bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cyclone pressure drop reduction and its effect on gas–particle separation capability: principle, performance, and assessment
Authors: Zhao Bingtao , Qian Weifeng , Li Huimei , Su Yaxin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Cyclone separators have been widely used for gas–particle separation in chemical engineering. However, their enhancement in separation performances usually increases the pressure drop, which inevitably leads to an increase in operating energy consumption. One of the challenging issues is how to reduce the cyclone pressure drop while improving separation performances. To gain insight into the pathways and impacts of cyclone pressure drop reduction, this work reviews the state-of-the-art technical principles, performances and effects, focusing on the processes, mechanisms, and characteristics of pressure drop reduction by inlet/outlet variations, additional auxiliary devices, local cyclone dimension improvement, and global optimization based on intelligent algorithms. The cyclone performances are assessed using a proposed index that combines the Euler number and the square-root particle cut-off Stokes number. It is suggested that the pressure drop and separation capability usually have a dynamic compromise. Considering the comprehensive performances, the technology using helical roof inlet, cross cone, increasing cylindrical height with h/D = 4.3 (H/D = 6.35), and globally optimized design by Sun et al. (2017) are respectively considered to the others. Particularly, the last one is recommended to be more representative in practice. Finally, the key issues to be considered in further research were also prospected.
A new N-oxide benzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the leaves of atemoya (Annona cherimola × Annona squamosa)
Authors: Rabêlo Suzana V. , Araújo Edigênia C. C. , Costa Emmanoel V. , Braz-Filho Raimundo , Barison Andersson , Santos Maria de F. C. , Oliveira Gibson G. , Tomaz José C. , Rolim Larissa A. , Lopes Norberto P. , Silva Maria F. S. , Moraes Manoel O. , Pessoa Cláudia do Ó , El Aouad Noureddine , Almeida Jackson R. G. S. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Phytochemical investigation of the atemoya aerial parts was carried out by LC-MS-IT and cytotoxic activities were evaluated as well. These results led to the identification of a new N-oxide alkaloid (dehydroanomuricine-N-oxide) and eight other alkaloids: scoulerine, reticuline, isocorydine, norisocorydine, asimilobine, nornuciferine, anonaine, and liriodenine. The new alkaloid dehydroanomuricine-N-oxide and anomuricine were also isolated. The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. The cytotoxic capacity of crude methanolic extract and the alkaloidal fraction were evaluated, showing moderate cytotoxicity. The isolation and identification of these alkaloids are an important contribution to the chemotaxonomy of the genus Annona and the Annonaceae family.
Antimicrobial synergism and antibiofilm activities of Pelargonium graveolens, Rosemary officinalis, and Mentha piperita essential oils against extreme drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates
Authors: Kafa Ayse Humeyra Taskin , Aslan Rukiye , Celik Cem , Hasbek Mursit 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Rosemary officinalis L., Pelargonium graveolens L., and Mentha piperita L., essential oils are used by complementary medicine specialists simultaneously with traditional antibiotics for treatment purposes. The chemical composition of essential oils was analyzed by the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method. In vitro antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the essential oils were tested against extreme drug-resistant (XDR) colistin-resistant and colistin susceptible Acinetobacter baumannii clinical strains. The synergistic activities between essential oils and colistin antibiotics were investigated by the checkerboard method. The highest antibacterial effect was detected in mint essential oil (2.5–5 μl/ml), followed by pelargonium essential oil (5–20 μl/ml) and rosemary essential oil (5–20 μl/ml). The combination of rosemary essential oil or pelargonium essential oil with colistin showed strong synergistic activity in most of the bacterial strains tested (fractional inhibitory concentration index ≤ 0.5; synergy). As a result of the combination of mint essential oil and colistin, an indifferent effect was observed in only two bacterial strains, and other strains could not be evaluated. No antagonistic effects were observed in any of the tested essential oils. As a result of the effectiveness of the combination, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of colistin in XDR-A. baumannii clinical isolates decreased 2–32 fold. Additionally, the sub-MIC concentration of essential oils exhibited an inhibitory effect (48–90%) against the biofilm layer of tested A. baumannii strains.
Georgian experience in the field of education and cultural policy: the example of the first democratic republic of Georgia in the years 1918 -1921
Authors: Darchashvili Manana 
Published: June 2021

Aim. The paper aims to study and present the issue of Georgian education, analyze it chronologically and thematically based on past experience. The paper deals with the period of the First Republic of Georgia, 1918-1921, and highlights the place of education and culture in Georgian politics. Moreover, the paper is focused on the connections of modern Georgian politics and the centuries-old traditional heritage and its transformation into the present reality.
Method. The paper is presented based on a number of researched documents, empirical material, scientific research papers, monographs, analysis of government documents, historical-comparative method.
Result. The paper presents the reality of the first democratic republic in Georgia in 1918-1921, the effective steps of the state for the development of proper education and cultural policy, and its introduction and development in practice.
Conclusion. Several empirical materials prove that during the period of the First Republic of Georgia (1918-1921), despite the difficult political situation in Georgia, education in Georgia, with the support of the government and due to the active and creative work of representatives of such field as education, literature, theater, music, cinema, and science. were well developed. This issue is part of the country's internal policy, which is important and relevant today.
Luteolin, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist, alleviates diabetic retinopathy by regulating the NLRP/NOX4 signalling pathway: Experimental and molecular docking study
Authors: Yang Y. , Zhou M. , Liu H. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe present report evaluates the protective effects of luteolin against diabetic retinopathy (DR).Materials and methodsDiabetes was induced in rats by i.p. administration of 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ), followed by treatment with luteolin for 4 weeks. The effects of luteolin were determined based on the blood glucose and cytokine levels, and parameters of oxidative stress in retinal tissue of DR rats. The diameter of retinal vessels was estimated by fundus photography. A Western blot assay was used to determine the expression of apoptotic proteins and Nod-like receptor 3 (NLRP3) pathway proteins in the retina of DR rats. A molecular docking study was performed to evaluate the interaction between luteolin and NLRP3.ResultsThe level of blood glucose was reduced in the luteolin-treated group compared with the DR group. Reductions in cytokines and oxidative stress were observed in the retinal tissues of the luteolin-treated group relative to the DR group. Moreover, treatment with luteolin reduced the expression of NLRP1, NOX4, TXNIP, and NLRP3 proteins, and ameliorated the altered expression of apoptotic proteins in the retina of DR rats.ConclusionIn conclusion, luteolin prevents retinal apoptosis in DR rats by regulating the NLRP/NOX4 signalling pathway.
Cardiac and Noncardiac Determinants of Exercise Capacity in CKD
Authors: Chinnappa Shanmugakumar , Lewis Nigel , Baldo Omer , Shih Ming-Chieh , Tu Yu-Kang , Mooney Andrew 
Published: June 2021

Significance Statement
A detailed understanding of the determinants of exercise capacity in CKD has been lacking. For the first time, the authors demonstrate the differential role of cardiac and noncardiac factors in determining exercise capacity in CKD, finding that the exercising skeletal muscles’ ability to extract oxygen is the predominant determinant of exercise capacity in CKD, followed by the heart’s ability to generate stroke volume and raise heart rate. Exercise capacity in CKD was impaired even in the absence of any known cardiac diseases or diabetes mellitus, and with a graded decline proportionate to CKD severity. These findings have significant implications in the interpretation of objective measures of exercise capacity in CKD when evaluating cardiovascular fitness, quantifying the benefits of exercise training, and selecting patients for renal transplantation.

Background
Impaired exercise capacity is a significant symptom of CKD and is associated with poor survival. Furthermore, there is a growing interest in applying exercise as a diagnostic tool or as therapy in CKD. However, an in-depth understanding of exercise physiology in CKD is still lacking.

Methods
To evaluate the role of cardiac (central) and noncardiac (peripheral) determinants of exercise capacity in CKD, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 70 male patients with CKD (stages 2–5) without diabetes or cardiac disease, 35 healthy controls, and 25 patients with heart failure. An integrated cardiopulmonary exercise test using a CO2 rebreathing technique was used to measure peak O2 consumption (VO2peak) and peak cardiac output simultaneously, and to calculate peak peripheral O2 extraction (C[a-v]O2), the peripheral determinant (the ability of exercising skeletal muscles to extract oxygen). We performed multiple regression analysis and used Bayesian information criteria (BIC) changes to quantitatively assess the individual contribution of central and peripheral factors.

Results
Compared with healthy controls, in patients with CKD, the VO2peak was impaired proportionate to its severity. Peak cardiac output was the predominant determinant of VO2peak in healthy controls and patients with heart failure, whereas C(a-v)O2 played a more significant role in determining VO2peak in CKD (β=0.68, P<0.001) compared with cardiac output (β=0.63, P<0.001). In addition, the magnitude of BIC reduction was greater for C(a-v)O2 compared with cardiac output (BIC, 298.72 versus 287.68) in CKD.

Conclusions
In CKD, both peak cardiac output and peak C(a-v)O2 are independent predictors of VO2peak, and the more significant roleplayed by peak C(a-v)O2 highlights the importance of noncardiac factors in determining exercise capacity in CKD.
Diagnostic Citizenship and the Biopolitical Uptake of COVID-19 Detection
Authors: Price Dalton 
Published: June 2021

This essay examines an oddity of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing—referred to here as a ‘persistent positive’—in which an individual can test positive for COVID-19 for weeks or even months after initial infection despite no longer being symptomatic or contagious. In Florida, where recent legislation requires healthcare workers affected by COVID-19 to have two negative test results before they can return to work, the issue of persistent positives poses a significant challenge for a small sub-group. I identify an important disconnect between the biological and the biopolitical where SARS-CoV-2 test results are mis-inscribed into biopolitics as bureaucratic state legal codes and employment requirements. Using ethnographic evidence, I show how their test results are less important than the state’s interpretation and enactment of these test results. I describe a techno-political phenomenon wherein the technical (in this case diagnostic testing) selectively offers up rights to those recovering from COVID-19. Those with persistent positives performatively engage in testing as a means of navigating the legal codes that deny them the right to work. Testing for them is an attempt to return to a normal life, not to find out whether they are living an abnormal one. A breed of biological citizenship, perhaps a diagnostic citizenship, is formed in which they need a certain result, no matter what that result means biologically, in order to exercise certain rights. These reflections encourage a rethink about the role of testing technology as an instrument of government and biomedical authority more broadly.
STUDIES OF THE POSSIBILITIES TO USE OZONE FOR THE GRAIN STORAGE
Authors: Rucins Adolfs , Straumite Evita , Viesturs Dainis , Kristins Alberts 
Published: June 2021

In this study was impact of ozone treatment efficiency of wheat quality (physical-chemical and microbiological parameters, chemical composition and germination rate) during storage analysed. Ozone is a powerful oxidizer, used in processing the agricultural products, including inactivation of pathogens and microorganisms.Investigations in the grain storage by using ozone were performed under farm conditions during two grain storage stages. The first stage – August 2019 – February 2020 and the second stage August 2020 – January 2021. In both stages after harvesting winter wheat yield was 6 t ha-1. Winter wheat was ventilated and then stored for about five months in two identical 20 m3 tanks, with an initial grain layer height of 5.1 m and moisture content the first stage of about 14% and the second stage of about 11% and initial grain mass 17.4 t.At the beginning of the storage period the grain in both tanks was ventilated for 8 hours - in one grain storage tank with the outdoor air, in the other with an ozone supply of 28 mg (m3)-1 in the ventilation air. The grain ventilation and storage process was monitored with a specially designed sensor system; the additional parameters of the process (the grain moisture content, temperature, the ozone concentration) were periodically controlled with hand tools. There were analysed changes of the grain parameters during the storage periods in the ozone-supplied tank and in the tank without ozone treatment.The microbiological contamination during storage did not exceed the allowed level; however it was lower in the ozone treated wheat grain than in the ozone untreated grain. The ozone treatment did not affect the grain quality parameters. The grain germination rate for 3 and 5 days of the ozone treated grain was about 20% higher than that of the untreated grain. During storage, microbiological contamination did not exceed the permissible level, but ozone treated grains were lower than those of untreated, grain quality indicators were not affected by ozone treatment, germination of ozone treated grains was about 20% higher than untreated, baking properties were not affected by ozone treatment. The treatment of grain with ozone makes stored grain more expensive approximately 5.00 EUR per ton, due to additional technical equipment required to ensure the ozone treatment process. One can conclude from the attained results that processing the restored grain under the conditions mentioned reduces the grain microbiological contamination; it does not affect the grain quality parameters and baking properties; it slightly improves the grain germination rate and has no impact upon the shell of the grain.
OPTOELECTRONIC DEVICE FOR MEASURING THE POWER OF LASER RADIATION
Authors: Pulov Dimcho , Karadzhov Tsanko 
Published: June 2021

A device for measuring the power of the laser radiation.has been designed. The device consists of transmitter and receiving part. The transmitter includes optical radiation source and optical system for collimation of radiation. The receiver part consists of silicon photodiodes, electronic signal processing unit and unit for measurements.
Comparative study between timolol maleate and timolol - brimonidine combination in treatment of open-angle glaucoma of moderate intraocular pressure in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Parameswaran Rashmi , V Satyanarayana , T M Nithisha 
Published: June 2021

To study the efficacy of Timolol Maleate Vs Timolol-Brimonidine combination in lowering the intraocular pressure (IOP) in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) at a tertiary care hospital. To study any adverse effects of both drug therapies in treatment of POAG. Computerized simple randomization was followed in allocating the patients for the two groups. In each group, n=20, is the total number of patients, and N=30, is the total number of eyes tested, since both eyes were involved in some patients. The concentration of the monotherapy was 0.5% w/v Timolol Maleate and concentration of the combination therapy was 0.2% w/v Brimonidine Tartrate and 0.5% w/v Timolol Maleate. Both drugs were administered twice daily and IOP was recorded every 3 days, for a period of 4 weeks. Monotherapy of Timolol is seen to lower the IOP at 25% in 3 days, whereas the Timolol-Brimonidine combination therapy lowers the IOP at twice the rate that is 50% in 3 days. After reaching a IOP of 12mmHg, which is the normal IOP, both the drugs are used for maintenance therapy. Adverse effects were reported with both groups. Timolol monotherapy is also priced lower, when compared to Timolol-Brimonidine combination therapy. Timolol monotherapy provides the same result as the Timolol-Brimonidine combination therapy and is also comparatively cheaper. Hence, Timolol monotherapy is better suited for the treatment of POAG.
El aumento de la presión intra-abdominal y la relación con la severidad de la pancreatitis en un hospital público. / The Increase of intraabdominal pressure and the relationship with severe pancreatitis in a public hospital.
Authors: Guzmán Priego Crystell Guadalupe , De la Cruz Colorado Alejandro , Guzmán León Raúl , Baeza Flores Guadalupe del Carmen , Muñoz Cano Juan Manuel 
Published: June 2021

ResumenLa pancreatitis aguda es un proceso inflamatorio del páncreas con elevada mortalidad. La medición de la presión intra-abdominal es útil para el pronóstico del paciente como predictor de falla orgánica y mortalidad. El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar la importancia de la presión intra-abdominal y la relación con la severidad de pancreatitis en un hospital público de Tabasco, México.Método: Se realizó un estudio con diseño analítico, longitudinal, se estudió una muestra de 32 pacientes con diagnóstico de pancreatitis aguda a través de muestreo por conveniencia. Las variables de estudio fueron edad, sexo, criterios de RANSON, APACHE II, Presión intra-abdominal, y parámetros bioquímicos, se obtuvieron medidas de tendencia central y la prueba de T de Student.Resultados: La media de edad fue de 47.34±17.7 años, el 56.3% (n=18) fueron hombres, el 15.6% (n=5) tuvieron resultados ≥3 puntos de acuerdo a los criterios de Ranson, la media de la Presión intraabdominal inicial de 9.1 ±1.5 mmHg y a las 24 horas 10.3±2.5 mmHg relacionado con la severidad de forma estadísticamente significativa. Conclusiones: La medición de la presión intra-abdominal es una herramienta útil para dar tratamiento oportuno y valorar el pronóstico del paciente. Palabras clave: Pancreatitis; severidad; pronóstico. AbstractAcute pancreatitis is an inflammatory process of the pancreas with high mortality. The measurement of intra-abdominal pressure is useful for the prognosis of the patient as a predictor of organ failure and mortality. The objective of the study was to determine the importance of intra-abdominal pressure and the relationship with the severity of pancreatitis in a public hospital in Tabasco, Mexico. Method: A study was carried out with an analytical, longitudinal design. A sample of 32 patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis was studied through convenience sampling. The study variables were age, sex, criteria of RANSON, APACHE II, intra-abdominal pressure, and biochemical parameters, measures of central tendency and the Student's T test were obtained. Results: The mean age was 47.34 ± 17.7 years, 56.3% (n = 18) were men, 15.6% (n = 5) had results ≥3 points according to the Ranson criteria, the mean of the Pressure initial intraabdominal of 9.1 ± 1.5 mmHg and at 24 hours 10.3 ± 2.5 mmHg related to severity in a statistically significant way. Conclusions: The measurement of intra-abdominal pressure is a useful tool to give timely treatment and assess the patient's prognosis. Keywords: Pancreatitis; severity; forecast
The Impact of Surgical Site Infection on Patient Outcomes After Open Posterior Instrumented Thoracolumbar Surgery for Degenerative Disorders
Authors: Urquhart Jennifer C. , Gurr Kevin R. , Siddiqi Fawaz , Rasoulinejad Parham , Bailey Christopher S. 
Published: June 2021

Background:
Few reports in the literature have described the long-term outcome of postoperative infection from the patient perspective. The aim of the present study was to determine if complicated surgical site infection (SSI) affects functional recovery and surgical outcomes up to 2 years after posterior instrumented thoracolumbar surgery for the treatment of degenerative disorders.

Methods:
This retrospective cohort study involved patients who had been enrolled in a previous randomized controlled trial that examined antibiotic use for open posterior multilevel thoracolumbar or lumbar instrumented fusion procedures. In the present study, patients who had SSI (n = 79) were compared with those who did not (n = 456). Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), leg and back pain scores on a numeric rating scale, Short Form-12 (SF-12) summary scores, and satisfaction with treatment at 1.5, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Surgical outcomes included adverse events, readmissions, and additional surgery.

Results:
The median time to infection was 15 days. Of the 535 patients, 31 (5.8%) had complicated infections and 48 (9.0%) had superficial infections. Patients with an infection had a higher body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.001), had more commonly received preoperative vancomycin (p = 0.050), were more likely to have had a revision as the index procedure (p = 0.004), had worse preoperative mental functioning (mental component summary score, 40.7 ± 1.6 versus 44.1 ± 0.6), had more operatively treated levels (p = 0.024), and had a higher rate of additional surgery (p = 0.001). At 6 months after surgery, patients who developed an infection scored worse on the ODI by 5.3 points (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4 to 10.1 points) and had worse physical functioning by −4.0 points (95% CI, −6.8 to −1.2 points). Comparison between the groups at 1 and 2 years showed no difference in functional outcomes, satisfaction with treatment, or the likelihood of achieving the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for the ODI.

Conclusions:
SSI more than doubled the post-discharge emergency room visit and additional surgery rates. Patients with SSI initially (6 months) had poorer overall physical function representing the delay to recovery; however, the negative impact resolved by the first postoperative year.

Level of Evidence:
Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.