bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of tobacco heating products and conventional cigarette: a systematic review
Authors: Marszałek Dorota , Niewada Maciej , Mela Aneta , Budka Katarzyna , Sobczak Paweł , Wrona Witold
Published: July 2023

Heat-not-burn products, which are supposed to reduce the harmful effects of exposure to cigarette smoke components (harm reduction approach), are under development. Comprehensive evaluation of the newest available on the market tobacco heating products (THPs) in comparison with conventional cigarettes (CC) within pre-clinical and clinical studies. A systematic review of the literature was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Center for Reviews and Dissemination databases. Primary clinical studies from the highest level of credibility (randomized controlled clinical trials), evaluating the use of THP compared to the use of a CC by smokers were searched. Additionally in order to study impact of passive smoking on health, pre-clinical studies and studies evaluating indoor air quality were included. In the review 9 randomized clinical trials, 37 pre-clinical studies and 6 studies evaluating the impact of heat-not-burn products on indoor air quality were included. Studies demonstrated that switching from CC to THP is associated with reduction of harmful and potentially harmful constituents’ exposure and probable less harm in clinical risk markers in comparison with the continuation of smoking conventional cigarettes while maintaining comparable nicotine delivery. Results suggest no negative impact on indoor air quality when using THP in an indoor environment. THPs compared to CC smoking (within the analyzed risk factors) shows a tendency to limit negative health influence. The assessment of heat-not-burn product impact on the risk of smoking-related diseases requires further research and long-term observations.
Ethical, economic and clinical aspects of financing treatment of rare diseases
Authors: Sujkowska Gabriela
Published: July 2023

Rare diseases include a whole range of diverse, chronic, usually genetically determined diseases, which have one aspect in common - a very low incidence rate (5 cases per 10,000 people). It is estimated that currently approx. 7,000 rare diseases have been identified; they may affect approx. 30-40 million (6-8%) European Union citizens. These diseases are life-threatening, cause a chronic health loss and cachexia, they lead to irreversible changes in body cells and organs. They also significantly deteriorate the quality of life, cause chronic and degenerating disability. In the case of thousands of rare diseases no drugs, therapies or even good clinical practice guidelines are available. Innovative pharmacological treatment is available only in few of them. Such products are usually very expensive, what is usually justified with high cost of research, difficulties in conducting the clinical trials and a small number of patients. Extremely low patient numbers mean that often only Phase 1/2 trial data are available. Combined with high costs of treatment, these evidence challenges result in estimates of cost-effectiveness that are subject to a greater degree of uncertainty. The Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) is a recognized metric used by health economists to evaluate innovative treatments which takes into account both the quantity and quality of life. Being the most rigorous methodological tool for assessing new technologies, the QALY methodology presents a number of limitations in its application, especially in the context of orphan drugs. This indicates for necessity of searching alternative methods of evaluating rare diseases and orphan drugs.
Prospects of the biotechnology industry development in Poland
Authors: Ratajczak Piotr , Zaprutko Tomasz , Paczkowska Anna , Kopciuch Dorota , Nowakowska Elżbieta , Kus Krzysztof
Published: July 2023

Background: The dominant sector of the biotechnology industry in Poland and worldwide is the medical biotechnology sector, therefore, along with its development (creation of new technologies), there was a need to formulate appropriate legal acts regulating the activity of various enterprises on the biotechnology market as well as initiatives and institutions financing this development. The aim of the study was to assess the current state and direction of development of the biotechnology industry in Poland against the global sector. Methods: The conducted research was based on the analysis of statistical data of the Central Statistical Office (CSO) covering the time horizon 2011 - 2017. Results: The analysis of CSO reports indicated that the biotechnology market in Poland is constantly developing and highly expansive. In the years 2011-2017, the number of biotechnological enterprises in the country increased from 91 to 188 and the number of employees in the sector in this period increased from 1972 in 2011 to 3321 in 2017. However, the Polish biotechnology sector, compared to the sector of Western European countries, is a young market, which is only just moving towards the maturity phase (product/branch life cycle). Conclusion: Both in Poland and worldwide, the dominant sector of the biotechnology industry is medical biotechnology. A characteristic feature of this sector is its high innovativeness, which combines business with research and development activities, and it employs a relatively large number of highly qualified people and educated professionals. With the expansion of the market and the development of new technologies, the need has arisen to formulate appropriate legal acts regulating the activity of various companies on the market, which directly affect the pace and direction of development of this industry globally.
The Real-World Insights of People Living with HIV Shared Through Electronic Devices (RISE) Study
Authors: Evans Tammeka , Lykopoulos Konstantinos , Eitz Ferrer Pedro , Swinburn Paul
Published: July 2023

As antiretroviral treatment (ART) has made viral suppression and survival less of a concern for individuals with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the focus of research on treatment and care for people living with HIV (PLHIV) has shifted to normalizing living with HIV infection through improving their overall well-being and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The RISE study aimed to implement an innovative method for gathering real-world data (RWD) on these topics through mobile application (app) surveys and subsequently, compare the outcomes to a normative population sample For this study, targeted recruiting methods through social media and other online sources were utilized. Participants were at least 21 years old with a self-reported diagnosis of HIV, living in the United States (US). Participants took mobile app surveys, detailing medical information on their personal mobile devices. From this data collection, it was concluded that White, non-Hispanic southern males who had private insurance, as well as other ethnicities and those who reported a greater general satisfaction, were significantly more likely to be adherent to their treatment and experienced less internalized stigma over HIV. Participants who were lower income or on Medicare or Medicaid were associated with a decrease HRQoL, as well as a higher internalized stigma over HIV.
Rationalization of healthcare expenses may be beneficial for both the healthcare system and patients - a case of Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy
Authors: Sobczak Paweł , Wrona Witold , Fal Andrzej
Published: July 2023

Background: Venom immunotherapy is the only method to radically reduce the risk of a systemic reaction to a Hymenoptera sting. Currently, venom immunotherapy in Poland is generally carried out in a hospital setting. Covering venom extracts with a pharmacy refund, which would allow them to be administered on an outpatient basis could generate savings for the public payer. Methods: Alutard SQ® is in the process of applying for reimbursement for the first time. Due to the progress in negotiations, the price of the drug proposed by MAH, is close to the upper price level of the drug currently available commercially in pharmacies. In this paper, the potential savings for the payer related to drug reimbursement were estimated, taking into account the currently used procedure and drug valuation as well as the expected reimbursement price. The indirect costs and the advantages of the proposed solution for patients were estimated. Results: In the 5-year horizon of the therapy, savings may reach up to PLN 40,000 per patient, which, in the case of 2,000 patients amounts to PLN 80 million. Additionally, potential annual indirect savings related to lost productivity and transportation cost amount to as much as PLN 5 million. Conclusion: Proposed solution would be beneficial for the public payer generating substantial savings as well as patients, whose access to therapy would increase. During COVID-19 epidemy treating patients in ambulatory care would allow avoiding unnecessary contact with hospital care and decrease the risk of infection.
Challenges and opportunities in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis in children
Authors: Standyło Arkadiusz , Horoch Tomasz , Mielnik-Niedzielska Grażyna , Niedzielski Artur
Published: July 2023

Paediatric chronic rhinosinusitis (PCRS) is a common disease in children. It is defined as continuing inflammation of the nasal cavity and sinuses for ≥12 weeks. Because of the compound aetiology and pathophysiology of this disease in children, it is extremely important for the physician to consider the differential diagnosis before planning treatment. The aim of the review was to present the guidelines from The European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps (EPOS 2020) and promising treatment options of CRS in the paediatric population. The authors of the guidelines proposed a new division of chronic sinusitis (CRS). Chronic sinusitis has a greater impact on deteriorating the quality of life of patients than acute sinusitis. CRS is a syndrome with a multifactorial aetiology, resulting from an abnormal interaction between particular environmental factors and the host's immune system. The mucosa is chronically penetrated by the inflammatory process, which in many cases leads to tissue remodelling and clinical symptoms. EPOS 2020 recommendations are based on the use of proper nasal hygiene, sinus saline irrigations and topical corticosteroids. Surgical intervention is considered for patients with CRS who have failed appropriate medical therapy. However, there are new promising therapies on the horizon. The EPOS 2020 guidelines signaled the impact of immunomodulation on the development of the disease. In addition to the standard therapy recommended by EPOS 2020, new therapeutic options, such as low-dose macrolide (LDM) therapy and biological treatment, that may have a potential impact on improving CRS treatment in children, should be investigated.
COVID-19 SEVERITY AND MORTALITY RATE AMONG PEOPLE IN NORTHWEST SYRIA
Authors: Ballout Kassem
Published: July 2023

Background: The first COVID-19 case in Northwest Syria (NWS) was detected by July 2020. The data were presented in the Early Warning and Alert Response Network (EWARN) regular reports and updates about the COVID-19 outbreak developments. Methods: This research is a retrospective cross-sectional study of the COVID-19 reported cases in NWS, which is aimed to determine the impact of age, non – communicable diseases (NCDs), and vaccination status on the case severity and mortality rate among COVID-19 patients. Results: By Oct 2021, there were 88,421 COVID-19 positive cases, 1,362 (1.54%) deaths were reported and 66,006 (74.65%) recovered. The severity of the clinical status of the COVID-19 cases increased with age going up, 58% out of the severe cases were for people 60+ years old, 7.7% of the server cases had at least one NCD, while it was less among people who got at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccines, only 0.8% of the cases had severe symptoms. 70% of the deaths were from the age group of people who were 60+ years old. The COVID-19 mortality rate among patients with NCD demonstrated that death was 5 times more among people with at least one NCD 7.1% compared to people without NCD 1.4%, and 99% of the cases didn’t get vaccinated. Conclusion: The severity of the disease increased with age, in the presence of any NCD. The study findings added more evidence that by increasing the vaccination coverage, more fatalities can be avoided, particularly among the elderly and those with NCDs.
A novel single alpha-helix DNA-binding domain in CAF-1 promotes gene silencing and DNA damage survival through tetrasome-length DNA selectivity and spacer function
Authors: Rosas Ruben , Aguilar Rhiannon R , Arslanovic Nina , Seck Anna , Smith Duncan J , Tyler Jessica K , Churchill Mair EA
Published: July 2023

The histone chaperone chromatin assembly factor 1 (CAF-1) deposits two nascent histone H3/H4 dimers onto newly replicated DNA forming the central core of the nucleosome known as the tetrasome. How CAF-1 ensures there is sufficient space for the assembly of tetrasomes remains unknown. Structural and biophysical characterization of the lysine/glutamic acid/arginine-rich (KER) region of CAF-1 revealed a 128-Å single alpha-helix (SAH) motif with unprecedented DNA-binding properties. Distinct KER sequence features and length of the SAH drive the selectivity of CAF-1 for tetrasome-length DNA and facilitate function in budding yeast. In vivo, the KER cooperates with the DNA-binding winged helix domain in CAF-1 to overcome DNA damage sensitivity and maintain silencing of gene expression. We propose that the KER SAH links functional domains within CAF-1 with structural precision, acting as a DNA-binding spacer element during chromatin assembly.
Effects of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia pre-formulation on the intestinal barrier during sodium dextran sulfate-induced colitis in Wistar rats
Authors: Garnevi-Fávero Aline , Nascimento-da Silva Karina , Rodrigues-Ribeiro Willian , Marcantonio-Ferreira Caroline , Sartorelli Patrícia , Cardili Leonardo , De Cássia-Sinigaglia Rita , Bertaglia-Pereira Joice Naiara , Aparecido-da Silva Marcelo , Vilegas Wagner , Dias- Silva Marcelo José , Ribeiro-Paiotti Ana Paula
Published: July 2023

Introduction. Anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants, and immunobiological are commonly used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. However, some patients do not present an adequate response or lose effective response during the treatment. A recent study found a potential anti-inflammatory effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia on trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in Wistar rats. Objective. To evaluate the effects of M. caesalpiniifolia pre-formulation on the intestinal barrier using dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis model.Materials and methods. Leaf extracts were prepared in 70% ethanol and dried with a Buchi B19 Mini-spray dryer using 20% Aerosil® solution. Thirty-two male Wistar ratswere randomized into four groups: basal control, untreated colitis, pre-formulation control (125 mg/kg/day), and colitis treated with pre-formulation (125 mg/kg/day). Clinical activity index was recorded daily and all rats were euthanized on the ninth day. Colon fragments were fixed and processed for histological and ultrastructural analyses. Stool samples were collected and processed for analysis of the short-chain fatty acid.Results. Treatment with the pre-formulation decreased the clinical activity (bloody diarrhea), inflammatory infiltrate, and the ulcers. Pre-formulation did not repair the epithelial barrier and there were no significant differences in the goblet cells index. There was a significant difference in butyrate levels in the rats treated with the pre-formulation. Conclusions. The pre-formulation minimized the clinical symptoms of colitis and intestinal inflammation, but did not minimize damage to the intestinal barrier.
Mielopatía por déficit de cobre: serie de casos y revisión de la literatura
Authors: Peña Iván , Sarmiento Juan , Porras Cristian , Cediel Ximena , Camargo Ana
Published: July 2023

El déficit de cobre puede presentarse como una mielopatía y manifestarse como una ataxia sensorial secundaria a una desmielinización de los cordones posteriores de la médula espinal. Puede acompañarse de citopenias, principalmente anemia y leucopenia.Se presenta una serie de casos de tres pacientes con mielopatía por déficit de cobre, diagnosticados y manejados desde el año 2020 al 2022 en un hospital universitario de alta complejidad en Colombia.Dos de los casos eran mujeres. El rango de edad fue entre 57 y 68 años. En los tres casos, los niveles séricos de cobre estaban disminuidos y en dos de ellos, se descartaron diferentes causas de mielopatía que afectan los cordones posteriores de la médula espinal como el déficit de vitamina B12, vitamina E y ácido fólico, tabes dorsal, mielopatía por virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana, esclerosis múltiple e infección por el virus linfotrópico humano de tipo I y II, entre otras. Sin embargo, un paciente tenía deficiencia de vitamina B12 asociada con de cobre en el momento del diagnóstico de la mielopatía. En los tres casos hubo ataxia sensitiva y en dos, la paraparesia fue el déficit motor inicial.
Evaluación de la eficacia biológica y de la sensibilidad de Aedes aegypti a los insecticidas piretroides deltametrina y ciflutrina durante el brote del virus Zika en Kuna Yala, Panamá
Authors: Cáceres Lorenzo , Ayarza Cipriano , Bernal Damaris
Published: July 2023

Introducción. El desarrollo de la resistencia a insecticidas de Aedes aegypti representa una gran amenaza para la salud pública. La vigilancia y el monitoreo de la eficacia biológica a los insecticidas y la sensibilidad de las poblaciones de Aedes aegypti es de fundamental importancia para prolongar la vida útil de estas moléculas.Objetivo. Evaluar la eficacia biológica de los insecticidas deltametrina y ciflutrina y la sensibilidad de poblaciones de Aedes aegypti a estos insecticidas durante el brote epidémico de virus del Zika en Kuna Yala, Panamá.Métodos y materiales. Se evaluó la eficacia biológica de la deltametrina y la ciflutrina, y la sensibilidad a estos insecticidas de poblaciones de la cepa Aedes aegypti Ustupo, mediante bioensayos estandarizados por la Organización Mundial de la Salud durante el brote epidémico de virus del Zika en Kuna Yala, Panamá.Resultados. En los bioensayos con Aedes aegypti Ustupo se observó posible resistencia a deltametrina y a ciflutrina con un porcentaje de mortalidad del 95,3 y 94 %, respectivamente. Se registró baja eficacia biológica con la cepa Aedes aegypti Ustupo para la deltametrina y la ciflutrina, con medias de porcentajes de mortalidad de 75 y 31,1 %, en el intradomicilio, mientras que en el peridomicilio fue de 63,7 y 26,1 %, respectivamente.Conclusión. Los resultados de este estudio representan un desafío que debe enfrentar el Programa Nacional de Control de Aedes para lograr cuidar y mantener el efecto tóxico de los insecticidas aplicados contra las poblaciones de Aedes. Es necesario que el Programa Nacional de Control de Aedes establezca unos lineamientos de manejo de la resistencia para caracterizarla y evaluar la distribución geográfica de las poblaciones afectadas. Lo anterior con el propósito de garantizar la sostenibilidad de las intervenciones antivectoriales contra las poblaciones de Aedes.
Genome-wide analysis of the WRKY genes and their important roles during cold stress in white clover
Authors: Li Manman , Zhang Xueqi , Zhang Tianxiang , Bai Yan , Chen Chao , Guo Donglin , Guo Changhong , Shu Yongjun
Published: July 2023

Background

White clover (Trifolium repens L) is a high-quality forage grass with a high protein content, but it is vulnerable to cold stress, which can negatively affect its growth and development. WRKY transcription factor is a family of plant transcription factors found mainly in higher plants and plays an important role in plant growth, development, and stress response. Although WRKY transcription factors have been studied extensively in other plants, it has been less studied in white clover.

Methods and Results

In the present research, we have performed a genome-wide analysis of the WRKY gene family of white clover, in total, there were 145 members of WRKY transcription factors identified in white clover. The characterization of the TrWRKY genes was detailed, including conserved motif analysis, phylogenetic analysis, and gene duplication analysis, which have provided a better understanding of the structure and evolution of the TrWRKY genes in white clover. Meanwhile, the genetic regulation network (GRN) containing TrWRKY genes was reconstructed, and Gene Ontology (GO) annotation analysis of these function genes showed they contributed to regulation of transcription process, response to wounding, and phosphorylay signal transduction system, all of which were important processes in response to abiotic stress. To determine the TrWRKY genes function under cold stress, the RNA-seq dataset was analyzed; most of TrWRKY genes were highly upregulated in response to cold stress, particularly in the early stages of cold stress. These results were validated by qRT-PCR experiment, implying they are involved in various gene regulation pathways in response to cold stress.

Conclusion

The results of this study provide insights that will be useful for further functional analyses of TrWRKY genes in response to biotic or abiotic stresses in white clover. These findings are likely to be useful for further research on the functions of TrWRKY genes and their role in response to cold stress, which is important to understand the molecular mechanism of cold tolerance in white clover and improve its cold tolerance.
Antibiotic resistance profile of Helicobacter pylori to 14 antibiotics: a multicenter study in Fujian, China
Authors: Huang Xueping , Wu Baihe , Chen Qiuzhao , Chen Yushan , Ji Xinhua , Zhou Xiang , Suo Biao , Lin Zhihui , Zheng Xiaoling
Published: July 2023

Background and aim

Efficacy of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication is related to the local antimicrobial resistance epidemiology. We aimed to investigate the antibiotic resistance of H. pylori in Fujian, China.

Methods

H. pylori-infected patients in four centers were enrolled in the study from Oct 2019 to Jan 2022. The bacteria were isolated, cultured and identified from the biopsy of patients’ gastric mucosa samples. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by a modified broth microdilution method for H. pylori to seven guideline-recommended antibiotics and seven potential choices for H. pylori eradication.

Results

A total of 205 H. pylori strains were isolated. The resistance rates of amoxicillin (AMX), amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium (AMC), cefixime (CFM), gentamicin (GEN), tetracycline (TET), doxycycline (DOX), azithromycin (AZM), clarithromycin (CLR), levofloxacin (LVFX), sparfloxacin (SPFX), metronidazole (MTZ), tinidazole (TID), rifampicin (RFP) and furazolidone (FZD) were 11.22%, 12.20%, 7.32%, 12.20%, 4.88%, 4.39%, 44.39%, 43.90%, 30.24%, 21.46%, 40.98%, 45.85%, 5.37% and 10.24%, respectively. The rates of pan-sensitivity, single, double, triple and multiple resistance for seven guideline-recommended antibiotics were 32.68%, 30.24%, 13.17%, 7.76%, and 14.15%, respectively. The main double-resistance patterns were CLR+MTZ (10/205, 5%) and CLR+LVFX (9/205, 4%). The main triple-resistance pattern was CLR+MTZ+ LVFX (15/205, 7%).

Conclusions

In Fujian, the prevalence of H. pylori resistance to AZM, CLR, LVFX, SPFX, MTZ, and TID was high, whereas that to AMX, AMC, GEN, CFM, TET, DOX, RFP and FZD was relatively low. CFM and DOX are promising new choices for H. pylori eradication.
A REVIEW ON CHARACTERIZATION OF ANTI-AGING HERBAL VANISHING CREAM
Authors: Tripathi Ankita , Pandey Priya , Chaurasia Pooja , Mishra Shiva , Raj Sristi , Jain Swati , Pandey Akanksha
Published: July 2023

The objective of the current study endeavour was to develop and evaluate a vanishing herbal cream. Herbal creams offer a number of advantages over other creams. The majority of creams on the market today that are based on synthetic drugs like acyclovir, triamcinolone, calcipotriene, and mometasone make the skin fairer, but they also have a lot of unfavourable side effects like itching or many allergic reactions. Herbal creams provide the skin a fairer appearance because they don't have any of these side effects. The method for making the herbal cream was really simple. At 700C, a combination of stearic acid (17%), potassium hydroxide (0.5%), and sodium carbonate (0.5%) was melted to generate the oil phase. A crude medicine extract made from kachora plant rhizomes, nagarmotha fruit, pimpali fruit, nutmeg fruit, jawas seed, turmeric rhizome, wheat grains, urad and harbhara cereals (all 4.5%), glycerin (6%), and water (71%) that has been heated to 700C was used in the second phase. The aqueous phase was then added at 700C while the oil phase was continually agitated after that. It was stirred and brought to room temperature after the transfer was complete. The perfume was added last, just before the finished product was moved to the proper container. The aforementioned herbal cream underwent testing. Physical traits like pH, visual and tactile homogeneity, colour, rubout (spreading ability, wetness), smear kind, and emollient were noted. More research is needed to examine how well this composition performs.
Impact Studies on Delayed Crush on Post-Harvest Deterioration of Promising Sugarcane Clones
Authors: Reddy T. Prabhakar , Kamalakar J. , Reddy K. Pavan Chandra , Lakshmi D. Vijaya , Ravinder J. , Madhavi B.
Published: July 2023

The present study was conducted with five promising early maturing sugarcane clones at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Rudrur [latitude of 18o-300' north and 77o-510' longitude to the east at an elevation of 404 m above mean sea level], Nizamabad district, T.S., India during Rabi 2014-15. The key objective of the present investigation was to study the impact of a delayed crush on postharvest deterioration of promising sugar cane clones. Different biochemical aspects like percent juice sucrose, commercial cane sugar percent, juice extraction percent and reducing sugars % were assayed from 0-72 h. The results of the study indicated that the clones such as Co 99004 and 2011 R 42 indicated the highest sucrose percent (22.29% & 20.87%) and CCS percent (15.84% & 14.87%) respectively, percent reduction in single cane weight of Co 99004 and 2010 R 305 (1.83 and 1.63) and juice extraction percent of clones 2010 R 305 & 2011 R1 were 55 & 53 percents respectively. Among the five clones tested 2010 R 305 maintained its cane quality up to 72 hours with minimum percent reduction of 4.05, 4.30, 2.80 and 4.25 for to sucrose content, CCS percent, juice extraction percent and percent reduction in single cane weight, respectively followed by 2011 R 1 and Co 99004. The Present study concluded that 2010 R 305 was found to possess tolerance to Post- harvest deterioration.
Vertical Farming: An Option in Modern Food Production: A Review
Authors: Maurya Poonam , Jain Shikha , Kumar Vinay , S. Amulya, , Kiran Bhargav , Singh Prateek , Nishad Udayabhan , P. Laya, , Kothiyal Kiran
Published: July 2023

Meeting the food needs will be one of the major problems, as farmland is being lost due to causes including soil contamination, water scarcity, and climate change, among others. In this situation, a workable alternative to manage this perennial problem is provided by vertical farming, an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly agricultural technology that does not use soil. Vertical farming could indeed be an important factor in the production of crops and vegetables in regions with scarce soil and water resources. With modern technology such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaponics, the idea of a vertical farm appears to have a promising future. In times of pandemics like COVID-19, it has emerged as a viable option for growing a wide range of food crops to suit the dietary needs of the growing world population.
Effect of Biocapsule and Nano Micronutrients on Growth, Quality and Yield of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Authors: Teja Panchiri Tharun , Prasad V. M. , Bahadur Vijay , Topno Samir E. , John Suchit A.
Published: July 2023

The present experiment was carried out during 2021-22 in Central Horticulture Research Farm of Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj. The experiment was conducted in Randomized Block Design with 10 treatment replicated thrice with an objective to find out best treatment for growth, yield, quality and B:C ratio. The treatments were T0 (Control), T1 (NPK (RDF) 15:5:20),T2 (Biocapsule 500ppm (Soil drenching)),T3 (NPK (RDF) 15:5:20 + Biocapsule 500ppm (Soil drenching)),T4 (NPK (RDF) + Foliar application of Zno (12%) and Feo (12%) Nano particles (NPs)),T5 (Biocapsule 500ppm (Soil drenching) + Foliar application of Zno (12%) and Feo(12%) Nano particles (NPs)),T6 (NPK (RDF) 15:5:20 + Biocapsule 500ppm (Soil drenching) + Foliar application of Zno (12%) and Feo (12%) Nano particles (NPs)),T7 (NPK (RDF) 15:5:20 + Biocapsule 250ppm (Soil drenching)),T8 (Biocapsule 250ppm (Soil drenching) + Foliar application of Zno (12%) and Feo (12%) Nano particles (NPs)),T9 (NPK (RDF) 15:5:20 + Biocapsule 250ppm (Soil drenching) + Foliar application of Zno (12%) and Feo (12%) Nano particles (NPs)). From our experiment it was concluded that the treatment T5 (Biocapsule 500ppm (Soil drenching) + Foliar application of ZnO (12%) and FeO (12%) Nano particles (NPs)) was found to be best in the terms of germination percentage, vegetative growth, yield parameters, quality parameters and economics with Benefit Cost ratio 2.67.
One-way ANOVA with Bimodal Error Terms
Authors: Celik Nuri
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we assume the error distribution of one-way ANOVA as alpha-skew normal distribution. Alpha-skew normal distribution gives us exibility for modelling the data which has heavy tailness, skewness, bimodality and also symmetricity. We obtain the maximum likelihood estimator of the model parameters and the test statistics based on these estimators. Monte Carlo simulation study states that the maximum likelihood estimators of the parameters of interest are more efficient than the corresponding traditional estimators based on normality. Additionally, the test statistics based on maximum likelihood estimators is much more powerful than the test statistics based on traditional normal theory. At the end of this study, a real-life example is made just for illustration of the proposed methodology.
Design of an Open Channel for Flood and Gully Erosion Control: A Case Study of Amakohia-Uratta in Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Chikwue M. I. , Richard-Ehiri E. N. , Nwakuba N. R. , Okafor V. C.
Published: July 2023

Flooding and gully erosion constitute a major problem associated with urbanization in the underlying watershed of an area. In this study, a trapezoidal channel hydraulic system was designed for flood and erosion control in Amakohia-Uratta, Owerri North, Imo state, Nigeria. A topographical survey of the study area was done. The result shows that the maximum elevation is 81.03 m, the minimum elevation is 78.21 m, the bed slope of the area is 0.02%, the area of the watershed is 1.061ha, and the maximum length of flow is 140m. Also, the results from the hydrological analysis using the rational method indicated that the rainfall intensity of 10 years duration was 105.3 mm/h with a peak discharge Qp of 0.17 m3/s, causing the flood and erosion, while the channel design capacity (discharge) Qd is 0.17 m3/s, calculated using trial and error methods. Finally, design parameters for the trapezoidal open channel were calculated. The result indicated that the channel width is 0.3 m, the design depth is 0.5 m, the freeboard is 0.1m, the total channel depth is 0.6m, the top width of the channel is 2.1 m and the side slope is 1.5:1. In all the design is appropriate to capture, carry and discharge the peak runoff to Nworie River a natural outlet.
Comparison of dynamic tumor tracking error measurement methods for robotic radiosurgery
Authors: Okawa Kohei
Published: July 2023

Background

Dynamic tumor motion tracking is used in robotic radiosurgery for targets subject to respiratory motion, such as lung and liver cancers. Different methods of measuring tracking error have been reported, but the differences among these methods have not been studied, and the optimal method is unknown.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess and compare tracking errors encountered with individual patients using different evaluation methods for method optimization.

Methods

We compared the beam's eye view (BEV), machine learning (ML), log (addition error: AE), and log (root sum square: RSS) methods. Log (AE) and log (RSS) were calculated from log files. These tracking errors were compared, and the optimal evaluation method was ascertained. A t‐test was performed to evaluate statistically significant differences. Here, the significance level was set at 5%.

Results

The mean values of BEV, log (AE), log (RSS), and ML were 2.87, 3.91, 2.91, and 3.74 mm, respectively. The log (AE) and ML were higher than BEV (p < 0.001), and log (RSS) was equivalent to the BEV, suggesting that the log (RSS) calculated with the log file method can substitute for the BEV calculated with the BEV method. As RSS error calculation is simpler than BEV calculation, using it may improve clinical practice throughput.

Conclusion

This study clarified differences among three tracking error evaluation methods for dynamic tumor tracking radiotherapy using a robotic radiosurgery system. The log (RSS) calculated by the log file method was found to be the best alternative to BEV method, as it can calculate tracking errors more easily than the BEV method.
Prediction of CO2 solubility in ionic liquids via convolutional autoencoder based on molecular structure encoding
Authors: Liu Tianxiong , Fan Dingchao , Chen Yusen , Dai Yasen , Jiao Yuyang , Cui Peizhe , Wang Yinglong , Zhu Zhaoyou
Published: July 2023

In this study, novel molecular structure encoding descriptors composed of feature encoding and one‐hot encoding was developed and then convolutional autoencoder was used to denoise based on the structure of ionic liquids (ILs). It could be used to predict the CO2 solubility in ILs at different temperatures and pressures, when combined with three different machine learning algorithms (multilayer perceptron [MLP], random forest [RF], and support vector machine [SVM]). Statistics of the prediction results show that the newly proposed molecular structure‐based coding has better regression prediction performance than the conventional molecular cheminformatics descriptors. SE‐MLP model with R2 of 0.9873 and mean square error of 0.0007 has the best performance in predicting the CO2 solubility in ILs. In addition, the relationship between features and dissolved CO2 capacity was analyzed through model interpretation to retrieve physical insights for the underlying system. This work provided a new predictive tool for enriching and refining data on CO2 solubility in ILs and for solving phase equilibrium problems.
Arylamino‐substituted Rhodamine as a Fluorogenic Molecular Rotor for the Wash‐free Imaging of Non‐catalytic Proteins in Live Cells
Authors: Tang Huiling , Yuan Xia , Chen Yefeng , Li Yuyao , Xu Xiaoyong , Xie Hexin
Published: July 2023

Fluorescent probes are valuable tools to visualize non‐catalytic proteins in live cells. Currently, the majority of imaging reagents for non‐catalytic proteins are based on “always‐on” fluorophores and the use of these reagents usually necessitate a wash step to remove unbounded fluorophores before microscope imaging. Herein, we report the use of arylamino‐substituted rhodamine as an activatable fluorophore for the imaging of non‐catalytic protein in live cells. We have shown the induction of an arylamino to structurally rigid rhodamine could significantly reduce the fluorescent emission in aqueous medium but the ligand‐directed binding of this molecule to protein receptor could effective restrict its intramolecular motion and thus lead to enhancement in fluorescence intensity at 590 nm over 30‐fold. With fluorescent probes based on this fluorophore, we could visualize integrin αvβ3 and azido‐functionalized glycans in living cells with high contrast in a wash‐free manner.
Thermodynamic investigation on low GWP drop‐in alternatives to HFC‐245fa in ejector refrigeration cycle for air condition application
Authors: Hao Xinyue , Gao Neng , Wang Xuehui , Li Nian , Chen Guangming , Wang Qin
Published: July 2023

The ejector refrigeration cycle (ERC) with HFC‐245fa can achieve high efficiency and reliability for air conditioning applications. However, because of its high global warming potential (GWP), HFC‐245fa needed to be phased out according to recent relative regulations. In this study, four promising alternatives to HFC‐245fa were investigated and evaluated, including HC‐600, HCFO‐1233zd(E), HFO‐1336mzz(Z), and HCFO‐1224 yd(Z). Besides their low GWP, these alternatives also have similar vapor pressure curves to HFC‐245fa, which represents a possibility for refrigerant drop‐in replacement in ERC. Thermodynamic real gas modeling of the ERC was adopted in this study for more accurate results, and a critical performance evaluation and comparison with those candidates in ERC were carried out. The results indicate that HCFO‐1233zd(E) and HCFO‐1224 yd(Z) are outstanding candidates for ERC according to the higher coefficient of performance, entrainment ratio, exergy efficiency, and lower pump power consumption, and the COP relative differences of these two refrigerants would reach 5.5% and 4.6%. HFO‐1336mzz(Z) consumes 33% less power at the pump than HFC‐245fa under the same conditions and refrigeration capacity. Minimal pump power consumption is its advantage. Although HC‐600 is prominent, with the largest coefficient of performance and entrainment ratio, its flammability is not conducive to its popularization. Machine learning is available to predict the performance of ejectors employing different refrigerants. This paper helps to properly select refrigerants for ERC and to pre‐evaluate the refrigerants' application under different working conditions.
Measurement of 6‐cyanodopamine, 6‐nitrodopa, 6‐nitrodopamine and 6‐nitroadrenaline by LC–MS/MS in Krebs–Henseleit solution. Assessment of basal release from rabbit isolated right atrium and ventricles
Authors: Júnior Gilberto Quirino , Britto‐Júnior José , Magalhaes Tainah Babadopulos , Campos Rafael , Nyamkondiwa Kudzai L. , Klugh Kameron L. , Peterson Larryn W. , Corvino Angela , Sparaco Rosa , Frecentese Francesco , Caliendo Giuseppe , De Nucci Gilberto
Published: July 2023

This study presents the validation of a sensitive method for the determination of 6‐nitrodopa, 6‐nitrodopamine, 6‐nitroadrenaline and 6‐cyanodopamine in Krebs–Henseleit solution by LC–MS/MS with ESI+. HRMS was used to precisely characterize the structures of the fragment ions. The method was applied to investigate the catecholamine basal release from rabbit isolated atria and ventricles. The atria and ventricles were suspended separately in a 5 ml organ bath containing Krebs–Henseleit solution with ascorbic acid (3 mM), gassed (95%O2/5%CO2) at 37°C for 30 min. Strata‐X 33 μm SPE cartridges were employed for the extraction of the catecholamines and the internal standard 6‐nitrodopamine‐d4. The catecholamines were separated employing a 150 × 3 mm Shim‐pack GIST C18‐AQ (3 mm particle size), placed in an oven at 40°C and perfused by 65% of mobile phase A (MeCN/H2O; 90/10, v/v) + 0.4% CH3COOH and 35% mobile phase B (deionized H2O) + 0.2% CH2O2 at 320 μl/min in isocratic mode. The method was linear at 0.1–20 ng/ml. The method was used to identify for the first‐time basal release of the three nitrocatecholamines mentioned above and a member of a novel class of catecholamines, the cyanocatecholamines.
Endovascular treatment of acute basilar artery occlusion: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of first‐line stent retriever versus direct aspiration
Authors: Zhang Juan , Wang Yongbin , Ju Yanmei , Jiang Hongxin
Published: July 2023

Background

The best choice between first‐line aspiration and stent retriever for acute basilar artery occlusion remains controversial. This study aims to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis comparing the stent retriever and direct aspiration about reported recanalization rates and periprocedural complications.

Method

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Clinical Trials were searched for the studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of first‐line aspiration versus stent retriever for acute basilar artery occlusion. A standard software program (Stata Corporation) was used for end‐point analyses. Statistical significance was defined as a p‐value less than .05.

Results

A total of 11 studies were involved in the current study, including 1014 patients. Regarding postoperative recanalization, the pooled analysis identified a significant difference in successful recanalization (odds ratio [OR] = 1.642; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.099–2.453; p = .015) and complete recanalization (OR = 3.525; 95% CI: 1.306–2.872; p = .001) between the two groups in favor of the first‐line aspiration. Concerning the complications, the first‐line aspiration could achieve a lower rate of total complication (OR = .359; 95% CI: .229–.563; p < .001) and hemorrhagic complication (OR = .446, 95% CI: .259–.769; p = .004) than stent retriever. No significant difference was observed in postoperative mortality (OR = .966; p = .880), subarachnoid hematoma (OR = .171; p = .094), and parenchymal hematoma (OR = .799; p = .720). In addition, the pooled results revealed a significant difference in procedure duration between the two groups in favor of aspiration (WMD = −27.630, 95% CI: −50.958 to −4.302; p = .020). However, there was no significant difference in favorable outcome (OR = 1.149; p = .352) and rescue therapy (OR = 1.440; p = .409) between the two groups.

Conclusion

Given that the first‐line aspiration was associated with a higher rate of postoperative recanalization, a lower risk of postoperative complication, and a faster duration of the procedure, these findings support the aspiration may be more secure than a stent retriever.
A Concise Review on Natural Products and Their Derivatives for Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Kumar Hitesh , Gupta Sumeet , S. M. Basavarajaiah , Saini Kamal
Published: July 2023

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Among other cancers, breast cancer has been found to produce maximum number of cases in 2020. Different factors including geographical, genetic, hormonal, oral contraceptives and modern lifestyle could be responsible for the development of breast cancer and different pathways can be targeted for breast cancer treatment. The various conventional approaches used for the treatment of breast cancer including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone and immunotherapy. But due to the side effects associated with these conventional treatments such as non‐selectivity, multidrug resistance and bioavailability, there is a need for the development of better therapeutic agents for breast cancer treatment. Several natural products have been explored for breast cancer treatment. However, many of these natural products suffered from the limitations of poor water solubility and possess toxic side effects. To overcome these limitations, several structural analogs of natural products have been synthesized and possess potent anti‐breast cancer effects with less side effects over their precursor molecules. In the present manuscript, we describe the pathogenesis of breast cancer, some potent natural products used in the treatment of breast cancer and their selected structural analogs possessing potent anti‐breast cancer effects. Database such as Science direct, Pubmed and Google scholar were searched using keywords ‘risk factors’, ‘screening methods’,'receptors’, and ‘natural products and derivatives’, Registered clinical trials on selected natural products were also analyzed. Present study concludes that eight selected natural products and their derivatives possess wide potential to exhibit anti‐breast cancer effects and could be explored further to develop better chemotherapeutic agents against breast cancer.
Synthesis of Short Peptides with Perfluoroalkyl Side Chains and Evaluation of Their Cellular Uptake Efficiency
Authors: Kadota Koji , Mikami Toshiki , Kohata Ai , Morimoto Jumpei , Sando Shinsuke , Aikawa Kohsuke , Okazoe Takashi
Published: July 2023

With an increasing demand for macromolecular biotherapeutics, the issue of their poor cell‐penetrating abilities requires viable and relevant solutions. Herein, we report tripeptides bearing an amino acid with a perfluoroalkyl (RF) group adjacent to the α‐carbon. RF‐containing tripeptides were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to transport a conjugated hydrophilic dye (Alexa Fluor 647) into the cells. RF‐containing tripeptides with the fluorophore showed high cellular uptake efficiency and none of them were cytotoxic. Interestingly, we demonstrated that the absolute configuration of perfluoroalkylated amino acids (RF‐AAs) affects not only nanoparticle formation but also the cell permeability of the tripeptides. These novel RF‐containing tripeptides are potentially useful as short and noncationic cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs).
Decreased expression of RPL15 and RPL18 exacerbated the calcification of valve interstitial cells during aortic valve calcification
Authors: Wang Guokun , Qin Ming , Zhang Boyao , Yan Yan , Yang Fan , Chen Qian , Liu Yang , Qiao Fan , Ni Yiming
Published: July 2023

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most common valvular heart disease, with an increasing prevalence due to an aging population. The pathobiology of CAVD is a multifaceted and actively regulated process, but the detailed mechanisms have not been elucidated. The present study aims to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in calcified aortic valve tissues, and to analyze the correlation between DEGs and clinical features in CAVD patients. The DEGs were screened by microarray in normal and CAVD groups (n = 2 for each group), and confirmed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction in normal (n = 12) and calcified aortic valve tissues (n = 34). A total of 1048 DEGs were identified in calcified aortic valve tissues, including 227 upregulated mRNAs and 821 downregulated mRNAs. Based on multiple bioinformatic analyses, three 60S ribosomal subunit components (RPL15, RPL18, and RPL18A), and two 40S ribosomal subunit components (RPS15 and RPS21) were identified as the top 5 hub genes in the protein–protein interaction network of DEGs. The expression of RPL15 and RPL18 was also found significantly decreased in calcified aortic valve tissues (both p < .01), and negatively correlated with the osteogenic differentiation marker OPN in CAVD patients (both p < .01). Moreover, inhibition of RPL15 or RPL18 exacerbated the calcification of valve interstitial cells under osteogenic induction conditions. The present study proved that decreased expression of RPL15 and RPL18 was closely associated with aortic valve calcification, which provided valuable clues to find therapeutic targets for CAVD.