bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impacts of Freeze-thaw Cycles on Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity and Microstructure of Saline-alkali Soils
Authors: Xu Wenshuo , Li Kesheng , Chen Longxiao , Kong Weihang , Liu Chuanxiao 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Study on the microscopic structure of saline-alkali soil can reveal the change of its permeability more deeply. In this paper, the relationship between permeability and microstructure of saline-alkali soil with different dry densities and water content in the floodplain of southwestern Shandong Province was studied through freeze-thaw cycles. A comprehensive analysis of soil samples was conducted using particle-size distribution, X-Ray diffraction, Freeze-Thaw cycle test, saturated hydraulic conductivity test and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The poor microstructure of soil is the main factor that leads to the category of micro-permeable soil. The porosity of the local soil was only 6.19–11.51%, and ultra-micropores (< 0.05 µm) and micropores (0.05-2 µm) dominated the pore size distribution. Soil saturated water conductivity was closely related to its microscopic pore size distribution. As the F-T cycles progressed, soil permeability became stronger, with the reason the pore size distribution curve began to shift to the small pores (2–10 µm) and mesopores (10–20 µm), and this effect was the most severe when the freeze-thaw cycle was 15 times. High water content could promote the effects of freeze-thaw cycles on soil permeability and pore size distribution, while the increase of dry density could inhibit these effects. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the remediation of saline-alkali soil in the flooded area of Southwest Shandong.
Iron-Quercetin Complex Preconditioning Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Accelerates Angiogenic and Wound Healing Efficacy
Authors: Kantapan Jiraporn , Anukul Nampeung , Leetrakool Nipapan , Rolin Gwenaël , Vergote Jackie , Dechsupa Nathupakorn 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Cells-based therapy is a highly promising treatment paradigm in ischemic disease due to its ability to repair tissues when implanted into a damaged site. These therapeutic effects have been involving a strong paracrine component resulting from the high levels of bioactive molecules they secrete in response to the local microenvironment. Therefore, the secreted therapeutic can be modulated by preconditioning the cells during in vitro culture. Herein, we investigated the potential use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) probes “Iron-Quercetin complex” or IronQ for preconditioning peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to expand proangiogenic cells and enhance their secreted therapeutic factors. Methods: PBMCs obtained from healthy donor blood were cultured in the presence of the Iron-Quercetin complex. Preconditioning-PBMCs differentiated cells were characterized by immunostaining. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to describe the secreted cytokines. In vitro migration and tubular formation using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were completed to investigate the proangiogenic efficacy.Results: IronQ significantly increased mononuclear progenitor cells' proliferation and differentiation into the spindle-shape-like cells, expressing both hematopoietic and stromal cell markers. The expansion increased the number of colony-forming units (CFU-Hill). The conditioned medium obtained from IronQ-treated PBMCs contained a high level of Interleukin (IL)-8, IL-10, urokinase-type-plasminogen-activator (uPA), matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and augmented migration and capillary network formation of HUVEC and fibroblast cells in vitro.Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that the IronQ-precondition PBMCs protocol could enhance the angiogenic and reparative potential of non-mobilized PBMCs. This protocol can be used as an adjunctive strategy to improve cell therapy's efficacy of PBMCs for ischemic diseases and chronic wound.
Comparative Study on the Corrosion Resistance of Inorganic Zinc-Rich Coating and Thermal-Spray Zinc Coating
Authors: Ni Weiliang , Li Peng , Zhu Yajun , Di Zhigang , Guo Liangliang , liu Yunqi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The corrosion resistance of two steel coatings (inorganic zinc-rich coating and thermal-spray zinc coating) was studied in detail by using the electrochemical and salt spray test, and the salt spray corrosion thickness was calculated by the time-varying equation established from the mathematical fitting method. The result show that the corrosion mechanism of the two types of coatings was the same that based on the sacrificed of zinc through anodizing phenomenon. The main reason for the difference of corrosion resistance between the two anticorrosive coatings was that the coating density and shielding effect of corrosion products were different. The 7500-hours salt spray test showed that the corrosion rates and microstructure characteristics of both types of zinc coatings were homogeneous on the premise of ensuring coating reliability. The time-varying equation can be used to evaluate the service life of the zinc coatings and judge their corrosion resistance quickly, that providing theoretical support for the maintenance of steel structures as well as the accelerated selection and design of coating formulations.
Differential Changes of Left Ventricular Myocardial Deformation in Three-vessel Critical Stenosis CAD Patients with and without Diabetes: A Two-dimensional Speckle-tracking Echocardiography-based Study.
Authors: jiang luying , liu jingbo , yang zhenjia , wang li , zuo houjuan 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThough the presence of three-vessel disease (3VD) coronary artery disease (CAD) among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is relatively common, very limited data is regarding their left ventricular (LV) function. The purpose of our study is to assess the LV function in 3VD patients with T2DM by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2-D STE).MethodsHundred-three consecutive patients with confirmed 3VD CAD were enrolled and divided into two groups, 53 patients with DM and 50 patients without DM. The control group was composed of 30 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Echocardiography was performed at baseline before coronary angiography. The 2-D STE was used to measure LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and segmental peak systolic longitudinal strains (PSLSs).ResultBy standard echocardiogram, there is no significant difference between 3VD-DM and 3VD-non-DM groups. Strains measured by 2-D STE showed that the 3VD-DM patients have significantly lower global longitudinal strain (GLS) than the 3VD-non-DM patients (15.87 ± 2.51 vs.17.56 ± 2.72, P < 0.05). Further, in the 3VD-DM groups, the duration of the DM and glucose control level were investigated. Our results showed that GLS of the duration of DM≥5 of 3VD was significantly lower than that in 3VD patients with duration of DM<5, especially in global PSLS (14.25 ± 2.31 vs. 16.65 ± 1.96, P=0.007), mid PSLS (14.08 ± 3.72 vs. 16.51 ± 2.15，P=0.017), and apical PSLS (15.26 ± 3.28 vs.18.44 ±4.36，p=0.049). However, the results of the glucose control level showed no difference on GLS between the 3VD patients with HbA1c ≥ 7% and HbA1c < 7%.ConclusionsGlobal and segmental peak systolic longitudinal strains (PSLSs) are significantly lower in 3VD-DM patients than in the patients with 3VD only. The duration of diabetes is an important factor cause the decrease GLS in 3VD-DM patients. However, the glucose control level has limited influence on LV function in 3VD patients.
The Influence of Water Hardness Perturbations on Bubble Departure Dynamics
Authors: Dzienis Pawel , Mosdorf Romuald , Czarnecki Jerry 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The influence of small changes to water hardness on the nonlinear behaviour of liquid penetration into a capillary and the resulting air pressure fluctuations during air bubble formation are examined in this paper. Experiments were undertaken in which bubbles were generated both in water having a surface tensile force of σ = 72.2 mN/m and in an aqueous solution of calcium carbonate having a surface tensile force of σ = 75.4 mN/m, each contained in a glass capillary with an internal diameter of 1 mm. It is shown that both the maximum value of liquid penetration into the capillary and bubble growth time are affected by perturbations to the water hardness. The time it takes for the bubble to depart the capillary was estimated using the following nonlinear data analysis methods: time delay (τ), attractor reconstructions, correlation dimension (D), and largest Lyapunov exponent (λ). All estimates demonstrate that the pressure fluctuations in the c-c aqueous solutions and extent of liquid solution penetration into the capillary during the time between subsequent bubble departures behave chaotically.
The Effect of Different Planning Conditions versus Explicit Grammar Instruction on Teenage EFL Learners’ Oral Production of a Picture Promoted Task and Grammar Gain
Authors: Sadeghi Karim , Mogaddam Azadeh Hamidi 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
This study examined the effects of three task conditions on teenage EFL learners’ oral performance of a picture prompted task and their grammatical knowledge gain. To this end, 34 EFL learners were randomly assigned into three experimental groups, namely online planning, pre-planning, and explicit instruction, and one control group. Pictures were employed as prompts to implement the tasks in all groups. A Grammatical Judgment Test was used to compare students’ knowledge of simple present passive structure before and after the treatment. Learners’ oral task performance was measured in terms of Complexity, Accuracy, and Fluency (CAF). The findings demonstrated significant differences among groups as for CAF measures. However, no significant differences were spotted in GJT posttest scores. The paper calls for the incorporation of diverse prompt-based planning conditions in task-oriented teaching practices in order to target learners' higher levels of oral competence.
Measurement of Hearing Impairment among Greenlandic School-Children: Association Between Self-Reported Data and Clinical Examinations
Authors: Schnohr Christina , Jensen Jakob Schmidt , Skovsen Cecilie Friis , Homøe Preben , Niclasen Birgit , Jensen Ramon Gordon 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Ear infections is the leading cause of hearing impairment among children world-wide and a major public health problem in many indigenous populations. Early onset of hearing impairment compromise communication skills and social and psychological development, and monitoring the prevalence in a population is important to assess the need for interventions both at the school-, societal and clinical settings in a population.Methods: 185 children from 5th to 10th grade from Sisimiut town and the nearby settlements participated in a clinical examination to have ear-examination and pure tone audiometry. Participants filled out a questionnaire at home with their parents before the clinical examination, and hearing impairment was collected as individual self-reports and as audiometric measurements. Ear examinations was assessed by two clinicians and if any discrepancy between self-reports and clinical measures they were re-assessed.Results: A total of 185 children between 9 and 15 years of age (median: 11 years, IQR: 10-13) were included, 60% (n=111) were girls. 247 (70%) of the 355 available otoscopies were clinically assessed as normal. Cohen’s Kappa coefficient was 0.31. Eighteen children (10%) were found to have hearing impairment using a PTA of ≥ 25 dB for either low or high frequencies or both as threshold in one or both ears. 32 children (17%) reported hearing impairment to the extent that they were not able to keep up in school, of which half reported that it had lasted for more than one year. 7 of the 32 children reporting hearing impairment (22%) reported that the extent of their hearing impairment was affecting their classroom experience so they were not able to follow. None of the children had hearing aids. Conclusion: Self-reported and clinically screening for hearing impairment are two different concepts. Even though the two concepts are statistically correlated, the correlation coefficients are low. The contextual processing in which perceived hearing impairment is assessed in a social environment seems to conceptually differ from the measure of hearing by pure tone audiometry. Since both measure hearing impairment, the choice of measure should relate to the purpose and method of the investigation.
A Study of the Molecular Mechanism by Which Substance P Enhances Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)-Associated Autophagy and Apoptosis of Cardiomyocytes Induces Heart Failure
Authors: CHEN Fa-Xiu CHEN , Hu Jian , Fang Jing , Li Qing-Ling , Wan Qin , Peng Le 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Anthracyclines, including doxorubicin, are some of the most potent anticancer drugs available. However, the use of doxorubicin as a chemotherapeutic agent is severely hindered by dose-limiting toxicity, particularly cardiotoxicity, while degrading other organ systems. Despite years of use and the amount of details published on this drug, the understanding of its cellular mechanisms is still incomplete. Method: Cardiomyocyte grouping was carried out, where H9C2 cardiomyocytes were randomly divided into a control group, a myocardial model group, an SP group and an SP antagonist group. For replication in animal models, twelve rats were similarly divided randomly into a control group, a myocardial model group, an SP group, and an SP antagonist group. Except for the control group, the rats in the other groups were modelled: the rats were injected with adriamycin solution. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis, while HE staining, TUNEL stain, Western Blot detection and transmission electron microscopy were performed to detect autophagy levels accordingly. All the results were analysed and carefully interpreted. Results: The tachykinin, substance P, is located mainly in sensory nerves and in the heart, where substance P-containing nerve fibres are often found around coronary vessels, making them ideally situated to detect changes in the myocardial environment. Apoptosis and autophagy are genetically-regulated, evolutionary-conserved processes that regulate cell fate and are both important for development, normal physiology, and a wide range of diseases. Recent studies show that despite the significant differences between these two processes, their regulation is closely connected and certain regulators have been found to be able to control both apoptosis and autophagy. Conclusions: In this study, the influence of substance P was discussed, providing possible molecular mechanisms for crosstalk between apoptosis and autophagy mediating heart failure due to Doxorubicin therapy. Trial registration: (20192BBGL7D031) 2019-09-17.
Terrestrial protected areas maintain freshwater ecosystem resilience to costly aquatic invasive species in the Panama Canal
Authors: Salgado Jorge , Vélez María , Gonzalez-Arango Catalina , O'Dea Aaron 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
River damming is expected to proliferate across Tropical American Rivers in the forthcoming decades with expected declines in ecosystem health to costly invasive species. Historical data and modern aquatic plant surveys of one of the largest and oldest tropical dam projects (the > 100 years old Panama Canal) reveal that modern plant communities in areas adjacent to terrestrial Natural Protected Areas (tNPAs) retain a pre-damming community structure that is apparently more resistant to invasive species. Establishing tNPAs adjacent to impounded rivers could be a cost-effective nature-based solution for tropical reservoir management.
Early and Midterm Outcome of TEVAR for Thoracic Aortic Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Wang Hui , Wang Tun , He Hao , Li Xin , Peng Yuan , Wang Lunchang , Sun Likun , Li Quanming , Shu Chang 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Backgrounds: The prognosis of thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm (TAP) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) remains unclear. This study investigates the early and midterm clinical outcome as well as relevant risk factors of TAP patients following TEVAR therapy.Methods: From July 2010 to July 2020, 37 eligible TAP patients who underwent TEVAR were selected into our research. We retrospectively explored their baseline, perioperative and follow-up data. Fisher exact test and Kaplan-Meier method were applied for comparing difference between groups. Risk factors of late survival were discerned using Cox regression analysis.Results: There were 29 men and 12 women, with the mean age as 59.5±13.0 years (range, 30-82). The mean follow-up time was 30.7±28.3 months (range, 1-89). For early result, early mortality (≦30days) happened in 3(8.1%) zone 3 TAP patients versus 0 in zone 4 (p= 0.028); acute arterial embolism of lower extremity and type II endoleak respectively occurred in 1(2.7%) case. For midterm result, survival at 3 months, 1 year and 5 years was 88.8±5.3%, 75.9±7.5% and 68.3±9.9%, which showed significant difference between zone 2/3 versus zone 4 group (56.3±14.8% versus 72.9±13.2%, p= 0.013) and emergent versus elective TEVAR groups (0.0±0.0% versus 80.1±8.0%, p= 0.049). On multivariate Cox regression, lesions at zone 2/3 (HR 4.605, 95%CI 1.095-19.359), concomitant cardiac disease (HR 4.932, 95%CI 1.086-22.403) and emergent TEVAR (HR 4.196, 95%CI 1.042-16.891) were significant independent risk factors for worse late clinical outcome. Conclusions: TEVAR therapy is effective and safe with satisfactory early and midterm clinical outcome for TAP patients. Lesions at zone 2/3, concomitant cardiac disease and emergent TEVAR were independent risk factors for midterm survival outcome.
Comparative Assessment of Musculoskeletal Injuries (Including Sports Injuries) in a Global Transcontinental Population Treated in an Orthopedic Physiotherapy Centre of UN Level II Hospital in a UN Peace Keeping Mission
Authors: Verma Pallavi , Sinha Shivendra Kumar 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
BACKGROUND:Musculoskeletal pain is one of the leading causes of years lived with disability, which constitutes a substantial burden on society This study was done in a global transcontinental population dependent on a single physiotherapy centre of a UN level II Hospital in Naquora, Lebanon (catering predominantly to the military population of >39 countries serving in UNIFIL Lebanon) between Jan 2014 to Dec 2019. The patients were of various musculoskeletal injuries (including sports injuries- both acute and chronic) requiring conservative treatment, predominantly physiotherapy – using physiotherapy-based equipments followed by different rehabilitation exercises. Literature lacks any study involving the predominantly adult military population cohort of various parts of the globe with similar lifestyles and duties treated in a single centre. METHODS:Patients from more than 39 countries spread across various continents are included in this study. It is a retrospective observational study comprising hospital-based cohorts of patients who did not need any operative intervention for the treatmentand were essentially managed onservatively using physiotherapy equipments and rehabilitation exercises on OPD/inhospital admission basis. They underwent necessary diagnostic tests and then multiple sittings of physiotherapy as part of the individual treatment protocol. Data was collected from the UNIFIL Hospital registers. SWD, IFT ,TENS and other physiotherapy equipments and rehabilitation aids were used in the treatment.RESULTS:The study shows back complaints more common in all populations and more disabling than other injuries each year throughout the study. Foot and ankle complaints were the least reported symptoms in the centre. Regionwise, the local population was the largest clientele followed by Asians & thereafter equally by the found in the March to September months because of more outdoor sports activities during these months due to the congenial weather conditions.CONCLUSION:Back complaints are the most common complaints compared to the peripheral limbs and extremities complaints. All continents are equally affected irrespective of their original race, culture and climate. Dedicated hospital staff and good physiotherapy equipments are essential to treat such patients. Timely consultation to specialist doctors help to mitigate such ailments early by conservative means. SWD and IFT effectively treats both acute and chronic musculoskeletal complaints than single isolated SWD or IFT therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION:Since this study is a retrospective observational non-interventional study not involving any new drug/ implant /equipment. Hence, trial registration is not applicable in this study. The study is purely of academic and research interest and the security classification of this research study is unclassified category.
Impact of Corona Pandemic on Numbers in Diagnostic Pathology; A Nationwide Survey in the Netherlands
Authors: Velthuysen Marie-Louise F van , Eeden Susanne van , Cessie Saskia le , de Boer Mirthe , Boven Hester van , Koomen Bregje M , Roozekrans Frank , Bart Jos , Timens Wim , Voorham Rinus JM 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has a huge impact on healthcare provided. The nationwide pathology registry of the Netherlands, PALGA, offers an outstanding opportunity to measure this impact for diseases in which pathology examinations are involved. Methods: Pathology specimen numbers in 2020 were compared with specimen numbers in 2019 for 5 periods of 4 weeks, representing two lockdowns and the periods in between, taking into account localization, procedure and dignity of diagnosis.Results: The largest decrease was seen during the first lockdown (spring 2020), when numbers of pathology reports declined up to 88% and almost all specimen types were affected. Afterwards each specimen type showed its own dynamics with a decrease during the second lockdown for some, while for others numbers remained relatively low during the whole year. Generally, for most tissue types resections, cytology and malignant diagnoses showed less decrease than biopsies and benign diagnoses. A significant but small catch-up (up to 17%) was only seen for benign resections of the lower gastro-intestinal tract, malignant skin resections and gallbladder resections.Conclusion: The corona pandemic has a significant effect on pathology diagnostics. This effect was most pronounced during the first lockdown, diverse for different sites of origin and for cytology compared with histology. The data presented here can help to assess the consequences on (public) health and provide a starting point in the discussion on how to make the best choices in times of scarce healthcare resources, considering the impact of both benign and malignant disease on quality of life.