bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A pressure-sensitive rheological origin of high friction angles of Ottawa sand observed in NASA-MGM project
Authors: Cheng Xiaohui , Xiao Shize , Yang Sen , Hou Meiying , Cao Alex 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
An abnormally high peak friction angle of Ottawa sand was observed in NASA MGM tests in microgravity conditions on the space shuttle. Previous investigations have been unsuccessful in providing a constitutive insight into this behavior of granular materials under extremely low effective stress conditions. Here, a recently proposed unified constitutive model for transient rheological behavior of sand and other granular materials is adopted for the analytical assessment of high peak friction angles. For the first time, this long-eluded behavior of sand is attributed to a hidden rheological transition mechanism, that is not only rate-sensitive, but also pressure-sensitive. The NASA-MGM microgravity conditions show that shear-tests of sand can be performed under abnormally low confining stress conditions. The pressure-sensitive behavior of granular shearing that is previously ignored is studied based on the µ(I) rheology and its variations. Comparisons between the model and the NASA microgravity tests show a high degree of agreement. The research is highly valid for pressure-sensitive and rate-dependent problems that occur during earthquakes, landslides, and space exploration.
Evaluating Thera-101 as a Low Volume Resuscitation Adjunct in a Model of Traumatic Brain Injury and Hemorrhage
Authors: Shah Jessica Stukel , Macaitis Joseph , Lundquist Bridney , Johnstone Brian , Coleman Michael , Jefferson Michelle , Glaser Jacob , Rodriguez Annette , Cardin Sylvain , Wang Heuy-Ching , Burdette Alexander 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and hemorrhage remain challenging to treat in austere conditions. Developing a therapeutic to mitigate the associated pathophysiology is critical to meet this treatment gap, especially as these injuries and associated high mortality are possibly preventable. Here, Thera-101 (T-101) was evaluated as an adjunct to low volume resuscitation in a rat model of TBI and hemorrhage. The therapeutic, T-101, is uniquely situated as a TBI and hemorrhage intervention. It contains a cocktail of proteins and microvesicles from the secretome of adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells that can act on numerous mechanisms associated with poly-trauma. T-101 efficacy was determined at four, 24, 48, and 72 hours after injury by evaluating blood chemistry, inflammatory chemo/cytokines, histology, and diffusion tensor imaging. Blood chemistry indicated that T-101 reduces markers of liver damage to Sham levels while the levels remain elevated with the vehicle control. Histology supports the potential protective effects of T-101 on the kidneys. Diffusion tensor imaging shows that the injury caused the most damage to the corpus callosum and the fimbria. Immunohistochemistry suggests that T-101 may mitigate astrocyte activation at 72 hours. Together, these data suggest T-101 could be a potential field deployable adjunct for low volume resuscitation.
Special Crystal Growth and Nucleation process of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles from Urea Solution for Efficient Removal of Pb(II) ions and Alizarin Red S
Authors: Godwin John , Abdus-Salam Nasir , Panda Prasanna Kumar , Tripathy Bankim Chandra 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNPs) were prepared from Zn(NO3)2.6H2O and CON2H4. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersion Atomic X-ray (EDAX), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Thermogravimetric-Differential Thermal Analysis (TGA/DTA) were utilized for determination of the composition, morphology, elemental analysis, crystallinity, and thermal stability respectively, while Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) method was used to determine the functional groups present in the ZNPs. The adsorption of Pb(II) and Alizarin Red S (ARS) onto ZNPs were investigated at different solution pH, concentration, adsorbent mass, temperature and contact time. The optimum adsorption capacity of Pb(II) on ZNPs was 341.65 mg/g at pH 10 in 180 minutes at 318 K. Similarly, the optimum adsorption capacity of ARS was found to be 18.84 mg/g at pH 4 in 180 minutes at 318 K. The Langmuir isotherm model fitted well with regression coefficient, R2 = 0.9252 and 0.9035 for Pb(II) and ARS respectively. Th pseudo-second-order kinetics with R2 = 0.9956 and 0.9549 for adsorption of Pb(II) and ARS respectively gave good fit to the adsorption processes. The ∆G◦ obtained were negative which is an indication of spontaneous adsorption processes, while the positive values of ∆H (+143.46 and +84.50 KJ/mol) and ∆S (+0.473 and +0.364 KJ/mol) for Pb(II) and ARS respectively, revealed endothermic and randomness at the ZnO-aqueous interface during the adsorption processes. The Ea were found to be +6.193 and +6.956 KJ/mol for adsorption of Pb(II) and ARS respectively which showed that the adsorption onto ZNPs is a physical process.
Case Report and Literature Review of the Sequential Treatment Involving Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA), Tissue-engineered Skin Graft (ADM), Autologous Skin Graft and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) in Chronic Limb-threatening Ischemia (CLTI) Patients with Extensive Ulcers in the Donor Site after Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Wang Jinjun , Huang Xianming , Wang Pinyi , Wang Linru , Zhang Juanzi , Liu Qiuxia , Geng Diyu , Li Wenwen , Chen Xiguang 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
This case report describes a 63-year-old male, who was admitted to the hospital due to “the ulceration in his left lower limb for more than 1 month and the pain exacerbation for 2 weeks”. The patient was diagnosed with “cerebral infarction, coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes” nine years ago and subsequently treated with coronary artery bypass graft surgery. This time, he was admitted with an ulcer in the size of 4*45cm on the inner side of his left lower limb, with the wound covered by a dark scab, and the skin was red and swollen around the part where the pus percolated. According to the occlusion in the initiating terminal of his left superficial femoral artery, and the extensive stenosis and occlusion in popliteal and infrapopliteal arteries, this patient was diagnosed with arteriosclerosis obliterans of lower limbs, as shown by the Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA). Therefore, on the basis of supportive medical treatment and local debridement, he underwent two endovascular operations to open the “straight bloodstream” towards the affected part. Then, the 4-month sequential treatment of split-thickness skin and tissue-engineered skin grafts combined with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) was performed for wound repair. Finally, the wound healed completely, recovering the patient’s ability to walk with a walking aid. This was the first time that the sequential treatment, including Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA), autologous skin and tissue-engineered skin grafts, and negative pressure suction, was successfully used to cure a refractory ulcer in the donor site after the patient with critical limb ischemia received the coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
The prognostic nomograms in patients with nodular melanoma: a SEER population-based study
Authors: Xu Wen , Le Yijun , Zhang Jianzhong 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Nodular melanoma (NM) is one of the most common subtype of malignant melanoma, usually with bad prognosis. In this study, we aim to develop a nomogram to predict 3-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with nodular melanoma. Patients diagnosed as NM were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2010–2015, and then they were randomly assigned to the training and validation cohorts. Several independent risk factors were found and merged to generate a nomogram using univariate and multivariate COX risk regression methods. To determine the nomogram's predictive ability, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, concordance index (C-index), area under curve (AUC) and calibration curves were calculated. In clinical practice, decision curve analysis (DCA) was employed to measure nomograms. A total of 8050 eligible patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: 70% training (n = 5635) or 30% validation (n = 2415). The Nomogram's construct was applied with the selected independent factors, and the validation indexes revealed that the nomogram had strong discriminative power. In the training cohort of OS, the C-index was 0.746, and in the validation cohort of OS, it was 0.745. In the training cohort of CSS, the C-index was 0.777, whereas in the validation cohort, it was 0.775. The AUCs for the 3- and 5-year OS rates, as well as the CSS rates, were above 0.78, and the calibration curves exhibited strong nomogram predictive power. The created nomograms could provide net clinical benefit, according to DCA. Our study has developed a nomogram to more accurately and comprehensively predict 3-year and 5-year OS and CSS in patients with nodular melanoma, which is critical for clinicians to make early assessments, improve individualized treatment, identify relevant prognostic factors, and improve survival of the affected population.
Incidence, risk factors and prognosis of acute kidney injury in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: A retrospective study
Authors: Ji Ming-Su , Wu Rilige , Feng Zhe , Wang Yuan-Da , Wang Yong , Zhang Li , Sun Xue-Feng , Chen Xiang-Mei , He Kun-Lun , Cai Guang-Yan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) change the prognosis of many cancer patients. With the increasing use of ICIs, immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are occurring, including acute kidney injury (AKI). This study aimed to assess the incidence of ICI-induced AKI and its risk factors and impact on mortality.
Method
Patients treated with ICIs at the First Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 1, 2014, to December 30, 2019, were consecutively enrolled, and risk factors affecting AKI development in patients treated with ICIs were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Medical record surveys and telephone inquiry were used for follow-up, and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox regression were used to analyze independent risk factors for death.
Results
Among 1615 patients, 114 (7.1%) had AKI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that anemia, Alb < 30 g/L, antibiotic use, diuretic use, NSAID use and proton pump inhibitor use were independent risk factors for AKI development in patients treated with ICIs. Stage 2 or 3 AKI was an independent risk factor for nonrecovery of renal function after AKI onset. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that anemia, Alb < 30 g/L, AKI occurrence, and diuretic use were independent risk factors for death in patients treated with ICIs, while higher baseline BMI, other tumor types, ACEI/ARB use, and chemotherapy use were protective factors for patient death.
Conclusion
AKI occurs in 7.1% of patients treated with ICIs. Anemia, Alb < 30 g/L, and combined medications are independent risk factors for AKI in patients treated with ICIs. Anemia, Alb < 30 g/L, AKI occurrence, and diuretic use were independent risk factors for death in patients treated with ICIs.
Determination of the Levels of Selected Essential Metals in Sycamore (Ficus sycomorus L) Fruit and Seed Using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
Authors: Tafere Dessie Ashagrie , Teshager Minbale Admas 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Edible wild fruits are nature’s gift to mankind. Considering the growing need to identify alternative bio-nutritional sources, some underutilized species of Ficus sycomorus L. of the family Moraceae were evaluated as wild edible fruits to study its nutritive and mineral composition in order to prioritize its edibility for indigenous people.
Methods
The concentration of macro (K, Ca and Mg) and trace (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) metals in sycamore fruit and seed samples was determined by using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS). Wet digestion procedure was evaluated using standard addition (spiking) method and an acceptable percentage recovery was obtained in the range of 81–119 and 80–118 for the metals in fruit and seed samples respectively. 0.5 g of oven dried samples was digested using 10 mL of conc. HNO3 and 5mL of H2O2 at 110°C for 1hours.
Results
Significant amounts of both the major and trace elements were found in both the fruit and seed samples. The highest levels of macro essential metals such as Mg (400 ± 10), K (133 ± 3.291), and Ca (33 ± 0.404) all in mg/kg; and micro essential elements: Fe (5.7 ± 0.5), Zn (2.3 ± 0.55) and Cu (3.6 ± 0.15), all in mg/kg, were found in fruit of Ficus sycomorus L., but the concentration of essential metals in seed sample was Mg (333 ± 5.7), K (122 ± 1.6), Ca (31 ± 0.77), Fe (4.19 ± 0.87), Zn (2.06 ± 0.42) and Cu (3.38 ± 0.15) all in mg/kg. Mn (3.04 ± 0.16 mg/kg) was found in equal amount in both the seed and fruit of F. sycomorus L.
Conclusion
In general, the concentration of macro and micro essential metals in F. sycomorus fruits were found; Mg > K > Ca and Fe > Cu > Zn respectively. Similarly, the concentration of macro and micro essential metals in Ficus sycomorus seeds were found; Mg > K > Ca and Fe > Cu > Zn respectively. The results were compared with values reported in the literature.
Formulation enhanced the stability of Foot-and-mouth virus and prolonged vaccine storage
Authors: Li Jing , Wei Yanming , Yang Shunli , Zhou Guangqing , Chang Yanyan 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals. Vaccination is the most effective measure to control FMD. However, FMDV particles are prone to dissociation during general production process owing to its distinctive structural instability. Based on this characteristic, combinational use of stabilizers was developed to improve viral stability. Heating-resistance test showed that FMDV infectivity was maintained with supplement of stabilizers. Additionally, the time induced 50% virus inactivation was prolonged remarkably. Sequencing analysis demonstrated that viral genome could not be altered in serial passages with additives. Compared with normal vaccine, the residual 146s content in formulated vaccine was much higher when stored at 4℃ for up to 1 year. This study suggested that the formulation could protect FMDV against massive structural breakdown and extend the shelf life of vaccine. Our findings will contribute to vaccine development and reduce our dependence on cold chain transport.
N-Acetylcysteine Treatment Accelerates Patient-Reported Outcomes Improvement in Patients With COVID-19 A Prospective Study
Authors: Li Lifang , He Hangzhi , Chai Chunwei , Zhang Jing , Qu Mengrui , Wang Ying , Zhao Aibin , Duan Huiping , Zhang Yanbo , Zhao Hui 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Since its outbreak in late December 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has culminated in a global pandemic, and its causative virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has continued to mutate, with increasing rates of transmission and pathogenicity, having a serious worldwide impact. This study aims to assess the benefits of the health-related quality of life of using N-acetylcysteine(NAC).Methods: In this prospective observational research, 63 confirmed COVID-19 patients who were treated between the ends of January and March 2020 were divided into patients treated with NAC-treatment (32 cases) and non-NAC-treatment groups (31 cases). Patients were followed up at discharge and at 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge. The clinical treatment effects of the two groups were compared, and the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) evaluated patient-reported outcomes.Results: There were strong correlations between SGRQ component scores (0.728, 0.749, 0.850; P < 0.001 for all items) as well as between each SGRQ component score and the total patient score (0.822, 0.958, 0.957; P < 0.001 for all items). In the univariate analysis, the change differences of one month after discharge compared with discharge between two groups patients were statistically significant in the impacts and total scores (753.000, P < 0.001; 644.000, P = 0.042); the change differences of three months after discharge compared with discharge were also significant in the activity, impacts, and total scores (660.500, P = 0.022; 800.000, P < 0.001; 707.000, P = 0.004). In the multivariate analysis, the factors that have statistically significant influence on the unit value of SGRQ total score difference (UVDSGRQ) is NAC treatment (β = 1.954, P < 0.001), disease severity (β = 3.179, P < 0.001), follow-up duration (β = -0.232, P = 0.001), as well as NAC treatment and follow-up duration interaction item (β = -0.436, P = 0.004).Conclusion: Our study shows as the follow-up time increases, the SGRQ total scores of patients treated with NAC decreases significantly faster than those who were treated without NAC. In the treatment of COVID-19 patients, increasing the use of NAC has clinical significance.
An in vitro antiviral evaluation of punicalagin toward influenza A virus
Authors: Javadi-Farsani Fatemeh , Moradi Mohammad-Taghi , Tabarraei Alijan , Karimi Ali , Nikoo Mohammad-hadi Razavi 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background: Influenza complications are mild to serious, and can cause death in some cases. A great deal of attention has been paid in recent years to the development and use of new antiviral compounds for drug resistance in certain strains of the influenza virus and the clinical implications. This study was aimed to investigate the antiviral effect of punicalagin and associated mechanism against influenza A (H1N1) virus at cell culture. Methods and Results: The ant-influenza activity of punicalagin was studied in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells using influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) (PR8) by means of Hemagglutinin assay (HA) and 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID50). Then, the inhibition of haemagglutination, virucidal activity, effect at different times, replication of viral RNA and expression of viral genes were investigated. Our results indicated that punicalagin decreased virus titers (P<0.05) with an inhibitory effect on virus hemagglutination and the activity of viral polymerase, but did not affect the replication of viral RNA. Punicalagin also inhibited the virus adsorption stage of influenza in terms of the different times addition assay. Conclusions: Punicalagin was effective against influenza infection most probably associated with inhibition of haemagglutination activity and virus binding. Further studies are needed to establish possible synergistic effects with existing anti-influenza, aiming to develop novel agents to treat severe influenza infection.
Sizes of atmospheric particulate matters determine the outcomes of their interactions with rainfall processes
Authors: Maboa Relotilwe , Yessoufou Kowiyou , Tesfamichael Solomon , Shiferaw Yegnanew A. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Environmental sustainability remains at risk, given the coupled trends of economic development with air pollution. The risk is even greater in the water-stressed world, given the debated suppression effects of air pollutants on rain formation. Here, we tested this suppression in the water-stressed South Africa, by fitting generalized linear models to a 21-year historical dataset of rainfall and air pollutants. Some gaseous pollutants and PM10 show a significant negative correlation with rainfall, perhaps due to the temperature inversion they cause, which might prevent the upward rise of humid air and convective clouds to grow high enough to produce rain. Surprisingly, as opposed to PM10, we found a rather positive significant effect of PM2.5. Altogether, our study confirms the hypothesis of rain prevention by pollutants but provides some nuances that are dependent on the size of air particle matters. To achieve environmental sustainability while growing the economy, we can only rely on emission purification technologies to strike this trade-off.
Transition of preferences, perception and barriers towards E learning during COVID-19 pandemic among medical students in India -A Mixed method study
Authors: Suryawanshi Deodatt M , A Suguna , A Surekha , V Raghuram , R Divya , Gunasekaran Kalaipriya 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Though E learning among medical students has been well received in other parts of the globe, challenges to implementation can only be documented through a longer duration study which can truly fathom the learning experiences of medical students and how their perceptions, preferences and barriers change over a period of time. Objectives: To assess the transition of preferences, perceptions and barriers among medical students towards E-learning during the six months and to explore the perception towards E learning using qualitative method Methodology: The present study used Mixed Method approach to find out the transition of e learning experiences through their perception, preferences and barriers among medical students over the period of 6 months from April to Nov 2020. A total of 296 students belonging to the second year MBBS and Prefinal year were recruited using complete enumeration method.286 students returned the questionnaire in phase 1 and 277 students in Phase 2. The investigators conducted Focused group discussion (FGD) in two batches of 10 students. Results: There was a significant increase of 20.4% (p =0.007) in students’ preference to classroom teaching in Phase 2 as compared to phase 1. Lack of personal interaction was perceived as a barrier in phase 1 by 180(62.9%) students, only 71(25.6%) students perceived it as a barrier in phase 2. There was significant increase in participants 96 (34.6%) in Phase 2 as compared to phase 1 (19.9%) who replied negatively about its inclusion in the curriculum (p =0.0003). In phase two there was a significant increase in number of students as compared to Phase 1 who perceived that lack of access to internet and data availability as a barrier to E learning (p=0.002). Continuity of education during pandemic time and distractive environment with lack of motivation was quoted by many students when asked about merits and demerits of e learning in FGD. Conclusion: The present study raises certain important questions regarding the utility of E learning during extended periods of lockdown which needs to be addressed if we have to adopt this new method of learning. Any new method of learning has to consider students preferences and perceptions if it has to yield satisfactory outcomes with respect to knowledge and skill acquisition.