74] vs. 26.9±11.9% [n=74], p=0.010; 28±18g [n =74] vs. 35±19g [n=74], p=0.022), the myocardial microvascular obstruction (MVO) rate measured by CMR was lower in trimetazidine group (29.7% [22/7] vs. 52.7% [39/74], p=0.007), while myocardial salvage index (MSI) was significantly higher in trimetazidine group (48±20% vs. 39±27%, p=0.008). The incidence of readmission due to aggravated heart failure in trimetazidine group was lower than that in the control group without significance (8.0% vs 14.0%, p=0.234). Conclusions: Our study provides suggests that trimetazidine initiated prior to primary PCI, improves myocardial infarct size, MVO and MSI, possibly by reducing reperfusion injury.
Combined effect of hyperhomocysteinemia and smoking on the severity of coronary artery disease in young adults ≤35 years of age：a hospital-based observational study
Authors: Sun Jiayin , Han Wei , Wu Sijing , Jia Shuo , Yan Zhenxian , Guo Yonghe , Zhao Yingxin , Zhou Yujie , Liu Xiaoli 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) continues to increase among young Chinese adults. Current smoking has been recognized as a major risk factor for premature CAD, and hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHcy) has also been suggested to be associated with CAD progression. However, the combined effect of current smoking and HHcy on the severity of coronary artery stenosis in young adults is still uncertain.Methods: We consecutively collected young patients (18-35 years of age), diagnosed with CAD and underwent coronary angiography (CAG) at Anzhen Hospital between January 2013 and May 2020. HHcy was defined as serum homocysteine (Hcy) level>15µmol/L. The severity of coronary artery stenosis was evaluated by Gensini Score. The co-effect of current smoking and HHcy on CAD severity as well as the relationship between plasma Hcy, pack-years of smoking and CAD severity were assessed by multivariate linear regression analysis.Results: A total of 989 participants (mean age, 33 years; 96.2% male) fulfilling the criteria were enrolled in this study. Patients with both HHcy and current smoking accounted for 39.1% of all the subjects. Multivariate liner analysis indicated both serum Hcy levels (β 0.320; 95% CI 0.159-0.481; P<0.001) and pack-years of smoking (β 0.448; 95% CI 0.193-0.704; P=0.001) were independently associated with the severity of coronary artery stenosis after adjusting for other traditional confounders. In addition, serum Hcy levels were correlated with pack-years of smoking in young CAD patients (r=0.116, P=0.001). Moreover, combination of HHcy and current smoking was suggested to have higher risk for CAD severity (β 18.491; 95% CI 12.011-24.971; P<0.001), compared with HHcy (β 7.894; 95% CI 0.506-15.282; P=0.036) or current smoking (β 7.849; 95% CI 1.075-14.623; P=0.023) alone. Conclusion: Combination of HHcy and smoking is independently associated with the severity of CAD in young patients ≤35 years of age.
Biomarkers and Heterogeneous Fibroblast Phenotype Associated with Incisional Hernia
Authors: Agrawal Devendra K. , Thankam Finosh G. , Larsen Nicholas K. , Verghese Ann , Bui Thao-Nguyen , Fitzgibbons Robert J 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Development of incisional hernia (IH) is multifactorial but inflammation and abdominal wall ECM (extracellular matrix) disorganization are key pathological events. We investigated if the differential expression of fibroblast biomarkers reflects the cellular milieu and the dysregulated ECM in IH tissues. Expression of fibroblast biomarkers, including connective tissue growth factor, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), CD34 (cluster of differentiation 34), cadherin-11 and fibroblast specific protein 1 (FSP1), was examined by histology and immunofluorescence in the hernial-fascial ring/neck tissue (HRT) and hernia sack tissue (HST) harvested from the patients undergoing hernia surgery and compared with normal fascia (FT) and peritoneum (PT) harvested from brain-dead healthy subjects undergoing organ procurement for transplantation. The H&E staining revealed alterations in tissue architecture, fibroblast morphology, and ECM organization in the IH tissues compared to control. The biomarker for undifferentiated fibroblasts, CD34, was significantly higher in HST and decreased in HRT than the respective FT and PT controls. Also, the findings revealed an increased level of CTGF (connective tissue growth factor) with decrease in α-SMA in both HRT and HST compared to the controls. In addition, an increased level of FSP1 (fibroblast specific protein 1) and cadherin-11 in HRT with decreased level in HST were observed relative to the respective controls (FT and PT). Hence, these findings support the heterogeneity of fibroblast population at the laparotomy site that could contribute to the development of IH. Understanding the mechanisms causing the phenotype switch of these fibroblasts would open novel strategies to prevent the development of IH following laparotomy.
High performances room temperature NO2 gas sensor based on ZnO nanoparticles with oxygen vacancies prepared by auto combustion method
Authors: Benamara Majdi , Dahman Hassen , Massoudi Jalel , Dhahri Essebti , Mir Lassaad El , Ly A. , Debliquy Marc , Lahem D. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Strong In Vitro And Vivo Cytotoxicity Of Two Platinum(II) Complexes With Cryptolepine Derivatives
Authors: Qin Li-Qin , Wei Zu-Zhuang , Yang Lin , Qin Qi-Pin , Zeng Jia-Jing , Tan Ming-Xiong , Liang Hong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Two mononuclear Pt(II) compounds, [Pt(BQL1)Cl]Cl (BQL1-Pt) and [Pt(BQL2)Cl]Cl (BQL2-Pt) with [5-(benzo[4,5]furo[3,2-b]quinolin-11-yloxy)-pentyl]-bis-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-amine (BQL1) and [9-(benzo[4,5]furo[3,2-b]quinolin-11-yloxy)-nonyl]-bis-pyridin-2-ylmethyl-amine (BQL2), were prepared as new chemotypes for potential antitumor agents. This study evaluated the influence of cryptolepine derivatives in BQL1-Pt, 2,2′-dipicolylamine Pt(II) complex, and BQL2-Pt on cellular Pt(II) accumulation, cytotoxicity, and in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities against T-24 cancer cells and normal HL-7702 cells. BQL1-Pt and BQL2-Pt displayed cytotoxic activities in the micromole range (1.3±0.1 and 0.2±0.2 μM, respectively) on T-24 cancer cells; however, they did not exhibit any toxicity against HL-7702 cells. They triggered T-24 cell apoptosis through a mitochondrial dysfunction pathway. Compared to 2,2′-dipicolylamine, the neutral BQL1 and BQL2 ligands with cryptolepine derivatives increased the planarity and branched chain resulting in BQL1-Pt and BQL2-Pt with favorable antitumor activities. Further, BQL2-Pt effectively inhibited the growth of bladder T-24 tumor in vivo. BQL2-Pt can act as a potential therapeutic candidate for cancer treatment.
Discussion on Structural, Optical, Thermal, Mechanical, Dielectric and Third-Order NLO Properties of 3-Nitroanilinium Chloride Single Crystals for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: BRINTHA C. S. JULIET , JOEMA S.E 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Preferable, third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) single crystal, 3-Nitroanilinium chloride (3NACL) was auspiciously synthesised by slow evaporation technique. The crystal system of synthesised 3NACL crystal is triclinic with centrosymmetric space group was identified by single crystal XRD studies. All the functional groups present in the sample and its respective vibrations are analysed through FTIR analysis. UV-Vis transmittance spectrum revealed that the synthesised material was 83% transmittance and it cut-off wavelength was 276nm. The mechanical stability and thermal property of grown 3NACL crystals were ascertained by Vickers micro hardness analysis and TG/DTA analysis. The intermolecular interaction of the 3NACL was scrutinized by Hirshfeld surface analysis. Dielectric studies revealed that dielectric constant and dielectric loss were high at lower frequency region due to the space charge polarization. Inclusion free 3NACL crystal was used to analyse the Laser damage threshold (LDT) studies and its calculated LDT value was 4.3 GW/cm2. The third-order NLO parameters (β = 7.5472x10− 12 m/W, η2 = 5.6931x10− 19 m2/W, χ3 = 2.9491x10− 13 esu) of the 3NACL material was statutory evaluated by Z-scan studied. Here, β and η2 are positive value due to the saturated absorption and self-focusing effect was observed in open and closed aperture z-scan curve. Above all these findings 3NACL was suitable material for NLO and optoelectronic applications.
Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Improves Tissue Oxygenation in a Porcine Model of Controlled Hemorrhage Without Fluid Resuscitation
Authors: Yaniv Gal , Eisenkraft Arik , Gavish Lilach , Wagnert-Avraham Linn , Nachman Dean , Megreli Jacob , Shimon Gil , Rimbrot Daniel , Simon Ben , Berman Asaf , Cohen Matan , Kushnir David , Shaylor Ruth , Batzofin Baruch , Firman Shimon , Shlaifer Amir , Hartal Michael , Heled Yuval , Glassberg Elon , Kreiss Yitshak , Gertz S. David 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose Remote Ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) involves deliberate, brief interruptions of blood flow to increase the tolerance of distant critical organs to ischemia. This study tests the effects of limb RIPC in a porcine model of controlled hemorrhage without replacement therapy simulating an extreme field situation of delayed evacuation to definitive care.Methods Twenty-eight pigs (47±6kg) were assigned to: (1) control, no procedure (n=7); (2) HS=hemorrhagic shock (n=13); and (3) RIPC+HS=remote ischemic preconditioning followed by hemorrhage (n=8). The animals were observed for 7 hours after bleeding without fluid replacement. Results Survival rate between animals that underwent RIPC before bleeding and those bled without prior RIPC were similar (HS, 6 of 13[46%]-vs-RIPC+HS, 4 of 8[50%], p=0.86 by Chi-square). Animals with prior RIPC had faster recovery of mean arterial pressure and developed higher heart rates without complications. Those with RIPC had less decrease in pH and bicarbonate, and the increase in lactate began later. Global oxygen delivery was higher, and tissue oxygen extraction ratio lower, in animals bled after RIPC. Conclusions These improvements after RIPC in hemodynamic and metabolic status provide essential substrates for improved cellular response after hemorrhage and reduction of the likelihood of potentially catastrophic consequences of the accompanying ischemia.
Towards Analysis and Optimization during Machining Hardened Steel AISI 4140 with Self-Propelled Rotary Tools
Authors: Ahmed Waleed , Hegab Hussien , Mohany Atef , Kishawy Hossam 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
It is necessary to improve the machinability of difficult-to-cut materials such as hardened steel, nickel-based alloys, and titanium alloys as these materials offer superior properties such as chemical stability, corrosion resistance, and high strength to weight ratio, making them indispensable for many applications. Machining with self-propelled rotary tools (SPRT) is considered as one of the promising techniques used to provide proper tool life even under dry conditions. In this work, an attempt has been performed to analyze, model, and optimize the machining process of AISI 4140 hardened steel using self-propelled rotary tools. Experimental analysis has been offered to (a) compare the fixed and rotary tools performance, and (b) study the effect of the inclination angle on the surface quality and tool wear. Moreover, the current study implemented some artificial intelligence-based approaches (i.e., genetic programming and NSGA-II) to model and optimize the machining process of AISI 4140 hardened steel with self-propelled rotary tools. The feed rate, cutting velocity, and inclination angle are selected to be the design variables, while the tool wear, surface roughness, and material removal rate (MRR) are the studied outputs. Moreover, different weights have been assigned for the three studied outputs to offer different optimized solutions based on the designer interest (equal-weighted, finishing, and productivity scenarios). It should be stated that the findings of the current work offer valuable recommendations to select the optimized cutting conditions when machining hardened steel AISI 4140.